Kids VT, December 2016-January 2017

VOL 23.NO 11/12

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

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

Copublisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

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

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

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

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

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

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

Proofreaders Carolyn Fox Katherine Isaacs

Production Manager John James

Creative Director Don Eggert

Designers Charlotte Scott

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Manager Matt Weiner

Business Manager Cheryl Brownell

P.O.

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

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

Contributing Writers: Darcie Abbene, Sarah Tuff Dunn, Astrid Lague, Abigail Mnookin, Ken Picard, Jessica Lara Ticktin

Photographers: Oliver Parini, Matthew Thorsen, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

Today’s Special: Healthy Meals for Vermont Kids

Making the Healthy Choice, the Easy Choice

Busy families on the run are grabbing meals out more often, and soda is usually the beverage served with kids’ meals. A child’s chance of becoming overweight increases every time they have a sugary drink.

Parents need the healthy choice to be the easy choice.

Vermont is already serving our kids better in schools and early childcare, where healthy drinks and meals are the default choice.

Let’s serve our kids better at restaurants too.

Learn more and get involved. Go to www.servingkidsbettervt.org or text HEALTHY to 52886

Sugary drinks are the largest source of calories in kids’ diets.

True Colors

ON THE SATURDAY after Thanksgiving, I took a muchneeded walk in the park with my kids, husband, parents and sister. Halfway through our outing, it began to drizzle. But as we approached the parking lot, our jaws dropped at the sight of a huge rainbow arching across the sky. Then, right before our eyes, another rainbow appeared above it, creating a double rainbow worthy of internet-meme fame.

We spent 15 minutes marveling at the beautiful dispersion of light, fully elated as we took pictures and videos. The magical moment got me thinking about the transformative power of nature — to excite, calm, uplift and make me forget everyday problems, even if just temporarily.

That sentiment is at the heart of Ken Picard’s feature story in this month’s issue, “Explore and Soar.” Picard writes about a University of Vermont class called Birding to Change the World. He describes how UVM lecturer Trish O’Kane pairs college students with elementary-school kids and gets the group bird-watching. O’Kane, a former journalist and human rights investigator, became interested in birds when she returned to her New Orleans home four months after Hurricane Katrina hit. In the wake of the storm’s destruction, the returning birds — and their songs — had a calming, almost therapeutic, effect on her. Now O’Kane strives to get kids into the woods so they, too, can share that experience. Read the story on page 20.

Gliding across a pristine field of snow on cross-country skis is another way to revel in the majestic outdoors. In “Fit Families” (page 11), Sarah Tuff Dunn suggests 10 places in Vermont perfect for family cross-country skiing — and snowshoeing — outings. Some even involve cookies and hot chocolate!

On days when it’s just too blustery to be outside, your family can try some of the indoor activities we’ve

compiled in these pages. Read about Stowe Mountain Resort’s new $25 million Adventure Center, with climbing walls galore, in “Rocking a Winter Wonderland” on page 18; it includes a sidebar of other indoor climbing centers. And turn to “Destination Recreation” on page 12 to learn about a new photo studio in Burlington that provides a good dose of old-timey family fun.

This installment of Kids VT is our only double issue of the year, so you’ll find an events calendar packed with December and January activities. Look for our next issue in February 2017; it comes out the week of our annual Camp & School Fair on Saturday, February 4, at the Burlington Hilton. In the meantime, the crew at Kids VT wishes you a happy New Year, one filled with beauty, wonder and maybe even a few rainbows.

ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR

ALISON NOVAK

Contributor’s Note

Abigail Mnookin (“Use Your Words,” page 47) is an educator, writer, nature lover, birth doula and climate activist who feels grateful to be working with environmental nonprofit 350Vermont on their Mother Up! project. Abby quickly fell in love with Vermont in 2002, when she moved to the Green Mountain state to work at the Putney School. She lives with her wife and their two young daughters in Brattleboro, where they strive to travel by foot or bike.

Cool Glider

Looking for an energy-burning winter activity that doesn’t require a pricey lift ticket? Most indoor ice-skating rinks offer public skating and rentals at a price that won’t break the bank. Find a sampling below.

Leddy Park Arena

Burlington, enjoyburlington.com/ venue/leddy-park-3

C. Douglas Cairns

Recreation Arena

South Burlington, cairnsarena.com

Essex Junction Skating Facility Essex Junction, rink.ccsuvt.org

B.O.R. Arena

Barre, barrecity.org/bor

Highgate Sports Arena

Highgate, highgatevt.org

Don't Miss Out!

Find all the calendar listings for December and January on page 24.

Looking Back

For our final issue of 2016, we tallied up our web traffic to find out which of the year’s stories were the most widely read and shared online. We weren’t surprised to see Sarah Yahm’s February cover story at the top of the list, or Katie Titterton’s analysis of the “benefits cliff” faced by so many Vermont families. Read these stories — and all of our past issues — at kidsvt.com.

1 “Young & Transgender: Vermont Families on Raising Kids in Transition” by Sarah Yahm, February 2016

Fenton W. Chester Arena Lyndon Center, chesterarena.org

Memorial Sports Center Middlebury, memorialsportscenter.org

Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center Montpelier, cvmcc.org

Stowe Arena Stowe, stowerec.org/ stowe-arena/about

The Spartan Arena Castleton, castleton.edu/ about-castleton/our-campus/ the-spartan-arena

CALENDAR

‘The Gift’ Saturday, December 17, 3 p.m., at Leddy Park Arena in Burlington

8

2 “Tough Choices: Vermont Parents Are Opting Out of Work to Retain Benefits” by Katie Titterton, April 2016

3 “Habitat: VW Bus Cupola” by Darcie Abbene, May 2016

4 “Dear Old Dad: Fathers Reflect on Having Kids Later in Life” by Erik Esckilsen, June 2016

5 “Living Small: A Family of Three Makes a Tiny House Their Home” by Alison Novak, August 2016

6 “Habitat: Magic Harry Potter Bus” by Ken Picard, August 2016

7 “Lessons in Kindness: A Vermont Nonprofit Helps Kids Learn Empathy” by Alison Novak, September 2016

“Perfect Sense: A New Space in Barre Lets Kids With Autism Explore and Relax” by Sarah Yahm, September 2016

Astronomy Day

Saturday, January 28, 10:30 a.m.4:30 p.m., at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich

Laurie Berkner: Greatest Hits Tour

Saturday, January 14, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., at Higher Ground in South Burlington

10

9 “Over the Rainbow: A Mom Fights to Save Her Babies After a Heartbreaking Loss” by Alexandria Kerrigan, October 2016

“One to Watch: A South Burlington Teen Sets Her Sights on Changing the World” by Mary Ann Lickteig, November 2016

Abigail Mnookin (right) and family

Winners' Circle

In the November issue, we asked young writers to share how they extended a helping hand to others. Each of the two winners receives a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington. Below are their winning entries.

Roy Powers, 8 RICHMOND

Every year we buy supplies and backpacks and get together with other families to pack them with fun things. We give the packs to the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program. The children who come to Vermont from other countries get a new pack with school supplies. I feel good welcoming new kids to Vermont.

Aiyana Auer, 10

COLORING CONTEST

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

Find the February writing prompt on page 44. The deadline is January 15. Happy writing!

I knit and crochet, and last year I decided to make hats and socks and I sold them at a local health food store. The money I raised I donated to Martha’s Kitchen, which is a community kitchen. The project that they were doing was called Empty Bowls, and we participated the night of the event to raise awareness of hunger. The director was very pleased with what I had done to help our community.

Star Bright!

In November, dozens of brave and talented kids hit the stage at Higher Ground in South Burlington to try out for our third annual Spectacular Spectacular, a talent show for Vermont’s rising stars. Judges were faced with some tough decisions but ultimately chose 17 acts for the main event. See these dynamic performers sing, dance, play instruments and literally do backflips on Saturday, December 10, at Higher Ground. The show starts at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are just $7 in advance at highergroundmusic.com, and $10 the day of the show. Kids 6 and under get in free. See you there!

This month’s feline with a fork and knife inspired a bountiful batch of food-related entries, with edibles ranging from leftover Halloween candy to Thanksgiving turkey. Lucas Bittner, 6, filled the background behind his rainbow-colored cat with a mosaic of lollipops, mini chocolate bars and gum. Twelve-year-old Erica Manchester’s kitty skated gracefully over a frozen pond, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, a spiky forest of pine trees and a radiant golden sun. One of the most vibrant creations came courtesy of 5-year-old Lily Hebert, who colored her purr-fectly happy cat with all the shades in the rainbow. We can’t thank you enough for sending in your submissions this year — and we eagerly anticipate your marvelous masterpieces in 2017.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

FISH FEAST

Hayden Smith, 10, Berlin

PURRING OVER PIZZA

Anna Luther, 6, Jericho

BIRTHDAY CAT & BIG BALLOONS

Amelia Foran, 8, Colchester

SMOOTH SKATING

Ella Bengenon, 7, Jericho

EATING & DANCING

Ollie Partington, 3, West Topsham

PARTY TIME

Shea St. Peter, 10, Huntington

NAUGHTY CAT

Isidore Malzac, 5, Bridgeport

RED ROSABELLA

Isabella Heinz, 5, Burlington

BUSTING OUT THE TUNES

Amelia Van Dreische, 10, Burlington

PERFECT PUMPKIN PIE

Hadley Edgerley, 4, Georgia

KITTY IN THE CAKE SHOP

Brianne Gallas, 9, Milton

OVER THE RAINBOW

Jammie Bush, 6, Barre

TOP TITLES

“STILL FULL FROM HALLOWEEN”

Lucia Bird Matarazzo, 11, South Hero

“STARRY NIGHT EATS WITH HAPPY CAT”

Naya Vaughan, 7, South Hero

“MORGAN LOVES FOOD”

Ellie Keach, 5, Charlotte

“Flower Power”

Cory Bugbee, 5 JERICHO

“I Love Cats or Me”

June Yates-Rusch, 8 BRISTOL

“Tur Ki-Ki”

Natalie Kneeland, 10 LOWELL

Find this month’s coloring contest on page 46. The deadline is January 15.

ST. ALBANS

THE BEAT

BY ALISON NOVAK

EARLY LEARNING Science for All

Vermont’s budding young scientists are getting a boost from the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. The Burlington science center and lake aquarium recently received an EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVE grant of nearly $150,000 from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Over the next two years, ECHO will create curricula, materials and training for educators who work with the preschool set. Last February, ECHO opened Champ Lane, a play space for children ages 6 and under that provides rich learning opportunities through handson activities including a water table, a multilevel boat, a

GIVING From the Heart

To learn more about the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ EARLY LEARNING INITIATIVE, visit imls.gov/issues/national-issues/early-learning.

French-language market and a tree house, plus twice-daily science programs taught by ECHO sta in the space. In partnership with Let’s Grow Kids, the Greater Burlington YMCA, the Boys & Girls Club and Burlington Children’s Space, the new grant money will allow ECHO to train early educators around the state to teach STEM concepts — like the ones taught in Champ Lane — in their own spaces, says ECHO’s executive director Phelan Fretz. Every young child is a scientist, “trying to figure out how the world works,” Fretz says. “Our job is to guide them.”

For the past few months, a group of South Burlington High School students have been hard at work writing press releases and contacting businesses in preparation for the seventh annual BEST EVER COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE, which will take place on Tuesday, January 24. On that day, the teen organizers will arrive early to set up a sign-in area, put out snacks for blood donors and decorate the space in this year’s Candy Land theme. They’ll also run an hourly ra e featuring local prizes. In addition to addressing the blood shortage in Vermont, the student-led drive aims to raise awareness about the importance of blood donations for cancer patients. The issue hits home for the South Burlington community: their high school principal, Patrick Burke, is currently on leave while being treated for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. “If you know somebody who might benefit from that blood, or have a more personal connection to the cause, you’re more likely to help and donate,” explained SBHS senior and blood-drive chair Mara Senecal-Albrecht.

South Burlington’s BEST EVER COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE will be held on Tuesday, January 24, from noon to 6 p.m., at St. John Vianney Parish in South Burlington. For more information, contact the Red Rebel Committee at redrebels2017@gmail.com. For blood donation guidelines, visit redcrossblood.org.

Champ Lane at ECHO

SBHS’s blood drive committee

Miles to Go

Drivers distracted by their smartphones cause thousands of accidents each year. Terry Goguen, a 2016 Middlebury College grad, came up with a novel way to address that problem. In 2014, he created the app JOYRYDE that rewards text- and phone-free driving. “Ryders,” as the app’s users are called, receive points for every text-free mile they drive. They can redeem those points for rewards donated by businesses — currently things like co ee or the chance to win a free graduation trip. Rice Memorial High School and Montpelier High School are encouraging students to use JoyRyde. Both schools will compete in a statewide challenge to see whose

To learn more about JOYRYDE, visit joyryde. co or facebook.com/ joyrydeapp. To learn more about TextLess Live More, visit textlesslivemore.org.

students can drive the most phone-free miles — the contest is open to any Vermont high school interested in participating. Money will be awarded to a charity of the winning school’s choosing. Montpelier High School principal Michael McRaith is planning a special week at his school in December focused on the issue, in conjunction with national nonprofit TextLess Live More. McRaith himself uses the app almost every day on his commute from South Burlington to Montpelier and says it’s helped him avoid picking up his phone on the drive. He’s hoping more students and sta will sign on to use it in the coming months.

SHOPPING Change of Plans

ORTHODONTICS

Whether you’re considering clear aligners, retainers or today’s braces, an orthodontist is the smart choice. Orthodontists are specialists in straightening teeth and aligning your bite. They have two to three years of education beyond dental school. So they’re experts at helping you get a great smile—that feels great, too.

Braces for Children and Adults

The ZUTANO OUTLET STORE is located at 79 Main Street in Montpelier. Visit facebook.com/zutanocompanystore for more information.

In September, Kids VT reported that Zutano, the popular Vermont-based kids’ clothing company, was closing its retail store in Montpelier to focus on online sales. As a thank-you to customers, the 18-year-old store held a huge sale in September and October featuring many of its vintage styles and patterns. And then, the owners changed their minds. “After the tremendous outpouring of support and love that we received from the local community, we just simply couldn’t bear to say goodbye,” explained Zutano cofounder Michael Belenky in an email. After undergoing a renovation, the little store on the corner of State and Main reopened at the end of November as the ZUTANO OUTLET STORE. Customers will find the same clothes at discounted prices — making dressing kids in whimsical prints and cozy fabrics a little more a ordable.

Aspiring Aviator

A WIDE SMILE spreads over Imani Kowalewski’s face when she talks about her first solo flight last August. It happened at a summer flight academy in Maine sponsored by the Civil Air Patrol, a civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force that helps to promote aerospace education and provide emergency services such as search-and-rescue missions and disaster relief.

On the final day of the weeklong camp, Imani practiced taking off, flying and landing with her instructor in a Cessna 172. After the fourth landing, the instructor told her to return to the ramp. “I was thinking, Aw, I didn’t get my solo,” she recalled. “I was kind of bummed.” Instead, he signed her logbook then jumped out of the plane, reminding her, “Once you take off, you have to make the landing.”

The 18-minute flight went off without a hitch and ended with what her instructor deemed “a really nice landing.” To celebrate, she and the other successful soloists had buckets of water dumped on their heads as the Top Gun song “Danger Zone” played.

Imani’s first exposure to aviation came when, at 9 years old, she attended a day camp through STARBASE Vermont, a local STEM education program. While there, she tried out a computerized flight simulator. After the instructor told her it was impossible to make a 747 do a loop-de-loop, she went on to do two of them, and her passion for flying took off.

Since 2014, Imani has been part of CAP’s Cadet program, which serves young people ages 12 and up. Homeschooled since kindergarten, Imani found out about the Cadet program through a friend and says she was drawn in because of its focus on aerospace education. The program, which has 85 participants under age 18 in Vermont, and more than 24,000 nationally, also teaches physical fitness, teamwork, leadership, search and rescue, and radio communications skills.

Cadets are entitled to five poweredaircraft flights — the CAP has the world’s largest fleet of single-engine

Cessnas in the world — as well as five glider flights, at no cost to them. The goal is to expose them to aviation, though it’s up to each cadet whether he or she wants to take the next step and train to become a pilot at age 16. Imani went for it.

She started weekly flying lessons with Chuck Webster, a CAP member and Federal Aviation Administration-certified flight instructor, in September. They leave from Burlington International Airport for two-hour stints in one of the CAP’s Cessna 182s, a slightly heavier and more powerful plane than the one in which she soloed. They often practice takeoffs and landings at the less-busy Plattsburgh International Airport or Springfield’s Hartness State Airport. And they work on situational awareness, or how to respond in different scenarios.

Imani has “the kind of personality that’s going to work out well as a pilot,” says Webster. “She’s just a very motivated, enthusiastic person … She’s very calm and self-possessed, very poised and in control of herself.” She has fun when she’s flying, he adds, but never gets “rattled or overly excited.”

Imani finished her high school coursework at age 16, and last year earned 27 college credits through the Community College of Vermont. Currently, she’s a second lieutenant in the Cadets and serves as an officer to around 20 younger participants. She oversees drills, creates aerospacerelated lesson plans and activities, and teaches a leadership class. She also works at fast-food chain Wendy’s more than 30 hours a week to pay for her flying lessons, which are discounted because of her Cadet status.

She hopes to have her pilot’s license — which requires passing both a written and practical test — before her 18th birthday, at the end of May. If all goes according to plan, in June she’ll begin Plebe Summer at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md., a training program that will prepare her for studying there.

While at the Naval Academy, she’ll pursue aerospace engineering so she can learn not just how to fly a plane, but why planes fly the way they do. After graduation, she hopes to have a long military career as a Marine pilot. “The goal,” she says, “is definitely to never stop flying.” K

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

NAME: IMANI KOWALEWSKI AGE: 17

TOWN: UNDERHILL

A motivated young Cadet takes to the sky

Imani at the Civil Air Patrol Vermont Wing headquarters in South Burlington

Making Tracks

Ten spots for family cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

WHEN WINTER gives you cabin fever, head for a different cabin — one nestled in the woods, accessible only by cross-country skis or snowshoes. Gliding and clomping through the snow is the perfect activity for families who never caught the downhill-skiing bug. It’s also a total-body workout, burning as many as 1,000 calories per hour — take that, sugar cookies. BabyBjörns, fleece buntings and ski trailers allow infants to get in on the action, too, while fat biking offers a new option for pedaling through the powder.

Below are 10 family-friendly spots for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in Vermont, all of which offer rental gear. Once you’re hooked, you can find your own setup at Burlington’s Skirack and Outdoor Gear Exchange, or South Burlington’s Alpine Shop, among other retail locations. So bundle up and get into the snowy woods. From investigating animal tracks to enjoying the peaceful, frost-covered landscape, an outdoor adventure may be the perfect way to keep the winter blues away.

BLUEBERRY HILL SKI CENTER, GOSHEN

This ski and snowshoe center, located in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, makes for a marvelous spot to explore 50 kilometers of trails. Drop off your donation ($10 suggested) at the ski center, then return there for hot soup when you’re sufficiently chilled. blueberryhillinn.com/ski

BOLTON VALLEY, BOLTON

While the masses schuss down the alpine slopes at this ski area, savvy locals know to head for the 100-kilometer nordic trail system, which includes 15 kilometers of groomed trails — then hit the hot tub and pool at the Sports Center (membership required). boltonvalley.com

CATAMOUNT OUTDOOR FAMILY CENTER, WILLISTON

Killer views of Mount Mansfield and Camel’s Hump, along with

a sledding hill and more than 35 kilometers of skiing and snowshoe trails, make this farmhouse and surrounding land a must-see in winter. catamountoutdoorfamilycenter.com

CRAFTSBURY OUTDOOR CENTER, CRAFTSBURY

Hot cocoa and cookies reward cross-country skiers and snowshoers who make it to the Charley’s Cabin warming hut at this royal recreation site in the Northeast Kingdom, which offers 85 kilometers of trails. Snowmaking, meanwhile, ensures plenty of white stuff throughout the winter. craftsbury.com

KINGDOM TRAILS,

EAST BURKE

A new Nordic center awaits visitors to these venerable trails, which offer 15 kilometers of groomed surfaces for cross-country skiing and 30 kilometers for snowshoeing. Look out for wonderful views of Willoughby Gap and what’s been called “the prettiest mile in Vermont” on Darling Hill. kingdomtrails.org

MOUNTAIN TOP INN & RESORT, CHITTENDEN

With more than 30 years of continuous operation, this is the oldest commercial ski touring center in the U.S. It offers 60 kilometers of

trails and wide-open meadows for comfortable cruising. It also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice skating on a 740-acre lake and snowmobiling. mountaintopinn.com

RIKERT NORDIC CENTER, RIPTON

Slicing through the Bread Loaf Campus of Middlebury College, Rikert Nordic Center has more than 55 kilometers of trails for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fat biking. Look out for the Middlebury College Panthers training and racing on the Tormondsen Family Race Course and for Robert Frost’s summer cabin, deep in the Green Mountain National Forest. rikertnordic.com

SLEEPY HOLLOW INN SKI & BIKE CENTER, HUNTINGTON

This inn really wakes up in the winter, when 35 kilometers of cross-country and snowshoeing trails come alive with kids and elite racers alike. Consider making the pilgrimage to Butternut Cabin, one mile from the main lodge, where families can spend the night (must reserve in advance). skisleepyhollow.com

TRAPP FAMILY LODGE, STOWE

The hills are alive with skiers and snowshoers at the singing von Trapps’ 2,500-acre resort, where 37 miles of groomed trails and 62 miles of backcountry trails offer panoramic views of Stowe. The new, familyfriendly Bierhall serves as base camp; fuel up on bratwurst before skiing or snowshoeing up to the Slayton Pasture Cabin to warm up by the fire. trappfamily.com

INTERVALE CENTER, BURLINGTON

In winter, a short but sweet three-mile cross-country ski trail weaves through Burlington’s snow-covered farms. Wintervale, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 12 and March 12, offers free ski and snowshoe rentals, food and drink for purchase, and kids’ activities. intervale.org K

Rikert Nordic Center in Ripton

Talent Development Institute

Summer 2017

For advanced students entering grades 4-9 who want to have fun while learning!

Johnson State College

June 18-24 & June 25-July 1

“TDI has provided an environment where being intelligent is encouraged…. TDI has given me confidence to be myself outside the camp and introduced me to friends I look forward to seeing each year.” — Camper

For more info and electronic version of brochure, please go to vermontgifted.org and tdivermont.com. Or contact Lucy Bogue at lucybogue@yahoo.com or 802-658-9941.

VERMONT’S PREMIER

DANCE APPAREL & FOOTWEAR RETAILER

Vintage Photography Emporium

2 Church Street, Burlington

MY DAUGHTER, Mira, has always loved dressing up. In her early years she traipsed around the house in fairy wings, princess dresses and plastic high heels. Now that she’s a mature fourth grader, she’s more interested in purses, scarves, trench coats and ankle boots. The girl loves fashion.

So when I peeked into the large storefront windows of Vintage Photography Emporium — an old-timey photo studio at the top of the Church Street Marketplace that opened in August — and spied racks of dresses, rows of sparkly shoes and accessories galore, I knew a motherdaughter visit was in order.

I checked out the studio’s website and was pleased to see that it’s a locally based, family-run business. I sent an email to the address on the site to make sure kids’ costumes were available, and to see if I needed an appointment. A prompt reply let me know there were plenty of smaller-size clothing options and that we could just walk in.

Dance Apparel & Footwear

Don’t forget the dancers in your life. We’ve got everything a dancer needs or wants this holiday season!

Start a LINES FOR THE BODY wishlist ... gift certificates available

OWNED & OPERATED BY DEDICATED PROFESSIONAL DANCERS

LINES FOR THE BODY

2035 Essex Rd. (Rt 2A North) Williston, VT 05495 linesforthebody.com

At The Back of Honey Thai Restaurant Parking Lot 802.878.8988

When we arrived, at 2:30 p.m. on a Sunday, one family of adults was finishing up and another group was on the way. A tattooed woman in a vintage dress asked us to come back in an hour. Before we left, we perused the costumes and photo books for inspiration. Mira was beyond excited as she browsed the showroom full of fur stoles, vintage jewelry, Western garb and wedding dresses. We decided we’d go for glamour and dress like flappers, then left for shopping and a snack on Church Street.

When we returned, the woman working there helped us pick out outfits. Mira chose a satiny emerald green dress with fun fringe at the top.

I went with a short black number with tiered layers of fringe. We ducked into a spacious dressing room to change into the frocks, which could be adjusted to accommodate different sizes. Then we picked out the perfect accessories: a cropped jacket with fur, short gloves, black heels and a beaded clutch for me; a grey fake-fur shawl, long gloves, maroon crushed velvet heels and a metallic pouch for Mira. We capped off our looks with feathered headbands and multiple strands of pearls. I’m not usually into dressing up, but it was pretty fun having free reign of a fabulous costume box.

When we were sufficiently adorned, it was time for the photos. For a $10-per-person fee, we were entitled to four different poses. There are several different backdrops to choose from: a parlor; a frontier set; a saloon; and — best suited to our outfits — a vintage car straight out of the Roaring Twenties. Mira and I mugged for the camera while the woman took pictures, occasionally adjusting our fringe and positioning our hands.

Since the photos are digital, we were able to view them right away. In looking at my stiff, awkward appearance compared to Mira’s natural adorableness, I realized I could definitely take some lessons from my daughter.

We couldn’t agree on which pose we liked best, so we chose two sepia-toned 8x10s, at $10 a pop. I’m not sure the photos will go on our mantel, but that’s OK; it was more about the process than the product. Mira said it was one of the best things she’s ever done. She’s already talking about celebrating her spring birthday there and bringing my husband, Jeff, and son, Theo, for a family photo session. As for me, I just enjoyed having some frivolous fun with my glamorous girl. K

DETAILS

Vintage Photography Emporium is open from noon-8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and noon-midnight, Friday and Saturday. For more information, visit vintagephotovt.com or call 489-5975.

PROS

• Central location, close to shops and restaurants

• Fun indoor option during colder months

• The studio is offering photos with Santa through Christmas Eve.

CONS

• Some of the props and outfits — like Jim Beam bottles, cigarettes, guns and revealing outfits — are inappropriate for children, so parents should be involved in the selection process.

• At $10 per photo — on top of the $10-per-person sitting fee — it can get a bit pricey.

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

review a

Alison and Mira Novak

Inspiring Reads

Need a pick-me-up? A little inspiration? Grab a book. We asked two local booksellers — Kristen Eaton of Phoenix Books in Burlington and Essex, and Jane Knight of Bear Pond Books in Montpelier — to recommend their favorite uplifting children’s books.

Eaton recommends:

A Child of Books

BY OLIVER JEFFERS AND SAM WINSTON

“This absolutely stunning book is a call to adventure, imagination, questioning and creative thinking — and a celebration of storytelling.”

I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes her Mark

BY DEBBIE LEVY; ILLUSTRATED BY ELIZABETH BADDELEY

“This compelling and empowering biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg provides a wonderful opportunity to talk about having meaningful discussions and about the power of dissent.”

Knight recommends:

Beautiful

BY STACY MCANULTY; ILLUSTRATED

BY JOANNE

LEW-VRIETHOFF

“This picture book takes stereotypes of gender and female beauty and flips them to show you what true beauty really is. A wonderful gift book for all the young girls in your life.”

The Inquisitor’s Tale

BY ADAM GIDWITZ; ILLUSTRATED BY HATEM ALY

“A medieval tale set during the Inquisition in France that manages to be both a literary meditation on religion and a hilarious, adventurepacked romp with minstrels, knights, murderous bandits and farting dragons. One of my favorite kids’ novels of the year.”

Grades K-12

Grades 3-5

Grades Pre K-3

VHEIP

Grades 5-10

is sponsored by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, a public nonprofit established by the Vermont legislature in 1965 to help Vermont students and families plan and pay for college. VHEIP investment management is provided by Intuition College Savings Solutions, LLC. Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing

Creative Structure

An architect and a teacher talk values, flexibility and laundry

ENTER THE BRIGHT ORANGE

FRONT DOOR of Judy Klima and Anna Thelemarck’s home in Burlington’s Old North End, and two things are immediately clear: this family values art, and there’s a lot of joy here. Framed children’s artwork and dozens of family photographs hang on the walls, and laughter fills the space.

A gray, L-shaped couch — occupied by a sleeping black-and-white cat — offers a cozy place to sit. The house is welcoming, warm and lively; it feels like a meeting place for families and community members. Thelemarck confirms that assessment. As her sons get older, she says, she hopes their home will continue to be a social hub, where teenagers can gather and connect.

From her office at the Karma Bird House in downtown Burlington, the more introverted Thelemarck, a licensed architect, spends her days helping homeowners and businesses improve their living and work spaces. She enjoys the flexibility that owning her own business provides. Last summer, she was able to take time off so the family could travel through Sweden for five weeks.

As the arts integration coach at the Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler in Burlington, the gregarious Klima spends the school year bringing together teachers, local artists and arts organizations to enrich the magnet school’s curriculum. During the summer, she runs a two-week arts camp in the family’s backyard barn.

In November, Klima was named Vermont Arts Educator of the Year. She’ll travel to Washington, D.C., in 2017 to be honored, along with other teachers from across the country. As dedicated as Klima is to her job, she is equally passionate about being a mother.

But she doesn’t take herself too seriously: Both Klima’s and Thelemarck’s thoughts on parenting are punctuated with humor.

On the morning routine:

JUDY: It’s usually the early risers — Anders, our older son, and I — who get up first, around 6:30. Lately, we haven’t been sleeping well, and our stress has been waking us up at 5! Sometimes I like to come down before him so I have a little bit of time by myself, but he usually hears me and comes down. Kuba is the longest sleeper, and Anna usually gets up a little bit after us, right?

ANNA: During the workweek I am the late person. On the weekends it flip-flops, and I am the early riser and you sleep in. But during the week, you usually get the breakfast stuff and the lunch stuff — you get all that in motion and I am upstairs getting them dressed and ready.

JUDY: Well, there is that older kid thing now where Anders gets ready on his own mostly, but usually I am the downstairs person and you are the upstairs person. I work at the school the boys go to — well, now only Kuba — so it used to be all three of us going to the same place, but now Anna and Anders go together and Kuba and I go together.

On having a system:

JUDY: Before the school year started, we sat down for a few hours and talked about how we could make our lives run smoother this year. We made all these plans, and we actually typed it all up! We came up with an agenda. Someone told me that families with systems work the best, so we came up with a system. Our theme for the year is “personal responsibility.”

Sons: Anders, 11; Kuba, 9

ANNA: You tell me, ‘Don’t fold them like that!’ or ‘You are putting way too many clothes in the washing machine!’ [They both laugh.]

On making meals:

ANNA: We set up a board with things for them to do, clothespins for them to flip on and off if they’ve done it or not.

JUDY: I printed it out, too, and put it on the fridge. And we have a family meeting every week, so I even glued it into the family meeting book!

ANNA: There’s a structure in place, so even if you get off the structure for a bit, you know what to come back to. We revisit it every week.

On laundry duty:

JUDY: Well, mostly I do the laundry, but then I get to a point where I’ve been doing it so long that I’m like, ‘I’m done with laundry!’ and then Anna will take over. And then eventually I say, ‘No! You can’t do it anymore!’

ANNA: We have a meal plan in the system, so you don’t even have to think! It’s going to be chicken on this night; it’s going to be pasta another night. There’s variety with it, but it’s easy to shop. It simplifies things. On Monday night, I cook with Kuba, and on Wednesday it’s Anders’ turn [to cook with me].

On the seasonal division of labor:

ANNA: The time of the year impacts our schedule dramatically. Judy is a teacher, so when the kids have off, she has off. When she’s in school, I’m the “on” parent. So if the kids are sick, I’m home with them. If the kids have to go to the doctor, I’m the one who takes them. In the summer, it’s reversed and Judy is with them and I work longer hours. When the kids were born, we made a conscious decision to take time with the kids over money. We always defer to that as our guiding thing. K

Moms: Judy Klima (right), 56, arts integration coach at the Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler; Anna Thelemarck (left), 48, owner, Struktur architectural design firm

Someone told me that families with systems work the best, so we came up with a system.

JUDY KLIMA

Sign-Making

WANT TO GET KIDS EXCITED about art? Have them create an o cial sign for their school. That strategy worked one November morning at Craftsbury Elementary School. When Ceilidh Galloway-Kane invited the third and fourth grade class to brainstorm ideas for a welcome sign in the parking lot, encouraging them to think visually about their school environment, their hands shot up.

One student suggested that the sign show the woods behind the building. Others o ered everything from the garden to the playground structure to the cafeteria to the swings. GallowayKane, director of The Art House Gallery and School, a nonprofit arts organization in Craftsbury, wrote it all down on a chalkboard.

Everyone contributed, “so everyone’s little piece of the puzzle can be part of the sign,” explained their teacher, Tule Fogg.

Once the board was filled, kids were charged with creating pictures based on their ideas. They got to work with colored pencils and large sheets of white paper while Galloway-Kane circulated around the room. She paused and asked one student to consider the proportions of his greenhouse drawing. Nearby, a girl illustrated a library shelf with books in rainbow colors, then added horses, cows and turtles to their spines. Another boy quietly filled

his sheet with a detailed school bus, complete with students waving in the windows.

The exercise was part of a larger, community-wide endeavor. In 2015, Craftsbury engaged in a visioning project facilitated by the Vermont Council on Rural Development. It was designed to strengthen rural citizens’ connections to their communities and provide resources to achieve collective goals.

That e ort revealed a need for safer roads in the rural town, which has a

year-round population of just over 1,000 residents. So, with a grant from the University of Vermont’s Center for Rural Studies, the town commissioned The Art House to improve, and increase, the community’s signage. One proposed sign depicts a horse-drawn

wagon and the word “slow,” to alert motorists to agricultural tra c from Sterling College’s Sterling Farm.

High school students from Craftsbury Academy’s wood shop will remake the roadside “Welcome to Craftsbury” signs; middle school students and senior citizens from the Craftsbury Community Care Center will be involved, as well. Pop-up classes at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Sterling College and The Art House will encourage community members to think of images that represent their town. Stations will also be set up at the local general store and public library so anyone can contribute ideas, establishing what Galloway-Kane describes as a state of “constant creativity.”

In March, The Art House will curate a show of community artwork, some of which will be used in creating the signs.

While the goal is to create a safer environment, the project is really “about the process,” Galloway-Kane stressed. The hope is that, in the end, the town will gain a deeper understanding of its community members — from first graders to senior citizens — whose perspectives aren’t often included in town planning. And the signs will provide a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike.

“The Art of” spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com

BRETT STANCIU

To learn more about The Art House and their sign project, visit vermontarthouse.org.

Everyone’s little piece of the puzzle can be part of the sign.

TULE FOGG

Craftsbury students Lilian Allen and Sage Sweeney

Vermont PBS that explores the natural undersea world with themes of diversity, individuality, interconnectedness and the fun of learning and discovery.

What are the new sleep-safety guidelines for babies?

FOR ANYONE CARING FOR AN INFANT, sleep is a major topic of conversation and concern. In October, the American Academy of Pediatrics updated its guidelines for the safest sleep practices for newborns and infants. They aim to prevent what are now called sudden unexpected infant deaths. Sleep-related causes include sudden infant death syndrome, as well as crib entrapment, asphyxiation, strangulation and metabolic diseases. We asked Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, to summarize the new guidelines and advise parents and caregivers on how to ensure that their babies sleep as safely as possible.

KIDS VT: We understand the new AAP sleep guidelines are as simple as ABC, where each of those letters represents a key point from the guidelines. Let’s begin with A. What does that stand for?

LEWIS FIRST: The A is a reminder that babies need to sleep Alone and not with other people next to them (such as with a parent in their bed). The AAP is very supportive of co-sleeping, by which I mean room-sharing, for at least the first six months and, ideally, the first year of a baby’s life. But recent studies have shown that sharing a bed with an infant in the first year of life significantly increases the risk of an infant experiencing a sudden unexpected infant death, usually by entrapment, strangulation or asphyxiation. About 3,500 babies die nationally from sleep-related causes annually. The risk of an unexpected infant death is even higher in premature or preterm infants who bed-share in homes where there is smoking, or where parents have been using medications or substances like alcohol and illicit drugs that can sedate a parent, or where an infant sleeps with a nonparental caregiver or other children.

KVT: What about in-bed devices that purportedly make bed-sharing safer, like co-sleepers?

LF: Those devices have no formal, well-documented studies to endorse them or prove that they work, so the AAP cannot recommend them as being safe for a baby at the present time.

KVT: What are the benefits of having an infant in the same room as the parent(s) for up to one year?

LF: Basically, having a parent in close proximity to the baby increases the parent’s awareness of any unusual sounds, activity or stillness. We can’t pin it down, but it appears that the first six months — since SIDS typically

into the room for six months to a year, especially when the baby is waking up many times during the night and one or both parents have to work in the morning. Yet attending to your baby in the same room may actually ensure that parents get back to sleep more easily, since they don’t have to get up and go to another room to check on their baby every time they hear him or her making a noise that worries them in the middle of the night.

KVT: What does the B in ABC stand for?

KVT: And the C?

LF: C stands for having the baby sleep on a firm-surface Crib — not on a couch, recliner, adult bed, cushion or other soft surface — which should be kept free of toys, blankets, stuffed animals and anything with a string or cord. If a parent falls asleep in a bed or other unsafe infant sleep surface while feeding a baby and then wakes up with the baby on or next to them, the parent should immediately get up, put the baby on a safe sleep surface and then resume sleeping.

occurs from 1 to 4 months of age — and optimally, the first year, is prime time to remain vigilant about having close proximity to the baby. Some parents are taking issue with bringing the baby

LF: The B is a reminder to always put infants and newborns down on their Back. The nationwide Back to Sleep campaign has made a major dent in reducing the incidence of SIDS. Once your baby starts to roll, by 3 or 4 months of age, they probably have enough body control to be out of the SIDS danger zone. Parents should still put them on their back at night even if they are able to roll over, but don’t lose sleep if you wake up in the morning and find them on their belly. The goal is to start babies on their backs to sleep at night and give them “tummy time” for play and development while awake during the daytime.

KVT: What is the current recommendation on swaddling infants?

LF: Swaddling is recommended for the first two months of life only. It can certainly calm down an infant and promote sleep. But sudden unexpected infant deaths have occurred when babies have rolled over in their swaddle onto their tummies. As soon as a baby can roll over, stop swaddling. Babies can get caught in a situation where they can’t breathe because the swaddle is too tight, or they can’t use their hips to roll back over, so their faces become pushed into a sleep surface and they cannot move out of danger. K

vigilant

proximity

The Return of Light: Swedish St. Lucia Rolls

WINTER IN VERMONT means lots of darkness. In December, when the sun sets just after 4 p.m., it’s hard to believe we’ll ever return to bright summer days. Yet our descent into blackness is nothing compared to Sweden’s.

I spent my junior year of high school there, living with my father’s cousin and his family. In the middle of winter, even in the central part of the country, the sun peeks above the horizon at 10 a.m. and descends again at 2 p.m. Daylight hours are usually overcast, gray and hazy. When the sun did make a rare appearance, teachers sometimes stopped their lessons and allowed everyone to sit by the window and soak up some precious vitamin D.

It’s no surprise, then, that the Swedes mark the gradual return of light with a celebration called St. Lucia’s Day, on December 13. It originated as a pagan festival and, when Christianity came to Sweden, became associated with St. Lucia, a girl who is said to have secretly brought food to hiding Christians in the catacombs of Rome. She wore a crown of candles on her head so that she could find her way in the dark.

Today, St. Lucia’s Day is celebrated in Sweden through songs and processions, where girls and boys carry candles, and one special girl — the Lucia — wears a crown of candles and greenery.

I was lucky enough to be part of this celebration and learned many Swedish Christmas songs in preparation. We sang for four days, bringing a parade of light to local businesses, schools and nursing homes.

Along with music, we brought lovely St. Lucia rolls. This sweet bread is also called lussekatter, or Lucia’s cats. If you use your imagination, you can see the shape of a curled-up feline in each roll.

The most essential and unique ingredient in this recipe is saffron — thin, red-golden threads harvested from the saffron crocus. It lends an earthy, slightly pungent, almost perfume-y quality to the bread. Yes, saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, and I’ve seen recipes that add just a touch of yellow food coloring to mimic its color. But, in my opinion, you can’t properly make these rolls without it. Luckily a little saffron goes a long way, and you can find affordable options at the grocery store.

I use a bread machine to make my dough, but the method I describe below does not require one. Some people stud these rolls with raisins and top them with frosting or chunky pearl sugar. My family likes them best unadorned.

They bring a little light to these dark days. K

St. Lucia Rolls (Lussekatter)

Makes 24 rolls

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 teaspoon crushed saffron

1 cup milk, slightly warmed

1/3 cup melted butter

1 egg

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add the saffron to the warm milk, allowing it to steep for a few minutes until the milk is golden in color. Add the melted butter and the egg to the saffron milk, and whisk gently.

2. Combine the remaining ingredients in a mixing bowl, then add the milk mixture. Knead the dough by hand for about 10 minutes, or with a mixer for about seven minutes, until it is smooth and pliable.

3. Place the dough in a slightly greased bowl and cover with a towel or plastic wrap. Allow it to rise for about an hour, until it is quite puffy.

1/3 cup sugar

3 1/2 cups flour

5 teaspoons yeast

4. Punch the dough down, then separate it into about 24 portions. Roll each portion into a rope, then coil into the traditional S-shape.

5. Place on a baking sheet, with about two inches between each roll. Cover with a towel, then allow to rise for about 30 minutes.

6. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, then bake for 10 minutes.

7. Serve with coffee or tea. Flaming head attire optional.

St. Lucia rolls

Shaping the dough

Rolls ready for the oven

Rocking a Winter Wonderland

Family-friendly fun at Stowe’s Adventure Center

BY SARAH TUFF DUNN

I’ll never forget my first look, circa 1986, at Stowe Mountain Resort’s most famous feature: the fabled Front Four trails of National, Goat, Liftline and Starr. I was quaking in my rear-entry ski boots as a young girl.

But my daughter, now 9, will have a different memory. She’ll never forget her first look at the resort’s 40-foot-high Elephant Head Tower, riddled with handholds and footholds. It’s as artificial as the Front Four are natural, but both are equally gnarly attractions.

“People come in, and they can’t believe it,” said Peter Davis. He’s the specialized recreation manager at Stowe Rocks, part of the sprawling new $25 million Adventure Center that’s redefining how skiers and riders spend their off-slope time at the resort. “It really is the gateway to adventure at Stowe,” he added.

During my family’s recent visit to the resort, we watched couples and groups of buddies gear up for the ZipTour Adventure and TreeTop Adventure. Those attractions have since shut down for the winter, but what remains open is just as lofty: a 30,000-square-foot lodge with big wooden ceiling beams, buzzing with winter activities.

The Elephant Head Tower, named for a nearby outdoor climbing cliff at Smugglers’ Notch, serves as the centerpiece of Stowe Rocks’ climbing facility, which features nearly 50 routes on 20-odd top-rope stations.

Auto-belays — devices that take up the slack for a climber, eliminating the need for a partner — allow the Adventure Center to accommodate slews of climbers. Kids as young as 18 months have taken to the wall, according to Davis.

Two hours of climbing, including equipment and instruction, costs $26 for ages 12 and under, $30 for 13 and up. Private lessons are available, too. “We’re introducing the sport to a lot of people who’ve never tried it before,” Davis said. “So we’ve set a variety of different routes — very easy routes for neverevers and challenging routes for more experienced climbers.”

Dillon, my daughter, managed to scramble up Elephant Head in less time than it took me to whip out my iPhone for an Instagram shot. She was motivated not only by a sense of competition with her 8-year-old brother, Harper, but also by the instructor’s encouraging words: “Don’t slow down! You got this! You can do this! Keep bringing your feet up!”

For his part, as soon as Harper finished one route, he was off to try another. A rapidly growing third grader, he often complains of hunger pangs, but Stowe Rocks kept his mind elsewhere.

Had we needed more fuel, however, the Canteen upstairs would have come to the rescue. There, chefs hand-toss pizza pies such as the Big Pig, with meatballs, hot Italian sausage and ground beef; and the Off-Piste Pesto,

with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, olives and goat cheese. The Canteen also offers strombolis, salads, subs and frosted brownies to take the edge off a chilly day on Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.

In addition to Stowe Rocks, the Adventure Center now houses Stowe’s Ski & Snowboard School. The Canteen, just adjacent, can accommodate 420 kids and instructors sitting down for lunch at the same time.

“There are very few purpose-built centers of this size in our business,” said Stowe marketing and communications director Jeff Wise of the familyfocused venue. “Stowe Rocks allows multiple generations to continue their active day together, while the Canteen provides great family food and drink.”

Wise added that the Adventure Center hosts kids’ programs such as Climb Time — supervised evening activities that enable parents to enjoy some alone time.

Stowe Rocks

People come in, and they can’t believe it.

PETER DAVIS, STOWE ROCKS

The Adventure Center is heated and cooled entirely with geothermal energy. A large-scale mural by Geoff McFetridge, former art director for underground Beastie Boys magazine Grand Royal, uses animal caricatures to highlight local points of interest. Visitors can peruse artifacts from Vermont’s early skiing history in a Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum installation.

If those visitors don’t own outdoor equipment, no problem: The Adventure Center also includes a Gear Zone rental area, a retail space, a concierge call center, a movie theater and a daycare center. The resort is doing its best to provide one-stop shopping for nearly every recreational need. It may also be trying to persuade people never to leave.

The ice-skating rink right outside hosts broomball on Thursdays and offers free lessons for kids on Fridays. The resort has performances lined up this winter, too: For example, Olympic medalist Nancy Kerrigan will appear in a preholiday skating exhibition on December 17 and 18.

I know Stowe’s fabled Front Four will still call my name this winter. But other adventures might, too. When my kids clambered off the Adventure Center’s climbing wall and pleaded, “Can we try it again?” my answer was easy: yes K

A version of this story appeared in the November 16 issue of Seven Days

Keep Climbing!

Got the bouldering bug? Here are four more Vermont climbing centers where families can rock out.

Petra Cliffs Indoor Climbing Center & Mountaineering School, Burlington petracliffs.com

This South End climbing gym hosts after-school classes, birthday parties and a Friday Night Kids Club, where parents drop off their littles from 6 to 9 p.m. for pizza, games and climbing. In the summer, it also offers Mountain Adventure Training day camps for ages 6 to 14 and overnight expeditions for ages 10 and up.

MetroROCK Vermont, Essex Junction metrorock.com/burlington

Parents can call ahead to set up a private lesson for their kiddos at this rock-climbing chain, which also operates centers in Boston and Brooklyn. On Tuesday mornings, MetroROCK offers a two-hour instructional program for homeschoolers. Summer camps and after-school classes are also available.

Northern Lights Rock and Ice, Essex Junction northernlightsvt.com.

You’ll find outdoor rock and ice climbing walls, ropes courses, zip lines, a giant swing and more at this four-seasons recreational facility. Sign up in advance for a group outing, birthday party, or school vacation or summer camp.

Green Mountain Rock Climbing Center, Quechee vermontclimbing.com/ quechee.html

This center boasts 30- and 40-foot walls suitable for beginners and experienced climbers alike. It also hosts youth and adult birthday parties and a variety of summer programs for ages 7 to 16.

Jamie Two Coats Toyshop

Located in the ❤ of Shelburne Village

Monday-Saturday 10-6

Sunday 11-5 802-985-3221

HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SMART

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

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

Elephant Head Tower

Explore and Soar

Birding to Change the World gets kids and their college mentors into the woods

BY KEN PICARD

fter classes end one Wednesday afternoon, a gaggle of students bolts across the playground at J.J. Flynn Elementary School and plunges into the woods, heading toward the Burlington Bike Path. Once a week for their after-school program, these fourth and fifth graders, accompanied by college-age mentors from the University of Vermont, walk a mile from their New North End school to Derway Island, a natural area near the mouth of the Winooski River.

The group is out bird-watching, but the kids make such a racket along the way — swinging sticks, yelling to friends, tossing around tennis balls — that’s it’s hard to imagine they’ll see any wildlife at all.

Yet less than 10 minutes into their walk, the kids and their “co-explorers” — as their mentors from UVM’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources are called — suddenly shush each other, scan the woods with binoculars and point. A kid has spotted a large brown-andwhite barred owl perched on a tree limb about 40 feet up, a sighting even experienced birders in the group say is impressive.

After a few minutes, the owl flies o and the kids resume their noisy trek, stopping next at a wooden railing along the bike path that overlooks Lake Champlain. There, Nathaniel Sharp, a UVM junior who’s majoring in wildlife biology, points out other bird species to the kids, including his “birding buddy,” Colby, a towheaded 9-year-old whose T-shirt reads, “I’m just here for the snacks.”

“There’s a white-breasted nuthatch up there,” Sharp shouts. “And we’ve got some ducks over there and … Oh, look! Snow buntings! See that flock?”

The kids reply with a chorus of “oohs” and “aahs” as the birds sail by. Sharp, the group’s uno cial ornithologist, says he’s been birding since he was Colby’s age. In 2013, he was on the first high school team to win New Jersey’s annual World Series of

Path. is whose up over Birding. together.

Notwithstanding Sharp’s avian acumen, many of the wildlife sightings these co-explorers make are new to the grade-schoolers and college students alike. The two groups learn from each other, which is why UVM lecturer Trish O’Kane brought them

UVM lecturer Trish O’Kane and Flynn fifth grader Yadiel

“A lot of these college students had never seen an owl, and a little boy just taught them that,” she says. “Now, that’s really cool!”

O’Kane is the creator and instructor of Birding to Change the World, an environmental justice course that gets children and their college mentors exploring the outdoors together. The mentors are her students.

First taught at UVM when O’Kane arrived a year ago — she previously taught the class at the University of Wisconsin-Madison — the service-learning course aims to reverse an alarming national trend: Children are spending remarkably less time in nature than did previous generations, resulting in physical and emotional deficiencies that child advocacy expert Richard Louv has dubbed “nature-deficit disorder.” NDD isn’t a clinically recognized mental diagnosis. But as Louv posits in his book Last Child in the Woods — a required text in O’Kane’s course — children who lack regular exposure to nature are more prone to anxiety, depression, obesity and attention disorders, and they also exhibit limited respect for their natural surroundings.

Each semester, O’Kane handpicks 18 UVM students to take her capstone course. As she explains, she not only wants students with solid grades and relevant majors, but also those who are responsible enough to mentor a child and show up every week. Most are seniors in UVM’s environmental sciences or environmental studies programs, though O’Kane has also accepted outdoor education, recreation and tourism majors.

Next, O’Kane pairs each college student with a fourth or fifth grader, all of whom are enrolled in Flynn’s after-school program. There’s no cost to the school kids’ families beyond the normal after-school fees.

What criteria does she use to match mentor and mentee? O’Kane says she asks each to choose which animal they’d like to be. She then pairs them by animal species: big cats with big cats, raptors with raptors, reptiles with reptiles, and so on.

“I call it ‘Birding to Change the World,’ but the truth is, we go with whatever that kid’s individual interest is,” O’Kane explains. For example, some kids are crazy about frogs, others about snakes, still others about beavers, plants or bugs. From the get-go, O’Kane tells her UVM students, “Don’t start by trying to ‘teach’ them anything. First, see what they care about and what they’re interested in. Then, you can start teaching them.”

Twelve years ago, O’Kane never would have imagined she’d be teaching a college-level course on birding — or anything else related to wildlife biology or the environment, for that matter. Back then, she hadn’t taken a biology class since eighth grade.

O’Kane’s educational background and professional career was more human- than animal-oriented. She grew up in Orange County, Calif., then attended the University of Southern California in the 1980s. While still an undergraduate at USC, O’Kane became a student activist working to end apartheid in South Africa and U.S. military interventions in Central America.

After graduating from USC in 1985, O’Kane moved to Nicaragua, where she worked for four years as a freelance investigative reporter, then spent another six in Guatemala working as a journalist and United Nations investigator researching human-rights abuses and war crimes.

After a decade in Central America, O’Kane earned her master’s degree in development studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science. Next she returned to the United States for a position at the Southern Poverty

Law Center, where she spent another five years working on civil-rights issues. It wasn’t until she landed a job teaching journalism at Loyola University in New Orleans, in August 2005, that her study of the environment — and not just the people who live in it — became very real.

Twenty-eight days after she relocated to New Orleans, Hurricane Katrina left O’Kane’s house submerged beneath 11 feet of water. O’Kane and her husband had evacuated to Alabama 36 hours earlier and didn’t return to New Orleans for four months. It was only upon her return, as her newly adopted city was still reeling from the aftermath of one of the nation’s worst environmental disasters, that O’Kane became keenly aware of the first signs of life returning to the city: the birds.

“That first morning back I woke to something strange and rare in New Orleans — silence. I lay in bed and listened. Then I heard clicking — cardinals — soon joined by an army of beeping bulldozers,” O’Kane wrote in an August 16, 2014, op-ed piece in the New York Times. “I took a cup of co ee and sat on the back stoop. About a dozen small brown sparrows clung to a few spindly trees. Where did they go during the hurricane? How did they survive?”

O’Kane, who confesses that she had “zero interest” in birds before the storm, quickly became fascinated by their return to New Orleans. For her as well as her students, observing and studying avian life became a form of therapy. She’d often bring her students, many of whom were as shell-shocked as she was by the devastation, to nearby Audubon Park, where they’d watch the ducks and observe migratory birds re-inhabiting this toxic, lifeless place. As she wrote in the Times , “I realized, then, that the birds had become our teachers.”

And they would continue teaching her for years to come. A decade later, O’Kane had earned her PhD in environment and resources, and

A kid has spotted a large barred owl, a sighting even experienced birders in the group say is impressive.

had created Birding to Change the World, pairing University of Wisconsin students with school kids from inner-city Madison. She became an avid bird-watcher in Madison’s 200acre Warner Park, eventually identifying 141 bird species there.

O’Kane used the mentor/mentee structure, she says, because it had worked so well for her in a cub reporter program she’d previously developed at Auburn University. There, she’d paired aspiring high school journalists with college journalism majors and helped get their coauthored stories published in some of Alabama’s most prestigious newspapers.

“That’s part of the beauty of this class, letting them climb that tree and do something that might be a little dangerous,” she says. “It’s up to them to decide their awareness with space and understand when going that high is too far.”

Some kids have started going to Derway Island on their own time.

Mariah Notini, a UVM senior from Lowell, Mass., had a similar experience with her mentee. As she follows a trio of girls racing through the woods, Notini says it’s hard to believe these are the same kids she met at the beginning of the semester.

O’Kane likens the mentoring relationship to one between an older and younger sibling. Because they’re so close in age, the children don’t see the college students as authority figures so much as role models. “There’s this thing where college kids are cool. And in middle and high school, and even in elementary school, it’s all about the culture of cool,” she says. “And, of course, we want education to be cool.”

When the students finally arrive at Derway Island — an hour after departing Flynn — the bonds between younger and older co-explorers are on full display.

Melody Salerno, a senior in environmental studies from Brooklyn, N.Y., snaps some selfies with Molly, her fourth-grade co-explorer with whom she was paired because they’re both “cats.”

“She’s the light of my week,” Salerno says with a smile, just before Molly practically tackles her with a bear hug. As Molly darts o to chase some girls who are scrambling up a fallen tree limb some 10 feet above the trail, Salerno reflects on the kids’ wilderness adventures — ones that Salerno herself never experienced growing up in Brooklyn.

“The first few weeks, before the girls did anything even slightly risky, they’d look at me and say, ‘Can we do this? Am I allowed to do this?’” Notini recalls. “That went for climbing a fence, climbing a tree, even just running ahead, literally anything outside of walking in a straight line.”

Notini admits she had some initial trepidation of her own about taking this class, as she’d never

UVM senior Katlyn Williard and Flynn fifth grader Ivy spot a blue jay near the Burlington Bike Path

worked with kids before and wasn’t sure how tightly to hold the reins.

“At the beginning it was easy to be hard on myself for not knowing the answers to all their questions,” she says. “I felt like I didn’t know enough about nature and had to teach them about everything we saw.” She’s since realized that the reason she’s there is more to “encourage curiosity rather than constantly have an answer.”

But to that end, O’Kane also wants the kids to get their questions answered. So she asks the school kids to assign their college mentees weekly “research questions” about things they’ve encountered while walking in the woods — and even has the kids grade their mentees’ “homework.” Some questions are relatively straightforward, such as “Why do stinging nettles sting?” or “Why does poison ivy cause a rash?” Others are far less conventional.

“Our children like us to make really weird perfumes for them,” notes Lily Myers, a junior in environmental studies from Calais. Once, she says, a research question required her to make one perfume that smelled like ice cream, another like cinnamon. What grade did the kids give her? “I think we passed,” she says.

How effective is the class at achieving its ultimate goal of getting kids into the wild? Myers points out that, since they began bringing the Flynn students to Derway Island, some kids have started going there on their own time, as most live nearby. “They’re starting to love this place,” she adds, “which is really exciting.”

Indeed, Graham Clarke, Flynn’s principal, says that the reviews he’s heard, from students and parents alike, are unanimous: “They all speak incredibly highly of it,” he says. When we spoke, Clarke had just left a meeting with the parents of a boy in the program who’s had a tough time fitting in at school. His parents described the program to Clarke as “three hours in the middle of the week that’s the crown jewel of the boy’s school experience.” O’Kane hopes to expand the program to Lyman C. Hunt Middle School and Burlington High School so she can track these students’ progress.

Colby, the 9-year-old who’s partnered with Sharp, describes Birding to Change the World as “one of my favorite things to do.”

“I’m speechless. I just saw an owl today,” he says as the light fades from the sky. “What could be better?” K

DEC/JAN

Run for Fun

Looking

family up for Run Vermont’s FIRSTRUN 5K & YOUTH FUN RUN. Prerace, young athletes decorate their bibs and a special cookie. Then, 4- to 7-year-olds burn energy on a half-mile course, while longer-legged 8- to 12-year-olds put their mettle to the test in a mile race. At the finish line, kiddos enjoy cups of cocoa and nachos courtesy of Moe’s Southwest Grill, while the adults power through a 5K. Crazy costumes are encouraged — and prizes will be awarded — to spread New Year cheer.

FIRSTRUN 5K & YOUTH FUN RUN: Sunday, January 1, registration at 9 a.m.; fun runs at 10:30 a.m. & 10:40 a.m.; 5K at 11 a.m., at the Burlington Town Center. $30-35; Fun runs are free, though registration is required. Ages 4 and up. Info, 863-8412. runvermont.org

SPOTLIGHTS & LISTINGS BY BRETT STANCIU

DECEMBER

6 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Drop-In Preschool Art: Miniature Michelangelos dig into clay, paint, collage and printmaking. Ages 3-5 with adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per child. Info, 985-3648. ReCember-Mosaics: Young artists learn basic mosaic techniques and turn used materials into works of art. Ages 6 and up; adult supervision required. ReSOURCE: A Nonprofit Community Enterprise, Burlington, 3-5:30 p.m. $5 donation. Info, 658-4143.

Baby & Maternity

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

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

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

Dance

Family Yoga Dance: Fitness-minded folks move and groove together. Ages 13 and under, with families welcome. Zenbarn Studio, Waterbury, 6-6:45 p.m. Suggested donation $10. Info, 505-1688.

Education

French for Middle Schoolers: Native speaker and French teacher Baptiste Delvalle coaches eager language learners through song and conversation. Grades 6-8. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 735-0003.

Games

Chess Club: Strategists enjoy competition and camaraderie. All ages. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765. Family Game Night: Families take over the library’s tabletops for a fun evening. Ages 5 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

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

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

Library & Books

Coding Club: Clever kiddos get creative with computers using Makey Makey and Scratch. Grades 3-4. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Coding for Kids: Young techies conquer basic computer code with Scratch Jr. and Hopscotch apps. Ages 7-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

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

Middle School Planners & Helpers: Students make plans for community projects and munch on snacks. Grades 6-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: Book bu s bring a selection from home or borrow from the library to amuse an attentive canine. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 878-6956.

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

TinkerBelles: Curious kids learn about working women in the wide worlds of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Grades 3-5. Charlotte Public Library, 2:15 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 425-3864.

Music

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

Parenting

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

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: Moms and dads deepen parent-child communication skills, discuss empathy and learn how to empower their families. A light dinner and childcare are included. Milton Family Community Center, 5:45-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 498-0607.

St. Albans Nurturing Parent Program: Moms and dads deepen parent-child communication skills, discuss empathy and learn how to empower their families. A light dinner and childcare are included. Church of the Rock, St. Albans, 5:307:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 498-0607.

7 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Holiday Artisans Market: Local artisans and specialty food producers o er a fine array of handcrafted gifts, including pottery, silk scarves, stained glass, maple syrup and chocolates. All ages. Chandler Music Hall, Randolph, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 728-6464.

ReCember-Mosaics: See December 6.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:457:15 p.m.

Mom and Baby Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. Followed by a free mothers’ gathering. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 223-5302.

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

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

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

High School Observation Morning: Students and parents interested in finding out more about the Waldorf philosophy tour classes, meet teachers and ask questions. Lake Champlain Waldorf High School, Shelburne, 8:30-10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 985-2827, ext. 102.

Reading Buddies: Young readers pair up with volunteers for literacy and laughs. Kindergarten and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated but not required. Info, 264-5660.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: More than fifty vendors peddle produce, from fresh salad greens to apples and cider, alongside artisan cheese, homemade bread and other local products. All ages. Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 342-4727.

Games

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

Library & Books

Dorothy’s List Book Club: Middle readers make merry conversation around DCF pick Shadows of Sherwood by Kekla Magoon. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Lego Club: Young builders bust out the blocks and creativity in themed sessions. Ages 6 and up. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:154:15 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765. Read to a Dog: Little book lovers select stories to share with a furry friend. Ages 5-10. Fairfax Community Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister for 15-minute time slot. Info, 849-2420.

Cla es

Movies

Winter Movie Night: A film of recent footage, archived interviews and still shots complements the Vermont Reads books about Ernest Shackleton’s ill-fated Antarctic adventure. Ages 10 and up. Waterbury Public Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Nature & Science

Science & Stories at ECHO: Preschoolers rally ’round for nature-inspired tales and activities. Ages 8 and under. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: Charles Dickens’ beloved classic tale of redemption brings together whirling ghosts, magical music and a cast which includes 10 local children. Ages 8 and up. Northern Stage, White River Junction, 11 a.m. & 7:30 p.m. $15-65. Info, 296-7000.

8 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:45-11:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

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

Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Classes at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center — now with expanded schedule! Have a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for birth with stretching, strengthening and relaxation in prenatal yoga — and then bring your body back to balance and strength in postnatal yoga. Join our community of mothers at any point in your pregnancy, and 6 weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling). No yoga experience necessary.  Prenatal Yoga: Saturdays, 11:30 am; Sundays, 10 a.m.; Mondays, 5:45 p.m.; Tuesdays, 4:15 p.m.; Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m.; Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:15 a.m. Postnatal Yoga: Sundays, 12:15 p.m.; Tuesdays, 11 a.m.; Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Fridays, 8:15 a.m.; Fridays, noon (postnatal core).  Drop-ins welcome; $15/class, $130/10 class pass, or $75/ monthly unlimited. Location:  Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington.  Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily. com, 899-0339.

EvoKids and EvoBabies Yoga Classes at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Register now for our January series of EvoKids and EvoBabies Yoga, ages 6 months to teen. Weekday and weekend classes available. Location:  Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington.  Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily.com, 899-0339.

December CAMP: African Art & French: Ooh la la! Adventure to Africa at Wingspan Studio with Madame Maggie!  Explore diverse

cultures with art, music, drumming, painting, drawing and papier-mâché. Outdoor play, weather permitting. Learn French songs and games. Held in a beautiful working studio full of inspiration and creativity. Maggie Standley is a fluent French speaker, professional artist and longtime instructor who has lived and worked in both Paris and West Africa.

Ages 5-11. Dec. 23, 27-30, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. $300/5 days or $75/day. Aftercare available until 5 p.m. for $20/day. Location: Wingspan Studio, 4A Howard St., Burlington. Info and registration: maggiestandley@gmail.com.

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

8 THURSDAY, P.26

Education

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

Observation Morning for Pre-K Through 8th Grade: Parents of prospective Waldorf students peer into classes, then participate in a question and answer session. Adults only. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 8:30-10 a.m. Free; RSVP. Info, 985-2827, ext. 12.

St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: Dads deepen parent-child communication skills, discuss empathy and learn how to empower their families. A light dinner and childcare are included. Turning Point — Franklin County, St. Albans, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 498-0607.

Food

Hot Chocolate Hut: Folks sip piping-hot cocoa with all the fixings near a festively decorated shack. All ages. Cannon Park, Middlebury, 5-8 p.m. 25¢ per cup. Info, 345-1366.

Games

Chess Club: Checkmate! Kids of all ability levels scheme winning strategies. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

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

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: Tiny feet learn the art of sliding on ice through fun and games. Ages 2-5 with caregiver. Leddy Park, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m. $8 per family; $1 skate rentals. Info, 865-7558.

Holidays

Holiday Open House: Sleigh rides, snacks and Santa’s presence until 7 p.m. enliven the library. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Library & Books

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

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: An attentive canine listens to little people read. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 878-6956.

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

Music

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

Nature & Science

Predator Prowl: Young naturalists forage for food and hone their hunting skills. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per adult-child pair; $4 each additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

9 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 8:159:15 a.m.

Community

Essex Village Tree Lighting & Train Hop: The village lights up at 6:15 p.m. for a festive evening with model train displays all over town and a free trolley shuttle to Maple Street Park for merriment and music. All ages. Downtown Essex Junction, 6-9 p.m. Free. Info, 878-1375. Kids’ Night Out: While their parents appreciate time off, youngsters enjoy dinner, a movie and games. Grades K-6. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m. $15 per child. Info, 253-3054.

Wassail Weekend: History lovers celebrate the holidays in the 1890s with traditional music, sleigh rides on Sunday, crafts and more. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Education

Bedtime Math’s Crazy 8s: Junior mathematicians make merry with numbers, music and their imaginations. Ages 8-11. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 472-5948.

Food

Candy-Cane-Making Demo: Families make holiday memories as they watch confectioners in action and make twisted treats of their own. Preregister to participate or watch; space is limited. Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, 11 a.m. Free to watch. $6 per person to make your own candy cane. Info, 253-9591.

Kids in the Kitchen: Gingerbread Houses: Budding architects craft fanciful dwellings decorated with gum drops, candy canes and chocolate kisses. All ages. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Games

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

Magic: The Gathering: Novice and experienced players team up for card playing. Ages 8 and up. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:154:15 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765.

Library & Books

All Ages Story Time: Picture books, finger play and rhymes provide amusement. Ages 5 and under. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1010:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Early Bird Math Story Time: Little learners get going with math literacy through games and play. Ages 2-5. Richmond Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

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

Behind the Music

The creative and the practical come together in Montshire Museum’s new exhibit, “MAKING MUSIC: THE SCIENCE OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.” Designed in consultation with musicians, scientists, instrument makers and acousticians, interactive stations invite visitors of all ages to create and play authentic instruments and watch videos of musicians who’ve mastered their craft. In one area, kids can try out a modular synthesizer made by New Hampshireborn instrument maker Dan Snazzelle. In another, friends and families come together to play in a band and see how the different sounds complement each other. Underlying the exhibition is the idea that all instruments rely on science, tech, engineering and mathematics to make beautiful sound.

“MAKING MUSIC: THE SCIENCE OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS”: Through September 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Montshire Museum in Norwich. Regular winter museum admission, $12-15; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200. montshire.org

Friday Free for All: Junior explorers investigate their world, from rocks to bugs. Ages 3-5. Charlotte Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 425-3864.

Stuffie Sleepover: Furry friends spend Friday night at the library, and their owners receive a photo at pickup Saturday morning of the animals’ adventures. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765.

Train Hop: Whoo-hoo! Families marvel at model choo-choos on display. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music

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

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.

Vienna Boys Choir: These Austrian child musicians mesmerize the audience with a repertoire ranging from folk songs to classical masterpieces, with a holiday theme. St. Johnsbury Academy, 7 p.m. $15-64; free for students 18 and under when accompanied by a paying adult. Info, 748-2600, ext. 2.

Theater

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’: The Peanuts gang discovers the true meaning of Christmas in this family production. (See spotlight.) All ages. Memorial Hall, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. $16-18. Info, 878-9109.

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 7:30 p.m.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: a Live Radio Play: Middlebury’s professional actors workshop performs a 1940s radio broadcast with live music, sound effects and over 40 characters. All ages. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 7:30 p.m. $1022. Info, 388-1436.

10

SATURDAY Arts & Crafts

Family Day: Seasonal art activities, including gingerbread house building and dreidel games, make for a crafty drop-in afternoon for families in conjunction with the Festival of Trees and Light exhibit. All ages. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 1-4 p.m. Free. Info, 253-8358.

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Kids’ Christmas Craft: Aspiring artists lend their talented hands to a holiday-inspired activity.

Ages 5 and up. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregistration required. Info, 524-1507.

Shelburne Craft School Saturday Drop-In: Artsy types create seasonal masterpieces in this ever-changing weekly series. Projects available for pickup at a later date. Ages 5-15 with an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per participant. Info, 985-3648.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Holiday Happenings: Horsedrawn trolley rides, holiday elf performances, Big Blue Express train rides and more make for merry shoppers. All ages. Maple Tree Place, Williston, 12-4 p.m. Free.

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

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

Wassail Weekend: See December 9.

Dance

‘Clara Dreams’: Ballerinas from the local Elan Academy of Classical Ballet and guest star Vladimir Roje perform this family holiday classic. All ages. Mount Mansfield Union High School, Jericho, 3:30-4:45 p.m. $12-15. Info, 978-663-5127.

Happy Grinchmas: Will the Grinch succeed in ruining Christmas for the Whos down in Whoville? This fun-filled Fusion 802 student dance rendition of the Dr. Seuss tale reveals the answer. All ages. Lyman C. Hunt Middle School, Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $6; free for children under 2. Info, 444-0100.

Fairs & Festivals

Winter Breakfast & Holiday Market: Families fill up on a hot breakfast, smile for a photo with Santa and shop at the children’s gift fair. All ages. Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, 8-11 a.m. $5; $20 per family. Info, 434-2757.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: Local farmers, artisans and producers o er fresh and prepared foods, crafts and more in a bustling indoor marketplace with food and live music. All ages. UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172.

Candy-Cane-Making Demo: See December 9, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Hot Chocolate Hut: See December 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes. All ages. Mary Hogan Elementary School, Middlebury, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 537-4754.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: Local growers o er produce, meats and maple syrup, complementing baked goods and crafts from area artists. All ages. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 384-7447.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

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

Holidays

Milton Community Tree Lighting: Hot cocoa, caroling and Santa Claus create a magical evening around the community conifer. Bring an ornament that will withstand weather. Hannaford Plaza Milton, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4922.

Old-Fashioned Visits With Santa: Deserving kids read their holiday wish lists to jolly Saint Nick in an authentic toy workshop. All ages. Maple Landmark Woodcraft, Middlebury, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 345-1366.

Pancake Character Breakfast: Revelers join the Grinch, a candy cane, a reindeer and Santa’s elves for a full breakfast with a photo booth, coloring and balloons. All ages. Middlebury Inn, 8:30-11:15 a.m. $8-12. Info, 345-1366.

Santa’s Arrival & Cookie Decorating: The jolly red elf comes to town and settles in for a sweet activity. All ages. Montpelier City Center, 12:30-3 p.m. Free. Info, 223-9604.

Victorian Holiday Open House: Carolers create a bright-and-merry tone for an afternoon of crafts, free planetarium shows and holiday happenings. All ages. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2372.

Library & Books

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

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

Stuffie Sleepover: See December 9, 10-11 a.m.

Movies

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

Music

Family Concert: Harpist Judi Byron enchants the audience with melodies from many lands. Ages 18 months and up. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Vermont Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops: Traditional favorites delight a festive audience, including excerpts from the Messiah, a caroling singalong and an African percussion piece by Ghanan Sowah Mensah. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $10-52. Info, 863-5966.

Nature & Science

Corvid Community Naturalists: This monthly gathering explores Burlington’s urban wilds through the seasons. Bring a notebook, writing implement and your curiosity. Open to the community; ages 5 and up. Rock Point, Burlington, 9 a.m.-noon. Suggested donation $10; $20 per family. Info, 557-7127.

Snowy Owl Day: Fans of Harry Potter’s feathered friend meet a real white owl, and discover how these unique creatures survive in the Arctic. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Regular museum admission, $12.50-14.50; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5000.

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

Winter Tree Identification Walk: Local naturalist Ed Jalbert teams up with Natural Marshfield for an educational stroll through the woods. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, noon. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Theater

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’: See December 9, 2 & 7 p.m.

DEC CALENDAR

10 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 2 & 7:30 p.m. ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: a Live Radio Play: See December 9, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

KidsVTSpectacular Spectacular: Vermont’s rising stars ages 5-13 wow the crowd with twominute acts showcasing their talents. Doors open at noon. Higher Ground, South Burlington, 12:30 p.m. $7-10; free for children under 7. Info, 985-5482.

11 SUNDAY

Arts & Crafts

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 1011:30 a.m.

Community

Holiday Happenings: See December 10.

Wassail Weekend: See December 9.

Dance

‘Clara Dreams’: See December 10.

Food

Candy-Cane-Making Demo: See December 9.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages

6 and under, 1 p.m.; ages 7-12, 2:30 p.m.; ages

13 and up, 4 p.m. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 1-5:30 p.m. $8. Info, 655-3300.

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

Library & Books

John Churchman: ‘Brave Little Finn’: Best-selling co-author of The Sheepover celebrates the sequel with a picture-book read-aloud. All ages. Phoenix Books Rutland, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 855-8078.

Music

Holiday Concert & Sing-Along: Friends and neighbors make merry melodies with the Milton Community Band. All ages. Milton High School, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4922.

Nature & Science

Tour the Cosmos: See December 10.

Theater

‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’: See December 9, 2 p.m.

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 2 p.m.

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: a Live Radio Play: See December 9, 2 p.m.

12 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

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

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

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

Essex Lego Club: Inventive kiddos press together plastic-piece creations. Ages 5-12. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Folk Tales: Storyteller Linda Costello spins imaginative yarns. Grades 1 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Gingerbread Stories & Cookie Decorating: Wee ones in PJs bring their favorite stu ed animal for a read-aloud and sweet treat fun. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Holiday Storytime: Traditional and new tales, tunes and tasty treats delight youngsters. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Stories with Megan: Little listeners learn and laugh. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Music

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

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8, 11 a.m. Spanish Musical Kids: Amigos learn Latin American songs and games with native Argentinian Constancia Gómez. Grades K and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Nature & Science

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

13 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Drop-In Preschool Art: See December 6.

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

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

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

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Dance

Family Yoga Dance: See December 6.

Education

French for Middle Schoolers: See December 6. Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: A certified reading pooch listens patiently to emerging readers. Ages 3-8. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Free; preregister for a time. Info, 264-5660.

Food

Kids in the Kitchen: Gingerbread Houses: See December 9.

Games

Holiday Lego Challenge: Clever kiddos drop in to design a seasonal library display of interlocking blocks. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

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

Library & Books

Coding Club: See December 6.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Special: Older elementary schoolers have fun with Rice Krispie treat-making and games. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 6.

Spanish Musical Kids: See December 6.

TinkerBelles: See December 6.

Music

Holiday Sing-Along: Students in the 6th and 7th grades — and their friends — are invited to celebrate the season with singing and snacks. Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester, 4:30-6 p.m. Free; please RSVP. Info, 655-5030. Preschool Music: See December 6.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

St. Albans Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

14 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7. ReCember Holiday Cards: Imaginative kiddos make marvelous cards with used record sleeves, picture books and many other materials. Ages 4 and up. ReSOURCE: A Nonprofit Community Enterprise, Burlington, 3-5:30 p.m. $5 donation. Info, 658-4143.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:457:15 p.m.

Mom and Baby Yoga: See December 7.

Mother’s Gathering: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

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

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

Games

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

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See December 7.

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

Library & Books

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Group for Homeschooled Students: Books nominated for this esteemed award generate group discussion. Grades 4-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Green Mountain Book Award Book Discussion for Homeschooled Students: High-school homeschoolers meet monthly and make video book talk of their favorite literary finds. Grades 9-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Lego Club: See December 7.

Red Clover Group for Homeschooled Students: Budding book lovers enjoy bibliophile activities. Grades K-3. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Song Circle: Community Sing-Along: Songbirds raise their voices with singer/songwriter Heidi Wilson in the lead. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:45-8:15 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Nature & Science

Science & Stories at ECHO: See December 7.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7.

15 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

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

15 THURSDAY, P.30

2016 TALENT SHOW FOR VERMONT’S RISING STARS

SPONSORED BY:

SATURDAY, December 10, at noon

Kids ages 5-13 wow the crowd with two-minute acts showcasing their talents. Visit kidsvt.com/talentshow for ticket information.

Higher Ground Ballroom. Kids 6 & under free, $7 in advance, $10 at the door.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:45-11:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Education

St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: See December 8.

Games

Chess Club: See December 8. Lego Club: See December 8.

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Books Come to Life: This active class, led by a literacy professional, combines reading and movement. Ages 3-6. Waterbury Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Delicious Dwellings

What do ghost stories and Christmas have in common? Before electric light illuminated Victorian England, the long, dark nights leading up to December’s winter solstice created an apt atmosphere for spine-tingling tales told around the flickering hearth. This holiday season, the Vermont Folklife Center combines spooky storytelling with their 18th annual GINGERBREAD HOUSE EXHIBIT AND CONTEST. The theme of this year’s event is A Christmas Carol: Revisiting the English Tradition of Ghost Stories During the Holidays, and entrants are encouraged to craft

their creations with this topic in mind. With an expected 40 to 50 candycovered entries, the exhibit kicks off with a reception on Friday, December 2, from 4 to 6 p.m., then remains on display most of the month. Prizes are presented in a range of categories, including professional bakers, families and children who completed a house without adult assistance. On your way out, don’t forget to cast your vote for the People’s Choice award.

GINGERBREAD HOUSE EXHIBIT AND CONTEST: Tuesdays through Saturdays, December 2 through 22, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Vermont Folklife Center in Middlebury. Donations accepted. All ages. Info, 388-4964. vermontfolklifecenter.org

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 8. PJ Story Hour: Tykes in nightwear nestle together for nursery rhymes, snacks and crafts. St. Albans Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See December 8. Read to Van Gogh the Cat: Feline fanciers sign up for 10-minute sessions with a furry friend. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister for a reading slot. Info, 878-4918.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 2 & 7:30 p.m. ‘The Christmas Revels’: Local performers pair up with Québécois trio Genticorum and dancer Louis Gloutnez for an evening of song, dance and pageantry in the classic tale of The Flying . All ages. Spaulding Auditorium, Hanover, N.H., 6 p.m. $10-46. Info, 603-646-2422.

16 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Education

Bedtime Math’s Crazy 8s: See December 9. Fairbanks Homeschool Day: Students expand their scholastic horizons in the museum’s galleries with a variety of programs. Call for specific topics and location. Grades K-8. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $8-10 includes museum admission; $5 for planetarium; one free adult per paying child. Info, 748-2372.

Candy-Cane-Making Demo: See December 9.

Games

See December 9.

Magic: The Gathering: See December 9.

Library & Books

Early Bird Math Story Time: See December 9.

Family Story Time: See December 9.

Friday Free for All: See December 9.

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

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

Movies

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

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 9. Music With Robert: See December 9.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 7:30 p.m.

‘The Christmas Revels’: See December 15, 7 p.m.

17 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

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

A Solstice Craft: Here comes the sun! Kids ages 5 and up celebrate its cycle by transforming a glass jar into a colorful “stained-glass” candle holder. Materials provided, but bring your own clean, delabeled glass jar if possible. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Holiday Happenings: See December 10.

Dance

‘The Gift’: Graceful gliders from the Champlain Valley Skating Club sail across the ice, performing holiday-themed acts during this seasonal revue. All ages. Leddy Park Arena, Burlington, 3 p.m. Donations accepted for the Boys and Girls Club of Burlington. Info, 865-7558.

‘The Green Mountain Nutcracker’: Central Vermont’s Moving Light dance company performs a Vermont-flavored version of this beloved holiday story of a little girl’s nighttime adventures. Barre Opera House, 7 p.m. $15-25. Info, 476-8188.

‘Vermont’s Own Nutcracker’: Graceful ballerinas conquer the Mouse King and journey to the Land of Sweets in Vermont Ballet Theater’s annual production of this holiday classic. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 2 & 7 p.m. $23-36; children under 12 receive a 10% discount. Info, 863-5966.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See December 10.

Candy-Cane-Making Demo: See December 9, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: Root veggies, honey, maple syrup and crafts change hands at an o -season celebration of locavorism. All ages. Montpelier City Hall, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.

Hot Chocolate Hut: See December 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See December 10.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See December 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Games

Family Board Game Afternoon: Tabletop games, old and new, furnish family-friendly fun. All ages. Shelburne Town Hall, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

Health & Fitness

Skate with Santa: The bearded elf dons skates to circle the rink with young gliders as holiday music plays. All ages. Stowe Arena, 12:15-2:15 p.m. $3-5; $5 skate rental. Info, 253-6138.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: Visitors fête the season the old-fashioned way, with 19th-century crafts, tours of the 1890 farmhouse and wood stove-baked treats. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

COURTESY OF VERMONT FOLKLIFE CENTER

Canoe

with a variety of programs. Call for specific topics

Holiday with the Animals: Santa and Mrs. Claus please pet lovers with a holiday party, sweets and face-painting. All ages. Central Vermont Humane Society, East Montpelier, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; donations accepted for shelter needs. Info, 476-3811.

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

Old-Fashioned Visits With Santa: The round guy in red fields last-minute gift requests before he heads back to the North Pole. All ages. Danforth Pewter, Middlebury, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 345-1366.

‘Polar Express’ Morning: All aboard! Little ones in PJs munch treats and marvel at a movie about a train, a boy and a magical trip to the North Pole. Expect a visit from a jolly elf. Ages 4 and up. Milton Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Library & Books

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

Music

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

Nature & Science

Tour the Cosmos: See December 10.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 2 & 7:30 p.m. ‘The Christmas Revels’: See December 15, 1 & 5 p.m.

18 SUNDAY

Arts & Crafts

Gingerbread House & Ornament Making: Hot cocoa and holiday music set the stage as families decorate graham-cracker structures and create dangly baubles to hang from the tree. Ages 5-11. ONE Arts Center, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $20 per family; free for members; preregister.

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Holiday Happenings: See December 10.

Dance

‘The Green Mountain Nutcracker’: See December 17, 2 p.m.

‘Vermont’s Own Nutcracker’: See December 17, 1 & 6 p.m.

Food

Candy-Cane-Making Demo: See December 9.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 11.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 17.

Santa Day: The man-in-red and his merry elves amuse the community with horsedrawn hay rides and children’s crafts. All ages. Highgate Fire Station, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Nature & Science

Tour the Cosmos: See December 10.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 2 p.m.

‘The Christmas Revels’: See December 15, 1 & 5 p.m.

19 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafternoon: Winter Lanterns: Artsy ones spread light by making lanterns of jars, decorations and battery candles. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

Enosburgh Nurturing Parent Program: See December 12.

Food

Kids in the Kitchen: Gingerbread Houses: See December 9.

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 12.

Essex Lego Club: See December 12.

Holiday Storytime: See December 12.

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

‘Star Wars’ Club: Young fans channel the force and chomp on popcorn. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Stories with Megan: See December 12.

Music

Hardwick Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See December 12.

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Audubon Nature Playgroup: See December 12.

20 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7.

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

•

parties include:

Private party space staffed by a Vermont Teddy Bear Ambassador.

Upcycle Ornaments: Crafty ones turn used goods into holiday treasures. Ages 5 and up. ReSOURCE, Burlington, 3-5:30 p.m. $5 donation. Info, 658-4143.

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Dance

Family Yoga Dance: See December 6.

Games

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

Library & Books

Coding for Kids: See December 6.

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 6.

TinkerBelles: See December 6.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 6.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

St. Albans Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 7:30 p.m.

21 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

DIY Candle Jars: Light-lovers make a modge-podge lantern. Ages 5 and up. ReSOURCE, Burlington, 3-5:30 p.m. $5 donation; preregister. Info, 658-4143.

Holiday Artisans Market: See December 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Winter Solstice Craft: Little ones mark the longest night of the year with a light-inspired project. Grades 1 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:457:15 p.m.

Mom and Baby Yoga: See December 7.

Mother’s Gathering: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

Games

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See December 7.

Library & Books

Lego Club: See December 7.

Little One & Me Circle Time: Tiny tykes team up for movement, songs, play and snacks. Ages 5 and under. Jericho Town Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4686.

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

Read to a Dog: See December 7.

Movies

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

Nature & Science

Science & Stories at ECHO: See December 7.

Parenting

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

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

22 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:45-11:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Education

St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: See December 8.

Games

Chess Club: See December 8.

Lego Club: See December 8.

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 8. Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See December 8. St. Albans Library Legos: See December 8.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

23 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 8:159:15 a.m.

Community Holiday Happenings: See December 10.

Food

Candy-Cane-Making Demo: See December 9. Holiday Cookie Decorating: Kids decorate homemade sugar cookies with frosting while parents enjoy hot coffee and live music during this drop-in gathering. All ages. City Market, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 861-9700.

Games

Lego Club: See December 9. Magic: The Gathering: See December 9.

Library & Books

Early Bird Math Story Time: See December 9. Family Story Time: See December 9.

Friday Free for All: See December 9.

Movies

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

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 9.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

24 SATURDAY

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Holiday Happenings: See December 10. Sleigh Rides: Giddy-up! Weather permitting, jingling horses trot visitors over the snow on a wintry tour of rolling acres. Rides leave every half hour; seats are first-come, first-served. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $8-10; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8442.

Food

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See December 10.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 17.

Nature & Science

Tour the Cosmos: See December 10.

Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: See December 7, 2 p.m.

25 SUNDAY

Merry Christmas and Happy Hannukah

26 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:45-7 p.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Education

Enosburgh Nurturing Parent Program: See December 12.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 17.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 12.

Essex Lego Club: See December 12.

Music

Hardwick Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See December 12.

Nature & Science

Reindeer at ECHO: Animal lovers step close to

these graceful creatures from the Vermont Reindeer Farm, and learn how these antlered animals survive in the snow. All ages. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11 a.m., 12:30 & 2 p.m. Free with museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

27 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Castle Building Fun: Families have a blast building with paper tubes. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6.

Ongoing Exhibits

DOWNTOWN MIDDLEBURY

Very Merry Middlebury Character Cutouts: Festive families pose for photo-ops around town with a cast of cutouts, featuring a gingerbread girl, snowmen and Santa. All ages. Through December 31.

ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON

Info, 864-1848

The Zula Patrol: Mission Weather: Colorful galactic fact-gatherers answer kids’ questions about weather and how it works, learning about clouds, precipitation, wind, temperature and more. All ages. Through January 1.

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, ST. JOHNSBURY

Info: 748-2372

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

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, MONTSHIRE

Info, 649-2200

Dinosaur Revolution: Admirers of these ancient animals travel back in time to mimic walking and flying as enormous extinct reptiles, in this combined exhibit and interactive maze. Through January 2. All ages.

Making Music: The Science of Musical Instruments: The stories, ideas and science behind the creation of musical instruments mesmerize visitors. Through displays, videos and hands-on opportunities, music lovers make and play a variety of instruments, using Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. (See spotlight.) All ages. Through September 17, 2017.

VERMONT FOLKLIFE CENTER, MIDDLEBURY

Info, 388-4964

Gingerbread House Exhibit and Contest: Visitors feast their eyes on small abodes composed of sweet treats. (See spotlight.) All ages. Through December 22.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Dance

Family Yoga Dance: See December 6.

Education

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

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See December 13.

Food

Kids in the Kitchen: Shepherds Pie ‘Muffins’: Chefs-in-training create small savory pies of veggies, mashed potatoes and beef, while learning some tricks of the trade. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. $20. Info, 863-2569.

Games

Family Lego Free Build: Fun-loving families flex their building muscles with an abundance of colored blocks. Ages 8-11 with parents. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

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

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 17.

Library & Books

Jaquith Young Writer’s Workshop: Aspiring authors participate in three sessions of brainstorming, skill building and editing to produce their own softbound book. Ages 8-14. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 426-3581.

TinkerBelles: See December 6.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 6.

Parenting

Adoption Support Group: Families facing adoption issues and challenges join forces in a respectful setting, on the last Tuesday of each month. Childcare and dinner provided. All welcome. Howard Center, Burlington, 5-6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 864-7467.

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

St. Albans Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

28 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Mom and Baby Yoga: See December 7.

Mother’s Gathering: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Education

Young Writers & Storytellers: See December 14.

Food

Kids in the Kitchen: Let’s Taco ’Bout It: Junior chefs roll up their sleeves to make a Mexican

meal, including homemade salsa, from scratch. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. $20. Info, 863-2569.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

Games Colchester Dungeons & Dragons Night: See December 14.

Family Lego Free Build: See December 27.

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See December 7.

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

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 17.

Library & Books

All About the Air: Naturalist Kurt Valenta takes kids on a hands-on educational tour, showcasing the magic and power of air. All ages. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 472-5948.

Jaquith Young Writer’s Workshop: See December 27.

Lego Club: See December 7.

Theater

‘Flip Fly Fun!’: Jugglers, acrobats, aerialists and clowns keep the audience cheering and clapping with comedic stunts. All ages. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $20-48. Info, 760-4634.

Traveling Storyteller: Puppeteers delight youngsters with an enjoyable tale. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

29 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:45-11:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Education

St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: See December 8.

Games

Chess Club: Teen players teach novices new moves. All ages, but children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 17.

Library & Books

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 8.

Jaquith Young Writer’s Workshop: See December 27.

Stuffed-Animal Sleepover: Little ones drop o furry friends on Friday, listen to a story and create a craft. Saturday morning, kids savor a pancake breakfast and see a slideshow of their stu es’ adventures. Fairfax Community Library, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8.

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

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

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

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

30 FRIDAY

Baby

& Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 8:159:15 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Games

Lego Club: See December 9.

Magic: The Gathering: See December 9.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 17.

Happy Noon Day Party: Mini merrymakers and their parents ring in the new year with games, crafts, snacks and a special countdown at noon.

Ages 3-7. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Library & Books

Early Bird Math Story Time: See December 9. Family Story Time: See December 9.

Friday Free for All: See December 9. Stuffed-Animal Sleepover: See December 29, 9:30 a.m.

Movies

Vacation Movie: Kids on school break relax with a PG-rated flick and popcorn. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 9.

31 SATURDAY

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

First Night Burlington: Circus arts, theater, music, the Church St. Dancing Dragons Parade at 6 p.m. and fireworks at both 6:45 p.m. and midnight make for a fun-filled New Year’s Eve

Story Times

MONDAY

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

Essex Drop-In Story

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

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

Northfield Children’s Story

Time: Brown Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 485-4621.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TUESDAY

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

Barre Children’s Story Hour: See Monday.

Colchester Toddler Story

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

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

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

Essex Junction Baby & Toddler Story Time: Brownell Library, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Junction Preschool

Story Time: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Fairfax Preschool Story

Time: Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Highgate Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Hinesburg Youngsters Story

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

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

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

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

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

celebration. All ages. Downtown Burlington, 11 a.m. $5 for kids; $18-22 for adults; free for children under 3; $42 family pack available for 2 adults and 2 children available until December 24. Additional fees required for some venues. Info, 863-6005. Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 17.

First Night St. Johnsbury: Thousands of revelers convene for first-rate entertainment, from the amazing feats of Nimble Arts’ Ruckus Circus to the Family Fun Fair at the St. Johnsbury School from 4-8 p.m. All ages. Downtown St. Johnsbury, 4 p.m.-midnight. $10-20 First Night button; free for children under 5. Info, 748-2600.

Montpelier New Year’s Eve: The capital city rings in the new year with a 5K run at 2 p.m., followed by a magic show, and fireworks at 7:30 p.m. on the State House lawn. All ages. Downtown Montpelier, $5 for magic show; free

for children under 5; road race $10-15. Info, 223-9604.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Boom! Fireworks explode over the mountain. All ages. See jaypeakresort.com for various party options. Jay Peak Resort, 9 p.m. Free. Info, 327-2596.

Nature & Science

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

Tour the Cosmos: See December 10.

JANUARY 1 SUNDAY Happy New Year Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Early literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Most story times follow the school calendar. Contact the story time organizers for site-specific details.

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

Woodstock Preschool Story

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

WEDNESDAY

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

Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday, 10 a.m.

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

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

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

Milton Rhythm & Movement

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

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

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

Randolph Preschool Story

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

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

South Burlington Baby Book

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

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

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

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

THURSDAY

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

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

Hinesburg Youngsters Story

Time: See Tuesday.

Northfield Children’s Story

Time: See Monday.

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

Shelburne Musical Story

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

St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday.

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

Waterbury Preschool Story

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

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

FRIDAY

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

Craftsbury Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

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

Georgia Preschool Story

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

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

Killington Storytime: Sherburne Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 422-9765.

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

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

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

Swanton Storytime: See Wednesday, 10 a.m.

Winooski Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

SATURDAY

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

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

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

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

Essex Whole Book Approach Storytime: Phoenix Books, 11 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 872-7111.

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

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

Health & Fitness

FirstRun 5K & Youth Fun Run: Families greet 2017 with their best foot forward at this jaunty, costumed race. Registration and packet pickup, 9-10:45 a.m.; kids’ fun runs, 10:30 a.m.; 5K, 11 a.m.; afterparty, 11:30 a.m. (See spotlight.) Ages 4 and up. Burlington Town Center, 9 a.m. $30-35; no fee for Fun Run but registration required. Info, 863-8412.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 17.

2 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

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

Parenting

Adoption Support Group: See December 6.

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

St. Albans Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

4 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Mom and Baby Yoga: See December 7.

Mother’s Gathering: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

Enosburgh Nurturing Parent Program: See December 12.

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 12. Essex Lego Club: See December 12. Milton Legos at the Library: See December 19, 3:30-5 p.m.

Music

Hardwick Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See December 12.

Spanish Musical Kids: See December 12.

Parenting

A Circle of Parents: Moms and dads come together to socialize and strengthen parenting skills. New Life Fellowship Church, Milton, 6:308 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 498-0607.

3 TUESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Dance

Family Yoga Dance: See December 6.

Games

Chess Club: See December 6.

Family Game Night: See December 6.

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

Library & Books

Crafternoon: See December 6.

Middle School Planners & Helpers: See December 6.

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 6.

TinkerBelles: See December 6.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 6.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

Reading Buddies: See December 7.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

Games

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See December 7.

Library & Books

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

Lego Club: See December 7.

Read to a Dog: See December 7.

Nature & Science

Science & Stories at ECHO: See December 7.

5 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:45-11:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Education

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

St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: See December 8.

Games

Chess Club: See December 8.

Lego Club: See December 8.

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 8.

JAN CALENDAR

PJ Story Time: Children chill in their jammies while crafting and listening to stories. Ages 6 and under. Fairfax Community Library, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See December 8.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8.

6 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 8:159:15 a.m.

Community

Kids’ Night Out: See December 9.

Games

Lego Club: See December 9.

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

Magic: The Gathering: See December 9.

Library & Books

All Ages Story Time: See December 9.

Early Bird Math Story Time: See December 9.

Family Story Time: See December 9. Friday Free for All: See December 9.

Teen Advisory Board: Teens team up to plan programs. Grades 9 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 9.

7 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Food

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See December 17.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See December 10.

Library & Books

First Saturday StoryTime: Little bookworms have a blast with stories, crafts and snacks. All ages. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

Nature & Science

Playdate! Winter on the Farm: Little ones have a hoot with indoor educational activities and a visit from a live owl. Ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult. Shelburne Farms, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $3-5 per child; free for adults; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

8 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 1011:30 a.m.

Community Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 11.

Theater

‘Brown Bear, Brown Bear & Other Treasured Stories’: Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings Eric Carle’s beloved stories to the stage with puppetry and original music. All ages. Moore Theater, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 3 p.m. $13-18. Info, 603-646-2422.

9 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafts for Kids: See December 12.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 12. Essex Lego Club: See December 12.

Music

Hardwick Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See December 12.

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Audubon Nature Playgroup: See December 12.

10 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Sewing Club: Aspiring seamstresses try out a sewing machine and stitch a project. Ages 10 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington La Leche League: See December 13.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6. La Leche League of the Northeast Kingdom: See December 13.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Dance

Family Yoga Dance: See December 6.

Education

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See December 13.

Games

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

Library & Books

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 6.

TinkerBelles: See December 6.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 6.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

St. Albans Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

11 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:457:15 p.m.

Mom and Baby Yoga: See December 7.

Mother’s Gathering: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

Young Writers & Storytellers: See December 14.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

Games

Colchester Dungeons & Dragons Night: See December 14.

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See December 7.

Lego Club: See December 14.

Library & Books

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Group for Homeschooled Students: See December 14.

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

Green Mountain Book Award Book Discussion for Homeschooled Students: See December 14.

Lego Club: See December 7.

Red Clover Group for Homeschooled Students: See December 14.

Music

Song Circle: Community Sing-Along: See December 14.

Nature & Science

Science & Stories at ECHO: See December 7.

12 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:45-11:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Community

Full Moon Sleigh Rides: Pat Palmer of Thornapple Farm and a team of Percheron draft horses lead an excursion under the winter sky. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 5:30, 6:05 & 6:40 p.m. $8-10; free for children under 3; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Education

Audubon Homeschool Program: See December 8. St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: See December 8.

Games

Chess Club: See December 8.

Lego Club: See December 8.

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 8. Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See December 8. St. Albans Library Legos: See December 8.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8.

13 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 8:159:15 a.m.

Education

Forest Preschool Open House: Interested families check out ‘Forest Camp,’ meet educators and cozy up around a campfire with a cup of hot cocoa. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 434-3068.

Games

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

Lego Club: See December 9.

Magic: The Gathering: See December 9.

Library & Books

Early Bird Math Story Time: See December 9. Family Story Time: See December 9. Friday Free for All: See December 9.

Songs & Stories With Matthew: See December 16.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 9.

14 SATURDAY

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Kids Trade & Play: See December 10.

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Fairs & Festivals

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

Stowe Winter Carnival: A Vermont ski town gets its party on with cold-weather fun for all ages, from snow-volleyball tournaments to ice-carving competitions to Kids Karnival Kaos. Various locations, Stowe. See stowewintercarnival.com for details and schedule. Info, 253-7321.

Vermont Fancy Felines: Cat-lovers take in a purr-fect parade of di erent breeds, with judging in a variety of classes. All ages. Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-7; free for children under 6. Info, vermontfancyfelinesinc.org.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See December 10.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See December 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Games

Chess Club: See December 29.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See December 10.

Library & Books

Second Saturdays: See December 10.

Music

Laurie Berkner: Greatest Hits Tour: The queen of preschool indie rock gets an audience of all ages dancing and clapping. Bring a stu ed animal friend. Higher Ground, South Burlington, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. $25-50. Info, 415-334-2787.

Nature & Science

Full Moon Snowshoe Hike: Hot chocolate fuels walkers for a sparkling stroll beneath lunar light. Snowshoes provided. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7-8:30 p.m. $5-10; preregistration recommended. Info, 229-6206.

Winter Wildlife Celebration: Outdoor enthusiasts explore exhibits and wintery trails with interactive guided tours and talks in the morning, followed by afternoon indoor and outdoor games, crafts and a campfire with treats. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $12.50-14.50; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5000.

Winter Wildlife Detectives: Young naturalists learn about animals who are active in the colder months, then search for tracks, scat and pellets around the farm. Ages 5 and up. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-noon. $10-12 per parent-child pair; $5-6 for each additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

15 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Vermont Fancy Felines: See January 14.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 11.

16 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafternoon: Peace Quilt: Community-minded kiddos design a square to be sewn into the library’s patchwork blanket. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Milton Legos at the Library: See December 19.

17 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Plattsburgh Preschool Story Hour: See December 20.

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Café: See December 20.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Community

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration: Freeto-everyone family-friendly programming in partnership with Burlington’s Americorps team honors the legacy of Dr. King. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 877-324-6386.

Dance

Family Yoga Dance: See December 6.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Games

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

Library & Books

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 6.

TinkerBelles: See December 6.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 6.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

St. Albans Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

18 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:457:15 p.m.

Mom and Baby Yoga: See December 7.

Mother’s Gathering: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

Reading Buddies: See December 7.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

Playgroups

Games

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See December 7.

Library & Books

Lego Club: See December 7.

Little One & Me Circle Time: See December 21.

Pajama Story Time: See December 21.

Read to a Dog: See December 7.

Movies

Children’s Film Night: Cinema lovers of all ages take in a short flick before a community dinner is served. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 5:30-6 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Marshfield Family-Themed Movies: See December 21.

Nature & Science

Science & Stories at ECHO: See December 7.

Parenting

Breastfeeding Families Group: See December 21.

19 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

Babywearing Playgroup: See December 15.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:45-11:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Games

Chess Club: See December 8.

Lego Club: See December 8.

Health & Fitness

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

friends. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per adult-child pair; $4 each additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

20 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 8.

PJ Story Hour: See December 15.

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See December 8.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8.

Nature & Science

Tricky Tracks: Junior naturalists investigate the comings and goings of feathered and furry

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. Most playgroups follow the school calendar. Contact the playgroup organizer for site-specific details.

MONDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Open Gym: Central VT Gymnastics Academy, Fridays, 10-11:30 a.m. $7. Info, 882-8324.

TUESDAY

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

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

Burlington New Moms Playgroup: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 12:15-2 p.m. Free. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Playgroup: See Monday.

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

Jericho Playgroup: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Winooski Playtime: O’Brien Community Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

Wolcott Playgroup: Wolcott Depot Center Preschool, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

WEDNESDAY

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

Burlington Infant Massage: VNA Family Room, 11 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 862-2121.

Burlington Playgroup: See Monday.

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

Essex Baby Playgroup: Sunset Studio, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 1011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 827-3945.

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

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

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

South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24. St. Johnsbury Toddler Time: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 748-8291, ext. 303.

THURSDAY

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

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

Essex Junction Playgroup: See Tuesday.

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

Johnson Playgroup: United Church of Johnson, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Milton Playgroup: See Monday.

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

Ohavi Zedek Synagogue Playgroup: Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 864-0218.

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

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

FRIDAY

Colchester Playgroup: See Wednesday.

Hinesburg Preschool Playgroup: Hinesburg Community School, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-4946.

Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

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

Open Gym: See Monday.

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY

Morrisville Baby Chat: Lamoille Family Center, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Games

Lego Club: See December 9.

Magic: The Gathering: See December 9.

Library & Books

All Ages Story Time: See December 9.

Early Bird Math Story Time: See December 9.

Family Story Time: See December 9.

Friday Free for All: See December 9.

Jiggity Jog: See December 16.

Movies

Family Movie: See December 16.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 9.

Nature & Science

Montshire Unleashed: An Evening for Adults: The museum opens its doors after hours so grown-ups can let their inner curiosity go wild. Beer, wine and food available for purchase. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6-9 p.m. $15 museum admission; free for members. Info, 649-2200.

Starry, Starry Night: Families face upward for a winter evening of stargazing and moon watching. Dress warmly. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7-9 p.m. $10-12. Info, 229-6206.

Theater

‘Biscuit’: This puppy from the beloved children’s books makes new friends and a bit of mischief in a merry musical. Chandler Music Hall, Randolph, 10 a.m. $6. Info, 728-6464.

21 SATURDAY

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Shelburne Winterfest: Sledding, snow play and tasty treats reward the hearty folks who brave the chilly temps for outdoor fun. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 12-3 p.m. Free admission; donations accepted for Shelburne Parks & Recreation. Info, 985-8686.

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Food

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See December 17.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See December 10.

Nature & Science

Tour the Cosmos: See December 10.

22 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 1011:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 11.

Nature & Science

Tour the Cosmos: See December 10.

23 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafts for Kids: See December 12.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:457 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 12.

Essex Lego Club: See December 12.

‘Star Wars’ Club: See December 19.

Music

Hardwick Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See December 12.

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8, 11 a.m.

Spanish Musical Kids: See December 12.

Nature & Science

Audubon Nature Playgroup: See December 12.

24 TUESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Dance

Family Yoga Dance: See December 6.

Education

Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See December 13.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Games

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

Library & Books

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 6.

TinkerBelles: See December 6.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 6.

Parenting

Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

St. Albans Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

25 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Pop In for Pop-Up Cards: Local crafter Ellen Bressler shares simple techniques for 3D Valentine’s Day masterpieces. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

A ‘Peanuts’ Production

When A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS debuted on television in December of 1965, critics predicted that the animated flick, which used child actors for the characters’ voices and didn’t have a laugh track, would flop. Instead, the show earned a devoted following and, more than 50 years later, has become a holiday classic. This December, the Essex Community Players present the story to a new generation of fans in a production featuring a live performance of jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi’s famous “Peanuts” music and a multigenerational cast ranging from teenagers to grandparents. In the show, Charlie discovers the true meaning of Christmas — thanks to a tiny Tannenbaum and the friendship of Linus, Snoopy and the rest of the gang.

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS: Friday, December 9, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, December 10, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, December 11, 2 p.m., at Memorial Hall in Essex Junction. $14-18. All ages. Info, 878-9109. essexplayers.com

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:457:15 p.m.

Mom and Baby Yoga: See December 7.

Mother’s Gathering: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

Young Writers & Storytellers: See December 14.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

Games

Colchester Dungeons & Dragons Night: See December 14.

Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See December 7. Lego Fun: See December 28.

Library & Books

Lego Club: See December 7.

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

Nature & Science

Science & Stories at ECHO: See December 7.

26 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:45-11:55 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Games

Chess Club: See December 8.

Lego Club: See December 8.

Health & Fitness

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 8.

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See December 8.

St. Albans Library Legos: See December 8.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8.

Nature & Science

Ice Fishing: Area angler Jim Barlow shares his know-how about techniques and tools. On Saturday, January 28, a group heads out to a local lake to try out their skills. Call the library for location. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

27 FRIDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 8:159:15 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Games

Dungeons & Dragons: See January 13.

Lego Club: See December 9.

Magic: The Gathering: See December 9.

Library & Books

Early Bird Math Story Time: See December 9.

Family Story Time: See December 9.

Friday Free for All: See December 9.

Songs & Stories With Matthew: See December 16.

Movies

Friday Afternoon Movie: See December 23.

Music

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 9.

28 SATURDAY

Baby & Maternity

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

Nature & Science

Tour the Cosmos: See December 10.

30 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 7.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Fairs & Festivals

Stowe Winter Carnival: See January 14.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See December 10.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See December 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 7, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See December 10.

Nature & Science

Astronomy Day: What’s up in the night sky? A full day of celestial activities covers topics for all starry-eyed ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free with museum admission, $12-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-1114.

Bird-Monitoring Walk: See December 31. Free Ice Fishing Day Festival: Anglers of all ages try ice fishing and enjoy a locally grown fish fry. Hoyts Landing Wildlife Management Area, Springfield, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Free. Info, 828-1000.

Tour the Cosmos: See December 10.

Theater

‘Cinderella’: 55 dancers from the State Ballet Theater of Russia delight the audience with the magical story of a princess’ transformation from rags to riches. Ages 6 and up. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $20-75. Info, 760-4634.

29 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 24.

Fairs & Festivals

Ice on Fire Festival: The community pays tribute to the snowy season with a parade, games, outdoor theater, singing, storytelling and a huge bonfire. All ages. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 2-5 p.m. $1-5 suggested donation. Info, 229-6206.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 11.

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 8.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 12.

Essex Lego Club: See December 12.

Lab Girls: Young women empower themselves by exploring science through hands-on experiments. Grades 6-12. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Music

Hardwick Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See December 12.

Music for Preschoolers: See December 8, 11 a.m.

Spanish Musical Kids: See December 12.

Nature & Science

Audubon Nature Playgroup: See December 12.

31 TUESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 6.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 6.

Dance

Family Yoga Dance: See December 6.

Games

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

Library & Books

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 6. TinkerBelles: See December 6.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 6.

Parenting

Adoption Support Group: See December 27. Milton Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

St. Albans Nurturing Parent Program: See December 6.

Saysawyou it in

My kids are now 10, 12, and 13, and I look at every page, ads and calendar listings included, and read most articles every single month.

I see stories that are more relevant to those with younger kids, and I just marvel at the very fine balance you've mastered at effectively delivering enough for parents of kids of all ages. I can't think of another publication that I read that does that — they each have a more limited life span for me. I find so much of value, clip lots of things, follow up on several of them each month. My copy after reading looks like I was cutting out words for a ransom note! Thank you, thank you, thank you to your hard working, excellent team for creating a fantastic product and service for families!

Alpine Accents

SKIING BROUGHT WENDY AND COLIN MCCREIGHT together: The couple met in 2007, while standing on a ski-gear rental line at REI in Boston. Two years later, they were married.

Today they live in Stowe with their two sons, 4-year-old Eli and 2-year-old Toby. A restored ski-lift chair with a sign announcing their house number sits in a grassy area between the driveway and their home, which is filled with ski-themed décor.

In the kids’ playroom, for example, a wall behind the pellet stove is decorated with old skis. The couple procured them at consignment stores, Craigslist and the dump. With a budget of $400, they enlisted Shelburne contractor David Bertrand to figure out how to affix them to the wall in a visually appealing way.

They considered lining up the

skis vertically behind the stove, but didn’t like the way the ski tips poked out of the wall. So Bertrand used a circular saw to cut the skis into a fun, mountain-shaped design.

“He was very artsy and playful with it,” Wendy explains.

It took Bertrand about a week — and 25 pairs of backcountry, alpine and telemark skis — to complete the project. He sanded the sharp metal ski edges and used bolts and heavy-duty glue to secure the skis to the wall. Some still bear their Telemark bindings. As a finishing touch, Wendy added a few stickers from the family’s favorite ski resorts.

The final result makes the whole family happy and is durable enough to endure Eli and Toby’s toy screwdrivers and hammers.

“We love to ski,” Eli says. “Skis are everywhere in our house!”K

• Ventilation holes: To allow warm air from the playroom to drift upstairs, the McCreights cut three holes in the top of the wall opposite the pellet stove and positioned ski tips in the center of each hole.

• Mounted coatracks: In the mudroom, Colin attached two skis horizontally to the wall at kids’ height and screwed metal hooks into them.

• Standing coatracks: Upright crosscountry skis attached to a square block make a great place for hanging hats. Colin made a smaller version using kids’ skis as a gift for friends.

• Decorations: Three vintage wooden skis scored on Craigslist adorn the upstairs hallway.

PHOTOS: JEB

WALLACE-BRODEUR

Ski-lift chair with house number

Here are some of the creative ways the McCreights have incorporated skis into their home:

25 pairs of skis were mounted behind the playroom’s pellet stove

Ski-tip-adorned ventilation holes

Writing Contest

Sponsored by

Calling all writers!

Many people make resolutions — or promises to do something — at the beginning of a new year. Tell us about your New Year’s resolution or your special wish for 2017. What are you hoping to accomplish in the next 12 months, and how will you make it happen? As an alternative, tell us about your hope for the future.

We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and poems in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is January 15. Send your entries to:

Kids VT, attn: Writing Contest,

independence. They make ALL their

PUZZLE PAGE

Jumble

BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK

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

Birthday Club

These winners get gift certificates to:

SAM lives in Burlington and turned 11 on December 2. He’s a major soccer fan who also enjoys political humor. He aspires to be the next Paul Pogba or John Oliver. Sam wins entry for two to Petra Cliffs’ Friday Night Kids Club.

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

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

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

Maze

Print your answer here:

Puzzles4Kids

Riddle Search — SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: Why did Rudolph do so well in school?

BINDERS

CALCULATOR CARDS

CASE

CRAYONS

ERASERS FOLDERS

GLUE

BY HELENA HOVANEC

LEXI lives in South Burlington and turned 7 on December 5. She loves warm cider doughnuts, climbing apple trees, soccer and tennis. She has an impressive memory and a competitive edge but takes pride in her good sportsmanship.

Lexi, Sawyer and Hanna each win a day pass to Petra Cliffs.

Riddle Answer:

TAPE TISSUES

SAWYER lives in Essex and turns 7 on January 3. He loves coloring, doing puzzles, and growing his own flowers and veggies. He enjoys watching documentaries to grow his knowledge on different topics and likes many sports, including soccer, biking, fishing, golf and bowling.

HANNA lives in Williston and turns 10 on January 23. She’s a creative and talented artist, an avid skier and hiker, and an aspiring snowboarder. She just completed her first Spartan Race at Fenway Park.

COLORING CONTEST!

Three winners will each receive an annual family membership to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium. Send Kids VT your work of art by January 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the February issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com, or mail a copy to Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Keeping the Faith

How compromise, curiosity and tradition guide one interfaith family

FOR MY MOM’S 70TH BIRTHDAY this month, my brother and I are giving her an unusual gift. Her four grandchildren will be immersed in a ritual bath, or mikvah, which symbolizes their conversion to the Jewish faith. Temple clergy will be there, along with our families. The festive celebration will include blessings for the children and joyful songs. And it will mean a lot to my mother.

My brother and I grew up Jewish, and we both married non-Jews. Our children are considered Jewish in our families, as well as in the more liberal Reform Judaism. But in Conservative Judaism and according to the Torah’s teachings, one must be born to a Jewish mother in order to be considered a Jew. To my mother, this is an important distinction.

I was raised in a home in which Reform Judaism played a supporting role. We observed the major Jewish holidays — Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur and Passover. When we turned 12, my brothers and I studied to become bar and bat mitzvahs. We didn’t take part in the Sabbath, the Jewish day of rest and worship, on Saturday. But we had weekly Shabbat dinners; in high school, we were expected to be home for these Friday-night meals before we could go out with friends.

After my siblings and I moved out of our childhood home, Judaism took on a more central role in my parents’ lives. They switched from a Reform temple at a nearby university to a more observant Conservative one in their neighborhood, where they attended weekly services and Talmud classes. They began to observe additional Jewish holidays and twice traveled to Israel with their temple.

My mom jokes that when she found out I was going to marry my wife, Laura, she struggled more with the fact that my partner wasn’t Jewish than she did with the fact that she was a woman. Laura’s Unitarian Universalist upbringing was more spiritual and nature-based than religious. Her family did have traditions with Easter eggs and Christmas trees, but they mostly celebrated religious holidays by spending time outdoors and hiking in the woods.

Even before we had children, Laura and I discussed our future family’s religious affiliation. Would we celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or both? Would we have Passover seders or Easter dinners? Like many interfaith couples — nearly 40 percent of people married since 2010, according to a 2014 Pew Research Center study — we compromised. We would alternate winter holidays with each of our families. We wouldn’t have a Christmas tree in our home. And, due to the stronger ties I had to my cultural and religious upbringing and our shared appreciation for Jewish rituals, we would raise our children to be Jewish. But how devout would we be? Many questions remained: Would we celebrate only the most significant holidays, or

would we have a regular observance, like weekly Shabbat dinners? Did we need a community to celebrate with, and, if so, would we find one in southern Vermont? Would our children be bar or bat mitzvahed? Could we promote Jewish culture while simultaneously resisting Israeli policies, including the Palestinian occupation?

And then there was the question of God.

Would we teach our children to believe in a God we were unsure of ourselves? And if not, were we still Jewish?

Asking difficult questions like these is central to Judaism. And today, with a 4-and-a-half-year-old and a 7-month-old, we’re still trying to figure out the answers. Weekly Shabbat dinners have become a tradition in our home. We say blessings over candles, wine and challah bread, which we sometimes knead and braid ourselves. Throughout the week, we sing songs we’ve learned from attending Tot Shabbat services for young kids at my parents’ temple.

We also choose to observe the Sabbath in our own way. Our days and weeks as working mothers fill up quickly — fulfilling professional tasks and deadlines, parenting two kids, maintaining a home and garden, attending board meetings, and, when I’m lucky, finding time to write. In most cases, these activities involve email, lots and lots of email. So every Saturday, we take a break from monitoring our inboxes. We haven’t eliminated cellphone and computer use — yet. But even a refuge from email provides much-needed breathing space and time to nurture each other and ourselves.

Though Jewish practices are already part of our lives, we decided to hold the communal mikvah for the four grandchildren to honor my mom. I birthed my older daughter, so she’s considered Jewish. But since my wife gave birth to our younger daughter, she’s not. To be inclusive, we’ll have both girls join their cousins in the ceremony.

The mikvah makes my mom feel even more connected to our Jewish heritage, and she has already expressed tremendous gratitude to us. I’m looking forward to giving her this gift.

Even so, as my wife and I prepare for the rite, we’re still figuring out what it means for us to raise our daughters as Jews. I’m reassured by the words of Rabbi Edward Feinstein is his book, Tough Questions Jews Ask: A Young Adult’s Guide to Building a Jewish Life: “Every day I wonder why I’m a Jew. But that’s part of being Jewish …Wrestling, asking, wondering, searching is just what God wants us to do!”

As my daughters get older, I imagine more questions will arise — on my part and theirs. But, in keeping with Jewish teaching, I’ll take that as a sign not to give up, but to persist. K

Would we teach our children to believe in a God we were unsure of ourselves?

Heartworks

PRESCHOOL

Infant to Pre-Kindergarten Program

Heartworks Preschools emphasize kindness, respect and a positive learning environment. Children have extensive time to play while engaged in learning. We offer an incredibly fun afternoon STEAM program, and an excellent Kindergarten Readiness program.

Shelburne, Burlington, Williston and Stowe

Discover: heartworksvt.com

Renaissance ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Kindergarten - Fifth Grade

Renaissance students achieve academic excellence, develop a strong moral character, social and life skills in fun and engaging ways that bring joy to learning. Core academics, art, music, drama, French, Spanish, PE and character development occur inside and outside the classroom.

Learn: renaissancevt.com

Endeavour MIDDLE

SCHOOL

Sixth - Eighth Grade

A rich and engaging academic and extracurricular program for 6th to 8th graders, the Endeavour experience supports the unique journey of discovery and exploration middle school students navigate with a special emphasis on building important social, emotional and life skills to ensure success in high school and college. Explore: endeavourvt.com