Kids VT, October, 2013

✱ DIGITAL DOS AND DON’TS, FROM SCREENS TO CELLPHONES

✱ THE VERMONTERS BEHIND iTUNES’ TOP KIDS PODCAST

✱ MINI MOVIEMAKERS LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL

present:

A Halloween Family Concert

Peter& WOLF The story true the of

It’s OK to “boo” performers

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

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

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

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

Saturday, October 19 & Sunday, October 20 & 27

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

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

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

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

College, Sunday, October 27 at 2pm

Sponsored by:

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

For more information & ticket outlets, visit vso.org

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

Tablet Time ... 18

iPads are proving irresistible in some Vermont classrooms

Your Own Inspired Path to Learning

ON THE COVER

Artist

our Technology Issue cover. Download the layar app (details on the cover) to see the illustration spring to life through animation.

Storytellers Who Sparkle ... 23

Meet

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

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

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Copublisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Published 11x per year.

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

• © 2013 Da Capo Publishing Inc.

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

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

Copy Editor Paula Routly

Proofreaders Meredith Coeyman

Hayley Lamberson

Production Manager John James

Lead Designer Brooke Bousquet

Designers Aaron Shrewsbury

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Managers Steve Hadeka

Matt Weiner

Digital Media Manager Tyler Machado

Office Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: Dan Bolles, Charles Eichacker, Linda Furiya, Megan James, Thea Lewis, Melinda Moulton, Alison Novak, Ken Picard, Gov. Peter Shumlin, Becky Tharp

Photographers: Caleb Kenna, Matthew Thorsen

Illustrators: Pat Lewis, Rev. Diane Sullivan

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

Pat Lewis designed

THURSDAY OCT 24 • 5 PM • FREE CONTOIS AUDITORIUM, BURLINGTON CITY HALL

A Special Engagement Preview Screening of the documentary feature film “MisLEAD: America’s Secret Epidemic.” A panel discussion will follow the screening with the film’s director, Tamara Rubin, and leading experts in the lead poisoning prevention field.

A project of the Lead Safe America Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

MISLEAD: AMERICA’S SECRET EPIDEMIC is an intellectually rigorous, emotionally compelling exposé of a hidden epidemic that impacts one in three American children today. Tamara Rubin, an Oregon mother whose sons were poisoned, travels the country meeting with experts and other parents of poisoned children –looking for answers.

Individual and Family Plans from Northeast Delta Dental

Talking Tech

KIDS VT READERS OFTEN APPROACH

ME with story ideas for this magazine. More often than not, the suggested topics relate to parenting and technology.

The rapid pace of technological change is something we’re all grappling with. Do we introduce our kids to the latest techie tools? If so, when and how? If not, will they miss out? And how do we teach them to act responsibly when using their digital devices?

We can’t answer all of your technology-related questions in this month’s Technology Issue of Kids VT, but we’ve rounded up a handful of stories addressing this new frontier.

In “Go Ask Dad” (page 16), Thea Lewis asks local pops to ponder the right time to give kids a cellphone. The answer? Depends on the dad — and the kid.

In “The Art Of” (page 17), Alison Novak visits a Middlebury filmmaking class where kids make their own movies using digital cameras and editing software.

In “Tablet Time” (page 18), writer Charles Eichacker visits a Hinesburg school that gives iPads to its students. He talks with education experts about the benefits and drawbacks of putting these devices in students’ hands.

On page 23, Megan James profiles two “media-cautious” Charlotte parents who have become unlikely internet entrepreneurs. Their startup, Sparkle Stories,

is now one of the top-rated children’s podcasts on iTunes.

Finally, in this month’s “Use Your Words” essay (page 51), Melinda Moulton explains how her autistic grandson is using his iPad to communicate with his family for the first time.

We publish this issue in October because it coincides with the annual Vermont Tech Jam, a free job fair and tech expo organized by Kids VT’s parent company, Seven Days. It’s a great opportunity to introduce kids to productive uses for technology. Hundreds of middle and high school students attend every year to learn about tech careers and local college programs that prepare students for those jobs.

The 2013 Tech Jam is on Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, at Memorial Auditorium in downtown Burlington. This year, the program includes sessions on video game design and robotics. On Saturday, kids can meet one of the world’s most advanced androids, Bina48. There’s even a series of hourlong workshop in which participants can learn to build computers.

For more information, visit techjamvt. com. And if you have other stories to suggest, technology-related or not, send them our way. We always enjoy hearing from you.

CATHY RESMER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors:

Linda Furiya (“Out To Eat”) is the owner of Yum Dragon Frozen Dumplings and author of Bento Box in the Heartland and How to Cook a Dragon. She lives in Shelburne with her son, Manfred.

Thea Lewis (“Go Ask Dad”) is the creator of Queen City Ghostwalk and author of several books, including one for kids titled There’s a Witch in My Sock Drawer! She lives in Burlington with her husband, Roger, and their three teens, Sam, Kylie and Josie.

Melinda Moulton (“Use Your Words”) is the chief executive o cer of Main Street Landing in Burlington. She lives with her husband, Rick, in Huntington and has a son, Eli; a daughter, Mariah Riggs; and four grandchildren.

Readers Respond

Dining Dilemma

I cannot be the only reader who experienced cognitive dissonance turning from Dr. First’s advice on preventing childhood obesity [“Ask Dr. First,” September] to the review of Bluebird Barbecue [“Out to Eat,” September]. On one page, wise and moderate advocacy of fruits and vegetables, and then, overleaf, fulsome praise for “generous” portions of French fries.

I wonder what Dr. First thinks of such enormous portions, supposedly catering to kids’ “big appetites.” Sure, if you consistently put more food in front of kids, they will learn to eat it, and then to want it, but that has nothing to do with their needs. Our family eats out a lot, and I praise a restaurant’s kids’ portions when their modest quantities and semblance of nutritional balance, not sheer abundance, impress me.

Painting the Town!

Finally, why do you usually review such expensive restaurants? I would prefer reviews of kid-friendly, independent restaurants with a ordable prices. As it is, your restaurant [reviews] occasion more gu aws in our household than excursions.

Nathaniel Lew Burlington

In September, Kids VT sponsored both the Kids Hop at the South End Art Hop and Shelburne Farms’ annual Harvest Festival. Thanks to all the readers who stopped by our table for free face painting by Hyper Focus and Kids VT giveaways!

Got a comment?

Email us at feedback@kidsvt.com

One item rarely mentioned in your reviews is whether the waitsta show any understanding of the family dynamic. Up to a certain age, what children eat at a restaurant should be under the parent’s control. We have had servers o er our child French fries, chocolate milk and candy — really — without even glancing at us, although we had all agreed on a di erent order beforehand.

Ed. note: We sent our reviewer to Bluebird Barbecue because the restaurant o ers a “kids eat free” night every Tuesday; it seemed important to note that the kids portions, though free, are still sizable. The review doesn’t endorse regularly eating large portions — or even eating them all in one sitting; that’s what doggie bags are for! But we can see how it might have seemed contradictory to Dr. First’s advice. We do our best to present a wide range of information and trust that parents will decide for themselves what’s best for their family.

Our “Out to Eat” restaurant reviews typically feature independent, kidfriendly restaurants that are a ordable — or they explore a ordable options at places that parents would like to eat. If you have some restaurants you’d like us to try, please let us know!

Best of the Kids VT Blog

Vacation Conversation

Other recent web exclusives:

Have you heard about Calendar 2.0? It’s a proposed K through 12 academic schedule that would shrink summer vacation by two weeks and add those days to weeklong “intersessions” throughout the year. The new schedule could go into e ect in Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle counties as soon as the 2014-2015 school year.

2.0

Find out what supporters and detractors have to say about the plan on our blog at kidsvt.com.

Parents have a chance to voice their support — or concerns —at a series of community forums this month, hosted by the Champlain Valley Superintendents Association. These meetings take place on:

• Wednesday, October 2, 6:30 p.m., at Essex High School

• Thursday, October 3, 6:30 p.m., at Bellows Free Academy, St. Albans

• Wednesday, October 9, 6:30 p.m., at Burlington High School

• Thursday, October 10, 6:30 p.m., at Champlain Valley Union High School, Hinesburg

The Blue Backpack Chronicles: Every week this fall, writer Alison Novak and her 3-year-old son, Theo, will embark on an inexpensive Vermont excursion. This blog series — named for Theo’s trusty travel pack — recounts their adventures.

Home Cookin’: StrawberryBanana Mu ns: Writer Tasha Lehman shares a recipe for delicious, healthy mu ns — you can feel good about giving these to your kids for breakfast.

Color Me Happy

Last month, our Coloring Contest gained a new sponsor: Burlington’s Creative Habitat. Check out September’s winning artwork on display in its Kids Gallery. Lookin’ good!

COLORING CONTEST

An elephant never forgets — and we’ll never forget all the amazing elephants that stampeded into our o ce this month. Thanks for 111 creative Coloring Contest entries, each showing the artist’s enthusiasm for the back-to-school season.

’Til next time ... stay class-y.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

AMAZING ANIMALS

“The World Is Colorful”

Kaila Sheitra, 7, Swanton

BEAUTIFUL BASEBALL CAP

“Vermont’s Biggest Sox Fan”

Jordan Tornabe, 5, Burlington

COOL CONTRAST

“The Mismatched Elephant”

LoLa Rubin, 7, Burlington

GREEN MOUNTAIN GOODNESS

“The Vermonster”

Ramsey Stephenson, 9, Burlington

JOVIAL JOKESTER

“The Clown”

Felix Doggett, 5, Burlington

PSYCHEDELIC SCENE

“Mrs. Paddington”

Marial Murphy, 8, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

REMARKABLE RAINBOW

“Mr. Colors”

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

“Ella the Elephant”

Eliza Fischer, 4 COLCHESTER

“Untitled”

Hiba Ali, 9, South Burlington

READY TO RIDE

“Elephant Express”

Petra Fearon, 3, Panton

SERIOUSLY SWEET

“Miss Candy Elephant”

Ambiana Glavin, 7, Worcester

SUPER SWIRLS

“Squiggl-phant”

Elana Philbrick, 10, Richmond

TWINKLE TOES

“The Elephant Walking to Dance Class”

Kinsley Maxfield, 5, Highgate

WACKY WAVES

“Elephant Under the Sea”

Aly Dorman, 4, Richmond

TOP TITLES

“COLORPHANT”

Cora Lea, 5, Burlington

“RAINBOW EARS”

Hazel Dority, 8, Fairfield

“Flying Elephant”

Sylvan Franklin, 8 BURLINGTON Find

Claire Ammirato, 11 WESTFORD

AND CAROLYN FOX

THE BEAT

Early Childhood Programs designed specifically for the developmental needs of children.

Monday - Friday 7:00 am to 5:30 pm for children ages 6 weeks - Pre-K Full-time and part-time openings Richmond Berlin 434-3891 229-2869

ENVIRONMENT

Holy Cow!

Does this cow look like a “Bessie”? How ’bout a “Spot”? Green Mountain Power’s

“NAME THAT COW” CONinvites kids to name the seven-foot-tall, animatronic farm animal that will figure prominently in its new Energy Innovation Center. Set to open in downtown Rutland this fall, the “Cow Power” exhibit will teach kids how manure can create energy and solve environmental problems. The contest runs through November 30, at which time a winner will be rewarded with an ice cream party for up to 30 people at the EIC. So get a moove on.

“NAME THAT COW” CONTEST: Children ages 12 and under can send name suggestions to cownamecontest@greenmountainpower.com or to GMP EIC, 67 Merchants Row, Suite 104, Rutland, VT 05701. Entries should include the cow name, as well as the entrant’s name, town, age, school name or home school, and phone number.

BOOKS

Twisted Tale

Parents may know Colchester author Mark Pendergrast for his nonfiction exposés — he’s written for the Wall Street Journal and New York Times, and published books such as For God, Country & Coca-Cola: The Definitive History of the Great American Soft Drink and the Company That Makes It. But kids might be familiar with his more whimsical children’s books — like 2010’s Jack and the Bean Soup, billed as a “fractured fairy tale and elaborate fart joke.” Pendergrast’s newest work is SILLY SADIE, a Frog Prince story gone awry. Each page of text is accompanied by a black-andwhite illustration from Jericho artist Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr., making it a quick, humorous read — even without the fart jokes.

SILLY SADIE: Story by Mark Pendergrast; illustrated by Robert Waldo Brunelle Jr. Published by Nature’s Face Publications, 72 pages. $10 paperback.

APPS

Revving Up Reading

Kids who love Richard Scarry’s classic Cars and Trucks and Things That Go might also enjoy a new early reading app from Montpelier game developer Chris Hancock of Learning Touch. WORDS THAT GO WITH RICHARD SCARRY’S BUSYTOWN CARS uses the author’s goofy vehicles to familiarize kids ages 2 to 6 with simple words. When Lowly Worm pulls up to a stoplight in an apple car, for example, players drag letters from the bottom of the screen to spell the word “apple.” The game features five levels of di culty and a narrator who calls out the letters and pronounces each completed word. It also includes appearances by other beloved characters, such as Mr. Frumble, O cer Flossie and the everpresent Goldbug.

WORDS THAT GO WITH RICHARD SCARRY’S BUSYTOWN CARS: Available in the App Store, $1.99. — C.R.

BY DAN BOLLES, CAROLYN FOX AND CATHY RESMER

INTERNSHIPS Statehouse Rocks

You don’t have to be an adult to make a di erence in the world — that’s the main lesson of GIRLS ROCK THE CAPITOL. This intensive internship program led by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains links girls to female legislators; together, they work on government and advocacy issues, giving teens an inside look at the legislative process. “It feels great to be able to express your concern on a bill, or how you feel this may or may not a ect people of Vermont,” writes Mary, a teen who recently completed a year in the program. Does your daughter want to get involved? High school girls are encouraged to apply for this year’s internship. The application deadline is October 31; no Girl Scout experience is required.

GIRLS ROCK THE CAPITOL: To apply, contact Nicole Nolan at 888-474-9686, ext. 142 or nnolan@girlscoutsgwm.org.

— C.F.

MUSIC Captain Hooks

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate doesn’t rest on his laurels. Following a debut album in 2010, Give Me an RRR!, and a DVD in 2012, Lights … Camera … RRR!, Je ersonville’s most amiable, landlocked corsair is back with another collection of kid-friendly sea shanties, PIRATE PARRRTY! It’s a treasure chest loaded with 20 original songs, running the gamut from upbeat, contemporary pop (“We RRR the Pirate People”) to gentle lullabies (“Safe Harbors”). While the album’s lengthy 47-minute runtime — not to mention the eye-rolling overuse of “RRR!” puns — may send seasick parents down the plank, their little scallywags will undoubtedly get a kick out of Ron’s silly swashbuckling.

PIRATE PARRRTY!: The album is available at Buttered Noodles in Williston and Smugglers’ Notch Resort; soon to be available on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby. Info, rockinronthefriendlypirate.com.

Nov. 9th–10th

9 am – 3 pm

Waitsfield Elementary School

Find new and used winter gear for skiers and riders of all ages.

Consignment drop-off Nov. 8th, 4-7pm.

Waitsfield Elementary School

Route 100, Waitsfield, VT

802-496-3643

www.waitsfieldschool.org

Pre-register at W.E.S. starting Oct. 28th.

Traditional West African Dance, Drum, and Song Performance –

The story of a young boy finding his way.

Getting the Lead Out

By Ken Picard

LeAD pAInT HAS been bAnneD in U.S. homes since 1978 because of the dangers of lead poisoning, but the heavy metal still threatens children’s health. Each year, about half a million children are found to have lead levels at or above five micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood (µg/dL), which is the threshold for lead exposure set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Vermont’s kids are particularly at risk because the state has some of the oldest homes in the nation; many houses here still contain traces of lead.

October 20 to 26 is National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, so this month Dr. Lewis First, head of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, offers an overview of lead exposure and what parents can do to prevent it.

KIDS VT: Why is lead such a major concern for kids?

LEWIS FIRST: Children tend to absorb lead faster than adults. They also tend to be more curious, so their hands go into their mouths after touching non-nutritional objects. The introduction of lead into their systems is especially harmful when children’s brains are still developing.

KVT: Where do kids typically come into contact with lead?

LF: It can be in old toys and dust around old homes. Sometimes lead paint has been painted over and is exposed when the newer paint peels. In older homes, lead is sometimes found in the soldering of pipes and faucets, so it can come out in the water. It can be in the soil and along roads from the days when leaded gasoline was used. If a parent works in construction or demolition, they can expose children to lead dust by bringing it home on their clothing.

KVT: What are the health effects of lead exposure?

and damage to the kidneys, bones and nervous system. Researchers now believe that lead levels of 5 to 10 µg/dL may result in a drop of five IQ points or more. In short, lead presence may affect children’s overall intelligence.

KVT: Are the health effects reversible?

LF: Unfortunately, no. We can work to reduce the amount of lead that continues to be deposited, but once it gets into the brain, there’s nothing you can do except reduce future exposure. We can’t prove that five IQ points will make a huge difference in your child’s development, but it’s still significant.

KVT: How do you prevent lead exposure?

Saturday November 2 @ 4pmCommunity Performance

Saturday November 9 @ 8pmFinale Performance City Hall/Contois Auditorium

West African Dance and Song Class for Kids

Saturday November 9 @ 3:30pm City Hall/Contois Auditorium

Ticket stub from 11/2 performance gets kids free admission to kids’ class on 11/9. otherwise $5 tickets flynntix.org info 802-859-1802 | jehkulu.org

LF: The effects in children may not be obvious at first; parents may not even know their kids have been exposed to it. When it becomes symptomatic, it can cause abdominal pain, constipation, anemia, fatigue, weakness, and decreased bone and muscle growth. At higher levels, it can cause seizures or coma and even be life-threatening — though those cases are rare.

More commonly, what we see in kids are behavioral changes, such as difficulty concentrating and paying attention. There are certainly many other causes for these problems, but lead should always be considered a possibility until proven otherwise. Lead can also cause speech and language delays

KVT: When should kids be checked for lead?

LF: It’s recommended that all children get screened for a blood lead level at ages 1 and 2, no matter their environment. If they have elevated risk — meaning they live in an old home, or have a parent who works in demolition or construction or uses lead chemicals at work — parents may want to check their kids as early as 6 months old. For immigrants who’ve never been screened for lead and are older than 2, parents may want to check them annually up to age 6.

KVT: How is lead screening done?

LF: Typically, it’s with a finger-stick blood test. If the lead level is at or above 5 µg/dL, that will be followed up with a blood test drawn from the vein. We don’t start treating to reduce the level of lead in the blood until it’s at or above 45 µg/ dL. We do that by chelation therapy, but there are risks involved. For 5 to 20 µg/ dL, we screen and clear the environment as much as possible to reduce further exposure.

LF: Step one is screening. If you find lead in your pipes, something as simple as running the tap water for 30 seconds before drinking it will flush them clean. If you have peeling paint, do wet mopping instead of sweeping or dusting, which can blow lead dust around the house. Maintaining good levels of iron and calcium in a child’s diet will block their body’s absorption of lead.

KVT: Anything else?

LF: When kids are outside, try to keep them from putting their hands in their mouth. Have them wash their hands when they come inside. If parents work in construction or demolition, they should remove their shoes when entering the house and shower before playing with their kids. Most importantly, if you’re doing renovations or major home improvements, get educated on lead prevention. K

For more info or to report a high lead level, call the Lead Poisoning Prevention and Surveillance Program: 1-800-4398550. The Burlington Lead Program is screening a new documentary, MisLead: american’s Secret epidemic, on Thursday, October 24, 5 p.m., in Burlington city Hall auditorium. info, burlingtonleadprogram.org.

Lead can cause speech and language delays and damage to the kidneys, bones and nervous system.

Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater Presents:

SPONSORED BY:

Tiny Dancers

with arms splayed and pretended to shoot webs like Spiderman.

At one point, the song lyrics instructed, “Take it back to the old school / let me see you Cabbage Patch.” It was hard to maintain my composure as Mira and her fellow exercisers attempted the ’80s dance move, churning their fists in circular motions.

After the kids imitated monkeys, babies and elephants in a rousing game of Freeze Dance, Niles put on a cool-down song from the movie Rio. Kids stretched their legs, rolled their shoulders and waved their arms in fluid, flying motions.

booK: Compost, by Gosh! An Adventure With Vermicomposting by michelle Eva Portman

agE rangE: 4-8

It’s hard to obsErvE a Zumba KIds class without being overtaken by the urge to sway your hips and tap your feet.

That’s what I discovered as I sat in the corner of an exercise studio at Shelburne Health & Fitness, watching my 6-year-old daughter, Mira, and four other elementary schoolers shimmy and shake to rhythmic Latin music.

Zumba is a trademarked dancefitness workout that has exploded in popularity since it was created in 2001; Inc. magazine named Zumba Fitness Company of the Year in 2012, noting that an astounding 140,000 locations in 150 countries offer Zumba classes.

It’s not surprising, then, that the craze is catching on with the kiddie set. Zumba instructors must get additional certifications to be able to teach Zumba Kids for ages 7 to 11 and Zumba Kids Jr. for ages 4 to 6. Until recently, the kids classes were called Zumbatomic.

Mira’s Zumba Kids class began with a warm-up. Spurred on by the enthusiastic whoops of instructor

Jennifer Niles, the group powered through a series of step touches, bicep curls, hand waves, and movements that mimicked jump roping and driving a car.

“Why don’t you get a drink quickly?” Niles suggested when the song ended.

Adult Zumba and Zumba Kids classes use a lot of the same music, Niles says, ranging from salsa to merengue to cumbia to reggaeton. But while the grown-ups’ class is a 60-minute nonstop fitness dance party, the kids’ version lasts just 45 minutes, and there are frequent water breaks.

Another difference is that many of the adult Zumba moves are a bit racy, so Niles tones them down for kids. She also simplifies the steps. “It’s not expected that a 4-year-old would do salsa steps like an adult,” she says.

On the day I visited, kids were learning new steps to a song with a samba rhythm. Niles started by instructing kids to shift their weight from one foot to another. Then she asked them to embody their favorite superhero. Kids vogued dramatically

“You did a superfantastic job,” Niles enthused. “Come on and get your sticker.”

Zumba not only encourages physical fitness in kids, Niles says, but also fosters creativity and confidence.

After class, I asked the kids what they like about the workout.

Nine-year-old Sam put it simply: “You get to dance!”K

niles, a first-grade teacher at shelburne community school, and co-instructor marcela bronk offer Zumba Kids classes after school in shelburne during the school year. For more information, contact niles at jniles@cssu.org.

Essex Junction recreation and Parks offers Zumba for preschoolers and school-age children. For more information, visit ejrp.org. Zumba Kids classes are also offered in Warren and stowe. For more information, go to zumba.com and search for classes in vermont.

Engstrom’s summary: Environmentalist Michelle Eva Portman wrote and illustrated this engaging book about vermicomposting — an amazing process in which worms eat our leftover food waste and make compost. Through rhyming text and vibrant pictures, Compost, by Gosh! tells the story of a mother and daughter who start a vermicomposting bin together.

“Eisenia fetida (i see’ nee a fet’ ida) / Is our pet worms’ real name,” writes Portman. “They liked their new home. / They were quiet and tame.”

Step-by-step instructions cover the care and feeding of the worms — and how to use the compost they produce to nourish houseplants. It’s a simple introduction to recycling food waste on a small, practical scale. The young girl in the book cares for the environment by caring for her worms — something any child can do.

Why you’ll like it: Kids find worms to be fascinating, cool creatures, and that’s what makes this book a winner. It’s also a valuable teaching tool. The “How to” and “Resources” sections will help you set up a worm bin at home or in the classroom. We have one in our library. K

“The Librarian Likes” features a different librarian and book each month. Got an idea for a future “LL”? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

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

lIbrarIan: kathleen Engstrom, haston Library, Franklin

Lily and Sam Williams at Zumba Kids

Calling all creative kids, parents and other adults for a free wacky day of events for kids and their parents! Come think on your feet and practice your creative problem solving skills!

Tease your brain! Play with your food! Build! Create! Laugh! Improvise!

There is no cost to participate.

MUSIC DAY CAMP

QUESTIONS? CALL 864-8436 OR VISIT WWW.VTDI.ORG FOR MORE INFORMATION

MUSIC DAY CAMP

JOIN THE VERMONT YOUTH ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION

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

For more info or to register: www.vyo.org

For more info or to register: www.vyo.org

Celebrating our 50th Anniversary during the 2013-14 season!

DECEMBER AUDITIONS FOR NEW INSTRUMENTAL & CHORAL STUDENTS!

Celebrating our 50th Anniversary during the 2013-14 season!

PRESTO offers ensemble experience to beginning string players with at least one year of experience. Classes start Saturday, October 5, 2013!

M AY 2013 AUDITIONS FOR ORCHESTRA

M AY 2013 AUDITIONS FOR ORCHESTRA & CHORUS

BECAUSE

The Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation supports statewide prevention programs for children and families to help give all kids a fair chance at success.

The Because Project asks Vermonters to share their stories about people and experiences that have shaped their lives, especially during their formative years — stories that may inspire others to get involved. Because together we can all make a di erence.

On January 7, 2011, as I was sworn in as Vermont’s 81st governor, I recalled my mom saying that, in my grade-school years, it seemed more likely that I would struggle to find a job than that I would run for o ce.

I was a kid who learned di erently. In the second grade, I was called to the principal’s o ce with my parents, where they were told what I already knew — that despite all their good e orts, my teachers could not teach me how to read. The prospects of my being a successful student and going to college were dim, they were told. That was not a great day.

Fortunately, I had one teacher who believed in me: Claire Ogelsby. She later became Vermont’s teacher of the year. After a long day at school, Claire loaded me into her Willys Jeep

and took me to her log cabin deep in the woods on Windmill Hill Road in Westminster West. In warm weather, we sat on her lawn; in cold weather, we huddled around the woodstove. There, slowly and creatively, she taught me how to read.

What I remember best about Claire was that no matter how di cult the challenge, no matter how innovative she had to be or how hard she had to work, she never gave up on me. Therefore, neither did I.

Though Claire passed away shortly before I became governor, I feel that she is always with me. Thanks to her belief in me, I learned to view my learning di erences as strengths. Now, when I speak with others with learning di culties, I let them know that with creativity and hard work, we can all overcome our challenges.

BY LINDA FURIYA

Misery Loves Co.

46 Main St., Winooski, 497-3989

LOCAL HIPSTERS, FOODIES AND TRENDSETTERS may be drawn to Misery Loves Co. because of its inventive cuisine and food-truck origins. But it was the restaurant’s gloomy, Lemony Snicket-esque moniker that enticed my 10-year-old son to join me there for lunch.

I’d eaten Misery’s creative suppers before — think pig’s tail with smoked apple, hakurai turnips and burnt hay — and was eager to see if lunch would be more family-friendly. On the day of our visit, my boyfriend, son and I scored a sidewalk table in front of the restaurant, nestled in a brick building along Winooski’s main drag.

After sitting unnoticed for a few minutes, a server came out to inform us that we should order lunch at the counter. The small but intensely original à la carte menu is hand-scrawled on chalkboards inside.

There’s nothing run-of-the-mill about Misery’s sandwiches. The “Vonnegut” is fried egg, pork belly and American cheese; the “Rough Francis” combines fried chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese and pickled celery.

Despite those compelling combos, my boyfriend and I couldn’t resist ordering the roast beef sandwich ($10), and Korean Reuben ($12), respectively. My son enjoys spicy flavors and I wanted him to try something new, so I crossed my fingers and ordered him the pork bun sliders with sriracha mayo and kimchi ($8).

If that doesn’t sound like something your ospring would eat, check the online o erings of the day before loading the kids into the car. There’s no

o cial children’s menu at Misery, but kid-friendly items such as grilled cheese sandwiches and hamburgers may be available.

We were thrilled to see the open kitchen behind the counter. From a stool, my son had a perfect view of the chefs working their magic. Then we took our Mexican Coca-Colas ($2.50) to an outdoor table and people watched while we waited for the food to arrive. It didn’t take long.

My son ate two of his three sliders and described the filling as “good,” though he found the sauce “too sweet.” No mention of the sriracha mayo or kimchi, which was a good indication it wasn’t too spicy for him.

Nothing could come between my boyfriend and his roast beef sandwich. I was able to steal one bite, and my teeth sank into a perfect, medium-rare, coriander-rubbed beef. Fresh radish, sweet caramelized onion jam and a generous smearing of homemade cream horseradish shot it into the gourmet stratosphere.

My Reuben was a lofty culinary achievement, too. The house-cured, smoked pastrami was so toothsome, I could have eaten only that. I would have preferred the kimchi to be spicier, but a mayo with piquant gochujang — a spicy Korean condiment — helped it along nicely. The firm but yielding bun

held the fillings and sauces together without getting soggy.

We’d also ordered herb fries ($6) from the smallplates menu. Crisp and brown on the outside, soft in the middle, they came out dusted with sea salt, sprigs of rosemary and sage leaves. My son called them “awesome” as he reached for another handful.

I’d heard good things about the doughnuts, so we shared a large one filled with strawberry pastry cream ($3). Though the sugar glaze had turned runny from the heat of the kitchen, it reminded me of the doughnuts of my youth — not too airy or sweet.

Sorry, Lemony Snicket, but our visit to Misery Loves Co. was no series of unfortunate events. In fact, it wasn’t miserable at all.

“Out to Eat” is a monthly family-friendly restaurant review. Where should we eat next? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

Noah Bousquet enjoys the vanillapeach soda and pork bun sliders

From a stool, my son had a perfect view of the chefs working their magic.

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DWAYNE DONER

JERICHO

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Sons Finn, 14, and Rubin, 6

My oldest son, Finn, grew up kind of old-fashioned. We just weren’t into technology. We read books and we built things. We didn’t have the internet; we didn’t have commercial television. Finn had to learn as we did, when the technology entered our lives. We talked about getting Finn a cellphone a year or two ago, but he’s never been interested. He’s online now, but he’s never really been into cellphone use. When he’s not with us, he’s at another household. I think if it was getting to the point where he had friends with cars and they were going out — just them — we would want him to have a cellphone.

My younger son, Rubin, is very into technology — he follows a couple of accounts on YouTube and he FaceTimes me at work on the iPod app. If he was 13 now, he would probably want a phone, and I’d be OK with that.

ANDY GORDON

UNDERHILL

VIDEOGRAPHER/EDITOR, WCAX; ACTOR, POTATO SACK PANTS THEATER

Son Henry, 10 months

I really don’t like cellphones; they’re a nuisance. You’re always accessible. In some ways, it’s cool. In some, it’s annoying.

Either way, it’s the way the world is going. To ignore it is to not prepare your child for life. My wife, Meredith, and I have talked about when we should give Henry a phone. I think once he starts driving, he might get into a situation where it would be great to have a phone on him.

There’s obviously going to be some kind of boundaries: Don’t use it when we have company. Don’t use it when the family is doing an activity together. Don’t use it when we’re at the dinner table. The dinner table, for me, is where kids and parents talk, and technology does not come into play. If he’s on the phone for hours and we get some ridiculous bill, there is probably going to be a discussion. There are limits to everything. You just have to set the boundaries and see how it goes.

MEL ALLEN ESSEX

SENIOR HELP-DESK SUPPORT SPECIALIST, VERMONT ENERGY INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Daughters Merrill, 18; Derreth, 5; and Sierra, 1 month

I got an extra cellphone when my daughter, Merrill, was 8. I was a single dad, moving from apartment to apartment, and I didn’t want a landline that was changing all the time. I lived in Burlington, so Merrill rode the city bus to school and home. I thought, There’s no reason to leave the phone at home when I really need it to be with her. The phone was an e ective way to keep track of her for the brief periods of time she was on her own. I pre-programmed numbers into it — family members and the parents of a few of her friends — and she wasn’t allowed to call anyone who wasn’t on that list. There was no texting allowed on the phone.

When she was older, we had a good discussion about the dangers of sexting — how it can not only be a crime, but can also live with you forever. Once, after I caught wind of a story that a few girls at the local high school had risqué pictures of themselves taken with their own phones — mostly in locker rooms by other girls without their knowledge — I simply decided to get Merrill a phone without a camera.

DREW LARSEN

BURLINGTON

NETWORK TECHNICIAN, NETWORK PERFORMANCE INC.

Daughters Ella, 9, and Greta, 7

Right now, I feel my kids are too young to be responsible enough to have a phone and not lose it. They don’t really have purses to carry their phones around in. Well, Greta’s got about 45 purses, but which one would she use?

In my mind, the right time to get a phone may be around age 12 — when they’re o doing things on their own. Then they wouldn’t have an excuse to say, “Well, you know, I couldn’t get ahold of you.” I think we would possibly have them pay for part of it and maybe get a TracFone where you can pay by the minute and know how many minutes you have. I’d like it to be more of a phone for emergencies or when you really need to talk to somebody, rather than a phone you can use anytime you want, for anything you want.

When is the right time for a child to have a cellphone?

I think once he starts driving, he might get into a situation where it would be great to have a phone on him.

ANDY GORDON

Filmmaking

it gave the kids a chance to try out new special effects — explosions and muzzle flashes — using iMovie.

“You really want to cut from action to action,” Broderson advised the group when he reviewed their chase sequence, suggesting they trim some dead air. With a couple of clicks of the mouse, the boys made the edit.

“If I had this as a kid, I don’t think I would have done anything else,” Broderson said.

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chances are The sTinky BaBy Trilogy won’t be coming to a theater near you — ever. The trio of short films, made by four elementary school-age girls, follows three babysitters who run away from their dirty-diapered charges. Enthusiastic viewers laughed and applauded during a lunchtime premiere at the Ilsley Public Library in Middlebury in August, though.

The screening capped a four-day Special Effects Filmmaking Camp for kids entering grades 4 through 8. A collaboration with Middlebury Community Television, it was one of three summer video camps held at the library. Moviemaking isn’t just a summertime activity there; during the school year, fledgling filmmakers can attend the library’s weekly drop-in Youth Media Lab.

Both the camps and the labs teach kids to look critically at video and produce quality media of their own, according to MCTV’s technology coordinator, Kurt Broderson. “Kids are exposed to media all the time,” he said. “Knowing both how to make it and how to watch it, [they’ll] be much better off.”

In introductory filmmaking camps, kids familiarize themselves with video cameras, learning terminology such as “establishing shot” and “extreme closeup” by watching videos made by older students and creating short test films of their own. They also learn to use iMovie, video-editing software that comes free

with Macs, and work in small groups to write, film and edit longer movies. The one-hour labs focus on more specialized themes such as shadows, reflections, chase scenes and transitions.

The Special Effects camp could also be called Advanced Filmmaking, Broderson explained, because kids must have taken a previous video camp or regularly attended Youth Media Lab to participate.

One computer away, a group of four girls excitedly viewed the final cut of the first film in their Stinky Baby Trilogy, which runs just over eight minutes.

“FYI, the babies’ voices are coming from us,” explained 9-year-old moviemaker Natalia Martorella as a shot of dolls with squeaky voices flashed on the screen. Later, she pulled up Magnificent Magic Show — a movie she made in an earlier camp — and explained how she used a green-screen effect to make it look like her friend was hovering in midair.

Martorella moved to Middlebury at the end of the last school year and found out about the video camps and classes during a casual trip to the library. Now she’s hooked.

“You can capture everything you see and show it to everyone,” she said. “It’s actually pretty fun. K

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On the final morning of Special Effects camp, students were putting the finishing touches on their films at computers in the corner of the children’s and young-adult section of the library.

A group of middle school-age boys showed Broderson the latest cut of their two-and-a-half-minute film, The Unfair Dealing. In it, an angry boy chases a friend through the streets after the friend doesn’t share his Goldfish crackers equitably. The climax involves a shoot-out, in which the boys use their fingers as guns. Broderson said he allowed the PG-13-level violence because

lighTs, camera, acTion!

During the school year, Youth Media labs are offered on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the ilsley Public library in Middlebury. For more information, contact the library at 388-4095 or kurt broderson at kurt@ middleburycommunitytv.org.

To view movies created during the Youth Media lab and video camps, visit ilsleypubliclibrary.org and click on the YouthTv icon.

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If I had this as a kid, I don’t think I would have done anything else.

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Youth services librarian Tricia Allen works with 9-year-olds Amanda Kearns and Annie Andrus

Tablet Time

There wasn’t a pencil in sight during Paul Lasher’s first-period math class about prime and composite numbers last month at the Hinesburg Community School. Instead, on every desk was a shiny, new iPad.

Each sixth grader had opened an app called ShowMe, which allows students to “write” on the iPad’s touch screen with their fingers. When Lasher asked the class to determine some of the factors that go into 120 and 180, 25 sets of fingers began skimming, jabbing and sliding to produce the answers.

After walking around the room for five minutes, Lasher decided to project one student’s correct answers onto the whiteboard at the front of the class. It was only the second full week of school, and he had to fiddle with the technology a little. But soon enough, the scribbled numbers appeared on the board. The other students scrambled to make sure their own answers matched Hinesburg’s pre-K through eighth grade school is one of many in Vermont that is giving iPads to its students. Introduced in 2010, the devices have quickly become educators’ go-to computing tool. Teachers are finding ways to incorporate the tablets into math, English, science and even health

classes. At Hinesburg, lesson plans now include shooting, editing and watching videos, and viewing images from the teacher’s microscope beamed to each student’s tablet. No more waiting in line to press an eye up to the lens.

“It’s a 3-D learning experience,” says Jessica Wilson, Hinesburg’s technology integration specialist.

it’s a 3-d learning experience.

Jessica Wilson, Hinesburg community scHool

Wilson worked with Lasher and science and literacy teacher Angela Galyean to get the devices into their school. Although she didn’t even own a smartphone at the time, Galyean recognized that an assortment of interactive iPad apps might help her students learn about the solar system. Together, the trio applied for a 2012 Bentley Award. The prize, from the Vermont Technology Alliance, honors Bentley Davis Seifer, a technologyloving 12-year-old from Burlington who died in 2011.

Hinesburg was one of three award winners, netting $3000 and a $300 iTunes gift card to spend on apps. The school used the money — as well as funds rerouted from its technology budget — to pilot a one-to-one computing program, so called because it provides one device to every student. Wilson says the school had long considered implementing something similar; the award made it possible.

Now that each sixth and seventh grader has an iPad — for a total of

students at Hinesburg community school use their iPads during class

iPads are proving irresistible in some Vermont classrooms

BY CHARLES EICHACKER

104 — the next step is getting them to eighth graders, without asking taxpayers to increase the school budget. That is no small feat: Not including apps, the starting retail price for a single iPad is $400.

Hinesburg is reallocating its technology budget. “We are not getting more money to fund this,” says Wilson. “We are just changing what we are purchasing” — that is, tablets instead of laptops or desktop computers.

For now, Hinesburg students store these pricey devices in a large, metal security container at the end of every school day — and with good reason. A rash of thefts earlier this year underscored the importance of safe storage. The school is also thinking about letting kids take an iPad home, if their parents provide a small security deposit to cover potential damage.

But Lasher says the devices — each of which is outfitted with a rubberized cover and plastic screen protector — are surprisingly durable. “I mean, we had a kid throw up all over one last year, and it was fine,” he quips.

So far, Hinesburg is the only school in the Chittenden South Supervisory Union to

adopt a one-to-one iPad policy. A 2012 survey by the Vermont Agency of Education shows that at least 12 schools elsewhere in the state do the same. Franklin County, for example, has four schools reporting a combined total of more than 600 iPads.

Schools in Burlington, South Burlington, Winooski, Essex and other Chittenden County towns have incorporated the devices into their lessons, but not to the extent Hinesburg has. Orleans, Washington, Addison, Orange, Bennington and Windham counties each had one school report using the device.

The 2013 number of schools using iPads is likely to be higher, predicts Peter Drescher, technology coordinator for the Agency of Education, based on conversations he’s had with teachers over the summer. “There’s an emphasis on the tablets now because that’s becoming the tool of choice, so to speak, for schools,” Drescher says, citing mobility and speed as reasons for their growing popularity in education. The old computers could take several minutes to boot up. “With

A 2012 survey by the AgencyVermont of Education shows that at least 12 schools make iPads available to students on a one-to-one basis.

the tablets, they push a button. It’s on, and it starts working. That is the one thing the tablet has really solved. I think that’s been a key driver.”

Parents in Hinesburg don’t seem to object to the increase in screen time. Becky Ouellette-Morton, a mother of four and a clinical instructor at the University of Vermont, says her son Luke, a seventh grader, wasn’t challenged by all his classes in the Hinesburg school system. But in

Galyean’s class last year, OuelletteMorton says the iPad helped Luke stay engaged even after he finished the lessons at hand — Galyean went out of her way to download extra apps for him.

“During the day, it gave my son something to focus on,” says Ouellette-Morton. “Maybe that something isn’t lab time or time with the teacher, but it did allow him to use the iPads to solve a problem.”

Speaking during their lunch hour, Galyean and Lasher both emphasized the way the devices help them tailor their lessons to the needs of individual students. To use them effectively, the teachers both took a three-hour workshop on incorporating iPads into the curriculum. They now spend time every weekend researching new apps, Galyean explains.

“We’re starting this year with the things we know really work, and are sprinkling in some new ones, too,” Lasher says.

But are the iPads effective learning tools? Although Wilson cites an overall bump in the Hinesburg sixth-grade students’ math and science scores last year, she says the school has not yet been able to collect any solid data on their own two-year-old program. Tablet computers have only been on the market for a few years, so the information is limited for any school using the devices.

Nationwide, the results have been no more conclusive. From 2010 to 2011, the textbook publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt had a group of students in a Riverside, Calif., middle school use iPads in an Algebra 1 class. At the end, 20 percent more of the students in the iPad group received a score of “Proficient” or “Advanced” than those without tablets.

Last year in Maine, the state widely credited with developing the one-to-one model, the Auburn school district provided iPads to 129 kindergarteners across six schools. After nine weeks of using iPads to perform reading and writing activities, those students performed marginally better than their peers in a range of literacy areas.

The results in Enosburg Falls have been similar — promising, but no slam dunk. The middle and high school bought laptops for every student five years ago. Last year, the school system invested in iPads for every student and teacher from the fifth to 12th grades — almost 500 of them — and let responsible students bring the tablets home.

High school principal Erik Remmers notes that schoolwide scores on the New England Common Assessment Program have improved noticeably in the last five years. And the most encouraging NECAP

gains, he says, have been among students who qualify for governmentsubsidized lunches, an indicator that their family is at or below the poverty line. Average NECAP math scores for middle school students in that group doubled between 2008 and 2012. Teachers deserve much of the credit for student improvement, Remmers says. But the principal adds that it doesn’t hurt that students who might not normally have access to technology can now bring an iPad home.

To boost the number of schools using these tools, Vermont’s Agency of Education has crafted contracts with three technology companies — Apple, HP and the Oregon-based computer company CTL — that would enable schools to purchase devices, apps and four years of professional training. So far, according to Drescher, only six schools across the state have expressed interest; he expects the initiative to draw more support next year.

Some ed experts — including Elliot Soloway, a professor of education at

the University of Michigan — question the wisdom of placing so much stock in an Apple product, when tablets running the Android platform offer essentially the same educational apps and cost half the price. But Soloway doesn’t dispute that schools should provide a tablet to each student.

“If you look at every organization, if you look at every discipline, it has computers in it. Except one, and that’s education. So schools that have said, ‘We’re not going to go one-to-one,’ they’re saying we’re not going to participate in the most exciting, most transformative, most opportunitygiving development ever,” Soloway says. “All those students should be fluent and fluid in the technology of today and tomorrow.” K

if you look at every organization, if you look at every discipline, it has computers in it.

Elliot Soloway

Hinesburg Community School health teacher

Cindy Stanley helps students navigate lessons on the iPad.

Turn Off: The Case Against Early iPad Adoption

In a recent conversation with “Late Night” host Conan O’Brien, comedian Louis C.K. went on a tirade about why he won’t be giving his two daughters smartphones. Kids who use them become less answerable to their peers and more prone to making mean comments online, C.K. opined. Furthermore, the comedian described how the technology is creating dependency among both children and adults.

“The thing is, you need to build an ability to just be yourself and not be doing something. That’s what the phones are taking away, the ability to just sit there,” C.K. said, placing his hands in his lap like someone waiting patiently for a bus. “Like this. That’s being a person.”

For many, his diatribe struck a chord. Within two days, the video accumulated almost two million hits on YouTube. One need not be a parent to understand the comedian’s complaint: When even a welladjusted adult can’t wait in line for coffee without stealing glances at his or her smartphone, what’s to stop flashy mobile technology from kidnapping the inexhaustible curiosity of our children?

Parents and educators who oppose one-to-one computing initiatives for preteens often cite reasons similar to C.K.’s.

Last spring, Williston residents voted down a $15.6 million school budget — up 5.09 percent over the previous year — that would have provided an iPad to every fifth and sixth grader at the Williston Central School.

The iPads were the “big, lightningrod issue,” says Kevin Mara, chair of the Williston school board — not just how they were going to be used in schools but at home, too. “Some parents brought up concerns about screen time, which [kids] get enough of already. Another concern was that if not used properly, there would be loss of interaction between teachers and students.”

Although some studies have suggested that increased availability

of laptops and even iPads can improve student performance, others seem to indicate otherwise. Two Canadian researchers tried to measure the effect of multitasking in a study published in Computers & Education earlier this year. In a college lecture situation, half the students were instructed to take notes using their laptops; the other half were invited to listen, take notes and also accomplish another set of tasks on the computers if they felt they had time. The multitaskers ended up scoring 11 percent lower on the quiz at the end of the class lecture — the difference between a B+ and B-. Students at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School, a private K-12 school with campuses in Charlotte and Shelburne, don’t see a computer until they enter the eighth grade, explains instructor Abigail DiehlNoble. That’s because the school’s philosophy, developed in 1919 by the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, revolves around the idea that early education should challenge children to engage in hands-on activity and creative expression.

Through grade school, students get outside as much as possible and express themselves through movement and art. By eighth grade, students get a comprehensive course in the history of computing technology, from the industrial revolution to the formation of Facebook — learning how to use typewriters and word processors along the way.

Before they can navigate the virtual world safely, Diehl-Noble explains, “We feel that adolescents need a lot of practice interacting and negotiating face-to-face with people. When they say something mean to their peers, they have to face them.”

Waldorf is not anti-computer, DiehlNoble emphasizes. Its high-school students use computers in some classes and can check out laptops. The idea, Diehl-Noble explains, is to prevent the premature introduction of a computer program that may force students to choose one set of answers, narrowing their view of an issue.

“That delayed gratification is important for kids,” Diehl-Noble says. “If we can delay computer use by students, it can add to their maturity.”

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Students at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School don’t see a computer until they enter the eighth grade.

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Storytellers Who Sparkle

Meet the Vermont family behind one of iTunes’ most popular kids podcasts

BY MEGAN JAMES

Three years ago, Lisabeth Sewell McCann of Charlotte wanted to find audio stories to share with her two young boys. She and her husband, David, both in their mid-forties, consider themselves “media-cautious parents” — they avoid visual media when possible and limit their kids’ screen time. But they still believe in entertainment and the power of storytelling, hence the appeal of audio.

Sewell McCann started scouring the internet for kids podcasts, but she wasn’t crazy about any of the sites she found. Most featured classic stories read aloud.

Where could she find original stories, stories that she could trust? Suddenly it hit her. “Oh!” she remembers realizing. “I’m married to the guy who can answer these questions!”

David Sewell McCann was a filmmaker and actor before he began teaching in Waldorf schools. He had been spontaneously making up stories for his kids, and his students, for years. “David’s gift as a teacher is his ability to spin stories at the drop of a hat,” says Lisabeth during an interview at the family’s home.

Lisabeth worked in a Burlington drug-and-alcohol-testing lab at the time. David had just left a teaching job — the family was in “this in-between place,” recalls Lisabeth. So she pitched him an idea: “Let’s make fresh stories each week and see if people will pay for them.”

David was skeptical at first. “Storytelling is so incredibly intimate to me,” he says. He worried that if the teller and the listeners weren’t in a room together, the magic would be lost.

His concern was unfounded. In December 2010, the Sewell McCanns launched Sparkle Stories, a website o ering subscriptions to David’s weekly audio tales. Listeners connected to them, and to the sound of his voice, immediately.

Three years later, the couple has produced more than 450 Sparkle Stories in several di erent series. Listeners can purchase one story at a time or pay a subscription fee that ranges from $7 to $30 a month, depending on their selections. The

Sewell McCanns currently count 1000 paying subscribers from all over the world; running the site has become a full-time job for both of them.

Lisabeth credits the couple’s quick success to the ability to share on the internet, and early recommendations from a community of mom bloggers. “This business could not have happened five years ago,” she says. “We’re grateful for it every day.”

The popularity of their enterprise is evident on iTunes — when Sparkle Stories launched a free podcast this summer, it immediately shot to the top of the Kids & Family charts. It’s currently featured on iTunes as a “New and Noteworthy” o ering, and at press time is the number 1 rated podcast in its category, ranking higher than shows devoted to familiar characters such as Batman, the Muppets and Harry Potter.

Its 165 iTunes reviewers are a passionate lot. “My 4yo listens to a sparkle story every night at bedtime and she won’t go to sleep without it!” gushes one. “Sparkle Stories respect kids and activate their spirit in a way I haven’t seen since Mister Rogers,” writes another. Several reviewers recommend the podcast for car rides and bedtime.

Listening to the Sparkle Stories, each of which runs about 20 minutes, it’s easy to understand their enthusiasm.

One called “The Cat’s New Home” begins: “Benjamin Thompson is an unusual name for a cat. But then Ben is an unusual cat.” David narrates the story slowly and deliberately; you can hear his theater background in his clear diction. His voice is engaging without being cloying — in other words, perfect for telling children’s stories.

In this story, the first in the Junkyard Tales series, the cat meets the other colorful characters who live in the junkyard: “Sergeant, the steadfast watchdog; Georgia Bean, the kindly rat; Mr. Flinch, the old possum” and more. The junkyard stories, David says, “are just flat-out fun.”

Lisabeth and David Sewell McCann with their sons

Storytellers Who Sparkle cOntinued fr

Sparkle’s Martin and Sylvia series focuses more on teachable moments. Siblings Martin and Sylvia, David explains, began as avatars for the Sewell McCann kids, now 8 and 11. David used to tell these stories at bedtime, and they would always address issues or emotions the boys were currently experiencing. For example, if the boys were nervous about an upcoming trip on an airplane, David would tell a story about Martin and Sylvia on a plane. Then, when the kids got on the plane themselves, they’d have a pretty good idea it was going to end well.

But not all Sparkle Stories end happily.

“I wouldn’t call them happy endings,” David explains. “I’d call them peaceful endings. They’ve worked through something. There’s a resolution.”

Indeed, Sparkle Stories can explore some weighty themes. As their listenership has grown, the Sewell McCanns have used their stories to address several national tragedies.

When Adam Lanza opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School last December, for example, the Sewell McCanns realized they had an opportunity to be a positive voice in the frantic media landscape.

“Like you, we’re reeling from the devastating news about Sandy Hook Elementary,” they wrote on their blog at the time. “It has us kissing our own children’s foreheads, trying to imagine how the parents of those lost children will manage in the coming days. We’re asking ourselves: ‘What can we do to help?’”

Naturally, they told a story. Not about a school shooting or a mass murderer, but a simple story about a beloved family dog killed in a hit-and-run. They wanted to capture “the horror, the fear, the isolation,” of a senseless tragedy in a way children could understand, says David. And they wanted to offer a message to kids who might be scared, confused or angry: “It’s OK to be sad, and this is a good place,” says David. “The world is a good place. Adults, for the most part, are here to help you.”

The story, which they distributed for free, was a success. Readers wrote in to thank them, including a therapist from

Newtown, who wrote, “As a result of a few of my clients hearing the story today, a few hundred copies are being made now and handed out to parents in Newtown.”

Though the Sparkle Stories audience has grown, the production process for each episode is still fairly low-tech. After David has written down a story, Lisabeth, who has an MFA in playwriting, edits it with an eye toward the “cleanest narrative experience.” Then David records it — using a Mac, GarageBand and a Snowball microphone — in a little carriage house

the boys also serve as a kind of market research, offering their expert opinions on different stories.

Lisabeth would like to see the family business continue to expand. “I’d love for this to be the beginning of a platform for alternative media,” she says. Her long-term vision includes connecting with other like-minded artists and musicians to join the Sparkle Stories family. After all, the subscriber model allows the Sewell McCanns to build trust among their listeners; they’re already sharing occasional recipes and parenting advice on their blog. “We have a weekly relationship with them,” notes David.

Both of these media-cautious parents still find it hard to wrap their heads around the fact that they’ve created a worldwide community of followers online.

“We had no idea what the future was going to hold,” says David. “We were just telling stories to our kids.” K

His voice

engaging without being cloying — in other words, perfect for telling children’s stories.

Sponsored by:

OCT CALENDAR

Candy Land

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

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

It’s trick-or-treating time! Before making the rounds in your own neighborhood, head to Shelburne Museum’s annual HAUNTED HAPPENINGS to seek sweets in a grander setting. Families visit the historic schoolhouse, jailhouse, lighthouse and steamboat Ticonderoga at this mid-day Halloween hangout with a “Marvelous Masterpieces” theme. Kids are encouraged to dress as famous artists, art supplies or works of art. Something along the lines of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” perhaps?

HAUNTED HAPPENINGS: Sunday, October 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Shelburne Museum. All ages. $5; free for members and kids under 3. Info, 985-3346. shelburnemuseum.org

SPOTLIGHTS AND LISTINGS BY CAROLYN FOX

1 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby in this all-levels class. Free class coupons are available through midwives and OB/GYNs. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 4 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Postnatal Yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class addressing sore shoulders and back pain through gentle core work. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Food

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

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

Games

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

Health & Fitness

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

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

Splashin’ Around: Swimmers bring suits and towels for a field trip to the Golden Eagle Resort’s indoor pool. Grades K-6. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 2:45-5:15 p.m. $20 for first time; $25 for drop-ins; preregister. Info, 253-6138.

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

Movies

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

Music

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

Nature & Science

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

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

Three-Mile Corn Maze: Outdoor adventurers get lost — or not — in the stalks, tracking their progress at numbered stations along the way. Sam Mazza’s Farm

Submit your November event for print by October 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com

Market, Colchester, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for price. Info, 655-3440.

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

2 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Dark Knight Comics Club: Fans of the genre bring their imagination, favorite comic books and penciling prowess as they create their own cartoons with Ben T. Matchstick and Ash Brittenham. 7-17. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free.

Getting Creative: Artists hone their craft with a visit to Helen Day Art Center. Grades K-6. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 2:45-5:15 p.m. $20 for first time; $25 for drop-ins; preregister. Info, 253-6138.

Baby & Maternity

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

Community

Preschool Playmobile in the Park: An on-the-go fun station hits the brakes so families can enjoy games and activities. Calahan Park, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7558.

Dance

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

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

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

Education

Educators’ Appreciation Day: Teachers gather for light fare, giveaways, shopping discounts and a sitdown discussion with The Expeditioners author S.S. Taylor at 6 p.m. Store discount applies to Essex location, too. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 872-7111.

Homeschool Project Day: Out-of-classroom learners make discoveries about the local railroad and its place in St. Albans history. St. Albans Free Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregistration encouraged. Info, 524-1507.

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

Food

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

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See October 1.

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

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

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

Woodstock Farmers Market: Fresh vegetables, farm

Grade-School Musical

Every school day is an adventure for Junie B. Jones, the namesake of Barbara Park’s popular children’s book series. The little girl captures all the joys and angst of early academia in what she calls “Top-Secret, Personal Beeswax! A Journal.” Her hilarious diary entries take center stage in JUNIE B. JONES, a one-hour song-anddance romp based on the books and presented by TheatreworksUSA. Kids will have the bestest time watching the precocious first grader make new friends, adjust to cafeteria food and get ready for the kickball tournament.

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

Games

Lego Afternoons: Youngsters create freely from big buckets of building blocks. Parents encouraged to send a snack; popcorn provided. Ages 6 and up. Lincoln Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

See Dr. First videos

“First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Lego Club: Amateur architects piece together creative scale models of cityscapes. Lawrence Memorial Library, Bristol, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2366.

Health & Fitness

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

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

Soccer Tots: Budding Beckhams practice dribbling, shooting and passing. Call to confirm location; program will be canceled in the event of bad weather. Highgate Sports Arena, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Library & Books

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Discussion: Bibliophiles voice likes and dislikes about award-nominated

JUNIE B. JONES: Friday, October 4, 10 a.m., at Paramount Theater in Rutland. Grades K-5. $6.50. Info, 775-0570, ext. 202. Sunday, October 6, 3 p.m., at Spaulding Auditorium, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, in Hanover, N.H. $13-23. Info, 603-646-2422. theatreworksusa.org

books, such as Phoebe Stone’s The Boy on Cinnamon Street. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

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

Music

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

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

Nature & Science

Farm Activities: See October 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Great Vermont Corn Maze: See October 1, 10 a.m.

Three-Mile Corn Maze: See October 1.

VINS Daily Programs: See October 1.

Theater

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

3 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art Drop-In: Multimedia projects involving play dough, paint and paper introduce young kids to artistic expression. Ages 6 months-5 years, accompanied by an adult. BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $6. Info, 865-7166.

Scaly Creatures: Kids learn about dinosaurs, dragons, snakes and turtles through stories, songs and crafts.

Ages 3-5. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 10:15-11:15 a.m. $10 drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

Baby & Maternity

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

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See October 1, 5:45 p.m. La Leche League of Essex: Moms bring their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breast-feeding. Pregnant and planning moms are also welcome. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 383-8544.

Community

Touch a Truck: Beep, beep! Kids climb aboard awesome autos, and speak to their drivers. All ages. Milton Highway Garage, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 893-4922.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See October 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: In “knead” of a snack? Bread bakers make and eat a cheesy focaccia. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

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

Health & Fitness

Hooping for Kids: Boys and girls twirl hoops to music, improving their motor skills, agility and cardio health.

Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 3:15-4 p.m. $12 drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

Martial Arts Class: See October 1.

Story Times

SUNDAY

Williston Russian Story Time: Buttered Noodles, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 730-2673.

MONDAY

Burlington Preschool Story Time at the Aquarium: ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, MondaysWednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

Burlington Stories With Megan: Fletcher Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. No session on Oct. 14. Free. Info, 865-7216.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TUESDAY

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

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

Burlington Preschool Story Time at the Aquarium: See Monday, 11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Library & Books

Food for Thought Teen Group: Teens chow down on pizza as they discuss the library’s special events and book and DVD selection. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Read for the Record: Page turners all over the globe read Loren Long’s Otis, attempting to break a world record.

All ages. Held at Phoenix Books in Burlington and Essex, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 872-7111.

Music

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Milton Preschool 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.

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

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

Williston Fall Story Time & Craft: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m. No sessions on Oct. 15 and 22. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Reading With Frosty & Friends Therapy Dogs: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister for a 10-minute session. Info, 878-4918.

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY

Burlington Preschool Story Time at the Aquarium: See Monday, 11:30 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Highgate Fall Story Time Fun: See Tuesday, 11:15 a.m.

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

Marshfield Story Time & Playgroup: Jaquith Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Middlebury Baby & Me Story Time: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Nature & Science

Farm Activities: See October 1.

Gone Fishin’: Mini anglers embark on an outdoor adventure led by the pros at the Fly Rod Shop. No experience is necessary. Grades K-6. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 2:45-5:15 p.m. $20 for first time; $25 for dropins; preregister. Info, 253-6138.

Great Vermont Corn Maze: See October 1.

Three-Mile Corn Maze: See October 1. VINS Daily Programs: See October 1, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Theater

‘The Pirates of Penzance’: See October 2.

4 FRIDAY, P.30

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

Norwich Story Time: Norwich Public Library, 10:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY

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

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

Middlebury Preschool Story Time: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

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

Shelburne Farmyard Story Time: Shelburne Farms, 10:15-11 a.m. through Oct. 17. Regular admission, $5-8; free for members, Shelburne residents and kids under 3. Info, 985-8686.

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY

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

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

Essex Musical Story Time: Essex Free Library, third Friday of every month, 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 a.m. Free. Info, 434-4583.

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

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

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY

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

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

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

862-6696

osteel@cksvt.org facebook.com/cksvt

4 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

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

drop-in Kinder Arts Program: Artist/instructor

Kelly Hold leads an exploratory craft session. Ages 3-5. River Arts, Morrisville, 10:30 a.m.-noon, $12 for first child; $8 per second child. Info, 888-1261.

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

Baby & maternity

 Kindergarten:

4 year old

Real Science.

REAL FUN!

Postnatal core Yoga: Get your abs on! New moms learn to reengage core muscles lost during pregnancy in this flowing yoga class for all levels. Pre-crawling babies are welcome. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 1:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

community

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

Rockin’ Rec: The school week comes to a close with tabletop games, tinker toys, marble mania and more. Grades K-6. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 2:45-5:15 p.m. $20 for first time; $25 for drop-ins; preregister. Info, 253-6138.

dance

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

Education

Early Bird math: Young children and their caregivers put two and two together using interactive books, songs and games to explore early math concepts. Richmond Free Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

Fairs & Festivals

Annual Harvest Festival: Musician Jon Gailmor delivers lively tunes at this potluck celebration with face painting, a bake sale and a raffle. Turtle Island Children’s Center, Montpelier, 4:30-6 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 229-4047. stowe oktoberfest: Oompah bands, sing-alongs and a grand street parade transform this mountain town into a traditional Bavarian village. Visit stoweoktoberfest. com for schedule. Mayo Events Field, Stowe, 7-11 p.m. $5-10; free for kids under 9 with paying family member. Info, 253-3928.

Food

Montshire Museum!

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

•  125+ Hands-on Exhibits

•  Daily Activities

•  Visiting Exhibitions

•  Science Park with water exhibits

•  Nature Trails

• Live animals & aquariums

•  Museum Store

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

Library & Books

Fall Book sale: Lovers of the written word pore over a collection of donated reads. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

Write on!: Aspiring authors play with words and spin stories. Ages 6-10. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-4 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

music

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

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

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

Farm Activities: See October 1.

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

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

Theater

‘Junie B. Jones’: Barbara Park’s precocious protagonist enters the first grade in this lovable musical from Theatreworks USA. See calendar spotlight on page 27. Grades K-5. Paramount Theater, Rutland, 10 a.m. $6.50. Info, 775-0570, ext. 202.

‘The Pirates of Penzance’: See October 2.

5 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

BcA Artist market: Kid Zone: Weather permitting, creative types have a blast making and decorating their own farmers market bag in the park. All ages; parents must accompany their children. Burlington City Hall Park, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5. Info, 865-7166.

Kids craft: Bat mask: Using glitter glue and acrylic gems, participants create a “spooktacular” costume accessory. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

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

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. Richmond Farmers market: Vendors peddle maple iced tea, honey ice cream, vegan chocolates, justpicked produce and much more at this lively showcase of locavorism. All ages. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, rfmmanager@gmail.com.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See October 2.

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

Holidays

Queen city Ghostwalk: darkness Falls: Chills and thrills await as paranormal historian Thea Lewis recaps the city’s dark past. Generally suitable for ages 9 and up. Arrive 10 minutes prior to start time; meet on the steps. Burlington City Hall Park, 7 p.m. $14-18. Info, 863-5966.

Tractor Factor

little kids may not yet understand Vermont’s rich agricultural heritage, but they can certainly appreciate the machinery that helped establish it. engines rumble and dust flies as nearly 200 magnificent farm machines spin their wheels in the EAsT cHARLoTTE

TRAcToR PARAdE this small-town tradition in its 13th year marks the end of the harvest season with hayrides, a farmers market, craft activities and kids games. roll with it.

EAsT cHARLoTTE TRAcToR PARAdE:

Sunday, October 13, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., on Spear Street in east charlotte. Parade starts at 1 p.m. all ages. Free. Info, 425-4444. tractorparade.com

Baby & maternity

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

community

Ringo matsuri: Taiko in the orchard: Burlington Taiko and other visiting taiko groups pound out a beat for apple pickers. Shelburne Orchards, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 985-2753.

Walk for Farm Animals: Activists of all ages join Green Mountain Animal Defenders to raise funds for farm animals in need. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free; donations and pledges encouraged; preregister. Info, 861-3030.

dance

‘Young Forever: Back to Neverland’: Think happy thoughts: The Vermont Youth Dancers stage a sequel to J.M. Barrie’s fanciful story, using hip-hop, jazz and lyrical choreography. Proceeds benefit the Elijah Davis Memorial Fund. Mount Mansfield Union High School, Jericho, 6:30 p.m. $5 minimum donation. Info, 448-0893.

Education

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

oak meadow open House: Families gather to celebrate and learn more about the homeschooling curriculum, resources and support offered by this education center. Refreshments, hands-on crafts, a sing-along and a student art show augment the affair. Ages 5-18. Oak Meadow School, Brattleboro, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 251-7250.

Fairs & Festivals

Brandon HarvestFest: Folks inhale the sweet fall air as they make their own scarecrows, hop aboard a hayride and dig into delicious apple pies. Central Park, Brandon, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Most events are free. Info, 247-6401.

Harvest Festival: Pick your own pumpkin straight from the patch, or sample the fall staple in pies, doughnuts, fudge and more. Pony rides, face painting, fall games and a petting zoo round out the fun. Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Colchester, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 655-3440.

RocktoberFest: A 5K run, puppet shows, pumpkin bowling and live bands highlight this all-day street party. All ages. 43 Portland Street, Morrisville, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info, 888-6373. stowe oktoberfest: See October 4, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Food

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

Butter making: Children churn up golden goodness. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 11:30 a.m. Regular admission, $5-8; free for members, Shelburne residents and kids under 3. Info, 985-8686.

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

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

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Eat Local Week: Harvest festivals, farm tours, crop mobs and more celebrate the work of local farmers. Visit eatlocalvt.com for details. Downtown Burlington, various times. Info, 861-9700.

middlebury Farmers market: See October 2.

Pumpkin & Apple celebration: Cider pressing, ice cream churning, pumpkin bowling and horse-drawn wagon rides highlight autumn’s two most prominent crops. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

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

Health & Fitness

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

Yoga Tots: Toddlers and parents stretch it out in exercises meant to build self-esteem and positive attitudes toward physical activity. Ages 2-6. Community Room. Highgate Town Office Building, 9-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Holidays

Queen city Ghostwalk: darkness Falls: See October 4.

Library & Books

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

Fall Book sale: See October 4, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

‘star Wars’ Reads day: Jedi fans celebrate the mind-trick of reading with themed crafts, giveaways and appearances by costumed characters. All ages. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 448-3350.

Nature & science

Botanical investigation day: An exploration of ferns, flowers and plant cells complements the New England Society of Botanical Artists’ exhibition “From the Mountains to the Sea.” All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

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

dead creek Wildlife day: Nature lovers grab their binoculars to view diverse wildlife during guided walks and family-fun activities. Ages 4 and up. Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area, Addison, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 825-1000.

Farm Activities: See October 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1. orienteering: The farm’s fields and woods provide grounds for training in map-and-compass navigation. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Shelburne Farms, beginners’ clinic, 9-10 a.m.; orienteering courses, 10 a.m.-noon. $5-6; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

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

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

Parenting

The secret to Joyful Education: What role should parents play in their child’s education? Nationally recognized educator Rick Ackerly has the answers in this workshop presented by Parenting on Track. Best Western/Windjammer Inn & Conference Center, South Burlington, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. $129 per person; $199 per couple; preregister.

Theater

Auditions for ‘Vermont’s own Nutcracker’: Calling all sugar-plum fairies and gingerbread soldiers! Dancer/performers try out for a role in the winter production. Ages 6-18. Vermont Ballet Theatre School, Essex, 1:30-4:45 p.m. Free; preregister for a scheduled rehearsal time. Info, 878-2941.

MISLEAD:

‘The Pirates of Penzance’: See October 2. saturday drama club: Thespians help Very Merry Theatre produce a show in just three hours. Ages 5-12. Very Merry Theatre, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 (or pay what you can). Info, 863-6607.

6 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See October 1, 10:05 a.m. Postnatal Yoga: See October 1, first Sunday of every month, 12:15 p.m.

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

dance

Family dance: All steps are taught as movers and shakers hit the dance floor for fun. Bring clean shoes for dancing. All ages. Capitol City Grange, Berlin, 2-5 p.m. $5-8; $20 per family. Info, 872-0166.

Fairs & Festivals

19th-century Apple & Harvest Festival: Visitors churn ice cream, press cider, sample heirloom apples, play old-fashioned games and hike the Lookout Trail at this state historic site. All ages. Justin Morrill Homestead, Strafford Village, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $3-10 includes lunch. Info, 765-4288.

Harvest celebration: Family fun includes Vermont specialty foods, face painting, live music and door prizes. City Market, Burlington, noon-4 p.m. Call for price. Info, 861-9700.

marshfield Harvest Festival: Lewis Franco, Colin McCaffrey and the Montpelier Ukulele Club perform at this afternoon of family-friendly fun, including face painting, cider pressing, field games and a petting zoo. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

stowe oktoberfest: See October 4, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Eat Local Week: See October 5.

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

6 sUNdAY, p.32

THURSDAY OCT 24 • 5 PM • FREE CONTOIS AUDITORIUM, BURLINGTON CITY HALL

AMERICA’S SECRET EPIDEMIC is an intellectually rigorous, emotionally compelling exposé of a hidden epidemic that impacts one in three American children today. Tamara Rubin, an Oregon mother whose sons were poisoned, travels the country meeting with experts and other parents of poisoned children –looking for answers.

A Special Engagement Preview Screening of the documentary feature film “MisLEAD: America’s Secret Epidemic.” A panel discussion will follow the screening with the film’s director, Tamara Rubin, and leading experts in the lead poisoning prevention field.

A project of the Lead Safe America Foundation, a 501(c)3

nonprofit.

but you have the power to protect your child from 14 diseases.

Many childhood diseases—such as measles and flu—can spread quickly among children who haven’t had all their vaccinations. That’s why it’s important to get all their shots, at the right times.

It’s time for flu shots. Everyone over 6 months old should get a flu shot every year.

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

Pumpkin & Apple celebration: See October 5.

Health & Fitness

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

YoGirls Yoga class: Preteen girls acquire self-confidence, emotional stability and a positive body image through yoga poses, mindfulness activities, games and crafts. Ages 7-11. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 2:303:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Holidays

Queen city Ghostwalk: Lakeview cemetery: Thea Lewis, author of Haunted Burlington and Ghosts and Legends of Lake Champlain, leads families on a grave adventure. Generally suitable for children 9 and up. Arriave 10 minutes prior to start time. Louisa Howard Chapel, Burlington, 6 p.m. $14-18. Info, 863-5966.

Nature & science

A corn maze Adventure: See October 5.

Farm Activities: See October 1.

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

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Eat Local Week: See October 5. Oct. 13.

Games

Lego club: Builders fashion architecturally sound constructions. Ages 7-12. Milton Public Library, 3:305 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See October 2. Family Archery: Parents and kids take aim at a new sport. No experience required. Ages 10 and up. Farrell Park, South Burlington, 5:45-6:45 p.m. $12-17; preregister. Info, 846-4108.

Herbs for children, Part 1: coughs, colds & Ear infections: Clinical herbalist Shona Richter MacDougall discusses natural remedies to help beat sniffle season. For adults. Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, Montpelier, 6-8 p.m. $10-12. Info, 224-7100.

move it mondays: Dancing, hiking, yoga, obstacle courses and Wii games keep kids on the go. Grades K-6. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 2:45-5:15 p.m. $20 for first time; $25 for drop-ins; preregister. Info, 253-6138.

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

Library & Books

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

Questions? Go to OktoAskVT.org

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1.

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

Planetarium Presentation: See October 5, 1:30-2:30 & 3:30-4 p.m.

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

Terrific Tractors: Future farmers climb aboard a variety of big machines that help get the job done. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission, $5-8; free for members, Shelburne residents and kids under 3. Info, 985-8686.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

Theater

‘Junie B. Jones’: See October 4. Ages 4-8. Spaulding Auditorium. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H. 3 p.m. $13-23. Info, 603-646-2422.

7 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

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

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

Baby & maternity

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

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

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

music

music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with Peter Alsen or Derek Burkins strike the right note among the wee crowd. For ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:45 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See October 1.

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

8 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: See October 1.

Teen Art studio: Creative juices flow as local artists encourage adolescents to dream up ideas and carry them out in an anything-goes atmosphere. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 253-8358.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See October 1.

Postnatal Yoga: See October 1.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Eat Local Week: See October 5.

Kids in the Kitchen: Fall flavors sing when little ones make pumpkin crêpes. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

old North End Farmers market: See October 1.

Games

chess club: See October 1.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See October 1.

moovin’ & Groovin’: See October 1.

splashin’ Around: See October 1.

Yoga for Tots: See October 1.

movies

Youth media Lab: See October 1.

music

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

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See October 1.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See October 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1. story Time in Nestlings Nook: Preschoolers settle in for avian education. Activities include crafts, music and nature walks, if the weather permits. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $3-6. Info, 434-2167.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

Parenting

Nurturing Through Nature: Speaker Lisa Guerrero guides parents in fostering their child’s development through outdoor play. South Burlington Community Library, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

9 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Arts for Tots: See October 2.

dark Knight comics club: See October 2.

Getting creative: See October 2.

Baby & maternity

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

community

Preschool Playmobile in the Park: See October 2, Oakledge Park, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m.

dance

5, 6, 7, 8 ... Jazz & musical-Theater dance: See October 2.

creative movement: See October 2. dance combinations: See October 2.

Education

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

social Thinking: See October 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Big Buzz carving Festival: Onlookers watch art in action as chainsaw carvers from across the northeast create and display wooden works. Call for specific schedule. 321 Route 103 South, Chester, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $5; free for kids. Info, 374-0035.

Food

caledonia Farmers market: See October 2. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. cookie decorating: See October 2.

Eat Local Week: See October 5.

maple candy making: See October 2.

middlebury Farmers market: See October 2.

Woodstock Farmers market: See October 2.

Games

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

Lego Afternoons: See October 2.

Lego club: See October 2.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See October 2.

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See October 2.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: See October 2. Preschool music With mr. chris: See October 2.

Nature & science

critter construction: Hold onto your hard hats! Little ones explore beaver lodges and bird nests as they create a cozy hideaway of their own. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 10-11 a.m. $8-10 per adult/child pair; $4 per additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Farm Activities: See October 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1. Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

10 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art drop-in: See October 3.

scaly creatures: See October 3.

Zentangle Art Program: Sketchers turn their doodles into amazing designs with presenter Deb Runge. Grades 4 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Baby & maternity

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

Education

History for Homeschoolers: See October 9.

Fairs & Festivals

Big Buzz carving Festival: See October 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Eat Local Week: See October 5.

Kids in the Kitchen: Gourds go gourmet as youngsters whip up pumpkin pudding parfaits. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

milton Farmers market: See October 3.

Games

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

Health & Fitness

Hooping for Kids: See October 3.

martial Arts class: See October 1.

music

music for Preschoolers: See October 7, 10:30 a.m.

music With mr. chris: See October 3.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See October

Saturdays,

Gutterson Field House

New and Advanced Levels Welcome!

Ages 3 through Adult

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

Turner Toys

Classical for Kids

instruments represent animals in THE TRUE sToRY oF PETER & THE WoLF, an engaging introduction to classical music for little listeners presented by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and Kids VT in this version of the timeless children’s story, a flute trills like a singing bird and an oboe wails like a quacking duck. the show includes spooky musical selections, alternate endings and audience participation. it’s touring the state at the end of October, a few days before Halloween. Make sure to come in costume — there’s a parade across the stage at intermission.

community

Gone Fishin’: See October 3.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

Parenting

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

Building Bright Futures Parenting Workshop series: Instructor Scott Noyes leads a program educating parents on healthy sleep patterns. Desserts and discussion follow. Essex Elementary School, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6715.

11 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Art studio: See October 4. drop-in Kinder Arts Program: See October 4.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: See October 4.

THE TRUE sToRY oF PETER &THE WoLF:

Saturday, October 19, 11 a.m., at unitarian church of Montpelier; Saturday, October 19, 4 p.m., at bFa Performing arts center in St. albans; Sunday, October 20, 2 p.m., at Mccarthy recital Hall, St. Michael’s college, in colchester; and Sunday, October 27, 2 p.m., at Mahaney center for the arts, Middlebury college. $5-7; $15 family pass; additional $1 service charge for Middlebury concert. all ages. info, 864-5471, ext. 10. vso.org

Glassblowing demos & Food Trucks: See October 4.

Rockin’ Rec: See October 4.

Education

Early Bird math: See October 4. Homeschool Project day: Siblings and parents act as the audience as out-ofclassroom learners present current and past projects. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Fairs & Festivals

Big Buzz carving Festival: See October 9. Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

stowe Foliage Arts & crafts Festival: Many-colored leaves set a stunning scene for juried artwork, live music, wood-fired pizza, physical comedy and face painting. Stowe Events Field, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10; free for kids. Info, 425-3399.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Eat Local Week: See October 5. Oct. 13.

Richmond Farmers market: See October 4.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See October 2.

Toddler Yoga & stories: See October 4.

Holidays

Queen city Ghostwalk: darkness Falls: See October 4.

Library & Books

Elephant & Piggie Party: Readers have a silly celebration in the style of children’s book author Mo Willems’ friendly animal protagonists. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Write on!: See October 4.

music

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See October 4.

music With derek: See October 4.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See October 1.

10 THURsdAY (cOntinueD)

Foodways Fridays: See October 4.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

12 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

BcA Artist market: Kid Zone: See October 5.

Kids craft: Paper Lantern: Inspired by witches, Frankenstein and pumpkins, creative types fashion cute globe lamps to light up the night. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Kids craft: Perler Beads: Just bead it! Mini jewelers make beautiful creations. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Youth & Family saturday drop-in: See October 5.

community

creativity day: Think on your feet! Kids and parents enjoy brain teasers, exercise problem-solving skills and play with their food at this wacky affair. Burlington High School, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 864-8436.

Lil’ Vermonters Fall/Winter consignment sale: Shoppers find baby, kids and maternity items at bargain prices. All ages. St. John Vianney Church, South Burlington, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 admission for the first hour (free for all consignors); otherwise free. Info, 860-810-9872.

Tractor day: Auto enthusiasts tour a tractor “petting zoo,” listen to themed stories and settle in for related crafts. Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Fairs & Festivals

Annual Harvest Weekend: A husking bee and barn dance are among the 19th-century highlights at this family fest, which also features hot, spiced cider, homemade doughnuts and apples on strings. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Big Buzz carving Festival: See October 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Fall Festival/ Arts & crafts open House: Families breathe in the crisp autumn air during craft sessions, art demos, face painting and pumpkin carving. Cider, apple and chocolate samples sweeten the deal. All ages. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5; free for members. Info, 434-2167.

stowe Foliage Arts & crafts Festival: See October 11.

Food

Burlington Farmers market: See October 5.

Butter making: See October 5.

capital city Farmers market: See October 5.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Eat Local Week: See October 5. Oct. 13.

middlebury Farmers market: See October 2.

shelburne Farmers market: See October 5.

Health & Fitness

Buddy Walk of Northwestern Vermont: Participants of all ages and ability levels get a breath of fresh, fall air while promoting the acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome during Down Syndrome Awareness Month. See calendar spotlight on page 42.

Collins-Perley Sports Complex, St. Albans, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; pledges accepted; all walkers get a free Tshirt. Info, 524-6555, ext. 6414.

EvoKids saturday Yoga: See October 5.

Family Kayak clinic: Parent and child paddlers learn the basics of boat control on a shoreline tour of the lake. Ages 10 and up. Red Rocks Beach, South Burlington, 3-5 p.m. $12-17; preregister. Info, 846-4108.

Harvest Fun Run/Walk for sustainability: Fleet feet compete in 1K and 5K races followed by family activities, pumpkin prizes, locally sourced food and music by Mr. Chris. Proceeds benefit the Sustainability Academy. Burlington Intervale Center, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $5-15; $30 per family. Info, 864-8480.

Holidays

Haunted campground: Halloween fun — from trickor-treating to a costume parade — makes for some very

happy campers. Quechee State Park, Hartford, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $2-3; free for kids under 4. Info, 295-2990.

Queen city Ghostwalk: darkness Falls: See October 4.

Library & Books

Annual Book sale: Readers stock up for the winter at this selection of thousands of books for all ages, plus puzzles, DVDs and audio books. Shelburne Town Center Gym, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5214.

Nature & science

Bird monitoring Walk: Tweet, tweet! Beginners learn birdsong basics and share their passion for everything ornithological. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 8-10 a.m. Donations accepted. Info, 434-3068.

color mixing: Preschoolers and their families blend primary colors into brand-new hues. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

A corn maze Adventure: See October 5. Exploring magnets: Budding scientists experiment with invisible pull. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Farm Activities: See October 1.

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, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 655-3440.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1.

Hawk Walk: Late-migrating raptors provide interest on a leisurely bird walk. Bring your binoculars. Ages 8 and up. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $5; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Leaf Peeping: Foliage fans meet at the public beach area for a nature walk, held rain or shine. Ages 12 and under with parents. Lake Carmi State Park, Enosburg, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

movin’ & Groovin’ Weekend: In conjunction with the “Cool Moves” exhibit, youngsters explore motion while making a keepsake button, tackling trivia questions and getting their faces painted. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, Oct. 14, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Planetarium Presentation: See October 5, 12:30-1, 1:30-2:30 & 3:30-4 p.m.

saw-Whet owl Banding: Families have a hoot as they view these seldom-seen, pint-size migrants. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 229-6206.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

Theater

saturday drama club: See October 5.

13

SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See October 1, 10:05 a.m. shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See October 6.

Fairs & Festivals

Annual Harvest Weekend: See October 12.

Big Buzz carving Festival: See October 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

East charlotte Tractor Parade: Antique and modern farm vehicles rumble down Spear Street at 1 p.m. at a town party with food, live music, a farmers market and craft exhibits. See calendar spotlight page 30. Spear Street, Charlotte, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 425-4444.

Harvest Festival With the Bondville Boys: A southern Vermont bluegrass band headlines an open-air feast showcasing local meats, vegetables and fruits. Champlain Orchards, Shoreham, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $6-14. Info, 897-2777.

Pumpkin Festival: Visitors see orange at this quintessential autumn affair, featuring pumpkin picking, cider pressing, juggling, storytelling, live music and horse-drawn wagon rides. All ages. Cedar Circle Farm

& Education Center, East Thetford, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $10 per car. Info, 785-4737.

stowe Foliage Arts & crafts Festival: See October 11.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Eat Local Week: See October 5.

Heirloom Apple day: Fun facts and free tastings celebrate more than 90 varieties of this favorite fall fruit. Scott Farm, Dummerston, 10 a.m. 12 & 2 p.m. Free. Info, 254-6868.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: south Burlington: See October 6.

Power of Produce (PoP) club: Winooski: See October 6.

Health & Fitness

YoBoys Yoga class: See October 6. YoGirls Yoga class: See October 6.

Holidays

Queen city Ghostwalk: Lakeview cemetery: See October 6.

Library & Books

Annual Book sale: See October 12, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Nature & science

The Big sit: Eagle-eyed participants circle up to find out how many birds they can spy from seated positions. Bring your own binoculars; snacks and coffee provided. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Free; pledges and donations accepted. Info, 434-2167.

A corn maze Adventure: See October 5.

Farm Activities: See October 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1. microscopic investigations: Hand lenses and microscopes help kids discover there’s more to the world than meets the eye. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

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

movin’ & Groovin’ Weekend: See October 12.

Planetarium Presentation: See October 5. 1:30-2:30 & 3:30-4 p.m.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

14 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

clay for Kids: See October 7.

clay for Tots: See October 7.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See October 7.

Yoga After Baby: See October 7.

Fairs & Festivals

Big Buzz carving Festival: See October 9.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See October 2.

Family Archery: See October 7.

move it mondays: See October 7.

Yoga class: See October 7.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See October 1.

and frustrating. The fast pace

pre-med chemistry major, but

discover how you learn?

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1.

movin’ & Groovin’ Weekend: See October 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

15 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: See October 1.

Plate, cup & Bowl making: Crafters transform dishware into memorable keepsakes suitable for holiday gifts. St. Albans Free Library, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $7 per item. Info, 524-1507.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See October 1.

Postnatal Yoga: See October 1.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

old North End Farmers market: See October 1.

Games

chess club: See October 1.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See October 1.

moovin’ & Groovin’: See October 1.

splashin’ Around: See October 1.

Yoga for Tots: See October 1.

movies

Youth media Lab: See October 1.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See October 1.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See October 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

16 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Afterschool craft club: Amateur artists end the school day with a creative project. Grades 3-5. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Arts for Tots: See October 2.

dark Knight comics club: See October 2.

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

Getting creative: See October 2. Plate, cup & Bowl making: See October 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

community

Preschool Playmobile in the Park: See October 2, Leddy Park, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m.

dance

5, 6, 7, 8 ... Jazz & musical-Theater dance: See October 2.

creative movement: See October 2. dance combinations: See October 2.

Education

social Thinking: See October 2.

Food

caledonia Farmers market: See October 2. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. cookie decorating: See October 2.

Kids in the Kitchen: Autumn’s bounty becomes a delicious broth as budding chefs stir together a maplebutternut soup. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Games

Lego Afternoons: See October 2.

Lego club: See October 2.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See October 2. EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See October 2.

Library & Books

Baby charms: Nonwalking infants get silly as they sing, dance and make music with Miss Susan. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

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

music

Preschool music With mr. chris: See October 2.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See October 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

17 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Plate, cup & Bowl making: See October 15.

Pollywog Preschool Art drop-in: See October 3.

scaly creatures: See October 3.

Baby & maternity

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

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Games

Game Night: Whether it’s Apples to Apples or Connect Four, young adults beat boredom with board games. Snacks provided. Grades 7-12. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Health & Fitness

Hooping for Kids: See October 3. martial Arts class: See October 1.

Library & Books

community Book discussion: Readers chat about the Young Adult Library Services Association’s top 10 list for teens. Milton Public Library, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

intergenerational Book discussion: Bibliophiles gather for a read-and-rant session focused on Milton author Lee Ann Kemsley’s The Hunger Year. For older teens and adults. Milton Public Library, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

movies

middle school Books-to-Film discussion: Bookworms read Bethany Hamilton’s Soul Surfer, then watch the movie adaptation at the library over snacks. Milton Public Library, 3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

music

music for Preschoolers: See October 7, 10:30 a.m.

music With mr. chris: See October 3.

Nature & science

Farm Activities: See October 1.

Gone Fishin’: See October 3.

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

Parenting

Building Bright Futures Parenting Workshop series: Instructor Scott Noyes leads a program educating parents on raising children in a violent society. Desserts and discussion follow. Essex Elementary School, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6715.

Theater

Holiday Plays & Kids cabaret: Holiday themes inspire drama kings and queens to create exciting original skits, plays and comedies with children’s theater director Trish Denton. Ages 7-12. Jericho Community Center, 3:30-5 p.m. $15; preregister.

18 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

drop-in Kinder Arts Program: See October 4. Plate, cup & Bowl making: See October 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Herbs for Pregnancy: Midwives, childbirth professionals and parents learn about safe “plant allies” to support a healthy pregnancy. Vermont Center for Integrative Herbalism, Montpelier, 6-8 p.m. $10-12; preregister. Info, 224-7100.

Postnatal core Yoga: See October 4.

14 moNdAY (cOntinueD)

community

Garrison Ghost Tour: History buffs delight in spinetingling stories of the supernatural, recounted by museum staff guides. All ages. Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y., 8-9:30 p.m. $35; preregister. Info, 518-585-2821.

Glassblowing demos & Food Trucks: See October 4. Lickity splitz Kids’ consignments: Fall/Winter sale: Bargain hunters score gently used, brandname clothing for less. Call for details on consigning or volunteering. All ages. Mid Vermont Christian School, White River Junction, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Info, 779-5347.

Classes

Photographing the Night sky: The Vermont Astronomical Society presents an out-of-this-world slide show. For grades 1 and up. Franklin Carriage House & Franklin Homestead, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505. Rockin’ Rec: See October 4.

Education

Early Bird math: See October 4. Fairbanks Homeschool Fridays: Students expand their educational horizons in two dynamic programs. Grades K-8 and their families. Fairbanks Museum &

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

acrylics! Teen Workshop: Make your paintings pop! Learn how to express yourself through the use of bold color or dazzling detail. Find your personal painting style in this workshop for all levels. Discover helpful painting tricks, refine your skills or just have fun trying new techniques.

Instructor: Karen Abbruscato. Saturday, Oct. 19, 1-4 p.m. $45/person; $25/HDAC members. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday.com.

The drawing Games: youth Workshop: Work with new friends to create collaborative drawings (and writings) as you tackle the challenge of following twists and turns introduced by a set of interesting rules. Creative fun, an excellent brain workout and unexpected results guaranteed! Instructor: Leif Goldberg. Ages: 8-12. Saturday, Oct. 26, 1-4 p.m. $30/person; $5/ HDAC members. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday. com.

Gingerbread architecture: Students will create an entire gingerbread village to be displayed at the annual Festival of Trees and Light. Architectural details will be studied, and students will design a variety of houses and storefronts to be made with real gingerbread, candies and icing.

Instructor: Natasha Bogar. Ages: 8-12. Mondays, Nov. 4-Dec. 9 (no class Nov. 11), 3-5 p.m. $110/person; $85/HDAC members. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday.com.

Paper arts: With paper, the creative possibilities are endless! Through inventive paper engineering techniques, students will create a project book and a final piece focusing on a subject of their choice. Discover cool relationships to math and science, and learn the process of brainstorming, organizing and implementing artistic ideas. Instructor: Judy Sgantas. Ages: 7-11. Wednesdays, Nov. 6-Dec. 11 (no class Nov. 27), 3-5 p.m. $110/person; $85/ HDAC members. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday. com.

draw! Paint! sculpt!: Come draw, paint and sculpt, and engage in a variety of creative activities. Different themes and media will be explored each week. Themes will

include abstract, realistic and imaginary imagery. Different styles of art and artists will be introduced. Instructor: Liz Kauffman. Ages: 4-6. Thursdays, Nov. 7-Dec. 12 (no class Nov. 28), 3-5 p.m. $110/person; $85/HDAC members. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: education@helenday.com, 253-8358, helenday. com.

aikido of champlain Valley: martial arts and conflict Resolution for children: The Japanese martial art of Aikido integrates self-defense with a philosophy of nonviolence and compassion. Children’s classes include physical conditioning, bully awareness and prevention, and methods to cultivate inner calm. Visitors are always welcome and children can try a class. Kindergarten (ages 5-6): Thursday, 4 p.m. 7-12 year olds: Tuesday & Wednesday, 4 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. Free trial class. Classes begin Oct. 3 & Oct. 5 . Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St., Burlington. Info: bpincus@burlingtonaikido.org, 9518900, burlingtonaikido.org.

art/French after-school classes chez

wingspan studio: Fun, engaging, educational classes/camps in a beautiful working studio. Classes led by Maggie Standley, professional artist and encouraging educator. On Mondays, explore art, French and world geography! On Wednesdays, delve into the world of wizards and faeries through 2-D and 3-D creation! Early release option on Wednesdays. Visit website to register and for more info. Allons-y! Mondays, Oct. 28Dec. 16, or Wednesdays, Oct. 30-Dec. 18, 3:30-5:15 p.m. Location: wingspan Studio, 4A Howard St., Burlington. Info: Maggie Standley, 233-7676, maggiestandley@yahoo. com, wingspanpaintingstudio.com.

it’s all about the mast w/ Kelly Holt: Get ready – Halloween is not far away! Working with different materials such as papier-mâché, wire, cardboard, accent materials and paint, this 3-day workshop will explore different ways to make masks. Participants will build sculptural forms to make whimsical, scary, or surprising disguises. Create your favorite animal, shark, super hero or villain – you name it! Finished pieces will be ready to take to your favorite neighborhood party or parade. Ages 4-8. Oct. 16-18, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $135/person. Financial assistance avail. Location: River Arts, 74 Pleasant St., Morrisville. Info: 888-1261, info@riverartsvt. org, riverartsvt.org. K

Member CCSU/ANESU Early Learning Preschool Partnership

We are a 5 STAR child-centered, developmentally appropriate program in Hinesburg, VT, where children play to learn and learn to grow!

18 FRiday, p.38

OCT CALENDAR

Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $10 per student includes museum admission; free for one adult per family. Info, 748-2372.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See October 1. Kids in the Kitchen: Asian inspiration prevails as participants make chicken wonton soup. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See October 2.

Toddler Yoga & Stories: See October 4.

Holidays

Queen City Ghostwalk: Darkness Falls: See October

4.

Library & Books

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

Teddy Bear Sleepover: Kids drop o their favorite stu ed animals on Friday, then return to hear about their overnight adventures at a Saturday morning breakfast. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Write On!: See October 4.

Movies

Movie Day at the Library: Film bu s catch a flick on the big screen. Call for film title. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Playgroups

MONDAY

Barre Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, 10 a.m.noon. $10 per child. Info, 233-0517.

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

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

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

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

Morrisville Hometown Playgroup: Morristown Graded Building, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229. St. Albans Afternoon Fun: Barlow Street Community Center, 3-5:30 p.m. $11-14 per session. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

SMArt Series: Snacks and art activities follow a Friday-night screening of Night at the Museum. Stu ed animals are invited to stay for a sleepover adventure; they can be picked up on Saturday. Shelburne Museum, 5-8 p.m. Regular museum admission, $5-22; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See October 4.

Music With Derek: See October 4.

Nature & Science

19 SATURDAY Arts & Crafts

BCA Artist Market: Kid Zone: See October 5.

See

Evening Wagon Ride: Riders dressed for the weather enjoy hot cider on a half-hour, horse-drawn trip around the farm. Weather permitting. Shelburne Farms, 6, 6:35 & 7:10 p.m. $7-12. Info, 985-8686.

Farm Activities: See October 1.

Foodways Fridays: See October 4.

Great Vermont Corn Maze: See October 1.

Three-Mile Corn Maze: See October 1.

Vermont Tech Jam: Tech-savvy teens take in educational and career opportunities at this annual job fair and tech expo. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Ages 9 and up. Info, 864-5684.

VINS Daily Programs: See October 1.

Theater

‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’: One hundred and fifty shadow puppets bring Washington Irving’s eerie short story to life. Ages 5-12. Rutland Free Library, 2-3 p.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

John Dewey Day Celebration: Kids craft paper masks with artist Frank Gonzalez. A Church Street parade follows to celebrate the birthday of Burlington’s famous educator/philosopher. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Kids Craft: Ghost Cone: At this drop-in session, Halloween lovers make ghoulish creatures from papier-mâché. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Plate, Cup & Bowl Making: See October 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Youth & Family Saturday Drop-In: See October 5.

Community

Lickity Splitz Kids’ Consignments: Fall/Winter Sale: See October 18. 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Tractor Day: Agricurious youngsters meet local farmers and tour their tractors before craft time with NOFA-VT. Pre-K and up. Haston Library, Franklin, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Fairs & Festivals

Annual Craft Fair: Local handcrafters and farm vendors set up shop at this town tradition. Champlain Valley Union High School, Hinesburg, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 482-7194.

Autumn Wagon Ride Weekend: Folks inhale sweet fall air on a narrated, horse-drawn tour of the working dairy farm. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

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

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

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

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday, 3-5:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY

Barre Open Gym: See Monday.

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

Essex Junction RU12? LGBTQA Family Playgroup: Leaps and Bounds Child Development Center, Oct. 9, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 860-7812.

Milton Playgroup: Milton Family Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-1457.

THURSDAY

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

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

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

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesday.

Essex Building Bright Futures Playgroup: Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department, 9:30-11 a.m. Free; bring indoor shoes. Info, 876-7555.

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

Milton Playgroup: See Tuesday.

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

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

TUESDAY

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

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

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

Colchester Playgroup: See Monday.

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

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

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

Richmond Playgroup: Richmond Free Library, 8:4510:15 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

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

South Burlington RU12? LGBTQA Family Playgroup: Leaps and Bounds Child Development Center, South Burlington, fourth Wednesday of the month, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-7812.

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

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

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

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

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

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

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

Morrisville Baby Chat: First Congregational Church of Morrisville, first Thursday of every month, 1011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

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

Worcester Playgroup: Doty Memorial School, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 223-1312.

FRIDAY

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

Essex Center Toy Library Playgroup: Memorial Hall, Oct. 4, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

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

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

Cabot Apple Pie Festival: Ain’t life sweet: Townsfolk sample fruit pastries, chili, soup and more at a craft fair. Cabot School, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 563-3396.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: See October 5.

Butter Making: See October 5.

Capital City Farmers Market: See October 5.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See October 1.

Middlebury Farmers Market: See October 2.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See October 5.

Holidays

Haunted Trail: Spooky surprises pop up along forest paths. Bring younger kids at 6 p.m. for a less-scary walk. Quechee State Park, Hartford, 6 & 8 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 295-2990.

Ooky Spooky Race: Costumed runners pound a trail through a “haunted” forest to the beach to raise money for COTS. Rock Point School, Burlington, 8-10:30 a.m. $10; $25 per familly. Info, 863-1104.

Queen City Ghostwalk: Darkness Falls: See October 4.

Library & Books

Cleo the Therapy Dog: See October 5.

‘Loosie B. Goosie’ Book Reading & Signing: Vermont author Marilyn Webb Neagley reads from her picture book, the true story of a goose with a broken wing that was rescued at Shelburne Farms. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 872-7111.

Teddy Bear Sleepover: See October 18, 10 a.m.

19 SATURDAY, P.40

Norwich Lunch at the Library: Norwich Public Library, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

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

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

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

Stowe Playgroup: Stowe Community Church, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

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

Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

SATURDAY

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

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

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

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

•

he thought this was a great chance to make connections for his future.”

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

20 SUNDAY

movies

smArt series: See October 18. 9-11 a.m.

music

Hopstop Family series: The Wholesale Klezmer

Band: Original sing-alongs, dancing and storytelling introduce kids to Eastern European Jewish culture. Ages 3 and up, accompanied by an adult. Top of the Hop, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., 11 a.m. Free; seating is limited. Info, 603-646-2010.

‘The True story of Peter and the Wolf’: Spooky selections fill a woodwind-quartet Halloween concert for families, copresented by the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and Kids VT. Costumes encouraged. See calendar spotlight on page 34. Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 11 a.m. BFA Performing Arts Center, St. Albans, 4 p.m. $5-7; $15 per family. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.

Nature & science

A corn maze Adventure: See October 5.

Farm Activities: See October 1.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1.

Kids Gardening club: Pumpkins & Pirates!: Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate serenades the green-thumb crowd as they search for buried treasure among jack-o’-lanterns and paint a pumpkin to take home. Gardener’s Supply, Williston, 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 660-3505.

Planetarium Presentation: See October 5.

skulls: Science lovers explore skeletal remains of local wildlife. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200. straw Rockets: Imaginative inventors use air power to make space contraptions fly. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

Vermont Tech Jam: See October 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

Theater

saturday drama club: See October 5.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See October 1, 10:05 a.m.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See October 6.

Fairs & Festivals

Autumn Wagon Ride Weekend: See October 19.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. Power of Produce (PoP) club: Winooski: See October 6.

Health & Fitness

YoBoys Yoga class: See October 6.

YoGirls Yoga class: See October 6.

Holidays

monster dash 5K Run/Walk & Goblin Gallop Kids

Fun Run: Hold onto your brains! Zombies chase the runners at this “wicked” course benefiting Medicine

Horse Farm therapeutic programs. The one-mile Goblin Gallop takes kids through an enchanted forest. Costumes encouraged. Medicine Horse Farm, Morrisonville, noon-3 p.m. $10-15. Info, 518-566-7217.

Queen city Ghostwalk: Lakeview cemetery: See October 6.

music

‘The True story of Peter and the Wolf’: See October 19. McCarthy Arts Center. St. Michael’s College, Colchester, 2 p.m.

Nature & science

A corn maze Adventure: See October 5.

Farm Activities: See October 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Fingerprints: Kids get up close and personal with their prints, exploring what makes them unique. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Great Vermont corn maze: See October 1, 10 a.m.

Planetarium Presentation: See October 5, 1:30-2:30 & 3:30-4 p.m.

sundays for Fledglings: See October 6. Three-mile corn maze: See October 1. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

21 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

clay for Kids: See October 7.

clay for Tots: See October 7.

Plate, cup & Bowl making: See October 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See October 7.

Yoga After Baby: See October 7.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. my child & me cooking class: Nourishing Fall soups: Parents and little ones stir up delicious and seasonal organic broths. Ages 5 and under, with a parent. McClure Multigenerational Center, Burlington, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $5-10; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 861-9700.

Games

chess club: Strategic thinkers make winning moves on a black-and-white-checkered board. Ages 6-15. Milton Public Library, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Lego club: See October 7.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See October 2. move it mondays: See October 7. Yoga class: See October 7.

movies

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

music

music for Preschoolers: See October 7.

Nature & science

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

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

Theater

‘Bunnicula’: A family brings home a new pet — a mysterious baby rabbit with fangs and nocturnal leanings — in this musical from Theatreworks USA. Grades 2-6. Paramount Theater, Rutland, 10 a.m. $6.50. Info, 7750570, ext. 202.

22 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

creative Tuesdays: See October 1.

Plate, cup & Bowl making: See October 15.

Teen Art studio: See October 8, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See October 1.

Postnatal Yoga: See October 1.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. Kids cooking class: Homemade Pita Bread: Budding bakers roll out their own dough, sprinkle it with seasonings and eat it with a Middle Eastern sweet-potato stew. Ages 6-12 with accompanying adult. King Street Youth Center, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. $5-10; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 861-9700. old North End Farmers market: See October 1. Teens Take over the Kitchen: Cheese lovers make flatbread pizza supreme. Ages 12 and up. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-5 p.m. $30; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Games

chess club: See October 1.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See October 1. moovin’ & Groovin’: See October 1. splashin’ Around: See October 1. Yoga for Tots: See October 1.

MISLEAD: AMERICA’S SECRET EPIDEMIC is an intellectually rigorous, emotionally compelling exposé of a hidden epidemic that impacts one in three American children today. Tamara Rubin, an Oregon mother whose sons were poisoned, travels the country meeting with experts and other parents of poisoned children –looking for answers.

A Special Engagement Preview Screening of the documentary feature film “MisLEAD: America’s Secret Epidemic.” A panel discussion will follow the screening with the film’s director, Tamara Rubin, and leading experts in the lead poisoning prevention field.

A project of the Lead Safe America Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

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

Library & Books

science story Time: monster mania: Science educator Kristen Littlefield shares the folklore and scientific facts behind Bigfoot, Champ and other mythical creatures. Ages 3 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

movies

Youth media Lab: See October 1.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See October 1.

Nature & science

Bird Banding: Three Years Later: Which species of bird flies more than 10,000 miles from the nature center to the tropics? Gleaning information from an avian research program, listeners learn about the winged wonders that inhabit our skies. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 229-6206.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

23 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Arts for Tots: See October 2.

dark Knight comics club: See October 2.

Getting creative: See October 2. Plate, cup & Bowl making: See October 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

community

Preschool Playmobile in the Park: See October 2. Appletree Park, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m.

dance

5, 6, 7, 8 ... Jazz & musical-Theater dance: See October 2.

creative movement: See October 2. dance combinations: See October 2.

Education

social Thinking: See October 2.

Food

caledonia Farmers market: See October 2. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. cookie decorating: See October 2.

Games

Lego Afternoons: See October 2.

Lego club: See October 2.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See October 2.

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See October 2.

Holidays

Halloween story Time & craft Party: Slightly spooky tales accompany a make-and-take craft session. Ages 2-9 with a parent. Highgate Public Library, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

movies

‘it’s PJ Night at the mall, charlie Brown’: Pajamaclad families screen “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” based on the comic-strip characters of “Peanuts.” Cookies and milk provided. University Mall, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1066.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: See October 2. Preschool music With mr. chris: See October 2.

Nature & science

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

24 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Plate, cup & Bowl making: See October 15.

Pollywog Preschool Art drop-in: See October 3. scaly creatures: See October 3.

Baby & maternity

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

Food

chocolate-dipping

Games

demonstration: See October 1.

Library Legos: See October 10, 3-5 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Hooping for Kids: See October 3. martial Arts class: See October 1.

Holidays

The Haunted Forest: Good-natured thrills and chills await visitors at this spooky take on outdoor theater. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 7, 8 & 9 p.m. $12.50-15 evening tickets; $8.50-10 children’s matinee shows on October 26. Info, 238-0923.

movies

‘misLEAd: America’s secret Epidemic’: This documentary focuses on an environmental illness that affects one in every three children: lead poisoning. Director Tamara Rubin and other experts lead a post-film panel discussion. Burlington City Hall Auditorium, 5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7144.

Teen Books-to-Film discussion: Readers discuss Alice Sebold’s The Lovely Bones, then watch it jump off the page in a film adaptation. Milton Public Library, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

music

music for Preschoolers: See October 7, 10:30 a.m. music With mr. chris: See October 3.

Nature & science

Gone Fishin’: See October 3. Three-mile corn maze: See October 1. ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

Parenting

Building Bright Futures Parenting Workshop series: Instructor Scott Noyes leads a program educating parents on achieving genuine happiness. Desserts and discussion follow. Essex Elementary School, 6:30-8 p.m. Info, 878-6715.

Theater

Holiday Plays & Kids cabaret: See October 17.

25 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Art studio: See October 4. drop-in Kinder Arts Program: See October 4. Plate, cup & Bowl making: See October 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: See October 4.

community

Garrison Ghost Tour: See October 18.

Glassblowing demos & Food Trucks: See October 4. Kids Night out: Children won’t miss their parents too much at this exciting evening of supervised games and movies. Ages 5-15. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m. $10; preregister. Info, 253-6138. Rockin’ Rec: See October 4.

Education

Early Bird math: See October 4.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. Kids in the Kitchen: Breakfast lovers follow a recipe for wholesome and delicious baked oatmeal. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See October 2. Toddler Yoga & stories: See October 4.

Holidays

The Haunted Forest: See October 24, 7, 8, 9 & 10 p.m. Queen city Ghostwalk: darkness Falls: See October 4.

Library & Books

Write on!: See October 4.

music

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See October 4.

music With derek: See October 4. music With Robert: See October 4.

Nature & science

Evening Wagon Ride: See October 18. Friday Nights for Teen Tinkerers: Would-be Ben Franklins create, design or build something cool, from “Frankenstuffies” to stop-motion animation. Grades 6-9. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6:30-8 p.m. $14-16; preregistration encouraged. Info, 649-2200.

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

25 FRidAY, p.42

Theater

‘The Brief Wondrous Life of oscar Wao’: American Place Theatre stages this Pulitzer Prize-winning story about a Dominican American boy, his family’s curse and love overcoming fear. For high school students. Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, 10 a.m. $8. Info, 728-6464.

‘The Wizard of oz’: The Pentangle Players take audiences over the rainbow in this musical-theater adventure featuring twisters, Toto and a tin man. Woodstock Town Hall Theatre, 7:30 p.m. $12-22. Info, 457-3981.

26 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

BcA Artist market: Kid Zone: See October 5. The drawing Games: Art enthusiasts come together in collaborative visual and written projects. Ages 8-12. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 1-4 p.m. $20. Info, 253-8358.

Kids craft: Treat sack: Candy seekers decorate orange and black bags for Halloween sweets. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Plate, cup & Bowl making: See October 15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Youth & Family saturday drop-in: See October 5.

community

milton community Youth coalition’s calcutta & silent Auction: Local comedians deliver gut-busting standup at this dinner benefit with a $1000 prize.

Proceeds help support Milton youth and families in making positive, healthy and substance-free choices.

Ages 21 and up. Fraternal Order of Eagles, South Burlington, 6-9 p.m. $75 includes dinner for two and one ball entry; preregister. Info, 893-1009.

Food

Burlington Farmers market: See October 5.

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

capital city Farmers market: See October 5. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. middlebury Farmers market: See October 2.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: See October 5.

Holidays

catamount Fun Run With a Halloween Twist: Racers masquerading as princesses, goblins and other fanciful characters complete a half-, one- or 1.5-mile course. All runners in costumes receive a special prize. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 9:30 a.m. $3-5 per child; $6-10 family maximum. Info, 863-8412.

Fall Pumpkin Fest: Squash it! Families enjoy food from local vendors, pumpkin crafts, storytelling by the bonfire and the Great Pumpkin Walk, starting at 6 p.m. Bring a carved pumpkin with your name on it. All ages. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-1375.

Halloween Hustle 5K & Kids Race: Runners hoof it toward the finish line in short road races. Prizes awarded per age group and for best costume. Ages 3 and up. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 9-11 a.m. $12-15

5K registration; $5 for kids race, or free with a registered runner in the 5K. Info, 878-1375.

The Haunted Forest: See October 24, 11 a.m., noon, 1, 6, 7, 8, 9 & 10 p.m. midnight Glow Run: Masqueraders kick off Halloween week at a 5K fun run through town. Glowing attire encouraged. Barlow Street Community Center, St. Albans, 11 p.m. $20-26; kids under 10 do not need to be registered. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266. Pumpkins in the Park: BYOP — bring your own pumpkin — to this jack-o’-lantern carving fest for families. All ages. Dorset Park, South Burlington, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

Queen city Ghostwalk: darkness Falls: See October 4.

spooky saturday: Kids have a ghoulishly good time at this community Halloween party, with a visit from Curious George. Grades 5 and under. Vermont Public Television, Colchester, 10-11:30 a.m. & 1-2:30 p.m. $1 per child, or donate a new children’s book; preregister. Info, 800-639-3351.

Treats Without Tricks: Family costume Parade & corn maze candy Quest: Masters of disguise flaunt their getups at this “non-scary experience” resulting in sweets. All ages. Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y., 3-6 p.m. $5-10; free for children under 3. Info, 518-585-2821.

Nature & science

Bird monitoring Walk: Binocular buddies keep their eyes to the sky, hoping to catch sight of feathered wings above. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 8-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

champlain Lake Watch: Budding birders search the Champlain Valley for ducks, geese and other migrating waterfowl. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. $25-30; free for teens. Info, 229-6206.

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

optical illusions: Young minds discover that things are not always what they seem during this sciencebased session. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See October 5, 12:30-1, 1:30-2:30 & 3:30-4 p.m.

saturday morning at the museum: Specially geared toward families, this gathering invites visitors to explore every inch of the quirky collections. All ages. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-noon. Regular museum admission, $6-8; free for kids under 5. Info, 748-2372.

spiny softshell Turtle Nesting Beach Work day: Families pull up plant growth to prepare for next June’s turtle-egg-laying season, and meet some baby turtles in the process. Bring lunch, a trowel and work gloves. North Hero State Park, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 658-8505.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

Theater

saturday drama club: See October 5. ‘The Wizard of oz’: See October 25.

Step By Step

In the United States, one in approximately every 691 children is born with Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes cognitive delays. For the fifth year in row, Vermont families step up in solidarity at the BuddY WALK oF NoRTHWEsTERN VERmoNT ninety-three percent of the proceeds from this easy, one-mile walk directly benefit Franklin and Grand Isle county residents through northwestern counseling & Support Services. Face painting, a bounce house and children’s entertainment make it a feel-good day all around.

BuddY WALK oF NoRTHWEsTERN

VERmoNT: Saturday, October 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., at collins-Perley Sports complex in St. albans. all ages. Free; pledges accepted; all walkers get a free t-shirt. Info, 524-6555, ext. 6414. ncssinc.org

25 FRidAY (cOntInUeD)

27 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See October 1, 10:05 a.m. Newborn 101: Moms- and dads-to-be learn baby basics — from breast-feeding to prolonged crying — as well as how to enjoy the first three months of parenthood. Franklin County Home Health Agency, St. Albans, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $30; preregister. Info, 527-7531.

shelburne Prenatal yoga: See October 6.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Health & Fitness

yoBoys yoga class: See October 6. yogirls yoga class: See October 6.

Holidays

Family Halloween: All Hallow’s Eve inspires pumpkin carving, doughnuts on a string, wagon rides, animal programs and “not-too-scary” stories. Costume parades at noon and 2 p.m. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3 or in costume. Info, 457-2355.

Ongoing Exhibits

BiRds oF VERmoNT mUsEUm, HUNTiNgToN

Info, 434-2167

‘Birds by Peter Padua’: Visitors discover the soaring ornithological works of this 90-year-old Middlebury woodcarver.

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

EcHo LAKE AQUARiUm ANd sciENcE cENTER, BURLiNgToN

Info, 864-1848

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

FAiRBANKs mUsEUm & PLANETARiUm, sT. joHNsBURy

Info, 748-2372

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

moNTsHiRE mUsEUm oF sciENcE, NoRWicH

Info, 649-2200

‘From the mountains to the sea: Plants, Trees and shrubs on New England’: A juried exhibition of paintings celebrates the beauty and diversity of our region’s native plants. All ages. Through December 1.

sHELBURNE FARms, sHELBURNE

Info, 985-8686

storyWalk: Families read a tale page by page on a trek up to Lone Tree Hill. All ages. Through October 20.

Halloween Bike Ride: Costumed cyclists wheel their way through town in a police-escorted parade with a “Shared Streets, Not Scared Streets” theme. Burlington City Hall Park, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 861-2700.

Halloween celebration: Treats — not tricks — abound at this afternoon including a pumpkin walk, Halloween carnival games, arts and crafts, bingo, and more. All ages. F. H. Tuttle Middle School, South Burlington, noon-2 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

Haunted Happenings: Kids dress as famous artists or works of art at a Halloween hangout with a “Marvelous Masterpieces” theme. See calendar spotlight on page 26. All ages. Shelburne Museum, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $5; free for museum members and kids under 3. Info, 985-3346.

middlebury spooktacular: Hay bales and flickering pumpkins decorate a civic stomping ground, the site of hay bales, games, music, dancing and a children’s trick-or-treat parade led by a witch. Middlebury Green, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4126.

Queen city ghostwalk: Lakeview cemetery: See October 6.

music

‘The True story of Peter and the Wolf’: See October 19. Mahaney Center for the Arts, Middlebury College, 2 p.m.

Nature & science

cells!: Kiddos compare plant and animal cells using a compound microscope and their own cheek cells. Ages 9 and up. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

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

Planetarium Presentation: See October 5, 1:30-2:30 & 3:30-4 p.m.

sundays for Fledglings: See October 6.

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

Wildlife Wanderers club: Families connect with Mother Nature during an outdoor adventure complete with games, activities, investigation and observation. Meet at the park gate. Red Rocks Park, Burlington, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

28 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

clay for Kids: See October 7. clay for Tots: See October 7.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal yoga: See October 7. yoga After Baby: See October 7.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Afterschool yoga: See October 2. yoga class: See October 7.

Holidays

Halloween stories With Abby Klein: Themed tales, crafts and bedtime snacks send costume- or pajamaclad kiddos off to sleep. Stuffed animals are welcome. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Library & Books

intergenerational dessert Book discussion: Lit lovers gather for a good read-and-rant session about Jo Knowles’ See You at Harry’s, complete with something sweet. Ages 12-adult. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

music

music for Preschoolers: See October 7.

Nature & science

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1.

29 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

crafty Kids: Creative kids explore beading, stitching, molding and more. Ages 5-12. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. $15 drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

creative Tuesdays: See October 1.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal yoga: See October 1.

Postnatal yoga: See October 1.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: Budding bakers roll out tasty broccoli-and-cheese pastry pockets. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

old North End Farmers market: See October 1.

games

chess club: See October 1.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See October 1. moovin’ & groovin’: See October 1. yoga for Tots: See October 1.

Holidays

Halloween celebration: Creative costumes add flair to this safe night of treats, games, crafts, a spooky maze and more. Preschoolers to fourth graders and their families. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-1375.

Trick-or-Treating at the Library: Photo opportunities abound as sweets-seekers proudly show off their Halloween outfits. St. Albans Free Library, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

movies

youth media Lab: See October 1.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley grant: See October 1.

Nature & science

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

30 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Afterschool craft club: See October 16. Arts for Tots: See October 2.

Baby & maternity

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

dance

5, 6, 7, 8 ... jazz & musical-Theater dance: See October 2.

creative movement: See October 2. dance combinations: See October 2.

Education

social Thinking: See October 2.

Food

caledonia Farmers market: See October 2. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. cookie decorating: See October 2.

games

Lego Afternoons: See October 2. Lego club: See October 2.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See October 2. EvoKids Afterschool yoga: See October 2.

Holidays

Family Halloween Party: Trick or treat! Kids make the rounds in a safe, indoor environment. Games and family entertainment also provided. Ages 2-12. University Mall, South Burlington, 4-8 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1066.

moving & grooving costume Party: Tots show off their Halloween outfits at a rockin’ dance party. Recommended for ages 2-5, but all are welcome. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

music

Preschool music With mr. chris: See October 2.

Nature & science

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

Theater

‘The Wizard of oz’: Abridged Performance: Close your eyes and tap your heels: The Pentangle Players follow Dorothy down the Yellow Brick Road in a shortened play just for school-age audiences. Woodstock Town Hall Theatre, 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. $5. Info, 457-3981.

31 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art drop-in: See October 3.

Baby & maternity

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

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See October 1. Kids in the Kitchen: Got a sweet tooth? Homemade caramel-apple bread should hit the spot. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See October 1. Trick-or-Treating at the Library: Kids show off their costumes in exchange for candy. Highgate Public Library, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Holidays

Boo to you! A Not-so-scary story Time: Costumed youngsters practice trick-or-treating at the library. South Burlington Community Library, ages 3-6 attend at 9:15 a.m.; kids under 3 attend at 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

Halloween Party: Trick-or-treators play spooky, silly games such as Monster Match and Which Witch Is Which. Concession sales benefit the Stowe PTO. Stowe Elementary School, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. Info, 253-6138.

music

music for Preschoolers: See October 7.

music With mr. chris: See October 3.

Nature & science

Three-mile corn maze: See October 1.

ViNs daily Programs: See October 1, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. K

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

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

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

✱ CONTEST

BOOK-REVIEW WINNERS

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

Loy Prussack, 11

BURLINGTON recommends: Bluefish by Pat Schmatz

“My favorite part in the story is when Velveeta figures out that Travis can’t read. It doesn’t make Velveeta think Travis is dumb. Instead, it makes her find him even more interesting.”

Sabina Karabin, 9

SOUTH BURLINGTON recommends: Junie B. Jones and a Little Monkey Business by Barbara Park

“Junie B. Jones tells her whole class that she has the ‘cutest little monkey’ for a little brother because she believes that her little brother is a real baby monkey. She even said that she’d tame him so he wouldn’t bite.”

Charis Love, 10

JERICHO recommends: Naya Nuki: Shoshoni Girl Who Ran by Kenneth Thomasma

“My favorite part was when Naya Nuki finally reached her home tribe after she had been captured by an enemy tribe and cruelly treated as a slave. She had a long and tiring and dangerous journey ... but she made it.”

Henry Wood-Lewis, 9

BURLINGTON recommends: Ultimate Guide to Baseball: Facts, Stats, Stars and Stu by James Buckley Jr.

“I already knew a lot about baseball, but I learned some new things, like WHIP (Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched). The author, James Buckley Jr., is very funny.”

Find

Happy reading!

materials

• scissors

• tissue paper and newspaper

• craft brush

• decoupage paste, such as Mod Podge

• empty glass jar with the label and lid removed

• medium-gauge metal wire (optional)

• tea lights

Decoupage Lanterns

lanTerns are a welcome way To lighT up The nighT. These upcycled glass candleholders are colorful, crafty and a cinch to make. The ones pictured here were created by 3- to 10-year-olds at a neighborhood harvest party. Thanks to the forgiving nature of decoupage, everyone produced a lantern they were proud to take home and call their own.

— Becky TharP

insTrucTions

1. Use scissors to cut tissue and newspaper into small pieces. We flipped through Kids VT to find fun patterns and seasonal pictures.

2. With your craft brush, spread a thin layer of decoupage paste onto one side of a strip of tissue or newspaper.

3. Stick the piece of paper to the glass jar.

4. repeat steps 2 and 3, layering paper over the jar until you’re happy with how it looks.

5. Using your craft brush, apply a thin layer of decoupage paste over the entire jar, covering every inch of paper. the paste is white when it’s wet, but don’t worry; it will dry clear.

6. Set the jar in a safe place and let it dry completely.

7. Optional: to create a hanger for the lantern, an adult can wrap a piece of metal wire once around the lip of the jar and twist the ends of the wire together into a hook.

halloween Tip: Line the sides of your driveway or porch with several glowing lanterns to attract trick-or-treaters.

8. place a tea light in the jar. Light it up when the sun goes down for instant, artsy fall décor. K

Review

Sponsored

Author: Describe

Backyard Castle

By Carolyn Fox

Some kidS have a BaCkyard Fort. The Nop family has a backyard fortress — a giant metal castle measuring 40 feet high at the top of its lookout tower. From the drawbridge to the dungeon, it was all the brainchild of dad Louis Nop, who runs Nop’s Metal Works out of their Middlebury home.

Built in 2010, the castle was inspired by a family vacation to Ireland. “We saw a lot of castles,” says Nop; he thought it would be fun to construct one of their own. “I hoped that it would get [the kids] interested in what I do. That hasn’t happened yet,” he says, laughing. “They’re interested in the product, not the process.”

Parents: Louis & Susan Nop

kids: Jake, 17; Olivia, 16; Jack, 13; Will, 11

Even though three of Nop’s four children are now into their teens, the castle gets plenty of use. Every summer, the family hosts a “Castle Concert” for 150 friends and neighbors. And Nop is happy to report that his kids still hang out and occasionally play make-believe in the castle.

“I think it’s important to imagine,” he says. “Creating and imagining are underrated.” And in that way, he says, envisioning and building the castle was “as much a project for me as for them.” K

• the castle is made entirely from recycled steel tanks that Nop got from local farms for next to nothing.

• three adirondack chairs are stationed around a fireplace inside, over which the Nops roast s’mores.

• Nop’s son Jake designed the dragon-inspired coat of arms mounted on the lookout tower.

• in the summer, Nop and his sons drag mattresses up to the castle turrets and sleep under the stars.

The Nop family’s metal castle

Castle dungeon

Lookout tower and coat of arms

Fireplace

PUZZLE PAGE

GRAND-PRIZE WINNER

ELLA lives in Vergennes and turns 4 in October. She enjoys reading stories with her mom, fishing with her dad and doing gymnastics with her friends.

Ella wins eight open-gym passes.

Puzzles4Kids

Riddle Search — Vacations

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: Where do songbirds go for vacation?

BY HELENA HOVANEC

SOPHIE lives in Morrisville and turns 3 in October. She likes reading, coloring and playing with her new baby brother.

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.

Sophie, Riley and Jake win one hour-and-a-half open-gym pass.

RILEY lives in Berlin and turns 6 in October. He loves to play sports: baseball, soccer and — his favorite — disc golf.

JAKE lives in Barre Town and turns 8 in October. He’s an active, happy second grader who likes soccer, hockey and watching movies.

COLORING CONTEST!

Three winners will receive $25 gift cards to Creative Habitat, and free framing of their artwork for its Kids Gallery, located at the store on 555 Shelburne Road in Burlington. After a monthlong display of the winning artwork, Creative Habitat will give each artist the framed print to display at home. Send Kids VT your work of art by October 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 4 and younger, (2) ages 5-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the November issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to KidsVT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Where Families Come to Lease Ski and Snowboard Gear

Lease in October and SAVE

$10 gift card towards future purchase for each lease.

XC, downhill, twin tip and snowboard leases starting at $89!

Open 7 Days

Powerplaysports | 802-888-6557

Catamount Family Center Trail Fun Run

Saturday, October 26, 10am

Children ages 4-12 .5, 1 and 1.5-mile courses Register now at www.RunVermont.org

Pre-registration encouraged

Costumes encouraged!

• Family gym and family swim times

• Discounts on swim lessons, fitness programs & birthday parties

• Free access to over 75 Y’s throughout New England

• Member childcare on-site gbymca.org | 862-YMCA

First Words

How my autistic grandson found his voice

BY MELINDA MOULTON

IMAGINE THAT YOU CANNOT TALK — not to ask for help, explain how you feel or even tell someone you love them. I often imagine what my life would be like without speech because of my grandson, Rowan Wilde Riggs.

We call him RoRo. He is 9 years old and unable to speak. He was diagnosed with autism when he was 2.

Today, one in every 100 children born is diagnosed on the autism spectrum. Some never gain the ability to speak, and there’s no explanation why.

In the first two years of RoRo’s life, he said a few words — “bottle,” “bath,” “milk” — and then stopped talking completely and instantly as other nontypical behavior emerged. Since RoRo was 3, a wonderful speech professional at his school has worked diligently with him to help him speak — to no avail.

To communicate, RoRo learned to work with pictures and words printed on cards. This technique is called PECS, short for Picture Exchange Communication System. If we hold up two cards, he identifies them quickly — almost without looking — and taps the one he wants. He can sign “more” by repeatedly touching his outstretched fingertips together. He moves his hand up and down by his side to say “hello” and “good-bye.” To show a ection, he touches our lips with the back of his hand.

Unlike some autistic children, RoRo rarely screams or acts out in his struggle to express himself. We try to be aware of RoRo’s every need, and he is generally a well-behaved, deliberate and happy boy. But on rare occasions, he will cry — a soft, mu ed moan suggesting deep sadness or loneliness.

This was his world until we saw the film Wretches & Jabberers

The 2011 documentary is about two autistic men who live in Vermont. Because of their limited speech, Tracy Thresher and Larry Bissonnette were considered of low intelligence and excluded from normal schooling their whole lives. As adults, they learned an aide-assisted typing method called facilitated communication. The film shows Thresher and Bissonnette to be extremely smart; they even travel the world to communicate with other autistic individuals through typing.

The film was transformational for our family. Because of RoRo’s limited communication, we had no clear understanding of his intellectual capabilities. His autism makes even

simple tasks — such as eating with utensils and going to the bathroom — a struggle.

Wretches & Jabberers showed us that communication for nonverbal people with autism is possible — with the right support, training and technology.

I immediately set up a meeting with Pascal Cheng, who worked as Bissonnette’s facilitator. RoRo’s fine motor skills are not developed — he cannot use a pencil to write and has di culty making the correct finger movements for sign language — and we wondered if facilitated communication would work for him.

At their first meeting, Cheng and RoRo sat down in front of an iPad. To help RoRo organize and control his movements, Cheng supported RoRo’s wrist as RoRo tapped each “key” on the screen. Cheng’s backward pressure slowed RoRo’s hand down and allowed his thought process to catch up to his typing.

After a few sessions, RoRo typed his first sentence: He asked if Cheng worked with other kids who couldn’t talk.

At that moment, it felt like life itself opened up for RoRo. All the years of pictures and word training have made him an excellent speller, a terrific reader and now a communicator of the written word. He works hard — so very, very hard — but with the help of his iPad, RoRo is talking for the first time in his life.

Through typing, RoRo has transformed from a speechless child whose abilities were deemed “ limited” to a bright and curious third grader with tremendous capacity to learn and contribute to the lives of others.

He has told me he loves me. He has described his grandpappy as being “absolute,” by which he means free from imperfection. RoRo writes about his feelings and tells the doctor where it hurts. He now spends more than 75 percent of his time in a classroom with peers, where he is making friends and learning. His math skills are above average; he does all the calculations in his mind and types the answer.

As he has learned, so have I. RoRo has shown me what it means to have strength, courage and patience. He has taught me to be quiet and just listen, to respect people’s boundaries, and embrace the simple pleasures of life. What matters most are those things that smell good, feel interesting, look intriguing, taste yummy and sound beautiful.

The world has opened up to RoRo. And for the rest of us, the world is far better with him as a part of it.

With the help of his iPad, RoRo is talking for the first time in his life.