Kids VT, December 2019-January2020

DOUBLE ISSUE

SPANISH IMMERSION IN JERICHO

CREATING A REUSE ZONE AT HOME

HOW TO BUILD AN IGLOO

CHEERING ON UVM WOMEN’S HOCKEY

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

COPUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com

COPUBLISHER

Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Alison Novak alison@kidsvt.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mary Ann Lickteig maryann@kidsvt.com

STAFF WRITER/CALENDAR WRITER

Brett Ann Stanciu brett@kidsvt.com

ART DIRECTOR

Brooke Bousquet brooke@kidsvt.com

MARKETING & EVENTS DIRECTOR

Corey Grenier corey@kidsvt.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Gillian English

PROOFREADERS

Katherine Isaacs, Kara Torres

PRODUCTION MANAGER

John James

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Don Eggert

DESIGNERS

Kirsten Cheney, Rev. Diane Sullivan

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Matt Weiner

BUSINESS MANAGER

Cheryl Brownell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Meredith Bay-Tyack, Becky Castle, Heather Fitzgerald, Ken Picard, Heather Polifka-Rivas, Erinn Simon

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andy Brumbaugh, James Buck, Glen Russell, Sam Simon

ILLUSTRATOR

Luke Eastman

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STAFF QUESTION

What is one of your holiday traditions?

I am half Polish. My family celebrated the Polish tradition of breaking bread together on Christmas Eve. Every family member — there were seven of us — had a piece of OPLATEK, a thin, tasteless wafer. We went around to each person, broke o three pieces from that person’s bread while saying three prayers for them. The other person reciprocated, and we continued until we had all prayed for each other.

MARY ANN LICKTEIG, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Welcome, Winter

On the morning of November 12, my 9-year-old son, Theo — already sporting his trusty long underwear — stood at our front window, watching the snow pile up outside. He was giddy about the first snow day of the school year and eager to go outside and tromp around with his neighborhood friend. A plow came by and pushed the snow into the middle of our cul-de-sac, creating the beginning of a snow pile that will likely last until April. Watching the scene unfold, just one line ran through my mind: And so it begins.

Winter came to Vermont early this year, and it will likely stay late. To help get you through it, we’ve put together a list of 20 activities for those days when it’s too cold and icy to play outside, but you still could use a change of scenery or a fun spot to let o steam. Find “On the Menu: Winter Family Fun!” on page 32.

In our December/January issue — our sole double issue of this year — you’ll also find articles about how to create your very own snow structure (page 14), why an outing to a UVM women’s hockey game is fun family entertainment (page 15) and where to look for distinctive red rocks in Chittenden County (page 17). On page 22, read about Vermont’s only Spanish immersion program, at Jericho Elementary School, where students receive all academic instruction en español. You’ll also find a new column, “Growing Up Green,” by Winooski mom Meredith Bay-Tyack that will focus on how to raise environmentally responsible kids. Her first installment, on page 18, explains how to create a “reuse zone” in your home that your little ones can use for play and art.

There’s still plenty of time to sign up for our second Good Citizen Challenge, an interactive civics-themed project in which kids must rack up 251 points — the number of towns in Vermont. The Challenge is divided into five subject areas — History, Government, News Literacy, Community Engagement and Advocacy. Players must successfully complete a short quiz and activities in each area. The deadline to finish the Challenge is March 6, 2020. Find more information at goodcitizenvt.com, and find some of the work our Good Citizens have already done on page 36.

Finally, mark your calendar for a few special events that are fast approaching. On Saturday, December 7 at noon, Kids VT hosts the 6th annual “Spectacular Spectacular,” a talent show for Vermont’s rising stars. Come to Higher Ground in South Burlington to see local kids, ages 5 to 13, perform two-minute acts showcasing their singing, dancing and instrument playing skills. Get your tickets at highergroundmusic.com, and check out some of the performers on page 20. And save the date for our Camp and School Fair, Saturday, February 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Burlington. Reps from camps and schools all over the state and beyond will be on hand to share information and answer questions about their programs. Hope to see you there!

ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR

Some years ago, I used odds and ends I had in my kitchen to make a dish to bring to Thanksgiving. It involved baby carrots, sweet and sour sauce and macadamia nuts. I called it POLYNESIAN CARROTS. I thought everyone would think it was gross, but it turned out to be a hit, so now I make it every year.

DIANE SULLIVAN,

DESIGNER

Every single year of my childhood, my family TRAVELED FROM EAST DETROIT, MICH., TO THOMASVILLE, N.C., to spend Christmas with my mom’s family, a tradition that kept us connected with relatives who lived 600 miles away. I’m still close with my aunts, uncles and cousins today — the Christmas present that keeps on giving.

CATHY RESMER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

CONTRIBUTOR’S NOTE

MEREDITH BAY-TYACK (“Growing Up Green,” page 18) lives in Winooski with her husband, two kids and dog, Penny Lane. By day she is the director of the nonprofit Downtown Winooski and by night she shares snippets of her low-waste and minimalism journey on her blog, meredithtested.com, and Instagram, @MeredithTested. She can also be found dabbling in stand-up and improv comedy, experimenting with gluten-free baking and cooking, and perfecting her multistep skincare regimen. When she secures the elusive night out with her husband or friends, she runs towards the nearest live music and craft cocktails.

Language Lessons

At an optician’s office in Pennsylvania, office cat Truffles wears glasses and an eye patch to show kids they’re no big deal. The talented kitty has also been trained to give high-fives and do fist (paw?) bumps.

KIDS IN THE NEWS Let It Grow

BY ALISON NOVAK

YOGA POSE OF THE MONTH: SLEDDING POSE

Benefits:

• Strengthens core and back muscles

• Lengthens spine and opens heart

• Strengthens legs, arms and buttocks

• Promotes relaxation

• Massages abdominals to possibly improve digestion

Steps:

1. Lie down on your belly.

2. Rest your arms out in front of you, palms facing each other.

3. Breathe in and lift your legs and arms.

Post cereals and Hostess Brands team up to release Twinkies Cereal in December. Cue the begging in the grocery store aisle.

An ice cream shop owner in San Francisco offered a $2,000 reward — or 1,000 ice cream cones — to help find vandals who defaced his store. Wonder how many sweet-toothed kids just became amateur detectives?

In November, 9-year-old Nolan Anand of Williston got some surprising and exciting news. Bonnie Plants announced that he was the Vermont winner of its Third Grade Cabbage Program, an award that comes with a $1,000 educational scholarship. Each year, the plant company — the largest producer of vegetable and herb plants in North America — sends free O.S. Cross cabbage plants, an oversize variety, to third grade classrooms whose teachers have signed up for the program. Students who plant the cabbage plant in the summer can bring in a picture of their fully grown head of cabbage the following fall. Teachers select the student who has grown the “best” cabbage in the class based on size and appearance. Each student is entered in a drawing to select a state winner. This year, 1,116 Vermont kids from 34 schools participated in the program. Nolan, who planted the cabbage in a raised bed in his family’s garden, grew a 12.5-pound head of cabbage in around 11 weeks. Kids VT sat down with Nolan and his mom, Zandra Anand, at Gardener’s Supply in Williston (where else?) to find out more about his very large accomplishment.

Kids VT: Did you do anything special to make your cabbage grow so big?

Nolan Anand: Not really. Everybody’s like, Did you talk to it? Did you sing to it? And I’m like, Noooo

KVT: Did you eat it after you harvested it?

of Vermont. But still, Am I going to win?

KVT: What do you want to do when you grow up? Something related to plants or gardening?

NA: No. Archaeology.

ZA: So it’s digging. But digging for di erent things.

4. Take a couple of breaths in the pose.

5. Relax arms and legs as you exhale.

6. Try different arm positions: arms out in front of your body, hands linked behind your back, or arms out to the sides like you’re flying. Have Fun!

7. Lie down on a folded blanket and pull yourself across a slippery floor or have a friend or parent pull you around on a blanket or bolster! Imagine you are in the Olympics and race down the icy track.

#INSTAKIDSVT

Thanks for sharing your cold weather photos with us using the hashtag #instakidsvt. We loved this picture from Tristan Von Duntz of a weekend sledding trip at Smugglers’ Notch.

Mattel’s limitededition

Nonpartisan Uno deck substitutes politically neutral orange and purple cards for the red and blue ones, and includes a new VETO card. The key to a more peaceful holiday season?

NA: Yes. We put it in a pot on the oven, and then we put it in corned beef and cabbage.

Zandra Anand: And we had potatoes and carrots from our garden, too, so we made a whole boiled dinner.

KVT: What was the most exciting part about the experience?

NA: Growing it and thinking, Am I going to win? No, probably not, because it’s the whole state

KVT: Any gardening tips for other kids?

ZA: Well, I bet they know to water it. But one thing is that you don’t really have to talk to it to make it grow big. I know some kids might be convinced, If I want it to grow big, I have to talk to it.

KVT: But that’s not necessary?

ZA: No.

Share photos of your family exploring new places this month.

HERE’S HOW: Follow @kids_vt on Instagram.

Post your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #instakidsvt. We’ll select a photo to feature in the next issue.

Tag us on Instagram!

Pose description courtesy of Susan Cline Lucey, owner of Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center in Burlington and Essex. For more information about kids and family yoga classes, visit evolutionprenatalandfamily.com.

PARENT PARTICIPATION

We SPRINKLE REINDEER FOOD outside and leave treats by the tree for Santa and his crew before going to bed.

REBECCA CARDONE

Our favorite tradition is when SANTA COMES TO MIDDLEBURY ON THE FIRE TRUCK.

JESSICA GALLIPO

One of our favorite traditions is wrapping

up necessities like toothpaste and socks

through SHARE CHRISTMAS be distributed to those in need locally. The kids love to wrap so many items and feel really good about doing something for someone else.

JENNIFER ROBERTS

Every year, the day after Thanksgiving, we take a ride to WHITES TREE FARM. We cut down our tree and then go in for hot chocolate, and the kids get to pick out an ornament.

KELLY BROWNELL

One of our most exciting events is DECORATING GINGERBREAD HOUSES together. I fill trays full of candy decorations, and we make icing. We all gather around the table and start decorating! Plus, they have fun munching candy pieces off it all throughout their vacation week.

RACHEL GIROUX

My favorite is MAKING HOLIDAY CANDY for everyone in our lives — doctors, teachers, UPS workers, coworkers. I used to do fancy candies that required lots of work but my kids love helping, so now we always do pretzels with a Hershey’s Kiss and M & Ms. They love unwrapping the Kisses.

JESSY MAHANY

We do a HUMOROUS HOLIDAY CARD. We call it our silly picture and the kids get into it and keep it a secret. Here’s one of our favorites from a few years ago.

LEAH TALLMAN

THROWBACK

DECEMBER 2018/JANUARY 2019

Raising Little Shredders

Watching THE POLAR EXPRESS. My daughter loves it and this year we got tickets to surprise her with the real thing, going on the train ride.

ALICIA MCMAHON

Our favorite family tradition is getting together with all of our cousins for a GAME NIGHT AND LOTS OF SNACKS on New Year’s Eve.

WHITNEY DESPAULT CLEMENT

We love MAKING SUGAR COOKIES together and bringing them to all of our neighbors.

KRISTEN BIGELOW-TALBERT

Each year, we wrap up all our CHRISTMAS BOOKS and put them in a big basket under the tree. Each night, we open one or two books and read them before bed. On Christmas Eve, we give our kids a new book to add to the collection.

HEATHER SAWYER

We have a French-Canadian tradition of MAKING MEAT PIES to honor my grandmother. The women from my mom’s side get together, make around 30 meat pies for the year, the first of which is eaten at Christmas. My daughter loves the tradition, and I love what it has taught her about family and her great grandmother.

ERIN METAYER

We volunteer as a family! This year, we’re making dinner for families at RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE.

MICHELE O’DAY

In last year’s double issue, Jess Wisloski provided advice for how to get young kids on skis or a snowboard without pulling your hair out. A few of her tips? Start small and set realistic expectations. Read the full article at kidsvt.com/littleshredders.

KIDS SAY WHAT?

PARKER, AGE 5

PET CORNER

Amanda Millette of Essex sent us this photo of her kids, 6-year-old Matthew and 4-yearold Emma, with the family’s 2-year-old dog, Kona, all dressed up for Halloween. Kona loves playing with Emma and Matthew and wakes them up in the morning with kisses. “They are best friends forever,” wrote Millette.

“I’m just getting sock crumbs out of my toes.”

This month, we asked our Facebook followers to share their favorite holiday traditions. Find their comments below.

MICHAEL TALLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ALISON NOVAK

RECREATION

North-of-the-Border Adventure

In December, Voiles en Voiles — a pirate-themed ropes course in the Old Port of Montréal — transforms into a WINTER ADVENTURE PARK, with 12 fun, family-oriented activities for all ages. Revelers can slip and slide on four 20-foot-high snow tubing courses, covered with 2,400 cubic meters of artificial snow. A groomed trail provides a course for snow scooters — wooden chairs with two skis attached. Also on o er: inflatable games, two aerial obstacle courses, a giant game of Jenga, archery with foam-tipped arrows, and quadricycle tours of the Old Port. At 4 p.m. each day, classic holiday films — in French, with English subtitles — will play on an outdoor screen. Fearful of freezing? Wood fires, blankets, co ee and hot chocolate will help visitors warm up.

Voiles en Voiles is open Saturdays and Sundays in December and every day January 1-5. Hours are 1 p.m.-6 p.m. or 1 p.m.-9 p.m. A day pass is $15 Canadian for ages 3 and up; $49.95 Canadian for a family of four. Learn more at voilesenvoiles.com.

COMMUNITY

EDUCATION Making the Grade

Newsweek, in partnership with educational company STEM.org, has identified ESSEX HIGH SCHOOL as one of the top U.S. high school programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in ratings released in November. Essex was rated 50th on the national list of public and private high schools, and was the only Vermont school in the top 500. It was ranked fourth among public schools in New England and 34th among public schools nationally. In 2013, the high school established a STEM Academy for 10th through 12th graders, designed to support students interested in building a strong foundation in STEM subjects. About 10 percent of EHS students — 135 — are enrolled in the STEM Academy. They are required to complete internships with community partners. One student recently worked with Montpelier-based Archimedes Aerospace and the University of Vermont to measure cloud cover using Arduino, an open-source platform for building electronics projects, said STEM Academy leader Lea Ann Smith. Students also participate in STEM Fridays, where they undertake interactive projects like building a prosthetic hand or maintaining a trout tank. Students who complete the program requirements receive an endorsement on their high school diploma to indicate they have gone above and beyond in areas of scientific exploration and creativity. Smith said she hopes the Newsweek ranking raises community awareness about the STEM Academy and leads to more community partners working with students.

Learn more at ewsd.org/stemacademy. Find the rankings at newsweek.com/americas-best-stem-high-schools-2020.

New Year, New Y

The new year brings a new home for the GREATER BURLINGTON YMCA. The modern, light-filled 50,000-squarefoot facility will open at 298 College Street on January 1. The new location is just 150 steps from the current Y, a 1934 red brick structure at 266 College Street that GBYMCA director of communications Doug Bishop described as “a rabbit warren” of rooms and stairs, where few spaces serve their original purpose. The new building, which cost $28 million and took more than a year to build, will o er a host of new perks for families. Kids can enjoy a new splash pad featuring interactive water features. A gender-neutral changing room with six suites that each include a shower, toilet and changing area will o er a convenient option for families. The Y will have a designated wing for its childcare program and plans to add 50 infant and toddler childcare slots through the winter and spring. A drop-in childcare area will provide a spot for members to leave their little ones for up to two hours while they work out. Members will have access to 47 free, on-site parking spots. To make the facility more accessible to the community, membership rates will drop. A two-adult family membership will decrease from $98 to $84 per month, with scholarships available for those who demonstrate need.

Learn more at gbymca.org/newymca.

Snow tubing in Montréal’s Old Port

COURTESY OF VOILES EN VOILES

A rendering of the new YMCA at 298 College Street in Burlington

Marilyn, Roger, Jenny, Charlie, Mickey, Sydney & Petey

We met up with the Browns at their home as they were returning from a day at Cochran’s Ski Area, the Richmond ski center founded by Roger’s grandparents, Mickey and Ginny Cochran. Everyone’s cheeks were still red, but when it was time to take photos, Jenny and Roger suggested some action shots. To our surprise, the kids were back in their gear and skiing down the front yard hill almost before we could get our boots on!

Kids VT: Roger, your grandparents started Cochran’s in 1961, and your mom, Marilyn, and her siblings competed in the Olympics! Marilyn was the first American to win an Alpine Skiing World Cup title. Did you learn to ski at Cochran’s?

Roger: Well, we actually lived in Switzerland when I was young, until I was about 7, so I learned there. But after that, there was a lot of time at Cochran’s.

KVT: Jenny, were you a skier before you met Roger?

Jenny: I was a swimmer! I grew up in Kansas. I spent a few years in Colorado, though, so I did ski some.

KVT: How did you two meet?

Jenny: We met on Camel’s Hump. Roger proposed there a few months later, and we got married on skis at Cochran’s! Roger and I had a bet when Charlie was a baby whether he would ski or swim unassisted first. I thought for sure I’d win but ... I lost!

KVT: Obviously you all ski a lot. Do you spend a lot of time at Cochran’s now as a family?

Roger: Yeah, it’s just what we do. So many people have learned to ski there — cousins, friends, neighbors. The kids take the bus right there after school to ski. And we love that on the weekends we can just drive there, open the car doors and o they go.

Roger and Jenny Brown with kids (from left to right) Charlie, 7, Petey, 1, Sydney, 5, and Mickey, 5, and Roger’s mom, Marilyn Cochran Brown, at their home in Richmond

Italian Holiday Cookies, Two Ways

Add these chocolate spice and anise varieties to your winter baking repertoire

After college, I convinced my best friend (and my current food photographer, Andy Brumbaugh) to move to Vermont from his hometown of Jamestown, N.Y. He lived with my parents for a while, and occasionally shared his Italian family’s recipes with us, especially around the holidays.

I still remember the first time I tried his little chocolate cookies, flavored with cloves and other warming spices. Andy’s recipe originally incorporated a chocolate cake mix. Through the years, he has been working on coming up with a good from-scratch recipe. When I told him that I wanted to make them for this column, he was excited to get my input.

A good quality cocoa is key to making chocolate cookies with a robust flavor. I suggest Hershey’s Special Dark. I do not recommend Dutch processed cocoa, as that has been treated with an alkalizing agent to give it a milder taste. I also added a little strong coffee to the milk in the recipe, which helps to boost the chocolate flavor.

Andy tells me that these cookies are frequently found at Italian family gatherings and holiday celebrations, and sometimes share a plate with anise cookies. The dark and light varieties, with two very different flavor profiles, pair well.

The chocolate spice cookies, sometimes called Totos, can be made with nuts, raisins or chocolate chips. Andy’s family prefers them without chunks — just a little dense cookie with a lightly sweet glaze — so that’s how I made them. The cookie dough is almost like bread dough — very dense and easy to work with.

For the anise cookies, I used crushed anise seeds, which can be found at most grocery stores. The dough for these cookies is much different than the chocolate cookie dough — sticky and thinner.

I used the same vanilla glaze for both varieties, and topped the anise cookies with red sugar to make them look festive. Rainbow sprinkles would also be fun.

Both of these cookies can be made ahead of time and frozen, unglazed, for up to two months. They’ll bring a little taste of Italy to your holiday cookie plate. K

INGREDIENTS:

ITALIAN CHOCOLATE SPICE COOKIES (Makes about 80 cookies)

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup sugar

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cloves

• 1 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 cup solid vegetable shortening

• 1/4 cup orange marmalade (or honey)

• 3/4 cup milk

• 1/4 cup strong black coffee, cooled

ANISE SEED COOKIES

(Makes about 30 cookies)

• 1/4 cup butter, room temperature

• 3 eggs

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• 1 teaspoon lemon extract

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 3/4 teaspoon baking powder

• 4 teaspoons crushed anise seeds

VANILLA GLAZE

• 3-4 tablespoons water

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cups confectioner’s sugar

DIRECTIONS:

Italian Chocolate Spice Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Whisk together dry ingredients, then cut in the shortening and marmalade with a pastry cutter or a couple of forks until well incorporated.

2. Slowly drizzle in the milk and coffee while beating the dough with an electric mixer. Mix until a smooth, thick dough forms. Wrap in plastic wrap and set aside for at least 20 minutes at room temperature before shaping.

3. After the dough has rested, shape into small balls about 1 inch in diameter, and put on parchmentlined baking sheets. (They can be pretty close to each other because they don’t rise much.)

4. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes and cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.

Anise Seed Cookies

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Cream together butter, eggs, sugar and extracts, then add dry ingredients including anise seeds, and mix to combine. The resulting dough will be sticky.

3. Scoop into 1-inch balls — I used a small cookie scoop — and place about 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. (You can use a little water on your fingertips to help form the cookies into balls).

4. Bake for 6 to 7 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack before glazing.

Vanilla Glaze

1. Boil the water and slowly drizzle it over the butter, vanilla and confectioner’s sugar, whisking to melt the butter and make a smooth glaze. You want it to be thick enough to adhere to the cookies, but not as thick as cake frosting.

2. To glaze cookies, dip the tops into the glaze. If desired, top with sprinkles or colored sugar before the glaze hardens.

it

MEALTIME BY ASTRID HEDBOR LAGUE

Igloo Building

“Make friends with winter,” Bert Yankielun likes to say. By that, he means dress well and eat enough high-energy foods to stay fueled so you can weather potentially harsh conditions. But Yankielun has made friends with winter in another sense: He truly enjoys its company.

The hundreds of people expected to see him leading his 30th annual igloo building workshop at Norwich’s Montshire Museum of Science in February will undoubtedly feel his enthusiasm. This is a guy who has spent Thanksgivings in Antarctica; Christmas and New Year’s on the Ross Ice Shelf, the world’s largest body of floating ice; and Easter in Deadhorse, Alaska, “with no Easter flowers,” he notes, at 20 degrees below zero.

The retired research engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory in Hanover, N.H., speaks of “the seductive allure and majesty of places Polar” and an intense longing to return. He still works as an engineering consultant.

Yankielun — his name is pronounced YANK-lin — lives on Deer Isle, Maine. When he begins his workshop at Montshire, he often scans the crowd for a child about 5 years old and asks the child if he or she can make a snow angel. “You always get an affirmative nod,” he said. The child makes the snow angel, and “that’s the inside of the diameter of the igloo that we build.”

He gives instructions, then participants form teams and start construction. The 2019 event drew more than 1,200 people who built 25 igloos. Yankielun is now getting third-generation participants. Kids who come back year after year know his corny jokes. What do you use to stick those igloo blocks together? “I’ll ask the question,” he said, “and, invariably, there’ll be a couple of kids there who remember it from the prior year and shout it out.” Igloo glue!

Detailed, illustrated instructions for building igloos, quinzees, slab shelters and more can be found in Yankielun’s 2007 book, How to Build an Igloo and Other Snow Shelters. For those looking for an introductory snow construction project, he suggests building a snow wall using a five-gallon bucket as a mold. Pack snow in the bucket using the end of a 2-by-4 “like a potato masher,” then rap the sides and bottom of the bucket to pop out the snow. “They’re bricks,” he said, “so you build a brick wall.”

An igloo requires at least six inches of snow — the kind that stays intact when shaped into a ball — and, ideally, a day that stays below freezing, Yankielun said. “For the price of nothing more than a snow shovel and a rusty flea market carpenter saw, you have an all-day family activity.” K

“Igloo Build and the Science of Winter” is scheduled for Feb. 15, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich. Free with museum admission. Learn more about Yankielun and his work at doctorwhy.com.

1. Start a day or two in advance by assembling your “quarry.” Appropriate igloo snow is cold, dry, wind-packed and has not repeatedly thawed and refrozen. It rarely occurs naturally in Vermont, so you have to make it. Shovel snow into a 10-foot-square “sheet cake” that’s 18 to 24 inches high, stamping it down with snowshoes as you go to help it solidify.

2. Use a carpenter saw — not Mom or Dad’s fine woodworking saw; it will ruin it for woodworking! — to cut the biggest blocks you can carry, about 12 inches by 24 inches.

3. Lay them in a circle.

4. Miter the blocks — cut the ends at matching angles — so they fit tightly together.

5. Use the saw to cut away portions of the blocks to make a ramp that runs at least halfway around the circle.

6. Shape the tops of the blocks so that they angle slightly toward the inside of the igloo, which will enable you to build a dome and not a tube. To ensure the proper angle, stick a ski pole in the center of the circle, tie a cord to its base and, if the angle is correct, the cord will form a straight line when stretched over the slope of a block.

7. Stack more blocks of the same size on top of the ramp, starting at the point where the full-height block meets the shortest block. Each block should bridge the vertical seam between the two blocks below it. Cut the top of these and all subsequent blocks to angle inward.

8. Before the wall gets too high, have a helper stand inside — preferably an adult — to assist construction. He or she should use a saw to help shape blocks and stay inside until the igloo is completed.

9. Continue stacking and shaping blocks in an upward, inward, circular spiral until a small opening — a bit smaller than the size of one block — remains at the top.

10. Cut and place the cap block or “king” block. This block is like a cork that plugs the hole at the top and supports the inward-leaning walls. Taper its sides to match the taper of the hole.

11. Cut an arch-shaped door, not much bigger than 2 feet by 2 feet and centered beneath a block rather than directly beneath a seam.

12. Cut a fist-sized ventilation hole near the top of the igloo dome.

DR. YANKIELUN’S SAFETY RULES

• Children should always be supervised in and near an igloo. Enjoy hot chocolate inside, but don’t bring in any camping stoves, candles or other flames. These can cause injury, and igloos can trap carbon monoxide.

• Do not spend the night in the igloo. Most people don’t have the proper cold-weather gear.

• At the end of the day, knock it down so as not to create an “attractive nuisance” where other kids may get hurt. This destruction may be more fun than construction, Yankielun said. At his igloo workshops, he said, “Boy oh boy, some of the kids come for that, I think, as opposed to the buildup.”

Miter the ends of the blocks for a tight fit

Lines drawn along the slanting tops of all blocks should point to the center of the igloo

The igloo grows as equally sized blocks are added along the spiral ramp

Cut a ramp in the blocks that continues at least halfway around the circle

Ensure that the tops of all blocks angle inward

Bert Yankielun at the 2019 Montshire Museum Igloo Build

UVM Women’s Hockey

Gutterson Fieldhouse, 97 Spear Street, Burlington

It’s cold outside, Netflix hasn’t updated its shows lately, and your kids are so bored they’re offering to organize your cabinets. How about a movie? Meh. You did that last week. Plus, with tickets, popcorn and slushies, you might have to take out a second mortgage on the house. So where can you find budget-friendly entertainment? Think outside of the (penalty) box and go with your “GUT” instincts. In other words, take your family to see a UVM women’s hockey game at Gutterson Fieldhouse. It’s so much fun!

Admittedly, we are not a hockey family. Our kids, ages 11 and 7, have no interest in playing. And frankly, my husband and I can’t fathom committing to the parental dedication it requires. That being said, we love watching a good match. So off to Gutterson Fieldhouse we went with our friends this fall to watch the UVM women take on Dartmouth. We arrived about 15 minutes before the 6 p.m. face-off. The concession stand was well-equipped to satisfy hungry fans with hot dogs, pizza, pretzels, nachos and even pieces of whole fruit, as well as a plethora of soft drinks and beverages.

We’d eaten beforehand, so we headed right for the stands, easily finding seats behind the penalty boxes. They gave us a great view and put us up close to the players and the action. And the concept of a penalty box was mind-blowing for my children. They referred to it as the “time-out box” once they knew players were sent there for misbehaving on the ice. “Grown women get time-outs too, Mom?” My daughter Ruby, 7, asked.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

The UVM women’s hockey regular season runs through Feb. 22. While the rink is indoors, it can still be chilly. Coats, hats and gloves make spectating more comfortable. Tickets cost $5 for adults, $3 for kids and $2 each if purchased for a group of 10 or more. All are general admission. Learn more at uvmathletics.com/sportswomens-ice-hockey.

Sadly, though, we easily snagged those seats because the fieldhouse was nearly empty. By my rough count, fewer than 200 people were there. How is this possible? Gutterson seats approximately 4,000 people and the men’s hockey team often sells out, and they’re playing the same sport as the women?! The women’s game was fastpaced and riveting. Players were tough, smart and resilient. It’s unfortunate that more people didn’t support the team.

Regardless of sparse attendance, UVM pulled out all the stops. Rally Cat made several appearances, including coming up to hug and high five our kids between time-outs (except for Ruby, who only likes Rally Cat from afar). Music and lights blared every time UVM scored, and a few fans waved school flags and cheered loudly. This was the first time we took our kids to a live hockey game, and it didn’t take long for them to really get into the spirit. Despite her short attention

span, Ruby managed to understand some basics about the game and get her proper cheer on. She was more entertained by the Zamboni machine that resurfaced the ice between periods. Got antsy kids? Send them down to the edge of the rink to look for snow and ice that has been pushed out. Ruby was obsessed with finding bits of snow and crushing them in her bare hand. Because the stadium was far from full, the kids were able to move to different seats each period to get a different view. We also could easily explore the fieldhouse. On the second floor near the bathrooms, the kids discovered the UVM Hockey Hall of Honor, a long wall filled with pictures of well-decorated hockey alums. In another wing we found a table

for Rally’s Round Up, UVM Athletics’ official kids club. Kids under 12 can sign up to get free game tickets, locker room tours, a gift bag, and opportunities to meet athletes and coaches.

The women’s team beat Dartmouth 4-2 that evening, and the game ended right before bedtime, which was an added bonus. I reminded my newly minted middle school son that these women are students, like him, and they were probably headed home to do homework or catch up on a project. I could see the wheels turning in his head that someday in the near future he, too, could be like these athletes in college if he continues his die-hard interest in soccer.

It’s easy to think of the UVM campus as an isolated “for college students only” place. But women’s hockey is a gem that provides entertainment for all ages and fosters a bond between the school and its community. K

Heather’s son, Henry, and his friend Sydney meet Rally Cat

UVM women’s hockey team

BY KEN PICARD

How can parents ensure that their babies are safe during sleep?

For parents of newborns and infants, a good night’s sleep can be a rare occurrence. Regular disruptions from a baby who needs feeding and diapering are one thing. Being afraid to fall asleep for fear that you won’t notice if your baby stops breathing is another.

Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is defined as babies under one year of age who die, typically while sleeping, due to unintended suffocation, strangulation or entrapment, or from previously unknown infections, metabolic or cardiac events. If an investigation and autopsy reveal no disease or external factor, the death is attributed to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, or SIDS, which is another cause of a SUID.

Thankfully, sudden unexpected infant deaths are rare — about 3,500 nationally each year — with Vermont having the lowest rate in the country as of 2017. Between 2010 and 2014, Vermont had 16 SUID deaths, half of which were due to accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed, and half of which were classified as SIDS, according to the Vermont Department of Health. Those numbers have declined precipitously since the national “Back to Sleep” campaign was launched in 1994 to encourage parents to put their babies to sleep on their backs.

Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, believes those numbers will decline even further with the “Safe to

Sleep” campaign, which was expanded and renamed in 2012 to ensure that all babies are put to bed in a safe environment. However, First is skeptical of digital devices, such as the Owlet Smart Sock, which purportedly monitor a baby’s vital signs and then alert parents if something appears awry.

KIDS VT: What are your objections to digital baby monitors?

LEWIS FIRST: First, there is no scientific evidence that over-the-counter monitoring devices give you accurate information about your baby’s heart rate and oxygen level, or that they decrease the likelihood of your baby experiencing SIDS. Second, there is no evidence that these devices alert family members in an appropriate amount of time to respond. Third, these devices don’t go through the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s rigorous approval process that monitoring equipment used in hospitals must undergo. Finally, these consumer monitors are marketed as providing parents with “peace of mind,” but often they have the opposite effect. Some parents cannot sleep because now they’re afraid that they won’t hear their smartphone alarm go off.

KVT: Do these monitors send alerts even when they’re not warranted?

LF: Yes. During sleep, some healthy babies’ blood oxygen level or heart rate will drop temporarily to a level that

could trigger an alarm but then will quickly return to normal. The problem is, these monitors may not be accurate or calibrated to account for such transient fluctuations. If a baby has serious breathing or neurological problems, or has had what’s called a brief resolved unexplained event (BRUE) — basically, a near-SIDS episode — then their health care provider would likely recommend that if monitoring equipment is needed, FDA-approved equipment be installed in the home.

KVT: So how should parents protect their babies while they sleep?

LF: The “Safe to Sleep” campaign will do a lot more than any commercially-sold consumer smart monitoring device can. Think of it as the ABCs of safe sleep.

The “A” stands for “alone,” which means babies should sleep by themselves, not in a bed with other people or pets. “B” stands for putting babies down on their “back,” not on their side or stomach. This should be done at least until babies learn how to roll over on their own, usually at about four months of age. On their back, it is thought that babies can breathe more freely and tend to not overheat, a condition that has been associated with SIDS. The “C” stands for “crib” safety. Babies should never be put down to sleep on sofas, cushions, waterbeds or other adult beds that can have soft mattresses. Their crib or bassinet’s sleep surface should be firm, with all loose objects, including

bumpers, blankets, pillows and stuffed animals, removed.

KVT: What are your thoughts on co-sleeping?

LF: Part of the “Safe to Sleep” campaign recommends that parents should have the baby sleep in their room with them for at least the first six months, and ideally, the first year of life. Having the baby sleep in the same room with parents has been shown to reduce the incidence of sudden unexpected infant death by as much as 50 percent, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ policy statement on safe sleep. But roomsharing does not mean bed-sharing. A bassinet, crib or co-sleeping device attached to the side of the bed can be kept within arm’s reach of the parent. If a mother wants to nurse in bed, that’s OK, but she should put the baby back in the crib or co-sleeper before falling back to sleep herself.

KVT: Anything else?

LF: Breastfeeding and vaccinations have both been associated with lower rates of SIDS. And abstaining from smoking, vaping, drugs and alcohol is also associated with lower rates of sudden unexpected infant death. Recently, we’ve begun to discourage the practice of letting babies sleep on inclined rock-and-play products, infant swings and vibrating seats due to the risk of infant deaths. When babies fall asleep on one, they should be moved to a flat crib surface to sleep on their back. We also discourage the practice of letting infants sleep all night in a car seat, where their head position while restrained in the seat can potentially close off their airway. In short, once babies fall asleep, they should be put down in a crib or bassinet. K

The Y’s Community Partner

Redstone Scavenger Hunt

Uncovering the bedrock in your backyard

It took me a long time to figure out what bedrock is. Though geologists don’t seem to say it so simply, the definition I developed for myself in grad school is: it’s the rock that’s attached to the earth. Now, when I see interesting bedrock features like ledges and outcrops, I point them out to my 11-year-old son because I want him to grow up more in tune with his natural surroundings than I was. It can be hard, though, to extend the conversation beyond his monosyllabic response — “cool” — especially if we can’t climb on the feature I’m pointing out.

In order to make the concept of bedrock come to life, I designed a scavenger hunt to seek out a distinctive and attractive type of bedrock that stretches in a band through Addison and Chittenden counties. This type of bedrock, Monkton quartzite, is also known as redstone. Its typical reddish-purple color is the reason Red Rocks Park and the University of Vermont’s Redstone Campus have their names.

My nongeologist understanding of this rock’s story is this: Approximately 540 million years ago, the place that would become Vermont was submerged under a shallow tropical ocean, and sand was deposited along the shoreline. After a long time and a lot of heat and pressure, it became the kind of sandstone known as Monkton quartzite. The red color comes from iron-rich material that rusted around the sand grains. At some locations, where the internal layering is exposed under your feet, you can see

ripples from long-ago waves, and tracks and burrows from little sea creatures. From south to north, here are a few locations to find Monkton quartzite. Some of them are expeditions in their own right, while others are observable on your way to someplace else.

• Charlotte Park and Wildlife Refuge, Greenbush Road: Note the pillars that frame the entrance! The stones in them likely did not travel very far to be there. Because it’s a wildlife refuge, dogs are not allowed.

• Mount Philo, Charlotte: The lower part of Mount Philo is made of shale, but up at the top, you will see Monkton quartzite. Because the Champlain thrust fault pushed older rocks on top of younger rocks 450 million years ago, the older quartzite is on top of the younger shale.

• Shelburne Bay Park, Shelburne: There are some nice slabs jutting into the water along the Clarke Trail, along with at least one very nice stone wall made of Monkton quartzite.

• Shelburne Road near Webster Road: Monkton quartzite is interspersed with orange dolostone along the roadcut blasted through the rock lining Shelburne Road. Layers of dolostone are often located between layers of Monkton quartzite (geologists call this the Monkton

Formation). Learn more about why that is so at the Perkins Museum of Geology website, uvm.edu/perkins/ educational-materials.

• Red Rocks Park, South Burlington: The famous red cliffs along the lake are made of Monkton quartzite, as are the ledges and outcrops throughout.

• Redstone Quarry, Hoover Street, Burlington: This hidden oasis, in the middle of a residential neighborhood, is the quarry from which much of the redstone you can see around Burlington (see below) was extracted. There is a parking pull-off for this UVM natural area on Redstone Terrace and parking along Hoover Street as well. You can see the dramatic quarry face and parts of the exposed quarry floor (complete with ripples), and you can climb on the rocks at the northern end of the natural area if you’re so inclined.

• Many buildings and countless foundations along Lake Champlain: As noted on a UVM natural areas website, “Redstone was a popular building material in Burlington in the 1800’s not only for its remarkable appearance and durability, but also because it was readily available at a small quarry within the city limits.” UVM’s Redstone Campus is a notable example, with its redstone wall along South Prospect Street and

some of its grand buildings, once part of the Buell estate. But once I started looking for redstone, I could not stop seeing it everywhere. In just one block in downtown Burlington, I noticed it in the foundation of the old part of the Fletcher Free Library (next to the fire station), the building between Memorial Auditorium and the boarded up motel, and in the College Street Congregational Church.

• Salmon Hole, Burlington: This was one of my son’s favorite sites as a toddler. There is a lot of rock to explore and clamber around on. Like Redstone Quarry, this is another site where you can see ripple marks and worm burrows.

• The roadcuts blasted through the rocks between Exits 16 and 17 on Interstate 89: Layers of the purple Monkton quartzite and orange or buffcolored dolostone of the Monkton Formation are exposed.

I’m sure there are countless other examples of Monkton quartzite. But be prepared: If you put your kids on the hunt, I’m willing to bet they will put your observation skills to shame, and win your scavenger hunt by a landslide. K

Heather Fitzgerald teaches field ecology and environmental science at the Community College of Vermont and the University of Vermont.

Heather’s son Jesse (center) and friends at Redstone Quarry in Burlington

BEN WANG

FAMILIES BY HEATHER FITZGERALD

How to Create a Reuse Zone

Tap into creativity and stewardship with a designated spot for recycled materials

Encouraging eco-friendly art projects and open-ended play can be as simple as setting up a “reuse zone” in your home. In my household, we used to incorporate recycled items into crafts and play on occasion. But establishing a designated, organized area for kid projects and play has helped our kids, ages 5 and 2, find inspiration on their own — and given my husband and me the ability to have conversations that aren’t interrupted by entreaties of “What can I do now?”

Think of the “reuse zone” as a detour for miscellaneous objects between their intended use and the recycling center or landfill. They won’t likely stay out of the garbage or recycling bin forever, but they’ll be appreciated and enjoyed a bit more before they go. My 2-year-old often turns bottle caps, corks and other small items into “food” or building material for towers. My 5-year-old has made everything from a puppet theater to a castle for a handmade queen. Little kids can simply observe the adults in their life setting up and maintaining the zone, while older kids may engage more fully. My 5-yearold regularly identifies things she wants to put in the space.

The reuse zone helps teach kids respect for materials. Instead of mindlessly tossing things, we consider how they can serve a different purpose (“Let’s use this yogurt container to build a spaceship!”).

Occasionally, we also talk about how the item came to be. All materials, from plastic to cardboard, take a long journey before they arrive on store shelves and make their way into our daily lives. We discuss how we share everything on earth with all of the people and animals living here. My kids also relate strongly to the fact that effort and resources were used to create the item, so we should show it care and respect. I try to keep it positive in my phrasing. Instead of “Don’t waste paper. That’s not nice to the trees it came from,” I say something like, “This cardboard used to be a tree! Isn’t that neat? We could recycle it now, or we could use it again for art or building. That might be a great way to thank the tree and all the people involved in creating the cardboard.”

At a grocery store recently, my 5-yearold enjoyed a pasta sample. Then she held

up the little fork and cup and said, “Mom, let’s save these to reuse.” Below, find my tips to help you establish a reuse zone in your own home.

• Identify reusable materials. Look through your recycling bin for caps, cardboard, plastic cups and other nonhazardous items. Cut cardboard into smaller pieces or different shapes. Circle-shaped cardboard can be attached to yarn as ornaments or party decorations. Squares of cardboard can serve as canvases for painting and collage. Cardboard boxes can transform into play houses or dioramas. Corks, shipping materials and twist ties are common items we redirect to our reuse zone. Glued onto a circle of cardboard, these items become a decorative wreath. Or wrap twist ties around corks and add two dots for eyes, and you can create a village of cork people. Sometimes my kids become immersed in play with the reused items that I can’t quite identify. If the materials spark their creativity and interest, I don’t want to interrupt their magic with questions about the structure or specifics of the game.

• Choose your zone carefully. Physical parameters ensure your reuse zone doesn’t end up taking up too much space. We dedicated one drawer of the dresser where we keep art supplies to found and reusable materials. We also have an open-top bin for larger things that don’t fit in the drawer. Whether you have a tiny house or a large one, creating a physically limited area for kid-accessible, reusable stuff will save the stress of rushing all over the house and garage to gather items.

• Create a process for keeping things. Pause before you put items in the trash or recycling. It may take some mental energy at first, but it will

FURTHER READING:

• The Paper Playhouse: Awesome Art Projects for Kids Using Paper, Boxes, and Books, by Katrina Rodabaugh

• Cardboard Creations: Open-Ended Exploration with Recycled Materials, by Barbara Rucci workspaceforchildren.com

• @naturallycuriouschildren on Instagram

new shirt. It can be crinkled, cut up or glued to this piece of cardboard.” See the “Further reading” section above for books and online inspiration if you’re not the crafty type.

eventually become habit. One word of caution from personal experience: Try to avoid taking on more packaging than you typically do simply because you now have a spot at home where it might be reused. Things will pile up very quickly. Even while living relatively low-waste and avoiding single-use items, we still find we have more than enough supplies for our reuse zone.

• Share the process with the kids! If reuse is a new concept for your children, involving them from the start can pique their interest. Ask them where they’d like to store reusable, recycled materials that they’ll have access to for art and play. Talk through what you’re putting in the drawer (or bin, or bag) and how it might be used. For example, you might say, “This tissue paper came with my

• Set up parameters for use and reevaluate as needed. At first, you may want to set up invitations to play or create by laying out materials for your kids. Setting out caps and other tiny items like corks and small cups alongside a ball of play dough can yield hours of fun (or at least 15 minutes while you pull together dinner). My 5-year-old daughter likes to be given an arc-shaped piece of cardboard; a container of colorful, small items and magazine clippings; and glue to create a recycled rainbow. Once your kids know where to find the reuse zone and other useful items like scissors, yarn and glue, they may start to design their own projects or create their own games and mini-worlds. On occasion, we’ve had to take out certain items that we find aren’t age-appropriate or cause too much mess without supervision. For example, when my 2-yearold discovered that tissue paper was easily ripped into tiny pieces, we had to retire it for a little while. Tweak the setup until it works for your family. K

PHOTOS: MEREDITH BAY-TYACK

Meredith’s daughter explores materials in the family’s reuse zone

A mochi container becomes an item for nature play

Government in Graphics

A primer on politics — in comic book form

Did you know that when the United States Constitution was ratified in 1788, only white men who were 21 or older and owned land could vote?

Since then, the Constitution has changed. But how and when did that happen?

The Center for Cartoon Studies’ This is What Democracy Looks Like: A Graphic Guide to Governance provides the answers to these questions — and many more.

“We tend to think of the government as one big, tangled thing,” writes lead cartoonist, writer and researcher for the project, Dan Nott, in the book, published in July 2019. This is What Democracy Looks Like aims to unravel that confusion.

The project includes drawings and writing from CCS cofounder James Sturm and other contributing cartoonists. Nott described the slim, softcovered book as a read “kids will be interested in, without being talked down to.”

The 32-page book — downloadable for free on the Center’s website — explains how elections work, the president’s job and the history of American democracy. Clear illustrations and concise writing provide a straightforward, nonpartisan explanation of the government’s three branches and specific responsibilities. Subsequent pages include explanations of checks and balances, the way state and county governments operate, and a brief guide to the Constitution.

Thoughtful quotes from famous citizens include this line from Vermonter and environmentalist Bill McKibben: “Democracy is about getting together with

your community to think together about your future.”

Additionally, the Center partnered with educators to create a teaching guide aligned with Common Core standards, also downloadable for free, with detailed lesson plans.

The book is now in its third print run, with a total of 40,000 paper copies printed,

and over 1,000 downloads. “The timing is right,” said Nott. “It’s something we’re all thinking about.”

Collaborating with other cartoonists, he added, was especially rewarding. “Handing o the book, person to person, everyone has a chance to put their voice into it and move it along a little further,” he said. Sounds like democracy at its best.

Download This is What Democracy Looks Like for free online at cartoonstudies.org/democracy (or make a donation on the site). Order print copies of the book online for $6, in bundles of 25 for $50 or 50 for $75.

An excerpt from the comic book

ONES TO WATCH

COMPILED BY ALISON NOVAK • PHOTOS BY JAMES BUCK

Spectacular Kids

A sneak peek at the talented performers in our annual talent show

In 2014, Kids VT came up with the idea of an annual community event that would showcase the talents of local kids. That December, our “Spectacular Spectacular” talent show was born. The event has proven it has staying power. On Saturday, December 7, we’ll hold our sixth annual “Spectacular Spectacular” at Higher Ground in South Burlington. Doors open at noon and the show starts at 12:30 p.m.

We don’t have room on these pages to show you all of the acts, so we’re giving you a glimpse of six performing that day. Get tickets in advance for $7 at highergroundmusic.com or buy them at the door for $10. Children 6 and under are free. Maybe we’ll see your kids at auditions next year!

Playing fiddle, with foot tapping, to traditional Québécois fiddle tunes

Bjorn Peterson, 11, Burlington

Three words to describe your personality: Easy-going potato

Favorite place in Vermont: Smugglers’ Notch and Get Air!

What you’re proudest of: My cat

Future job: Chef

Your motto: Don’t doodle when making hollandaise sauce.

Singing

“I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE”

by Marvin Gaye Andre Redmond, 7, Essex Junction

Favorite place in Vermont: Jay Peak

Favorite food: Sushi and lobster

Future job: Singer

Who inspires you: My dad and uncle

Your motto: They go low, we go high.

“REEL ST. ANTOINE” AND “REEL DE MATTAWA”

Playing fiddle to

“LILTING BANSHEE,” “POP GOES THE WEASEL” AND “STRAWBERRIES AND RASPBERRIES”

Gabriela Jordan, 9, St. Albans

Three words to describe your personality: Smart, mature, artistic

Favorite performer: Freddy Mercury

Future job: Robotist

Favorite food: Cheeseburger

Where you’ve performed before: Fletcher Free Library in Burlington

Dancing to “24K MAGIC”

by Bruno Mars Bojan Harris,

12, Starksboro

Three words to describe your personality: Funny, ambitious, creative

Favorite food: Sushi

Favorite performer: Elvis Presley

Favorite place in Vermont: Shangri-La Farm in Starksboro

Your motto: Everything happens for a reason. Shoot for the stars.

Dancing to “A

MAGNIFICENT GRAY”

by Slow Meadow

Allison Roy, 12, Milton; Abby Lewellen, 12, St. Albans Town; and Karissa Lynch, 11, St. Albans Town (not pictured)

Three words to describe your personality:

Allison: Goofy, active, loving

Abby: Goofy, active, hyper

Karissa: Kind, energetic, friendly

Favorite food:

Allison: Spaghetti

Abby: Pizza

Karissa: Raspberries and brownies

Future job:

Allison: Home designer

Abby: Doctor or realtor

Karissa: Forensic scientist or dance teacher

Who inspires you:

Allison: My parents

Abby: My mom

Karissa: My mom and Mary

Hondal

Playing the piano to

“SOMEWHERE (THERE’S A PLACE FOR US)”

from West Side Story Sophia Oszurek, 11, St. Albans

Three words to describe your personality: Funny, creative, playful

Favorite performer: Beethoven

What you’re proudest of: When I make people happy

Favorite movie: Wonder

Your motto: Be friendly to everyone (but you don’t have to be friends with everyone).

Language Lessons

Like many elementary school students in Vermont, Sylvan Ross’ 18 kindergartners at Jericho Elementary School begin their day with a class meeting. They circle up on a colorful world map rug, where they read the morning message, greet each other and participate in a playful activity. Like their peers around the state, their academic day will consist of lessons in reading, writing, math, social studies and science.

With one fundamental difference. Their classes are in Spanish. In 2017, Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District launched Vermont’s only Spanish immersion program, which now includes students in kindergarten, first and second grades. Housed at the preK-4 Jericho Elementary School, the lotterybased program accepts students from the five towns in the school district, which also includes Richmond, Huntington, Underhill and Bolton.

Immersion refers to a method of foreign language instruction in which the language is used as a tool to teach the curriculum, rather than being taught as an isolated subject. Eighty to 90 percent of the school day for Ross’ students — as well as the students of first-grade teacher Christie Moulton and second-grade teacher Julia Menendez — is spent reading, writing and speaking in Spanish. During lunch, recess and the unified arts classes — PE, music and art — students speak English.

Because the bulk of the day is en español, and all students in the program are native English speakers, the program is classified as full, one-way language immersion. In dual, or two-way immersion — the most commonly found immersion program in schools across the country — native English speakers and native speakers of another language are in the same class, and instruction takes place in both languages. These programs were initially created as a way to provide bilingual instruction to English learners.

A 2017 research brief from the Rand Corporation found between 1,000 and 2,000 dual-language programs in the U.S. Beyond that, there is little data about the number of language immersion programs in the country, said Lisa Tabaku director

A student in Sylvan Ross’ Spanish immersion kindergarten class at Jericho Elementary School reads the days of the week

Ross’ kindergartners take part in a math lesson

Jericho’s first-in-the-state Spanish immersion program aims to make kids into bilingual learners

BY ALISON NOVAK • PHOTOS BY GLENN RUSSELL

of global languages and culture at the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Applied Linguistics. Though one-way programs are “few and far between,” she said, her organization has seen a growing interest in recent years, which she attributes to people’s understanding of the importance of being bilingual both globally and domestically. In fact, the Center for Applied Linguistics is currently consulting with the Montpelier Roxbury Public Schools as it explores adding a language immersion program in the future, said superintendent Libby Bonesteel. Further evidence of the renewed interest in language education, Tabaku added, is the Seal of Biliteracy, which California established in 2011 to award students who graduate from high school with proficiency in two or more languages. Since then, 36 additional states and Washington, D.C., have adopted it. (The seal is under consideration in Vermont.)

Ross’ kindergartners call her Tía Ross — a term of endearment in Spanish that translates to aunt — and greet each other with an Hola! or Buenos Dias! The picture books in their classroom have familiar pictures on their covers, but, upon closer inspection, have titles like La llama llama rojo pijama and Buenas noches, Luna. The math curriculum is the same one that other teachers in the school use, just the Spanish version.

On the last Monday in September, Ross has written the morning message — all in Spanish — on a piece of chart paper, with a question at the bottom: “¿Te gusta el otoño?,” which translates to “Do you like autumn?” Students and adults in the room put a check mark in the “si” or “no” column, then Ross poses the question to each child, and they respond “Si, me gusta” or “No, me gusta.” Then they count together in Spanish to find out how many “si” and “no” check marks there are. The “si” marks beat the “no” marks, 19-3.

When Ross takes out an oversized picture book with a butterfly on the cover to begin reading to the class, a little girl exclaims, “That’s big!,” then quickly corrects herself. “Grande!” she says. “Es muy grande,” Ross replies.

El Origin

Mount Mansfield Unified Union School District may seem like an unlikely place to launch a language immersion program. Its five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school serve around 2,600 students in total. Ninety-seven percent of them are white, 93.2% speak only English at home, and only 2.1 percent live below the poverty line, according to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics. In other words, there is little linguistic, cultural or socioeconomic diversity.

But parents in the district are involved, educated and interested in innovative educational programs for their children. Parents like Camille Campanile. Her first grader, Alessandro, who goes by Sasha, is in his second year of Spanish immersion. She said she was drawn to the program for several reasons. She’d learned through research that, in terms of brain development, elementary school is a prime time to become fluent in a new language. And she was excited about the opportunities that Spanish fluency would afford her son, from internships and jobs, to attending a foreign college and traveling abroad.

“Beyond his development,” she added, “from a cultural and social justice standpoint, I love that he’s learning Spanish in a time when so many people are closedminded when it comes to immigration. It almost seems like a political act.”

Cultural considerations were also important to Dayva Savio when she enrolled her son, Buck, in the program last school year. The summer before Buck started kindergarten, the family moved to Jericho from Los Angeles, where Spanish was ubiquitous. Coming from a diverse environment, Savio saw the importance of giving her son a multicultural education, with Spanish language and culture woven into the curriculum, rather than learning about it as something that deviates from the norm.

In 2015, it was a small group of parents, along with teachers, school board members and Jericho Elementary School principal Victoria Graf who began researching language immersion programs to see whether implementing

one in the district would be feasible and beneficial.

In February 2016, the group presented a white paper to the school board, making a case for the program. “Our country faces a need for proficiency in non English languages, and it is reported as one of the greatest needs for business, diplomacy, education, national security and social services,” the paper stated. The

group cited research showing that learning a foreign language at an early age boosts critical thinking skills, creativity, and cognitive flexibility and, in the early elementary grades, has a positive impact on academic achievement and correlates with higher math and reading test scores. Learning a new language before puberty has been linked to fluency, better

A Spanish immersion kindergartner fills in the blank on the whiteboard

Ross leads a math lesson in her Spanish immersion classroom at Jericho Elementary School

learn more

register at

Language Lessons

CONTINUED FROM P. 23

pronunciation and the ability to switch between languages.

The committee considered a French language program, given Vermont’s proximity to Canada, but settled on Spanish for a few reasons. First, there were more quality educational materials — including curriculum and children’s books — available in Spanish than in any other foreign language. Second, Spanish is the most commonly spoken language, after English, in the United States.

The school board approved the proposal, and the district partnered with Middlebury College’s language program to hammer out implementation. The Spanish immersion program began in September of 2017 with 17 kindergarten students. Those students are now in second grade, and a new kindergarten class has been added each year.

La Implementación

Families who want to enroll their children in Spanish immersion enter a lottery. This school year, 32 children applied for 18 slots. To ensure the lottery is fair, the district films the names being drawn, said Graf. Families are notified if they have been admitted in March. Students who aren’t part of the immersion program still get weekly Spanish instruction.

When children enter kindergarten, most don’t have any foundational skills in Spanish, so “a lot of what they’re doing is guessing,” explained Ross. To keep children engaged, teachers use a variety of techniques. One is a method called total physical response, which involves using motions that correspond with words to create a connection between speech and action. For example, a teacher might flap her arms like wings as she says the word pájaro, or bird. When teachers need to speak English to students — like during a fire drill — they don a special scarf. Reading is taught through learning letter sounds and sounding out words, similar to how it’s taught in English. Students’ receptive language, or the ability to understand Spanish, is initially stronger than their expressive language, or their ability to speak Spanish, said Graf. In second grade, speaking is “a major goal,” said Menendez.

"I can't say enough about how much I love this camp. My son attended for the first time this year and he absolutely loved his time there. He learned new skills and improved on others. There were so many activities, he could not pick a definite favorite. And he raved about the food. The best part of it is that he thoroughly enjoyed himself and made some great new friends." - 2018 Parent

Just as important for effective instruction, said teachers, is that kids feel excited about learning Spanish. If students feel like they’re in a highpressure situation, their “affective filter” goes up, and they won’t want to take risks, said first grade teacher

Moulton. “We never want to make students feel bad for using their first language.” When students speak to her in English, she’ll simply repeat what they said back to them in Spanish or, if she knows it’s something the student knows how to say in Spanish, remind them of that fact. In order to keep things fun and engaging, teachers incorporate puppetry, songs and movement throughout the day.

El Futuro

Like any new program, said Graf, “we’re learning as we go.” Teachers observed that Spanish immersion kindergartners seemed more tired in the afternoon than nonimmersion kindergartners, so more hands-on learning and choice time is now incorporated in the latter part of the day. In the first year of the program, the paraprofessional in the kindergarten immersion classroom didn’t speak Spanish. Teachers soon realized it was important to have another adult in the room who could model Spanish conversation with the teacher. This year, the two paraprofessionals who support the three Spanish classrooms are fluent Spanish speakers. The school is exploring new assessment tools to add to the ones they currently have in place, in order to collect more data on how students are progressing. The district has looked to the Spanish immersion program in the Mendon-Upton Regional School District in Massachusetts as a resource. The district, which has similar demographics to Mount Mansfield Unified Union, established its Spanish immersion program 22

Signs in Spanish adorn Sylvan Ross’ Spanish immersion kindergarten classroom at Jericho Elementary School

years ago and has turned out hundreds of bilingual students. Through the years, it has increased in popularity, said Mendon-Upton kindergarten immersion teacher Olga Grau. In her district, students in grades K-2 receive 100 percent of instruction in Spanish. English is gradually introduced starting in third grade, so that by fifth grade, instruction is half Spanish and half English. That’s because public school students are required to take standardized tests in English, and the district wants to ensure they are prepared. Mount Mansfield Unified Union plans to follow a similar model, with some English instruction being introduced in either the second semester of second grade or first semester of third grade.

As the program grows by one class each year, it’s taken on a more prominent presence in the school. Walk down the hallway and you’ll hear more Spanish than you did two years ago, said Merideth Chaudoir, who has a kindergartner and second grader in the program (younger siblings of immersion students are guaranteed admission). The school also has more resources and books in Spanish, and even the town librarian has ordered more Spanish language children’s books. “It just keeps getting better and better,” Chaudoir said.

The program will run through at least fourth grade and possibly fifth, with the goal of producing bilingual and biliterate students, said Graf.

After that, there are question marks. Families said they’re hopeful that in middle and high school, the district will provide immersion students with opportunities to extend their learning, through Spanish literature classes or independent study, for example. It’s been shown that it’s important to regularly speak a foreign language in order to retain it, said Campanile. “I don’t want to see this incredible opportunity for kids to become fluent lost.”

Graf said the district is currently researching options to support and extend the learning of Spanish immersion students in middle school. At Mount Mansfield Union High School, students can study Latin, Spanish or French — with Advanced Placement options in both Spanish and French.

Parents who have children in the Jericho program have been “incredibly supportive” and committed to the program’s success, said Graf. On children’s birthdays, Chaudoir said, families in her daughter’s class donate a Spanish-language book to the class. Last spring, the district hosted a well-attended course for Spanish immersion parents to learn beginning conversational Spanish. Over the summer, parents of this year’s firstgrade class arranged for a bilingual educator to teach a weekly Spanish lesson for kids, weaving in music and art. Some families have visited Spanish-speaking countries on vacation. Said Campanile: “Most of us are trying to tag along in the wake of our kids.”

Her first grader Sasha’s Spanish skills have already surpassed those of her two middle schoolers and high schooler, Campanile said. Sasha even helps his seventhgrade sibling with pronunciation. “He loves going to school. He loves that he’s learning Spanish. It makes him feel so empowered.”

Sasha’s teacher, Moulton, who taught in a dual immersion classroom in California before moving to Vermont, thinks that in addition to learning a new language, immersion students are also getting an expanded world view. “I love that students get to think and ask what language they speak in [different countries], not assuming the world is made up of people just like them,” she said.

“Education can be a window out into the bigger world. Why not provide that for students in a rural area?” K

He loves that he’s learning Spanish. It makes him feel so empowered.

PARENT CAMILLE CAMPANILE

Reach Local Families!

We started advertising in Kids VT to share our summer camp programs, scholarship opportunities and benefits of outdoor, screen-free experiences with our immediate community. We have consistently seen growth in camp enrollment from our local community. Our records indicate that more than 30 percent of our new camp families noted Kids VT as the mechanism through which they found and chose Camp Hochelaga. Kaitlin, our Kids VT account executive, is amazing. She answers our questions promptly and always gives us genuine advice about how and where to center our marketing funds. As a nonprofit operating on a tight budget, we appreciate that Kaitlin always makes sure that our marketing investments give us the biggest possible community impact and exposure. I would absolutely recommend Kids VT to other businesses. We have seen endless engagement from local families as a result of advertising campaigns.

On the Menu: Winter Family Fun!

These picks offer something for every palate

BY ALISON NOVAK

Winter in Vermont can feel really long. Sometimes, it’s hard to figure out how to pass these cold, icy months. Kids VT to the rescue! We’ve compiled a list of 20 family-friendly places — perfect destinations on those days when you’ve got Netflix malaise, you’ve made your umpteenth pillow fort and you’re wearing a hole in your jammies. Consider this your menu of winter activities. Tear it out. Put it on your fridge. And return to it when you’re met with that oft-asked question: What are we going to do today?

If you’re starved for a swim…

You don’t have to do the Penguin Plunge to get your aquatic fix this winter. Check out these great indoor places to drop in for a dip.

The Swimming Hole in Stowe (theswimmingholestowe.com) boasts a lap pool with a diving board and a heated children’s pool with a water slide, plus workout areas for adults. (Day pass: $21 for adults, $18 for ages 65 and over, $15 for ages 6-17, $7 for ages 5 and under, additional fee for towels and lockers)

a

Come January 1, the new Greater Burlington YMCA (298 College Street; gbymca.org) will open with a lap pool, a program pool and a splash pad with interactive water features for the youngest swimmers. (Day pass: $12 for adults, $5 for youth, $15 for a family)

White River Junction’s Upper Valley Aquatic Center (uvacswim.org) has a kiddie pool and indoor splash park, with water temps hovering in the 86- to 89degree range. For those 48 inches or taller, a 110-foot covered slide corkscrews riders out of the building and back in again. (Day pass: $15 for ages 19-64, $8 for ages 3-18)

For slides galore, kids’ play area with water cannons and a tipping “sap bucket,” and an epic Big River (who you callin’ Lazy?), check out Jay Peak Resort’s indoor water park, the Pump House.

The 65-foot-tall La Chute and the Double Barrel Flowrider entertain older kids. Hot tubs — indoor and outdoor — entice all ages. (Day pass: $41 for ages 15 and up, $31 for ages 4-14, free for ages 3 and under)

GBYMCA

The Pump House

ILLUSTRATIONS: LUKE EASTMAN

If you’re movement…craving

You could hit the slopes or the ice rink when the snow flies, but if your family prefers to burn o energy indoors, you’ve got some great options.

In addition to drop-in climbing and bouldering, Petra Cli s in Burlington (petracli s.com) o ers afterschool programs for kids 5-18 and a Friday Night Kids’ Club for ages 6 and up that allows parents to hit the town while kids climb the walls — in a good way! (Day pass: $18 for adults, $16 for students, $13 for juniors; Kids’ Club: 6-9 p.m. Fridays, $30 per child, includes pizza. Preregistration required.)

Get Air Trampoline Park in Williston (getairsports.com/williston) boasts thousands of square feet of wall-to-wall trampolines with basketball hoops, ninja obstacles, foam pits and dodgeball. A kiddie court for jumpers under 46 inches ensures junior jumping beans don’t get stomped on. (One hour of jumping: $8.99 for young kids, $14.99 for older kids, $3 for jump socks)

Recently opened Monkey Do! Indoor Playground in Williston (find it on Facebook) gives kids ages 1 to 11 a place to frolic, with a preschool play structure, obstacle course bounce house, three playhouses, a craft area and more. An on-site café with pizza, sandwiches and snacks provides post-play sustenance. (Day pass: $15; 10-visit punch card, $130; grippy socks — available for $3.50 — required)

Romp! Indoor Playground in Barre (rompindoorplayground.com) o ers open play for ages 8 and under with a bounce castle, tunnel climber and pedal go-carts, plus snacks — not to mention espresso and Wi-Fi for the adults! (Day pass: $10-12 for ages 2-8, $8-10 for ages 12 to 23 months)

For the little movers and shakers, the Wiggle Room in Williston (wiggleroomvermont.com) is a play space for ages 6 and under that o ers drop-in time on weekdays and Saturday morn- ings. Find a small climbing structure, play kitchen, ball pit and toys galore. ($10 per visit, $6 for each additional child, free for babies under 9 months)

Middlebury Indoor Tennis (vermontcf. org/acaf/home), operated by the Addison Community Athletics Foundation, opens its courts for free family play on Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to noon. All equipment is provided. On Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m., the Shelburne Field House (shelburnefieldhouse. com) o ers open play with balls, tunnels, tents and toys for little ones in their artificial-turf covered space. The adjacent lounge provides a spot for a snack break. ($10 for one child; $5 for each additional child)

Specials

Need a break from the routine? Bundle up and head out to these fun special events.

North of the border at Montreal’s Arsenal Contemporary Art, starry-eyed visitors immerse themselves in “Imagine Van Gogh,” a temporary installation that runs Friday, December 5 through Sunday, February 2. Visitors walk through larger-than-life depictions of the famous artist’s paintings, projected on the floor and towering walls. ($16-$26, Canadian, imagine-vangogh.ca)

Visitors ooh and aah over tiny abodes constructed from sweet treats at the Vermont Folklife Center’s annual Gingerbread House Exhibit in Middlebury. (Thursday, December 5 through Friday, December 20; admission by donation, vermontfolklifecenter.org)

Stomp’s eight-member troupe bangs out a magnificent beat with wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and hubcaps in Rutland. (Friday, January 3 & Saturday, January 4, $29-$49, paramountvt.org)

Quechee’s Vermont Institute of Natural Science fêtes the snowy season at its Winter Wildlife Celebration. A morning of interactive tours and talks is followed by an afternoon of crafting, games and activities. A warm campfire and toasty treats top off the day. (Saturday, January 18, $14.50-16.50, free for children under 4, vinsweb. org)

A ski town gets the party started during the Stowe Winter Carnival. Events range from an ice-carving competition to a fishing derby for kids. Warm up during the indoor Kids Carnival Kaos on Saturday. (Thursday, January 23-Sunday, January 26, stowewintercarnival.com)

Expert anglers from the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department host the annual Free Ice Fishing Day and Festival at Lake Elmore State Park, with complimentary lessons and use of gear. A fish fry, hot cocoa and a heated hut keep families toasty. (Saturday, January 25,Greatvtfishandwildlife.com)

Ice! in North Hero, which bills itself as “Winter Done Right,” offers three days of festivities including bonfires, ice skating under the lights, snow building competitions and fire- works. (Friday, February 14-Sunday, February 16, greaticevt.org)

BRETT ANN STANCIU

Ice Fishing Day

Petra Cliffs

Webby’s Art Studio

Come Create!

If you want to be satiated by science…

Hands-on learning is an engaging way for kids to learn new concepts. These spots enable kids to immerse themselves in science through exhibits that are interactive and fun.

At Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich (montshire. org), dozens of stations give visitors a glimpse into the properties of bubbles, the inner workings of musical instruments, the behavior of leafcutter ants, the properties of air and much more.

Andy’s Space, an enclosed area designated for kids 5 and younger, boasts an aquarium, a “bear den,” and spots to explore sound, shapes and colors. Running through spring 2020, “Elements of Glass: From the Workshop of SIMON PEARCE” explores the process of turning sand into glass, from design to finished product. ($16 for adults, $13 for ages 2-17, $125 for four-person yearly membership)

Housed in a red sandstone Victorian building in St. Johnsbury, Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium (fairbanksmuseum.org) contains an eclectic cabinet of curiosities — from a taxidermy collection to a herbarium containing more than 1,500 species of Vermont flora to mosaics made with beetles, moths and butterflies. The Exploration Station includes 14 interactive exhibits related to heat, engineering and circuitry, while the 45-seat planetarium o ers daily shows about constellations and the sun. ($9 for adults, $7 for ages 5-16, free for kids under 5, $6 planetarium admission, $75 family membership)

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington (echovermont. org) features tanks of lake-dwelling fish, turtles and frogs; daily naturalist and live animal presentations; and a deluxe play space for ages 6 and under with a water table, tree house and imaginative play areas. For older kids, the Northfield Savings Bank 3D Theater screens multiple short science films throughout the day. The traveling “Thomas Edison’s Secret Lab” exhibit, which runs through January 5, explores STEM topics including electricity, optics, simple machines and coding. ($11.50 for ages 3-17, $14.50 for adults, free for 2 and under, $140 a year for four-person family membership, $3-$5 for film ticket)

At the Montreal Science Centre (montrealsciencecentre.com), seven activity zones let visitors explore geometry, air, motion, light, coding, matter and water. Permanent exhibitions include “Human,” an exploration of human evolution and the body; Fabrik Creativity Factory, a workshop for young inventors to create parachutes, catapults and floating vessels; Clic! The Zone for Curious Young Minds, designed for children under 7; and the newly rebooted “Science 26” exhibition, which delves into one scientific concept for each letter of the alphabet.

IMAX movies in English and French run throughout the day. ($22 for adults, $17 for ages 13-17, $11 for ages 3-12, free for children under 3, $55 for a family of four, $9-$12.50 for IMAX ticket)

Fairbanks Museum

If you’re famished for fun and games…

The American Academy of Pediatrics tells us that play not only contributes to kids’ cognitive, physical, social and emotional wellbeing, it also gives parents and children the chance to fully engage with each other. These places o er amusement for all ages.

The newly opened board game café, The Board Room (the- boardroomvt.com) brings more than 500 games of the nonvideo variety to Burlington. While you’re strat- egizing in Risk or amassing a real-estate empire in Monopoly, partake in one of the unusual grilled cheese or PB & J options (nut butter with crumbed Oreos and Marshmallow Flu , anyone?), gas-station submarine sandwiches, or beverages of the kid and adult variety. ($6 for unlimited access to board game library)

The first escape, or breakout, room in the United States opened in San Francisco in 2012. Since then, thousands of these attractions, which were inspired by Japanese video games, have sprung up all over the country. The premise is simple: Complete a series of puzzles and challenges before your 60 minutes run out. In Burlington, the subterranean Esc4pe (esc4pe.com) is located just o the Church Street Marketplace. Start with the Gauntlet, and work your way up to the trickier Minimalist or Infiltrator. At Escape Room 60 in Williston (escaperoom60. com), players can attempt to capture an escaped alien in Area 51, find an antidote to an Outbreak, or locate treasure in Pirate Plunder. (Both escape rooms: $25, $10 for ages 9 and under) Stowe Bowl (stowebowl.com) on Mountain Road creates a boutique bowling experience with swanky seating areas and unexpected menu options like crispy cauliflower, chicken and wa es, and the Cold Hollow Cider donut bread pudding sundae. The Vermonters Club o ers special monthly deals for locals. ($35 an hour for lane rental for up to 6 people or $7 a game Monday-Friday; $40 an hour or $8 a game Saturday and Sunday; $4 shoe rental)

Children can delve into four di erent learning areas — tinker- ing, open-ended art, sensory play and paint exploration — at Wildflowers Studio (wildflowerstudiobtv.com) in Essex Junction. Open studio — Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m. and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. — has themes, like nature, construction and dramatic play, that change weekly. ($15 for the first child, $5 for siblings, $125 for family winter member- ship, Jan 1-April 1)

Stowe Bowl

We Need More Good Citizens

The December 2019 issue of the Atlantic magazine is devoted to a single, timely theme: “How to Stop a Civil War.” In his editor’s note, Je rey Goldberg explains this provocative focus: “We don’t believe that conditions in the United States today resemble those of 1850s America,” he writes. “But we worry that the ties that bind us are fraying at alarming speed — we are becoming contemptuous of each other in ways that are both dire and possibly irreversible.”

We here at Kids VT and Seven Days have been worried about the political divide in our country for a while, too. That’s why we started the Good Citizen Challenge, with support from the Vermont Community Foundation. This free, nonpartisan youth civics project is designed for Vermont students in grades 5 through 9. It incentivizes players to learn about and practice the values that bring us all together as Vermonters and as Americans.

Players earn points in the Challenge by taking online quizzes and completing activities in five subject areas: U.S. and Vermont history, government, news literacy, community engagement and advocacy. To finish the Challenge, they must pass the quizzes, do at least one activity in each subject area, and rack up at least 251 points — the number of towns in Vermont.

The first Challenge, in the summer of 2018, drew participants from all over the state; 77 of them completed it. We launched the 2019-2020 Challenge in October. More than 250 players from 35 Vermont towns have embarked on it, as of press time; six of them have already finished it!

We thought you might appreciate seeing some of their work, which inspires us to be better citizens ourselves.

If you haven’t gotten started on the Challenge yet, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time! The deadline to complete it is March 6, 2020. Learn more about the rules and register at goodcitizenvt.com.

CATHY RESMER, COPUBLISHER/ EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ CHALLENGE MASTER

Congratulations to Phoebe Bakeman, the first person to earn a 50-point badge, for memorizing and delivering the Gettysburg Address (History Activity 1, 50 points).

Several players have drawn portraits of American patriots (History Activity 9, 20 points). This likeness of Abigail Adams, drawn by Elena Guadagno, stands out.

Many players have completed Government Activity 9: Make a poster encouraging adults to vote (20 points). Here are two of our favorites.

Two fourth-grade classes in Montpelier interviewed Anne Wallace Allen of VTDigger.org for News Literacy Activity 5: Interview a Journalist (40 points).

Homeschooler Rene Simakaski of Groton plays Gerry Mander: A Voting District Puzzle Game by Burlingtonbased GameTheory (Government Activity 10, 10 points).

Congratulations to our six Challenge

(so far):

Michiko Padgett

Elena Guadagno

Hazel Zachai

Sabin Kitchen

Chase Burkart

Cooper McDermott

Please note:

•

• The Challenge is open to individuals and groups.

• Each player must be signed in by an adult team leader — a parent, teacher, grandparent, 4-H leader, etc.

• Those who finish will receive a Good Citizen medal, recognition in local media and an invitation to an event where elected leaders will congratulate them for their accomplishments. The first 100 players to finish will also receive a Good Citizen T-shirt.

• Want a journalist or elected o cial to visit your class or homeschool group? Email goodcitizen@kidsvt.com or call 864-5684 and we’ll help connect you.

Earn virtual badges! Players earn a badge for successfully completing the quiz in each category — and for doing certain activities.

Week to Week

Winter Wildlife Celebration: Animal enthusiasts explore exhibits and wintery trails with interactive guided tours and talks in the morning, followed by indoor and outdoor games, crafts and a toasty campfire with treats in the afternoon. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee.

Party On!

The Queen City gets its sparkle on during its annual New Year’s Eve shindig, HIGHLIGHT BURLINGTON. Families can marvel at a Circus Smirkus performance at Edmunds Elementary School, take in family-friendly improv at Vermont Comedy Club, get in the groove at the Girls Rock Vermont Variety Show at the FlynnSpace, or warm up at the waterfront with bonfires and a blazing show by performance troupe Cirque De Fuego. Fireworks light up the sky at 8 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, beginning at noon. See highlight.community for a detailed schedule of events.

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration: Free-toeveryone family-friendly programming honors the legacy of Dr. King. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington.

Stowe Winter Carnival: A Vermont ski town gets its party on with cold-weather fun for all ages, from snowvolleyball tournaments to ice carving competitions to Saturday’s Kids Carnival Kaos. Various locations, Stowe.

Like the University of Vermont Medical Center on Facebook and get weekly updates from Dr. First! See “First With Kids” videos at uvmhealth.org.

3 Tuesday

CALEDONIA

Art and Book Fair: Young readers share creative projects about favorite books. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10-11:30 a.m., preregister for a space. Info, 745-1391. FREE

Classes

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.

EVOKIDS AND EVOBABIES YOGA CLASSES Now registering for winter classes in Burlington and Essex Junction. Offering yoga classes for all ages, including babies, toddlers, kids and teens. Yoga is good for the whole family!

Evolution Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington and 37 Lincoln St., Essex Junction. Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily.com.

PRENATAL & POSTNATAL YOGA AND STRENGTH

TRAINING CLASSES AT EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA

CENTER: Now with two locations, Burlington and Essex Junction! Have a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for birth with stretching, strengthening and relaxation — and then bring body back to balance and strength in our postnatal classes. Join our community at any point in your pregnancy, and 6 weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling). No yoga experience necessary.  $17/ class, $140/10 class pass ($20 off if purchased on your first class), or $90/monthly unlimited.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington and 37 Lincoln St., Essex Junction. Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily. com.

BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU

The future of our nation lies in the courage, confidence and determination of its people. Our Kids BJJ Program promotes 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 bullyproofing and self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives!

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

SUNDAY FAMILY CARDMAKING: Sunday, December 8, 2019, 10 am-noon. BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington. $10 per participant / $9 BCA Members. Join us in BCA’s print studio using our inks and tools to create handmade holiday cards. Ages 6+. This is a great class to get in the holiday mood while making functional crafts and making art as a family. All supplies are provided, no experience needed. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Adults may assist their child(ren) free of charge. Additional tickets are required for adults who’d like to make their own work. Ages 6 and older. Instructor: Kate McKernan. burlingtoncityarts.org.

CHITTENDEN

Crafternoon: Learn to Crochet: Children check out hot chocolate, snacks and handwork — with a goal of finishing a holiday gift. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 2-3 p.m., preregister. Info, 482-2878. FREE

FAMILY PAINT: Sunday, January 26, 2020, 10 am-noon. BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington. $10 per participant/$9 BCA Members. All Ages. Spend a morning with teaching artist Kate McKernan in BCA’s painting and drawing studio. Using our paints, brushes, easels and more, your family creates beautiful works of art. All supplies are provided, no experience needed. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Adults may assist their child(ren) free of charge. Additional tickets are required for adults who’d like to join the fun and paint on their own. Instructor: Kate McKernan. burlingtoncityarts.org

FLYNN ARTS

Info: scaliendo@flynncenter.org, 652-4537, flynncenter.org

AFRO-FUSION JAM CLASS: All ages • Sundays • March 15-May 3 (no class April 12 & April 26) • 10:30 a.m.-noon • $130 • Bonisiwe Luthuli. This class explores traditional African dance with powerhouse instructor Bonisiwe Luthuli. Bonisiwe draws from her ties to South Africa, imparting the value of folks of all ages dancing together.

HIP-HOP FOR KIDS: Ages 8-12 • Thursdays • March 12-May 7 (no class April 23) • 4:25-5:25 p.m. • $130 • Rose Bedard. Hip-hop for Kids relies on the fundamentals of our adult hip-hop class, simplifying techniques and styles as self-expression and confidence are encouraged for the newest generation of dancers.

YOUTH DANCES: HIP-HOP, JAZZ, LYRICAL: Ages

5-7 • Fridays • March 13-May 8 (no class April 24) • 4:25-5:25 p.m. • $130 • Rose Bedard. This class welcomes beginners and experienced young dancers alike as we explore three genres of dance: hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical. Students learn how to emote — or communicate — lyrics through choreography, while developing performance skills.

TINY DANCERS: Ages 3-5 • Wednesdays • Session

1: January 15-February 5. Session 2: February 12-March 11 (no class February 26). Session

3: March 18-April 8 • 3-3:45 p.m. • $45/session • Tracy Martin. Using children’s books as the foundation for encouraging movement, students tell stories, create characters, work together, and discover self-expression. As we dance stories each week, students gain fundamentals, play with music, and have FUN.

KINETIC KIDS: Ages 5-8 • Wednesdays • Session

1: January 15-February 5. Session 2: February 12-March 11 (no class February 26). Session

3: March 18-April 8 • 1:45-2:45 p.m. • $55/ session • Tracy Martin. This dance class for homeschoolers focuses on fun, laughter, and expression. Through structured games and improvisations, each child discovers their movement artistry and distinct voice, with an emphasis on body and spatial awareness, ensemble building, and self-confidence.

BREAKDANCING: Ages 10-14 • Saturdays • March 7-March 28 • 11 am-12 pm • $55 • Justin “sonikBOOM” Hover. This fun, high-energy class introduces students to the fundamentals of the art of breakdancing, and also serves as a great workout! Students are encouraged to wear clean-soled sneakers and to bring long layers.

One-on-One Tutoring: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students coach elementary-age kids in reading, math and science. Grades 1-6. Some assistance available for other grades in certain subjects with inquiry. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3-5 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

FILMMAKING: Grades 5-8 • Tuesdays • January 14-May 5 (no class February 18, February 25, April 14, & April 21)

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: Book buffs bring a selection from home or borrow from the library to amuse an attentive canine. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 878-6956. FREE

FLYNN ARTS VACATION CAMPS

• 3:45-5:15 p.m.

• $250 • Jamie Watkins. Learn how to storyboard, shoot, and edit while using professional film equipment and software! Students receive a hands-on introduction to camera work, digital editing, and film scoring. The class culminates in a screening of an original short film created by the students!

SPROUTS: Age 4-Grade 1 • Wednesdays • Session 1: January 15-February 12. Session 2: February 19-March 25 (no class February 26). Session 3: April 1-April 29 (no class April 22) • 4-4:45 p.m. • $55/session • Tracy Martin. This lively beginner’s class involves playing cooperative theater and movement games to help develop each child’s unique creativity and expression. The final session culminates in an original short performance inspired by a fairy tale or storybook.

Week-long vacation camps run 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Optional extended care until 5 p.m. is available Monday-Thursday for $15/day. Each camp culminates with a final performance/showcase, held on Friday at 2:30 pm, that is free and open to all family and friends!

BROADWAY KIDS: Ages 6-8 • February 24-28 • $350 • Annalisa Ledson. In Broadway Kids, our shining stars learn kid-friendly showstoppers, gaining confidence and onstage skills. Discover some cool behind-the-scenes secrets when we tour the Flynn Main Stage. A special Broadway-style performance for family and friends ends the week.

• Wednesdays • January 15-May 6 (no class February 26 & April 22) • 3:45-4:45 p.m.

STORYTELLERS: Grades 2-4

• $210 • Jamie Watkins. Everyone has a story to tell; let’s learn how to tell it together! In this fun, introductory theater class, students learn the basics of acting and live performance through improv games, story structure activities, and vocal and physical exercises. The class culminates in a live performance created entirely by students!

THESPIANS: Grades 5-8 • Thursdays • January 16-May 7 (no class February 27 & April 23) • 3:45-5 p.m. • $210 • Annalisa Ledson. In this exciting, comprehensive class, students students try out playwriting, directing, and, of course, acting in the spotlight. Explore a variety of theater techniques while gaining new skills and flexing your creative muscles. The class culminates in a showcase performance on stage at the Flynn!

FLYNN SHOW CHOIRS: Flynn Show Choir focuses on the synthesis of dance, voice, and acting, inspiring students to reach their highest potential while building community and making friends. This program focuses on artistic collaboration between students and faculty to create high-quality performance pieces for the FlynnSpace stage. Auditions for new members are held Saturday, January 18. Information is online at flynnarts.org.

Saturdays • January 25-May 23 (no class February 15, February 29, & April 25).

Performance dates: May 30 & 31 • $350.

Juniors: Grades 4-7 • 11 am-12:45 p.m.* Teens: Grades 7-12 • 12:45-3:30 p.m.* Selects stay for an additional hour after the regular rehearsal time on select Saturdays.

MUSIC TOGETHER™: Caregivers & children 0-5 • Mondays • Session 1: January 6-March 16 (no class February 24). Session 2: March 30-June 8 (no class April 20)

ACTION FILMMAKING: GREEN SCREEN & SPECIAL EFFECTS W/ RETN: In partnership with Regional Educational Television Network (RETN) • Grades 4-6 • Production @ The Flynn: February 24-26; Editing & Effects @ The Media Factory: February 27-28 • $350 • Jamie Watkins. Delve into the world of filmmaking special effects while making your own mini-blockbuster! Students leave with skills in cinematography, editing (with industry-standard applications), green screen production, and in-camera tricks while working on their own original projects!

MAGIC TREEHOUSE ADVENTURES: Ages 6-8 • April 20-24 • $350 • Annalisa Ledson. Based on Annie and Jack’s journeys in the popular children’s series, we take thrilling trips through time and space. Encouraged to let their imaginations take flight, children use drama and movement to discover a new world every day.

NARRATIVE FILMMAKING: Grades 6-8 • April 20-24 • $350 • Jamie Watkins. Storyboard, shoot and edit your own original short films! Over the course of this class, students learn the basics of screenwriting, cinematography (using industry-standard equipment) and post-production, while developing their understanding of good storytelling and collaboration.

GENERATOR

Info: education@generatorvt.com, generatorvt. com

• 10-10:45 a.m.

• $155

• Alison Mott. Join Alison in singing, dancing, and playing drums, bells, shakers and triangles as parents/caregivers actively model enthusiastic participation. A community of families shares songs, chants and movement activities in a relaxed setting.

RHYTHM KIDS®: Ages 5-8 • Sundays • Session 1: January 5-March 15 (no class February 23). Session 2: March 29-June 7 (no class April 19) • 11-11:45 a.m. • $155 • Alison Mott. Students explore rhythm, social and listening skills, self-expression, and self-confidence by playing with music from around the world — naturally building musicality that helps them prepare for formal music lessons.

BUILD YOUR OWN TOBOGGAN: Ages 9-12 • Wednesdays • January 29-March 11 (no class February 26) • 3:30-5:30 p.m. Get off the couch, feel the wind in your face, the speed of the snow as you race to the bottom of the hill in a toboggan you made on your own! Do you wish your child could safely learn the basics of timeless crafts in a state-of-the-art woodshop? Then this class was designed for you and your family! Under the close supervision of a woodworking professional, your child will be guided through the creation of their own toboggan, including training on how to safely use hand tools and select power tools, and learning to steam-bend your pieces of wood. You will leave class with a lifetime play toy!

SCULPTURAL LANTERN MAKING: Ages 9-12 • Wednesdays • April 29-June 3 • 3:30-5:30 p.m. Do you need a light for your room? Not only will you learn Illustrator, Photoshop and the laser machine... you will create a lantern with a silhouette of your choice which will be illuminated when the light is on! Choose a lantern shape and utilize mold-making techniques to craft the outer shell. Learn digital design using Illustrator & Photoshop to create silhouettes for the inside of the lantern. Next you will learn to use the laser cutter to cut the silhouettes for your lantern. Once the pieces have been laser cut, you will assemble and hand stitch everything together to create your own illuminated sculpture!

Holiday Events

FESTIVAL OF TREES: A Saturday night tree lighting ceremony and fireworks, breakfast with Santa, holiday stories, live music and a Friday night gala and auction are part of this week-long holiday extravaganza. See vtfestivaloftrees.com for event details.

Downtown St. Albans, THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 8, various fees for select events; proceeds benefit Martha’s Kitchen and Franklin/Grand Isle Community Action.

MIDD NIGHT STROLL: Holiday shoppers saunter through the downtown streets and take pleasure in pop-ups, tastings and twinkling lights. Downtown Middlebury, THURSDAY, DEC. 5, 5-8 P.M. AND THURSDAY, DEC. 12, 5-8 P.M. food and drink available for purchase. Info, 377-3557.

CANDY-CANE MAKING DEMO: Families make holiday memories as they watch confectioners in action, or they can get in on the fun and design twisted treats of their own. Preregistration recommended to participate or watch; space is limited. Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, FRIDAYS AND SUNDAYS, 11 A.M., AND SATURDAYS, 11 A.M. & 2 P.M. THROUGH DEC. 21, free to watch. $6 per person to shape your own candy cane. Info, 253-9591.

ESSEX JUNCTION TRAIN HOP & TREE LIGHTING: The village lights up for a jolly evening with model train displays all over town and a free trolley shuttle to Maple Street Park for more merriment and music. Essex Junction (Downtown), FRIDAY, DEC. 6, 5:30-8 P.M. Info, 878-1375. FREE

HOLIDAY ARTISANS MARKET: Local artisans and speciality food producers offer a fine array of handcrafted gifts, including pottery, silk scarves, stained glass, maple syrup, chocolates and much more. Chandler Music Hall, Randolph, WEDNESDAYS-FRIDAYS, NOON-6 P.M., SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, 10 A.M.-4 P.M., THURSDAY, DEC. 26, NOON-6 P.M. AND FRIDAY, DEC. 27, NOON-6 P.M., THROUGH DEC. 28. Info, 728-6464.

HOLIDAY FAIR: Grown-ups browse handcrafted gifts from a wide array of artisans while little ones enjoy candle dipping, live music demonstrations, bistro foods and more. Friday evening for adults and older teens. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, FRIDAY, DEC. 6, 6-9 P.M. AND SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 10 A.M.-3 P.M., free admission; small fee for some activities. Info, 985-2827.

A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS IN STOWE: This idyllic town rings in the season with a lantern parade, holiday music, a tree lighting, wagon rides, Santa and reindeer visits, and more. Various locations, Stowe, FRIDAY, DEC. 6 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 8, check stowevibrancy. com for detailed schedule; fees for some activities. Info, 585-5131.

CHRISTMAS AT THE FARM: Fête the season the old-fashioned way, with 19th-century crafts, tours of the 1890 farmhouse and historic ornament-making. Horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides, December 15 and December 26-January 1, weather permitting. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, SUNDAY, DEC. 8, DEC. 13-15, DEC. 21-24 AND DEC. 26-JAN. 1, 10 A.M.-4 P.M., regular museum admission, $4-16; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR: Holiday shoppers peruse fresh wreaths, crafts and bake sale items, partake in lunch fare, and try their luck at multiple raffles. St. Ann Catholic Church, Milton, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 9 A.M.-2 P.M., nonperishable donations accepted for the food shelf. Info, 893-4012.

DECK THE HALLS: Visitors view the museum’s decorations, participate in art activities and explore the festive trees while enjoying local musicians. Shelburne Museum, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. AND SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 10 A.M.-5 P.M., regular winter museum admission, $5-10; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

EVERGREEN CENTERPIECE FAMILY WORKSHOP: Instructor Nancy Nash guides folks in fashioning a festive and scented holiday decoration. Ages 9 and up. MAC Center for the Arts, Newport, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 10-11 A.M., $7; preregister. Info, 334-1966.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: The Capital City cheers the season with festive music, cookie decorating with Half Pint Chef and a special visit from a magical man in red. The Garage Cultural Center, Montpelier, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 10 A.M.-NOON. Info, 223-9604. FREE

JOURNEY TO THE NORTH POLE: As part of the Festival of Trees, children take a mile-long guided walk, beginning at St. Albans City Hall. Nine different stops feature activities and a raffle for prizes. Ages 2-14. Downtown St. Albans, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 9 A.M.-NOON. Info, 603-661-0888. FREE

KIDS’ HOLIDAY ELF MAKER SPACE: Holiday elves assist crafty kiddos to create gifts in this special maker space. Ages 2-12. Chandler Music Hall, Randolph, SATURDAYS, 12:30-4:30 P.M. THROUGH DEC. 14, $10; free for children under age 3. Info, 728-9878.

MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS IN ESSEX, N.Y.: Santa and Mrs. Claus touch down at the Essex Ferry dock on Saturday, travel by firetruck to the fire station for a free pancake breakfast, followed by children’s activities including a Reindeer Fun Run at noon and a presentation by local author and illustrator Steven Kellogg at 3 p.m. See christmasinessex.com for details. Various locations, Essex, N.Y., SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 9:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M. small fee for some activities; food available for sale.

MILTON HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING: Hot cocoa, caroling and Santa Claus make for a magical evening around the community conifer. Bring an ornament that will withstand weather. Milton Municipal Complex, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 7 P.M. Info, 893-4922. FREE

SANTA’S WORKSHOP: Starry-eyed small kiddos craft a project, decorate a gingerbread cookie and say a cheery hello to Santa. Ages 3-12. St. Albans Historical Museum, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 9 A.M.-3 P.M. Info, 752-6395. FREE

WONDERARTS HOLIDAY MARKET: More than 50 vendors peddle handmade crafts with festivities including live music and lunch fare, a children’s craft table, and a scavenger hunt. Craftsbury Academy, Craftsbury Common, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 9 A.M.-3 P.M. Info, 533-9370.

MINIATURE TRAIN RIDES: Choo-choo! Little engineers take a ride on the Big Blue Express’s tiny trains. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, SUNDAYS, 11 A.M.-3 P.M. THROUGH DEC. 22. Info, 863-1648. FREE

GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL: Bakers and nonbakers admire masterpieces made of sweet edible solar panels in this evening hosted by SunCommon. Caledonia Spirits, Montpelier, THURSDAY, DEC. 12, 4-7 P.M., preregister to enter or RSVP. Info, 398-7118. FREE

DINNER WITH SANTA: On their way to the North Pole, the man in red and his jolly elves swing by Colchester for a dinner of pancakes, eggs and sausage with wide-eyed little ones. Wear PJs for a nighttime holiday story, and bring a flashlight for the candy cane hunt. Colchester Middle School, FRIDAY, DEC. 13, 6:15-7:15 P.M. $5-10; free for children under 3; preregister. Info, 264-5640.

HOLIDAY ARTIST MARKET: In conjunction with Burlington City Arts, local fine artisans display diverse offerings of ceramics, jewelry, clothing and more for holiday-minded shoppers. City Hall Auditorium, Burlington, FRIDAY, DEC. 13, 4-8 P.M. AND SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Info, 865-7166. FREE

WASSAIL WEEKEND: Woodstock welcomes the winter season with a weekend including live music, the Woodstock History Center’s open house, events at the Billings Farm and Museum, house tours, an equestrian parade on the Village Green and more. Woodstock Village Green, FRIDAY, DEC. 13 THROUGH SUNDAY, DEC. 15, fees vary. Info, 457-3555.

DECEMBER FAMILY DAY: HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES: Seasonal art activities for all ages — including gingerbread house constructing with New England Culinary Institute students — make for a crafty drop-in afternoon for families in conjunction with the Festival of Trees and Light exhibit. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 1-4 P.M. Info, 253-8358. FREE

EARTHWALK CRAFT-MAKING PARTY: EarthWalk Vermont invites the community for an afternoon of natural gift-making. Live music adds to the merriment. Christ Episcopal Church, Montpelier, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 1-4 P.M. suggested donation $10 to participate in craft-making; $25 per family. Info, 454-8500.

HOLIDAY CHARACTER PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Revelers feast with costumed characters while enjoying balloons, music and more. Middlebury Inn, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 8:30 & 10 A.M., $8-12; preregister. Info, 377-3557.

HOLIDAY WITH THE ANIMALS: Santa and Mrs. Claus host a shindig with sweets, crafts and plenty of shelter pals to pet — and celebrate a decade in their East Montpelier facility. Central Vermont Humane Society, East Montpelier, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 10 A.M.-2 P.M. donations accepted for shelter needs. Info, 476-3811. FREE

LET IT BEE ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR: Holiday shoppers scope out homemade goods with gift-making workshops and live music. The Garage Cultural Center, Montpelier, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 9 A.M.-3 P.M. Info, 738-3667. FREE

SANTA STORYTIME WITH PAUL LADD: This Vermont author shares his picture book The House that Santa (Almost) Missed with an admiring audience — and special guest Janie the Bernese mountain dog. Vermont Bookshop, Middlebury, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 11 A.M.-NOON. Info, 388-2061. FREE

TOUCH OF VERMONT HOLIDAY GIFT MARKET: Over 45 local vendors peddle their pottery, photography and other handmade items, with artisan foodstuffs and sweets. Montpelier City Hall, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 9 A.M.-4 P.M. Info, 310-1725.

VICTORIAN DANGLING CUBES WORKSHOP: As part of St. Johnsbury’s Victorian Holiday celebration, families drop in and create a project from heavy paper, ribbon, rhinestones and other decorative elements. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 10 A.M.-NOON. Info, 482-2600. FREE

VICTORIAN HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE: Carolers bring a bright and merry tone to an afternoon of crafts, seasonal sweets and holiday planetarium shows that track Santa’s path in the sky. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 1:30-4 P.M. Info, 748-2372. FREE

‘THE GRINCH’: The beloved Dr. Seuss classic gets the kiddie crowd clapping for the cynical grump who wants to steal Christmas, but has his heart changed by a child’s generous holiday spirit. Preregister for a free craft workshop at 2 p.m. Ages 3 and up. The Grange Theatre, South Pomfret, SUNDAY, DEC. 15, 3-5 P.M., $3; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

CHRISTMAS PAGEANT: The community comes out for a covered dish dinner, followed by a traditional holiday performance. First Congregational Church of Woodstock, THURSDAY, DEC. 19, 5:30-7:30 P.M. Info, 457-9818. FREE

SKATE WITH SANTA: A cheerful elf dons skates to circle the rink with young gliders as holiday music plays — plus free hot chocolate, candy canes and photo-ops. Stowe Arena, SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 3:30-5 P.M., $3-5; $5 skate rental. Info, 253-6138.

CHANUKAH PARTY: Latkes, live music, a children’s performance, dreidls, chocolate gelt, games, crafts and Marko the Magician make for merriment for all. Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Burlington, SUNDAY, DEC. 22, 11 A.M.-1 P.M., suggested donation, $5-7; $18 per family. Info, 864-0218.

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT: The Grand Menorah illuminates the evening. UVM Green, Burlington, SUNDAY, DEC. 22, 5 P.M. Info, 658-5770. FREE

GRAND CHANUKAH PARTY SANDTASTIC: Folks watch the live sculpting of a sand menorah, followed by a 4:45 p.m. lighting of the second candle and festivities of latkes, donuts, crafts and music. Chabad Jewish Community Center, Burlington, MONDAY, DEC. 23, 4 P.M. Info, 658-5770. FREE

CHANUKAH WONDERLAND: Holiday revelers make merry with family fun activities and a menorah lighting at 4 p.m. University Mall, South Burlington, SUNDAY, DEC. 29, NOON. Info, 658-5770. FREE

BRISTOL BEST NIGHT: This small town rings in 2020 in a big way with kids’ activities, magicians, loads of live music and a community supper in the basement of the Bristol Baptist Church. See bestnight.org for detailed schedule. Various locations, Bristol, TUESDAY, DEC. 31, $15; free for children under age 12 and seniors over 75.

FIRST NIGHT MONTPELIER: The capital city celebrates New Year’s Eve with a 5K run at 2 p.m. and the Dave Keller Band at the Unitarian Church of Montpelier at 5:30 p.m. See montpelieralive.org for specific schedule and fees. Downtown Montpelier, TUESDAY, DEC. 31. Info, 223-9604.

FIRST NIGHT ST. JOHNSBURY: Revelers ring in the new year with more than 200 performers in 16 venues, food, family crafts, fireworks and more. Downtown St. Johnsbury, TUESDAY, DEC. 31, $13-25.

HIGHLIGHT BURLINGTON: Burlington’s city-wide New Year’s Eve shindig sparkles with events for all ages. Families explore the world of STEM at the Fletcher Free Library, watch a performance and engage in a workshop from Circus Smirkus, see Mister Chris perform at ECHO, and much more. Various locations, Burlington, TUESDAY, DEC. 31, NOON, $5-10 for admission to all Highlight events; free for children under 3. Info, 865-5355.

NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS: Boom! Fireworks explode over the mountain. See jaypeakresort. com for various party options. Jay Peak Resort, TUESDAY, DEC. 31. Info, 988-2611. FREE NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS AND FREE SKATING: Fireworks bring in 2020 over the Middlebury Recreation Field, followed by free whizzing and whirling for families at the sports center. Memorial Sports Center, Middlebury, TUESDAY, DEC. 31, 6:30-8:30 P.M. Info, 377-3557. FREE

VISIT WITH SANTA: Wide-eyed little ones whisper to the jolly red elf. Danforth Pewter, Middlebury, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 11 A.M.-2 P.M. Info, 377-3557. FREE

3 Tuesday (cont.)

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

Tuesday Movie: Viewers relax with a familyfriendly flick. Popcorn and drinks provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:45-4:15 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Williston Lego Club: Amateur architects snap together buildings of their own design. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2-3 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

FRANKLIN

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

Breaking Out: After school kiddos work collaboratively on a challenge to unlock codes, solve a mystery and break into a locked box. Grades 2-5. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 3:15-4:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 827-3945. FREE

Holiday Pajama Story Time: In conjunction with the Festival of Trees, families swing by the library in sleepywear for stories, songs, snacks and crafts. St. Albans Free Library, 6 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

Tunes on Tuesdays: Youngsters make merry with movement and tunes. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 10 a.m. Info, 868-3970. FREE

LAMOILLE

Free Family Art Workshops: Youngsters drop in for all or part of the morning and make masterpieces with many materials, presented by Grass Roots Art & Community E ort (GRACE). Co ee, drinks and snacks provided. Caregiver required. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 472-6857. FREE

WASHINGTON

Marbled Art Paper: Crafty kids create their own materials. Ages 6-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

4 Wednesday

CALEDONIA

Cook-a-Book: Little listeners enjoy a readaloud of Peanut Butter and Santa Claus, followed by creating a tasty treat. Ages 5-12. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 3 p.m. Info, 745-1391. FREE

Free Family Art Workshops: Youngsters drop in for all or part of the morning and make masterpieces with many materials. Co ee, drinks and snacks provided. Caregiver required. Old Firehouse at GRACE, Hardwick, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 472-6857. FREE

Hardwick Chess Club: Strategy lovers join local game enthusiast Paul Fixx to sharpen their skills. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 2:45-5 p.m. Info, 472-5948. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Kids’ Chess Club: Strategy lovers of all abilities face o against opponents. Ages 6 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

One-on-One Tutoring: See December 3, 5-8 p.m.

Read to a Dog: Little library patrons delight in books and a furry friend. Arrive early to secure a spot. South Burlington Public Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 846-4140. FREE

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

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

Wonder Wednesdays: Eager kids experiment, collaborate and explore their curiosity through specific projects. Best for ages 6 and up. Call or check online for details. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Yoga for Kids: Young yogis stretch to the sky with professional instructor Melissa from Evolution Yoga. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

FRANKLIN

Homeschool Chess Club: Home-educated students engage in strategy games and socializing. All abilities welcome. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

LAMOILLE

Varnum Lego Club: Eager youngsters immerse in themed and free builds. All ages. Varnum Memorial Library, Je ersonville, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 644-2117. FREE

WASHINGTON

Stixplosions: This two-part program engages inquisitive kids in an imaginative project. Ages 6-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

Walk-Through Wednesday at Orchard Valley: Parents interested in an alternative grade-school eduction for their children tour classrooms and ask questions. For adults. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 8:30-9:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 456-7400. FREE

5 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Knitting for Kids: Junior crafters learn simple skills with Hazen Union High School student Audrey Grant. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 3-4 p.m., RSVP if yarn and needles needed. Info, 472-5948. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Baked Beads/South Burlington Jewelry and Scarf Sale: Savvy shoppers stock up holiday gifts. Holiday Inn, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Info, 496-2440. FREE

Bilingual Spanish Story Time: Library patrons of all ages soak up stories in two languages. Milton Public Library, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Burlington Babytime: Infants through slow walkers have a ball with books, rhymes, songs and socializing. Ages 18 months and under. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:15-10:45

a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Colchester Lego Club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with interlocking toys. Ages 6-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE Essex Lego Club: Small builders have a blast with plastic blocks. Grades K-5. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 879-0313. FREE

5 Thursday (cont.)

Preschool Yoga: Children’s yoga teacher Melissa Nutting charms wee ones and caregivers with a half-hour of singing, relaxing, reading and stretching. Ages 3-6. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Ukulele Joe: Musical ones join Joe to sing and play. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: Kiddie constructionists combine their imagination with the library’s supplies. Haston Library, Franklin, 3 p.m. Info, 285-6505.

LAMOILLE

Pre-K Art Play: Toddlers drop in and create personal projects with diverse art supplies. Ages 1-4; caregiver required. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 10-11 a.m., $5. Info, 253-8358.

Live Performances

Live Performances

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’: Based on the true story of the Von Trapp Family Singers, thespians inspire the audience with the tale of a young governess for seven motherless children who transforms a strict home with laughter and music, featuring the classic music score by Rodgers and Hammerstein. Ages 10 and up. Sensory-friendly performance Saturday, December 7, 2 p.m. The Barrette Center for the Arts, White River Junction, SUNDAYS, 2 P.M., SATURDAYS, 2 & 7:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, DEC. 4, 11 A.M. & 7:30 P.M., THURSDAYS, 2 & 7:30 P.M., FRIDAYS, 7:30 P.M., WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11, 11 A.M. & 7:30 P.M., MONDAY, DEC. 23, 2 P.M., TUESDAY, DEC. 24, 2 P.M. AND TUESDAY, DEC. 31, 2 P.M., $39-69; preregister. Info, 296-7000.

FLIP FABRIQUE BLIZZARD: This Canadian troupe mixes storytelling, theatricality and athletic feats, enchanting the audience with a visually poetic journey through the snowy season. Moore Theater, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., THURSDAY, DEC. 5, 7:30 P.M., FRIDAY, DEC. 6, 7:30 P.M., SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 2 & 7:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 2 P.M., $20. Info, 603-646-2422.

‘A CHRISTMAS CAROL’: With Broadway-style scenery and a 23-member ensemble, the Nebraska Theatre Caravan enchants the audience with Dickens’ famous ‘ghostly little tale’ of redemption from the past. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, FRIDAY, DEC. 6, 7 P.M. $25-55. Info, 863-5966.

KRAMPUSNACHT — STORIES OF LIGHT AND DARK FOR THE WINTER SOLSTICE: Krampus — the dark companion of St. Nicholas who punishes naughty children in European folklore — spellbinds the audience with original and around-the-world tales told by local authors of this season’s dual nature. Spice Studio, Rochester, FRIDAY, DEC. 6, 7:30 P.M. AND SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 7:30 P.M., $10. Info, 767-4800.

‘CHRISTMAS IN NOISY VILLAGE’: Based on the story by Astrid Lindgren, this musical warms the audience with the story of close-knit farm children who create a homespun Swedish holiday. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 7:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 2 & 7:30 P.M., $15. Info, 454-1286.

FREELANCE SINGERS HOLIDAY CONCERTS: The community flocks to free holiday music. First Congregational Church of Woodstock, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 7 P.M. AND SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 3 P.M. Info, 457-9818. FREE

KIDS VT SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR: Vermont’s rising stars ages 5-13 wow the crowd with two-minute acts showcasing their talents. Doors open at noon. Higher Ground, South Burlington, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 12:30 P.M., $7-10; free for children under 7. Info, 985-5482.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’: Ballet Wolcott’s Youth Company and students pair up with community members for this classic dance featuring Clara, who receives a magical gift and sets out on a mysterious journey. Ages 3 and up. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 7 P.M. AND SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 2 P.M. $15-30. Info, 533-9075.

SABOUYOUMA: This Free Family Saturday welcomes folks into the lobby to rock out to the dynamite local Afro-funk septet. Flynn Center Lobby, Burlington, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 10 A.M., free admission, but preregistration suggested. Info, 863-5966. FREE

VERMONT FIDDLE ORCHESTRA WINTER CONCERT: Special guest artist Peter Macfarlane heads up a program with Scottish tunes that gets the audience tapping their toes. Montpelier City Hall, SATURDAY, DEC. 7, 7 P.M., by donation. Info, 229-4191.

‘A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS’: This classic Peanuts television special comes to life on the stage as the young characters search for the true meaning of this holiday, ending with an audience sing-along of traditional Christmas songs and carols. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 2 & 7 P.M., $32.50$56.75; preregister. Info, 863-5966.

MILTON HOLIDAY CONCERT & SING-ALONG: Friends and neighbors revel in merry melodies with the Milton Community Band, the annual telling of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and an audience sing-along as a finale. Milton High School, SUNDAY, DEC. 8, 2-4 P.M., please bring a nonperishable item for the food shelf. Info, 893-1398. FREE

VERMONT YOUTH STRINGS WINTER CONCERT: Youth musicians make merry music for holiday shoppers. University Mall, South Burlington, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11, 5 P.M. Info, 655-5030. FREE

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY POPS

IN BARRE: Guest conductor Chelsea Tipton leads a festive concert featuring the Bronze Ambassadors — the award-winning student bell ringers from Newport — with classic and quirky selections, and an audience sing-along. Doors open at 7 p.m. Barre Opera House, FRIDAY, DEC. 13, 7:30 P.M., $9-30. Info, 476-8188.

HOLIDAY ICE SKATING SHOW: ‘THE GIFT’: Graceful gliders from the local figure skating club and participants from Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront programs sail across the ice, performing holiday-themed acts during this seasonal revue. Leddy Park Arena, Burlington, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 2-4 P.M., admission by donation; proceeds benefit a local nonprofit. Info, 865-7558.

WASHINGTON

MOPS/MomsNext: Mothers of preschoolers and school-age children mingle with other mamas for themed discussions. Childcare and children’s crafts provided, sponsored by the Waterbury Mission Church. Thatcher Brook Primary School, Waterbury, 6:45-8:15 p.m. Info, 272-5262. FREE

6 Friday

CHITTENDEN

Baked Beads/South Burlington Jewelry and Scarf Sale: See December 5.

Dungeons & Dragons: Players embark on invented adventures, equipped with their problem-solving skills. Game starts at 6:30 p.m.; come early for assistance with character design. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY

POPS: Traditional favorites delight a festive audience and features the Bronze Ambassadors, the award-winning student bell ringers from Newport. Sing-along included. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 7:30 P.M., $18-55. Info, 863-5966.

WASSAIL HOLIDAY COMMUNITY SING: As part of Woodstock’s Wassail Weekend, families sing historic Christmas carols, followed by refreshments and viewing of the annual Horse Parade. First Congregational Church of Woodstock, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 12:45-1:45 P.M. Info, 457-9818. FREE

COMMUNITY MESSIAH SING: This annual conclusion to Wassail Weekend features a world-class ensemble and four soloists performing portions of Handel’s famous composition with audience participation in the choruses. Our Lady of the Snows Church, Woodstock, SUNDAY, DEC. 15, 4-6 P.M., suggested donation $10. Info, 457-3981.

GREEN MOUNTAIN YOUTH SYMPHONY IN CONCERT: The young musicians of the Repertory, Concert and Senior Orchestras mesmerize the audience with a wide variety of music and feature senior soloists Laila Reimanis of South Strafford, playing Mozart’s Flute Concerto No. 1 in G, and Kathryn Meyer of Stowe, playing the Cimarosa/Benjamin Concerto for Oboe and Strings. Barre Opera House, SUNDAY, DEC. 15, 2-5 P.M. $5-15; free for children under 5. Info, 888-4470.

ORCHESTRAPALOOZA: The Vermont Youth Orchestra wows the audience in this annual showcase of regional talent. The youngest string orchestra to the most advanced ensemble perform masterpieces spanning classical to contemporary, with a finale of all participants. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, SUNDAY, DEC. 15, 4 P.M., $10-15. Info, 863-5966.

VERMONT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA: Musicians and Counterpoint vocalists make for a merry evening, featuring a new composition, traditional favorites and a carol singalong with the audience. The Grange Theatre, South Pomfret, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18, 7:30 P.M., $30. Info, 457-3500.

‘THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER’: The six hooligan Herdman kids take over the town play in a surprising way, enchanting an audience of all ages with humor. Ages 5 and up. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 7 P.M. AND SUNDAY, DEC. 22, 2 P.M. $8-10; free for children under age 6. Info, 533-2000.

THE CHRISTMAS REVELS: In a small town in Northern England at the height of the Industrial Revolution, it’s business as usual at the textile mill on Christmas Day, but the hopeful and resilient community of workers is able to fête the season and warm the audience’s hearts with Revels North festive music and dance. Lebanon Opera House, N.H., SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 2 & 7 P.M., SUNDAY, DEC. 22, 2 & 7 P.M. AND MONDAY, DEC. 23, 2 P.M. $8-47; preregister. Info, 603-448-0400.

‘THE GREEN MOUNTAIN NUTCRACKER’: Central Vermont’s Moving Light dance company performs this beloved holiday story of the little girl and her nighttime adventures. Barre Opera House, SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 7 P.M. AND SUNDAY, DEC. 22, 2 P.M., $15-25. Info, 476-8188.

MOTOWN FOR KIDS HOLIDAY PARTY: The Rock and Roll Playhouse — a family concert series — gets kids moving and grooving to tunes from the classic rock canon, featuring the music of Diana, Stevie, Gladys, the Temptations and more. Doors open at 11 a.m. Higher Ground, South Burlington, SATURDAY, DEC. 21, NOON $15; free for children under age 1. Info, 652-0777.

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, SATURDAY, DEC. 21, 2 & 7 P.M. AND SUNDAY, DEC. 22, 1 & 6 P.M. $22.50-39. Info, 863-5966.

‘THE NUTCRACKER’: The beloved ballet, with Tchaikovsky’s soaring music, is brought to the stage by Miss Lorraine’s School of Dance. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, SUNDAY, DEC. 22, 1 & 6 P.M., $25-35. Info, 775-0903.

‘STOMP’: This eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments — matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps — to get the audience jamming to the beat. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 7 P.M. AND SATURDAY, JAN. 4, 2 & 7 P.M. $29-49. Info, 775-0903.

YOUNG TRADITION VERMONT TOURING GROUP CONCERT: Teen players, singers and dancers, who focus on learning and performing traditional music and dance, entertain the audience with a repertoire including artist leaders Oliver Scanlon and Romy Munkres, and guest performers Pete Sutherland and Jeremiah McLane. Barre Opera House, SATURDAY, JAN. 4, 7 P.M. suggested donation $15. Info, 476-8188.

FAMILY DANCE PARTY: Families get jamming on this Free Family Saturday with DJ Craig Mitchell. Flynn Center Lobby, Burlington, SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 10 A.M., free admission, but preregistration suggested. Info, 863-5966.

RUG CONCERT: Wee classical music fans meet musicians and orchestral instruments in an interactive and child-friendly setting. Ages 6 and under. Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester, SATURDAY, JAN. 18, 11 A.M., $5-10; preregister; tickets are limited. Info, 655-5030.

LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: Families kick off the Year of the Rat with Chinese music, dragons and New Year’s fun at this HopStop Family Show. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., SATURDAY, JAN. 25, 11 A.M. Info, 603-646-2422. FREE

‘JACK AND THE BEANSTALK’: No Strings Marionette Company mesmerizes an audience of all ages with the classic fairy tale of three magic beans, a boy who climbed in the sky and the giant he greets. Barre Opera House, SUNDAY, JAN. 26, 1 P.M., $7.50. Info, 476-8188.

Family Gym: Indoor playground equipment provides tiny tumblers a chance to run free. Ages 7 and under with caregivers. Greater Burlington YMCA, 10:15-11:45 a.m., $5-12; $15 per family. Info, 862-9622.

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

Preschool Yoga with Danielle: Small ones stretch and relax. Ages 2-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30-10 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Red Clover Story Time: Budding book lovers bury themselves in bibliophile and art activities. Best for ages 5-10. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Vermont International Festival: Crafts, food, music and dance from around the globe are showcased during this multicultural celebration. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 5-8 p.m., $5-10; $25 per family; free for children under 6. Info, 863-6713.

Williston Preschool Music: 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., limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

LAMOILLE

Author Sarah Dillard: This Vermont children’s book author and illustrator hosts an interactive drawing session and shares writing tips with an admiring audience. Ages 12 and under. Stowe Free Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 253-6145. FREE

Big & Messy — Art Space: Petite artists drop in and get creative with multiple materials in this child-led morning. River Arts, Morrisville, 10 a.m.-noon, suggested donation $5. Info, 888-1261.

RUTLAND

Rutland Library Book Sale: Bibliophiles thumb through thousands of hardcovers, paperbacks, puzzles and more. Rutland Free Library, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info, 773-1860.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: Junior constructionists play with plastic cubes and chat companionably. Ages 4-12. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 586-9683.

WASHINGTON

Montpelier Art Walk: Fine art, photography, sculptures and ornaments made by Vermonters adorn venues in the capital city. See montpelieralive.org for participating locations. Downtown Montpelier, 4-8 p.m. Info, 223-9604. FREE

7 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market Holiday Market: Shoppers stu their totes with local produce, seasonal treats and handcrafted holiday gifts. Mary Hogan Elementary School, Middlebury, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 388-4421.

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, handmade crafts, meat and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of Vermont wares. St. Johnsbury Welcome Center, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

CHITTENDEN

Baked Beads/South Burlington Jewelry and Scarf Sale: See December 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: Local farmers, artisans and producers o er fresh and prepared foods, crafts and more in a bustling indoor marketplace made merry with live music. UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 656-4636.

Card Making Workshop: Adolescents, adults and children ages 10 and older pass a productive morning making cards with the library’s materials. South Burlington Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 846-4140. FREE

Family Playshop: Families with small ones immerse in play-based learning designed to promote school readiness, with stories, songs and rotating activity centers. Ages 5 and under. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Holiday Open House: Families have fun with a visit from Santa, children’s activities, a basket ra e and crafts. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

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

FREE

Vermont International Festival: See December 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Winter Holiday Party: Families drop in to enjoy cookie decorating, festive music, a singalong and stories, and meet the new director.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

FRANKLIN

Baby Storytime: Babies and their grownups explore nursery rhymes, songs, simple stories and socializing. Ages 2 and under with caregivers. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

RUTLAND

Rutland Library Book Sale: See December 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Vermont Winter Farmers Market: More than 50 vendors peddle produce, fresh salad greens, apples and cider, artisan cheeses, homemade breads, and other local products. Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 342-4727.

WASHINGTON

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

Drop-In Ornament Making: Holiday-minded families check out the library’s craft materials. All ages. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

River of Light Lantern Parade: The streets of Waterbury glow with handmade creations while live music provides the soundtrack. Thatcher Brook Primary School, Waterbury. Info, 244-7195. FREE

7 Saturday (cont.)

WINDSOR

Family Clay: Children and their parents make memories firing and glazing special pieces. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 10 a.m.-noon, $20 per parent-child pair; $5 each additional child. Info, 457-3500.

NEW YORK

Living History Event: The Noble Train Begins: History fans relive Henry Knox’s feat as he prepared to move massive cannon from Ticonderoga to Boston to force the British evacuation in 1776, with live human and animal reenactment. See fortticonderoga.org for a detailed schedule. Fort Ticonderoga, N.Y., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., $12. Info, 518-585-2821.

Science & Nature

SCIENCE & STORIES: Preschoolers rally ’round for nature-inspired tales and activities.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, WEDNESDAYS, 10:30 A.M., regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

MONTSHIRE MAKERS AT THE HOP: In this special museum program, junior inventors create their own circus-inspired snow globe at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, then watch the FLIP Fabrique’s winter circus performance, Blizzard. Grades 6-8. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., FRIDAY, DEC. 6, 6-7:30 P.M. $15-18, includes performance ticket; preregister. Info, 649-2200.

STORIES FROM SPACE: Science educator Mike Ressler zooms small ones through the solar system with stories and a space-based craft.

Ages 2-5. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, SUNDAYS, 10-11 A.M., regular museum admission, $8-12; free for children under age 5. Info, 748-2372.

PLAINFIELD CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT: Avian enthusiasts leave no chickadee uncounted as they attempt to census every feathered flyer in the greater Plainfield area. Preregister for details. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, SATURDAY, DEC. 14, 7 A.M.-5 P.M. Info, 229-6206. FREE

FAIRBANKS HOMESCHOOL DAY: Students expand their science scholastic horizons in the museum’s galleries and other venues with a variety of programs. Contact the museum for specific topics, age levels and locations. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, FRIDAY, DEC. 20, 10 A.M.-2 P.M. AND FRIDAY, JAN. 10, 10 A.M.-2 P.M. $8; or $50 for 9 Friday classes. Info, 748-2372.

HUNGER MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT: Avian enthusiasts leave no chickadee uncounted as they attempt to census every feathered flyer in a 7.5-mile radius around Mount Hunger. Preregister for details. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, THURSDAY, DEC. 26, 7 A.M.-5 P.M. Info, 229-6206.

FREE CHAIN REACTIONS: Families have fun fashioning oversized machines with the museum’s materials and tools, and then collaborating to put everyone’s creations together. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, FRIDAY, DEC. 27, 12-4 P.M. AND MONDAY, DEC. 30, 12-4 P.M., regular museum admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

8 Sunday

ADDISON

Family Play: Moms, dads and children have fun with free court time and use of equipment. Ages 18 and under with adult. Middlebury Indoor Tennis, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 388-3733. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Christmas Tree Lighting & Caroling: ’Tis the season for decorative evergreens, crafts, hot cocoa and cookies. At 4:30 p.m., the Colchester Community Chorus leads caroling at the Meeting House. Tree lighting at 5 p.m. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-5:15 p.m. Info, 264-5660.

FREE

Essex Open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages 6 and under, 1 p.m.; ages 7-12, 2:30 p.m.; ages 13 and up, 4 p.m. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 1-5:30 p.m., $8-14 per child. Info, 655-3300.

Family Gym: See December 6.

Jewish Story Hour: Educator and children’s entertainer Saragail Benjamin leads little ones in play, song, dance and stories while young families connect with each other and their heritage.

‘BIRD OF PREY’ DOCUMENTARY SCREENING: Avian admirers of all ages soak up this film by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology about the story to save the rarest eagle on earth. Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, SATURDAY, DEC. 28, 4-5:30 & 7-8:30 P.M., suggested donation $10. Info, 359-5000.

BIRD-MONITORING WALK: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars to search the museum’s property for fluttering feathers. Best for adults and older children. Bring binoculars. Ages 10 and up. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, LAST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 8-9 A.M., preregister. Info, 434-2167. FREE

OWL PELLET DETECTIVES: Avian admirers discover what these birds devour by dissecting an owl pellet and meeting live bird ambassadors from Outreach for Earth Stewardship. Ages 5 and up with adult. Shelburne Farms, SATURDAY, JAN. 4, 10-11:30 A.M., $3-7; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY AT ECHO: Kids, teens and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities experience a calm museum, closed to the general public. Visitors interact with exhibits, participate in hands-on science activities or watch a short film with accommodations. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, SUNDAY, JAN. 5, 9-10 A.M., free for families with sensory-processing differences. Info, 864-1848.

BOOKS & BEYOND: SCIENCE FOR PRESCHOOLERS: Children’s literature and hands-on activities combine for fun science learning and exploration. Ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:30-11:15 & 11:30 A.M.-12:15 P.M., regular museum admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

WINTER WILDLIFE WANDER: Young naturalists explore the winter landscape to look for clues in our forests and fields. Ages 5 and up with adult caregiver. Shelburne Farms, SATURDAY, JAN. 18, 10 A.M.-NOON, $3-7; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

MONTSHIRE MAKERS: Middle school inventors use their imaginations and the museum’s materials to create cool projects, with different monthly themes. Grades 6-8. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, FRIDAY, JAN. 31, 6-7:30 P.M., $8-15; preregistration encouraged. Info, 649-2200.

Ages 1-7 with caregivers. Temple Sinai, South Burlington, 10 a.m. Info, 862-5125. FREE Vermont International Festival: See December 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Winter Gifts and Craftmaking: Using recycled and natural materials as inspiration, fans of handmade crafts make beautiful “green” gifts.

Ages 5 and up with adult. Shelburne Farms, 9:30-11:30 a.m. & 12:30-2:30 p.m., $20-23 per parent-child pair; $15-17 per each additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

WASHINGTON

Dance, Sing and Jump Around: Families delight in a lively afternoon of dances and singing games with instruction and live traditional music. Ages 3-8 with caregivers. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m., suggested donation $5 per adult; free for children; no one turned away. Info, 223-1509. Plainfield Farmers Market: Local crafts and agricultural products satisfy savvy shoppers. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Info, 476-8360.

9 Monday

CHITTENDEN

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

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

Cross Connections: Mothers of little ones ages preschool and younger socialize over breakfast and hear ideas about motherhood. Childcare provided. Christ Memorial Church, Williston, 9:30-11:30 a.m., $5; free for first-time visitors. Info, 878-7107.

Food for Thought Teen Group: Young adults polish off pizza as they ponder library projects. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Holiday Storytime: Traditional and new tales, tunes and treats delight youngsters. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

One-on-One Tutoring: See December 3, 4-6 p.m. Read with Pugsley: Petite ones practice literacy skills with the library’s pooch. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Teen Space: Adolescents enjoy games, music, snacks and a different activity each week. Ages 12-17. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6, 11 a.m.

FRANKLIN

Messy Mondays: Kids dig deep into imaginative projects. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 10 a.m. Info, 868-3970. FREE

RUTLAND

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

WINDSOR

Young At Art: Little ones in play clothes drop in and ignite their imagination through dance, paint and more. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 10-11 a.m., $5. Info, 457-3500.

10 Tuesday

CALEDONIA

Teen Advisory Board: Adolescents plan upcoming programs. Ages 12-18. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 5:30 p.m. Info, 745-1391. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Crafternoon: Learn to Crochet: See December 3. Make Greeting Cards: Artsy kiddos craft their own holiday greeting cards. Ages 3 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

One-on-One Tutoring: See December 3. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 3. Spanish Musical Kids: See December 3.

Williston Movie: Youngsters soak up a familyfriendly flick while snacking on popcorn. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

FRANKLIN

Breaking Out: See December 3.

Gingerbread House Making: Junior carpenters create sweet seasonal dwellings. Graham crackers and other supplies provided. Ages 5 and up. St. Albans Free Library, 6 p.m., preregistration required. Info, 524-1507. FREE

Tunes on Tuesdays: See December 3.

LAMOILLE

Free Family Art Workshops: Youngsters drop in for all or part of the morning and make masterpieces with many materials, presented by Grass Roots Art & Community Effort (GRACE). Coffee, drinks and snacks provided. Caregiver required. River Arts, Morrisville, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 472-6857. FREE

11 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Kids’ Chess Club: See December 4.

Wonder Wednesdays: See December 4.

Yoga for Kids: See December 4.

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

WASHINGTON

Holiday Sing-along: Musician Erica Mitchell accompanies community singers of all ages on her guitar in seasonal tunes. Refreshments served. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:45 p.m. Info, 426-3581. FREE

Stixplosions: See December 4.

WINDSOR

Clifton Fadiman’s ‘Wally the Wordworm’: Originally published in 1964, this classic picture book about a worm who lives on words and discovers the dictionary is presented by the author’s daughter, Anne Fadiman. Norwich Bookstore, 7 p.m. Info, 649-1114. FREE

12 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Knitting for Kids: See December 5.

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Babytime: See December 5.

Colchester Lego Club: See December 5. Essex Lego Club: See December 5.

PJ Storytime: Little ones snuggle up in their sleepy clothes for bedtime yarns. Ages 2-7. Milton Public Library, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Preschool Yoga: See December 5. Read to a Cat: Feline fanciers sign up for literacy sessions with a furry friend. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m., preregister for a reading slot. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Red Clover Book Discussion: Little ones listen to Hawk Rising by Maria Gianferrari, followed by chatting and crafting. Milton Public Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Ukulele Joe: See December 5.

UnSchool at Audubon: Home-based learners use the outdoor classroom to explore a variety of seasonal topics, from forest flora to wilderness skills. Ages 6-12. Parent attendance optional. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., $25-30; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 5.

Holiday Open House: Sleigh rides, songs, snacks and visits with Santa until 6:30 p.m. enliven the library. St. Albans Free Library, 5:30-7 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

WASHINGTON

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

13 Friday

CHITTENDEN

Family Gym: See December 6.

Holiday Family Gathering and Pajama

Storytime: Kiddos in sleepywear snuggle in for seasonal stories and hot cocoa. Geared towards ages 3-9, but all welcome. CarpenterCarse Library, Hinesburg, 5-6 p.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6.

Music with Raph: Melody lovers of all ages play and sing. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Teen Advisory Board: Teens pursue art projects together. Grades 9 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6.

N E E D E D !

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

LAMOILLE

Morrisville Music and Movement: Little ones drop in, sing and swing to favorites and classics, play instruments, and learn basic rhythm and vocal dynamics. For infants through preschoolers. River Arts, Morrisville, 11 a.m.-noon, suggested donation $5. Info, 888-1261.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See December 6.

WASHINGTON

Solstice Storytelling Circle: Local storytellers spin tales to celebrate the season, with chai, cider and cookies. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 426-3581. FREE

14 Saturday

ADDISON

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

CHITTENDEN

Art Lab: Inventive kiddos explore multiple materials. Recommended for ages 6 and under, but all are welcome. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-11 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Bilingual Spanish Story Time: See December 5, 10-10:45 a.m.

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

Family Playshop: See December 7.

Making Comics with Marek Bennett: As part of the Vermont Reads program, this NH cartoonist hosts a workshop for youngsters to create their own comics. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: Inspired by the museum’s temporary and permanent exhibitions, visitors of all ages and abilities create imaginative projects, varying from week to week. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular winter museum admission, $5-10; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

FRANKLIN

Candle Science: STEAM Saturday: Inquisitive youngsters investigate through hands-on learning and create their own candle. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 10-11 a.m. Info, 827-3945. FREE

Holiday Craft for Teens: Adolescents make a masterpiece using YouTube while snacking on cookies and cocoa. Ages 12-18. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m., preregistration required. Info, 524-1507. FREE

LAMOILLE

Ravens and Crows: Bird Diva Bridget Butler shares her savvy with curious young naturalists about the di erence between crows and ravens, their complex social structure, and how kids can contribute to understanding winter roosts in Vermont. Ages 5 and up. Varnum Memorial Library, Je ersonville, 2-3 p.m. Info, 644-2117. FREE

Watch

RUTLAND

Vermont Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

WASHINGTON

Children’s Vermont History Story Hour: Stories, sweets and warm drinks make for a merry afternoon. Geared toward ages 13 and under, with caregivers. Vermont History Museum, Montpelier, 1-2 p.m., regular museum admission, $5-7; $20 per family; free for children under 6. Info, 479-8500.

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

New Parents

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

EVOLUTION POSTNATAL YOGA BURLINGTON: New mamas tote their pre-crawling kids to an alllevels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a relaxed and nurturing environment.

Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, SUNDAYS, NOON, TUESDAYS, 10 A.M., THURSDAYS, 10:45 A.M., FRIDAYS, NOON-1 P.M. THROUGH DEC. 19, $17; $120-140 for a 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA BURLINGTON: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution

Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, SUNDAYS, 10:15-11:30 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. AND SATURDAYS, 11:30 A.M. THROUGH DEC. 19, $17 per class; $120-140 for 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA ESSEX: Mothersto-be build strength, stamina and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga, Essex Junction, TUESDAYS, 6

P.M., WEDNESDAYS, 12:15 P.M., SATURDAYS, 8:15

A.M. THROUGH DEC. 18, $17 per class; $120-140 for 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

MOM AND BABY YOGA: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. Embodied, Montpelier, TUESDAYS, 10:30-11:30

A.M. THROUGH DEC. 17, $11. Info, 223-5302.

PRENATAL YOGA: Moms-to-be stretch and bend. Embodied, Montpelier, TUESDAYS, 6-7:15

P.M. THROUGH DEC. 17, $16 per drop-in class. Info, 778 -0300.

BURLINGTON EARLY MONTHS INFANT MASSAGE: This mother-infant group includes baby massage and postpartum new mama support. The Janet S. Munt Family Room, Burlington, WEDNESDAYS, 11 A.M.-NOON THROUGH DEC. 18. Info, 862-2121. FREE

WINDSOR

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: Local growers present produce, meats and maple syrup, complementing baked goods and crafts from area artists. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 384-7447.

15 Sunday

ADDISON

Family Play: See December 8.

CHITTENDEN

Art Play Day: Little ones and caregivers drop in and get messy with multiple materials to spark imagination. Ages 18 months to 5 years with caregiver. Radiate Art Space, Richmond, 10-11:30 a.m., $5 per child; $8 max per family; $40 for a 10-visit punch card. Info, 324-9938.

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Family Gym: See December 6.

EVOLUTION POSTNATAL YOGA ESSEX: New mamas tote their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a relaxed and nurturing environment. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga, Essex Junction, MONDAYS, 10:45 A.M., WEDNESDAYS, 10:45 A.M. AND SATURDAYS, 9:45 A.M., $17; $120-140 for a 10-class pass; childcare for ages 6 months-6 years available. Info, 899-0339.

MIDDLEBURY LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETING AND PLAYGROUP: Families with infants and toddlers socialize and swap nursing stories. Junebug Mother and Child, Middlebury, FIRST WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10 A.M. Info, 359-0609. FREE

ESSEX LA LECHE LEAGUE: Moms bring their bitty ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Siblings welcome. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 6:30-8 P.M. Info, 899-5490. FREE HYDE PARK BABY CHAT: Parents with babies mingle, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Lanpher Memorial Library, Hyde Park, FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229. FREE

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

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

MAMA’S CIRCLE BARRE: This supportive gathering brings moms of new babies and toddlers together to foster friendship through unique-but-shared experiences. Imagine Yoga, Barre, SECOND FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE

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

16 Monday

CHITTENDEN

Colchester Preschool Music: See December 9.

Crafts & Carols: Festive crafts and musical instruments captivate small children. Ages 5 and under. NETS Center Campus, Williston, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 878-7107. FREE

Crafts for Kids: See December 9.

Family Fun Night: Holiday Crafts: Moms, dads and kiddos make and take seasonal projects. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6-7 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Holiday Storytime: See December 9.

Read with Pugsley: See December 9.

Teen Space: See December 9.

BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ: Mamas nurse their babies, chat and ask for answers from a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, supportive dads and older siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 11 A.M.-1 P.M. Info, 236-4136. FREE

BREASTFEEDING FAMILIES GROUP: Nursing moms (and supportive dads, too!) gather for snacks and advice. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, THIRD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 11 A.M.-1 P.M. Info, 888-5229. FREE

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

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

BABYWEARERS OF CENTRAL VERMONT: Brand-new mamas and papas check out infant carriers, get advice and spend some socializing time with other new parents. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, FOURTH MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 5:45-7:15 P.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE

BOSOM BUDDIES: New and expectant mothers, babies and supportive grandmas rally in a relaxed evening, when peers and professionals answer mothering and breastfeeding questions. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 5:30-7 P.M. Info, 371-4415. FREE

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

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

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

Wrap It Up!: Need presents wrapped while sipping a cup of cocoa? Extra hands make quick work of this project with the library’s Christmas, Hanukkah and winter-themed paper, or bring your own. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 12-6 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

FRANKLIN

Messy Mondays: See December 9.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 9.

WINDSOR

Young At Art: See December 9.

17 Tuesday

ADDISON

Winter Community Baby Shower: Families expecting a new baby or who have a child under the age of one join neighbors for a gathering with goodies for all. Middlebury Department of Health, 11 a.m.-noon. Info, 388-5741. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Crafternoon: Learn to Crochet: See December 3. Library Elementary Event Planners: Junior helpers plan library projects. Grades 6-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 3.

Spanish Musical Kids: See December 3.

Winter Card Craft: Artistic kiddos wow their friends and families with homemade winterthemed cards. Grades 3 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2-2:30 & 2:45-3:15 p.m., preregister. Info, 878-4918. FREE Wrap It Up!: See December 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

FRANKLIN

Breaking Out: See December 3.

Gingerbread Houses: Budding builders drop in and create sweet seasonal abodes with the library’s supplies. All ages. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 4-6 p.m. Info, 827-3945. FREE

Tunes on Tuesdays: See December 3.

LAMOILLE

Free Family Art Workshops: See December 3.

WASHINGTON

Montpelier Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up: Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local, state and national level, and how to create a more just and naturefriendly world. Vegetarian dinner and childcare included. Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 5:30-7:30 p.m., RSVP requested but not required. Info, 612-718-0229. FREE

18 Wednesday

CALEDONIA

Free Family Art Workshops: See December 4. Hardwick Chess Club: See December 4.

CHITTENDEN

Book to Film Club: After reading a book, junior bibliophiles take in a movie together, with snacks. See southburlingtonlibrary.org for the title. Ages 8 and up. South Burlington Public Library, 3-5:30 p.m. Info, 846-4140. FREE

Dorothy’s List Group for Homeschooled

Students: Books nominated for this esteemed award generate group discussion. Grades 4-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Ongoing Exhibits

ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON

Info, 864-1848

THOMAS EDISON’S SECRET LAB: Visitors investigate a virtual version of the greatest inventor of all time and explore interactive activities including a giant periodic table of elements, basic coding, and experiments with electricity, magnetism, optics, sound waves and air pressure. Regular museum admission, $11.5014.50; free for children under 3.

Through January 5.

HENRY SHELDON MUSEUM OF VERMONT HISTORY, MIDDLEBURY

Info, 388-2117

THE ANIMALS ARE INNOCENT: Families explore through Dana Simson’s ceramics and paintings how animals are losing habitat and food sources and are imperiled by pollution and climate change. Regular museum admission, $3-5; free for children under 6; $12 per family. Through January 11.

HOLIDAY TRAIN EXHIBIT: Whoo-hoo! Engineers run a three-tiered stack of electric choo-choos. Regular museum admission, $3-5; $12 per family; free for children under 6.

Through January 11.

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH

Info, 649-2200

ELEMENTS OF GLASS: In partnership with Simon Pearce and their artisans, this exhibit interprets in glass the elements of water, fire and wood through drawings, videos and touchable samples which illuminate the process behind designing and creating glass pieces. Regular museum admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Through March 2020.

VERMONT FOLKLIFE CENTER, MIDDLEBURY

Info, 388-4964

GINGERBREAD HOUSE EXHIBIT: Visitors feast their eyes on small abodes fashioned from sweet treats. Opening reception Friday, December 6 from 4-6 p.m. Admission by donation. Through December 20.

Green Mountain Book Award Book

Discussion for Homeschooled Students: High-school homeschoolers spark lively conversation around award-winning books. Grades 9-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Kids Escape Room: Eager adventurers break out of an epic escape. Ages 5 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 2:30-3:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Kids’ Chess Club: See December 4. Read to Willy Wonka the Therapy Dog: See December 4.

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

Red Clover Group for Homeschooled Students: Budding book lovers bury themselves in bibliophile activities. Grades K-4. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1:30-2:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Wonder Wednesdays: See December 4.

Wrap It Up!: See December 16, 12-8 p.m.

Yoga for Kids: See December 4.

LAMOILLE

Varnum Lego Club: See December 4.

WASHINGTON

Flextangles: Curious kids check out a creative project. Ages 6-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

19 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Knitting for Kids: See December 5.

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Babytime: See December 5.

Colchester Lego Club: See December 5.

Essex Lego Club: See December 5.

Gingerbread Houses: Little ones fashion gumdrop trees and frosted rooftops. Grades K-5. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-3:30 & 3:45-4:15 p.m., preregister. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Preschool Yoga: See December 5.

Ukulele Joe: See December 5.

Wrap It Up!: See December 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 5.

WASHINGTON

MOPS/MomsNext: See December 5.

20 Friday

CHITTENDEN

Family Gym: See December 6.

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

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6.

Music with Raph: See December 13.

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6.

Winter Solstice: Small ones mark the longest night of the year with stories, songs and crafts. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Wrap It Up!: See December 16.

LAMOILLE Big & Messy — Art Space: See December 6.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See December 6.

21 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See December 14.

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

Craft Buffet: Families drop in and fashion a winter or holiday-themed project. South Burlington Public Library, 12-2 p.m. Info, 846-4140. FREE

Dad Guild: This group gets fathers of young children reading together, having fun with creative play and forming new friendships. All are welcome. Ages 5 and under. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE Family Playshop: See December 7.

Hinesburg Saturday Story Time: Stories, songs and games amuse youngsters, followed by free play and snacks. Ages 5 and under, with caregivers. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE

Story Times

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

MONDAY

BARRE CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR:

Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 476-7550.

BURLINGTON STORIES WITH

MEGAN: Fletcher Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 865-7216.

ESSEX STORYTIME WITH JASMINE: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

HUNTINGTON STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Huntington Public Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 434-4583.

HYDE PARK STORY TIME: Lanpher Memorial Library, 6 p.m. Info, 888-4628.

NORTHFIELD CHILDREN’S STORY

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

ST. ALBANS MOVEMENT & MUSIC

STORY HOUR: St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507.

STOWE STORY TIMES FOR 2-3-

YEAR-OLDS: Stowe Free Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 253-6145.

WATERBURY BABY & TODDLER

STORY TIME: Waterbury Public Library, 10:15 a.m. Info, 244-7036.

WATERBURY PRESCHOOL STORY

TIME: The Children’s Room, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 244-5605.

WOODSTOCK BABY STORY TIME: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 457-2295.

TUESDAY ALBURGH PLAYGROUP/STORYTIME: Alburgh Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 796-6077.

BARRE CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR: See Monday.

COLCHESTER TODDLER STORY TIME: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

CRAFTSBURY STORY TIME: Craftsbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 586-9683.

EAST BARRE STORY TIME: East Barre Branch Library, 10 a.m. Info, 476-5118.

ESSEX JUNCTION PRESCHOOL

STORY TIME: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Info, 878-6956.

HINESBURG YOUNGSTER STORY

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

JEFFERSONVILLE STORYTIME: Varnum Memorial Library, 9:3010:30 a.m. Info, 644-2117.

LYNDONVILLE STORY TIME: Cobleigh Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 626-5475.

MILTON INFANT STORY TIME: Milton Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

MONTPELIER STORY TIME: KelloggHubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 223-4665.

MORRISVILLE PRESCHOOL STORY

TIME: Morristown Centennial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 888-3853.

SHELDON PLAY CAFE: Sheldon Public Library, 9-10:30 a.m. Info, 933-2524.

SOUTH BURLINGTON TODDLER

TIME: South Burlington Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. & 11:15 a.m.-noon. Info, 846-4140.

WILLISTON STORY TIME: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 878-4918.

WOODSTOCK PRESCHOOL STORY

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

WEDNESDAY

BARNES & NOBLE STORYTIME: Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 11 a.m. Info, 864-8001.

ESSEX BABIES AND BOOKS: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

ESSEX JUNCTION PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: See Tuesday.

South Burlington Family Storytime: Small ones soak up stories, songs and a craft to round out the hour. Ages 3 and up with caregiver. South Burlington Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 846-4140. FREE Wrap It Up!: See December 16, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

FRANKLIN

Holiday Family String-Art Craft Day: Festive families drop in and fashion holiday projects while savoring hot mulled cider and merry music. All ages, although geared towards ages 8 and up. St. Albans Free Library, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

HIGHGATE STORY TIME: Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 868-3970.

HYDE PARK STORY TIME: See Monday, 10 a.m.

JERICHO STORY HOUR: Jericho Town Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 899-4686.

LYNDONVILLE STORY TIME: See Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

MARSHFIELD STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Jaquith Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 426-3581.

MILTON RHYTHM & MOVEMENT

TODDLER STORY TIME: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

NORWICH WORD PLAY STORY TIME: Norwich Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 649-1184.

QUECHEE STORY TIME: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 295-1232.

RANDOLPH PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m. Info, 728-5073.

SOUTH BURLINGTON BABY TIME: South Burlington Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 846-4140.

SWANTON STORYTIME: Swanton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 868-7656.

WARREN PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: Warren Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 496-3913.

THURSDAY

CHARLOTTE STORYTIME HOUR: Philo Ridge Farm, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Info, 539-2912.

HINESBURG YOUNGSTER MOVEMENT AND MUSIC: Carpenter-Carse Library, 9:3010:30 a.m. Info, 482-2878.

JEFFERSONVILLE STORYTIME AND CRAFTS: Varnum Memorial Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 644-2117.

NORTHFIELD CHILDREN’S STORY TIME: See Monday.

RUTLAND STORY TIME: Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Info, 773-1860.

ST. ALBANS STORY HOUR: St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507.

WATERBURY PRESCHOOL STORY

TIME: Waterbury Public Library, Dec. 5, 19 & 26, 10:15 a.m. Info, 244-7036.

RUTLAND

Vermont Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

WASHINGTON

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

WINDSOR

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See December 14.

22 Sunday

Hanukkah Begins

ADDISON

Family Play: See December 8.

WESTFORD STORY TIME: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Info, 878-5639.

WILLISTON TODDLER TIME: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. (except Dec. 5). Info, 878-4918.

FRIDAY COLCHESTER BABY STORY TIME: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

CRAFTSBURY STORY TIME: See Tuesday.

ENOSBURG READ & PLAY FRIDAYS: Enosburgh Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

ESSEX MUSICAL STORY TIME: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

GEORGIA PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 524-4643.

KILLINGTON STORYTIME: Sherburne Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 422-9765.

LINCOLN STORY TIME: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 453-2665.

MILTON PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

RANDOLPH TODDLER STORY TIME: Kimball Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 728-5073.

ST. JOHNSBURY ACORN CLUB STORY TIME: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 748-8291.

STOWE BABY & TODDLER STORY TIME: Stowe Free Library, 10:3011:15 a.m. Info, 253-6145.

WILLISTON TODDLER TIME: See Thursday, Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.

SATURDAY COLCHESTER SATURDAY DROP-IN STORY TIME: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

ENOSBURG STORY HOUR: Enosburgh Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

ESSEX FAMILY STORYTIME: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

HIGHGATE STORY TIME: See Wednesday.

MILTON DROP-IN SATURDAY

STORYTIME: Milton Public Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

NEXT CHAPTER BOOKSTORE STORY

TIME: Next Chapter Bookstore, Barre, 10:30 a.m. Info, 476-3114.

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Family Gym: See December 6.

23 Monday

CHITTENDEN

Colchester Preschool Music: See December 9. Craft Buffet: See December 21.

Making Gingerbread Houses: For once, youngsters get permission to play with their food. Ages 6-9. Milton Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Teen Space: See December 9.

Ukulele Joe: Musical ones join Joe to sing children’s songs. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6, 11 a.m.

FRANKLIN

Messy Mondays: See December 9.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 9.

WASHINGTON

Jubal Harp: Baby, toddler and preschool families celebrate the season with special music. Waterbury Public Library, 10:15 a.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

Lego Family Free Build: Dads, moms and youngsters drop in for fun with the library’s abundance of plastic blocks. Ages 5 and up. Waterbury Public Library, 12-5 p.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Young At Art: See December 9.

26 Thursday

CHITTENDEN

Colchester Lego Club: See December 5. Essex Lego Club: See December 5. Webby’s Art Studio: See December 14.

27 Friday

CHITTENDEN

Dungeons & Dragons: See December 6. Family Gym: See December 6.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6.

Traveling Storyteller Puppet Show: Youngsters delight in a live and literacy-centered performance of a duckling who becomes a beauty. Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 14.

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6.

WASHINGTON

Keva Family Free Build: Families stop in and spark their imagination with an abundance of wooden blocks. Ages 5 and up. Waterbury Public Library, 12-5 p.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

28 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See December 14.

CHITTENDEN

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

Lego Fun: Budding builders bring out the blocks. Children under age 9 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 14.

RUTLAND

Vermont Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

29 Sunday

ADDISON

Family Play: See December 8.

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Family Gym: See December 6.

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 14.

The new Y at 298 College Street opens January

1 with lower rates!

Unplug, realize a healthier lifestyle, spend time with your family, and make connections. All of this and more in a state-of-the-art facility, built to meet the needs of the community, and at lower membership rates!

Visit gbymca.org/newymca and see . . .

• Video tours • Membership rates • “I am Y” stories • Links to sign up

Key features of our new 50,000+ square foot building include:

• A light-filled aquatic center with two separate pools — including a lap pool and an 88° program pool — and a splash pad for kids

• Three locker rooms: A universal locker room (not gender-specific) with private changing/shower suites, and men’s and women’s locker rooms

• Drop-in child care for members while they work out, and a family adventure center

• 47 on-site parking spaces

• Fully ADA-compliant space with an elevator and universally accessible design, lift chairs for the pools, and accessible weight and cardio equipment

Sign up now to beat the January rush — online or in person at 266 College Street. There’s never been a better time to join the Y!

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

30 Monday

Hanukkah Ends

CHITTENDEN

Colchester Preschool Music: See December 9.

Giant Self-Portraits: Amateur artists experiment with multiple materials and make a sizable selfie. Ages 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Teen Space: See December 9.

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6, 11 a.m.

FRANKLIN

Messy Mondays: See December 9.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 9.

WASHINGTON

Lego Family Free Build: See December 23.

31 Tuesday

CHITTENDEN

Happy Noon Day Party: Mini merrymakers and their parents ring out 2019 with games, crafts, snacks and a special countdown at noon. Ages 3-7. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon, preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

THE WAIT IS ALMOST OVER!

31

Paper Airplanes: Eager engineers fashion their own flying crafts and compete in flights. Ages 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Vacation Story Time: Books, songs and a puppet show entertain small ones. Siblings welcome. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

JANUARY

1 WEDNESDAY

Happy New Year!

2 Thursday

CHITTENDEN

Essex Lego Club: See December 5.

WASHINGTON MOPS/MomsNext: See December 5.

Playgroups

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 organizer for site-specific details.

MONDAY

AUDUBON NATURE

PLAYGROUP: Audubon Vermont, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 434-3068.

BURLINGTON CRAWLERS, WADDLERS AND TODDLERS: Janet S. Munt Parent-Child Center, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 862-2121.

JERICHO PLAYGROUP: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 760-8623.

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

MORRISVILLE PLAYGROUP: River Arts, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

OPEN GYM: Central VT Gymnastics Academy, Waterbury, Fridays, 10 a.m.noon, $7-10. Info, 882-8324.

TUESDAY

BRADFORD PLAYGROUP: Grace United Methodist Church, 9-11 a.m. Info, 685-2264.

BRISTOL PLAYGROUP: Bristol Baptist Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 388-3171.

BROOKFIELD PLAYGROUP: First Congregational Church of Brookfield, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 685-2264.

BURLINGTON FATHERS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER: Janet S. Munt Parent-Child Center, 4-7 p.m. Info, 862-2121.

NORTHERN VERMONT UNIVERSITY ‘AQUATICS’ PLAYGROUP: Northern Vermont University, Johnson Campus, 9-10:30 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

3 Friday

CHITTENDEN

Family Gym: See December 6.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6.

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6.

LAMOILLE

Big & Messy — Art Space: See December 6.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See December 6.

4 Saturday

ADDISON

8 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Kids’ Chess Club: See December 4.

Yoga for Kids: See December 4.

9 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Knitting for Kids: See December 5.

CHITTENDEN

Essex Lego Club: See December 5.

Ukulele Joe: See December 5.

UnSchool at Audubon: See December 12.

WINOOSKI PLAYTIME: Winooski Family Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 655-1422.

WEDNESDAY

BABY/TODDLER HIKE: Green Mountain Club, Waterbury Center, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 244-7037.

BARRE PLAYGROUP: Aldrich Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 262-3292, ext. 115.

CAMBRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER PLAYGROUP: Cambridge Community Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Info, 644-5028.

FAIRFIELD PLAYGROUP: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 827-3945.

MAMA’S CIRCLE: Good Beginnings, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 595-7953.

NORTHFIELD PLAYGROUP: United Church of Northfield, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 262-3292.

PURPLE CRAYON PLAY GROUP: ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 9:30-11:30 a.m., donations accepted. Info, 457-3500.

SOUTH ROYALTON PLAYGROUP: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 685-2264.

ST. JOHNSBURY TODDLER TIME: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Info, 748-1391.

WATERBURY MUSIC & MOVEMENT: The Children’s Room, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 244-5605.

THURSDAY

DADS AND KIDS PLAYGROUP: Family Center of Washington County, Montpelier, 5-7 p.m. Info, 262-3292.

JOHNSON PLAYGROUP: United Church of Johnson, 9-10:30 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

MIDDLEBURY PLAYGROUP: The Congregational Church of Middlebury, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 388-3171.

MILTON PLAYGROUP: See Monday.

MONTPELIER PLAYGROUP: St. Augustine Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 262-3292.

RANDOLPH PLAYGROUP: St. John’s Church, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 685-2264.

SHELBURNE OPEN PLAY: Shelburne Field House, 9-11 a.m., $10 per child; $5 each additional child; $20 per family. Info, 985-4410.

UNDERHILL PLAYGROUP: Underhill I.D. Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 899-4680.

WAITSFIELD PLAYGROUP: Big Picture Theater, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 262-3292.

WILLISTON PLAYTIME: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 878-4918.

FRIDAY

CAMBRIDGE ELEMENTARY: Cambridge Elementary School, 9-11 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

FERRISBURGH OPEN GYM: Ferrisburgh Central School, 9-10:30 a.m. Info, 877-3463.

OPEN GYM: See Monday.

RUTLAND PLAYGROUP: Rutland Free Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 773-1860.

WATERBURY PLAYGROUP: Thatcher Brook Primary School, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 262-3292.

WINSOOSKI PLAYGROUP AND STORYTIME: O’Brien Community Center, 9:3011:45 a.m. Info, 655-6424.

SATURDAY MONTPELIER SATURDAY PLAYGROUP: Family Center of Washington County, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 262-3292, ext. 190.

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See December 14.

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

CHITTENDEN

Family Playshop: See December 7.

Kids Building Workshop: See December 7.

RUTLAND

Vermont Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

WASHINGTON

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

5 Sunday

ADDISON

Family Play: See December 8.

CHITTENDEN

Art Play Day: See December 15.

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Family Gym: See December 6.

Jewish Story Hour: See December 8.

6 Monday

CHITTENDEN

Cross Connections: See December 9, 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Homeschool Meetup: Home-learning families link up and relax with legos. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1-2:30 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Teen Space: See December 9.

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6, 11 a.m.

FRANKLIN

Messy Mondays: See December 9.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 9.

7 Tuesday

CHITTENDEN

Williston Lego Club: See December 3.

FRANKLIN

Adoption Support Group: See December 3.

Tunes on Tuesdays: See December 3.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 5.

10 Friday

CHITTENDEN

Family Gym: See December 6.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6.

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6.

LAMOILLE Morrisville Music and Movement: See December 13.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See December 6.

11 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See December 14.

CHITTENDEN

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

Family Playshop: See December 7. Webby’s Art Studio: See December 14.

RUTLAND

Vermont Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

WASHINGTON

Kids Trade & Play: See December 14.

WINDSOR

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See December 14.

12 Sunday

ADDISON

Family Play: See December 8.

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Family Gym: See December 6.

WASHINGTON

Dance, Sing and Jump Around: See December 8.

13 Monday

CHITTENDEN

Cross Connections Open Gym: Little ones explore a full-sized gym while caregivers chat. Ages 5 and under. NETS Center Campus, Williston, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 878-7107. FREE

Teen Space: See December 9.

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6, 11 a.m.

FRANKLIN

Messy Mondays: See December 9.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 9.

14 Tuesday

CHITTENDEN

Williston Movie: See December 10.

FRANKLIN

Tunes on Tuesdays: See December 3.

15 Wednesday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Chess Club: See December 4.

CHITTENDEN

Kids’ Chess Club: See December 4.

Yoga for Kids: See December 4.

16 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Knitting for Kids: See December 5.

CHITTENDEN

Essex Lego Club: See December 5.

Read to a Cat: See December 12.

Ukulele Joe: See December 5.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 5.

WASHINGTON

MOPS/MomsNext: See December 5.

17 Friday

CHITTENDEN

Family Gym: See December 6.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6.

Tot Shabbat: Families with young children enjoy a musical Sabbath evening, with play, song and movement. Temple Sinai, South Burlington, 5:30-6:15 p.m. Info, 862-5125. FREE

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6.

LAMOILLE

Big & Messy — Art Space: See December 6.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See December 6.

18 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See December 14.

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

CHITTENDEN

Dad Guild: See December 21.

Family Playshop: See December 7.

RUTLAND

Vermont Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

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

WASHINGTON

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

19 Sunday

ADDISON

Family Play: See December 8.

CHITTENDEN

Art Play Day: See December 15.

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Family Gym: See December 6.

WASHINGTON

Plainfield Farmers Market: See December 8.

21 Tuesday

FRANKLIN

Tunes on Tuesdays: See December 3.

22 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Kids’ Chess Club: See December 4.

Yoga for Kids: See December 4.

23 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Knitting for Kids: See December 5.

CHITTENDEN

Essex Lego Club: See December 5. Ukulele Joe: See December 5.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 5.

24 Friday

CHITTENDEN

Family Gym: See December 6.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6.

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See December 6.

25 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See December 14.

CHITTENDEN

Derby Day: Kids and their grownups create cardboard race tracks for toy cars to career down. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon, preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

25 Saturday (cont.)

Family Playshop: See December 7.

RUTLAND Vermont Winter Farmers Market: See December 7.

WINDSOR Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See December 14.

26 Sunday

ADDISON Family Play: See December 8.

CHITTENDEN Essex Open Gym: See December 8. Family Gym: See December 6.

27 Monday

CHITTENDEN

Teen Space: See December 9. Williston Preschool Music: See December 6, 11 a.m.

FRANKLIN

Messy Mondays: See December 9.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 9.

28 Tuesday

FRANKLIN

Tunes on Tuesdays: See December 3.

WASHINGTON

Montpelier Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up: See December 17, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Saysawyou it in

29 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Kids’ Chess Club: See December 4.

Yoga for Kids: See December 4.

30 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Knitting for Kids: See December 5.

CHITTENDEN

Essex Lego Club: See December 5.

Ukulele Joe: See December 5.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See December 5.

31 Friday

CHITTENDEN

Family Gym: See December 6.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6.

Williston Preschool Music: See December 6.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See December 6.

January Events

JANUARY WEEKENDS: Farm-loving families meet the Jersey cows, pigs, hens and sheep — sheltered in the barn for the winter — and tour the restored and furnished 1890 farmhouse and educational exhibits. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, SATURDAY, JAN. 4, 10 A.M.-4 P.M., SUNDAY, JAN. 5, 10 A.M.-4 P.M. AND MONDAYS, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, 10 A.M.-4 P.M. THROUGH JAN. 27, regular museum admission, $4-16; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

VERMONT DAY AT VINS: Naturalists of all ages enjoy the exhibits and programs of this educational center and wild avian rehabilitation center at a reduced fee.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, SUNDAY, JAN. 5, 10 A.M.-4 P.M., $5 admission for Vermont residents. Info, 359-5000.

FULL MOON FAMILY SNOWSHOE: Hot chocolate fuels walkers for a sparkling stroll beneath lunar light. Snowshoes provided. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 6:30-8:30 P.M. $10; free for members; preregister. Info, 229-6206.

VERMONT FANCY FELINES CAT SHOW: Animal enthusiasts applaud furry friends as they compete for ribbons in different categories, with a selection of cat products and a presentation of breeds. Doubletree Hotel & Conference Center, Burlington, SATURDAY, JAN. 11, 10 A.M.-4 P.M. AND SUNDAY, JAN. 12, 10 A.M.-4 P.M. $5-7.

WINTER WILDLIFE CELEBRATION: Animal enthusiasts explore exhibits and wintry trails with interactive guided tours and talks in the morning, followed by afternoon indoor and outdoor games, crafts and a toasty campfire with treats.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, SATURDAY, JAN. 18, 10 A.M.-4 P.M. regular museum admission, $14.50-16.50; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5000.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Free-to-everyone familyfriendly programming, in partnership with the City of Burlington’s Community Economic Development Office and their AmeriCorps Service Team, honors the legacy of Dr. King. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, MONDAY, JAN. 20, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Info, 877-324-6386. FREE

STOWE WINTER CARNIVAL: A Vermont ski town gets its party on with cold-weather fun for all ages, from snowvolleyball tournaments to ice carving competitions to Kids Carnival Kaos. Various locations, Stowe, JAN. 23-26, various prices; see stowewintercarnival.com for details and schedule. Info, 253-7321.

ASTRONOMY DAY: What’s up in the night sky? A full day of celestial activities for all starry-eyed ages includes making a scale model of the solar system, discovering what’s in the night sky and an up-close examination of meteorites. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, SATURDAY, JAN. 25, 10:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M., regular museum admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

EVERYBODY WINS! VERMONT READ-A-THON: Literature lovers of all ages embark on a challenge to see how many children’s books they can power through. Music by Jon Gailmor, milk and cookies, and a free book for each participant add to the festivities. National Life Group, Montpelier, SATURDAY, JAN. 25, 1-3:30 P.M. Info, 229-2665. FREE

FREE ICE FISHING FESTIVAL: Aspiring anglers of all ages learn the basics of this winter sport with expert volunteers. Free fish fry, hot cocoa and a warming hut keep the day toasty. Dress for the weather. Elmore State Park, Lake Elmore, SATURDAY, JAN. 25, 11 A.M.-3 P.M., preregistration encouraged. Info, 828-1000. FREE

‘THE GRUFFALO’ AND ‘THE GRUFFALO’S CHILD’: These two short children’s films enchant the audience with the story of a magical mouse and an imaginary monster. Ages 2-8. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, SATURDAY, JAN. 25, 10 A.M. Info, 457-3500. FREE

KIDS CARNIVAL KAOS: Families beat the winter blues with games with prizes, costumed characters, bounce houses, music and more. Stowe Elementary School, SATURDAY, JAN. 25, 1-3 P.M., free admission; food and gaming fees. Info, 253-6138.

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

SATURDAY, December 7, at noon

HIGHER GROUND BALLROOM

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

Come see kids ages 5-13 wow the crowd with two-minute acts showcasing their talents.

Visit kidsvt.com/talentshow for ticket information.

Hard-Earned Lessons

A family business gives kids valuable skills and life experience

In 2013, my husband, Bob, and I became Beverly Hillbillies in reverse. We left Los Angeles and moved east to start a berry farm and ice cream business in Vermont. We undertook this bold entrepreneurial venture for a number of reasons. We’ve always loved berries and ice cream. Early in our relationship, we made a pact that we could only eat ice cream if we hand-cranked it ourselves. In our 30 years together, Bob and I have learned quite a bit about making great, fresh ice cream, even before we started making it commercially.

Another key reason for starting our business was the educational benefit for our three daughters. We’ve always lovingly referred to our girls, now 11, 13 and 15, as the Sisters of Anarchy because of their spirited personalities and resulting chaos in our lives. Bob, in particular, believes there is no learning like doing. He wants our kids to learn that the vast majority of successful people have taken big risks and worked their butts off, and that most everything has value under the right circumstances, even cow poop. And, while I already manage a successful consulting business, I can’t think of a better way for my daughters to have confidence going into the world than seeing their own mother start and nurture a business that they can see and taste. Our name, Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream, screams female empowerment!

Bob and I both grew up in entrepreneurial households. His family ran several retail and wholesale businesses in central New York; my family built and managed a portfolio of rental properties in Connecticut.

One of Bob’s earliest memories, around age 4, is working on a Saturday with his parents and older siblings to unload an unexpected truckload of oil containers. He helped his parents collect and roll quarters from car washes. He painted fuel tanks on hot, humid summer days and trailed after his grandfather and great uncles on the family farm. He learned that all work had value, and that doing it well was not only good for the bottom line, it instilled pride and a sense of accomplishment.

I worked with my family pruning apple trees and doing yard work. I eventually parlayed that into a high school gardening business, which my best friend and I ran for three years. I helped my father sort checks from

his rental properties. I learned about interest, mortgages and risk. Did these topics interest the 11-year-old me? Rarely. But these conversations held me in good stead as I entered adulthood and had to make my own business and financial decisions.

Our daughters are receiving similar real-life lessons and experiences. They were 5, 7 and 9 when we started the farm and have participated in building it and our ice cream business from, literally, the ground up. They have performed nearly every job — planting starts, picking berries, weeding, hooking up trailers and starting generators, washing piles of dishes higher than they are, and selling ice cream. We have some amazing “before” and “after” photos of them weeding a row of blueberries in 2013, when the blueberries were new, and again in 2018. The girls and plants are growing in parallel.

One of the things that we value most about our daughters’ participation in the family business is what they are learning about presenting themselves to the world and navigating the sea of humanity. All three of them sell ice cream at food truck and music events in the summer. While the vast majority of our customers are lovely, there are the occasional grouches. The girls are learning the importance of putting the customer first, even if the person is not easy to deal with. Interactions with customers engender many intellectual discussions of (and arguments about!) concepts like “doing well by doing good” capitalism — in our case, being polite and treating all people with patience and respect while feeding them well.

My 11-year-old especially loves hanging out with our college-aged employees, most of whom are confident young women, and learning about what they are studying. A number of recent immigrants have worked with us, too. My oldest daughter and her friends who work at the farm love it when these New Americans bring food to share during lunch and are amazed to learn that they work full-time jobs and a side job at our farm.

Our daughters also have the opportunity to learn “hard” skills. My youngest could make change for a $100 bill at age 9. They have saved money from their wages, and we expect them to pay for their own incidentals during trips to the

mall or movies. Our daughters helped write and provide vocals for our Sisters of Anarchy Ice Cream theme song, “We Are the Sisters,” and have recorded radio commercials for the business. They have strong opinions about social media and marketing, and on how to showcase strong-willed women making change. For example, they were one of the driving forces in featuring “Women of Anarchy”— women who have made history by breaking convention — on our website.

Our daughters sometimes don’t understand our unconventional and unending work hours, lack of office outside of the house, and why we are the only parents they know who sling ice cream for a living. They witness our physical and mental exhaustion after a 16-hour workday, the norm from April through October; the stress about cash flow and payroll; and disagreements about strategy or approach. Bob and I think this will help them appreciate future employers and the sacrifices that they make; reach their own hard-won goals in academics, athletics and career; and understand the ebbs and flows of a committed relationship.

A family business is not always fun. Our daughters vacillate between pride in what they have helped build and resentment about how much time the business takes. But the three begrudgingly have acknowledged that they know they will value the experience of having worked in our family business as they get older.

The many responsibilities attached to a job provide young people with so many lessons and skills, plus the freedom and responsibility attached to earning and managing their own money. I feel fortunate that my children are getting their first work experience with my husband and me in a family business that they have helped inspire. K

PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS

SEE

Becky’s daughters, AKA the Sisters of Anarchy

Designed in Vermont by Pete Talbot and Ben t. Matchstick

Made in the USA

KIDS JUST FOR 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 highresolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Birthday Club.................................28

Coloring Contest Winners.....28

Writing Contest & Winners..29

Kid-Created Art............................30

Puzzle Page.....................................30

Birthday Club

KIDS JUST FOR Congratulations to these December/January Birthday Club winners! Join the Club!

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

TRISTYN lives in Jericho and turns 5 on December 11. He’s an energetic, imaginative kid and a loving big brother. He enjoys playing soccer, riding his Strider bike and creating Matchbox car tracks.

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

HENRY lives in South Burlington and turns 5 on December 2. He loves exploring new places and figuring out how things work. He has a collection of toy cars and loves taking photos of his family and the outdoors.

COLORING CONTEST WINNERS

The change of seasons was clearly on many coloring contest entrants’ minds this month. Seven-year-old Annabel’s mouse settled in for the snowy season with a steaming cup of cocoa. Tenyear-old Liam’s mouse raked his lawn on a chilly fall day, surrounded by drifting leaves. Five-year-old Sophie’s furry creature, dressed in a red-andgreen striped shirt, wandered in a forest of fir trees. Kudos to all the talented artists who sent us their masterpieces. We can’t wait to see what you have in store for us next time. You have until January 15 to send us your marvelous work!

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

MAYLEE lives in Waitsfield and turns 3 on January 23. She loves her family, singing, dancing and strawberries. When she grows up she wants to be Peppa Pig or a firefighter.

LIAM lives in Milton and turns 5 on January 23. He loves Transformers, trains, monster trucks and building things. He enjoys reading books and asks questions about everything.

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

Henry, Liam and Maylee each win four ECHO day passes.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

“THE RAINBOW MOUSE”

Zayd Musanovic, 8, Winooski

“GIANT!”

Lila Bisset, 9, Richmond

“MOUSE IN THE SNOW”

Clara Lesh, 5, Richmond

“THE MOUSE WHO CRIED WOLF”

Josie Maxwell, 10, South Burlington

“TURKEY MOUSE”

Anna Sharkey, 5, Colchester

“FIRST DAY OF PRESCHOOL”

Iyla Snyder, 5, Georgia

“SCHOOL MOUSE”

Aili Olson, 8, Winooski

“GOING SOMEWHERE”

Iris Erickson, 9, Burlington

“LITTLE SUNNY MOUSE”

Eliana Mina, 5, Richmond

“STORMY RATATOUILLE”

Alex Schoolcraft, 12, Duxbury

“STARLIGHT STARRYMOUSE”

Iris Bogar, 6, Bolton Valley

“MOUSE AND THE LEAVES”

Posey Ferrigno, 6, Burlington

TOP TITLES

“LITTLE SUNNY MOUSE”

Eliana Mina, 5, Richmond

“CAT ATTACK CHRISTMAS”

Jack Sharkey, 7, Colchester

“THE SMELL OF PUMPKIN PIE”

Gwyneth Hood, 12, South Hero

“The Colorful Mouse” Annie Rawson, 5 STOWE

5 & under

“The Button-Eyed Teddy Mouse” Lily Wells, 7 FERRISBURGH

6 to 8

“It’s Cold in Canada. Wait... Vermont?”

Shiloh Skalka, 9 BURLINGTON

9 to

Writing Contest

This month, we want to see your writing and drawing talents! Use the panels below to create an original comic that tells a story about kids building something out of snow.

Title:

WRITING CONTEST WINNERS

Name Age Town Email Phone

We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and comic strips 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, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Puzzles4Kids

BY HELENA HOVANEC

Riddle Search — AQUARIUMS

Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: What do goldfish say on the fourth Thursday in November?

ANGELFISH

BETTA

FAN FERN

FILTER

FOOD

GRAVEL

HEATER

JAVA MOSS

LID

LIGHT

Riddle Answer:

LILY MOLLY SAND SHELL

STAND

TETRA TOY TUBING

WATER WOOD

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.

Kid-Created Art

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

Print your answer here:

Connor, a seventh grader at Edmunds Middle School in Burlington, enjoys drawing and cartooning, dedicating many hours each day to his art. He started taking art classes at the Davis Studio as a preschooler, and now takes individualized lessons there. For more than two years, Connor has created a weekly onepanel cartoon titled “Syrup & Cows” for the Winooski, a local Vermont satire website (thewinooski.com). In addition, he has been a vendor at the Vermont Hand Crafters’ annual Craft Vermont fine craft and art show as a youth artist.

Ollie loves reading and has a voracious appetite for fantasy novels. He enjoys drawing and is excited to be able to bring his favorite characters to life on paper. He feels peace when he draws (the name of his dragon means “peace” in an ancient language). Ollie is working to become a black belt in tae kwon do someday and loves music, dancing and swimming in the summer.

ANSWERS P. 55

To learn more about art classes at Davis Studio, visit davisstudiovt.com.

“MOR’RANR, ONE OF EARTH AND AIR,” GRAPHITE PENCIL, OLLIE GUITERMAN, 10

“CHILL SANTA,” INK AND ILLUSTRATION MARKERS, BY CONNOR BYAM, 12