Kids VT — April 2019

APRIL 2019

FREE

VOL.26 NO.03

Raising a family on a budget PAGE 22

CHILDCARE WORKERS STRUGGLE TO MAKE A LIVING PAGE 18

BUILDING A $20 SNACK BOARD PAGE 13

EGG HUNT ROUNDUP PAGE 41

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Inside!

NOW OPEN

SAVING FOR COLLEGE

DESTINATION: SPACE! Sun, Earth, Universe Planetary Landscapes: Works by Ned Kahn One Giant Leap: The Moon Landing’s 50th Anniversary

Plant the seeds now for their future.

Vermont’s 529 plan is the best way to save for college or training.

Why save with VHEIP? It’s simple: Every dollar saved is a dollar you don’t have to borrow. And your earnings grow tax-free.

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Open House

Plus, the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan through VSAC is the only 529 college savings plan that qualifies families for a 10% Vermont income tax credit on annual contributions for higher education.

Make your money grow as your kids grow, with Vermont’s state-sponsored 529 college savings plan.

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Start small to save big.

Begin with as little as $25!

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KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

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The Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan 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, save and pay for college or training. Before investing, please read the Disclosure Booklet carefully (available online at vheip.org or by calling 800-637-5860).

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EDITOR’S NOTE Alison prepares a snack board at City Market for an article on page 13.

COPUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cathy Resmer

cathy@kidsvt.com COPUBLISHER

Colby Roberts

colby@kidsvt.com MANAGING EDITOR

Alison Novak

alison@kidsvt.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

JAMES BUCK

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

STAFF QUESTION

What’s the best deal you’ve ever gotten?

I found a gorgeous, full-length FAUX LEOPARD FUR COAT at a Salvation Army store in Harlem.

It was marked $99 and I thought that was a steal. I brought it up to the register and it was 50-percent-off day, so I got it for $49.50. Later, I found that the original tag from Lord & Taylor was still on it. $450!

Woooooohoooo!

DIANE SULLIVAN, DESIGNER

Mary Ann Lickteig

maryann@kidsvt.com

A few years ago I hit the jackpot at Once Upon A Child by scoring a slew of FisherPrice Imaginext BATMAN AND FRIENDS LOOT! It included a waist-high batcave and Poison Ivy castle, Mr. Freeze’s headquarters, and Gotham City Jail along with all the corresponding figures and vehicles. I felt like I stole it for $25!

STAFF WRITER/CALENDAR WRITER

Brett Ann Stanciu brett@kidsvt.com ART DIRECTOR

Brooke Bousquet brooke@kidsvt.com

MARKETING & EVENTS DIRECTOR

Corey Grenier

corey@kidsvt.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com

BROOKE BOUSQUET, ART DIRECTOR

PROOFREADERS

Elizabeth M. Seyler, Kara Torres PRODUCTION MANAGER

John James CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Don Eggert DESIGNERS

Kirsten Cheney, Todd Scott, Rev. Diane Sullivan CIRCULATION MANAGER

Matt Weiner BUSINESS MANAGER

Cheryl Brownell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jordan Adams, Heather Fitzgerald, Astrid Hedbor Lague, Ken Picard, Heather Polifka-Rivas, Erinn Simon, Autumn Spencer PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andy Brumbaugh, James Buck, Glenn Russell, Sam Simon, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur ILLUSTRATORS

Rob Donnelly, Marc Nadel P.O. BOX 1184 • BURLINGTON, VT 05402 802-985-5482 • KIDSVT.COM

Published 11x per year.

Circulation: 25,000 at 600+ locations throughout northern and central Vermont. © 2019 Da Capo Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

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

Kids VT distribution is audited for accuracy.

Da Capo Publishing shall not be held liable to any advertiser for any loss that results from the incorrect publication of its advertisement.

If a mistake is ours, and the advertising purpose has been rendered valueless, Da Capo Publishing may cancel the charges for the advertisement, or a portion thereof as deemed reasonable by the publisher. Da Capo Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including inserts, at the discretion of the publishers.

A Little of This, A Little of That

B

elieve it or not, some people have never read Kids VT. So I am sometimes asked to describe our publication. I usually explain that it’s a combination of fun pieces that showcase local families and kid-friendly places, activities and events, as well as articles that address weightier topics — personal essays and longer features about parenting challenges and topics such as foster care, addiction, gender identity and technology.

Nowhere is that mix on better display than in this month’s pages. It’s our annual Money Issue, which centers on families and finances. In “Undervalued,” I dig into the subject of compensation for childcare providers. It’s an aspect that’s sometimes overlooked in conversations about the cost of care and lack of spots for children. In reporting the piece, I was shocked to learn that the median hourly wage for childcare workers in Vermont is $12.71. I imagine many fellow parents will be, too. The piece explores the financial toll on both early childhood educators and childcare center owners, and it lays out why their work is so critical. Find it on page 18.

On page 22, staff writer Brett Ann Stanciu shares advice for raising a family on a budget. In “On the Cheap,” local experts weigh in on how to spend leisure time, spruce up a house, throw a birthday party, and shop for clothing and groceries without breaking the bank. In the same vein, I describe how to create an Instagram-worthy snack board for around $20 in “The Art of” on page 13.

On page 11, find Heather Polifka-Rivas’ take on “Small Worlds,” the current exhibit at the University of Vermont’s Fleming Museum of Art that highlights miniatures.

It’s a cultural outing that will cost your whole family just $10. On page 16, Mary Ann Lickteig breaks down the cost of rearing kids in “By the Numbers.” And on page 55, Heather Fitzgerald explains why she invests time and energy to expose her son to nature in “Use Your Words.”

For a bountiful assortment of free or low-cost events this month, check out our April calendar starting on page 39. And flip to page 25 for another installment of our Camp Guide, where you’ll find camp staffers describing the sweet and simple pleasures their camps offer, as well as lots of great information about both day and overnight summer programs. If you haven’t signed up your kids for camp yet, there’s no time to lose!

ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR

In the early 1980s, while still in high school, I bought a FENDER ACOUSTIC GUITAR for $175, which I taught myself to play.

It was new but nothing fancy and sometimes sat unplayed for months at a time. But looking back, that guitar has given me more hours of relaxation and joy than any other item I’ve ever owned. Dollar for dollar, it was the best investment I ever made.

KEN PICARD, STAFF WRITER UGG BOOTS: the style I had been shopping for, my size, pristine condition at a resale shop. They sell for $250 new. I paid $55.

MARY ANN LICKTEIG, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

CONTRIBUTORS’ NOTE ERINN and SAM SIMON write

and photograph the “Family Portrait” column that appears in Kids VT every other month. They live in Burlington with their three kids. Find Erinn’s custom cakes at thatcakestand.com and Sam’s photography at samsimonimaging.com.

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

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CALENDAR APRIL

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in g Soar to Sprin g in Week to Week Big Rig Day: Curious kids get up close and personal with cool trucks, tractors and buses, then check out games and activities. 9 a.m.-noon, Swanton Village Municipal Building, Swanton.

SAT

APR 13

CLASSES & BIRTHDAY PARTIES FOR BABIES, TODDLERS AND PRE-SCHOOLERS

guitar, singing, dancing, instruments, props, puppets friends & so much fun!

Environmental enthusiasts celebrate Earth Day during the EARTH & SPACETACULAR FESTIVAL by planting seeds, engaging in out-of-this world activities and participating in the annual mud fling (pictured). Saturday, April 20, through Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington.

Earth Day Celebration: This

SAT & SUN planetary fête includes DIY crafts, APR 20- 21

live raptor programs, vegetable seed planting and opportunities to learn about how human decisions impact the environment. 10 a.m.5 p.m., Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee.

Vermont Maple Festival: A giant parade, marionette shows, Main Street entertainment, specialty foods and more showcase Vermont’s signature sweet. See vtmaplefestival.org for schedule. Downtown St. Albans.

Waterbury, VT | 845-802-2311 musicalmunchkins.net NOW REGISTERING WEEKDAYS & SAT FREE DEMO

FRI-SUN APR 26-28

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

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

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Undervalued Early childhood educators provide critical service but struggle to make ends meet

NNELLY ROB DO

LOOK CLOSER…

Calendar 39 Daily Listings 40 Classes 41 Egg Hunts 42 Live Performances 43 Ongoing Exhibits 44 Science & Nature 46 New Parents 48 Playgroups 49 Story Times

JUST FOR KIDS

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39

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ATTENTION, CLASS INSTRUCTORS! List your class in Kids VT for only $20/month!

Submit the listing by the 15th at kidsvt.com or classes@kidsvt.com

Writing Contest & Winners...................52 Coloring Contest Winners.......................52 Coloring Contest...............................................53 Puzzle Page ........................................................... 54 Birthday Club ...................................................... 54 Puzzle Answers ................................................ 55

Pearl GemJam

On the Cheap

2/20/19 10:33 AM

IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW!

BY MARC NADEL

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How to raise a family on a budget M

aggie Pie, the famed collector of shiny objects, needs your help to figure out which pearly path leads to the most money. The total of the numbers on each trail of trinkets — from Maggie to a coin container — will tell you how many dollars are inside.

So which one is the most cluttered with cash: The Pirate’s Treasure Chest? The Pink Piggy Bank? The Sturdy Steel Safe? Or the Pot O’ Gold?

I’ve got a hunch that your number crunching will add up to a happy day for our feathered friend Maggie.

ANSWER P. 55

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

Just for Kids 51 Pearl Gem Jam Puzzle 52 Writing Contest & Winners

Easy Does It Camp staffers share the sweet and simple activities that make summer memories

25

Welcome 3 Editor’s Note Staff Question Contributors’ Note

Short Stuff Autumn Answers 6 7

51

Trending #InstaKidsVT Parent Participation Good Citizens Kids Say What?

Pet Corner

Coloring Contest Winners Coloring Contest Puzzle Page Birthday Club Puzzle Answers

53 54 55 Columns Kids Beat 8 10 Mealtime 11 Destination Recreation 12 One to Watch 13 The Art of 14 Checkup 15 Bookworms 16 By the Numbers 17 Family Portrait 55 Use Your Words

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VOL.26 NO.03

Raising a family on a budget PAGE 22

CHILDCARE WORKERS STRUGGLE TO MAKE A LIVING PAGE 18

BUILDING A $20 SNACK BOARD PAGE 13

EGG HUNT ROUNDUP PAGE 41

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Inside!

A family digs for deals in this playful and verdant illustration by Rob Donnelly.

1186 Williston Rd. So. Burlington, VT 05403 (Next to the Alpine Shop) 802.863.0143 Open 7 days 10am-7pm cheeseandwinetraders.com KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019 k8v-CheeseTraders0417.indd 1

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TRENDING A viral video shows a father leaping into the path of a fastapproaching sled and snatching two children out of the way in the nick of time. Sometimes heroes wear dad jeans.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently endorsed a tax on sugary drinks, a measure they think will curb kids’ consumption.

How about a tax on screen time, too?

A Kentucky high school recently offered a conference for seniors on “adulting” with workshops on changing a tire, filing taxes and cooking.

Is transferring a sleeping baby from the car seat to the crib covered in the advanced-level class?

A New York Times column about 8-year-old Tani Adewumi, a homeless chess champion from New York City, led to a GoFundMe drive that raised more than $200,000 for his family and a donation of rent for a two-bedroom apartment. They decided to donate 10 percent of the money to their church and use the rest to create a foundation to help African immigrants like themselves. “I think I am still dreaming,” Tani’s father said.

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KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

AUTUMN ANSWERS

Should my teenager get a summer job?

I

got my first summer job at age 16, working down the road from our house at a Medicaid-funded nursing home.

I was the nursing aides’ aide.

My shift started at the crack of dawn and consisted mostly of scrubbing things clean.

This nursing home gig was not the stuff of teen movies.

There were no beach parties, no sun-kissed crushes and no one spontaneously breaking into song. It was not fun at all, and I very much disliked it. If you’d asked 16-year-old me what the perks of having that job were, I’d have only answered, “Money, and not much of it.” Of course, now I know that job challenged me in a hundred different ways —from learning how to show up for work on time to developing compassion for some of the most vulnerable and disregarded members of our community.

In a SheKnows article entitled “Should Teens Have a Summer Job? Experts Weigh In,” family psychologist Dr. Barbara Greenberg says yes, our teens should definitely get summer jobs, citing financial education among the many benefits. “There is no better way to learn about money than by learning that you need to earn it,” Greenberg says. The benefits go beyond money and include teamwork, time management and self-esteem. Having a summer job helps teens “learn about responsibility and the importance of showing up on time and the

expectations associated with being a valued worker.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, summer labor participation rates among teens ages 16 to 19 peaked in 1979 at nearly 60 percent. It’s been trending mostly downward since then, hitting 34 percent in 2011 and hovering around there in the years since. As fewer college graduates enter the job market with actual work experience, employers seem to be noticing. In a recent NerdWallet article, “Why Your Teen Should Work This Summer,” certified financial planner and columnist Liz Weston writes: “A recent survey indicates many college graduates may be hitting the job market unprepared

to meet employer expectations.

While 89.4% of recent grads rated themselves as proficient in their work ethic and professionalism, only 42.5% of surveyed employers shared that view, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2018.”

As you and your teen research summer employment options, it’s also important to consider how your teen’s job will impact your routines and workload.

For instance, where is the job located and how will your teen get to and from work? If your teen can’t drive or doesn’t have access to a car, check bus schedules and bike routes. (After all, part of having a job is figuring out how to get yourself to work on time.) It’s okay to prioritize your own sanity and work-life balance by ensuring that your teen’s summer gig doesn’t turn into a whole lot more work for you.

If you can make it happen without the hassle, having a summer job will provide your teen with more than a little pocket cash. It’s crucial real-life experience that will help teach your teen the value of time and money, of balance and routine. Because we’re not just raising kids; we’re teaching our kids how to be functional adults out in the world.

In this monthly column, comedian, writer and mom Autumn Spencer answers tricky parenting questions. Have a question for Autumn? Send it to ideas@kidsvt.com.

#INSTAKIDSVT Thanks for sharing your cute photos with us using the hashtag #instakidsvt. We loved this picture of siblings Callan and Meadow on a snowy hike at Mobbs Hill in Jericho. This month, share a snapshot of your kids enjoying the warmer weather.

HERE’S HOW:

Tag us on Instagram !

Follow @kids_vt on Instagram.

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

KIDS SAY WHAT?

PARENT PARTICIPATION

This month, we asked our Facebook followers to tell us their kids’ favorite songs. Find their answers below.

My daughter’s favorite song is PINK by Aerosmith.

RAINBOW

by Kacey Musgraves.

HEATHER SAWYER

Kiddo loves

MELISSA SENESAC LOST BOY! SARAH KITCHEN

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST

Miles: My favorite song is YOUNG BLOOD.

PET CORNER

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL WORLD.

LOU-ANNE JETTIE WOOD

TARA TYNAN ARNESON

DELILAH, AGE 5

MOLLY HUDDLE COFFEY

Jammin’ with the ’80s right now — TAKE ON ME by A-ha, and we sing James Taylor’s YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND every night.

by Queen. Been on a Freddie Mercury kick lately.

“I don’t care what this Lady Nature person is doing. It’s spring!”

We asked recently. My daughter (6) answered FROM NOW ON (from The Greatest Showman) but changed her mind to HEY JUDE. Gotta stick with The Beatles!

KIM MEILLEUR

HOLLY BECKERT

Nicole Nappi shared a photo of her 10-yearold son, Jayden, with the family’s 1-year-old goats, Poppy and Petunia. Jayden “loves to be a part of caring for our goats,” says Nappi.

“He feeds and waters them and brings them treats.” The family got Poppy and Petunia when they were 2 weeks old and bottle-fed them, “so they are very attached to us,” adds Nappi.

“They chase us around the yard and sometimes even try to follow us into the house.”

PHOTOS BY JEB WALLACE-BRODEAUR

On March 27 at the Statehouse in Montpelier, we celebrated the 77 young Vermonters who completed the 2018 Good Citizen Challenge. These Good Citizens were introduced and recognized before the House of Representatives. They also got to hear from Speaker of the House Mitzi Johnson and Gov. Phil Scott. Look for more information about the next Challenge at goodcitizenvt.com.

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B Y M A RY AN N L IC K T EIG & A L ISO N N OVAK

AWARDS COURTESY OF KATHERINE PATERSON

Kids’ Lit Legend

Montpelier author KATHERINE PATERSON has won the E.B. White Award, given by the American Academy of Arts and Letters to a writer for achievement in children’s literature. “It’s just a real thrill,” says Paterson, who calls White one of her “genuine literary heroes.” As a graduate student, she kept Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style nearby any time she had to write, she says. She read all of White’s children’s books to her own four children “and cried over Charlotte’s Web more times than I can imagine. It’s just wonderful to have an award with his name on it.” The honor comes with $10,000 and is the latest in a long string of accolades for Paterson, who has written more than 30 books, including 17 novels for children and young adults. She is a two-time winner of the John Newbery Medal — for Bridge to Terabithia in 1978 and for Jacob Have I Loved in 1981 — and a two-time winner of the National Book Award — for The Master Puppeteer in 1977 and for The Great Gilly Hopkins in 1979. Paterson, 86, is at work on a new novel for children. She doesn’t call any of her books her favorite, though Bridge to Terabithia has outsold the others. “You know, it’s hard to say ‘favorite’ because I had a different relationship with each of them, and they were written for different reasons…” she says. “I don’t think any of my children or my books are perfect, but I love them all.” —MAL Learn more at katherinepaterson.com.

LITERACY

Access to Authors

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Banking on It

The March 7 ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Junior League of Champlain Valley’s new diaper bank

According to the National Diaper Bank Network, the average cost of diapering a child is $70 to $80 per month, a hefty expense for moms and dads trying to make ends meet.

Consequently, one in three families in the U.S. struggles with diaper supply. To help meet this need in Chittenden County, the Junior League of Champlain Valley opened a DIAPER BANK in March. The women’s organization committed to volunteerism has partnered with the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf — as well as food shelves in Williston, Richmond, Milton and Hinesburg — with the goal of distributing 100,000 diapers annually. Last winter, the league launched a three-month diaper drive and collected about 20,000 diapers for the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf, said league president Jill Everett. As the drive was ending, Seventh Generation donated 46,000 additional diapers, which prompted members to begin looking for space to house all of those boxes. In June, they signed a lease for a space in South Burlington that includes a 700-square-foot warehouse and 750 square feet of meeting and work space. Donate diapers by dropping them off at Healthy Living Market & Café in South Burlington or the lobby of Kismet Place in Williston. Junior League members will then repackage donations into smaller parcels and deliver them to their five food bank partners. Another way to help? Make a Learn more about the digital donation through the Junior League’s Amazon diaper bank and how Wish List. —AN to donate at jlcv.org/ diaper-bank.

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KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

Four years ago, Donna Sullivan-Macdonald, the librarian at Orchard School in South Burlington, attended nErDcamp Northern New England in Freeport, Maine — a literacy-focused “unconference” that brought dozens of children’s book authors together to lead workshops for educators and to meet families. She was so inspired by the free event that she thought to herself, If they can do it in Maine, we can do it in Vermont.

Last year, with the help of the Vermont Council on Reading, the Vermont Author Dayna School Library Association Lorentz at last year’s and the Vermont nErDcampVT Department of Libraries, she launched NERDCAMPVT. This month, the second annual daylong nErDcampVT will start with sessions for teachers run by authors from Vermont and beyond. Then, at 2:30 p.m., the public will be invited to a free Author Faire featuring 34 children’s book writers and illustrators, including Jim Arnosky, Ann Braden, Sarah Dillard, Katy Farber, Jo Knowles and Tanya Lee Stone. Phoenix Books will be on hand for those who’d like to purchase participating authors’ picture books and novels. “It’s a rare opportunity to connect with over 30 authors in one place,” said Sullivan-Macdonald. —AN

The nErDcampVT Author Faire is Saturday, April 6, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Hiawatha Elementary School in Essex Junction. Find more information at tinyurl.com/nerdcampvt.

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GREEN UP DAY Sat. May 4 th

Pick up a green bag and get outside to collect litter. greenupvermont.org

Thanks to our Stafford Partners: Untitled-54 1

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MEALTIME B Y A S T R ID H EDB O R L AG U E

Learn to change the world

Tarta Pascualina An Argentinian Easter Classic

E

ggs are commonly associated with Easter. They symbolize rebirth and the fertility of spring. In the United States, they are hard-boiled, festively dyed and often part of Easter breakfast. Traditions in other parts of the world make the humble egg a star at the dinner table.

This frugal and filling Tarta Pascualina — literally “Easter Pie” — began as a tradition in Northern Italy but, through the years, became popular in Argentina and other South American countries. The original Italian dish has layers of flaky pastry.

In Argentina, the crust became more like empanada dough, sturdy and buttery. The Argentinian version also incorporates nutmeg and sometimes red bell pepper. This meatless entrée is company-worthy but accessible enough for any home cook.

1.

2.

PHOTOS: ANDY BRUMBAUGH

Astrid’s son, Philip, enjoys Tarta Pascualina

4.

Roll out the larger disc until it is about 1/8-inch thick and large enough to cover the bottom and sides of a 9-inch springform pan. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray, then lay the pie crust in, pressing down on the sides and bottom. Freeze for about 20 minutes.

5.

Saturday, April 6 @ 11:00 am–1:00 pm For middle and high school students and their parents. Register online.

Thursday, April 11 @ 7:00–8:30 pm For adults only. Register online.

Save the date:

Mayfest

Saturday, May 4

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER AT:

www.lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org SHELBURNE, VT (802) 985-2827

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KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019 3/28/19 10:30 AM

The tarta is similar to a deep-dish quiche with a top crust, but instead of scrambling eggs and stirring vegetables in, you crack the eggs onto the vegetable mixture. Upon serving, the slices reveal a cross section of cooked egg, making for a beautiful presentation.

You could halve the amount of filling you use and make the dish in a normal pie plate, but I prefer a springform pan, which allows for more filling and a prettier plate. In a pinch, you could use store-bought pie crust, but this sturdy, homemade crust is easy to make and work with.

So, why not travel the world via your kitchen this Easter? As they say in Argentina, “Felices Pascuas!”

1.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2.

Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. Stir in thawed, drained spinach, nutmeg, salt and pepper, and cook for an additional 3 to 5 minutes.

Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the ricotta and mozzarella.

3.

Take the pie crust from the freezer and fill it with the spinach mixture. Make 1-inchdeep indentations with the back of a spoon about 1 1/2 inches apart around the edge of the filling. Crack an egg into each indentation. Sprinkle the filling

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4 cups flour

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2 teaspoons salt

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1 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces

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2 eggs

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1/2 cup ice-cold water

For the filling:

Roll out the smaller disc so that it is just larger than the top of the pan. If desired, use springshaped cookie cutters to make decorative pieces for the top of the pie. Chill the top crust and the decorative designs in the fridge while you make the filling.

For the filling:

Visiting Morning: Grades 1-8

Raising Kids in a Digital World

In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and water, and add to flour mixture. Mix just until clumps begin to form. Don’t overmix, or your crust may become tough.

Using 2/3 of the dough, form a disc and place it between two sheets of lightly floured wax paper. Do the same with the remaining dough.

High School Open House

Wednesday, April 10 @ 8:30–10:00 am For adults only. Register online.

Whisk together flour and salt in a large bowl or combine in a food processor. (If using a food processor, you should make the pie dough in two batches.) Cut in butter using a pastry blender or pulsing in the food processor until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

3.

Join us for our

spring Events

TARTA PASCUALINA Ingredients For the deep-dish pie crust:

Directions For the deep-dish crust:

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1 tablespoon olive oil

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1/2 onion, diced

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2 cloves garlic, minced

•

4 cups frozen spinach (about 2 standard packages), thoroughly drained

•

1 teaspoon salt

•

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

•

1/2 teaspoon pepper

•

2 cups ricotta

•

1 cup shredded mozzarella

•

5-6 eggs, plus 1 more for egg wash

•

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

with Parmesan. Cover with the top crust, and crimp the edges with a fork in a decorative pattern. Cut a slit into the center of the pie to allow it to vent.

4.

Mix the remaining egg with about 1 tablespoon of water and brush the top of the crust.

Use the egg wash to attach decorative crust pieces, if desired.

5.

Carefully tent the pie with tin foil, put the springform pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil, and bake for another 35 minutes. Raise the oven temperature to 425 degrees and bake for a final 8 to 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

6.

Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before removing the sides of the springform pan.

7.

Slice and serve — warm or at room temperature — with a side salad, if desired.

DESTINATION RECREATION BY H E AT H ER P O L IFK A - R IVA S

Small Worlds: Miniatures in Contemporary Art Fleming Museum of Art, 61 Colchester Ave., Burlington

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While most displays are labeled with “Please do not touch” signs, we were delighted to come upon two hands-on installations.

collection of candy wrappers, Tic Tacs and unidentifiable pieces of plastic.

Around the corner, Matt Neckers’ open vintage refrigerator is filled with furniture, a miniature sculpture of Jim Sardonis’ famous whale tails and spherical piles of tiny ping pong balls. Visitors are allowed to move them around. Donning the badges and white gloves the museum provides, my kids rearranged the fridge to create their own tableau of oddities, like a ladder studded with tiny rockets and a mini coffee table piled high with small plastic tubes.

Museum adventures can be eyeopening and enlightening, but also exhausting. Small Worlds offers just enough artistic exposure for short attention spans. Before you leave, head upstairs to check out the amazing mummy that’s part of the museum’s permanent collection. Then, reward your art hounds with an ice cream cone from the Dairy Bar at UVM’s Davis Center, and you’ve got a day trip that’s more than a little fun. K PHOTOS: HEATHER POLIFKA-RIVAS

oth of my children have long been obsessed with we were delighted to come upon two hands-on instaltiny toys. As a toddler, my son, now 10, carried lations. Artist Brian D. Collier created The Collier around miniature ninja figures in his sticky fists.

Classification System for Very Small Objects and When he lost one — which happened daily — a crisis invites visitors to classify, name and contribute a very ensued, and we could not resume normal activities small object to his installation. We donated a piece of until his beloved Bok Choy Boy was found. My 6-yearpocket lint we found in Ruby’s jacket. Using Collier’s old daughter is enamored with little figurines called system — which includes classifying the object into Shopkins. She collects and trades them with her friends.

“Mommy, looook! This one looks like a miniature toaster!” she squeals. “And it’s soooo cute.”

Even I like Legos. Building ships, planes and imaginary worlds with them is something our entire family enjoys together. So you can imagine my excitement when I discovered there was a new exhibit at the University of Vermont’s Fleming Museum of Art that highlights small worlds and miniature items.

Ruby examines As an afterschool miniature glassware from the museum’s diversion from Fortnite, I global collection took my kids, Henry and Ruby, on an adventure to the museum. Upon arrival, we briefly perused the permanent installations. Ruby enjoyed the tribal masks, and Henry was wowed by the samurai suit. We passed through a wide marble hall (“Whoa, Mom, this looks like a palace!”) and found the current exhibit. Filled with photography, mini sculptures and hands-on fun, each piece offers an element of whimsy.

Joe Fig’s replica of an artist’s studio had us all in awe.

A tiny figure works at a desk in a dollhouse-sized room equipped with photographs for inspiration. A tiny drafting table is littered with even tinier cylinders filled with rulers and paint brushes. Thread-like wires connect to lightbulbs that hang from the ceiling.

Close your eyes and you can imagine them illuminated at night while the artist works into the wee hours.

Henry and Ruby loved the larger-thanlife photographs of food by Minimiam, the name for collaborators Akiko Ida and Pierre Javelle. Upon close inspection, you can see that there’s a small figurine standing on top of that glazed donut, playing golf with the sprinkles! In another playful photograph, a hiker and a tiny toy van are intrepid explorers amidst the swirls of ice cream on a pint of Ben & Jerry’s.

Henry checks out Matt Ruby and I were drawn in by the sparkle Neckers’ open refrigerator and bling of Sally Curcio, who creates snowglobe-like versions of cities using beads of different colors and shapes. Her gleaming turquoise either a “once living” or “never living” category — lake surrounded by city buildings elicited “ooohs’’ and contributors then use a key provided by Collier to “ahhhs” even from my eye-rolling tween. name the very small object. Henry named the lint While most displays are labeled with the “Please Nelifrag Pockeattachgrayspherisquisheunlik, put it in a do not touch” signs typically found in art museums, small classification bottle and added it to the growing

Small Worlds: Miniatures in Contemporary Art runs through May 10. The Fleming is open TuesdayFriday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Admission is $10 per family, or $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors. Children 6 and under are free.

A larger-than-life photograph by Minimiam KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

11

ONE TO WATCH BY J ORD A N A D A M S

Precocious Player Essex teen is a classical music master

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Join Us!

AGE: 16

one, and he now serves as TOWN: Essex the regional director of Burlington’s chapter. He and a group of peers from the VYO travel mainly to Chittenden County schools, spreading their love of classical music and explaining the skills required to master their instruments. “I really enjoy performing for young kids because they have an open mind to everything,� says Henry.

But Henry doesn’t just educate kids. He and his twin brother, Nathan, who plays piano and violin, created a concert series called Classical Music Encounters, which they host at local libraries. During a recent performance at the South Burlington Public Library, the brothers presented a series of pieces that comprised a judiciously streamlined history of classical music to a crowd of around 50 onlookers, most of whom appeared old enough to be the boys’ grandparents. Starting with the Baroque era, they worked their way through history, playing solo and duo works from the 18th through 20th centuries.

Recently, Henry has been branching out to different musical genres. He’s a member of SoundCheck, a rock band featuring Vermont high school students from various musical backgrounds and abilities focused on writing and playing songs relating to social justice issues, such as racial equality. “It was a big challenge for me to not play classical music,� he says.

But SoundCheck artistic director Brian Boyes says Henry thrives in the group. “Henry is that super rare student who brings fierce intelligence [and] powerful talent, yet he also has an immense amount of integrity,�

Boyes says. “He’s a good listener and speaks up when he needs to. Those are rare things to see in anybody, let alone kids.�

COURTESY OF HENRY WU

hile the music of artists like Ariana Grande, Post Malone and Drake might excite the typical teen, Henry Wu is more keen on the works of FrĂŠdĂŠric Chopin, Johann Sebastian Bach and Camille Saint-SaĂŤns. The 16-year-old pianist and cellist is involved with a variety of classical music endeavors, including playing in the Essex High School orchestra and the Vermont Youth Orchestra.

Henry, a junior at Essex High School, has garnered many musical accolades. A pianist since age 5 and a cellist since fourth grade, he’s the principal cellist in the VYO and a beneficiary of the 2018 Jon Borowicz Memorial Scholarship, which awarded him $500 and allowed him to perform a solo concerto with the Vermont Symphony Orchestra.

In the past few years, Henry has gone from simply playing music to taking on important leadership roles.

Despite his reserved demeanor, it “comes naturally to me,� he says. “I think I have this quiet leadership that works for me.�

Vermont Youth Orchestra Association music director Benjamin Klemme says Henry is remarkable “not only in his playing, but also in his approach to citizenship� within the orchestra. “He’s always volunteering to mentor younger students in the organization,� says Klemme.

Henry’s transition from playing to leading began in the summer of 2016 at an intensive overnight camp sponsored by the Foundation for Chinese Performing Arts at the Walnut Hill School in Natick, Mass. The program, which included the study of orchestral and chamber music, was more rigorous than anything he’d ever done. He returned the following summer for another round. “It confirmed that I want to keep playing music for the rest of my life and help lead and teach others through music,� he says.

Since this epiphany, Henry discovered the Back to BACH Project, a worldwide, community-based initiative to expose elementary school students to classical music. “They had chapters in big cities around the world, but there wasn’t one in Vermont,� Henry says. So he started

NAME: Henry Wu

Henry recently took on the role of musical director for the spring production of Shrek the Musical Jr. at Albert D. Lawton Intermediate School in Essex Junction. He’s responsible for teaching the score to 40 students playing a wide variety of instruments.

Despite his accomplishments, Henry says that, at this point in his life, he doesn’t plan to pursue music as a career. So what does he want to do? “So many people have asked me that, and I don’t have a great answer,� he chuckles. “I’m interested in a lot of things. I really like technology, science and math. I also have a passion for social justice. I don’t think there’s a career that combines all of [that]. K

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THE ART OF BY A L I S ON N OVA K

Creating a Snack Board — on a Budget PHOTOS: JAMES BUCK

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have a somewhat embarrassing — though surprisingly common — affinity for looking at beautiful photographs of yummy things to eat. That means I follow a lot of food bloggers on Instagram.

It was on one of those accounts — Weelicious — where I first saw a photo of a snack board.

For those who aren’t familiar with the term, picture a cheese plate you might order at a fancy restaurant (another one of my affinities). Then, take away a considerable amount of the cheese and add baguette slices, crackers, berries, fruits, veggies, charcuterie, olives, dips and all other sorts of appealing finger foods.

Presentation matters, and not just because it determines the number of likes you’ll get on Instagram. As any parent who’s called broccoli a tree or made happy-face pancakes knows, the way you display food is half the battle when it comes to feeding kids. No one’s going to clamor over a skimpy, beige snack board.

The finished budget snack board Think bounty — a rich palette of varying colors, sizes and textures artfully arranged and practically spilling off the board. raw almonds (90 cents), sunflower seeds (31 cents) and The enticing smorgasbords I’ve scrolled through on chocolate-covered sunflower seeds in hues of lavender, social media look expensive. So I wondered: Is it possible dark purple and bright yellow ($1.36) to serve as a pop of to create a deluxe snack board on a budget? I turned to Mae color and a sweet treat.

Quilty, outreach and education manager at Burlington’s In the produce department, we grabbed locally grown City Market, Onion River Co-op, for help. carrots and an apple, a few tangerines, sugar snap peas, I met Quilty at City Market’s South End store, and and a Chioggia beet, which reveals a candy-cane pattern we grabbed a cart. Our when sliced open. None of mission: to create a snack the fruits or veggies cost Snack board board my family of four more than two bucks. ingredients could eat for dinner for Before heading for around 20 bucks. the register, I threw in a First, we hit the store’s $1.79 package of sesamegrab-and-go section, where flavored dried seaweed I picked up Hunan dumpfor a bit of saltiness and lings, roasted root veggies, crunch. hummus and hard-boiled My haul totaled eggs. These items cost $28.39, a bit more than between 79 cents and I planned to spend. But $3.19. We cruised into after Quilty and I asthe bakery section, where sembled the board, I had Quilty advised me that the enough baguette, cheese best price for a baguette and sausage left over to was Klinger’s long loaf for $2.99. Then we hit up the deli, make lunch for two the next day. where I scooped up a hunk of cob-smoked pepperoni for The assembled board looked professional, fun to eat $2.67 and a block of Cabot Farmhouse Reserve Cheddar, on and most definitely Instagrammable (though I refrained sale for $2.29. from posting it). An added bonus? I took it home to my Since it was Thursday, bulk items were 10 percent off. family for a no-muss, no-fuss dinner. I got four likes at the I picked up small bags of dried cranberries (44 cents), kitchen table that night.

BUDGET BOUNTY Want to make a snack board at home? Follow these tips from City Market’s Mae Quilty so your smorgasbord doesn’t break the bank.

•

It’s cheaper to make your own hummus, bean dip and kale chips. Find City Market’s recipes for roasted garlic white bean hummus, kale chips and chipotle black bean dip online at kidsvt.com.

•

Shop the bulk section for small amounts of more expensive items, such as nuts and dried fruit. Bring your own containers to reduce waste.

•

Look for prepackaged cheese and meat trim — irregular and end pieces — in the deli department; they cost less than the cleaner-cut varieties.

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Some grocery stores offer a reduced-price produce bin with perfectly good-to-eat fruits and veggies that may be bruised, past their peak in ripeness or unappealing at first glance.

•

Think vegetarian. Choose protein-rich hard-boiled eggs or oven-roasted chickpeas in place of more costly meats.

•

Since organic produce usually comes with a higher price tag, use the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list — 12 fruits and veggies you should buy organic whenever possible — and Clean Fifteen list — 15 items that are OK to buy conventional — to guide your purchases.

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

13

CHECKUP WIT H KATI N A M A RTI N • I N T E RV I E W C O M PIL ED & C O N DEN S ED B Y K EN PIC AR D

When Does Acupuncture Help Children?

KIDS VT: How does acupuncture work?

KATINA MARTIN: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine modality that’s been used for thousands of years. It involves inserting very thin needles into precise points along channels in the body, which are thought to stimulate healing and restore function. In this system of medicine, there are meridians of invisible energy pathways that run throughout the body. In good health, our qi (pronounced “chee”), or life energy force, should flow freely along these meridians. If there’s a blockage in the smooth flow of that qi, then it’s thought to cause illness and pain.

I like to use the analogy that meridians are like rivers flowing through our bodies that nourish our muscles and organs. When

there’s pain or disease in the body, there’s an obstruction in this flow similar to a dam that blocks the movement in these rivers.

Acupuncture serves to remove these dams in order to restore the free flow of these rivers and restore balance to the body.

KVT: What conditions do you typically treat in children?

KM: Acupuncture can be used for a wide variety of ailments and complaints. I find it useful in treating musculoskeletal complaints resulting from sports injuries, such as sprains, strains and concussions. I also use it for migraine headaches, allergies, asthma and digestive issues. And, it’s helpful with hormone imbalances and menstrual cycle irregularities in teenage girls.

KVT: Can you use acupuncture to treat children’s mental health issues?

KM: Definitely. I use it frequently for mental and emotional complaints.

Acupuncture is a holistic approach that treats the mind as well as the body because it stimulates the body to bring it back into balance. We can use acupuncture to treat depression, anxiety, insomnia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

KVT: At what age can children begin acupuncture?

KM: I find it easier to treat children who are 10 years old or older because they’re better able to understand the concept of acupuncture. Sometimes younger children will associate the needles with getting their blood drawn or with vaccines, which are very different experiences. Not that children

It's a bird, it's a plane it's....

One to Watch

KVT: How do you alleviate fear or anxiety that children may have about the needles?

KM: I find it helpful to first show them the needles so that they see how thin and flexible they are. I will then insert the needle into a point on my own hand to show them that it’s not painful and that I’m able to move my hand comfortably.

I describe the sensation as similar to a mosquito bite. I also let them know that we can try just one needle at a time and that they’re always in control. If they don’t like it, we can pull it out quickly. It shouldn’t be a painful experience. If they have a parent who gets acupuncture, it can also help to come in and watch their experience.

KVT: Are there times when you wouldn’t recommend acupuncture for kids?

KM: There are very few contraindications with acupuncture. I would use caution if a child has a seizure or clotting disorder. But overall, it’s a very safe modality.

KVT: Can acupuncture be used as an alternative or complement to Western medical treatments?

KM: Absolutely! It’s definitely a great complementary therapy and can be used as an alternative to conventional treatments as well. Because there are so few contraindications, there are very few side effects. The most common is soreness at the site where the needles were that quickly resolves, and sometimes bruising and minimal bleeding. Especially with the current opioid epidemic, acupuncture can be used as a great pain-relieving treatment alternative. I can even help wean people off their pain medications while giving acupuncture for pain relief.

Acupuncture can also be used after surgery for pain relief and to improve blood flow and to encourage healing.

KVT: Anything else?

KM: I like to use acupuncture in my primary care naturopathic practice because I focus on wellness and prevention.

When you get acupuncture to treat one ailment — say, headaches or migraines — the patient won’t just see benefits in that chief complaint. They may also see improvements in other parts of their health.

The headaches will go away, but they may also be sleeping better and therefore have more energy. So it’s addressing the whole person and bringing the whole body back into balance. K

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Do you know a local kid (age 17 or under) who's recently done something amazing? Won a spelling bee? Invented something?

Written an opera? Raised a bunch of money for a great cause? Tell us more!

He or she could be featured as One to Watch in an upcoming issue of Kids VT. Visit Kidsvt.com to tell us about this local superhero.

younger than 10 shouldn’t get acupuncture.

I’ve done acupuncture on my children since they were toddlers. For younger children, you can use acupressure points instead and teach parents where they’re located so that they can do that at home. Acupressure involves the application of firm pressure with the fingers to massage and stimulate specific points rather than using needles.

The same points used in acupuncture are utilized in acupressure to correct imbalances in the body.

arh o us

e

M

any Vermonters take a holistic approach to maintaining their health and wellness. Some seek out acupuncture for themselves and their families as an alternative or complement to conventional Western medical treatments.

Katina Martin is a licensed naturopathic doctor, midwife and acupuncturist with Vermont Natural Family Health in Salisbury and Burlington. Martin, who’s been practicing in Vermont since 2006, treats children and adults with natural remedies, such as Chinese herbs, rather than conventional pharmaceuticals. She spoke to Kids VT about the many health benefits that acupuncture can provide to children. (Families should consult their insurance providers to find out whether they cover acupuncture. Some plans, including Dr. Dynasaur, do not.)

332 Shelburne-Hinesburg Road, Shelburne • 802-985-5054 14

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

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BOOKWORMS BY BRE TT A N N S TA N CI U

Calf on the Lam

Book traces the adventures of a wandering week-old steer

T

KVT: Can families repeat Huck’s journey?

KR: We’ve included a map [in the book] that E P C isTreally cool, so families can follow S RE • He was spotted by hikers Huck’s travels.

T at the star [at the top of Mount Tom]. He was seen in two cemeteries … He was kind of like Where’s Waldo.

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• S H A R I• S H A R I N ST NG G

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KVT: Tell us a little about your next children’s book with Billings.

KR: The book will be called Bristly Baby Alphabet Berkshire Pigs: A Billings Farm Alphabet.

It will not be the usual alphabet book.

No A is for apple here … There will be something special about Billings Farm for each letter of the alphabet, such as: A is for Araucana’s aqua eggs, S is for shearing Southdown sheep and T is for tapping the trees. It should be available for sale later this year.

BE

LONGI

NG

P O N S I BPI LO N S I B I S IT LI T RE

•

ST

•

Y

•

S RE

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U

BE

THE

SCHOOLHOUSE

manager and his family.

They were chasing him through the afternoon and up onto the trails along Mount Tom.

•

LONGI

NG

•

SCHOOLHOUSE

THE

Kids VT: What inspired you to write this story?

Kristina Rodanas: When I read about a lost calf in the newspaper, I thought, Huh, I bet I know where he came from … That was the basis for Huck’s Way Home … I started interviewing people. As it turns out, there were a number of people working on the farm that afternoon he took off, so a number of people chased after him.

There were visitors when he escaped.

They saw him running up through the back of the property and out onto the street. People who worked there chased after him. The police went after him — they really did ... [and] the farm

Y

•

solve your problems … Huck perked up his ears, listened and remembered [to find his way home]. That’s a message to listen to your elders. They sometimes know what they’re talking about … Most of the books I’ve done have something to do with being self-reliant and finding E Cway T through some kind of a crisis.

E S Pyour

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to perform, visitors can see them in the barn or outside in the paddock.

When illustrator and writer Kristina Rodanas — also a part-time educator at Billings — first read about Huck’s journey, she thought, Somebody has to write about this. “It was just too good a story to pass up,” she said.

Her picture book, Huck’s Way Home, is Billings’ first children’s book.

From her Woodstock studio, Rodanas spoke with Kids VT.

•

I

n September of 2017, a runaway steer in Woodstock had townspeople on the hunt. The week-old American Milking Devon, Huck, and his brother Finn had just been purchased by Billings Farm & Museum, a historic working and educational farm. On delivery day, Huck headed for the hills.

He ran through the fields, down River Street, and even wandered up nearby Mount Tom. The next morning, when he was given up for lost, the farm manager found him back at the farm. The little explorer had crawled through the rails of a fence and joined the other calves in the pasture.

Billings Farm was started in 1871 by Frederick Billings, a lawyer, railroad builder and pioneer in scientific farm management and reforestation. Now owned and operated by The Woodstock Foundation, the Billings Farm & Museum was founded in 1983 to preserve the historic property. In addition to a restored farmhouse and creamery, the farm is home to sheep, draft horses, chickens, Jersey cows and oxen.

The Devons were a prized addition.

This once-common breed played a significant role in Vermont history as valuable draft animals, hauling timber and clearing fields — and even earned a place on the state flag.

Currently, Huck and Finn are training to wear a yoke and pull loads as demonstration animals. Until they’re ready

KVT: Is there a deeper theme of your book?

KR: This amazing story is all about a message I’ve really wanted to convey: You have it within you to find a way to

Meet Kristina Rodanas and Huck at Billings Farm & Museum’s Baby Farm Animal Celebration, Friday, April 19, and Saturday, April 20. Find more information at billingsfarm.org.

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outside of the box and walls WEoutside THINKour OUTSIDE.

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3:15 PM

BY THE NUMBERS I N F ORM ATI ON COM P I L E D B Y M AR Y AN N L IC K T EIG

The Cost of Raising a Child Every parent knows that having kids is a big investment. But how do the expenses break down?

$233,610

Not including college!

Cost of raising a child — born in 2015 — from birth through age 17

$284,570 Cost with projected inflation factored in $25,229 Cost of raising a child born in 1960 ($202,020 in 2015 dollars) By 2015, the actual cost rose 16%.

Where does the money go?

18% FOOD

Average percentage of household expenditures attributable to children in marriedcouple families, by number of children:

9% HEALTH CARE

TWO CHILDREN:

39%

26%

49% THREE CHILDREN:

$743

Compared with expenditures per child for married-couple families with two children, those with one child spend 27% MORE per child; those with three or more children spend 24% LESS per child.

Cost of diapering items for a baby’s first year.

SOURCE: NERDWALLET, 2017

Most e

Cost by Region

URBAN WEST: $245,460

16% CHILDCARE & EDUCATION

ONE CHILD:

xp sive! en

29% HOUSING

Cheaper by the Dozen

URBAN NORTHEAST: $264,090

URBAN MIDWEST: $227,400

15% TRANSPORTATION

7% RECREATION, ENTERTAINMENT & OTHER

URBAN SOUTH: $232,050 6% CLOTHING

Least expensive region to raise a child:

RURAL AREAS, NATIONWIDE: $193,020 27% LOWER than the urban Northeast SOURCE, UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED: EXPENDITURES ON CHILDREN BY FAMILIES, 2015, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE’S CENTER FOR NUTRITION POLICY AND PROMOTION

In “By the Numbers,” we present data about topics of interest to parents. Got a subject you’d like us to dig into? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

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KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

FAMILY PORTRAIT I N T E RV I E W BY E RI N N SIM O N • PH OTO B Y S AM SIM O N

Brittany, Jeremy, Henry & Evelyn

Brittany: A week before Evelyn was born, Henry was diagnosed with autism. He was 2 1/2. The school system has been great; we met with them early on and figured out options for Henry. He goes to Orchard School in South Burlington a few days a week now, and then both kids are with Jeremy’s parents when we’re working. He has service providers who work with him one-on-one at my in-laws’ house during the week.

(Jeremy and I) both work full time, but we try to spend as much time together as a family as possible.

What do you like to do for fun?

Jeremy: Before dinner, we usually go for a walk. This

is the time of year that we start trying to get everyone outside again as much as possible. Henry loves being outside, and exercise really helps keep him focused.

Brittany: He loves climbing!

Jeremy [as Henry climbs on his shoulders]: He loves climbing and loves to wrestle. So we do a lot of floor time.

He loves [it] if we just get on the floor and let him climb on us, and Evelyn thinks that’s the funniest thing ever.

What’s your favorite thing to do together?

Jeremy [sitting on the floor, making a giant block tower with Evelyn]: For me, it’s this right here.

Brittany [as Henry climbs into her lap]: Me, too. K

Brittany Willette, 33, and Jeremy Willette, 37, at home with son Henry, 4, and daughter Evelyn, 1

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

17

Undervalued W

hen Noelle Cleveland work. Her partner earns more than twice enrolled at San José State her income in his job as a contractor and University in California in is able to help support her financially.

2008, she knew she wanted to work with Her parents pay the interest on her loans young children one day. She thought — her father even delayed his retirement she might become an elementary school and got a second job to help. Living in her teacher. But as part of her coursework, partner’s parents’ basement enables the she volunteered in a preschool and, couple to pay reduced rent. as she tells it, “instantly fell in love.”

Vermont is experiencing a childcare Cleveland, now 30, was enamored with crisis, parents, experts and lawmakers “the magic and wonder and excitement” across the political spectrum agree. A that young children possess. bill to mitigate the problem is currently One decade, two degrees and four being debated by state legislators. But full-time early-education jobs later, she Cleveland’s story illustrates an aspect of still feels that spark. She recalls a recent the issue that is sometimes overlooked. morning when she walked to the Browns Conversations about childcare often River to explore with her preschool stufocus on the high cost and shortage of dents from Saxon Hill School in Jericho. care. Less frequently discussed is the fact “It kind of reminds you to take a minute that the providers themselves are barely and look at the river,” she muses, “and it’s scraping by. joyous to watch them learn.”

Parents might be surprised to learn But despite her passion, her love for that their kids’ early childhood educathe kids and her belief that she is making tors, many of whom are college gradua difference, she doesn’t know if she can ates, are going without health insurance, continue in the field. depending on Medicaid and other Since she beganher career in 2014, government benefits, finding unconvenCleveland has earned an average salary tional ways to cut basic operating costs, of about $23,000 a year. Her current job and even sacrificing retirement savings offers little paid time off and no health and paychecks to provide high-quality benefits. Thanks to the Affordable Care care for kids.

Act, she’s able to pay for her own health “I’ve been pedaling uphill and uphill,” insurance, but it does not include dental or vision coverage. Consequently, she L EL wears expired contact lenses and has SS RU N N E a problem with a tooth that she can’t GL afford to fix.

Between her bachelor’s degree in child development from San José State and her master’s Noelle degree in early childhood Cleveland at Saxon Hill education from Champlain School College in Burlington, she’s in Jericho accrued $80,000 in student loan debt. She was denied a car loan because the debt labels her a risky borrower. She lives with her partner in the basement of his parents’ home and is delaying marriage and starting a family because of her financial insecurity.

Still, she considers herself one of the lucky ones in her line of

Measuring Up 18

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

Early childhood educators provide critical service but struggle to make ends meet

BY ALISON NOVAK

says 71-year-old Judy Pransky, a childcare center owner for almost 35 years. “I often say, How can I keep doing this?”

Cleveland concedes that she “never expected to become wealthy as a teacher,” but she also says she didn’t imagine how challenging it would be to make ends meet. For her, it comes down to dignity. “It is dehumanizing and difficult to have to ask for financial help, especially when you are working hard to stay afloat,” she says.

She knows that the work she is doing is critical. Parents need childcare to return to the workforce after having kids, and young children need high-quality learning experiences, she says. But the question she’s recently been asking herself is: “Do I want to have the job I believe I was born to do, or do I want to live a comfortable and independent life?”

“I STILL DON’T THINK WE’RE GETTING PAID NEARLY ENOUGH” Childcare workers in Vermont earned a median hourly wage of $12.71 in 2017, while preschool teachers earned $14.57. These numbers come from the 2018 Early Childhood Workforce Index released by the Center for the Study of Child Care Employment at the University of California, Berkeley.

The pay is worse in other parts of the country. In 2017, the national median hourly wage was $10.72 for childcare workers and $13.94 for preschool teachers.

Colchester native Jordan Soutiere makes $16.50 an hour working with 1- and 2-yearolds at Kids & Fitness, a childcare program with locations in Essex, Williston and South Burlington run by health club The Edge.

Before starting her current job in the program’s Essex location, she earned $13.50 an hour at another childcare center in Essex, a job she took after graduating in 2015 from Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire with a bachelor’s degree in child

According to the Vermont Department of Labor, the median hourly pay for the following jobs in Vermont is...

development. After Soutiere gave birth to her son in August 2017, she could no longer afford to work there because the job didn’t offer health benefits, and her pay was just high enough to make her ineligible for Medicaid.

At Kids & Fitness, her son is able to attend the program at a 50 percent discount, and she gets health insurance benefits for herself. Her son receives health insurance through the statefunded Dr. Dynasaur program, and her family grocery bills are subsidized by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

Despite these benefits, Soutiere struggles financially. She shells out $600 a month to repay college loans and estimates it will be 20 years before she is debt-free. She lives in St. Albans with her son and fiancé because they can’t afford an apartment in Chittenden County.

Gas for the commute costs about $200 a month. She isn’t able to save money to make a down payment on a house. And she can’t afford to stay home with her son when he’s sick.

It’s not surprising that Soutiere is having difficulty making ends meet.

Vermont ranks among the states with the highest cost of living on several surveys. The Living Wage Calculator, developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, calculates that the living wage in Vermont — the hourly rate that a full-time worker must earn to support their household — is $13.29 per hour for one adult and $27.84 for one adult with one child, both in Chittenden County, the state’s most populous county, and in Franklin County, where Soutiere lives.

Despite working 40 hours a week, there is “a lot I can’t do because I just don’t have the money for it,” says Soutiere.

Ella Downey, 23, graduated from high school five years ago and got a job as an entry-level assistant teacher at Leaps and Bounds Child Development Center in South Burlington for $9.50 an hour.

The first year she was there, she says, 38 employees left. She’s proud that now, under new ownership — the center is one of five Loveworks Child Care Centers in

CASHIER: $11.13

STOCK CLERK: $12.70

DISHWASHER: $11.24

CHILDCARE WORKER: $12.71

PARKING LOT ATTENDANT: $11.98

HAIRDRESSER: $12.93

Vermont, and Downey is its director — employees receive health benefits and paid personal time, and teachers receive $14 to $16 an hour, more than many area centers pay, she says. She now makes $19.25 an hour running the day-to-day operations of the center: communicating with parents, giving tours to prospective families, hiring staff and managing enrollment, as well as covering teachers’ lunch breaks and filling in for classroom teachers when they’re absent. “I still don’t think we’re getting paid nearly enough,” she says.

She has difficulty finding educators to hire, and being short-staffed is a constant worry. “We just haven’t had that many people even applying,” she says.

Trisha Scharf, owner and director of Children Unlimited in Williston, which serves 65 students from age 6 weeks through school-age, says talented educators have left her center. One took a job as a clerical worker at a hospital.

Others have become paraprofessionals or teachers in the public school system.

These positions come with benefits and offer substantially more pay than jobs in childcare. A Vermont kindergarten teacher, for example, earns a median hourly wage of $31.69, according to the 2018 Early Childhood Workforce Index.

Says Scharf: “People who love this age group just can’t afford to do it anymore.”

I decided I would sacrifice everything else to pay my staff well.

CHILDCARE CENTER OWNER JUDY PRANSKY

“I’LL KEEP DOING THIS AS LONG AS I CAN.”

COURTEST OF JUDY PRANSKY

Judy Pransky, owner of Cherry Street PlayCare in St. Johnsbury, with children from the center

It’s not only early childhood educators who are feeling the financial strain.

Childcare center owners stand atop a razor-thin edge trying to balance quality care with economic stability.

The crux of the problem, says Janet McLaughlin, interim CEO and chief of programs for advocacy and awareness campaign Let’s Grow Kids, is that families who need childcare “can’t afford to pay more, and early educators can’t afford to make less.”

Pransky owns Cherry Street PlayCare in St. Johnsbury, a private center that provides childcare and afterschool care for 65 children, ages 6 weeks to 13 years.

Cherry Street is a five-star program,

which means it has been recognized by the state as outstanding in a wide range of practices that support children, families and professionals.

Pransky believes that “from the moment of birth until they’re ready to walk into school,” children need highly skilled educators who are deeply invested in their work caring for children. In order to attract that caliber of educators, she says, childcare centers need to pay a decent wage. She prides herself on offering a good salary to her employees, ranging from $13 to $33 an hour. She offers two weeks of paid vacation after one year of employment, seven paid sick days and seven paid holidays, and she pays for professional development. Some of her employees have worked for her for 18 years.

How can she offer these competitive rates? “I decided I would sacrifice everything else to pay my staff well,” she explains. That means forgoing things like painting and insulating the building that houses the center (which she owns) and putting off cosmetic repairs on play equipment.

To construct an addition on her building to accommodate more infants and toddlers, she borrowed money from a well-to-do friend, then took out a life insurance policy in his daughter’s name as an unconventional way of repaying him.

Supplemental income she earns from Emerson Falls Hydro, a hydroelectric generating station she built with partners in 1984, goes into her childcare business.

Creativity, she and other center owners know, is key to staying afloat. For more than 30 years, Rosamaria Fay has provided childcare — first in her homebased program, now at the center she co-owns, Milton’s Elite. She’s constantly trying to figure out how to cut costs, she says, doing things like making her own liquid soap.

It costs childcare centers an estimated $15,793 to $35,535 per child to provide one year of quality early care, according to a November 2016 report from Vermont’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Financing High-Quality, Affordable UNDERVALUED, P. 20 »

BARTENDER: $13.58

PRESCHOOL TEACHER: $14.57

ROOFER: $17.23

PARALEGAL: $23.66

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST: $31.33

SECURITY GUARD: $13.89

FARMWORKER: $15.24

MUNICIPAL CLERK: $18.42

POSTAL SERVICE MAIL CARRIER: $24.37 AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER: $35.35

NURSING ASSISTANT: $13.91

BUS DRIVER: $17.10

MUSIC THERAPIST: $22.19

ELECTRICIAN: $24.96

VETERINARIAN: $45.54 KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

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Undervalued

CONTINUED FROM P.19

Child Care. The higher costs are for infants and toddlers, whose care requires more employees. State regulations require one childcare provider for every four infants, one provider for every five toddlers and one provider for every 10 preschoolers. Some childcare programs don’t offer infant care, says Fay of Milton’s Elite, because “it’s not cost-effective … We’re not making any money off those infants.”

State regulations, updated in 2016, beefed up the

COURTESY OF LET’S GROW KIDS

Trisha Scharf, left, owner of Children Unlimited in Williston

educational requirements for lead, or head, teachers in center-based programs. Additionally, all early childhood educators are required to complete 15 hours of professional development annually. Some childcare center owners say these factors affect their ability to hire teachers at a salary they can afford — because educators with more training expect more money, and job applicants aren’t always willing to get the training they need for the salary being offered.

What’s more, many providers say the income level that enables families to receive state-funded childcare subsidies — known as the Child Care Financial Assistance Program, or CCFAP — is too low, which impacts their ability to charge more for care.

Under the current system, a family of four must make a gross monthly income of $2,092 or less to qualify for a 100 percent childcare subsidy.

The subsidy operates on a sliding scale, bottoming out at families of four with a gross monthly income of $6,275, who qualify for a 10% subsidy.

The Blue Ribbon Commission’s 2016 report found that less than a quarter of families seeking access to regulated childcare get assistance through the program. Furthermore, the report stated, “to make care more affordable for families, providers offer financial support, including not collecting CCFAP co-payments” for families who receive a partial subsidy, which reduces the income of their businesses.

Additionally, the state currently

calculates its subsidy for preschool-age children using the 2010 market rate — which is $227 less per child per month than what centers reported charging in 2017.

Let’s Grow Kids likens that to “paying a mechanic 2010 prices for their services today.”

Due to pressures like these, Pransky’s St. Johnsbury center — where 88 percent of children qualify for a 100 percent childcare subsidy — loses money every year, she says, and “not one cent has gone into my retirement.”

Still, she knows the work she’s doing is critical. “I’ll keep doing this as long as I can,” she says.

It’s not uncommon for childcare owners to sacrifice their own pay to keep their centers afloat. Children Unlimited owner Scharf says that she took almost no salary last year. She had a dip in enrollment in the summer and fall, she explains, and didn’t want to let go of any staff, so she just didn’t pay herself. “I’m lucky,” she says. “I’m married, and my husband can carry benefits, and together we can make a living.”

Mindy Bessette hasn’t seen a single paycheck from her childcare business. She owns Adventures in Learning Child Care Center in Colchester, a Christianbased center she started in 2017 to provide care primarily for children who have experienced trauma. She was inspired to open the center after she and her husband served as foster parents to a child with trauma, and she wasn’t able to find any childcare centers willing to accept him because of his special needs.

To open Adventures, she used the 401(k) savings she accrued working for 25 years as a financial administrator at the University of Vermont. She recently started a capital campaign, sending postcards to local businesses to ask them to help support her work. Her husband often asks her how much longer she’s willing to go on like this.

Her answer? “There are always going to be children who need somebody like me.”

“WHO’S GOING TO BE THERE TO TAKE OVER?”

NOT JUST BABYSITTERS One barrier to change, say many childcare center owners, is the public perception that early childhood educators are essentially babysitters.

“Yes, we change diapers. Yes, we get thrown up on. Yes, we play with kids,” Trisha Scharf, owner of Children Unlimited in Williston, says, “but our play is intentional.” Painting, for example, might lead to a lesson on mixing colors. Kids learn science concepts while planting flowers.

Effective early childhood educators need to know and do a variety of things, she continues. Those include understanding social and emotional development, being familiar with therapeutic techniques for kids who have experienced trauma, knowing how to build on a child’s strengths, and giving each child individualized attention while also keeping everyone else safe. Furthermore, they need to be able to observe and assess children, plan and implement activities, refer children who are experiencing delays to specialists, and understand each child’s family dynamics and customs. “Half of our job is social work,” Scharf says.

Research shows that birth to age 5 is a critical time for investing in a child’s education. According to the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, in the first few years of a child’s life, more than 1 million neural connections are formed every second “through the interaction of genes and a baby’s environment and experiences.” Furthermore, “early experiences and the environments in which chil20

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

dren develop in their earliest years can have lasting impact on later success in school and life.”

“We all know the science now,” says Scharf.

Dr. Joseph Hagan, a pediatrician at Burlington’s Hagan, Rinehart and Connolly in Burlington and coeditor of Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, agrees.

When it comes to early childhood educators and young children, he says, “we want someone who’s going to celebrate them, talk to them, sing to them, read to them, and then, when they’re done, talk to them more, read to them more, sing to them more.”

Every child deserves excellent childcare, Hagan says. And, he continues, there’s an economic argument for investing in early childhood education. He cites the Heckman Equation, developed by Nobel Memorial Prize-winning University of Chicago economics professor James Heckman, which states that the highest rate of economic return comes from the earliest investment in children in the form of early nurturing, learning experiences and physical health. Heckman has found that high-quality birthto-five programs for disadvantaged children produce significantly better outcomes in education, health, social behavior and employment later in life than do low-quality programs. Says Hagan: “I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a pediatrician or child development specialist who would not agree with Heckman: ‘The earlier the investment, the greater the return.’”

According to the Vermont Legislative Joint Fiscal Office, the state lost 20 private childcare centers serving infants to preschoolers — or 4.8 percent — between December 2015 and June 2018. The loss in home providers for the same time period was more dramatic: 204 programs, or 26.6 percent.

McLaughlin of Let’s Grow Kids says the rate of childcare closures has been relatively constant over the last 10 years — excluding a spike after the new regulations were introduced in 2016. What most concerns her is that few new programs are opening up, which mirrors a nationwide trend. According to Building Bright Futures’ 2018 report, “How Are Vermont’s Young Children and Families?,” 67 percent of Vermont children under age 5 who likely need childcare will not have access to a high-quality, regulated program. Focus only on infants who need care, and that number jumps to 84 percent.

Downey of Loveworks and Scharf of Children Unlimited both say they have wait lists through March of 2020. Scharf says she gets two to three calls a day from parents inquiring about spots for infants. Fay of Milton’s Elite says she’s encountered parents who are willing to start paying for childcare months before they actually need it in order to secure a spot.

“I’m getting older,” Scharf says. “There’s going to be a time when I’m going to age out of this business. Who’s going to be there to take over?”

One person who knows at least part of the answer is Kaitlin Northey, assistant professor in the Early

Childhood Education program at UVM. According to a 2015 report, “The Economic Value of College Majors,” from the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University, early childhood educators are the lowest paid college graduates of any degree program.

“I try to prepare my students not only with the professional knowledge and expertise they need but also with the advocacy skills and confidence to see what’s possible and fight for high-quality early childhood education,” says Northey, who teaches undergraduates. That means showing them the research on pay disparities and digging into childcare policy issues. If her students — the future of early childhood education — are going to go into this field, “we want to arm them with information and show them they’re not alone,” says Northey. “The pressure to move the needle has to come from within.”

Ellen Drolette, who has run a homebased childcare program in Burlington for the last 25 years, co-owns Positive Spin LLC, a business that trains early childhood educators to fight for change in the field. “We talk to people about not being a victim of the system,” Drolette says, because “they are the system.” When it comes to advocating for childcare policy that would benefit them, Drolette says, “I think there’s a lot of fear that they may say the wrong thing or their story isn’t worthy.” But she stresses that it’s the early childhood educators on the front lines, not the politicians, who are the experts in these matters. She encourages them to have conversations with family, friends and legislators about the issues they face.

That’s the path Noelle Cleveland is taking. Last year, she began volunteering with Let’s Grow Kids. She says that despite the social taboo around discussing what she earns, she is motivated to speak out because she sees the work she is doing as important — not just for young children, but for society.

“If more people got to explore nature from a very early age, would we be more willing to act on climate change? If more people learned the value of working together and sharing ideas, would we be willing to expand services to help our neighbors? If more people learned the value of using words to solve differences and express themselves, would there be less violence? I think yes,” she says.

“This is not just a job or career; it’s ensuring that there is a future.” K

FINANCIAL FIXES? In March, the Vermont House Human Services Committee unanimously sent H.531 to the full House for debate, where it received approval. At press time, it was under consideration in the Senate.

The bill aims to make childcare more affordable and to support the retention and professional development of its workforce. To help early childhood educators, the bill proposes to: •

Invest $500,000 in a scholarship program to help current early educators earn an associate’s degree, achieve state licensure or participate in the state’s childcare apprenticeship program, which is one path toward becoming a lead teacher.

•

Invest $500,000 in a student loan repayment support program.

•

Direct the Child Development Division of the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) to issue fiveyear variances to allow some early educators to maintain employment in their current role while they work to meet recently updated education requirements.

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53rd Annual

To help families, the bill proposes to: •

Align the guidelines for Vermont’s Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) with the 2019 federal poverty guidelines. Melissa Riegel-Garrett, policy director of the Child Development Division of DCF, says this would give some families receiving assistance through CCFAP “a little more help” but would likely not increase the number of Vermont families receiving assistance.

•

Adjust CCFAP’s sliding benefit scale so that more families receive more financial assistance, and so small pay increases don’t result in significant decreases in childcare assistance.

•

Increase reimbursement rates for prekindergarten and school-age children to align with findings from the state’s 2015 market rate survey, so that families don’t have to cover the significant gap between outdated reimbursement rates and what their programs actually charge for care.

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2/15/19 11:08 AM

On the Cheap How to raise a family on a budget

S

tarting a family means creating your own traditions — a favorite playground or picnic spot, or a beloved song you sing in the car. Each family also develops their own economic plan. How much will you spend on groceries each week? On winter gear? Home decorating? Clothing?

Family budgeting is often approached with dread or uncertainty. In his book, Saved: How I Quit Worrying About Money and Became the Richest Guy in the World, Vermont writer Ben Hewitt humorously acknowledges his fear of family finances. “I am bothered by the fact that for the majority of my adult life, I have fretted over money.

And then, ridiculously, I fret over my fretting.”

To lighten the burden, we asked six local pros to share their money-saving savvy — and tossed in a few tips of our own. Here’s to fretting less and focusing on what really matters: raising children.

BY BRETT ANN STANCIU

EAT WELL, SAVE MONEY Hannaford dietitian Brigitte Harton’s number one tip for tackling the grocery bill: create a meal plan. With 23 years of experience, Harton knows a lot about the subject.

“Don’t reinvent the wheel,” Harton says.

Make a general weekly plan to use as a template, tweaking it as needed. You’re not going to create 365 original dinners each year. Ask your kids to participate in menu planning; they’re more likely to eat meals they’ve requested.

Consider your family’s schedule.

Soccer-practice or dance-lesson days are good opportunities for “plannedovers” — nights when you raid the leftovers — so you don’t resort to the expense of eating out. Harton suggests using unscheduled evenings to cook large quantities. That leftover roasted chicken will give you a head start on a “planned-over” taco dinner.

A shopping list is key. Inventory what you need, then keep to the list to eliminate expensive impulse buying.

Go vegetarian — or semi-vegetarian.

Meat is a pricey ingredient that can be reduced in many recipes. For example, when stir-frying, add more vegetables or beans. Less meat is better for your bank account — and the environment.

Shop deals and sales, but be savvy. Don’t use coupons for items you wouldn’t otherwise purchase. My Hannaford Rewards offers cash-back incentives to purchase Hannaford brand products.

Other stores offer similar money-saving programs.

Healthy food doesn’t always come from the produce section. If fresh veggies and fruits aren’t feasible for your budget — or are out of season — check out canned, frozen and dried options. Shop for vegetables with no salt added

BUDGET BIRTHDAY BASHES Best-selling writer John Cheever famously quipped, “Writing fiction is not a competitive sport.” Parenting isn’t, either — something to bear in mind when planning a child’s birthday party. Nicole Howard and Raelyn Ward of Whim of Whimsy, a Cambridge party planning and décor rental company, offer some tips for birthdays on a budget.

Howard and Ward emphasize that, for kids, birthday cake is good cake. Box cake mix is perfectly acceptable. “Even the most terribly frosted cake, done with love, will be better — and cheaper — than a grocery store cake anytime,” they say. Or, offer decorateyour-own-cupcakes as part of the festivities.

Timing matters. If you throw an afternoon party, you can offer snacks and cake — but don’t have to provide a full meal to guests. Don’t blow your budget on the venue or a party package. Take a small group ice skating, bowling or to an open gym and skip the expense of a party room.

In the summer, set up in a favorite playground or on 22

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

a local beach. Many parks have shelters available for little or no cost.

Party décor doesn’t have to break the bank. Tape or hang colored balloons or leave them on the floor. If you’re feeling fancy, draw animals or pictures on the balloons with Sharpies. Twist streamers to make a fancy backdrop — like seaweed for a mermaid-themed party — or hang them like a curtain.

Go digital — and not just for invitations. The internet is a gold mine of decorating ideas, many available as free downloads. “Print screen grabs of characters if your child absolutely has to have that princess or cartoon character, and tape it to a birthday banner you already own, a wall or onto a basic plastic tablecloth,” Howard suggests.

Be kind to the planet — and your wallet — and nix the tiny plastic

favors that will likely get tossed in the garbage. Plan a DIY craft that doubles as a take-home token. For the little ones, even a balloon on a stick is fun.

Brett’s two cents: Opt for simplicity. If your child is turning 1, consider inviting family and friends to a picnic. Bring the cake, plates and utensils and ask guests to contribute a potluck dish.

Choose a venue with a vista. My good friend’s son had a birthday tradition of hiking up Mount Elmore. While the parties afterwards have mostly faded from memory, we still remember those hikes — the rain, the mud, the view — and I’m sure her son does, too.

and fruit canned in its own juice rather than sugary syrups.

Brett’s two cents: Buy or barter locally. Vermont farmers produce a bounty of vegetables, meat, cheese, honey and maple syrup.

Consider buying in bulk directly from a farm and stocking your freezer with chicken or berries.

Grow a garden. Even a small bed of greens offsets the grocery bill, and what could be healthier and more satisfying than produce plucked from the backyard?

LOW-PRICE LEISURE Get creative when planning recreational and cultural outings with your kids.

Vermont boasts a variety of state parks — all family-friendly. In addition to swimming, camping, fishing and playgrounds, many offer free concerts, storytelling and naturalist programs. Rochelle Skinner, sales and service manager for Vermont State Parks, gives these tips to maximize good times while minimizing expense.

A $30 punch card provides families with 10 visits at a discounted price.

A $90 vehicle season’s pass includes admission for up to eight passengers to all parks; purchase a second pass for $50.

All Vermont public libraries have one-day free park admission passes available for checkout.

The First Time Happy Camper program, offered at five state parks, includes a free campsite for two nights, loaner equipment and friendly ranger advice for camping newbies.

Vermont State Parks’ Venture Vermont is an outdoor challenge with a reward of a free park pass good for that season and the following year, too.

On Saturday, June 8, and Sunday, June 9, Vermont Days offer free admission to all state parks and free fishing on Saturday. (See vtstateparks.com for more details.)

Brett’s two cents — beyond state parks: Swim at public beaches. My family’s favorite is Caspian Lake in Greensboro — shallow and perfect for small children.

Explore a local trail system. While some require a small fee — Burke’s Kingdom Trails is $7-15 and free for kids under age 8 — others, like the Lamoille Valley and Missisquoi Valley rail trails, the Stowe Recreation Path, and the Burlington Greenway Bike Path are free.

In Huntington, the Green Mountain Audubon Center opens its five miles of trails to the public for a donation.

Visit your local library. It likely has museum or historic site passes for free or reduced admission. While you’re at the circulation desk, check out the library’s programming. In addition to story times, libraries often host fun events, from puppet shows to crafting sessions.

Check out low-cost or bydonation performances put on by community theater troupes and schools.

BARGAIN GARB New parents often bemoan the amount of stuff kids require — including clothing. Anya Huneke, owner of Burlington’s Dirt Chic consignment shop, points out the wisdom of shopping secondhand. “Kids grow through — and wear through — clothes so fast,” she says. Their tastes change, too.

Buy ahead, Huneke advises. Her advice applies not just to anticipating upcoming seasons, but larger sizes, too. Your kid isn’t going to wear a 2T forever. If you see a great price on a 3T snowsuit, assume it will be used.

“Don’t waste a good deal,” she says.

Invest in the practical, “concentrating on stuff that’s about play,” Huneke says, since those clothes will get the hardest use. Focus on sweatpants, T-shirts and slip-on shoes, rather than fancy get-ups and lace-up shoes.

Repurpose outgrown or no-longerloved clothes. Huneke cuts leggings into shorts for her daughter to wear beneath skirts.

Establish a swapping system with fellow parents. That way, nothing goes to waste and everyone wins.

Last, Huneke acknowledges, she’s gotten “a lot of rags out of my kids’ clothes.” That’s useful, too.

Buy unisex clothing,, so that everyone in the family will be satisfied with hand-me-downs.

Repair what’s worn out. If you don’t have simple sewing skills, consider learning to replace lost buttons and stitch small rips.

Know when to splurge. After a hot hike, stop for ice cream sundaes as a sweet reward.

DESIGN ON A DIME Does your house need a springtime spruce up? Burlington mom Jillian Kirby, who writes the lifestyle blog Hey Jillian, suggests starting small. Children’s rooms are “perfect places to flex your DIY muscles,” she says. Because they’re not the family’s main living spaces, the stakes are lower. Plus, children’s preferences often change every few years.

Kirby’s practical tips center on affordability and creative expression.

Fresh paint is a budget-friendly way to brighten up a space in a short time. But be cautious with color, Kirby advises. “You don’t want to be stuck repainting a whole hot-pink or neon-green room in a couple of years,” she says. Instead, focus on a single wall if you want to experiment with a brilliant hue or a playful mural. That way, when your little girl turns into a tween who’s no longer in love with cotton-candy pink, repainting won’t make you pull out your hair.

Budget-priced new furniture is often

poorly constructed and surprisingly pricey. Cruise Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or Front Porch Forum for used, solid-wood items. “Even the most dated dresser can turn into a creative, one-of-a-kind piece with some new hardware and paint,” says Kirby.

Decorative accents are a good way to create a unique space. Add whimsy and excitement with fun wall art and colorful or patterned window treatments and throw pillows.

Even amateur seamstresses can

stitch pillowcases, curtains and duvet covers in creative prints.

Hang a wall of inexpensive matching frames with photos or prints of your kid’s current favorite characters. Use a regular office printer, so you can swap out SpongeBob SquarePants or Peppa Pig when a new infatuation comes along.

For DIY inspiration, Kirby recommends spoonflower. com and designsponge.com.

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34TH ANNUAL

Presented by

Produced by

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Saturday, May 11

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10 am - 3 pm • Waterfront Park, Burlington Parade • 9:30 am • College Street

Sponsors

Media Sponsors

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Easy Does It

A simple pleasure at the Sailing Center is one I see every week in our Little Guppies camp for kids ages 6 and 7. When we have no-wind days, our Guppies love to spend a sunny afternoon SWIMMING AND PLAYING ON A STANDUP PADDLE BOARD (SUP) tied to our dock.

The SUP becomes a platform to jump off of, a safe zone in a game of chase, a challenge to see how many Guppies can fit on the board at once, and a generator of smiles and giggles all afternoon long.

Camp staffers share the sweet and simple activities that make summer memories COMPILED BY ALISON NOVAK

-MARY DOWD, PROGRAM DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY SAILING CENTER, BURLINGTON EASY DOES IT, P. 32 »

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COURTESY OF COMMUNITY SAILING CENTER

he most memorable and meaningful camp experiences are often the least complicated. From running barefoot in the grass to floating in the lake on a sunny afternoon, from sipping homemade teas to listening to animals in the woods, summer camps offer kids the opportunity to unplug, abandon their school-year worries and just enjoy childhood. We asked summer program directors and staff to tell us about a simple pleasure campers experience in their program.

Summer Art Camps

CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE GAME ACADEMY

Start June 17 for ages 6-18

Session 1: July 8–19, 2019 Session 2: July 22–August 2, 2019 This two-week program, taught by Champlain faculty (all game industry veterans), introduces high school students to game development— game design, game art and animation, programming, testing, and production.

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To learn about our camps, view the schedule, or to sign up please visit: BurlingtonCityArts.org/camp or call us at 802.865.7166 BCA Studios is located at 405 Pine Street near downtown Burlington. Convenient Parking is available for drop-off and pick up.

FINE METAL JEWELRY

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Summer Camp at Shelburne Museum Tumble through the grounds, paint by the pond, explore the beloved Ticonderoga, and ignite your creativity and imagination. Registration open now. Visit shelburnemuseum.org/camps.

June 24–29 CIRCUS CAMP Ages 7–12 Come one, come all as Circus Smirkus and Shelburne Museum partner to offer a camp focusing on all things circus arts. Joni White-Hanson, residency artist, will join us each day to teach us the tricks of the trade—from clowning to juggling, and much more. The week will culminate in a big top performance for family and friends!

July 29–August 2 QUILT CAMP Ages 8–12 Learn new sewing techniques or improve existing skills as we gather in this weeklong summer camp creating unique lap quilts. Campers will explore the Museum’s extensive collection of textiles and gather inspiration. Each camper will have access to a sewing machine for the week, as well as all materials needed to create beautiful, unique, and inspired quilts.

August 5–9 EN PLEIN AIR Ages: 7–10 Do you love the outdoors? Do you love to paint? In this weeklong summer camp, campers will gather to learn the techniques of plein air painting. We will explore the diverse paintings collection of Shelburne Museum, learn new techniques, and paint outdoors daily!

NEW THIS SUMMER! OWL COTTAGE ACADEMY Ages: 4–6 Geared toward children ages 4–6 years old, these weeklong camps teach children about the Museum’s collections through close looking, art making, games, and fun! Each week’s activities will focus on a single theme. Sign up for a single week, or up to four!

Week 1: July 1–5 Trains Week 2: July 8–12, Circus Week 3: July 15–19, Boats Week 4: July 22–26, Animals

NEW! COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING PROGRAM

Photography by Mollie Davis.

Ages 13–16 Have you outgrown the traditional summer camp but are still looking for summer fun? Consider being a Counselor in Training! Our new CIT program allows young adults the opportunity to explore the grounds and gain on the job experience working with campers and staff, while still in a supervised environment. Young adults will join Museum staff to help plan and prep for camp as well as assist in all day- to-day activities. CITs must be available for a full week and will need a personal reference and cover letter when applying for their camp choice.

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“I’ve never had F U N like this before!”

Summer

Performing Arts Camps for ages 4-19

June 24-28, South Burlington VT Performance at Shelburne Farms July 15-19, Brattleboro VT

Shelburne Parks & Recreation Week of 07/08/2019 (Girls Have Power) Week of 7/15/2019 (Girls Have Heart)

Performance at Retreat Farm

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Camp GOTR by Girls on the Run provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for 3rd-5th grade girls to develop self-confidence and learn life skills they can use now and as they grow.

South Burlington Recreation & Parks Week of 07/22/2019 (Girls Have Power) Week of 7/29/2019 (Girls Have Heart)

2/21/19 10:13 AM

Essex Parks & Recreation Week of 08/05/2019 (Girls Have Power)

ART MUSIC THEATRE MOVEMENT

Register now through your local Recreation Department! Limited Space!! $150 PER WEEK | 8AM-12PM MORE INFO: GOTRVT.ORG/CAMP-GOTR

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New Village Farm Camps

Steve Gonsalves, PGA2/15/19

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Junior Golf Academy

April Vacation Camp

12:46 PM

Farm & Garden Ages 5-11 CIT & Crew

Ages 12+

est. 2017

SHELBURNE, VT

www.NewVillageFarm.com Shelburne, VT

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SCHOLARSHIPS & PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE.

Day Camp (ages 5-12) | Overnight Camp (ages 7-18) YOUTH, TEEN, ADVENTURE AND HORSE CAMPS!

INFO ONLINE.

PGA Award Winning Instructors Ages 8-14 • Under “The Big Top”: Pool, Ping Pong & Shuffleboard

River of Life Camp is a co-ed, nondenominational Christian camp located in Irasburg, VT that provides incredible camping experiences for kids of all ages!

FLYNNARTS.ORG

Give us a call at 802-754-9600 visit riveroflifecamp.com to register! k8h-RiverofLifeCamp0219.indd 1

8 WEEKLY SUMMER CAMPS STARTING JUNE 24-28 9AM-3PM DAILY

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802-233-6019 • stevegkwini@gmail.com

www.thekwiniclub.com

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filmmaking ･ acting ･ music ･ dance ･ photography

n u f r e m m u s V T B #

Sign Up for Camps & Recreation Programs creative arts camps for teens N e w Yo r k | L o s A n g e l e s | Ve r m o n t

Sports & Active

Outdoor Science & Adventure Learning

Creative Arts

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For kids are wild about animals For kidswild who are wild about animals!

For kidswho who are about animals!

Kids Ages 5-7: $200

Kids Ages 8-9: $390

Animal Adventures (ages 7-9) Week 1: Monday-Friday, July 8-12 Animal Adventures (ages 7-9) Afternoons only still available!Week 3: Monday-Friday, July 22-26 Session One: 8:30AM-12:30PM Session Three: 8:30AM-3PM July 13-17 ● July 20-24

Afternoons only still available!

Week 2: Monday-Friday, July 15-19 Week 4: Monday-Friday, July 29-Aug. 2 Summer Safari (ages 10-12) July Session 13-17 ●Two: July 8:30AM-12:30PM 20-24 Session Four: 8:30AM - 3PM Full-day camp: A few slots available July 27– July 31● Aug 3-7 ● Aug.10-14

Summer Safari (ages 10-12)

Before & after care hours are available.

Register: (802) 862-0135 x 12 few Or slots available visit chittendenhumane.org.

Full-day camp: A Ages 10-12: $390 July 27– July 31● Aug 3-7 Kids ● Aug.10-14 Week 5: Monday-Friday,

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Adventure

Leadership

Redducs Foundation

Before & after care hours are available.

Aug. 5-9 Register: (802) 862-0135 x 12 Session Five: 8:30AM-3PM Or visit chittendenhumane.org.

Week 6: Monday-Friday, Aug. 12-16 Session Six: 8:30AM-3PM

Scholarships funded by

Scholarships funded by Redducs Foundation

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Friendship

Teamwork

CATAMOUNT

OUTDOOR FAMILY CENTER WILLISTON 802.879.6001

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Empowering Girls and Women Since 1919

3/22/18 1:22 PM

South Hero, VT Residential Camp

Day Camp with Transport

FFor girls ages 6 to 17

ywcavt.org ( 8 0 2 ) 8 6 2 - 7 5 2 0 2019 Registration Open

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SUMMER CAMPS with PURPOSE Teaching kids the skills to thrive in the natural world while also preparing them for day-to-day life.

Campers are encouraged to be themselves, say yes to challenges, and achieve more than they thought possible. farmandwilderness.org 802-422-3761

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What will your adventure be?

Clown around with Smirkus this summer!

Learn to unicycle, flip, fly, juggle and clown!

Join us at our overnight camp in Greensboro, VT! June 6-9 Adult Camp Ages 21+ June 15-16 Smirkling Camp Age 6-11 June 22 Intro to Smirkus Age 5-11 June 23-28 Beginner Camp Age 8-16 June 30-July 12 All Levels Age 8-16 July 14-26 Intermediate Age 12-18 July 28-Aug 16 Advanced Camp Age 12-18

It’s your choice. Everyday.

For kids of all ages, including adults!

www.campbetseycox.com • www.campsangamon.com

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WE KNOW CAMPS

Register today for a summer of fun!

CAMP KODA

CAMP IGNITE

CAMP ABNAKI

Age: For kids in K - 6 grade

Age: For girls ages 8-14

Age: For boys in grades K - 10

Location: 6 area communities

Location: Burlington

Location: North Hero, VT

Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hours: 1 and 2 week sessions

Full-day, coed summer day camp with 3 and 5 day options in Burlington, Essex, Georgia, Underhill, and Waterbury.

A camp to Inspire Girls in Nature, Technology, and the Environment on the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington.

Day and overnight camp on Lake Champlain. Campers build skills, a sense of values, and have fun!

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CAMPS

SUMMER BOOKEND CAMPS

For more information about Y summer camps, and to register today, visit

Age: Co-ed for ages 11-14

Location: Burlington

Location: Greater Burlington

Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

Beginning and end of summer camps celebrate A Universe of Stories in collaboration with the Fletcher Free Library.

These camps will provide an opportunity to make a real difference!

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campabnaki.org

gbymca.org/camp The Y’s Community Partner

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Act! Laugh! Play! Per form!

WH E R E M E MORI E S AR E MADE

Spruce Peak Arts Camps offer a fun, in-depth learning experience packed with creativity and opportunity to develop new skills.

YOUtheatre: Fractured Fairy Tales Camp

Instructors: Madeline Nickerson and Christine Penney

2019 SUMMER CAMPS

Campers will create and perform a story based on famous fairy tales. Song and dance might show up as well!

Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19

Sail, paddle, & more starting June 17th!

Scholarships Available

9am to 3:30pm* (performance at 3:30pm Friday) Ages: 6 to 14 Fee: $295 Spruce Peak Arts Members, $335 Non-Members

COMMUNITYSAILINGCENTER.ORG

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Jazz, SCAT, Performance Camp

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Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity Pre-College Summer Academy July 14–27, 2019

Instructors: Dave Tisdell and Kevin Bloom

Campers will explore their jazz “voice” during a fun-filled, creative, and multi-disciplinary week.

Monday, August 12 to Friday, August 16

Learn how to solve & prevent crimes through Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity

9am to 3:30pm* (performance at 3:30pm Friday) Ages: 8 to 14 Fee: $295 Spruce Peak Arts Members, $335 Non-Members

High school students—are you interested in how crimes are solved or prevented by investigating how people use their computers and other digital devices? In this 14-day residential camp you will learn by working alongside experts in the fields of digital forensics and cybersecurity at the Champlain College Leahy Center for Digital Investigation.

Space is limited, Sign up today!

SPRUCE PEAK ARTS .org /camps

Space is limited. Register today. champlain.edu/digitalforensics2019

122 Hourglass Drive Stowe, VT | 802-760-4634

Located at the top of the Mountain Road at Spruce Peak

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CAMP DATES

SESSION 1

June 24 – July 5 - Burlington

SESSION 2

Northern Vermont University

SUMMER CAMPS Basketball Baseball Cinema Production

+

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July 8– July 19 - So. Burlington

SESSION 3

July 22 – August 2 - Essex

SESSION 4

August 5 – August 16 - Burlington

Partnering individuals with and without special needs, ages 7 through adults for a summer day camp experience.

IEP designed programming.

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Soccer Softball Storytelling

Open to all ages – Learn more: NorthernVermont.edu/SummerCamps

2/21/19 12:57 PM

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Sliding Scale Tuition!

Easy Does It

CONTINUED FROM P. 25

At Camp Paw Paw, a simple pleasure the campers will enjoy is TAKING CARE OF CARMEN THE BOX TURTLE! They will learn about her species, feed her, clean her cage and give her fresh water every day.

ERIN ALAMED, DIRECTOR OF VOLUNTEER AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH, CHITTENDEN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY, BURLINGTON

Only a few openings left!

Wilderness Leadership Trek Ages 14-16 - July 21- August 2

One-Week for New Campers Ages 8-13 - June 16-21

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Usually early in the week, campers VISIT THE FLYNN MAINSTAGE and have a tour of the stage area and backstage. The tour allows campers to examine the inner workings of the theater, from learning about the complex rope-andpulley system that manages the many curtains, to examining the catwalk safely from the ground, to seeing the green room where famous performing artists have relaxed, to sitting in front of the lighted mirrors in the chorus rooms. This experience gives campers attending our performing arts camps a window into the world of a professional performing artist.

SARAH CALIENDO, MANAGER, FLYNNARTS, FLYNN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, BURLINGTON

Whittling at Night Eagle Taking care of box turtle Carmen at Camp Paw Paw

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Night Eagle is all about simple pleasures: enjoying the call of a loon as it flies overhead, making its way to Wallingford Pond; trudging through a wetland and seeing a moose lift its head as it stands majestically after taking a drink; creeping up on a group of otters as they frolic around the floating dock in the swimming area;

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Planning a kids event?

BEING ABLE TO GO BAREFOOT WHENEVER YOU WANT and

List your event for free in the Kids VT monthy calendar.

Tomahawk throwing at Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures

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Bread, ready for the oven, at Night Eagle

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NIGHT EAGLE WILDERNESS ADVENTURES

Submit your info by the 15th of the month online at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com

enjoy the feel of the earth under your feet without being told to put your shoes on; learning to make homemade ice cream the old-fashioned way; or baking loaves of homemade bread in an outdoor clay oven and then slathering butter on it when it’s still warm.

BRUCE MORETON, DIRECTOR, NIGHT EAGLE WILDERNESS ADVENTURES, WALLINGFORD

Talent Development During hot afternoons we have restore time, which is full of the simple pleasures of a Vermont summer day. TAKING GOATS OUT FOR A FOREST ROMP is a sweet way to beat the heat. From the herb garden, kids make refreshing sun tea.

Turns out mint, lemon balm, chamomile and bergamot are for us boring adults.

The kids mix up and guzzle down tea made from everything from tarragon and chives, to borage and dandelion.

They also love to sip them through shallot or chive straws! We also visit the marsh and get up to our waists in oozing mud — pretty refreshing once the hosing down is complete.

MICHAELA RYAN, DIRECTOR, NEW VILLAGE FARM CAMP, SHELBURNE

Definitely the best simple pleasure that campers have at Wildflowers is the ability to FREELY EXPLORE THE STUDIO for over an hour every morning at their own pace. Some children come in needing quiet time in the Lego loft. Some children dive right in with scissors and a roll of masking tape at the tinker bench.

Sometimes there’s a small group laying the groundwork for an adventure in the sand boat. What’s amazing is watching it unfold every morning — kids getting the time and space they need on that particular day to bloom.

LYNDSY BLAIS, FOUNDER, WILDFLOWERS STUDIO, ESSEX JUNCTION

Institute

A simple pleasure that kids experience at camp is sitting on a rock, immersing themselves in the outdoors and just getting to move at a slower pace. Groups are outside for up to seven hours a day during day camp and 24 hours a day during expeditions. Simple pleasures during the days are LISTENING TO BIRDS AND CHIPMUNKS, feeling rocks and moss, and smelling leaves, rain and pine trees.

NORTHERN VERMONT UNIVERSITY June 23-29 &/or June 30July 6, 2019

Serving advanced and gifted students entering grades 4-9 for 22 years!

802-658-9941 LUCY@TDIVERMONT.ORG

ANDREA CHAREST, CO-OWNER, PETRA CLIFFS, BURLINGTON

A simple pleasure we enjoy at Rock Point Camp is our MORNING CIRCLES. It is a time to connect with campers and nature, as well as gear up for the day.

In circle, we often sing songs, share what we are grateful for and take a few moments to be mindful of our surroundings. It helps set the tone for what our camp is all about.

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Green Mountain Youth Symphony

Creative Arts & Music Program August 4-10 @ Northern Vermont University- Johnson

Early bird discount until March 9

JULIE GARWOOD, DIRECTOR, ROCK POINT CAMP, BURLINGTON

Morning circle at Rock Point Camp

leah@gmys-vt.org • www.gmys-vt.org k16t-GMYS0219.indd 1

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Rice is now offering various summer camps!

COURTESY OF ROCK POINT CAMP

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Night Eagle NIGHT EAGLE Wilderness Adventures WILDERNESS ADVENTURES A unique summer camp for boys, ages 10-14, in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains

CKS serves learners from pre-school (3 years old) through 8th grade

Valuable!

Affordable!

Inclusive!

Innovative!

Come see the benefits yourself!

tipi living ▲ nature crafts ▲ canoeing ▲ backpacking ▲ wilderness skills ▲ tracking atlatls ▲ ’hawk throwing swimming ▲ archery ▲ hiking ▲ cooperative work & play ▲ and much more! ▲

Call for a full brochure:

((802) 802) 773-7866 446-6100

Financial aid available!

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JOIN THE ADVENTURE!

MetroRock offers camps for kids from 5 to 15 all summer long and during school vacations.

136 Locust Street, Burlington, VT 862-6696 • www.cksvt.org admissions@cksvt.org facebook.com/cksvt

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5% DISCOUNT when you register by May 1 5% DISCOUNT for sibling/multiweek registration FEBRUARY AND APRIL SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS TOO!

SUMMER CAMPS: BASE and RAD Camp For more info visit metrorock.com or email kidsclimbvt@metrorock.com

6 Susie Wilson Rd | Essex Junction, VT k6h-MetroRock0219.indd 1

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SUMMER & SCHOOL VACATION CAMPS GYMNASTICS, FREESTYLE & PARKOUR

Wee-Mail!

Find information about local events and parenting resources every Thursday in the Kids VT Wee-Mail.

Visit kidsvt.com/wee-mail to subscribe today.

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Wee-Mail sponsored by:

260 Avenue D, Suite 30 • Williston (off Industrial Ave.) • 802-652-2454 5/24/17 4:09 PM

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On- and off-ice training — Catamount style!

802-324-6876 ksneddon_21@hotmail.com | www.kshockeyschool.com k12h-KevinSneddonHockey0318.indd 1

August 19-22, 2019

GUTTERSON ARENA UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT

Ages 5-8, 9-12 & 13-16 Elite Camp

Kevin Sneddon’s Hockey School

1/30/19 11:58 AM

Summer Day Camp for Adopted Children & Teens 2019 TWO ONE-WEEK SESSIONS

July 22-26 & July 29-August 2, Crossett Brook Middle School, Duxbury, VT

Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theater, Contemporary & Combination Camps

With bus service from Burlington and Williston

CAMPS for ages 3-adult ••• CLASSES for ages 6-adult!

FOR AGES 7 – 17 Visit our website for registration forms and information: www.camp4me.org | info@camp4me.org

35 West Main Street • Richmond 802-383-8468 • arabesqueetc.com

Say you saw it in

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Find Your Adventure!

Grades 2-12

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Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

Lake

Adventure Camp Vergennes, Vermont Shuttle stops in Burlington, Shelburne, Middlebury & Vergennes Financial aid available.

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Heavy Metal Mania Build Your Own Adventure Robot

camps.lcmm.org https://camps.lcmm.org

The Original Lake Adventure Camp Champlain Expedition

Boating Certiication and more....

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2019 2019 2019 WINDSURFING 2019

AMUSEMENT

PARK RIDES

CAMP

WND&WVS IS OFFERING WEEKLY HALF-DAY WINDSURFING CAMPS FROM JUN 17H – AUG 23 AT OUR BURLINGTON SURF CLUB LOCATION. THE CAMP RUNS FROM 8:45 AM TO 1:45 PM, MONDAY THRU FRIDAY FOLLOWED BY A FREE LUNCH FROM THE SPOT. VISIT WNDNWVS.COM/PLAY OR CALL 802 540-2529 FOR MORE INFO.

Summer STEM Programs

Lego Engineering, Robotic Programming, Stop Motion Animation, Minecraft 9 -14

6-9

Burlington, Essex Junction, South Burlington, Winooski wwwwLetGoYourMindwcom

688 PINE ST, BURLINGTON

WNDNWVS.COM

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Where Spiritual Exploration Meets Outdoor Adventure Week-long Sessions - Overnight Camp, ages 7-16 - Day Camp I & II, ages 5-10; 9am-5pm - Day Camp Plus, ages 7-16; 8am-5pm - NEW! Adventurers Day Camp, ages 7-12; 9am-5pm Archery, Fun-Yaks, Crafts, Campfires, more! rockpointvt.org/camp 802.658.6233

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JUNE 25 - AUGUST 24, 2018

ages 3-7 years old! Daily activities will center/focus around sensory play 2 CORPORATE VT and science experiments. 2 Day, 3DRIVE Day & 5 Day ESSEX, options Every day of fun-filled camp ADVENTURE CAMP includes: • 1 hour of instructional gymnastics • Open gym time • Cooperative games • Outdoor explorations Regal’s science-based summer camp&isplay designed especially for children Theme-based experiments, stories, crafts activities ages 3-7• years old! Daily activities will center/focus around&sensory play and science experiments.

2 Day, Day & 5CAMP Day options • Nutritious lunch and3 snacks provided ADVENTURE

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SUMMER

Every day of fun-filled camp includes: • 1 hour of instructional gymnastics • Open gym time JUNE 25-AUG 24is designed 8AM-3:30PM Regal’s science-based summer camp especially for children • Cooperative games available 3:30PM - 5:30PM ages 3-7 years old!care Daily activities from will center/focus around sensory play •After Outdoor explorations & play and science•experiments.

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Camps

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DISCOVERY ADVENTURE CAMP

802-655-3300 purchased from the Regal Bistro. and science experiments.

2 Day, 3Gymnastics Day & 5 Day optionsCamp Instructional

Vermont Ninja Warrior Camp

WWW.REGALGYM.COM

802-655-3300

Every day of fun-filled camp includes: k4t-RegalGym0219.indd• 11 hour of instructional gymnastics 1/24/19 • Open gym time Swinging, Climbing, Hanging, Leaping, Balancing and OBSTACLES !!!

• Cooperative games • Outdoor explorations & play • Theme-based experiments, stories, crafts & activities • Nutritious lunch and snacks provided

WWW.REGALGYM.COM 2019

1:39 PM

Vermont Ballet Theater School Center for Dance presents Celebration of Dance 2019 Our annual showcase of talent from ages 4 through pre-professional will dance their way onto the Flynn Main Stage in Burlington for 2 exciting performances,

Saturday May 25, 2019 at 1:00 & 6:30 pm.

For show & ticket information visit www.vbts.org.

Classes & Camps 2019 SUMMER

• Week-long ballet themed camps for ages 3-9; Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker and more!

• All That Jazz Musical Theater Camp, plus STORM Dance Co. Summer Intensive with Kate Stevens • Weekly ballet classes for young dancers - adults - beginner - advanced • Ongoing yoga and fitness classes for adults

This summer come dance with the best at VBTS! For schedule and enrollment information, visit us at WWW.VBTS.ORG, or call 878-2941, or email INFO@VBTS.ORG k4t-VBTS0419.indd 1

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SUMMER 802-655-3300 CAMPS

Instructional Gymnastics WWW.REGALGYM.COM Vermont Ninja Warrior Camp Camp JUNE 25-AUG 24 8AM-3:30PM

After STEM care available from 3:30PM - 5:30PM Leadership Camp (overnight camp) for girls entering grades 9-10 Ages 6-14 Vermont Tech | Randolph Center | July 7-12

Climbing, Hanging, Leaping, Balancing and OBSTACLES !!!

ComeSwinging, experience all learn that Regal offer! Our full-day camp includes morehas to vtc.edu/rosies morning meeting, group warm-ups, daily instructed gymnastics, open gym, daily challenges, cooperative games, outdoor activities including water slides and arts & crafts. Children will showcase their skills in an end of week gymnastics exhibition!

11001011001110 Coder Camp for Girls (day camp)

802-655-3300

for girls entering grades 7-11 CODER WWW.REGALGYM.COM for Vermont Tech | Williston | July 15-19 CAMP girls learn more vtc.edu/coder

Vermont Ninja Warrior Camp 11001011001110

JUNE 25-AUG 24 8:30AM-3:30PM

After care available from 3:30PM - 5:30PM Advanced Coder Camp (day camp) Ages 7+ or 10+, see weekly detail for students entering grades 7-11 ADVANCED 11001011001110

VermontLeaping, Tech | Williston | July CODER Swinging,CAMP Climbing, Hanging, Balancing and22-26 OBSTACLES !!!

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learn more

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COMPUTER CAMP

Computer Camp (day camp)

for students entering grades 7-10 Taught at CCV | White River Junction | July 29-August 2 learn more vtc.edu/computercamp

WWW.REGALGYM.COM 11001011001110

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KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019 CAMP GUIDE

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MER PROGRAM SUM S “Your program is extraordinary.

You are not simply a ‘summer camp’... you are growing human beings.”

-Kroka Parent

WILDERNESS ADVENTURE EXPEDITIONS NOW ENROLLING SUMMER 2019 www.kroka.org | 603-835-9087 | Marlow, NH Where Consciousness Meets Wilder ness Untitled-7 1

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2019

Summer Camp Programs Girls Basketball

Week 1: June 17-21 Week 2: July 15-19

Boys Basketball

Week 1: June 24-28 Week 2: July 22-26

Girls Soccer

Week 1: July 8-12 Week 2: July 29- Aug 2

Field Hockey

Week 1: July 22-26 Overnight: July 14-18

Boys Soccer

June 24-28

Girls Lacrosse

July 8-12

Boys Lacrosse

Week 1: June 17-21 Week 2: July 29- Aug 2

Volleyball

July 8-12

Knights Total Sports

July 29- Aug 2

Baseball

July 29- Aug 2

SAVE THE DATE FOR SMC SUMMER CAMPS REGISTRATION OPEN 2/01/19 For more information please contact: Meggan Dulude camps@smcvt.edu

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CALENDAR APRIL

SPONSORED BY:

g n i r g a n o i r S p S o int Week to Week Big Rig Day: Curious kids get up close and personal with cool trucks, tractors APR 13 and buses, then check out games and activities. 9 a.m.-noon, Swanton Village Municipal Building, Swanton.

SAT

Environmental enthusiasts celebrate Earth Day during the EARTH & SPACE-TACULAR FESTIVAL by planting seeds, engaging in out-of-this world activities and participating in the annual mud fling (pictured). Saturday, April 20, through Sunday, April 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington.

Earth Day Celebration:

SAT & SUN This planetary fête includes APR 20- 21

DIY crafts, live raptor programs, vegetable seed planting and opportunities to learn about how human decisions impact the environment. 10 a.m.5 p.m., Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee.

FRI-SUN

Vermont Maple Festival: A giant parade, marionette shows, Main Street entertainment, specialty foods and more showcase Vermont’s signature sweet. See vtmaplefestival.org for schedule. Downtown St. Albans.

COURTESY OF ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN

APR 26-28

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

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

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CALENDAR APRIL 2 Tuesday CALEDONIA Hardwick Lego Club: Fledgling architects assemble creations collaboratively with colorful blocks. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 3-5 p.m. Info, 472-5948. FREE CHITTENDEN After-School Snacks on Tuesdays: The library teams up with the Hinesburg Community Resource Center and offers munchies for afterschool readers and library users. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 2:15 p.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE Art Play Day: Little ones and caregivers drop in and get messy with multiple materials to spark imagination. Ages 18 months to 5 years with caregiver. Radiate Art Space, Richmond, 8:45-10 a.m., $5 per child; $8 max per family; $40 for a 10-visit punch card. Info, 324-9938.

Creative Tuesdays: Young artists involve their imaginations with interesting materials. Kids under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:15-4:45 p.m.

Info, 865-7216. FREE Money Smart Games: Savvy strategists have a blast playing Monopoly and Life to mark Money Smart Week. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:45-3:45 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Spanish Musical Kids: Niños celebrate Spanish through Latin American songs and games. Ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE Teen Advisory Board: Teens take time together.

Grades 9 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Tinker Tuesdays: Inquisitive kiddos investigate what makes technology tick by taking apart objects and designing new creations. Use the library’s materials or bring in computers, keyboards or other old electronics. Winooski Memorial Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE FRANKLIN Adoption Support Group: Families facing adoption issues and challenges join forces in a respectful setting. All welcome. Franklin County Seniors Center, St. Albans, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 524-1700. FREE LAMOILLE Free Family Art Workshops: Imaginative youngsters drop in for all or part of the morning and make masterpieces with many materials.

Coffee, drinks and snacks provided. River Arts, Morrisville, 9-11 a.m. Info, 472-6857. FREE WINDSOR Toddler Time: Little ones immerse in art projects and free play activities, stimulating socialization and motor, language, and cognitive development.

Ages 4 and under. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 9-11 a.m., $5; $20 for a 5-visit punchcard. Info, 457-3500.

3 Wednesday CHITTENDEN Game Gathering for Developmentally Delayed Young Adults: Teens and young adults enjoy simple, noncompetitive board and card games and socializing. Ages 14-25, with a support person, if needed. Milton Public Library, 4-5 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE Kids’ Chess Club: Strategy lovers of all abilities face off against opponents. Ages 6 and up.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

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Minecraft Club: Homeschool gamers play and socialize. Bring a device with Minecraft pocket edition. Ages 7-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1-2 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Open Studio: Kids ignite their imagination with the library’s materials. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 879-0313. FREE Read With Daisy the Therapy Dog: Book buffs of all ages bring a selection from home or borrow from the library to amuse an attentive canine.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4:15 p.m., preregister. Info, 878-6956. FREE Vermont Astronomical Society: After a starry-eyed presentation, amateur sky gazers use telescopes to check out the constellations, weather permitting. Milton Public Library, 6:30-8:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

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

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU: The future of our nation lies in the courage, confidence and determination of its people. Our Kids BJJ Program promotes self-esteem, selfconfidence, character development and a physical outlet with discipline, cooperation with other children, respect for peers and adults, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will help your kids to learn realistic bully-proofing and self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds endurance, patience and self-respect. Give your kids the ability to get stronger, gain confidence and build resilience! Our sole purpose is to help empower people by giving them practices they can carry with them throughout life.

Remember you are raising children, not flowers. First class is free! Please stop by our school at 55 Leroy Road, Williston; call 598-2839; visit vermontbjj.com or email julio@bjjusa.com to register your son or daughter!

INSPIRING PIANO LESSONS: Individualized

lessons for students ages 6 through adulthood by renowned professional music director, Randal Pierce. All experience levels welcome. Info, randalpiercemusic. com, randal.pierce@gmail.com or 999-1594.

EVOKIDS AND EVOBABIES YOGA CLASSES: Join

us for spring classes in Burlington and Essex Junction! Weekday and weekend classes available in both locations for all ages, new babies up to teenagers.

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

GAME BOARD AND PIECES: Students will design

and construct a tabletop game and pieces using the laser machine and compatible materials such as plywood, cardboard or acrylic, and the 3D printer. Alternately, several game ideas are available or you could adapt a game of your choice! June 24-29, 1-4 p.m., $295. Location: Generator, 40 Sears Ln., Burlington. Info, generatorvt.com, 540-0761.

Yoga for Kids: Young yogis engage their energy and explore breathing exercises and relaxation poses with professional instructor Melissa from Evolution Yoga. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE RUTLAND Lego Club: Budding builders bust out amazing architecture with blocks. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3-4 p.m. Info, 422-9765. FREE WASHINGTON Creating With littleBits: Curious kids investigate electricity. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036.

Walk-Through Wednesday at Orchard Valley: Parents interested in an alternative education for their children in grades 1-8 tour classrooms, observe a lesson and ask questions. For adults.

Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 8:30-9:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 456-7400. FREE

PRENATAL & POSTNATAL YOGA AND STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES AT EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA CENTER: Now with two locations,

Burlington and Essex Junction! Have a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for birth with stretching, strengthening and relaxation — and then bring body back to balance and strength in our postnatal classes. Join our community at any point in your pregnancy, and 6 weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling).

No yoga experience necessary. $17/class, $140/10 class pass ($20 off if purchased on your first class), or $90/monthly unlimited.

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

ELECTRIFY YOUR WARDROBE WITH WEARABLE ELECTRONICS: LIGHT UP FASHION YOU SEW YOURSELF!: Wearable electronics combine

sewing with circuitry. Imagine a hat that twinkles whenever you tilt your head, or a costume that flashes when it’s dark outside.

Participants will learn how to use different types of sensors, as well as how to create their own switches and battery holders using magnets, conductive fabric and other materials. Campers will also learn how to integrate a preprogrammed microcontroller into their own designs. June 24-29, 9 a.m.-noon, $295. Location: Generator, 40 Sears Ln., Burlington. Info, generatorvt.com, 540-0761.

DESIGN CAMP: SCREEN PRINTED STICKERS & SHIRTS: Go from doodle to design using

Adobe Illustrator and a vinyl cutter! This hands-on workshop will teach kids how to make multicolor prints. Starting with markers and sticker paper, kids will learn all the tools necessary to turn their drawing into reproducible digital designs. This camp covers Adobe Illustrator basics, design thinking, as well as an introduction to Generator’s Roland GX-300 vinyl cutter. July 8-12, 9 a.m.-noon, $295. Location: Generator, 40 Sears Ln., Burlington. Info, generatorvt. com, 540-0761.

KIDS WOODSHOP: MAKE A CHAIR OR STOOL:

Build your own chair, then sit down and relax! Design and create your own step stool or chair for your bedroom or a space needing a seat! Students will get the chance to use a table saw, jigsaw, router, and orbital sander to build their hardwood creation. Students will design their own seat and leave with the amazing piece of work! July 8-12, 1-4 p.m., $295. Location: Generator, 40 Sears Ln., Burlington. Info, generatorvt.com, 540-0761.

WINDSOR Homeschool Red Clover Book Award Club: In this 6-week program, home learners read books on this esteemed list, participate in art and writing projects and vote for their favorite read. Ages 5-11.

Hartland Public Library, 1-2:30 p.m., preregister.

Info, 436-2473. FREE Toddler Time: See April 2.

4 Thursday CALEDONIA Free Family Art Workshops: Imaginative youngsters drop in for all or part of the morning and make masterpieces with many materials. Coffee, drinks and snacks provided. Ages 1-12 with adult caregiver. Old Firehouse at GRACE, Hardwick, 9-11 a.m. Info, 472-6857. FREE CHITTENDEN Chess Club: Players of all ages pursue a game of strategy. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Colchester Lego Club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with interlocking toys. Ages 6-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE Essex Lego Club: Small builders strengthen STEAM skills while having a blast with plastic blocks. Ages 5 and up. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 879-0313. FREE Food for Thought Teen Library Volunteers: Young adults polish off pizza as they ponder library projects. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE Hinesburg Lego Club: Junior builders have a ball with blocks, friends and snacks. Ages 5-10.

Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 482-2878. FREE Monthly Home School Program: Home learners soak up nature-related studies in an outdoor classroom. Parent participation optional. Ages 6-8. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $20-25, preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Over Dinner Series: Childhood educator, organizer and author Emma Redden joins the community over dinner to discuss the why and how of talking with preschoolers about race and racial violence. Hive on Pine, Burlington, 6-8:30 p.m., $20 with potluck dish; preregister.

Preschool Yoga: Children’s Yoga Teacher Melissa Nutting charms wee ones and caregivers with a half-hour of singing, relaxing, reading and stretching. Ages 3-6. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE Ukulele Kids: Musical ones join Joe to sing and play. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE Writing Club: Amateur authors create unique comic books, poems and more. All ages. Winooski Memorial Library, 4-5 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE FRANKLIN 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., preregister for 15-minute time slot. Info, 849-2420. FREE Franklin Lego Thursdays: Kiddie constructionists combine their imaginations with the library’s supplies. Haston Library, Franklin, 2-5 p.m. Info, 285-6505.

PJ Story Hour: Sleepyheads get ready for bed, then arrive at the library for themed stories, snacks and a craft. Ages 6 and under. Fairfax Community Library, 6-7 p.m. Info, 849-2420. FREE WINDSOR Toddler Time: See April 2.

SUBMIT YOUR MAY EVENTS FOR PRINT BY APRIL 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

5 Friday CHITTENDEN Family Gym: Indoor playground equipment provides tiny tumblers a chance to run free. Ages 7 and under with caregivers. Greater Burlington YMCA, 10:15-11:45 a.m., $5-8 per family; free for members; preregister. Info, 862-9622.

Family Paint Night: Moms, dads and kids take pleasure in painting together. Davis Studio, South Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m., $25 per person; preregister. Info, 425-2700.

Game Day: Strategy lovers get the weekend off to a super start. All ages. Winooski Memorial Library, 4-5 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE HeART & Home: Changing the Community Narrative: Facilitated by Jen Berger of At the Root, families add their words and images to a refrigerator-magnet style installation with a theme of home, community, inclusivity and diversity.

The art piece will be on display and available for additional participation through April. All ages.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2-5:30 p.m.

Info, 660-3456. FREE Home and Community Painting Workshop: Artists and educators Dorsey Hogg and Jenn Volansky lead the creation of large collaborative paintings about home and community. The paintings will be exhibited at the Fletcher Free Library; each participant takes home a small piece. Ages 10 and up. Bobbin Mill Community Room, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m., preregister; light dinner provided. Info, 660-3456. FREE Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: Toe-tapping tunes captivate kiddies. Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 a.m. Info, 660-9346.

Egg Hunts JAY EASTER EGG HUNT: Little ones with eager

eyes search out sweet treats. Ages toddler to 11, accompanied by an adult. Jay Community Recreational Center, SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 1 P.M, bring a nonperishable human or pet food item. Info, 318-1206. FREE

GLOW-IN-THE-DARK EGG HUNT: Lights out!

Middle school kids and tweens search out sweet treats and prizes in the nighttime park.

Ages 9-12. Prouty Beach, Newport, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 8:30 P.M, $12-15, preregister. Info, 334-6345.

COLCHESTER EGG HUNT: Well-placed eggs

await capture by little hands. Ages 4-8.

Colchester Bayside Park, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10 A.M, bring a nonperishable foodshelf item.

Info, 264-5640. FREE ESSEX EGG HUNT: Little gatherers collect eggs and treats to celebrate the start of spring.

Toddlers through grade 4. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10 A.M, nonperishables accepted for the food shelf.

Info, 878-1375. FREE FAIRFAX EGG HUNT: Kiddos line up for a

finding frenzy, searching for rewards in plastic eggs. Immediately following, the Fairfax Community Library offers hot cocoa, photo-ops with the Bunny and craft activities. Fairfax Community Park & Recreation Path, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10 A.M. Info, 849-6111, ext. 20. FREE

Magic the Gathering: Players of all abilities seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: Roll a Bowl: Crafters of all ages and abilities explore and play with air-dry clay and practice a unique design technique.

Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular winter museum admission, $5-10; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Parents’ Night Out: Moms and dads enjoy some personal space, while small ones in PJs savor a snack, arts and crafts and a movie. Grades K-5.

Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 6-9 p.m., $10 per child. Info, 878-1375.

Preschool Yoga with Danielle: Small ones stretch and relax. Ages 2-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE STEAM Fridays: Eager youngsters engage with inventive science, technology, engineering, art and math projects. Check online for specific program details. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Toddler Time Dragon Bowl: Caregivers and small kiddos stop in for fun and socializing. Ages 1-5.

Spare Time Entertainment, Colchester, 9 a.m.noon, $5; includes shoes. Info, 655-2720.

FRANKLIN Yoga Story Time Yoga with Ms. Liza: Small ones soak up a storytime with stories, songs, stretches and bubbles. Swanton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 868-7656. FREE RUTLAND First Friday: Youngsters get the weekend off to jolly start with group activities, rotating from games to crafts. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3-4 p.m. Info, 422-9765. FREE ORLEANS Craftsbury Lego Club: Petite ones play with plastic cubes and chat companionably. Ages 4-12.

Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 586-9683.

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

6 Saturday ADDISON Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: Locally produced crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes, with free coffee and tea and children’s books to read at the market.

Middlebury VFW, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

CALEDONIA Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, handmade crafts, meat and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of Vermont wares. St. Johnsbury Welcome Center, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 748-8575.

CHITTENDEN Book Launch By Tamara Ellis Smith: The acclaimed author of Another Kind of Hurricane celebrates the publication of her brand-new picture book with an enthusiastic audience.

Phoenix Books, Burlington, 11 a.m. Info, 448-3350.

FREE

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: Local farmers, artisans and producers offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts, and more in a bustling indoor marketplace made merry with live music.

UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 656-4636.

MILTON EGG HUNT: Young scavengers meet

Friends of the South Burlington Library Used Book Sale: Ravenous readers scope out stacks of gently used titles, audiobooks and DVDs. Wheeler Homestead and Garden Park, South Burlington, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Info, 846-4140.

MONTPELIER EGG HUNT: Sharp-eyed kiddos

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

the Easter Bunny and race to find candyfilled eggs. Ages 9 and under. Bombardier Park, Milton, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10 A.M. Info, 893-4922. FREE

search out sweet treats. Event begins promptly at 10 a.m. Ages 12 and under.

Hubbard Park, Montpelier, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 9:45 A.M. Info, 225-2518. FREE MUD SEASON CELEBRATION AND EGG HUNT:

The Green Mountain Club hosts a festive morning for families, featuring eggs hidden along a trail. Green Mountain Club, Waterbury, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10 A.M.-NOON. Info, 244-7037. FREE NEWPORT EGG HUNT: Sprightly youngsters meet the Easter Bunny, make crafts, play games and search for sweet treasures.

Ages 10 and under. Prouty Beach, Newport, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10:45 A.M.-NOON, $3 per child. Info, 334-6345.

ST. ALBANS EGG HUNT: Eager youngsters seek sugary delights. Arrive early. New this year is a zone for kids ages 10-12. Taylor Park, St. Albans, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10 A.M. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266. FREE STOWE EGG HUNT: Jolly youngsters track

down sweet things, followed by face painting, festive activities and a face-to-face meeting with the special bunny of the day.

Stowe Elementary School, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10-11:30 A.M, $5 per child. Info, 253-6138.

WILLISTON ROTARY EASTER EGG PARADE AND EGG HUNT: A parade of celebrators culmi-

nates in frenzied sweet seeking. Williston Central School, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 8:50-9:30 A.M. Info, 878-2762. FREE

Lake Champlain Waldorf High School Open House: Parents and their prospective high school students sit in on a sample lesson, meet faculty and students, and take a tour of the campus. Lake Champlain Waldorf High School, Shelburne, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., RSVP. Info, 985-2827, ext. 212. FREE Mural Unveiling: Artist James Valastro shares his new creation and a short talk with admiring fans.

Crafts, photo-ops and refreshments round out the morning. South Burlington Public Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Info, 846-4140. FREE nErDcampVT Author Faire: More than 30 regional authors and illustrators greet fans and sign books, available for purchase through Phoenix Books. Grades preK-12. Hiawatha Elementary School, Essex Junction, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Info, 652-7329. FREE One-on-One Tutoring: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students coach elementary-age kids in reading, math and science.

Grades 1-6. Some assistance available for other grades in certain subjects with inquiry. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 9-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE Read to Cleo the Therapy Dog: Canine and reading enthusiasts visit with a personable pooch.

Ages 2-12. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

FRANKLIN St. Albans Baby Story Time: Wee ones and parents meet each other over nursery rhymes, songs and simple stories. Ages 2 and under. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507.

FREE

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

WASHINGTON Vermont Scholastic Chess Championships: Checkmate! Players of all abilities sit down for strategy games focusing on fun and sportsmanship. Grades K-12, in nine divisions. Register between 8:30-9:30 a.m.; games begin at 10 a.m.

Berlin Elementary School, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., $12 per player; free to spectate; preregistration encouraged. Info, 223-1948.

WINDSOR Family Clay: Children and their parents make memories firing and glazing special pieces.

ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 10 a.m.noon, $20 per parent-child pair; $5 each additional child. Info, 457-3500.

7 Sunday ADDISON Family Play: Moms, dads and children have fun with free court time and use of equipment.

Open to all experience levels. Middlebury Indoor Tennis, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 388-3733. FREE CHITTENDEN Art Play Day: See April 2, 10-11:30 a.m.

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

Family Gym: See April 5.

Harry Potter Party: Muggles, wizards and witches are amused by a spellbinding afternoon of magical activities and snacks. Costumes encouraged. Ages 8-18. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, noon-2 p.m., preregister. Info, 865-7216. FREE Old North End Neighborhood Band Teen Music Jam: Hosted by the One Band, musician Brian Perkins leads a music jam/rehearsal open to teenagers of all experience levels, combining strings, woodwinds, brass and vocals in a mix from past and present immigrant groups. Ages 12-20.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 12:15-1:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 881-8500. FREE PoppyClock Collective Collage Workshop: Families put together paper, magazines and other materials to express what ‘home’ means within a diverse and inclusive community. All ages. Bright Street Co-op, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Info, 660-3456.

FREE

Silent Comedies for Kids: Dogs drive cars, houses explode and trains appear out of nowhere amidst breathtaking stunts, all presented and accompanied by Neil Brand, in this magical family classic film experience. Main Street Landing Film House, Burlington, 11 a.m., $5-10; free for children under 13. Info, 660-2600.

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CALENDAR APRIL 8 Monday CHITTENDEN Colchester Preschool Music: Bitty ones dance and sing to a brisk beat. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE Crafts for Kids: Clever kiddos get creative with artsy projects. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 264-5660.

FREE

Gamers Group: Youngsters pursue pastimes including Dungeons & Dragons and board games.

Grades 5-8. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE Read to a Dog: Little library patrons delight in books and a furry friend. All ages; under 5 with adult caregiver. South Burlington Public Library, 5-6 p.m., preregister. Info, 846-4140. FREE Read with Pugsley: Petite ones practice literacy skills with the library’s new pooch and friend.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4:15 p.m.

Info, 878-6956. FREE Stories with Megan: Little listeners learn and laugh. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

MULTIPLE VT LOCATIONS Free Cone Day: The concept is simple — ice cream gratis at Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops — but choosing between flavors like Cherry Garcia and Chubby Hubby is oh-so-hard. Various locations. Info, 846-1500. FREE

10 Wednesday BENNINGTON Author Karen Gross: This Shires Press poet presents her new book of children’s poetry, Flying Umbrellas & Red Boats with little listeners and grownups. Ages 5-12. Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Info, 362-2200.

FREE

CALEDONIA Friendship Bracelets Making: Kids create crafts for National Siblings Day. Ages 7-12. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 3-4 p.m. Info, 748-8291. FREE CHITTENDEN Kids’ Chess Club: See April 3.

FRANKLIN Fairfax Maker Mondays: Afterschool kids drop in and ignite their imaginations with the library’s materials and tools. Ages 10 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 849-2420.

FREE

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

Info, 773-1860. FREE

9 Tuesday CALEDONIA Hardwick Lego Club: See April 2.

BIG BANG BOOM: Three seasoned professional musicians — who are dads, too — rock out with family-friendly music that gets the audience of all ages singing and dancing.

Strand Center for the Arts, Plattsburgh, SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 7 P.M, $12-20. Info, 518-563-1604.

DAN ZANES & CLAUDIA ELIAZA: This Grammy

Award winner and Haitian American jazz vocalist engage the audience in a participatory, sensory-friendly performance of original songs and folk icon Lead Belly’s children’s music. Ages 3 and up. Higher Ground, South Burlington, SUNDAY, APRIL 7, NOON & 3 P.M, $15-17. Info, 652-0777.

GREEN MOUNTAIN YOUTH SYMPHONY SPRING CONCERT: The young musicians of the

‘MAMMA MIA!’: Lyric Theatre Company

Library Elementary Event Planners: Junior helpers prepare snacks and plan projects for younger students. Grades 6-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:45-3:45 p.m. Info, 878-6956.

Strategy Board Games: Game lovers partake in complicated tabletop pastimes. Ages 13 and up.

Milton Public Library, 5-8 p.m. Info, 893-4644.

FREE

Tinker Tuesdays: See April 2.

WASHINGTON Create A Puzzle: Imaginative youngsters put together pieces. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE WINDSOR Toddler Time: See April 2.

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Open Studio: See April 3.

Tiny Ones: This caregiver-child morning takes wee ones and their grownups on a woods adventure, with creative play and sensory challenges. Ages 18 months to 4 years. Ascension Lutheran Church, South Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m., $18 per child; preregister. Info, 489-0410.

Live Performances

Spanish Musical Kids: See April 2.

Creative Tuesdays: See April 2.

Live-Action Role Play: LARPers create characters and plots in an amazing and imaginary adventure. For ages 11 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-5 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

FRANKLIN Fairfax Lego Club: Amateur architects construct creatively with colorful blocks. Ages 6 and up.

Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister.

Info, 849-2420. FREE Homeschool Program: Photosynthesis: Why don’t plants go grocery shopping? Home learners soak up info from biologist Deborah Steel. Ages 8-12. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 524-1507. FREE RUTLAND Lego Club: See April 3.

WASHINGTON Create Your Own Slime: Enthusiastic kids stir up a batch of wet, gooey stuff. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE WINDSOR Toddler Time: See April 2.

11 Thursday CHITTENDEN Chess Club: See April 4.

Colchester Lego Club: See April 4.

Essex Lego Club: See April 4.

FREE

Art Play Day: See April 2.

FREE

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

Repertory, Concert and Senior Orchestras mesmerize the audience with a wide variety of music, including selections from The Lord of the Rings. Three Montpelier High School seniors perform — Eleanor Braun, Nadia Scoppettone and Colin Desch — and a composition by Hartford High School student Katharina Mueller is performed.

Barre Opera House, SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 2-5 P.M, suggested donation $5-15; free for children under 5. Info, 888-4470.

CHITTENDEN After-School Snacks on Tuesdays: See April 2.

Library basics: Dewey & Databases for Homeschooled Students: Out-of-classroom children learn tips and tricks for navigating the library’s physical and digital resources. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Info, 878-6956.

Yoga for Kids: See April 3.

Teen Space: Adolescents enjoy games, music, snacks and special events. Ages 12-17. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE Williston Preschool Music: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m., limited to one session per week per family.

Info, 878-4918.

Lake Champlain Waldorf School Visiting Morning: Parents interested in an alternative education for their children in grades 1-8 visit the Turtle Lane Campus classes, followed by conversation and questions. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 8:30-10 a.m., RSVP. Info, 985-2827, ext. 212. FREE

mesmerizes the audience with a 46-member musical and dance production of this feel-good magical story of love and friendship as a young woman sets out to determine her birth father. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, THURSDAY,

APRIL 11, 7:30 P.M., FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 7:30 P.M., SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 1 & 7:30 P.M., AND SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 1 & 6 P.M, $24-42. Info, 863-5966.

VERMONT FIDDLE ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT:

Traditional and contemporary fiddle tunes get the all-ages audience’s toes tapping.

Barre Opera House, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 7 P.M, by donation. Info, 229-4191.

THE MAPLE-MUD SHOW WITH THE SWING PEEPERS: Vermont-made, earth-friendly

interactive music and storytelling gets kiddos — and their grownups — moving and grooving. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 10 A.M, suggested donation $10 per family. Info, 457-3500.

‘TURN TO STONE, A JOURNEY TO NARNIA’:

Vermont Youth Dancers enchant an audience of all ages with an original spin on the classic story of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe, about 4 children who are sent away from London during WWII and embark on a magical adventure. Mount Mansfield Union High School, Jericho, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 1-3:30 P.M, $12. Info, 899-1174.

‘UNDER THE STREETLAMP’: The crowd gets

cheering in this family-friendly evening of classic hits from the American Radio Songbook and favorite Doo-Wop, Motown and old-time rock ’n’ roll hits. Ages 6 and up. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 7 P.M, $25-75. Info, 760-4634.

‘THE ADVENTURES OF SHARP EARS, A SLY FOX’:

The handcrafted puppets of No Strings Marionettes enchant small ones with the story of triumph over injustice. Barre Opera House, SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 2 P.M, $7.50. Info, 476-8188.

LIP SYNC BATTLE: Teams of local residents take to the stage and strut their talents before the judges, with the audience choosing the winners via text-to-vote.

Paramount Theatre, Rutland, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 6:30 P.M, $22.50-32.50; proceeds benefit Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum. Info, 282-2678.

Genre Panel: Eager readers learn about different formats and genres from Brownell librarians and why to like them all. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-7 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Hinesburg Lego Club: See April 4.

Monthly Home School Program: Home learners soak up nature-related studies in an outdoor classroom. Parent participation optional. Ages 9-12. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $20-25 per child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.

PJ Storytime: Little ones snuggle up in their sleepy clothes for bedtime yarns. Ages 2-7. Milton Public Library, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE Preschool Yoga: See April 4.

Raising Kids in a Digital World: Parents and educators spend an evening focused on learning practical and positive strategies to support students’ digital lives, and discuss ways to build safe and healthy relationships with technology.

Dana Graber’s book Raising Humans in a Digital World: Helping Kids Build a Healthy Relationship with Technology will be available for purchase.

Lake Champlain Waldorf High School, Shelburne, 7-8:30 p.m., RSVP. Info, 985-2827. FREE Read to a Dog: Pet-lovers peruse books with registered therapy pooches. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 878-4918. FREE Ukulele Kids: See April 4.

Williston Preschool Music: See April 8, 10:30 a.m.

Writing Club: See April 4.

Yoga for Youth: Perfect for middle school and high school students on early dismissal days, this program encourages youngsters to stretch and relax. Mats provided. Ages 8-18. O’Brien Community Center, Winooski, 1-2 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE FRANKLIN Crafternoon: Seed Paper: Mini-artists make paper using recycled fibers and flower seeds that can be sown in the soil. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE Franklin Lego Thursdays: See April 4.

WINDSOR Toddler Time: See April 2.

Ongoing Exhibits

BRATTLEBORO MUSEUM & ART CENTER Info, 257-0124 Glasstastic 2019: 20 wild and whimsical glass creations wow visitors, conceived and drawn by students in grades K-6 and transformed into art by New England glass blowers. Over 1,200 children’s drawings submitted in this contest are displayed, too. $4-8; free for children ages 18 and under; free admission for all, Thursdays, 2-5 p.m.

Through June 16.

CHANDLER MUSIC HALL, RANDOLPH Info, 728-9878 Your Art, Your Story: Twelve area schools showcase artwork by students grades preK-12 in a variety of mediums, illustrating imaginative interpretations of self-portraits, masks, imaginary creatures and landscapes. Fridays and Saturdays, noon-6 p.m., and during Chandler performances. Through April 20. FREE ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON Info, 864-1848 Age of Dinosaurs: Fans of these giant creatures journey back in time to the Mesozoic era, visit these amazing animals in their habitat and get hands-on with interactive stations including a fossil dig pit, fossil rubbing and remote-control dinosaurs. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3.

Through May 12.

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH Info, 649-2200 Destination: Space!: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission’s moon landing, space fans take a tour of the technology that landed astronauts on the moon, check out what’s happening on our sun and earth, and travel to the far reaches of outer space. Regular museum admission, $13-16; free for children under age 2.

Through August 4.

Making Music: Families explore the inner workings of all things musical — from cellos to electronic synthesizers — play and make instruments, and engage with multimedia exhibits which share stories of musicians, scientists and craftspeople, highlighting traditional and new practices, techniques and materials. Regular museum admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Through May 15.

ROBERT HULL FLEMING MUSEUM, UVM, BURLINGTON Info, 656-0750 Small Worlds: Miniatures in Contemporary Art: Devotees of diminutive realms are enchanted by the work of multiple artists, featuring tiny figures, rooms and landscapes in photographs or sculptures, evoking both childhood playthings and the dark forces hidden beneath the seduction of the small.

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-5; free for members and children under 7. Through May 10.

America’s First Au Pair Program Since 1986, Au Pair in America has provided families with the highest quality child care, top-notch service and support and an enriching cultural experience like no other by offering:

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

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

• Three unique program options offered to meet the varied needs of your family • Up to 45 customizable hours of flexible live-in child care

FREE

• Qualified and screened au pairs from nearly 60 countries

Family Gym: See April 5.

Game Day: See April 5.

• Professional and reliable year round support right here in Vermont!

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See April 5.

Music with Raph: Melody lovers of all ages play and sing. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE STEAM Fridays: See April 5.

Contact us for more info!

Toddler Time Dragon Bowl: See April 5.

ORLEANS Craftsbury Lego Club: See April 5.

afurey@aupairinamerica.com | (800) 928-7247 www.aupairinamerica.com

13 Saturday ADDISON Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

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BENNINGTON A Trio of Children’s Authors: Three Vermont children’s authors — Jo Knowles, William Alexander and Linda Urban — share their work, from picture books through young adult literature, with an eager audience. Ages 3-14.

Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 362-2200. FREE Easter Craft Making: Small ones create seasonal crafts. Ages 4-12. Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 362-2200. FREE CALEDONIA Pysanky Making: Local crafter Annie Gaillard teaches kids the art of decorating Easter eggs with traditional Ukrainian folk designs, using a wax-resist method. Ages 10 and up. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 2-4 p.m., preregister; space is limited. Info, 472-5948. FREE CHITTENDEN ‘The Easter Surprise’: Author John Churchman reads and signs the fifth installment of his Sweet Pea & Friends series, featuring a curious little bunny who solves a farm mystery. Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, 11 a.m. Info, 872-7111. FREE Bat Life in Vermont: Vermont small mammals biologist Alyssa Bennett hosts an interactive talk for all ages about these winged creatures, including info about threats to their welfare, how to help conservation, and a hands-on exploration of local mammal tracks, scat and furs. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 11 a.m.noon. Info, 878-6956. FREE One-on-One Tutoring: See April 6.

Your child. Your orthodontist.

ORTHODONTICS

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Orthodontists are specialists in straightening teeth and aligning your bite. They have two to three years of education beyond dental school so they’re experts at helpng you get a great smile that feels great too!

Braces for Children & Adults — champlainortho.net ST. ALBANS OFFICE 80 Mapleville Depot 527-7100

13 SATURDAY, P. 44 » k4t-ChamplainOrtho0419.indd 1

WILLISTON OFFICE 277 Blair Park Road 878-5323 KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

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CALENDAR APRIL 13 Saturday (cont.)

Paper and Sculpture Workshop: Pulp paper artist Eden Stern teaches young crafters to create their own paper from cotton fiber and fabricate a relief sculpture. Ages 10 and up. Bring a lunch.

FlynnDog Project Space, Burlington, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., $15-30; sliding scale; preregister. Info, 660-3456.

Read to a Dog: See April 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Webby’s Art Studio: Weave the Rainbow: Curious crafters design papers, cut them into small strips and put them together in a crazy and colorful masterpiece. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular winter museum admission, $5-10; free for members and children under 5.

Info, 985-3346.

FRANKLIN Big Rig Day: Families get up close and personal with cool trucks, tractors and buses, then enjoy games and activities. Swanton Village Municipal Building, 9 a.m.-noon. Info, 868-5077. FREE RUTLAND Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

’round for nature-inspired tales and activities.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, TUESDAYS, THROUGH APRIL 16, 10:30 A.M., AND TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 10:30 A.M., regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

MONTSHIRE MAKERS: Tweens and teens get

a head start on designing and building a Cardboard City of the future. Ages 11-18.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 6:30-8 P.M., $8-15. Info, 649-2200.

THE NEW LIFE OF SPRING: Small ones greet

the season with a story, animal crafts and a celebratory hike. Ages 3-6. The Nature Museum at Grafton, FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 10-11:30 A.M., $5-8 per child; no charge for caregivers.

Info, 843-2111.

CARDBOARD CITY: Architects of all ages and abilities design and build a free-standing structure of cardboard and tape to join other buildings, parks, bridges, boats and buses.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 11 A.M.-3 P.M., regular museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

SHELBURNE SUGAR-ON-SNOW PARTY: Families

sample the state’s “liquid gold” and delight in boiling demonstrations, free samples, a farm barn, trails and live music. Palmer’s Sugarhouse, Shelburne, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, NOON-4 P.M., THROUGH APRIL 14. Info, 985-5054. FREE

SUGAR-ON-SNOW AT SHELBURNE SUGARWORKS:

Families see the sweet stuff boil, sample fresh syrup, listen to live music from 12:30-3:30 p.m. and explore miles of hiking in the sugarbush. Shelburne Sugarworks, SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, NOON-5 P.M., THROUGH APRIL 14,

food and syrup available for purchase. Info, 233-7531. FREE

SHEEP AND SHEAR DELIGHTS: Little lambs leap while spring-lovers drop in and watch a sheep get its yearly haircut, then wash wool and learn how to spin and felt. Shelburne Farms, SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 10 A.M.-1 P.M., $5. Info, 985-8686.

STORIES FROM SPACE: Science educator Mike

Ressler zooms small ones through the solar system with stories and a space-based craft.

Ages 5 and under. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 10-11 A.M., AND SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 10-11 A.M. Info, 748-2372. FREE

ANIMAL BUDDIES: NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM: Friday,

during museum hours, preschoolers take their stuffed friends to the Museum for a “hibernation” night. The next morning, little tykes enjoy a light breakfast and learn how Vermont’s woodland animals wake up after a long winter’s sleep. Ages 6 and under with caregivers. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, FRIDAY, APRIL 12 AND SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 9-10 A.M., $10; preregister. Info, 748-2372.

MONTSHIRE UNLEASHED: AN EVENING FOR ADULTS: The museum opens its doors after

hours so grown-ups can let their inner curiosity run wild. Beer, wine and food available for purchase. Ages 21 and up.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 6:30-9 P.M., $7-10; free for museum members. Info, 649-2200.

PARK SPRUCE UP DAY: Volunteers get the grounds ready for summer use, with projects including painting, weeding, setting up tennis and volleyball courts, putting out tables and garbage cans, and more. Bombardier Park, Milton, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 9 A.M.-NOON. Info, 893-4922. FREE SLITHERING SNAKES & REPTILES: 802 Reptiles

engages animal admirers in this up-close encounter with 5 snakes, 1 lizard and a surprise guest, including a reading of a Dr. Seuss story and plenty of time for Q&A. Ages 4-8. Colchester Bayside Activity Center, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 1:30-3 P.M., $20-25, preregister; 1 adult per child. Info, 264-5640.

TINY TERRARIUMS: Junior green thumbs make a miniature world and discover what plants need to grow and how to tend this tiny garden. Ages 2-10. Gardener’s Supply, Williston, SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 10-11 & 11:30 A.M.-12:30 P.M., preregister. Info, 658-2433. FREE SENSORY-FRIENDLY SUNDAY AT ECHO: Kids,

teens and adults with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum disorder or developmental disabilities experience a calm museum, closed to the general public. Visitors interact with exhibits, participate in hands-on science activities or watch a short film with accommodations. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, SUNDAY, APRIL 14, 9-10 A.M., free for families with sensoryprocessing differences. Info, 864-1848.

BABY FARM ANIMAL CELEBRATION: Visitors

“ooh” and “ah” over cute and cuddly calves, lambs, chicks, ducklings and goslings. Farm life exhibits, tours of the 1890 farmhouse and children’s activities round out the day. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 10 A.M.-5 P.M., AND SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10 A.M.-5 P.M., regular museum admission, $4-16; free

for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

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Kids Trade & Play: Families exchange clean and gently used clothing and toys, sizes newborn to 12.

Capital City Grange, Berlin, 9:30-11:30 a.m., $3 per family. Info, 831-337-8632.

WINDSOR Norwich Winter Farmers Market: Local growers present produce, meats and maple syrup, complementing baked goods and crafts from area artists.

Tracy Hall, Norwich, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 384-7447.

Science & Nature SCIENCE & STORIES AT ECHO: Preschoolers rally

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

Info, 793-8347.

14 Sunday TAKE APART DAY: Curious kiddos explore the “guts” of everyday items, from toasters to toys, then build something new. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 10 A.M.-3 P.M., regular museum admission, $7-9; free for children under 5. Info, 748-2372.

EARTH & SPACE-TACULAR FESTIVAL: The

community celebrates Earth Day by planting seeds and participating in the museum’s mud fling — the traditional tossing of mud balls off the deck — or taking an educational trip through the solar system with out-of-this world activities like imagining life in space and creating stomp rockets. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington,

SATURDAY, APRIL 20 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 10 A.M.-5 P.M., regular museum admission,

$11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

EARTH DAY CELEBRATION: This celebration of our planet includes DIY crafts, live raptor programs, vegetable seed planting and opportunities to learn about how our decisions impact the environment. Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 10 A.M.-4 P.M., AND SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 10 A.M.-4 P.M., regular museum admission, $13.50-15.50;

free for children under 4. Info, 359-5000.

VERMONT MAPLE FESTIVAL: Come on, get

sappy! A giant parade, marionette shows, Main Street entertainment, specialty foods and more showcase Vermont’s signature sweet. Check vtmaplefestival.org for schedule.

Downtown St. Albans, FRIDAY, APRIL 26 THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 28, most events are free. Info, 524-5800.

BIRD-MONITORING WALK: Eagle-eyed

participants bring binoculars to search the museum’s property for fluttering feathers, followed by coffee. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, LAST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 7:30 A.M. THROUGH AUG. 31, donations welcome; preregistration encouraged. Info, 434-2167.

RESOURCE EARTH DAY WALK: In celebration of

our planet, folks dressed in ‘creatively green’ costumes saunter along a 2.5 mile stroll and learn about earth-friendly activities. Red Rocks Park, South Burlington, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 9 A.M.-1 P.M., $5; free for children under 6.

ST. JOHNSBURY WORLD MAPLE FESTIVAL: This

sweet celebration features a 8 a.m. 5K Sap Lap, a hearty pancake breakfast sweetened with this year’s bounty, a downtown street fair from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and a kids’ fun zone.

Downtown St. Johnsbury, SATURDAY, APRIL 27, some fees applicable; Sap Run $5-8; $20 per family. Info, 626-4124.

ADDISON Family Play: See April 7.

CHITTENDEN ‘The Easter Surprise’: Author John Churchman reads the fifth installment of his Sweet Pea & Friends series, featuring a curious little bunny named Fern. Afterward, Theresa Somerset leads a demonstration of traditional Ukrainian Easter egg decoration for crafty kiddos. Ages 3-8. The Flying Pig Bookstore, Shelburne, 2 p.m., preregister. Info, 985-3999. FREE Dream Big 5K, 1K and Fun Run: Racers of all ages and abilities take a flat trek through neighborhoods, on a stroller and wheelchair-friendly course. Registration opens at 8 a.m.; 10 a.m. 5K and 1K start, followed by the fun run at 11 a.m.

Essex Middle School, $10-35; free for fun run; proceeds benefit EDD Memorial Fund adaptive sports programs. Info, 879-7173.

Essex Open Gym: See April 7.

Family Gym: See April 5.

Old North End Neighborhood Band Teen Music Jam: See April 7.

Williston Firehouse Pancake Breakfast: Community members sit down to a full spread of morning eats, meet and greet firefighters, and touch a truck. Williston Fire Department, 8 a.m.noon, $5-8; free for children under 2; proceeds benefit the firefighters. Info, 878-5622.

WASHINGTON Dance, Sing and Jump Around: In this last session of the season, families delight in a lively afternoon of circle and line dances, singing with instruction, and live traditional music. Ages 3 and up with caregivers. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 223-1509.

15 Monday CHITTENDEN Colchester Preschool Music: See April 8.

Read to a Dog: See April 8.

Read with Pugsley: See April 8.

Stories with Megan: See April 8.

Teen Space: See April 8.

Williston Preschool Music: See April 8.

FRANKLIN Fairfax Maker Mondays: See April 8.

RUTLAND Babies & Toddlers Rock: See April 8.

SUBMIT YOUR MAY EVENTS FOR PRINT BY APRIL 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

16 Tuesday CALEDONIA Hardwick Lego Club: See April 2.

CHITTENDEN After-School Snacks and Stories: While kids relax and refuel after school, volunteer Greg Leroy reads picture books. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 2:15 p.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE Art Play Day: See April 2.

Burlington School District Community Health and Wellbeing Fair: Parents check out the numerous local services and supports for families while savoring a free dinner. Burlington High School, 5-8 p.m. Info, 865-5332. FREE Creative Tuesdays: See April 2.

Poetry Remix: Young writers get witty with blackout and collage poems. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:45-3:45 p.m. Info, 878-6956.

FREE

Spanish Musical Kids: See April 2.

Tinker Tuesdays: See April 2.

FRANKLIN Family STEAM Night: Moms, dads and kids team up for activities around science, technology, engineering, art and/or math. Fairfax Community Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

Travel Talk With Ian: Homeschooled student Ian Bright shares some highlights from his many trips around the world with curious community members. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m.

Info, 524-1507. FREE WASHINGTON Lego Family Free Build: Dads, moms and youngsters drop in for fun with the library’s abundance of plastic blocks. Ages 5 and up. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

17 Wednesday CHITTENDEN Kids’ Chess Club: See April 3.

Minecraft Club: See April 3.

Open Studio: See April 3.

Read With Daisy the Therapy Dog: See April 3.

Yoga for Kids: See April 3.

Zine Club: Imaginative youngsters experiment with different writing styles and art techniques to create personal publications. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE FRANKLIN Fairfax Read to a Dog: See April 4.

STEM Club: Under the lead of local inventor Ralph Lemnah, science-y types challenge their imaginations with themed activities. Ages 6 and up.

Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister.

Info, 849-2420. FREE

CHITTENDEN Chess Club: See April 4.

Colchester Lego Club: See April 4.

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

Dorothy’s List Book Discussion: Little literati chat about DCF pick I’m Just No Good at Rhyming

by Chris Harris. Grades 4-8. Milton Public Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE Essex Lego Club: See April 4.

Hinesburg Lego Club: See April 4.

RUTLAND Lego Club: See April 3.

Preschool Yoga: See April 4.

ORLEANS Mid-Week Movie: Families take a ‘hump day’ break with a PG-rated animated flick about video games. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, 6-8 p.m., $5; free for children under age 13. Info, 533-2000.

WASHINGTON Cardboard Creations Family Program: Mamas, papas and kids get busy building with paper. Ages 6 and up. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE WINDSOR Homeschool Red Clover Book Award Club: See April 3.

SoundCheck: Hosted by slam poet Rajnii Eddins, the Young Writers Project and Burlington City Arts sponsor a writing workshop for adolescent authors and an open mic at 7 p.m. Burlington City Arts, 6 p.m. Info, 324-9538. FREE Ukulele Kids: See April 4.

Williston Preschool Music: See April 8, 10:30 a.m.

Writing Club: See April 4.

FRANKLIN Franklin Lego Thursdays: See April 4.

WASHINGTON Build With Keva Blocks: Budding architects stop in and spark their imagination with an abundance of wooden blocks. Ages 5 and up. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

18 Thursday CALEDONIA Free Family Art Workshops: See April 4.

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CALENDAR APRIL 19 Friday

Game Day: See April 5.

Passover Begins CHITTENDEN Baby Time: Families with wee ones socialize, read board books, learn some sign language and play.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30-10 a.m.

Info, 878-6956. FREE Family Gym: See April 5.

Family Movie: Viewers enjoy a family-friendly flick while feasting on free popcorn. *Note early start time. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:20-8:35 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See April 5.

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. Info, 878-4918. FREE STEAM Fridays: See April 5.

FRANKLIN Yoga Story Time Yoga with Ms. Liza: See April 5.

ORLEANS Craftsbury Lego Club: See April 5.

WASHINGTON Montpelier Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up: Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local, state and national level, and how to create a more just and naturefriendly world. Dinner and nature-themed kids’ programming included. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7:30 p.m., RSVP requested. Info, 229-0041. FREE

HYDE PARK BABY CHAT: Parents with babies

Info, 371-4415. FREE

mingle, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Lanpher Memorial Library, Hyde Park, FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229.

EVOLUTION POSTNATAL YOGA: New mamas tote

PRE/POSTPARTUM CIRCLE: Mamas, papas,

FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 5:30-7 P.M.

their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a relaxed and nurturing environment. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, SUNDAYS,

12:15 P.M., TUESDAYS, 10 A.M., THURSDAYS, 10:45 A.M. AND FRIDAYS, NOON-1 P.M., THROUGH APRIL 14, $17; $120-140 for a 10-class pass. Info,

899-0339.

EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA: Mothers-to-be

build strength, stamina and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, SATURDAYS,

11:30 A.M., SUNDAYS, 10-11:30 A.M., MONDAYS, 5:45 P.M., TUESDAYS, 4:15 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, 5:45 P.M., THURSDAYS, 12:30 P.M. AND FRIDAYS, 8:15 A.M., THROUGH APRIL 14, $17 per class; $120-140 for

10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA ESSEX: Mothers-

primary caregivers of wee ones and mamasto-be drop in, recharge their energy, practice gentle stretching exercises and self-care, while savoring socializing, tea and snacks.

Bring newborns through crawling babies. The Children’s Room, Waterbury, THURSDAYS, 11 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Info, 244-5605. FREE

BURLINGTON LA LECHE LEAGUE: New moms

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

FREE

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF THE NORTHEAST KINGDOM:

Expectant, novice and experienced moms join nursing experts for advice and support. Enter through the children’s section of the library.

Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum,

to-be build strength, stamina and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga, Essex Junction, SATURDAYS,

Info, 720-272-8841. FREE

8:15 A.M., SUNDAYS, 5:30 P.M., MONDAYS, 10:30 A.M., TUESDAYS, 6:15 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, 12:30 P.M. AND THURSDAYS, 4:15 P.M., THROUGH APRIL 14, $17 per class; $120-140 for 10-class pass.

Brand-new mamas and papas check out infant carriers, get advice and spend some socializing time with other new parents. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, SECOND THURSDAY

Info, 899-0339.

SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:30 A.M. BABYWEARERS OF CENTRAL VERMONT:

MOM AND BABY YOGA: Brand-new mamas and

OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M., AND FOURTH MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 5:45-7:45 P.M. Info,

PRENATAL YOGA: Moms-to-be stretch and bend. Embodied, Montpelier, TUESDAYS, 6-7:15 P.M, $16 per drop-in class. Info, 778-0300.

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

BURLINGTON EARLY MONTHS INFANT MASSAGE:

MORRISVILLE BABY CHAT: Parents with babies

their littles relax, stretch and bond. Followed by a free mothers’ gathering at 11:30 a.m.

Embodied, Montpelier, TUESDAYS, 10:30-11:30 A.M, $11. Info, 223-5302.

This mother-infant group includes baby massage and postpartum new mama support.

The Janet S. Munt Family Room, Burlington, WEDNESDAYS, 11 A.M.-NOON. Info, 862-2121.

FREE

ESSEX LA LECHE LEAGUE: Moms bring their

bitty ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Siblings welcome. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 6:30-8 P.M. Info, 899-5490. FREE

595-7953. FREE

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

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

Info, 236-4136. FREE

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ADDISON Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

CALEDONIA Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

CHITTENDEN Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

Dad Guild Monthly Playground: This new group gets fathers of young children reading together, having fun with creative play and forming new friendships. All are welcome. Ages 5 and under.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m.

Info, 865-7216. FREE Family Art Saturday: Families drop in and ignite their imaginations with a current exhibit, then get hands-on with an artistic endeavor. Burlington City Arts, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 865-7166. FREE

New Parents BOSOM BUDDIES TOO: Nursing mamas of toddlers and mobile wee ones socialize and swap supportive stories and advice with peers and professionals. Babies welcome.

Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin,

20 Saturday

BREASTFEEDING FAMILIES GROUP: Nursing

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

ELIMINATION COMMUNICATION: Novice parents pursue advice about this practice where a caregiver uses timing, signals, cues and intuition to address a baby’s need to eliminate waste without using a diaper. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 1-2 P.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE LA LECHE LEAGUE OF CENTRAL VERMONT:

Breastfeeding mamas swap stories and support each other, with a professional available for consultation. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE NURSING BEYOND A YEAR: In a supportive

setting, mothers discuss the joys and challenges of breastfeeding children approaching one year old and beyond. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, THIRD FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE HOW TO BREASTFEED PRENATAL CLASS:

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

Hinesburg Saturday Storytime: Small ones and caregivers start the weekend off with stories, songs and games, followed by free play and snacks.

Ages 5 and under. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE One-on-One Tutoring: See April 6.

Read to Cleo the Therapy Dog: See April 6.

Webby’s Art Studio: Decou’pot’: Curious crafters learn about decoupage — a popular Victorian era activity — then make a paper collage masterpiece from a terracotta pot. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular winter museum admission, $5-10; free for members and children under 5.

Info, 985-3346.

Wildlife of Vermont: Live Animals: Southern Vermont Natural History Museum shares critters who crawl, fly and slither with curious child naturalists. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE RUTLAND Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

21 Sunday Happy Easter!

CHITTENDEN Old North End Neighborhood Band Teen Music Jam: See April 7.

22 Monday

JOHNSON BABY CHAT: Parents with babies mingle, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson,

CHITTENDEN Breakout: Deserts: Curious kids check out the library’s escape room, solve a puzzle and learn about deserts. Ages 8 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:30-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229. FREE

Colchester Preschool Music: See April 8.

MOMMY GROUP: Breastfeeding peer counselor

Angela Scavo hosts mamas and answers questions in a relaxed setting. Junebug Mother and Child, Middlebury, FOURTH

WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-10:30 A.M.

Crafts for Kids: See April 8.

Milton Legos at the Library: Builders fashion architecturally sound constructions in this STEM program. All ages. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m.

Info, 893-4644. FREE

Info, 349-9084. FREE

Read to a Dog: See April 8.

TINY TWILIGHT CAFE: Caregivers and children

Starting Seeds: The Burlington Garden Club’s Joelyn Niggel shares a special story about green thumbs and advice about sowing seeds. Ages 4 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:30-4 p.m.

Info, 878-6956. FREE

ages 3 and under connect with each other in a safe and welcoming environment. Light dinner provided; older siblings welcome.

Downstreet Community Room, Barre,

FOURTH SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 4:30-6:30 P.M.,

RSVPs appreciated. Info, 595-7953. FREE

Stories with Megan: See April 8.

Teen Space: See April 8.

Williston Preschool Music: See April 8.

RUTLAND Babies & Toddlers Rock: See April 8.

23 Tuesday

Subscribe at butwhykids.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

CALEDONIA Hardwick Lego Club: See April 2.

CHITTENDEN After-School Snacks and Stories: See April 16.

Art Play Day: See April 2.

Bird Drawing & Painting Class: Amateur artists pursue creative projects. Ages 4-10.

Milton Public Library, 2-3 p.m., preregister.

Info, 893-4644. FREE Creative Tuesdays: See April 2.

Fairy Houses & Gnome Homes: Little listeners soak up stories about wee folk at 11 a.m., then construct diminutive dwellings.

All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE Introduction to Embroidery: Diana Snyder, President of the Northeast Embroidery Guild, hosts a hardworking session for small sewists.

Ages 8-12. South Burlington Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon, preregister. Info, 846-4140.

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

Make a Beaded Bracelet: Junior jewelrymakers manufacture their own masterpieces with the library’s materials. Ages 8 and up with adult. South Burlington Public Library, 3-4:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 846-4140. FREE Open Gym + Arts and Activities: Kids check out the full-sized space and get busy with Play-Doh, coloring and other art stations. Ages 10 and under. NETS Center Campus, Williston, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 777-7865. FREE Open Studio: See April 3.

Spanish Musical Kids: See April 2.

Start Your Garden: Joelyn from the Burlington Garden Club gets green thumbs sowing seeds in small pots. Ages 4 and up with adult. South Burlington Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 846-4140. FREE

Spanish Storytime: Games, songs and stories en Español amuse little library-goers.

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

Young Writers & Storytellers: See April 10.

RUTLAND Lego Club: See April 3.

Strategy Board Games: See April 9.

WASHINGTON Squishy Circuits: Mini-makers experiment with electricity and construct colorful sculptures using conductive play dough. Ages 8-11.

Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister.

Info, 244-7036. FREE

FREE

Tinker Tuesdays: See April 2.

FRANKLIN Kid’s Craft: Grass Heads: Junior green thumbs drop in and create a craft to grow at home. St. Albans Free Library, 1-3 p.m. Info, 524-1507.

FREE

WASHINGTON Melted Crayon Art: Petite Picassos get messy with crafty projects. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE WINDSOR Toddler Time: See April 2.

24 Wednesday CHITTENDEN Family-Friendly Painting Workshop: Iraqiborn Sabah Abbas leads imaginative families in an evening of painting and community. No experience needed. Ages 10 and up. ONE Arts Center, Burlington, 5:30-8:30 p.m., $15-30; sliding scale; preregister. Info, 660-3456.

Kids’ Chess Club: See April 3.

Live-Action Role Play: See April 10.

Kids have questions.

We find answers.

WINDSOR Toddler Time: See April 2.

A podcast for curious kids.

k4t-vpr0218.indd 1

1/24/18 1:23 PM

25 Thursday CALEDONIA Build A Story: In celebration of Poetry Month, little library-goers listen to Science Verse by Jon Scieszka, followed by a building block challenge. Ages 13 and under. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 3-4 p.m. Info, 748-8291. FREE CHITTENDEN Bike Ride: Families on wheels take a trip to the tree farm, have refreshments and pedal back. Wear helmets and sunscreen for safety.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Colchester Lego Club: See April 4.

Essex Lego Club: See April 4.

Preschool Yoga: See April 4.

Vintage Video Games: Gamers join the retro trend, using vintage consoles in the library.

Ages 14 and up. Milton Public Library, 6-8 p.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE Williston Preschool Music: See April 8, 10:30 a.m.

Say you saw it in

Writing Club: See April 4.

FRANKLIN Franklin Lego Thursdays: See April 4.

Life-Sized 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, 1-3 p.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE WINDSOR Toddler Time: See April 2.

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CALENDAR APRIL 26 Friday CHITTENDEN Decorate a Canvas Bag: Imaginative youngsters have fun fashioning designs on canvas, using the library’s materials. Ages 6 and up with adult.

South Burlington Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon, preregister. Info, 846-4140. FREE Dungeons & Dragons: See April 12.

Family Gym: See April 5.

Game Day: See April 5.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See April 5.

Lil’ Vermonters Consignment Sale: Shoppers delight in gently used baby, child and maternity items, from newborn to youth 14, including toys, furniture, books, baby carriers and much more. See lilvermonters.com for consignor info.

Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 5 p.m., $5 admission for non-consignors on Friday with advance ticket purchase; free on Saturday. Info, 878-5545.

Music with Raph: See April 12.

Owls and Their Calls: The Vermont Institute of Natural Science engages eager youngsters in an up-close encounter with live birds. Milton Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Red Kite Green Mountain: Presented in partnership with the Flynn Center, a multisensory adventure — designed for young people on the autism spectrum and their caregivers — serenely moves the audience through the seasons and wildlife of Vermont with playful activities.

Followed by an optional meet-and-greet with the local actors and their puppets. Ages 4 and up for youth of all abilities. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 9-10 a.m. & 11 a.m.-noon, preregister.

Info, 865-7216. FREE FRANKLIN Joepetto’s Magic Toy Shop: Handcrafted wooden puppets amuse a crowd of all ages — with a dash of music and comedy. St. Albans Free Library, 1:30 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE ORLEANS Craftsbury Lego Club: See April 5.

WASHINGTON Family-Friendly Film Screening: Film-loving folks have fun viewing a surreal fantasy flick from Monty Python alum Terry Gilliam, with snacks and a small craft for kids. Ages 8 and up.

Montpelier Senior Activity Center, 3:30-5:30 p.m., suggested donation $1-2; $5 per family; proceeds benefit the Montpelier Senior Activity Center’s Savoy Archive collection. Info, 225-8694.

Playgroups Kids enjoy fun and games during these informal get-togethers, and caregivers connect with other local parents and peers. The groups are usually free and often include snacks, arts and crafts, or music. Most playgroups follow the school calendar. Contact the organizer for site-specific details.

MONDAY

BROOKFIELD PLAYGROUP: First

Audubon Vermont, 9:30-11 a.m.

Info, 434-3068.

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

BURLINGTON CRAWLERS, WADDLERS AND TODDLERS: Janet S.

BURLINGTON FATHERS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER: Janet S.

AUDUBON NATURE PLAYGROUP:

Munt Parent-Child Center, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 862-2121.

CHARLOTTE PLAYGROUP: Charlotte Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 425-2771.

JERICHO PLAYGROUP: Good

Shepherd Lutheran Church, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 899-3932.

MORRISVILLE PLAYGROUP: River

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

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

ROBIN’S NEST NATURE PLAYGROUP:

North Branch Nature Center, 10 a.m.-noon, donations welcome.

Info, 229-6206.

TWINFIELD PLAYGROUP: Twinfield

Union School, 8:15-9:45 a.m. Info, 262-3292.

TUESDAY

BRADFORD PLAYGROUP: Grace

United Methodist Church, 9-11 a.m. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

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Munt Parent-Child Center, 4-7 p.m. Info, 862-2121.

EVOLUTION NEW FAMILY PLAYGROUP BURLINGTON:

Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 11:15 a.m. Info, 899-0339.

WINOOSKI PLAYTIME: O’Brien

Community Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 655-1422.

WEDNESDAY

BARRE PLAYGROUP: Aldrich

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

COLCHESTER PLAYGROUP:

Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 264-5640.

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

NORTHFIELD PLAYGROUP: United

Church of Northfield, 10:30 a.m.noon. Info, 262-3293.

27 Saturday Passover Ends ADDISON Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

CALEDONIA Junior Jam: Young wordsmiths read their original work or a favorite poem. Ages 4-13. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 3-4 p.m. Info, 748-8291. FREE CHITTENDEN Family Art Activity: Families drop in and join artist Sabah Abbas for an activity focused on home and community. All ages. Northgate Apartments, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. Info, 598-3139. FREE Lil’ Vermonters Consignment Sale: See April 26, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Movie at the Library: The big screen shows an all-ages feature. Snacks provided. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE One-on-One Tutoring: See April 6.

Read to a Dog: See April 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Vermont Sci-Fi & Fantasy Expo: This familyfriendly, two-day festival mesmerizes fans with authors and artists, gamers, cosplayers, prop makers, fight demos, vendors, and more.

Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., $15; free for children under age 6. Info, 778-9178.

PURPLE CRAYON PLAY GROUP:

ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, 9:3011:30 a.m., donations accepted.

Info, 457-3500.

RICHMOND PLAYGROUP: Richmond

Free Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 434-3036.

WILLISTON PLAYTIME: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m.noon. Info, 878-4918.

WINOOSKI PLAYTIME: See Tuesday.

FRIDAY

ALBURGH PLAYGROUP: Alburgh

SOUTH ROYALTON PLAYGROUP:

Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 582-9942.

ST. JOHNSBURY TODDLER TIME: St.

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

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

Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m.

Info, 748-1391.

WATERBURY MUSIC & MOVEMENT:

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

THURSDAY

DADS AND KIDS PLAYGROUP: Family

Center of Washington County, 5:30-7 p.m. Info, 262-3292.

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

Info, 888-5229.

MONTPELIER PLAYGROUP: St.

Augustine Church, 9:30-11 a.m.

Info, 262-3292.

OHAVI ZEDEK SYNAGOGUE PLAYGROUP: Ohavi Zedek

Synagogue, Burlington, 9:3010:30 a.m. Info, 864-0218.

RANDOLPH PLAYGROUP: St. John’s

Church, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 685-2264.

UNDERHILL PLAYGROUP: Underhill

Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 899-4676.

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

Info, 262-3292, ext. 115.

CAMBRIDGE ELEMENTARY:

CENTRAL VERMONT PLAYGROUP:

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

COLCHESTER PLAYGROUP: See

Wednesday.

EVOLUTION NEW FAMILY PLAYGROUP ESSEX: Evolution

Prenatal & Family Yoga, 11 a.m.

Info, 899-0339.

OPEN GYM: See Monday.

RUTLAND PLAYGROUP: Rutland

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

WATERBURY PLAYGROUP: The Children’s Room, 10-11:30 a.m.

Info, 244-5605.

WINSOOSKI MOVE, PLAY, CONNECT PLAYGROUP: O’Brien Community

Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 655-6424.

SATURDAY

MONTPELIER SATURDAY PLAYGROUP: Family Center of

Washington County, 9:30-11 a.m.

Info, 262-3292, ext. 190.

Voicing Art Poetry Reading: Inspired by the current art exhibit at Flynndog Gallery at South End Station, the community submits poetry and prose by April 11 and shares work publicly. All ages. Nomad Coffee, Burlington, 2-3 p.m., food and drink available for purchase. Info, 832-928-8837.

FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: Folk Art Houses: Inspired by the museum’s collection of Grandma Moses paintings, visitors paint a miniature house in her style. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular winter museum admission, $5-10; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

FRANKLIN Exordium: Science with Mr. K: Kids on school break explore symmetry with a professional, using hands-on activities. Fairfax Community Library, 10-11 a.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE Youth Baking Class: Maple Scones: Junior chefs stir together a sweet and seasonal treat using the Cook’s Illustrated Cookbook as a guide. Ages 9-14.

St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m., preregister. Info, 524-1507. FREE RUTLAND Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

WASHINGTON ‘Young Adventurer’s Guide’ Book Launch and Party: Author Ben Hewitt shares his newest release — The Young Adventurer’s Guide to (Almost) Everything: Build a Fort, Camp Like a Champ, Poop in the Woods: 45 Action-Packed Outdoor Activities — with an enthusiastic young audience. Ages 8 and up. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 229-0774. FREE Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See April 13.

WINDSOR Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See April 13.

28 Sunday ADDISON Family Play: See April 7, 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Middlebury Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up: Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local level, and how to transition to a safer and healthier world. Vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 8 and under provided.

Middlebury Recreation Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Info, 382-0829. FREE CHITTENDEN Essex Open Gym: See April 7.

Family Gym: See April 5.

Marbling Workshop: Pulp paper artist Eden Stern teaches families the age-old technique of marbleizing paper and making books. Ages 6 and up. FlynnDog Project Space, Burlington, 1-2:30 p.m., $15-30; sliding scale; preregister. Info, 660-3456.

Old North End Neighborhood Band Teen Music Jam: See April 7.

Paper Making Workshop: Pulp paper artist Eden Stern guides families in fashioning one-of-akind paper from cotton fiber. All ages. FlynnDog Project Space, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon, $15-30; sliding scale; preregister. Info, 660-3456.

South Burlington Community Read-A-Thon: Families and friends of all ages celebrate literacy by reading aloud together, with free books, snacks, prizes and a performance by Jon Gailmor. South Burlington Public Library, 1-3:30 p.m. Info, 846-4140. FREE Vermont Sci-Fi & Fantasy Expo: See April 27.

SUBMIT YOUR MAY EVENTS FOR PRINT BY APRIL 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

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

MONDAY

BARRE CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR:

Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m.

Info, 476-7550.

LYNDONVILLE STORY TIME:

Cobleigh Public Library, 10 a.m.

Info, 626-5475.

MILTON INFANT STORY TIME:

COLCHESTER PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Burnham Memorial

Milton Public Library, 9:30 a.m.

Info, 893-4644.

ESSEX STORYTIME WITH EMILY:

MONTPELIER STORY TIME: KelloggHubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 223-3338.

Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

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

HUNTINGTON STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Huntington Public

Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 434-4583.

HYDE PARK STORY TIME: Lanpher

Memorial Library, 6 p.m. Info, 888-4628.

NORTHFIELD CHILDREN’S STORY TIME: Brown Public Library,

10-11 a.m. Info, 485-4621.

RICHMOND BABY LAP TIME:

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

ST. ALBANS MOVEMENT & MUSIC STORY HOUR: St. Albans Free

Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507.

STOWE STORY TIMES FOR 2-3YEAR-OLDS: Stowe Free Library,

10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 253-6145.

WATERBURY BABY & TODDLER STORY TIME: Waterbury Public

Library, 10:15 a.m. Info, 244-7036.

WOODSTOCK BABY STORY TIME:

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

TUESDAY

ALBURGH STORY HOUR: Alburgh

Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 582-9942.

COLCHESTER TODDLER STORY TIME:

Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

CRAFTSBURY STORY TIME:

Craftsbury Public Library, 10 a.m.

Info, 586-9683.

EAST BARRE STORY TIME: East

Barre Branch Library, 10 a.m.

Info, 476-5118.

ESSEX JUNCTION STORY TIME:

Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m.

Info, 878-6956.

FAIRFAX PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

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

HARTLAND EARLY LITERACY STORYTIME: Hartland Public

Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 828-436-2473.

HINESBURG YOUNGSTER STORY TIME: Carpenter-Carse Library,

9:30-10 a.m. Info, 482-2878.

MORRISVILLE PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Morristown Centennial

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

SHELDON STORY TIME: Sheldon

Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Info, 933-2524.

SOUTH BURLINGTON TODDLER TIME: South Burlington Public

Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 846-4140.

WATERBURY SONGS AND STORIES:

The Children’s Room, 9-9:30 a.m.

Info, 244-5605.

WILLISTON STORY TIME: Dorothy

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

WOODSTOCK PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Norman Williams Public

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

WEDNESDAY

BARNES & NOBLE STORYTIIME:

Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 11 a.m. Info, 864-8001.

ESSEX BABYTIME: Essex Free Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

ESSEX JUNCTION STORY TIME: See

Tuesday.

HYDE PARK STORY TIME: See

Monday, 10 a.m.

JERICHO STORY HOUR: Jericho

RANDOLPH PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

NORWICH WORD PLAY STORY TIME:

Norwich Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 649-1184.

QUECHEE STORY TIME: Quechee

Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 295-1232.

Lego Fun: Budding builders bring out the blocks.

Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Let’s Jam! Learn to Play the Ukulele: Williston Central School music teacher Karla Kennedy leads families in some strumming fun.

Instruments provided, or bring your own. Ages 8 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Burlington Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m.

Info, 846-4140.

SWANTON STORYTIME: Swanton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 868-2493.

WARREN PRESCHOOL STORYTIME:

Warren Public Library, 10:30 a.m.

Info, 496-3913.

THURSDAY

BRISTOL STORY TIME: Lawrence

Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 453-2366.

BURLINGTON BABYTIME: Fletcher

Free Library, 10:15 a.m. Info, 865-7216.

HINESBURG MOVEMENT AND MUSIC: Carpenter-Carse Library,

Read to a Dog: See April 8.

Read with Pugsley: See April 8.

GEORGIA PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m.

Info, 524-4643.

KILLINGTON STORYTIME:

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

LINCOLN STORY TIME: Lincoln

Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 453-2665.

MILTON PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

Milton Public Library, 10 a.m.

Info, 893-4644.

MONTPELIER STORY TIME: See

9:30-10:30 a.m. Info, 482-2878.

Tuesday.

NORTHFIELD CHILDREN’S STORY TIME: See Monday.

NORTHSHIRE BOOKSTORE STORY TIME: Northshire Bookstore,

RUTLAND STORY TIME: Rutland

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

ST. ALBANS MOVEMENT & MUSIC STORY HOUR: See Monday.

ST. ALBANS STORY HOUR: St.

Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m.

Info, 524-1507.

VERGENNES STORY TIME: Bixby

Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 877-2211.

WATERBURY PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Waterbury Public Library, WESTFORD STORY TIME: Westford

MILTON TODDLER RHYTHM & MOVEMENT STORY TIME: Milton

Gamers Group: See April 8.

SOUTH BURLINGTON BABY TIME: South

10:15 a.m. Info, 244-7036.

Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 426-3581.

CHITTENDEN Colchester Preschool Music: See April 8.

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

LYNDONVILLE STORY TIME: See MARSHFIELD STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Jaquith Public

29 Monday

RICHMOND MOVERS AND SHAKERS STORYTIME:

Town Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Info, 899-4686.

Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

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

Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m.

Info, 728-5073.

Public Library, 11 a.m. Info, 878-5639.

FRIDAY

BRANDON STORY TIME: Brandon

Free Public Library, 3 p.m. Info, 247-8230.

COLCHESTER BABY STORY TIME:

Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

CRAFTSBURY STORY TIME: See

Tuesday.

ENOSBURG MOMMY & ME STORY HOUR: Enosburgh Public Library,

9-10 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

ESSEX MUSICAL STORY TIME: Essex

Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Info, 879-0313.

Manchester, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Info, 362-2200.

RANDOLPH TODDLER STORY TIME:

Teen Space: See April 8.

Williston Preschool Music: See April 8.

FRANKLIN Fairfax Maker Mondays: See April 8.

RUTLAND Babies & Toddlers Rock: See April 8.

30 Tuesday CALEDONIA Hardwick Lego Club: See April 2.

CHITTENDEN After-School Snacks and Stories: See April 16.

Art Play Day: See April 2.

READ & PLAY: Moretown Town Hall, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 496-9728.

Burlington Circle of Parents for Adoptive & Guardianship Families: Moms and dads come together to socialize about their parenting experiences and strengthen skills. Childcare and dinner included without fee. Howard Center, Burlington, 5-6:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 864-7467. FREE

ST. JOHNSBURY ACORN CLUB STORY TIME: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum,

Spanish Musical Kids: See April 2.

Kimball Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 728-5073.

10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 748-8291.

STOWE BABY & TODDLER STORY TIME: Stowe Free Library, 10:30-

11:15 a.m. Info, 253-6145.

Creative Tuesdays: See April 2.

Tinker Tuesdays: See April 2.

Tuesday Movie: Viewers relax with a familyfriendly flick. Popcorn and drinks provided.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:45-4:30 p.m.

Info, 878-6956. FREE

SATURDAY

LAMOILLE Free Family Art Workshops: See April 2.

Library, 10 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

WINDSOR Toddler Time: See April 2.

COLCHESTER SATURDAY DROP-IN STORY TIME: Burnham Memorial ENOSBURG STORY HOUR:

Enosburgh Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

ESSEX WEEKEND STORYTIME:

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

MILTON DROP-IN SATURDAY STORYTIME: Milton Public

Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

NEXT CHAPTER BOOKSTORE STORY TIME: Next Chapter Bookstore,

Say you saw it in

Barre, 10:30 a.m. Info, 476-3114.

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

49

BRENT HARREWYN

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3/29/19 10:49 AM

JUST FOR KIDS

Writing Contest & Winners....................52 Coloring Contest Winners........................52 Coloring Contest................................................53 Puzzle Page............................................................ 54 Birthday Club....................................................... 54 Puzzle Answers................................................. 55

Pearl GemJam

BY MARC NADEL

M

aggie Pie, the famed collector of shiny objects, needs your help to figure out which pearly path leads to the most money. The total of the numbers on each trail of trinkets — from Maggie to a coin container — will tell you how many dollars are inside.

So which one is the most cluttered with cash: The Pirate’s Treasure Chest? The Pink Piggy Bank?

The Sturdy Steel Safe? Or the Pot O’ Gold?

I’ve got a hunch that your number crunching will add up to a happy day for our feathered friend Maggie.

ANSWER P. 55

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

51

JUST FOR KIDS

Writing Contest

SPONSORED BY

On April 22, Americans celebrate Earth Day, an annual event that began in 1970 to highlight the environmental issues our world faces. This month, write a poem or paragraph about the ways in which you help take care of the earth and why it’s important.

COLORING CONTEST WINNERS This month’s submissions dazzled our judges with a radiant palette of pastels — perfectly suited for spring.

Eight-year-old Hayden’s violet elephant soared in a rainbow sky, buoyed by a bundle of fat balloons. Joni, 4, made her masterpiece sparkle with glittering gold and green stars.

Nine-year-old Josie’s pink and purple elephant, Penelope, carefully balanced on a tightrope beneath an umbrella held by her curved trunk.

Awesome artwork, kids! Don’t forget to send us your most imaginative work this month!

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

HONORABLE MENTIONS “MR. BUBBLES”

Sophia Bandy, 9, Cambridge

“Blue Elephant” Wyatt Wilder, 5

“ST. PATRICK’S STRIPES”

NORTHFIELD

5& under

Maria Bush, 8, Hinesburg “ELEPHANT RAINBOW”

Annie Rawson, 4, Stowe “PEANUT PARADISE”

Selena West, 7, Essex We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and poems in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop.

Deadline to enter is April 15.

Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Writing Contest, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Name ________________________________ Age __________________________________

Oona Raven Russell-McDode, 4, Woodbury

Town ________________________________

“RAINBOW SPARKLE”

Email ________________________________

Anna Sousa, 5, Northfield

Phone ________________________________

“ELEPHANT OF THE RAINBOW”

Jesalyn Greene, 11, Wolcott

In our March issue, we asked kids to write a poem with the title, “The Luckiest Kid in the World” in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Below, find the winning entries. Elise and Viyana each receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington.

52

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

“CITY DRIVING”

Levi Peters, 8, Huntington

“The Fancy Elephant” Kaya Rivas, 7 BURLINGTON

6 to 8

“COLORFUL ELEPHANT ON A SUMMER DAY”

Elise O’Brien, 10 in the If I were the luckiest kid k to luc my use uld wo world, I help animals, mes, I would find them all ho me where I would find them a ho they are happy, s where I would find them home them, of e car d goo e people tak where me ho a I would find them y, pla d an run they can s where I would find them home ners, ow ir the th wi be they can where me ho a I would find them y, sta to nt they wa s where I would find them home e them, lov t tha le op pe there are the of e I would adopt som animals too!

Arielle Brkovic, 7, Cambridge “ONE LUCKY DAY”

WRITING WINNERS

EAST MONTPELIER

“ELEPHANT ZOOM-ZOOM”

Taylor Rock, 5, Barre City

Viyana Khabbazian, 10 SOUTH BURLINGTON

Another year, another way, to get some cash on St. Patty’s Day. A pot of gold, I was determined to find, I would search up and down with an open mind.

And then I saw what I hoped to see, A glistening rainbow staring down at me.

At that very moment, I knew what to do, That rainbow wasn’t out of the blue.

I followed that rainbow, I went high and low.

And at the end you won’t believe what I found, Right there on the ground was a pot of gold.

And now I was certain, As certain as I ever could be, The luckiest kid in the world is me!

“IT’S CHEESE O’ CLOCK”

Whitney Butnor, 9, Charlotte “NEWSPAPER ELEPHANT”

Norah Heikel, 10, Winooski

TOP TITLES “THE JEWEL ELEPHANT”

Lena Schlatter, 5, Burlington “NUTS ABOUT YOU”

Kaja Beeli, 7, South Burlington “KEEP CALM AND LOVE ELEPHANTS”

Marley McVeigh, 10, Duxbury

“Here Comes the Sun!” Annaleigh Kayhart, 12 CAMBRIDGE

9 to 12

Coloring Contest!

Three winners will each receive an annual family membership to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium. Send Kids VT your work of art by April 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 May 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.

Title _______________________________________ Sponsored by

Artist _____________________________________ Age ______________ Town _________________ Email _____________________________________ Phone _____________________________________

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

53

JUST FOR KIDS

Jumble

BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK

Birthday Club

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.

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.

ry and AVALON lives in Salisbu es sports, lov e Sh turns 8 on April 5. all, but ftb so d an e nc gymnastics, da ho ing rses. her favorite hobby is rid ee younger She has six older and thr siblings. sses and Avalon wins four day pa ECHO to ts ke tic vie four 3D mo Champlain in Leahy Center for Lake Burlington.

Print your answer here:

BY HELENA HOVANEC

Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: How do rabbits throw tantrums?

54

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2019

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.

Hayden, Madison and Cameron each win a day pass to ECHO.

Hardwick and turns 7 on April 5. He loves Legos and can spend hours building with his sister. He’s a chess enthusiast who is always good-natured and up for adventure.

Riddle Search — FURIOUS!

RECKLESS SHOOK UP SOBBING SOUR SULKY SULLEN UP IN ARMS UPSET

Join the Club!

HAYDEN lives in

Puzzles4Kids

ANGRY AWFUL BLUE CRYING FUMING HOWLING HUFFY IN TEARS

Congratulations to these April Birthday Club winners!

MADISON lives in Essex Junction and turns 10 on April 7. When she’s not dancing, she enjoys spending time with her family at their camp, swimming, skating and learning to knit.

CAMERON lives in Richmond and turns 8 on April 22. He enjoys snowboarding, science experiments and building with Legos. He has a great sense of humor and a kind heart. He’s an easygoing kid who loves to fish, hike and do just about anything outside.

Riddle Answer:

ANSWERS P. 55 Untitled-21 1

1/24/19 1:03 PM

USE YOUR WORDS BY H E AT H E R F I TZ GE RA LD

List it for free in the Kids VT monthy calendar.

Submit your May event

by April 15th online at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com

CALENDAR

PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS

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JUMBLES

I remember a particularly ungraceful April night when my son was 5. I took the recycling to the curb around 10 p.m. and noticed it was raining. Since the beginning of the month, I’d been watching for the first rainy night, when all the salamanders and wood frogs from the surrounding woods would trek to their nearest vernal pool to find a mate.

Vernal pools are low-lying spots in the forest that fill up with snowmelt for a few months in spring and summer and then dry out, so they are safe from eggand tadpole-eating fish. The closest one to my house is a 15-minute drive, and I’d been taking my husband and son to that one every year. But after a few icy false alarms, I had been tasked with scoping it out alone before bringing them along.

I stood by the recycling bin that night, thinking longingly of my bed, but eventually I went back inside, grabbed a headlamp and my rain gear, and headed out.

When I got out of the car, the chuckling of the wood frogs enveloped me immediately.

I called my husband, Ben, from the pitch-black parking lot. “They’re here,” I announced. “Will you wake Jesse and get him ready to go?”

“Sure,” he said, but he sounded doubtful.

When I walked in the front door,

Jesse was crying loudly on the living room floor. He was dressed but was resisting help putting on his rain gear.

Ben’s mouth was tight. Somehow we got the stiff vinyl jacket and pants on Jesse and dug out another headlamp from the not-quite-on-purpose piles in the corners of our house. I found his hat and rain boots, but only one dry mitten.

Eventually I found its mate, mudencrusted, in the dirty-laundry basket.

I wanted to yell. I settled for slamming the door on my way out.

When I read The Sense of Wonder, I imagined my whole family sharing joyously in these rituals. But that night, Ben was tired and a little sick, so Jesse and I went to the pool by ourselves.

I strained to buckle Jesse’s floppy body into the back seat, and he sat bleary-eyed as we drove silently. When we pulled into the parking lot, he said sleepily, “I don’t know if I can get out.”

We made quite the racket bushwacking in the slippery darkness to the pool, and the frogs were quiet by the time we arrived. So we turned off our lights, slid our backs down two skinny maples and waited. Just as the frogs tentatively resumed their calling, Jesse said, “I’m ready to not do this anymore.”

I told him he could turn on his headlamp, and he cast light around the pool, making crazy designs. It eventually fell on the yellow spots of some salamanders, and he excitedly pointed them out. We saw two frogs join together and not let go. We sat silently in the middle of this sensuous racket for a half hour, and we drank it all in: the soft rain, the smell of mud, the silent salamanders, the chuckling frogs, the amazing convergence of them all arriving here together, at the exact same moment, and our being in the middle of it.

And then we went home.

During the drive, I thought of Rachel Carson’s grandnephew. And I wondered: When Jesse is grown, will the part that’s been photographed by his child’s mind be the crying on the living room floor and sitting too long in the dark, or the awe and wonder of the chorusing frogs?

As my son gets older, I sometimes ask myself how many more expeditions he’ll want to go on with me. I’m trying to play my cards right and not force him into anything. But when he found out I was writing an essay about this trip to “our” vernal pool, he perked up and asked, “When is that? We didn’t miss it, did we?” K

RIDDLE ANSWER:

a baby, we have tried, and sometimes succeeded, to get out into the woods at least once a week as a family. When Jesse was a toddler, my friends and I formed the Muddy Boot Brigade and tried to meet at different natural areas once a week. Since he was in first grade, Jesse has spent Fridays at Crow’s Path’s Field School getting muddy and building fires. But even now, as timesensitive opportunities arise — looking for the Northern Lights or checking out the river at flood stage — they never seem to come at a good time.

When they raced to finish their shoelaces first, it ended —IN A TIE

W

hen I was growing up, the high point of my family’s interaction with the outdoors was driving through Rocky Mountain National Park on our way to visit my uncle and pausing at a scenic overlook.

I lived in an endless suburb of housing developments and shopping centers.

Although I eventually found solace along a wooded bike path that ran next to a creek near my house, I had only the vaguest sense of what the things I loved there were called or why they were there.

In my first botany class in college, I was startled to discover that trees have buds in January; I had always assumed they just appeared in spring. After college, while identifying prairie grasses for an ecology research project, I discovered I loved working outside. I realized, though, that just knowing the names of things was not enough; I wanted to understand why things were the way they were. I decided to go to graduate school to acquire the knowledge I craved about my surroundings.

I now teach ecology to college students, and their hunger for this information is palpable. Probably, like me, they want to connect with where they live and to be part of something bigger than themselves.

After all these years, I have finally logged enough hours to be fairly fluent in the language of nature, but when I meet native speakers, I am jealous.

Compared to them, I still feel like an outsider. So when my son, Jesse, was born 11 years ago, I wanted to immerse him in nature right from the start.

When he was very young, I read The Sense of Wonder, Rachel Carson’s essay about how to develop a lifelong love of nature. Carson wrote of taking her grandnephew out in nature even when it was “inconvenient, interfering with bedtime, or involving wet clothing that has to be changed or mud that has to be cleaned off the rug.” Of one such time late at night, she wrote: “I think we have felt that the memory of such a scene, photographed year after year by his child’s mind, would mean more to him in manhood than the sleep he was losing.”

Yes, yes, I thought. I vowed to take Jesse out in nature despite the extra laundry and the lost sleep. Since he was

Planning a kids event?

RIDDLE SEARCH ANSWER: They get hopping mad.

An inconvenient late-night excursion brings mother and son closer to nature

NADEL PUZZLE ANSWER: The Pink Piggy Bank has $52, the most money.

Not All Sweetness & Light

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