Kids VT, September 2016

Back to Sch l Back to Sch l

✱ CORN MAZES & APPLE ORCHARDS

✱ BOARDING SCHOOL OR BUST

✱ AN ART TEACHER'S MUSEUM-VISITING TIPS

Lessons in Kindness

A Vermont nonprofit helps kids learn empathy

SENSORYROOM IN B ARRE

ON

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Sch l

Sch l Back

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

Copublisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

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

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

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

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

Account Executives Kristen Hutter

Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com ext. 72

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

Proofreaders Carolyn Fox Katherine Isaacs

Marisa Keller

Production Manager John James

Creative Director Don Eggert

Designers

Charlotte Scott

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Manager Matt Weiner

Business Manager Cheryl Brownell

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

• Published 11x per year.

Circulation: 25,000 at 600+ locations throughout northern and central Vermont.

• © 2016 Da Capo Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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

Contributing Writers: Sarah Tuff Dunn, Megan James, Astrid Lague, Ken Picard, Andie Pinga, Jessica Lara Ticktin, Sarah Yahm

Photographers: Caleb Kenna, Matthew Thorsen, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

Illustrator:

Mo Oh

Ups and Downs

ON A MUGGY

SUNDAY last month, my family decided to climb Stowe Pinnacle. My husband, Je , and I had done the hike a handful of times in our pre-kids days. We recalled it being beautiful and just slightly more challenging than our old standby, Mount Philo. Our kids are 9 and 6 now, so we figured they were ready to enter a new phase of hiking.

Within 15 minutes of setting out, my shirt was completely soaked with sweat. The path was steeper than I’d remembered, and

I quickly assessed that it would be a long haul, especially for my youngest. I activated the run-tracker app on my phone and watched as our pace slowed the farther up we went. I tried to keep positive despite my own discomfort.

“C’mon, we’ll stop for a snack when we get to that big tree stump,” I beseeched them. And I thanked the heavens that we’d brought M&M’s for fuel.

We made it to the top, where the views of the fields and farmland below were spectacular. We sat quietly, ate smooshed PB&Js and let the sweat dry. Going down took nearly as long as going up: One kid had tummy troubles; the other tripped on a rock and fell. Eventually we reached the bottom, with the knowledge that — though it might not always be pretty — longer hikes are now an option for our family.

I can’t help but think of that hike as a metaphor for the upcoming school year. Our expectations are high when we send our kids o in September with new backpacks, fresh haircuts and sunkissed skin. Soon, reality sets in. Lost water bottles. Early-morning grouchiness. Homework power struggles.

Some kids face more di cult challenges. Growing up in Norwich, Sam Drazin, who was born with a craniofacial anomaly called Treacher Collins syndrome, experienced social isolation starting in middle school.

Back to Sch l Back to Sch l

Whether you’re considering clear aligners, retainers or today’s braces, an orthodontist is the smart choice. 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 get a great smile—that feels great, too.

He overcame adversity to become a teacher and recently started Changing Perspectives, a nonprofit that helps kids learn about disabilities and develop empathy. Read about the important work Drazin’s organization is doing with local schools on page 20.

Continuing our back-to-school theme, Jessica Lara Ticktin interviews a high school principal and his software-company exec wife about how they juggle demanding jobs and raising their daughters (“Balancing Act,” page 14). In “The Art of ” (page 15), contributing editor Meredith Coeyman gets tips from an art teacher/mom on bringing kids to “grown-up” museums. And Megan James spotlights the newest, and youngest, member of the State Board of Education — Rutland High School junior Connor Solimano — in “One to Watch” (page 10).

In this issue, we also celebrate early fall with a corn-maze roundup (“Fit Families,” page 11) and a “Habitat” (page 43) showcasing a local family’s backyard fire pit — the perfect place for toasting marshmallows on a crisp September evening.

Cheers to the start of another school year! Surely it will bring unanticipated challenges, but hopefully there will also be many opportunities to stop and enjoy the view.

A is for Apple

Autumn is prime time for apples. We’ve compiled a list of area orchards to make your picking as easy as apple pie (or crisp, cake or turnover). For a healthier approach, whip up some baked apples with cinnamon-scented oatmeal (at right) from last year’s Home Cookin’ blog. Find the recipe at kidsvt.com.

Local Orchards

Adams Apple Orchard & Farm Market

986 Old Stage Rd., Williston, 879-5226, adamsfarmmarket.com

Allenholm Farm

111 South St., South Hero, 372-5566, allenholm.com

Boyer’s Orchard and Cider Mill

1823 Monkton Rd., Monkton, 453-2248, boyersorchard.com

Burtt’s Apple Orchard

283 Cabot Plains Rd., Cabot, 917-2614, burttsappleorchard.com

Champlain Orchards

3597 Route 74, Shoreham, 897-2777, champlainorchards.com

Slip & Slide

Imagine whizzing down a gleaming ice chute on a lightningfast sled. It’s the stuff kids’ dreams are made of — and USA Luge wants to make those dreams a reality for a few lucky young people. Its Slider Search, for kids ages 9 to 13, comes to the Champlain Valley Exposition on September 10 and 11. At skills clinics, held three times each day, participants will learn the basics of riding a luge sled, including steering and stopping, then take several runs down a paved luge course on sleds with wheels. They’ll also go through a battery of physical fitness tests. Those who make the cut will be invited to Lake Placid to try luge on ice at a USA Lugesanctioned training site. Top athletes from that group will be chosen for next year’s junior development team. Most members of the current U.S. Junior National Team — and a few Olympic medalists — were recruited through the Slider Search, which started in 1985. Register your aspiring Olympian for a two-hour clinic by calling 1-800-USA-LUGE or visting usaluge.org.

Chapin Orchard

150 Chapin Rd., Essex Junction, 879-6210, chapinorchard.com

Hackett’s Orchard

86 South St., South Hero, 372-4848, hackettsorchard.com

Hall’s Orchard

4461 Main St., Isle La Motte 928-3226, hallhomeplace.com

Happy Valley Orchard 217 Quarry Rd., Middlebury, 388-2411, happyvalleyorchard.com

Shelburne Orchards 216 Orchard Rd., Shelburne, 985-2753, shelburneorchards.com

Coming & Going

We’re happy to introduce Kids VT’s new food writer, Astrid Lague. She’ll be writing the monthly “Mealtime” column and contributing occasional recipe blog posts. Her specialty?

International cuisine that the whole family can enjoy. We wrote about Lague's food blog, Lunches Fit for a Kid, back in September 2013. You’ll find her first column — an Indian curry recipe — on page 16. We asked Lague to tell us a little about herself.

"I’m an avid food lover and blogger, trained scientist, hobbyist, and relentless explorer. I grew up in South Hero and now live in Colchester with my wonderful husband, Chris, our kids, Evalina and Philip, and two adversarial cats, Callie and Zeus. If you see me around town on my beloved vintage three-speed bike, Penelope, I’ll be happy to share a quirky story with you."

And we’re saying goodbye to our intern, 15-yearold Andie Pinga. She’s helped out in many ways over the past few months. She interviewed Pokémon Go players on Church Street and talked with other students about their summer jobs for our “Summer Salaries” blog series. This month, she researched corn mazes for “Fit Families” (page 11) and wrote an essay about her decision to go to boarding school (“Use Your Words,” page 47). Here’s a bit more from the talented teen.

"I’m a sophomore at Phillips Academy, where I write for the school newspaper, play the saxophone, and compete on the swim and rowing teams. I spent half of my childhood in Hanoi, Vietnam, and now live in South Burlington with my family. When I come home from school breaks I love to eat home-cooked Filipino sinigang and sleep in my own bed."

PHOTOS COURTESY OF USA LUGE

Winners Circle

In last month’s issue, we asked young poets to write about their favorite place to spend a summer day. The two winners each receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington. Below are the winning poems.

Zoey Copp, 10 BROWNINGTON

WHITE BIRCH TREE

Three limbs up, squirrels chatter above me, robin’s nest high up.

Red fox scampers in the hayfield, Amish buggy with majestic horses pulling go by, tipping hats, selling baked goods.

I smell summer, hay, tomatoes in the garden, a nearby grill and chlorine from the pool.

I love the sound of hooves on dirt roads best.

Isabel GottliebNemo, 13 NORTH FERRISBURGH BELLE

Belle held me steady as we waded through Champlain’s sapphire water.

We tilted side to side until the soft wind caught her.

I closed my eyes as the cool breeze whipped past my ear.

The sun shined brightly, the mountains stood tall, and the sky was beautifully clear.

Belle’s sails flapped in the air as her course shifted.

I took a picture in my mind as the boat I love peacefully drifted. The birds sang and danced in the sky above, as the fish swam below me.

When sailing on the lake, there are so many amazing things to see.

COLORING CONTEST

The beautiful butterflies we received in August made our hearts flutter. The Olympics were clearly on many young illustrators’ minds, as flags of many nations mixed with glittery rainbows and bright sunflowers. Emilia, 8, prettied her creature’s wings with peace signs and added an enormous sparkly sun. Fouryear-old Francisco’s butterfly flew through a turquoise sky, over a bed of flowers with long, brown roots. Eleven-year-old Shea’s masterpiece, with precise patterns of black and orange that called to mind the monarch, drew admiring oohs and aahs. Can’t wait to see what the creative kiddos have in store for this month!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

MOSAIC MARVEL

Joy Chen, 9, Essex Junction

FIELD OF FLOWERS

Hayden Smith, 10, Berlin

RAINBOW BEAUTY

Katelynne Lang, 5, Milton GLITTERY

Thia Uthmann, 6, Websterville

UNICYCLE CHAMP

Ruby Kohn, 9, Portland, OR FLYING OVER FLOWERS

Johana Armstrong, 5, Montpelier

MIDNIGHT MONARCH

Jacob Antonovich, 11, Fairfax SPACE FLY

A.J. Glanz, 7, Jericho

BUTTER-SWEET BUTTERFLY

Maria Bush, 5, Hinesburg

PRETTY PENELOPE

Andrea Henderson, 5, Burlington

The winners of annual family memberships to the

are…

Art History

Check out our cool Back to School issues from years past! Read them at kidsvt.com.

HIGH IN THE SKY

Sidney Harris, 7, Montpelier

THE ONE AND ONLY

Riley Gardner, 8, Washington

TOP TITLES

“PURPLE MAGIC”

Bronwyn Withers, 5, Charlotte

“MIGRATION NATIONS”

Veronica Miskavage, 10, Hinesburg

“FRED”

Baylee Davis, 8, Walden

“The Rainbow Olympian” Andi Dales, 12 MONTPELIER

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

“Untitled”

Emmanuel Burke, 5 CHARLOTTE

“Butterfly Garden” Maeve Ennis, 7 ESSEX

THE BEAT

BUSINESS

BY ALISON NOVAK AND BRETT STANCIU

Bye-Bye, Brick and Mortar

If you’re looking for an adorable owl-print onesie or a pair of fleece baby booties that don’t fall o , the place to go in Vermont has always been the ZUTANO COMPANY STORE on Main Street in Montpelier. But the cheery baby and kids’ clothing company, headquartered in Cabot, recently announced that it’s closing the small shop at the end of September. The company’s cofounder, Michael Belenky, said it was a “tough decision” to shutter the store, which Zutano opened 18 years ago as “a laboratory space for the brand” and “to give the community a window into what we are all about.” So what’s behind the decision? “With a lot of time constraints that many young families are facing, we’ve found over the past few years that our customers really engage with the brand more online,” he explained via email. As a thank you to its customers, the Montpelier store is having a blowout sale through the end of this month, with deep discounts on “real treasures” with “amazing vintage styles and prints” that will be replenished every weekend, says Belenky. After that, you’ll have to visit the virtual marketplace to stock up on your favorite Zutano pieces. —A.N.

Visit the ZUTANO COMPANY STORE (79 Main St., Montpelier) Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through September 25 to shop its customer appreciation sale. Visit facebook.com/zutanocompanystore for the latest information.

ACCESSIBILITY

Equal Opportunity

As a parent of a daughter with autism and a neurodevelopmental condition, Shelburne resident Sara Kruk knows getting around is often challenging for children with disabilities. This summer, the nonprofit website she founded, KAYLA’S DIRECTORY, helped purchase an adaptive stroller for Shelburne Farms, which has summer camps that serve numerous children with disabilities. The stroller, equipped with a five-point harness and able to carry up to 150 pounds, allows kids with mobility issues to take part in outdoor activities like berry picking and exploring trails. Kruk’s website, named after her daughter, is an online blog and directory that provides information about resources and services available to kids with special needs in Vermont, from playgroups to adaptive-sports programs, health care providers to tutors. Its ultimate goal, says Kruk, is “to make life easier for families.” Kruk says she’ll continue to advocate for more adaptive equipment, like a special shopping cart called Caroline’s Cart, which makes running errands easier for parents of kids with disabilities. She’s already helped get them in Healthy Living Market & Café and Party City in South Burlington. —B.S.

An adaptive stroller purchased for Shelburne Farms

Find KAYLA’S DIRECTORY at kaylasdirectory.org. For more information on Caroline’s Cart shopping carts, visit carolinescart.com.

COURTESY OF SHELBURNE FARMS

EDUCATION

Learning by Doing

Cheryl Owens of Richmond honed her educational philosophy as a homeschooling mother of three. She recalls purchasing a regimented, traditional curriculum to use with her kids — who are now in high school and college — and then literally throwing it out the window when she realized they would benefit from a more engaging, hands-on style. Owens eventually began running a one-day-a-week program for dozens of other homeschoolers in Chittenden County, teaching subjects including art, science, sociology and astronomy. Now she’s taking her approach to the masses with the HANDS-ON EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, a collection of lesson plans, games, projects and materials that can be used by parents, teachers and caregivers. Her first kit, Van Gogh in Clay, introduces kids to the renowned painter and guides them through making a terracotta tableau inspired by the artist’s techniques. Other kits focused on art, science, literature, geography and more are in the works. —A.N.

To learn more about the HANDS-ON EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM, visit homespunandhandson.com.

BOOKS

Pooch Problems

As kids know all too well, sometimes it’s hard to be quiet. That’s the dilemma facing the pup protagonist in Charlotte resident Liza Woodru ’s picture book, EMERSON BARKS, released on August 16. When Emerson’s enthusiastic barking scares the neighbors, his owner, Eva, bans his yapping altogether. It’s a hard order to obey, and ultimately the cute gray pup doesn’t have to — he’s able to use his high-volume vocalizations in a helpful way. Woodru , who has been illustrating children’s books for 18 years, was inspired to finally write a story about the real Emerson, a small terrier mutt her family adopted from All Breed Rescue in Williston seven years ago. “Emerson really does bark all the time,” Woodru wrote in an email. “I wondered what would happen if he held in his barks. Would he blow up like a big balloon and explode, or could he turn his barking into something positive?” —A.N.

EMERSON BARKS, Henry Holt/Christy Ottaviano Books, $16.99. Ages 4-8. Liza Woodruff will be reading her new picture book on Saturday, September 10, at 10:30 a.m. at the Vermont Book Shop in Middlebury.

Head of the Class

CONNOR SOLIMANO BELIEVES

students should have a voice. So this fall, the 16-year-old will join Winooski High School senior Rainbow Chen as one of two student representatives on the Vermont State Board of Education.

“People might think, Oh, they’re just kids, it doesn’t really matter what their opinion is,” said Solimano. “But Vermont takes student opinions seriously. We can tell [the adult board members] what it feels like to go through school.”

Vermont has included students on its board of ed since 2000. Gov. Peter Shumlin selected Solimano for the position from what he called an “amazing” pool of applicants. “Connor is a rising star who has impressively served his community,” Shumlin said.

The tall, sporty high school junior is also a busy guy. Last year he served as class secretary at Rutland High School

Back to Sch l Back to Sch l

another member on the board,” he said. “You could go home without saying anything, or you could voice your opinion on every topic.”

and earned a seat on the Rutland School Board, which he’ll continue to serve on this year in addition to the state board. He participates in crosscountry, indoor track and tennis during the school year. He’s also an avid skier who volunteers with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, which helps people with disabilities get out on the slopes.

Solimano didn’t let the summer slow him down. He was a counselor at Young Hacks Academy, a computerprogramming camp, and at a local tennis camp, and he was a boat “greeter” at Lake Bomoseen.

Throughout the school year, Solimano and Chen will attend the state board’s monthly meetings at the Agency of Education headquarters in Barre.

This year, Solimano won’t have a vote on the state board (Chen, who will be in her second term, will). “The first year is

just about learning the ropes,” he says. Next year, his vote will be counted like any other adult board member’s.

On his local school board, Solimano said, he is given a specific student time slot in which to speak at each meet-

To prepare for his new role, Solimano attended a seminar, called Amplifying Student Voice and Partnership, at the University of Vermont in July. He also served on his school’s committee to implement “standards-based grading,” a nontraditional way of evaluating student work.

Solimano is looking forward to getting a glimpse behind the scenes of Vermont’s educational system.

“Before, this world was kind of unknown to me, and now I’m going to learn how policy is shaped while I’m actually doing the learning” he said.

It’s also an opportunity to develop skills that might be useful down the road. “I’m going to learn about interacting with di erent people and expressing my opinion and researching for a board,” said Solimano, who aspires to be an engineer.

“I’m just really excited to get involved,” he continued. “I’ve gone through the Rutland public education system my

“One to Watch” shines a light on a young Vermonter who is going places. Know a local child or teen who’s recently done something amazing? Nominate him or her at kidsvt.com/vermont/kidsvtonetowatch/page.

Rutland teen joins the Vermont State Board of Education 1 6 /17 FAMILY HIGH LI GH T S

Flip Fabrique

Sunday, October 9

The Triplets of Belleville

live music by Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville

Thursday, October 27

Enchantment Theatre

Peter Rabbit

Tuesday, November 29

Nebraska Theatre Caravan

Monday 4-5pm Hip Hop age 8-11 4-5pm Ballet age 6-9 5-6pm Lyrical age 8-11 5-5:45pm Creative Movement age 2-5 6:15-7:15pm Jazz Ballet Combo age 7-11 Tues 4-5pm Ballet/Jazz age 6-9 5-6pm Hip Hop age 5-7 5-6pm Jazz age 8-12 6:15-7:15pm Ballet 9 plus 7:15-8pm Repetoire Wed 4-5pm Lyrical Intermediate age 11 plus 4-5pm Kids Yoga 5-6:15pm Pointe age 11 plus 6:15-7:15pm Teen/Adult Jazz Thurs 4pm Mini Hip Hop age 4-7 4pm Breaking 5pm Hip Hop Funkstyles (Pop & Lock) age 9 plus 5pm Jazzy Hip Hop age 6-9 6:15pm Tween/Teen Partner Yoga 6:15pm Kids Yoga age 4-8 7:15pm Adult Hip Hop Saturday 9:30am Mini Hip Hop 10:45am Kids Yoga Sunday 9:30am Creative Dance 10:45am Kids Yoga BRAND NEW KIDS ROOM Grand Opening in September — so you can practice yoga while you kids take movement classes! Homework room for after school breaks. k4t-honestyoga0916.indd 1 8/24/16 9:56 AM

A Christmas Carol

Thursday, December 1

Vienna Boys Choir

Thursday, December 8

Cirque Mother Africa

Tuesday, January 3

Wild Kratts-Live!

Thursday, April 20

Vi s it WW W. F LY NN T I X .OR G / S ERI E S PERFORMING ARTS

NAME: CONNOR SOLIMANO

AGE: 16

TOWN: RUTLAND

Corn Mazes

CORN MAZES MAY seem like an easy way to pass the time on a lazy fall afternoon. But according to Mike Boudreau, owner of the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville, people often underestimate the physical and mental stamina they can require.

Just like ski slopes, corn mazes vary in di culty, Boudreau explained in an email. He has two mazes on his property — an easy one for people of all ages and abilities, and a challenging one that, at 24 acres, is the largest in New England.

This is the 18th year that Boudreau has run the operation on his family’s third-generation dairy farm, so he knows his way around a maze. Still, first-timers often ignore his advice to work together, keep people you’re with in sight and be observant. When newbies notice that some “mazers,” as he calls them, have worked for hours to get out, they realize that it’s “obviously much more of a challenge than expected,” Boudreau writes. That’s when participants are ready to listen to his wise words.

Boudreau enjoys watching mazers return over the years. “It has been great to see a young couple first come mazing as a date, then as newlyweds, then pregnant, then with a kid in a backpack,” he writes.

There is one group Boudreau doesn’t  recommend attempt his maze: teenagers. His website states that 90 percent of teens give up quickly. “Every day, we meet people who say … ‘You were right, my teen quit and took the exit after just 30 minutes and is sitting in the car waiting for us,’” Boudreau explained in an email.

Up for a challenge? Below you’ll find info on local corn mazes — including the Great Vermont Corn Maze — to help you plan a trip. The first half of September is the best time to visit because the corn is tall, thick and green, advises Boudreau. Also, wear comfortable shoes and arrive early. After all, it might take a while.

The Great Vermont Corn Maze, Danville

This maze has a new design every year. With three miles of trails, it is a serious challenge; visitors should be able to walk for about an hour without sitting down to rest. If you prefer something less intense, try the smaller maze on the property.

DETAILS: $10 for children ages 5-15 and seniors; $15 for ages 16-59; free for children under 5. Farm animals, 100 feet of underground tunnels, barnyard golf and a kids’ village are all free with admission. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week. Through October 16. Info, 748-1399. vermontcornmaze.com

Hathaway Farm & Corn Maze, Rutland

The theme of this year’s 12-acre maze — which features a built-in sound system and a series of bridges — is “Race to the White House.” Toddlers can explore a mini maze and OK Corral play area and enjoy the farm animals in the livestock barn. On Saturdays, the maze is open late and admission includes a glow stick and marshmallow toasting.

DETAILS: $10 for children ages 4-11; $12 for ages 12 and up; $10 for seniors; free for children under 4. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. SundayMonday and Wednesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday; closed Tuesdays. Through October 30. Info, 775-2624. hathawayfarm.com

Sam Mazza’s Corn Maze, Colchester

Visitors can take a one- or two-mile jaunt through seven-foot walls of corn, tracking their progress by punching a card at numbered stations scattered throughout the course. Don’t miss the farm market, greenhouse, and berry and pumpkin picking on the 350-acre farm.

DETAILS: $5 for children; $8 for adults; free for children under 3. Open 10 a.m-6 p.m. MondaySaturday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Through October. Info, 655-3440. sammazzafarms.com

Percy Farm Corn Maze, Stowe

The maze takes approximately one hour to complete. Visitors can pet and feed baby calves and goats, as well.

DETAILS: $3 for students and seniors; $6 for adults; free for children under 8 and

members of the armed services. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week. Through late fall. Info, 371-9999. facebook.com/ percyfarmcornmaze

Fort Ticonderoga’s Heroic Maze, Ticonderoga, New York

Visitors navigate this six-acre maze, designed in the shape of the fort, looking for history clues and collecting stamps. A short maze for children ages 4 and under, with adult supervision, provides an easier option.

DETAILS: $9 for children ages 5-12; $22 for ages 13 and up; $20 for seniors, free for children under 5. Ticket includes all Fort Ticonderoga attractions Open weekends, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Through October 10. Info, 518-585-2821. fortticonderoga.org

Isham Family Farm, Williston

This is the second year the fifth-generation farm has been operating a corn maze. On the property, visitors will also find calves for petting and feeding, chickens, and fruits, veggies and maple products for sale. Picnic tables provide a good place for lunch, or take a hike up to the pond along one of the walking trails.

DETAILS: $2 for children; $5 for ages 12 and up; $10 for a family day pass. Farm open daily, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Info, 872-1525. ishamfamilyfarm.com

The 2015 Great Vermont Corn Maze from above

Inside the Great Vermont Corn Maze

BY BRETT STANCIU

St. Johnsbury Athenaeum

1171 Main St., St. Johnsbury, 748-8291, stjathenaeum.org

IF YOUR KIDS are like mine, 19thcentury American art ranks well below Harry Potter in their hierarchy of interests. But a recent visit to the St. Johnsbury Athenaeum proved a surprisingly enjoyable day trip for my daughters, ages 11 and 17. With 11-year-old friend Lucia in tow, we headed to the Northeast Kingdom to visit the combination town library and gallery one morning in August.

Whether or not you’re a library cardholder, the Athenaeum — with its friendly and well-informed volunteers and staff — is worth the wander. Exquisitely designed with spiral staircases (sadly, they’re no longer in public use), enormous windows, and floors striped in alternating ash and walnut, the Athenaeum is easily one of the most stunning buildings in Vermont.

We were all entranced by the nearly 10-by-15-foot “Domes of Yosemite” oil painting, dramatically displayed across an entire wall and enchantingly lit by an arched skylight. Horace Fairbanks — of the philanthropic Fairbanks family — purchased the ornately framed painting by Albert Bierstadt in 1872 as a showstopping centerpiece for the Athenaeum’s main gallery.

While my older daughter, Molly, and I checked out the rest of the library’s extensive art collection, Gabriela and her friend settled down to play a card game in the sizable teen room on the first floor. The current exhibit in the upstairs gallery, on display through September, showcases the work of Syrian-born artist Mohamad Hafez, including a stunningly large and detailed map of the Jordanian Zaatari refugee camp spread across the floor.

The children’s room, on the bottom floor of the library, is a comfortable spot for the younger set. A carpeted play area is stocked with toys, and enormous murals on the upper walls depict whimsical storybook illustrations from Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates and Heidi.

As we were leaving, an Athenaeum volunteer thanked us for visiting and said she’d appreciate seeing more children come through the doors. Afterward, we strolled down Eastern Avenue to the coffee and print shop Café at Gatto Nero Press, which extended the morning’s artistic theme. While I drank a well-made espresso and perused their impressive book collection, the girls rejuvenated with strawberry-and-banana

DETAILS

The St. Johnsbury Athenaeum is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday from 2-7 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

PROS:

• Free

• Within easy walking distance of the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium

CONS:

• It’s a quiet space; not appropriate for babies or toddlers outside of the children’s room

• No food or drink allowed in the building

smoothies. The atmosphere was relaxed; no one blinked an eye when they spread out on a large red couch and played a game of chess from the shop’s stash of games.

While my kids probably won’t pass any art history exams after our visit, they were charmed by the coziness of this beautiful library. It’s a great introduction to art on an unforgettable scale. K

Local parents review a family-friendly attraction each month in “Destination Recreation.” Got a spot you’d like us to feature? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

THE FUN STARTS HERE!

• FAMILY SWIM - Several hours each day for our families to swim together

• FAMILY GYM - Twice weekly indoor playground geared towards families and kids under 7

• FAMILY EVENTS - Swim parties with pizza, crafts and gym fun. All FREE for Y Family Members! Small fee for non-members gbymca.org

“Domes of Yosemite”

Gabriela and Lucia in front of the spiral staircase

Building Character

Back to Sch l Back to Sch l

Books that feature characters with disabilities can be a great way to start conversations about the ways we’re all di erent. Sam Drazin, founder of the educational nonprofit Changing Perspectives, thinks that discussions like these can help kids learn to be empathetic. (Read about Drazin’s work in “Lessons in Kindness” on page 20.) We asked Drazin to recommend a few of his favorite titles.

Chicken Boy: The Amazing Adventures of a Super Hero With Autism

BY GREGORY G. ALLEN

Says Drazin: “The story is told through the point of view of a young boy who describes some of the daily challenges he faces living with autism, as well as his strengths as a person. The main character also explains how he wishes others would interact with him. A great book not only to discuss autism with young children but how every one of us has our own strengths and challenges.”

If You’re So Smart, How Come You Can’t Spell Mississippi?

BY BARBARA ESHAM

Says Drazin: “This picture book follows third grader Katie as she realizes that her father, a successful lawyer, struggled with learning challenges in school when he was a kid. The book describes what dyslexia is and reminds the reader that even though you might have a learning disability, it doesn’t prevent you from being successful.”

Out of My Mind

BY SHARON M. DRAPER

Says Drazin: “The story is told through the perspective of the main character Melody, a teenage girl with cerebral palsy. What makes this story interesting is that Melody is nonverbal and uses a device to communicate with others. This book helps the reader understand that even though someone may not be able to communicate in the traditional way, they still have a lot to o er the world.”

Anything But Typical

BY NORA RALEIGH BASKIN

Says Drazin: “This book follows 12-yearold Jason, who has autism, as he navigates school. The story is told through Jason’s perspective, helping the reader to gain a better understanding of what it might be like to navigate the neurotypical world while being on the autism spectrum.”

Ages 4 & up

Ages 6-8

Ages 10 & up

Ages 10 & up

For more than 160 years, New England families have welcomed Hood® Milk into the heart of their homes. And it is an honor to have a seat at the table.

Principals in Parenting

ON AN AUGUST EVENING, the impeccable green expanse of the Buntings’ back lawn shows no signs of the 80 people who came to celebrate dad Adam’s 40th birthday party the previous night — save for an empty keg by the patio. Although his actual birthday was back in March, the only gift Adam wanted was a backyard bash when the weather was warmer.

Last November, the Buntings moved from the Brennan Woods neighborhood in Williston to a more pastoral part of the town. It’s a short commute for Adam to his job as principal of Champlain Valley Union High School and a 20-minute drive for MaryBeth to Dealer.com in Burlington. Their elegant house sits on 10 acres of land with trails carved into the surrounding tall grass and woods. Their huge living-room windows reveal a breathtaking view of the western sky.

The close-knit family of four spends as much time together as they can, given the adults’ demanding jobs. Getting outside help with housekeeping and other chores allows them to focus on quality time together at the end of the day. They’re also quick to point out how fortunate they are to have Adam’s parents and brother’s family living close by.

“I think we all bail each other out when we can,” Adam says.

The family’s a ection for each other is evident in the way they talk, touch and laugh while prepping a dinner of pork chops and salad.

On the morning routine:

ADAM: On the good days, I wake up early, like 6 a.m., and go for a 20-minute run. Meanwhile, MaryBeth has gotten up and got the girls up and gives them breakfast.

MARYBETH: Adam has to be at school earlier than I have to be at work, so during the school year, for the most part, I am in charge of the morning.

ADAM: But since we live so close to school now, I can wait with them for the bus at 7 a.m. on my way out. Our history has been: MaryBeth does mornings, and I do afternoons.

Back to Sch l Back to Sch l

from their activities and take a shower and might watch 30 minutes of TV. So by the time we get home, all that’s done, and we can just be. That’s the goal; it doesn’t always happen.

ADAM: The agreement we came up with this year is: From 6 to 8 p.m., cellphones away, no screen time. No divided-attention time.

MARYBETH: For the whole family. Because they will go to bed, and we will work more.

ADAM: And [9-year-old daughter] Rosie has been awesome. She dubbed that back room the “no electronics” room. It’s more a rule for us actually — not them!

MARYBETH: It’s really for me!

On the lack of adult time:

ADAM: That’s probably the thing we are not good at — balancing time as a couple.

MARYBETH: On a Friday night, dinner out with my husband or movie night snuggling with kids? We always pick movie night over date night!

On who does what:

MARYBETH: There’s still that traditional part of what we do, that I’m the one who’s like, OK, what days of the week do the girls have dance? What days of the week does Madeline have cross-country? OK, I need to find care for this. It’s back to school, so whose shoes don’t fit? It’s on me. As much as we want things to be equal since we both have equally demanding jobs, I have held on to some of the more traditional roles more than I ever thought I would have, so the process of letting go has been hard, like, for example, cooking and grocery shopping.

ADAM: I do 75 percent of the grocery shopping and probably 50 percent of the cooking.

On the importance of family dinners:

MARYBETH: We get home and, for the most part, we have really simple

Mom: MaryBeth Bunting, 43, director of software development, Dealer.com

Dad: Adam Bunting, 40, principal, Champlain Valley Union High School

Daughters: Madeline, 11 and Rose, 9

dinners and we sit down to eat together. We don’t do a lot of, Oh, let’s feed the kids first and then we’ll sit down and eat later. Sometimes it means the kids eat late, but at least we eat together.

ADAM: That’s been my thing. I feel sort of o -center if we don’t do that.

MARYBETH: They are at fun ages — it’s hilarious.

ADAM: Dinners are so fun right now. It’s ridiculous some of the conversations we have.

On the evening routine and screen time:

MARYBETH: The girls will come home

ADAM: Yeah. I don’t regret that. I think we have a real deep faith in the other’s resilience.

MARYBETH: I agree with that completely. We don’t take ourselves too seriously. We laugh at ourselves a lot.

ADAM: Well, we should! I mean, look at my car! [Adam smashed the rear window of his SUV returning tables after the party.]

On putting work into perspective:

ADAM: There are definitely times when the work a ects my energy and, after my first year as a principal [four years ago], I was a mess. I had nothing left for MaryBeth or my kids. So it showed me that we need to be really thoughtful about remembering that our work is like a marathon — as opposed to the sprints that we make it.

A software company exec and the CVU principal on rising early, eating together and the “no electronics” room

COURTESY OF MARY BETH BUNTING

Bringing Kids to Museums

I HAD A REVELATION RECENTLY: At ages 5 and a half and 7, my kids might be ready to visit a museum that isn’t specifically geared to children. Just as I thought it, my mind painted a vivid picture of all that could go wrong.

We’re working on emotional control in our house (translation: loud fits happen). And I recently spent a half hour sopping up milk and cereal bits from my living room rug. So a hushed, climate-controlled room filled with expensive artwork and gallery guards isn’t the first place I think of when imagining a stress-free day with my kids.

Just when I had convinced myself to wait another year — or five — to bring my kids to an art museum, a friend’s photograph on Facebook gave me pause: three children, some close in age to mine, inside a very modern museum exhibit. This , I thought, is truly an art . And I wanted to make it happen with my kids. I just needed some practical advice.

So I contacted the photographer, Carin Lilly, an art teacher at Shelburne Community School and mother of three children, Amos, 10; Damien, 7; and Luna, 5. With family trips to the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and Gaudí’s Casa Batlló in Barcelona under her belt, she seemed like an expert.

Her first words of wisdom were simple: “Do it,” she wrote in an email.

“And don’t wait until your kids are 20.”

Why? Because it’s “an aesthetic experience that pulls you out of your everyday thinking and gets you to think about, and see things, in new ways. That’s good for all of us,” Lilly explained.

But where do you start? “Throw out your preconceived notions of what it means to visit a museum, and you will probably have more fun than if you were by yourself,” Lilly said. Also, try these tips: Address the basics. Make sure

Back to Sch l Back to Sch l

everyone is rested and fed — bring snacks and water. Hit the playground before you go to burn some energy. Focus on quality, not quantity. Lilly recommends choosing a smaller museum or focusing on just one exhibit — even simply one room.

“No one says you have to look at every piece. Seriously. Don’t look at every piece. Kids won’t let you, anyway. That’s the beauty of having kids: You don’t have to do it the way everyone else does it.”

Set expectations. Have a conversation before you go: Should we touch paintings? Should we scream and jump and run around? Ask them to make a list of rules, and use it as a place to start, then re-congregate once you get there and discuss how people are talking and moving, Lilly suggested. She also questioned the assumption that everyone must be silent in a museum: “One of my kids has more than once blurted something loudly in a museum that

made everyone smile, and/or agree,” she explained. Apparently it wasn’t the end of the world.

Use technological tools to enhance, not distract. Some museums have exhibits that link to smartphones or o er interactive handheld devices. They can make the experience come alive: In Casa Batlló, Lilly’s family used devices that, when held up to a window shutter inspired by fish scales, showed a virtual fish swim out. But she recommends using technology judiciously — to research an artist or snap a photo of your child next to a favorite work of art — and not let it monopolize the visit.

Give them a goal. Bring notebooks and have kids do a sketch of their favorite piece. Find a theme in the work, like a shape or an animal, and have the kids find as many as they can. For older kids, give them a set number of minutes to pick their favorite piece and find out all they can about it. Then, visit each person’s piece and let them teach you. “You learn way more that way than by looking at every single piece,” Lilly writes. “Plus, having a kid explain a work of art and seeing it through their eyes — it’s the best.”

Got Kids? Like Art? Go Here

• BURLINGTON CITY ARTS on Church Street has a ground floor with two spacious rooms that are easy to pop into for access to ever-changing, contemporary exhibits. burlingtoncityarts.org

• This fall, the FLEMING MUSEUM OF ART on the University of Vermont campus hosts an exhibit of alumniowned works, including ones by Wassily Kandinsky and Andy Warhol. The museum reopens September 6, after being closed for summer renovations. flemingmuseum.org

• The ELECTRA HAVEMEYER WEBB MEMORIAL BUILDING AT SHELBURNE MUSEUM is a great place to view impressionist paintings by artists such as Edgar Degas, Claude Monet and Mary Cassatt. shelburnemuseum.org

• This winter, the MUSÉE DE BEAUXARTS, Montréal’s largest museum, will exhibit more than 400 colorful works — paintings, sculptures, puppets and more — by Marc Chagall that explore the importance of music in his artistic career. mbam.qc.ca/en

No one says you have to look at every piece. Seriously. Don’t look at every piece.

CARIN LILLY, ART TEACHER, SHELBURNE COMMUNITY SCHOOL

PHOTOS: CARIN LILLY

Luna Lilly at Casa Batlló in Barcelona

Damien and Amos at Joan Miró Fundació

Quick Curry: Hard-Boiled-Egg Masala

I LOVE FOOD — eating it, cooking it and sharing it. For this, I credit my father. He was an adventurous cook who drew inspiration from around the globe and surprised us with exotic dishes daily.

Growing up in South Hero, there weren’t exactly a wide array of ethnic restaurants — or any restaurants, really — to choose from. But at home our weekly menu was straight out of the United Nations: Monday, Puerto Rican; Tuesday, Indian; Wednesday, Polish; Thursday, Swedish; Friday, Moroccan; Saturday, Chilean; Sunday, Turkish.

Dad taught us never to shy away from trying new things, but rather to embrace them head-on. He was a financial planner by profession but an explorer by nature.  He and my mother traveled the world, and wherever they went, he came home with a cookbook. When he ate at a restaurant, he tasted his food carefully, memorizing the flavors so he could re-create them later.

Indian food was one of his culinary specialties. He was good friends with an Indian man who owned the now-defunct The Spices restaurant in Vergennes and who taught him to cook authentic South Indian dishes. It wasn’t just standard curries. Dad also experimented with raitas (vegetables in a yogurt base), tandoori chicken, homemade pappadums, naans and so much more. One of the first Father’s Day presents I can remember giving my dad was an Indian cookbook.

When I had kids, I wanted to make sure that their palates were exposed to global cuisine. I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job. My 13-year-old daughter and almost-10-year-old son are not intimidated by new flavors. They particularly love Greek food — spanakopita is a huge favorite. And don’t get me started on baklava.

Even with all the inspiration in the world, I sometimes fall into a cooking rut. But one glance at my large array of cookbooks and spices reminds me that I can do more.

Enter hard-boiled-egg masala, a dish full of warming spices in a tomato and onion sauce with protein-rich hard-boiled eggs. It’s a quick and easy foray into Indian food that I adapted from one of my many Indian cookbooks, and it’s a family favorite. As an added bonus, it’s inexpensive

Hard-Boiled-Egg Masala

INGREDIENTS:

For the spice paste:

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 tablespoon water

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 teaspoon black cumin seeds

5 tablespoons finely chopped onion

1/2 inch ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

(I like to use a vegetable peeler)

1 cup canned diced tomatoes

1/4 teaspoon sugar

4 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered

3-4 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

and doesn’t require hard-to-find spices, save for black cumin seeds, also known as kala jeera. For those, try an Indian grocer like Gagan on Williston Road in South Burlington or the Himalayan Food Market on North Street in Burlington, or order them online at a place like Penzeys Spices. The seeds do add a special flavor, but the dish is still delicious without them.

A lot of Indian meals take a long time to make, but this one is quick

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix together the cayenne, turmeric, cumin and coriander with lemon and water to make the spice paste. Set aside.

2. Pour oil in a large, nonstick sauté or frying pan and set over medium-high heat. When oil is hot, add the cumin seeds. About 10 seconds later, add the onion and ginger. Stir, then fry until the onions are medium brown.

3. Add in the spice paste. Stir and cook for 15 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice.

4. Lay the egg quarters in the sauce. Spoon the sauce over them, then add the cilantro. Cover with a lid and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Serve with naan, basmati rice or even plain bread.

enough for a weeknight dinner. Serve with chutney, which can be found at the grocery store (or, for more variety, at the Indian market), and naan, which can be found in the bread or freezer aisle of many local grocery stores. Add some steamed spinach or peas on the side for a veggie boost.

I challenge you to give this flavorful dish a try. K

Rainbow Sweets

1689 Route 2, Marshfield, 426-3531

MY 9-YEAR-OLD NIECE, Rayna, has a sweet tooth that, in her opinion, is insufficiently indulged by the adults in her life. Occasionally, I like to be the cool aunt and take her out for a healthy dose of (mother-approved) sugar. In central Vermont terms, Rainbow Sweets is her neighborhood bakery — it’s 20 minutes from her home outside of Plainfield. The hours vary at this seasonal spot, which is open Wednesday through Monday, mid-May through late February.

From the exterior, the 41-year-old café doesn’t look like much, but it’s been written up in the New York Times and was a hot spot for literary luminaries who taught up the road at Goddard College in the ’80s. One step inside revealed the place is still hopping.

On a drizzly Sunday morning in August, the restaurant’s six tables were filled with a combination of locals and tourists. William Tecosky — the coowner, baker, waiter and entertainer — initiates all newcomers with the same shtick, explaining that, “Everything here is baked,” so nothing is “greasy or disgusting.” Then he lists the four daily lunch options: spanakopita, Moroccan b’stilla, stuffed brioche and Spanish empanadas. You can get any dish “naked” or with a large Greek salad.

We opted for the spanakopita with the salad ($11) and the “naked” b’stilla ($7.95) and empanada ($6.95). The b’stilla — delicately spiced chicken baked between layers of phyllo dough and topped with slivered almonds and powdered sugar — was without a doubt the breakaway hit. It was just the right combination of sweet and savory, exciting but not too exotic.

Rayna deemed it “superb” but noted that she has adventurous tastes for her age so might not be the best judge of kid-friendly meals. That said, she had a fairly predictable kid response to the spanakopita (thumbs down), which was a little too spinach-y for my liking, as well.

The beef empanada, studded with raisins and olives, was warm and delicious, though its heavy cumin seasoning meant it was a bit too spicy even

W nderfeet

Kids’ Museum

for Rayna. The brioche might be the safest option for sensitive taste buds, since the fluffy pastry is filled with a simple combination of cheddar cheese, walnuts and a tiny bit of spinach. If none of those options appeal, you can get a simple cheese plate ($10), which has slices of Cabot and fruit and comes with fresh-baked Italian bread.

The desserts were the real showstoppers. The display case is laden with fancy treats: cakes layered with custard and whipped cream, elegant Linzer tortes, rich chocolate delights, baklava and a variety of German pastries. After much deliberation, we settled on the baklava, a jam-filled cookie with a complicated German name and the celebrated Johnny Depp on a Plate.

Hits

• Perhaps the only place in Vermont that serves Moroccan b’stilla Elegant French and German desserts

• Great place to stop before launching into the heart of the Northeast Kingdom Items available for takeout

Misses

The proprietor is entertaining but can be a bit brusque when the café is busy; he snapped at my niece when she asked for an extra mug. (He did, however, offer her a free cookie when we left.) I’d encourage adults to do the ordering.

• Small space with no room for young kiddos to run around. The service is fast, though, so there’s not much downtime in between ordering and eating.

The latter consists of profiteroles, or custard-filled cream puffs, coated with caramel and covered with a few generous dollops of whipped cream. The dish was too rich for me to eat more than a bite, but Rayna happily consumed the majority of it — although she confessed to a slight stomachache on the way home. My favorite was the baklava, which had the perfect balance of honey and walnuts and managed to be just sweet enough.

A word of caution: The delicacies at Rainbow Sweets look so delicious that they can generate a serious case of “dessert lust” for most kids. I’d suggest setting some clear limits about the number of sweets permitted if you want to avoid a power struggle in front of the display case. K

Exploring educational options for your family?

Try Oak Meadow’s flexible, creative homeschooling curriculum for kindergarten to grade 12, or enroll in our teacher-supported, accredited distance learning school.

• K-4 is child-centered, experiential, playful, nature-based.

• 5-8 encourages increased student autonomy, intellectual engagement.

• High School offers challenging academic courses, options to earn experiential credit, college counseling.

• Start anytime during the year. Join us for Open House! Saturday, Oct 1 11am to 1pm 132 Main St. Brattleboro, VT oakmeadow.com

Dessert case at Rainbow Sweets

Rayna contemplating the Johnny Depp on a Plate

PHOTOS: SARAH YAHM

a Rutland Creative Economy Initiative

What’s the best way to treat an ear infection?

MOST KIDS WILL get at least one ear infection by age 3. In recent years, rates of ear infections have been steadily declining, but about 5 million new cases are still diagnosed in the U.S. each year, resulting in 30 million physician visits and 10 million antibiotic prescriptions, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

This month, Dr. Lewis First, head of pediatrics at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, explains why many of those antibiotic prescriptions are unnecessary — and can even do more harm than good — and offers an alternative treatment. Lend him your ears?

KIDS VT: First, why are children more inclined than adults to get ear infections?

LEWIS FIRST: There’s a small tube inside your head that runs from your middle ear to your nose, called the eustachian tube. Because these tubes are narrower, shorter and more flexible in kids, they’re more prone to blockages should fluid get in them, which can occur with a cold and runny nose. Additionally, kids’ glands at the back of their throat, called adenoids, can get inflamed due to infections, which can also block the exit point of that tube so fluid in the tube cannot drain out. When fluid gets trapped, it becomes a stagnant pool of sorts that is great for growing bacteria and viruses. Eventually the pressure of the fluid and germs building up pushes against the eardrum, causing the ear pain characteristic of an ear infection.

KVT: What causes childhood ear infections, and why are they becoming less common?

LF: Ear infections are caused either by viruses or bacteria. We now know that, in Vermont, about 75 to 80 percent of the germs that cause children’s ear infections are viruses, which antibiotics do not kill. In a fairly well-immunized community, you’re going to see fewer ear infections nowadays because the common bacterial organisms that often cause them are covered by the pneumococcus vaccine and the H-flu vaccine. Most children with viral ear infections get better without doing anything other than treating the earache pain. Lower rates of parental smoking and higher rates of breastfeeding have also lowered the incidence of ear infections.

KVT: Why does breastfeeding reduce the incidence of ear infections?

LF: There are substances in breast milk that may protect your child from some respiratory germs that can cause ear infections. We now know that babies who are breastfed for at least six months

are less likely to develop bacterial or viral infections of the respiratory system. Also, a breastfed baby is constantly swallowing, which opens and closes the eustachian tubes. Because you breastfeed more often than you bottlefeed, it may be that you’re keeping those tubes open more often and not allowing fluid to build up.

KVT: Why don’t we want to use antibiotics too often?

LF: We want to save them for when we really need them. The more we use them, the more we breed antibioticresistant germs. We don’t want a child to get an illness in the future that we don’t have medications to treat because they received too many unnecessary antibiotics to treat viral infections. Plus, antibiotics can come with side effects, such as nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and disruption of the microbiome, or “good germs,” that reside in our bodies.

KVT: Any exceptions to that rule?

LF: Babies under 6 months old are more at risk for bacterial infections, because their immune systems are not yet mature. If an infant under 6 months has an ear infection that goes untreated, it can put the child at risk for complications that can include meningitis, mastoiditis and even hearing problems. Also, if a child has an anatomic complication, such as cleft palate, an immune disorder or Down syndrome (which may mean a child has shorter eustachian tubes than normal, predisposing them to infections), then we’re more apt to use an antibiotic. If an ear infection is deemed severe — meaning both ears are infected, the child is miserable and the eardrums are bulging — and the child is 6 months to 2 years old, we’ll also use antibiotics. If the child is over 2 years old, we strongly recommend against using antibiotics for the first 48 to 72 hours, which should be all the time it takes for a virus to be killed by a child’s immune system such that the ear pain improves. During this time,

a child should be kept well hydrated, and the inflammation should be treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

KVT: If a doctor prescribes an antibiotic for an ear infection in an older child, should parents question that decision?

LF: We always want parents to be educated and ask why an antibiotic is being used. As health care providers, we’re more apt to be asked by parents why an antibiotic is not being prescribed. When one is prescribed, the provider should explain why the benefits of avoiding a bacterial infection outweigh the risks.

KVT: How do you know if an earache is caused by water remaining in the ear after swimming?

LF: If gently tugging on your child’s ear causes them to say, “Stop it!” that pain is probably not a middle-ear infection. If your child develops swimmer’s ear, which is an infection of the outer ear canal due to moisture getting stuck inside the entrance of the ear, a good home remedy is a mixture of vinegar and rubbing alcohol, in equal parts. Put a few drops in both ears two or three times a day. That will dry out the ear and reduce the inflammation. Children should also stay out of the pool or lake for a week or so.

KVT: What else can cause ear pain?

LF: Ear infections are often accompanied by cold symptoms and a fever. If you have just irritability and no fever with a baby, the child could be cutting a tooth. If it’s a toddler, some amazing foreign objects can end up in the ear. Or it could be bad earwax. Your health care professional may want to see your child to see if there’s something else going on other than just an ear infection, but if it is, again, don’t expect them to automatically give antibiotics, especially if your child is over 2 years of age. K

Lessons in Kindness

A Vermont nonprofit helps kids learn empathy

BY ALISON NOVAK | PHOTOS BY JAMES BUCK

Sam Drazin grew up in in Norwich in a neighborhood filled with families. His childhood included typical kid pursuits: biking, flashlight tag, trick-or-treating, sledding. But in middle school, life got more complicated. He wasn’t the target of bullying or teasing, he says, rather he became invisible. Childhood friends ignored him. And when he reached out to them, he “got shut down.”

The middle school years can be a tough time for anyone, but Drazin had an added challenge: He was born with Treacher Collins syndrome, a rare genetic condition that a ects the craniofacial bones and tissues, resulting in physical anomalies including underdeveloped cheekbones, a small jaw and an absence of ear canals. As a child, he endured multiple reconstructive facial surgeries.

Through it all, Drazin, now 29, says he “constantly wrestled with this idea

Back to Sch l Back to Sch l

about what it is like to be di erent.” But he didn’t let his peers’ behavior chart his course. Rather, he took comfort in the people who did see him — like the kids he babysat, who were always excited when he came over. And his parents, who supported him through medical procedures and other obstacles.

After two friendless years at Hanover High School in New Hampshire, Drazin transferred to Sharon Academy, a small private high school he describes as having “a culture of acceptance.” With a fresh start, he made friends and was even crowned senior prom king.

In high school and college, he underwent several more surgeries on his jaw and nose that he says made him more comfortable with his appearance. With increased confidence came the understanding that “regardless of how you look, if you present yourself confidently, the world is going to respond positively to that.”

Drazin went on to earn a K-6 teaching degree from Goddard College and become a teacher at Bradford Elementary School in central Vermont. He came to believe that schools could spend more time building students’ awareness of di erences — and start earlier.

So, while teaching in Bradford, he organized annual events where students participated in stations that simulated what it was like to have di erent disabilities — something he’d seen at a school in Maine when he was a guest speaker there in college. The feedback he received was overwhelmingly positive, setting Drazin on a course to spread his message to more schools.

“Teachers are asked to build community with a diverse population,” he explained, but often aren’t shown how. Driven by the principle that awareness is the foundation of empathy — the ability to understand and share the feelings of others — he created the nonprofit Changing Perspectives to help students learn about each other’s di erences.

Many Vermont schools are already strengthening their communities through programs like Responsive

Classroom, which helps kids develop social-emotional skills; students participate in daily morning meetings and work together to create classroom rules. Drazin’s program complements, and builds on, these existing e orts. Some schools also implement anti-bullying initiatives, but typically they don’t start until middle school and often involve a speaker presenting to a big assembly, then leaving. Drazin’s curriculum, which was created in collaboration with educational experts including special educators and speech-language pathologists, is geared toward kids in kindergarten through eighth grade and gets students actively involved. They spend about a month learning about various disabilities, listening

to guest speakers, participating in simulation stations and, finally, reflecting on what they’ve learned. Last school year, he worked with a dozen schools — 10 in Vermont and two in New Hampshire — to implement his program.

With Changing Perspectives, which is funded primarily through grants and smaller financial contributions from participating schools, timing is important: It’s “proactive, or preventative,” meaning it teaches kids to be empathetic before social isolation or bullying becomes a problem. The program gives kids time, and a safe space, to learn and talk openly about di erences that are visible, like visual impairment and physical disabilities, and invisible ones, like learning disabilities and socialemotional challenges.

Drazin believes that if a program like this had been around when he

was a kid, he might have had an easier time. “I think if other people understood me better,” he reflected, “some of that social isolation I experienced wouldn’t have happened.”

Understanding Differences

With increasing academic demands on students, why should schools spend precious time teaching empathy? Youth today are constantly exposed to intolerance and ignorance, especially online and in the media, explained Kevin Hunt, a middle school teacher at Williston Central School who worked with Changing Perspectives last year.

“I believe that building relationships with students and teaching empathy is, at the core, one of the most important things we do as educators,” Hunt said.

And there’s research to back that up. A November 2015 New York Times article describes a recent study that found adults who received high marks for sharing, cooperating and helping in kindergarten were more likely to graduate from high school on time, earn a college degree and obtain fulltime employment. “Social competence outweighed other variables like social class, early academic achievement and family circumstances when it came to predicting outcomes,” the piece states.

In her new book, UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our AllAbout-Me World, child psychologist and best-selling author Michele Borba asserts that empathy will help kids navigate life’s “emotional minefields and ethical challenges.”

Drazin helps educators customize Changing Perspectives to best meet students’ needs. The six-week curriculum is divided into three phases: learn, experience and reflect. In the first phase, teachers choose several disabilities to focus on from a list of eight categories — including autism, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, visual impairment, speech impairment, hearing loss, socialemotional issues and cognitive issues — that align with the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.

I think if other people understood me better, some of that social isolation I experienced wouldn’t have happened.

SAM DRAZIN, FOUNDER, CHANGING PERSPECTIVES

Mia White leading Ava Barron through a visual-impairment station at Williston Central School

Sam Drazin

Lessons in Kindness

CONTINUED FROM

Changing Perspectives offers educators a menu of lesson plans aligned with Common Core standards, literature units and short online videos to teach kids about those disabilities. For example, students might go on a scavenger hunt to see if their school is accessible for students with disabilities. Or they might watch a clip about what it’s like to have attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, then create a poster to show what they learned. Each lesson involves a mix of whole group, partner and individual

work and emphasizes collaboration and communication.

At Williston Central School, fifth through eighth grade students met in eight different literature groups, reading and discussing works of fiction in which characters had various disabilities. (For some of Drazin’s book recommendations, see “Bookworms” on page 13).

At Folsom Education & Community Center in South Hero, which implemented the Changing Perspectives curriculum school-wide last fall, each multiage team chose a

Encouraging Empathy at Home

In 2014, Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Making Caring Common project released guidelines for how parents can cultivate empathy in their children. We’ve summarized their five recommendations below. Find the full guidelines at mcc.gse.harvard.edu/files/gse-mcc/files/ empathy.pdf.

Empathize with your child and model empathy for others. Tune in to your kids’ physical and emotional needs. Take a genuine interest in their lives. Demonstrate kindness to those you interact with; kids will notice if you treat a waitress or mail carrier as if they’re invisible. Make caring for others a priority and set high ethical expectations. Instead of saying to your kids, “The most important thing is that you’re happy,” you might say, “The most important thing is that you’re kind and that you’re happy.” Ask teachers and coaches if your kids are caring community members, in addition to inquiring about their academic skills and performance.

Provide opportunities for children to practice empathy. Have family meetings where you encourage your kids to listen carefully to the views of others. Notice and discuss with your

child when someone in your daily life, in a book or in a television show exhibits strong empathy. Expand your child’s circle of concern. Use newspaper or TV stories to start conversations about other people’s hardships or challenges. Encourage your kids to consider the feelings of those who may be vulnerable, like an unpopular child. Give them some simple ideas for taking action, like comforting a classmate who was teased.

Help children develop self-control and manage feelings effectively. Often when kids don’t express empathy, it’s because of negative feelings they’re having, like frustration, sadness and anger. Encourage them to talk to you about why they’re feeling that way. Teach them to calm themselves by taking a deep breath and counting to five. Use role-playing to practice how to resolve conflicts.

different set of disabilities to learn about based on what they thought would be most relevant and meaningful to their students. Kindergarten through second grade students learned the general concept that everyone is different and had a parent with dyslexia come in as a guest speaker. Third and fourth graders read and discussed Wonder by R.J. Palacio, a work of fiction about a fifth grader with a facial anomaly that was selected as the 2014 Vermont Reads book by the Vermont Humanities Council.

Folsom guidance counselor Mary Ann Fisher introduced the program to her school’s staff. She said it was a great way to emphasize the anti-bullying message they’re trying to instill in their students, many of whom have challenges like the ones they discussed. Everyone in the school, including the gym and art teachers, helped with the program, and Fisher said many staff members wished it could have lasted longer than six weeks.

Walking in Someone Else’s Shoes

In the second part of the Changing Perspectives curriculum — the experience phase — students engage in activities that help them understand what it’s like to live with a disability. At Shelburne Community School, where fourth and fifth grade teachers used the Changing Perspectives curriculum, this phase consisted of a Disability Awareness Day last March.

A panel of adult speakers, with differences ranging from visual impairment to Asperger’s syndrome, sat at a long table at the front of the gym and talked to students about what their lives were like. Heidi Swevens, who became legally blind when she was in college, explained how special equipment, like a clock that talks out loud and a computer with a magnified screen, helps her function. She told students that she likes being independent, so it’s sometimes hard to ask for help. Learning how to use her white cane made her feel empowered, she said, explaining that being blind hasn’t stopped her from traveling to Israel and France.

Nicole LeBlanc, who has autism, told the group that when she was a kid, she always wished she were normal. “I’ve learned there’s no such thing as normal,” she said. “Disability is just another form of diversity that makes the world unique.”

Last spring, students at Williston Central School had a similar panel discussion, which included Molly Thompson, then a freshman at Woodstock High School. Born with Pfeiffer syndrome, a craniofacial condition that caused her bones to develop abnormally, Molly has had more than 34 surgeries and has a tracheotomy tube and hearing aids.

When she was a student at Hartland Elementary School, she started visiting classrooms there to speak to kids about her differences. Drazin approached her last school year to work with Changing Perspectives. In addition to talking to students in Williston and at Hartland, she’s visited Bradford Elementary School and plans to do more panels next year. The program “isn’t just about awareness,” Molly explained in an email. “It’s more about acceptance. It recognizes that we are all people who deserve respect and inclusion, differences and all.”

In both Shelburne and Williston, the panel discussions were followed by simulation stations, in which students got a chance to experience how it would feel to have different disabilities. In Williston, middle school students tried out the simulations themselves, then ran the stations for third and fourth graders.

At a station focused on physical disabilities, kids put socks on their hands and tried to string beads and button up a shirt. Sixth grader Amelia Worth said the activity made her think about not taking her fine-motor abilities for granted. “People who have trouble writing, that’s daily for them,” she said. As part of her Changing Perspectives work, Amelia read a book called Rain Reign about a girl with autism “who’s obsessed with prime numbers and homonyms,” she explained. She also watched a film

Building relationships with students and teaching empathy is, at the core, one of the most important things we do as educators.

KEVIN HUNT, MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHER, WILLISTON CENTRAL SCHOOL

called Wretches & Jabberers, about two men who travel the world to raise awareness about autism. Being aware of differences is a good thing, she said, “because we are the people who are going to grow up learning and accepting.”

The End Game

The last phase of Changing Perspectives is all about reflection. Teachers ask kids to articulate how the lessons and activities they experienced changed their perception of people with differences.

After students went through a visual-impairment station at Williston Central School — in which they were led blindfolded through an obstacle course with plastic cones, Hula-Hoops and buckets— teacher Amanda Laberge facilitated a discussion, asking students how the stations changed their outlook.

“It would be really hard if you had no one helping you,” said one younger student. “You have to depend on someone your whole life.”

The reflection phase also asks students to take it a step further: How will their change in perception lead to a change in behavior?

Williston seventh grader Jagger Lehouiller explained some of the things he’s learned to do when he encounters someone who looks or acts differently than others. Welcome them, he said. Be a friend. Don’t exclude them. “They’re

just like us,” he added. “They’re human beings. They’re people, too.”

Teacher Kevin Hunt shared some of his students’ written reflections.

“I’m more aware about helping out someone who needs help if they look like they come to a fork in the road,” wrote one student. “I’m also always happy to become friends with someone if they look lonely.”

“People need to know that people are people no matter what they look like or a disability they have,” wrote another. “Like Molly said in her presentation, ‘Always be kind.’”

“I realize that everyone has their challenges, disability or not,” one student wrote.

To learn more about Changing Perspectives, visit cpne.org.

All children can learn to think this way, Drazin believes, if they’re given the opportunity, explicit instructions and strong role models.

“If there are kids who are never empathetic, it’s not their fault,” he said. “Adults need to be setting kids up for success.” K

George Francisco navigating an obstacle course while blindfolded at Williston Central School

Katelyn Reagan, Maggie Lawrence and Marissa Cross (left to right) wearing socks on their hands while trying to string beads

Perfect Sense

A new space in Barre lets kids with autism explore and relax

STORY BY SARAH YAHM

PHOTOS BY JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

For Maleia Darling, a 20-year-old Barre woman living with autism, the everyday world is often unbearably overstimulating. Fluorescent lights, for example, cause her physical discomfort — they flicker painfully in her eyes and distract her.

Though she’s learned ways to better navigate the world and has fewer meltdowns than she used to, it’s still a struggle to “cope in a world that is oh so out of my comfort zone,” she writes (she’s primarily nonverbal).

But there’s one place she can go to calm her heightened senses and experience much-needed relief — the Imagination Station in Barre, which opened in May.

Walking into the new space is a bit like stepping through the looking glass into another world. The Imagination Station is a sensory room — a hightech, psychedelic playground where every object stimulates or soothes at least one of the five senses.

In the dimly lit room, three-anda-half-foot glass tubes filled with multicolored bubbles emit a soft, gurgling sound and glow like giant lava lamps. Interactive displays — from high-tech computer terminals programmed with educational games, to low-tech touching stations that enable visitors to feel various textures — line the walls.

In the center of the room is a multicolored tower of climbable blocks connected to a projector. Touching the blocks changes the colors of the images on the far wall, which creates visual stimulation and teaches cause and effect.

Visitors who need a break from these sounds, sights and sensations can retreat to a tiny alcove off the

Ethan Slayton, 8, watching virtual snowflakes at an interactive wall panel

main room. There, they can sit in a beanbag chair wired with vibrating speakers, cover themselves with a weighted blanket and stare up at glow-in-the-dark celestial projections on the ceiling.

At 1,200 square feet, the Imagination Station is the largest and best-equipped sensory room in Vermont. It’s funded by a partnership between the nonprofit Autism Puzzle Foundation and Washington County Mental Health Services, and is located in the agency’s WellSpace center. The primary beneficiaries: children with autism.

“This room can get kids to a certain level of relaxation to open up windows that maybe they’re too anxious [to] in other settings,” says Heather Slayton, a Washington County Mental Health employee and the adoptive mother of a child with autism.

Safe Exploration Space

The Imagination Station is a specific kind of sensory room known as a Snoezelen Room. Coined in the ’70s by two Dutch therapists, the Dutch hybrid word — pronounced “snoozea-lin” — directly translates as “sniffing and dozing” but in practice means something more like exploring and relaxing. The Imagination Station is the sole Snoezelen Room in Vermont, and one of a handful in New England.

Snoezelen Rooms

are designed for people with a range of disabilities and sensory integration problems. These highly interactive environments contain elements that are both soothing and stimulating at the same time and can be modified to meet particular sensory needs.

Most neurotypical individuals have relatively similar sensory experiences — a bubble bath is relaxing, a birthday party is exciting, hugs are comforting. But people with autism interpret that sensory data differently. Carolyn Jackson, a Snoezelen consultant and salesperson who helped design the Imagination Station, explains that some people with autism experience everything very intensely, so that even minor stimulation can overload the brain and the central nervous system. A slight smell of soap, for example,

might make this type of individual feel as if someone were “dumping it down their nose,” she says. Others have the opposite experience — they need intense stimulation for their brain to register any sensory input at all.

Snoezelen Rooms are designed with both in mind. The bubble tubes, the weighted blankets and the dim lights are calming, while the computer displays and other interactive elements provide opportunities for stimulation and enrichment.

Linda Messbauer is an occupational therapist in New York City who brought the first Snoezelen Room to the United States in the early ’90s. People with autism, she explains, spend most of their days navigating an unwelcome onslaught of sensory information. In reaction to that barrage, they sometimes “stim,” or get stuck in behavioral ruts — repetitive behaviors designed to help them cope with the world. By creating a safe and relaxing environment, Snoezelen Rooms provide an opportunity for these kids to create new behavioral patterns.

“What happens is, the child now has access to all of the things that they’ve been learning all along and it just needs to be drawn out, but you need to find a way to bring it out,” she says. “Snoezelen is that medium.”

The most important part of the Snoezelen experience, these and other experts say, is not the equipment, but the control children have over it. Most treatment for kids on the autism spectrum involves helping them adjust to society’s rules and expectations. But in a Snoezelen Room, kids get to create an environment tailored specifically to them.

When Slayton goes to the Imagination Station with her son, Ethan, she only turns on the features that he requests. During a visit in July, she leaves the lights dim and turns on the bubble towers because they soothe and calm her son so effectively. This particular visit is a supervised playdate with Ethan’s biological sister, who is also on the autism spectrum and lives with a nearby foster family. In the past, these two siblings have had a hard time

Sat. Oct. 1st & Sunday Oct. 2nd Fun for the Whole Family

Our animals are here year round! Check our website for pick-your-own dates!

He is definitely more chill when he leaves here, and it lasts for a long time.

HEATHER SLAYTON, MOM OF A CHILD WITH AUTISM

Perfect Sense

CONTINUED FROM P. 25

interacting, which is one reason they live in separate homes. But Slayton wants to adopt Ethan’s sister, and she thinks the space may be a helpful tool in eventually reuniting them.

The Snoezelen Room helps them “relax to a point where they’re able to play with each other,” Slayton observes. Slayton, along with a Department for Children and Families worker and Ethan’s sister’s foster mom, watches while the two kids charge around the room squealing with delight, climbing the block towers and periodically checking back in at the bubble station to calm down. Slayton is so enthusiastic about the opportunities the room provides that she’s volunteering nearly every day after work, training parents and providers so that more people can use the space.

A Team Effort

The Imagination Station was the brainchild of Randy Lamberti, cofounder of the Autism Puzzle Foundation. Lamberti, a financial adviser, was inspired to help families affected by autism after watching Maleia Darling’s parents — his sister and brother-in-law, Keri and Todd Darling — struggle to raise her.

For more than 10 years, Lamberti’s organization provided mini grants to families so they could purchase materials, like weighted blankets, to help ease day-to-day challenges. Last year, Lamberti and the foundation’s board decided that they wanted to close up shop and leave their community with a lasting gift. So the Puzzle Foundation donated upwards of $75,000 for Snoezelen Room

Beanbags and soft blocks in the Imagination Station

Bubble tubes in the Imagination Station

equipment; WCMHS used its own funds and in-house staff to transform a former storage area into the Imagination Station, which is dedicated to the memory of Lamberti’s late mother, Kay.

WCMHS staff oversee the room during the day, but director Phil Wells has pulled together a cadre of mostly parent volunteers who are willing to supervise weekend and evening hours so that families can enjoy the space together. He says he’s committed to turning the room into a genuine community resource, not just a facility for clients of his agency. Because the room fills a vital need for families, he expects visitors from all over northern New England.

Says Todd Darling, Lamberti’s brother-in-law and Maleia’s father: “This is a place where you can come with your child and no one’s going to judge you. If your child has a meltdown, if your child bangs his head on the wall, you’re not going to get any looks.”

Clear Benefits

Phil Wells says he’s already heard occupational therapists and parents talking about how they’re going to use Snoezelen materials and activities with kids. Darling, for example, wants to use one of the digital wall panels, which measures volume, to help Maleia learn how to modulate her voice.

Messbauer, the occupational therapist and national sensory room expert, believes that Snoezelen Rooms can be therapeutic, and she has many anecdotes about children’s lives changing for the better because of them. But it’s hard to quantify this data because each experience is so individualized, and because the

goals are often pleasure-based. She’s currently working with researchers from the University of Tennessee to scientifically document the ways in which multisensory environments alter behavioral patterns. In other words, to prove that these environments are more than just fun.

Until then, she says, families will have to rely on foundation and community support to fund spaces like the Imagination Station. “The government’s never gonna pay for this,” Messbauer says with a chuckle. “Because the government doesn’t pay for fun.”

Though Messbaeur is still trying to quantify the long-term measurable therapeutic effects, Slayton and the Darlings have already noticed dramatic short-term benefits.

“He is definitely more chill when he leaves here, and it lasts for a long time,” Slayton says of her son, Ethan.

“He doesn’t go home and stim nearly as often; he doesn’t line everything up; he doesn’t have to get all of his 500 Lego mini-figures out and put his armies on the table.”

Want to Quit Smoking? Want to Quit Smoking?

VCBH can help

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the Imagination Station at wcmhs.org.

Todd and Keri Darling are acutely aware that Maleia’s every waking minute is spent navigating a neurotypical world — and that even a tiny break from that world is immeasurably valuable.

Maleia “does what we tell her to do; she goes where we tell her to go; she wears what we buy her,” Todd says. “So she has ... nothing in this life that is pure pleasure for her, for her to just enjoy … We take that for granted, we all take that for granted.” K

Ethan playing with brightly lit fiber optic cables

CALENDAR

Sh r Grace

In 1991, San Francisco-based Amelia Rudolph founded dance company BANDALOOP, combining artistic choreography with rock-climbing skills. Her troupe has traveled the globe, performing at high-flying destinations from the Himalayas to Seattle’s Space Needle. This month, four of her dancers transform Dartmouth College’s five-story Black Family Visual Arts Center into their stage. Tethered by safety lines, they’ll descend the building’s glass face, turning synchronized cartwheels and backflips bound to amaze the audience. “They say what we do is death-defying,” Rudolph writes on her website. “I’d say it’s life-affirming.”

BANDALOOP: Friday, September 16, 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Black Family Visual Arts Center, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H. Free. All ages. Info, 603-6462422. Rain date: Saturday, September 17. hop.dartmouth.edu

SPOTLIGHTS & LISTINGS BY BRETT STANCIU

1 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: Moms tote their precrawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a fun and nurturing environment. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 10:45-11:55 a.m. $15; $130 for a 10class pass. Info, 864-9642.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 12:30-1:30 p.m. $15; $130 for 10-class pass. Info, 864-9642.

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

Education

Audubon Homeschool Program: Home-based learners use the outdoor classroom to explore a variety of monthly topics, rotating seasonally from insect life to bird habitat. Ages 6-8. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $25; $15 each additional sibling; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Fairs & Festivals

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

Food

Making Crab Apple Sauce: Junior chefs harvest fruit from the library’s tree, then lend a hand making a sweet treat. Grades 1-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Library & Books

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

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

Music

Music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

Snow Farm Vineyard Summer Concert Series: Weather permitting, crowds gather for a weekly rotation of classical, jazz, swing, bluegrass and rock. Picnicking begins at 5 p.m.; music starts at 6:30 p.m. Food and drink available to purchase from various vendors. Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero, Free. Info, 372-9463.

Nature & Science

Raptors in Residence: The mysteries surrounding birds of prey are revealed as visitors come face-to-face with live owls and hawks. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 1-1:30 p.m. Regular museum

admission, $5-8; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8686.

Parenting

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

2 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Champlain Valley Fair: See September 1.

Food

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

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

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

Hardwick Farmers Market: Local produce, plants, artisan cheese, syrup and more fill

Cla es

shoppers’ market baskets. Diverse dinner delectables available. Storytime for small ones from 3-4 p.m. Atkins Field, Hardwick, 3-6 p.m. Free. Richmond Farmers Market: Vendors peddle handheld pies, honey ice cream, homemade pickles, just-picked produce and much more at this lively showcase of locavorism. All ages. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Free.

Games

Craftsbury Lego Club: Youngsters create with plastic blocks and enjoy companionship. Ages 4-12. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 586-9683.

Essex Magic: The Gathering: “Planeswalkers” seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game. New players welcome. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Killington Magic: The Gathering: Novice and experienced players team up for card playing. Ages 8 and up. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765.

Library & Books

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

Richmond Early Bird Math Time: Little learners get going with math literacy through games and play. Ages 2-5. Richmond Free Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

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

Music

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

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

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The future of our nation depends on the courage, confidence and determination of its people. Our Kids BJJ Program promotes self-esteem, self-confidence, character development and a physical outlet with discipline, cooperation with other children, respect for peers and adults, perseverance, and a healthy lifestyle. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will help your kids to learn realistic bully-proofing and self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds endurance, patience and self-respect. Give your kids the ability to get stronger, gain confidence and build resilience! Our sole purpose is to help empower people by giving them practices they can carry with them throughout life. Remember you are raising children, not flowers. First class is free! Please stop by our school at 55 Leroy Road, Williston; call 598-2839; visit our website vermontbjj.com or email julio@bjjusa.com to register your son or daughter.

Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Classes at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Have a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for birth with stretching, strengthening and relaxation in prenatal yoga — and then bring your body back to balance and strength in postnatal yoga. Join our community of mothers at any point in your pregnancy, and 6 weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling). No yoga experience

necessary. Prenatal Yoga: Sundays, 10 a.m.; Mondays, 5:45 p.m.; Tuesdays, 4:15 p.m.; Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m.; Thursdays, 12:15 p.m.; Fridays, 8:15 a.m. Postnatal Yoga: Sundays, 12:15 p.m.; Tuesdays, 10:45 a.m.; Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Fridays, 8:15 a.m.; Fridays, noon (postnatal core). Drop-ins welcome; $15/class or $130/10-class pass.

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

EvoBaby & EvoKids Yoga at Evolution

Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Register now for baby and kids yoga classes. Join us to bond with your baby or give your child tools to help self-regulate and find more joy.

Classes seven days a week for all ages, 6 weeks to teen. See detailed schedule on website for age groupings, descriptions and pricing. Location:  Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington.  Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily.com, 899-0339

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

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

Fall Migration Bird Walk: From warblers to vireos, tanagers to thrushes, beginning birders keep an ear out for migrating songbirds. All ages. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7:30-9 a.m. $10; free for members and kids. Info, 229-6206.

3 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Little Art: During this drop-in time, art educator Tina Logan leads kids and caregivers to create unique masterpieces inspired by the adult Big Art displays in the mall. Ages 5-11. Berlin Mall, 10 a.m.-noon & 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 229-4151.

Traditional Craft Saturdays: Local artisans demonstrate making rag rugs, basket and chairseat weaving, leather tanning and woodworking. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $414; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Labor & Leisure Day: Families pitch in on the farm, helping to build a split-rail fence and scrub 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 museum admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Fairs & Festivals

Champlain Valley Fair: See September 1.

Dawson Perley Memorial Car Show: Visitors stroll among spruced-up vehicles and participate in a ra e and silent auction. All proceeds benefit an athletic scholarship fund. Westcom’s Snack Bar, Bakersfield, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; $15 per car registration. Info, 393-1055.

Food

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

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

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

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

Rutland Farmers Market: Local vendors peddle farm-fresh produce and fruits, handcrafted breads, artisan cheese, and more at this outdoor emporium. Downtown Rutland, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 342-4727.

Library & Books

Cleo the Therapy Dog: Canine and reading enthusiasts visit with a personable pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Nature & Science

Archaeology Adventures: Fledgling prehistorians make pinch pots, check out a flint knapping demo and bring in their own ancient finds for experts to identify. All ages. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Raptors in Residence: See September 1.

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

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

4 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Walk for Wishes: As part of a nationwide event, the community raises funds for Make-A-Wish Vermont while enjoying a family fun zone, games, an inflatable obstacle course and a BBQ dinner. All ages. Centennial Field, Burlington, 2 p.m. $5-10; free for children under 6. Info, 864-9393.

Fairs

& Festivals

Champlain Valley Fair: See September 1.

Food

South Burlington Farmers Market: Locavores skip the grocery store and head to this outdoor market for produce, meat and eggs, plus goods from local artists and ethnic lunch options. University Mall, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

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

Winooski Farmers Market: Local produce, farm goods, artisan crafts, kids’ activities and tunes come together on the banks of the Winooski River. Champlain Mill, Winooski, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, winooskimarket@gmail.com.

Health & Fitness

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

Nature & Science

Archaeology Adventures: See September 3. Discovery Sundays: Families have fun with hands-on science experiments and investigations, using wheels, towers, magnets, feathers, water and bubbles. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular museum admission, $12.5014.50; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5001, ext. 228.

Sundays for Fledglings: Aspiring junior birders learn all about the work birds do through observation, research and goofing around. Ages 5-10; siblings welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3.50-7; free for members and children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

Tour the Cosmos: See September 3.

5 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1. 5:45-7 p.m.

Cycling for a Cure

When she was 10 months old, Delaney Johnson of Essex Junction was diagnosed with alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), a debilitating disease that currently has no cure. At age 4, she received a further diagnosis of epilepsy. Still, “Delaney is persistent and determined, and she loves to have fun,” says her mom, Katrina Sliwka. “She is also the hardest worker I’ve ever known.” In 2014, Sliwka and her husband, Ben Johnson, organized DEL’S RIDE, to honor their daughter and raise funds for the nonprofit organization Cure AHC. At the event, now in its third year, bikers choose between two different scenic loops, ranging from seven to 20 miles, while kids cycle on their own short course. Non-bikers can do a strenuous trail run instead, and a celebratory barbecue ends the day. Last year, the event took in more than $15,000; this year, they hope to raise $20K.

DEL’S RIDE: Sunday, September 18, noon-6 p.m., at Sleepy Hollow Ski and Bike Center in Huntington. Registration begins at 11 a.m. $75 minimum fundraising for adult ride or run; $50 per child; children with a participating parent can bike the short course for free. All ages. Info, katrinaplum@gmail.com. delsride.org

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

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

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

6 TUESDAY

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See September 1, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4:30-5:30 & 6-7 p.m.

Community

Milton Community Activities Fair: The Milton Community Youth Coalition sponsors this annual fair, offering one-stop shopping for families to learn about local sports, recreation, clubs and services. Come with an appetite for the community dinner. All ages. Milton Elementary/Middle School, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 893-1009.

Education

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

Games

Chess Club: Strategists enjoy competition and camaraderie. All ages. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765. Family Game Night: Families take over the library’s tabletops for a fun evening. Ages 5 and

up. Fairfax Community Library, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

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

Lego Day: Amateur architects snap together buildings of their own design. All ages. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2-3 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Health & Fitness

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

Library & Books

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

Waterbury Lego Free Build: Kids drop in and bring their imaginations to life with plastic blocks. Ages 7-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Music

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

Nature & Science

Monarch Butterfly Tagging: Young naturalists drop in to gently catch, tag and release these black-and-orange migrants. Bring a net if you have one. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. $3-5. Info, 229-6206. Raptors in Residence: See September 1.

Parenting

Nurturing Parent Program: Moms and dads

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

7 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. For moms with infants and early crawlers. Emerge with Amy Lepage-Hansen, Montpelier, 10:3011:30 a.m. $15. Info, 223-5302.

Mother’s Gathering: Moms and new babies spread out, sip tea, nurse and swap stories. Children under 2 welcome. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-5302.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See September 5.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See September 5.

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

Community

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

Food

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

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

Games

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

Health & Fitness

End-of-Season Potluck: The summer’s weekly Mountain Bike Series celebrates its seasonal end with awards, prizes and a communal meal. All ages. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 879-6001.

Library & Books

Dorothy’s List Book Club: Middle readers make merry conversation around DCF pick Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer by Kelly Jones. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Nature & Science

Science Loves Art: Curious thinkers of all ages combine the natural and artistic worlds using bubbles, prisms, watercolors and more to make

take-home creations. ECHO

Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11:30 a.m. 12:30 & 2 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Story Time at ECHO: Preschoolers rally ’round for nature-inspired tales and activities. Ages 2-5. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

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

8 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See September 1.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

Education

Audubon Homeschool Program: Home-based learners use the outdoor classroom to explore a variety of monthly topics, rotating seasonally from measuring forests to aquatic ecosystems. Ages 9-12. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $25; $15 each additional sibling; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Health & Fitness

Yoga for Kids: Young yogis engage their energy and explore breathing exercises and relaxation poses. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: See September 1. Lego Thursdays: See September 1. St. Albans Library Legos: Aspiring architects engage in construction projects with their peers. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See September 1.

Nature & Science

Raptors in Residence: See September 1.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See September 1.

9 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

South End Art Hop: Queen City artists come out of the woodwork for this exciting and varied exhibition of visual art. Visit seaba.com for a complete schedule of events, including ones geared toward kids. Various South End locations, Burlington, 5-10 p.m. Free. Info, 859-9222.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Vermont’s

Education

Fairbanks Homeschool Day: Students expand their scholastic horizons in the museum’s galleries and other venues with a variety of programs. Call for specific topics and location. Grades

K-8. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, noon-2 p.m. $8-10 includes museum admission; $5 for planetarium; one free adult per paying child. Info, 748-2372.

Fort Ticonderoga Homeschool Day: Students learn about the life of an 18th-century soldier on a day exclusively reserved for homeschool groups. All ages. Fort Ticonderoga, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $9-22; free for kids under 5. Info, 518-585-2821.

Food

5 Corners Farmers Market: See September 2.

Burger Night: See September 2.

Foodways Fridays: See September 2.

Hardwick Farmers Market: See September 2. Richmond Farmers Market: See September 2.

Games

Craftsbury Lego Club: See September 2.

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

Killington Magic: The Gathering: See September 2.

Library & Books

Richmond Early Bird Math Time: See September 2. Rutland Library Book Sale: Bibliophiles thumb through hundreds of hardcovers, paperbacks, CDs and DVDs. Proceeds support library collections and activities. Rutland Free Library, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

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

Waterbury Family Story Time: See September 2.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See September 2.

Music With Robert: See September 2. Sprouting Melodies Music Class: A certified music therapist teaches toddlers to explore their emerging language, movement and social skills through music. Ages 18 months to 3 years. Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, Burlington, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 585-727-3238.

Nature & Science

Fall Migration Bird Walk: See September 2. Wild Medicine Plant Walk: Herbalist and naturalist Angie Barger guides a stroll searching for local edibles, then families cook their gatherings over a campfire. All ages. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 5-7 p.m. $10-12; $20 per family; preregister. Info, 229-6206.

10 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Shelburne Craft School Saturday Drop-In: Artsy types create seasonal masterpieces in this ever-changing weekly series. Projects available

for pickup at a later date. Ages 5-15 with an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per participant. Info, 985-3648.

South End Art Hop: See September 9, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Steamroller Printmaking: Helen Day Art Studio hosts an art session where families make big prints with the help of heavy machinery. All ages with an adult. Drop in any time. Rain date: September 11. Sushi Yoshi, Stowe, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $20; preregister. Info, 253-8358.

Traditional Craft Saturdays: See September 3.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

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

Fairs & Festivals

Glory Days Festival: An annual family-oriented fest celebrates the town’s choo-choo history with children’s entertainment, a model train show, live music and engine displays. Saturday’s train ride winds along the Connecticut River. Downtown, White River Junction, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free; $10-15 for train excursion. Info, 295-5036.

Kids Hop: This kid-friendly complement to SEABA’s South End Art Hop offers creative opportunities including children’s crafts and various demonstrations. See seaba.com for events and locations. Designed for kids ages 3-12. SEABA Tent, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 859-9222.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: See September 3. Capital City Farmers Market: See September 3. Champlain Island Farmers Market: See September 3.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See September 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See September 3.

Health & Fitness

USA Luge Slider Search: Athletic youths sign up for an instructional session to learn the basic of luging, taught by US Olympic and National Team coaches as part of their team search. Ages 9-13. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, Free; preregister for a session. Info, 800-872-5843.

Young Athletes Program: In collaboration with Special Olympics Vermont, youngsters with and without intellectual disabilities team up with coaches for learning foundational movement skills and active living while having fun. Ages 2-7. Hinesburg Community School, 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 482-2106.

Library & Books

‘Emerson Barks’ Story Time: Vermont author and illustrator Liza Woodruff reads from her brand-new picture book, followed by activities and treats. Ages 4-8. Vermont Bookshop, Middlebury, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 388-2061.

Rutland Library Book Sale: See September 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Second Saturdays: This child-friendly afternoon, a collaboration between the Norwich Public Library and the Norwich Bookstore, celebrates reading with various themed activities.

Check norwichlibrary.org for location. Norwich Bookstore, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

Spanish Musical Playgroup: Rhymes, books, songs and crafts en español entertain niños. Snacks provided. Ages 5 and under. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Music

Musical Instrument Petting Zoo: Children and adults interested in exploring music-making try out a wide range of instruments. Ages 5 and up. Joslin Memorial Library, Waitsfield, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 496-4205.

Nature & Science

Raptors in Residence: See September 1. Tour the Cosmos: See September 3.

Volunteer Work Day: Folks of all ages lend their helping hands at the museum, both inside and outside. Sandwiches provided. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

11 SUNDAY

Arts & Crafts

South End Art Hop: See September 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Barn Dance: Refreshments, live music, hayrides, games, a silent auction and a pie contest make for family fun. All ages. Beard’s Barn, Waterbury Center, 2-5 p.m. $15 per person; $20 per family. Info, 244-5605.

Open Streets BTV: People of all ages bike, stroll, roll, dance and skate along car-free streets in the Old North End and downtown Burlington, amid activities and food geared toward families. Burlington’s Old North End, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 881-7767.

Fairs & Festivals

Glory Days Festival: See September 10, 10 a.m.2 p.m.

Food

South Burlington Farmers Market: See September 4.

Stowe Farmers Market: See September 4.

Winooski Farmers Market: See September 4.

Health & Fitness

Cabot Rides the Ridges: Families enjoy a picturesque 10K cycling tour, while more experienced riders navigate 30-100K courses. A feast of local foods follows. Cabot School, 8 a.m. $15-35; $50 per family; $10 for non-rider’s lunch; proceeds benefit Cabot Connects. Info, 563-3338.

Essex Open Gym: See September 4.

Family Tennis Drop-In: Families rally on the courts and mingle with other players. Equipment provided. All ages. Middlebury Indoor Tennis, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free.

USA Luge Slider Search: See September 10.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See September 4. Sundays for Fledglings: See September 4. Tour the Cosmos: See September 3. Wild Mushrooms of Autumn: Hunters of nature’s edibles enjoy an informative and colorful presentation, followed by a woods foray to find the gourmet goods. Ages 12 and up. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 1-3 p.m. $25-30; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

12 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafts for Kids: Clever kiddos pursue artsy projects. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See September 5.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See September 5.

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

Food

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

Health & Fitness

After-School Tennis: Teens team up on the courts through games and instruction in this four-week program. Grades 7-9. Middlebury Indoor Tennis, 3:30-5 p.m. Free; preregister.

Library & Books

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

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

Music

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

Music for Preschoolers: See September 1, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

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

Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: Little explorers and their caregivers discover the sights and sounds of the forest and field, while learning how the natural environment can be used as an adventurous classroom. Dress in outdoor clothing. Ages 5 and under. North Branch Nature

Center, Montpelier, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free; donations welcome. Info, 229-6206.

13 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Drop-In Preschool Art: Miniature Michelangelos dig into clay, paint, collage and printmaking. Ages 3-5 with adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per child. Info, 985-3648. Tech Craft Tuesday: Imaginative youngsters make masterpieces using technology materials. Ages 7-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

Baby & Maternity

Big Little Yoga: Mamas and little ones bond through breathwork, body massage and basic yoga poses. Ages 6 weeks through early crawlers. Charlotte Central School, 8:15-9:30 a.m. $11. Info, 413-695-0659.

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See September 6. Burlington La Leche League: New moms bring their babies and questions to a breastfeeding support group. Older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 985-8228.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See September 1, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

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

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4:30-5:30 & 6-7 p.m.

Education

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See September 6.

Games

Franklin Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See September 6.

Health & Fitness

Tuesday Night Trail Running: See September 6.

Library & Books

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

Movies

Family Movie: Families snuggle in for a PG-rated screening while munching snacks. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Music

Preschool Music: See September 6.

Nature & Science

Discovery in the Nestlings Nook: Bird enthusiasts stretch their wings during a themed session of tales, crafts, music and outdoor exploration. Intended for preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $3.50-7; free for members and children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

Monarch Butterfly Tagging: See September 6.

Raptors in Residence: See September 1.

Parenting

Nurturing Parent Program: See September 6.

14 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See September 7.

Mother’s Gathering: See September 7.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See September 5.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See September 5.

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

Education

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

Food

Champlain Island Farmers Market: See September 7.

Kids in The Kitchen: Knife Skills

Local Veggie Sushi: Young chefs channel their inner ninjas in this hands-on chopping class, then make and munch their own vegetable masterpieces. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20. Info, 863-2569.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See September 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See September 3, 3-6 p.m.

Woodstock Market on the Green: See September 7.

Games

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

Health & Fitness

After-School Tennis: See September 12.

Library & Books

Family Fun Night: The whole family turns out for games, Legos, crafts and more. All ages. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 5-6:30 p.m. Free; pizza available with preregistration. Info, 482-2878.

Lego Club: Budding builders construct creatively with colorful blocks. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Nature & Science

Story Time at ECHO: See September 7. Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See September 7.

15 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

Babywearing Playgroup: Moms with tiny tots swap stories and socialize. All ages. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 1011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 899-0339.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See September 1. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

15 THURSDAY, P.34

Soaring Gourds

How many feet can you fling a pumpkin? A lot, it turns out, if a trebuchet — a medieval catapult — is used. Based on a soap-box-derby model, which combines basic ground rules and endless imagination, the VERMONT PUMPKIN CHUCKIN’ FESTIVAL features a competition for kids and adults that is both seriously scored (last year’s grand-prize winner registered a whopping 520.7 feet) and entirely lighthearted. Contestants make their own trebuchets at home, then bring them, along with pumpkins or squishy tomatoes for catapulting, to the event. Longtime organizer Dave Jordan advises that “tinkering and tweaking” are essential to a successful toss, but the best-conceived contraptions still sometimes fall apart. A chili cook-off heats things up, and live bands play as the pumpkins fly.

VERMONT PUMPKIN CHUCKIN’ FESTIVAL: Sunday, September 25, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa in Stowe. $5; free for children 5 and under; proceeds benefit the Lamoille Family Center. All ages. Info, 603-630-4800. vtpumpkinchuckin. blogspot.com

COURTESY OF VERMONT PUMPKIN CHUCKIN’ FESTIVAL

15 THURSDAY (CONTINUED)

Education

Share Your Heart, Share The World: Naomi Shihab Nye mesmerizes listeners with her poetry. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 598-0340.

Fairs & Festivals

The Tunbridge World’s Fair: This old-fashioned agricultural extravaganza, in its 145th year, features a 19th-century village main street, pig races, music and livestock shows. Tunbridge

Playgroups

Fairgrounds, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. $10-15; $35 season pass; free for children under 12. Additional charge for midway rides. Info, 889-5555.

Health & Fitness

Yoga for Kids: See September 8.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: See September 1. Lego Thursdays: See September 1.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See September 1.

Nature & Science

Critter Construction: Hold onto your hard hat! Preschoolers explore different styles of animal structures, from bird nests to beaver lodges, then create their own cozy hideaway. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Meet at the sugarhouse parking area. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per adult-child pair; $4 for each additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Raptors in Residence: See September 1.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See September 1.

16 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

College, Hanover, N.H., 4:30, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2422.

17 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

En Plein Air Painting Festival: Artists of all abilities drop in to paint the outdoor scenic beauty of rivers and woods. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $12.50-14.50; free for children under 4; free for children to paint; $40 for adults to paint; preregister. Info, 359-5000.

Kid’s Craft: Art lovers dig into the library’s stash of craft supplies. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Kids enjoy fun and games during these informal get-togethers, and caregivers connect with other local parents and peers. The groups are usually free and often include snacks, arts and crafts, or music.

MONDAY

Burlington Crawlers & Toddlers: VNA Family Room, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 862-2121.

Burlington Playgroup: Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, Wednesdays, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 578-6471.

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

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

TUESDAY

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

Burlington Crawlers & Toddlers: VNA Family Room, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 862-2121.

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

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

Burlington Playgroup: Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 578-6471.

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

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

WEDNESDAY

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

Colchester Playgroup: Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 316-2918.

Essex Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup: Sunset Studio, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 827-3945.

Hinesburg Family Playtime: Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Free.

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY

Alburgh Playgroup: Alburgh Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Burlington Drop-In Family Play: VNA Family Room, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 862-2121.

Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, Tuesdays, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Hinesburg Baby Time: United Church of Hinesburg, 10-11:30 a.m. Free.

Milton Playgroup: Milton Public Library, Mondays, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-1457.

Montgomery Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Randolph Playgroup: St. John’s Church, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

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

FRIDAY

Colchester Playgroup: See Wednesday. Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 10 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 899-4415.

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

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

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

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

Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, third Friday of every month, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

SATURDAY

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

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

The Tunbridge World’s Fair: See September 15, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.

Food

5 Corners Farmers Market: See September 2. Foodways Fridays: See September 2. Hardwick Farmers Market: See September 2. Richmond Farmers Market: See September 2.

Games

Craftsbury Lego Club: See September 2. Killington Magic: The Gathering: See September 2.

Library & Books

Essex Story Time: See September 2.

Jiggity Jog: A musical meet-up includes singing, dancing and instrument playing. Ages 2-5. South Burlington Community Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Richmond Early Bird Math Time: See September 2.

Waterbury Family Story Time: See September 2.

Movies

Family Movie: Viewers enjoy a family-friendly film while feasting on free popcorn. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

PBS Kids! Film: Youngsters enjoy an educational flick while filling up on free popcorn. Ages 2-7 with caregivers. Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 7482600, ext. 108.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See September 2.

Music With Robert: See September 2.

Nature & Science

Fall Migration Bird Walk: See September 2.

Theater

Bandaloop: This world-renowned verticalperformance troupe dazzles the audience in an outdoor arena with the art of climbing and aerial choreography, as they fly, float and turn cartwheels in midair. All ages. (See spotlight on page 28.) Black Family Visual Arts Center, Dartmouth

Owl Craft: Crafty kiddos drop in and decorate their own paper bag puppet. Ages 4 and up; adults welcome. Outback Artspace, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2600, ext. 108.

Shelburne Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See September 10.

Traditional Craft Saturdays: See September 3.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Touch a Truck: Beep, beep! Small ones scramble aboard awesome autos and chat with their drivers. All ages. Bombardier Park, Milton, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 893-4922.

Education

Brown’s Raid: Reenactment: This historic surprise attack is replicated with costumes, music and artifacts. Fort Ticonderoga, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $9-22; free for children under 5. Info, 518-585-2821.

Fairs & Festivals

Harvest Festival: Fall revelers celebrate autumnal abundance with hayrides, children’s activities, fall foods and musicians on multiple stages. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $510; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8686. A Maizing Celebration: The awesome corn plant is fêted with good eats, games and family-friendly activities. All ages. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-8; free for children under 4. Info, 865-4556. The Tunbridge World’s Fair: See September 15, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Food

KIDSVTSPONSORED EVENT!

Burlington Farmers Market: See September 3. Capital City Farmers Market: See September 3. Champlain Island Farmers Market: See September 3.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See September 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See September 3.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: Youngsters master basic yoga poses through games, songs and dance. Mindfulness activities improve focus and concentration. Ages 3-9. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. $15. Info, 864-9642.

Prevent Child Abuse Walk

For Children: Dedicated to the memory of Lara Sobel, runners and walkers show support for child-abuse prevention by competing in a family-friendly event. T-shirts, hot dogs and snacks provided. Walks take place at the Howe Center, Rutland, and the Unitarian Universalist Society, Burlington. Check-in, 8 a.m.; walk, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 229-5724. Young Athletes Program: See September 10.

Library & Books

Cleo the Therapy Dog: See September 3.

Music

See

Family Sing-Along: Families share cherished songs, dance and play simple instruments. All ages. Purple Crayon/ArtisTree, South Pomfret, 10-11 a.m. $10 per adult/child pair; $3 each additional family member. Info, 802 457-3500.

‘Vermont’s Own’ 40th Army Band: Patriotic American tunes and contemporary musical favorites get the crowd clapping. All ages. Bradford Academy Building, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 338-3480.

Nature & Science

Tour the Cosmos: See September 3.

Theater

HopStop: Uncle Rock: This world-traveling one-man show gets the audience swaying and singing with his family-friendly rock-and-roll guitar serenading. All ages. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 11 a.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2422.

‘Wasabi, A Dragon’s Tale’: The No Strings Marionette Company features a new-fangled fable with 11 exquisitely crafted puppets, including a sprite, a knight and a seven-foot dragon. All ages. Waterbury Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

18 SUNDAY

Arts & Crafts

En Plein Air Painting Festival: See September 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 10-11:30 a.m.

Education

Brown’s Raid: Reenactment: See September 17.

Fairs & Festivals

The Tunbridge World’s Fair: See September 15, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

Food

South Burlington Farmers Market: See September 4.

Stowe Farmers Market: See September 4.

Winooski Farmers Market: See September 4.

Health & Fitness

Del’s Ride and Trail Run: Avid athletes bike seven-20 miles, run five-six strenuous trail miles or bike a short kids’ course to raise funds for research to benefit Cure AHC: Alternating Hemiplegia of Childhood. A festive BBQ follows. (See spotlight on page 30.) Sleepy Hollow

Ski Center, Huntington, registration, 11 a.m.; events, noon-6 p.m. $75 minimum fundraising goal for ride and run; $50 per child; free for the short course if a parent participates.

Essex Open Gym: See September 4.

Family Tennis Drop-In: See September 11.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See September 4. Sundays for Fledglings: See September 4.

Tour the Cosmos: See September 3.

19 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafternoon: Art lovers make marvelous masterpieces. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

En Plein Air Painting Festival: See September 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 5:45-7 p.m.

‘How to Postpartum Like A Boss’: A professional leads expectant mothers in planning for their birth recovery. Topics include perineal care, sleep, setting up a Meal Train, postpartum simplifying and more. Aldrich Public Library, Barre, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; donations accepted; preregister. Info, 595-7953.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See September 5.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See September 5.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1. 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Health & Fitness

After-School Tennis: See September 12.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See September 12.

Essex Lego Challenge Club: See September 12.

Milton Legos at the Library: Junior builders bust out interlocking blocks. Grades K-5. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Pajama Story Time: Flannel-clad wee ones bring their stu ed pals for seasonal tales, crafts and a bedtime snack. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Music

Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See September 12.

Music for Preschoolers: See September 1, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Audubon Nature Playgroup: See September 12.

Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See September 12.

20 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Drop-In Preschool Art: See September 13.

HAPPY,

Get

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

Baby & Maternity

Big Little Yoga: See September 13.

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

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See September 6.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See September 1, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

Story Times

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4:30-5:30 & 6-7 p.m.

Dance

‘The Sleeping Beauty’: The Russian Grand Ballet performs this classic fairy tale of true love kindled by a magical kiss. All ages. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $25-60. Info, 863-5966.

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

MONDAY

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

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

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

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

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

Stowe Story Times for 2-3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

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

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

TUESDAY

Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077.

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

Craftsbury Story Time: Craftsbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 586-9683. East Barre Story Time: East Barre Branch Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

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

Highgate Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

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

Lyndonville Story Time: Cobleigh Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

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

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

South Burlington Tiny Tot Time: South Burlington Community Library, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

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

Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman

Williams Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

WEDNESDAY

Barnes & Noble Saturday Morning Story

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

Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

Lyndonville Story Time: See Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

Marshfield Story Time & Playgroup: Jaquith Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Milton Rhythm & Movement Toddler Story

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

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

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

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

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

South Burlington Baby Book Time: South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Stowe Story Time for 3-5-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

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

THURSDAY

Bristol Story Time: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2366.

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

Hinesburg Youngsters Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

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

Shelburne Musical Story Time: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY

Brandon Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Craftsbury Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

Randolph Toddler Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.

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

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

Stowe Baby & Toddler Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

Swanton Storytime: See Wednesday, 10 a.m.

SATURDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whole Book Approach Storytime: Phoenix Books, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 872-7111.

Education

Early Literacy STEAM Skills: Childcare providers develop different ways to include science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics in their programs. Adults only. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See September 6.

Games

Franklin Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See September 6.

Health & Fitness

Tuesday Night Trail Running: See September 6.

Library & Books

Spanish Musical Kids: See September 13. Waterbury Lego Free Build: See September 6.

Music

Preschool Music: See September 6.

Parenting

Nurturing Parent Program: See September 6.

21 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

En Plein Air Painting Festival: See September 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See September 7. Mother’s Gathering: See September 7.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See September 5.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See September 5.

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

Food

Champlain Island Farmers Market: See September 7.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See September 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See September 3, 3-6 p.m.

Woodstock Market on the Green: See September 7.

Games

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See September 7.

Health & Fitness

After-School Tennis: See September 12.

Library & Books

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

Movies

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

Nature & Science

Story Time at ECHO: See September 7.

Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See September 7.

Parenting

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

22 THURSDAY

Arts

& Crafts

En Plein Air Painting Festival: See September 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Preschool Art Drop-In: Petite Picassos craft cool projects. Ages 6 months-5 years with accompanying adult. BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $5-6. Info, 865-7166.

‘Tea and Bristles’ Kids: Aspiring artists create glow-in-the-dark paintings of flowers and fireflies. Ages 8 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See September 1.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

Education

Childcare STEM Training Workshop: Childcare providers develop different ways to include science, technology, engineering and math in their programs. Adults only. Milton Public Library, 7-9 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 8934644. Health & Fitness

Yoga for Kids: See September 8.

Library & Books

Books Come to Life: Led by two literacy professionals, this Active Body-Active Brain class combines literacy and movement. Ages 3-6. Waterbury Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Colchester Lego Club: See September 1.

Lego Thursdays: See September 1. St. Albans Library Legos: See September 8, 3-5 p.m.

Teen.Comm Fall Meeting: Teenagers bring their ideas and their calendars as they plan for the upcoming Halloween event and polish off pizza. Ages 12-18. St. Albans Free Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See September 1.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See September 1.

23 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

En Plein Air Painting Festival: See September 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Family Wheel Drop-In: Parents and kids form clay sculptures with assistance from staff. All ages. BCA Print and Clay Studio, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $7-8 per participant; $5 additional for each piece fired and glazed. Info, 860-7474.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Food

5 Corners Farmers Market: See September 2. Foodways Fridays: See September 2.

Hardwick Farmers Market: See September 2. Kids in The Kitchen: Cider Donuts: Junior chefs enjoy shaping, cutting, frying and eating this seasonal sweet treat. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20. Info, 863-2569.

Richmond Farmers Market: See September 2.

Games

Craftsbury Lego Club: See September 2.

Essex Dungeons & Dragons: See September 9. Killington Magic: The Gathering: See September 2.

Library & Books

Richmond Early Bird Math Time: See September 2. Songs & Stories With Matthew: See September 9. Waterbury Family Story Time: See September 2.

Movies

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

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See September 2.

Nature & Science

Fall Migration Bird Walk: See September 2.

24 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Shelburne Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See September 10.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Rummage Sale Bliss: Folks find treasures for the home, wardrobe and family among items donated by more than 200 families. All ages. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 985-2827.

Welcome Baby Celebration: 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

Museum Day Live!: Numerous historic sites and museums across the state open their doors to the public free of charge during this national event sponsored by Smithsonian magazine.

Visit smithsonian.com/museumdaylive to search for participating locations. Various locations statewide. Free. Info, museumday@si.edu.

Fairs & Festivals

Bristol Harvest Festival: A pancake breakfast kicks off this day of bandstand music, craft vendors, horse-drawn wagon rides and a pie-eating contest. All ages. Bristol Town Green, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 453-5885.

Burke Fall Foliage Festival: Families fall in love with autumn during daylong festivities including a parade at 10 a.m., a rubber duck race, bounce houses, wagon rides, a farm animal petting zoo and a Vermont Institute of Natural Science interactive Bird of Prey show. All ages. Village Green, East Burke, 9 a.m. Free. Info, 626-4124.

Champlain Mini Maker Faire: Tech enthusiasts celebrate the DIY mindset at this quirky science fair featuring robotics, student experiments, arts

Ongoing Exhibits

ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON

Info, 864-1848

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

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, ST. JOHNSBURY

Info, 748-2372

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

HELEN DAY ART CENTER,STOWE

Info, 253-8358

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

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH

Info, 649-2200

Dinosaur Revolution: Admirers of these ancient animals travel back in time to mimic walking and flying as enormous extinct reptiles in this combined exhibit and interactive maze. September 24December 1. All ages.

NIQUETTE BAY STATE PARK, COLCHESTER

Info, 893-5210

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

and crafts and more. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.5 p.m. $10-15; free for ages 10 and under. Info, 863-5956.

Fairy House Festival: Visitors delight in small structures made of acorn caps, soft moss and lichens, birch bark, and pinecones, then create their own petite dwellings in the gardens and enjoy crafts. Picnicking encouraged. The Nature Museum at Grafton, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $4-5 for children; $10-12 for adults; $8-10 for seniors; free for children under 3. Info, 843-2111. Forest Festival Weekend: Woods lovers explore the park’s history and ecology while enjoying horse-drawn wagon rides, woodworking and portable sawmill demonstrations, hikes with foresters, and crafts for kids. All ages. Marsh-Billings Rockefeller National Historical Park, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3368.

Wonderpaws Festival and Paw Parade: This dog-loving downtown day features a pooch parade, kid- and canine-friendly activities, contests, and vendors. All ages. Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum, Rutland, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15-20 per dog; free to attend; proceeds benefit Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum. Info, 282-2678.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: See September 3. Capital City Farmers Market: See September 3. Champlain Island Farmers Market: See September 3.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See September 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See September 3.

Health & Fitness

Color Run Tropicolor: 5K runners pass by palm trees and inflatable arches to the beat of islandstyle music, then finish at the Rainbow Beach, where they’re sprinkled with a palette of colors. (See spotlight on page 40.) Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 10 a.m. $39.99-59.99; proceeds benefit the Chill Foundation for underserved youth.

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See September 17. Young Athletes Program: See September 10.

Movies

Family Movie Matinee: Families snuggle in to see a big-screen PG-rated flick and savor snacks. All ages. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Music

Vermont Youth Philharmonia Fall Concert: This intermediate orchestra performs selections including “The Tempest” by Robert W. Smith and arrangements of “Overture to Rienzi” and “Jupiter” from “The Planets.” Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester, 5 p.m. $2-5. Info, 655-5030.

Nature & Science

Bird-Monitoring Walk: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars to search the museum’s property for fluttering feathers. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 8-9 a.m. Free; donations welcome; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

Giant Pumpkin Weigh-In: Oversize gourds battle it out for the heavyweight title. Onlookers enjoy hayrides, apple-cider doughnuts and the corn maze. Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Colchester, noon-3 p.m. Free; fees for some activities. Info, 655-3440.

Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch: Families have fun on a wagon ride to the pick-your-own field. Weather permitting. Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Colchester, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-12 for hayride and picking one pumpkin; $3 for hayride without a pumpkin. Info, 655-3440.

Raptors in Residence: See September 1.

Tour the Cosmos: See September 3.

25 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See September 4.

Webby’s Art Studio

Thursdays and Saturday | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

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

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

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Better L8 Than Never Car Show: Speed enthusiasts marvel at hundreds of shiny, sporty vehicles. Live music, ra es, kids’ games and food galore add to the high-octave action. All ages. Bristol Recreation Fields, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free; donations accepted for Camp Ta-Kum-Ta. Info, 388-7951, ext. 101.

Dance

Student Auditions for ‘The Nutcracker’: Young dancers try out for a November performance of this holiday classic. Ages 4 and up. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 244-5902.

Fairs & Festivals

19th-Century Apple & Cheese Harvest Festival: In celebration of Johnny Appleseed’s birthday, visitors churn ice cream, press cider, sample heirloom apples, play old-fashioned games and hike the lookout trail. Admission includes exhibits and a tour of gardens and an historic home decorated with gingerbread designs. All ages. Justin Morrill Homestead, Stra ord Village, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $5-10 includes lunch. Info, 765-4288.

Champlain Mini Maker Faire: See September 24, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Co-op Food Fest: Foodies meet local growers and sample delicious goods. Face painting, door prizes and live music add to the autumnal atmosphere. All ages. 1 Main St., Burlington, noon-4 p.m. Free. Info, 861-9700.

Fairy House Festival: See September 24.

Forest Festival Weekend: See September 24.

Harvest Day at Oktoberfest Vermont: Families enjoy fall festivities including games, local food and craft vendors, live music, crafts, and activities on the shore of Lake Champlain, with the inaugural run of the Lederhosen 5K at 10 a.m. Waterfront Park, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; donations benefit Camp Ta-Kum-Ta. Info, 489-0669.

Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin’ Festival: Homemade trebuchets catapult orange orbs into the sky at a daylong throwing contest, complete with a chili cook-o . Proceeds benefit the Lamoille Family Center. (See spotlight on page 33.) Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $5; free for children under 5. Info, 603-630-4800.

Food

South Burlington Farmers Market: See September 4.

Stowe Farmers Market: See September 4.

Winooski Farmers Market: See September 4.

Family Tennis Drop-In: See September 11.

Music

Vermont Youth Orchestra Fall Concert: The group’s kick-o concert features works by Bernstein, Sibelius and Dvořák, with senior soloist Isaac HiltonVanOsdall performing movements from Rolla’s Viola Concerto in Eb Major. Ages 5 and up.

Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, 3 p.m. $12-17. Info, 655-5030.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See September 4. Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch: See September 24.

Live Caterpillar Day: Naturalist and photographer Sam Ja e helps visitors discover the largest, spiniest and wackiest caterpillars residing in their own backyards. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $5-10. Info, 229-6206.

Sundays for Fledglings: See September 4.

Tour the Cosmos: See September 3.

Theater

‘Pete the Cat’: Based on the popular picture book series, this upbeat musical features a cool cat and his routine-loving roommate who rally together for a road trip in a VW bus. All ages. Spaulding Auditorium, Hanover, 3 p.m. $13-23. Info, 603-646-2422.

26 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafts for Kids: See September 12.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See September 5.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See September 5.

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

Education

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

Health & Fitness

After-School Tennis: See September 12.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See September 12. Essex Lego Challenge Club: See September 12. Stories with Megan: Little listeners learn and laugh. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Music

Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See September 12.

SEPTEMBER

1 & 3

OPEN TO ALL AGES!

Photo Collage Be inspired by circus-themed objects to create your own photo collage.

8 & 10

Traveling Circus Design your own train car to transport a circus.

15 & 17

Just Clownin’ Around Make your own clown puppet using colorful materials.

22 & 24

Carnival of the Animals Embellish an animal featured in historic circus performances.

29 & OCT 1

Leaf Animals

Create leaf animals using natural and man-made materials.

SEPT CALENDAR

Music for Preschoolers: See September 1, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Audubon Nature Playgroup: See September 12.

Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See September 12.

27 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Drop-In Preschool Art: See September 13.

Tech Craft Tuesday: See September 13.

Baby & Maternity

Big Little Yoga: See September 13.

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See September 6.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See September 1, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4:15-5:30 p.m.

‘How To Postpartum Like A Boss’: A professional leads expectant mothers in planning for their birth recovery. Topics include perineal care, sleep, setting up a Meal Train, postpartum simplifying and more. Hunger Mountain Coop, Montpelier, 6-8 p.m. Free; donations accepted; preregister. Info, 595-7953.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 4:30-5:30 & 6-7 p.m.

Education

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See September 6.

Games

Franklin Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See September 6.

Library & Books

Spanish Musical Kids: See September 13.

Music

Preschool Music: See September 6.

A Radiant Race

Touted as “the happiest 5K on the planet,” THE COLOR RUN has hosted thousands of athletes in more than 35 countries since 2012. In this year’s tropical-themed race, runners are showered with sprays of iridescent, nontoxic powdered paint laced with sweet island scents as they speed — or saunter — through inflatable arches. At the end, a “Rainbow Beach” rewards finishers with island-style music, dancing, bouncing beach balls and fun photo ops. With no winners or official timekeeping, the run’s atmosphere reflects its motto of “health, happiness and individuality.” And it also supports a good cause: Burton’s Chill Foundation, which helps underserved youth build self-esteem through board sports.

THE COLOR RUN: Saturday, September 24, 10 a.m., at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. $39.99-59.99. All ages. Info, 727-492-9946. thecolorrun.com/locations/burlington

Sprouting Melodies Music

Class: A certified music therapist teaches toddlers to explore their emerging language, movement and social skills through music. Ages 18 months to 3 years. South Burlington Community Library, 9:15-10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 585-727-3238.

28 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See September 7.

Mother’s Gathering: See September 7.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See September 5.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See September 5.

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

Education

Young Writers & Storytellers: See September 14.

Food

Middlebury Farmers Market: See September 3. Rutland Farmers Market: See September 3, 3-6 p.m.

Woodstock Market on the Green: See September 7.

Games

Colchester Dungeons & Dragons Night: See September 14.

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See September 7.

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

Health & Fitness

After-School Tennis: See September 12.

Library & Books

STEM Club: Sciencey types challenge their imaginations with themed activities. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Nature & Science

Story Time at ECHO: See September 7. Wagon-Ride Wednesdays: See September 7.

29 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Preschool Art Drop-In: See September 22.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See September 1.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See September 1.

Education

St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: Dads deepen parent-child communication skills, develop empathy and determine how to empower their family. A light dinner and childcare are included. Turning Point – Franklin County,

St. Albans, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 498-0607.

Health & Fitness

Yoga for Kids: See September 8.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: See September 1.

Homeschool Diorama Project: As part of this year’s Vermont Reads, home learners construct a shoebox world of the struggles of Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507. Lego Thursdays: See September 1.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See September 1.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See September 1.

30 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Family Wheel Drop-In: See September 23.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See September 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Food

5 Corners Farmers Market: See September 2. Foodways Fridays: See September 2. Hardwick Farmers Market: See September 2. Richmond Farmers Market: See September 2.

Games

Craftsbury Lego Club: See September 2.

Essex Magic: The Gathering: See September 2. Killington Magic: The Gathering: See September 2.

Health & Fitness

Yoga with Danielle: Simple movement, stories and songs satisfy children age 5 and under and their caregivers. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Library & Books

Essex Story Time: See September 2. Richmond Early Bird Math Time: See September 2.

Waterbury Family Story Time: See September 2.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See September 2.

Nature & Science

Fall Migration Bird Walk: See September 2.

Stone Fire Pit

ON A CRISP VERMONT EVENING, there’s nothing like toasting marshmallows over an open fire. Two years ago, however, things got a bit too crispy for the Karpinski family when they lost their vacation home — a condominium at Sugarbush Resort — to a fire that may have been caused by a neighbor’s woodburning fireplace.

Still, the Karpinskis kindled a passion for gathering around a fire as a family, which sparked an idea when they built a new home in South Burlington last year. “We always wanted some sort of fire element,” says dad Erik, “and we’d never had a fire pit before.”

Enter Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture. The firm collaborated with S2 Architecture and Church Hill Landscapes to create an outdoor entertaining space for the Karpinskis. It has a partial view of the Adirondacks, and at the center stands an elevated wood-burning fire pit.

It was challenging to find one long stone slab to serve as a backdrop, so landscape architect Keith Wagner pieced together two chunks of dense schist that he got from a quarry in southern Vermont. He devised a clever way to hold them together and keep the pit looking pretty — a zipper of metal bolts running up the back. A flat piece of cold-rolled steel is affixed to the stone, with five metal fingers jutting out to hold the wood.

“When people come over, they joke that it’s a floating fireplace,” says Erik of the 16-inch gap between the bottom of the stone slab and the ground. “We use the fire pit most in the fall: It’s entertaining; it’s time with the kids.”

Adds mom Jennifer, “It’s a space to gather with no technology — we just sit.”

The Karpinski kids are especially pleased with the end product. Three-month-old Kassidy stays snug in her pajamas on gray couches set around the space, while Dylan, 8, loves the warmth at nighttime. Meanwhile, 6-year-old Morgan doesn’t miss a beat when asked her favorite aspect of the fire pit. “Sometimes,” she says, “we have s’mores.” K

PIT-BUILDING TIPS

(From Keith Wagner of Wagner Hodgson Landscape Architecture)

Some stones can be damaged by the heat of a fire. Consult someone who knows what works for a fire pit.

If the fire pit is in the ground, be sure to have a drain and ventilating slats for the fire to burn properly.

• Consider the predominant wind direction when planning the site of the fire pit.

• Don’t make the pit too large, which might cause you to overfill it with wood and create a fire that is dangerously big.

• Locate wood fire pits at least 18 to 20 feet away from a house. (For a gas fire pit, the distance isn’t a concern, as there’s no smoke or sparks.)

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

Erik and Jennifer Karpinski with their children, Dylan, 8; Morgan, 6; and Kassidy, 3 months

Writing Contest

PUZZLE PAGE

Jumble

BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK

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

These winners get gift certificates to:

SAM lives in South Burlington and turns 7 on September 12. He’s an energetic, fun-loving kid who enjoys sports, games, reading and Legos. He loves Vermont, Star Wars and the Red Sox.

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

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.

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

Maze

Print

Puzzles4Kids

Riddle Search — WHAT’S FOR DINNER

Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: What did the skeleton order for dinner? BISON

BY HELENA HOVANEC

KATE lives in Essex and turns 6 on September 9. She’s a smart, kind and outgoing girl who loves gymnastics, playing with her friends and swimming in the pool.

Kate, Henry and Acadia each win a day pass to Petra Cliffs.

HENRY lives in South Burlington and turns 6 on September 20. He loves projects and adventures, conversations by the campfire with s’mores, and celebrating his — or anyone’s — birthday.

Riddle Answer:

ACADIA lives in Colchester and turns 12 on September 26. She’s an adventurous and creative student who loves traveling, swimming and being in nature. When she’s not busy playing soccer, basketball or softball, you’ll find her doing arts and crafts.

COLORING CONTEST!

Three winners will each receive an annual family membership to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium.

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 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 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 Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Seeing Green

Learning to love Vermont at a Massachusetts boarding school

BY

THE TIME I WAS IN EIGHTH GRADE

, I was ready to leave my hometown of South Burlington.

I hadn’t even lived there that long. I was born in New Jersey, but my family moved to Hanoi, Vietnam, for my dad’s work when I was 2. My younger brother and I attended an international school with a diverse group of students; my best friends came from Japan, Germany and Australia. I was exposed to a global community at a young age — too young to realize how cool it was to be surrounded by people from all over the world.

In Vietnam, we knew many Filipino families like ours. We’d often get together after Sunday mass to eat and talk.

My family returned to the U.S. when I was 8, and we moved to Vermont. The Green Mountain State provided a welcoming home, but it felt limiting at times. I was raised to embody strict Filipino values: respecting my elders, putting family first and embracing God. My friends were brought up with di erent priorities where family and religion were concerned. I grew up bringing rice dishes to school for lunch, rather than the turkey sandwiches my classmates brought. There were few Filipino families in the area, making it harder to find the sturdy support system we’d had in Vietnam. The placid, tree-lined streets of South Burlington were nothing like the alleys of Hanoi, where the blaring honks of motorcycles intensified the cacophony of voices from both drivers and pedestrians.

I decided to apply to Phillips Academy, an elite boarding school in Andover, Mass., that attracts students from all over the world. In the winter of eighth grade, I told my Phillips Academy interviewer that one of the reasons I wanted to go there was because I was looking for “more opportunities.” I thought it would give me something that Vermont couldn’t.

And it did. During my freshman orientation, I met a synchronized swimmer from the rainy Pacific Northwest and a fashionable violinist from Tokyo. I discussed the merits of standardized testing with a trilingual singer from North Carolina and learned to ride a skateboard with a video blogger from Hong Kong.

I was assigned a dorm room with a fencer from South Korea. In our first days living together, I looked curiously at the containers of strange shrimp crackers and grape gummy candies under her bed and watched as she plastered our walls with anime posters of movies I’d never heard of before.

My roommate and I became fast friends and would regularly talk about our homes. I was mesmerized by her descriptions of life halfway around the world. She lived in a fast-paced, cosmopolitan city where the streets were never quiet and the buildings were covered in advertisements with colored, blinking lights.

As I befriended others in my dorm, I was amazed that

this one brick building housed a kaleidoscope of cultures, with people from Asia, Europe and all over the United States. I loved to imagine waking up to the urban skyline of Shanghai, tasting exquisite foods in Paris and basking in the year-round warmth of southern California. This diversity was exactly what I had been hoping for.

At boarding school, your hometown is almost as important as your name. Only seven students at Phillips Academy were from nearby Vermont, while other states and countries had greater representation even though they were much farther away. When I told people where I was from, some didn’t even know where in the U.S. Vermont was. Others asked me if it was in Canada. I worried that my unremarkable origins would make others think that I, too, was unremarkable. But after a few months, I began to feel di erently.

Teachers raved about the great skiing, beautiful foliage and scenery in Vermont. Some of my classmates who visited the state for the holidays shared how the peaceful atmosphere provided a relief from stressful everyday life.

I also started listening more carefully to the stories my friends from di erent states and countries told. I learned about the unbearable pollution in Shanghai, where, at times, walking outside is discouraged. My Californian friends joked about how they couldn’t have water-balloon fights in the summer and how most of their plants died due to the drought-related water constraints. I began to understand that all places have their downsides.

I also came to see that Vermont has influenced me in ways I hadn’t realized before. My trusting personality and tendency to greet people passing by is a product of the friendly community in which I was raised. Burlington’s liberal atmosphere has made me more accepting of others’ di erences. Living in such an outdoorsy place, where physical activity and fresh food are valued, has made me a healthier person — but also one with impossibly high icecream standards, thanks to Ben & Jerry’s. Growing up in the only state with no Target, and one in which billboards are prohibited on the highways, I’m probably less focused on material things than your typical teenager.

So when my roommate announced at the end of the school year that she was going to spend her summer vacation in Vermont, I was confident that she’d find things to appreciate here. Sure enough, when she emerged from her intensive six-week, no-internet orchestra program, she told me how much she loved the charming little towns and unspoiled nature.

After picking her up at camp, her mom even said that she’d love to retire here one day. I’m starting to understand why.

High school sophomore Andie Pinga was Kids VT’s summer intern.