FREE
MARCH 2016 V OL.23 NO.2
Adventures of a Lifetime Vermont families share the ABCs of living overseas
✱ ROLL-YOUR-OWN SUSHI ✱ BOUTIQUE BOWLING ✱ BACKYARD GREENHOUSE
2016 CAMP GUIDE
DAYCARE TRAGEDY
Childcare providers review safety protocols and reassure parents
KIDSVT.COM MARCH 2016 KIDS VT
2 Untitled-31 1
2/25/16 11:34 AM
VOL.23 NO .2
MARCH 2016
Editor’s Note....................................................................5 See & Say ..........................................................................6 Coloring Contest Winners .................................7 Writing Contest Winners ..................................7 Birthday Club ................................................................52 Habitat: Backyard Greenhouse ......................53 Use Your Words: Candidate Debate ...........55
M A RC H YHEM MA ese & Wine Sa
Adventures of a Lifetime ............... 20
Che
Four families share their experiences living overseas
EAT. LEARN. PLAY
Great deals of up to 60% off throughout the store all week long!
Safety First ...................... 24
The Kids Beat ..................................................................8 One to Watch: Celia Andrews ..........................10 Fit Families: Nia ..........................................................11 Destination Recreation: Stowe Bowl ......12 Bookworms: Fierce Females ............................13 Balancing Act: The Tamangs .................................... 14 Mealtime: Sushi Rolls .............................................16 Out to Eat: Sherpa Kitchen .................................17 Home Cookin’..................................................................17 The Art of Pop-Up Play..........................................18 Checkup: Precocious Puberty ..........................19
MARCH 18-22
Childcare providers reassure parents in the wake of a tragic drowning death
2016 CAMP GUIDE
Feeding Body & Mind ...27
CALENDAR
1186 Williston Rd. So. Burlington, VT 05403 (Next to the Alpine Shop) 802.863.0143 Open 7 days 10am-7pm cheeseandwinetraders.com
A Richmond program provides kids with a traditional camp experience — and more.
Daily Listings ..................................................................36 Classes ..................................................................................37 Story Times ......................................................................40 Ongoing Exhibits ........................................................42 Playgroups ........................................................................44
MARCH 2016 V O L. 2 3 N O . 2
ON THE COVER Nancy Stearns Bercaw and her son, David, visit the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt during their international travels. Read more about their global explorations on page 20.
Writing Contest ..........................................................51 Puzzle Page ......................................................................52 Coloring Contest .........................................................54
Adventures
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.
•
Photographers: Sam Simon, Matt Thorsen, Tristan Von Duntz, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur
OPEN DAILY 10-5
Montshire Museum of Science
montshire.org • 802.649.2200 Exit 13, I-91, Norwich, VT
3
© 2016 Da Capo Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.
Contributing Writers: Sarah Galbraith, Ken Picard, Kymelya Sari, Erinn Simon, Nancy Stearns Bercaw, Gretchen Stern, Jessica Lara Ticktin, Katie Titterton
$2 Off Admission! When you subscribe to Montshire’s eNews at
KIDS VT
Published 11x per year. Circulation: 25,000 at 600+ locations throughout northern and central Vermont.
•
135+ Hands-on exhibits Daily activities David Goudy Science Park Nature trails Live animals & aquariums Museum Store • Free parking
MARCH 2016
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.
Contributing Editor Meredith Coeyman Proofreaders Carolyn Fox Katherine Isaacs Marisa Keller Production Manager John James Creative Director Don Eggert Designers Rev. Diane Sullivan Charlotte Scott Circulation Manager Matt Weiner Business Manager Cheryl Brownell
• • • • • •
KIDSVT.COM
P.O. Box 1184 Burlington, VT 05402 802-985-5482 kidsvt.com
DAYCARE TRAGEDY
Childcare providers review safety protocols and reassure parents
Human Plus: Real Lives + Real Engineering on display through May 8
STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS ext. 74 ext. 77 ext. 75 ext. 41 ext. 76 ext. 72 ext. 78
REAL FUN!
Vermont families share the ABCs of living overseas
2016 CAMP GUIDE
cathy@kidsvt.com colby@kidsvt.com alison@kidsvt.com brooke@kidsvt.com corey@kidsvt.com kaitlin@kidsvt.com brett@kidsvt.com
2/24/16 10:42 AM
of a Lifetime
✱ ROLL-YOUR-OWN SUSHI ✱ BOUTIQUE BOWLING ✱ BACKYARD GREENHOUSE
Cathy Resmer Colby Roberts Alison Novak Brooke Bousquet Corey Grenier Kaitlin Montgomery Brett Stanciu
Real Science.
k8v-CheeseTraders0316.indd 1 FREE
HANDS ON
Copublisher/Executive Editor Copublisher Managing Editor Art Director Marketing & Events Manager Account Executive Calendar Writer
le!
KidsVT_champlane2016-v2_4.75x5.56.pdf 1 2/19/2016 1:12:31 PM
Mental Health and Addiction Care for Children and Adolescents
NEW EXHIBIT!
C
M
Once, she couldn’t face the day.
Now she dreams about the future.
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
Mental illness and addiction can keep young people from realizing their full potential. That’s why we offer specialized, expert care at the Brattleboro Retreat to help you reach children and adolescents facing serious challenges.
echovt.org
Call 800-738-7328 brattlebororetreat.org Untitled-29 1
1/25/16 10:25 AM
Untitled-3 1
2/22/16 10:31 AM
Planning to send the kids to camp this summer?
A Lifestyle Loan from NEFCU can help! Whether your child is going to art, soccer, science or adventure camp you can cover your camp
Call 866-80-LOANS, visit nefcu.com or stop by any branch.
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
expenses with a Lifestyle Loan from NEFCU.
Local, affordable, and on your side™.
KIDS VT
800-400-8790 · nefcu.com Federally Insured by NCUA
4
866-80-LOANS · nefcu.com Untitled-12 1
1/6/16 12:02 PM
EDITOR’S NOTE
IT’S SUPERCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS!
Thinking Globally TWO WEEKS AFTER I graduated from college, I hopped a plane to Thailand to take a job as a kindergarten English teacher at a bilingual school in a small city called Khon Kaen. I didn’t speak Thai or know a single person in the Southeast Asian country. But I was eager to do something adventurous before finding a “real� job and settling into a routine. When better to do it, I figured, than when I was a single 21-year-old with no one counting on me? I traveled a lot during my year abroad. I didn’t meet many Americans, but I did encounter numerous twentysomethings from places like England, New Zealand, Israel and Canada. They had saved up money so they Thailand, 1999 could spend the year traveling internationally, or even circumnavigating the globe. It struck me that foreign exploration felt like an essential part of their cultures — much more so than in the United States. That’s why I was so impressed to read about the Vermonters who left their homes in America to live temporarily in Europe, the Middle East and Indonesia. In “Adventures of a Lifetime,� Nancy Stearns Bercaw describes her experience relocating to Abu Dhabi with her son and husband, and she talks with three other local families about their extended stays abroad. All agreed that the experiences were culturally enriching and taught their kids many things — including the fact that the U.S. isn’t the center of the world. But you don’t always need to travel to far-flung destinations to find
excitement. In “Mealtime,� Erinn Simon writes that cooking new foods is a way to add a little adventure to your life — without even leaving the kitchen. She shares a recipe for vegetarian sushi rolls that she made with her son, Eli. This month’s “Out to Eat� expands on the international theme. Contributing editor Meredith Coeyman took her family to Burlington’s Sherpa Kitchen on a frigid February evening for some warming curry and other delicious Nepalese food. And in “Balancing Act,� Jessica Lara Ticktin interviews the Tamang family, who fled Bhutan in the early ’90s for a refugee camp in Nepal, then came to Burlington in 2011 through the refugee resettlement program. As we were putting the finishing touches on this month’s issue, we got the news that Parker Berry had died. The Hyde Park 3-year-old drowned in a creek behind his Waterbury daycare, Elephant in the Field. The farm-based program may be familiar to Kids VT readers — Ken Picard profiled it in the spring of 2014. Like everyone else, we’ve been wondering how this tragedy happened. At press time, there’s still much we don’t know about the incident, which is under investigation. In this issue, Picard writes instead about how other nature-based childcare programs are working to ensure that kids are safe, and reaching out to reassure parents. Our hearts go out to Parker’s friends and family.
April 1-3 & 7-10, 2016 Flynn Center MainStage
Tickets: $23-$38 $5 student/senior discount at some performances; group rates
On sale now www.flynncenter.org 802-86-FLYNN Community partner
Generous support from
Media sponsor
Untitled-32 1
1/28/16 10:59 AM
5*$,&54 "7"*-"#-& /08 '03 5)& .&/ 4 "/% 80.&/ 4 -"$3044& 4&"40/ W*4*5 VWNBUIMFUJDT DPN
ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR KIDSVT.COM
Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors:
MARCH 2016
JESSICA LARA TICKTIN (“Fit Families,� “Balancing Act�) is an independent multimedia producer and storyteller.  She is also a childbirth educator and facilitator of a new mother’s group at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center in Burlington.
KIDS VT
NANCY STEARNS BERCAW (“Adventures of a Lifetime�) is an international journalist whose work has appeared in many publications, including the New York Times and the Korea Herald. She is the author of Brain in a Jar, a memoir about her family and Alzheimer’s disease.
5
Untitled-1 1
2/26/16 10:12 AM
SEE & SAY
Gimme a Kiss
Readers Respond
“Young and in Transition”
Our February cover story, about transgender Vermont kids and their families, prompted a tremendous response. FREE
FEBRUARY 2016 VOL.23 NO.1
✱ VALENTINE’S DAY COOKIES & CARDS ✱ FAT BIKING FUN ✱ FRONT-YARD SKI SLOPE
More than 1,000 likes.
2016 CAMP GUIDE
“Thank you for this important article. We are proud to offer a new Transgender Clinic to families.” UVM Medical Center “This is great!” Vermont Midwives Association “Super #SBproud of Marcus Pizer one of two transgender #VT youth featured in @kidsvt. He has taught me so much!” Patrick Burke PRINCIPAL, SOUTH BURLINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
Raising Awareness
We have posted about the story on social media (the second it came out!) and sent the link out to several of our networks statewide. We’ve received emails from two new families interested in our group based on their reading about it in Kids VT, which is amazing. Getting the word out about our services, especially Gender Creative Kids, Trans Group and our parent support group, ensures that both youth and families are getting the support and resources that they need. Melissa Murray
6
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, OUTRIGHT VERMONT
Being Transgender Is Not a Pathology
Thank you for bringing needed attention to this very important issue with such a beautiful article. It occurs to me that a reader might inadvertently be led to the conclusion from my quote that being transgender is a pathology, and a fatal pathology at that. I feel it is important to clarify that being transgender is not a pathology, but instead a normal variation of
Young Transition
and in
Two Vermont families talk about raising transgender kids
human experience. The term “gender dysphoria” describes a situation where a transgender person is experiencing a significant amount of discomfort and distress by the mismatch between their sex assigned at birth and their own gender identity, such that it interferes with day-to-day life. We see that transgender youth are at higher risk of depression and suicide than their peers. This is not because they are transgender, but rather because, sadly, it is has historically been all too common for transgender youth to be marginalized, lack acceptance from peers/family/ teachers, and lack access to transaffirming resources and health care. The point that I wished to convey is how important it is that trans youth suffering from gender dysphoria receive timely access to trans-affirming resources, support and medical care. Given what we know about the increased risk of suicide and depression, failure to provide support and intervention to suffering youth can create a potentially life-threatening situation. If a family is concerned that a young person is struggling with gender dysphoria, we encourage them to reach out to local resources like Outright Vermont, their pediatrician or family doctor, or, later this year, to the youth gender clinic that we are in the process of starting at University of Vermont Children’s Hospital. Dr. Jamie Mehringer UVM MEDICAL CENTER Mehringer is a pediatric resident working with Dr. Martina Kacer to start the youth gender clinic
Sixth-grade students at Hinesburg Community School recently organized an unusual fundraiser for a proposed recreational facility in their town. Along with a schoolwide walkathon on February 19, they convinced teachers to kiss farm animals to raise additional funds. In total, their efforts generated more than $4,700 for the town of Hinesburg. Here are some photos of the brave educators puckering up for a good cause.
Can’t Beat Wonderfeet!
[Re “Rutland’s Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum Receives Grant,” February 2016]: That is awesome news! Wonderfeet is so amazing and such an asset to the community! There is hardly anything in Rutland for little ones to do or be a part of. This place is truly a jewel in the community. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for the museum. Lanie Alise Sinclair RUTLAND
GOT A COMMENT? Email us at feedback@ kidsvt.com.
Contests The winners of annual memberships to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium are…
Count the Kayaks
We’ve hidden kayaks throughout this issue. Count them and you could win a free two-week session for your child to Camp Birch Hill in New Hampshire — a summer camp focused on fun. Tell us how many you found at kidsvt.com. The deadline to enter is March 18 at 5 p.m.
Writing Contest Winners
Congratulations to these talented young poets who submitted verse that incorporated the word “heart.” Each wins a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington. Below are the winning poems.
COLORING CONTEST
In February, our mailbox filled up fast with fabulous coloring contest entries. Lucy Kasvinsky, 5, found a creative use for every crayon in her box, alternating colors on each of her peacock’s feathers. Tilly Josephine Veysey, 6, circled her bird with Cupid’s arrows and added polka dots to its sneaks. With delicate detail, Audrey Acosta, 9, decorated her background with swirls and zigzag designs and bedecked the peacock with a flowered shirt and tiny heart necklace. Keep the spectacular submissions coming, and congrats to all the contestants.
Love comes from your heart. Love is like eating a sweet apple. Love is like caring about a pet. Love is like falling snow. Love never stops It just keeps going.
RICHMOND
“Coloring in the Lines”
HONORABLE MENTIONS A FANCY FAN
Alyssa Secor, 9, Montpelier RAINBOW TURKEY
6 to 8
Stella Rodgers, 7, Hyde Park BIRD IN THE GREEN MOUNTAINS
Sebastian Hempey, 5, Richmond PERFECT IN PINK
Hadley Harris, 10, Ferrisburgh
Ari Jurkiewicz, 7, WOODBURY
Breccan Hempey, 3
5 and under
A SWEET STORM
Willow Heywood, 5, Middlebury
Ella Cisz, 8 DUXBURY
“Rainy Rainbow, Peacock Love”
THE RAINBOW SKY
William Acosta, 7, Montpelier OUT FOR A STROLL
Chester Goodwin, 8, Middlesex FLUFFY FEATHERS
Phoebe Omland, 5, Jericho MR. LOVEBIRD
Kady Cassani, 9, Williston JUST PLAIN DOTTY
Cupid sharpened up his dart, And ever since we’ve been apart I’ve felt a pain inside my heart.
TOP TITLES “BE MINE, MR. STRIPE”
Samantha Martin, 9
9 to 12
BRISTOL
“Peacock Galore”
Leo Bush, 8, Hinesburg “WADDLES”
Savitt First, 5, Richmond “THE MAGIC PEACOCK”
Mikayla Adams, 9, Montpelier
7
Find this month’s coloring contest on page 52. The deadline for submissions is March 15.
KIDS VT
Find the March writing prompt on page 51. The deadline is March 15.
PEACOCK OF HEARTS
Kelsey Glanz, 4, Jericho
MARCH 2016
I’m going to Walmart To fill up my shopping cart With spray paint for graffiti art — Our names inside a scarlet heart.
EASY BEING GREEN
Isis Potvin, 9, Cambridge
KIDSVT.COM
Keenan Garlieb-Meno, 9, SHELBURNE
Rocco Lukas, 4, St. Albans
THE
BEAT
B Y A L I S ON N OVA K A N D K Y M E LYA SARI
MEMORIES
Picture Books Burlington-based tech company Notabli allows parents to post photos, notes, quotes and audio recordings of their children on a scrollable timeline they can share with family and friends. Think of it as a virtual scrapbook. Now, Notabli users can also create real books chronicling their kids’ lives. In January, the company introduced NOTABLI BOOKS, a subscription service that generates and sends hardcover volumes with high-resolution photos for $39 per book.
“There’s no shortage of places you can get books printed,” Notabli CEO Mike DeCecco acknowledges. But he says Notabli’s photo books stand out because of the quality — of the prints and the books themselves — the price, which he describes as lower than comparable offerings from other companies, and the process by which they’re created. Before launching its book-printing service, Notabli talked with parents, many of whom said that making photo books online often feels labor- and timeintensive. That’s why Notabli automatically loads images into books as users post them. When 50 photos have been uploaded with captions, the book is printed and shipped for free. It’s possible to exclude unwanted photos or make books featuring one or multiple children — and more custom upgrades are on the way. It’s enough to make you want to smile for the camera. —A.N.
ABLI COURTESY OF NOT
To learn more about BOOKS, visit NOTABLI BOOKS about.notabli.com/books.
8
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
Training in Tech Even parents need a little extra tutoring sometimes — especially when it comes to technology. When participants in Burlington’s PARENT UNIVERSITY received 23 donated iPads from the city’s school district, PU manager Ali Dieng sought tech support from Williston-based nonprofit Technology for Tomorrow. Dieng’s “students” at PU are mainly New American parents from countries including Angola, Burma, Burundi, China, Guinea and Senegal, and they’re seeking the skills and knowledge to become partners in their children’s education. Last month, they got a 90-minute session on how to use an iPad from T4T program manager Carly Stine, assisted by interpreters. Stine had hoped to help participants download apps and understand internet safety, but there wasn’t time; some participants had to rush off to work or other classes. One Burmese mom, Paw Wah, said she planned to use her newly acquired iPad to check her email, fill out her time sheets from work and call her own parents in Burma. The mother of three said she has her own iPad already, but her kids are often using it to play math games. —K.S.
Parent University participants and instructors
To learn more about PARENT UNIVERSITY, contact Ali Dieng at adieng@bsdvt.org.
KYMELYA SARI
EDUCATION
EAT. LEARN. PLAY.
EVOLUTION PRENATAL + FAMILY YOGA CENTER
SPRING KIDS YOGA
CONTEST
Write Stuff In an age of omnipresent technology, the idea of writing and illustrating a story using pen and paper is a novel one. But kids in kindergarten through third grade are tasked with doing just that in the PBS KIDS WRITERS CONTEST. Designed to promote children’s reading skills through hands-on, active learning, the contest encourages kids to submit original stories with five or more illustrations. Twelve winners — three from each grade — will be announced in April. They’ll have their stories published online and take part in an awards ceremony at the Vermont PBS Studio in Colchester. They’ll also be invited to a Storytime Party, where they can sign up to read their stories aloud to family and friends. The deadline to enter is Friday, March 18, so let those creative juices flow. —A.N. Find out more about the VERMONT PBS WRITERS CONTEST at vpt.org/writers.
COMMUNITY
Dress for Less Formal wear and libraries don’t typically go together. But this month, sparkly gowns — along with high heels, purses and jewelry — are streaming into Highgate Public Library. For the fifth year, the library will host CAILEY’S CLOSET, an event where Vermont teens can try on and go home with dresses to wear to the prom free of charge. Librarian Liza Comiskey started the program — named after her oldest daughter — after the library participated in a
KEY
MIS
A CO F LIZ
SY O RTE
COU
R EG I S T E R N OW F O R E VO K I D S YO GA
Spring Session Begins in April 802.899.0339
where families thrive
evolutionprenatalandfamily.com 20 Kilburn Street, Burlington, Vt
Untitled-39 1
2/25/16 1:37 PM
Outstanding Academics • Inspired Learning
Core Academics • STEM • Global Studies • Digital Literacy • Art • Music Spanish • PE • Project based learning• Individual Learning Goals
NOW ENROLLING K-8 FOR FALL 2016
Prospective Kindergarten Visiting Day March 8th 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Contact us soon to register your child
KIDS VT
9
Visit our website vtdayschool.org for more information. Email: info@vtdayschool.org. Phone: 802-495-5150 6701 Shelburne Road, Shelburne k4t-VTDaySchool0316.indd 1
MARCH 2016
CAILEY’S CLOSET, CLOSET Saturday, April 2, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Highgate Public Library. Learn more, including how to donate a dress, at facebook.com/ caileysclosethighgatelibraryvt, or email Liza Comiskey at lcomiskey@ highgatevt.org.
7 Days a Week!
KIDSVT.COM
similar prom-dress drive where the gowns were then shipped out of state. “We didn’t get to see the benefit,” Comiskey said. So the next year she decided to hold an event for local girls. She gave away 16 dresses at the first drive, and the program has grown ever since. Last year, 250 dresses made their way to appreciative owners. Formal dresses can cost several hundred dollars and are often worn once and forgotten, Comiskey explains. “Why not give the dresses another life?” Even families who aren’t struggling financially may appreciate putting money toward their mortgage rather than a party frock, she says. In the past, local volunteers have collected dresses at work, built a rack for the gowns and offered to do free alterations. The day of the event, the library is transformed into a boutique. Girls come in with friends or parents and try on gowns in bathrooms and closets. “A lot of people think, You do what at your library? ” Comiskey says. “We work hard to meet the needs of the community, and right now this is a need of the community.” —A.N.
Birth to Teen Classes
2/24/16 11:11 AM
✱ ONE TO WATCH
BY A LISON NOVAK
Camping for a Cause A Westford girl braves the cold to raise money for homeless teens
COURTESY OF JULIA ANDREWS
CELIA ANDREWS ADMITS that she doesn’t like being the center of attention. But the sporty, low-key seventh grader has been getting a lot of it since she came up with the idea to start a kids’ fundraiser as a complement to Spectrum Youth & Family Services’ annual Sleep Out. Celia hatched the plan in 2012 when her mom’s friend came over to borrow a sleepNAME: CELIA ANDREWS ing bag TOWN: WESTFORD for the AGE: 12 Sleep Out — a March fundraiser in which business and community leaders spend the night outside to raise money for the nonprofit organization and show solidarity with teens and young adults who are homeless. Sleeping outside sounded like fun to Celia, who’s an avid backpacker in the summer months. So the next year, then-9-year-old Celia and her mom, Julia, asked if they could join in. Spectrum staff told them it was an adult-only event and suggested that the pair make cookies and deliver them to Sleep Out participants. But Celia wanted to camp. So, with the help of her mom, she set up a crowdfunding site, secured $1,200 in donations for Spectrum from family members and friends, and spent a night in a tent with her mom in their Westford backyard. Along with the novelty of sleeping out in the cold came more serious
Celia and her family at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Conference in November
conversations between mother and daughter about the true meaning of the fundraiser. “Yes, it’s fun to sleep outside,” Julia remembers saying to Celia, “but it’s not fun if you can’t go inside.” Celia took that to heart. “You do start to think about what would it be like if you didn’t have a bunch of blankets,” she said. Spectrum executive director Mark Redmond’s son, Liam, heard about what Celia was doing and was also inspired to sleep outside in 2013. The next year, Spectrum’s development office created an
The Spectrum Student Sleep Out happens the weekend of March 31 to April 2. To get involved, visit spectrumvt.org.
official Student Sleep Out. The nonprofit invites kids across the state to camp outside with school and church groups, sports teams or friends to raise money for Spectrum. For Celia’s second Sleep Out, Julia publicized the event on Westford’s Front Porch Forum, and Celia and many of her friends camped on the small-town common, where community members brought them hot chocolate and cookies.
The weather didn’t cooperate, though — there was a foot of snow with water underneath, and it poured all night, Julia remembers, joking that it was “total misery.” Still, Celia’s group raised more than $3,000. Another 120 students at 14 locations in Vermont raised a total of $26,653. Last March, 380 Vermont kids and teens participated in the Student Sleep Out and raised more than $45,000. In November 2015, Celia received the Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award at the Association of Fundraising Professionals Conference in Stowe, an honor that came with a $5,000 educational scholarship. Organizers introduced Celia’s award with a video featuring her family, her principal, her soccer coach and even Gov Peter Shumlin singing her praises. “It’s pretty cool to get an award for this,” Celia said, noting that “it was a little nerve-racking.” At the end of this month, Celia will take part in her fourth Sleep Out. She hasn’t firmed up plans yet but says she’ll probably camp in her backyard. Her 10-year-old sister, Shea, will join her, and Julia plans to invite Celia’s Far Post soccer teammates as well. They’ll have a campfire, make s’mores and snuggle in with lots of blankets. Thanks to Celia, hundreds of kids in backyards around the state will do the same. !
“One to Watch” shines a light on a young Vermonter who is going places. Know a local child, age 17 or under, who’s recently done something amazing? Nominate him or her at kidsvt.com/vermont/kidsvtonetowatch/page.
KIDSVT.COM
KICK UP some Family Fun at TaeKwon Do K.I.C.K.S!
MARCH 2016
Classes for the whole family Ages 1.5 through 99 Self-defense classes for groups and businesses Locations in Middlebury & Vergennes
10
KIDS VT
Call 802-377-0476, or email tkdkicks101@yahoo.com for more information or to set up a free class. Visit us online at tkdkicks.net! k8h-taekwondokicks1215.indd 1
11/20/15 11:17 AM
Untitled-35 1
12/2/15 4:28 PM
✱ FIT FAMILIES
B Y J E SSICA L ARA T IC KT IN
EAT. LEARN. PLAY.
Mother-Daughter Nia
COURTESY OF JESSICA LARA TICKTIN
SOUTH END STUDIO
(696 Pine Street, Burlington) offers 55-minute mother/ daughter Nia classes several times a year for $15 per person, as well as adult Nia classes seven days a week.
Mothers and daughters practice Nia at South End Studio
With our feet doing the cha-cha and our arms punching like boxers, the girl power was flowing.
Bunting said. As I watched Dahlia express herself physically in a safe, comfortable space, I felt the same way. We could both be playful, let loose and be free from a new and sometimes tense dynamic as adolescence approaches. This class was a great way to do things our own way, together in the same space. By the end of the 55-minute class, everyone was sweaty and red-faced. Gibson brought the energy down with yoga-style stretches and led awareness back to our breath. We ended in a circle, where Gibson reminded us of our initial intents, and we had a moment to meet eyes with our fellow classmates in appreciation. I took Dahlia’s hand, and we stepped out of the studio feeling sweatier — and more connected — than when we stepped in. !
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.
KIDS VT
She pumped up the music, and we began our warm-up, lifting our arms and legs as we moved back and forth across the floor. We jumped, danced and slid around the studio to pop songs like “Shake It Off ” and “Uptown Funk,” trying to keep up. With our feet doing the cha-cha and our arms punching like boxers, the girl power was flowing. After a couple of high-intensity songs, Gibson let us catch our breath with some calmer world music. Hadley Bunting and her 8-year-old daughter, Abernathy, wanted the shared experience of trying something that Bunting said was “outside our comfort zone.” Abernathy described the class as “relaxing” and enjoyed the mix of choreographed and free-dance pieces that let participants move to their own rhythm. “There is something special about a room full of mothers and daughters,”
MARCH 2016
were about to embark on something meaningful. “Does it matter if you don’t get all the steps?” asked the energetic, curlyhaired Gibson as we found our spots on the shiny studio floor. The girls shook their heads — a few of them were taking Gibson’s after-school Nia class series for girls. Gibson later explained that Nia is unique because within the choreographed steps “there is freedom to move your own way,” which “takes the pressure off having to do the steps right or having to look a particular way doing them.” Most important is that you move your body and have fun, she said.
KIDSVT.COM
WE LIVED IN BROOKLYN when my oldest daughter, Dahlia, was born. She was about 8 weeks old when I brought her to our first mother-baby Pilates class. I desperately wanted to get some exercise but was terrified that she’d wake up and scream. She did, but I continued to go, because the mental benefits of getting out of the house and being around other mothers was worth it. On a Sunday afternoon earlier this winter, I felt that familiar desperate need for exercise — perhaps more so now that 11-year-old Dahlia has three siblings. Again I chose to bring my oldest with me — not out of necessity this time, but because I thought it might be fun. Our destination was South End Studio in Burlington, which offers mother-daughter Nia classes a couple of times a year. I’d taken Nia classes there a few years ago and was eager to return. Dahlia, on the other hand, was confused. “What is Nia?” she asked when I told her the plan. Before I could explain, she said, “Wait! I know what it is!” The previous week, Sabrina Gibson, owner of South End Studio, had led a Nia routine in Dahlia’s PE class at Edmunds Middle School. The name Nia (pronounced NEEah) is an abbreviation for “nonimpact aerobics.” The dance-cardio-fitness routines comprise 52 basic movements and techniques that combine a wide variety of dance styles and body/mind healing arts including Feldenkrais and the Alexander Technique. Classes are done barefoot to a wide range of music and follow a distinct pattern: warm-up, sustained nonimpact aerobic conditioning, strength training, cooldown, stretches. Nine girls and six moms attended our session. We began in a circle, facing each other. Like in yoga class, we set an intent for our workout. Mine was simple: I wanted to enjoy working out with my daughter. The excitement in the room gave me the sense that we
âœą DESTINATION RECREATION BY A LI SON N OVA K DETAILS
Boutique Bowling Stowe Bowl, 1613 Mountain Road, Stowe, 253-2494, stowebowl.com
ALISON NOVAK
BOWLING ISN’T particularly romantic, but it’s what my family chose to do for Valentine’s Day this year. On that subzero Sunday morning in February, my husband, Jeff, our two kids and I cruised down I-89 to check out the just-opened Stowe Bowl, a swanky eight-lane alley that’s part of the expanded Sun & Ski Inn and Suites on Mountain Road. We planned to get there just after the 11 a.m. opening to beat the crowd. But when we arrived at 11:15, the lanes were already full of families, and the line stretched to the door. The smartly dressed guy behind the desk broke the news that we had a two-hour wait. We contemplated bailing but then realized that we — like everyone else there — didn’t have anything better to do on a minus 10 degree day. Luckily, Stowe Bowl makes for a comfortable and stylish place to bide one’s time. We sat down at a four-top in the bar/restaurant section — complete with a shiny starburst pendant lamp and
midcentury-modern furniture — and perused the food and drink menu. Typical bowling-alley burgers and pizzas met with more elevated fare, like an Asian noodle bowl and a butternut-squash salad. There’s also an extensive drink list with coveted local brews and cocktails aptly named Spare Me and Team Captain. Since
it was before noon, we forewent the hard alcohol in favor of truffle-oil popcorn, followed by noodle bowls and pizza. Bellies full, we settled into the lounge-like area to enjoy the gas fireplace, stone seating nook and flat-screen TV playing NBA highlights. Between chowing down, people watching and warming our hands by the faux fire, time passed quickly. When it was our turn to bowl, we tucked into a tufted pleather sofa in front of our lane. The electronic bowling interface was the most sophisticated I’d seen, with the option to take a selfie that displays next to your name. They had the usual kids’ accoutrements: bumpers that automatically pop up during kids’ turns and a metal ramp to help little ones guide the ball down the lane. A waitress came by to take our drink orders, and pop music blared from the sound system as we tried — some of us more successfully than others — to knock down the pins. Our allotted hour of play went too fast. While bowling, Jeff and I remembered that we’d spent one other Valentine’s Day bowling, on our second
Stowe Bowl is open MondayWednesday, 2-11 p.m., and Thursday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Visitors can rent lanes by the hour for up to six people ($30-40), or pay per person, per game ($5.506.50) — unless it’s a holiday, in which case visitors must pay by the hour, and the price goes up to $50. Shoe rentals are $4 per person.
PROS • • • •
Stylish dĂŠcor Friendly and helpful staff New, cutting-edge equipment No video arcade meant no haggling over tokens and tickets
CONS • Pricier than your average bowling alley • A kids’ menu with cheaper, simpler items would be a nice addition • With the bowl-per-hour option, there’s a chance you’ll get cut off mid-game
date 15 years ago. Back then, we went to Chelsea Piers in New York City, had a bit too much to drink and walked hand in hand to a small candlelit restaurant afterward. This time around, we stopped at Pete’s Greens Farm Market in Waterbury on our way home to pick up soup and bread for dinner and provisions for the work and school week ahead. Two vastly different Valentine’s Days, both spent with the ones I love. !
Local parents review a play space each month in “Destination Recreation.� Got a spot you’d like us to feature? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
ÂŽ
$FMFCSBUF ZPVS #JSUIEBZ BU UIF Vermont Teddy Bear Factory! t 1SJWBUF QBSUZ TQBDF TUBGGFE CZ B 7FSNPOU 5FEEZ #FBS "NCBTTBEPS
12
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
"MM QBSUJFT JODMVEF t " QSJWBUF UPVS t " .BLF B 'SJFOE GPS -JGFÂĽ #FBS GPS FBDI DIJME
Former owner of Buttered Noodles with 35 years experience in the children’s retail business seeks entrepreneur interested in opening their own store. Own a toy, baby products, clothing, shoe, discount/consignment store, or a store with all of these categories under one roof. Toy/Baby Products/Clothing/Shoe Store Low six-figure investment Consignment/Discount Store Low to mid five-figure investment
"TL BCPVU PVS EJGGFSFOU QBSUZ QBDLBHFT The Vermont Teddy Bear Company 6655 Shelburne Road, Shelburne, VT FYU t CJSUIEBZQBSUJFT!WUCFBS DPN k6h-VTTeddyBear0614.indd 1
OPEN YOUR OWN CHILDREN’S RETAIL STORE
Serious inquires only. Please include a brief description of your interest. Email: alevi@childrensretail.com
5/28/14 5:03 PM k6h-AlLevi0316.indd 1
2/24/16 2:35 PM
✱ BOOKWORMS
Fierce Females
March is Women’s History Month. We asked Jane Knight, children’s book buyer at Bear Pond Books in Montpelier, to recommend educational, entertaining reads that feature strong and influential women. Grades 5 & up
Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries Who Shaped Our History … And Our Future BY KATE SCHATZ
This hardcover anthology profiles 26 powerful American women from the 18th through 21st centuries — including Zora Neale Hurston, Carol Burnett and Sonia Sotomayor. Knight says: “This is not only an A to Z of some of the most overlooked, influential women in American history, but a call to action to define what it means to be ‘rad’ and how each of us can step up and act radically.”
Don’t rely just on luck for a great smile! Whether you’re considering clear aligners, retainers or today’s braces, an orthodontist is the smart choice. Orthodontists are specialists in straightening teeth and aligning your bite. They have two to three years of education beyond dental school. So they’re experts at helping you get a great smile—that feels great, too.
ORTHODONTICS
DRS. DRS.PETERSON, PETERSON,RYAN RYAN & & EATON EATON
Braces for Children & Adults — champlainortho.net Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales: The Underground Abductor (An Grades Abolitionist Tale About Harriet 3-7 Tubman)
ST. ALBANS OFFICE 80 Mapleville Depot 527-7100
WILLISTON OFFICE 277 Blair Park Road 878-5323
k4t-ChamplainOrtho0316.indd 1
BY NATHAN HALE
2/23/16 3:18 PM
Relaxed and Family-Friendly Performance
This graphic novel, part of a series of books, tells about Tubman, who helped escaped slaves on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. Knight says: “Hale doesn’t sidestep the Braces for Children and Adults gritty, harsh bits of history and always infuses Burlington Williston St. Albans his narratives with a bit of levity and humor. 862-6721 878-5323 527-7100 This is a great introduction to the harrowwww.champlainortho.net ing journeys of slaves fleeing the South and the steadfast courageousness of Tubman, the nurse, spy and rebel.”
“The Cat in the Hat” Kids: wear your favorite pajamas!
The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams BY TANYA LEE STONE
AT THE H AT IN THE C .org center t flynn a ; 8 s il e a g t K-a De ) kids pre
Y!
IBRAR L E H @ T
KIDSVT.COM
or & fun (FREE;f rawing pecial d story, s
Tuesday, March 8 at 7 pm, MainStage Sponsor
Sensory-friendly format
Media
P E R F O R M I N G
Untitled-26 1
A R T S
1/22/16 3:52 PM
13
flynncenter.org 86-flynn
Recommendations compiled by Alison Novak
KIDS VT
Season Sponsor
ASL interpreted
MARCH 2016
Grades K-2
Activist Jane Addams is the heroine of this picture book by Vermont author Stone. Addams aimed to transform the lives of people living in poverty and, in 1889, founded the Hull House in Chicago, where rich and poor people lived together and learned from each other. Knight says: “Addams was the first woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, but Stone instead focuses on the huge impact Addams made within her community, allowing young readers to make connections to Addams’ story within their own lives.”
✱ BALANCING ACT
BY JESSICA LARA TICKTIN
The Teacher and the King
MARCH 2016 KIDS VT
14
BHUTAN HAS AN ANCIENT, indigenous Buddhist culture and prides itself on striking a balance between the spiritual and the material. In the early 1990s, the country became a place of instability and danger due to ethnic conflict. In 1992, Hemant Tamang-Ghising was one of more than 100,000 refugees who fled Bhutan. He and his parents spent two months in India before making their way to a refugee camp in Nepal, where he met and fell in love with Surja. They married in 1998 and had their first son, Hessain, in 2001. Surja completed 10th grade in the refugee camp, the highest grade available there. And although Hemant had no dreams of being a teacher, his patient and gentle temperament suited him to the job. He started teaching English and social studies to kindergarteners in the camp in 1994, an experience that put him on the path to becoming an educator. Hemant traveled back and forth from Nepal to India, first to finish high school and then to the University of North Bengal, where he earned his BA in 2001. He was soon hired as an assistant principal back in the camp — in a school with 32 classes of 55 students each. In 2003 he earned his teaching degree and moved with his family to Kathmandu, Nepal, to teach social studies at a grade 1-12 school where he eventually became assistant principal. In 2008, Hemant and Surja applied for resettlement in the U.S. They arrived in Burlington in 2011, and Hemant quickly found work as a paraeducator at Flynn Elementary School. He was later hired for his current position as an administrative assistant for the grants and after-school programs for the Burlington School District. Along with working full time, Hemant is a second-year doctoral student in educational leadership and policy studies at the University of Vermont. He also volunteers at the Vermont Bhutanese Association; cofacilitates the “speaking with confidence” training program at Mercy Connections; is on the City of Burl-
MATTHEW THORSEN
KIDSVT.COM
A Bhutanese couple juggles work, school and family
Dad: Hemant Tamang-Ghising, 42 Mom: Surja Tamang, 40 Kids: Sons Hessain, 14, Hwang, 3, and Hrimsang, 8 weeks
ington’s Diversity and Equity team and the Partnership for Change steering committee; and recently started a group for refugees and immigrants called the New American Learning and Sharing Forum. In summer and fall he works part time as a referee for the Vermont Soccer Association. Surja, who speaks limited English, graduated from a childcare-training course through the Association of Africans Living in Vermont in 2015. She worked at the Converse Home until she had her third son this past December and is now the family’s primary caregiver. A typical morning at the Tamang home: HEMANT: Wake up at six o’clock, get myself ready. I have to wake my elder son up more than three times! I put on the light. Then I go to the bathroom and brush my teeth, then go back to his room, knock on the door and ask him to wake up. The 3-year-old doesn’t always wake up, so I have to wake him up. We have to go back and forth to two rooms waking up the boys, then my wife takes care of breakfast and lunch for the kids. She has to be like a
policeman. [Surja laughs] That’s part of her job, so I can take care of waking up the children, and she makes sure they have eaten and get dressed. It is very hard sometimes, and the elder one sometimes misses the bus. Then I have to drop him first and then the other one [at daycare], then I go to work. On setting an example for the children: HEMANT: Whenever I think about moving forward in the world, [I ask myself,] How are people around me going to benefit from my presence? From my work? With my services? It’s not about, How can I be best? I don’t have that kind of thinking. I have a thinking of collaboration, of community. As a Buddhist, we believe in compassion: be compassionate, be a good listener, be loyal, give others a chance. I am trying to be a role model for my kids, to be an example, to show them things are possible, and then it’s easier for me to say, “I went through this process,” so I can guide my sons. On Surja spending long days on her own [Hemant leaves early for work, and spends Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at his doctoral classes]:
SURJA: Normal. I am used to it. HEMANT: She often tells me I won’t be
getting a wife like her!
On partnership: HEMANT: Without her, my life would be very difficult. I can say that my achievement, and my successes, must also be shared with my wife. I have a lot of time to be involved in voluntary work because she takes care of everything at home — looking after babies, cooking, cleaning. She is the “king of the home.” On balance: HEMANT: Sometimes, where the needs are, I put my studies aside. Kids are very important; I am doing this all for the kids, for the family. Some days are very stressful. I have a lot of assignments, so I am consoled by being with my family, talking with them, playing with them. That helps me a lot. Family is not stressful for me. I am going to school, they are also part of my studies. They help me to lower my stress. At the end of day, this is my family. I am going to be with them. If I am selfish and only going for my studies, that’s not going to be meaningful. !
In “Balancing Act,” we ask Vermont parents about the intersection of work and family life. Know parents we should interview? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
THE LEARNING CENTER AT HEALTHY LIVING LOADED POTATO SOUP 1
large yellow onion, small dice
1/2
stick bu!er
5
cloves garlic, minced
2
Tbsp flour
1
quart vegetable stock
3
large russet potatoes, partially peeled for texture diced & cooked
2
cups whole milk
12
oz bacon, diced & cooked
2
bay leaves
1
cup heavy cream
1
cup sour cream
2
cups shredded cheddar cheese
1
bunch green onions, diced Salt & fresh cracked pepper as desired
DIRECTIONS: In a large soup pot on medium heat, melt bu!er with garlic and onions. Cook, stirring frequently, until onions are so" and translucent. Sprinkle in flour and cook to toast, stirring constantly and making sure no flour sticks to the bo!om of the pan. Carefully and slowly whisk in the veggie stock and bring to a simmer. Add potatoes, bacon, milk and bay leaves and bring back to a simmer. Let simmer for a few minutes and then turn off heat. Whisk in heavy cream, sour cream and cheese. Fold in green onions and season as desired with salt and fresh cracked pepper. Enjoy!
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN IN MARCH
KIDSVT.COM
So! Pretzel Dippers with Cheese Sauce: Thursday, 3/3 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $20 Ain’t No Thing But a Chicken Wing: Friday, 3/11 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $20 Pepperoni Pizza Sticks: Saturday, 3/19 · 11:00 - 12:00pm • $20 Easter Bunny Bait: Wednesday, 3/23 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $20 Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Easter Eggs: Saturday 3/23 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $20
MARCH 2016
All classes require pre-registration. For a full schedule, or to register, go to healthylivingmarket.com; or call Customer Service at 802.863.2569.
KIDS VT
&&& DORSET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON × ()*.+,-.&.,/ × HEALTHYLIVINGMARKET.COM × +AM-/PM SEVEN DAYS A WEEK
15
Untitled-7 1
2/22/16 10:44 AM
✱ MEALTIME B Y E RIN N SIM O N
: SA IM O MS N
felt really good about cooking a meal for the family — so good that he immediately wanted to try another recipe. He read even further in the book, and when he came to the recipe for vegetarian maki — “roll” in Japanese — he decided it would be our next project. We don’t do a lot of traveling as a family, but I like to think we’re adventurous in other ways. Eating is one of them. All five of us are usually up for tasting new foods and flavors, so we couldn’t wait to try the maki recipe. It uses rice, avocado, cucumber and carrot sticks and, to our delight, thin strips of batter-dipped, fried sweet
OS OT
RECENTLY MY 12-YEAR-OLD SON, Eli, picked up a lovely graphic memoir I’d been reading called Relish: My Life in the Kitchen. In it, author Lucy Knisley chronicles her childhood traveling the world with her chef mom and each chapter ends with an illustrated recipe. Eli flipped to a two-page spread with instructions for making huevos rancheros, studied it for a moment, then asked, “Can we make these?” I immediately said yes. These days Eli is a busy middle schooler, so when he suggests something we can do together I jump at the chance. We made the huevos for dinner that night, and they were delicious. Eli
PH
Roll With It: Vegetarian Sushi
potato, all wrapped in nori, or seaweed sheets. In preparation, we made a trip to Homeport to buy bamboo sushirolling mats and chopsticks. At home, we assembled our ingredients, following the recipe to the letter.
I prepped Eli by reminding him that this was a tricky process and that our first attempts might not come out perfect. While I painstakingly smoothed the sticky rice to the edges of my nori sheet, Eli studied the illustration, laid out his rice and vegetables, flipped up the edge of his mat, and rolled a nearly perfect sushi roll. “Boom!” he said, holding it out for me to inspect. We kept on rolling until we’d used up all the nori. Everyone loved the maki, especially with the salty-sweet unagi sauce we prepared. And Eli and I had so much fun that we’re already planning our next recipe adventure. !
DIRECTIONS: 1. Cook the rice according to package directions. When it’s done, spread it on a baking sheet to help it cool quickly. 2. While you’re waiting, heat about an inch of oil in a skillet. Mix a few tablespoons of flour with a few tablespoons of water in a small bowl until you have batter with glue-like consistency. When the oil is hot, dip the sweetpotato strips in the batter, then fry them in the oil in batches until crispy, about a minute or two per batch. Place the strips on paper towels to drain excess oil. 3. Set up your bamboo mat, a bowl of cooled rice, your prepped veggies, a sharp knife, a large spoon or spatula and a small bowl of water in a clean area. We used our dining room table so we could spread out.
MAKI ROLLS (from Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley) Makes about 10 sushi rolls, enough for 4-6 people
16
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
INGREDIENTS: About 2 cups sushi rice (located in the Asian food section of the supermarket), which yields three cups cooked Vegetable oil for frying A little flour to make the batter for frying Half a sweet potato, peeled and cut into long strips about 1/4-inch wide
1 avocado, peeled and cut into thin strips Half a medium cucumber, peeled and cut into thin strips 1 carrot, peeled and cut into thin strips 1 package of 10 nori (seaweed) sheets
Tamari or soy sauce and/ or unagi sauce (you can make your own unagi by mixing equal parts soy sauce, sugar and rice wine, also called mirin) Wasabi and pickled ginger for garnish/extra flavor (optional)
You’ll also need: a bamboo sushi-rolling mat (I recommend getting two or three so that several people can roll the sushi; $2.99 apiece at Homeport in Burlington) and a sharp knife.
4. Lay a sheet of nori in the center of your bamboo mat. Spread rice evenly in about a 1/4-inch layer, leaving a little space at the end nearest you and 1 1/2 inches of space at the end farthest from you. Arrange your veggies in a horizontal line at the midway point of your rice.
“Mealtime” is a feature about families and food. Got a topic you’d like us to explore? Email it to ideas@kidsvt.com.
5. Wet your fingers with the water in your bowl, and run them over the exposed sections of the nori so it will stick together when you roll it. 6. Flip up the end of the mat closest to you and use it to roll the end of the Nori over the rice a bit. 7. Roll the mat back so it doesn’t get rolled up in your sushi, then use your fingers to roll a bit more. 8. Next, roll the mat up behind the sushi roll and use it to sort of push the roll along. This is surprisingly easy to do, but hard to explain. You have to roll a bit, then roll up the mat behind the sushi roll, and repeat until you’re at the end. When your sushi roll is finished, use the mat to squeeze it gently, which will seal it up. 9. To portion the roll, use a damp cloth to wet the blade of your knife, then cut it into 1-inch slices. One roll makes 7-8 slices of sushi. 10. Use chopsticks or fingers to dip your maki into tamari, soy or unagi sauce.
✱ OUT TO EAT BY M E RE DIT H C O E YM AN
✱ HOME COOKIN’
B Y E RIN N S IM O N
FROM THE KID VT BLO S G!
Homemade Marshmallows
MY KIDS ARE FAIRLY EASY to please when my family dines out. Still, when Mila enjoying I told them we were trying Nepalese chow mein food on a recent Friday night, they didn’t know what to expect. “Think noodles, curries and rice, similar to Indian food,” I said, explaining how the Himalayas span many countries in an arc between India and China, and Nepalese food reflects that diversity. We pulled into a space across the street from Sherpa Kitchen, its storefront a blur of tiny white lights. I was intrigued but nervous: Was the dimly lit, tranquil restaurant a wise place to bring famished kids on a weekend night? It was minus 8 degrees outside, and I was desperate for warmth, so it was worth the risk for a delicious curry. Warm air and turmeric-orange while my 5-year-old daughter, Mila, walls enveloped us as we entered nibbled reluctantly until the chow to face a gently gurgling fountain mein arrived. She then devoured the featuring a Buddha, one hand cupping slightly oily noodles flecked with a lotus flower. Tranquil, indeed. Our tender chicken and carrot slivers host greeted all of us with a smile, while Leo usurped my egg curry. He putting my nerves at ease as we slid especially liked the slightly crisped, into a bright red booth. halved hard-boiled eggs in a light While Sherpa is not particularly curry sauce. equipped for children (no kids’ cups, Between the steaming food and crayons or a kids’ menu), we felt glowing candlelight, Sherpa Kitchen welcome. There were other families delivered the warmth, though gusts there, some utilizing the high chairs of frigid air wafted through the room on offer. The waitstaff was kind every time the door opened. Despite and never made us feel like we had the chilling blasts, we couldn’t pass invaded a prime date-night spot with up the kulfi for desert. “We’re having our rambunctious offspring. Nepali ice cream!” announced sweetNext came the fun part: the food. To toothed Mila. We shared the dish of start we ordered veggie samosas, beet milk-flavored frozen chunks pressed salad and ti momo, or Sherpa bread, with pistachio crumbles and drizzled which is steamed and sliced into a fun in mango puree. It was a bit hard to flower shape. Color photographs of scoop up, but the creamy-nutty tang the Himalayan region and people, and made for a flavorful treat, and Mila small stuffed-animal yaks, provided licked the bowl clean. fodder for games of I-spy while the As I paid the bill ($64 excluding adults sipped Switchbacks on tap. In tax, tip and beer) and my kids began the short time it took for our apps to to unravel, the staff remained patient. come, the restaurant had filled up, With full bellies, we wrangled our yet the atmosphere kids into jackets and remained calm. ventured out into the HITS: Patient waitstaff and For entrées, we cold. My husband, cozy, kid-friendly atmosettled on the egg curry Dave, and I agreed sphere. Tasty food with with green peas special that Sherpa Kitchen generous portions that and the chicken tikka belongs on our list of yield plenty of leftovers. masala for the adults, family-friendly resMISSES: No vestibule and chicken momos, or taurants. Next time, means patrons endure dumplings, and chicken though, we’ll order it bursts of cold air on busy chow mein for the kids. spicy and leave the winter nights. No crayons, My 6-year-old son, Leo, kids at home. ! so bring your own. gobbled up everything,
EVEN THOUGH THE WEATHER HAS BEEN WACKY lately, it’s still hot chocolate season! At my house, we’ve been experimenting with cocoa variations — spicing our cups with cinnamon and chili powder or using all white chocolate. Recently, while we were looking online for new cocoa tricks to try, we discovered a recipe for marshmallows. The first time we added our beautiful, springy, homemade marshmallows to our hot chocolate, it was a revelation. They were so much more delicious than the store-bought kind, I don’t know if we’ll ever go back.
119 College Street, Burlington, 881-0550
COURTESY OF MEREDITH COEYMAN
PHOTOS: ERINN SIMON
Sherpa Kitchen
INGREDIENTS:
Granulated sugar
Vanilla extract (or substitute coconut, lemon or almond extract)
Light corn syrup
Egg whites
Salt
Powdered sugar
Unflavored gelatin Cold water
Find these recipes and more on kidsvt.com!
Seeded WholeWheat Bread
INGREDIENTS: Active dry yeast Light brown sugar Warm milk
Vegetable oil Honey Salt
17
Whole-wheat flour
KIDS VT
Unbleached white flour
Mixed seeds (like flax, sunflower, pumpkin and sesame)
MARCH 2016
Warm water
KIDSVT.COM
I BAKE BREAD pretty often at home but almost always default to my favorite basic crusty white loaf. Truthfully, I feel a bit overwhelmed by the vast world of bread making. There’s so much to learn, and I can never figure out where to start. But while browsing baking blogs recently, I came across a lovely little recipe for whole-wheat bread with a mix of seeds that inspired me to break out of my baking rut.
✱ THE ART OF
BY GRETCHEN ST ERN
EAT. LEARN. PLAY. PHOTOS: MATTHEW THORSEN
Pop-Up Play SHIVERING OUTSIDE the Maple crates, painter’s tape and a bundle of Street Recreation Center on a chilly sheer fabric. We joined Gravelin and Saturday morning, my 5-year-old her 3-year-old son, Levi, on the floor. son, Emmett, gazed up at me, his eyes The Pop-Up Adventure Play movefull of doubt. He’d never experienced ment, largely influenced by the field Pop-Up Adventure Play, so he had no of playwork in the United Kingdom, idea what we were waiting for. Frankly, contends that children should be neither did I. But I’d seen photos of allowed to tinker without adult interthe first of three art sessions hosted by ference, Gravelin explained: “There Essex Recreation is an unknown to it. and Parks, and I It’s messy. Pop-up suspected that play is all about the Emmett’s doubts process.” With time would soon subside. for play dwindling in Within minutes, schools and society TARA GRAVELIN, POP-UP Tara Gravelin — at large, Gravelin’s ADVENTURE PLAY the series founder, goal is to put SERIES CREATOR mom of two and a “beautiful, found, former preschool natural and recycled teacher — guided us into the center’s materials” in the hands of kids and see multipurpose room. Our eyes were what happens. immediately drawn to a tower of cardBy 9:45 a.m., other guests streamed board stacked on a boldly colored rug. into the room. One girl dashed Next to it was a six-foot-tall appliance straight to the big cardboard box, box surrounded by piles of banana toppling it over with a loud thump. boxes, jumbles of wrapping-paper Several kids clambered through this tubes, empty paper-towel rolls, egg new tunnel. Another child jumped up to greet her friends, shouting, “Look! I’m making a hat!” Emmett wandered past, the sheer fabric over his head like a ghost costume.
18
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
There is an unknown to it. It’s messy.
Four-year-old Sawyer Josey shouted, “Blast off !” and pushed a cardboard box across the room. Meanwhile, Lilly Dolan, 7, and Nathalie Hooker, 6, friends from Essex Junction, diligently built a house. One girl suggested adding a garden, and
Engaging with recycled materials
the other excitedly began twisting colorful tape into the shape of a flower. The play experience looked different for each child. Most of the young boys in the room engaged in grossmotor activities: tug-of-war, making cardboard vehicles and drumming on empty boxes. Lilly and Nathalie, meanwhile, quietly added swinging doors and a flag to their intricate cardboard house. Gravelin explained that Pop-Up Adventure Play is for everyone and can meet a range of needs. It incorporates movement, art and even
science and math at times. During the January session, for example, kids engineered ramps and raced marbles, testing and revising their designs. As the pile of cardboard dwindled and kids scattered the materials around the room, I marveled at how the once-lifeless space buzzed with creativity. Emmett whizzed by again, this time pulling Levi on some black fabric. Like a game of improv, one child started a creative thread and others followed. “Kids don’t understand that they’re learning,” Gravelin said, smiling. “That’s the fun part.” !
The next free Pop-Up Adventure Play session for grades Pre-K-3 will be held on Saturday, March 12, at 9:30 a.m. at the Maple Street Recreation Center in Essex. The theme is Nature’s Gifts. Visit Tinkering Project VT’s Facebook page, facebook.com/tinkeringprojectvt, for more information on the series and for news about Gravelin’s next event.
“The Art of” spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
✱ CHECKUP W IT H DR. L EW I S F I R S T
Is my child experiencing precocious puberty? Got questions
for the doctor?
IT’S OFTEN SAID that kids grow up fast these days. Turns out, it’s true. Researchers have found that over the last century, the average age of puberty for boys and girls — once in the late teens — has decreased significantly. And with this new normal, some children go through puberty at an even younger age, experiencing what’s known in the medical world as “precocious puberty.” It’s a condition that can influence a child’s psychological and developmental well-being. This month, Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, explains precocious puberty and what to do if it’s affecting your child. KVT: To start, what exactly is puberty? LEWIS FIRST: Puberty is the process of physical change during which a child becomes sexually mature. Hormones begin to be released in the brain’s hypothalamus, which send a message to the pituitary gland (also in the brain) to turn on the ovaries or testes. KIDS VT: What is precocious puberty? LF: Precocious puberty is when sexual maturation begins at an earlier-thanaverage age. It’s now defined as girls who begin to develop breasts before age 8, and boys who grow pubic hair and show genital development before age 9. In the past 25 years, 20 percent of girls have undergone puberty before age 8; for boys, this disorder is 10 times less common. The reason for the difference is unclear and continues to be studied.
You basically have the brain of a child in the body of a young adult. KVT: What should parents do if they suspect their child is experiencing precocious puberty? LF: If parents see that their daughter is developing breasts before age 8, or their son’s penis and testicles have enlarged before age 9, they should have their child evaluated by a doctor. They may also need to be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist for special hormonal testing to see if there is a specific cause.
10% DISCOUNT on
Pool Memberships
and Kids’ Pool Birthday Parties
KVT: Are there physiological concerns? LF: Kids with precocious puberty may get earlier growth spurts, but their bones may not continue to grow for as long as they would if they were to With This Coupon Now Through develop at an older age. Some parents, Dec. 31, 2016 in consultation with an endocrinologist, may choose to slow the early pubertal process to maximize their child’s height potential and prevent some emotional distress. One way to slow down early puberty is the use of a synthetic hormone that basically delays puberty for several years. For 802-229-5766 a child who displays gender dyspho3472 Airport Rd., Montpelier ria — an emotional or psychological www.hilltopinnvt.net gender identity different from the one assigned at birth — parents may also choose to stop puberty, not because it 2/24/16 is coming early but to allow the child toK8v-HilltopInn0316.indd 1 mature and decide at a later age what to do about their gender identity.
12:22 PM
KVT: Are there risks involved with synthetic hormones? LF: These compounds may come with side effects including hot flashes or vaginal bleeding, which can be scary for a child. Also, these compounds cost an average of $15,000 a year, and may not be covered by insurance. KVT: How can parents support a child experiencing precocious puberty? LF: Watch for a drop in grades, problems at school, a loss of interest in friends, even depression. Parents need to create a supportive parent-child relationship. Parents also need to set clear rules and expectations, perhaps earlier than they might have expected, around sexual behavior. Parents need to play up their child’s strengths — build their child’s self-esteem — so kids don’t succumb to acting older than their true age. The good news is, with good parental support and education, most kids who experience precocious puberty do just fine. !
MARCH 2016 KIDS VT
KVT: Does precocious puberty have developmental consequences? LF: There’s no question that most children who experience precocious puberty will be bothered by it. They can experience a significant amount of emotional difficulty. Remember, you basically have the brain of a child in the body of a young adult. They can be teased or bullied by their peers who have not yet started puberty. Boys who are teased can become more aggressive. Oftentimes it’s assumed that because some kids look older than their peers, they’re being held back in school. Precocious puberty can also be associated with increased risk-taking behaviors such as earlier initiation of sexual activity, drug abuse, tobacco use, loss of peer relationships, etc., if parents or health professionals don’t
Send them to teach kids ideas@kidsvt.com. with this disorder how to deal with the emotional consequences of maturing early.
KIDSVT.COM
KVT: How much has the average age of puberty dropped, and why? LF: If you look back to the early 1900s, girls got their first period at an average age of 16. In the past 25 years, puberty has decreased to younger than 13 for girls and happens anywhere from six months to two years earlier than in the past for boys, depending on what study you read. Two factors that have changed in that time period, and may be playing a role in the onset of precocious puberty, are diet — leading to increased obesity in children — and
environmental stress. While we can’t prove cause and effect, obesity can prompt increased estrogen production. Sixty percent of girls who experience precocious puberty are overweight. Environmental stressors such as poverty, food insecurity, substance abuse, neglect, and physical or sexual abuse may stress the brain and cause it to release hormones earlier, triggering puberty. Studies also implicate pesticides, phthalates, PCBs and other compounds in the environment that are considered “endocrine disruptors” as contributing to the increased prevalence of precocious puberty, especially in girls.
19
Interview compiled and condensed by Ken Picard Untitled-21 1
2/24/16 1:06 PM
Adventures
of a Lifetime
COURTESY OF NANCY STEARNS BERCAW
I
Four families share their experiences living overseas
Nancy and David visiting the Sphinx in
Exploring Petra in Jordan
20
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
Allan and David in Abu Dhabi
In front of the Taj Mahal
spent my infancy and toddlerwere the life lessons that came with hood near Clark Air Base in the knowing people like Abdulrahman Philippines while my surgeon Asfari, a Syrian boy who came to father tended to wounded David’s 11th birthday party in Abu Vietnam War soldiers. When I Dhabi. Learning about what he and returned to the United States at age 2, other Syrians endured to relocate to I was too young to experience culture the United Arab Emirates made our shock. My mother recalls a single side transition to the country look like a effect of our trans-Pacific crossing: walk in the park. For a week afterward I had sea legs, As far as I’m concerned, the places which gave the vague impreswe’ve been are less remarkable sion that I was a tipsy toddler. than the people we’ve met and the I grew up relationships we’ve to be a serial developed abroad. expat, and a Moving to another BERCAWless wobbly country — rather NICHOLLS one at that. In than vacationing FAMILY my twenties, I in one — offers an ABU DHABI lived in Kenya, opportunity to get 2014-2015 Korea and to know the locals England — and and see the world traveled to nearly through their eyes. BY NANCY STEARNS every country in And I always want to BERCAW between. When my see more, despite the son, David, was born challenges that come in 2004, I swore I’d give him similar with relocation. mind-expanding experiences. My Living overseas with kids requires husband, Allan, is also an itinerant equal parts planning and flexibility. wanderer, and he helped me make Guidebooks and Pepto-Bismol will good on that promise. In 2010, we get you only so far — ultimately, you’re spent six months in Singapore, where making a giant leap of faith. I spoke David attended kindergarten and with three other Vermont families learned some Mandarin. We devoted who’ve lived abroad, and they all 2014-2015 to Abu Dhabi, where David agreed that the experience opened up successfully navigated Arab culture a new world for their children. — and fifth grade at the American Making the Move International School. David taking a plunge into the Indian Ocean We endured a lot of stomachaches Often the opportunity to live abroad is in strange bathrooms and took some connected to one parent’s job. flak for being Americans overseas. My husband’s work as a film In Abu Dhabi, a Jordanian boy who’d professor at New York University heard bad things about Uncle Sam’s took us to their Tisch Asia program foreign policies punched David in the in Singapore in 2010 and Abu Dhabi’s face on the school bus. New York Film Academy for 2014Yet being in our discomfort zone 2015. Allan hedged a bit before taking also came with remarkable fringe the assignments, but I leapt at both benefits. Not only does David have opportunities despite the distance to friends around the world, he’s learned Singapore and turmoil in the region a thing or two about the round sphere around Abu Dhabi. In the UAE, I on which we all reside. Visiting places found work in the communications like Petra, the pyramids and Angkor office of Khalifa University, a governWat offered valuable history and geog- ment-owned engineering school. raphy lessons for our whole family. Burlington dad Andy Barker had But perhaps far more important the opportunity to cover a colleague’s
COURTESY OF NKATIE NATALE
they were away. Ana Ruesink ITALY hired a recent Saint Michael’s 2012-2013 College graduate to housesit. The Natales rented out their former apartment in Burlington and camp in Milton during their absence. “That helped financially,” Katie says, “but packing and storing all our things, and finding and preparing for tenants while gearing up for a year away, was challenging.”
The Natales in Venice
Exploring streets in the town of Dozza
Rowan and Lou in the front of the Leaning Tower of Pisa
School Choice
One of the most important and difficult decisions our family had to make in Abu Dhabi was where to send David to school. The best ones had long waiting lists and cost up to $40,000 per year. We settled on the American International School because they had an opening and their tuition was on the lower end. But we didn’t foresee the complications that came with the word “American” in the Gulf region. Initially, David was the recipient of some anti-American taunts on the playground, but he learned to “fight back” by walking away. He earned a special award from his principal for being nonconfrontational and even ended up making friends with the culprits. We received emails periodically from the American embassy about credible threats against American teachers and schools. Even the school bus avoided using the word “American” on its signage, presumably for the safety of its young passengers, though more than half of them weren’t from the United States. The Ruesink-Barker kids attended local neighborhood schools in Windsor “to truly experience life in another culture, not as expatriates or tourists but as local residents,” their mother explains. The girls walked to their respective schools in uniforms through narrow English streets each day. Katie and Lou Natale made the default choice to enroll their young
MARCH 2016 KIDS VT Rowan and Tia playing in a church piazza in Tuscany
21
ADVENTURES OF A LIFETIME, P.22 »
KIDSVT.COM
eight-month maternity leave at Ben & Jerry’s European headquarters in 2013. His wife, Ana Ruesink, says they “jumped at the chance to take our family abroad.” They relocated their two daughters, Emma and Tess, then 10 and 7, respectively, to “a little brick Victorian row house just a short stroll down the hill from the queen’s residence at Windsor Castle” in England. Parents who work for themselves can sometimes pull off an overseas adventure — with a lot of planning. Katie and Lou Natale of Shelburne, who both had prior experience living overseas, took 5-year-old Tia and nearly 4-year-old Rowan to Bologna, Italy, in 2012-2013 for exploration and immersion. “We wanted to expose the kids to another language and culture while they are young,” explains Katie. They planned and saved for the move several years in advance. Because Lou is self-employed, he was able to address business issues remotely and hand off some of his responsibilities to his business partner. When taking a new job overseas, there’s always the chance that things won’t work out as planned. Victor Prussack; his spouse, Lisa Kusel; and their 13-year-old daughter, Loy, live in Burlington, where Prussack is assistant director of curriculum and instruction and coordinator of K-8 registration for the Burlington School District. In 2008, the family of three relocated from northern California to Southeast Asia for an exciting new venture: Prussack had been hired to teach at “a brand-new, rural K-8, and soon-to-be K-12, international school” in Bali. Unfortunately, the leadership there “turned out to be so dysfunctional and ill-equipped to carry out both the mission and day-to-day runnings of the school,” Prussack says. They returned home after four months, but Prussack says he met “remarkable people” and that the experience was valuable. All four families found responsible people to stay in their homes while
NATALE FAMILY
Adventures of a Lifetime
Coast exploration in Cornwall
kids, Tia and Rowan, in the only available small, private preschool in Bologna. Upon their arrival in June, Katie explains, all the most desirable Italian preschools were already full for September. It ended up being “more like a lame daycare,” says Katie, “which was especially RUESINKdisappointing because the BARKER FAMILY preschools in that region can ENGLAND be excellent.” But it wasn’t a 2013 total bust. “In the end, our kids learned to speak Italian with the help of the 10 other 3- to 6-year-olds,” she says. The school decision was easy for Victor Prussack, who was able to enroll Loy in the private school where he taught in rural Bali.
COURTESY OF ANA RUESINK
Trials and Tribulations
22
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
Ana, Tess and Emma on the grounds of Windsor Castle
Hiking at Runnymede
Though disorienting on many levels, living in Abu Dhabi was remarkably navigable once we got the hang of it. Many people there speak English, and the Emirates were very welcoming. We soon learned that locals and expats live parallel existences for obvious cultural reasons. We wound up joining the British Club, which had members from around the world, and made a number of friends there. David and I both suffered a lot of intestinal troubles in Abu Dhabi, and all three of us wilted in the searing desert heat that sometimes reached 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Fortunately, we had access to excellent doctors and a plethora of swimming pools. The only time I felt in any real danger was while riding in a cab; the drivers were erratic, and everyone on the road goes much faster than the speed limit. Prussack says his family had a love-hate relationship with their extraordinary living accommodations, a two-story, 1,600-square-foot bamboo house with 20- to 30-foot ceilings and a palm tree growing through the center. On one hand, their residence offered “the sounds of tropical birds, insects and geckos, beautiful Luna moths … and the alluring aromas of the cooking of neighbors.” But the open-air house afforded little to no privacy from passersby and zero sanctuary from dengue-fever-carrying mosquitos. Perhaps the biggest drawback, says Prussack, was the “weekly smoke and smell of burning bodies being cremated on funeral pyres a literal stone’s throw from our house, which bordered a cemetery.”
CONTINUED FROM P.21
Merry Old England offered the Ruesink-Barker clan great opportunities for cultural assimilation and across-the-pond connections. By the end, reports Ruesink, their daughter Tess “looked and talked like a British schoolgirl.” The experience did come with a few stressful moments, including an incident when the girls hopped on a car in the London underground and the doors closed before their parents got on. “We caught up with them at the next station stop, but the trauma of that experience left my oldest daughter with lingering anxiety about trains and crowds,” Ruesink explains. Bologna was molto bueno, or very good, says Katie Natale though learning the city and finding an apartment and a preschool — all with “nonexistent Italian and with two small kids in tow” — was stressful. The amount of paperwork involved, including visas, insurance and proof of bank-account balances, was all-consuming for a while. “There is a big difference in what you need for a European stay of less than 90 days as compared to a year,” she says. “A regular highlight was seeing how kind and patient the Bolognese were with us and our limited Italian skills,” she says, adding that frequent stops at gelaterias for Italian ice cream were essential.
The Final Word
Living in Abu Dhabi was a real brain changer for us. While there, we traveled to Oman, Egypt and Jordan despite regional conflicts — and found ourselves to be welcome visitors in places where tourism has dwindled since the Arab Spring. Part of that was because everywhere we went we did our best to be respectful of Islamic traditions. We refrained from public displays of affection, wearing “indecent” clothing like shorts and tank tops, and swearing or using Allah’s name in vain. David learned to read the Arabic alphabet, even though he couldn’t necessarily translate what the words meant. He developed a taste for spicy chicken shawarma grilled on a vertical spit, and dates, but flat-out rejected camel milk and meat. David also came to love, as I did, the sound of the muezzin calling Muslims to prayer time at the mosque. Most importantly, though, he learned that the United States is not the center of the universe.
The time in Bali left Prussack and his family with visceral memories: striking up conversations with Balinese locals about their lives, history and culture; “eating a new food such as martabak [pan-fried bread] washed down with pulled tea”; “mapping the topography of the school’s riverbed with students”; and “living with an international mix of brilliant, funny and passionate colleagues from five continents.” The young Natale kids left Bologna with a better understanding of how to navigate the world. “In Italy, our kids saw that we didn’t know what was going on half the time initially, but we asked a lot of questions and did the
best we could,” recounts their mother. “It was a positive thing for our kids to see that it is OK to not know all the answers, to make mistakes and to have to figure things out.” Ana Ruesink says their trip PRUSSACKto England also served as a KUSEL journey to the very core of their FAMILY family. “We all came to underBALI stand ourselves as a strong 2008 family unit and as citizens of an enormous and diverse world full of art, culture, history and natural beauty,” she explains. “We also had challenges, but we overcame them. There’s no better way to teach your children resiliency than that.” ! Loy and Lisa
TAKEAWAYS FROM FAMILIES WHO’VE LIVED OVERSEAS • Do your homework before you go. If possible, visit first. Even then, realize that so much will be unexpected. • Be prepared. If you have young children, allow them to bring a few special things — dress-up clothes, toys and lots of books. Depending on where you are, children’s books may not be available. • Take a team approach. Before making the move, we agreed that it was a threeyear commitment unless two out of three of us felt it was intolerable. It seemed unwise to allow one person’s serious regrets be able to end it for all of us.
FROM ANA RUESINK:
• Get a “letter opener” at home. Find a dependable, competent person to open your mail and address any issues. We paid a trustworthy friend for this service and the peace of mind she provided cannot be overstated. • Lean on each other. Be prepared to be entirely dependent on your family members. We didn’t make any friends for at least three months; the lack of a safety net in the event of an emergency was a concern. • Join an expat forum. The International Women’s Forum’s website provided helpful information (IWF branches are found in many places). I met people through that group, but taking language classes proved to be the best way for my husband and me to make friends and feel connected to the city.
FROM NANCY STEARNS BERCAW: • Send postcards from the edge. Make sure you have a Skype account before you go. Some places, like Abu Dhabi and Singapore, have restrictions on internet access and software platforms. When all else fails, or even if it doesn’t, send oldfashioned postcards with the colorful stamps from your country.
KIDS VT
23
• Let your children lead you. Socially, our girls were magic — they made friends at school, on playgrounds and in the
FROM KATIE NATALE:
MARCH 2016
• Bring presents. Gifts from home were a great way for us to share a bit of our Vermont culture with our new friends overseas. We brought treats from Lake Champlain Chocolates and T-shirts from Champlain Elementary School. It’s true: strangers bearing gifts are always more warmly received.
Victor in the family’s bamboo house
KIDSVT.COM
• Keep a blog. We authored a jointly written family blog throughout our time abroad (sloppyjoeswiththequeen. wordpress.com). It was a great way to keep family and friends informed of our adventures, and it forced the girls to record some of their own thoughts, feelings and experiences. Back home in Vermont, we used the selfpublishing platform Blurb to create a book based on the blog so the girls have a permanent hardcover record.
neighborhood, and suddenly we had friends, too. Culturally, our girls led the way as well. Many of our excursions were guided by their interests and delights, and we all benefited. From visiting the Roald Dahl Museum to seeing Billy Elliot in London’s West End to watching the guards march at Windsor Castle to eating tea cakes at the Bodiam Castle tea shop, we found activities we all could enjoy.
COURTESY OF VICTOR PRUSSACK
FROM VICTOR PRUSSACK:
Loy in Indonesian garb
Safety First
Childcare providers reassure parents in the wake of a tragic drowning death BY KEN PICARD
KIDSVT.COM MARCH 2016 KIDS VT
24
all investigating the incident. In the meantime, the other educators at Saxon Hill School in Jericho state has closed the program indefinitely pending felt obliged to acknowledge the tragedy to their those agencies’ findings. Tucker-Fishman, the students’ parents, and to thank them for trusting the program’s owner, did not respond to requests for teachers with their kids’ well-being. comment. Coeyman is a lead teacher at the parent cooperaSimilarly, parents of children who attended tive preschool in Jericho. Several days a week, she Elephant in the Field also declined to comment cares for 17 3- and 4-year-olds who are supervised publicly, out of respect for Parker’s family as well by her, an assistant teacher and a parent helper. As as for all the other families and teachers affected by the Saxon Hill School backs up on Mills Riverside this tragic event. Park in Jericho, which has a river, a pond and woods Dozens of other people, however, have weighed in to explore, she and the kids use it “just about daily.” with online comments. “A little too much freedom “Even though I don’t know that center or those and non-supervision,” wrote one reader on kidsvt. families,” she said, referring to the EITF daycare com. “There are days that a child should be kept program, “it still feels like part of our community.” inside,” wrote another. While saying that she didn’t want to sound Though this tragedy occurred outdoors, wilderjudgmental in any way, Coeyman suggested that ness- and nature-based programs aren’t inherently some people may misinterpret the term “free range” less safe than other childcare options. In fact, all the as meaning that kids are given no boundaries or child-development experts intersupervision whatsoever. viewed for this story agree that, “Our kids [at Saxon Hill] do with proper supervision, such feel free to The day after Parker Berry’s programs go a long way toward explore and climb and jump accident, a GoFundMe improving children’s comfort and do things they want to do, campaign was created in his with, understanding of and selfbut they’re not left out on their name. It has already raised confidence in the outdoors. Still, own,” she emphasized. “We’re more than $22,000 for his some nature-based childcare always there to guide their family. Some of the EITF providers didn’t wait for parents decisions.” parents have also discussed to raise concerns — they’re talkWhen her students walk along setting up a book donation ing about the accident, and their the river, she said, they’ll often program in Parker’s name at own safety protocols, proactively. stop, look and listen to it, then talk the libraries in Hyde Park and When the news broke, Allison as a group: How fast is the water Waterbury Center. Kids VT Coeyman — sister of Kids VT moving? Is it iced over? Does it will update readers as more contributing editor Meredith details become available. Coeyman — said that she and
COURTESY OF REAVA BURNOR
FILE: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
P
arents naturally have to trust that their kids are being well supervised and cared for by their teachers and daycare providers. So what happened to 3-yearold Parker Berry shocked and saddened moms and dads across the state. On Thursday, February 11, according to the state police report, the Hyde Park child apparently wandered off from Elephant in the Field, his home-based daycare program in Waterbury Center. It wasn’t until family members came to pick him up that the staff noticed he was missing. The boy was eventually found floating, unconscious, in a semi-frozen brook that borders the property. He was resuscitated but died two days later. Though this was the first time many Vermonters had ever heard of Elephant in the Field, it was familiar to me. I visited and profiled the daycare program for the April 2014 issue of Kids VT. Children there fed livestock, gathered eggs and explored nature on the 42-acre family farm. At the time, I characterized owner Marlena Tucker-Fishman’s educational approach as representative of the “free-range” style of parenting. The parents I interviewed for that story all told me they chose Elephant in the Field in part because of that approach. They liked that their kids spent lots of time outdoors and came home dirty at the end of the day. As this issue of Kids VT went to press, the details surrounding Parker’s death had not been made public. The Vermont State Police, the Department for Children and Families, and the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office were
look safe enough to cross, or even approach? And how close is too close? Do parents choose Saxon Hill for its emphasis on outdoor learning? Coeyman, whose daughters are now 14 and 10, said that’s one reason she sent her girls there. “Kids need those sensory experiences. They need that connection to nature to care about nature and care about the environment,” she added. “If anything, it’s more important for kids to have those experiences early on so they can be safe when they have to make their own choices.” The North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier offers similar experiences. The center runs a forest preschool, nature camps and playgroups, and other wilderness-based educational programs for all ages on its 28-acre reserve on the North Branch of the Winooski River. “Our staff continuously reviews and works to improve our own safety procedures and practices, and, of course, Parker’s tragic death has us scrutinizing them thoroughly,” said executive director Chip Darmstadt. He explained that the center has been communicating with forest preschool families about safety protocols already in place, including head counts, conducted every three to four minutes from the time of drop-off to pick-up, and “safety sandwiches.”
“Whenever we move from point A to B, adults bookend the children,” he said. “We have an enormous responsibility, one we can never take lightly.” Joanne Pillsbury is director of Heartworks Williston, one of four
A lot of us are moms, and we know what it’s like when we drop off our children.
It’s like handing your heart over to somebody. JOANNE PILLSBURY, DIRECTOR, HEARTWORKS SCHOOL IN WILLISTON preschool programs that Heartworks operates in Vermont. Pillsbury said that Berry’s death also hit home for her and members of her staff. “We’re all in this because we love children,” she explained. “A lot of us are moms, and we know what it’s like when we drop off our children. It’s like handing your heart over to somebody.”
Although the on-premises playground of Heartworks Williston is fenced in, Pillsbury said that her classes routinely take walks off their property to what they call the “magic forest.” And, as their program is also affiliated with the Renaissance CKS serves Valuable! learners from Affordable! Elementary School at Shelburne pre-school Inclusive! Farms, her students often take field (3 years old) Innovative! through Come see the trips there to explore the lake, streams 8th grade benefits yourself! and hiking trails. On the Monday after the news broke of Parker’s death, Pillsbury sent an Financial aid available! email home to the parents of the 112 kids enrolled at the Williston school. It reiterated the many safety policies and protocols they follow, including procedures for counting heads and signing children in and out whenever they enter or leave the building. “We want to allow our children to explore the world and experience nature and discover things,” she 136 Locust Street added. “We don’t want to hover or Burlington, VT 862-6696 have kids feel like they’re constantly www.cksvt.org being watched — even when they are.” admissions@cksvt.org Like everyone else interviewed for facebook.com/cksvt this story, Pillsbury wasn’t comfortable commenting on Parker’s death. 1/28/16 Was she concerned that a tragedy likek8v-ChristKing0216.indd 1 this one might make some parents more apprehensive about naturebased programs? She hoped not. “I do know it makes parents hug their kids a little bit tighter,” she said. !
2:11 PM
Keeping kids safe around water — indoors and out Although deaths in Vermont daycare programs are exceedingly rare, water accidents involving young children are not. According to national statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning. Among children ages 1 to 4, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death, second only to motor vehicle collisions.
• Some swim instructors and water safety programs offer classes for children as young as 2 years old to teach them how to be water wise. Parents, older children and other caregivers can also get certified in infant, child and adult CPR. For more information, contact your local YMCA or regional Red Cross chapter.
KIDS VT
• Barriers such as fences and gates can prevent kids from slipping and falling into pools, lakes, rivers and streams. But natural bodies of water are ubiquitous in Vermont, and it’s not feasible to fence them all off. Experts suggest talking to kids’ teachers or daycare providers about their policies and procedures for when kids
are near water. If your child’s school or daycare has a brook, pond, river or lake nearby, ask the staff under what circumstances they allow children to walk or play near water, and find out how children are supervised.
MARCH 2016
• Seventy percent of preschoolers who drown were in the care of one or both parents at the time of the accident — and 75 percent of them were gone from an adult’s line of sight for five minutes or less.
• Of those who survived a water accident, one study reported, the vast majority (92 percent) were discovered within just two minutes of their submersion. Typically, such a drowning happens silently rather than with noisy splashing, flailing about or audible cries for help.
KIDSVT.COM
• Experts point out that infants and young children can drown in as little as three inches of water. Children often drown in places such as bathtubs, wading pools, toilets and even mop buckets. As a consequence, several Vermont daycare providers report that they have policies of never allowing any standing containers of water to be left unattended where an infant or toddler could fall into them.
25
k8v-PreventChildAbuse0211.indd 1
1/27/11 11:33 AM
VOICE B A L L E T
DANCE ACTING M U S I C A L T H E AT E R
JAZZ
FILM SCIENCE
RADIO 2 CORPORATE DRIVE, ESSEX 655-3300 • REGALGYM.COM
C L A Y M A T I O N
MOVIE MAKING S T R E E T
D A N C E
FOR AGES 4-19 plus adult & teen classes
REGISTER NOW Summer camps and classes start in June, July, and August. Financial aid is available.
flynnarts.org 802-652-4537 Untitled-25 1
1/22/16 3:51 PM
Discovery Adventure Camp
Instructional Gymnastics Camp
JUNE 20-AUG 19 • 8AM-3PM Ages 3-7
JUNE 20-AUG 19 (Ages 6-14)
Regal’s science-based summer camp is designed especially for children ages 3-7 years old! Daily activities will center/focus around sensory play and science experiments. 2 Day, 3 Day & 5 Day options
Come experience all that Regal has to offer! Our full-day camp includes morning meeting, group warm-ups, daily instructed gymnastics, open gym, daily challenges, cooperative games, outdoor activities including water slides and arts & crafts. Children will showcase their skills in an end of week gymnastics exhibition!
Every day of fun-filled camp includes: • 1 hour of instructional gymnastics • Open gym time • Cooperative games • Outdoor eporations & play • Theme-based experiments, stories, crafts & activities • Nutritious lunch and snacks provided
REGISTER NOW!
LEARN TO WINDSURF
WND&WVS is offering weekly half-day windsurfing camps from June 27th through August 19th. The camp runs from 8:45 to 1:45 Monday through Friday followed by a free lunch at The Spot. Visit wndnwvs.com/play for more information or call 802 540-2529.
OPEN MON-SAT 10-6 688 PINE ST, BURLINGTON
WNDNWVS.COM
CAMP SCHEDULE COMING SOON!
802.540.2529
26
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
For more information, visit regalgym.com/ summer-camps
Untitled-47 1
1/28/16 2:41 PM
k2v-RegalGym0316.indd 1
2/23/16 4:40 PM
2016 CAMP GUIDE ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF OCCC
Feeding Body & Mind A Richmond program provides kids with a traditional camp experience — and more. B Y K AT I E T I T TERTO N
V
isit Camels Hump Middle as compared to their middle-class School in Richmond over the peers, who make slight gains. The summer, and you’ll see kids association also states that children painting murals, tending vegetables in — especially those already at high risk a raised bed, memorizing camp songs of obesity — gain weight faster when and learning to play instruments. school is out. They’ll be riding school buses, too — Thomas looks at issues such as the to the local pool. state’s opiate crisis and sees OCCC Sounds like a traditional day camp, as a preventative step. “I see us as but this one-month program is far promoting a healthy society and from typical. The campers — from community and helping these kids Richmond, Huntington, Bolton, come up with tools for making better Jericho and Underhill — are all kids choices,” she says. who might not get nutritious food The campers like it for simpler and enrichment reasons. “We get over the summer, to go outside a which puts them lot,” says 12-yearat risk of falling old Richmond behind their resident Alex peers. The session Hansen, who likes is designed to feed to play basketball, their bodies and Ping-Pong and their minds, and field hockey at ALEX HANSEN, OCCC CAMPER it’s totally free for OCCC. He’s been their families. a camper there It’s called Our Community Cares for the past two years. “And I like that Camp. “I hope that a lot of people in you don’t just have to be home all day town are thinking, We’re taking care and bored out of your mind,” Alex of our kids because our community says. cares,” says executive director Marie Thomas is flexible about OCCC’s Thomas. eligibility requirements. “We don’t “We address three things: food have income guidelines, per se. We security, the achievement gap and say: kids who would benefit from a the opportunity gap,” she says. These summer camp. Family situations issues are closely linked to learning change all the time,” she explains, during summer months: According citing a family whose kids started to the National Summer Learning going to the camp after their family Association, kids in low-income business went under. households lose more than two The Mount Mansfield Modified months of reading achievement FEEDING BODY &MIND, P.29 »
I like that you don’t just have to be home all day and bored out of your mind.
KIDS VT
Get out your summer calendar! If you haven’t already signed your kids up for camp, it’s time to start thinking about it. Check out all the programs advertising in this year’s Kids VT camp guide, and find more information about Vermont camps at kidsvt.com
MARCH 2016
2016 CAMP GUIDE
KIDSVT.COM
Campers pose on a play structure
27
SUMMER CAMPS
Talent Development Institute
1/2 day, full day & weekly classes
For advanced students entering grades 4-9 who want to have fun while learning! Come to one or both weeks!
ArtDuino Maker Camps:
Johnson State College June 19-25 & June 26-July 2, 2016
June 20 - Aug. 12
· Where Art and Technology Merge · Creating E-wearables · Legos & Robot · Flight & Drones
Performing Arts Camps: Circus with Nimble Arts · Hip Hop · Celtic · Ballet
Summer 2016
“TDI has provided an environment where being intelligent is encouraged….TDI has given me confidence to be myself outside the camp and introduced me to friends I look forward to seeing each year.” — Camper
For more info go to tdivermont.com, email lucybogue@yahoo.com, or call 802-658-9941.
Register Online for 2016 vacation and summer camps!
REGISTER AT: k16t-tdi0216.indd greenmountainperformingarts.org
1
1/7/16 3:26 PM
1.800.523.2754 smuggs.com/kidsvt 37 Commercial| Dr., Waterbury, VT 1 2/19/2016 (802) KidsVT_camps2016-v2_9.625x5.56.pdf 244-8600 gmpavt@gmail.com
1:08:00 PM
northernlightsvt.com 802-316-3300
Ages 5 - 15. Available Monday -Friday, June 20 - August 5, 2016, for six weekly sessions. Shuttle service included. Untitled-54 1
Untitled-29 1
1/25/16 3:01 PM
1/28/16 1:17 PM
a m PS
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
CMY
KIDS VT
Registration for summer camps is open! Plus vacation camps available. Visit echovt.org/camps
28
K
2/25/16 k16-northernlights0216.indd 11:14 AM 1
Untitled-2 1
2/22/16 10:30 AM
2016 CAMP GUIDE
Feeding Body &Mind Union School District/Chittenden East Supervisory Union refers some students to OCCC; others are accepted at the discretion of Thomas and her team. She was key in opening the program up to the community. The camp began in the 1990s as a volunteer-staffed summer nutrition program run by Richmond’s Congregational Church at a local low-income housing development. Thomas got involved when an organization she volunteers with offered to help pack lunches. At one meeting, Thomas voiced a concern that serving only kids in the housing development was profiling — that there were kids throughout the district who were food insecure. Soon after, the church’s nutrition program struck a deal with the school district, which was already busing kids to summer school at Camels Hump Middle School. OCCC would use district buses to transport kids from throughout the district to their program, and summer-school kids would receive healthy meals through OCCC. With this arrangement, OCCC started taking shape as a summer camp. Thomas and Linda Parent, Richmond’s town clerk, incorporated the camp as a nonprofit in 2009. And in the seven seasons since, camper registration has nearly doubled, and they’ve formed a leadership program for campers 12 and older and a junior counselor program for kids 14 and up. Between camp and summer school, A construction challenge
CONTINUED FROM P.27
Visit our website for our
2016 Class Schedule
2016
OCCC feeds about 250 kids every summer. The camp’s first program director was Liz Russell, a preschool Imagine, Create, Learn. teacher whom Thomas credits with developing its empathetic culture. Russell, who left after the 2014 season, says that designing a camp to serve local kids went beyond just feeding them. It was about “being education@helenday.com part of a community and, with 802-253-8358 | 90 Pond St. Stowe, VT that, security and belonging and Vermont’s only certified affiliation,” she explains. “When Irish Dance School! 2016 you’re in camp and you know the Untitled-2 1 1/26/16 11:04 AM All Ages…All Levels 2016_01_25_kidsVt_V3.indd 1 1/25/16 5:03 PM vernacular, you’re really part of something. So I wanted to provide Did you enjoy that kind of affiliation to kids who watching Riverdance? were right here in the community.” Why not learn some of the steps! One way that campers bond is by playing ukuleles. Huntington musiCall or email to hold a spot cian Buddy Dubay runs an annual in our summer camps! TWO ONE-WEEK SESSIONS workshop that gets kids strumming July 11 - 15 July 18 - 22 the four-stringed Hawaiian instruClasses offered in Stowe High School • Stowe VT ments, and there’s even a chance to Williston & Middlebury With bus service from win one. Those who want to keep Burlington, Williston & Waterbury playing earn a raffle ticket for every Beth Anne McFadden T.C.R.G. FOR AGES 7 – 17 song they learn. The camp raffles off (802) 999-5041 See Visit our website for registration forms and information: two ukuleles each year, Thomas says, celtikutie@aol.com ou in y 802-338-7382 www.camp4me.org www.mcfaddenirishdance.com and has a dozen more July! on hand for kids to play while at camp. k8v-McFadden0216.indd 1 1/27/16 16t-CampForMe0216.indd 12:35 PM 1 1/28/16 2:38 PM Alex Hansen won a ukulele, tuner and music book during his first summer at OCCC. “I was on a field trip when it happened, and I came back and was surprised, because it’s really hard to win those,” he remembers. He still plays it, he says. That the camp takes place at Camels Hump Middle School All-elective program FEEDING BODY & MIND, P.31 » encourages self-confidence Cabin life promotes and decision making. community and team work
Summer Camps
helenday.com stowe, vt
e M r o F p m a C
Day Camp For Adopted Children & Teens
KIDSVT.COM
Campers at Betsy Cox and Sangamon have real independence. They make ALL their own choices every activity period, every day.
MARCH 2016 KIDS VT
29
k4t-SangamonBetsyCox1212.indd k4t-Sangamon1215.indd 1 1
11/28/12 12/4/15 9:56 4:15 AM PM
Night Eagle
Wilderness Adventures
2016 CAMP GUIDE
A unique summer camp for boys, ages 10-14, in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains tipi living ▲ nature crafts canoeing ▲ backpacking ▲ wilderness skills ▲ tracking atlatls ▲ ’hawk throwing swimming ▲ archery ▲ hiking ▲ cooperative work & play ▲ and much more! ▲ ▲
Professional Coaching... Affordable Price!
July 25-29, 2016 & August 15-18, 2016
GUTTERSON ARENA UNIVERSITY OF VERMONT
Ages 5-8, 9-12
Kevin Sneddon’s Hockey School
Call for a full brochure:
((802) 802) 773-7866 446-6100
802-324-6876 ksneddon_21@hotmail.com | www.kshockeyschool.com k12h-KevinSneddonHockey0316.indd 1
www.nighteaglewilderness.com 2/17/16 3:43 PM
k6h-NightEagle0112.indd 1
1/4/12 2:01 PM
THE
SCHOOLHOUSE Enrolling for 2016-17 Grades K-8 Offering School Vacation & Summer Camps
BEST. CAMP. EVER.
Y SUMMER DAY CAMPS
Lakefront and community locations • For boys and girls ages 5 - 16 • Camp locations: Burlington, Essex, Fairfax, Ferrisburgh, Georgia, North Hero, Underhill, Waterbury
www.gbymca.org The Y’s Community Partner
www.theschoolhousevt.org Untitled-53 1
1/29/16 10:09 AM
GYMNASTICS, FREESTYLE, PARKOUR, AND NINJA SUMMER CAMPS!
KIDSVT.COM
Visit GreenMountainTrainingCenter.com for more information
1/26/16 2:33 PM
Get Your Camp Face On!
Join the Laga Girl Legacy! 97 Years Strong!
MARCH 2016
Overnight, Day & Mini Camps Your Choice, Your Camp! Summer Staff Positions Available
YWCA Camp Hochelaga 260 Avenue D, Suite 30 • Williston (off Industrial Ave.) • 802-652-2454
Register today at www.ywcavt.org or call 802-862-7520
30
KIDS VT
Untitled-9 1
k6h-GreenMtnTraining0216.indd 1
1/29/16 10:27 AM
k6h-CampHochelaga0316.indd 1
2/18/16 3:27 PM
Summer Camps for Ages 5 - 18 - Craftsbury, VT
2016 CAMP GUIDE
Feeding Body & Mind
HOSMER POINT
CONTINUED FROM P.29
Caring community that’s like family Camper directed schedule & activities - Delicious farm-to-table food
802-586-2090 - hosmerpoint.com Untitled-18 1
1/22/16 11:10 AM
Untitled-30 1
2/25/16 11:14 AM
Untitled-53 1
1/25/16 2:49 PM
Untitled-50 1
1/28/16 4:31 PM
Gardening
Local farmer Tucker Andrews teaching kids about the garden
MARCH 2016 KIDS VT
seventh and eighth graders — kids too young to be junior counselors and too old to play at the Lego table. “They need to be separate, and they need to be acknowledged as rising stars,” Thomas says. LAC allows older campers more independence and responsibility; last year, for example, they went into the fields with the Vermont Youth Conservation Corps to help harvest vegetables for that organization’s own food-security programs. “Camp gives kids the opportunity to find success, whatever that may be,” says Elizabeth Morris, a college senior from Richmond who started at OCCC as an intern in 2010. “They find
KIDSVT.COM
31
provides a unique benefit: Incoming students can get acclimated to their new school in advance. “For the emotional muscle memory, for kids to have had a really positive experience in that building where they’re going to middle school, I think there’s value in that,” Russell says. Jenn Hansen, Alex’s mom, remembers how he was anxious the summer before starting middle school. At camp he became good friends with a boy from Huntington, and they ended up in the same class together. “He found out that these new kids coming from these other schools weren’t horrible,” she says. “It relieved a lot of anxiety for him.” Four years ago, OCCC launched the Leadership Adventure Camp for
FEEDING BODY & MIND P.33 »
SUMMER CAMPS
Full Service Riding and Driving • Mule Packing
WINOOSKI VALLEY PARK DISTRICT
802-372-8491 www.breakaway-farm.com
S.O.L.E. CAMP Sustainable Outdoor Leadership Education
New Village Farm Camps
Untitled-30 1
1/28/16 k16t-BreakAwayFarm0216.indd 10:53 AM 1
1/28/16 2:27 PM
S.O.L.E. Camp is a nature based, outdoor adventure day camp that strives to empower youth to be comfortable exploring nature and to develop a sense of place by encouraging curiosity, observation and respect. Activities include wildlife tracking & identification, habitat explorations, hiking, gardening, fishing, science experiments, outdoor survival, and much, much more!
Farm & Garden Ages 5-10
April Vacation Field & Forest Ages 10-13 Adult Programs
Shelburne, VT www.NewVillageFarm.com
Untitled-38 1
1/28/16 1:21 PM
Camp Programs Pre-K to 8th Grade
VINS 8H
Contact info@wvpd.org or (802) 863-5744 for more information.www.wvpd.org k4t-WVPD0316.indd 1
WONDERS OF WATER 1.
June 27–July 15. July 25 – 29
OUTDOOR ADVENTURERS 2.
July 5–8. August 1–5; no camp Monday July 4, prorated $170/week
WILD ABOUT WILDLIFE 3.
July 11–15 7. August 8 -12
BUDDING NATURALISTS 4.
July 18–22. August 15-19
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Ages 6–12 years old Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington $200/week per camper (Full/Partial scholarships available)
2/24/16 11:27 AM
Scholarships & Discounts Available!
vinsweb.org/nature-camp Contact us at 800.359.5000 or camps@vinsweb.org QUECHEE • SOUTH POMFRET • WHITE RIVER JUNCTION • HANOVER Untitled-23 1
PROGRAMS BY:
Our annual showcase of talent from ages 4 through pre-professional will dance their way onto the Flynn Main stage in Burlington for 2 exciting performances,
Summer day camps in Northern & Central VT for middle school girls.
Saturday May 28, 2016 at 1:00 & 6:30 pm.
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
GROWING GIRLS WITH GRIT
2/24/16 1:10 PM
Vermont Ballet Theater School presents Celebration of Dance 2016!
KIDS VT
1-week STEM & trades exploration program
32
For show & ticket information visit www.vbts.org.
802.622.0400 • vtworksforwomen.org/summer-camps k8h-vtworksforwomen0316.indd 1
1-week mountain bike & empowerment program
2/22/16 1:44 PM
Classes & Camps 2016 SUMMER
• Week-long ballet themed camps for ages 3-9; Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Toy Shop Ballet and more! • Week-long ballet Mini-Intensive for ages 12-18, for the serious dancer looking to stay in shape for various summer-long intensives • “A Jazz Genre a Day” Jazz Camp for ages 7-11, learn a new jazz genre each day and perform your favorite at the end of the week. • Weekly ballet classes for young dancers - adults - beginner - advanced
This summer come dance with the best at VBTS! For schedule and enrollment information at both the Essex & Shelburne Campuses visit us at WWW.VBTS.ORG OR CALL: 802-878-2941 OR EMAIL US AT: INFO@VBTS.ORG k4t-VBTS-0316.indd 1
2/18/16 12:32 PM
2016 CAMP GUIDE
Feeding Body & Mind
FILMMAKING PHOTOGRAPHY DANCE ACTING MUSIC
CONTINUED FROM P.31
happiness through discovering music, adults, art, cooking.” Morris continued her says ERFORMING RTS involvement with the camp well past Morris. “It creates her counselor days, helping Thomas this really nurturing environment that with fundraising and communication is really stable and consistent,” she in the off-season. She’s majoring says, pointing to OCCC’s statistics. in economics and journalism at More than half of the staff members Ithaca College and is interested in have been involved with the camp for AMPS FOR EENS addressing poverty issues through three or more years, and, in 2015, 70 public policy. percent of paid staff had gone through “Camp has steered my interests the camp’s junior counselor program. into everything I want to do,” she Kaitlin Scherber was a camper says, recounting one experience as for four years and a junior counselor WITH THE BEST OF a teenage counselor. A camper was for two. She hopes to be hired as a eating ravenously after being absent counselor this year. “I think it’s helped for a few days. She told Morris that me grow up,” she says, explaining how she had been watching her baby she helps her parents at home, stays on sibling while her mother recovered top of schoolwork and is aware when a from a sickness, and that all the peer needs help. UMMER UN food in the house went to her father Kaitlin’s mom, Lori Aldrich, Untitled-33 so he could stay healthy enough to corroborates her daughter’s work. The camper’s matter-of-fact experience. “She was happy, she was description of the situation opened growing, she was maturing. She wasn’t Morris’ eyes. “There are a lot of afraid to take risks,” Aldrich says, and A DAY OR RESIDENTIAL CAMP WITH 1-6 WEEK PROGRAMS moments like that with kids,” she she credits OCCC’s welcoming culture says. with inspiring personal growth: FOR AGES 13-19 £ GUEST ARTISTS AND FILMMAKERS Morris thinks the camp’s Campers know their families can’t CAMPUSES IN NEW YORK CITY, VERMONT, LOS ANGELES aspirational structure is critical to afford much, and it’s not an issue. “It’s its success. Kids are encouraged to a non-judgment zone,” Aldrich says. “I look toward the future, to being junior think when you’re pretty much all in counselors, then maybe counselors the same predicament, no one cares Untitled-3 1 1/13/16 3:09 PM one day. And because they see other that you’re not wearing the latest campers moving up through the fashion, you’re not in a big house. ranks, it’s an attainable goal with a There’s no stigma.” ! clear path. Seeing the same staff year after year also allows To learn more about Our Community Cares campers to build enduring Camp, visit ourcommunitycarescamp.org. relationships with young
P
A
C
T
S
F
1
1/25/16 10:47 AM
WWW.SOCAPA.ORG
FRIENDS FOREVER
Buddy Dubay teaching ukuelele
YMCA CAMP ABNAKI CampAbnaki.org FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE
BURLINGTONCITYARTS.ORG or call 802.865.7166
KIDS VT
To learn about our camps, the schedule or to sign up please visit:
MARCH 2016
Resident and Day Camp For Boys Ages 6-16 On Lake Champlain
Starting June 20 for ages 3-18
KIDSVT.COM
Summer Art Camps
33
LAKE ADVENTURE
CAMPS
For kids who are wild about animals!! Animal Adventures (ages 7-9) half day Some dates still available: afternoons only July 11-15 ● July 18-22 ● July 25-29
Summer Safari (ages 10-12) full day Aug. 1-5● Aug. 8-12 ● Aug.15-19 https://www.chittendenhumane.org/ Camp-Paw-Paw
Untitled-21 1
BURLINGTON & VERGENNES, VT
1/27/16 11:00 AM
Ag e s 7-16
n hestra Associatio rc O th u o Y t n o rm The Ve r kids of all ages. has something fo
INFO & REGISTRATION:
RUG CONCERTS FOR KIDS
Untitled-39 1
lcmm.org 1/28/16 1:23 PM
(ages 5 and under) MARCH 12
Camps Athletics Programs Events
DISCOVERY STRINGS CAMP (gr. 1-5) AUG. 8-12
MUSIC DAY CAMP (gr. 4-10) JUNE 20-24
KIDSVT.COM
TWO YEAR-ROUND CHORUSES
(gr. 4-12) AUDITIONS MAY 2016
34
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
THREE YEAR-ROUND ORCHESTRAS
n u f r e m m u s V T B #
(gr. 3-12) AUDITIONS MAY 2016
Financial Aid Available. Visit www.vyo.org to learn more and register. Call 655-5030 for more information. k3v-VYO0216.indd 1
1/27/16 3:14 PM
Register Today!
enjoyburlington.com | (802) 864-0123 Untitled-7 1
1/26/16 2:14 PM
s e r u t n e v d A p m Ca r e m m Su
STARTING JU NE 27
Join us for phenomenal summer experiences emphasizing the creative process and offering new perspectives on art, invention, and historical traditions.
ShelburneMuseum.org Untitled-43 1
Green Mountain Conservation Camp
Children with and without disabilities, ages 2-7, learn and play together The program is available to your family at no cost For more information contact Caitlin Jenkins at cjenkins@vtso.org / 802-861-0274
JOIN US TODAY!
specialolympicsvermont.org 1/28/16 1:46 PM
k4t-vtspecialolympics0316.indd 1
2/22/16 1:43 PM
It's a bird, it's a plane it's....
One to Watch
This Summer Let Nature Nurture...
Do you know a local kid (age 17 or under) who's recently done something amazing? Won a spelling bee? Written an opera? Raised a bunch of money for a great cause? Tell us more! He or she could be featured as One to Watch in an upcoming issue of Kids VT. Visit Kidsvt.com to tell us about this local superhero.
KIDSVT.COM
Canoeing, fishing, archery, campfires and s’mores. What a great way to spend a week this summer. Discover Vermont’s wildlife and master outdoor skills. Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department offers one-week sessions for girls and boys, ages 12 to 14. Sessions run from June through August at two beautiful lake-side locations.
MARCH 2016 KIDS VT
Untitled-20 1
35
Learn more at www.vtfishandwildlife.com 1/27/16 10:55 AM
k4t-OneToWatch0515.indd 1
4/23/15 11:34 AM
MARCH
Sponsored by:
Like the University of Vermont Medical Center on Facebook and get weekly updates from Dr. First! See “First With Kids” videos at uvmhealth.org.
CALENDAR SPOTLIGHTS & LISTINGS BY BRETT STANCIU
Highlights
The streets of Burlington get a jolt of color during the MAGIC HAT MARDI GRAS PARADE. Festive floats, masquerade costumes and pulsing music get the Queen City dancing. The Afro-Brazilian samba street band Sambatucada! steams up the streets, while Bindlestiff Family Cirkus entertains with vaudeville-inspired antics. Families with kiddos under 10 can catch the festivities — and colorful beads, moon pies and sweet treats from Lake Champlain Chocolates — at the Little Jambalaya Viewing Zone, located on the north side of Main Street, between South Champlain and Battery.
SATURDAY, MARCH 5
EARTHWALK VERMONT WINTER COMMUNITY DAY Snow village building, nature games, crafts, skill sharing, earth-oven bread, fireside stories and songs warm up a wintry day. EarthWalk Vermont in Plainfield, 2-5 p.m. $3 suggested donation; $10 per family. Info, 454-8500.
MAGIC HAT MARDI GRAS PARADE: Saturday, March 5, 3 p.m., in downtown Burlington. Parade begins at South Winooski and Main. All ages. Free. Info, 865-5202. magichat.net/mardigras
SATURDAY, MARCH 12
MODEL RAILROAD SHOW Little ones go loco for locomotives as they watch operating models chug on by, with more than 100 tables of exhibits and child-friendly handson activities. Collins-Perley Sports Complex in St. Albans, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $1-3. Info, 878-1135.
SATURDAY, MARCH 19
JUNIOR IRON CHEF VERMONT Middle and high school students duke it out for cafeteria supremacy in a statewide culinary competition celebrating Vermont’s farm-to-table roots. Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $3 per spectator; $5 per family (up to 4 people). Info, 434-4122.
SATURDAY, MARCH 26
36
s a h Catc n a C h c t a C
MATTHEW THORSEN
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
BABY ANIMAL DAY Visitors “ooh” and “ah” over cute and cuddly calves, lambs, chicks, ducklings and goslings. Horse-drawn wagon rides, tours of the heirloom garden and children’s activities round out the day. Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.
Submit your April events for print by March 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
1 TUESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Preschool Art: Miniature Michelangelos dig into clay, paint, collage and printmaking. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per child. Info, 985-3648.
Baby & Maternity
Breastfeeding Support Clinic: A certified lactation counselor answers nursing questions in a supportive setting. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 9 a.m. $15. Info, 829-0211. Evolution Postnatal Yoga: Moms tote their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a fun and nurturing environment. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 10:4511:55 a.m. $15; $130 for a 10-class pass. Info, 864-9642. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-tobe build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 4:15-5:30 p.m. $15 or $130 for 10-class pass. Info, 864-9642. Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. For moms with infants and early crawlers. Emerge with Amy Lepage-Hansen, Montpelier, 10:45 a.m.-noon. $15. Info, 223-5302. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: Women prepare for birth through yoga, with a focus on strengthening the body and mind. See prenatalmethod.com for class descriptions. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 4:305:30 & 6-7 p.m. $15. Info, 829-0211.
Games
Fairfax Game Night: Moms, dads and kids bring their own boards — or borrow from the library’s stash — for tabletop fun. Ages 5 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420. Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: New and experienced players team up for card playing. All ages. Haston Library, Franklin, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.
Health & Fitness
Essex Open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages 6 and under. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 11 a.m.-noon. $8 per hour. Info, 655-3300.
Library & Books
Movies
Youth Media Lab: Aspiring Spielbergs film, edit and produce videos while exploring the depths of digital media. Grades 4 and up. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.
Classes
Music
Preschool Music: Small ones dance and sing to a lively beat. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.
Theater
‘Let’s Dance!’: The audience joins Sesame Street friends Elmo and Ernie onstage for an all-ages dance party. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 3:30 & 7 p.m. $21.20-61.63. Info, 863-5966.
2 WEDNESDAY
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 5:45-7:15 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: New moms work on toning and relaxation. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 829-0211. Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: Expectant mothers get a ballet-inspired workout. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 5:306:30 p.m. $15. Info, 829-0211. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Education List your class or camp here for only $20 per month! Submit the listing by March 15 at kidsvt.com or to classes@kidsvt.com. character development, a physical outlet with discipline, cooperation with other children, respect for peers and adults, perseverance, and a healthy lifestyle. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will help your kids to learn realistic bully-proofing and selfdefense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives. Regular BJJ training builds endurance, resilience, patience, discipline, self-respect and helps to instill courage and self-confidence. First class is free! Location: 55 Leroy Rd., Williston. Please stop by our school, call 660-4072 or email julio@bjjusa.com to register your son or daughter and receive a free uniform with their first month enrollment. vermontbjj. com FlynnArts Summer Camp Registration Now Open: Summer camp registration is open and filling quickly! FlynnArts offers over 30 summer camps for ages 3-19, taught by professional educators & performing artists at the Flynn Center and other locations. Visit flynnarts.org or email flynnarts@flynncenter.org for more information. Burlington Kids & Parents Taiko Drumming: Japanese Drumming with Stuart Paton of Burlington Taiko! Mondays & Wednesdays, 4:30-5:20 p.m. Session starting March 7: $60/child or $112/ parent-child for 3 weeks. Session starting March 28: $40/child or $76/parent-child for 2 weeks (no class first week of April). Session starting April 25: $60/child or $112/parent-child for 3 weeks. Location: 208 Flynn Ave., Suite 3-G (12 steps from Chef’s Corner in Burlington’s South End). A five-person minimum is required to run most classes, so invite friends! Please register online or just come to the first class! Information: 999-4255. burlingtontaiko.org Montpelier Kids & Parents Taiko Drumming: Japanese drumming with Stuart Paton of Burlington Taiko! Thursdays, 4:30-5:20 p.m. Sessions start March 10 and April 28. $48 or $91/parent-child for 4 weeks. Location: Capital City Grange, 6612 Vermont Route 12, Berlin. A six-person minimum is required to run most classes, so invite friends! Please register online or just come to the first class. Information: 999-4255, burlingtontaiko.org
Food
Rutland Winter Farmers Market: Fifty vendors peddle produce, artisan cheese, homemade bread and other local products. All ages. Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 342-4727.
Health & Fitness
Essex Open Gym: See March 1.
Library & Books
Creative Writing Club: Young literati let their imaginations loose through prompts, games and other activities. Ages 9 and up. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3:304:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Discussion: Avid readers ages 8-11 engage in spirited conversations around the award-winning The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place by Julie Berry. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. Dorothy Canfield Fisher Group for Homeschooled Students: Books nominated for this esteemed award generate group discussion. Grades 4-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Green Mountain Book Award Activity for Homeschooled Students: High-school homeschoolers meet monthly and make video book talks of their favorite literary finds. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Read to a Dog: New readers select stories to share with a furry friend. Ages 5-10. Fairfax Community Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister for 15-minute time slot. Info, 849-2420. Red Clover Group for Homeschooled Students: Budding book lovers enjoy bibliophile activities. Grades K-3. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
KIDS VT 2 WEDNESDAY, P..38
37
Burlington City Arts Pottery SchoolBreak Camp: Friday, March 25, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 6-12. Spend the day exploring clay in all its elements. Campers will use their creative ideas to turn clay into beautiful works of art through hand building, sculpture and a heavy dose of wheel throwing. Campers will use a range of decorating techniques to make their pieces unique and one-of-a-kind. All materials provided. Registration required. Please bring a bag lunch. Snacks provided. Cost: $85/$76.50 for Burlington City Arts members. Location: BCA Clay Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington. Info: burlingtoncityarts. org/youth-classes, 865-7166 EvoBaby & EvoKids Yoga at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Registration is now open for our spring sessions of EvoBaby & EvoKids Yoga classes! Join us to bond with your baby or give your child tools to help self-regulate and find more joy. Classes 7 days a week for ages 6 weeks to teen. Spring classes begin April 2. See detailed schedule on website for age groupings, descriptions and pricing. Location: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily.com, 899-0339 Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Classes at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Have a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for birth with stretching, strengthening and relaxation in prenatal yoga — and then bring your body back to balance and strength in postnatal yoga. Join our community of mothers at any point in your pregnancy, and 6 weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling). No yoga experience necessary. Prenatal Yoga: Sundays 10 a.m., Mondays 5:45 p.m., Tuesdays 4:15 p.m., Wednesdays 5:45 p.m., Thursdays 12:15 p.m., Fridays 8:15 a.m. Postnatal Yoga: Sundays 12:15 p.m., Tuesdays 10:45 a.m., Thursdays 10:45 a.m., Fridays noon (postnatal core). Drop-ins welcome, $15/class or $130/10 class pass. Location: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info:evolutionprenatalandfamily.com, 899-0339 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children promotes self-esteem, self-defense and bully-proofing, self-confidence,
One-on-One Tutoring: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students coach elementary-age kids in reading, math and science. Ages 6-12. Some assistance available for other grades in certain subjects with inquiry. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.
KIDSVT.COM MARCH 2016
Build, Build, Build!: Creative kids collaborate with K’Nex, Legos, cardboard tubes and boxes. Ages 5 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Hinesburg Crafternoons: Maker-minded kiddos mix it up with marble runs. Ages 7 and up. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 482-2878. Legos at the Library: Young builders spread out blocks and get building. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Norwich Public Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1184. Read to a Dog: Pet-lovers peruse books with registered therapy pooches. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston,
3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: Book buffs bring a selection from home or borrow from the library to amuse an attentive canine. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 878-6956.
MARCH
CALENDAR
Sticky Fingers The maple season returns this month at MORSE FARM MAPLE SUGARWORKS SUGAR ON SNOW. With sugaring roots that stretch back eight generations, the Morse family serves up the traditional “liquid gold” drizzled over fresh powder, accompanied by doughnuts and sour dill pickles to cut the sweetness. In the primitive Woodshed Theatre, visitors sit on maple-stump seats to watch a humorous and educational video showing the sap-tosyrup process. Don’t miss the detailed antique replica of the Vermont Statehouse near the gift shop and Burr Morse’s large wood carvings of people and animals in the sugarhouse and surrounding woods. Just don’t call them works of art. “I’m no artist,” the legendary patriarch says on the farm’s website. “I’m just darned good with a chainsaw!” MORSE FARM MAPLE SUGARWORKS SUGAR ON SNOW: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, March 4-27, noon-4 p.m., at Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks in Montpelier. All ages. $2.50-5. Info, 223-2740. morsefarm.com 2 WEDNESDAY (CONTINUED)
Movies
After-School Movies for Kids: Film buffs settle down for an afternoon viewing. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver. Norman Williams Public Library, Woodstock, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.
Nature & Science
Science & Stories: Champ!: Little lovers of Lake Champlain’s mystery monster swap stories. Ages 2-5. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.
3 THURSDAY
38
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
Arts & Crafts
Preschool Art Drop-In: Petite Picassos craft cool projects in a variety of mediums. Ages 6 months to 5 years with accompanying adult. BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $5-6. Info, 865-7166. Webby’s Art Studio: The museum’s temporary and permanent exhibits inspire specialized art activities for all ages. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular admission, $5-10; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.
Baby & Maternity
Essex La Leche League: Moms tote their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. First Congregational Church
of Essex Junction, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 383-8544. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Food Kids in the Kitchen: Soft Pretzel Dippers with Cheese Sauce: Chefs-in-training roll out their own made-from-scratch, easypeasy shapes, topped off with a gooey dipping sauce. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20. Info, 863-2569.
Health & Fitness
Library, Franklin, 2-5 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505. Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: An attentive canine listens to little people read. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 878-6956.
Music
Music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.
Essex Open Gym: See March 1.
4 FRIDAY
Library & Books
Arts & Crafts
Colchester Lego Club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with colorful interlocking blocks. Ages 6-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. Fairfax PJ Story Time: Children chill in their jammies while crafting and listening to stories. Ages 6 and under. Fairfax Community Library, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420. Food for Thought Teen Group: Young adults polish off pizza as they discuss library projects. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Lego Thursdays: Kids bring their creativity to the library’s supplies. All ages. Haston
Family Wheel Drop-In: Families form clay sculptures with assistance from staff. All ages. BCA Print & Clay Studio, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $7-8 per participant; $5 additional for each piece fired and glazed. Info, 860-7474.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Mother’s Gathering: Moms and new babies spread out, sip tea, nurse and swap stories. Children under 2 welcome. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-5302.
Submit your April events for print by March 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
Education
Early Bird Math: Young children and their caregivers put two and two together using interactive books, songs and games to explore arithmetic concepts. Richmond Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036.
Food
Sugar On Snow: The sweet season is celebrated with sticky stuff, doughnuts and dill pickles in a steaming sugarhouse. All ages. (See spotlight.) Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Montpelier, noon-4 p.m. $2.50-5. Info, 223-2740.
Games
Magic: The Gathering: Planeswalkers seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game. New players welcome. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Health & Fitness
Essex Open Gym: See March 1.
Library & Books
Family Story Time: Experienced librarian and storyteller Molly Pease leads little ones in songs, stories, crafts and more. Bridgeside Books, Waterbury, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-1441. Songs & Stories With Matthew: Musician Matthew Witten kicks off the morning with tunes and tales of adventure. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Teen Advisory Board: Young adults jam with poetry, get going with suggestions for the summer reading program and enjoy games. Grades 9 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
stone soup. EarthWalk Vermont, Plainfield, 2-5 p.m. $3 suggested donation; $10 per family. Info, 454-8500. See Dr. First videos Highgate’s Duct Tape Derby: “First With Kids” at The town gets silly with homeuvmhealth.org. made sleds fabricated from cardboard, duct tape, paint and zip ties, competing in assorted Music categories. Helmets required. Carter Hill, Highgate. Registration, 10:20 a.m.; Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ derby, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970. Bassick: Toe-tapping tunes captivate kiddies. Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Open House & Kitten Shower: Feline fanciInfo, 660-9346. ers gather for refreshments, activities and furry fun. Donations of canned kitten food and other pet supplies appreciated. Central Parenting Vermont Humane Society, East Montpelier, Life of the Child: How Boys Become Men: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; donations suggested. Author and psychologist Ted Braude opens Info, 476-3811. a weekend conference with this talk about Vermont Family StackFest: Competitors supporting a boy’s path to adulthood with of all ages and abilities engage in this timed strength, joy and confidence. Lake ChamJunior Olympic Sport of stacking specialplain Waldorf High School, Shelburne, 7-9 ized plastic cups in specific sequences. p.m. $20. Info, 495-0834. See website for categories and to register. Camels Hump Middle School, Richmond, 8 5 SATURDAY a.m.-3 p.m. $20-30 per individual; $30-40 per family; proceeds benefit area elementary Arts & Crafts schools’ fitness activities. Info, 434-2461. Craft School Saturday Drop-In: Artsy types create seasonal masterpieces in this Dance ever-changing weekly series. Projects availVermont Ballet Theater Summer Intenable for pickup at a later date. Ages 5-15 with sive Auditions: Young ballerinas do their an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. best in tryouts for summer programs. Visit $10 per child. Info, 985-3648. vbts.org to sign up for a time slot. Vermont Family Clay: Kids and their parents make Ballet Theater & School, Essex, 1-4:15 p.m. memories firing and glazing special pieces. $10-14; preregister. Info, 878-2941. All ages. Purple Crayon/ArtisTree, South Pomfret, 10 a.m.-noon, $20 per parent-child Education pair; $5 per additional family member; preOne-on-One Tutoring: See March 2, 9 register. Info, 457-3500. a.m.-2 p.m. Kids Building Workshop: Handy helpers Safe Girls, Smart Girls: Girls ages 9-12 learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as learn safety tips for different situations. they construct seasonal projects. Ages 5-12. Milton Municipal Complex, noon-3 p.m. $15. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon. Free; Info, 893-4922. preregister at workshops.homedepot.com. Info, 872-0039. Fairs & Festivals Origami Workshop: Paper folders let their Magic Hat Mardi Gras Parade: Bead catchimaginations run wild. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Jeudevine ers boogie to music from festive floats and clap for the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus. Memorial Library, Hardwick, 2-4 p.m. Free. Families with children under 10 can watch Info, 472-5948. the parade roll by from the Little Jambalaya Webby’s Art Studio: See March 3. Viewing Zone located on the north side of Main Street, between South Champlain and Baby & Maternity Battery. (See spotlight on page 36.) DownPrenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See town Burlington, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 658-2739. March 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Community
Students from families who save even small amounts for college are three times more likely to attend and complete college. And Vermont’s state-sponsored 529 college savings program, the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan (VHEIP), is the only college savings plan that qualifies families for a Vermont state income tax credit on contributions.
Start saving with as little as $25!
Food
OPEN AN ACCOUNT TODAY.
VHEIP.ORG/START 1-800-637-5860
VHEIP is sponsored by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, a public nonprofit established by the Vermont legislature in 1965 to help Vermont students and families plan and pay for college. VHEIP investment management is provided by Intuition College Savings Solutions, LLC. Consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses before investing and read the disclosure booklet (available online at vheip.org or by calling 1-800-637-5860). Investments in VHEIP are neither insured nor guaranteed, and there is the risk of investment loss. Before investing in a 529 plan, you should consider whether the state you or your designated benificiary reside in or have taxable income in has a 529 plan that offers favorable state income tax or other benefits that are available only if you invest in that state’s 529 plan. Illustration © Doug Ross
KIDS VT
Burlington Winter Farmers Market: Local farmers, artisans and producers offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts, and more in a bustling indoor marketplace with live music and lunch seating. All ages. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172. Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, handmade crafts, meat and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of Vermont wares. 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 crafts change hands at an off-season celebration of locavorism. All ages. Montpelier High School, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.
MARCH 2016
Say you saw it in
Now is a perfect time to start.
KIDSVT.COM
EarthWalk Vermont Winter Community Day: Snow-village building, nature games, skill sharing, earth-oven bread, fireside stories and songs warm up a wintry day for all. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Bring a washed and chopped ingredient for
Thinking ahead? Add college savings to your plan.
39
5 SATURDAY, P.40 Untitled-27 1
2/15/16 4:27 PM
MARCH
CALENDAR
Story Times
5 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)
Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Most story times follow the school schedule. Contact the story-time organizer for details. Hinesburg Youngsters Story Time: See Tuesday. Northfield Children’s Story Time: See Monday. Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860. Shelburne Musical Story Time: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124. St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday. Vergennes Story Time: Bixby Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 877-2211. Waterbury Preschool Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036. Westford Story Time: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-5639.
MONDAY Barre Children’s Story Hour: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-7550. Bristol Story Time: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2366. Colchester Preschool Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Essex Preschool Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. Hyde Park Story Time: Lanpher Memorial Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 888-4628. Milton Infant Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Northfield Children’s Story Time: Brown Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 485-4621. Richmond Pajama Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 434-3036. Richmond Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036. Shelburne Story Time: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124. St. Albans Story Hour: St. Albans Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507. Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145. Waitsfield Story Time: Joslin Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 496-4205. Waterbury Baby & Toddler Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036. Woodstock Baby Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.
40
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
TUESDAY Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077. Barre Children’s Story Hour: See Monday. Brownell Baby & Toddler Story Time: Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956. Brownell Story Time for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6955. Colchester Toddler Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Craftsbury Story Time: Craftsbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 586-9683. East Barre Story Time: East Barre Branch Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118. Fairfax Preschool Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 849-2420. Hinesburg Youngsters Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, 9:30-10 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878. Milton Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Montpelier Story Time: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-3338. South Burlington Tiny Tot Time: South Burlington Community Library, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.
FRIDAY
Williston Story Time: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Winooski Pajama Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-6424. Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295. WEDNESDAY Barnes & Noble Story Time: Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001. Brownell Story Time for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: See Tuesday. 10-10:45 a.m. Highgate Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970. Hyde Park Story Time: See Monday. 10 a.m. Johnson Story Time: Johnson Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 635-7141. Marshfield Story & Activity Time: Jaquith Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581. Norwich Story Time: Norwich Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 649-1184. Quechee Story Time: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 295-1232. Randolph Morning Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073. Richmond Toddler Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036. South Burlington Baby Book Time: South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080. Stowe Story Hour: Stowe Free Library, 10:1511:15 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145. Swanton Storytime: Swanton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-7656. Warren Preschool Story & Enrichment Hour: Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 595-2582. THURSDAY Bristol Story Time: See Monday. Colchester Preschool Story Time: See Monday. Franklin Story Time: Haston Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.
Brandon Preschool Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, first Friday of every month, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230. Craftsbury Story Time: See Tuesday. Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 933-2328. Essex Musical Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. Georgia Preschool Story Time: Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 524-4643. Huntington Story Time: Huntington Public Library, 10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 434-4583. Lincoln Toddler/Preschool Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665. Milton Rhythm & Movement Toddler Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday. South Burlington Pajamarama: Barnes & Noble, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 864-8001. St. Johnsbury Story Time: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 748-8291. Stowe Baby & Toddler Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145. SATURDAY Barnes & Noble Saturday Morning Story Time: Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001. Barre Story Time: Next Chapter Bookstore, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-3114. Burlington Story Time at Phoenix Books: Phoenix Books, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 448-3350. Colchester Saturday Drop-In Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 933-2328. Franklin Walk-in Story Hour: Haston Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505. Hardwick Preschool Story Hour: Jeudevine Memorial Library, first Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5849. Milton Drop-In Saturday Storytime: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Swanton Storytime: See Wednesday. 10:30 a.m. !
Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes. All ages. Mary Hogan Elementary School, Middlebury, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 537-4754. Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See March 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sugar On Snow: See March 4. Open Sugarhouse Weekends: Families sample the state’s “liquid gold” on snow and enjoy boiling demonstrations, maple candy, live music, walking trails and a petting zoo. All ages. Palmer’s Sugarhouse, Shelburne, noon-4 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5054.
Health & Fitness
EvoKids Saturday Yoga: Youngsters master basic yoga poses through games, songs and dance. Mindfulness activities improve focus and concentration. Ages 3-9. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $15. Info, 864-9642. Wintry Wander: Adventurous families snowshoe through the woods in search of checkpoints during this three-hour race sponsored by the Green Mountain Adventure Racing Association. All ages. Bolton Valley Resort, 10 a.m. $5 per person; free for children in backpacks and sleds; preregistration recommended. Info, 825-1101.
Library & Books
Cleo the Therapy Dog: Canine and reading enthusiasts visit with a friendly pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Laura Williams McCaffrey & Tod Olson: These two YA authors discuss the writing process and answer questions. Bear Pond Books, Montpelier, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 229-0774. Trapped in the Ice: Really cool science experiments take kids on an exploration with the 2016 Vermont Reads hero Sir Ernest Shackleton. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Free; preregistration encouraged. Info, 849-2420.
Music BarnArts Jazz & Funk Masquerade Winter Music Carnival: Five hours of local and regional music, plus an expansive taco bar, mask making and lots of fun are served up at this annual festival. Costumes welcome. Masks encouraged. Barnard Town Hall, 6-11 p.m. $10-20; free for children 6 and under. Info, 234-1645. Dartmouth Youth Winds: Led by student conductors, dedicated middle-school musicians from the Upper Valley perform a new repertoire. Ages 5 and up. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2422.
Nature & Science
Little Explorer Program: Nature-minded preschoolers discover the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge with Mr. K. Ages 3-8. Call for location and details. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 9 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970. Science Challenge: Kids of all ages tackle tough problems with a mixture of tools.
ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Ages 3 and up. Plainfield Town Champlain, Burlington, noon Hall Opera House, 3-4:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Free with $10.50Free. Info, 223-1509. 13.50 museum admission; See Dr. First videos free for children under 3. Info, “First With Kids” at Food 864-1848. uvmhealth.org. Pancake Breakfast: Hungry Tour the Cosmos: This 50-mineaters fill up with flapjacks ute live presentation takes the topped with fresh maple syrup. audience on a journey deep into Proceeds benefit the East Montthe universe. Ages 6 and up. pelier Elementary School’s Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. JohnEducating Children Outdoors program. sbury, 1:30 p.m. Regular museum admission Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks, Montpelier, $7-9; free for children under 5. $6 per person 8-10 a.m. $8. Info, 223-2740. per planetarium show. Info, 748-2372. Sugar On Snow: See March 4. Open Sugarhouse Weekends: See March 5.
6 SUNDAY
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:30 p.m. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 10-11:30 a.m.
Community
All Souls Interfaith Kids Gathering: Little ones engage in mindfulness and yoga. Grades K-4. Parents must remain on-site. All Souls Interfaith Gathering, Shelburne, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, 985-3819.
Dance
Health & Fitness
Essex Open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages 6 and under, 1 p.m.; ages 7-12, 2:30 p.m.; ages 13 and up, 4 p.m. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 1-5:30 p.m. $8. Info, 655-3300.
Music
Sunday Concert: Singer-songwriter Amy Dixon-Kolar blends Celtic, traditional, blues and folk influences into her melodies for a pleasing acoustical afternoon. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 899-5433.
Dance, Sing & Jump Around: A lively intergenerational afternoon includes traditional dances, with songs, chants and live music.
Want to Quit Smoking? VCBH can help
Nature & Science
Discovery Sundays: Families have fun with hands-on science experiments and investigations, using wheels, towers, magnets, feathers, water and bubbles. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with $11.50-13.50 museum admission; free for children under 3. Info, 359-5001, ext. 228. Science Challenge: See March 5. Tour the Cosmos: See March 5.
7 MONDAY
Arts & Crafts
Crafts for Kids: Clever kiddos pursue artsy projects. Ages 5-9. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 5:45-7 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Library & Books
Babies & Toddlers Rock: Little musicians ages 2 and under sing songs and take part in early literacy activities. Rutland Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860. Brownell Preschool Story Time: Picture books, songs, rhymes, puppets, flannel stories and early math activities entertain wee ones. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Burlington Stories With Megan: Preschoolers have a ball with rhymes, songs and books. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. Essex Lego Challenge Club: Kids put together plastic-block creations. Ages 5 and up. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3:304:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. Middle School Planners & Helpers: Students play games and plot cool projects for the library over snacks. Grades 6-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Milton Legos at the Library: Junior builders bust out interlocking blocks. Grades K-5. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
Education
One-on-One Tutoring: See March 2, 6-8 p.m.
The Vermont Center on Behavior and Health is conducting a study to help mothers quit smoking. With your participation, you could earn up to $1,310. If you have at least one child under the age of 12, you may qualify for this study. To see if you qualify, go online at http://j.mp/1MSDgeE to take our online survey or call (802) 656-1906 to learn more about this study.
7 MONDAY, P.42
A FAMILY ROCK CONCERT!
KIDSVT.COM MARCH 2016
SPONSORED BY
KIDS VT
41
Untitled-28 1
2/25/16 11:09 AM
k4t-IAA-PTO-0316.indd 1
2/25/16 1:52 PM
MARCH CALENDAR 7 MONDAY (CONTINUED)
Get Egg-cited An annual rite of spring ushers in the new season at the end of this month. The MILTON EGG HUNT rolls into Bombardier Park West with more than 2,000 candy-filled containers scattered across the grass for little ones to collect. Be sure to shake the paw of the master of ceremonies — otherwise known as “the Bunny” — before getting in on the action. Kids should bring their own baskets for stockpiling their sweets — and dress appropriately. The hunt takes place come rain or shine, snow or mud. MILTON EGG HUNT: Saturday, March 26, 10 a.m., at Bombardier Park West in Milton. Ages 6 and under. Free. Info, 893-4922. miltonvt.org
Music Music & Movement for Preschoolers: Educator Emily Lanxner gets the beat going with creative storytelling, movement and rhythm. Geared toward preschoolers, but all ages welcome. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948. Music for Preschoolers: See March 3, 11 a.m.
8 TUESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Creative Tuesdays: Young artists engage their imaginations with recycled materials. All ages. Kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. Preschool Art: See March 1.
Baby & Maternity
KIDSVT.COM
MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH Info, 649-2200
Human Plus: Real Lives & Real Engineering: Cutting-edge science and engineering match forces to assist the human body through low- and high-tech tools. This hands-on experience includes a neuroprosthetic limb controlled by a person’s thoughts and a touchless computer mouse, controlled through slight movements of the head. Through May 8.
Theater
Movies
MARCH 2016
XOXO: An Exhibit About Love & Forgiveness: Developed by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, this interactive exhibit asks participants to open their hearts and minds, through puzzles and art, in a giant conversation starter. Through May 15.
Games
Gaming For Teens & Adults: Players of all skill levels engage in Magic: The Gathering and other amusements. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult or have parental permission to attend. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5-7:45 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. Legos at the Library: See March 1. Read to a Dog: See March 1. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See March 1. Spanish Musical Kids: Niños celebrate Latin American culture through tunes and games en español. Ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. Youth Media Lab: See March 1.
Music
Preschool Music: See March 1.
Nature & Science
KIDS VT
Info, 864-1848
Nature Center, Montpelier, 7-9 p.m. $5-10. Info, 229-6206.
Library & Books
Starry, Starry Night: Families look upward for a winter evening of stargazing and moon watching. Dress warmly. North Branch
42
ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON
Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See March 1. Burlington La Leche League: New moms bring their babies and questions to a breastfeeding support group. Older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 985-8228. Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See March 1. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1. La Leche League of the Northeast Kingdom: Expectant, new and experienced moms join breastfeeding experts for advice and support. Enter through the children’s section of the library. Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 720-272-8841. Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See March 1. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1.
Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See March 1.
HARJIT DHALIWAL
Ongoing Exhibits
SHELBURNE MUSEUM, SHELBURNE Info, 985-3346
32 Degrees: The Art of Winter: Snowy season-inspired artwork graces the museum’s gallery spaces and grounds, from to contemporary photography to Monet’s “Wheatstacks” to sound pieces and games. Through May 30.
‘The Cat in the Hat’: The feline with the striped hat finds mischievous amusement, in an autism-friendly setting. All ages. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7 p.m. $15-25. (See spotlight on page 48.) Info, 863-5966.
9 WEDNESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Arts for Tots: Music, movement, free play and projects inspire creativity in young minds. Ages 2-4. Purple Crayon/ArtisTree, South Pomfret, 10-11 a.m. $12 drop-in; preregister. Info, 457-3500. Create It! After-School Maker Lab: Mechanically-minded kids investigate imaginatively with electronics. Grades 3 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 5:45-7:15 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Education
Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
History for Homeschoolers: Eager learners launch into history-related activities orgaEducation See Dr. First videos nized around monthly themes. “First With Kids” at History for Homeschoolers: Ages 6-12. Check vermonthisuvmhealth.org. See March 9. tory.org for specific details. Vermont History Museum, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. $6.50-8; Games preregister. Space is limited. Lego Fun: Budding builders Info, 828-2291. bust out the blocks. Grades K and up; kids One-on-One Tutoring: See March 2. under 5 are welcome to participate with adult supervision. Brownell Library, Essex River Rock School Open House: ProspecJunction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. tive parents meet the teachers behind this school’s K-8 innovative educational program Library & Books while their kids enjoy activities. River Rock School, Montpelier, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, Colchester Lego Club: See March 3. 223-4700. Lego Thursdays: See March 3. Young Writers & Storytellers: Small ones Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See March spin their own yarns. Ages 5-9. Burnham 3. Memorial Library, Colchester, 4-5 p.m. Free. St. Albans Library Legos: Aspiring archiInfo, 264-5660. tects engage in creative construction with their peers. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Food Free. Info, 524-1507. Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See Winter PJ Story Hour: Little ones in jamMarch 2. mies snuggle in for stories, songs and a craft. St. Albans Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, Games 524-1507. Dungeons & Dragons Night: Players don invented personas and use cleverness and luck Music to overcome challenges, defeat enemies and Music for Preschoolers: See March 3. save the day. Beginners welcome. Ages 9-13. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, Nature & Science 6-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Journey From Sap to Syrup: Wee ones tap a tree, collect buckets of sap and watch it boil Library & Books into thick “liquid gold.” Taste tests guaranFairfax Lego Club: Fledgling architects conteed. Ages 3-5. Green Mountain Audubon struct creatively with colorful blocks. Ages 6 Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. adult-child pair; $4 for each additional child; Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420. preregister. Info, 434-3068. Reading with Charlie: Emerging readers spend literary time with a poodle. Carpenter11 FRIDAY Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, Arts & Crafts 482-2878. Family Wheel Drop-In: See March 4.
Movies
After-School Movies for Kids: See March 2.
Nature & Science
Science & Stories: Beach Treasures: Imaginative wee ones play with sand toys for this make-believe journey to the seaside. Ages 2-5. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Mother’s Gathering: See March 4.
Education
Arts & Crafts
Food
Baby & Maternity
Games
Dungeons & Dragons: Players embark on imaginary adventures, equipped with their problem-solving skills. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Library & Books
Brownell All-Ages Story Time: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers pass through for picture
Nature & Science Montshire Unleashed: An Evening for Adults: The museum opens its doors after hours so grown-ups can let their inner curiosity go wild. Beer and wine available for purchase. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6-9 p.m. $14 museum admission; free for members. Info, 649-2200.
Theater
‘Brundibár: A Musical Tale’: Two children serenade townfolk for milk to aid their ailing mother, then battle a brash organ grinder. This retelling of a classic tale features magical animals and a singing army of children as warriors against oppression. Burlington City Hall Auditorium, 7 p.m. $10-15; $36 family 4-pack; free for children under 4 who sit on a guardian’s lap. Info, 863-5966.
Education
One-on-One Tutoring: See March 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Fairs & Festivals
Irish Heritage Festival: Kids count their lucky charms and celebrate Celtic culture through traditional tales, crafts and music. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. Vermont Chili Festival: Restaurants and caterers ladle out spicy stews from the sidewalks, while street performers, live music and face painting further heat things up. All ages. Downtown Middlebury, 1-4 p.m. $5-7; free for kids under 8.
Food
Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See March 5. Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See March 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sugar On Snow: See March 4. Open Sugarhouse Weekends: See March 5.
Health & Fitness
12 SATURDAY
EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See March 5.
Arts & Crafts
Library & Books
Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See March 5. Pottery Wheel: Clay enthusiasts learn the craft of creating cups, bowls and more. Price includes one fired and glazed piece per participant. Ages 6-12. BCA Print and Clay Studio, Burlington, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $22.50-25; preregister. Info, 865-7166. Webby’s Art Studio: See March 3.
Baby & Maternity
Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1.,10:30-11:30 a.m.
Community
Dabble Days: Families with kids ages 10 and under engage in different types of art activities, from painting to collage, murals to modeling clay. Snack provided. Thatcher Brook Primary School, Waterbury, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-5605. The FUN Group: Mr. Chris leads children with intellectual and developmental delays in this musical and social afternoon on the farm. Children should wear play clothes. Bread & Butter Farm, Shelburne, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $6 drop-in donation; RSVP appreciated. Info, 310-1861. Ice Carving Demonstration: Local sculptor Colleen Bunnell shows the crowd how to chip away at the cold stuff. Fairfax Community Library, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420. Kids Trade & Play: Families exchange clean and gently used clothing and toys, size newborn to 12. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $3 per family. Info, 337-8632. Model Railroad Show: Little ones go loco for locomotives as they watch operating models chug on by, with child-friendly hands-on
Music Young Tradition Vermont Touring Group Performance: Led by artistic director Pete Sutherland, accomplished adolescent performers get the audience’s toes tapping with traditional Irish tunes. Main Street Landing, Burlington, 7 p.m. $15 suggested donation. Info, 233-5293.
12 SATURDAY, P.44
43
Submit your April events for print by March 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
Colchester Read to Hank the Therapy Dog: Book lovers share stories with a sweet retriever, while little ones listen. Ages 4-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Jedi Academy: The Star Wars galaxy commandeers the library with costumes, crafts, games and other worldly refreshments. All ages. Milton Public Library, 1-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644. Pierson Library Spring Cleaning Book Sale: Thousands of gently used books offer bibliophiles the opportunity to stock up at bargain-bin prices, then check out the kids’ craft area and local-goods raffle. Shelburne Town Hall, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5124. Russian Playgroup: Little rompers enjoy music, puppets and a snack. Non-Russian speakers welcome. Ages 5 and under. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Second Saturdays: This child-friendly afternoon, a collaboration between the Norwich Public Library and the Norwich Bookstore, celebrates reading with various themed activities. Check norwichlibrary.org for location. Norwich Bookstore, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.
KIDS VT
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Sugar On Snow: See March 4.
Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See March 4. Music With Robert: Families sing along with a local legend. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216..
MARCH 2016
Clay for Tots: Little potters practice, poke and play with a malleable medium. Ages 3-6. Purple Crayon/ArtisTree, South Pomfret, 10:30-11:15 a.m. $12 per drop-in class; preregister. Info, 457-3500. Preschool Art Drop-In: See March 3. Webby’s Art Studio: See March 3.
Music
activities and more than 100 tables of exhibits. All ages. Collins-Perley Sports Complex, St. Albans, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $1-5; free for children under 6. Info, 878-1135.
KIDSVT.COM
10 THURSDAY
Early Bird Math: See March 4. Milton Homeschool Project Day: Out-ofclassroom learners exhibit their current endeavors to an audience of parents and siblings. Grades K-12. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
books and finger plays. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Family Story Time: See March 4.
MARCH CALENDAR 12 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)
Say you saw it in
Fairs & Festivals
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 10-11:30 a.m.
Wintervale: Outdoor activities, local food and hot Community Bird-Monitoring Walk: Beginning birders chocolate — plus three miles embrace ornithology on an identification walk. All Souls Interfaith Kids GathSee Dr. First videos of groomed cross-country All ages. Green Mountain Audubon Center, “First With Kids” at ering: Creative kiddos engage ski trails, weather permituvmhealth.org. Huntington, 8-10 a.m. Donations appreciated. in arts and crafts. Grades K-4. ting — await nature-loving Seed Starting Workshop: Master gardener Info, 434-3068. Caregivers must remain on-site. Vermonters in Burlington’s Diane Xiques gets the library’s community 1 5/25/12 9:40 AM All Souls Interfaith Gathering, backyard. All ages. Burlington’s Family Snug in the Snow: With assistance house-2.3x.8-orange.indd garden going with junior horticulturists. Shelburne, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, Intervale, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. from Green Mountain Audubon, young natuGrades 1-5. Milton Public Library, 9-11 a.m. 985-3819. Info, 660-0440. ralists learn about meadow voles and river Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644. otters nestling under the powder and skidding ‘Brrrlington’ Winter Bash: Sled-dog rides, Tour the Cosmos: See March 5. Food atop it. Ages 3-8. Carpenter-Carse Library, games, goodies and a real-live reindeer and a Hinesburg, 11 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, goat get this community outdoor party going. Sugar On Snow: See March 4. Theater 482-2878. Robert Miller Community & Recreation Open Sugarhouse Weekends: See March 5. ‘Brundibár: A Musical Tale’: See March 11, Center, Burlington, noon-3 p.m. $3; free for Play Date! Spring on the Farm: Little ones 1 & 7 p.m. children under 3. Info, 881-7767. drop in to meet wiggly worms, burrow unHealth & Fitness derground like a woodchuck or tap a maple XOXO: Peace & Reconciliation: The center Essex Open Gym: See March 6. 13 SUNDAY tree, with the help of farm educators. Ages shares food from the community’s many cul2-5, accompanied by an adult. Families are tures while exploring ways to approach unity Library & Books welcome to bring a snack or lunch. Shelburne Baby & Maternity and nonviolently curtail conflict. All ages. Farms, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $3-5 per child. Info, Pierson Library Spring Cleaning Book ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See March 1, 985-8686. Sale: See March 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $4. Info, 864-1848. 12:15-1:30 p.m. Science Challenge: See March 5.
Nature & Science
Playgroups
Nature & Science
Kids enjoy fun and games during these informal get-togethers, and caregivers connect with other local parents and peers. The groups are usually free and often include snacks, arts and crafts, or music. Most playgroups follow the school calendar. Contact the playgroup organizer for site-specific details.
MONDAY Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers & Toddlers: VNA Family Room, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 862-2121. Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: Evolution Prenatal and Family Yoga Center, second Monday of every month, 2:30-4 p.m. Free. Info, 864-9642. Burlington Playgroup: Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 578-6471. Charlotte Playgroup: Charlotte Central School Early Education Program, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Jericho Playgroup: Jericho Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415. Swanton Monday Playgroup: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:45-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 868-7656.
44
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
TUESDAY Bradford Playgroup: Grace United Methodist Church, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24. Brookfield Playgroup: First Congregational Church of Brookfield, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24. Burlington Dads’ Night: VNA Family Room, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420. Burlington Playgroup: See Monday. Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555. Johnson Baby Chat: Church of the Nazarene, fourth Tuesday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470. WEDNESDAY Burlington Playgroup: See Monday. Essex Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup: Move You Fitness Studio, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555. Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 827-3945.
14 MONDAY
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 5:45-7 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Community
THURSDAY
FRIDAY Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415. Marshfield Open Gym: Old Schoolhouse Common, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.
Theater
‘Brundibár: A Musical Tale’: See March 11, 1 p.m.
Hinesburg Playgroup: Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-4667. Milton Playgroup: Milton Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Richmond Playgroup: Richmond Free Library, 8:45-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415. Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. South Burlington Playgroup: Leo O’Brien Civic Center, Mondays-Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 489-0410. South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 6852264, ext. 24. St. Albans Building Better Families Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, St. Albans, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. Alburgh Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, Alburgh, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. Brandon Stories & Crafts: Brandon Free Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230. Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Playgroup: See Tuesday. 9:30-11 a.m. Milton Playgroup: See Wednesday. Montgomery Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. Randolph Playgroup: White River Craft Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24. South Burlington Playgroup: See Wednesday. West Fairlee Playgroup: Westshire Elementary School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24. Williston Play Time: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 878-4918.
Discovery Sundays: See March 6. Tour the Cosmos: See March 5.
Montgomery Tumble Time: Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 347-1780. Randolph Toddler Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073. Rutland Playgroup: Rutland Free Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860. Swanton Friday Playgroup: Swanton Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3033. Underhill Playgroup: Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415. Williston Babytime Playgroup: Allen Brook School, first Friday of every month, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Winooski Playtime: O’Brien Community Center, Mondays, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 655-1422. SATURDAY Morrisville Baby Chat: Lamoille Family Center, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229. Swanton Tumble Time: Swanton Elementary School, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3033. !
Bolton Family Week: This winter celebration includes indoor inflatables and video games, campfires, ice cream socials, kids’ movies and balloon sculptures. Bolton Valley Resort, 2-7 p.m. $8 for general public; $6 for Bolton Valley lift ticket holders; $5 for season-pass holders. Info, 434-6804.
Education Homeschool Program: Vermont Geology: Environmental educator Kristen Littlefield digs up fun facts about the underlying layers of our state’s soil through literature, crafts and hands-on rock and fossil exploration. Ages 6 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.
Food
Mama Mangez: Families prepare and share a meal and conversation. Tulsi Tea Room, Montpelier, 4-6 p.m. Free; ingredient donation optional. Info, 595-7953.
Library & Books
Babies & Toddlers Rock: See March 7. Burlington Stories With Megan: See March 7. Essex Lego Challenge Club: See March 7.
Pajama Story Time: Flannel-clad wee ones bring their stuffed pals for seasonal tales, crafts and a bedtime snack. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Reading Buddies: 8th-grade mentors make time to read with youngsters. Bring a favorite book. Ages 5-10. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.
Music
Essex 40th Army Band Performance: Patriotic American tunes and contemporary musical favorites get the crowd clapping. All ages. Essex High School, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 338-3480. Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See March 7. Music for Preschoolers: See March 3, 11 a.m.
Nature & Science
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: Little explorers and their caregivers discover the sights, sounds and sensations of the forests and fields while learning how the natural environment can be used as a tool for learning and play. Dress in outdoor clothing. Ages 5 and under. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free; donations welcome. Info, 229-6206.
15 TUESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Creative Tuesdays: See March 8. Plattsburgh Preschool Story Hour: Young art connoisseurs and their caregivers listen to a picture book, look at original works of art and create a project to take home. Ages 3-5. Plattsburgh State Art Museum, 10 a.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 518-564-2474. Preschool Art: See March 1.
Baby & Maternity
Spanish Musical Kids: See March 8. Teen Book Club: Young adults engage in lively chat about I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 3:45-4:45 p.m. Free. Info, 472-5948. Youth Media Lab: See March 1.
16 WEDNESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Arts for Tots: See March 9.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 5:45-7:15 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
SCHEDULE A TOUR10/29/15 TODAY k12-Brundibar0316.indd 10:15 AM AND RECEIVE 10% OFF OUR REGISTRATION FEE!
Untitled-11 1
1
2/11/16 3:22 PM
Community
Bolton Family Week: See March 14.
Food
Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See March 2.
Scan to see what we are all about!
Holidays
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: Kiddos get creative with crafts, play with a straw and connector set, and consume cupcakes. Grades K-6. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 2:45-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.
Movies
Irish Stories for Kids: In celebration of the green-themed holiday, a local storyteller shares legends and tales from the Emerald Isle. Ages 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. 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, 264-5660. Read to a Dog: See March 2.
655-2600 or info@sfxvt.org
Untitled-19 1
1/22/16 11:14 AM
LOOK CLOSER… IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW!
ATTENTION CLASS INSTRUCTORS! List your class in Kids VT for only $15/month! Submit the listing by the 15th at kidsvt.com or classes@kidsvt.com
MARCH 2016
After-School Movies for Kids: See March 2. Marshfield Family-Themed Movies: A wholesome flick fascinates viewers of all ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.
SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER SCHOOL
Now Enrolling for Fall 2016 - Pre-School (3 yr. olds) thru 8th grade
KIDSVT.COM
Community
Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See March 1.
Contois Auditorium • Burlington City Hall Fridays & Saturdays, 7pm Saturday & Sunday matinees, 1pm Tickets available at flynntix.org or 802-86-FLYNN More information available at theatrekavanah.org Brundibár is produced in partnership with Burlington City Arts and is supported in part by the Vermont Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts
Hartford 40th Army Band Performance: See March 14. Hartford High School, White River Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 338-3480. Preschool Music: See March 1.
Library & Books
Games
March 11-13 & 18-20
Music
Breastfeeding Café: Moms nurse their babies, chat and ask for answer from a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, supportive dads and older siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 11:30 a.m.1 p.m. Free. Info, 349-3825. Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See March 1. Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See March 1. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1. Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See March 1. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1. Bolton Family Week: See March 14.
A family-friendly show with a profound history and a powerful message
Movies
Library & Books
KIDS VT
45
Gaming For Teens & Adults: See March 8. Legos at the Library: See March 1. Read to a Dog: See March 1. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See March 1.
16 WEDNESDAY, P.46 Untitled-96 1
7/26/12 12:30 PM
MARCH CALENDAR 16 WEDNESDAY (CONTINUED)
Music
A Fearless Fable In 1943, a cast of children debuted BRUNDIBÁR: A MUSICAL TALE in the Czechoslovakian concentration camp Theresienstadt. The children performed the opera, created by Jewish Czech composer Hans Krása, numerous times before they were transported to Auschwitz where, tragically, most of them were killed. This spring, Burlingtonbased Jewish theater company Theatre Kavanah stages a production of the singing story with local Vermont kids. In it, a fatherless sister and brother serenade villagers to earn money for their sick mother, until an evil organ grinder tries to thwart their plans. In true fairytale fashion, a fearless sparrow, canny cat and clever canine arrive to assist the brave innocents. Music and history mix in a still-relevant story about children’s courage in times of darkness. BRUNDIBÁR: A MUSICAL TALE: Multiple showtimes between Friday, March 11, and Sunday, March 20, at Burlington City Hall Auditorium. All ages. $1015; $36 for a family four-pack. Info, 503-1132. theatrekavanah.org
Community Sing-A-Long: Songbirds of all levels raise their voices with the instrumental accompaniment of Rich and Laura Atkinson. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:45 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581. Montpelier 40th Army Band Performance: See March 14. Vermont Statehouse, Montpelier, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 338-3480.
Nature & Science
Science & Stories: Maple Sugaring: Emerging explorers enjoy the woods and try a taste of this year’s tasty yield. Ages 2-5. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.
Parenting
Breastfeeding Families Group: Nursing moms (and supportive dads, too!) gather for snacks and advice. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.
17 THURSDAY
Arts & Crafts
Clay for Tots: See March 10. Crafternoon: Creative ones make winter masterpieces with masking tape, glue, crayons and paint. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420. Leprechaun House Craft: Art-minded kiddos create a tiny green man and a wooden abode. St. Albans Free Library, 4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 524-1507. Preschool Art Drop-In: See March 3. Webby’s Art Studio: See March 3.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Montpelier La Leche League: Breastfeeding moms make new friends as they discuss the joys and challenges of nursing. Lending library available. Babies and toddlers welcome. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-3000. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Community
Bolton Family Week: See March 14.
KIDSVT.COM MARCH 2016 KIDS VT
46
COURTESY OF ANTHONY PAGANI/THEATRE KAVANAH
Library & Books
Colchester Lego Club: See March 3. Lego Thursdays: See March 3. Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See March 3.
Music
Music for Preschoolers: See March 3. Orwell 40th Army Band Performance: See March 14. Orwell Town Hall, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 338-3480.
Theater ‘The Lone Ranger and the Cherokee Princess’: Hi-Yo, Silver! Very Merry Theatre kids perform this original sequel to the Lone
Ranger tale, which highlights the plight of the Cherokee. Edmunds Elementary School, Burlington, 12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 355-1461.
18 FRIDAY
Arts & Crafts
Family Wheel Drop-In: See March 4.
Baby & Maternity Central Vermont Nursing Beyond a Year: Mothers discuss the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding, including nighttime parenting, weaning, healthy eating habits and setting limits, in a supportive setting. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, 9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 879-3000. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m. Mother’s Gathering: See March 4.
Community
Bolton Family Week: See March 14, 2-7 p.m.
Dance
TRIP Dance Company: This competitive Stowe-based dance company, made up of performers ages 9-18, shows off a wide range of classical and original choreography. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7-9:30 p.m. $20-25; proceeds benefit the dance company. Info, 253-5151.
Education
Early Bird Math: See March 4.
Food
Sugar On Snow: See March 4.
Games
Live-Action Role Play: LARPers create characters and plots for an amazing adventure of the imagination. Grades 6-10. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Library & Books
Family Story Time: See March 4. Songs & Stories With Matthew: See March 4.
Movies
Family Movie: Viewers enjoy a familyfriendly film while munching free popcorn. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Movie Screening: This film about Antarctica complements the Vermont Reads books about Ernest Shackleton’s adventures. Fairfax Community Library, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.
Music Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See March 4. Music With Robert: See March 4.
Theater
‘Brundibár: A Musical Tale’: See March 11. ‘The Lone Ranger and the Cherokee Princess’: See March 17, 7 p.m.
shakers, bells, scarves and percussion. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.
19 SATURDAY
Arts & Crafts Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See March 5. Jewelry Making Workshop: Aspiring artists create their own baubles. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644. Webby’s Art Studio: See March 3.
See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org.
Baby & Maternity
Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Dance
TRIP Dance Company: See March 18.
Education Open House at Orchard Valley Waldorf School: Parents and students get a flavor of this independent school with a sample lesson at 10:30 a.m., followed by program walk-throughs and dialogue with faculty and staff. Geared toward parents. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 456-7400.
Food
Health & Fitness
EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See March 5.
Dinoman Science: What do the world’s fastest toilet paper shooter and T. rex have in common? The secret is revealed in this fast-paced morning. Ages 4 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Seed Swap: Gardeners exchange their non-GMO gems and partake in a plant-andtake seed starting kids’ activity to welcome spring. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. Tour the Cosmos: See March 5.
Theater
‘Brundibár: A Musical Tale’: See March 11, 1 & 7 p.m. ‘The Lone Ranger and The Cherokee Princess’: See March 17, 4 p.m.
20 SUNDAY
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:30 p.m. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 1011:30 a.m.
Community
All Souls Interfaith Kids Gathering: Kiddos engage in musical activities while caregivers remain on-site. Grades K-4. All Souls Interfaith Gathering, Shelburne, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, 985-3819.
Food
Sugar On Snow: See March 4. Open Sugarhouse Weekends: See March 5.
Health & Fitness
Essex Open Gym: See March 6.
Nature & Science
21 MONDAY
Arts & Crafts
Crafts for Kids: See March 7.
Baby & Maternity
Birth Planning From the Heart: Local professionals teach birthing and recovery skills, and self-care and new parenting techniques. Babes in arms welcome. Inquire about free childcare for older siblings. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, 6-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 595-7953. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 5:45-7 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Education
Count Me In!: Preschools and their parents partake in hands-on activities to foster a love of math in their daily lives. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918. One-on-One Tutoring: See March 2, 6-8 p.m.
Library & Books
Babies & Toddlers Rock: See March 7. Burlington Stories With Megan: See March 7. Essex Lego Challenge Club: See March 7. Milton Legos at the Library: See March 7, 3:30-5 p.m. Reading Buddies: See March 14. ‘Star Wars’ Club: Young fans channel the Force. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. STEM Club: Sciencey types put their hands
Say you saw it in
Nature & Science
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See March 14.
22 TUESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Creative Tuesdays: See March 8. Preschool Art: See March 1.
Baby & Maternity
Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See March 1. Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See March 1. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1. Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See March 1. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1.
Games
Family Games: Board game lovers engage in some friendly competition. Ages 5 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See March 1.
Library & Books
Gaming For Teens & Adults: See March 8. Legos at the Library: See March 1. Read to a Dog: See March 1. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See March 1. Spanish Musical Kids: See March 8.
Movies
Youth Media Lab: See March 1.
Music
Preschool Music: See March 1.
23 WEDNESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Arts for Tots: See March 9.
Baby & Maternity Champlain Valley Nursing Beyond a Year: Moms and their nurslings discuss the joys and challenges of breastfeeding in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. Topics include nighttime parenting, weaning, healthy eating habits and setting limits. Aikido of Champlain Valley, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-3000. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 5:45-7:15 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See March 2. 23 WEDNESDAY, P.48
47
Discovery Sundays: See March 6. Maple Sugaring Celebration: The sugar season gets under way with a steaming-hot
‘Brundibár: A Musical Tale’: See March 11, 1 p.m. Lost Nation Theater Production Camp Auditions: Aspiring thespians try out for roles in the theater’s summer camp productions. Ages 9 and up. Call or email to register. Lost Nation Theater, Montpelier City Hall Auditorium, 3-6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 229-0492.
Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See March 7. Music for Preschoolers: See March 3, 11 a.m.
KIDS VT
Born-to-Read Social: Highgate’s 2015 newborns are honored with a book dedicated to the library in their name. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 9:30 a.m. Free; RSVP. Info, 868-3970. Cleo the Therapy Dog: See March 5. Story Hour with Flora: Young story and song lovers get the morning rocking with
Nature & Science
Theater
Music
MARCH 2016
Library & Books
‘The Kids Are Alright’: An all-star local lineup of Ryan Miller, Swale, High Breaks and more rock the house during this family-friendly concert. Food and drink available for purchase. Doors open at noon. Higher Ground, South Burlington, 12:30 p.m. $5-7 for children; $10-12 for adults. Info, 652-0777. Upper Valley Music Center: Ensembles & More: The school’s chamber ensembles and chorus play and sing in harmony. Ages 3 and up. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 11 a.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2422. Vermont Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series: Bella Hristova performs an original violin concerto after a Dvorak warmup. Free interactive discussion with the conductors and guest artists, 7 p.m. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, 8 p.m. $16-61; $9 for students. Info, 864-5741, ext. 10.
to work. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.
KIDSVT.COM
Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See March 5. Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: See March 5. Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See March 5. Junior Iron Chef Vermont: Middle and high school students duke it out for cafeteria supremacy in a statewide culinary competition celebrating Vermont’s farm-to-table roots. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $3 per spectator; $5 per family (up to 4 people). Info, 434-4122. Kids in the Kitchen: Pepperoni Pizza Sticks: Junior cooks of all ages put together and polish off portable pizzas. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 11 a.m.noon. $20. Info, 863-2569. Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See March 5. Norwich Winter Farmers Market: Local growers offer produce, meats and maple syrup, which complement baked goods and handcrafted items from area artists. All ages. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 384-7447. Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See March 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sugar On Snow: See March 4. Open Sugarhouse Weekends: See March 5.
Music
pancake breakfast, tours in the sugarbush and a meet-and-greet with live birds. Shelburne Farms, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Activities free; breakfast $4-8. Info, 985-8686. Tour the Cosmos: See March 5.
MARCH CALENDAR 23 WEDNESDAY (CONTINUED)
24 THURSDAY
Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Arts & Crafts
St. Albans Library Legos: See March 10, 3-5 p.m.
Music
Education
One-on-One Tutoring: See March 2.
Clay for Tots: See March 10. Preschool Art Drop-In: See March 3. Webby’s Art Studio: See March 3.
Food
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Parenting Workshop: Anxiety in Children: Moms and dads learn from professionals about how to gauge their child’s emotional well-being, and gather general information about this common disorder. St. Albans Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.
Education
25 FRIDAY
Kids in the Kitchen: Easter Bunny Bait: Young chefs learn how to lure in a rabbit with a mixture of popcorn, pretzels and mini chocolate eggs. All ages. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20. Info, 863-2569. Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See March 2.
Games
Dungeons & Dragons Night: See March 9.
Movies
After-School Movies for Kids: See March 2.
Nature & Science
Science & Stories: Turtle Talk: Little ones check out six kinds of shelled reptiles, then scamper around on a scavenger hunt. Ages 2-5. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission, $10.5013.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.
Pacem School Open House: Parents interested in this state-approved grade 6-12 program meet faculty and current students. Pacem Learning Community, Montpelier, 5-6 p.m. Free. Info, 223-1010.
Library & Books
Colchester Lego Club: See March 3. Lego Thursdays: See March 3. Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See March 3. Read to Van Gogh the Cat: Feline fanciers sign up for 10-minute sessions with a furry friend. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister for a reading slot. Info, 878-4918.
Music for Preschoolers: See March 3.
Parenting
Arts & Crafts
Crafternoon: Junior citizens construct a paper-bag village together. Grades 4 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Family Wheel Drop-In: See March 4.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1.,8:15-9:15 a.m. Mother’s Gathering: See March 4.
Education
Early Bird Math: See March 4. Fairbanks Homeschool Days: Students expand their educational horizons in the
museum’s galleries and other venues with a variety of classes. Call for specific topics and location. Grades K-8. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, noon-2 p.m. $8-10; includes museum admission; $5 for planetarium; one free adult per paying child. Info, 748-2372.
Food
Sugar On Snow: See March 4.
Games
Dungeons & Dragons: See March 11.
Health & Fitness
Preschool Yoga with Danielle: Simple movement, stories and songs satisfy children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
Library & Books
Brownell All-Ages Story Time: See March 11. Family Story Time: See March 4.
Movies
Friday After-School Movie: Kids and caregivers snuggle in for snacks and a screening. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3:15 p.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.
Seuss on the Loose
48
THE CAT IN THE HAT: Tuesday, March 8, 7 p.m., at the Flynn MainStage in Burlington. Ages 3 and up; appropriate for children with autism and other sensory sensitivities. $15-25. Info, 863-5966. flynntix.org
COURTESY OF CHILDSPLAY
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
What child hasn’t giggled at the antics of the mischievous feline with the tall red-and-white striped hat that Theodor Geisel — aka Dr. Seuss — created almost 60 years ago? Award-winning Arizona-based theater company Childsplay performs a theatrical version of THE CAT IN THE HAT, featuring Sally, her brother, the goldfish, and Thing One and Thing Two alongside the title character. Can the kids clean up before Mom comes home? Even those who already know the answer will be delighted by this playful tale of a rainy afternoon that turns into a lively adventure.
Submit your April events for print by March 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
Music Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See March 4.
26 SATURDAY
Arts & Crafts
Webby’s Art Studio: See March 3.
Baby & Maternity
Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Education
One-on-One Tutoring: See March 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Food Kids in the Kitchen: Cheesecake-Filled Chocolate Easter Eggs: Aspiring culinary artists fill hollowed-out chocolate eggs with homemade cheesecake “egg white” and citrusy jam “yolks.” Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-noon. $20. Info, 863-2569. Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See March 5. Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See March 19. Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See March 2, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sugar On Snow: See March 4. Open Sugarhouse Weekends: See March 5.
Health & Fitness
EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See March 5.
Holidays
Café Make: Intergenerational patrons drop in during this open time for creative collaboration using the library’s craft supplies. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 482-2878. Colchester Read to Hank the Therapy Dog: See March 12.
Movies
Kids – join the fun in our annual PBS KIDS Writers Contest as you write and illustrate your own original story! Vermont winners go on to the national competition!
Movie Matinee: The big screen shows a family-friendly feature. Snacks included. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
Nature & Science
Baby Animal Day: Visitors “ooh” and “ah” over cute and cuddly calves, lambs, chicks, ducklings and goslings. Horse-drawn wagon rides, tours of the heirloom garden and children’s activities round out the day. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $4-14 regular museum admission; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355. Bird-Monitoring Walk: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars to search the museum’s property for fluttering feathers. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 8-9 a.m. Free; donations welcome; preregister. Info, 434-2167. Tour the Cosmos: See March 5.
Entry deadline Friday, March 18. Open to kids in Kindergarten through Grade 3! Full contest details online vermontpbs.org
Don’t miss the fun! Sponsors:
Images are from previous entries. View previous Kids Writers stories at vermontpbs.org/writers.
27 SUNDAY
Baby & Maternity
Untitled-1 1
Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:30 p.m. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 10-11:30 a.m.
Community
All Souls Interfaith Kids Gathering: See March 13, 5-6 p.m.
Food
Sugar On Snow: See March 4. Open Sugarhouse Weekends: See March 5.
2/17/16 11:43 AM
Count the Kayaks Contest! ch Count the kayaks spread throughout the Mar k wee two, issue, and you could win a free session for your child at Camp Birch Hill in New Hampshire — a summer camp focused on fun!
Health & Fitness
Essex Open Gym: See March 6.
Holidays
Bolton Easter Egg Hunt: Kids ages 12 and under search for hidden treats on the Mighty Mite hill. Bolton Valley Resort, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 434-6804.
Nature & Science
KIDSVT.COM
Discovery Sundays: See March 6.
28 MONDAY
Baby & Maternity
Tell us how many you counted at kidsvt.com. The deadline to enter: March 18 at 5 p.m.
KIDS VT
49
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 5:45-7 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
MARCH 2016
Barre Egg Hunt: Kids find the goods in an eggs-cellent adventure. Ages 3-10. Rotary Park, Barre, 10 a.m. Free; nonperishable food-shelf donations accepted. Info, 476-0256. Colchester Egg Hunt: Treats hide in wellplaced eggs awaiting capture by little hands. Participants should bring bags or baskets to hold the goodies. Hunters will be broken into groups by age. Colchester Bayside Park, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5500. Essex Egg & Scavenger Hunt: Little gatherers collect eggs and treats to celebrate the start of spring. Ten-egg limit per child. Grades Pre-K-4. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 10 a.m. Free; nonperishable foodshelf donations accepted. Info, 878-1375. Milton Egg Hunt: Kids ages 6 and under meet the Easter Bunny and race to find over 2,000 candy-filled eggs. Rain or shine. (See spotlight on page 42.) Bombardier Park, Milton, 10 a.m. Free; bring your own basket. Info, 893-4922. Montpelier Egg Hunt: Gold and silver prize-winning eggs are hidden amid the chocolate kind. Ages 12 and under. Hubbard Park, Montpelier, 9:45 a.m. Free. Info, 225-8699. Mud Season Egg Hunt: Laughing Moon Chocolates and the Green Mountain Club present a festive morning featuring eggs hidden along a trail. Afterward, families head to Laughing Moon to meet the Easter Bunny. Green Mountain Club, Waterbury, 10 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 253-9591.
Library & Books
28 MONDAY, P.50 K4t-KayakContest0316.indd 1
2/26/16 10:29 AM
Is your child allergic to ragweed?
Baby & Maternity
28 MONDAY (CONTINUED)
Education
One-on-One Tutoring: See March 2, 6-8 p.m.
Library & Books
Your child may qualify for a clinical research trial for children and adolescents with ragweed allergies. Timber Lane Allergy & Asthma Research, LLC is looking for individuals who are:
Babies & Toddlers Rock: See March 7. Burlington Stories With Megan: See March 7. Essex Lego Challenge Club: See March 7. Reading Buddies: See March 14.
Education
Music
Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See March 2.
Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See March 7. Music for Preschoolers: See March 3, 11 a.m.
Nature & Science
• 4-17 years of age
Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See March 14.
• allergic to ragweed
Theater
You may be compensated for time and travel! Please call Emily at (802) 865-6100 or email kimball@tlaaa.com for more information
4t-timberlaneallergy011316.indd 1
See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org.
1/11/16 3:16 PM
‘The Pirates of Penzance’: Students from the Initiative: A Waldorf Vermont High School perform this rollicking Gilbert and Sullivan story of the seas. All ages. Main Street Landing, Burlington, 7 p.m. Donations accepted to support the school’s arts program. Info, 454-1053.
©Ambient Photography
KIDSVT.COM MARCH 2016 KIDS VT
Read to a Dog: See March 2. STEM Club: See March 21.
Movies
After-School Movies for Kids: See March 2.
Nature & Science
Theater
Creative Tuesdays: See March 8. Preschool Art: See March 1.
‘The Pirates of Penzance’: See March 28. Hardwick Town House, 7 p.m.
Baby & Maternity
31 THURSDAY
Library & Books
50
Library & Books
Arts & Crafts
Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See March 1.
LEARN MORE AT: WWW.MCSCHOOL.ORG
Food
29 TUESDAY
Games
CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE A PERSONAL TOUR, ARRANGE A SHADOW DAY FOR YOUR CHILD, OR APPLY FOR THE 2016-2017 ACADEMIC YEAR
One-on-One Tutoring: See March 2.
Science & Stories: Spring: Little ones share and celebrate signs of seasonal change. Ages 2-5. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.
Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See March 1. Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See March 1. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1. Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See March 1. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1.
now enrolling
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 5:45-7:15 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See March 2. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Arts & Crafts
Clay for Tots: See March 10. Preschool Art Drop-In: See March 3. Webby’s Art Studio: See March 3.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 12:151:15 p.m. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See March 1, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Gaming For Teens & Adults: See March 8. Legos at the Library: See March 1. Read to a Dog: See March 1. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See March 1. Spanish Musical Kids: See March 8.
Education
Movies
Library & Books
Youth Media Lab: See March 1.
Music
Preschool Music: See March 1.
Theater
‘The Pirates of Penzance’: See March 28. Johnson State College, 7 p.m.
30 WEDNESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Arts for Tots: See March 9.
Homeschoolers’ Project: Microscopes 101: The library’s staff entomologist uncovers his insect collection and shows home learners how to work with a magnifying lens. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 524-1507. Colchester Lego Club: See March 3. Lego Thursdays: See March 3. Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See March 3.
Music
Music for Preschoolers: See March 3.
Theater
‘The Pirates of Penzance’: See March 28. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, 10:30 a.m. !
HANDS ON
Sponsored by
Writing Contest
-4pm Open Sundays 12/3 & s y a am-5pm rd tu a S 4/2 & 4 : 9 n o se u o H Open milies! Sponsored Greatbyfor fa
Calling all poets!
lmer’s PaEst. 1867
Calling all poets!
SUGAR ON SNOW In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, this month’s We Ship MAPLE COTTON CANDY word is “LUCK.” Please use the space below Worldwide HOT MAPLE SYRUP to write a poem, in any style, using the word MAPLE CREAM COVERED DONUTS
ug
S
• • • •
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, this month’s word is “LUCK.” Please use the space below to write a poem, in any style, using the word “luck.” Be creative and have fun!
“luck.” Bezoo, creative and have fun! Visit the goats at the petting watch sap being boiled and enjoy a walk in the forest.
arh o us
e
Writing Contest
HANDS ON
W! O N S N O R A SUG pril 17 March 5 - A
332 Shelburne-Hinesburg Road, Shelburne • 802-985-5054 k8h-Palmers0316.indd 1
2/19/16 10:16 AM
_______________________________________________________________
s All It’’s About _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Sign y our ch _______________________________________________________________ ild u
Girl Power.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
GirlsO
nTheR
p at:
unVer
_______________________________________________________________
mont. _______________________________________________________________ org
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
that make her so unique, learn to respect _______________________________________________________________ others, discover the joy of physical fitness and most
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________ The GOTR program teaches girls in
_______________________________________________________________
of identity, greater self-confidence, _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
Your daughter will celebrate the qualities importantly, have fun with Girls on the Run.
grades 3-8 to have a stronger sense and a healthier body image.
vermont
k6h-GOTR0316.indd 1
2/24/16 2:08 PM
_______________________________________________________________
A new Spring _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________ Come See What the March
Tea Collection has arrived
Winds Have Blown In!
Jamie Two Coats Toyshop
Town ________________________________ Phone ________________________________
Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Writing Contest, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.
Monday-Saturday 10-6 Age __________________________________ Sunday 11-5
Town ________________________________ 802-985-3221 Email ________________________________ Phone ________________________________
k6h-JamieTwoCoats0316.indd 1
3:15 PM
51
51
Say you saw it in
14 Church Street2/22/16 Burlington crowbooks.com 862-0848
KIDS VT
New Books, Used Books, Remainders at GREAT PRICES!
Located in the
Name ________________________________ of Shelburne Village
MARCH 2016
14 Church Street Burlington crowbooks.com 862-0848
We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and poems in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is March 15.
KIDSVT.COM
Email ________________________________
KIDS VT
New Books, Used Books, Remainders at GREAT PRICES!
Age __________________________________
MARCH 2016
Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Writing Contest, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.
Name ________________________________
KIDSVT.COM
We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and poems in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is March 15.
ANSWERS P. 55
PUZZLE PAGE Jumble
Birthday Club These winners get gift certificates to:
BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK
The letters of these crazy words are all mixed up. To play the game, put them back into the right order so that they make real words you can find in your dictionary. Write the letters of each real word under each crazy word, but only one letter to a square.
Congratulations to our March Birthday Club winners! LYNX lives in Essex Junction and turns 4 on March 19. He loves to run everywhere and is a fan of race cars, especially Lightning McQueen from the Cars movies. Lynx wins a birthday-party package for up to 10 people.
You are now ready to solve this month’s Jumble For Kids. Study the picture for a hint. Then play around with the letters in the circles. You’ll find you can put them in order so that they make your funny answer.
Marco, Petra and Malaya each win a player’s pass. MARCO lives in South Burlington and turns 9 on March 13. He’s curious, friendly and funny and loves Legos, Star Wars, playing soccer and reading.
Puzzles4Kids
BY HELENA HOVANEC
52
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
Riddle Search — Cards Look up, down, and diagonally, both forward and backward to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: Why can’t you play cards in the jungle?
JOKER KING OLD MAID PLAYERS QUEEN RULES SOLITAIRE SPADES SUIT
To enter, submit information using the online form at kidsvt.com/birthday-club. Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.
Print your answer here:
Maze
ACE CLUBS DEAL DECK DEUCE DIAMONDS GO FISH HEARTS JACK
Join the Club!
Riddle Answer:
PETRA lives in Waterbury and turns 5 on March 18. She loves all animals, especially cats. She enjoys reading, fishing and playing outdoors and wants to be a scientist when she grows up.
MALAYA lives in Essex and turns 6 on March 19. She has an adventurous, lively spirit and loves to try different foods. Some of her favorite things are mud, horses, cooking, crafts and dressing up.
VT’S BIRTHDAY CAPITAL More to do under one roof than anywhere in VT! MINI-GOLF • GIANT PLAY STRUCTURE PIZZA • CAKES • LASER TAG ARCADE • BATTING CAGES BIRTHDAY CROWN OR TIARA
1205 Airport Pky • So. Burlington (802) 862-7888
B Y SAR A H GA L B RAIT H
SPONSORED BY
During construction
TRISTAN VON DUNTZ
✱ HABITAT
COURTESY OF THE ZEILENGA FAMILY
Parents: Jack and Jillian Zeilenga Kids: Sons Caelan, 9, and Elliot, 6
Backyard Greenhouse WHILE MOST VERMONTERS spend their winters dreaming of tender, leafy veggies, the Zeilenga family eats greens they’ve grown in their backyard greenhouse. In the spring of 2015, dad Jack Zeilenga purchased the greenhouse online from Massachusettsbased Hoop House Greenhouse Kits. For about $600, the family bought a 10-by-20-foot model called the Serious Gardener, designed to withstand the weight of snow in a typical Vermont winter. The kit included the metal bones of the structure, heavyweight agricultural plastic sheets, screws and instructions. Jack bought $200 worth of plywood to construct the end walls, from which he cut windows and a door. He built it in a day, with help from a neighbor with carpentry experience. They chose a spot on top of an old garden plot that
The greenhouse in warmer months
had already been tilled for planting. And the greenhouse plants need little watering because they are constantly respirating — and that creates condensation on the inside walls that falls on the plants. “It’s like its own little ecosystem out here,” Jack says. The Zeilengas are just beginning to experiment with growing veggies in the winter. The greenhouse is not heated, and plants go directly into the ground. This winter, the family grew a two-foot row of claytonia and a few short rows of kale. They lost the kale this winter in a recent cold snap, but the claytonia is still growing. The greenhouse really shines in the summer: They use it for veggies that do best in hot climates, including peppers, fennel and five kinds of tomatoes. Jack starts his own vegetable seedlings indoors
under grow lights and in June moves them outside to the greenhouse. Kids Caelan and Elliot are reluctant to admit they like vegetables, but Jack says they helped harvest baskets full of produce last summer — some of which they even ate. Together the family picked, processed and preserved their bounty, putting away 13 quarts of homegrown tomato sauce and soup, plus gallon-size bags of frozen peppers for the colder months. The Zeilengas have always been avid gardeners, with expansive vegetable plots and fruit trees. They also raise chickens for meat and eggs and share a beef cow with a neighbor. The greenhouse was a natural extension of the family’s grow-your-own philosophy and self-sufficiency. “It was the best investment I’ve made,” Jack says. !
“Habitat” celebrates places where Vermont families live and play. Got a sweet space you’d like us to see? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
KIDSVT.COM
Where Home Begins...
MARCH 2016 2/15/16 4:23 PM
53
Untitled-25 1
HickokandBoardman.com | 802.863.1500
KIDS VT
Bringing Vermonters home for over 45 years.
COLORING CONTEST! Three winners will each receive an annual family membership to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury. Send Kids VT your work of art by March 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the April issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com, or mail a copy to Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.
HANDS ON Title _______________________________________________ Artist _____________________________________________ Age _______________________________________________ Town _____________________________________________ Email _____________________________________________
54
KIDS VT
MARCH 2016
KIDSVT.COM
Phone _____________________________________________
✱ USE YOUR WORDS B Y CAT HY RE SM E R
Candidate Debate An attempt at nonpartisan parenting
KIDS VT
55
JUMBLES PIG. HUGE. PINK. HOUR.
“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.
PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS
MARCH 2016
Muslim friends and have a hard time understanding why someone would want to keep Marissa and Khadija out of the country. “Get the Trump out!” said Ivy — quoting a sign she’d seen in photos from the Burlington protests — as I queued up the first TV ad he released. It cuts from photos of President Obama and Hillary Clinton to images of the San Bernadino shooters, then shows photos of armed men wearing masks. A menacing voice promises that Donald Trump will “quickly cut the head off ISIS.” We’ve talked with the kids about terrorism, and the situation in Syria, so they had a vague idea what it was about. “How do you think he wants you to feel after seeing this ad?” I asked them when it was over. “Scared,” Graham replied. But they weren’t frightened. Ivy came up with a nickname for the Donald — “Dumb Old Trump.” Next we checked out some of Sen. Ted Cruz’s videos, including one where he reveals that his mother was a
CALENDAR
RIDDLE ANSWER: What’s a rabbit’s favorite type of music? — HIP-HOP
I was hoping she’d keep an open mind, but Ivy announced her nickname for the Texas senator: “Ted Cruel.”
List your events for computer programmer. I thought that might spark the kids’ interest, since free in the Kids VT my mom was once a programmer, too. monthly calendar. But then we watched a debateperformance clip in which he spoke Submit your info of carpet-bombing Syria. I was hoping she’d keep an open mind, but Ivy anby the 15th of the nounced her nickname for the Texas month online at senator: “Ted Cruel.” I couldn’t help kidsvt.com or to smiling at her wordplay. Next up: Sen. Marco Rubio. We calendar@kidsvt.com watched “Bartender,” an ad about how his bartender father worked hard and sacrificed for young Marco, and another, called “Safe,” in which Rubio lashes out at President Obama, saying “I approve this message because America needs a real commander in chief.” Afterwards, Ivy dubbed him “Marco K-UYW-calendar.indd 1 8/28/15 10:46 AM Rude-io.” I was beginning to despair over her partisan tone when we flipped to the (SEE P.52) Jeb Bush channel. His campaign commercials taking aim at Donald Trump were the cleverest ones we’d watched all night. A spot called “Enough” begins with someone googling “Donald Trump is a jerk,” which made Graham laugh out loud. In it, Bush takes the businessman to task for mocking a disabled reporter. Graham liked the ad so much he wanted to see it again. Still, Ivy dubbed Bush “Jeb Mush.” Lastly, we tried the John Kasich channel. His ad “Lift” begins: “Both of my parents always taught me that those people who are hurting are those we need to help.” We could all agree with that. Ivy couldn’t think of a nickname for him. “Is he a bad guy or a good guy?” she asked, confused. “Neither,” I explained. “These are all good people. They just disagree over how to run the country.” I’m not sure that lesson sunk in. But I know the kids are interested in the 2016 presidential election — every time there’s a vote, they’re as eager to hear the results as I am. At least they’re not begging me to change the channel. ! RIDDLE SEARCH ANSWER: Because of the cheetahs
But it was a video of Bill Clinton speaking on Hillary’s behalf that resonated with us. In it, the former president says of his wife, “She made everything she ever touched better.” Even Ann-Elise agreed that Bill made her sound appealing. Graham declared: “I’d vote for that kindly grandmother.” “Not so fast,” I said, pulling up the leading Republican candidate’s channel. The kids had already heard about Donald Trump during his Burlington visit and were not impressed. As students at Winooski’s JFK Elementary School, they have many
KIDSVT.COM
GROWING UP IN suburban Detroit in the 1980s and ’90s, it seemed to me that everyone was a Republican — my Catholic family, my friends, Alex P. Keaton. I figured I was conservative, too. I wasn’t even sure what the other options were. A desire to protect the environment and fight for women’s rights eventually inspired me to break ranks. At 17, I volunteered for the Clinton-Gore campaign. My auto-worker uncle jokingly referred to me as “the Little Liberal” and “Cathy Rodham Resmer.” As a parent, I try to present all sides when talking politics with Graham, 10, and Ivy, 7. I want them to be engaged in the democratic process, to ask questions, to figure out for themselves what they believe and where they stand. That’s why, the night before the Iowa caucuses, I suggested that the four of us — the kids, me and my partner, Ann-Elise — sit down in front of our flat-screen and learn about the candidates. Using our Apple TV, we visited several of their YouTube channels for an educational and entertaining “movie night.” We started with a familiar face: Sen. Bernie Sanders. Naturally, the kids know about our socialist senator. Graham met Sanders once at a climate-change rally. They’ve heard his pitch about income inequality, so we watched just one video on his YouTube channel — an emotional montage of huge crowds of Sanders’ supporters backed by the Simon & Garfunkel song “America.” Both patriotic and progressive, it was a big hit. Ann-Elise was so inspired that she reached for her phone and said, “I’m giving him more money right now.” I sighed. Ivy decided that she was supporting Sanders, too. “You haven’t seen any other candidates yet!” I protested, and switched to the Hillary Clinton channel. We watched “Dorothy,” an ad in which Clinton describes her mother’s difficult childhood, which motivated Hillary to enter politics.
Planning a kids’ event?
Saving People Money Since 1936 ... that’s before there were shopping carts. GEICO has been serving up great car insurance and fantastic customer service for more than 75 years. Get a quote and see how much you could save today. geico.com | 1-800-947-AUTO | local office
Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. © 2015 GEICO k1t-ParentingMediaAssoc0815.indd 1
7/22/15 2:59 PM