Kids Vt, April 2013: The Money Issue

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Kids VT money issue sponsored by: new england Federal CrediT union

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April is tax time, and money is on everyone’s minds. It’s also NATIONAL FINANCIAL LITERACY MONTH, which prompted us to offer this package of stories about money matters. We’re grateful to our sponsor, New England Federal Credit Union, for supporting our work.

VOL.20 N O. 3

APRIL 2013

THIS ISSUE SPONSORED BY:

DEPARTMENTS From the Kids VT Staff ............................................5 Readers Respond .......................................................6 See and Say ......................................................................7 Birthday Club..................................................................58 Use Your Words: Essay ..........................................59

NEFCU is local, affordable and on your side when it comes to personal finance.

Secondhand Strategies...18

EAT. LEARN. PLAY

Three moms share their thrift-shopping tips

The Kids Beat ..................................................................8 Ask Dr. First: Speech Difficulties ...................10 Fit Families: Swimming ........................................11 The Librarian Likes ....................................................11 The Because Project: Rusty DeWees.........13 Out to Eat: Pho Dang................................................15 Go Ask Dad: Supervising Spending ..............16 The Art of Cartooning .............................................17

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

Published 11x per year.

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

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.

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© 2013 Da Capo Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

Contributing Writers: Meredith Coeyman, Rusty DeWees, Abigail Diehl-Noble, Suzanne Loring, Cindy Morgan, Alison Novak, Ken Picard, Helen Rock, Lindsay J. Westley Photographers: Tom McNeill Matthew Thorsen Illustrators: Rev. Diane Sullivan

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Copy Editor Paula Routly Proofreaders Meredith Coeyman Hayley Lamberson Production Manager John James Lead Designer Brooke Bousquet Designers Andrew Sawtell Rev. Diane Sullivan Circulation Manager Steve Hadeka Digital Media Manager Tyler Machado Office Manager Cheryl Brownell Intern Kylie Dryzga

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Mason Corron, 4, was all smiles for the Kids VT cover shoot with photographer Matthew Thorsen.

Thanks to Buttered Noodles for lending us Mason’s rain gear!

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Copublisher Copublisher/Executive Editor Creative Director Managing Editor Director of Marketing & Events Account Executive

2/20/13 4:28 PM

APRIL 2013

Habitat: Multipurpose Mudroom .................53 Book Review Winners ............................................54 Project: Denim-Pocket Organizers .............55 Book Review Contest ..............................................56 Coloring Contest .........................................................57 Puzzle Page ......................................................................58

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APRIL 2013 KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

I’m so glad I did. Dr. Dynasaur covered our kids for two years. During that time, our son had two visits to the emergency room, one of which involved a trip in the back of an ambulance. If he’d been on my health insurance, we might still be paying those medical bills.

After talking with my friend about Dr. Dynasaur, I started thinking about how we spent the money the program saved us. We fixed up our house so we could sell it and buy a bigger one, and we paid tuition for community college classes that helped Ann-Elise go to nursing school. We used it to advance our long-term goals.

On page 22 of this issue, Ken Picard interviews a financial planner who helps families identify, and quantify, their own long-term goals.

Of course, there’s a lot to be said for saving small, too — and our writers do this month. Three moms share their thrifting tips in “Secondhand Strategies” on page 18. In “Go Ask Dad,” local pops explain how they teach their kids the value of money (page 16). In “Out to Eat,” Cindy Morgan reviews a restaurant that won’t break the bank (page 15). And Carolyn Fox offers a fun and functional crafting project made from stuff you probably already have around the house (page 55).

We hope you find this information useful and enriching. Please drop us a line and let us know what you think.

We’d love to keep the conversations going in next month’s “Readers Respond” and on our website, kidsvt.com.

— Cathy Resmer, executive editor

KIDSVT.COM

OUR KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE — timed to coincide with tax season — is intended to start conversations about family finances. Talking about money can be as tricky as discussing religion or politics, but sometimes it helps to hear another parent’s perspective.

For example, I recently spoke with a friend, a mom-to-be, who was looking into adding a baby to her health care plan. “Wow,” she confided, “family plans are expensive.”

“Tell me about it,” I said.

My family’s coverage costs about $1200 a month.

And that’s just for the premiums; the insurance company doesn’t really start paying for things until we’ve met a $5000 annual deductible.

Fortunately, my employer covers a chunk of the monthly cost, and contributes to my healthsavings account. But it’s still a sizable price tag.

My friend is facing a similar situation, so I encouraged her to do what we did before my partner, Ann-Elise, gave birth to our second child: sign up for Dr. Dynasaur, a Vermont program offering low-cost or even free health care coverage for kids through Medicaid.

Parents have to meet income requirements to be eligible, but Vermont’s threshold is relatively high compared to other states. Back in 2008, our family made just under $60,000 a year, and we qualified.

It was hard for me to accept help from a government program designed for people in need. But after a frank conversation with Ann-Elise, I swallowed my pride for the sake of my family and took a leap of faith into the social safety net.

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors: Meredith Coeyman (“Secondhand Strategies”) is a proofreader for Kids VT and Seven Days, as well as an avid thrift shopper — she thrifts at least once a week. Coeyman lives in Burlington with her husband Dave, son Leo, and daughter, Mila.

Rusty DeWees (“Because Project”) is a Vermont actor, entertainer, comedian, writer and producer. He is most famous for his one-man comedy show The Logger. DeWees grew up in Stowe.

Abigail Diehl-Noble (“Use Your Words”) is an English teacher at Lake Champlain Waldorf School in Shelburne. She lives in Vergennes with her husband and three children.

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FILE: MATTHEW THORSEN

Readers Respond Athletic Advice [Re “Thinking Inside the Box,” March 2013]: If you are looking for a CrossFit Kids or CrossFit Teen program in the central Vermont region, Green Mountain CrossFit in Berlin has both programs running four days a week after school through the rest of the spring.

Nicholas Petterssen Montpelier CrossFit Kids

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Thank you to Eva Sollberger for her outstanding Kids VT article about the impact the Governor’s Institute on the Arts made on her life [“Square Pegs,” March 2013]. The Governor’s Institutes of Vermont will turn 30 and enroll 500 high schoolers this year, and we are grateful and honored each time an accomplished graduate describes what GIV has meant to him or her.

There are several things we’d like your readers to know: First, the Arts Institute is one of 10 Governor’s Institutes of Vermont, hosted on college campuses around the state; students can also pursue engineering, information technology, environmental science, mathematics, current issues and activism, or special topics. Second, the Institutes have expanded in recent years, so there is no longer a strict two-students-per-school limit. Finally, tuition is sliding scale. No talented student who lives in Vermont will miss out because of cost.

The Governor’s Institutes are unique to Vermont.

Local teenagers passionate about learning are lucky to have the support of many businesses, the legislature, the governor and the Vermont Agency of Education, all of which keep this available and affordable for all Vermont families. More information can be obtained through highschool guidance counselors or at giv.org.

Karen Taylor Mitchell Colchester Mitchell is the executive director of the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont

Camp & School Kudos

Readers posted the following feedback to our online Family Resources Guide, at kidsvt.com.

The Bellwether School, Williston The Bellwether School is wonderful. My son is in his second year there and every day he looks forward to going to school. The whole staff is friendly and caring, and they know all the students. It’s a great community. The teachers really help the children learn things in different, fun ways.

Amber Wilkinson

NCSS Camp Rainbow, St. Albans My son went to this camp one summer, and it was such a terrific experience for him. He was so nervous about it at first, but then he realized how much fun it was and that he finally had a place he fit in! It was a great time for him. Lots of activities and kids just like him!

Kel Fitz

Davis Studio Camps, Burlington

Davis Studio has the best art offerings for kids, period. [Director Teresa Davis] is awesome, her teaching staff is incredible, and kids are treated with respect and nurtured in their artistic instincts. Plus, it’s FUN! Jeanne Duvoisin Blackmore

Full Moon Farm Summer Camp

Davis Studio

Our daughter loved Full Moon Farm! It was the real deal. She came home every day dirty, exhausted and PUMPED! She had hands-on experiences with the animals and saw some of what it takes to be a farmer. The kids helped harvest veggies and played daily in the garden. They had lots of imaginary play, as well. The owners of the farm and the staff were all down-toearth and very engaged with the kids. I felt confident each day that my daughter was in good hands, learning and having fun!

COURTESY OF DAVIS STUDIO

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

APRIL 2013

KIDSVT.COM

Summer Learnin’

Petterssen is the owner of Green Mountain CrossFit at the Confluence.

Shawndra Meader

Got a comment?

Email us at feedback@kidsvt.com. Or create a profile at kidsvt.com and respond on our website. Through April 26, all web comments will automatically be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Kids City in South Burlington; see ad on page 47 for details.

SEE AND SAY These winners get $25 from TD Bank.

COUNT THE SNEAKERS

to win a waived entry into the Tell us how many you counted at kidsvt.com, or write to us at Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402. We’ll collect the correct responses and choose five winners, who will each receive a waived entry. Enter by 5 p.m. on April 19.

Top Tweet

@WCAX_Molly @KidsVT military-family blogger shares her experiences on the home front. bit.ly/ZPNIJN Kids VT contributor Tasha Lehman is writing “Home Front: Diaries of a Vermont military family,” a series on the Kids VT blog about her husband’s first military deployment. She talked about the series recently on the WCAX morning news.

Follow us on Twitter: @KidsVT

COLORING CONTEST

Turtles are known for being slow and steady, but there was nothing sluggish about the way these cold-blooded creatures made their way to our office.

We received 146 Coloring Contest entries this month. All the St. Patty’s Day rainbows and four-leaf clovers made us feel very lucky, indeed.

HONORABLE MENTIONS BEAUTIFUL BACKGROUND “The Crazy Color Turtle” Grace Gardner, 9, Burlington COLORFUL COMIC “The Funniest Turtle Ever” Elsa Klein, 3, Shelburne

4 and under

“Pretty Polka Dot Turtle” Odin Cloutier, 4 BURLINGTON

CRAZY CAMOUFLAGE “Army Turtle” Bill Breault, 9, Lincoln

Best of the Kids VT Blog...

FANTASTIC FLORA “Spring Into Springtime” Kathryn Deibler, 12, Essex Junction

KIDSVT.COM

HAPPIEST HAT “Silly Turtle” Lucia Ward, 4, North Hero MATCHING MASTERPIECE “It’s Easy Being Green” Rozz Bigelow, 10, Essex Junction

“Home Cookin’: Chocolate-Chunk Cookies”: Every home cook needs a go-to recipe for this sweet treat. Managing editor Carolyn Fox shared her favorite one.

Visit kidsvt.com to read these recent web exclusives.

Office Outtake

MONUMENTAL MONOCHROME “Give Black and White a Chance” Marisa Kono, 8, Shelburne PERFECT PASTELS “Squirt, My Aunt’s Turtle” Hallie Miller, 3, Colchester PRETTY IN PURPLE “Spring Turtle” Emily Kneeland, 4, Cambridge

5 to 8

“Turtleline” Caroline Swayze, 7 CHARLOTTE

PSYCHEDELIC SHELL “Thumpy Leprechaun” Sydney Lemay, 7, Georgia RAINBOW REPTILE “Have You Seen My Gold?”

Logan “Danger” Mock, 9, Colchester SWEETEST SURROUNDINGS “Strawberry Field” Isaiah Bird, 8, Plainfield

TOP TITLES “HAPPY SAINT TURTLES DAY” Sophie Hatch, 10, Vergennes

Lead designer Brooke Bousquet helped stage our cover photo shoot.

The 4-year-old model, Mason Corron, was a winner of the Kids VT Birthday Club in March.

Mason wants to be an actor when he grows up. Now he’s got headshots for his résumé!

“SHAMROCK HOLMES” Amy Hester, 10, Colchester “SHELLY SHAMROCK” Abigail Sowles, 6, Colchester

CAROLY N FOX

Find this month’s coloring contest on page 57. The deadline for submissions is April 15.

“Turtles Are Amazing” Megan Curley, 12 ESSEX JUNCTION

9 to 12

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

“Camp Spotlight on Petra Cliffs SumMAT”: Don’t want your kids climbing the walls at home this summer?

Lindsay J. Westley profiled this active summer camp, which offers indoor rock climbing, kayaking, caving and swimming.

APRIL 2013

“Hoop Dreamin’ at UVM”: On Sunday, March 3, Kids VT sponsored a UVM men’s basketball team home game. We set up a popular mini b-ball game with 30-second shoot-outs in the lobby and gave four winners a pack of passes to Jay Peak’s Pump House Indoor Waterpark.

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We’ll Come to You! Educational Outreach in the classroom, library, or community hall

MOVIES

Wild, Wild West Gold diggers. Bandits. A ranch on the brink of despair. The debut feature film from Myra and Jim Hudson has all the trappings of a classic period Western, but the Royalton couple prefers to categorize it as a comedy.

That’s because the stars of their PASGHETTI WESTERN are all children.

Twenty-eight community youngsters donned cowboy hats for this spunky, kid-size interpretation of the American frontier. Filmed in scaled-down sets and alongside baby horses and calves, the actors appear laughably tall as they work the land and scuffle like adults — or get caught on camera picking their noses. “The footage was adorable and the kids were really into it, so we just kept letting it grow,� says Myra. She expects the film to premiere at a local theater sometime this year.

EDUCATION

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KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

APRIL 2013

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Most kids know that money doesn’t grow on trees. But do they also know how to save and invest it? The Vermont State Treasurer’s Office is working on that. The office runs three kid-friendly initiatives, two of them around tax time. The BE MONEY WI$E FINANCIAL LITERACY POSTER CONTEST, cosponsored by the Vermont Bankers Association, challenges young artists to illustrate effective ways to grow their money.

Winners are recognized at a Vermont Statehouse ceremony on April 11. On May 3, the VERMONT TREASURY CUP CHALLENGE quizzes high schoolers on personal finance and economics in a game-show format. And the yearlong READING IS AN INVESTMENT program educates K through 6th graders about basic financial concepts through books such as Frances Kennedy’s The Pickle Patch Bathtub. As the office’s financial literacy director, Lisa Helme, Montpelier High puts it: “You can’t begin teaching kids too young about money.�

VERMONT STATE TREASURER’S OFFICE INITIATIVES: Visit moneyed.vermont.gov for further details about these programs.

Info, 828-3706.

1/24/13 11:10 AM

Schooler Allison Lau’s poster won first place in the 10th- to 12thgrade division

PASGHETTI WESTERN: Visit facebook. com/pasghettiwestern for updates and a link to the movie trailer.

Vermont’s Premier

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Out of the Box Forget action figures and video games. The “toy” of choice in Williston author Karen Sturtevant’s new picture book is a no-frills cardboard box. Published in December, THE ADVENTURES OF GERT & STU AND ZIPPY TOO introduces the brown box as a vehicle that can move through time and space at will. New neighbors Gert and Stu hop in and travel to a fairy-tale land of rainbows and mermaids. They’re joined by Gert’s pet turtle, Zippy, inspired by Sturtevant’s own Russian tortoise. But when a Suburban Box-Eating Dragon devours their ride, the friends must employ problemsolving skills to find their way home.

THE ADVENTURES OF GERT & STU AND Underhill illustrator Susan Bahr’s ZIPPY TOO: by Karen Sturtevant and dreamlike watercolors capture the illustrated by Susan Bahr. Self-published, action, which celebrates the power 36 pages. Ages 2 and up. $12.95. Info, of a child’s imagination. gertstuzippy.com.

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Gently used items for purchase include maternity and kids clothes (newborn to size 14), shoes, toys, games, baby gear and furniture. “You can save money by buying consigned clothes,” says organizer Michelle Marchand, “and you can get money by selling the clothes your kids don’t need anymore.” Consigners will Em\i nfe[\i _fn X Yfo receive a 70-percent commission, Y\Zfd\j X Yfo6 Fi _fn X and volunteers increase that figure je\Xb\i Y\Zfd\j X je\Xb\i6 with each shift they work. The Chances are your child has. community gathering is poised to X e\n \o_`Y`k Xk k_\ become a semiannual sale; for yearround money-saving shopping tips, read “Secondhand Strategies” through June 2 on page 18.

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LIL’ VERMONTERS CONSIGNMENT EVENT: Saturday, April 20, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and 6-7 p.m. (half-price sale), at St. John Vianney Church in South Burlington.

Free admission; preregister to consign. Info, 860-810-9872, lilvermonters. weebly.com.

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KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

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We’ve got everything you need for your SUMMER dance classes. Dancewear, Shoes and all the Accessories you need! ~ NEW Gymnastics Apparel Arriving Soon!

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“Any family with a new baby can use a helping hand.” That’s the motto of Good Beginnings of Central Vermont, a longstanding nonprofit that pairs new families with a trained volunteer. The group’s first-ever GOOD BEGINNINGS BABY & CHILD EXPO EXTRAVAGANZA will raise funds for services that can include at-home visits, meal prep and support for pregnant women on bed rest. Good Beginnings executive director Alison Lamagna describes the expo as “a place for people to come together and learn about some GOOD BEGINNINGS BABY & CHILD EXPO EXTRAVAGANZA: Saturday, April of the resources and products that 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Montpelier High are out there for parents.” Workshops and special events range from School gymnasium. $5; free for ages 18 and under. Immediately following the Cloth Diapering 101 to the Babyexpo, Thomas Balmès’ documentary Wearing Fashion Show. Little ones Babies screens in the auditorium. can get up to speed at the Crawling Donations accepted. Info, 595-7953, Olympics.

Let’s get ready to DANCE!

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✱ ASK DR. FIRST

When should parents address a child’s speech or language difficulty?

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12/13/10 6:05 PMKIDS VT: How common are speech and

language problems in kids?

LEWIS FIRST: About one in five children will be a late talker, but the vast majority catches up by the time they enter elementary school. If not, parents should schedule an evaluation by the child’s doctor to make sure there’s not an underlying concern. Doctors can identify problems with speech, or how kids say their words; articulation, which refers to how they form sounds; or language, which refers to the whole system of expressing and receiving information, then sharing that understanding with others. Language problems can involve both verbal and writing skills. Of course, all of these can overlap.

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2013 KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

ALL KIDS MAKE MISTAKES AS THEY LEARN TO TALK — saying “wabbit” for “rabbit” or “theethaw” for “seesaw.” But when does a cute mispronunciation suggest a possible disorder?

We turned to Dr. Lewis First, head of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, for tips on untying young tongues.

KVT: What causes these problems?

LF: When a child has difficulty with speech and/or language, it can mean there’s a problem with the nerves running from the brain to the mouth, tongue and palate. Or that there are difficulties around those particular parts of the anatomy, such as a short tongue or a cleft palate causing these body parts not to function properly. A child may also have a hearing problem. But many speech problems are of unknown origin.

KVT: When should parents seek help?

LF: If parents think their child cannot hear, or if the child doesn’t respond to loud noises in infancy, or by 6 to 9 months isn’t babbling or making sounds, that’s a concern. By one year of age, a child should be able to make some gestures, wave bye-bye and say a few syllables indicating what he or she wants, such as “mama” or “dada.” By 18 months, a child should be able to say about 20 words. By age 2, about 50 words. A good rule of thumb is the “rule of fractions.”

You should be able to understand at least half of what your child says by age 2, three-quarters of what a child says by age 3 and essentially all of what a child says by age 4.

Say you saw it in

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B Y K EN PI C A R D

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3/27/13

KVT: What can parents do to prevent problems from developing?

LF: One reason some children are 11:52 AMlate talkers is that their parents didn’t introduce enough verbal stimulation in their first year of life. Parents should spend a lot of time in that first year

5/25/12 9:40 AM

communicating verbally with their child — talking, singing and imitating their child’s sounds. Parents should also read to their child beginning in the early months of life and use a finger to follow the words and point at pictures. Take your child with you during normal daily routines, and say the names of foods in the grocery store or items in the house, even if your baby cannot yet respond to what you are saying.

Parents should spend a lot of time in that first year communicating verbally with their child — talking, singing and imitating their sounds.

KVT: What’s the first step in addressing a speech/language problem?

LF: Your child’s doctor will probably start with a hearing test and subsequently do developmental tests to determine if it’s a language problem or a speech/sound problem. In either case, a doctor may refer your child to a speech and language therapist for further evaluation. Oftentimes, the therapist will recommend exercises that families can do with the child to address the problem.

KVT: How common is stuttering?

LF: About 3 million people nationwide

Got questions for Dr. First?

Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

stutter. It’s very common between the ages of 2 and 5. Any child learning to put together words is going to stop and pause. But when a child starts to repeat a sound or syllable four or more times, that’s when we arrive at a diagnosis of stuttering. The vast majority of stuttering between ages 2 and 5 goes away with time. If it lasts for more than six months or continues into elementary school to the point where a child is embarrassed or teased for it, the child should be evaluated.

KVT: Can certain situations exacerbate stuttering?

LF: Stress will increase it, so parents should try to create a stress-free environment. That means making talking fun and not correcting your child all the time. Parents should avoid phrases such as “slow down,” “take your time,” “take a deep breath,” and “think before you speak.” That only makes your child more self-conscious. Let your child finish the phrase. Parents should speak clearly and look at their child while the child is speaking, and not turn away. The name of the game is helping your child gain control over it. Parents should know that stuttering isn’t a sign of bad parenting or that a child is not intelligent.

KVT: What are other common speech impediments?

LF: There’s lisping. Early on, all kids will have mispronunciations as they refine the connections between their brain and their mouth, tongue, palate, and vocal cords. So that’s where you get “w” for “r,” such as “wabbit,” or “th” for “s.” These can be neurological or anatomical in nature. Kids can outgrow them or speech therapy can help overcome them.

KVT: Can speech/language problems be emotional or psychological in nature?

LF: Absolutely. Emotions and environment can intensify speech problems.

Some kids become mute due to abuse. If an infant is not responsive to noise and doesn’t want to cuddle, doesn’t return a smile, doesn’t notice noises and/or acts like she is in her own world, that may be part of a larger developmental problem that warrants further investigation by your baby’s doctor.

MATTHEW THORSEN

✱ FIT FAMILIES

B Y A L ISO N N OVAK

Making a Splash

Swim students practice their paddling at a Learning Pool class

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: The Learning Pool lessons last 30 minutes. Parents are welcome to hang out on the sidelines. For more information, visit thelearningpool.org.

WHERE TO GO: During the school year, six-week sessions for schoolage children and preschoolers take place at the Essex Resort & Spa in Essex Junction and PT360 in Williston. The next session begins on April 29. In the summer, the Learning Pool curriculum is used at Maple Street Pool in Essex Junction.

Registration for all lessons is through Essex Junction Recreation and Parks. Visit ejrp.org for details.

PRICE: Six lessons cost $60 for residents of Essex Junction and $70 for nonresidents.

“The Librarian Likes” features a different librarian and book each month.

Got an idea for a future “LL”?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

11

“Fit Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active.

Got an idea for a future “FF”? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

If you like this, try: Jarrell has written several other books for children: Fly

by Night, The Gingerbread Rabbit and Newbery Honor Book The Animal Family.

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Cooper is known among parents as “the Pool Whisperer” and a “swimming guru.”

Angelina’s swimming skills — without pushing the girl out of her comfort zone.

Cooper’s long-term goal is to raise enough money to build an aquatics center in Essex Junction, which would give many more kids year-round, affordable access to a pool.

“Really, swimming is innate,” Cooper says. “Given fun and opportunity to be in the water, you will learn how to swim.”

Kopf’s LIBRARIAN: L.J. summary: Kopf, children’s Named one librarian at of the best illustrated Richmond children’s Free Library books of 1964 by the New BOOK: The Bat-Poet York Times,

by Randall Jarrell award-winning and illustrated by poet Randall Maurice Sendak Jarrell’s charming AGE RANGE: fable tells of 6 and up a little brown bat who stays awake in the daytime. While his fellow caped crusaders are fast asleep, the bat watches, fascinated, as squirrels chase one another and the sky changes from gold to pink to blue.

A mockingbird’s expressive song inspires him to compose poetry about this unfamiliar sunlit world, but finding listeners who will appreciate his observations is difficult. He can’t recite his poetry to the owl; he might get eaten. And the other bats just don’t understand him. But with the encouragement of a friendly chipmunk and even the haughty mockingbird, the sensitive bat-poet learns to develop his artistic voice.

The Bat-Poet is rich with beautifully cadenced poetry and prose, making it a deeply satisfying read for both children and adults. Black-and-white ink drawings by Maurice Sendak — best known for Where the Wild Things Are — capture the story’s detailed natural world.

APRIL 2013

number-one priority. She and most of her staff are Red Cross-certified lifeguards. They’re trained to keep their entire group directly in front of them at all times, to teach kids how to jump in the water without landing too close to the edge, and to slow down and regroup when kids get overly excited.

But Cooper says swimming instruction often overemphasizes what can go wrong, giving kids negative feelings about jumping in.

Her philosophy? If kids have fun in the water, they’ll want to come back for more.

A look around the pool proves her point. Preschoolers in bright bathing suits and goggles bob happily up and down, buoyed by foam backpacks. A young boy makes his way down a lane with a noodle, and Cooper encourages him by chanting, “You’re swimming, you’re swimming!” in a sing-songy voice. He smiles proudly.

“She has a way with kids that makes them trust her,” says Zynnia Seidita, whose daughter, Angelina, has been taking lessons with Cooper since the Learning Pool started. She says Cooper improved

✱ THE LIBRARIAN LIKES

KIDSVT.COM

MOST PEOPLE HEAD TO THE ESSEX RESORT & SPA for its saunas and steam rooms, manicures and massages.

Its expansive treatment list says nothing about underwater tea parties — but there’s one happening in a corner of the indoor lap pool on a recent Saturday morning.

“Pinkies out,” a high-school-aged female reminds four young girls before they dunk underwater.

The exercise is part of a swimming lesson, which is not the typical regimented affair parents might remember. Floating frogs, ducks and balls draw beginners into the water, while noodles and foam backpacks help them navigate the pool. Older swimmers play catch with diving rings and sinking submarines. There’s even a designated time to “swim any way you want.”

The playful classes are run by the Learning Pool, a nonprofit organization founded in 2009 by Annie Cooper with the mission of developing quality, affordable, public aquatic programs in Vermont. In the Learning Pool’s early days, Cooper taught three preschoolers and charged $5 per lesson, which parents would stuff in her shoe while she was in the water.

The program has since exploded in popularity. There are 268 students currently enrolled in Learning Pool classes; each is part of a group of four that meets weekly. Many others are on the waiting list. Cooper, who is known among parents as “the Pool Whisperer” and a “swimming guru,” has trained 10 instructors to meet the demand.

Although she rejects the accolades, Cooper clearly takes pride in teaching kids to swim — a talent she’s honed over many years. “It’s like breathing for me,” she says.

Growing up in Brooklyn, Cooper spent every summer weekend at the Catholic Youth Organization pool in Coney Island. By age 12, she was teaching kids to swim — and has been ever since.

Keeping kids safe is Cooper’s

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

And the winner is…

Parenting Media Association awards top honors to Kids VT

W

hen Seven Days bought Kids VT in December 2010, we redesigned the magazine to give it a fresh look and filled it with lots of local content.

We’ve heard from readers that they like the changes we’ve made, but it has also been gratifying to get positive feedback from our peers in the Parenting Media Association.

What the judges said about our work:

“Kids VT stands out in its category as a lively, fun-to-read publication.”

“The writing is consistently compelling.”

Kids VT won first-place “gold” in its circulation category for: 1. Best Overall Writing

2

1. Best Overall Design

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The Puck

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3. Best Special Series (“Vermont Day-cations,” June-August 2012)

JUNE 201

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✱ INSIDE VT'S WINTERSPORTS ACADEMIES

✱ TEACHING YOUR KIDS TO SKI — WHEN YOU DON’T ✱ FIRST NIGHT FUN FINDER ✱ DOING FLIPS OVER REGAL GYMNASTIC S

Toys Were Us! Winter Won der Kids Holiday Gift Guide

Vermon academt’s elite ski kids on ies teach and off slopes the

We couldn’t Thanks to our talented and passionate staff, our dedicated readers, have done it and our fantastic advertisers for making our second year so successful. without you!

12

Kids VT money issue sponsored by: new england Federal CrediT union

April 2013

KidsVT.Com

For the second year in a row, Kids VT took home top prizes in the PMA’s annual Design and Editorial Awards Competition.

k1t-awards0413.indd 1

3/29/13 12:07 PM

EAT. LEARN. PLAY. VERMONT CHILDREN’S TRUST FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE

BECAUSE PROJECT I’m a performer

BECAUSE

of Robert R. Ringer.

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

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

B

13

Email them to fagan@vtchildrenstrust.org. Submissions should be 300 to 600 words long and respond to the prompt "I am/decided to/learned to _______ because of ______."

Kids VT will feature one of these stories in each issue.

APRILCREDIT 2013 UNION KIDS VT KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEWKIDSVT.COM ENGLAND FEDERAL

AKA “THE LOGGER”

Submit your stories for the Because Project!

APRIL 2013

RUSTY DEWEES,

Because for him, the most important thing wasn’t having fun.

Because for him, theater wasn’t magic.

Because for him, theater was work.

Because his theater paid.

Because as you played, you’d hear his polite, mostly unsuccessful attempts to quell laughter.

Because during bows, you’d see — way back left in the balcony — his unmistakable silhouette clapping and raising a hand to his face to wipe tears.

Because post-show, his appreciation for the work completed was sincere and tender, but only subtly on display.

Because one day he told me about David Budbill’s Judevine, which inspired “The Logger.” “There’s this play,” he said. “It’s like a Vermonter’s Our Town. You’d be good in it.”

Because, not too old, he died in a care home, a few months after my dad. Same care home as my dad. Six rooms separated them.

Because his wife and daughter and I are still close.

Because he’d often say, “I worked a lot with this great director who would always…” And I knew, in the future, I’d reference him that way.

Because more than two decades ago, working in Robert Ringer-directed plays spoiled me so that I’ve worked in just two plays since, and have scant desire and zero plans to work in another.

I would not bet against Bob Ringer’s influence on me being the ultimate reason I make my living as a performer.

Because he said I could.

KIDSVT.COM

ecause when I was 24, Robert Ringer cast me in my first nonmusical as Tilden in the Vermont Repertory Theater’s production of Sam Shepard’s A Buried Child. The part, play, his direction and I fit together perfectly. I fell hard.

Because he revived the rehearsal/performance space in Fort Ethan Allen that we called the Chapel, providing plaster and paint, duct tape, cleanser, a mop, brooms, hammers, and a cat’s paw — and elbow grease, curiosity and passion.

Because he rented a dinged-up, loud, smelly, unreliable plug-in Salamander heater for the Chapel. A quarter century later, I can still smell it.

Because his rehearsals started ahead of schedule and ran late.

Because he looked like a play director (think Foster Brooks not in character).

Because he had a pet monkey.

Because he taught at Stowe Prep School back in the day when it wasn’t cool to teach at a prep school.

Because he most always wore running sneaks, cords, a heavy black turtleneck and glasses that, when not set near the end of his nose, hung from a dime-store chain just below his neck.

Because he didn’t direct when he directed.

Because during rehearsals, he’d often not watch the action. Instead, he’d sidestep gingerly, a few feet left, a few right, over and over, eyes closed, listening.

Because he allowed questions to answer themselves.

Because you welcomed his notes.

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3/27/13 4:51 PM

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Kids VT money issue sponsored by: new england Federal CrediT union April 2013

KidsVT.Com

EAT. LEARN. PLAY. ✱ OUT TO EAT BY C IN DY M O RGAN

Pho Dang Vietnamese Café 215 Main St., Winooski, 655-0707 MATTHEW THORSEN

A GOOD FAMILY RESTAURANT doesn’t have to stock crayons or special kiddie cups. I had this revelation at Pho Dang, a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall Vietnamese eatery in Winooski. Despite the charmless interior and the absence of a kids menu — or anything that specifically catered to the younger set — we had a thoroughly enjoyable, completely kidfriendly meal that was budget-friendly, to boot.

When we walked in for dinner on a recent weekday night, one industrious young woman tended to the restaurant’s seven small tables while managing a

The kids gleefully slurped their noodles, happy to leave rigid table manners at home.

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KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

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

APRIL 2013

TOTAL BILL FOR FOUR, INCLUDING TIP: $49 KID-FRIENDLY AMENITIES: two high chairs; fun, slurpy noodle soup

KIDSVT.COM

Avi Sipe digs into an egg roll

steady stream of takeout orders over the phone. She gave my husband, 11-year-old twins and me about five minutes to study the single-sheet, photocopied menu visible beneath the Plexiglass tabletop.

The menu is straightforward. You can get pho — it rhymes with “duh” — which is a traditional Vietnamese rice-noodle soup made with mild beef, chicken or vegetable broth. Or you can select a noodle or rice entrée with a choice of protein: chicken, pork, beef, shrimp or tofu.

Our appetizers hit the table within minutes of ordering — egg rolls for the kids and traditional Vietnamese spring rolls for the adults. The former were stuffed with ground pork and rice noodles and came straight from the fryer with no trace of veggies — just the way my kids like them. The latter were beautifully hand-rolled packages of pink shrimp,

grated carrots, fresh herbs, thin-sliced pork and rice noodles, all wrapped in chewy, translucent rice paper. The blend of textures was interesting, but we were glad to have savory plum dipping sauce to boost the flavor.

We’d barely eaten two bites when the entrées arrived. What Pho Dang lacks in atmosphere, it makes up for in speed. As far as I’m concerned, that’s better for families with youngsters than any restaurant coloring menu.

The three steaming bowls of pho — two chicken, one rare beef — were huge and exuded a rich aroma.

They came with long, thin rice noodles and a plate of add-ons — basil, bean sprouts, lime wedges and chiles — to spice up the rather bland broths. I remedied mine with lime and hot chiles, while my kids chose a healthy application of soy sauce. They gleefully slurped their noodles, happy to leave rigid table manners at home.

My husband ordered Bun Thit Nuong, grilled pork served on rice vermicelli. He, too, received a generous portion that was full of incredibly wellseasoned and still-sizzling pieces of stir-fried pork.

The noodles were a great counterpart, soaking up the flavors but retaining their al dente texture.

My husband emptied his bowl long before the kids and I were done with ours. When we hit our limit, I paid our very modest bill at the register.

The whole experience took 30 minutes from start to finish and cost less than $50 for our party of four.

Utterly stuffed, we went home with time and money to spare. What busy parent could ask for more?

✱ GO ASK DAD

Do you supervise how : Q your kids spend their money?

PHIL SEILER

ESSEX JUNCTION DIRECTOR OF SOFTWARE-QUALITY ASSURANCE, SHARECARE

Daughter Alex, 17; son Colin, 14

Friday, May 3 Saturday, May 4

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2013

BURLINGTON IT MANAGER, VERMONT ENERGY INVESTMENT CORPORATION

Daughter Gertie, 9; son Ira, 6 Two years ago, my partner, Rachel, and I went to a class called Parenting On Track, run by Vicki Hoefle, and we’ve tried to use her model in terms of supervising the kids’ money. We give an allowance each week — each of the kids gets a dollar for every year they are old. That will be in place until they’re 12 or 13. Then we’ll cut that in half, because they will have more opportunity to earn money at that point.

We’ve actually stopped buying them most things that we would have previously.

And we weigh in on what they can purchase only in a limited way. If it’s something that we really don’t like, there might be a consequence — like, “Fine, you can buy 10 pounds of candy. But if you do that, I’m not making your dinner.”

We really wanted them to learn as early as possible some basic ideas of money management. Instead of just being a piggy bank for them, we now say to them, “If you want it, how are you going to save your money?”

She spent all that money and what did she get?

Nothing.

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Affordable childcare is available

Daughter Caney, 21; son Ben, 16

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We’ve always been very savings oriented. Most of our furniture is from yard sales. We’re very cheap.

And I think maybe that caught on. We did give the kids a little bit of an allowance, but they could pretty much do with it what they wanted. They didn’t go crazy, either. If they’d gone crazy, maybe we would’ve said something. But we’re pretty easygoing and it just worked out well.

When my daughter was 8 or 9, though, we went to the Champlain Valley Fair. She wanted to play one of those carnival games. We’d already done some of that, so we said, “Well, you’ll have to use your own money.” She was like, “OK!” and she was all excited. And then she didn’t win. Oh! It was heartbreaking. She broke down into tears.

She spent all that money and what did she get? Nothing. It was a formative influence on how she spends money. She’s probably not gonna go to Vegas now and blow her entire 401(k) on blackjack.

4v-ymca-rw13.indd 1

NOAH WEISMAN

BURLINGTON LEAD COORDINATOR, ADAM HERGENROTHER TEAM AT KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY, GREEN MOUNTAIN PROPERTIES

Sons Zachariah, 11, and Ezra, 9

First, I don’t have a set allowance for them. If I see them doing a good job at something — if I come home and everything is clean, or if they do things without me asking — then I’ll usually reward them, whether it be a cash allowance or going out to dinner, something of that nature.

Allowance is not all the time, either, because I don’t want them to think that they automatically deserve something just for being good.

We live right on the Burlington Bike Path, and last year they had a lemonade stand. I had them taking inventory and keeping track of costs and profits — and handing all the little kids in the neighborhood a quarter for helping out.

It was pretty fun. I think that if they learn about handling money at a young age, chances are, as they grow and get into real-life situations, they’ll know how to manage their money better.

— INTERVIEWS COMPILED & CONDENSED BY CAROLYN FOX

“Go Ask Dad” is a monthly feature in which we ask fathers to answer a question. Got a question or a pop you’d like to hear from?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

16

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

We supervised them more when they were younger. As they’ve gotten older, we’ve given them a bit more freedom. For example: When we were in a store and they were looking to buy something, we would tell them that we would come back in a week to buy it. We’d give them a cooling-off period to temper the initial excitement of something new. Most of the time, they didn’t even ask to go back to the store.

If there was anything that we would allow impulse buys on, it was books.

We also encouraged them to save and provided some incentives. We’d give them some interest on their allowance if they would put money into their bank account. In CHRIS DEMARS general, I think they’re pretty thoughtful about how they spend their money now.

JULES FISHELMAN

3/28/13 4:57 PM

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

✱ THE ART OF

Cartooning

BY H E L EN RO C K

The Schulz Library

narratives start at the back of the book and read right to left. Some panels are shaped like triangles and diamonds, allowing action and emotion to jump off the page. Remember Superman “ka-powing!” his way through the straight panels in old Marvel comic books? All that breakthrough action was manga-inspired.

Manga tends to be fast moving and action packed, though its storytelling structure is similar to what you see in other types of literature. The narrative style Carbaugh teaches ties right in with what kids learn about writing in school: A story has three parts — a beginning, middle and end. He expected to see each in that day’s final assignment.

“Create a story with movement,” said Carbaugh. “Have any of you played

soccer?” Several hands went up. “Draw it!” he enthused. “Show us action.”

Eighteen heads bent in concentration and pencils flew across the page as students quickly sketched out a rough idea of their stories. Then they drew them on a three-paneled template, a format manageable for the 9- to 15-yearolds in the class.

During the 30-minute exercise, Carbaugh and other instructors walked around the room; on that particular day, there were eight instructors total, but three to five is the norm. They got down at eye level to examine the kids’ art and ask about their stories. When they were funny, the teachers laughed out loud.

“It’s a great way for kids to express what they are feeling,” Carbaugh said of cartooning, noting how the art form lets

IF YOU GO: Cartoon Club meets the first Saturday of the month, February through May, from 10-11:30 a.m., at the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction. Ages 9-16. $25 per session.

The April 6 class has an “environment” theme; May 4 focuses on “mini comics.” For more information and to register, visit cartoonstudies.org/ cartoonclub.

WHILE YOU’RE THERE: After Cartoon Club, be sure to visit Schulz Library at the Center for Cartoon Studies. The reading room has 10,000 titles, from contemporary graphic novels to out-of-print collections to nostalgic favorites such as “Dennis the Menace” and “Archie.”

The library is open to the public most Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m.

children organize their thoughts on the page in a new way.

As if to illustrate his point, first-time cartoonist Anna Kate drew a close-up self-portrait that showed her heading a soccer ball right out of the panels.

Score.

17

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

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Some panels are shaped like triangles and diamonds, allowing action and emotion to jump off the page.

APRIL 2013

ON SATURDAY MORNING at the Center for Cartoon Studies in White River Junction, kids aren’t watching cartoons; they’re drawing them.

The school is for grown-ups — including MFA-seeking ones — but its Cartoon Club is for kids. Taught by CCS faculty, students or alumni, each once-a-month session has a different theme.

On the first Saturday in March, a group of 18 kid-cartoonists were learning about the Japanese style of drawing called manga.

“The style dates back to 1814,” explained Sam Carbaugh, lead instructor of the Cartoon Club, who is also a freelance cartoonist and CCS graduate. “Hokusai, known as the great-grandfather of Japanese cartooning, created wonderfully expressive, not hyperrealistic characters.”

Fittingly, the word “manga” translates as “whimsical drawings.” The self-portraits that many of the young students produced that morning showed them with star-shaped eyes or elfin ears. One student drew a family portrait depicting a mom with horns poking out from her hair and pointy teeth dripping with blood.

Unlike American comic books, manga

KIDSVT.COM

PHOTOS: TOM MCNEILL

A worksheet introduces students to manga characters known as “chibis”

Secondhand Strategies Three moms share their thrift-shopping tips

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KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

APRIL 2013

KIDSVT.COM

BY MEREDITH COEYMAN, SUZANNE LORING AND ALISON NOVAK

Y

ou could easily spend a fortune buying quality clothes and toys for your kids — but you don’t have to.

Vermont’s secondhand stores are full of great deals on used goods.

Don’t know where to start?

We asked three savvy Kids VT contributors to share their thrifting tips and favorite finds. They also recommend some of their top resale shops — see sidebar, page 20.

This list is not comprehensive; there are many more thrift stores tucked away in small town centers and church basements all across Vermont. But it’ll help orient you to the secondhand scene.

Keep it handy — you never know when your kid will grow three sizes in one season.

Bruder cement mixer, $3.99, South Burlington Goodwill

The shopper: Meredith Coeyman

Family: Husband Dave; son Leo, nearly 4; daughter Mila, 2 Town of residence: Burlington How long she’s been thrift shopping: Since high school, so approximately 20 years! As a teenager, I shopped thrift stores to find vintage clothing for cheap. I fell in love with not knowing what I might find.

Child’s school desk with attached chair, $10, Williston Goodwill

THRIFTING TIPS It’s all in the timing. Thrift stores have better stock during the week. This may be problematic for those of us with full-time jobs, but Goodwill is open until 9 p.m. on weeknights. If you have to shop on the weekends, mornings are best — things are pretty picked over by the afternoon.

Check for duds. Test anything you can, and make sure games and puzzles are complete. Be realistic about whether you’re going to fix something or replace missing parts.

Think outside the box. You can find great things for kids beyond the children’s aisles. Fill the dress-up bin with crazy sunglasses, fun belts and colorful scarves. Tablecloths make good drop cloths under messy art projects.

Book it. Books are a steal at thrift stores. And if you find a duplicate of a favorite family read, you can frame the illustrations or make popsicle-stick puppets with the story characters.

Stuffed tiger, $2.99, South Burlington Goodwill

MATTHEW THORSEN

Chalkboard, $15, Williston Goodwill

Cupcake umbrella, $3.99, Williston Goodwill

Guitar, $10, Williston Goodwill Plan Toys Clock, $5, Once Upon a Child

Hand-knit pink jumper, $1.99, South Burlington Goodwill KIDSVT.COM

Doll, $5, the Possibility Shop

Sit ’n Spin, $1.99, South Burlington Goodwill Illustrated Wildlife Treasury assorted animal cards in case, $2.99, South Burlington Goodwill

Asparagus-crate cradle, $5, ReSOURCE

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SECONDHAND, P. 20 »

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Waldorf doll, $2.99, South Burlington Goodwill

Ironing board and iron, $5 Willison Goodwill

APRIL 2013

Vintage FisherPrice Adventure Van, $1.99. South Burlington Goodwill

PHOTOS: MATTHEW THORSEN

Secondhand

Yellow fireman’s jacket, $12.99, Buttered Noodles “Consignment Corner”

CONTINUED FROM P. 19

The shopper: Suzanne Loring

Family: Husband Gribbin; sons Tucker, 3, and Max, 1 Town of residence: Bolton Valley Best deal, ever: I found navy-blue Keen sandals in my son’s size for $6.50 at Once Upon a Child — a new pair retails for $50.

He wore them every day last summer.

Baby Gap Hawaiian fish shirt, $3.50, Once Upon a Child

Board books, $.50 each, yard sales

KIDSVT.COM

Make a list; check it twice. It’s easy to become distracted in thrift stores and spend money on items you don’t need.

Know what you’re shopping for before you leave your house — and stick to your list.

Buy and sell. Bring your kids’ outgrown clothes, toys and books to sell back for cash or store credit. Many consignment shops work on a first-come, first-served basis for sell-backs, so go early. And be warned: Shops are picky about what they accept and will not take anything too worn.

Children’s Place plaid shorts, $3.50, Once Upon a Child Atomic skis and ski boots, $30, Cochran’s Ski Swap

THRIFTING TIPS:

Refurbished table, $20, yard sale

Try, try again. Stock changes all the time.

If you’re shopping for something specific, keep checking back. Persistence pays!

APRIL 2013

Size up the situation. Stores may accidentally mismark clothing and shoe sizes.

Make sure to double check the item’s actual tag.

Got another thrift store to recommend?

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KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Gap red shorts, $3.50, Once Upon a Child

Leave a comment on this story on kidsvt.com before April 26 and you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card to Kids City in South Burlington.

Gap Hawaiian-print swimsuit, $6.50, Once Upon a Child

Recommended Secondhand & Thrift Stores Buttered Noodles Consignment Corner

64 Harvest Lane, Williston, 764-1810 Buttered Noodles has a vast selection of new merchandise, but its “Consignment Corner” in the back of the store offers gently used items at discounted prices. Consignors can apply 100 percent of their sales toward store credit, or get 60 percent back in the form of a check. Says Coeyman: “It’s a great way to turn gear you no longer need into school supplies or birthday presents — sometimes without paying a dime!”

Goodwill

1080 Shelburne Road, S. Burlington, 658-5359; 329 Harvest Lane, Williston, 879-0088 Goodwill stores sell children’s clothing, toys and books at a fraction of retail prices. They also offer shopping carts to accommodate both your children and your bargains. Pay attention to the merchandise’s color-coded tags — each week, a different color indicates a 50-percent discount off the marked price.

For $10 a year, a Club Goodwill Discount Card gets you 10 percent off every purchase and a 25-percent discount on your birthday.

Heather’s Nearly New

62 River Street, Montpelier, 229-4002 This shop offers a selection of gently used baby gear and clothing, shoes and outerwear for newborns up to age 16. There are also

Once Upon a Child

good-quality maternity clothes. When your baby’s born, you can sell those maternity items back to the store by appointment. “I sold back a bag and made $42 in cash — or $63 in store credit,” says Loring.

Junebug Mother & Child

5 Park Street, Middlebury, 388-1055 Eliza Eaton of the family-resource website Minibury.com recommends this nonprofit, volunteer-run resale shop, which specializes in great-condition maternity and kids clothing. Its amenities include a family playroom, bathroom and changing table. Proceeds benefit other nonprofits that support children and families.

38 Taft Corners Shopping Center Williston, 878-5434 The locally owned chain has a big selection of name-brand clothing, shoes, toys, games, books and gear for kids ages 16 and under.

Kids can play with toys or watch a movie while parents shop. Once Upon a Child offers a discount stamp card — for every $10 you buy or sell back, you get a stamp. Once you have 20 stamps, you get 15-percent off your next purchase.

Play It Again Sports

The Blue Mall , 150 Dorset Street, S. Burlington, 865-3021 From new and used skis and skates to lacrosse and soccer equipment, you’ll find all things athletic at this locally owned chain

Hand-knit hat, $4, Replays; Hanna Andersson flowered dress, $7.22, Once Upon a Child; piggy slippers, $2, Schip’s Treasure Resale Shop

Printed apron, $4, Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace

Toy Story cowboy boots, $2.97, Once Upon a Child

Little Red Riding Hood cookie jar, $2.99, Williston Goodwill

FAO Schwarz boxing gloves, $4, Once Upon a Child Cupcake notecards, $1.27, Once Upon a Child

Desk, $30, Upstairs Antiques

Mother Goose book circa 1940, $3, Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace

THRIFTING TIPS:

Family: Husband Jeff; daughter Mira, nearly 6; son Theo, 3 Town of residence: Shelburne

Quality over quantity. Look for tried-andtrue companies like L.L. Bean, Lands’ End, Patagonia and Baby Gap. These items may be a bit pricier than other clothes on the rack, but they’ll hold up to a lot more wear.

Say “no” to wear and tear. No matter how

Leave the shopping to the adults. Thrifting requires concentration, which is hard to achieve when your 3-year-old is running up and down the aisles. I end up with a better haul when I’m on my own.

Have a little fun. Buying secondhand gives me an excuse to go outside my normal shopping parameters. I’ve stocked our costume box with some amazing thrifted things, from a gold lamé blazer to a suede cowgirl vest.

Recommended Vintage & Antiques Stores

Redeemed Thrift Shop

for adults and children. “Considering how pricey sports equipment is, and how quickly kids grow, it’s worth a trip,” suggests Novak.

The Possibility Shop

First Congregational Church, 38 S. Winooski Avenue, Burlington, 862-5010 “Visiting the Possibility Shop is like hanging out in your super-nice grandmother’s basement,” says Coeyman of this downstairs store carrying curiosities and, once in a while, vintage toys. “The last time I went, one volunteer read books to my children so that Mommy could ‘have a few minutes to browse.’ Bliss!”

3060 Williston Road, S. Burlington, 881-0277 This nonprofit is run by the Burlington United Pentecostal Church. The quality of kids’ items varies — “You’ll need to pick through to find the gems,” says Novak — but the prices are low. In addition to clothing, there’s a good selection of kids books, winter gear, toys, games and maternity items.

Replays

The Blue Mall, 150 Dorset Street, S. Burlington, 660-8420 Home to clean, well-cared-for books, toys, household items, and clothing for babies and children, this small resale shop benefits Fletcher Allen Health Care patient programs.

“There are lots of breakable tchotchkes, so it’s not a great place to bring your children,” advises Coeyman.

ReSOURCE

266 Pine Street. Burlington, 658-4143 “You have to be willing to sort through toys with missing pieces and broken parts,” says Coeyman, but the chaotic store often contains great budget-friendly finds, from soft goods to furniture to a Lite-Brite in its original box.

Schip’s Treasure Resale Shop

207 Flynn Avenue, Burlington, 859-8966 If you’re searching for a small piece of furniture or decorative accent to dress up your child’s room, it’s worth trying this antiques shop. “You’ll spend a fraction of what you would at popular kids retailers like Land of Nod or Pottery Barn Kids,” says Novak.

Vintage Inspired Lifestyle Marketplace

180 Flynn Avenue, Burlington, 488-5766 Among the grown-up treasures at this large antiques and vintage-goods emporium are a smattering of vintage clothes, toys and books for kids.

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5404 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, 985-3595 The good-quality baby and kids clothes sold here support community food shelves and projects. “I’ve scored a vintage sundress for my daughter,” notes Novak.

Upstairs Antiques

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

How she got into thrift shopping: My mom is an amazing thrifter and I caught the bug when I had kids. I realized it didn’t make sense to buy most clothes and toys new when I could get great stuff for less money at thrift stores.

Buy now, wear later. Don’t pass on a great item if it’s a little too big for your kid. Buy it and stash it away for next year. Just remember where you put it!

APRIL 2013

Alison Novak

cheap they are, stained or ripped items aren’t worth it.

KIDSVT.COM

The shopper:

Children’s picture books, $.50 each, Redeemed Thrift Shop

Mind Over Money You’ve got kids. Now how do you pay for them?

BY KEN PICARD

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KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

APRIL 2013

KIDSVT.COM

F

inancially challenged parents shouldn’t focus on their money.

They should think, instead, about their goals. So Christine Moriarty says Burlington-based financial planner Christine Moriarty.

Once her clients determine what they want in life, she says, somehow wealth finds them.

Moriarty, 50, may sound a little New Age-y, but she’s a bona fide financial guru. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance, an MBA in entrepreneurship and a certification in financial planning. For the past 20 years, she’s been a speaker, writer and coach, and has taught classes on financial management at the University of Vermont, Champlain College and Boston University. Kids VT asked her to share some advice on family finances for the Money Issue.

Like most people, Moriarty learned some of her most enduring lessons about money from her parents; she grew up in a working-class family in Malden, Mass. Her father, a carpenter who also owned an Irish bar, was philosophically opposed to debt. He never used a credit card and only spent money he already had in the bank. Equally important, she says, he taught his children not to see themselves as poor. Both are lessons Moriarty tries to instill in her clients.

“If you have young kids and you’re always telling them, ‘We can’t afford it,’ then what are you teaching them? That you can’t afford it,” she says. “Let your kids know that money is about choices — not about getting everything you want.”

Moriarty’s work through her Burlington firm MoneyPeace is as much counseling as it is financial planning. Obviously, she teaches her clients the basics of money management — for example, it’s hard to save if you don’t have a savings account. But her work has a major psychological component.

In order to make progress, she says, parents need to unburden themselves of any “emotional baggage” they carry about money, such as not saving more for their kids’ college education.

She addresses subconscious behaviors, too. People spend, on average, 20 percent more when they pay by credit card, because it’s harder to be mindful when paying with plastic. Want to control your spending? Use cash, she suggests.

Most importantly, Moriarty stresses that money is just a tool for achieving the lives we want. “Money is an important thing in life, but it’s not the be all and end all,” she says. “Prosperity isn’t all in the bank. It’s also a state of mind.”

KIDS VT: Why are many people intimidated by financial planning?

CHRISTINE MORIARTY: Every person would have a different answer, but there are three main reasons: One is math anxiety. People think you need to know numbers to do it well. Two, people assume they’re doing it wrong.

So there’s this emotional block that they’re being judged by their advisor, by their parents and by society.

Three, they never felt comfortable with money because they never learned about it, because no one really teaches it.

KVT: What’s the first financial lesson families should learn?

KVT: Have a plan for what?

CM: For how your money comes in and how it goes out. I don’t call it “budgeting.” That’s like saying “dieting.” “Eating well” sounds much better. A “budget” suggests there’s lack. If you have a financial plan, you can say, “This is how much is coming in, so this is where we choose to spend it.” Yes, it’s semantics somewhat, but it really makes a difference psychologically. Nine times out of 10, when I ask people to track where their money is going, it’s not going to where their priorities are, because they’ve never really looked at it.

Let your kids know that money is about choices — not about getting everything you want.

KVT: VT: What false steps do parents often take with their finances?

CM: Here’s one that a lot of parents do: They fund their kids’ college education CM: Cash is out of guilt, but they’re not king. Everyone putting away anything for needs to know their own retirement or that, whether building their own savings. you’re $20,000 in To them, it makes sense to debt or you’re a take care of their kids first, multimillionaire. but you have to take care You need to have of yourself first. It’s like cash to take care putting on the oxygen mask of yourself, and on an airplane. College can that means cash be funded through other in a safety account CHRISTINE MORIARTY means, like scholarships, that doesn’t working your way through necessarily earn and so on. But you can’t work your way much interest. Typically, I tell people through retirement. that they should set aside three to six months’ worth of living expenses, just in case. If that sounds intimidating to KVT: How do you get started saving people who have nothing set aside in for retirement? savings, they should start by trying to CM: If you work for a company that save $5 to $10 a week and just build it gives you a 401(k) or 403(b), find from there. out what the company match is and contribute at least that much. If you’re discouraged that you’re taking money KVT: What are some common away from your kids, think about 30 mistakes people make with money? years from now: Do you want to be CM: First, they spend money they don’t dependent on your kids? Keep it simple, have yet, usually by putting purchases and change your behavior little by little on a credit card. “Live in the moment” over time. really means spending money you have right now, not money you don’t have yet. The second most common mistake KVT: What’s the best way to save for is not having a plan. If you haven’t sat your kids’ college education? down and really looked at it, you don’t CM: There are some great 529 plans know what your priorities are. out there, which are college plans that you don’t have to pay taxes on. There’s one offered by the state, or you can go

Money Matters Looking for financialliteracy resources?

through any number of companies. If you contribute to the state plan, you get a credit on your taxes. You can also have them age-weighed, so the investment is more conservative and secure the older your child gets.

The Vermont State Treasurer’s Office website provides a wealth of free information aimed specifically at parents and kids, including the following: •

•

“Reading Is an Investment” is a list of suggested books

“How to Raise a MoneySmart Child” is a 14-page guide for kids ages 2 to 18 on everything from piggy banks to mutual funds.

•

•

MoneyInstructor.com offers parents and teachers a collection of games, activities, worksheets and lesson plans for educating kids about money, personal finance, allowances and starting their own business.

Vermont Jump$tart is a volunteer-run nonprofit organization dedicated to improving financial literacy among Vermont’s youngsters.

Visit jumpstart.org/statesvermont.html for more information.

•

The Credit Union National Association’s “Thrive By Five” teaches preschoolers lessons on spending and saving. Visit creditunion.coop/pre_k/index. html to learn more.

•

The National Financial Educators Council offers financial-education solutions to individuals, schools, businesses, families, government and nonprofit organizations around the globe. Visit financialeducatorscouncil.org for details.

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

MATTHEW THORSEN

•

Want to delve deeper?

Here are some additional resources to investigate:

KVT: Are there absolute no-nos when it comes to spending money?

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CM: If someone is buying a house, but is planning to move in five years. You’re just wasting your money because you’re paying a lot in interest, closing fees and moving costs. Another [mistake] is refinancing your mortgage. If you’re five years into a 30-year mortgage and you get another 30-year mortgage for the lower interest rate, you’re just throwing your money away.

for elementary-age children that promote literacy and teach young people about money and financial fundamentals.

Find all of those and more at vermonttreasurer.gov/ financial-literacy/parents-kids.

KVT: Are there other simple steps can you suggest?

CM: Get educated. I don’t recommend reading all the finance books out there. Who’s got the time? Get a subscription to Money magazine and read one or two articles a week. Choose a website and read it once every few weeks.

Don’t feel like you have to learn this stuff all at once. Go to a free workshop. There are a lot of them out there, given by credit unions and banks.

The “MoneyEd Fact Sheet” shares the developmental stages at which you should introduce your kids to various financial concepts, as outlined by the National Endowment for Financial Education.

APRIL 2013

CM: Make things easy on yourself. Most people get a paycheck from a payroll company where they can make deposits into more than one account. By putting money into a savings account or putting something aside for a new house, car, vacation or some other goal, you can allocate that cash before it ever hits your checking account. So the only thing in the checking account is what you have to spend.

KIDSVT.COM

KVT: What financial advice should all parents take?

WELCOME TO CAMP THORPE!

whose lives are challenged Camp Thorpe was born of a desire to help those to bring happiness to those physically, developmentally and emotionally, and of the enjoyments of the average who, by their very condition, are kept from many ont, the camp aims to provide individual. Built amid the Green Mountains in Verm experiences regardless of special children and adults with fun, adventurous camping camper will leave Camp Thorpe with need or financial status. It is our hope that each for others and for nature. feelings of self-respect, new leisure skills, respect

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APRIL 2013

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Founded in 1927

What a time I havee! p had at Camp Thor ew n Together with my ned friends, we've lear es, songs, learned gam d swam in the pool an n. su enjoyed the warm trail e We walked a natur of the where we saw some ever. prettiest f lowers etty The food here is pr ple good and every couy skit nn nights there's a fu fellow performed by some been ve campers. These ha st days some of the funne ost as I've ever had. Alm Uncle t fun as Christmas a soon.

Jessie’s. See you Love, Karen

Activities include: Boating • Fishing Swimming • Arts & Crafts Sports • Special Events... Including: Pirate Night Camp Talent Show & much much more!

Donation slip Make a donation in the amount of:

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Please send checks to: The Vermont Association for Mental Health & Addiction Recovery 100 State St. Suite 352 Montpelier, VT 05602

Your donation will be used to offer a camp experience to those who otherwise would not have had an opportunity to go to camp.

Or donate online at campdaybreak.org or campthorpe.org

WELCOME TO CAMP DAYBREAK! Camp Daybreak provides an ind ividualized experience for you ng Vermonters ages 8-11 with a range of social, emotional, an d be ha vioral needs by creating a supportiv e community that encourages safety, respect, and fun. Each camper is paired with a high school or college age volunteer. Campers can participate in traditional camp activities like swimming, boating, fishing , arts & crafts, as well as spe cial events including a pirate treasure hu nt, talent show, and much, MU CH more!

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To provide a supportive summer camp experience for 30 Vermont children

•

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25 19

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April 2013

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CAMP GUIDE2013

Leaders of the Pack

B

abysitters and childcare providers prepare parents for separation anxiety, but sleepaway camp is the real deal. You drop your child off and trust that he or she will swim in a lake, climb trees, gain a sense of independence and return safely to you at the end of the summer.

Who precisely is leading your kid through these life-changing adventures? It’s probably not the camp director, who may have answered your preregistration questions about camp life, food and accommodations. The camp’s medical practitioners concern themselves with health and safety policies.

Counselors set the tone for your kid’s summercamp experience

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LEADERS OF THE PACK» P. 29

APRIL 2013

A Pok-O-MacCready counselor with campers

Counselors ultimately shape your child’s experience at camp. If you want to get a feel for whether a place is a good fit for your kid, find out as much as you can about the people who will be leading, disciplining and inspiring him or her there.

In Vermont, camp counselors are bound by state regulations enforced by the Vermont Department of Health, the Vermont Department for Children and Families and the Agency of Human Services. But the state focuses mainly on health standards, cleanliness and sanitation. It doesn’t require that counselors pass criminal background checks, for example.

In addition to state certification, most camps pursue a voluntary accreditation with the American Camp Association, which does require counselors to pass background checks. The ACA works with experts from organizations including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Red Cross to help determine how camps should operate. It has age and experience requirements for counselors overseeing high-risk activities such as swimming, sailing, archery or highropes courses.

The ACA also advises parents on how to choose camps. How do you

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Kids VT money issue sponsored by: new england Federal CrediT union

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Band students woodwind, brass, percussion must be entering grades 6-10 in Fall 2013 Orchestra students string players must be entering grades 4-10 in Fall 2013 Music Day Camp has two levels of Band and String Orchestra, chamber music, and fun electives that may include jazz band, chorus, conducting, composition, improvisation, art, outdoor recreation, and others.

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Orchestral Auditions: Open to musicians currently in grades 3-11. One year playing experience recommended.

All are welcome.

Choral Auditions: Open to vocalists currently in grades 4-11.

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Email auditions@vyo.org to schedule an audition.

Call 802-652-4548 or visit flynnarts.org .

Camps begin in June, July, and August!

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« CONTINUED FROM P. 27

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2013 VINS Nature Camp

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Camp Programs Pre-K to 8th Grade!

Scholarships & Discounts Available Call us at 802.359.5000 Outdoor Exploration, Archery, Swimming & More! www.vinsweb.org/nature-camp Eco-games Geocaching K8h-VINS0413.indd 1

Hiking Tracking

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What kind of training do counselors receive?

At Brown Ledge, an all-girls camp that specializes in drama, counselors are generally hired for one specific activity: swimming, riding, arts and crafts. Codirector Bill Neilsen says that helps to focus a counselor’s attention — and also motivates him or her to make that activity fun and appealing. Brown Ledge girls are mostly free to create their own schedules.

That freedom encourages autonomy and good decision making, traits the camp wants to develop in campers and counselors alike.

“We don’t micromanage our staff,” says Neilsen, who has codirected Brown

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School Vacation Camps and Summer Camps available for children K - 6th grade.

For more information visit echovermont.org/camps or call 1.877.324.6386 ext. 142.

ECHO Lake Aquarium & Science Center @ECHOvt

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

who discove r ds

APRIL 2013

a m PS

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A fully engaged and upbeat counselor can make the best of a bad situation.

The Perfect Blend of Adventure & Discovery

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How many counselors return each year?

At many longestablished camps, the answer to the question above is “most of them.”

That’s good news, since happy counselors make for happy campers.

Many counselors actually start out as campers. At Camp Keewaydin, an adventure camp in Salisbury founded in 1910, 60 percent of the staff were campers themselves. Last year, 10 of them embarked on a 70-day, precamp canoe trip to raise money for the camp’s foundation.

“It’s a pretty happy lifestyle,” admits Keewaydin staffer Cameron Nevin, a second-generation Keewaydin alum. He says the decision to become a counselor was a “no-brainer.”

“I was given a chance to work with kids and be outside 24/7 doing something I love,” he says. “Some of my closest friends now were campers who I hiked around with as a kid at camp.”

A philosophy major and studio-art minor at the University of Vermont, Nevin says it’s a joke around camp that some people become teachers so they can work summers at Keewaydin. His father was a camper-turned-staffer who did just that.

At Brown Ledge Camp in Colchester,

about 70 percent of the 80-person staff returns each year. The camp’s longest-serving employees — a couple who spent 50 years at Brown Ledge — recently retired, but the staff still boasts considerable longevity, even if the average age of a counselor is a ripe old 26 or 27. Most of the camps in this story report that their counselors are between 18 and 24.

Age is an important consideration, notes Norvell. Will teenagers be transporting your children by car to excursions that are off camp property? It’s worth asking, she says.

Sarah Disney, director at the Adirondacks-based Pok-O-MacCready camp and the mother of three adult daughters, agrees.

“As a parent, I want to know how old cabin counselors are,” she says. “I’m fine with having younger counselors assist, but I want more mature staffers to take the lead.”

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decide whether counselors can walk the line between fun and safety?

“Ask questions,” recommends Lucy Jackson Norvell, director of public information with the New England chapter of the ACA. She suggests asking the following questions:

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@

2013 Summer Camps

Champlain KayaK Camp Adventure and skill building day camp for kids in child specific sea kayaks taught by professionally trained instructors for kids age 8-12

Focused training, mindful teaching.

JUNE 17 - AUGUST 23

Summer Dance and Visual Arts Camps

Date: July 22-26 Where: Lake Champlain Time: 8:30am-3:30pm location: Auer Family Boat House

Helping your child blossom...

Course will be centered out of this family operated lakefront location by the bike path bridge, 3181 North Ave, Burlington

inSTRUCTiOn: Led by BCU and ACA coaches. Fully insured, first aid and CPR certified. Developed and taught by VT state licensed educator with 20 years experience.

Registration/information: Space on this program is limited to ensure a spot register early...

KidsVT.Com

True north Kayak Tours (802) 238-7695 or info@vermontkayak.com

SUMMER ART CAMPS START JUNE 17 FOR AGES 3-18 To learn about our camps, the schedule or to sign up please visit:

IMAGINE, CREATE & LEARN www.helenday.com 802-253-8358 education@helenday.com

or call 865.7166

The Heartworks Schools 3/21/13k8v-BCA0213.indd 3:25 PM The Renaissance School 1 1/23/13k8v-HelenDay0213.indd 1:06 PM Kindergarten—Grade 8 State Approved Independent School

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April 2013

NAEYC Accredited Preschools in Burlington, Shelburne, & Williston

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The Renaissance School Summer Enrichment Academy Kindergarten—Age 11 Shelburne Farms & Shelburne Commons

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CAMPS

Leaders of the Pack

Dynamic whole-child based school is accepting applications for the 2013-2014 school year.

ÂŤ CONTINUED FROM P. 29

Tuesday, April 16 â&#x20AC;˘ 4:30 p.m.

Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho â&#x20AC;˘ Individualized learning plans â&#x20AC;˘ Intimate class size â&#x20AC;˘ Serving grades 3-8

For more information, visit

SPRUCEWOOD FARM SUMMER RIDING CAMP

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mansfieldcooperative.org or contact How do the counselors help kids Julia Lesauskis at learntoliberate@gmail.com take risks?

One of the great things about camp is that it gives kids the opportunity to 1/23/13k8v-mansfieldcoop0413.indd 1:26 PM 1 3/25/13 challenge their physical, social and k8v-CampABNAKIYMCA0213.indd 1 emotional boundaries.

At Keewaydin, Nevin teaches white-water kayaking, a sport that requires him to have special training s ONE WEEK SESSIONS STARTING *UNE TH and Wilderness First Aid, s 0RIVATE INDOOR FACILITY LIMITED NUMBER OF CAMPERS CPR and Small Craft Safety certification. s $AY CAMP AM PM EARLY DROP OFF LATE PICK UP AVAILABLE â&#x20AC;&#x153;Risks are everywhere bes "EGINNER INTERMEDIATE RIDING INSTRUCTION HORSEMANSHIP cause the river can be a dangers !ND END THE DAY WITH A SWIM IN THE POOL ous place, so I make sure a kid is fully confident in Paddling *PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE Class II before moving up to ALL YEAR LONG* the next class,â&#x20AC;? he says.

At Brown Ledge, the â&#x20AC;&#x153;learnby-doingâ&#x20AC;? culture encourages Sessions filling up fast! Visit our website to download camp form or call to reserve. campers to try new activities 802-316-3873 and challenge themselves. or 802-598-1112 193 Poor Farm Road Maybe the biggest risk there is Colchester, VT 05446 www.Sprucewoodfarm.com getting up in front of hundreds of peers at a weekly open-stage event, during which campers are invited to present any form of performance art they choose. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A good staff member will help a child work progressively toward a goal,â&#x20AC;? says Norvell, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performing onstage, tackling the high-ropes course or learning to sail.

She adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A great camp counselor will help a child become as independent as possible while still being entirely safe.â&#x20AC;?

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

COURTESY OF POK-O-MACCREADY

INFORMATION MEETING Tuesday, April 9 â&#x20AC;˘ 6 p.m.

Varnum Memorial Library, Jeffersonville

APRIL 2013

What qualities do camps seek in their counselors?

At Pok-O-MacCready, where newer counselors are under the guidance of a more experienced â&#x20AC;&#x153;section headâ&#x20AC;? or lead counselor, Disney looks for applicants who approach activities with enthusiasm, whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s swimming or mucking out a stall in the barn. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Not everyone needs to be super gregarious to be a counselor â&#x20AC;&#x201D; we need some quieter people to balance things out, too â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but the most

important thing is to enjoy it,â&#x20AC;? Disney says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If you love what youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re doing, then the kids will, too.â&#x20AC;?

Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially important in emergencies. A fully engaged and upbeat counselor can make the best of a bad situation, turning a group of scared campers waiting out a storm into kids having an impromptu pajama party accompanied by whistling wind outside. It all depends on how inventive â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and enterprising â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a counselor can be.

But most of all, camp directors know itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s essential to find staffers who will put safety first. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parents are dropping their kids off and expecting them to, first of all, arrive home safe and, second, to have a fun summer,â&#x20AC;? says Scott McIntyre, a former camper and counselor at Pok-O-MacCready, where he is the current director of finance. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If a child has a great summer but has a mishap or gets lost, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re probably not going to come back.â&#x20AC;?

KIDSVT.COM

Ledge with his wife, Kathy, since 1983. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do set parameters, but our counselors have a lot of latitude in how they choose to meet those parameters.â&#x20AC;?

Before a counselor starts working with kids, he or she undergoes at least a week of training. This time is dedicated to learning specific on-thejob skills, such as getting to know the horses in the riding program, organizing the archery equipment, or checking to be sure all of the props and costumes are in order for the popular theater-arts program. Educating new counselors on the camp culture is the other main priority. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Camps traditionally have a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;styleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; for how they respond to everything, from homesick kids to best practices to minimize injury,â&#x20AC;? says Norvell of ACA. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s less of an issue with perennial staff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Since the large majority of our counselors are returning, we already have a culture established, and new people tend to get sucked right into it,â&#x20AC;? says Neilsen. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a Noahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ark of sorts â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a broad range of people, and a good number from abroad â&#x20AC;&#x201D; but we work closely with new people to make sure theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fully qualified and a good fit.â&#x20AC;?

CAMP GUIDE

2013

DISCOVER WHO YOU ARE

Visit our website for our

2013 Class Schedule

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Irish Dance School!

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All Agesâ&#x20AC;ŚAll Levels

5HJLVWUDWLRQ 1RZ 2SHQ Registration Opens February 4!

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Did you enjoy watching Riverdance?

Why not learn some of the steps!

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Call now for information on Regular Classes and Summer Camps

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Classes offered in Williston & Middlebury

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Beth Anne McFadden T.C.R.G. (802) 999-5041 www.mcfaddenirishdance.com

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LEAP!

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(Learn + Play) Summer Camps Creative fun for children ages 5-13!

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FIND OUT MORE: visit the Museum Web site or call 802-985-3346 x3395

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GUTTERSON ARENA UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT Professional Coaching... Affordable Price!

802-324-6876

July 22-26, 2013

Ages 5-8, 9-12

Kevin SneddonÕs Hockey School

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Sign up for Audubon Summer Camp! vt.audubon.org

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Schoolhouse Summer Camps

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Night Eagle

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

kidsvt.com

A unique summer camp for boys, ages 10-14, in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains ▲

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2013 CAMP SUMMER SCHEDULE

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Enjoy God’s creati

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Camping season is beginning of July to late August

Disney Fun • PJs Pillows & Popcorn • Adults w/ Special Needs Mini Camp • Soccer Camp • Day Camp • MAD camp • Rock Band Day at the Beach • The Great Outdoors • Unbelievable Outdoors Elementary Lego • Tool Time • Service & Mission Like us on Facebook Visit our website: www.covenanthillsvt.com Questions? Contact us! Todd Marlow, Executive Director chccdirector@gmail.com Covenant Hills Christian Camp • 246 Covenant Hills Road • Cabot, VT 05647

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HOLLYWOOD WEEK July 7th-12th WORLD CUP SOCCER July 14th-19th WILD WEST OUTDOOR ADVENTURE July 28th-August 2nd CAMP AGAPE August 4th-9th HANDS, HEART, & SERVICE August 11th-16th

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

April 2013

Call for a full brochure:

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{Raised Jay Summer Camps}

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2013 Dates: July 8th–12th / July 15th–19th / July 29th–august 2nd august 5th–9th / august 12th–16th

Kids VT money issue sponsored by: new england Federal CrediT union

Ropes CouRses, suRFING, sKatING, GoLFING, CLImbING, FLy FIshING, bRoombaLL, tRee CLImbING, hIKING, KayaKING aND moRe. $250 for first child. $225 for additional children.

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APRIL

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

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

COURTESY OF KAREN PIKE

CALENDAR SPOTLIGHTS AND LISTINGS BY CAROLYN FOX

OLIVER! THE MUSICAL: Thursday, April 11, and Friday, April 12, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, April 13, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, April 14, 2 p.m., at Flynn MainStage in Burlington. Appropriate for ages 8 and up. $21-33; student and senior discounts available. Info, 863-5966. lyrictheatrevt.org

APRIL 2013

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Charles Dickens addressed grown-up themes of poverty and social class in his Victorian novel Oliver Twist, but the stage adaptation, OLIVER! THE MUSICAL, may be better suited for young audiences. Thirty-two area children perform in the Lyric Theatre production, mostly as orphans and pick pockets, but a message of hope ultimately prevails.

KIDSVT.COM

DO THE TWIST

COURTESY OF CHRIS DORMAN

APRIL CALENDAR

Looney Tunes Singer-songwriter Chris Dorman has built a loyal fan base as a result of his early-childhood education program called Music for Sprouts.

The sing-along sessions fill up quickly, but Dorman doesn’t turn anyone away for MUSIC WITH MR. CHRIS. Little ones giggle along to original tunes like “The Tickle Song” and channel bumblebees as they rattle musical shakers.

Catch the buzz for yourself; sessions are held weekly in Club Noodle.

MUSIC WITH MR. CHRIS: Every Thursday, 10-10:30 a.m., at Buttered Noodles in Williston. All ages. Free.

Info, 764-1810. butterednoodles.com

1 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

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

Education

One-on-One Tutoring: Students from the Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences school youngsters in reading, math and science. Ages 6-12.

Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4:30-8 p.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Food

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

Health & Fitness

APRIL 2013 KIDSVT.COM KIDS VT

Nature & Science

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

Nature & Science

Craftacular Tuesdays: Kids get caught up in lowtech projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

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

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

RU12? Rainbow Reading Hour: LGBTQA families come together for stories and activities. Ages 6 and under. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-7812.

Write Now!: Best-selling authors-to-be get inspired to start penning that book or poem. Ages 12-18.

Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 878-0313.

Young Adult Advisory Board: Tweens and teens

International Story Time: As part of International Children’s Book Day, kids listen to tales from around the world. All ages; pajamas encouraged. Morrill Memorial & Harris Library, Strafford, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 765-4037.

Arts & Crafts

My First Yoga: Instructor Rachel Klatzker shares simple yoga poses and principles through storytelling and song. For babies and preschoolers. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Library & Books

Library & Books

2 TUESDAY

Food

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

Gymnastics, Williston, 9:30-11 a.m. $10 per child; $15 per family; preregister. Info, 652-2454.

Spanish Musical Kids: Amigos learn Latin American songs and games with native Argentinian Constancia Gómez. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6955.

Hoopla: Large, easy-to-use hoops and great music make for a funky dance-fitness experience. All ages.

Windancer Movement Center, Middlebury, 7-8 p.m. $8-12 per child, accompanied by an adult. Info, 388-3381.

Open Gym: Little ones bound around on big blue mats. Sunrise Gymnastics, Barre, 10 a.m.-noon, $10 per child; $5 per each additional sibling. Info, 223-0517.

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discuss how to make the library a destination for their peers. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

Games

Health & Fitness

Dancin’ With My Baby: Rock, reggae, pop and hip-hop inspire movement in parents and young dancers. Ages 6 weeks-preschool. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 9:30 a.m. $15; preregister. Info, 388-3381.

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

Moovin’ & Groovin’: Energetic youngsters develop self-confidence, coordination, and language and social-interaction skills through varied creative play, including obstacle courses, dancing and drumming.

Ages 18 months-4 years. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 10-10:45 a.m. $12 drop-in; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: Young gymnasts bounce, bend and balance. Ages 9 months-6 years, accompanied by an adult. Green Mountain

Gardening for Kids: Horticulturalists in the making get their hands dirty as they plan, build and plant a garden. Ages 5-13. Barlow Street Community Center, St. Albans, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $12 drop-in; preregister. Info, 524-1500, ext. 268.

Parenting

Early-Literacy Parent Workshop: Adults engage in activities proven to help improve children’s reading comprehension and increase their vocabulary. Stern Center for Language and Learning, Williston, 6-7:30 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 878-2332.

3 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Info, 457-3500.

Baby & Maternity

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

create and learn on store-provided devices and kidfriendly apps. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

One-on-One Tutoring: See April 1, 4:30-6 p.m.

Social Thinking: Kids with nonverbal learning disabilities, Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism develop their social skills. Call for times.

Ages 6-17. Preregister. Maple Leaf Clinic, Wallingford, Info, 446-3577.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

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

Games

Lego Afternoons: Youngsters create freely from big buckets of building blocks. Parents encouraged to send a snack; popcorn provided. Ages 6 and up. Lincoln Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: Basketball-loving high school students spend the afternoon dribbling, shooting and scoring. St. Albans City Hall, 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Kids Open Gymnastics: Tykes tumble and jump while adults connect with other families. Snacks provided. Ages 5 and under. River Arts, Morrisville, 10-11:30 a.m. $5. Info, 888-1261.

Open Gym: See April 1.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See April 2.

Library & Books

Book Talks for Homeschoolers: In separate groups, kids in grades K through 3 and 4 through 8 participate in activities related to award-winning reads.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free.

Info, 878-6956.

Mommy & Me Yoga: Stretching, strengthening and breathing sequences are specially designed for moms to tone their post-pregnancy bodies and connect meaningfully with their babes. For mothers of babies ages 6 weeks-1 year. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 11 a.m.-noon, $12 drop-in; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Discussion: Bibliophiles voice likes and dislikes about award-winning books such as Jennifer Nielsen’s The False Prince.

Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Education

Richford PJ Story Time: Kids gather with friends for bedtime prep through stories, songs and crafts.

NOOK Kids APPtivity: Tablet-tapping tots play,

International Story Time: See April 2, Chelsea Public Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 685-2188.

Life is Sweet Ages 6 and under. Arvin A. Library, Richford, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Movies

Youth Media Lab: Aspiring Spielbergs make movies and explore technology in this drop-in collaboration with Middlebury Community Television. Grades 3 and up. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:304:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Free Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

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

Music

May’s Music & Movement: Caregivers and their charges lace up their dancing shoes for a fun and educational session with May Poduschnik. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free.

Info, 388-4095.

Moving & Grooving With Christine: Tots let loose to the rhythms of rock-and-roll and world music.

Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1111:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Preschool Music With Raphael: Little ones dance and sing to guitar tunes. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Nature & Science

Preschool Discovery Program: Guided outdoor explorations and craft projects teach adventurers about the natural world. Ages 3 to 5. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10-11:30 a.m. $5-8. Info, 229-6206.

4 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Baby & Maternity

Breast-Feeding Support Group: Lactating moms bring their babies and bond over stories and advice.

Family Birthing Center, Northwest Medical Center, St. Albans, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 524-7970.

La Leche League of Essex: Moms and little ones meet to discuss parenting and breastfeeding. Pregnant and planning moms are also welcome. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 7 p.m.

Free. Info, 383-8544.

Postnatal Yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to a tone-up class addressing sore shoulders and backs. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 1:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Education Community Dinners on High School Innovation: Regional educators, business leaders and community members join a conversation on developing and promoting forward-thinking educational practices. Johnson State College, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 828-0262.

Ready for School With Mother Goose: Math Night: Stories and activities add up to a fun, educational time. For families with children ages 3-5. St. Albans

Shelburne Magic Club: Illusionists practice card tricks and share their most successful sleights of hand. Grades 5-8. Pierson Library, Shelburne, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

Health & Fitness

APRIL 26Ð 28

Tap into it!

Maple Exhibit Hall & Contests • Sugarhouse Tours • Pancake Breakfast Carnival • Crafts, Antiques, Youth Talent & Fiddlers’ Variety Shows Grand Parade • Free Main Street Stage Entertainment

New this year...

Amateur Photo Contest, Kids Activity Center with Performers, Crafts & Games

Martial Arts Class: See April 2.

Library & Books

Fairfax PJ Story Hour: Children don pajamas to listen to a story and make a craft before bedtime.

Ages 6 and under. Fairfax Community Library, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

Food for Thought: Teen volunteers chow down on pizza while tackling library projects. Grades 7-12.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Hand in Hand: Do-gooders plan communityservice projects. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Homeschoolers’ Book Group: Peers gather for talks on a variety of books. Ages 10-14. St. Albans Free Library, 1-2 p.m. Free; regular attendance required; preregister. Info, 524-1507.

International Story Time: See April 2, Tunbridge Public Library, 6:15-7:15 p.m. Info, 889-9404.

Saturday in Taylor Park:

Super Nova Disc Dogs • Dux the Balloon Man Handicapped Accessible Sponsored by: TD Bank, Mylan, KeyBank, Hannaford Supermarkets, Peoples Trust Co., CDL USA, New England Federal Credit Union, Lapierre USA, Inc., Leader Evaporator, Peoples United Bank, Hall Communications, Walmart, Coca-Cola, AT&T, Farm Family Insurance, Georgia Mountain Maples, Community National Bank, Price Chopper

www.VtMapleFestival.Org

Located on Main Street & Taylor Park in St. Albans, VT k4t-VTMapleFest0413.indd 1

Music

Music With Mr. Chris: Singer, storyteller and puppeteer Chris Dorman leads kids in song and dance.

See calendar spotlight on page 36. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Northumbrian Ranters: Thirty-seven young instrumentalists from England, Ireland, Scotland, Norway and Spain share a rich musical history.

Potluck dinner, 5:30 p.m.; concert, 7 p.m. Ages 6 and up. Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, 5:30 p.m. Donations accepted; bring a dish to share. Info, 728-6464.

Nature & Science

Homeschooling Series: Out-of-classroom learners unravel the wonders of the natural world. Separate sessions for grades 1-3 and 4-6 run simultaneously.

Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10-11:30 a.m. $10-12 per child; free for adults; preregister. Info, 359-5000, ext. 223.

5 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Family Clay Drop-In: Parents join kids for some work on the wheel. All ages. BCA Center, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $5-6 includes one fired and glazed piece per participant; additional pieces are $5 each. Info, 865-7166.

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: Stay-at-home learners hang with peers as they improve their needlework. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3-4:15 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Tadpole Preschool Clay Drop-In: Young artists learn to create pinch pots, coil cups and sculptures.

Ages 3-5. BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $5-6 includes one fired and glazed piece per participant; additional pieces are $5 each. Info, 865-7166.

The

3/21/13 2:06 PM

Kids Club

A Garden Program for Little Sprouts

Saturdays at Gardener’s Supply in Williston Sat. April 13 · 10–11:00am Sprouts, for your sprout!

Sat. August 10 · 10–11:00am Do you believe in Fairies?

Sat. May 4 · 10–11:00am It’s all about Mom!

Sat. Sept. 14 · 10–11:00am Beautiful Birds*

Sat. June 8 · 10–11:00am Pollination, what’s that all about?

Sat. October 19 · 10–11:00am Pumpkin & Pirates!

Sat. July 13 · 10–11:00am What’s bugging you and your garden?

Sat. Dec. 7 & 14 · 8 & 10am Breakfast with Santa* *Attendance fee required

For additional Kids Club information or to register for an event please call 658-2433.

KIDS VT

472 Marshall Avenue (Taft Corners), Williston (802) 658-2433 • Mon–Sat 9am–6pm; Sun 10am–5pm

37

Submit your May event for print

by April 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Family Game Nite: Kid-friendly activities spark good-natured competition. Geared toward ages 3-10. University Mall, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1066.

Maple Festival

with

APRIL 2013

One-on-One Tutoring: See April 1, 3-6 p.m.

Games

47th

KIDSVT.COM

Counting Critters Workshop: From one large whale to 10 tiny ladybugs, animals figure prominently in basic number games. Ages 5 and under.

ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 9:30-11 a.m. $20; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

t e e f i e LVermontis SwVermont Maple!

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april calendar

To help him see hope, Classes we looked at care through the eyes of a child.

Our new, state-of-theart Children’s Inpatient Program combines best practices in clinical space design with a strong sense of wonder for the young people in our care. Highlights include:

Here, we help children find the strength to overcome their challenges, in a warm, welcoming place of safety and hope. Learn how we’re leading the way at brattlebororetreat.org

Kids VT

april 2013 KidsVT.com

• Comforting, child-friendly design and decor • Private bedrooms for up to 12 children • Sensory room with soothing bubble tubes and other sensory integration tools • Multi-use community rooms • Low stimulation suite and quiet room • Dedicated family visiting space

Central Nurses Station

Now remodeled for 21st Century Care: Inpatient Mental Health Program for Children Ages 5-12 Community Activities Room

Get help now. 802-258-3700 24 hours a day. 7 days a week.

38

Brattleboro, Vermont • brattlebororetreat.org

k2v-BrattleboroRetreat0313.indd 1

2/21/13 3:15 PM

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

martial Arts and conflict Resolution for children, Ages 5-6 and 7-12: The Japanese martial art of Aikido integrates selfdefense with a philosophy of nonviolence and compassion. Children’s classes include physical conditioning, bully awareness and prevention, and methods to cultivate inner calm. Visitors are always welcome, and children can try a class. Kindergarten (5-6 year olds), Thu., 4 p.m. 7-12 year olds, Wed., 4 p.m. & Sat., 9 a.m. Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine Street, Burlington. Info: 951-8900, bpincus@ burlingtonaikido.org, burlingtonaikido.org.

Family Zumba: Family Zumba is a family friendly, cardio-dance class with a multicultural world beat. We play music that’s made for moving! The class balances the Zumba-style dance-party workout for adults with high-energy movement for kids. Everyone is welcome. It is a guaranteed good time and good workout!

Weekly on Sat., 11-11:45 a.m. Cost: Free for members, $12 for 1 child w/ adult.

Location: Greater Burlington YMCA, 266 College St., Burlington. Info: Diane Villa Schwartz, 652-8157, gbymca.org.

Hula Hoop Team, Ages 6-12: Learn how to make and decorate your own hula hoop the first week of class; the remaining 4 classes will be hula-hoop instruction with Alexa Algios. Algios is a member of the UVM Hula Hoop Team. The group will perform at the Kids Day Celebration on Sat., May 11. Preregistration required. Weekly on Wed., Apr. 3-May 8, 6-7 p.m. No class Apr. 24. Cost: $30/resident, $40/nonresident.

Location: CP Smith School Gymnasium, 332 Ethan Allen Parkway, Burlington. Info: Burlington Parks and Recreation, 8640123, enjoyburlington.com.

Painting, mixed media & sculpture, session ii, Ages 5-7: Come paint, draw, print and sculpt while engaging in a variety of creative activities. Different themes and media will be explored each week.

Themes will include abstract, realistic and imaginary imagery. Different styles of art and artists will be introduced. Weekly on Mon., Apr. 22-May 20, 3-4 p.m. Cost: $110.

Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: 253-8358, helenday.com.

Painting, mixed media & sculpture, session ii, Ages 8-10: Come paint, draw, print and sculpt while engaging in a variety of creative activities. Different themes and media will be explored each week.

Themes will include abstract, realistic and imaginary imagery. Different styles of art and artists will be introduced. Weekly on Thu., Apr. 25-May 30, 3-5 p.m. No class May 2. Cost: $110. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: 253-8358, helenday.com.

Art & movement, session ii, Ages 4-5: Trace, glue, cut, paint, play, build, laugh and explore the amazing world of visual art. Your child will create from their imagination and develop observation skills as well as practice verbalizing what they see. Children will also explore their bodies in playful movement games. Weekly on

Wed., Apr. 24-May 22, 1-2:30 p.m. Cost: $95. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: 253-8358, helenday. com. comic Book Fun/Build your own superhero! Ages 4-12: Create your own comic-book hero using all kinds of unexpected materials. Does your hero fly? Hop? Stretch? Is your hero blue, purple or rainbow? What kind of world does your hero make better? Imagine the possibilities! Sat., Apr. 27, 9:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Cost: $25. Location: Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: 253-8358. dancin’ With my Baby, Ages 6 wks.Preschool: Get out and get fit! This is the only fitness or dance class in Addison County that’s designed to include your baby. They will have FUN while you dance, tone and stretch. Let the music move you: rock, reggae, hip hop, salsa, funk, pop, blues, reggaeton, oldies, bollywood and more! Weekly on Fri., 9:30 a.m.

Preregistration recommended. Drop-ins welcome, space permitting. Cost: $75/6class session, $15/drop-in. 2+ children $100/6-class session, $20/drop-in.

Location: Town Hall Theater Studio, 68 S. Pleasant St., Middlebury. Info: Lindsey Hescock, 388-3381, lindseyhescock@ gmail.com. spring Group ice skating Lessons, Ages 5+: Join us on the Olympic Ice at Leddy Park Arena for a special 5-week session of skating lessons. Skaters will be grouped by ability as necessary. Rentals are available for $1 per class. Weekly on Wed., Apr. 3-May 8, 4:30-5:15 p.m. No class on Apr. 24. Cost: $55/Burlington residents, $65/ nonresidents. Location: Leddy Park Arena, 216 Leddy Park Rd., Burlington. Info: 8657558, enjoyburlington.com. cool camps at Leddy Park: skate & swim, Yoga, Hula Hoop! Ages 5+: Skate lessons, swim lessons, supervised games and activities included. Optional morning activities include: yoga, bike safety, soccer skills and hula hooping. 5 sessions to choose from Jul. 8-Aug. 23, 12-5 p.m. Extended care and morning activities optional. Cost: $150/wk.

Location: Leddy Park Arena, 216 Leddy Park Rd., Burlington. Info: 865-7558, enjoyburlington.com.

April cool-Adventure camp, Ages 5+: Leddy Park Arena and the Miller Center are teaming up to offer three camp options over April school break. Campers can attend Cool Camp from 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Adventure Camp from 12:30-5:30 p.m. or make a full day of it by registering for the combined Cool-Adventure Camp.

Visit website for more detail. Apr. 22-26.

Cost: $150/residents, $170/nonresidents for Cool Camp. $60/residents, $70/ nonresidents for Adventure Camp. $200/ residents, $220/nonresidents for CoolAdventure Camp. Location: Leddy Park Arena, 216 Leddy Park Rd., Burlington & Schmanska Barn, Grove St., Burlington.

Info: 865-7558, enjoyburlington.com. K

ages. Vergennes Opera House, 7:30 p.m. $10-12. Info, 877-6737.

5 FridAY (continueD)

community stuffed-Animal Buddies Night at the museum: Kids drop off their beloved critters for a fun-filled sleepover and pick them up at a Saturday breakfast. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $10. Info, 748-2372.

6 SATURDAY See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at Fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

dance

First Friday Family dance: A wholesome evening of live music and dancing ends with a song circle.

All ages. Worcester Town Hall, first Friday of every month, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $5-12. Info, 229-0173.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

Games

Game Night: Kids and adults fend off boredom with fun board games and cards. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See April 3. dancin’ With my Baby: See April 2.

Family Gym: Indoor playground equipment gives tumblers a chance to run free. Ages 7 and under.

Pomerleau Family YMCA, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.noon. $5-8 per family. Info, 862-8993.

Kids open Gymnastics: See April 3. open Gym: See April 1. 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 3-5 & 5-7 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See April 2.

Toddler Yoga & stories: Mini yogis come for simple stretches and stories. Ages 1-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:15 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Library & Books

French story Time: As part of International Children’s Book Day, library director Nicole Antal shares tales in two languages. No knowledge of French is required. All ages. Baxter Memorial Library, South Royalton, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 763-2875. songs & stories With matthew: Listeners start the day with tunes and tales of adventures. All ages.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m.

Free. Info, 878-6956. spanish musical Kids: See April 2, ages 1-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free.

Info, 865-7216.

movies

clay for Families: Special ceramics made in the studio are left for firing and glazing, then picked up later.

All ages. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-noon. $20 per parent/ child pair; $5 per additional person; preregister.

Info, 457-3500.

Kids craft: chick Pot: Feathers and googly eyes transform flowerpots into fabulous fowl. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5.

Info, 862-0646. saturday Art Hour: Creatively inclined? Families make perfectly patterned rolling-pin prints. Ages 2-18; children under 6 should be accompanied by an adult. The Art House Gallery, Studio & School, Craftsbury Common, 11 a.m.-noon. $8; preregister.

Info, 586-2200.

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

Free. Info, 524-7970. montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Brand-new mamas give their full attention to relaxation and strength building. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 10:3011:30 a.m. $15. Info, 778-0300.

community

Benefit Toy drive: The sale of donated and discounted playthings supports pediatric rehabilitation in the community. Crafts, games and food round out the affair. For kids ages 10 and under, with their parents. Kids’ RehabGYM, Colchester, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 729-8130.

Growing strong & Healthy Families Through Play: Parents and their little ones have a blast singing, dancing and crafting. Intended for Franklin and Grand Isle county families with infants and young children. High school gymnasium, BFA Fairfax, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 527-5426. stuffed-Animal Buddies Night at the museum: See April 5, 9-10 a.m.

dance

Education

A Children’s Department Store Toy • Books • Childwear Footwear • Baby/Nursery

one-on-one Tutoring: See April 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30-7, Sat 9:30-6, Sun 11-5

www.butterednoodles.com

k4t-ButteredNoodles0413.indd 1

3/28/13 2:29 PM

April is National Facial Protection Month

Mouth Guard Clinic

Get a custom mouth guard for a $20 donation to Vermont ORTHODONTICS ...just in time for DRS. PETERSON,Food RYANBank & EATON the spring sports season!

Tuesday, April 16th 5pm-7pm See our website for details

Everyone is welcome!

Free Ice creAm Gift Card Raffles!

ORTHODONTICS

DRS. PETERSON, RYAN & EATON

Braces for Children and Adults Williston 878-5323

St. Albans 527-7100

Kids VT

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

1/2 mile from Taft Corners across from the New England Federal Credit Union

39

www.champlainortho.net

6 sATurdAY, p. 40 k4t-ChamplainOrtho0413.indd 1

april 2013

Family math Program: Preschoolers and their parents put two and two together in fun arithmetic activities. Ages 3-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

64 Harvest Ln, Williston, VT 802.764.1810

KidsVT.com

submit your may event for print

by April 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

college Pathways: High school sophomores, juniors and parents get a jump on higher-education planning at a workshop hosted by VSAC. Lyndon State College, Lyndonville, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 888-943-7301.

We are always happy to measure your child’s feet, whether you are ready for a new pair of shoes or not.

At Buttered Noodles you’ll find trusted brands like Stride Rite, Pedipeds, See Kai Run, Teva and Bogs.

Plus new brands like Tsukihoshi, Japan’s most popular kids sneakers.

Baby & maternity

music

‘Fractured Fairy Tales’: From Rumpelstiltskin to The Frog Prince, the Little City Players reinvent classic children’s stories with wit and whimsy. All

ALAn LEVI- LoCAL STorE oWnEr

saturday Kids drop-in class: How does your garden grow? Green-thumbed kiddos create claycoil flower pots. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 for accompanying friend or sibling. Info, 985-3648.

After-school movie: Film buffs put up their feet and watch a flick, popcorn in hand. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Theater

"With over 25 years of footwear experience I’ve trained my staff to properly measure and expertly fit your children’s shoes"

Arts & crafts

Hopstop: Family Barn dancing: Folks of all ages shake a tail feather to fiddle tunes, piano accompaniment and calling by David Millstone. Ages 3 and up with an adult. Alumni Hall, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, 11 a.m. Free; seating is limited.

Info, 603-646-2010.

First Friday Youth classical music concert: Young instrumentalists perform polished solos, duets and trios in an aesthetically and acoustically beautiful setting. All ages. Christ the King Church, Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Donations accepted for young musicians in need. Info, 864-6411.

Trust Your Children’s Feet to the Experts

3/21/13 11:07 AM

APRIL CALENDAR 6 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)

Practice ACT Exam: Young scholars take the aptitude test, then learn how to improve their scores in sessions with a Princeton Review instructor. Ages 16-19. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1011:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-0313.

Food

Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, beef and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of “shop local” options. All ages.

Welcome Center, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

Info, 592-3088.

Capital City Winter Farmers Market: Root veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at an off-season celebration of locally grown food held in the gymnasium. All ages. Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes. All ages. Mary Hogan Elementary School, Middlebury, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 247-4699.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: Farmers offer produce, meats and maple syrup, which complement baked goods and handcrafted items from local artists. All ages. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Free. Info, 384-7447.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: More than 50 vendors sell local produce, cheese, homemade bread and other made-in-Vermont products. All ages.

Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 779-1485.

Sugar-on-Snow Party: Families sample the state’s “liquid gold” on ice — or with the traditional doughnut and pickle. Kids can feed the goats and meet

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

Burlington Stories With Megan: Fletcher Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

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

Essex Drop-In Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

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

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

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

St. Albans Story Hour: St. Albans Free Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

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

APRIL 2013 KIDSVT.COM KIDS VT

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

Info, 482-2878.

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

Info, 524-4643.

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

Library & Books

Bubble Trouble: Jeff Boyer offers good, clean fun through a one-man extravaganza of comedy, music and interactive “bubble magic.” Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Cleo the Therapy Dog: Tots are treated to tale time with a furry guest from Therapy Dogs of Vermont.

Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

South Burlington Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

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

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

South Burlington Tiny Tot Story Time: South Burlington Community Library, April 9, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 652-7080.

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

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

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

Waterbury Story Time: Thatcher Brook Primary School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 244-5605.

THURSDAY

Wilder Story Time: ‘Where the Wilder Things Are’: Wilder Club & Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 295-6341.

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

Fairfax Story Hour: Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Info, 849-2420.

Enosburg Tumble Time: Children burn off some extra energy with play time in the gym. Ages 6 and

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

TUESDAY

Essex Story Time for Babies & Toddlers: Brownell Library, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Burke Mountain Pond Skimming Celebration: Who will be King and Queen of the Pond? Fifty competitors brave the water on skis and snowboards for a shot, while onlookers savor the spectacle. Burke Mountain, East Burke, barbecue, noon; competition, 1 p.m. Call for price. Info, 626-7300.

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

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

Essex Story Time for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6955.

Health & Fitness

South Burlington Baby Book Time: South Burlington Community Library, April 10, 9:30 a.m. Free.

Info, 652-7080.

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

East Middlebury Preschool Stories: Sara Partridge Community Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Queen City Chess Club: Pawn pushers study the board in a quick lesson with a coach, followed by a few matches. Ages 5-14. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 8:30-9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 324-8450.

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

Williston Story Hour & Crafts: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

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

Yoga Tots: Toddlers and parents stretch it out in exercises meant to build self-esteem and positive attitudes toward physical activity. Ages 6 and under.

Highgate Public Library, 9-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Richford Story Hour: Arvin A. Library, 9:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 848-3313.

Waterbury Toddlers-’n’-Twos: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

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

Games

Highgate Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

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

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

under. Enosburg Elementary School, 9-10 a.m. Free.

Info, 527-5426.

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

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

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

other farmyard friends. All ages. Palmer’s Sugarhouse, Shelburne, noon-4 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5054.

WEDNESDAY Berkshire PJ Story Time: Berkshire Elementary School, second Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m.

Free. Info, 527-5426.

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

Essex Story Time for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: See Tuesday, 10-10:45 a.m.

Essex Toddler Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:3011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

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

Info, 372-4797.

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

Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

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

Quechee Story Time: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m.

Free. Info, 295-1232.

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

Colchester Preschool Story Time: See Monday, 10:30 a.m.

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

Franklin Story Time: Haston Library, 10-10:45 a.m.

Free. Info, 285-6505.

Middlebury Early-Literacy Story Time: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essex Drop-in Story Time: Brownell Library, second anf fourth Fridays, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Musical Thirds Story Time: Essex Free Library, third Friday of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 879-0313.

Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 933-2328.

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Burlington Story Time Adventures: South Burlington Community Library, no story time on April 5, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

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

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

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

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

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

South Burlington Story Time: See Wednesday, 11 a.m.

St. Johnsbury Story Time: See Tuesday, first Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m.

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

Russian Story Time: As part of International Children’s Book Day, local resident Yuliya Ballou shares the famous Russian fairy tale Repka.

All ages. Royalton Memorial Library, South Royalton, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 763-7094.

Food Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

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

Storyteller René the Unstoppable: Deaf-blind raconteur René Pellerin shares kid-friendly tales with American Sign Language and the help of an interpreter. Ages 5 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Used-Book Sale: Bibliophiles gather new reads for their nightstands. All ages. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Nature & Science

Egg Drop Challenge: Can a raw egg survive an 18foot plunge? Kids design protective containers and put them to the test. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 12-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: An astronomy expert offers a guided tour of the cosmos. Ages 5 and up.

Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 1:30-2:30 p.m. $5. Info, 748-2372.

Theater

‘Fractured Fairy Tales’: See April 5, 2 p.m.

Saturday Drama Club: Thespians help Very Merry Theatre produce a show in just three hours. Ages 5-12. Very Merry Theatre, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 (or pay what you can). Info, 863-6607.

7 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Postnatal Yoga: See April 4, 12:15 p.m.

Food

893-4644.

Games

Legos at the Library: Builders fashion architecturally sound constructions based on an inspiring theme. Ages 7-12. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Info,

Health & Fitness Hoopla: See April 1.

My First Yoga: See April 1.

Open Gym: See April 1.

Yoga Class: See April 1.

9 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Creative Tuesdays: See April 2.

Education

Life After High School: What Next?: Collegebound seniors and their parents or guardians explore the upcoming academic and social transitions with David Landers of St. Michael’s College and Annie Cressey of UVM. South Burlington High School, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 238-1054.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

Free Cone Day: The concept is easy — free ice cream! — but choosing between flavors like Chunky Monkey and Chubby Hubby is oh-so-hard. All ages.

Takes place at Ben & Jerry’s scoop shops nationwide. Ben & Jerry’s Factory, Waterbury, noon-8 p.m.

Info, 882-2034.

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Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

Sugar-on-Snow Party: See April 6.

Health & Fitness Family Gym: See April 5.

Open Gym: See April 1, 3-5 & 5-7 p.m.

Nature & Science

Cells!: Kiddos compare plant and animal cells using a compound microscope and their own cheek cells.

Ages 9 and up. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Parachutes: Curious kids make mini ’chutes to test air resistance. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See April 6.

Theater

‘Fractured Fairy Tales’: See April 5, 2 p.m.

Baby & Maternity Yoga After Baby: See April 1.

One-on-One Tutoring: See April 1.

Info, 864-1848 ‘Strange Matter’: Kids explore the mindboggling world of materials as they discover the science behind everyday products, such as DVDs and cellphones. Through May 12.

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, ST. JOHNSBURY

Info, 748-2372 ‘Wildflower Table’: This living exhibit reflects the abundance and diversity of flowers, grasses, berries, ferns and evergreens found in the Northeast Kingdom. Kids are introduced to more than 400 species displayed throughout the year, in both fruit and flowering stages.

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH

Info, 649-2200 ‘How People Make Things’: Visitors don hard hats and safety glasses to become factory technicians, workers or supervisors as they learn how people, ideas and technology contribute to the manufacture of familiar childhood objects.

Through June 2.

KIDS VT

41

Submit your May event for print

by April 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

ECHO LAKE AQUARIUM AND SCIENCE CENTER, BURLINGTON

APRIL 2013

Education

Ongoing Exhibits

KIDSVT.COM

8 MONDAY

9 TUESDAY, P. 42

april calendar 9 TuEsdAY (continued)

Games

Youth media Lab: See April 3.

Game on!: Kids learn new diversions or play old faves. All ages. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

may’s music & movement: See April 3.

chess club: See April 2.

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

Health & Fitness

dancin’ With my Baby: See April 2. martial Arts class: See April 2. moovin’ & Groovin’: See April 2.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See April 2.

Library & Books

Little Night-owl story Time: Listeners swoop in for some bedtime tales, songs and crafts. Ages 5 and under. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 6:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 879-0313.

Parenting

Vermont Family Network Annual conference: Parents and professionals caring for children with special needs come together to hear keynote speaker Laura Basili discuss transforming hope into action. Hilton Burlington, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. $55-100; preregister. Info, 800-800-4005.

Education

History for Homeschoolers: Reading, writing and hands-on activities hosted by the Vermont Historical Society offer a new perspective on the past. Ages 6-12. Vermont History Center, Barre, April 11, 1-3 p.m. $4-5; preregister. Info, 828-1314.

and

“Thank You”

C

M

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

Free. Info, 985-8228.

community

“Please”

NooK Kids APPtivity: See April 3. one-on-one Tutoring: See April 1, 4:30-6 p.m.

Y

social Thinking: See April 3.

CM

Food

MY

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

CY

CMY

Kids VT

april 2013 KidsVT.com

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Pollywog Preschool drop-in: See April 4.

Education community dinners on High school innovation: See April 4, National Life Group, Montpelier, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 828-0262.

History for Homeschoolers: See April 10, 1-3 p.m. one-on-one Tutoring: See April 1, 3-6 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

Games

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

Teen Wii challenge: Tech-savvy youngsters try out the video-game console. Ages 12 and up. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See April 2.

Library & Books

VolunTeens: Young adults plan events for the library. Grades 7-12. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

music

‘oliver! The musical’: Thirty-two area youth help stage Lyric Theatre Company’s lively, tune-filled tale about a boy who dared to ask for “some more.”

See calendar spotlight on page 35. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $21-33; student and senior discounts available. Info, 863-5966.

Health & Fitness

12 FRIDAY

Kids open Gymnastics: See April 3.

Family clay drop-in: See April 5.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See April 2.

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‘divine Rhymes, Just in Time’: Composed of people with and without disabilities, the Awareness Theater Company offers spirited live music, dance and original skits. Appropriate for all elementary grade levels. Fuller Hall, St. Johnsbury Academy, 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. $4. Info, 748-2600.

Theater

open Gym: See April 1.

This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration.

Theater

Games

Afternoon Hoops: See April 3.

888-252-0202

Preschool discovery Program: See April 3.

music With mr. chris: See April 4.

Lego Afternoons: See April 3.

vermontfederal.org

Aspiring Naturalists Teen Program: On a monthly exploration, young adults practice primitive skills, from building a fire by friction to foraging for wild edibles. Ages 14-17. Shelburne Farms, 4:30-7 p.m.

Preregister. Info, 985-0327.

cookie decorating: See April 3.

Georgia Family Game Night: Players sit down for friendly competitions of Candy Land, checkers and Monopoly. Visitors are welcome to bring their own games, too. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

L O C A L VA L U E S . U N E X P E C T E D A D VA N TA G E S .

Nature & science

Arts & crafts

mommy & me Yoga: See April 3.

are just as important as

Preschool music With Raphael: See April 3.

10 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

Dollars and Cents

moving & Grooving With christine: See April 3.

11 THURSDAY

Arts for Tots: See April 3.

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music

Early-Literacy Parent Workshop: See April 2.

Arts & crafts

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movies

Arts & crafts

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: See April 5.

Tadpole Preschool clay drop-in: See April 5.

Supports local farmers and pleases little palates.

community

Food

milton High school coffee House: Students and teachers showcase their musical, artistic and literary talents before an open mic. All ages.

Milton High School, 6-8 p.m. Free.

Info, 893-4922.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

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

Teen Night: Adolescents enjoy pizza, popcorn, a movie on the big screen or themed activities, supervised by an experienced staff. Ages 12 and up. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 8-11 p.m. $10. Info, 253-6138.

Education

Homeschool Project day: Out-of-classroom learners present their current studies with peers. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Preschool Family day: Adults and children explore indoor and outdoor play spaces during a morning of seasonal crafts or cooking projects. Teachers are on hand to answer questions about the nature- and play-based curriculum. Ages 2-6. Willow Morning Garden, Shelburne, 9-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 985-3900.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See April 3.

Available at: Healthy Living • Harvest Market • Natural Provisions The Farm Store • City Market • Vermont Maple Outlet

dancin’ With my Baby: See April 2.

Family Gym: See April 5.

Kids open Gymnastics: See April 3.

open Gym: See April 1, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 3-5 & 5-7 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See April 2.

Toddler Yoga & stories: See April 5.

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movies

• FIESTA BOX KIT SERIES starting at $1395!

After-school movie: See April 5.

Nature & science

Pajama Party: Inquisitive attendees tune in for animal tails — er, tales — regarding turtles, owls, snakes, falcons and more. Families with children ages 3 to 8. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 6:30-7:15 p.m. $8-10 per adult/child pair; $3-4 per additional participant; preregister. Info, 359-5000, ext. 223.

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12 FridAY, p. 43

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Call or E-mail for a FREE 2013 Catalog with our Sale Pricing!

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

HEALTHY KIDS DAY SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 9AM-2PM The Pomerleau Family Y in Burlington

Get a jump on summer at the 13th annual Healthy Kids Day, a FREE community event packed with fun.

• Make your own hula hoop* • Open swim

High Spirits

• Bounce castle and itty bitty play area

Does mud season have your kids climbing the walls? That’s nothing compared to the high-flying accomplishments of cirquE ZumA ZumA. From Egyptian limbo dancing to Gabonese tumbling, the troupe represents 16 african nations. performers spin gracefully above the ground in aerial silks and stamp their feet rhythmically in gumboot dances. They juggle while precariously perched on freestanding ladders and launch themselves into pyramids of dizzying heights.

• Make your own snacks and smoothies

• Community booths KidsVT.com

• Get your caricature from Carl • Meet Y camp and education staff

april 2013

• Face painting

Learn more at gbymca.org or 862-YMCA *while supplies last

Kids VT

43

Cirque Zuma Zuma: Tuesday, april 30, 7 p.m., at Flynn MainStage in Burlington. all ages. $15-36. info, 863-5966. flynntix.org k4t-YMCA0413.indd 1

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APRIL CALENDAR

Playgroups

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

MONDAY Barre Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, 10 a.m.-noon. $10 child. Info, 223-0517.

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

Cambridge Hometown Playgroup: Cambridge Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-0539.

Colchester Playgroup: Malletts Bay School, 9-11 a.m.

Free. Info, 264-5900.

Essex Open Gym: Regal Gymnastics Academy, 11 a.m.-noon. $8; free for children under 18 months. Info, 655-3300.

Isle La Motte Playgroup: Isle La Motte School, 7:309:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Jericho Playgroup: Jericho Community Center, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Moretown Playgroup: Moretown Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 262-3292.

Morrisville Hometown Playgroup: Morristown Graded Building, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-0539.

Rutland Babies & Toddlers Rock: Rutland Free Library, first Monday of every month, 10-10:30 a.m. Free.

Info, 773-1860.

South Burlington Music With Raphael: Kids City, 11:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 859-9130.

South Hero Playgroup: South Hero Congregational Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Swanton Playgroup: Mary S. Babcock School, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Twinfield Playgroup: Twinfield Union School, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 262-6071.

Waterbury Playgroup: Thatcher Brook Primary School, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 244-5605.

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

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

Wolcott Playgroup: Wolcott Depot Center Preschool, 8:15-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-0539.

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

Colchester Playgroup: See Monday.

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

Colchester Teddy Bear Picnic: Malletts Bay School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5906.

Essex BBF Playgroup: Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 872-9580.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday.

Georgia Playgroup: Georgia Elementary & Middle School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

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

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

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

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

Richford Playgroup: Cornerstone Bridges to Life Community Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Waterbury Music and Movement: Thatcher Brook Primary School, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-5605.

THURSDAY Alburgh Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, Alburgh, Free. Info, 527-5426.

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

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

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesday.

Essex BBF Playgroup: See Tuesday.

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

Essex Open Gym: See Monday.

Barre Open Gym: See Monday.

Fletcher Tumble Time: Fletcher Elementary School, fourth Thursday of every month, 9-10:30 a.m. Free.

Info, 527-5426.

Enosburg Playgroup: American Legion - Enosburg, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 933-6435.

Johnson Hometown Playgroup: United Church of Johnson, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-0539.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday.

Milton Playgroup: See Tuesday.

Essex Welcome Baby Playgroup: Move You Fitness Studio, 10 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 872-9580.

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

WEDNESDAY

Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Hinesburg Playgroup for Dads: Annette’s Preschool, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Milton Baby Playgroup: Milton Town Office Community Room, 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4922.

Waitsfield Playgroup: Big Picture Theater, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 262-3292.

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

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

Baby & Maternity

13 SATURDAY

Good Beginnings Baby & Child Expo Extravaganza: Good Beginnings of Central Vermont hosts this inaugural gathering, complete with the Baby-Wearing Fashion Show, the Baby Olympics of Crawling, Cloth Diapering 101 and more. Montpelier High School, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $5; free for ages 18 and under. Info, 595-7953.

Arts & Crafts

Art Studio Drop-In: Little learners explore current exhibits through creative drawing, painting or sculpting projects. Ages 6 and up. BCA Center, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Info, 865-7166.

Kids Craft: Stuffed-Felt Buttefly: Fabric paint adds detail to handmade winged wonders. Ages 5 and up.

Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Saturday Art Hour: Creatively inclined? Families adorn colorful necklaces, bracelets and earrings with soft felt beads. Ages 2-18; children under 6 should be accompanied by an adult. The Art House

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See April 6.

Waterbury Playgroup: See Monday.

sheep get a haircut, and learn to spin and felt. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $5-6. Info, 985-8686.

Saturday Morning at the Museum: Specially geared toward families, this gathering invites visitors to explore every inch of the quirky collections. All ages. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-noon. $5 per family. Info, 748-2372.

Dance

Spring Fever Dance-a-Thon: Dancers pledge to show off their moves for one to six hours at this family-friendly fundraiser supporting Winooski Dollars for Scholars, a nonprofit organization that gives merit-based scholarships to Winooski students. Winooski Welcome Center, 2-8 p.m. $25 fundraising donation; preregister.

Community

‘Young Forever: Back to Neverland’: Think happy thoughts: The Vermont Youth Dancers stage a sequel to J.M. Barrie’s fanciful story, using hip-hop, jazz and lyrical choreography. See calendar spotlight on page 49. Mount Mansfield Union High School, Jericho, 6:30 p.m. $4. Info, 448-0893.

Leaping Lambs & Shear Delights: Fleece lovers have fun with fiber as they visit new lambs, watch

Education

Kids Night Out: One- to 4-year-olds and 5- to 12-year-olds attend separate sessions featuring everything from pizza to pool time. Pomerleau Family YMCA, Burlington, 5:30-8 p.m. $8-16; preregister.

Info, 862-9622.

Fairfax Community Playgroup: BFA Fairfax, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

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

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

Montgomery Tumble Time: Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Stowe Hometown Playgroup: Stowe Community Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-0539.

Swanton Late-Morning Playgroup: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Underhill Playgroup: Underhill Central School, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Waterbury Playgroup: See Monday.

Worcester Playgroup: Doty Memorial School, 9-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 229-0173.

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

‘Oliver! The Musical’: See April 11.

Essex Open Gym: See Monday.

Montpelier Dads and Kids: Family Center of Washington County, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 262-3292, ext.

115.

Williston Music With Raphael: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Saturday Kids Drop-In Class: Crafters soak up some rays as they make sun catchers. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 for accompanying friend or sibling. Info, 985-3648.

Essex Center Playgroup: Memorial Hall, 9-11 a.m.

Free. Info, 878-6751.

Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7147; jakruwet@yahoo.com.

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

Gallery, Studio & School, Craftsbury Common, 11 a.m.-noon. $10; preregister. Info, 586-2200.

FRIDAY

Montpelier Baby Playgroup: St. Augustine Parish, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 262-3292, ext. 115.

South Burlington Baby Time: Faith United Methodist Church, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 658-3659.

‘Kids Have Talent (Everyone Is a Winner)’: Performers showcase their skills at this feel-good gathering. Colchester High School, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister to perform. Info, 734-5662.

APRIL 2013 KIDSVT.COM

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

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

Theater

KIDS VT

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

TUESDAY

12 FRIDAY (CONTINUED)

44

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

One-on-One Tutoring: See April 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

SATURDAY Fairfax Open Tot Gym & Infant Playtime: BFA Fairfax, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Montpelier Playgroup: Family Center of Washington County, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 262-3292.

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

Food

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

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See April 6.

Sugar-on-Snow Party: See April 6.

Games

Queen City Chess Club: See April 6.

Vermont Scholastic Chess Championships: Checkmate! Students in grades K through 12 study the board and make calculated moves in competitions matched up according to grade level. Berlin Elementary School, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $12-20 registration; free for spectators. Info, 223-1948.

Health & Fitness

Franklin Tumble Time: Gym time provides

Vermont Ballet Theater School

youngsters the opportunity to run, jump and play. Ages 6 and under. Franklin Central School, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Healthy Kids Day: Wee ones learn about the importance of nutrition and exercise through active play, entertainment, snacks and prizes. All ages.

Pomerleau Family YMCA, Burlington, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

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

Library & Books

Book Sale: Page turners sift through secondhand stories. All ages. Faith United Methodist Church, South Burlington, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7076.

Music

Vermont Youth Orchestra Chorus & Concert Chorale: Jeffrey Buettner conducts musical upand-comers in “Toward the Unknown Region,” a “program for a new generation” featuring works by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Arvo Pärt. Elley-Long Music Center, Colchester, 7:30 p.m. $7-12. Info, 863-5966.

Nature & Science

Creeping Colors: Marker dyes break down into a rainbow of hues as small scientists watch capillary action. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See April 6.

Skulls: Science lovers explore skeletal remains of local wildlife. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Sprouts for Your Sprout!: Participants green their thumbs as they plant a tray of edible pea shoots to bring home. Ages 4 and up. Gardener’s Supply, Williston, 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 658-2433.

Theater

‘Oliver! The Musical’: See April 11, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

Saturday Drama Club: See April 6.

‘The Ugly Duckling’: Hans Christian Andersen’s 1843 fable inspires this uplifting performance about a deaf bird, which is signed and spoken simultaneously. Paramount Theater, Rutland, 2 p.m. $10.50-15.50. Info, 775-0903.

14 SUNDAY

Dance

Planetarium Presentation: See April 6.

Theater

‘Oliver! The Musical’: See April 11, 2 p.m.

15 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity Yoga After Baby: See April 1.

Education

Family Math Program: See April 6, 6:30-7:15 p.m.

One-on-One Tutoring: See April 1.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

Games

info@vbts.org

Summer Intensive for Teens!

Week-long dance intensive for the teen dancer that wants to take their dance training to a higher level. Dance all day, every day and we’ll help you to reach your goal!!

Shelburne Campus 4066 Shelburne Rd “The Dance Shop” at VBTS 802-879-7001

k4t-vtbs0413.indd 1

Library & Books

Pajama Story Time: Kids jam out in their jammies to tales, crafts and bedtime snacks with Abby Klein.

Favorite stuffed animals are welcome to attend, too.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

RU12? Rainbow Reading Hour: See April 1, 5:306:30 p.m.

Movies

3/29/13 10:18 AM

A fun-filled day for families with children age six and under.

Young Adult Film Crew: Aspiring actors, directors and audiovisual buffs put together a program for Lake Champlain Access Television. Ages 12-18.

Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Nature & Science

Magnetic Moments: Budding scientists experiment with invisible pull. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Arts & Crafts

Pony rides

Baby & Maternity

Admission is free

Creative Tuesdays: See April 2.

Natural Beginnings: Mothers gather at this breast-feeding support group. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4095.

Live music

fAce PAinting

Lunch

crAfts

359 Turtle Lane (off Harbor Road in Shelburne) www.lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org (802)985-2827

KIDS VT

Microscopic Investigations: Hand lenses and microscopes help kids discover there’s more to the world than meets the eye. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum

802-878-2941

APRIL 2013

Nature & Science

For schedule & registration information visit us at www.vbts.org or call:

Essex Campus 21 Carmichael St

NEW!

Open Gym: See April 1.

Yoga Class: See April 1.

This su come mmer with th dance e be VBTS st at

KIDSVT.COM

Open Gym: See April 1, 3-5 & 5-7 p.m.

• Weekly ballet classes for young dancers to adults; beginner to advanced.

My First Yoga: See April 1.

16 TUESDAY

Family Gym: See April 5.

• Week-long ballet mini-intensive for ages 12-18, for the serious dancer.

Hoopla: See April 1.

Sugar-on-Snow Party: See April 6.

Health & Fitness

• Week-long jazz and tap camps for ages 5-12.

Health & Fitness

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

• Week-long ballet-themed camps for ages 3-9.

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

Straw Rockets: Imaginative inventors use air power to make space contraptions fly. All ages.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m.

Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

‘Young Forever: Back to Neverland’: See April 13, 1:30 p.m.

Inspiring dancers, bringing art to life PHOTOS BY KIRSTEN NAGIBA

Vermont Fiddle Orchestra: Stringed-instrument players and clogger Ann Whiting share the stage at a 10th anniversary reunion concert. Ages 6 and up.

Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, 7 p.m. $1215; free for children under 12. Info, 877-343-3531.

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

2013 Summer Classes & Camps

45

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community Kidsafe collaborative Annual Awards Luncheon: Master of ceremonies Dr. Lewis First presides over a celebration of the individuals who have improved the safety and well-being of children and families in Chittenden Country. The Sunset Ballroom, Comfort Suites, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 863-9626.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

Games

chess club: See April 2. magic: The Gathering: Fans of this trading-card game gather to play with their own decks, or borrow

ones from the library. Grades 6-12. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 4-6 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See April 2. moovin’ & Groovin’: See April 2.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See April 2.

Library & Books

Pajama story Time: Folks from Middlebury College’s Page One Literacy program lead an evening of fun in flannel. All ages. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4369.

PJ story Time: Lullabies, bedtime tales and warm milk ease the transition to dreamland. Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Free. Info, 827-3945.

Nature & science

Build it! A Parent/child Workshop: Tools and teamwork yield miniature cars, robots, houses and other amazing works of art. For children in grades K-3 and a parent. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 2-4 p.m. $20-25. Info, 649-2200.

Hoopster Gliders: Creativity soars as kids craft a flying contraption. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

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

brodeur

Education

File: Jeb Wallace-

Family math Program: See April 6, 6:30-7:15 p.m.

NooK Kids APPtivity: See April 3. one-on-one Tutoring: See April 1, 4:30-6 p.m. social Thinking: See April 3.

Food

Games

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See April 2.

Library & Books

middle school Books-to-Film discussion: Words jump from the page to the screen as readers recap John Boyne’s The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, then watch the film adaptation. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Health & Fitness

Nature & science

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: Youth sleuths clue into the origins of preserved remains. All ages.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m.

Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200. mirror, mirror: See April 14.

Pajama story Time: Small ones curl up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. Ages 18 months-5 years.

Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 878-0313.

19 FRIDAY

movies

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: See April 5.

Youth media Lab: See April 3.

Tadpole Preschool clay drop-in: See April 5.

music

Education

may’s music & movement: See April 3. moving & Grooving With christine: See April 3.

april 2013 KidsVT.com

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

music With mr. chris: See April 4.

Library & Books

Kids VT

Food

music

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See April 2.

46

one-on-one Tutoring: See April 1, 3-6 p.m.

Lego Afternoons: See April 3.

open Gym: See April 1.

PARENTs’ NiGHT ouT: Friday, May 3, 6-8:30 p.m., and Saturday, May 4, 5:30-8 p.m., at Pomerleau Family Y, Burlington. $10-18; preregister. Info, 862-9622. vermontrestaurantweek.com

Education

Games

Kids open Gymnastics: See April 3.

VERmoNT REsTAuRANT WEEK: Friday, April 26, through Sunday, May 5, all day, at participating restaurant locations statewide. All ages. Cost of food and drink. Partial proceeds benefit the Vermont Foodbank. Info, 864-5684. vermontrestaurantweek.com

Pollywog Preschool drop-in: See April 4.

cookie decorating: See April 3.

Afternoon Hoops: See April 3.

dining out is on the menu during Seven Days’ VERmoNT REsTAuRANT WEEK, when more than 100 restaurants throughout the state offer delicious deals on multicourse meals. the whole family can eat out affordably.

More interested in a table for two? Sign your kids up for childcare at the pomerleau Family Y in Burlington. Kids play games and watch movies while their parents get a fine-food fix.

Arts & crafts

Young Writers club: Budding scribes work on exercises and prompts designed to ignite a creative spark. Grades 4-12. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

Bite Size

18 THURSDAY

shelburne magic club: See April 4, 6-8 p.m.

17 WEDNESDAY

Big Picture Theater and Café is participating in Vermont Restaurant Week

Audubon Center, Huntington, 10-11 a.m. $8-10 per adult/child pair; $4 per additional child; preregister.

Info, 434-3068.

Preschool music With Raphael: See April 3. song circle: community sing-Along: Songbirds raise their voices with Rich and Laura Atkinson. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:45 p.m.

Free. Info, 426-3581.

Nature & science

Foresters for the Birds: Avian enthusiasts learn about how timber harvests can protect and improve the habitats of breeding forest birds. Ages 12 and up.

North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7-8 p.m.

Donations accepted; preregister. Info, 229-6206. optical Tops: Seeing things? Small scientists explore how rotational motion can create visual illusions. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Parachutes: See April 7, 3 p.m.

Preschool discovery Program: See April 3. salamander sleuths: Nature lovers seek springtime amphibians under damp forest rocks and logs.

Ages 3-5 with an adult companion. Green Mountain

Arts & crafts

Family clay drop-in: See April 5.

Homeschool meet & Greet: Experienced homeschool providers and interested parents swap ideas and experiences as kids play in the craft room. Coffee and doughnuts provided. St. Albans Free Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

Health & Fitness

Afternoon Hoops: See April 3.

Family Gym: See April 5.

Kids open Gymnastics: See April 3. open Gym: See April 1, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 3-5 & 5-7 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See April 2.

Toddler Yoga & stories: See April 5.

Library & Books

Jiggity Jog: A tuneful meetup with Miss Susan entails singing, dancing and instrument playing.

South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 652-7080. songs & stories With matthew: See April 5.

Youth Night: Teens and tweens hang out and enjoy movies, snacks and projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, 6-9 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

movies

After-school movie: See April 5.

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

Nature & science

Batteries & motors: Light bulbs flicker — both literally and metaphorically — as kids make and measure electricity. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2.

Info, 649-2200.

Family Rocket Workshop: Compressed air and water power this high-flying physics experiment.

All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-noon & 2-3:30 p.m. $20 per family; preregister. Info, 649-2200. sound science: Good listeners explore how audio travels through different materials. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

20 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Kids craft: Letter Plaque: Children practice their ABCs as they personalize a letter from the alphabet to hang on their bedroom doors. Ages 5 and up.

Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5.

Info, 862-0646. major mess: Art projects inspire kids to break out the creativity — and leave the cleanup for later. All ages. ArtisTree Community Art Center, Woodstock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $10; preregister. Info, 457-3500. saturday Art Hour: Creatively inclined? Families dip Easter eggs into dye — and older children create designs with hot wax. Ages 2-18; children under 6 should be accompanied by an adult. The Art House Gallery, Studio & School, Craftsbury Common, 11 a.m.-noon. $10; preregister. Info, 586-2200. saturday Kids drop-in class: Things go swimmingly as youngsters create foil-and-string fish.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 for accompanying friend or sibling. Info, 985-3648.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See April 6.

Regional Baby shower: A celebration for Prenatal Families: New and expectant parents receive information about prenatal, postpartum and newborn care at a group party with games and refreshments. Enosburg Opera House, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 527-5426.

community

Family Fun Night: Dive on in: This intergenerational evening includes swimming, a bounce castle, a movie and food. All ages. Pomerleau Family YMCA, Burlington, 5-8 p.m. $3-5. Info, 862-9622.

one-on-one Tutoring: See April 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

Rutland Winter Farmers market: See April 6. sugar-on-snow Party: See April 6.

Games

Queen city chess club: See April 6.

Health & Fitness

otter creek mud Run: Athletes of all ages go the distance in a community 5K, followed by a kids run.

All ages. Otter Creek Child Center, Middlebury, registration, 7:30 a.m.; race begins at 8:30 a.m. $825. Info, 388-9688.

Library & Books

cleo the Therapy dog: See April 6.

Nature & science

Bird-monitoring Walk: Beginning birders embrace ornithology on an identification walk.

Appropriate for older children. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 8-10 a.m. Donations accepted. Info, 434-3068.

EcHo Earth Week/mudFest: Over the course of nine days, kids celebrate messy signs of the season through the always-popular Mud Fling and Muddy Music, featuring local singer-songwriters. All ages.

ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $9.50-12.50; free for kids ages 2 and under. Info, 877-324-6386.

Visit Kidsvt.com Click “Register” to create a user profile.

Write a comment on any topic for your chance to win...

Deadline: April 26

Family Fun Night: A VINS naturalist helps visitors scout out signs of early-spring amphibians. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 6:30-8:30 p.m. $8-10; preregister.

Info, 359-5000.

Fingerprints: Kids get up close and personal with their prints, exploring what makes them unique. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Glaciers: Small geologists explore the properties of ice. Ages 9 and up. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See April 6.

Theater

saturday drama club: See April 6.

21 SUNDAY

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

$50

sugar-on-snow Party: See April 6.

Health & Fitness Family Gym: See April 5.

Gift Card

open Gym: See April 1, 3-5 & 5-7 p.m.

Library & Books

to

spanish story Hour: Niños listen to a new language in the children’s room. Bradford Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 222-4536.

Kids VT

47

submit your may event for print

by April 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Norwich Winter Farmers market: See April 6.

april 2013

Education

middlebury Winter Farmers market: See April 6.

KidsVT.com

Lil’ Vermonters consignment Event: Thrifty shoppers browse baby, child and maternity items.

All ages. St. John Vianney Church, South Burlington, main sale, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; half-price sale, 6-7 p.m.

Free. Info, 860-810-9872.

maple day: Got a sweet tooth? The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association serves up maple cotton candy and sugar on snow from a mobile sugar shack. All ages. City Market, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Free. Info, 861-9700.

Got Something to Say?

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10

DAYS!

a field-to-fork

festival!

APRIL 26-MAY 5 TO BENEFIT

Just $1 provides 3 meals to Vermonters in need.

100+ locations offer inventive, three-course dinners for $15, $25 or $35 per person. Lunch at some eateries is $10 or less!

Donate at: vermontrestaurantweek.com

D

Sunday, April 28. Cocktail hour 4 p.m., movie 5 p.m. Palace 9 Cinemas, So. Burlington. $7.50.

essert comes first at this Restaurant Week-eve kick-off battle where pastry chefs from every corner of the state compete and foodies feast. Scores from celebrity judges — Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Ben Cohen, “Next Great Baker” runner-up Gretel-Ann Fischer and Vermont drag legend Amber LeMay — and votes from you decide the winner of Vermont Restaurant Week’s Signature Sweet.

Smackdown

Wednesday, April 24, 7-9 p.m. Higher Ground Ballroom, So. Burlington.

Tickets on sale April 1: $15 adv./$20, highergroundmusic.com.

Find menus, events and contest info at:

vermontrestaurantweek.com PREMIER SPONSORS

To some, sushi is just raw fish.

To Jiro Ono, it’s a life’s work.

This film examines the relentless pursuit of perfection that has won Ono’s 10-seat Tokyo restaurant three Michelin stars and famous fans, including chef

Tuesday, April 30, 6:30-9 p.m.

Nectar’s, Burlington. No cover.

Compete for prizes in seven rounds of foodie trivia hosted

by Seven Days and Top Hat Entertainment. The top team wins a $500 gift card to Burton’s flagship store. Limited space.

Preregister on the Vermont Restaurant Week website by April 26.

SALON: THE REAL COST OF LOCAL FOOD

Wednesday, May 1, 5:30-7 p.m.

Signal Kitchen, Burlington. $5 donation.

Joël Robuchon. Like the best sushi, it will touch your heart and your taste buds. The prescreening cocktail hour features sushi snacks, DFV wines, Shipyard brews and Vermont White Vodka.

Vermont may be an epicenter for farm-to-table cuisine, but farmers and restaurateurs still grapple with the challenge of getting fresh, local food onto your plate. Discuss the topic with Bluebird restaurateur Sue Bette, Jericho Settler’s Farm co-owner Christa Alexander, food system pragmatist Sean Buchanan of Black River

OFFICIAL WINE & BEER BY G. HOUSEN

Produce and Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery cofounder Alison Hooper. Seven Days co-founder Pamela Polston moderates.

CHILDCARE: PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

Friday, May 3, 6-8:30 p.m. & Saturday, May 4, 5:30-8 p.m. $10/$18.

Childcare for kids ages 2-12 at the Greater Burlington YMCA. Preregistration required: 862-9622.

SALSA SATURDAY

Saturday, May 4, 4:30-7 p.m.

Red Square, Burlington. $5 donation.

Round out your Restaurant Week adventure with this “Cuatro de Mayo” finale featuring a homemade salsa competition, salsa dance lessons and salsa tunes by DJ Hector Cobeo. Sample treats from Vermont Butter and Cheese, Vermont White Vodka and ... salsa, of course!

MEDIA SPONSORS

48

Kids VT money issue sponsored by: new england Federal CrediT union

April 2013

KidsVT.Com

special events

FOODIE FLICK: CULINARY PUB QUIZ JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI

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april calendar

courteSY of thereSa roBinSon

Finding Neverland according to Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie: “all the world is made of faith, and trust, and pixie dust.” that last item — pixie dust — figures prominently in younG FoREVER: BacK To nEVERLand, an original dance performance by Vermont Youth dancers. Seamlessly combining hip-hop, jazz and lyrical choreography with modern music, the 30-member troupe of six to 16-year-olds spins a story about future generations of the darling clan. With appearances by tinkerbell, toodles and tiger lily, it promises to be “an awfully big adventure.” younG FoREVER: BacK To nEVERLand: Saturday, April 13, 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 14, 1:30 p.m., at Mount Mansfield Union High School in Jericho. All ages. $4. Info, 448-0893. vermontyouthdancers.weebly.com

21 sunday (continued)

23 TUESDAY

nature & science

arts & crafts

color mixing: Preschoolers and their families blend primary colors into brand-new hues. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

EcHo Earth Week/mudFest: See April 20, 10 a.m.4 p.m.

Leafcutter ants: Nature fans investigate the secret lives of “insect fungus farmers.” All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See April 6.

22 MONDAY

Baby & maternity yoga after Baby: See April 1.

creative Tuesdays: See April 2.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

Games

chess club: See April 2.

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

Lego Fun: Budding builders share blocks. Grades K and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

martial arts class: See April 2. moovin’ & Groovin’: See April 2.

Education

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See April 2.

Ready for school With mother Goose: math night: See April 4, 2 p.m.

Food

Lights, camera, action!: Fledgling filmmakers learn the basics of moviemaking at a four-day camp.

Grades 3 and up. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 9 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 388-4097.

Health & Fitness

movie day: Snacks are provided for big-screen flicks. Call ahead for the film choice. Milton Public Library, 1-3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

one-on-one Tutoring: See April 1.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

open Gym: See April 1. yoga class: See April 1.

EcHo Earth Week/mudFest: See April 20, 10 a.m.4 p.m. magnetic moments: See April 15.

Kids open Gymnastics: See April 3.

Baby & maternity

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See April 2.

nursing Beyond a year: Moms gather to discuss the joys and challenges of an older nursling. Discussion topics include nighttime parenting, weaning and setting limits. Bring a snack to share. Aikido of Champlain Valley, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free.

Info, 879-3000.

Pregnancy circle: Mothers-to-be practice labor breathing and relaxation while sharing positive birth stories. A healthy snack is provided. Birth Journeys, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. $5-15 sliding scale; preregister. Info, 324-8809.

community

Families Together support Group: Parents of children with special needs convene for information and connections. Vermont Family Network, Williston, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 876-5315, ext. 215.

Teddy Bear Tea Party: Children and their stuffedanimal friends are in for a bear-y good time. Ages 6-10. Middlebury Community House, 12-1:30 p.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 388-4097.

Education

nooK Kids aPPtivity: See April 3. one-on-one Tutoring: See April 1, 4:30-6 p.m. school Vacation adventures: Little learners explore the new Vermont Heritage Galleries, learning about the Civil War and our state’s natural resources through exhibits, snacks, crafts and games. Ages 6-12. Vermont History Center, Barre, 1-4 p.m. $6-8.

Info, 828-1413.

open Gym: See April 1.

Library & Books

Financial-Literacy story Time: By sharing Fran Kennedy’s The Pickle Patch Bathtub, Lisa Helme of the Vermont State Treasurer’s Office teaches kids to set goals for saving money. Grades K-4. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

movies

movie matinee: Film buffs screen a PG-rated superhero story. Call the library for details. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

music

Eric Herman: See April 23. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 652-7080. Warren Public Library, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 496-3913. moving & Grooving With christine: See April 3.

Preschool music With Raphael: See April 3.

nature & science

EcHo Earth Week/mudFest: See April 20, 10 a.m.4 p.m. mirror, mirror: See April 14.

Parachutes: See April 7, 3 p.m.

social Thinking: See April 3.

Vermont Wildlife Program: Animal lovers attend a talk featuring live, nonreleasable creatures, such as hawks, owls, reptiles and small mammals. Ages 5 and up. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Food

25 THURSDAY

Hoopster Gliders: See April 16, 11 a.m.

cookie decorating: See April 3.

Education

Kitchen chemistry: Mad scientists combine common household products, which yield unexpectedly entertaining results. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum

Games

community dinners on High school innovation: See April 4, Brattleboro Union High School, 6-8 p.m.

Eric Herman: This Washington state singer-songwriter delivers cool tunes for kids. St. Albans Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

nature & science

EcHo Earth Week/mudFest: See April 20, 10 a.m.4 p.m.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

Lego afternoons: See April 3.

49

25 THuRsday, p. 50

Kids VT

Paper-cup Telephones: Ring, ring! Talkers and listeners discover whether sound can really travel through a string. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2.

Info, 649-2200.

24 WEDNESDAY

afternoon Hoops: See April 3.

april 2013

nature & science

music

Health & Fitness

KidsVT.com

Hoopla: See April 1.

movies

admission, $10-12; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Now Enrolling for 2013-14!

LOOK CLOSER…

april calendar

IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW!

25 THuRsdAY (continued)

77 Redmill Redmill Drive Drive Jericho,VT VT Jericho,

one-on-one Tutoring: See April 1, 3-6 p.m.

Spring Open House

school Vacation Adventures: See April 24.

Food

Sat., April66 Sat. April 9:30 - 11:30am 9:30-11:30 a.m.

ATTENTION, CLASS INSTRUCTORS!

Formore more information: information For www.saxonhillschool.org saxonhillregistrar@gmail.com 802-899-2400 802-899-2400

MainStage

1 3/27/13 16t-campsclasses.indd 12:37 PM

k16t-SaxonHillSchool0413.indd 1

1/23/13

Health & Fitness

Games

Family Gym: See April 5.

Library & Books

mysterious Hogwarts Reading society: Fantasy fans gather to discuss magical reads. Grades 4-6.

Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 388-4097.

movies

Sponsor

Tuesday, April 30 at 7 pm, Tickets start at $15

Video Boot camp: Would-be movie makers hang out with representatives from Channel 15, learning about the art and equipment of videotaping. For teens and adults. St. Albans Free Library, 6-8 p.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 524-1507.

Presented in association with University of Vermont’s Chief Diversity Office through the UVM President’s Initiative for Diversity Media

www.flynncenter.org or call 86-flynn today! k8h-FlynnCenter0413.indd 1

Spring

3/26/13 3:30 PM

music

music With mr. chris: See April 4.

OPEN HOUSE

Nature & science

THURSDAY, APRIL 18TH • 6 pm

EcHo Earth Week/mudFest: See April 20, 10 a.m.4 p.m.

Learn more about our school and our holistic approach. Call to RSVP.

Full moon Walk: Lunar light illuminates an informative stroll, educating walkers on area waterways and bird-migration patterns. All ages. Delta Park, Colchester, 7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-5744.

color mixing: See April 21.

Now enrolling for 2013-2014.

Six weeks of SUMMER CAMPS for children ages 4-12. See our website for more info.

skulls: See April 13.

PRESCHOOL • KINDERGARTEN ELEMENTARY • AFTER SCHOOL SUMMER CAMPS

k8h-bellweatherschool0413.indd 1

26 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Homeschoolers Knitting Group: See April 5.

1186 S. Brownell Rd. • Williston • (802) 863-4839 • BellwetherSchool.org 3/28/13 4:53 PM

community

Kids Night out: Children won’t miss their parents too much at this exciting evening of supervised games and movies. Ages 5-15. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m. $10; additional $5 for ice skating (seasonal); preregister. Info, 253-6138.

Fairs & Festivals april 2013 KidsVT.com

The Vermont maple Festival: Come on, get sappy!

Sugarhouse tours, Main Street entertainment, specialty foods, a giant parade and more celebrate Vermont’s signature sweet. All ages. Downtown St. Albans, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Most events are free. Info, 524-5800.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

50

Kids VT

Vermont Restaurant Week: Hungry? Families save their appetites for this nine-day festival of prix-fixe menus, organized by Seven Days. See calendar spotlight on page 46. All ages. Various locations statewide, 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Various prices; visit vermontrestaurantweek.com for details. Info, 864-5684.

8h-800gotjunk0412.indd 1

3/7/12 3:12 PM

open Gym: See April 1, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 3-5 & 5-7 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Library & Books

Cirque Zuma Zuma

Kids open Gymnastics: See April 3.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See April 2.

martial Arts class: See April 2.

Season Sponsor

Afternoon Hoops: See April 3.

Library Legos: See April 9, 3-5 p.m.

Bike Ride: Pedalers spin their wheels along the 4:45 PM Essex bike path, learning about bike safety and searching for signs of spring. Grades K-5, accompanied by an adult rider. Preregister to find out meeting location; Essex, 2-3 p.m. Free; helmets required. Info, 878-6956.

African Acrobats

Wii-tastic!: Gamers check out LEGO Star Wars and Wii Sports Resort, in addition to classics like Mario Kart. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1.

Lego creations: Young builders make a masterpiece for display at the library. Ages 5 and up.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2-3:30 p.m. Free.

Info, 865-7216.

List your class in Kids VT for only $15/month!

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

Games

maple Time: Young Vermonters learn about the state’s most-famous agricultural crop by screening a short film and partaking in themed crafts. St. Albans Free Library, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

movies

After-school movie: See April 5.

Nature & science

EcHo Earth Week/mudFest: See April 20, 10 a.m.4 p.m.

Friday Nights for Teen Tinkerers: Would-be Ben Franklins create, design and build something cool, from artistic robots to squishy circuits. Grades 6-9.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6:30-8 p.m. $14-16; preregistration encouraged. Info, 649-2200. sound science: See April 19. straw Rockets: See April 15.

27 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Art studio drop-in: See April 13.

Kids craft: Wooden Fairy House: Children use glitter, paint, moss and stones to design a house Tinkerbell would want to live in. Ages 5 and up.

Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5.

Info, 862-0646. saturday Art Hour: Creatively inclined? Families add flair to light-colored T-shirts with fabric paint.

Ages 2-18; children under 6 should be accompanied by an adult. The Art House Gallery, Studio & School, Craftsbury Common, 11 a.m.-noon. $10; preregister.

Info, 586-2200. saturday Kids drop-in class: Animal lovers craft bunny ears and noses. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 for accompanying friend or sibling.

Info, 985-3648.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See April 6.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See April 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

The Vermont maple Festival: See April 26, 7 a.m.8 p.m.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers market: See April 13. capital city Winter Farmers market: See April 6. chocolate-dipping demonstration: See April 1. middlebury Winter Farmers market: See April 6.

Norwich Winter Farmers market: See April 6.

Rutland Winter Farmers market: See April 6.

Vermont Restaurant Week: See April 26, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

GOOD GReeN FaMiLY FUn Waitsfield Indoor Farmers Market: Farm-fresh edibles and locally made provender go hand in hand with music and community cheer. All ages. Big Picture Theater, Waitsfield, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 496-8994.

Games

Queen City Chess Club: See April 6.

Multigenerational Center, Burlington, 1-2:30 p.m. $5-10; preregister.

Info, 861-9700.

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

Music

Vermont Restaurant Week: See April 26, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Open Gym: See April 1. 3-5 & 5-7 p.m.

Nature & Science

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: See April 18.

Crafting With Raptors: Fans of feathers make owl puppets or raptor mobiles as they learn about birds of prey by meeting some in person. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-noon. $5-6; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Creeping Colors: See April 13, 11 a.m.

ECHO Earth Week/MudFest: See April 20, 10 a.m.4 p.m.

Opening Day: Agricurious youngsters explore the operating dairy farm through horse-drawn wagon rides, free ice cream and hands-on programs celebrating its 30th anniversary year. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-12; free for kids under 3.

Info, 457-2355.

Planetarium Presentation: See April 6.

Signs of Spring: Walkers stroll the grounds, scouting out songbirds, frogs, budding leaves and blooming flowers with guide Amy Butler. All ages.

North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 8-10 a.m. $10 for adults; free for kids and members. Info, 229-6206.

Spring Blooms Walk: Stop and smell the flowers on a moderate and informative 3.5-mile stroll with a Winooski Valley Park District environmental educator. All ages. Colchester Pond, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-5744.

Theater

Saturday Drama Club: See April 6.

28 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

ECHO Earth Week/MudFest: See April 20. 10 a.m.4 p.m.

Fingerprints: See April 20.

Planetarium Presentation: See April 6.

29 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity Education

Children who stutter between the ages of 3 years 0 months and 5 years 11 months are invited to participate in a research study of emotions and stuttering at the University of Vermont.

Study will involve two appointments before and after participating in stuttering therapy at the clinic. Parents will be asked to complete questionnaires. Participants will be compensated, and some requirements for eligibility must be met.

For more information, please contact Dr. Barry Guitar at: 802-656-0207 or Barry.Guitar@uvm.edu. k12h-uvm-speech0213.indd 1

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

Dallas ChilDren’s TheaTer

Vermont Restaurant Week: See April 26, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

tHe trUe story of tHe tHree little pigs

Health & Fitness Hoopla: See April 1.

sUn | May 12 | 3 pM

Open Gym: See April 1.

So he blew their little house down…or did he? In this irreverent musical, the Wolf finally tells his side of the story—and the audience decides his fate.

Yoga Class: See April 1.

Library & Books

Intergenerational Dessert Book Discussion: Book lovers gather for a good read-and-rant session, complete with something sweet. Ages 12-adult.

Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 878-0313.

ly

nd e i fr ly- Cing i i M fa pr

‘Star Wars’ Club: Fans of the force screen Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones with local expert Aaron Masi. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

30 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

1/24/13 3:45 PM

Celebrating 50 years of artistiC inspiration, disCovery and passion!

Food

hop.dartmouth.edu | 603.646.2422 | Dartmouth College | hanover, nh k6h-Hopkins0413.indd 1

3/27/13 12:01 PM

Creative Tuesdays: See April 2.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

Fairs & Festivals

Health & Fitness

Games

Chess Club: See April 2.

Martial Arts Class: See April 2.

Food

Nature & Science

KIDSVT.COM

The Vermont Maple Festival: See April 26, 7 a.m.4 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See April 2.

Gardening for Kids: See April 2.

APRIL 2013

Theater

Cirque Zuma Zuma: Aerial artists, tumblers, contortionists, dancers and musicians celebrate the richness of African cultures. See calendar spotlight on page 43. All ages. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7 p.m. $15-36. Info, 863-5966.

KIDS VT

51

Submit your May event for print

by April 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Preschool-age Children Who Stutter

One-on-One Tutoring: See April 1.

Vermont Restaurant Week: See April 26, 7 a.m.-11 p.m.

Cooking Class for Kids & Teens: Budding chefs make sweet and savory turnovers from scratch.

Ages 8 and up, accompanied by an adult. McClure

802.453.2592

Yoga After Baby: See April 1.

Newborn 101: Moms- and dads-to-be learn the basics about babies — from breastfeeding to prolonged crying — as well as how to enjoy the first three months of parenthood. Franklin County Home Health Agency, St. Albans, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $30; preregister. Info, 527-7531.

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See April 1.

www.cgcvt.org

Family Gym: See April 5.

Nature & Science

Cells!: See April 7.

700 Gorgeous Acres in Starksboro, VT Spend an All-Inclusive Week With Us!

Health & Fitness

Jim Arnosky: The guitarist and 2013 Franklin Fairbanks Award winner offers nature-inspired songs for families. All ages. North Congregational Church, St. Johnsbury, 3-5:30 p.m. $20 suggested family donation. Info, 748-2372.

Bird-Monitoring Walk: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars and explore the museum property for avian activity. Best for adults and older children.

Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 8-9:30 a.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

CaMP COMMOn GROUnD!

k6h-JamieTwoCoats0413.indd 1

3/26/13 3:23 PM

Baby Bjorns...Bassinettes...

Boppy Pillows...Books...Bouncy Chairs...Bottle Warmers...Bathtubs...Cribs...Exersaucers...Pack N Plays...Strollers...Swings...

High Chairs...Diaper Genies... toys...not to mention clothes!

Babies and toddlers need a lot of stuff! So what do you do with it all as your baby and/or toddler outgrows them?

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re social!

Join the conversation on:

Stop tripping over them in your house and re-claim your garage, basement and attic by selling them for cash at the Big Baby Stuff Swap and Sale, Saturday, April 13th from 10am-2pm at the Sheraton Exhibition Hall in South Burlington.

Facebook.com/kidsvt

Radio stations WOKO, WKOL, WJOY, WIZN and WBTZ are bringing parents that have together with parents who need under one roof for one day.

April 2013

KidsVT.Com

This is not a consignment event.

You rent a table for $30 in advance, you bring gently used maternity, baby and toddler items your kids have outgrown, you sell them, you keep 100% of the cash.

@kidsvt

Kids VT money issue sponsored by: new england Federal CrediT union

Parents shopping for gently used maternity, baby &/or toddler items at a great price get free admission!

Reserve a table now for just $30.

Call 658-1230 or (800) 554-9890 or scan the barcode to reserve online using PayPal.

Pinterest.com/kidsvt

52

$30 is a little investment to get a lot of space back in your house, garage, basement and attic and some much needed cash in your wallet for the items you sell! And best of all, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see the items you watched your baby grow up with go to a new home for a new baby to use! k34v-WIZN0413.indd 1

3/28/13 2:07 PM 4v-we're-social-0313.indd 1

2/22/13 9:07 AM

HABITAT MATTHEW THORSEN

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2013

• Shoes are stored under each of the cubby seats.

• Upper shelves hold helmets and gear.

• Brooms and a vacuum cleaner are tucked out of sight in a coat closet.

B Y C I N DY MO RGAN

• The sink gives the boys a place to wash their hands or soak muddy items.

B

uilder Shawn Sweeney understands the importance of having a mudroom. He lives on a dirt road in Shelburne with two active sons and a wife who’s an avid gardener.

“The mudroom gets hit hard every day, no matter what season it is,” he says.

He designed the space — between inside and out — that prevents all manner of dirt, mud, slush

and snow from being tracked into the actual house. Form blends with function in this attractive room that features a vintage stained-glass window — a gift from the in-laws — a multicolored slate-tile floor and a reclaimed enameled laundry sink.

Best of all: It looks good even when it’s muddy.

Parents: Shawn and Randy Sweeney Kids: Luke, 11, and Jacob, 13

• A pane of glass mounted on the exterior of the stainedglass window keeps in the heat.

• Slate flooring is extremely durable and helps hide dirt.

53

“Habitat” is a feature celebrating places where Vermont families live and play. Got a sweet space you’d like us to see? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Multipurpose Mudroom

• Each family member has his or her own cubby.

✱ CONTEST

BOOK REVIEW WINNERS CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG CRITICS who shared their reading recommendations with us this month. Each wins a $25 gift certificate from Crow Bookshop in Burlington. We loved reading about all the entrants’ literary adventures, and have included some of our favorite excerpts below.

Maeve Parker Clark, 6 HINESBURG

recommends: How to Make an Apple Pie and See the World

by Marjorie Priceman “My grandma and I read this story about traveling to find ingredients to bake an apple pie. I love that the girl visited Vermont for the apples! I also loved the recipe at the end. The pie was fantastic!”

Edith Kidder, 9 LINCOLN

k4t-Danform0413.indd 1

3/28/13 11:14 AM

“When I read Winnie-the-Pooh, I feel like I am standing right there. My favorite chapter is ‘Tigger Comes to the Forest and Has Breakfast.’ He tried a thistle and got stung by a bee on his mouth!”

Jesse J. Buck, 9

APRIL 2013

KIDSVT.COM

recommends: Winnie-the-Pooh

by A.A. Milne

SOUTH BURLINGTON

recommends: The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins

APRILISSUE 2013 SPONSORED KIDSVT.COM KIDS VT MONEY BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

“My favorite part of this book was when Katniss Everdeen entered the arena. The book was so emotional, I could literally feel her sadness or happiness or confusion. What I didn’t like was the kissing. Bleh!”

Journey Moon Weller-Porta, 10 BURLINGTON

recommends: Twilight

by Stephenie Meyer “I guess I don’t have a favorite part. All of it is what I love.

Jake seems so nice and Edward is so romantic!

The book is so full of action!”

Find this month’s Book Review on page 56. The deadline is

54

Friday, April 19. Happy reading!

k4t-RunVermont0413.indd 1

3/29/13 10:54 AM

HANDS-ON ✱ PROJECT

Denim-Pocket Organizers CAROLYN FOX

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2013

invites us to appreciate our planet even more than usual. So this month, we took the three Rs — reduce, reuse and recycle — to heart before choosing a project.

We settled on an eco-friendly activity that gives new life to an old pair of jeans. Best part? You most likely already own everything you need for this DIY denim craft.

— CAROLYN FOX

Materials • scissors • an old pair of jeans • ribbon or other fabric scraps • push pins

Instructions 1. Use scissors to cut a back pocket out of the jeans, making sure to leave the pocket seams intact. To create decorative fringe, leave an extra two inches of fabric at the bottom of the pocket, then slice the extra fabric into strips by making narrow, vertical cuts that stop just below the pocket seam.

2. Make a vertical, half-inch fold in the fabric along the right-hand side of one pocket, then cut a half-inch, horizontal slit about an inch from the top. Cut through the front and back layers but not through the edge of the pocket seam. Then cut a similar slit on the left-hand side of the pocket.

3. Thread a ribbon or another long, narrow length of fabric through the slits to create a strap from which to hang the pocket. Double-knot the ribbon or fabric to close the loop.

4. Use a pushpin to hang the pocket on the wall. Fill your pocket organizers with crayons,

55

Share your fun craft ideas and completed projects with us! Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

EARTH DAY, ON APRIL 22,

REPTILE CIRCUS

Connecting Kids with Reptiles Paul LaRosa • 617.407.7533 reptile.circus@hotmail.com 12h-reptilecircus1212.indd 1

®

✱ CONTEST

Book Review Sponsored by

11/16/12 4:32 PM

Celebrate your Birthday at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory!

All parties include: • A private tour • A Make a Friend for Life® Bear for each child

• Private party space staffed by a Vermont Teddy Bear Ambassador.

• Newly refurbished 900 sq.ft. private party space

Calling all bookworms!

Send us a thoughtful paragraph about a recent read for the chance to win some literary loot.

Book: _______________________________________________________________

Author: _______________________________________________________________

Describe your favorite part of the story.

What did you like about it?

Parties available seven days a week!

Feel free to use additional pages!

_______________________________________________________________

APRIL 2013

KIDSVT.COM

The Vermont Teddy Bear Company 6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT (802) 985-1627 • birthdayparties@vtbear.com k6h-VTTeddy-2-0611.indd 1

Go Get WIC Referrals

Healthy Foods

Playgroups

Prenatal Nutrition

Breastfeeding Support

Family Meals

Recipes

56

KIDS VT MONEY APRILISSUE 2013 SPONSORED KIDSVT.COM BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

Nutrition Counseling

5/24/11 6:28 PM

The Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children

_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

WIC Income Eligibility

_______________________________________________________________

Family of 2: up to $2,392/mo.

_______________________________________________________________

Family of 4: up to $3,631/mo.

Family of 6: up to $4,871/mo.

Already on Medicaid/ Dr. Dynasaur? You are income eligible for WIC.

_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ We’ll pick the four most creative entries and excerpt them in the next issue.

Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is Friday, April 19.

Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Book Review, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Contact us today to find out how WIC can help.

800-649-4357 healthvermont.gov/wic WIC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. k4t-VTDeptHealth0213.indd 1

1/24/13 4:41 PM

New Books, Used Books, Remainders at GREAT PRICES!

Name ________________________________ Age __________________________________ Town ________________________________ Email ________________________________ Phone ________________________________

14 Church Street Burlington crowbooks.com 862-0848

COLORING CONTEST! Send us your work of art by April 15 for an opportunity to win $25, sponsored by TD Bank.

Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 4 and younger, (2) ages 5-8 and (3) ages 9-12. The best artwork will be featured on kidsvt.com, and winners will be named in the April issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Title _______________________________________ Artist _____________________________________ Age _______________________________________ Address ___________________________________ Email _____________________________________ Phone _____________________________________

KIDSVT.COM APRIL 2013 KIDS VT

57

HANDS-ON ANSWERS P. 59

PUZZLE PAGE

Birthday Club Sponsored by

Winners get gift certificates to Spare Time in Colchester, one of Vermont’s premiere bowling centers.

Congratulations

to these April Birthday Club winners!

GRAND-PRIZE WINNER Vanessa lives in Burlington and turns 10 in April. Her hobbies include ice skating, biking, basketball and reading.

Vanessa wins a $50 gift certificate to Spare Time.

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.

KIDSVT.COM

Stella, Claude and Richard win $10 gift certificates to Spare Time.

APRIL 2013 KIDS VT MONEY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: NEW ENGLAND FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

58

Join the Club!

STELLA lives in Swanton

and turns 3 in April. She loves princesses, dolls, tea parties and her big brother Drew.

Puzzles4Kids

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Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: What do planets like to read?

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RICHARD lives in North Ferrisburgh and turns 9 in April.

He plays basketball and baseball and takes karate lessons.

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USE YOUR WORDS

Mom! Yes, honey?

Lost and Found

A family grapples with an infant’s mysterious medical condition

BY A BIGAIL D I E H L- N OBL E

Why don’t you go ask dad?

Q go ask dad (page 16) is a monthly feature asking fathers to answer a question.

Want to suggest a topic?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com

“Why?” is from the heart. The only answer is, “Because this is who you’ve got.

This is your child.”

3/29/13 11:38 AM

PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS (see p. 58) JUmbLES put. swim. vent. wall.

RIDDLE ANSWER: How do you know if the ocean is friendly? — It WAvES.

59

RIDDLE SEARCH ANSWER: Comet books.

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“Use Your Words” is a monthly essay in which writers reflect on parenting and childhood.

Got a story to share? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

8v-Kvt_GAD_brother.indd 1

APRIL 2013

Our lowest moment came in Boston, in the office of a kind, grandmotherly woman, a highly regarded geneticist.

By this time, Simon was miserable at the sight of a white coat, but she handled him like a pro and had him playing happily on her lap in no time. We loved her.

We asked the question we’d almost stopped asking: “Why?” “It’s hard not to know,” she empathized, “but a lot of the time, we never do.” But then, as if she wanted to give us more: “It may have been a stroke in the womb.”

Pressing my hands in my lap to keep them from shaking too much, I tried to take this in, to understand. But I didn’t.

It wasn’t until much later, after all of the occupational therapy and speech therapy and visits with the developmental social worker, that I realized “Why?” isn’t a question a doctor can answer.

The men and women who spend their lives taking care of sick kids have enough to do, and they do their jobs with professionalism and, in my experience, usually a large measure of warmth and grace. But even when we know the mechanism of a disease right down to the last chemical reaction, we don’t know why, in the sense that a parent asks it.

“Why?” is from the heart. The only answer is, “Because this is who you’ve got. This is your child.”

Slowly, Simon began to turn around. With the help of a wonderful occupational therapist, he began to eat solid food at 15 months and actually inched his way onto the growth chart. The day he broke the third percentile for height and weight, his brother and sister toasted him with bowls of cookie-dough ice cream. He started to speak syllables, then words, then — oh, the joy of it — phrases. I’d never really savored that miracle with my first two; it had never been a question that they would talk.

With more therapy still, Simon’s balance and coordination improved; his face was no longer a mask of bruises from falls.

Today, Simon is small but mighty, an affectionate and bullish 3-year-old who climbs everything. He runs fast, makes friends easily and, as far as we can tell, thinks like any 3-year-old does. We stopped comparing a while ago, because the world is full of children who do more, faster.

Simon is Simon, and he is really, really good.

Friends have speculated that ours was a case of modern screening gone wrong — that Simon was just a slow-tobloom baby who, in another era, would never have given a moment’s worry.

It’s possible. It may also be that early intervention and a team of loving helpers gave him the chance to catch up quickly, and thrive. We’ll never know for sure. But that, after all, is what Simon taught us.

KIDSVT.COM

I ALWAYS LOOKED THE OTHER WAY when my babies got the heel-prick test, a blood sample taken soon after birth that screens for a series of rare genetic diseases. The tender skin, the needle poke, the squall of surprise that such a thing could happen in a world of milk and mommy — the sooner forgotten, the better for both of us.

But I was reminded of it a few days after the birth of our third child, when the Vermont Department of Health called. Simon had tested positive for something called maple syrup urine disease, which is not as sweet as it sounds. It’s a metabolic disorder that indicates an inability to break down amino acids, and it would forever change the way he ate and the way we all lived — if he had it.

He would need to be retested, said the voice at the other end of the phone. Not to worry yet; false positives happen.

After a week of waiting, the results came back: negative. We breathed again. But the worry wasn’t over.

Simon, born three weeks early, wasn’t responding as other babies did.

He gained weight slowly, then stopped.

He didn’t coo and babble, didn’t turn toward noises to see what they were.

At six months, he still startled at any disturbance, little arms flapping out like a bird’s wings. It was a reflex that should have disappeared shortly after birth, his pediatrician explained, and might be a sign of neurological problems.

Sometimes a false positive on a genetic test can indicate another related problem.

And so began the Lost Year; my husband, Chris, and I remember it only in fragments. In between teaching jobs and parenting two other children, we shuffled from one specialist to another. Geneticist.

Neurologist. Cardiologist. Audiologist. The Children’s Specialty Center at Fletcher Allen became our home.

Each time we visited the center, we walked by a beautiful display of thousands of paper cranes, folded a few years before by students of mine at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School. The project was a fundraiser for a kindergartner with cancer. I had been touched by it then, but I realized now I’d seen it only through a teacher’s eyes. The rows of softly shaded cranes were a reminder of the children’s compassion, their hard work for another child.

Now they had another message for me, less hopeful, but just as transformative: Did you think your own children came with a guarantee?

The doctors examined. They speculated. They weren’t sure. Simon had developmental and neurological delays, but they didn’t form a clear pattern. No diagnosis. He might benefit from any of several therapies, and Children’s Integrated Services would be in touch.

As for cognitive delays, we wouldn’t know for a while.

Where was my brother before he was in your belly?

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1/25/13 11:47 AM