Kids VT, December 2015 - January 2016 - Double Issue

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Anniversary Performance The 10th Anniversary Performance

Nutcracker TheNutcracker 10 th Anniversary Performance

Nutcracker

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KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

The

December 19, 201519, at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

December 2015 at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

December 2015 at 1p.m. p.m. & 6:00 p.m.

December 20, 201520, at 1 p.m. & 6:00

SPONSORED BY

The Flynn Center For The Performing Arts • Burlington, Vermont Flynn Center For The Performing Arts • Burlington, Vt Tickets at 2015 $22 • 802-86Flynn • www.flynntix.org December 19, 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $22start • 802-86Flynn •at www.fl ynntix.org For Info 878-2941 • P.O. Box 8147 • Essex, VT • www.vbts.org • info@vbts.org For Info 878-2941 •20, P.O. Box 8147 •atEssex, www.vbts.org • info@vbts.org December 2015 1 p.m.VT&•6:00 p.m.

The Flynn Center For The Performing Arts • Burlington, Vermont

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VOL.22 NO.11 / 12

DOUBLE ISSUE

DEC 2015 / JAN 2016

Immediate Families .....18

Editor’s Note....................................................................5 See & Say ..........................................................................6 Coloring-Contest Winners ................................7 Habitat: Basement Game Room.....................48 Birthday Club..................................................................50 Use Your Words: Essay ..........................................51

Your Cheese & Wine Place

Meet the foster parents who open their homes, and hearts, to kids in state custody

EAT. LEARN. PLAY

We find the deals, you get the savings

DESTINATION RECREATION:

The Kids Beat ..................................................................9 Checkup: Lice...................................................................10 Fit Families: Free Skiing & Riding ..............11 One to Watch: Trent Gutstein..........................12 Bookworms: Best of the Year ........................13 Book-Inspired-Contest Winners ..................13 Mealtime: French Onion Soup ........................15 Balancing Act: Operation Vermont ............16 The Art of Cardboard Pinball ...........................17

GIFT BASKETS

Cold-Weather Edition .............. 22 Trips and activities to beat the winter blues

Cheese, wine, sweets More than Words....................26

CALENDAR

Kids who stutter turn to groups for support and treatment

Daily Listings ..................................................................28 Classes ..................................................................................29 Ongoing Exhibits ........................................................36 Playgroups ........................................................................40 Story Times ......................................................................44

FREE

ON THE COVER

HANDS ON Book-Inspired Contest ...........................................47 Coloring Contest .........................................................49 Puzzle Page ......................................................................50

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 V OL.22 N O.11 / 12

SNOW

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Brian Bushey, Marshall Donahue and Troy DeCoteau brace themselves for a snowy, wild ride in this photograph by Jeb Wallace-Brodeur.

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STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS cathy@kidsvt.com colby@kidsvt.com alison@kidsvt.com brooke@kidsvt.com corey@kidsvt.com kaitlin@kidsvt.com brett@kidsvt.com

ext. 74 ext. 77 ext. 75 ext. 41 ext. 76 ext. 72 ext. 78

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

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Contributing Editors Meredith Coeyman, Megan James Contributing Writers: Darcie Abbene, Mark Aiken, JD Fox, Mary Ann Lickteig, Ken Picard, Kymelya Sari, Brett Sigurdson, Erinn Simon, Laura Sorkin, Brett Stanciu, Jessica Lara Ticktin Illustrator: David Junkin Photographers: Tim Santimore, Sam Simon, Matt Thorsen, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

1186 Williston Rd., So. Burlington, VT 05403 (Next to the Alpine Shop) 802.863.0143 www.cheesetraders.com Open 7 days 10am-7pm

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KIDS VT

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

DISCOUNTS ON NATURAL, GLUTEN-FREE AND KID-FRIENDLY FOODS

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Cathy Resmer Colby Roberts Alison Novak Brooke Bousquet Corey Grenier Kaitlin Montgomery Brett Stanciu

“NEW NAME AND LOOK, SAME GREAT PRICES AS ALWAYS!”

KIDSVT.COM

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For teachers, care-takers, friends & someone special.

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Fun holiday events for the whole family!

A gift for them.

A Vermont tax credit for you.

December 26 - January 1

Gift-giving season is a great time to help save for college.

Vermont’s state-sponsored 529 college savings program, the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan (VHEIP), is the only college savings plan that qualifies families for a Vermont income tax credit on contributions.

KIDSVT.COM DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

Campfire with Hot Chocolate, Ice Cream Social, Indoor Amusement Center, Magic Show, Balloon Twisters, NYE Fireworks and more!

Save up to 50% on lift tickets this season when you purchase in advance at boltonvalley.com

Give a gift by December 31 to claim your Vermont tax credit for 2015!

Open an account or give a gift online today.

POWDER PASS

vheip.org/529gift 1-800-637-5860 VHEIP is sponsored by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, a public nonprofit established by the Vermont legislature in 1965 to help Vermont students and families plan and pay for college. VHEIP investment management is provided by Intuition College Savings Solutions, LLC. Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing and read the disclosure booklet (available online at vheip.org or by calling 1-800-637-5860). Investments in VHEIP are neither insured nor guaranteed, and there is the risk of investment loss.

Before investing in a 529 plan, you should consider whether the state you or your designated benificiary reside in or have taxable income in has a 529 plan that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits that are available only if you invest in that state’s 529 plan.

Illustration © Doug Ross

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KIDS VT

Holiday week events include:

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2016

EDITOR’S NOTE

Weathering the Winter

St% Merino Wool in 100 with 100% Natural

Handminade nd en w Zeala 100% marino wool

Handmade in New Zealand

100% al Natur

The Novaks at Burlington’s Intervale Center last winter

tration Early-Bird Regis

For those of you who prefer reading i 20 CHURCH STREET by the fire, we’ve got two longer features, (802) 475-2022 BURLINGTON both of which tackle more difficult 802.489.5993 topics. In “Immediate Families,” (page 18) Ken Picard talks with three families caring for some of the state’s more than k8v-LittleCitizen1115.indd 1 10/27/15 11:54 4:39 AM PM 12/3/15Untitled-2 1:09 PM 1 12/4/15 1,300 foster kids. His compassionate Untitled-54 1 profiles highlight both the challenging and the rewarding aspects of fostering children who’ve been removed from their parents’ homes. And in “More Than Words” (page 26), Kymelya Sari describes how rural Vermont teens who stutter find support and treatment.

As we start planning for the months ahead, we’re saying goodbye to contributing editor Megan James; she’s leaving Kids – join the fun in our annual Kids VT to be the outreach coordinator at Town Hall Theater in Middlebury.

PBS KIDS Writers Contest Two years ago, Megan took over the Kids as you write and illustrate VT managing editor role when she was your own original story! pregnant with her daughter, Joni. Since Vermont winners go on to the then, she’s shared her adventures in national competition! motherhood humorously and eloquently in this publication — from terrible Contest opens Monday, January 4. pregnancy sickness to pumping at work.

She’s been integral in making Kids Entry deadline Friday, March 18.

VT what it is today, and we’ll miss her Open to kids in Kindergarten through Grade 3! dearly.

Seven Days assistant editor Meredith Full contest details online starting in Coeyman will be taking Megan’s January at vermontpbs.org place. She wrote “Rebirth Plan: A ‘natural’ mom comes to terms with her C-section,” for our 2014 Maternity Issue, which won first place in the personal essay category in that year’s Parenting Media Association Design Sponsors: and Editorial Awards. We’re excited to welcome Meredith to our team!

l ttle

www.lcmm.org

citizen

KIDSVT.COM DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Don’t miss the fun!

KIDS VT

ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR

Images are from previous entries. View previous Kids Writers stories at vermontpbs.org/writers.

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AS I WRITE THIS, only a few snowflakes have fallen. But I’ve lived in Vermont long enough to know what Mother Nature has in store for the months ahead.

When my husband, Jeff, and I moved here from New York City over 11 years ago, the big piece of advice many people gave us was to take up skiing or snowboarding. “It will make the winter so much more bearable,” they told us.

And they were right.

During our first winter in Vermont, we took snowboarding lessons and spent many weekends on the slopes. Same deal the following winter. But then I got pregnant, which put a kibosh on the shredding. And then I had a baby who turned into a toddler. And then that whole sequence of events happened again.

When my kids were 5 and 3, we tried skiing as a family, figuring — just like when we first moved to Vermont — that an activity we could do together would make winter more bearable for all of us.

But it was a crowded holiday weekend, we weren’t able to get the kids into lessons and we weren’t equipped to teach them ourselves. My daughter, Mira, fell backward on the magic carpet and freaked out. My son, Theo, abandoned his mittens, helmet and goggles on the bunny hill. The whole experience was a disaster. I wrote about it for the Kids VT blog, asserting that skiing wasn’t for our family, “at least not yet.”

Fast forward three years and still, as Mira likes to say, “We’re not a skiing family.” Jeff and I haven’t written off the activity altogether but for now we’ll stick to intermittent day and overnight trips that don’t involve skiing to spice up our winter weekends, like the ones featured in our extended “Destination Recreation: Cold Weather Edition” (page 22). In it, seven writers describe their families’ favorite ways to pass the long, frigid days, from overnight trips to Lake Placid and Montréal to shorter outings at the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium and King Arthur Flour Bakery + Café.

The skiers out there might be interested in “Fit Families” (page 11).

It’s about Ski Vermont’s Fifth Grade Passport program, which enables fifth graders to ski free all season long.

e Lake Adventur Camps

War mIN STYLE Stay WARM STAY yle

SEE AND SAY

Top 10 of 2015

The most popular stories on kidsvt.com

1 “Exploring

the Timeless Appeal of Camp Dudley, the Nation’s Oldest Camp” by Ken Picard, February 2015

2 “Will You Go

Out With Me?: “Wings Over Plattsburgh” by Angela Arsenault on the Kids VT blog, May 2015.

3 “Balancing Act: How Jane Lindholm, the Host of ‘Vermont Edition,’ Juggles Work and Family”

by Jessica Lara Ticktin, September 2015

6 “Nature is the Teacher at

Burlington’s Popular Crow’s Path” by Molly Walsh, November 2015

7 “Four Pairs of Parents

Reignite Romance on Unconventional Dates”

by Angela Arsenault, Megan James, Alison Novak and Ken Picard, February 2015

8 “Bohemian Rap

Sessions: Conversations with Parents Who Rock” by Angela Arsenault, September 2015

4 “Why Some

Parents Decide to Delay Their Child’s Kindergarten Start Date” by Katie Titterton, September 2015

9

“Habitat: Backyard Bike Park” by Sarah Galbraith, August 2015

10

“Burlingtonbased Mamava Aims to Make Breastfeeding and Pumping Easier” by Megan James, May 2015

6

KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

5 “Habitat:

Funky Purple Playhouse” by Darcie Abbene, November 2015

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors: MARK AIKEN (“One to Watch” and “Fit Families”) is a ski instructor and freelance writer who lives in Richmond with his wife, Alison. Both of them are marathoners and triathletes who are fully immersed in another grueling endurance sport: parenting a 5-month-old and 2-year-old.

KYMELYA SARI (“More than Words”), a Seven Days writer, lives in Burlington. She’s originally from the tropical island of Singapore.

Auditions We held tryouts for the second annual Kids VT Spectacular Spectacular talent show in November. Young performers braved the Higher Ground stage to sing, dance, play instruments and even do magic in front of a panel of judges for a chance to make it into the final show.

Photographer Matt Thorsen snapped pics of the kids in their element.

The main event is on Saturday, December 12, at Higher Ground. Buy tickets at highergroundmusic.com or visit kidsvt. com/talentshow for more information.

The Performers

Delanee Hill Henry McBroom Rosalie Kosnitsky, Kylie Pollack Mira Novak, Grace Warrington Adam Bourdeau Brody, Carter and Liam McGuire Mykenzie Rey Duffy Lucy Macauley Lily Ledak, Charlotte Desantos, Claire Goldman, Isaac Goldman, Grace Koutras Lily Roberts Kelcie Kruk Jeremy Holzhammer Beaven Rutter, River Bumpas Caroline Swayze, Hadley Stockwell Jude Fidel Chasey Knight Kelby McManus Frances Murray-Gurney

From the Archives Get Out! Four Ways for New Parents to Spend Time Outside

The winners of our three gift certificates to Petra Cliffs are…

B Y S A R A H G A LBRA I T H

The Lunch Hour: If your I was delusional while baby is in I was pregnant. First, I someone else’s thought that getting our care during your baby to sleep would entail workday, this is laying her in her crib, the perfect opkissing her goodnight portunity to sneak and going back to making in some outdoor dinner or watching fun. You’ll need movies or doing whatever to bring your gear it is that perfectly rested to work and pack new parents do. some wet wipes My second delusion to clean off any was that I would be sweat before going back to your job. right back on skis. I even stood in our The Headlamp Tour: Get comfy kitchen at eight months pregnant and told my partner, “While we’re on leave, with heading out at night and find friends who want to join you (sans all that’s going to be on our agenda is baby). Trade off with your eating good food and skiing.”

Read more at partner or other parents who If you’re a new parent like kidsvt.com might be willing to babysit. me, you might wonder how to Invest in a good headlamp and find time to get outside, with keep it charged. or without baby. Here are four ideas The Family Outing: If you’re that helped me. bringing baby along, make sure to The Dawn Patrol: Usually dress her well — this includes wool or reserved for 4 a.m. drives to the synthetic base layers, a fleece midmountain to get first turns in fresh layer and an insulated bunting. Older powder, this term has new meaning babies can go in a ski polk, backpackfor outdoor-loving parents. Get up style hiking carrier or jogging stroller, before everyone’s day starts and head outside on your own. Leave a bottle for but younger babies cannot. Babies the baby with your partner, and lay out that can’t yet hold their own heads up everything you’ll need the night before. should go in an infant carrier...

❑ Pepper

❑ Olive oil

Find all of theses recipes at kidsvt.com.

STICKER MANIA

Gwendolyn Winans, 3, East Montpelier SWEET SHERLOCK

Jasper Turner, 10, Montpelier CREATIVE COLORS

Sadie Lizotte, 4, Essex WHEN PEANUTS ATTACK…

6 to 8

Niko Chernyshov, 6, Burlington GREAT JAILBREAK

Quinn Boglioli, 9, New Haven FORMAT BUSTER

Alexander Poczobut, 8, Barre

Aero Brunell, 7 NEWPORT

“Chip PUNK!”

PORCUPINE SPINE

Holly Lian, 8, Hinesburg MIGHTY MOONWALK

Stella O’Brien, 10, South Burlington ODDLY SATISFYING

Megan Peterson, 8, Richmond PICTURE PERFECT

Five other cold recipes from th-weather Cookin’ archivese Home :

• ButterscotchPistachio Blond ies • Snow-Day Bre ad • Baked Oatmea l • Pot Pie • Weekend Chili & Cornbread

Clara Macaluso, 9, Frelighsburg, Quebec GLORIOUS GRANDMA

Tessa Lynch, 4, Essex Junction

TOP TITLES “NUTPOWER”

Lily O’Brien, 10

9 to 12

SHELBURNE

“A Nutty Journey”

Ferris Giroux, 8, South Hero “PEANUT PATROL”

Lily O’Brien, 8, South Burlington “THE DAY THE CHIPMUNK QUIT”

Isaac Post, 6, West Bolton

Find this month’s coloring contest on page 49. The deadline for submissions is January 15.

KIDS VT

❑ Shallot or yellow onion

❑ Salt

HONORABLE MENTIONS

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

❑ Garlic

❑ Parmesan cheese

“Turbo the Skateboarding Chipmunk”

KIDSVT.COM

❑ Brussels sprouts

GEORGIA

FANTASTIC FOLIAGE

During the holidays, I have a hard time wrapping my head around dinner. There’s just so much going on. Pasta is a no-brainer but my kids are totally bored with the usual red-sauce routine. So I’m always thinking of new combinations that will make a bowl of penne exciting.

❑ Bacon (optional)

Colby Simpson, 5

5 and under

Frankie Donegan, 4, Charlotte

BY E R INN SI M O N

❑ Penne

Chipmunks love to gather nuts, but many of the 113 participants in last month’s coloring contest gave their woodland creatures something different to clutch.

Ten-year-old Jasper Turner transformed the peanut into a sparkling diamond. Lily O’Brien, also 10, went for a seasonal twist, turning the legume into a Thanksgiving turkey. Aero Brunell, 7, made a “Chip PUNK!” holding a nut-shaped microphone.

Keep the creativity coming, and congratulations to all the winners!

SAM SIMON

Home Cookin’: Bacon and Brussels Sprouts Penne

Here’s what you’ll need:

COLORING CONTEST

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KidsVT_wildlights15_4.75x5.56.pdf 1 11/25/2015 3:09:08 PM

MAMA TO BE. Choose WIC during and after your pregnancy for nutrition counseling, healthy foods, breastfeeding support, and more. You may be surprised at what WIC can offer and who can join.

Nov. 27 — Jan. 3 C

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CM

MY

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Join Today. 1.800.649.4357

Visit echovt.org for more info

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Best Place to Bring Your Kids Up Skiing!

- Powder

KIDSVT.COM

MAD RIVER GLEN COOP 2H

Photo credit: Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

Magazine

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EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

THE

BEAT

B Y D A R C I E A B B EN E, M EG A N JA M ES A ND MARY AN N LICKT E IG

BUSINESS

Toddler Time There’s a new place to play in Hinesburg. Anne Broussard, a local mom of three young sons, opened a cheery play gym called WIGGLE ROOM in October.

The former Latin teacher at Essex High School spent the last several years as a stay-at-home mom in France.

The experience of living abroad emboldened her to start the business when she returned to Vermont with her family last year. “I was ready to take a risk,” she says. Broussard has filled the play space with a ball pool surrounded by soft tunnels and climbing structures, a plastic slide, a play kitchen, bikes and trikes, books, blocks, stuffed animals, and toy cars. Broussard knows her audience well — none of the toys are small enough to pose a choking hazard, and, as an added incentive for weary parents, the coffee is free. —M.J. WIGGLE ROOM, 90 Mechanicsville Road, Hinesburg.

Open weekdays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $8 per child; $5 each additional child; free for babies under 9 months old with a sibling; twins for the price of one; $70 for a 10-session pass. Info, 482-2622. wiggleroomvt.com

BOOKS

Barnyard Antics

Inquiring Minds

KIDS VT

To learn more about the ADOLESCENT BRAIN COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT STUDY visit addictionresearch.nih.gov.

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Catch the Churchmans — with their border collie, Laddie, in tow — signing SWEET PEA & FRIENDS: THE SHEEPOVER at Frog Hollow Gallery in Burlington on Saturday, December 19, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.

The University of Vermont recently won one of 13 grants from the National Institutes of Health to participate in a landmark, nationwide study about the effects of adolescent substance use on the developing brain. The ADOLESCENT BRAIN COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT STUDY will follow about 10,000 children beginning at ages 9 or 10 through early adulthood. Scientists will track academic achievement, cognitive skills, mental health, brain structure and function, and exposure to substances, including nicotine, alcohol and marijuana, the NIH said.

UVM, which will recruit 550 kids with the help of local schools and receive about $11 million over 10 years, is partnered with Oregon Health & Science University, which will recruit another 550 kids. Psychiatry professor Hugh Garavan will lead the UVM site and serve as one of two codirectors for the national project.

He stressed that not all of the kids being studied will elect to use drugs, giving researchers unprecedented opportunity to study normal neurocognitive development as well. “This is a wonderful opportunity for researchers to map the teenage brain” and learn about “the beneficial and detrimental influences during those years,” Garavan said.

—M.A.L.

KIDSVT.COM

The cuddly lamb who graces the cover of SWEET PEA & FRIENDS: THE SHEEPOVER by John and Jennifer Churchman is undeniably cute. Jennifer says she once caught a 6-month-old drooling over the photograph. The picture book, which the husband-and-wife team selfpublished in August, recounts the true tale of the lamb’s recovery from an injury last January and the sleepover she had with her farmyard friends when her leg healed.

Photographs are layered on top of each other to create captivating images that tell the story with the help of simple text.

Jennifer and husband John, a fine-art photographer and graphic artist, live on a 25acre “picture farm” in Essex. The only thing they produce there is photographs of their cute sheep, ducks and other barnyard animals for clients including the New England Culinary Institute and Vermont Life magazine. When John posted photos of Sweet Pea’s leg injury on Facebook last winter, fans began asking for a children’s book based on the story. The couple, who have always had picturebook aspirations, didn’t need much nudging. What started as a well-received Kickstarter campaign that raised $26,791 to self-publish the book recently turned into a three-book deal signed with publishing giant Little, Brown and Company. —D.A.

RESEARCH

9

Q CHECKUP W IT H D R . L EW I S F I R S T

Got a question about kids’ health and wellness?

What’s the best way to get rid of head lice?

HEAD LICE ARE tiny, wingless insects that live in human hair. Annoying and contagious, these parasites are common, particularly among young children. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are between 6 and 12 million lice infestations annually among kids 3 to 11 years old — and the cold weather doesn’t kill these insects.

What’s the best way to get rid of those lousy critters? This month, Dr. Lewis First, head of pediatrics at University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, gets nitpicky on how to cure a head-lice infestation. Thankfully, Vermont is not one of the 25 states where “super-lice” — lice that are resistant to over-the-counter antilice medications — have been found statewide.

So if you’re using the pillow of someone with lice, there’s only about a 10 percent chance, or less, that you will get them. It’s mostly head-to-head contact that spreads them. You know what’s a great culprit for spreading head lice in 2015? Selfies — when kids clunk heads to take a picture!

KVT: At what age do kids typically contract lice?

LF: Lice are most common in preschool and elementary schoolchildren. That’s the age when they’re constantly in head-to-head contact or rolling around together playing on the floor or ground.

KVT: How can parents be sure that what they’re seeing are lice?

LF: If you see tiny, light-colored specks on your child’s scalp, what you’re seeing could also be dandruff or eczema. A comb will remove dandruff easily. Nits, or lice egg casings, are white and typically at the base of the hair shaft, not at the ends of the hair, and they don’t come off easily with a normal comb. The lice themselves can be harder to find but are either white or tan and about the size of a sesame seed.

You usually have lice for about four weeks before you even know they’re there.

KIDS VT: What are some comwmon misconceptions about head lice?

LEWIS FIRST: First of all, lice are not life-threatening and don’t carry serious diseases. Lice are not a sign of poor hygiene, of unclean hair or an unclean home. Basically, lice can set up shop in anyone, at any time, regardless of socioeconomic status or of who you are, what you do and where you live.

KVT: Should kids attend school if they have lice?

LF: There’s no reason for a “no nit” policy in schools. Children who have head lice should go home, get treated overnight and can return to school the next day. You usually have head lice for about four weeks before you even know they’re there. So the idea of sending kids home from school immediately makes no sense whatsoever.

KVT: How do kids get lice?

LF: Lice cannot hop, fly or jump. They can only move to another child by head-to-head contact. And you cannot get them from a pet or by being outside in the grass or woods. Lice can survive only one to two days off the hair shaft.

KVT: Why do lice itch?

LF: The itching is due to saliva from the louse, which it deposits in the skin as it bites the scalp to feed off your blood. You develop a sensitization around those bites, which can become red and itchy.

Send it to ideas@kidsvt.com.

KVT: What’s the most effective treatment

method?

LF: The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests starting with the most recommended over-the-counter anti-lice preparations: permethrin, (sold under the brand name Nix) and pyrethrin (sold under the brand name Rid). These are inexpensive and safe treatments.

KVT: Why are some lice treatments ineffective?

LF: There are some common explanations. The first is that parents may not be following the treatment directions carefully. Another is that parents aren’t spreading the treatment lotion over the child’s entire scalp. Another explanation is reinfestation from another child with lice. Finally, some parents don’t do a second treatment seven to 10 days

later, when they should. Typically, these over-the-counter products are 80 to 90 percent effective. They may still leave some nits on the hair shaft, which 10 days later can hatch into lice, which is why the second treatment is so important.

KVT: What if parents don’t want to use chemical treatments?

LF: Some people believe that an herbal remedy may be just as effective, but there is no scientific data to show that’s the case. Common nonchemical treatments include covering your child’s scalp with mayonnaise, petroleum jelly or olive oil and then covering their head overnight with a shower cap.

But small children can easily pull a shower cap over their face at night and suffocate. Second, even then, it’s not clear you will kill every louse. Finally, it’s very difficult to get that stuff out of your kids’ hair.

KVT: What do people need to do to treat their home after a lice exposure?

LF: Anything or anyone that’s come in contact with your child’s head in the past 24 to 48 hours needs preventive treatment. Pillows, sheets, blankets and stuffed animals should be sanitized in hot water in the washing machine, followed by frequent vacuuming of couches, rugs, carpets and even car seats that were in contact with a child’s head. But extensive and exhaustive home cleaning measures aren’t necessary. K

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

Interview compiled and condensed by Ken Picard

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Q FIT FAMILIES

BY M ARK AIKE N

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

Ski & Ride for Free

The Tebbetts family with friends at Bolton Valley

for the holder’s photo Valley’s Cobrass when and signature, along late winter alpenglow ilwith a bar code that luminated the snow, sky gets scanned at ticket and surrounding hills. windows. Equipment Thankfully, it’s much rental is not included. easier to obtain a Fifth The passport proGrade Passport than one gram gives many kids that proves citizenship. access to a sport that Parents can apply by can be cost prohibitive mail or online anytime FIFTH GRADER ALDEN TEBBETTS — a one-day lift ticket between December and for 6-12-year-olds at March, pay an $11 proStowe Mountain Resort, cessing fee, and receive the passport by mail two weeks later. for example, costs $95. But it also benefits Ski Vermont resorts. Local The passport booklets have a slot

I learned to ski a lot better in different snow conditions and on different terrain.

COURTESY OF VICKY TEBBETTS

THIS WINTER, members of an exclusive club will ski and ride for free at Vermont’s alpine resorts and crosscountry skiing centers. To collect their complimentary tickets, all they have to do is flash their passports — their Ski Vermont passports, that is. And only a select group of outdoor enthusiasts are eligible: The ones who are currently in fifth grade.

Ski Vermont, a nonprofit trade organization that represents member resorts, runs the Fifth-Grade Passport program, which has granted 21,000 passports since it started in 2000.

Alden Tebbetts of Cabot had a passport last year. He used it to ski more than 10 times at five different alpine resorts and one cross-country skiing center. “I learned to ski a lot better in different snow conditions and on different terrain,” he says.

The pass also boosted his sense of responsibility according to Alden’s mom, Vicky. “He stored [his passport] tucked into his helmet, along with his goggles, in the bag so he never ran the risk of leaving it in a pocket,” Vicky says, adding that he never once forgot it at home. “It was pretty frayed by the end of the season.”

Although Alden already knew how to ski, Vicky says her family’s participation inspired his younger sister, Adelie, to learn. She’ll be eligible for a passport next year. “We had so many memorable days,” Vicky says, remembering how they spent some leisurely weekday afternoons on the slopes, bumped into friends on weekends and even enjoyed a subzero day at Smugglers’ Notch.

Their favorite run of the season?

The final one — a cruiser on Bolton

kids aren’t the only ones eligible for the program; 71 percent of passport users come from out of state. That’s good news for ski areas, since a passport holder must be accompanied by an adult season-pass or ticket holder.

Vermont farmers also have something to gain. Ski Vermont uses the $11 processing fee to cover printing, mailing and online processing fees, and donates any overages to Vermont farmers. Last year the organization gave $16,365 to the Keep Local Farms Fund, an initiative of the New England Dairy Promotion Board.

Why farmers? “The ski and ride industry is a community that connects with the landscape,” says Sarah Wojcik, Ski Vermont’s director of public affairs. “Farmers are a part of that landscape.”

Essentially, though, the program is about getting kids onto the snow. “It’s a great age to learn,” says Wojcik, “and to encourage exploring.”

And getting kids on the slopes early also increases the chances that they’ll get hooked.

As a sixth grader this year, Alden is no longer eligible for the passport. But he still has something to look forward to — his family purchased season passes for the first time ever, to Bolton Valley Resort. K

PASSPORT PROTOCOL

Visit skivermont.com for more information about the Fifth Grade Passport program. Fill out a simple application and pay a nominal fee — it’s all downhill from there.

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

Classes for the whole family Ages 1.5 through 99 Self-defense classes for groups and businesses Locations in Middlebury & Vergennes

Dr. Hetzler has over 20 years experience and specializes in children with special health care needs.

Now accepting patients ages 0-13.

617 Riverside Ave., Burlington • www.chcb.org

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Medicare, Medicaid and All Major Insurance Plans Accepted

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Call 802-377-0476, or email tkdkicks101@yahoo.com for more information or to set up a free class.

Visit us online at tkdkicks.net!

For an appointment, call 864-6309.

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KICK UP some Family Fun at TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S!

KIDSVT.COM

CHCB welcomes our new Pediatrician Terry Hetzler, MD.

Q ONE TO WATCH

B Y M ARK AIKE N

Speed Racer ©Ambient Photography

An expert teen skier spends winters — and summers — on the slopes

OPEN HOUSE JOIN US THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4 FROM 8:30-11:00 OR CALL 802-658-3992 TO SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR OPEN ENROLLMENT BEGINS 2/4/16 LEARN MORE AT: WWW.MCSCHOOL.ORG

12/3/15 1:06 PM

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DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

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NAME: TOWN: AGE:

TRENT GUTSTEIN isn’t sure how many days he spent skiing last year.

Let’s just say it was a lot.

From November to March, the Stowe High School senior is on snow six days a week as a day student at Mount Mansfield Winter Academy.

Aspiring teen ski racers train there every morning with the Mount Mansfield Ski Club, then spend afternoons and evenings working with teachers on course work from their home middle and high schools.

Last winter, Trent ended his first U18 ski season (a category for 16- and 17-year-olds) at the United States National Ski Championships in Sugarloaf, Maine, competing in Slalom, Super G and Giant Slalom alongside America’s top skiers. Then, in July and August, he “doublewintered” in Bariloche, Argentina, training and competing with a youth and teen ski club there.

It’s fairly common for elite ski racers to spend several weeks training in the Southern hemisphere, but the Gutstein family’s approach is uncommon. Trent’s mom, Denise, has relocated to Bariloche with Trent and his older brother and fellow ski racer, Grant, for the past five summers. Denise enrolled her sons in Argentinian school, and says that, in addition to providing the opportunity for cross-cultural learning, ski racing has taught her sons how to set goals and be resilient. “They learned to

TRENT GUTSTEIN STOWE 17

pick themselves up when they didn’t succeed,” she says.

Competitive ski racers must contend with bad weather, equipment malfunctions and ever-changing course conditions, so it’s important to stay focused and positive. “All I can do is take one race at a time and prepare myself mentally and physically for that race,” Trent says. “Then when race day comes, try to have an optimistic outlook.”

Lorant Gudasz, Trent’s coach at the Mount Mansfield Ski Club, appreciates balance. “I like athletes to be motivated, but I want it to be fun,” says Gudasz, who describes Trent as a passionate and talented athlete.

Trent recognizes that some of the most valuable skills he has picked up each winter at MMWA have nothing to do with skiing. In order to stay on top of a rigorous high school course load, he’s had to learn how to manage his time, be organized and focused, and effectively communicate with teachers.

Fortunately, it’s not all work. Trent recalls a memorable experience that happened off the slopes at last year’s national championships. During a break in the racing action, he and several rival skiers found themselves on a volleyball court.

“We were all at Nationals trying to beat out the next guy,” Trent explains.

“But that day we were playing a game none of us really play. We were supporting each other, making friends and just having fun.” K

12

“One to Watch” shines a light on a young Vermonter who is going places.

Know a local child, age 17 or under, who’s recently done something amazing?

Nominate him or her at kidsvt.com/vermont/kidsvtonetowatch/page.

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✱ BOOKWORMS BY A LISON N OVAK

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

Best of the Year Dozens of new children’s books stream into the Kids VT office every year. We often don’t have space to write about them, but we sure do love bringing them home and sharing them with our kids. As 2015 comes to a close, here’s a rundown of some of the best books we’ve received in the past 12 months.

Ms. Rapscott’s Girls

BY ELISE PRIMAVERA

Ordinary People Change the World series

SnoozeFest

BY BRAD MELTZER

BY SAMANTHA BERGER, ILLUSTRATED BY KRISTYNA LITTEN

Plot in a nutshell: A sleepy sloth named Snuggleford Cuddlebun takes a bus to Nuzzledome stadium to attend a giant concert that celebrates sleeping.

Sample excerpt: “It’s dreamy to see the stuff everyone brings — their wumphiest, coziest, comfiest things. Bundles of blankets and fluffed feather beds — puffy poofed pillows to prop up their heads.”

Why it’s awesome: Most parents need all the help they can get at bedtime, and this story makes sleeping seem really cool. The exuberant rhymes might not lull your kid into slumber right away, but they’re lots of fun. Also, who doesn’t like a sloth protagonist?

Plot in a nutshell: Meltzer chronicles the lives of big names in history, from Helen Keller to Rosa Parks, in a firstperson, cartoony style. The latest installment of the eight-book series, I Am Martin Luther King Jr., comes out in early January.

Sample excerpt: From I Am Helen Keller: “In my life, they said I was different. They said I’d never be normal.

But the truth is, there’s no such thing as a ‘normal’ life. Every one of us is like a flower that must be watered. Every one of us is full of potential. And every one of us can overcome obstacles.”

Why it’s awesome: Biographies geared toward kids can be boring — really boring. These ones are funny, engaging, inspiring and informative.

Plot in a nutshell: The Great Rapscott School for Girls of Busy Parents only accepts daughters of “the busiest parents in the world.” Five 8-year-olds from different backgrounds arrive at the school in flying boxes and, under the tutelage of no-nonsense headmistress Ms. Rapscott, learn lessons in bravery, independence and friendship.

Sample excerpt: “Bea, Mildred, Fay and Annabelle sullenly regarded the new teacher, whom they thought wasn’t young but wasn’t old either. Her hair was coarse but had been tamed into a severe bun. She had a large nose, deep brown horsey eyes, and an oblong face the shape of a cough drop. She had a wiry body inside an oversized thick sweater that a real fisherman could have knitted, and pants the color of mud were shoved into sturdy waterproof boots that were ready for anything.”

Why it’s awesome: My 8-year-old daughter usually goes for more realitybased fiction, but this whimsical tale perfectly captured her imagination, and the satirical elements made us both laugh. Plus, this novel has an innocence that’s rare in most current books geared toward the tween-girl set.

Fairy Tales for Little Folks

BY WILL MOSES

Plot in a nutshell: Five timeless fairy tales, from Little Red Riding Hood to Beauty and the Beast, are straightforwardly told and accompanied by charming folk art.

Sample excerpt: From the “On Reading Fairy Tales” note at the end of the book: “Some people may say these stories have no relevance in our culture today, but I disagree. I believe these stories are popular because they cleverly reflect upon the core fabric of who we are as people: our uncertainties and strengths; our fear of loss, of hunger; our worries about money, love, death, danger, and abandonment; but they also provide life lessons about the rewards of optimism, determination, strength of character, and the belief that no matter how hard times may get, if you just keep moving you will come out okay.”

Why it’s awesome: In this age of hipster, ironic, too-cool-for-school children’s books, sometimes it’s nice to read a good, old-fashioned bedtime story.

KIDSVT.COM

Book-Inspired Contest Winners Grace Clark, 10 RICHMOND

When my cousins come, I like to go sledding with them in my backyard.

Sponsored by

Other winners:

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Find this month’s book-inspired writing prompt on page 47. The deadline is January 15. Happy reading … and writing!

Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop.

KIDS VT

Izzy Lamkins, 6 PERU, N.Y. Mariah Barrows, 11 COLCHESTER Ezra Case, 10 BURLINGTON

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

Congratulations to these talented young artists who submitted captioned pictures showing themselves having fun with their relatives, inspired by The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant. Each wins a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington. At right, you’ll find one of the winning drawings.

THE LEARNING CENTER AT HEALTHY LIVING MAPLE CRÉME BRÛLÉE FRENCH TOAST 8

Tbsp (1 stick) bu er

1

tsp vanilla extract

1 1/3 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup maple syrup

4

eggs

1

1

cup half and half

loaf Challah bread sliced 1” thick

DIRECTIONS:

KIDSVT.COM

Preheat your oven to 250º F. Melt bu er in a medium saucepan. Stir in brown sugar and cook until smooth, shiny and pale in color (like caramel). Pour caramel mixture into a well greased 9”x13” baking pan, spreading the mixture evenly to make a thin layer on the bo om of the pan. In a separate bowl, mix eggs, half & half and maple syrup together. Dip bread slices in the ba er. Lay the soaked slices in the pan on top of the caramel, laying the slices right next to each other so they are packed tightly in the pan. Pour any remaining ba er over the bread slices and place pan in oven. Bake for 30 minutes or until set. Remove from oven and, while pan is still hot, carefully invert the pan onto a large serving pla er. Serve immediately.

GINGERBREAD HOUSES!

All classes require pre-registration. For a full schedule, or to register, go to healthylivingmarket.com; or call Customer Service at 802.863.2569. ¡¡¡ DORSET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON × ¦§¨.©ª«.¡¬ª® × HEALTHYLIVINGMARKET.COM × ©AM-®PM SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

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KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

Thursday, 12/3 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $20 Wednesday, 12/9 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $20 Friday, 12/18 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $20 Wednesday, 12/23 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $20

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✱ MEALTIME BY E RIN N SIM O N

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

A Slow Simmer MY BROTHER AND I spent a lot of time, and ate many homemade meals, at my grandmother’s house while we were growing up. That’s where I learned my first lessons about cooking — especially during the holiday season, when my parents often worked extra hours and scrambled to get everything done.

Nana’s house was always decorated beautifully with a big tree in the living room, greeting cards from friends hanging everywhere and a large

chest that would slowly fill with gifts for friends and family as Christmas approached. She loved the season and always seemed to be enjoying herself, even in the midst of baking tray after tray of cookies, or prepping holiday menus for 14 people.

We’d head to her house after school and do our homework or draw at the table while she bustled around the kitchen making dinner. She and my grandfather always ate at 5 p.m.

We’d eat with them, listening for the sound of our parents’ car pulling into the driveway. The sky would be dark as midnight, a fire crackling in the fireplace.

Nana taught me how calming a good cooking project can be. She used those late-afternoon dinner preps to anchor herself during the hectic holiday season. In between managing my brother and me, preparing the house for company, shopping for gifts and volunteering at her church, she would simmer beef bones and make homemade stock for a giant pot of soup.

FRENCH ONION SOUP

PHOTOS: SAM SIMON

Adapting Julia Child’s classic French onion soup

The lead-up to the holidays is just as busy for me now. My husband, Sam, and I work more hours, just like my parents did. Baking projects and shopping trips seem to multiply.

School events monopolize many

evenings. When I start to feel lost during these crazy months, I make a pot of soup. The process relaxes me, and the delicious results taste just like those cozy afternoons in Nana’s kitchen.

This adaptation of Julia Child’s traditional French onion soup requires cooking down a big pan of onions slowly and carefully. But, once that’s done, all you have to do is wait while it simmers — and fills your house with the most delicious aroma.

DIRECTIONS:

2 ½ pounds yellow onions (about 5-6 medium onions, or 6 cups sliced)

Thinly slice the onions: Cut each one in half without peeling. Then slice off the ends, remove the skin and make angled cuts along the natural lines of the onion aimed at its center (see photo).

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the bread 2 tablespoons olive oil Kosher salt and black pepper 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar for caramelizing the onions (optional) ¼ cup white wine (optional) 6 thick slices of a baguette At least 6 slices of cheese (Gruyère, Parmesan and sharp cheddar all work. I used slices of Gruyère and a teaspoon of grated Parmesan on top of each.)

When the onions are almost ready, heat your broth in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over low heat. You want it to be warm but not boiling when you add the onions.

Preheat your broiler.

When the onions are completely caramelized, add them to the warm broth along with the wine, if you’re using it.

Turn up the heat slightly and simmer the soup, covered, for about 30 minutes, until the onions are very soft and look almost melted.

Toast the baguette slices and spread each side lightly with butter.

Set six oven-proof bowls on a baking sheet. (I use ceramic ramekins, but Pyrex or even a jumbo muffin tin will work just as well.) Fill each about three-quarters full with hot soup. Top with a slice of toasted bread and a slice or two of cheese. When the broiler reaches full heat, put the bowls of soup in for three to four minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

15

“Mealtime” is a feature about families and food. Got a topic you’d like us to explore? Email it to ideas@kidsvt.com.

Let cool briefly and serve.

KIDS VT

Now comes the meditative part: Add a bit of salt, a sprinkle of black pepper and a teaspoon of sugar, if you like. Cook the onions, stirring frequently so they don’t stick to the pan, until they’re dark golden brown and caramelized. This will take anywhere from 35 to 50 minutes. Yes, really. Put on some music and enlist a helper. (I convinced my middle schooler to spend about 10 minutes stirring!) If the onions start to brown too quickly, or

Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if necessary.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

4 cups beef or vegetable broth

Melt the butter and olive oil in a large, shallow, heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Wait until the butter foams up and settles down, then add the sliced onions.

stick to the pan, lower the heat just a bit and stir some more.

KIDSVT.COM

INGREDIENTS:

Q BALANCING ACT

BY JESSICA LARA TICKTIN

Operation Vermont How a former military family manages life on the move

THE MATHISEN FAMILY are no risville. The couple are New Engstrangers to transition. Dad Art was in landers at heart, Jennie says, and are the military for over two decades, and happy to be back in the region where the family of five has moved approxithey grew up. mately 10 times since 1992.

In September, the Mathisens reloOn the division of labor: cated once again from southeastern Jennie: It’s pretty easy because Virginia to Wolcott, Vt., when Art was we have traditional roles. Having hired as the chief operating officer of been a military family, there are Copley Hospital in Morrisville. Mom two reasons I chose not to pursue a Jennie runs the household. Daughter career. One: I did really want to stay Emma and son Sam are students at home with my kids. And two: I know Stowe High School and work at the my personality and I’m not a superElmore Store. (The Mathisen’s oldest woman type. I can’t be juggling a lot son, Blair, is a student at Husson Unimentally and emotionally. Being a versity in Bangor, Maine.) military wife, it’s pretty hard to have Art and Jennie met in Bangor as a consistent career because you pick high school students. up and move every Soon after, Art’s family couple of years. So, moved to Alaska. Art I cook, I clean, I do was determined to be laundry. Our kids are with Jennie and gain in high school now, so his independence, so they can get around he promptly joined the on their own for the army and asked Jennie most part. to marry him — over Art: We had kids the phone. Art was just young, so we’ve been 21 years old and Jendoing this for 20 years nie was 20.

ART MATHISEN and it comes very Blair was born natural for us. I would several years later, say we are a traditionwhile the couple al family. Jennie is, has were students at the University of been and continues to be the stereoMaine. Art had left the army by then; typical, or at least what I picture to be he rejoined after college as a Medistereotypical, mom. I’m the dad that cal Service Corps officer. The army sent him to graduate school at Baylor goes to work. The kids really bring most of their issues to Mom. University in Waco, Texas, where he completed his degree in health care Jennie: It’s really just typical of who’s administration. That launched Art’s around more. I don’t know if “tradicareer running hospitals — he’s been tional” is a kind word. It describes a senior executive at army hospitals how things were done a while back in California, Kansas, Maryland and and, you know, a lot of people are Seoul, South Korea. changing ways. But that role just felt Jennie stayed at home to raise their comfortable for us. three children, settling them into each Art: If Jennie had wanted to work full new place as they moved. In 2013, Art time then we would have just adjusted retired from the army and the family down that path. returned to civilian status.

Before coming to Copley, Art led a On keeping regular hours as a COO: medical group at Bon Secours Health System in Suffolk, Va. He saw the Art: The problem is — well it’s not a opening for a COO at Copley online problem, just the dynamic that we’re and had to look on a map to find Mordealing with — I’m, for the most part,

16

KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

We had kids young, so we’ve been doing this for 20 years and it comes very natural for us.

Dad: Art Mathisen, 44, chief operating officer, Copley Hospital Mom: Jennie Mathisen, 43, stay-athome mom Kids: sons Blair, 20 (not pictured), and Sam, 15; daughter, Emma, 17

a workaholic. I get into work between 7 and 8:30 a.m. I come home and try to be in the house and present around 5 or 6 p.m. So I’ll come home pretty much on time, but usually I am doing something work-related after dinner.

My goal, because I’ve been doing this a long time, as a leader you show your family and the people you work with that [you’re trying to have balance].

If I’m not trying to have balance then other people feel they need to be at work, too.

Jennie: He has pretty good hours!

Art: I have pretty good hours because I have a seven-minute drive!

On making it to the kids’ events and school meetings: Jennie: If there are things where a parent needs to be, I’ll go unless we both feel like we should go together. There are those times when I can’t be there and Art will go — you can get out of something in your job if you know ahead

of time, right? Then he will go. We try to communicate that weekend before to find out what we might know is coming ahead.

On managing the transitions: Jennie: This is the time where — for me, every time we’ve moved in the military — the funk kind of hits. You’re on a high, preoccupied with the move, getting everyone settled in. And now it’s like, things are on the wall, what am I going to do with myself ? [Jennie is currently volunteering at Copley Hospital.]

On parenting teenagers: Art: We both had strict parents who went overboard. Especially when the kids are teenagers, you have to give them a fair bit of free agency to make decisions and learn from them. It’s like the workplace: You delegate that decision-making authority to your staff and to your children. You say, “I trust you to do the right thing.” K

In “Balancing Act,” we ask Vermont parents about the intersection of work and family life. Know someone we should interview? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

✱ THE ART OF

BY JD FOX

Cardboard Pinball

Students at River Rock School

Visit

Montshire Museum

PHOTOS: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

• 135+ Hands-on Exhibits • Daily Activities • Visiting Exhibitions • David Goudy Science Park • Nature Trails • Live animals & aquariums • Museum Store • Free parking $2 Off Admission! When you subscribe to Montshire’s eNews at montshire.org.

OPEN DAILY 10-5

Montshire

Talbot says he hopes the game will inspire players to release their “inner MacGyver.”

montshire.org • 802.649.2200 Exit 13 I-91, Norwich, VT

Pete Talbot and Ben T. Matchstick at Woodbury Mountain Toys

system. In June, they were invited to participate in the first-ever National Maker Faire in Washington, D.C. And in September, they trekked to the World Maker Faire in New York, where they received numerous blue ribbons for their cardboard pinball “art-cade.”

An article on the Make: website noted their achievement: “Simple and complex at the same time, making a cardboard pinball [machine] looks almost as fun as playing one!”

The inventors officially launched the PinBox 3000 in November, in time for the holiday season. It can be purchased online and at Woodbury Mountain Toys in Montpelier.

The game isn’t just for kids. Jokes Matchstick: “Given a little time and patience, even a 30-year-old could put it together.”

KIDS VT

Second grader Dillon Nicholas, also from Union, designed a board with three “security robots” repurposed from found plastic objects. He hammered nails into the board at different spots to make obstacles for the marbles.

Owen Lathrop, a fourth grader from Union, said he especially liked the Battle Mode feature, which links two PinBox machines together so players can attempt to send their ball through their opponent’s board. In this version of the game, whoever loses their three balls first is the winner.

The PinBox creators themselves have been on a winning streak. The pair, who call themselves “professors” of the “Cardboard Teck Instantute,” are experienced cardboard creators — their past work includes a giant Star Wars Imperial Walker and an arcade for a puppet show. They’ve also made pinball machines for various parties and venues, including the Human Powered Carnival in Glover and Montpelier’s now-closed Langdon Street Café.

In January 2015, they were offered a monthlong residency at the Generator maker space in Burlington, where they honed their game

Museum of Science

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

THE PINBOX 3000 is available online at makershed.com or pinbox3000.com, or at Woodbury Mountain Toys in Montpelier. The standard system is $49.95; Battle Mode, which includes two PinBox 3000s, is $89.95. A discount is available for educators.

AL FUN! E R

KIDSVT.COM

KIDS IN MONTPELIER’S River Rock School after-school program tinkered with ramps and bumpers on a recent November afternoon. They were designing a familiar game: pinball.

But theirs were far from the machines found in modern arcades.

Rather than electricity, these pinball machines were powered by imagination. And instead of metal and glass, they were made out of cardboard.

The elementary school students were playing with prototypes of the PinBox 3000, a low-tech invention developed by Montpelier residents Pete Talbot and Ben T. Matchstick, who describes the PinBox as the “X-Box of cardboard.”

It comes in a kit containing 12 flat “slides” of die-cut cardboard ready to be punched out along perforated lines and assembled. Step-by-step instructions are designed to make it doable for kids ages 7 and up.

After assembly, the working pinball machine is complete with flippers and a rubber-band-powered ball-release mechanism. The kit includes two playing surfaces, or play boards, which are intentionally left bare to allow for customization.

Creativity is encouraged. An instruction book offers tips such as using a Popsicle stick for a bumper, bending cardboard into ramps or using an empty creamer cup to catch the ball. Talbot says he hopes the game will inspire players to release their “inner MacGyver.”

Sure enough, the students used glue guns and found materials including bottle caps, straws, Popsicle sticks and cardboard to construct their own play boards. Union Elementary School first grader Liam Noyes glued a large sign on his play board that told players to send their ball through an opening for a prize; however, there was no prize.

“It’s a trick!” he said, laughing, “just to get people to do it.”

Real Science.

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

17

“The Art of” spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com . k8v-PreventChildAbuse0211.indd 1

1/27/11 11:33 AM

IMMEDIATE

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KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

FAMILIES

Meet the foster parents who open their homes, and hearts, to kids in state custody B Y K E N P IC A R D

M

kids in Vermont’s foster-care system* — an all-time high *AS OF LATE SEPTEMBER 2015

I wish more parents would do this. There are so many kids out there who need a good home.

40%

of foster kids placed with grandparents or other relatives.

1,100

licensed foster parents throughout Vermont

Ann is completing the process of adopting Howie.

“My youngest is going to be 17 this spring. I can’t believe I’m starting over!” she says with a laugh.

A ‘PERFECT STORM’

Taking custody of a child is the state’s least preferable option, says Joyal of DCF. Still, since the beginning of 2014, the number of children in DCF custody has increased by nearly 33 percent. For children younger than 6 years old, the number has jumped by 68 percent.

It’s becoming increasingly commonplace for the state to assume custody of infants and newborns. As Ann notes, “I probably get two or three calls each weekend for emergency placements.”

“It’s fair to say that we’re in a crisis,” says Joyal. As of late September, an all-time high of some 1,375 kids were in Vermont’s foster-care system.

Joyal explains that’s largely due to Vermont’s opiate epidemic: Children born to drug-addicted parents now account for three out of every four kids in state foster care. As a consequence, DCF is struggling to keep pace with the ever-burgeoning demand for new foster caregivers.

That rising demand has also put a spotlight on DCF social workers’ heavy caseloads. Following the 2014 deaths of two Vermont children under age 2, both of whom had had previous DCF involvement, the state hired 18 new staffers to help ease the burden.

Nevertheless, Joyal says that DCF social workers’ caseloads are still at least twice the nationally recommended average of 12 families per worker. As a result, Vermont foster parents can face long waits to get their calls answered when they need help.

Perhaps not surprisingly, recruiting new foster parents hasn’t been easy, Joyal says. That task became even harder last summer after DCF social worker Lara Sobel was shot and killed

33%

increase in the number of children in DCF custody* *SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2014

IMMEDIATE FAMILIES, P. 20 »

68%

increase of children younger than 6 in DCF custody*

ALL INFOGRAPHIC DATA PROVIDED BY DCF

KIDS VT

*SINCE THE BEGINNING OF 2014

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

1,375

deal with all the drama,’ that’s OK. We homes to children to whom they’re have plenty of needs.” unrelated. Others, like “Sharon” and Even then, as Ann points out, there’s “Mark” in northern Addison County, no such thing as an “easy” placement, and “Chris” and “Terry” in southern even for people like her who’ve done it Chittenden County, foster children of for years. Most of the kids she’s cared a family member. (At DCF’s request, for came from homes where substance pseudonyms are used throughout abuse was pervasive; others were this story to protect the parents’ and emotionally or physically abused and/ children’s identities.)

None of these foster parents takes on or had parents with mental illness.

Many children have behavioral or the responsibility for the money. Foster health issues of their own. One child parents receive a monthly stipend from Ann took in, as respite care to allow the state — for the families in this story, it ranges from about $18 to $30 a day per another foster family a weekend off, had a serious brain injury. child, which is based on the child’s age “I would say 99 percent of the kids and the caregiver’s level of foster-care in custody have suffered pretty sigexperience. All say that modest sum nificant trauma or loss, so we need to doesn’t come close to covering their know how to work with them,” explains foster children’s expenses, including Ann, who also food, clothteaches one ing, diapers, of the two transportation, courses that daycare and are mandatory medical care. for becoming a Though one licensed foster might assume parent. “You that people “SHARON,” FOSTER PARENT can’t parent who choose them the same to become way you’d parent your own child, foster parents are affluent, or at least because a lot of times they’ve been financially comfortable, often that’s not through things you can’t even imagine.” the case.

Which is not to say Ann doesn’t get Foster families come from a variety emotionally attached. In the mudroom of socioeconomic backgrounds, says of her farmhouse hangs a bulletin Barbara Joyal, system of care unit board filled with kids’ pictures: school director for DCF’s Family Services photos, selfies, clippings from a local Division in Waterbury, which oversees newspaper of school sporting events. all state foster-care placements. What Clearly, not all are of Ann’s biological they all have in common, she says, is a children. desire to give these children a second “I loved every kid that came into this chance in life. Many get their first taste of foster parenting by providing respite house,” she says. “And when I see them on the street — and I do, because it’s care for a night or weekend when another foster family needs to travel or such a small community — they’ll come running up and say ‘hi.’ That’s cool.” take a break.

Sometimes, the hardest part of Foster parents can indicate which the job is when it ends: “When a child age or gender child would best inteleaves your home and you know they’re grate with their own family. “We value going back to a situation that’s not that and encourage people to do that, good — and there’s nothing you can do because not everybody has the skill about it.” set,” Joyal adds. “If they [say], ‘Oh, Not all of the kids go back, though. teenaged girls scare me to death. I can’t

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ost mothers have nine months to prepare for the arrival of a new baby. Imagine having only half an hour.

“Ann” was relaxing at home with her teenage daughter one Saturday night in October 2014 when the phone rang. A social worker with the Vermont Department for Children and Families was calling to ask if she could temporarily house a 5-week-old baby boy who had just been taken into emergency state custody. Ann said she could. “‘We’ll be there in 20 minutes. What do you need?’” Ann recalls the social worker asking her. Shortly after Ann hung up the phone, the DCF worker arrived with baby “Howie” and some supplies, including bottles, formula, diapers and wipes. And with that, Ann became the sole caregiver to a newborn whom she knew nothing about.

Though sudden, the experience was nothing new. In the four years since becoming a licensed foster parent, Ann has taken in 20 foster children, three or four of whom arrived with little advance notice. Most children stayed for short stints — a few hours to several days — before DCF found them permanent placements. Others, including Howie, stayed longer.

When the social worker dropped him off, Ann remembers asking, “Is there anything else I need to know about him?” The answer stunned her: “‘Oh, yeah. He was born with a clubbed foot. He has surgery in two days.’”

So, in addition to Ann’s other responsibilities — the 39-year-old single mom has three of her own kids in their late teens and early 20s — she took in the child and nursed him back to health.

More than a year later, Howie still lives with Ann and her extended family on an Addison County dairy farm.

It’s often said that parenting is the world’s hardest and most thankless job.

That’s especially true for the nearly 1,100 licensed foster parents throughout Vermont. Some, like “Ann,” provide

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parents are required to complete at outside her office in Barre, allegedly least two courses on foster parentby the mother of a 9-year-old child who had been removed from the home. ing, Joyal says, which typically take about five weeks each. Those classes, That tragedy was unnerving not only which need not be completed before to DCF employees but also to the the foster parents take the kids, cover foster families who take in kids from such topics as understanding trauma, similar backgrounds. grief and loss; how to deal with birth All these factors have combined families; the dynamics to form a “perfect of parenting kin; the storm” that’s stressing behavioral challenges the state’s foster-care foster kids may demonsystem. strate; how to support Yet despite such kids as they go through difficulties, Ann says the process; and dealing she has no regrets about becoming a foster “ANN,” FOSTER PARENT with the legal system.

But even after comparent. pleting those classes, Sharon admits “I love it, even on days like today, that the transition wasn’t easy for when I haven’t gotten any sleep,” she any of them. All three brothers were says, with a weary smile. “To me, it’s “drug babies,” she says, whose mother not these kids’ fault that they were abused drugs while pregnant with dealt this hand.” them. All were born underweight and have since been diagnosed with ADHD. A GRAND RESPONSIBILITY Sharon and Mark face other The first people DCF approaches to challenges, too. As she points out, take in children are grandparents the financial reimbursement they get or other family members. At last from the state doesn’t come close to count, about 40 percent of all kids covering the kids’ many expenses. in DCF custody were living in “kin Mark is gone three or four days each placements,” Joyal says. DCF and week working as a long-haul trucker, the federal government prefer these so Sharon cannot take a job outside the arrangements, as they tend to be less home. disruptive to the children and enable Fostering the boys has cost the them to maintain connections with family in other ways, she adds. Mark’s family members, friends, teachers and grown son was angry when the couple others in the community. went to court to gain permanent Sharon and Mark fall into this category. Sharon, a 43-year-old native custody of the kids — he’s since signed away his parental rights — and no Vermonter, worked for years caring longer speaks to Mark or sees his sons for the elderly, including her own anymore. “We tried to have interacmother and her husband’s mom when both were dying. Today, she and Mark tion, but it wasn’t stable,” Sharon live in a cozy, well-maintained mobile explains. “It only made things worse for everyone.” home in Addison County.

Sharon says she’s never regretted Sharon couldn’t have children of her the decision to parent the boys. In fact, own. But she and Mark immediately she says she would have done so even if became the foster parents to Mark’s they weren’t Mark’s grandsons. son’s three boys in January 2014 — on “I’ve loved every minute of it. Just the day the boys’ mother died of a drug seeing these boys thrive has been overdose. “When I called DCF to let the best,” she says, proudly showing them know that their mom had passed, off recent school photos in which all their first question was, ‘Do you want three brothers have big, toothy smiles. them?’” Sharon recalls. “That was our “I wish more parents would do this. only chance to say yay or nay, and I said There are so many kids out there ‘absolutely.’ I didn’t even think twice.” who need a good home. In my heart, A social worker from DCF arrived at everybody deserves a chance.” their house that very night to start the Chris and Terry, who live in paperwork. Fortunately, the boys, who were 2, 3 and 12 years old at the time, had southern Chittenden County, are also the grandparents of their foster child. lived with their grandparents before, as Chris, who is self-employed, sits on their drug-addicted birth parents had the couch looking exhausted. The often lacked the resources to take care dark circles under his eyes reflect the of them. inevitable lack of sleep that comes Regardless of their relationship to the children in their care, all foster

I loved every kid that came into this house.

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normally, all of which will also require medical procedures. And, because she can’t swallow properly, food backs up into her nasal cavity, causing frequent infections. All of it, the couple were told by Natalie’s doctors, was likely caused by the mother’s drug use during pregnancy.

“That makes me more angry than anything,” Chris says.

“Luckily, my work has been very understanding of all the time I’ve had to take off,” Terry adds. But because Chris is self-employed, time off means lost wages. Whenever Natalie spikes a fever, they don’t know if it’s a normal toddler illness or something more serious that might require considerable time off. Needless to say, his business has suffered.

After raising three sons of their own, did the pair ever consider not fostering Natalie?

“Absolutely. It’s really hard,” Chris admits. “She’s rewarding every day.

That’s a given. Aside from that, I’m 57, [Terry] is in her fifties. You just don’t have the energy you once had … I love watching her, but I’m just so darned tired!”

Though DCF has been subjected to considerable public scrutiny in the last few years — particularly in the wake of last year’s toddler deaths and its staffing challenges — none of the three families interviewed for this story was critical of DCF or their own social workers. In fact, Chris and Terry had nothing but glowing words for the people who’ve helped them throughout the process.

“I’ll tell you, they are some of the nicest people. They have their hearts in the right place,” Chris says. “They’re just trying to help these kids.” Terry agrees. “We’re pro-DCF. People just don’t like to hear that … but there’s always two sides to every story.”

For families considering becoming foster parents themselves, Chris and Terry say they encourage others to try it — with one caveat.

“You need to prepare yourself for anything. You’re navigating uncharted waters,” Chris says. “Expect the unexpected, but be patient and know that you’re doing the right thing. Because you are.” K

KIDSVT.COM

with raising a little one, especially at age 57.

The house is comfortable but disheveled, with a car seat, diaper bag and brightly colored toys strewn about the living room. Beside Chris, his wife, Terry, who works for the state, plays with “Natalie,” their 16-month-old granddaughter. The smiley, gap-toothed toddler is on the verge of walking. She drools constantly, so Chris keeps a roll of toilet paper within reach for easy cleanups. “It’s cheaper than wipes,” he says.

The two have been Natalie’s foster parents since she was released from the hospital shortly after her birth. Born at just 4 pounds, 8 ounces, Natalie spent two weeks in the neonatal intensive care unit before going home with them. Terry and Chris call Natalie “their miracle girl,” because her biological mother — their son’s former girlfriend — surrounded herself with what Chris calls “convicted felons, pedophiles and drug addicts.”

According to Chris, DCF wouldn’t release Natalie to her biological mother after learning she’d threatened to harm the child even before she was born; he claims she tried to terminate the pregnancy by throwing herself down some stairs. Today, Chris says, Natalie’s biological mother still struggles with homelessness, mental illness and substance-abuse issues — and she’s pregnant with another child.

Chris and Terry express concerns about their own family’s safety, especially since Natalie’s bio mom knows where they live. By law, biological parents have a right to know where their children are living, unless they pose an imminent risk of violence.

“Her focus right now is on the new baby,” Terry says. But if the state has to assume custody of that baby, too, “we’re really concerned what she’s going to do.”

For his part, Chris voices more concern about how they’ll handle Natalie’s ongoing health problems. Though they didn’t know it when they took her in, Natalie has a hole in her heart that will eventually require surgery.

Recently, they learned that she also has a problems with her spinal cord, and her bladder and kidneys don’t function

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KIDS VT

Many local agencies and nonprofits provide information on becoming a licensed foster parent, including the Vermont Department for Children and Families, dcf.vermont.gov; the Vermont Foster and Adoptive Family Association, vfafa.org; and Vermont Kin as Parents, vermontkinasparents.org

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Indoor skydiving at SkyVenture Montréal

Cold-Weather Edition

Trips and activities to beat the winter blues BY KIDS VT STAFF

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While my family enjoys canoeing and swimming in Vermont’s numerous lakes, an extended cold snap offers the chance to explore them in a different way — on ice skates.

One choice spot for skating is the public boat-access area near the CRAFTSBURY OUTDOOR CENTER. If conditions are right, the center’s groomers plow a wide loop with plenty of elbow room for skaters of all ages and abilities. The wind on Big Hosmer Lake often blows the snow clear, and my family and I have skated across the entire lake, stopping to visit with ice fishermen.

Afterward, hot cocoa, chicken noodle soup and chocolate chip-cookies are our favorite treats at the outdoor center’s spacious and welcoming touring center, while the toasty woodstove warms chilly hands and feet.

With either a $5-10 day pass or a $100 season pass, ice skates are included. However,

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any Vermont families hit the slopes at the first sign of snowfall.

But skiing isn’t for everyone.

When you don’t have a ski-resort season pass, figuring out fun, family-oriented winter activities can be challenging. So we asked Kids VT staff and contributors to recommend trips and activities — of the non-skiing variety — to spice up those long winter days.

We’ve included outdoor and indoor options, and outings that take anywhere from a few hours to an entire weekend. Some adventures are educational, others are physical and some are just plain fun. Use this à la carte menu to combat cabin fever.

Skating on a local pond

I purchase used skates for my family for $10-40 a pair at Morrisville’s Power Play Sports.

When the kids outgrow them, we trade them in for store credit. Owning our own skates gives us the freedom to check out other lakes, such as Caspian Lake in Greensboro and Lake Elmore. Also, many public parks flood, freeze and groom designated fields for free public skating. We go to the farmers market field at Atkins Field in Hardwick and the town field on School Street in Wolcott.

B R E T T S TA N C I U , KI D S V T C A L E N DA R W R I T E R

COURTESY OF LAURA SORKIN

DESTINATION RECREATION:

International Allure

Whenever we have a free winter weekend, we like to go up to MONTRÉAL. I find it easiest when we anchor the trip with one planned event and spend the rest of the time walking around, following our interests. For example, we’ll get tickets to a show or plan the day at the Biodôme, then spend the rest of our time ambling through Chinatown or window shopping on St. Catherine Street. Once we booked an afternoon at SkyVenture Montréal, an indoor skydiving place, which was one of the most exciting things I have ever done.

Food is one of the best reasons to visit Montréal, and we make sure to take advantage of the incredibly diverse cuisine. One trip, just to be decadent, we made a point of having chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Juliette et Chocolat (three locations in the city) specializes in chocolate food and drinks. For more savory fare, try smoked meat

Olympic-Size Adventure

— Montréal’s version of a pastrami sandwich. Schwartz’s Deli is the most famous place to get a smoked-meat sandwich, but if the line is long, try Dunn’s Famous diner for good, affordable food. They have three locations and a big menu to please picky eaters.

Our only criteria for a hotel is that it’s centrally located so we can walk to our favorite neighborhoods.

If I can find a good online deal at one with a pool, I’ll jump on it. Swimming is a perfect activity for those lateafternoon hours when the kids are tired of walking but it’s not quite time for dinner. We’ve been happy with our recent stays at Hotel Bonaventure, which has a heated outdoor pool open year-round and the Fairmont Queen Untitled-11 Elizabeth, which has a pool in the basement.

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The Ticktin girls at the Olympic complex

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ride down a 700-foot chute, either during the day or under the lights at night. For younger kids, the Lake Placid Toboggan Chute — a threestory converted ski jump ($5-10) — and dogsledding rides both take place on the frozen surface of Mirror Lake.

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There are few better places to embrace winter activities than the site of the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics in LAKE PLACID, N.Y. Located just an hour and a half from Burlington, this small Adirondack town has wintry fun for every member of the family. We spent two nights at the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, a hotel in the center of town that overlooks Mirror Lake and is in walking distance to many activities and restaurants.

Bundle up and head to the Olympic Oval, an outdoor rink originally used for speed skating. Public skating costs $5 for kids and $8 for adults, and you can rent skates for $3.

If skating isn’t your thing, take the chairlift up to the Olympic Jumping Complex at Whiteface Mountain, where you can ride a glass-enclosed elevator to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the Adirondack High Peaks. The newest attraction at the complex is an exhilarating tube

DESTINATION RECREATION, P. 24 »

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The drive to the MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE is on the long side for a day trip from our home in Shelburne. But leaving mid-morning puts us in Norwich around 11:30 a.m., perfect timing for an early lunch at KING ARTHUR FLOUR BAKERY + CAFÉ. A kids’ meal includes a choice of sandwiches, plus applesauce, cookie and drink, while adults can pick from creative options like the pulled pork sandwich and kale salad — I recommend both.

The expansive store attached to the café is a good place to stock up on baking mixes, cupcake pans and domestic items you never even knew you needed. You can also grab a cappuccino and a cookie before driving a couple of minutes down the road.

Arriving at the museum around 1 p.m. will give you plenty of time to take it all in before the 5 p.m. closing time. My family’s can’t-miss exhibits?

The leafcutter ants’ habitat, where we search for the elusive queen (last

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The planet walk at Montshire Museum

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When my kids and I are sick of the cold and feeling competitive, we head to SPARE TIME, a family-friendly bowling alley and arcade in Colchester near Costco. The lane computers there make it easy for kids and adults to bowl side by side. I usually configure our games so that my 7-year-old daughter and 9-year-old son bowl with bumpers, metal bars that keep their bowling balls out of the gutter; when it’s my turn, the bumpers retract, ensuring that we’re evenly matched. One of them usually wins.

Spare Time’s loud and overstimulating arcade mostly contains machines that give tickets, which is a major turnoff. Not only are they expensive, most of them are eerily similar to slot machines. But I’m usually up for a few games of air hockey.

And my son and I like to play Jurassic Park, an episodic video game in which

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seen: August 29), and watch the tiny, intelligent creatures chew and haul leaves through a network of pathways. We also like to make soapy creations of all shapes and sizes — and snap some cool photos — in the new-andimproved bubble area. If the snow isn’t too deep, kids can burn off energy by trudging from planet to planet in the scale model of the solar system located right outside the museum’s doors. We’ve never trekked the 1.6 miles to Pluto, but maybe this year.

If you’re headed homeward due northwest, Montpelier is the perfect stopping point for dinner. In winter, we like the homey feel of Sarducci’s.

Order penne Bolognese for the little ones and some chicken picatta and vino for the adults.

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Bowling at Spare Time

players shoot and capture dinosaurs.

He and I have spent 30 minutes — and about $20 — completing all of the levels together.

Teaming up with him against the dinosaurs is surprisingly satisfying, but it’s not as fun as chasing the kids around Spare Time’s sweet, two-story laser tag arena. If you’re not bothered by the fact that you’re toting toy guns and zapping each other, laser tag is a good way to work up a sweat. It’s not cheap — one 15-minute round is $7.50 a person — but a few games still cost less than a lift ticket.

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The butterfly exhibit at Fairbanks Museum

CVMC ExpressCARE

Stargazing and Polar Bears While fresh air is essential in the winter, so are activities that don’t involve five layers of clothing and a frozen face. The FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM in St. Johnsbury, Vermont’s first natural history museum, is an hour and a half drive from our home in Burlington.

The red sandstone Victorian building — complete with tower and arched windows — is itself a work of art.

Admission is $8 for adults and free for kids under 5, but our family of four took advantage of the $20 family rate.

Stepping inside the barrel-vaulted main room is like entering a cabinet of curiosities. Taxidermied animals large and small fill most of the first floor. My son couldn’t decide which was his favorite: the diorama of a fox eating a duck, or the snakes. But in one delighted moment he exclaimed, “Now this is what nature looks like!”

While most specimens are secured behind glass — the extensive bird collection includes everything from chickadees to flamingoes — others are tucked in corners and on cases. That you could stumble upon a warthog or come face-to-face with a polar bear makes the experience feel more like poking around an explorer’s attic than touring a stuffy museum.

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The room’s manageable size meant we didn’t suffer from fatigue, and I was relieved to find an alcove with handson activities for kids like crayon rubbings and stacking toys. But my favorite was the butterfly exhibit; their colorful splayed wings reminded me of warmer days. For an additional $3 per person we caught the “Night Sky” presentation in the cozy 45-seat theater. Throughout the 30-minute tour of the constellations, our narrator used humor and knowledge to connect the cosmos to everyday life.

Techniques like comparing Orion’s hunter to The Hunger Games’ Katniss Everdeen kept children engaged. On our way out, we stopped at the Nature Store, which is filled with wellcurated merchandise focused on the natural world. My kids soared out the doorway as “Osprey Boy” and “Owl Girl,” convincing me that we’d return soon. And our pit stop at Positive Pie in Plainfield for pizza, pints and $6 kids’ meals made the trip complete.

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My kids love the suspended buckets that overturn when full.

On your way there, The Swimming pick up a Hole lap pool brown-bag lunch at Commodities Natural Market on Mountain Road to eat in the Swimming Hole’s lobby. Our favorite?

Apples, Cabot jack cheese and Green Rabbit chive bread. Or take a break from the pool and walk or drive to Harvest Market, also on Mountain Road, for some prepared deli sandwiches, baked goods and a cappuccino. You can even pick up a baguette, soft cheese and a bottle of wine for a simple dinner when you arrive home.

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Women’s Hockey

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In the deep of winter — when it’s too cold to ski and our family can’t stand another round of indoor obstaclecourse races — we head to the SWIMMING HOLE in Stowe for a little warm-water fun. The 15-mile drive from our home in Morrisville is perfect for our kids, who are prone to carsickness.

Admission to the indoor pool can add up at $20 for adults, $14 for kids ages 6-17 and $6 for kids ages 5 and under, but visitors can come and go all day.

The fee includes the children’s pool; the eight-lane, 25-meter lap pool; and, for adults, a modern workout facility with cardio machines and weights.

The children’s pool is heated and never gets deeper than three feet. A waterslide (open 3:30-6:30 p.m. every day) and several other giant waterfountain toys are fun for everyone.

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More Than Words Kids who stutter turn to groups for support and treatment

KIDSVT.COM DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016 KIDS VT

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am King felt paralyzed. His heart was pounding so hard, the junior at Lake Region Union High School in Barton thought he was going to pass out in his psychology class. He and two of his classmates had to put on a skit.

Sam had practiced saying his lines during rehearsals. But when it was time to perform in front of the class, the 16-year-old felt the familiar block in his throat. He took a deep breath and tried to force the words out. He eventually ran out of breath and had to start again.

Then, instead of saying his lines — “I’m in class. I can’t check my phone right now.” — Sam blurted out: “I have a stuttering problem. And it makes it hard for me to talk.” He then asked his friend Trent to deliver both of their lines.

“I was so horrified with myself and the situation,” he later recalled. While his classmates continued with the skit, Sam “blacked out,” he said. Even so, he was glad he had finally revealed his stutter. “It felt good as I was sitting down,” he remembered. “The amount of relief I got outweighed the embarrassment.”

Sam is among more than 70 million people worldwide with a speech disorder characterized by repetitions, prolongations or blocks. That’s about 1 percent of the population, according to the Stuttering Foundation of America. “Instead of taking the superhighway to get the idea from your brain to your mouth, it might take the slower, country road,” explained Dr. Danra Kazenski, clinical assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders at the University of Vermont.

Despite years of research, no one knows exactly what causes stuttering. Possible factors include genetics, child development, neurophysiology and family dynamics. There’s no cure, either, but there are various treatments, including speech and cognitive behavior therapy and support groups.

In Vermont, support group meetings for schoolage kids and their parents, as well as for teens and adults, are organized by the Burlington chapter of the National Stuttering Association. Kazenski is the coleader, along with Dr. Barry Guitar (see interview in sidebar). Meetings in Burlington are the only option, even for Northeast Kingdom kids like Sam. His parents began to notice he had trouble speaking fluently when he was a preschooler. They took him to a pediatrician, who told them Sam was just trying to hold their attention. According to the Stuttering Foundation, stuttering is part of normal language development in kids between ages 2 and 5 — 5 percent of all children go through a period of stuttering that lasts at least six months. Three-quarters of those will

BY KYMELYA SARI

Left to right: Jack King, Barb Limoge-King, Bill King, Olivia King and Sam King

recover by late childhood, but 1 percent will continue to stutter into adulthood.

When Sam was in sixth grade, he wanted to invite a friend over but refused to make the phone call himself — it’s common for people who stutter to avoid using the phone because of the time pressure, and because they can’t see the listener. That was when his parents realized Sam’s stutter hadn’t gone away. Instead, he had developed a bag of tricks to help him get by, such as avoiding words that began with hard consonants including D, C, T, G and K, and instead using words that were easier for him to say.

“I tried to hide it as much as I could,” Sam said, noting that he was most afraid of stuttering in front of his teachers. “I’m not sure how they’ll react. They might think I’m not as smart. Or I have a mental issue,” he explained.

“People don’t know what’s going on,” the teen continued. “A lot more comes with stuttering. It’s not just the speech part. Like, worrying all the time, exhaustion from word swapping. Having to do that every day. All day.”

Just talking at all could be draining for Sam. “I lose eye contact. I feel it in my throat. The word wants to come out, but it can’t. It feels like there’s a wall in my throat. I lose my breath. After a long break, I run out of breath,” he said, between pauses.

During middle school, Sam met with a New Hampshire-based speech therapist in St. Johnsbury

— the midpoint for both of them. He was taught to exhale a little bit before speaking to slow down his rate of speech. But Sam felt it was too tiring to keep using the technique. When he entered high school, he got busy with sports practice and stopped going to speech therapy.

The tipping point came when Sam was a sophomore and enrolled in honors English. After his first class, he told his mother, Barb Limoge-King, that he didn’t want to return. He wrote a three-page letter to his parents because he wanted them to know how he felt.

“He was worried about the future, thinking about job interviews, meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time, saying his wedding vows,” recalled LimogeKing, who is a guidance administrative secretary at Lake Region Union. “I had no idea he was going through all of this. I burst into tears,” she added. “I had my husband read it. He burst into tears. We thought everything was OK.” Limoge-King credited Sam’s guidance counselor for helping him understand that his stutter didn’t define him as a person and that it shouldn’t prevent him from achieving success. Although Sam was hesitant, both mother and son attended the teen support group meeting in Burlington, two hours from their home in Barton.

“In individual therapy, we will target personalized goals,” Kazenski said, noting that clients “will have structured home practice that we will send home

AN EXPERT VOICE Dr. Barry Guitar is a professor of communication sciences and disorders and psychological science at the University of Vermont. He’s an expert in the Lidcombe method, a stuttering treatment for children, which involves parents monitoring a child’s speech, offering praise for fluent speech and giving feedback on stuttered speech. Guitar is the recipient of the 2015 George V. Kidder Outstanding Faculty Award by the UVM Alumni Association.

Kids VT: What might a parent of a child who stutters notice about their child’s behavior?

Barry Guitar: Many kids who stutter, stutter at home.

If the parent is seeing the child stuttering and showing frustration or shame and/ or if the child seems to be talking less, that would be a very important sign.

KVT: What are some of the typical worries of parents of children who stutter?

BG: They’re concerned that their child won’t be able to do well in school if he or she keeps to him or herself and doesn’t engage with the classroom activities and doesn’t make friends. They’re worried about the child’s future in terms of occupation, not getting married and having kids.

KVT: What can teachers do to help a child in their class who stutters?

BG: I always try to meet with the teacher and the child. If the child is really stuck, the teacher can make a nice comment like “Take as much time as you need.” The teacher can intervene with other kids’ teasing. One of best things I found is if the teacher creates a situation where everybody in class has to make a presentation on a specific topic and the kid who stutters can make a presentation about his or her stuttering.

27

Find information about the Burlington chapter of the National Stuttering Association at nsachapters. org/burlington/.

KIDS VT

KVT: What do parents need to know when they look for a speech-language pathologist for their school-age child who stutters?

BG: The person needs to be an expert in stuttering. If they’re not an expert now, they need to go to a workshop or some other training so that they can get good at it. The Stuttering Foundation of America puts on a lot of workshops for people who

KVT: Are there specific stuttering strategies that apply to school-age kids?

BG: There are two major things. One is to have them not feel so ashamed of it.

To do that, you do a lot of talking, drawing and sharing. You go back and forth between talking about it and doing things, like pretend stutters, in which you feel in control. And then you don’t feel afraid of it anymore.

The other thing that you do is you don’t try to be completely fluent. You just learn to stay in the stutter.

The important thing is not to run away from it.

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KVT: What do you say to them?

BG: The only thing that holds the kid back is the kid’s feelings about his or her stuttering, not the physical manifestation of it. Parents need to realize this is not a permanent physical disability. It’s something that can be improved so that the stuttering doesn’t get in the way. The child may always have a little bit of stuttering, but that’s fine.

work with school-age kids.

And then there are also books. There are also really good summer camps for kids who stutter. [Guitar recommends Camp SAY in North Carolina.]

pathologist at the Orleans Central Supervisory Union, which includes Barton, Glover and Orleans. Along with Sam and Mary, she has identified five other students in her district who have a stutter, though not all of them choose to get speech services. Menard introduced the Kings to the Burlington teen support group and took Mary to one of the meetings, as well.

But, Menard added, it’s also important to increase awareness of stuttering among teachers, peers and the larger community. The disorder tends not to receive the attention given to cognitive and physical disabilities.

And, she suggested, stuttering may not always be diagnosed.

Judy Hoyt, Mary’s grandmother and guardian, admitted it wasn’t always easy for her to watch her granddaughter struggle. “First thing I want to do is answer for her, to make it easier for her, but that’s not the answer,” she acknowledged. Now Hoyt allows Mary “to go at her own speed when she’s talking” and doesn’t interrupt her.

Mary started getting speech therapy when she was in third grade. But being pulled out of class made her feel self-conscious, and she was a target for bullies. “Mary was begging to be sent to a different school,” Hoyt recalled.

By eighth grade, Mary had stopped going to speech classes. She doesn’t use the techniques she was taught because her mind goes blank when she stutters. Instead, she’s found new coping methods. For example, when she’s introducing herself, Mary prefers to be brief: “I say, like, um, I say like, um, ‘Mary, from Orleans.’ Um, and ‘I like singing, songwriting and that’s it.’ So I don’t, so I don’t say, so I don’t say, ‘I’m, I’m Mary. And I’m from Orleans.’”

During language-arts class, the young singer-songwriter listens to music on her phone with one earbud. She told her teachers that doing so allows her to focus less on her classmates, and she doesn’t have to worry about them looking at her. “They said I could ’cause it helps me as long as I’m pay-, paying attention in class,” she said. Mary’s playlist includes “Let It Go” from the movie Frozen. “It, um, it talks about her, um, not, um, worrying about herself, and so, A version of this and so that helps.” story appeared in the November 4, 2015 Now that Mary is issue of Seven Days. a freshman at Sam’s school, Sam said he feels “less isolated.”

Like Mary, he made a class presentation on stuttering, and he talked to some of his friends about his stutter. But he said some people still finish his sentences for him.

“They probably think I need help,” he said, but people should “just be patient with us.” K

KIDSVT.COM

with them.” Support group meetings “address self-acceptance” and are “more informal,” with participants sharing their experiences and making connections.

Kazenski estimated that some 6,000 people in Vermont stutter. But for most participants, attending the support group is the first time they encounter other individuals with the disorder.

A familiar face at the UVM meetings is Ben Manning, 24, who’s training to be a speechlanguage pathologist at the university. He attends the meetings for the teen and adult groups, and runs the groups for school-age kids and their parents with Kazenski.

At those monthly gatherings, Kazenski stays with the parents, who share whatever is on their mind, while Manning facilitates the kids’ portion.

At a recent meeting, parents talked about how to be strong when other family members struggle with their child’s stuttering; the kids made pizzas.

Manning also stutters, and his personal experience is similar to many of the students’. Like Sam, Manning stopped going for speech therapy when he entered high school; he wanted to go to ski practice instead.

At college, Manning chose to major in geology because the coursework didn’t require many oral presentations. After graduation, he said he couldn’t even apply for jobs because he was too afraid to talk to employers. That was when he decided to join support groups and resume speech therapy.

Today, Manning doesn’t hide his stutter, and he consistently uses techniques when he talks. One of them is “fake” stuttering, which desensitizes him to his stutter. “I can do speech techniques all day in a therapy session. ’Cause that’s wh-, where, where you start,” he said.

“The trick is, the mi-, minute you change environments, you have to kinda relearn how to do those things in those environments.” Manning added, “I, I, I still feel uncomfortable when I’m caught in a stutter, um, because of social and emotional condi-di-di-ditioning from it.”

Meeting Manning was “awesome,” Sam said.

“His attitude is just amazing. He tries to laugh about it.”

“My main thing is try to m-m-m-make it seem OK and, like, cool,” Manning said.

The other teens in the support group also helped Sam feel less alone when they shared their experiences and struggles with stuttering. But the four-hour round-trip commute and Sam’s sports practice prevent the Kings from being able to attend the meetings more regularly.

Fifteen-year-old Mary Hoyt, who also stutters, can relate to the difficulties of commuting to Burlington. The Orleans teen has also made a connection with peers in the support group.

“But they live far away,” she said, adding that she would like a group closer to home.

Monica Menard is a speech-language

DEC/JAN

Sponsored by:

CALENDAR COURTESY IOF MOVING LIGHT DANCE

SPOTLIGHTS & LISTINGS BY BRETT STANCIU

A Sweet Treat Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker was first performed in 1892 at the Imperial Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia. The ballet tells the story of a young girl whose Christmas gift, a nutcracker, comes to life after everyone has gone to bed. This holiday season, Plainfield’s Moving Light Dance performs its eighth annual GREEN MOUNTAIN NUTCRACKER with more than 75 student and professional ballerinas, handmade costumes and original choreography. In this version, the Land of Sweets is inhabited by the Maple Sugar Fairy, instead of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Only in Vermont.

GREEN MOUNTAIN NUTCRACKER: Saturday, December 19, 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 20, 2 p.m., at the Barre Opera House. $14-28.

476-8188. barreoperahouse.org

Like the University of Vermont Medical Center on Facebook and get weekly updates from Dr. First!

See “First With Kids” videos at uvmhealth.org

Highlights FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11

ESSEX JUNCTION TRAIN HOP & TREE LIGHTING Everything is illuminated in this festive celebration with model train displays, carolers, savory treats and artisan crafts for sale, and a small choo-choo for kiddies to ride. All ages.

Tree lighting at 6:15 p.m. Downtown Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 274-6671.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12

VICTORIAN HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Carolers set a merry-and-bright tone for an afternoon of crafts, children’s planetarium shows, treats and one last chance to see the dinosaurs before they head off on their next destination. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2372.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

SHELBURNE WINTERFEST

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DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

Sledding, snow play and tasty treats reward the hearty folks who brave the chilly temps for outdoor fun.

Shelburne Farms, noon-3 p.m. Free general admission; $2 for sleigh rides; donations accepted for Shelburne Parks & Recreation. Info, 985-8686.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 30

ASTRONOMY DAY What’s up in the night sky? A full day of celestial activities covers topics for all starry-eyed ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free with $11-14 museum admission; free for children under 2. Info, 649-1114.

Submit your February events for print by January 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

8 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Collage Card Workshop: Holiday greeters generate unique cards from recycled materials. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 6-8 p.m. $25. Info, 457-3500.

Creative Tuesdays: Artists engage their imaginations with recycled materials. All ages, but kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Free.

Info, 865-7216.

Preschool Art: Petite Picassos dig into clay, paint, collage and printmaking. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per child. Info, 985-3648.

Wildflower Open Studio: Little ones check out a multisensory creative play space. Ages 18 months to 10 years. Wildflowers Studio, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon, 1-3 & 4-6 p.m. $15 per child; $5 each additional child. Info, 318-8880.

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: A Certified Lactation Counselor answers nursing questions in a supportive and social setting. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 9 a.m. $15. Info, 829-0211.

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

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

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

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond.

For moms with infants and early crawlers.

Emerge with Amy LePage-Hansen, Montpelier, 10:45 a.m.-noon. $15. Info, 223-5302.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: Women prepare for birth through yoga, with a focus on strengthening the body and mind. See prenatalmethod.com for class descriptions. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 & 6-7 p.m. $15. Info, 829-0211.

Waldorf Observation Morning: Prospective families take a tour, meet teachers and parents, and learn about this independent pre-K-8 school’s programs. Preregister. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Free.

Info, 985-2827.

Food

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 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Health & Fitness

Gaming For Teens & Adults: Players of all skill levels engage in Magic: The Gathering and other amusements. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult or have parental permission to attend. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5-7:45 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Holiday Storytime: Traditional and new tales, tunes and treats delight youngsters. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: Book buffs bring a selection from home or borrow one from the library to entertain an attentive canine. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 878-6956.

Movies

Youth Media Lab: Aspiring Spielbergs film, edit and produce videos while exploring the depths of digital media. Grades 4 and up. Follows the school calendar. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Classes

Preschool Music: Small ones dance and sing to a lively beat. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free.

Info, 264-5660.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: Scallywags of all sizes swing to swashbuckling songs of the open seas. University Mall, South Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 338-1976.

Vermont Youth Orchestra Winter Chorus & Concert Chorale: New choral conductors Caleb Pillsbury and Sarah Cullins lead assorted classical works including Handel. All ages.

Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester, 7 p.m. $7-12. Info, 655-5030.

9 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

The Art of Identity: Homeschoolers make masks and write dramatic dialogues about diversity, developing communication skills and creativity. Masonic Hall, Craftsbury Common, 11 a.m.-noon, $12 per child. Info, 586-2200.

Hand-Sewn for the Holidays: Crafty kids make their own holiday gifts using felt, fleece, embroidery thread and ribbon. Ages 7-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $25. Info, 457-3500.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

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

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. postpartum time (until baby is crawling).

No yoga experience necessary. Prenatal Yoga: Sundays, 10 a.m.; Mondays, 5:45 p.m.; Tuesdays, 4:15 p.m.; Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m.; Thursdays, 12:15 p.m. ($5-10 donation to the Lund Family Center), Fridays, 8:15 a.m. Postnatal Yoga: Sundays, 12:15 p.m., Tuesdays, 10:45 a.m., Thursdays, 10:45 a.m., Fridays, noon (postnatal core). Drop-ins welcome, $15/class or $130/10 class pass.

Location: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily.com, 899-0339 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children promotes self-esteem, self-defense and bully-proofing, self-confidence, character development, 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. Regular BJJ training builds endurance, resilience, patience, discipline, self-respect and helps to instill courage and self-confidence. First class is free! Location: 55 Leroy Rd., Williston.

Please stop by our school, call 660-4072 or email julio@bjjusa.com to register your son or daughter and receive a free uniform with their first month enrollment. vermontbjj.com

Community

Story Time With Mrs. Claus: Cookies, milk and pajamas enhance Christmas tales told by Santa’s jolly wife. Meet at the JCPenney Court.

University Mall, South Burlington, 6:30-7 p.m.

Free. Info, 863-1066.

Education

History for Homeschoolers: Eager learners leap into history-related activities organized around monthly themes. Ages 6-12. Check vermonthistory.org for specific details. Vermont History Museum, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. $6.50-8; preregister. Space is limited. Info, 828-2291.

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

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: 50 local vendors peddle produce, artisan cheese, homemade bread and other made-in-Vermont products. All ages. Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 342-4727.

Games

Dungeons & Dragons Night: Players assume invented personas and use cleverness and luck to overcome challenges, defeat enemies and save the day. Beginners welcome. Ages 9-13.

Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Holidays

Fire on Ice: Carvers create a mighty menorah from a frozen cube. Lighting at 4:45 p.m. JUDA Hebrew School, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 658-5770.

Library & Books

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

Lego Club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with colorful interlocking blocks.

Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Reading with Charlie the Therapy Dog: Emerging readers spend literary time with a poodle. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 482-2878.

Movies

After-School Movies for Kids: Cinephiles get cozy for an afternoon viewing. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver.

Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

9 WEDNESDAY, P.30

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Kids Holiday Sewing at nido: Looking for a kids’ class full of creativity, making and fun? nido’s Kids Holiday Sewing Workshops offer beginners the basics of sewing while constructing fun projects. Learn how to thread/ use a sewing machine and create basic stitches to craft holiday gifts. $58, materials included. Ages 9-13. Sunday, December 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: nido Fabric and Yarn, 209 College St., #2E, Burlington. Info: info@ nidovt.com, 881-0068 EvoBaby & EvoKids Yoga at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: New sessions in EvoBaby & EvoKids Yoga classes beginning January 9. Join us to bond with your baby or give your child tools to help self-regulate and find more joy. Classes 7 days a week for ages 6 weeks to teen. See detailed schedule on website for age groupings, descriptions and pricing. Location: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily.com, 899-0339 Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Classes at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Have a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for birth with stretching, strengthening and relaxation in prenatal yoga — and then bring your body back to balance and strength in postnatal yoga. Join our community of mothers at any point in your pregnancy, and 6 weeks or later in your

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

Info, 829-0211.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

KIDS VT

Essex Open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages 6 and under. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 11 a.m.-noon, $8 per hour. Info, 655-3300.

Library & Books

Music

KIDSVT.COM DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Education

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Toddler & Preschool Class: This Korean martial arts class mixes movement, coordination, flexibility and fun family time. Ages 18 months to 5 years. Middlebury Municipal Gym, 9:30-10:15 a.m. $6. Info, 377-0476.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Homeschoolers Class: Parents and homeschoolers learn basic kicks, blocks and punches, while improving flexibility and strength in a supportive and encouraging environment. Ages 3 and up. Middlebury Municipal Gym, 11 a.m.-noon, $10. Info, 277-0476.

CALENDAR

9 WEDNESDAY (CONTINUED)

Nature & Science Stories & Science: When It Starts to Snow: Little learners soak up the winter survival strategies of woodland creatures. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission $10:5013:50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Deer Day

COURTESY OF VERMONT REINDEER FARM

DEC

Images of reindeer abound during the holidays, but the real thing can be hard to find. The day after Christmas, some of these elusive creatures — who live far from the North Pole at Charleston’s Vermont Reindeer Farm — greet visitors in Burlington at a REINDEER AT ECHO event.

Animal enthusiasts will get a chance to pet these magical mammals and will learn about their connection to more familiar woodland critters — and how reindeer became linked to the winter holidays.

10 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts Paint Your Own Mug & Sweet Gift Set: Artists decorate a sturdy cup for that special someone and stock it with sweet treats. Ages 5-8. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Preschool Art Drop-In: Petite Picassos craft cool projects in a variety of mediums. Ages 6 months to 5 years with accompanying adult.

BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $5-6.

Info, 865-7166.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 4-6 p.m.

REINDEER AT ECHO: Saturday, December 26, 11 a.m, 12:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. at ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain. All ages. Free with $10.50-13.50 admission; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848. echovermont.org

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Education

High School Morning Previews: Interested students and their families visit Waldorf classrooms, meet faculty and enjoy a welcome tea.

Lake Champlain Waldorf High School, Shelburne, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 985-2827 ext. 12.

History for Homeschoolers: See December 9.

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Games

Chess Club: Checkmate! Kids of all ability levels scheme winning strategies. Ages 6 and up.

Fairfax Community Library, 3-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Lego Fun: Budding builders bust out the blocks.

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

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Holidays

Holiday Open House: Sleigh rides, snacks and Santa’s presence until 7 p.m. enliven the library.

St. Albans Free Library, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free.

Info, 524-1507.

Library & Books

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

Lego Thursdays: The library lends the building materials, and kids ignite their imagination and creativity. All ages. Haston Library, Franklin, 2-5 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

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

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

St. Albans Library Legos: Budding builders engage in creative construction with their peers. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free.

Info, 524-1507.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

11 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Family Wheel Drop-In: Families form clay sculptures with assistance from staff. All ages.

BCA Print & Clay Studio, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $7-8 per participant; $5 additional for each piece fired and glazed. Info, 860-7474.

Festivals of Light Around the World: Little ones create crafty gifts inspired by global traditions. Ages 5-8. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 1 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

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

Mother’s Gathering: Moms and new babies spread out, sip tea, nurse and share stories.

Children under age 2 welcome. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-5302.

Community

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

Woodstock Wassail Weekend: Townwide festivities include visits with Santa, an equestrian parade at 2 p.m. on Saturday, theater and musical performances, a tree-lighting ceremony, caroling, and a craft fair. All ages. Various locations, Woodstock. Prices and times vary by event. Info, 888-496-6378.

Education

Early Bird Math: Young children and their caregivers put two and two together using interactive books, songs and games to explore arithmetic concepts. Richmond Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.

Milton Homeschool Project Day: Outof-classroom learners share their current endeavors with an audience of parents and siblings. Grades K-12. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Food

Gingerbread Houses: Creative kiddos use candy canes, gumdrops and frosting to build their own sweet abodes. Ages 9-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 3:305:30 p.m. $15; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Submit your February events for print by January 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Holidays Essex Junction Train Hop & Tree Lighting: Everything is illuminated in this festive celebration with model train displays, carolers, savory treats and artisan crafts for sale, and a small choo-choo for kiddies to ride. All ages. Tree lighting at 6:15 p.m. Essex Junction (downtown), 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 274-6671.

Holiday Sing-Along: Musical kids and adults belt out seasonal tunes. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 457-3500.

Library & Books

Brownell Drop-in Story Time: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers stop by for picture books and finger plays. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Reading Buddies Meeting: Buddies, mentors and their families discuss scheduling, matches and the coming year of literacy together. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Rhythm & Movement Toddler Time & Story Time: Tykes listen to stories, then rock and roll. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

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

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

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

AT THE FLYNN Theater

‘A Christmas Carol’: Nebraska Theatre Caravan stages a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge with colorful costumes and a live orchestra, in a story where good wins over greed. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7 p.m. $15-45. Info, 863-5966.

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

12 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Family Art: Kids and caregivers dive into a variety of materials to create unique masterpieces. All ages. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 10 a.m.-noon. $20 per parent-child pair; $5 per additional family member; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

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

Saturday Kids Drop-In Craft Class: Little hands create craft projects with seasonal themes, including leaf jewelry dishes, dreidels and harvest-moon mirrors. Ages 5-15. Parent must attend. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per child. Info, 985-3648.

Winter Gifts : Using recycled and natural materials as inspiration, fans of handmade crafts make beautiful “green” objects and prepare yummy treats. Ages 5 and up.

Shelburne Farms, 9:30-11:30 a.m. & 12:302:30 p.m. $20-23 per parent/child pair; $15-17 per each additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

An “Intergalactic Nemesis” Live-Action Graphic Novel

Friday, February 5 at 8 pm, MainStage Sponsor

Food Burlington Winter Farmers Market: Farmers, artisans and producers offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts, and more in a bustling indoor marketplace with live music and lunch seating. All ages. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172.

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

Free. Info, 537-4754.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: Farmers offer produce, meats and maple syrup, which complement baked goods and handcrafted items from local artists. All ages. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 384-7447.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: Youngsters master basic yoga poses through games, songs and dance. Mindfulness activities improve focus and concentration. Ages 3-9. Evolution Prenatal and Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $15. Info, 864-9642.

Family Movement: Parents, grandparents and children unite for yoga, dance and creative play. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 10-11 a.m. $10 per parent-child pair; $5 per additional family member; preregister.

Info, 457-3500.

Yoga Tots: Tykes and their parents move their bodies to calm their minds. Ages 1-8. Highgate Town Office Building, 9 a.m. Free; preregister.

Info, 868-3970.

Holidays

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12 SATURDAY, P.32

Season Sponsor

KIDS VT

Cookie Tree Trimming: Holiday enthusiasts decorate their own 3-D cookie tree. Ages 3 and up. South Burlington Community Library, 9:30 & 11 a.m. Free; preregister at sbclbooknook. weebly.com. Info, 652-7076.

Live Reindeer: Prancer pulls into town from the North Pole. Human helpers share stories about this famous friend’s diet, hooves, fur and antlers. In front of Homeport, Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

Info, 863-1648.

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

‘The Polar Express’: This magical evening includes a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved picture book, a lighted hayride, cocoa and cookies. All ages. Rides depart every 15 minutes. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 5-6:45 p.m. Suggested donation $5 per ticket; preregister specifying boarding time.

Info, 868-3970.

Media

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Happy Grinchmas: Will the Grinch succeed in ruining Christmas for the Whos down in Whoville? This fun-filled student dance rendition of the Dr. Seuss tale will reveal the answer. Lyman C. Hunt Middle School, Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $5; free for children under 2. Info, 444-0100.

Touch of Vermont Holiday Gift Market: 50 local vendors peddle their pottery, photography, wood and metal work, and artisan foodstuffs and sweets. All ages. Montpelier City Hall, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

Info, 310-1725.

KIDSVT.COM

Breakfast with Santa: Festive families enjoy hot pancakes, story time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, crafts, and a visit and photo opp.

Seatings at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. United Church of Milton, $5-10; free for children under 3; donations accepted for the food shelf.

Info, 893-1457.

The Clothes Exchange: Fashion-minded peeps shop ’til they drop for gently used and new clothing for the whole family, in the last of these festive fundraisers. Burlington Town Center, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; sales proceeds go to Very Merry Theatre. Info, 859-9222.

Wassail Weekend on the Farm: See December 11.

Woodstock Wassail Weekend: See December 11.

Dance

Twin Infinity

Fairs & Festivals

12/2/15 4:36 PM

DEC

CALENDAR

12 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)

Victorian Holiday Open House: Carolers set a merry-and-bright tone for an afternoon of crafts, children’s planetarium shows, treats and one last chance to see the dinosaurs before they head off on their next destination. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2372.

Visit with Santa: Did your small ones want to ask Santa for something? Swing by and meet the jolly elf and friends. Maple Landmark Woodcraft, Middlebury, 10 a.m.-noon. Free.

Library & Books

‘Around the World From A - Z’: This book launch blasts off with readings by the author, Linda Cruise, and a raffle. Proceeds benefit foster children served by the Vermont Department for Children & Families. Stargazer Gifts and Toys, Richmond, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 434-7318.

Drop-In Saturday Storytime: Book lovers of all ages welcome in the weekend with readaloud tales. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free.

Info, 893-4644.

Second Saturdays: This child-friendly afternoon, a collaboration between the Norwich Public Library and the Norwich Bookstore, celebrates reading with different activities. Check norwichlibrary.org for location. Norwich Public Library, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

Spanish Musical Playgroup: Rhymes, books, songs and crafts en español entertain niños.

Snacks provided. Ages 5 and under. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Movies

Kids Movie Matinee: Dim the lights and pass the popcorn! Kids view a newly released flick.

St. Albans Free Library, 12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Music Green Mountain Youth Symphony Concert: Over 100 young musicians in three orchestras open their performance season, with special

guest narrator Willem Lange. Barre Opera House, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $5-15; free for children under 5. Info, 888-4470.

The Old Country Fiddler: Charles Ross Taggert, Vermont’s Traveling Entertainer: Living history presenter Adam Boyce mixes fiddling and humorous sketches. Fairfax Community Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 484-7719.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Nature & Science

Darkening (And Brightening) of the Sky: Aspiring astronomers study the shortest day of the year, and create aurora borealis artwork. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, noon. Free with museum admission $10.5013.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: Astronomy enthusiasts learn about celestial objects in this 20-minute film. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 12:30 p.m. $3 per person; call to reserve tickets. Info, 748-2372.

Theater

‘The Animals In Winter’: NEK homeshoolers and elementary school students perform a tale of woodland friends found by a family’s dogs.

East Hardwick Grange, 6 p.m. Free; seating is limited. Info, 472-8987.

Kids VT Spectacular Spectacular: Vermont’s rising stars ages 5-13 wow the crowd with two-minute acts showcasing their talents.

Performances by Urban Dance Complex, Regal Gymnastics, McFadden Irish Dance Company and Very Merry Theatre provide additional entertainment. Doors open at noon. Higher Ground, South Burlington, 12:30 p.m. $7-10; free for children under 7. Info, 985-5482.

‘A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail’: Saints & Poets uses puppets to tell the story of the beloved Hundred Acre Wood, its popular inhabitants and their holiday message of friendship. Off Center for the Dramatic Arts, Burlington, 10 a.m., 2 & 6 p.m. $10-15. Info, 878-0188.

‘Winter Tales’: Vermont Stage actors share stories and songs celebrating the cold season, including the Young Writers Project poetry.

FlynnSpace, Burlington, 2 p.m. $28.80-32. Info, 862-1497.

Celebrate the Season!

KIDSVT.COM

Music

13 SUNDAY

Community Cookie Swap: Bakers young and old bring four dozen cookies to sample and share, then take home a variety of homemade holiday treats. Norwich Public Library, 1-2 p.m.

Free. Info, 649-1184.

Parents’ Day Out: Gift making, singing and snacks around the bonfire entertain kids while parents take a break. Ages 5 and up. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 1-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Wassail Weekend on the Farm: See December 11.

Woodstock Wassail Weekend: See December 11.

Food

Holiday Character Breakfast: Revelers join a gingerbread man, a candy cane, a reindeer and the Grinch for pancakes, coloring, balloons, and music. All ages. Middlebury Inn, 8:30 & 10 a.m. $8-12; limited seating. Info, 377-3557.

Health & Fitness

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

Holidays

Santa Comes to West Burke: A cheery guy in red soars into town with cookies, cocoa and a sleigh. Kerrigan’s Convenience, West Burke, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; donations accepted for the food shelf. Info, 626-4124.

Tree Lighting in the Village: The Newark Balkan Chorus, cookies and cocoa create a cheery scene around a glowing conifer. Village Green, East Burke, 3-5 p.m. Free; donations accepted for the food shelf. Info, 626-4124.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: Families engage in hands-on science experiments and investigations, using wheels, towers, magnets, feathers, water and bubbles. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with museum admission, $11:50-13:50; children 3 and under free. Info, 359-5001, ext. 228.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Theater

‘A Winnie-the-Pooh Christmas Tail’: See December 12, 10 a.m. & 2 p.m.

‘Winter Tales’: See December 12.

14 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Hand-Sewn for the Holidays: See December 9.

Paint Your Own Mug & Sweet Gift Set: See December 10, ages 9-12.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8. 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Jamie Two Coats Toyshop Located in the ❤ of Shelburne Village Monday-Saturday 10-6 Sunday 11-5 802-985-3221

VICTORIAN HOLIDAY

OPEN HOUSE

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

OrchestraChorusPalooza!: The Vermont Youth Orchestra Association instrumentalists and choruses crowd onstage to perform works, including Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain and Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride.

Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 4 p.m. $7-12. Info, 863-5966.

Dec 12.

KIDS VT

1302 Main Street St. Johnsbury VT 05819 FairbanksMuseum.org (802) 748-2372

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Open daily 9 AM to 5 PM k6h-FairbanksMuseum1215.indd 1

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Food

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

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Library & Books

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

Burlington Stories With Megan: Preschoolers have a ball with rhymes, songs and books. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Essex LEGO Challenge Club: Kids snap together plastic-block creations. Ages 5 and up.

Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10, 11 a.m.

15 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Creative Tuesdays: See December 8.

Preschool Art: See December 8.

Teen (and Younger) Tinker Tuesday: Making Gifts: This adolescent craft group invites smaller friends to a gift-making gathering.

Projects include boxes, jewelry and cards.

Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8.

Baby & Maternity

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

Info, 349-3825.

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See December 8.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Toddler & Preschool Class: See December 8.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Homeschoolers Class: See December 8.

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See December 8.

Holiday Storytime: See December 8.

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 8.

Movies

Youth Media Lab: See December 8.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 8.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 8.

16 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Hand-Sewn for the Holidays: See December 9.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

Parenting

Story Time With Mrs. Claus: See December 9.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9.

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

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Library & Books

Fairfax Read to a Dog: Book lovers choose stories to share with a furry friend. Ages 5-10.

Fairfax Community Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Free; preregister for 15-minute time slot. Info, 849-2420.

STEM Club: Maker kids put their minds and hands to work. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Tales to Tails: Beginning readers practice literacy skills by sharing books with trained therapy Santa dogs. Rutland Free Library, 4 p.m. Free.

Info, 773-1860.

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

17 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafternoon: Creative ones make paper projects. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Maker Space Workshop: Hands-on experimenting entertains entrepreneurial engineers. Ages 11 and up. Milton Public Library, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Preschool Art Drop-In: See December 10.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 4-6 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Movies

After-School Movies for Kids: See December 9.

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

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Music

Christmas Recital: Students of Montpelier music teachers perform pieces. Refreshments served. Vermont Violins, Montpelier, 6 p.m.

Free. Info, 229-4503.

Sugar-Cookie Decorating: Chefs-in-themaking embellish a batch of sweet treats. Ages 5-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Nature & Science

Games

Science & Stories: Winter Trees: Evergreens take center stage in this preschool story hour.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Free with museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Food

Chess Club: See December 10.

17 THURSDAY, P.34

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Family friendly education center providing tutoring, assessments, homeschooling support, classes, individual lessons, academic resource library, and curriculum support.

KIDS VT

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KIDSVT.COM

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Celebrate your Birthday at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory!

7/22/15 1:36 PM

DEC

CALENDAR

COURTESY OF VERMONT FISH & WILDLIFE

Gone Fishing Got cabin fever? Head to Elmore for a free ICE FISHING DAY FESTIVAL. This annual event, sponsored by the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife, provides hands-on fun for the whole family. Aspiring anglers learn how to use a rod, make a lure, tie knots and identify different scaly swimmers. A fish fry, snacks and hot cocoa provide stick-to-your-ribs sustenance; a warming hut serves as an antidote to tingling toes and fingers. With free rods to borrow and expert volunteers leading the way, your brood might just find a favorite new winter sport.

ICE FISHING DAY FESTIVAL: Saturday, January 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., at Elmore State Park, Lake Elmore. All ages. Free; preregistration available at register-ed.com/events/view/70512. Info, 318-1347. vtfishandwildlife.com

Songs and Stories with Matthew: Listeners of all ages applaud tales and tunes. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free.

Info, 878-6956.

Theater Middle School Theater Improv Group: Thespians-in-training create and dramatize scenes together, supervised by playwright Luc Reid. Grades 4-8. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister.

Info, 878-4918.

19 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts 17 THURSDAY (CONTINUED)

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

34

KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

Holidays

‘The Christmas Revels’: The Celtic tale of Tam Lin, cowritten by children’s author Susan Cooper, is woven through this lively show of Scottish singing, dancing and pageantry. More than 75 local performers are joined by professionals. Ages 2 and up. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, 6 p.m. $8-44. Info, 866-556-3083.

‘Tis the Season Storytime: Santa Monkey shares jolly songs, stories, crafts and a bubble snowstorm. Ages 5 and under. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7076.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: See December 10.

Lego Thursdays: See December 10.

Pre-release Movie Party For Star Wars: Games, bingo, trivia, movie trailers, prizes and snacks kick off the latest installment of the Force. Norwich Public Library, 6:30-8 p.m. Free.

Info, 649-1184.

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See December 10.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10.

18 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafternoon: Art-minded kids launch into the weekend with imaginative projects. Grades 4 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:154:15 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Family Wheel Drop-In: See December 11.

Festivals of Light Around the World: See December 11.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 1 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Mother’s Gathering: See December 11.

Education

Early Bird Math: See December 11.

Fairbanks Homeschool Days: Students expand their educational horizons in the museum’s galleries and other venues with a variety of classes. Call for specific topics and location.

Grades K-8. noon-2 p.m. $8-10, includes museum admission; $5 for planetarium; one adult free per paying child. Info, 748-2372.

Food

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

Axis & Allies: War at Sea: Teens strategize in this World War II game, using battleships, air fleets and submarines to decide the fate of the world. Grade 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Saturday Kids Drop-In Craft Class: See December 12.

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

Info, 865-7216.

Health & Fitness

Baby & Maternity

Games

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Preschool Yoga with Danielle: Simple movement, stories and songs satisfy children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 878-4918.

Holidays

‘The Christmas Revels’: See December 17, 7 p.m.

Library & Books Rhythm & Movement Toddler Time & Story Time: See December 11.

Movies

Family Movie Night: Viewers relax with a lighthearted flick. Popcorn and drinks provided.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Music With Robert: See December 11.

Submit your February events for print by January 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Old-Fashioned Visits With Santa: The round guy in red fields last-minute gift requests before he heads back to the North Pole. All ages.

Danforth Pewter, Middlebury, 10 a.m.-noon.

Free. Info, 377-3557.

Dance

‘The Green Mountain Nutcracker’: Central Vermont’s Moving Light dance company performs this beloved holiday story of a young girl and her nighttime adventures. (See calendar spotlight on page 28.) Barre Opera House, 6 p.m. $14-28. Info, 476-8188.

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

Food

Nature & Science

Burlington Winter Farmers Christmas Bird Count: Avian Market: See December 12. enthusiasts leave no chickadee uncounted as they attempt to Caledonia Winter Farmers See Dr. First videos census every feathered flyer in Market: Freshly baked goods, “First With Kids” at the greater Montpelier area. veggies, handmade crafts, uvmhealth.org..

All ages. North Branch Nature meat and maple syrup figure Center, Montpelier, 7 a.m.-5 p.m. prominently in displays of “shop Free; preregister. Info, 229-6206. local” options. All ages. Welcome Center, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-1 Falcons,www.flynnarts.org Hawks and Owls at p.m. Free. Info, 592-3088.

ECHO: Live birds and hands-on materials 802-652-4548 mesmerize fans of these mighty feathered Capital City Winter Farmers Market: friends.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Root veggies, honey, maple syrup and crafts Champlain, Burlington, 11 a.m., 12:30 & 2 p.m. change hands at an off-season celebration of Free with museum admission $10.50-13.50; locavorism. All ages. Montpelier City Hall, 10 free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848. a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See December 12.

December 12.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See December 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holidays

Library & Books

FLYNN

Baby & Maternity

s The a r t

Community

Children’s classes instill confidence and a sense of accomplishment through creative play and mastery of basics; they foster social, emotional, motor, and creative skills; and create joy and community.

20 SUNDAY Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10-11:30 a.m.

s’ lives! change kid

Skating with Frosty the Snowman: Hot chocolate and cookie decorating accompany an afternoon of gliding on the ice with a special wintry friend. Ages 3-17. Central Vermont Memorial Civic Center, Montpelier, 2-4 p.m. $6 per skater; $5 per skate rental. Info, 225-8699.

Dance

‘The Green Mountain Nutcracker’: See December 19, 2 p.m.

Vermont’s Own ‘Nutcracker’: See December 19, 1 & 6 p.m.

Health & Fitness

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Classes start Jan. 18.

Financial aid available.

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WINTER/ SPRING 2016

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802-652-4537 12/2/15 1:57 PM

MOVING LIGHT DANCE COMPANY PRESENTS THE 9TH ANNUAL

GREEN MOUNTAIN NUTCRACKER The holiday dance classic with an original made-in-Vermont twist!

Essex Open Gym: See December 13.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19.

‘The Christmas Revels’: See December 17, 1 & 5 p.m.

Movies

‘The Nutcracker’: This on-screen showing of the little girl and her beloved Christmas gift that turns into a magical prince awes viewers.

Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury, 12:55 p.m. $618. Info, 748-2600.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See December 13.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

21 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8.

Baby & Maternity

TICKE TS $14-28

BARRE OPERA HOUSE, BARRE, VT.

k4t-MovingLightDance1215.indd 1

476-8188 • BARREOPERAHOUSE.ORG WWW.MOVINGLIGHTDANCE.COM

35

21 MONDAY, P.36

Saturday, December 19 @7pm • Sunday, December 20 @ 2pm

KIDS VT

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Café Make: Intergenerational patrons drop in during this open time for creative collaboration with the library’s supplies. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Colchester Read to Hank the Therapy Dog: Book lovers share stories with a sweet retriever, while little ones listen. Ages 4-10.

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

Drop-In Saturday Storytime: See December 12.

Milton Therapy Dog Visit: A patient pooch listens to kids read aloud. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Try a sample kids’ class at First Night Burlington!

KIDSVT.COM

Christmas at the Farm: Fête the season the old-fashioned way, with 19th-century crafts, tours of the 1890 farmhouse and woodstovebaked treats. All ages. Horse-drawn sleigh or wagon rides from December 26 to January 3.

Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

‘The Christmas Revels’: See December 17, 1 & 5 p.m.

‘The Gift’: Graceful gliders from the Champlain Valley Skating Club sail across the ice, performing holiday-themed acts during this seasonal revue. All ages. Leddy Park Arena, Burlington, 3-6 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 865-7558.

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

Info, 476-3811 ext.110.

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

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

Y E T S H N E P A R C H E C K U S O U T

12/2/15 10:44 AM

DEC

CALENDAR

21 MONDAY (CONTINUED)

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Ongoing Exhibits

Health & Fitness

DOWNTOWN MIDDLEBURY

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 14.

Burlington Stories With Megan: See December 14.

Essex LEGO Challenge Club: See December 14.

Milton Legos at the Library: Junior architects get creative with plastic blocks Grades K-5.

Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

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

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10, 11 a.m.

22 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Creative Tuesdays: See December 8.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8.

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See December 8.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Health & Fitness

Info, experiencemiddlebury.com ‘I Spy 10 Tiny Snow Children’ Contest: Kids spy miniature original illustrations by children’s book illustrator Ashley Wolff in store-window displays, then enter their findings for a chance to win $100 of Middlebury Money, plus one of the Snow Children. Through December 31. All ages.

ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON Info, 864-1848 Wild Lights Festival at ECHO: The museum celebrates the snowy season with decorations, rotating themed programming and guests, with amped up Saturday and holiday week activities, and an evening illumination inside and out, featuring more than 7,500 LED bulbs. Through January 3.

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, ST. JOHNSBURY Info, 748-2372 Dinosaur Discoveries: Ancient Fossils, New Ideas: Prehistoric bones and computer simulations provide a vivid picture of dinosaur-era life and how our understanding of it has changed in the last two decades. Through December 15.

HENRY SHELDON MUSEUM OF VERMONT HISTORY, MIDDLEBURY Info, 388-2117 Holiday Trains: Whoo-hoo! The MiddVermont Train Club runs a three-tiered stack of electric choo-choos. Through January 9.

Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19.

36

KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See December 8.

Holiday Storytime: See December 8.

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 8.

Movies

Youth Media Lab: See December 8.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

23 WEDNESDAY

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

Story Time With Mrs. Claus: See December 9.

Arts & Crafts

Food

Music

Preschool Music: See December 8.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 8.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon.

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

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9.

Health & Fitness

Reindeer at ECHO: Animal lovers of all ages get up close to these graceful creatures from the Vermont Reindeer Farm, and learn why they are See Dr. First videos Holidays connected to the holidays. (See “First With Kids” at Christmas at the Farm: See calendar spotlight on page 30.) uvmhealth.org..

December 19.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 11 a.m. & 12:30 & 2 p.m. Free with museum Library & Books admission $10.50-13.50; free for children under Christmas Cookies Workshop: Junior chefs 3. Info, 864-1848. decorate tasty treats. Ages 10 and up. Milton Essex Open Gym: See December 8.

Public Library, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Go For a Goat Challenge: Furry visitors from Aw Shucks Goat Farm inspire young readers to generate their own goat-related project: read a book, dress up, color a farm picture or write a song. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m.

Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Community Sing-Along: Songbirds raise their voices with the instrumental accompaniment of Rich and Laura Atkinson. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:45 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

24 THURSDAY

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 23.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

25 FRIDAY

Merry Christmas!

26 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Webby’s Art Studio: The museum’s temporary and permanent exhibits inspire specialized art activities for all ages. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular winter admission, $5-10; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

27 SUNDAY

Arts & Crafts

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See December 13.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

28 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

Community

Baby & Maternity

Sleigh Rides: See December 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Food Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See December 12.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Nature & Science

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

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Sleigh Rides: See December 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Games

Wii Games for Kids: Gamers check out Lego Star Wars and Wii Sports Resort, in addition to classics like Mario Kart. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 14.

Burlington Stories With Megan: See December 14.

Essex LEGO Challenge Club: See December 14.

28 MONDAY, P.38

PRESENTS

A Talent Show for Vermont’s Rising Stars

KIDSVT.COM

Kids ages 5-13 wow the crowd with two-minute acts showcasing their talents.

Visit kidsvt.com/talentshow for ticket information.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

Saturday, December 12 at 12 p.m.

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

KIDS VT

SPONSORED BY:

37

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DEC/JAN CALENDAR 28 MONDAY (CONTINUED)

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10, 11 a.m.

29 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Knitting for Kids: Novices make hats on the library’s looms. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6955.

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8.

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See December 8.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See December 8.

Life-Size Candyland: Families sign up for a 10-minute slot to saunter through a real-world version of this singular game, savoring sweets along the way. Fairfax Community Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See December 8.

Movies

‘The Nutcracker’: See December 20, 7 p.m.

Youth Media Lab: See December 8.

Music

Movies

Theater

Theater

Preschool Music: See December 8.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 8.

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

30 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9.

Games

Dungeons & Dragons Night: See December 9.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Movie Matinee: The big screen shows a familyfriendly film. Snacks provided. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’: The Traveling Storyteller presents a puppet show to please an audience of all ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Traveling Storytellers: Puppeteers entertain eager viewers. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

31 THURSDAY

Happy Noon Day Party: Mini merrymakers ring in the new year with games, crafts and refreshments. Ages 3-7. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

New Year’s Eve Early: Families enjoy festivities for 2016. Rutland Free Library, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Boom! Fireworks explode over the mountain. All ages. See jaypeakresort.com for various party options.

Jay Peak Resort, 9 p.m. Free. Info, 327-2596.

Sleigh Rides: See December 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

FRI. JAN. 1

Happy New Year!

Community

Arts & Crafts

Sleigh Rides: See December 23.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

First Night Burlington: Circus arts, theater, music, dance and fireworks at both 6:45 p.m. and midnight make for a fun-filled New Year’s Eve celebration for kids and adults alike. All ages. (See calendar spotlight.) Downtown Burlington, 11 a.m.-midnight. $5 for kids; $15-20 for adults; free for children under 3.

Additional $5 tickets required for some venues.

Info, 863-6005.

First Night Montpelier: The capital city celebrates New Year’s Eve with a 5K run, Marko the Magician and the Dave Keller Band.

Events take place at various locations around Montpelier. All ages. Downtown Montpelier, 4 p.m.-midnight. $15-18. Info, 223-9604.

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

Health & Fitness

FirstRun: New Year’s Day 5K: Families greet 2016 with their best foot forward at this jaunty, costumed race. Registration and packet pickup, 9:30-10:45 a.m.; kids’ fun runs, 10:30 a.m.; 5K, 11 a.m.; after-party, 11:30 a.m. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $5-40. Info, 863-8412.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Library & Books Rhythm & Movement Toddler Time & Story Time: See December 11.

2 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Origami Workshop: Paper folders let their imaginations run wild. Children under 8 should be accompanied by an adult. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 2-4 p.m. Free.

Info, 472-5948.

KIDS VT

38

COURTESY OF FIRST NIGHT BURLINGTON

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

In With A Bang A brand-new year begins with a party during FIRST NIGHT BURLINGTON. Activities for kiddos include drama, dance and art classes hosted by FlynnArts, “make and take” crafts at Burlington City Arts and hour long Circus Smirkus performances at 11:30 a.m and 1 p.m. At noon, Merrill’s Roxy Cinemas begins rolling a Cartoon Fest with 10 hours of classic Looney Tunes.

Save some energy for the Dancing Dragons Parade on the Church Street Marketplace at 6 p.m., where the street band Sambatucada! ushers in the new year with feet-pounding, Afro-Brazilian percussion.

FIRST NIGHT BURLINGTON: Thursday, December 31, 11 a.m.–midnight, multiple locations in downtown Burlington.

All ages. $5 for kids; $15-20 for adults; free for children under 3. Additional $5 tickets required for some events including Circus Smirkus performances. Info, 863-6005. firstnightburlington.com

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: La Leche League: Moms and See December 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m. moms-to-be drop in to socialize See Dr. First videos and seek help with specific Community “First With Kids” at nursing issues. Babies and older uvmhealth.org..

Sleigh Rides: See December 23. children welcome. Vermont Department of Health, St. Food Johnsbury, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 274-1023.

Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: See December 19, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Holidays Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See Christmas at the Farm: See December 19, 10 December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m. a.m.-4 p.m.

Nature & Science

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Little Explorer Program: Preschoolers discover the world through monthly hands-on exploration of nature topics. Ages 3-5. Call for details. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 9 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: Families holler hello to the Jersey herd, draft-horse teams, sheep and oxen on their wanders through an operating dairy farm. Hot spiced cider and educational movies warm up visitors inside.

Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

3 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 23.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 13.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Discovery Sundays: See December 13.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See January 2.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10, 11 a.m.

5 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8.

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See December 8.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

ICE FISHING I

ce fishing is a great way to get outdoors with friends and family, and get the fixings for a locally grown fresh fish fry.

Try Before You Buy

January 30 is Free Fishing Day, a day when anyone can fish statewide without a license.

Library & Books

Not Sure How? No Problem

Join us on January 30 at Lake Elmore for our FREE Ice Fishing Day Festival!

Get hands-on experience and tips on using ice-fishing gear and enjoy a fresh fish fry. Bring your own equipment or borrow ours.

Youth Media Lab: See December 8.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 8.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 8.

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BUY YOUR LICENSE ONLINE TODAY • www.vtfishandwildlife.com

KIDS VT

Learn more about the festival and Vermont’s ice fishing by visiting our website: www.vtfishandwildlife.com.

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Movies

11/28/12 12/4/15 9:56 4:15 AM PM

Try Vermont’s Other Great Winter Sport...

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Toddler & Preschool Class: See December 8.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Homeschoolers Class: See December 8.

Arts & Crafts

Birthing From Within Childbirth Classes: This class is part of The Birthing Year New Parent Preparation Series, focusing on parenting, self-care, birthing, and recovery skills from local professionals. Babes in arms welcome. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 595-7953.

k4t-SangamonBetsyCox1212.indd k4t-Sangamon1215.indd 1 1

Health & Fitness

4 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Campers at Betsy Cox and Sangamon have real independence.

They make ALL their own choices every activity period, every day.

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 14.

Essex LEGO Challenge Club: See December 14.

Milton Legos at the Library: See December 21, 3:30-5 p.m.

Hinesburg Crafternoons: Kiddos get inventive with themed projects and materials.

Ages 8 and up. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 482-2878.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon

Cabin life promotes community and team work

KIDSVT.COM

Nature & Science

All-elective program encourages self-confidence and decision making.

JAN

CALENDAR

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 playgroup organizer for site-specific details.

MONDAY Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers & Toddlers: St. Joseph School, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free.

Info, 862-2121.

Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: Evolution Prenatal and Family Yoga Center, second Monday of every month, 2:30-4 p.m. Free.

Info, 864-9642.

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

Free. Info, 578-6471.

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

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

Swanton Monday Playgroup: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:45-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 868-7656.

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

Brookfield Playgroup: First Congregational Church of Brookfield, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free.

Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

Burlington Dads’ Night: VNA Family Room, 3-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Playgroup: See Monday.

Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Evolution Yoga Playgroup: Evolution Prenatal and Family Yoga Center, Jan. 5, 12-1 p.m. Free. Info, 899-0339.

Arts & Crafts

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

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

Free. Info, 888-3470.

Library & Books

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

Lego Thursdays: See December 10.

WEDNESDAY Burlington Playgroup: See Monday.

Essex Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup: Move You Fitness Studio, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 827-3945.

Hinesburg Playgroup: Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-4667.

Milton Playgroup: Milton Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Playgroup: See Tuesday. 9:30-11 a.m.

Milton Playgroup: See Wednesday.

Montgomery Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Randolph Playgroup: White River Craft Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

West Fairlee Playgroup: Westshire Elementary School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

Williston Play Time: Dorothy Alling

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10.

8 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 1 p.m.

Baby & Maternity Memorial Library, 11 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 878-4918.

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

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

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

Swanton Friday Playgroup: Swanton Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3033.

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

Williston Babytime Playgroup: Allen Brook School, first Friday of every month, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

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

Swanton Tumble Time: Swanton Elementary School, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3033.

7 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 4-6 p.m.

Library & Books

Baby & Maternity

Health & Fitness

Creative Writing Club: Young literati let their imaginations loose through prompts, games and other exercises. Ages 9 and up. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free.

Info, 879-0313.

Movies

After-School Movies for Kids: See December 9.

40

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

Mother’s Gathering: See December 11.

Education

Early Bird Math: See December 11.

Milton Homeschool Project Day: See December 11.

Games

Kids’ Night Out: While their parents appreciate time off, youngsters enjoy dinner, a movie and games. Grades K-6. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m. $15 per child. Info, 253-3054.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books Rhythm & Movement Toddler Time & Story Time: See December 11.

Music Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 11.

Essex La Leche League: Moms tote their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 383-8544.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Theater

‘Aida’: Teen thespians perform this Broadway musical. Main Street Landing, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free; donations welcome. Info, 355-1461.

9 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See January 2.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See December 12.

KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

6 WEDNESDAY

Health & Fitness

Submit your February events for print by January 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See December 19.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See December 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

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

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See December 12.

Yoga Tots: See December 12.

Library & Books

Second Saturdays: See December 12.

Nature & Science

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Playdate! Winter on the Farm: Little ones have a hoot with indoor educational activities with a visit from a live owl. Ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult. Drop-ins welcome. Shelburne Farms, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $3-5. Info, 985-8686.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See January 2.

Theater

‘Aida’: See January 8, 2 & 7 p.m.

10 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See January 2.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 13.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See December 13.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See January 2.

Theater

‘Aida’: See January 8, 6 p.m.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 14.

Essex Lego Challenge Club: See December 14.

Pajama Story Time: Flannel-clad wee ones bring their stuffed pals for seasonal tales, crafts and a bedtime snack. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Free. Info, 878-4918.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10, 11 a.m.

12 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8.

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See December 8.

Burlington La Leche League: See December 8.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Toddler & Preschool Class: See December 8.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Homeschoolers Class: See December 8.

Williston Read to a Dog: Pet-loving petite ones peruse books with registered therapy pooches.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Movies

Youth Media Lab: See December 8.

Music

To arrange an initial consultation at no-charge, please call Timberlane Dental Group at 802-864-6881, or visit timberlanedental.com

• Interceptive treatment of developing bite problems for children • Comprehensive orthodontic treatment for adolescents and adults • Treatment of complex bite problems and jaw deformities

BURLINGTON 1127 NORTH AVENUE

ESSEX JUNCTION 87 MAIN STREET

SOUTH BURLINGTON 60 TIMBER LANE

SHELBURNE 5070 SHELBURNE ROAD

• Clear and metal braces • Removable Clear Aligners including Clear Correct and Invisalign®

k4t-TimberlaneDental0315.indd 1

2/19/15 4:32 PM

13 WEDNESDAY Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon

Baby & Maternity

• Weekly Family Swim and Family Gym • Member Discounts on Personal Training, Swim Lessons, Family Events, Birthday Parties, etc.

More information www.gbymca.org or 652-9622

KIDS VT

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Escape winter’s cold in our 88° pool!

Food

41

Mama Mangez: See December 14.

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Arts & Crafts

FAMILY FUN TIME AT THE YMCA

KIDSVT.COM

Arts & Crafts

Birthing From Within Childbirth Classes: See January 4.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Each orthodontist at Timberlane Dental Group is board-certified, and has the additional training and experience to make sure you get the best smile. Our orthodontists are well versed in all the treatment options for straightening teeth, and creating healthy smiles for you and your family.

The orthodontists at Timberlane Dental Group are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Matthew Rogers to the practice.

With extensive experience treating adults, Matt is looking forward to providing patients of all ages with the care they need for beautiful smiles.

Library & Books

11 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

THESE GUYS CAN PUT A HEALTHY SMILE ON YOUR FACE.

Health & Fitness

Preschool Music: See December 8.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 8.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon

LEFT TO RIGHT: DR. CHRIS LUNDBERG DR. FRED ZIEGLER DR. MATT ROGERS DR. TOM FISCHER

13 WEDNESDAY, P.42 Untitled-31 1

12/2/15 2:42 PM

CALENDAR

COURTESY OFBILLINGS FARM & MUSEUM

JAN

Dashing Through the Snow At Billings Farm & Museum’s SLEIGH RIDE WEEKEND, passengers tucked under woolen blankets enjoy jaunts through the quintessential Vermont landscape.

Adventurous types head to a hillside to try out jack jumpers, old-fashioned sleds with a bench seat on one wooden ski. A good sense of balance — and humor — is required.

Afterward, everyone warms up with hot cider, explores the restored and furnished 1890 farmhouse and visits the Jersey herd, draft horses, oxen and sheep who are all, wisely, wintering indoors.

SLEIGH RIDE WEEKEND: Saturday through Monday, January 16-18, 10 a.m.– 4 p.m., at Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock. All ages.

Free with $4-14 museum admission; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355. billingsfarm.org

13 WEDNESDAY (CONTINUED)

Education

History for Homeschoolers: See December 9.

Food

Education

Health & Fitness

Health & Fitness

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

Library & Books

KIDS VT

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9.

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

42

Baby & Maternity

Reading with Charlie the Therapy Dog: See December 9.

‘You Can’t Lock Up the Moon’ Book Launch: Vermont author Sharyl Green reads from her novel about children and imprisoned parents.

Phoenix Books Burlington, 6:30 p.m. $3; ticket sales go to Mercy Connections and the Lund Home Kids-A-Part Program. Info, 448-3350.

Movies

After-School Movies for Kids: See December 9.

14 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 4-6 p.m.

History for Homeschoolers: See December 9.

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Lego Thursdays: See December 10.

St. Albans Library Legos: See December 10.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10.

Nature & Science

Snug in the Snow: Young naturalists experience winter by learning about meadow voles and river otters, nestling under the powder and skidding atop it. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per adult/child pair; $4 per additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

15 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 1 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

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

Mother’s Gathering: See December 11.

Education

Early Bird Math: See December 11.

Fairbanks Homeschool Days: See December 18, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Ride Weekend: Families cruise through pastures the old-school way and try out jack jumper sleds before visiting the farmhouse. All ages. (See calendar spotlight.) Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular admission, $4-14; free for children under 3.

Info, 457-2355.

Sleigh Rides: See January 2.

Dance

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 11.

Rockapellas and Soyeya African Dance Troupe Sing, Dance, Celebrate, Dream: A capella harmonies and spirited dancing honor freedom and social awareness in conjunction with Martin Luther King Day. All ages. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 11 a.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2422.

Nature & Science

Education

Rhythm & Movement Toddler Time & Story Time: See December 11.

Music

Montshire Unleashed: An Evening for Adults: The museum opens its doors after hours so grown-ups can let their inner curiosity run wild. Beer and wine available for purchase.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6-9 p.m. $14 museum admission; free for members.

Info, 649-2200.

Bread & Butter Making: Bakers grind flour from wheat to make soft, springy dough — and then their own butter, too. Ages 4 and up.

Shelburne Farms, 9:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m. $1012 parent/child pair, $5-6 additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8498.

16 SATURDAY

Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: See December 19.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Arts & Crafts

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Food

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See December 12.

Library & Books

Spanish Musical Playgroup: See December 12.

Nature & Science

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See January 2.

17 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Ride Weekend: See January 16.

Sleigh Rides: See January 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Wintervale: Kids’ activities, local food and hot chocolate — plus three miles of groomed cross-country ski trails weather permitting — await nature-loving Vermonters in Burlington’s backyard. All ages. Burlington’s Intervale, noon3 p.m. Free. Info, 660-0440.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 13.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See December 13.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See January 2.

19 TUESDAY

21 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Arts & Crafts

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8.

Baby & Maternity

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

Breastfeeding Cafe: See December 15.

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See December 8.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Toddler & Preschool Class: See December 8.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Homeschoolers Class: See December 8.

Library & Books

Williston Read to a Dog: See January 12.

Movies

Youth Media Lab: See December 8.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 8.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 8.

20 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

18 MONDAY

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon

Arts & Crafts

Baby & Maternity

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon

Baby & Maternity

Sleigh Ride Weekend: See January 16.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 14.

Essex Lego Challenge Club: See December 14.

Milton Legos at the Library: See December 21.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Movies

After-School Movies for Kids: See December 9.

Marshfield Family-Themed Movies: See December 16.

Parenting

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Lego Thursdays: See December 10.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10.

22 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See December 12.

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See December 19.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See December 12, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See December 12.

Nature & Science

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See January 2.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 1 p.m.

24 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Baby & Maternity

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

Mother’s Gathering: See December 11,

Education

Early Bird Math: See December 11.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8,11 a.m.-noon.

Preschool Yoga with Danielle: See December 18.

Library & Books Rhythm & Movement Toddler Time & Story Time: See December 11.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Full Moon Sleigh Ride: Draft horses pull bundled-up winter revelers along snowy paths to gaze at the stars. Weather permitting. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 5:30, 6:05 & 6:40 p.m. $8-10; free for children under 3; preregister.

Info, 985-8686.

Sleigh Rides: See January 2.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 13.

Movies

Nature & Science

Friday After-School Movie: Kids and caregivers snuggle in for snacks and a film.

Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3:15 p.m.

Free. Info, 482-2878.

Discovery Sundays: See December 13.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See January 2.

Music

25 MONDAY

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 11.

Arts & Crafts

23 SATURDAY

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon

Arts & Crafts

Baby & Maternity

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

43

25 MONDAY, P.44

KIDS VT

Breastfeeding Families Group: See December 16.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

Community

Food

Baby & Maternity

Shelburne Winterfest: Sledding, snow play and tasty treats reward the hearty folks who brave the chilly temps for outdoor fun.

Shelburne Farms, noon-3 p.m. Free general admission; $2 for sleigh rides; donations accepted for Shelburne Parks & Recreation.

Info, 985-8686.

Sleigh Rides: See January 2.

KIDSVT.COM

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 4-6 p.m.

Community

JAN

CALENDAR

Story Times

25 MONDAY (CONTINUED)

Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions.

Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreignlanguage instruction. Most story times follow the school schedule. Contact the story-time organizer for details.

Hour: Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free.

Info, 595-2582.

MONDAY Barre Children’s Story Hour: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 476-7550.

Bristol Story Time: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m.

Free. Info, 802-453-2366.

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

Hyde Park Story Time: Lanpher Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free.

Info, 888-4628.

Milton Infant Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free.

Info, 893-4644.

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

Richmond Pajama Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 6:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 434-3036.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

44

KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015 / JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

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

Barre Children’s Story Hour: See Monday.

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

Brownell Story Time for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6955.

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

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

East Barre Story Time: East Barre Branch Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

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

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

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

THURSDAY Bristol Story Time: Franklin Story Time: See Monday.

Hardwick Preschool Story Hour: Jeudevine Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5849.

Northfield Children’s Story Time: See Monday.

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

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

St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday.

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

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

FRIDAY Milton Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

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

South Burlington Tiny Tot Time: South Burlington Community Library, Dec. 1, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

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

Winooski Pajama Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free.

Info, 457-2295.

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

Brownell Story Time for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: See Tuesday.

Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday.

Hyde Park Story Time: Johnson Story Time: See Monday.

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

Norwich Story Time: Norwich Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

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

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

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

South Burlington Baby Book Time: South Burlington Community Library, Dec. 2, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Stowe Story Hour: Stowe Free Library, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

Warren Preschool Story & Enrichment

Brandon Preschool Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, first Friday of every month, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Craftsbury Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

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

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Info, 448-3350.

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

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

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

Swanton Storytime: See Wednesday.

10:30 a.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See December 14.

Essex LEGO Challenge Club: See December 14.

Make It! Kinetic Sand: Aspiring scientists work with their hands. Presented by Food for Thought Teen Group. Grades K and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10.

26 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8.

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See December 8.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See December 8.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Toddler & Preschool Class: See December 8.

TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S. Homeschoolers Class: See December 8.

Library & Books

Williston Read to a Dog: See January 12.

Movies

Youth Media Lab: See December 8.

Music

Preschool Music: See December 8.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 8.

27 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 10 a.m.-noon

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See December 9.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

School Open House: Prospective parents meet the dedicated teachers behind the school’s innovative educational program while kids engage in activities. River Rock School, Montpelier, 7-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 223-4700.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 10.

29 FRIDAY

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Arts & Crafts

Movies

Baby & Maternity

After-School Movies for Kids: See December 9.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 1 p.m.

28 THURSDAY

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

Mother’s Gathering: See December 11.

Arts & Crafts

Education

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Wildflower Open Studio: See December 8, 4-6 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Early Bird Math: See December 11.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 8, 11 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books Rhythm & Movement Toddler Time & Story Time: See December 11.

Music Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 11.

30 SATURDAY

Library & Books

Lego Thursdays: See December 10.

St. Albans Library Legos: See December 10, 3-5 p.m.

Arts & Crafts

Webby’s Art Studio: See December 26, 11 a.m.3 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See January 2.

Dance

Family Contradance: Movers and groovers swing to music by the Woodbury Strings Band Lab with various callers. All ages.

The Schoolhouse Learning Center, South Burlington, 3-5 p.m. $8 suggested donation; $15 per family; free for children under 12. Info, 223-8945.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See December 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See December 12.

Library & Books

Café Make: See December 19.

Nature & Science

Astronomy Day: What’s up in the night sky?

A full day of celestial activities covers topics for all starry-eyed ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Free with museum admission $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-1114.

Bird-Monitoring Walk: See December 26.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Ice Fishing Day Festival: Aspiring anglers learn the basics of this winter sport with expert volunteers. Free fish fry, snacks, hot drinks and a warming hut keep the day toasty.

(See calendar spotlight on page 34.) Elmore State Park, Lake Elmore, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; preregistration available. Info, 828-1000.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See January 2.

31 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See December 8, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See December 8, 10-11:30 a.m.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See January 2.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 13.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See December 13.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See December 12.

Winter Weekend on the Farm: See January 2. K

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New Books, Used Books, Remainders at GREAT PRICES!

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Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Book Review, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

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We’ll pick the four most creative entries and publish one of them in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is January 15.

PHOTOS: TIMOTHY SANTIMORE

Q HABITAT B Y L AURA SO RKIN

Lauren and Claire

Claire and a friend

48

KIDS VT

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

KIDSVT.COM

Basement Game Room VERMONTERS DO A PRETTY GOOD JOB of getmovie-theater feel. An old leather couch is both dogting outside in the winter, despite the inhospitable and food-friendly. weather. However, there are some windy, gray, Lisa says that when her daughters were little, fear subzero days that even the hardiest among us find of “the general bogeyman” kept them from venturing difficult to embrace. For times like this, it’s nice to downstairs unless accompanied by a gaggle of girlhave an indoor space devoted solely to fun. friends. “[And] the noise from the hot-water heater David and Lisa Howe included one coming on in the utility room helped fuel — a finished basement — in the Fairfield their imagination,” she remembers.

Parents: David and house they built 15 years ago. Their As the girls got over their fears, however, Lisa Howe daughters, Lauren, 17, and Claire, 16, have they started using the space for birthdays, Daughters: Lauren, used it to escape from brutally cold days Halloween parties and sleepovers. These 17, and Claire, 16 since they were toddlers. days, Lauren likes to spread out her homeA pool table takes up one side of the work on the large game table. Both teens main room. Other large items include a hockey foosusually end up in the movie room on weekend nights. ball table, a pinball machine and a game table used for “Now that our kids are teenagers, they can do everything from puzzles to Texas Hold’em. Built-in things with their friends right at home,” says Lisa. shelving provides storage for books and games. A shelf “They have some space [away from the adults], and we along the entire length of one wall supports a train don’t have to worry about them going out.” track with an old toy train.

In Lisa’s estimation, finishing the basement has A smaller room sports a big-screen TV and a wall been a good investment for the whole family. “Our of DVDs. A split-level viewing area gives the space a kids have enjoyed it,” she says, “and so have we.” K

Subterranean Specifics • Triple wall sconces offer plenty of light in the carpeted, 1,500-square-foot space.

• Lisa and David found the Space Odyssey Sky Lab pinball machine — a classic game from their childhood — on eBay. • The model train is currently just a decoration, but David has plans to bring it back to life with more models and track — perhaps for future grandchildren.

• A corner filled with trophies, ribbons, personal photos and prints of Mount Mansfield and Lake Champlain give the space a homey feel.

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

COLORING CONTEST! Three winners will each receive a one-day pass to Petra Cliffs.

Send Kids VT your work of art by January 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the February issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com, or mail a copy to Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

HANDS ON Title _______________________________________________ Artist _____________________________________________ Age _______________________________________________ Town _____________________________________________ Email _____________________________________________ Phone _____________________________________________

KIDSVT.COM DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 KIDS VT

49

ANSWERS P.51

PUZZLE PAGE Jumble

Birthday Club These winners get gift certificates to:

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.

Congratulations to our December/ January Birthday Club winners!

RENEE lives in Hinesburg and turns 7 on January 14. She’s a Daisy Scout who loves school, drawing, building fairy houses and playing with her stuffies.

Renee wins a birthday-party package for up to 10 kids.

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.

Jacoby, Amelia and Hunter each win a player’s pass.

JACOBY lives in Colchester and turns

5 on December 7. He enjoys listening to and reading stories, playing with trains, and helping out in the kitchen.

Puzzles4Kids KIDSVT.COM DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016 KIDS VT

AMELIA lives in Essex Junction

and turns 3 on December 21. She’s an energetic free spirit who loves animals and playing outside.

Search 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. Read from left to right, top to bottom, to answer this riddle: Which Thanksgiving beverage is very sad?

PUNCH QUICHE RICE ROLLS SALAD SQUASH SOUP TARTS TURKEY YAMS

VT’S BIRTHDAY CAPITAL

BY HELENA HOVANEC

Riddle Search — Holiday Dinner

50

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

Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.

Print your answer here:

Maze

BREAD CAKE CASSEROLE CORN CREAM PUFFS DUCK HAM LEMONADE MILK PECAN PIE

Join the Club!

More to do under one roof than anywhere in VT! MINI-GOLF • GIANT PLAY STRUCTURE PIZZA • CAKES • LASER TAG ARCADE • BATTING CAGES BIRTHDAY CROWN OR TIARA

HUNTER lives in Hinesburg and turns

Riddle Answer:

10 on January 18. He’s a great big brother with a huge heart for animals of every kind. He loves playing sports, especially hockey and football.

1205 Airport Pky • So. Burlington (802) 862-7888

Q USE YOUR WORDS B Y B RE T T SIGURDSO N

Fretting Over Fatherhood How “dad lit” prepared one millennial to plunge into parenting “The true story of one family’s struggle to raise a cool kid in America!”) is emblematic of the genre. Pollack, an eccentric journalist, novelist and punk rocker, begins his journey to fatherhood strident about maintaining his lifestyle — he wonders when he can bring his son Elijah (“the new roommate”) to the hip Austin City Limits Music Festival and how he can get away with smoking

List your February the end of the book, Pollack experiences an epiphany about the balance events for free in between his life and his new role, an the Kids VT monthly “understanding that life presents you calendar. with limitations and that you have to learn to deal with those limitations Submit your info and be happy anyway.” I wondered if by the 15th of January something similar would happen to me.

Our daughter, Sage, was born on a online at kidsvt.com or cold January night. As we returned home to calendar@kidsvt.com on icy roads the next morning, I drove slowly, completely focused on my role as protector. When we arrived, I cautiously walked up the icy pathway to our house, tightly gripping the car seat, which held my bundled-up daughter. I spent hours just gazing adoringly at her that day, feeling a kind of love and altruism I hadn’t sensed was possible before.

I was immediately aware of how cliché this seemed — I had read about such moments in dad lit, after all. But the big love I experienced in those first K-UYW-calendar.indd 1 8/28/15 10:46 AM few perfect hours with Sage felt so singular. Indeed, in the ensuing weeks and months I sensed that I was living (SEE P.50) my own dad-lit story, complete with my own dad-lit moments. I mistook mittens for socks on more than one occasion, demonstrated poor diaper-fastening skills at times and once even locked Sage in the car. But these things haven’t defined my experience as I worried they would. They’re merely funny stories to tell.

I’ve gotten over the fear that being a dad would become my single, defining identity. Rather, fatherhood, for me, has become a role marked by addition rather than subtraction. When I listen to records now, Sage joins me and plays with album sleeves on the floor. Kate and I still travel a lot, but even the places we’ve been before possess a kind of newness as we introduce them to Sage.

And, as a writer, I’m driven to produce more because I know my window to work between naps is limited. Like Pollack, I’m learning to strike a balance between my old life and my new role.

When I see Aunt Diane again this Christmas, she’ll see I haven’t gained much weight and my hair is only slightly thinner. When she asks me what it’s like being a dad, I’ll have a lot to say, good and bad, but mostly good. I’ll tell her it’s all part of my fatherhood story. K

calendar

PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS

RIDDLE SEARCH ANSWER: Apple sigh - der.

KIDS VT

51

“Use Your Words” is a monthly essay in which writers reflect on parenting and childhood. Got a story to share?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

DECEMBER 2015/JANUARY 2016

pot in the house. Writing with a jocular crankiness, Pollack navigates the de rigueur new-dad issues like dirty diapers and playground showdowns with overprotective parents as he and his wife struggle to pay bills, obtain health care and enroll Elijah in a good school.

The trajectory of the memoir (dadoir?) follows Pollack’s maturation into an unselfish father. He gives up the second day of Austin City Limits to chase down a potty training seat at Target. When his family moves to a sketchy part of town in Austin, Texas, he establishes a homeowners’ association to make his new neighborhood safer. At

JUMBLES BEE. SOCK. BEND. PLOW.

I was living my own dad-lit story, complete with my own dad-lit moments.

RIDDLE ANSWER: When the spider made her home in the cornfield, she built a — COB WEB

The author and his daugher, Sage

KIDSVT.COM

ABOUT A YEAR AGO, when my wife, Kate, was eight months pregnant with our first child, my Aunt Diane greeted me at a family Christmas party in Minnesota with a prediction about fatherhood: “You know, when I see you a year from now, you’re going to be fat and bald.”

I knew Aunt Diane only teased, yet I brooded over her words all night. Intimidated by the prospect of parenthood, I had been for weeks trying to prepare myself for the day I would become “Dad.” I couldn’t stop focusing on the corollaries of this metamorphosis: the diaper explosions, shrieking cries at night, perpetual exhaustion, buying into the Baby Industrial Complex. The thought of losing control of my waist- and hairline deflated me even more, because it spoke to an even greater fear about parenthood: losing my late-night-musiclistening-always-traveling-alwayswriting identity.

Kate, stuck back home in Vermont for the holidays, laughed when I told her about Aunt Diane’s comment.

“All new dads worry about this stuff,” she assured me. “You’ll figure this fatherhood thing out.”

But I wasn’t convinced. So, as an academic, I did what comes naturally when I need answers: I visited the library, this time to gain insight into the experience of other first-time dads.

I stumbled upon a shelf of books that spoke to my apprehension and doubt.

They bore soothing titles like Men Can, Fathers are People Too, Rad Dad, A Man in the Making and How Tough Could It Be? Browsing their pages was the literary equivalent of a group of dads commiserating over beers at a party.

I later learned some of these books belonged to a flourishing subgenre dubbed “dad lit,” a subset of parenting memoirs aimed at Gen-Xers and millennials like me. The formula for the books is relatively simple: Take one thirtysomething man with a creative career, ne’er-do-well tendencies and a patient wife, mix in a positive pregnancy test, and watch him grow from narcissist to model father through events both hilarious and gut-wrenching.

Neal Pollack’s Alternadad (subtitled

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