Kids VT, May 1015 by Kids VT

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may 2015 V ol.22 No.4

Q Photo Essay: Backcountry baby Q around the world while pregnant Q sharing breast milk online Q Last chance: summer camp guide

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Kids VT maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies may 2015

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Zemanek Family | Essex Junction, VT

Help give newborns a place to bond with their families. To donate, visit UVMHealth.org/MedCenterFamilies today. Our new UVM Medical Center Mother-Baby Unit is scheduled to open this summer and donations from the community are vital to its successful completion. With your help, we can create larger private rooms that offer more comfortable spaces for families. Local support is critical, so please donate today and help provide opportunities to families for decades to come.

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BABY

MAY 2015

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VOL.22 NO.4

ERNIT MAT Y

This month, we celebrate new beginnings with a bundle of stories about the journey to parenthood — and the responsibilities that come with it. We’re grateful to our sponsor, UVM MEDICAL CENTER, for supporting our work.

The UVM Medical Center Mother-Baby Unit. Building the Place Where Families Are Born.

Editor’s Note....................................................................5 See & Say ..........................................................................6 Coloring-Contest Winners ................................7 Habitat: Sewing Room ............................................56 Birthday Club..................................................................58 Use Your Words: Essay ..........................................59

GARA2G-EJUSALE

Adventures in Baby Rearing ...18

EAT. LEARN. PLAY

Great deals throughout the store all week long!

Becoming parents hasn’t slowed us down

The Kids Beat ..................................................................8 Check Up: Postpartum Depression .............10 Fit Families: Pee-Wee Pilates ........................11 Bookworms: Birth Guides ..................................13 Writing-Contest Winners ..................................13 Mealtime: Baby Food ...............................................15 Go Ask Dad: Growing Up.......................................16 The Art of Preschool Spanish ..........................17

NE 8

JUNE

Got Milk?...24 Mamava aims to make breastfeeding and pumping easier — one pod at a time

1186 Williston Rd., So. Burlington VT 05403 (Next to the Alpine Shop)

Supply & Demand ...27

CALENDAR

Vermont moms turn to social media to share their breastmilk

Web & Mobile site: www.cheesetraders.com

2015 CAMP GUIDE

One of the Gang ...29

Real Science. Helping kids fit in and find friends at summer camp AL FUN! E R

HANDS ON

ON THE COVER

Two-year-old Maiana shares a kiss with her mother, Emily Johnson. See more photos of the adventurous pair in the photo essay on page 18.

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VISIT

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS Cathy Resmer Colby Roberts Alison Novak Brooke Bousquet Megan James Corey Grenier Kaitlin Montgomery

cathy@kidsvt.com colby@kidsvt.com alison@kidsvt.com brooke@kidsvt.com megan@kidsvt.com corey@kidsvt.com kaitlin@kidsvt.com

Montshire Museum! ext. 74 ext. 77 ext. 75 ext. 41 ext. 73 ext. 76 ext. 72

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

Published 11x per year. Circulation: 25,000 at 600+ locations throughout northern and central Vermont.

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Copy Editors Courtney Copp Paula Routly Proofreaders Marisa Keller Kathryn Wysockey-Johnson Production Manager John James Creative Director Don Eggert Designers Aaron Shrewsbury Rev. Diane Sullivan Circulation Manager Matt Weiner Business Manager Cheryl Brownell Contributing Writers: Thea Lewis, Emily Johnson, Mary Ann Lickteig, Brian Mohr, Ken Picard, Erinn Simon, Jessica Lara Ticktin, Sarah Yahm Photographers: Emily Johnson, Brian Mohr, Sam Simon, Matt Thorsen

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

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

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Write Your Own ...........................................................55 Coloring Contest .........................................................57 Puzzle Page ......................................................................58

Copublisher/Executive Editor Copublisher Managing Editor Art Director Contributing Editor Marketing & Events Manager Account Executive

Open 7 days 10am-7pm

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Daily Listings ..................................................................38 Classes ..................................................................................39 Playgroups ........................................................................42 Ongoing Exhibits ........................................................45 Story Times ......................................................................46

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Each orthodontist at Timberlane Dental Group is board-certified, and has the additional training and experience to make sure you get the best smile. Our orthodontists are well versed in all the treatment options for straightening teeth, and creating healthy smiles for you and your family.

The orthodontists at Timberlane Dental Group are pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Matthew Rogers to the practice. With extensive experience treating adults, Matt is looking forward to providing patients of all ages with the care they need for beautiful smiles.

• Interceptive treatment of developing bite problems for children

To arrange an initial consultation at no-charge, please call Timberlane Dental Group at 802-864-6881, or visit timberlanedental.com

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THESE GUYS CAN PUT A HEALTHY SMILE ON YOUR FACE.

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Mental Health and Addiction Care for Children and Adolescents

Once, she couldn’t face the day.

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we do that here

Healthy Beginnings combines group-based care with one-on-one visits with your delivering physician to help improve healthy outcomes for moms and babies. This innovative program provides opportunities to learn about maternal-child health, quality time with each NMC care provider, connections with other women at similar stages of pregnancy and an introduction to valuable community resources.

Now she dreams about the future.

Mental illness and addiction can keep young people from their full potential. To help you reach children and adolescents with serious challenges, we offer specialized, expert care at the Brattleboro Retreat.

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AlmosT 9 yeArs Ago, my husband, Jeff, and I took a three-week trip to Southeast Asia. We’d been married for a couple of years and knew we wanted kids soon. We figured the excursion would be our last big hurrah before we started a family. We rode elephants in Chiang Mai, visited temples and night markets in Bangkok and toured the ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. A month after we returned, I was pregnant with our daughter, Mira. Our son, Theo, came three years later. alison and Jeff in thailand

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KidsVT.com XXXXXX 20XX Kids VT may 2015 Kids VT mATerniTy issue sponsored by: uVmheAlTh.org/medcenTerfAmilies

daughter, Maiana, she continued to stay super active, skiing right up until she went into labor. The couple has managed to maintain an outdoorsy lifestyle with baby in tow, bringing Maiana along on skiing, camping and biking trips. Their photos capture some of their sweet, adventurous moments as a family. Contributor Jessica Lara Ticktin has also pushed the limits of motherhood. In this month’s “Use Your Words” essay (“Baby on Board,” page 59), she writes about choosing to travel around the world with her husband and their three daughters — while pregnant. Some people warned that her decision was risky. But Ticktin explains that seeing how pregnant women are viewed in different countries turned out to be surprisingly educational. Sascha Mayer and Christine Dodson are trailblazers of a different kind. The pair founded Mamava, a Burlington-based company that makes freestanding lactation suites. These “pods” offer new moms a convenient, clean and private place to pump milk and nurse on the go. The first one landed at Burlington International Airport in August of 2013; this year Mamava is on track to ship 120 more. In “Got Milk?” (page 24), Megan James explains why the pods are now popping up at airports, hospitals and stadiums across the country. We hope the articles in this Baby & Maternity Issue will inspire you to embark on your own adventures in parenting — whether they’re far-flung or close to home.

Receive Your Primary Care from the Specialists in Natural Medicine Dr. Katina Martin & Dr. Sarah E. Wylie

KidsVT.com

We’ve managed to travel a fair amount as a family of four, but mostly to kid-friendly and relatively close destinations like Disney World in Florida. Now that Mira is almost 8 and Theo is 5, we are finally feeling brave enough to attempt a crosscountry flight to Los Angeles this summer. Getting off the beaten path with young kids can be tough. That’s why photographers Brian Mohr and Emily Johnson of Moretown are so aweinspiring. The husband-and-wife team behind the photo essay “Adventures in Baby Rearing,” (page 18) specializes in outdoor adventure. When Emily got pregnant with their now-2-year-old

SSUE YI

Pushing the limits

BABY

ediTor’s noTe

alison novak managing Editor

some of this month’s Kids VT contributors: JessicA lArA TicKTin (“Fit Families” and “Use Your Words”) is enjoying her latest adventure — daughter No. 4. She hopes to set off on another globe-trotting trip one day with her family of six. She won’t be pregnant next time around. BriAn mohr And emily Johnson (“Adventures in Baby Rearing”) co-own Ember Photography, grow and eat absurd amounts of vegetables and have spent well over 1,000 nights in a tent. They’re looking forward to a thousand more with their daughter Maiana, 2, and another little one due in July.

SEE AND SAY

Readers Respond

I always appreciate advice from Dr. Lewis First. Check Up: “What Should Parents Know About the Risk of Measles in Vermont?” [April 2015] is informative and nonjudgmental, two key qualities for vaccination information. As a pediatric nurse, I also find it critically important to talk about what scares parents most when they’re making decisions about vaccinations. Often, the worst aspect is the injection itself — the discomfort and feeling of disempowerment. Parental demeanor strongly influences children’s pain reactions. Before the first immunization, we teach parents that they may hear a cry from their infant that they have never heard before. A baby’s first pain cry is devastating to an unsuspecting parent. We also teach ways to reduce the pain, such as breastfeeding and sugar water for infants. Comfort positioning, pressure at the injection site, rubbing the skin with fingers, multiple injections given simultaneously, distraction and humor are strategies that work for all ages. I feel compelled to point out that the picture accompanying the text is inaccurate, and even potentially harmful. The picture shows a hand without gloves, the adult hands badly positioned, a needle that is too large and an incorrect area for the imminent injection. Correct injection technique is critical to a child’s safety and vaccination efficacy. Parents should know that pediatric health care providers believe it to be a skilled and very thoughtful process. This is a link to the CDC’s campaign regarding safe injections: oneandonlycampaign. org/content/audio-video.

TRACEY M. WAGNER, SWANTON

Wagner is the assistant nurse manager for inpatient pediatrics at the University of Vermont Medical Center.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Yikes! We’ve removed the stock photo in question from our website and will scrutinize our image choices more carefully in the future. Apologies for the error.

The Free-Range Debate We shared a Washington Post article on our Facebook page about Danielle and Alexander Meitiv, self-described “free-range parents” in Maryland who’ve been investigated by the state’s Child Protective Services for letting their two children, ages 6 and 10, play at the park and walk home unattended. The Meitiv children were taken into custody for several hours by CPS in April. Our Facebook followers weighed in on the article, mostly in support of the Meitiv family. Remember back in the day when kids could be kids, and parents could be parents?

ILKE SAPPO SOUTH BURLINGTON

This breaks my heart. That poor family.

AIMEE HUTCHINS CRONIN ESSEX JUNCTION

So the 10-year-old had the sense to head home an hour earlier than their “curfew,” but the cop didn’t have the decency to call the parents who were waiting [for them]? This treads the line of kidnapping and harassment, if you ask me.

Ken Picard wrote two articles related to freerange parenting for our May 2014 issue (“Free-Range Toddlers: A Farm-Based Childcare Program Counters the Overprotective Parenting Trend” and “Risky Business: A Middlebury Filmmaker Visits a UK ‘Adventure Playground’”). Find them at kidsvt.com.

GABI GORDON EDEN MILLS

It’s not 1955 anymore; this is dangerous. Let’s not glorify this irresponsibility by giving it a term of “free-range parenting,” as if it’s a viable and sustainable option.

CHANTAL RYAN RICHMOND

A child at the Waterbury free-range preschool featured in the May 2014 issue.

To me it’s an issue of the “authorities” not trusting the parents. Ultimately, it’s not their call or yours or mine. The final word belongs to the parents. End of story.

CRISTINA LOMBARDI As a former CPS social worker, I think this practice is absurd and not the norm. Don’t judge the hardworking CPS workers by the actions of a few.

BRIAN DROURR BURLINGTON

FILE: JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

KIDS VT MATERNITY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: UVMHEALTH.ORG/MEDCENTERFAMILIES MAY 2015

KIDSVT.COM

Needle Knowledge

Best of the Blog Burlington Teen Wins Prestigious Award BY A L ISO N NOVA K

Edil Hassan

BY ERINN S I MON

I am thrilled to report that fresh rhubarb has arrived. That means fruit pie season has officially begun! To mark the occasion, I wanted to make a fancy rhubarb pie with a show-offy crust. I found this instead — an easy and delicious recipe for adorable mini tarts made with frozen puff pastry…

Here’s what you’ll need: ❑ 1 14-ounce package frozen puff pastry ❑ 3 cups rhubarb, trimmed and sliced ¼-inch thick ❑ ½ cup granulated sugar ❑ 1 tablespoon corn starch ❑ 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt ❑ 1 large egg white, lightly beaten

Find the full recipe at kidsvt.com

❑ 1-2 tablespoons honey for drizzling

Tilly Josephine Veysey, 5 IRASBURG

“The Dancing Duckling”

HONORABLE MENTIONS MATH WHIZ

Maxwell McCalla, 10, Rutland GOOD EGG

Lilliana Jade Avila, 8, Barre FAB FLUORESCENCE

Sidney Harris, 5, Montpelier DEVIL’S IN THE DETAILS

6 to 8

Maria “Fern” Murphy, 9, Plattsburgh, N.Y. SWEET SCIENCE

Elliott Supley, 7, Peru, N.Y. COOL COLORS

Sophia Van Zyl, 7 ADDISON

“Learning to Fly”

Maria Bush, 4, Hinesburg BEACHY KEEN

Rebecca Moriarty, 12, Jericho PRETTY PATTERN

Grace Casey, 8, Waterbury RAINBOW BRIGHT

Kai Alberts, 5, Jericho CLASSY CROWN

Emelia McCalla, 10, Rutland EXCELLENT EYEBROWS

Esabella Amoah, 8, South Burlington PURPLE POWER

Gavin Sullivan, 5, Chittenden

TOP TITLES “IF DUCKS WERE COOL KIDS”

James Ripley, 9, Jeffersonville

Charlotte Moriarty, 12

9 to 12

JERICHO

“When Bunnies Lay Eggs on Easter”

“POLKA DUCK”

Alison Brown, 6, Monkton “ANXIOUS TO GET THROUGH KINDERGARTEN”

Tatiana Riba Byam, 10, Burlington

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

FILE: SAM SIMON

❑ 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

5 and under

MAY 2015 KIDS VT MATERNITY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: UVMHEALTH.ORG/MEDCENTERFAMILIES

Home Cookin’: Rhubarb Tarts

Last month’s coloring-contest judges were a bunch of lucky ducks. They got to peruse more than 70 wacky, wonderful creations from young artists, including a rapping duck, a mathematician named McQuack and duckling royalty. Some kids created whole narratives around their waterfowl — an anxious duck just trying to make it through kindergarten and a bird who got lost while hunting for Easter eggs. Keep the creativity coming, and congratulations to all the winners!

KIDSVT.COM

Andy Warhol, Truman Capote, Stephen King and Lena Dunham all received Scholastic Arts & Writing awards when they were teens. Now, Edil Hassan can count herself as a member of that gifted group. In March, the Burlington High School senior was one of 16 talented young artists and writers from hope for learning to love a across the country chosen Read more as Scholastic Arts & Writing at kidsvt.com place as much as the place you were born in.” Portfolio Gold Medal winners. Edil’s creative-writing The prestigious award, which dates back to 1923, recognizes creative teacher, Eve Berinati, praised her work. “The narrative voice in Edil’s leaders in grades 7 through 12; more work is mature, compassionate and than 300,000 students applied for the heartbreakingly honest,” she said. honor. Hassan’s submission consisted “She writes from her own experience of poems, a short story and a memoir, and the experiences of those she is all of which were inspired by her close to, so it gives a very intimate family’s Somali roots. picture of what it feels like to be those In her artist’s statement, Hassan people ... There is a poetic quality, reflected on her writing: “I want to even to her prose, that is light and convey through my works a sort of dark at the same time.” transgenerational trauma that all Edil said she entered simply beimmigrants and the children of immicause she wanted to prove something grants feel. I want to show longing and to herself. When she found out she heartbreak, melancholy and violence was a winner, “I was surprised and a through my writing, but I also want to little in shock,” she said. show hope. Hope for new beginnings,

COLORING CONTEST

The winners of gift certificates to Once Upon a Time Toys in Stowe and Jamie Two Coats Toyshop in Shelburne are…

Center for Technology, Essex

Reggio Inspired Preschool

THE

Preschool Openings for 2014-2015 School Year

•Classes for 3-5 years of age •State licensed preschool •Licensed Supervisor and student teachers provide a low ratio and individualized attention.

Call 879-8150 or visit www.ccsuvt.org/cte/cte-preschool

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FITNESS

New Beginnings Evolution Yoga is evolving. The popular yoga studio, which has occupied a brick building on Kilburn Street in Burlington’s South End for the past nine years, is splitting into two separate entities: Evolution Yoga will continue to offer adult yoga classes and physical therapy; EVOLUTION PRENATAL + FAMILY YOGA CENTER will focus exclusively on pre- and postnatal classes, plus baby and kids yoga. Susan Cline Lucey, a cofounder of Evolution Yoga, will head up the new venture. The two businesses will share studio space, but there will be some physical changes to the building. Starting in June,

one of the smaller yoga studios will be transformed into a lobby exclusively for families, so that breastfeeding moms and kids can linger after class. New class offerings will include family yoga classes, a postpartum support group and a playgroup run by the local chapter of Babywearing International. For her part, Cline Lucey, a certified doula and childbirth educator, is thrilled to be able to focus on the work she’s passionate about. “It’s an opportunity to be more of a hub for pregnancy wellness and education,” she said. — A.N.

EVOLUTION PRENATAL + FAMILY YOGA CENTER: For more information visit evolutionprenatalandfamily.com.

KIDSVT.COM

✱ ONE TO WATCH

COURTESY OF THE STORZ FAMILY

KIDS VT MATERNITY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: UVMHEALTH.ORG/MEDCENTERFAMILIES MAY 2015

BEAT

NAME: Lucinda Storz AGE: 11 TOWN: Kirby

Say you saw it in

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LUCINDA STORZ comes from a word-loving family. Her 20-yearold brother, Walker, won the Vermont state spelling bee in 2008, and her 17-year-old sister, Samantha, was runner-up in 2011. Lucinda, a sixth-grader at Thaddeus Stevens School in Lyndon, has won the independent school’s spelling bee every year since she was in first grade. In March, she competed on a bigger stage during the Vermont Scripps Spelling Bee at Saint Michael’s College. After a tough, 43-round competition with Alice Early, a fourth grader at St. Mary’s School in Middlebury, Lucinda snagged the gold medal. Her winning word? Ipecac, a syrup once used to induce vomiting. The victory earned her a ticket to the national championship in Washington, D.C., at the end of May. “It felt really great,” Lucinda says of winning. “I felt relieved because I put a lot of time and work into it.” The Storz family’s logophilia is well documented on the cement wall behind the woodstove in their Kirby home. Years ago, they created a “Spelling Wall of Fame and Shame”

Lucinda with her award

there. They use charcoal from the fire to scrawl words that have tripped them up, as well as words they’ve spelled to win previous bees. These include epiphyte and ayatollah — Walker’s winning words — metaphor, martyr, catalytic and Lucinda’s least-favorite word, femininity (she just doesn’t like the way it sounds). Lucinda has always loved words and reading — and paper. She had the habit of eating it when she was 3 or 4, her mom, Thea, reveals. That’s why the phrase “Lucy, don’t eat paper,” is also written on the wall. In preparation for a bee, Lucinda spends one or two hours a night studying a list of thousands of

words in English, Latin, Greek, Arabic and other languages. Her favorite word? Queen. “I like the way it sounds,” she says. Lucinda also loves staphylococci, though she’s not sure what it means; Google says it’s a genus of bacteria. Lately, she’s been digging gelid — icy or extremely cold — too. An enthusiastic student, Lucinda wants to be a teacher when she grows up. Training for the bee helps her to build vocabulary and to exercise her memory. But her mom points out that it’s also a valuable lesson in public speaking. “You have to retain composure and poise in front of a huge audience,” says Thea, “I don’t know if that’s something I could have done as a kid.” Lucinda is getting pumped about the national bee, where she could take home “a huge gold trophy” and $30,000 in college scholarships. “I’m more excited than nervous,” she says. “I had really high expectations for the state spelling bee. Now I’m just really excited about the process.” — M.J. ONE TO WATCH shines a spotlight on a young Vermonter who is going places. Know a local kid, age 17 or under, who’s recently done something amazing? Nominate him or her at kidsvt.com/vermont/ kidsvtonetowatch/page.

COURTESY OF EVOLUTION YOGA

at Essex High School

eat. learn. play.

THIS IS WIC...

b y megan J ame s, mar y ann l ic kt e ig and a l iso n n ova k

contest

Show Me the Money

SURPRISED?

Sometimes learning pays off. In April, students from across Vermont were recognized for their work in two moneyrelated programs sponsored by the state treasurer’s office. Kids submitted 332 illustrations to the Be money wi$e financial literacy poster contest, showing how to create a plan for their money. Three winners in elementary, middle and high school divisions received $100 each, plus an additional $100 for their schools. Middle-school division winner Maggie Warren, from Williston Central School, The winning middle school poster by Maggie Warren drew construction workers building a brick wall, with bricks labeled “Save,” “Donate,” “Plan” and “Spend Wisely.” More than 5,600 elementary school students also took part in the state’s reading is an investment program. Participants completed a personal reading log and read at least three books from a list of titles focused on basic financial concepts. Twenty students, chosen at random, won $250 college savings accounts. At an awards ceremony at the Vermont Statehouse on April 9, winners got the chance to tour the capitol building and visit the Vermont History Be money wi$e poster contest, Museum for free. “It was an exciting reading is an investment: day for everyone,” said Lisa Helme, learn more at moneyed.vermont.gov. director of financial literacy for the state treasurer’s office. — a.n. courtesy of

state treasu re

r’s office

The Farm to Family Program gives WIC participants coupons for locally grown, fresh vegetables and fruits from farmers’ markets. Discover more pleasant surprises by learning about WIC in your area.

Join Today. 1.800.649.4357 www.HealthVermont.gov/WIC

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nature’s Calling! C

courtesy of venture vermont

Most Vermont state parks don’t open until Memorial Day weekend, but the 2015 venture vermont outdoor challenge is under way. Between now and October 15, you and your kids can rack up points by sleeping beneath the stars, going on a bird walk, catching and identifying fish, and building a fire without using matches. Oodles of other activities count, too, such as nature writing. Just mark them on the Venture Vermont scorecard and photograph your adventures; 250 points earns you a VIP gold medal and free day entry to all state parks for the rest of this year and all of 2016. “It’s a really fun way to get outside and explore the state and enjoy the health benefits of the outdoors,” said Rochelle Skinner, Vermont State Parks sales and service manager. Families can create personal scrapbooks with the photos,

CMY

as well. Add that to free park entry, Skinner said, and “it’s like a winwin.” The whole family can take the challenge together; each person just needs to have his or her own score sheet. Game on! — M.a.l.

OPENS MAY 30! Locally sponsored by

FORESTS, PARKS & RECREATION

VERMONT

Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl: Home Sweet Home was created by the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum in collaboration with the US Forest Service. Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl are protected by Congressional law and are used with permission from the US Forest Service. All Rights Reserved. 16 USC 580p-4 & 18 USC 711a.

AGENCY OF NATURAL RESOURCES

venture vermont outdoor challenge: Download a score sheet at vtstateparks.com/htm/venturevermont. htm. Find weekly bonus activities at facebook.com/vtstateparks.

may 2015 kids vt maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies

outdoors

kidsvt.com

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How do new moms recognize postpartum depression?

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BAB Y

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THE ArriVAl of A nEW BABy brings on many emotions. For some moms, it can trigger overwhelming sadness, anxiety and stress. This month, dr. JEnniE loWEll, a board-certified physician in obstetrics and gynecology at Maitri Health Care for Women in South Burlington, offers new moms and mothersto-be advice for recognizing and coping with normal “baby blues,” as well as the more serious condition: postpartum depression.

KVT: How does postpartum depression differ from baby blues? JL: It’s a matter of severity. One mother I spoke to referred to the baby blues as “cupid’s arrow.” She said, “I’m not really sad. I’m not really depressed. I just look at my baby and burst out crying.” With postpartum depression, a mother may not want to care for her baby at all. She may want to spend all day in bed and not feel any joy in life. She may even have thoughts of hurting herself or her baby.

with their baby. If you’re not head-overheels in love with your baby, sometimes it’s hard to admit that to yourself, your loved ones or your doctor. KVT: Because women feel guilty? JL: Yes, and sometimes there’s a failure to recognize that those negative feelings aren’t normal. Sometimes new moms get so anxious that they should be sleeping, but this postpartum anxiety kicks in and they just can’t fall asleep. Imagine that going on for a few nights in a row, and their mood just unravels. If that’s happening, we need to break that cycle quickly and get them some sleep.

if you’re not head-over-heels in love with your baby, sometimes it’s hard to admit that to yourself, your loved ones or your doctor.

KVT: How common is it? JL: Between 9 and 16 percent of all new mothers experience postpartum depression. Women think they’re supposed to immediately fall in love

Kids VT mATErniTy sponsored by: UVmHEAlTH.org/mEdcEnTErfAmiliEs may 2015 Kids VT XXXXXX 20XX issUE KidsVT.com

KidsVT.com

Kids VT: What is postpartum depression and what causes it? Jennie Lowell: It’s mood changes that can include depression and anxiety in the year following the birth of a child. One cause is normal hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, especially the major drop in progesterone. That can also drag down your levels of serotonin, a chemical that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness.

KVT: What advice do you give to new moms? JL: First, be really mindful of the sleep you’re getting. And reach out to your support networks. We know that women who have better support networks do better — if somebody can come in and watch the baby for a

couple of hours while you take a shower or a nap and you’re not doing all the childcare yourself. Get outside, go for a walk or just do something without the baby on you. KVT: does medicine prescribed for postpartum depression affect breastfed babies? JL: There are a number of drugs that we feel comfortable prescribing. If you really need the meds, the downside of not taking them far outweighs any harm they might do. Imagine a diaper change where you’re engaged with your baby. It’s continuous smiling and highpitched talking in a happy tone. That’s pretty normal, and we’re biologically programmed to do it without anyone teaching us. Then, imagine a mom who’s completely depressed. The diaper change might get done, but there’s no engagement. There’s no talking. There’s no emotion. It’s automated. So, a little of the medication going into the breast milk is not consequential when compared to the consequences for a baby with a mom who’s completely despondent. KVT: When do you check new mothers for postpartum depression? JL: At Maitri, we see mothers two weeks postpartum. The industry

Got questions for the doctor? send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

standard is six weeks, but we feel that’s just too long to go without checking in. We have moms fill out an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale within the first few weeks and when they come in for their annual visit, as well. KVT: Are drugs the only way you treat postpartum depression? JL: No. We spend equal amounts of time referring people to therapists and suggesting lifestyle modifications, such as getting more sleep and more help around the house. KVT: if a mom had depression with her first child, is she more likely to have it with subsequent pregnancies? JL: Yes. Postpartum depression is also more likely if you have underlying depression or anxiety and certainly if you’ve been on meds for them before. But I do find that second-time moms generally do better. With the first baby, it’s all such a shock. Everything is new and there’s this complete loss of personal freedom. With the second baby, some of that shock has worn off. K IntervIew compIled and condensed by ken pIcard

Got questions for the doctor? Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

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Pee-Wee Pilates

BABY

Q FIT FAMILIES

I felt like I’d gotten a workout even before setting foot in Prenatal Method Studio. That’s because I lugged my 8-week-old daughter in her infant car seat up two flights of stairs and through a labyrinth of hallways to get there. Good thing the studio’s atmosphere was so rejuvenating. Located in Burlington’s Chace Mill, the small studio feels larger because of its high ceilings and huge, south-facing windows. The walls are painted in the palest shade of pink, almost nude; the effect is cozy and nurturing. The moment I walked in, sunshine enveloped me, and owner and instructor Beth Kruger greeted me warmly. Kruger, 37, grew up in Colchester, but she’s spent most of her adult life in New York City. She’s been teaching yoga since 2003. Two years into her career, she says, she “fell in love” with the pregnant population when she subbed for a friend who taught prenatal yoga. She quickly became hooked on all things birth-related, registered as a prenatal-yoga instructor and got her certification as a childbirth educator and lactation consultant. In 2012, Kruger and her two daughters, now ages 7 and 9, moved back to Vermont to be closer to family. She taught at Evolution Yoga in Burlington until opening Prenatal Method last November. Her studio offers a range of classes and workshops that focus on fertility, pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. I recently visited Kruger’s Pee-Wee Pilates class, which she designed for postnatal moms and their newborn babies. Only two of us — with babies in tow — showed up, which made it even more intimate. My daughter, Mabel, was sleeping in her car seat when I arrived, so I

placed it beside me and settled onto my mat. We began by holding a yoga strap in our hands and opening our arms wide. Kruger guided us through a chest-opening exercise in which we raised our arms up toward the ceiling and slowly rotated them down toward our backs. It felt exquisite after weeks of hunching over to breastfeed my baby. Next, we lay on our backs as Kruger led us through a series of small movements, explaining the importance of taking things slowly and keeping our belly buttons pulled back toward our spines. The idea, said Kruger, is to “keep your transverse abdominals engaged.” Many women develop diastasis — a separation of the abdominal muscles — during pregnancy. Pilates exercises can help knit those muscles back together. From the outside, it probably looked like we were doing very little — lifting one leg at a time, or doing a slight pelvic tilt. But believe me: It was hard work. Later in the class, we sat upright on our mats, legs straight out in front of us, trying to keep our shoulders back, tummies tucked in, feet flexed, chest open and legs

ERNIT MAT Y

matthew thorsen

kidsvt.com

Beth Kruger instructs new mom Sarah Cohn with 8-week-old son, Sam

together. Since giving birth and nursing day and night, my body has spent hours curled into itself. This simple exercise, called a staff pose in yoga, was surprisingly challenging, making me feel shaky and weak. The Pee-Wee Pilates workout incorporates babies, too. During one exercise, after Mabel had woken up, I placed her facedown on my shins as I moved my legs slowly toward and away from me. She seemed to enjoy the movement. However, she had some fussy moments. Kruger helped with that, too. Quiet music played in the background while she alternated seamlessly between coaching us and soothing our babies. At one point, she bounced on an exercise ball with Mabel in her arms, while she used her foot to rock the other baby, who was beginning to cry, in a car seat. This took considerable coordination. During a break between exercises, I introduced myself to the other mom,

Laura Bouyea, a speech pathologist who had also taken prenatal classes at the studio. Her son, Talon, was 5 weeks old. Bouyea said she enjoys coming to Prenatal Method Studio because she trusts Kruger to help her get back into shape safely and appreciates her focus on “healthy exercise.” The class “can be an amazing workout and a way to bond with your baby,” Kruger told me. I left the Chace Mill feeling energized — and like I had bonded with some great women, too. K Prenatal Method Studio Pee-Wee Pilates meets Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; $15 per class. The studio also offers prenatal and postnatal yoga and barre classes; prenatal yoga-teacher training; childbirth education; yoga for fertility; newborn-care and breastfeeding classes; and community-building groups. Find more information at prenatalmethod.com.

“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.

may 2015 Kids VT maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies

From the outside, it probably looked like we were doing very little. But believe me: It was hard work.

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Kids VT maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies may 2015 kidsvt.com

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

MATERNIT

SSUE YI

Birth Guides

BAB Y

✱ BOOKWORMS

For this month’s issue, Kids VT asked local doulas for recommendations for books about pregnancy and childbirth.

Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth

The Birth Partner

BY PENNY SIMKIN

BY INA MAY GASKIN

BY JANET BALASKAS

Mothers-to-be are taught to follow their instincts and take control of their childbirth experience in this illustrated guide. Positions for labor and birth, water birth, and exercises for recovery and relaxation after birth are some of the topics covered. This book is “empowering,” says Lisa Burritt, from It’s Thyme Doula Care in Monkton. It’s “clearly written and provides practical, simple instruction … for pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum,” she adds.

Write-Your-Own Contest Winners

Congratulations to these talented young storytellers/illustrators who submitted comic strips inspired by graphic novels. Each wins a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington. We were wowed by your creativity and artistic ability. Below you’ll find one of the winning panels. You can find the other winners’ work online at kidsvt.com.

Faith Holzhammer, 11 ORWELL

“Signs of Love”

Silas Hunt, 9 CRAFTSBURY

“Sugar’in Vermont 2015”

Ida Eames, 11 CRAFTSBURY

“Traveling Troubles”

Kate Nelson, 9 MILTON

“Neon Kitten”

Find the June book-inspired writing prompt on page 55. The deadline is May 15. Happy reading … and writing!

KIDSVT.COM XXXXXX 20XX KIDS VT MAY 2015 KIDS VT MATERNITY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: UVMHEALTH.ORG/MEDCENTERFAMILIES

Recommendations compiled by Alison Novak

KIDSVT.COM

Written by the country’s most well-known midwife, this 2003 volume shares the benefits and joys of natural childbirth, providing information on how to give birth without technological intervention. “This is a great book for normalizing pregnancy, labor and the postpartum period,” says Rachel Stanton, a labor and postpartum doula with Burlington’s Birth Journeys. “It offers positive birth stories, which is so important for expecting woman who are often inundated with other people’s scary or dramatic birth stories.”

This guide, in its fourth edition, prepares partners to help women through childbirth. It covers knowing when labor has begun, easing labor pain, Cesarean birth, breastfeeding and newborn care. Francesca Arnoldy, a certified childbirth educator and doula from Hinesburg’s VT Birth Haven, calls it “comprehensive without being overwhelming. It arms partners with practical advice and tools to feel better prepared to support a laboring mama. And it answers most any question expectant couples may have!”

Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally

THE LEARNING CENTER AT HEALTHY LIVING

Kids VT maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies may 2015

kidsvt.com

MOTHER MAY I?

MIXED BERRY CHIA PUDDING INGREDIENTS 3 1/4 cup mixed berries 4

Tbsp chia seeds

Tbsp honey or maple syrup

tsp fresh mint, minced

vanilla bean, seeds removed and reserved

DIRECTIONS In a blender or food processor, process berries until smooth. Add the honey or maple syrup, chia seeds, mint, and vanilla seeds. Mix until fully blended. Place mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate overnight to allow the chia seeds to thicken. Serve the following day garnished with extra berries and mint leaves.

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN CLASSES IN MAY Gi s for Mom! Friday, 5/8 Âˇ 4:00 - 5:00pm â&#x20AC;˘ $20 So Pretzel Dippers with Cheese Sauce Wednesday, 5/13 Âˇ 4:00 - 5:00pm â&#x20AC;˘ $20 Bu ermilk Biscuits & Homemade Jam Friday, 5/22 Âˇ 4:00 - 5:00pm â&#x20AC;˘ $20 Zesty Pork Sliders Thursday, 5/28 Âˇ 4:00 - 5:00pm â&#x20AC;˘ $20 All classes require pre-registration. For a full schedule, or to register, go to healthylivingmarket.com; or call Customer Service at 802.863.2569.

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EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

My husband and I love to cook and share meals. So I was excited when our first baby, Eli, was old enough to start eating “real food.” I envisioned making him healthy meals from scratch and enjoying them peacefully as a family of three. Like many things related to parenting, it didn’t go as planned. Most of our meals in those early years were chaotic and very, very messy. My husband, Sam, worked evenings back then, so I was often on my own for dinners with Eli, who is now 11. Sometimes he hungrily devoured, and then spit up, entire bowls of rice cereal — while I ate crackers. Other times, he fed himself fistfuls of yogurt by smashing his chubby fist into the bowl and then rubbing it on his face, from forehead to chin. I wasn’t sure he’d ever successfully get food into his own mouth. But it got better. The first time we really enjoyed a meal as a family was at an unexpected place: a TGI Fridays somewhere between Binghamton, N.Y., and Burlington, where we stopped on the way home from a visit with grandparents. My chicken salad and Sam’s cheeseburger were nothing special, but we were happy to be eating something that someone else had prepared and we wouldn’t have to clean up. For his part, Eli, who was about 16 months old at the time, loved the wooden restaurant high chair and the chance to practice “chatting” with our server. He probably scattered more spaghetti around the table than he actually ate, but he managed to get most of a meatball into his mouth on his own. Over the years we’ve learned that flexibility and a sense of humor are key to success when it comes to feeding very young kids. With that in mind, here’s a healthy, tasty and adaptable meal you can make for little ones. You’ll probably want to dig in, too. Enjoy — and don’t worry about what ends up on the floor. K

For a recipe for sweet potatoes and sticky brown rice, see kidsvt.com. sam Simon

BABY

First Foods

UE ISS

Q Mealtime By E rin n Sim o n

kidsvt.com

egg squares, fruit salad & toast bites Makes 3-4 kid-size servings

Cooking spray or olive oil 6 eggs ¼ cup milk A few slices of whole-grain bread A handful of red grapes (cut into tiny bits), berries, sliced bananas or oranges

Directions:

erinn simon

Butter to taste

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Spray a shallow 8-by-8- or 9-by-9-inch roasting pan with cooking spray, or brush lightly with oil. Beat eggs and milk in a mixing bowl until frothy. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan. Bake on the center rack for 15 minutes, or until the top of the eggs puff up a bit and are set in the center. Let them cool briefly before cutting them into small squares. Make a few pieces of toast and butter them well. Stack them on top of each other and, using a bread knife, cut them into small squares. Arrange each plate with three or four toast squares on top of each other next to several egg squares. Scatter the fruit around the plate.

Pro tip: Add some grated cheese and salsa to your own baked eggs.

making baby food

Recently, I’ve started making food for babies as young as 4 months old at Burlington Children’s Space. Here’s what I’ve learned: • Get a decent food processor. It will make prep work quick and easy. We have a high-quality KitchenAid at BCS, and it is glorious: fast, quiet and super powerful. At home, I use a $50 Hamilton Beach. It’s not as fast or quiet, but it gets the job done. • Bananas, peaches, pears, butternut squash and sweet potatoes are great first purées. Peel and cut the fruit or veggies into 1-inch pieces. You can mash ripe bananas with a fork; simmer any of the others in a saucepan of just-boiling

water until they are soft enough to pierce easily with a fork. Drain, reserving some of the water in case you need to thin the purée. Blend in your food processor until very smooth, adding a splash of water if necessary. • Freeze your purées in ice-cube trays, then pop out the cubes and store them in Ziploc freezer bags, so you can easily thaw one at a time. • When your baby is ready for blends, usually around 8 months, add mashed avocado to any of the purées for extra vitamins, fiber, healthy fat and protein. • For baby-food inspiration, visit my favorite blogs on the topic: loveandduckfat.com and mashyourheartout.com.

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

may 2015 Kids VT maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies

sam Simon

Ingredients:

Celebrate your Birthday at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory!

All parties include: • A private tour • A Make a Friend for Life® Bear for each child

• Private party space staffed by a Vermont Teddy Bear Ambassador.

Q go ask dad

INTERvIEwS cOmpILEd aNd cONdENSEd By THEa LEwIS

When did you first feel like a grown-up? Jess LiLLy BURLINGTON software engineer, Vermont energy inVestment Corporation

Sons Amos, 9, and Damien, 5; daughter Luna, 3

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Family Days are Here!

Family fun awaits at Vermont PBS Family Days!

Jason Boutin ESSEX

kids Vt maternity issue SpONSOREd By: uVmheaLth.org/medCenterfamiLies may 2015

kidsVt.Com

Granby Zoo

truCk driVer, new penn

Saturday, June 20 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Son Riley, 5; daughter Reese, 2

I guess I would have to say I really felt like a grown-up when I bought my first house.

Jess LiLLy I was kind of wild in my younger days. I never really experienced caring for kids until I had some of my own. I’d spent time with friends who had kids and played with their kids a little. But until my son was born, I’d never even changed a diaper. My parents didn’t really have any parenting advice. They just told me, “Follow your heart in all your decisions.” Then Riley was born. That first night, when we brought him home from the hospital and no longer had help — no nurses, just us — it really hit me. “This is my responsibility. It’s not about me anymore.” I remember feeling the instinct of wanting to keep him from harm, of going to his crib to check on him, just to make sure he was breathing. Nobody can prepare you for that. It was a big change. And it definitely made me feel like a grown-up.

Vermont Lake Monsters Baseball Game Tuesday, June 30, 7 p.m.

Smugglers’ Notch Resort Saturday, Sept. 12 10 a. m. – 2 p.m.

Billings Farm & Museum Montshire Museum of Science Saturday, Sept. 19 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Barry Lampke HINESBURG stay-at-home dad

Family Club members,

Son Ben, 19; daughters Sarah, 17, and Willa, 14

watch the mail for your postcard invitation.

Not a Family member?

Visit vermontpbs.org/support or call 1-800-639-7811 A $72 membership gets your family into all Family Day events!

Join the family!

Join the fun!

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

Montshire

Museum of Science

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The first thing that popped into my mind was the time my family dropped my older sister off at college. We took her to Boston University, and I remember we were saying good-bye, getting ready to leave her at her dorm, and I went up to her and kissed her on the cheek. She was 18 and I was 16, but I remember thinking at the time, Wow, now I’m a grown-up. No more sibling rivalry. But there was another time: Later, when I was in college, I went to visit a friend who was attending Vassar. A woman in her house made dinner that night: tempeh lasagna. It was terrible. I hated it. But I remember smiling and chewing and complimenting her on how delicious it was. I thought, “This is what it means to be a grown-up. Eating something you think is disgusting, and pretending it’s good.”

4/23/15 11:10 AM

Q the art of

By A liSon novAk

eaT. Learn. pLay.

Spanish for Preschoolers

maTThew Thorsen

Constancia Gomez (right) working with kids

constancia gomez offers spanish musical kids at mulitiple local libraries. she’ll be teaching kids’ class series at north end studios in Burlington and monteverdi music school in montpelier starting in early may. for more information, contact her at 917-1776 or constanciag@gmail.com.

Christ the King School 3 years old to 8th Grade 136 Locust Street Burlington, VT 862-6696 www.cksvt.org admissions@cksvt.org facebook.com/cksvt

We are proud of our Faith Filled Environment & Academic Excellence Art Music PE French Technology Licensed After-School and Vacation Program Athletic & Enrichment Opportunities

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“the art of” spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. got a class or teacher to recommend? email us at ideas@kidsvt.com k8v-ChristKing0514..indd 1

Please call the school today at 862-6696 to schedule a tour, meet our community, and discover all that CKS has to offer your family! Ask about our summer vacation program!

kids vt maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies

picked it up quickly, mostly through conversations with others. Using music as a teaching tool comes naturally to Gomez, whose musical roots run deep. Her mother was an amateur singer and her grandmother, a teacher, founded a music school in northern Argentina. “When you do something that makes you happy, you’ll learn better. They are singing,” she says of the kids. “They don’t even know they’re learning.” Gomez has plans to record a CD of Spanish folk songs and to get nonprofit status for Spanish Musical Kids so she’ll be eligible to receive more grants to expand her programming. In addition to being a Spanish instructor, she teaches salsa, merengue and Zumba and helps to run her family’s goat farm, La Lu Farm. She’s taught Spanish to students through high school and says she enjoys instructing language learners of all ages. Working with the littlest students is particularly rewarding, though. “Kids at this age, they learn so easily,” she says. “It’s so amazing.” K

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may 2015

Do you make tortillas with your papis or mamis?” Gomez asks at one point. “I cook melon,” says a little boy. “I cook vegetables,” says his older sister. Gomez switches gears fluidly. “Muy bien. Who eats vegetables here?” she asks, launching into different vegetable names in Spanish. Toward the end of the class, Gomez reads a Spanish-language version of Eric Carle’s Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, which features all kinds of animals. “That’s a frog,” says a child from the rug. “Una rana. Can you say una rana?” Gomez asks the group. Several kids repeat the word. Gomez draws on her own experience learning a new language to teach her students. She came to the United States from Buenos Aires in 2000 to work at Sugarbush Resort, where she still teaches a music program at the daycare center. She says she spoke little English when she first moved to Vermont but

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kidsvt.com

no one is shushing the pint-size kids congregating on a large world-map rug in the children’s section of the Fletcher Free Library. Catchy Latin music plays from a speaker while instructor Constancia Gomez, wearing a furry Russian-style hat and cowboy boots, rounds up stragglers to join her 45-minute class, Spanish Musical Kids. As the group gets settled, Gomez converses casually in Spanish with one of the attending grandmothers, who happens to be from Argentina. “I’m from Argentina,” Gomez announces to the group in accented English, flinging off both hat and boots and getting down to the children’s level. “Do you guys remember where Argentina is?” She gestures to the bottom part of South America on the rug. “Do you know where we live?” she continues. “It starts with a B … I know, it’s hard — Burlington!” Gomez, who lives in Warren with her husband and 5-year-old daughter, easily engages the group of almost a dozen 1- to 4-year-olds and their caregivers. First up is a getting-to-know-you song. A little girl says her name — Molly — and the group sings and claps, “Yo me llamo Molly, Molly, Molly, Yo me llamo Molly ¿Quién eres tú?” before moving on to the next person. For a different tune, Gomez breaks out egg-shaped shakers from her lightblue vintage suitcase. She tosses one to each kid and they shake the instruments in circular motions while singing “Bate Bate Chocolate,” a song about stirring up hot chocolate. “What else can we make?” Gomez asks. Kids offer several suggestions, such as popcorn and cake. Gomez teaches the words in Spanish — palomitas and torta. A dozen or so well-worn stuffed animals are props for a Spanish version of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm.” Kids shake jingle bells and hug their chosen critters — unicorns, lambs, monkeys and kitties — as the song cycles through the different creatures on the farm. The itty-bitty audience sometimes loses focus. Kids toddle off to explore different parts of the library, retreat to the couch for a snack break and expound on random topics. Gomez takes it all in stride. “In Latin countries we make tortillas.

4/18/14 3:06 PM

Adventures in Baby Rearing Parenting hasn’t slowed us down

KIDS VT XXXXXX 20XX ISSUE KIDSVT.COM KIDS VT MATERNITY SPONSORED BY: UVMHEALTH.ORG/MEDCENTERFAMILIES MAY 2015

BABY

s outdoor photographers and avid adventurers, we’ve made a living documenting our explorations of remote places such as East Greenland and Chilean Patagonia. So when we discovered that Emily was pregnant with our now-2-year-old daughter, Maiana Snow, our 15 years of explorations together simply seemed like training for the most wonderful and challenging adventure of all — parenthood. Pregnancy didn’t stop Emily from staying active. She surfed ocean waves during prenatal travels to Central America and the New England coast until month five, when the pressure on her belly became slightly uncomfortable. After that, she focused on swimming, paddling or stream walking whenever she felt lured by water. Trail running, biking, walking, stretching and gardening rounded out the mix of outdoor activities that kept her feeling happy, healthy and strong while our Lil’ Snowflake — our womb name for Maiana — grew through the summer and fall. When it started snowing, skiing became our focus. In winter, we spend a good part of each day on skis, photographing our mountain adventures, and that year was no exception. While eating and hydrating well and resting plenty, Emily kept

up a near-daily regimen of backcountry skiing adventures — climbing mountains and ridges before skiing down them — straight through her Valentine’s Day due date. Five days later, during an easy going sunset ski tour in our neighbor’s pasture, Emily felt the first pangs of labor. Maiana was just 10 days old when she started skiing with us, nestled in an Ergobaby carrier on Brian’s chest. By early March, we had mastered trailside nursing and the backcountry diaper change, and we were back to exploring the remote reaches of Vermont’s mountains. Winter’s coldest days were behind us, so it was easy to keep Maiana warm and comfortable. On an idyllic spring day in April, 2-month-old Maiana even joined us on a ski adventure into the highest reaches of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. We had few expectations about how Maiana’s arrival would impact our adventurous lifestyle, so we were pleasantly surprised by how much we were still able to do as a family of three. Maiana quickly became our all-time favorite adventure partner. She slept just about everywhere we went, she loved the roar of the stream and the hush of the wind, and she rarely fussed. We chalked it up to the abundant fresh air and the fluid motion of skiing.

During an easy going sunset ski tour in our neighbor’s pasture, Emily felt the first pangs of labor.

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KIDSVT.COM

PHOTOS A N D STOR Y BY BR I AN MOH R AN D E MI LY J OH N SON

Spring had us camping as a family along the stream behind our house in Moretown. To help Maiana sleep safely, we constructed a simple wooden crate so we wouldn’t accidentally kick or press against her while we slept. We placed her changing pad, which doubled as a bed, inside the crate, and Maiana slept peacefully at our feet, with the sound of running water soothing us all. Summer was filled with daily dips in nearby ponds and streams, canoe outings and plenty of hiking and cycling adventures, including a twoweek, bicycle-powered surfing trip along the New England coast when Maiana was 7 months old. Our love for outdoor adventure has shaped our livelihoods as photographers and storytellers, and it’s shaping our journey as a family. While adventuring, we stick to a few simple rules: Play it safe, keep it fun and be sure to have a good Plan B. Ultimately, staying safe is a matter of being honest about our skills and personal limits, and truly respecting those boundaries. Keeping it fun is as easy as engaging with the natural world around us through song, storytelling, playtime and active observation. And whatever we do, we try to remember the extra diapers. Above: Exploring the granite shores of an alpine lake in Washington’s North Cascade Mountains.

4 kidsvt.com

Maiana settles into life in a tent cabin in Central America that we call home for four to five weeks every year, a place where monkeys, parakeets, giant lizards and white-nosed coati keep us company.

The three of us in our element: snow in the air, smiles on our faces ... and together.

Emily and 5-month-old Maiana rake for quahog clams off the New England coast. adventures, p. 20 Âť

Enjoying the start of another long ski season at 28 weeks pregnant. Emily skied more than 100 days the winter Maiana was born â&#x20AC;&#x201D; half while pregnant, and the rest after giving birth.

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Maiana, at 6 months, helps us press about 40 gallons of apple cider from our family’s trees.

Streamside camping with Maiana near a friend’s home in Vermont’s Northfield Mountains.

Lunchtime during a half-day ski tour through the backcountry of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains.

Maiana takes in some dancing ferns while we tend to garden chores just a few feet away at our home.

We introduced Maiana to daily dips in a neighborhood pond shortly after the ice melted. She has loved water ever since.

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Adventures

CONTINUED FROM P. 21 10.

In shallow water off the coast of New England, with friends and family standing by on all sides, Maiana holds on while mama belly surfs a few gentle waves.

11.

Out for a relaxing walk in the hills of central Vermont.

12.

Enjoying a trailside nap with 2-month old Maiana, just below snowline, during an afternoon spent skiing on Vermont’s Burke Mountain.

13.

After climbing Mt. Mansfield on Dad’s back, Maiana gets some time on the snow and a fun lesson in backcountry skiing from Mama.

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Getting in Gear If there is one piece of gear that’s invaluable to us, it’s the Ergobaby carrier. We used it to carry Maiana on our chests until she was about 10 months old, in combination with the infant insert accessory, and we continue to use it to carry her on our backs. Other items we value greatly include a good sun hat for UV protection and kids’ ski goggles — we’re often in the woods, pushing through thick forest cover and dodging stray tree branches that could easily scratch an eye. For bringing Maiana on cold and wintry adventures, nothing beats a wellinsulated, hooded, onepiece suit, with hands and feet that can be closed off, like Patagonia’s Down or Puff Bunting. The Zutano Cozie Shaggie hat, coupled with a wool Buff-brand neck warmer is a nearly foolproof way to keep the wind and cold at bay. It’s wise to put a little coconut oil on the face during winter to prevent chapping, too. On the coldest days, we still venture outside, but not for long stretches of time. We check Maiana’s hands and feet every 20 to 30 minutes to make sure they’re still warm. And if there’s a very cold, strong wind blowing, we get away from it.

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Burlington-based Mamava aims to make breastfeeding and pumping easier — one pod at a time BY MEGAN JAMES

BAB Y

KIDSVT.COM KIDS VT MATERNITY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: UVMHEALTH.ORG/MEDCENTERFAMILIES MAY 2015

Got Milk?

ATERN IT &M

SSUE YI

MATTHEW THORSEN

Sascha Mayer, Janice Shade, Louisa Schibli and Christine Dodson

urlington businesswoman Janet Stambolian was scrolling through Facebook in 2013 when a photo of the first-ever Mamava lactation suite, at Burlington International Airport, caught her eye. “It looked like a little spaceship,” she says of the freestanding “pod” for breastfeeding mothers. Stambolian grabbed her phone and called Gene Richards, BTV’s director of aviation, who had posted the photo. “I’m an old feminist,” says Stambolian, who cofounded Burlington’s Girls Nite Out Productions. “I looked at that suite and thought, I want to sell those.” Stambolian — who is now Mamava’s sales manager — had a feeling the pods would take off. She was right. The company has created a novel solution to a vexing problem. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that moms breastfeed their babies for at least the first year. But nursing mothers often struggle to find clean, private places to feed their babies or use their breast pumps.

Enter Mamava — a name that includes the Spanish word for “go.” The Burlington-based business designs lactation stations that can be installed in workplaces and public spaces, such as airports, hospitals and arenas, making it easier for moms to keep breastfeeding. Inside each pod’s curved, womb-like walls is a seating area made of food-service-grade fiberglass. Mamava placed its first pod at BTV in August 2013; there are now 20 of them in more than a dozen states. Lactating mothers can pump in sleek suites at the Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb., the New School in New York City and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, among other locales. The company is on track to install about 120 new units this year, including at each of the major New York City-area airports — JFK, LaGuardia and Newark — which will be delivered in time for Mother’s Day. The team has also created an app, the Mamava Lactation Station Locator, to help moms find nearby pods and

recommend other pumping-friendly in Seattle, nursing mothers had spaces all over the country. unlimited access to a “lactation room” Why is this little Vermont startup where they could pump their breastbecoming so popular? Chalk it up to milk to store for later use. But baristas a fusion of old-school feminism and weren’t afforded that luxury. If they innovative design — and a boost from chose to pump their milk, they had to Obamacare, which now requires large do it in customer restrooms, keeping track of the minutes they were using employers to support breastfeeding. up. A visit to Mamava’s überhip, “There’s got to be a better way,” open-plan office reveals some of the Mayer recalls thinking, before writing company’s magic. Cofounders Sascha a letter to Starbucks in Mayer and Christine which she articulated Dodson used to work at her view: Breastfeeding now-defunct design firm should be a right, not a Jager Di Paola Kemp privilege. whose clients included Mayer’s letter “never Pepsi, Nike and Burton went anywhere,” she Snowboards. Mamava says. But her outrage spun out of JDK; did. At a JDK pitch principals Michael Jager session, she laid out her and Giovanna Di Paola idea to create a simple, Jager both own part of portable lactation the company. Mamava station. now shares space with SaScha Mayer, MaMava ceO Her coworker JDK’s new iteration, a Christine Dodson, firm called Solidarity of JDK’s managing director, was also Unbridled Labor. a working mom. She, too, identified On a recent weekday, some 15 with the exhaustion and isolation new Solidarity designers sit at one long desk, tapping on keyboards to the bass mothers often feel. “We could all tell line of TLC’s “No Scrubs.” On a coffee these stories of misery,” says Dodson of pumping at work and on the go. table in a lounge area is the raunchy Then, in 2010, they got a chance party game Cards Against Humanity, to change the narrative. The newly along with a book called Play All Day: passed Affordable Care Act required Design for Children. Cubbies packed with design books separate the lounge businesses with more than 50 employees to provide a private space from a small kitchen stocked with other than a bathroom for employees wine, beer and a super-size bottle of to pump, and the time to do it. Mayer hot sauce. An acoustic guitar leans and Dodson realized they were on against a stand. the frontlines of a movement. JDK’s “Does anyone want kombucha?” Michael Jager gave the duo the green CEO Mayer asks when the rest of her six-person team arrives. The trendy, light to focus exclusively on their fermented beverage is on tap in the project, and Mamava was born. office kitchen and served in elegant With JDK resources at their disglasses. posal, Mayer and Dodson, Mamava’s “That’ll probably help with milk COO, began to build a brand. They production,” Mayer advises as she enlisted designer David Jaacks, based hands over a glass to a lactating in Springfield, Vt., to create a welcomreporter. ing, eye-catching lactation station. Mamava’s big break came when ConCeption BTV’s Richards agreed to install a prototype in the Burlington airport. Back in 2006, Mayer was working as a brand strategist for JDK. She recalls Mayer and Dodson call him their breastfeeding her infant daughter and “fairy godfather.” They built the first pod in Richards’ driveway. “suffering the indignation of using a The administrator had been breast pump in restrooms while on getting requests for lactation spaces, the road.” especially in the wake of a 2006 That’s when a New York Times incident at the airport in which a article caught her attention. The story, headlined “On the Job, Nursing woman was kicked off of a Delta Air Lines plane for breastfeeding Mothers Find a 2-Class System,” her 22-month-old daughter before revealed the starkly different ways takeoff. Starbucks treated its breastfeeding “That was insane,” says Richards employees. At the corporate headquarters Got Milk? p. 26 »

There were many times when we had to educate men who ask, ‘Why can’t they just wait till they get home?’

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— new mom in Jeffersonville

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Got Milk?

CONTINUED FROM P. 25

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DELIVERY

Jaacks designs each Mamava pod, and Rhode Island-based Orion RED manufactures them. The newest models provide a 32-square-foot space, and the $11,250 price tag includes installation, with an extra charge for delivery. Mamava hopes to secure sponsors for future pods — there’s space, inside and out, for advertising — so they can be installed for free in places such as urban health centers. Some units are locked, with signs directing moms to get an access code or key from guest services. Others are considered self-policing. So far, no one has been caught using the pods for dubious purposes. “It would be like a man coming in and out of a women’s restroom,” says Mayer. “People would notice, and intervene.” The pods may be designed for moms, but the people buying them aren’t always familiar with the mechanics of breast-milk production. “There were many times when we had to educate men who ask, ‘Why can’t they just wait till they get home?’” says Mayer. “But men tend to want to

PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAMAVA

of the airline’s decision. “It makes no sense … and we didn’t support that.” Around that time, Jager, who attends the same gym as Richards, pitched him the Mamava idea. Richards thought it was “brilliant.” “The [airport] industry doesn’t always get it,” Richards says. “They’ll build a family room [for breastfeeding]. But a family room is still a bathroom. Do you want to eat in a bathroom?” His support of the project wasn’t just logistical. “My mom brought me up to ‘respect your mom,’ and respect women,” says Richards, noting that giving women a clean, private space to feed their babies is simply the right thing to do. BTV has since converted a payphone room into a second lactation space.

Inside the lactation suite

be fixers.” In other words, once they know there’s a simple solution to the problem of pumping on the go, they’re usually on board. Since the word has gotten out about Mamava, Stambolian has had to do less convincing. Over the last year, she says, “I’ve made exactly two cold calls.” All of the sales “have been people coming to us.” She adds that those transactions have been surprisingly warm. “Maybe there’s a reverence for this work,” says Stambolian, referring to the act of breastfeeding. “Something about this product that has touched a really positive chord with people. You’d have to be a real cold jerk to not get how special this is.” When a pod “lands,” says Mayer, the idea catches on. The team recently installed three pods at the Milwaukee airport, and, on the same day, higher-ups at the city’s zoo called to order one. “They’re breeding,” she quips. “I don’t know if we can take credit, but more airports are putting in lactation rooms now, even if they’re not ours,” says Dodson. “It’s good for us, and it’s good for moms.”

The company is on track to install about 120 new units this year, including at each of the major New York City airports.

EVOLUTION

Mamava has lofty ambitions. The company isn’t just selling pods; it aims to change the way Americans view breastfeeding.

Though she sells a product that conceals the act of nursing, Stambolian insists that Mamava’s pods aren’t about “ghettoizing women behind closed doors. We’re very aware that this is about creating access and options to continue breastfeeding,” she says. “It’s really about empowering women to get back to work,” adds CFO Janice Shade, who joined the company last May. Shade has created another, dovetailing business, Milk Money, which will help Mamava garner investments from Vermonters (see sidebar). Her Milk Money cofounder, Louisa Schibli, who had her kids while living in Europe, says that when she returned to the U.S. she was surprised by how timid American women were about breastfeeding in public. In Europe, she says, “you pull out your boobs [to nurse] everywhere!” The cultural differences are also apparent on Mamava’s Facebook page, where there was strong reaction to a Brazilian newspaper’s article about the airport pods. “Why do you people have so many issues with breastfeeding that you need to keep mothers and babies hidden?” wrote Maria Cecilia Santos from Sao Paolo. “Why do we need to be boxed in to feed our babies?” added Marina Cattai from Toronto. Dozens of incredulous commenters piled on. Mamava responded: Mamava was conceived from a place of empathy by nursing mothers who had to hit the road with our breast pumps … The U.S.A has no paid maternity leave. Brazil provides a minimum of 120 days paid maternity leave, so nursing mothers aren’t forced to leave their babies. Moms in America have been pumping in bathrooms. As it takes hold as an amenity for pumping and nursing we think of it as a billboard communicating that there are many, many breastfeeding moms who could use all the help they can get, actually bringing the discussion into the open (not hiding it in a bathroom stall or under a blanket). The Mamava team sees itself as fighting a grand battle. When Stambolian came on board, she had silver bracelets made for each of them, reading, “We each have different gifts for the revolution.” But the team members are united in their vision for the future. In the short run, that means creating pop-up

lactation suites for temporary events, and installing hospital-grade breast pumps inside the pods. In the long run, it means something much bigger. Mayer and co. want to ensure that all breastfeeding women get the support they need. When asked what Mamava will have accomplished in 10 or 15 years, the CEO says, “I think we will have solved this problem in North America.” Learn more at mamava.com.

Spawn of Mamava In May, Mamava is embarking on a campaign that will allow anyone in Vermont to invest in the company. It’s made possible by the recently enacted Vermont Small Business Offering Exemption, a crowd-funding rule that allows businesses to pool up to $2 million worth of small investments — $250 to $5,000 per person — rather than rely solely on accredited investors. Mamava CFO Janice Shade and Louisa Schibli are setting up their own business, Milk Money, to help Vermont companies take advantage of the VSBOE; it launches on Mother’s Day. Their first client? Mamava. “Solidarity of Unbridled Labour incubated Mamava; now Mamava is incubating Milk Money,” says Mamava CEO Sascha Mayer. Securing hundreds of minor investments, and managing relations with those investors, can be complicated and time-consuming, says Shade. “Entrepreneurs just want to do their business.” That’s where Milk Money comes in. For a $3,000 upfront fee, paid by the corporate client, Shade and Schibli will navigate the trickier, time-consuming parts of the VSBOE process. They’ll sort out the legal stuff at the start, manage investor relations and provide businesses with a Kickstarter-type web platform. Says Mayer, “The program allows Mamava — when people ask, ‘How can I help?’ — to say, “You can own part of us.” Find out more at milkmoneyvt.com.

Supply & Demand Vermont moms turn to social media to share their breast milk

UE ISS

Washington County, from using Milk 4 Human Babies. They’re both Juliana Taylor’s milk. At first Rachel, global exchanges with active Vermont who requested that we not use her Facebook pages where moms in need real name, was hoping to and moms with milk can trade R E messages and connect. “Milk N T ITY pay someone to express MA milk for her. She says needed in Williston!” reads a & it only seemed fair to recent message on the Eats compensate women for on Feets Vermont page. their labor. Taylor, for “Milk to share in Winooski!” example, pumps two to three reads another. times a day to produce 10-18 Both organizations forbid sales ounces of milk for donation. But the on their sites because their founders social networking sites prohibit sales, believe that the profit motive corrupts and Rachel wasn’t comfortable buying the altruistic exchange of “liquid gold” anonymous milk online. and increases the likelihood that the Because she wanted to feed her son milk will be contaminated. breast milk exclusively and wasn’t The sites also making any of her own, she needed encourage parents more milk than one donor could to request blood provide. That meant meeting lots of tests and health candidates and asking them intrusive information questions about their diet, habits and from blood test results. potential “I only ended up with four women, donors. I guess, that followed through with the whole thing,” Rachel recalls. “More than that contacted me, but I just think that was too much for them and it was a delicate boundary for me. I don’t really want to insult you and yet I have to protect my son. If he got HIV from this I would never forgive myself.” When Rachel’s son was a month old, she found a donor with a large supply of excess milk and was able to feed him just on breast milk for two months. Now, five months later, she primarily But medical professionals 3/26/15 uses formula and supplements with k6v-OnionRiverKids0415.indd 1 are still wary of this Taylor’s milk. “I feel so grateful to grassroots phenomenon. them,” she says of the women who’ve The American Academy of donated their milk. “It’s amazing to me Pediatrics both recommends sometimes to think, because he was that moms exclusively breastfeed for also adopted, how many women have the first six months of their babies’ nourished him to be who he is. He is a lives and discourages women from Try kidsvt.com for product of many.” online milk sharing. fun at your fingertips. Taylor also thinks about Rachel’s Nancy Clark, a Central Vermont son, and the others that she’s fed. “I lactation consultant and RN, have visions of them playing together acknowledged that this conflicting or getting together a couple of times a advice creates a real dilemma for year,” she reflects. moms who aren’t able to breastfeed. But the most important thing to She’s comfortable with women her, she insists, is that women have receiving milk from close friends or the opportunity to choose how they’re family members, but milk sharing via going to nourish their children. “There the internet makes her nervous. “I’m are so many ways to feed your baby,” skeptical of anything happening on she says. Whether they use breast milk Facebook. I just think the potential or formula, “I don’t want any woman risks are pretty high,” she says. to feel beaten up by the choice she That hasn’t dissuaded women makes.” like Rachel, an adoptive mom from

BABY

It’s a handful!

11:00 AM

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MAY 2015 KIDS VT MATERNITY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: UVMHEALTH.ORG/MEDCENTERFAMILIES

Medical professionals are still wary of this grassroots phenomenon.

KIDSVT.COM

uliana Taylor’s breast milk feeds three babies: her 11-month-old daughter, who she nurses the conventional way, and the children of two other Vermont mothers who live nearby. Taylor engages in what’s called “altruistic milk sharing” — she produces more milk than her baby can drink and gives away the surplus to local moms in need, friends of friends and women she meets online. She doesn’t receive any payment and, if offered, would refuse it. “I just felt good about it as a gift,” she reflects while soothing her fussy child from her home in Burlington. “I feel connected to the babies when I pump. I end up thinking about them quite a bit.” Milk sharing is nothing new — until the invention of formula, moms who couldn’t or didn’t want to breastfeed would hire a wet nurse to do it for them. Now that formula has fallen out of favor and “breast is best,” many moms who can’t nurse are seeking out new, 21st century ways to find breast milk for their children. They have a few options. The safest method is purchasing screened and pasteurized milk from a nonprofit milk bank. But banked milk is out of reach for most moms because it’s expensive, scarce and largely reserved for preemies and dangerously ill infants. Parents can also purchase milk from anonymous donors online, but as two recent studies indicate, buyers run the risk of receiving supplies watered down with cow’s milk or contaminated with viruses or bacteria. Milk seekers can also look closer to home and seek out friends and family members who are willing and able to donate. And after exhausting those personal connections, parents today have one more option: grassroots social networking sites through which women like Juliana Taylor donate milk. The two main online milk-sharing sites are Eats on Feets and Human

BY SAR AH YAH M

2/27/15 10:13 AM

2015 CAMP GUIDE

Come Experience All Regal Has to offer

! R E M M U THINK S Think

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Q. My child still wears diapers/pull-ups . . . Can he/she attend?

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KIDS VT MATERNITY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: UVMHEALTH.ORG/MEDCENTERFAMILIES MAY 2015

A. Yes. Although we serve lunch and snacks daily, you have the option of bringing a lunch. (Please be sure food brought from home is full of healthy choices as that is what we serve. Also, be sure to inform us of any allergy or food restrictions your child may have so we can prepare accordingly.) Q. Is Regal Gymnastics a NUT FREE facility? A. No.

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Q. My child is a picky eater . . . Can he/she bring lunch?

Regal Gymnastics Academy

A. No. All children must be potty trained to attend this camp. (However, we are aware that children at this age still have occasional accidents, so a change of clothing is recommended.)

The Balancing Act Enrichment Center

A. No, however there will be time for children to cool down in our air-conditioned facility & enjoy quiet reading, coloring, etc. Staff will decide on a daily/individual basis when this time is needed . . . Summer can be hot and exploration can often be exhausting! Q. What should my child bring to Discovery Camp? A. Please have your child bring a backpack EACH DAY with the following items: water bottle, a set of extra clothes (science can be messy!), sunscreen, swimsuit & towel for outdoor water play. Be sure to LABEL all items! Q. Can you tell me about the Discovery Camp Counselors? A. Our camp counselors will consist of our current Balancing Act Enrichment Center teachers as well as trained Regal Gymnastics Academy staff/coaches. All counselors have experience with early learners. Staff are infant/child CPR & first aid certified. Q. Is aftercare only for 3-7 year olds? Does it follow the science camp themes? A. No. Aftercare is a less structured time for children to play until pick up. This time may also include older campers (ages 7 - 14) from Regal’s Gymnastics Camp. Q. Can I sign up for individual days of camp? A. No . . . Discovery Adventure Campers have the option to attend a 3 day M-W-F week or 5 day week.

Sign up at vermontninjawarrior. com or through regalgym.com. Also check Facebook for announcements and info on our grand opening, classes and open gyms. All questions/inquires can be sent to vermontninjawarrior@gmail.com

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2015 DISCOVERY CAMP THEMES JUNE 15-19

Farmer’s Market Fun JUNE 22 – JUNE 26

Marvelous Mud JULY 6-JULY 10

Bubblemania

JULY 13-JULY 17

Let’s Go on a Picnic

JULY 20-JULY 24

Oooey Gooey Squishy Stuff

JULY 27-JULY 31

Fairies & Forest Friends

AUGUST 3-AUGUST 7

Wacky Water Play AUGUST 10-AUGUST 14

Bugs & Butterflies AUGUST 17-AUGUST 21

Dynamite Dinos AUGUST 24-AUGUST 28

Summertime Luau 3/24/15 1:44 PM

2015 summer camp guide

One of the Gang

Helping kids fit in and find friends at summer camp BY MOLLY WALSH

kidsvt.com

One of the Gang, p. 30 »

Kids VT maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies

may 2015

idan Gardner of Vergennes can’t wait until June 29. That’s the day the 13-year-old will be greeting old friends back at Camp Killooleet in Hancock, where he has spent the past four summers. The first day at the camp in the Green Mountain National Forest will bring Aidan face to face with pals from New York, California and Hawaii whom he hasn’t seen in 10 months. “It’s so good to, like, not text them and actually talk to them,” Aidan says. “I can’t even explain it. It’s the best experience ever.” Sleepaway camp offers kids the chance to learn new skills — how to weave a bracelet, hoist a sail, sing a round — and learn to live with their own choices, large and small. But one of the most rewarding aspects of going away to camp is making new friends.

one of the Gang

nts! and discover some of your hidden tale

continued from p. 29

Kids often say their camp friends “know the real me,” says Ellen Flight, president of the Vermont Camp Association and director of Songadeewin, a girls camp in Salisbury. These relationships feel meaningful partly because camp gives children time to relax into friendship, over table-clearing duty in the dining hall, conversations in the dark before bed, or a game of capture the flag in the morning sun. As a result, campers are often friends for life. In today’s culture, with countless programs engaging kids in and after school, the rhythm of camp is noticeably slower. Liberated from the academic constraints of school, campers have time to cultivate relationships.

Connecting with new people prepares them to one day walk into a college lecture hall with 200 people, start a conversation, land a study buddy and plant the seeds for new friendships. Learning to make friends isn’t always straightforward, but it’s something kids can practice, says Jon Kuypers, director of Camp Abnaki for boys in North Hero: “It’s a skill, just like rowing a boat.” Parents can help — but only to a point. After all, one of the goals of sleepaway camp is for children to do things for themselves. We talked with parents, kids and camp staff and compiled some dos and don’ts for the approaching camp season.

Join us at America’s Family Resort for the ultimate in Summer fun! Choose from our traditional camp program or one of our special interest camps — including backpacking or survival camp. Ages 5 - 15. Available Monday - Friday for six weekly sessions, June 15 - July 31, 2015. Shuttle service included.

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BEST SUMMER EVER Y DAY CAMPS

Just be yourself. aidan gardner, camper

do your homeworK Choose a camp that suits your child, Camp Abnaki director Jon Kuypers advises. If the camp doesn’t interest your child, he or she is more likely to feel socially uncomfortable. If it’s feasible to attend an open house, let your kids have a look around to reduce potential anxiety before arrival day. “It’s human nature to be worried about things they don’t understand,” Kuypers says.

When talking to your child about camp, make it sound exciting, he recommends. Ask children what they are looking forward to. Most importantly, don’t force kids to go to camp. If they express more fear than excitement, Kuypers says, wait a year and revisit the idea.

• For Boys and Girls ages 5-16 • Multiple locations: Burlington, Essex, Ferrisburgh, Georgia, Grand Isle, Underhill, Waterbury

do sTarT young

• Financial Assistance Available Y Camps Pack in Plenty of Play without Draining the Budget.

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Kids VT maTerniTy issue sponsored by: uVmhealTh.org/medcenTerfamilies may 2015

KidsVT.com

For more info call 802.332.6841 or visit www.smuggs.com/kidsvt

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Vermont is home to dozens of traditional sleepaway camps. Many of them accept campers as young as 7 or 8, and those kids may keep coming until age 14 or 15, then become counselors. Relationships tend to grow more readily when campers start in elementary school, says Songadeewin

director Flight. The history of shared experiences at camp — gathering firewood, sweeping the cabin, writing a skit — have a cumulative effect of bonding children together even if they have different personalities, somewhat like siblings who are close but have different interests and temperaments.

don’t make the goodbye really drawn out. nifer hoehn, mom

Talent Development Institute

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Summer 2015

For advanced students entering grades 4-9 who want to have fun while learning!

don’t stick around too long at drop-off

FOLK MUSIC DAY CAMP FOR AGES 8–17

“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

JULY 13–17

For more info and electronic version of brochure, please go to vermontgifted.org and tdivermont.com. Or contact Lucy Bogue at lucybogue@yahoo.com or 658-9941.

Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Singing, Dance, Drumming and more! INFO & REGISTRATION AT

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OR CALL 802.917.1186

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may 2015

Her advice: “Make sure they meet their counselor, make sure they meet a couple of kids in their cabin. Don’t make the good-bye really drawn out.” Through camp, she says, Woody k16t-tdi1114.indd has made important friendships with children who live in other states and even other countries. And while he’s participated in several hockey day camps, they didn’t result in the same type of bonding.

MONTPELIER, VERMONT

kidsvt.com

Two summers ago, when Nifer Hoehn delivered her 10-year-old son, Woody, to Windridge Tennis and Sports Camps in Roxbury for the first time, she made a deliberate effort not to linger. Hoehn, a graphic designer from Stowe, wasn’t sure that Woody was ready for camp, but he was eager to go — her father-in-law runs the program, and her husband spent many summers there. So she tried not to let the goodbye tug at her heart strings too much.

Johnson State College June 21-27, 2015

Camp counselors and other employees can help “coach” children toward friendships, says Flight. Counselors at her camp — many of whom are former campers — work to help children socially. At the beginning of a session, campers play games designed to help them learn names and develop camaraderie. At meals the first week, “big sister” campers are assigned to “little sisters” two years younger. Counselors encourage children to be resilient and not to give up, Flight

says. “Generally kids who are not making friends have those social-skill deficits … They need more coaching about how to pitch in or step back a little bit and let kids come to them.” Staffers shut down bullying, but they also recognize that sometimes the word is overused, Flight says. “If someone says they don’t want to play with you, she’s not bullying you,” Flight offers. Try again another time, or look for a different playmate, she suggests to children.

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don’t hang on too tight Parents can help their kids by letting go, says Flight. “The thing about making friends is that the person who’s going to be the friend and make the friend has to be the one doing it.” Children need independence, and

it’s part of growing up, Flight continues. Parents who send a message to their children that they can be successful — and autonomous — at camp help them get along and find their true selves.

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260 Avenue D, Suite 30 • Williston (off Industrial Ave.) • 802-652-2454

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kids vt maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies

do think of counselors as a resource

KidsVT_Camps_2015_4.75x11.25_v3.pdf 1 3/25/2015 12:33:57 PM

a m PS

2015 CAMP GUIDE

Vacation and Summer Camps Register your child TODAY!

ALL SPORTS

SUMMER CAMPS Get Your Game On... 2015

5-dAY JUniOR SPORTS CAMP Ages 7-15 Mon.-Fri, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Games will be played indoors (on 8 high-definition simulators) and outdoors.

$300/camper includes golf lessons & lunch.

Lots of contests with prizes at the end of the week!

1860 Williston Rd. So. Burlington, VT (802) 881-0660

www.GOnzOShdSPORTS.COM

KIDSVT.COM

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KIDS VT MATERNITY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: UVMHEALTH.ORG/MEDCENTERFAMILIES MAY 2015

Seek i n g

I m a gineers Visit echovermont.org/camps BURLINGTON, VT

ECHOVERMONT.ORG 877.324.6386

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one of the Gang

Get Ready

New for 2015! e Lake Adventur Camps

continued from p. 31

THE GAME IS COMING!

don’t cave in to homesickness Every parent dreads the letter from camp that laments: “I hate it here” or “Can you pick me up now?” At least a few children leave camp early. But staffers say that most of those who get sad or homesick learn to ride through the lows and are stronger for it. Parents, too. Maggie Gardner, mother of Aidan, also has a daughter, Emma, who is now 16. Both kids went to Killooleet. Before they left, she talked with them about the potential for down moments. And while they were there, Gardner sent letters that emphasized positive things about camp: “Tell me something funny your bunkmate did,” she wrote. At camp, Emma experienced some “social drama,” as her mother put it, but wound up loving camp, and, like her brother, making lasting friends. But Gardner cautions that if kids

go to camp expecting it to be awesome every minute, they’re going to be disappointed. “I feel like giving them permission to not have it always be hearts and flowers and rainbows actually allows them to have more of a heart-andrainbows time,” she says. Both her children strengthened their social skills at camp, Gardner reports. “I feel like it kind of forced them to figure out those tricky, interpersonal things that, frankly, I’m still working on,” Gardner says. “They couldn’t really run to us and say so-and-so is a big fat jerk today.” Hoehn, whose son went to Windridge, also cautions against pulling kids out of camp sessions for soccer tournaments or other events. “When they are at camp,” she says, “let them be at camp and really immerse themselves in that situation.” one of the GanG, p. 35 »

AUGUST 10-14 3 years old to going into 6th grade

BASKETBALL • DANCE • FLAG FOOTBALL • SOCCER Separate sports program for preschool aged kids

Learn basic sports Daybreak Community Church skills, hear inspiring 67 Creek Farm Plaza sports stories, experiColchester • 338-9118 ence life-changing Bible For more info go to stories and meet some www.daybreakvermont.org new friends!

w Open Registration No

Say you saw it in

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(802) 475-2022

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

FREE

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Summer Camps for Ages 5 - 18 - Craftsbury, VT 2/26/15 11:22 AM

One to Watch

Caring community that’s like family Camper directed schedule & activities - Delicious farm-to-table food

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Stay active at Petra Cliffs this season!

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Drop-in Climbing Birthday Parties Friday Night Kids Club

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Find out more at petracliffs.com or 657- 3872

Climb on! 4/23/15 10:41 AM

Summer Day & Overnight Camps Ages 6 - 14: Climbing, kayaking, Caving, ropes course & more!

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Do you know a local kid (age 17 or under) who's recently done something amazing? Won a spelling bee? Invented something? Written an opera? Raised a bunch of money for a great cause? Tell us more! He or she could be featured as One to Watch in an upcoming issue of Kids VT. Visit Kidsvt.com to tell us about this local superhero.

may 2015

HOSMER POINT

Night Eagle

Wilderness Adventures 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! ▲ ▲

Call for a full brochure:

Montpelier Recreation Department

Summer Day Camp Licensed Child Care Program

Kids VT maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies may 2015

kidsvt.com

State subsidy is available upon request. Kindergarten- 12 years old Weekly Monday – Friday June 15 through August 14 7:30AM drop off, 4:45PM pick up Half Days or Full Days Montpelier Recreation Field

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

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HEARTWORKS & RENAISSANCE SCHOOLS

S U M M E R

P R O G R A M S

HEARTWORKS summer camps

Burlington • Shelburne • Williston • Stowe

Special Events Weekly& Swimming Everyday

ADDitionAL FAMiLy MEMbERS

The Heartworks Summer Camps are summer day camp programs for children ages two* through five. The Summer Programs have a relaxed summer camp feeling incorpora ng nature explora on, water play, camp songs, movement ac vi es, as well as a learning component with hands-on ac vi es connected to a weekly theme.

non-RESiDEnt FEES

* Stowe Heartworks Summer Camps are open to children ages three through ﬁve. * Infant and Toddler (6 weeks-23 months) Summer Camps are oﬀered at the Shelburne Commons loca�on.

RESiDEnt FEES

$120.00 per Week-5 Full Days $70.00 – 5 half days mornings or afternoons $105.00 per Week- 5 Full Days $60.00 – 5 half days mornings or afternoons

$160.00 per Week – 5 Full Days $100.00 – 5 half days morning or afternoons

RENAISSANCE

ADDitionAL FAMiLy MEMbERS

Shelburne Farms • Shelburne Commons

enrichment academy

$140.00 per Week – 5 Full Days $90.00 – 5 half days mornings or afternoons

For elementary students who have completed Kindergarten through age eleven. Students will engage in handson ac vi es to deepen their learning and understanding of each camp theme. Students will have plenty of outside me, hiking, exploring and incorpora ng Shelburne Farms into their studies. 2015 Themes - (Entering grade 1 - age 8) Treasures of the Sea, Our Five Senses on the Farm, Art and the Farm, Author Study. (Ages 8-11) Take Flight, Wind and Solar Energy, W.O.W Science, Hiking on the Farm: How Far Can You Go?

Lunch Program tbA 55 barre Street, Montpelier, Vt 05602 Other Summer Opportunities

Tennis Lessons – Sessions running all summer Pool Passes Swimming Lessons June through August Youth Sports Camps and much more! For more information, please call our Office: (802) 225-8699 or visit us online: www.montpelierrec.org k2V-MontpelierRec0514.indd 1

NOW ACCEPTING CAMP APPLICATIONS 802-985-2153 • www.heartworksvt.com 4/2/15 1:18 PM

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Visit our website for our

one of the Gang

2015 Class Schedule

continued from p. 33

SUMMER CAMP OPE N HOUSE May 9!

Vermont’s only certified

do encourage kids to be themselves Kuypers, director of Camp Abnaki, points out: “The kids that aren’t so guarded make friends well.” Aidan Gardner’s advice is along the same lines: “Just be yourself.” If “you kind of portray this fake image of who you are for eight weeks, it’s not really going to work.” Kids who feel homesick or nervous at the beginning of camp should make one solid friend first, and go from there, Aidan suggests. “Make it so your

Irish Dance School! All Ages…All Levels

first friend really, really has your back and then you can slowly start making friends with everyone,” he says. And remember that camp friendships might take a little time to develop, so be patient and, if need be, make the first move. “Don’t try to stay back,” he says. “Start conversations.” Kuypers notes that campers who share their juggling skills, card tricks or other hobbies almost always get a response. K

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Classes offered in Williston & Middlebury

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

Still looking for a camp for your kids? Find listings for local programs on the Kids VT website at kidsvt.com.

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kidsvt.com

TAKE A CAMP AT THE FLYNN

Ashley Meacham (Trainer) 802-324-7384 • ashley.meacham@ymail.com Sarah Oemcke (Barn Manager) 802-377-7287 • soemcke79@gmail.com

Did you enjoy watching Riverdance? Why not learn some of the steps! Call or email to hold a spot in our summer camps!

June through August All levels welcome Enrollment is limited — don’t miss out!

1/15/15 2:31 PM

may 2015

MUSIC DAY CAMP JUNE 22-26

Band students must be entering grades 6-10 fall 2015 Orchestra students must be entering grades 4-10 fall 2015

Summer Art Camps

Financial aid is available for all camps & classes.

Summer camps and classes start in June, July, and August.

DISCOVERY STRINGS CAMP (1/2 DAY) AUGUST 3-7

for young string players (grade 1-5)

To learn about our camps, the schedule or to sign up please visit:

B U R L I N G T O N C I T YA R T S . O R G or call 865.7166

Financial Aid Available www.vyo.org

www.flynnarts.org or call 802-654-4548 k4t-FlynnCamp0214.indd 1

Start June 15 for ages 3-18

kids vt maternity issue sponsored by: uvmhealth.org/medcenterfamilies

DANCE, THEATER, & MUSIC FOR ALL AGES

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2015

CAMP GUIDE

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Summer Camp 9 themed weeks

Now enrolling...

Superheroes, Fiber Arts, Art & Nature, Wetlands and more…

Contact us to schedule a tour of our campus! Preschool - 12th Grade tbsvt.org • 879-9007 CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS IN WILLISTON

KIDS VT MATERNITY ISSUE SPONSORED BY: UVMHEALTH.ORG/MEDCENTERFAMILIES MAY 2015

KIDSVT.COM

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A Christian education alternative 4/22/15 11:05 AM

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Experience the Summer of a Lifetime Camp Fatima for boys Camp Bernadette for girls Located in the Lakes Region of NH, Fatima & Bernadette offer two week sessions for boys and girls ages 6-15

LEARN TO WINDSURF

WND&WVS is offering weekly half-day windsurfing camps from June 15th through August 21st. 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.

WNDNWVS.COM

802.540.2529

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CLIMBING WALL SOCCER BASEBALL SAILING TENNIS BASKETBALL CANOEING VOLLEYBALL TUBING RADIO STATION ARCHERY HIGH ROPS DANCE THEATER SWIMMING HIKING LACROSSE SOFTBALL KAYAKING ARTS & CRAFTS FISHING LOW ROPES AND MORE...

For more information or to request a brochure and DVD, please email the camp office at info@campsfatimabernadette.org Camp Fatima also offers two co-ed weeks for campers with mental and physical disablities. Scholarships are available for deserving families. Sponsored by the Diocese of Manchester, the camps offer an affordable summer option for your children, where they can grow physically, emotionally & spiritually. Please visit our website for more information

32 Fatima Road • Gilmanton Iron Works, NH 03837 603-364-5851 • www.campsfatimabernadette.org k4t-CampFatimaBernadette0415.indd 1

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Summer Camp • Afterschool • April Vacation Camp

YOU’RE GONNA

FRIENDS FOREVER

newvillagefarm.com

New Village Farm

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adventure day camp University of Vermont

Camp Dates: June 15 - July 31

Ages: 5 - 11 years

Online registration is open!

www.uvm.edu/recreation/adc

Swimming | Dancing | Watersports

YMCA CAMP ABNAKI Resident and Day Camp For Boys Ages 6-16 On Lake Champlain

Daily Activities: swimming & water games sports & games arts & crafts and more!

1 to 8 week sessions Counselor/Camper ratio of 1:5 Located on beautiful Lake Champlain

CampAbnaki.org FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE

802.899.3479 dunkleysgymcamp@aol.com

For more info contact Rachel Valyou 802.656.3070 / rachel.valyou@uvm.edu

www.DunkleysGymnasticsCamp.org

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NORWICH UNIVERSITY

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July 5 - 11, 2015 • Week-long, ‘hands-on’ learning experience that combines design creativity, social responsibility, and global and environmental leadership. • Studio, seminar and field experiences, extracurricular activities and field trips, plus advice on portfolio-building skills. • Open to high school students who will be juniors and seniors in Fall of 2015.

Wee-Mail sponsored by:

• $750.00 fee includes tuition, room and board expenses, studio supplies, and transportation for field trips. • The application deadline is May 20, 2015.

For more information and to apply online, please visit:

Find information about local events and parenting resources every Thursday in the Kids VT Wee-Mail. Visit kidsvt.com/wee-mail to subscribe today. 9/24/14 3:34 PM

profschools.norwich.edu/design-academy 37

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We know you’ve got your hands full.

GYMNASTICS!

kidsvt.com

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OVER THIS CAMP!

1/19/12 11:46 AM

Field Trips Include: Lake Iroquois Shelburne Museum Fort Ethan Allen Ben & Jerry’s Factory Carnival Day

Adventu to treas res long aft ure e summe r the r is gone!

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MAY

CALENDAR SPOTLIGHTS & LISTINGS BY ALISON NOVAK & MEGAN JAMES

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

Highlights SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, MAY 2-3

‘RED RIDING HOOD’:

A Balancing Act Imagine a two-story caravan, piled high with acrobats, jugglers, pole climbers and equilibrists — and entirely pedal-powered. Such a contraption exists. It’s called the Gantry Bike, and it’s the centerpiece of CIRQUE MECHANICS latest show, Pedal Punk. A celebration of all things wheel-related, the performance pairs flying unicycles with acrobats dangling from wheels. Why the love affair with cycling? Cirque Mechanics founder Chris Lashua began his career as a daredevil BMX rider and pays homage to his first love onstage. According to Spectacle magazine, this not-to-be-missed troupe is “the greatest contribution to the American circus since Cirque du Soleil.”

KIDS VT

MAY 2015

KIDSVT.COM

CIRQUE MECHANICS: Saturday, May 9, 8 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre in Rutland; $29.75-39.75. Info, 775-0903. paramountvt.org. Sunday, May 10, 7 p.m. at Flynn MainStage in Burlington; $15-47. Info, 863-5966. flynntix.org

The Lamoille Valley Dance Academy stages a graceful production of the classic fairy tale for both children and adults. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, May 2 at 6 p.m. and May 3 at 3 p.m. $16-18 for children; $18-20 for adults. Info, 888-4375. SATURDAY, MAY 9

KIDS DAY: A parade originates at Edmunds Elementary School at 9:15 a.m., then families spend the day enjoying performances, food, games and activities outdoors. All ages. Waterfront Park, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 864-0123. SATURDAY, MAY 16

BIG TRUCK DAY: Honk, honk! Curious kids sit in the drivers’ seats of fire, dump and tow trucks. Music, local food and raffle prizes round out the day. All ages. St. Joseph’s School parking lot, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $10 per family. Info, 864-8191. SATURDAY MAY 30

ADAMANT BLACK FLY FESTIVAL Kids and adults bug out at this cheeky town parade “honoring” pesky local insects. All ages. Adamant Co-op, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-5760.

Submit your June events for print by May 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

1 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Family Wheel Drop-In: Parents and kids make bowls, cups and sculptures from clay. All ages. BCA Print & Clay Studio, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $8 includes one fired and glazed piece per participant; additional pieces are $5 each. Info, 865-7166.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a fun, nurturing environment. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, noon-1 p.m. $15 or $130 for a 10-class pass. Info, 864-9642.

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: 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. Info, 655-3300. Shelburne Open Gym: Tumbling tots burn energy on trampolines, balance beams, rings and more. Gymstar Gymnastics, Shelburne, noon, 2 & 5 p.m. $3-6. Info, 985-8948. Williston Open Gym: Petite gymnasts bounce, bend and balance. Ages 9 months-6 years, accompanied by an adult. Green Mountain Gymnastics, Williston, 9:30-11 a.m. $10 per child; $15 per family. Info, 652-2454.

Library & Books

Early Bird Math: Young children and their caregivers put two and two together using interactive books, songs and games to explore arithmetic concepts. Ages 3-6. Richmond Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036. Essex Junction Drop-in Story Time: Babies, toddlers and preschoolers stop by for picture books and finger plays. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Arts & Crafts

Beginners Knitting Class: Kids ages 8-12 learn knitting basics, making fun creations along the way. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:1511:15 a.m. Free. Info, 857-234-1602. Craft School Saturday Drop-In: Artsy types create seasonal clay objects in this ever-changing weekly series. Projects available for pickup at a later date. Ages 5-15 with an adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per child. Info, 985-3648. Kids Building Workshop: Handy helpers learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as they construct seasonal projects. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister at workshops.homedepot.com. Info, 872-0039. Webby’s Art Studio: Artists-in-training create masterpieces that change weekly, based on the museum’s exhibitions. All ages. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular summer museum admission after April 30, $5-24; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & Maternity

Chace Mill 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, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15; $70 for 5-case pass; $75 for monthly unlimited pass. Info, 829-0211. Chace Mill Postnatal Core Class: New moms tone and shape their postpartum bodies. Babies welcome. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 9-10 a.m. $15; $70 for 5-class pass; $75 for monthly unlimited pass. Info, 829-0211.

Community

Colchester Tutoring: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students school elementary-age kids in reading, math and science. Ages 6-12. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Fairs & Festivals

Mayfest: Folks celebrate spring with maypole dancing, face painting, pony rides, live music and delicious food. Families with children ages 6 and under. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; fee for pony rides and lunch. Info, 985-2827.

Food

Capital City Farmers Market: Veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at a celebration of locally grown food. All ages. Downtown Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958. Sweet & Savory All-You-Can-Eat Pie Breakfast: Hungry locals fill their bellies with pastries fit for the first meal of the day. Trinity United Methodist Church, Montpelier, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $30 per family; $8 per person; free for children under 6. Info, 456-7400.

Health & Fitness

Earl’s Bike Swap: Cyclists of all ages looking to upgrade their rides choose from a variety of pedal-powered vehicles. (See calendar spotlight on page 44.) Check in your used bike on Thursday, April 30 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. or Friday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness, South Burlington, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 864-9197.

Library & Books

Independent Bookstore Day: Giveaways and general merriment happen in celebration of indie book shops nationwide. Also at Phoenix Books’ Essex location. Phoenix Books Burlington, Info, 448-3350. South Burlington Community Library Book Fair: This fun-filled community event includes ongoing story times, a photo booth, a poetry slam and crafts and games all day. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 864-7505. Therapy Dogs of Vermont: Canine enthusiasts visit with Cleo, a friendly pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Toddler Yoga and Stories: Stretchy small fries perform simple poses and listen to a read-aloud. Ages 1-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

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Classes

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

Ballet and Hip-Hop Summer Lessons: Ballet School of Vermont summer enrollment is now open! Day and evening classes, camps and intensives for beginner to pre-professional levels. Ballet, Pointe, Variations, Jazz, Modern and Hip-Hop. Master teachers and affordable pricing. Multi-class discount ends June 10. Enroll today; no registration fee. Location: Ballet School of Vermont, 12 Fairfield Hill Rd., St. Albans. To register, leave voicemail at 527-0868 or visit theballetschoolonline.com. Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for children promotes self-esteem, self-defense and bully-proofing, 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 learn skills they can use for the rest of their lives; regular BJJ training builds endurance, resilience, patience, discipline and self respect and helps to instill courage and self-confidence. First class is free! Free uniform with first month’s enrollment fee. Location: Vermont Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 55 Leroy Rd., Williston. To register: 660-4072, julio@bjjusa.com or stop by our school. vermontbjj.com

Green Up Day with WVPD: Groups of volunteers join the Winooski Valley Park District to spruce up the park. Salmon Hole Park, Burlington, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 863-5744. Green Up with Branch Out Burlington: Come rain or shine, families enjoy music by Robert Resnik, refreshments and door prizes while planting trees. No dogs. UVM Horticultural Nursery, South Burlington, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 656-5440. Handle With Love ’80s Adult Prom: Prom kings and queens dance the night away in puffed sleeves and pastel suits to raise money for the Handle With Love Doula Scholarship Fund, which helps Vermont women hire certified doulas. Ages 18 and up. ArtsRiot, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $15-18. Info, 540-0406.

Education

On-Street Bike Skills Workshop: Riders of all ages get a 10-minute lesson on bike safety, followed by a narrated street ride with periodic pull-offs to discuss conditions encountered and how best to respond to them. Rollickers Bike & Boards, St. Johnsbury, 10-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 861-2700. Onion River Sports Bike Swap: Bikers get ready for the upcoming season by trading in their old bikes, trailers and strollers for different models. Those selling drop off their wheels in the week preceding the event. (See calendar spotlight on page 44.) Onion River Sports, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 229-9409. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, 9 & 10:10 a.m. Skirack Bike Swap: Active families peruse the wheeled offerings, as well as car racks, bike shoes, child carriers, tricycles and inline skates. Items for the swap accepted from Monday, April 27 to Friday, May at 7 p.m. (See calendar spotlight on page 44.) Skirack, Burlington, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Free. Info, 658-3313.

Kids VT

Billings Opening Day: Agri-curious youngsters explore the operating dairy farm through horse-drawn wagon rides, free ice cream and hands-on programs. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Green up day!

‘Red Riding Hood’: The Lamoille Valley Dance Academy stages a graceful production of the classic fairy tale for both children and adults. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 6 p.m. $16-18 for children; $18-20 for adults. Info, 888-4375.

May 2015

Nature & Science

2 SATURDAY

Dance

kidsvt.com

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: Toe-tapping tunes captivate kiddies. Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 660-9346. Music With Robert: Families sing along with a local legend. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Planting Spring Crops: Kids and adults work together to plant a variety of veggies. Bring garden tools if you have them. Summit Street School, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956. Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: Little explorers ages 5 and under 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 water- and mud-proof clothing. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free; donations welcome. Info, 229-6206.

MAY CALENDAR

Little Readers For more than 100 years, schools, libraries and bookstores around the country have recognized CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK WEEK, the nation’s longestrunning literacy initiative. This year, Phoenix Books marks the occasion at both stores. In Essex, Curious George pays a visit to pint-size fans, while New Yorker cartoonist Harry Bliss hits up the Burlington branch to read his newest book, Grandma in Blue with Red Hat. Bliss’ page turner is about a boy who discovers the meaning of art — and creates his very own masterpiece. CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK: Monday through Sunday, May 4-10, at Phoenix Books in Burlington and Essex. Curious George visits the Essex location on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m. Harry Bliss visits the Burlington location on Saturday, May 9, at 11 a.m. Free. Info, 448-3350. phoenixbooks.biz

2 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)

Music Vermont Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series: Skillful instrumentalists make compositions soar. Free interactive discussion with the conductors and guest artists, 7 p.m. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 8 p.m. $16-61; $9 for students. Info, 864-5741.

Nature & Science

Dance

‘Red Riding Hood’: See May 2, 3 p.m.

Education

Dairy Day at the Farm: Cowgirls and cowboys get up close and personal with spring calves and their moms, take a wagon ride and explore the milking barn. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 1-4 p.m. $5 per carload; free for walkers. Info, 985-8442.

Food Parent & Child Cooking Class: Brunch with Adele: Kid-adult teams whip up frittatas, a healthy, tasty and gluten-free recipe that’s perfect as breakfast in bed or lunch on the go. Ages 8 and under, with a parent. McClure Multigenerational Center, Burlington, 12:30-2 p.m. $5-10; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 861-9757.

Games

3 SUNDAY

Family Fun Sunday: 12-and-under gamers cap off the weekend with a kids meal and two tokens. Tilt Classic Arcade & Ale House, South Burlington, 3-7 p.m. $7 per child. Info, 489-5350.

Baby & Maternity

Health & Fitness

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See May 1, 12:151:30 p.m. Burlington Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby in this all-levels class. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 10:05-11:30 a.m. $15 or $130 for 10-class pass. Info, 864-9642. Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: Moms-to-be learn different breathing techniques and positions in preparation for birth. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 5:30 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

Community All Species Day Parade & Spring Pageant: Revelers trumpet the return of spring with puppetry, dance and song. Come dressed as your favorite species. Hubbard Park, Montpelier, noon-4 p.m. Free. Info, 223-1242.

Burlington Baseball Little League Opening Day Ceremonies: This kickoff event brings together Little League, middle school, high school and UVM players and their families for speed pitch and throwing contests, relay races, an appearance by Champ and refreshments. Rain date is Sunday, May 10. Burlington High School, 4-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 999-7574. ChildLight Yoga for Kids: Young yogis come together to explore the beauty of new beginnings. Recommended for ages 3-6. Parents and caregivers welcome. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-1:45 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. Earl’s Bike Swap: See May 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Skirack Bike Swap: See May 2, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nature & Science My Sky: See May 2.

Submit your June events for print by May 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Calling Young Writers... Have you ever done something silly or out of the ordinary? We want to hear about it. Share your story with us by May 15 for a chance to win a $25 gift card to Crow Bookshop!

KIDS VT

MAY 2015

KIDSVT.COM

ECHO Story Explorers: Green: Little ones explore the lush emerald hues of Vermont through books and games. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Regular museum admission; $10.50-13.50; free for members and children under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

My Sky: Astronomy enthusiasts learn about celestial objects in this 20-minute program geared toward kids ages 4-8. Arrive 15 minutes in advance of presentation. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 12:30 p.m. $3 per person; call to reserve tickets. Info, 748-2372. Sheep Shearing & Herding: Young farmhands look on as Southdown ewes get a haircut and border collies herd sheep in the fields. Fiber demos, a children’s art show and tours of the operating dairy farm round out the day. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-13; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Interfaith Family-Friendly Service: A gathering featuring music by the ladies of Full Circle is followed by a potluck dinner and crafts at 6 p.m. All Souls Interfaith Gathering, Shelburne, 5 p.m. Free. Info, 985-3819.

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Sheep Shearing & Herding: See May 2.

Young Adult Advisory Board: Teens help make the library a destination for their peers. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Theater

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at Animal Adventure Tales of the uvmhealth.org Season: Using a range of dynamic voices and expressions, master Music storyteller and musician Michael Caduto tells nature tales about epic Music for Preschoolers: Lively great deeds and good intentions gone awry. tunes with local musicians strike the right note Justin Morrill Homestead, Strafford Village, among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with 1-2:15 p.m. $5 per person; $10 per family. Info, a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 765-4288. Williston, 11 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

4 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3, 5:457:15 p.m. La Leche League: Moms and moms-to-be drop in for help with specific nursing questions and to connect with others. Babies and older children welcome. Vermont Department of Health, St. Johnsbury, 10:30 a.m. Free,. Info, 274-1023. Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: Pregnant mamas focus on movements that will ready their bodies for the next phase of life. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. $15. Info, 778-0300. Pee Wee Pilates: New moms strengthen their cores with their babies in tow. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 646-206-0514.

Education

Colchester Tutoring: See May 2, 4-8 p.m.

Games

Milton Lego Club: Builders fashion architecturally sound constructions. Ages 7-12. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Health & Fitness

Library & Books

A certiﬁed lifeguard/ instructor brings swim lessons and water safety tips to your home or neighborhood pool. • Private and semi-private lessons • Teach your child(ren) the importance of water safety • Have fun and learn life-long skills • Convenient schedule For more information, contact Jaimie Held at 652-8156 or jheld@gbymca.org.

5 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Creative Tuesdays: Artists engage their imaginations with recycled materials. All ages, but kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See May 1, 10:4511:55 a.m. Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3, 4:155:30 p.m. Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See May 2, 12:151:15 & 4:30-5:30 p.m.

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Personalized care throughout your pregnancy, labor and delivery Individualized Gynecological care for all stages of your life.

Community

Walk for Animals Kick-Off Party: This informational session provides information and refreshments in preparation for the Humane Society fundraiser. Central Vermont Humane Society, East Montpelier, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 476-3811.

Health & Fitness

Baby Pump: Moms looking to get back into shape after giving birth participate in this lowimpact class that helps build core strength, lean muscle and endurance. Non-walking babies welcome. HammerFit Athletic Club, Essex, 1111:45 a.m. $9 per class. Info, 878-0444. Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Fit Moms: Women in all stages of pregnancy prepare for labor with cardio, strength, stretching, breathing and relaxation exercises. Train Station Gym, St. Albans, 6-7 p.m. $10 per class; $50 for 7 classes. Info, 288-1141. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, noon & 2 p.m. Williston Open Gym: See May 1.

Our personable & attentive staff is here for you! Childbirth Classes on-site: www.laboroflovevt.com Free Breastfeeding Classes by certified instructors

MAY 2015

Water Birth Available 96 Colchester Ave, Burlington 802-658-0505 • Toll Free 877-275-8929 www.affiliatesobgyn.com • Visit us on Facebook

KIDS VT

Babies & Toddlers Rock: Little musicians ages 24 months and under sing songs and engage in early literacy activities. Rutland Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860. Write Now!: Best-selling authors-to-be get inspired to start penning a book or poem. Grades 6-12. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Books & Beyond: Science for Preschoolers: Children’s literature and hands-on activities combine for fun science learning and exploration. Ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:15 & 11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $1114; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200. ‘Sharing the Secrets of Spring: An Early Childhood Workshop’: Educators and caregivers marvel at spring buds and blooms, investigate vernal pools and brush up on natural-history knowledge, outdoor activities and mentoring techniques. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 6 p.m. $10 members; $15 nonmembers. Info, 434-3068.

BACKYARD SWIM PROGRAM

KIDSVT.COM

Chace Mill Prenatal Barre: Moms-to-be get a ballet-inspired workout. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 12:15-1:15 p.m. $15; $70 for a 5-class pass; $75 for an unlimited monthly pass. Info, 829-0211. Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See May 2, 5:306:30 p.m. Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Little Yogis: Music, games and playful poses encourage the bitty set to learn and have fun. Ages 18 months-3 years with a caregiver. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 9-10 a.m. $14. Info, 870-0361. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, 10 a.m., noon & 5:30 p.m. Vergennes Kids Yoga: Preschool posers develop their practice away from caregivers with tunes, storytelling and creative movement. Ages 3-5. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $14. Info, 870-0361. Williston Open Gym: See May 1.

Nature & Science

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MAY CALENDAR

Playgroups

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

MONDAY Barre Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, 10 a.m.-noon. $10 per child; $5 for additional siblings. Info, 223-0517. Burlington Crawlers, Waddlers & Toddlers: St. Joseph School, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 862-2121. Burlington Playgroup: Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 578-6471. Charlotte Playgroup: Charlotte Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-5820. Jericho Playgroup: Jericho Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415. Richford Playgroup: Richford Elementary, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797. Swanton Playgroup: Swanton Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. Williston Playgroup: Alice in Noodleland: Buttered Noodles, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810. 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 Dad’s Night: VNA Family Room, 3-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420. 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.

5 TUESDAY (CONTINUED)

Library & Books

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.

KIDSVT.COM MAY 2015 KIDS VT

Barre Open Gym: See Monday. Burlington Playgroup: See Monday. Chace Mill New Mothers/Infants Playgroup: Prenatal Method Studio, 1:30-2:45 p.m. $3 suggested donation. Info, 829-0211. Essex Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup: Move You Fitness Studio, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555. Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 827-3945. Hinesburg Playgroup: Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-4667. 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. Info, 764-5820. 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. Williston Babytime Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, first Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. THURSDAY Alburgh Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, Alburgh, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. Brandon Stories & Crafts: Brandon Free Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230. Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: Evolution Yoga, second and fourth Thursday of every month, 10:20-11:50 a.m. Free. Info, 864-9642. Burlington Playgroup: See Monday.

Music With Mr. Chris: Singer and storyteller Chris Dorman leads kids in music and dance. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Nature & Science

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

Music

6 WEDNESDAY

Children’s Sing-Along: Parents sip coffee while wee ones break into song with a local musician. Ages 5 and under. The Bees Knees, Morrisville, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 888-7889. Colchester Preschool Music: Youngsters have fun with songs. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Baby & Maternity

Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Playgroup: See Tuesday, 9:30-11 a.m. Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Spanish Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, first Thursday of every month, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 876-7555. Hinesburg Infant Playgroup: Carpenter-Carse Library, 10:30 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 482-4667. Montgomery Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. Morrisville Baby Chat: First Congregational Church of Morrisville, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470. Randolph Playgroup: White River Craft Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24. West Fairlee Playgroup: Westshire Elementary Playgroup, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24. FRIDAY Ferrisburgh Open Gym: Ferrisburgh Central School, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, mary.neffinger@gmail.com. Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 899-4415. Marshfield Open Gym: Jaquith Public Library, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581. Montgomery Tumble Time: Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 347-1780. Randolph Toddler Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073. Swanton Playgroup: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3033.

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

ECHO Story Explorers: Birds: Kids with an avian interest listen to a story, learn a song and feather a nest. All ages. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Regular museum admission; $10.50-13.50; free for members and children under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

Movies

WEDNESDAY

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3, 5:457:15 p.m. Chace Mill Prenatal Barre: See May 4, 7:308:30 a.m. & 5:30-6:30 p.m. Chace Mill Postnatal Core Class: See May 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. For moms with babies 1 and under. Emerge Yoga, Montpelier, 10-11 a.m. $12. Info, 778-0300.

Education

Colchester Tutoring: See May 2, 4-8 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, noon. Williston Open Gym: See May 1.

Library & Books

Chess Club: Players of all ages and levels make moves on the board. Joslin Memorial Library, Waitsfield, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 496-4205. Code for Kids: Technology-minded fourth through sixth graders learn how to make their own interactive stories using Scratch, Hopscotch and Arduino. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

Submit your June events for print by May 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Underhill Playgroup: Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415. Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555. Worcester Playgroup: Doty Memorial School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 223-1312. SATURDAY Montpelier Community Playgroup: Orchard Valley Waldorf School, Child’s Garden Campus, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 456-7400. SUNDAY Barre Older Kid Open Gym: Sunrise Gymnastics, 5-7 p.m. $10 for one child; $5 for additional siblings. Info, 223-0517.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Discussion: Avid readers ages 8-11 engage in a spirited conversation about Greenglass House by Kate Milford. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. 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.

Music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: Small scallywags “ooh” and “aargh!” during swashbuckling songs, movements and guessing games. Ages 7 and under, accompanied by an adult. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

7 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art Drop-In: Multimedia projects involving homemade play dough, finger paint and paper introduce young kids to artistic expression. Ages 6 months-5 years, accompanied by an adult. BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $6. Info, 865-7166. 7 THURSDAY, P.44

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MAY CALENDAR

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See May 1.

Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See Songs & Stories With Matthew: May 2. Musician Matthew Witten helps kids start the day with tunes See Dr. First videos and tales of adventure. All ages. Community “First With Kids” at Brownell Library, Essex JuncDay in the Dirt!: Volunteers get uvmhealth.org tion, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, local community and school gar878-6956. dens ready for spring planting, then Teen Advisory Board: Young celebrate with lunch and prizes at adults think up original charthe Intervale during this Vermont acters, then design them with marshmallows Community Garden Network-sponsored day. during this monthly gathering. Grades 9-12. Various locations in Burlington, 9 a.m.-1:30 Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. p.m. Suggested minimum $25 donation. Info, Free. Info, 878-6956. 861-4769. Hinesburg Community Yard Sale: The HinesMusic burg Business and Professional Association sponsors a used goods bonanza, with selling staKids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: tions scattered through the town. Central site See May 1. is Hinesburg Fire Station. Various locations, Music With Robert: See May 1. Hineburg, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 324-9208.

Education

Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See May 1.

7 THURSDAY (CONTINUED)

Webby’s Art Studio: See May 2.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3, 12:151:15 p.m. Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See May 2, 12:151:15 & 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Baby Pump: See May 5. Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, noon & 2 p.m. Yoga with Danielle: Curious toddlers and preschoolers learn movement techniques through social interaction, repetition and play. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1800.

Library & Books

B*Tween the Classics Read Aloud: Kids ages 12-15 sit back, relax and listen to great stories accompanied by a snack. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. 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. Inspire Curiosity with Curious George: The inquisitive little monkey stops off at the book store for a meet-and-greet and activities. (See calendar spotlight on page 40.) All ages. Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 872-7111.

Spanish Musical Kids: Niños celebrate Latin American culture through songs and games en español. Bring food to share and stay for a Latin potluck lunch after class. Ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 917-1776.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See May 4.

8 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Family Wheel Drop-In: See May 1.

Baby & Maternity

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

Games

Dungeons & Dragons: Players exercise their problem-solving skills in imaginary battles and adventures. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Nature & Science Theater

Vermont Vaudeville: Old-school entertainment combines with new and cutting-edge music, stunts and comedy for a one-of-a-kind theater experience. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Purchase advance tickets at vermontvaudeville.com. Hardwick Town House, 8 p.m. $10-15 for adults; $5-8 for kids. Info, 472-1387.

9 SATURDAY

Health & Fitness

Arts & Crafts

Library & Books

Baby & Maternity

Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1. Williston Open Gym: See May 1.

Beginners Knitting Class: See May 2. Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See May 2. Webby’s Art Studio: See May 2.

Chace Mill Postnatal Core Class: See May 2.

Early Bird Math: See May 1.

Education

Colchester Tutoring: See May 2.

Fairs & Festivals

Kids Day: A parade originates at Edmunds Elementary School at 9:15 a.m., then families spend the day enjoying performances, food, games and activities outdoors. All ages. Waterfront Park, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 864-0123.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: Producers and artisans offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts and more in a bustling marketplace. All ages. Burlington City Hall Park, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172. Chocolate-Making Workshop: Budding chocolatiers ages 12 and up learn to make delicious truffles as a Mother’s Day gift. Fairfax Community Library, 10 a.m.-noon. $5 for materials; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

The Wheel Deal

MAY 2015 KIDS VT

EARL’S CYCLERY AND FITNESS ANNUAL BIKE SWAP: Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness in South Burlington. Drop off used bikes on Thursday, April 30, from 10 a.m. 6 p.m. or Friday, May 1, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info, 864-9197. earlsbikes.com

ONION RIVER SPORTS BIKE SWAP: Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. to noon at Onion River Sports in Montpelier. Drop off used bikes from Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1, during store hours. Info, 229-9409. onionriver.com

SKIRACK ANNUAL BIKE SWAP: Saturday, May 2, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Skirack in Burlington. Drop off used bikes from Monday, April 27 to Friday, May 1 during store hours. Info, 658-3313. skirack.com

Submit your June events for print by May 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

COURTESY OF EARL’S CYCLERY AND FITNESS

KIDSVT.COM

Have your kids outgrown last year’s bikes? Or maybe you’re just looking for an upgrade? Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness, Onion River Sports and Skirack host ANNUAL BIKE SWAPS that will help solve those problems. Drop off gently used bikes in advance, then arrive early on Saturday to browse kids, mountain, hybrid and road bikes, plus tag-a-longs, bike trailers and jogging strollers. You don’t need to swap your own gear to participate, but if your wheels sell, you’ll get store credit or a check for 80 percent of the selling price. Use the extra money for a new helmet or a water bottle, and you’ll be ready to ride.

Re-imagining Education for the 21st Century Rutland Farmers market: Local vendors sell farm-fresh veggies and fruits, artisan cheese, handcrafted breads, and more at this outdoor emporium. Downtown Rutland, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 753-7269.

Health & Fitness

champ on church Fun Run: Fleet-feeted competitors, ages 4-12, complete a 1-mile course through Burlington, finishing at Waterfront Park. Edmunds Middle School, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 863-8412. shelburne open Gym: See May 1, 9 & 10:10 a.m.

Library & Books Harry Bliss: ‘Grandma in Blue with Red Hat’: The cartoonist and New Yorker cover artist reads from his newest picture book, about a young boy who learns about what makes art — and his grandmother — special. (See calendar spotlight on page 40.) All ages. Phoenix Books Burlington 11 a.m. Free. Info, 448-3350.

Outstanding Academics. Inspired Learning.

Nature & science

Bird monitoring Walk: Beginners learn bird-song basics, intermediates fine tune their field-mark identification, and experts share their passion for all things ornithological. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 7-9 a.m. Info, 434-3068. EcHo story Explorers: Birds: See May 5. my sky: See May 2.

Now enrolling K-5 for Fall 2015

Visit our school and attend an informational meeting on

May 3rd at 3pm!

Theater

‘cirque mechanics: Pedal Punk’: This steampunk circus features flying unicycles, hovering acrobats, soaring pole climbers and floating trapeze artists. (See calendar spotlight on page 38.) Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 8 p.m. $29.75-$39.75. Info, 775-0903. Vermont Vaudeville: See May 8, 2 & 8 p.m.

6701 Shelburne Road • Shelburne, VT Visit our website for more information: vtdayschool.org k8h-vtdayschool0515.indd 1

4/17/15 12:48 PM

10 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See May 1, 12:151:30 p.m. Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3. Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: See May 3.

Ongoing Exhibits EcHo LaKE aQUaRiUm aNd sciENcE cENTER, BURLiNGToN Info, 864-1848 ‘Playing Together: Games’: Families reconnect while playing a multitude of games that span generations and cultures, from nine men’s morris to mancala. Through May 10. ‘smokey Bear & Woodsy owl: Home sweet Home’: This traveling exhibit, created in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, teaches young woodland stewards how to care for natural resources through onthe-job forest ranger training. Every other Friday from 10 a.m. to noon, the Burlington Fire Department teaches about preventing fires locally. Through September 13. moNTsHiRE mUsEUm oF sciENcE, NoRWicH

sHELBURNE mUsEUm

Games

Family Fun sunday: See May 3.

Nature & science

drawing Birds in springtime: Artists of all levels take their pencils and paper outdoors to draw migratory birds, working from photos, video and plentiful live subjects. Ages 12 and up. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 1-4 p.m. $15 members; $20 nonmembers. Info, 434-3068. mother’s day Wildflower Walk: Why settle for a bouquet? Flora fans see meadows of spring blooms— and learn the folklore behind their names — on this easy, enjoyable stroll. All ages. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. $10 for adults; $5 for kids; free for members; preregister. Info, 229-6206. my sky: See May 2.

Theater

‘cirque mechanics: Pedal Punk”: See May 9. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7 p.m. $15-47. Info, 863-5966.

11 MONDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3, 5:457:15 p.m. montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See May 4. Pee Wee Pilates: See May 4.

Education

UVMHN - CVMC Women’s Health: 371-5961 Call 371-4613 for information or to schedule a tour of The Birthing Center.

UVMHealth.org/CVMC.

UVMHealth.org

The heart and science of medicine.

k3v-CVMC0515.indd 1

Say you saw it in

4/17/15 11:51 AM

11 moNdaY, p.46

Katie and Bob St. Pierre welcomed their sweet daughter Charlotte Susan into the world on March 17. She weighed 6lbs/15oz and looks exactly like her mom. Lucky dad has 4 beautiful girls in his life now – Charlotte is welcomed by her two-year-old twin sisters Annabelle and Bridgette to their home in Stowe. Bob and Katie’s three girls were born at UVMHN-CVMC, and Katie wouldn’t have it any other way. “Dr. Knowlton was his kind and gentle self which calmed my nerves right away. The Birthing Center nurses took perfect, loving and compassionate care of Charlotte and me – it’s so obvious that they LOVE what they do. Our private room and all the amenities made it comfortable for me...and for Bob and our family. Thank you everyone for making such a special time in our lives so perfect.”

Kids VT

colchester Tutoring: See May 2, 4-8 p.m.

Central to Your New Life

May 2015

Info, 985-3346 ‘Walter Wick: Games, Gizmos & Toys in the attic’: This retrospective exhibition of the photographic illustrator and award-winning coauthor of the I SPY children’s books, features large scale photographs, meticulous models and behind-the-scenes videos. Through July 5.

mom’s day out: A carousel ride, stroll on the grounds and a doll tea party make for aspecial day for mothers. (See calendar spotlight on page 48.) Shelburne Museum, noon-4 p.m. Regular summer museum admission, $724; free for members and kids under 5. Info, 985-3346.

KidsVT.com

Info, 649-2200 ‘The Light around Us’: What are the properties of light? This visiting exhibition explores both the physics of light and how we see it, giving visitors the chance to experiment with colors, shadows and prisms. Through May 10. ‘Bubbles: science of soap’: The museum’s original bubble exhibit gets an overhaul, with eight interactive stations including foam fountains, sheets of soap and bubbles dropping from the ceiling.

community

may calendar 11 MONDAY (Continued)

Story Times Monday Barre Children’s Story Hour: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-7550. Burlington Stories With Megan: Fletcher Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. Colchester Preschool Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Essex Drop-In Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. Essex Junction Drop-In Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. Milton Infant Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. No story time on May 25. Info, 893-4644. Northfield Children’s Story Time: Brown Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 485-4621. St. Albans Story Hour: St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 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.

Kids VT

May 2015

kidsvt.com

Tuesday Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Community Education Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077. Barre Children’s Story Hour: See Monday. Colchester Toddler Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Essex Junction Baby & Toddler Story Time: Brownell Library, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956. Essex Junction Preschool Story Time: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956. Fairfax Preschool Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420. Georgia Pajama Story Time: Georgia Public Library, third Tuesday of every month, 6:307:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643. Highgate Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970. Hinesburg Baby & Toddler Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, 9:30-10 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878. Hinesburg Preschool Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 482-2878. Middlebury Infant & Toddler Story Time: Ilsley Public Library, 10:15-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097. Milton Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

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

Montpelier Story Time: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Richmond Story Time: Richmond Free Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036. South Burlington Tiny Tot Time: South Burlington Community Library, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080. Williston Story Time: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, May 5, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295. Wednesday Barnes & Noble Morning Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001. Essex Junction Preschool Story Time: See Tuesday, 10-10:45 a.m. Essex Toddler Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday. Johnson Story Time: Johnson Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 635-7141. Marshfield Story Time & Playgroup: 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. South Burlington Baby Book Time: South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539. Swanton Story Hour: 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 Colchester Preschool Story Time: See Monday. Essex Preschool Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. Fairfax PJ Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, May 7, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420. Middlebury Preschool Story Time: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097. Northfield Children’s Story Time: See Monday, 10-11 a.m. Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860. Shelburne Story Time: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124. St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday. Vergennes Story Time: Bixby Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 877-2211. Westford Story Time: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-5639. Winooski Preschool Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

Friday Brandon Preschool Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230. Burlington Stories with Megan: Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, 1111:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. Essex Musical Story Time: Essex Free Library, third Friday of every month, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797. Fletcher Story Time: Fletcher Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 228-8921. Georgia Preschool Story Time: Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 524-4643. Huntington Story Time: Huntington Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 434-4583. Lincoln Toddler/Preschool Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665. Milton Toddler Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday. Rock, Roll & Read Story Time: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313. South Burlington Pajamarama: Barnes & Noble, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 864-8001. South Burlington Story Time Adventures: South Burlington Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539. St. Johnsbury Story Time: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 748-8291. Stowe Baby & Toddler Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145. Waterbury Preschool Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036. Saturday Barnes & Noble Saturday Morning Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001. Barre Story Time: Next Chapter Bookstore, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-3114. Colchester Saturday Drop-In Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Franklin Story Time: Haston Library, first Saturday of every month, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505. Middlebury Saturday Story Time: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097. St. Johnsbury Story Time: See Friday; first Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m. Swanton Story Hour: See Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. Winooski Saturday Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424. Sunday Williston Russian Story Time: Buttered Noodles, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 730-2673.

Games

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

Health & Fitness

Chace Mill Prenatal Barre: See May 4. Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See May 2, 5:306:30 p.m. Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Little Yogis: See May 4. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, 10 a.m., 12 & 5:30 p.m. Vergennes Kids Yoga: See May 4. Williston Open Gym: See May 1.

Library & Books

Teen Job Fair: A panel of employers who hire teens doles out advice. Topics covered include how to make a good first impression, résumé writing and interview tips. Participants can pick up info from potential employers on how to apply. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See May 4. Musical Story Time with Lesley Grant: Tuneful kids sing along with a local musician and educator. Ages 18 months to 4 years. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

12 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Creative Tuesdays: See May 5. Teen Art Studio: A changing lineup of artists inspire young adults to create in different mediums. Ages 11-18. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 253-8358.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington La Leche League: New moms bring their questions to a breast-feeding support group. Babies and older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 985-8228. Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See May 1, 10:4511:55 a.m. Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3, 4:155:30 p.m. Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See May 2, 12:151:15 & 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Baby Pump: See May 5. Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Fit Moms: See May 5. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, noon & 2 p.m. Williston Open Gym: See May 1.

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See May 5. Waitsfield Spanish Story & Music Hour: Native speaker Constancia Gomez teaches kids Spanish basics through Latin songs, games and more. Ages 5 and under. Joslin Memorial Library, Waitsfield, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 496-4205.

Movies Youth Media Lab: See May 5.

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

YOUTH SUMMER FUN PASS

UNLIMITED LOCAL SERVICE

THIS SUMMER Give your family the freedom to explore!

Music

Children’s Sing-Along: See May 5. Colchester Preschool Music: See May 5. Music With Mr. Chris: See May 5.

Nature & Science

Fishing Workshop: Local fishermen teach techniques at different stations. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

13 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3, 5:457:15 p.m. Chace Mill Postnatal Core Class: See May 2, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Chace Mill Prenatal Barre: See May 4, 7:308:30 a.m. & 5:30-6:30 p.m. Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See May 6.

VALID

JUNE 15 t–hru AUGUST 2 5

Education

Colchester Tutoring: See May 2, 4-8 p.m.

Games

ALL SU

MMER

Family Game Night: Players sit down for friendly competitions of Candy Land, checkers and Monopoly. Bring your own board or borrow from the library. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Health & Fitness

ALL SUMMER

Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, noon. Williston Open Gym: See May 1.

UNLIMITED

Library & Books

Code for Kids: See May 6. Fairfax Lego Club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with colorful interlocking blocks. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

14 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

This wristband provides UNLIMITED LOCAL SERVICE for your children giving them access to a variety of summer programs, parks, beaches, practice and friends & family.

For more information, visit CCTAride.org

KIDS VT

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3, 12:151:15 p.m.

CCTA's NEW Youth Summer Fun Youth Pass gives your family access to convenient, safe, reliable transportation while gaining the freedom and independence you’ve been looking for!

MAY 2015

Baby & Maternity

7-17

KIDSVT.COM

Beaded Jewelry Workshop: Teens and adults learn how to make necklaces, bracelets and earrings with local artisan Sue Premore. Waterbury Public Library, 6:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036. Pollywog Preschool Art Drop-In: See May 7. Webby’s Art Studio: See May 2.

AGES

LOCAL SERVICE

Music

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

KIDS

14 THURSDAY, P.48 k34v-CCTA0515.indd 1

4/23/15 11:55 AM

may calendar 16 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See May 2. Webby’s Art Studio: See May 2.

Baby & Maternity

Chace Mill Postnatal Core Class: See May 2. Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See May 2.

Community

courtesy oF SHELBURNE MUSEUM

Big Truck Day: Honk, honk! Curious kids sit in the drivers’ seats of fire, dump and tow trucks. Music, local food and raffle prizes round out the day. All ages. St. Joesph’s School parking lot, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $10 per family. Info, 864-8191. Birthday Bash & Story Time: The outdoor store celebrates its first year with discounts, giveaways, and crafts and stories for the kiddos. The North Face Lifestyle Store, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Info, 877-284-3270. Children’s Room Tag Sale: Bargain hunters pay low prices for clothing, toys, furniture, books and more, while activities entertain tagalong kids. Waterbury Congregational Church, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 244-5605.

Education

Mother Love Moms deserve a little pampering on Mother’s Day. After a leisurely breakfast in bed, venture to Mom’s Day Out, a flowery family affair at Shelburne Museum. A stroll through the museum’s expansive grounds includes a stop at Dutton House. There, kiddos and their parents create tiny terrariums and fanciful spring chapeaux, or pen personalized letters on handmade, plantable paper. A doll tea party and live music from the Fiddleheads of Young Tradition Vermont round out the entertainment. Forgot to get mom a gift? A plant sale featuring lilacs, daylilies and peonies saves the day.

14 thursday (Continued)

Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See May 2, 12:151:15 & 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Games

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

Kids VT

May 2015

kidsvt.com

Health & Fitness

Baby Pump: See May 5. Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, noon & 2 p.m. Yoga with Danielle: See May 7.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: See May 7. Spanish Musical Kids: See May 7. St. Albans Library Legos: Young building enthusiasts engage in creative construction with their peers. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See May 4.

Nature & Science

Flowers and Fairy Houses: Mini-explorers bring their wings (real or imagined) and venture into spring wildflowers to build their own fairy houses. Ages 3-5, with adult companion. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8 member adult-child pair; $10 nonmember adult-child pair; $4 additional child. Info, 434-3068.

15 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Family Wheel Drop-In: See May 1.

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See May 1.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1. Williston Open Gym: See May 1.

Mom’s Day OUT: Sunday, May 10, noon to 4 p.m. at Shelburne Museum. All ages. Regular summer museum admission, $7-24; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346. shelburnemuseum.org

Library & Books

Early Bird Math: See May 1. Essex Junction Drop-in Story Time: See May 1.

Movies

Family Movie: Viewers screen a family-friendly flick — an updated version of a classic orphan story. Popcorn and drinks provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See May 1. Music With Robert: See May 1.

Nature & Science

Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See May 1.

Theater

‘Disney’s Mulan Jr.’: Rutland Youth Theatre takes audiences on a journey to China in this celebration of culture, honor and the fighting spirit. Paramount Theatre, Rutland, 7 p.m. $810. Info, 775-0903.

Submit your June events for print by May 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

Colchester Tutoring: See May 2. Practice SAT Exam: College-minded high schoolers take a current version of this standardized test, then receive scores back and talk strategy the following week. Ages 15-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Food

Burlington Farmers Market: See May 9. Rutland Farmers Market: See May 9.

Health & Fitness

5K Race for Mentoring: Runners take their marks to raise money for FriendCHIPS, a school-based mentoring program. Albert D. Lawton Intermediate School, Essex Junction, 9:30 a.m. $25 registration fee. Info, 878-6982. Parents Night Out: Adults looking for some alone time drop off their young yogis for dancing, game playing, pizza eating and relaxation activities with different themes each month. Ages 4-11. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 5:307:30 p.m. $25 for one child; $15 for siblings; preregister. Info, 864-9643. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, 9 & 10:10 a.m. Williston Runs for Education: Two fun runs, plus a 5K walk/run, entice athletes of all ages. Preregister to run as a three-person 5K team. Williston Central School, 9 a.m.-noon. $15 of adults; $10 for children under 14. Info, 238-2474.

Library & Books

Manga Club: Like-minded peers share their favorite Japanese comics. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Meet Curious George: Monkey-themed stories and crafts, plus the chance to get up close and personal with George himself, please fans of the mischievous character at the center of the classic books. Buttered noodles for everyone. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

Spanish Musical Playgroup: Rhymes, books, songs and crafts en español entertain niños. Snacks provided. Ages 5 and under. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Therapy Dogs of Vermont: See May 2, 10:30 a.m.

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

Music

‘All Shook Up’ Variety Show: Local musicians, including singer-songwriter Francesca Blanchard, perform in this benefit concert to raise money for young people with special needs. Williston Central School, 7 p.m. $25 for adults; $10 for children under 12. Info, 425-2638.

Nature & Science

Forest Bird Walk: Birders explore a forested area in Waterbury, seeking out brilliantly colored species such as the scarlet tanager and the elusive Canada warbler. Preregistration required. Ages 10 and up. Location TBA, Waterbury, 7:30-9 a.m. Info, 233-0332. My Sky: See May 2.

Parenting

Brain Science of Play Workshop: Why is play vital for children’s learning and development? Parents find out — and gain skills for supporting their children from birth to age 5 — in this session presented by Puppets in Education. Childcare and snacks provided. Thatcher Brook Primary School, Waterbury, 10-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-5605.

ChildLight Yoga for Kids: See May 3.

Nature & Science My Sky: See May 2.

18 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3, 5:45-7:15 p.m. Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See May 4. Pee Wee Pilates: See May 4.

Education

k6h-RainbowPlaySystems0515.indd 1

Games

After-School Games: Gamers bring their own Magic, Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, or borrow a deck from the library. Snacks provided. Grades 3 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Milton Lego Club: See May 4, 3:30-5 p.m.

Children’s Room Tag Sale: See May 16, 9 a.m.-noon.

Dance

Food

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See May 4, 10-10:30 a.m. Green Mountain Book Award Reader’s Club: Book enthusiasts ages 14 and up discuss If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch while enjoying snacks. Adults welcome. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. ‘Star Wars’ Club: Young fans channel the Force as they chat about droids. Popcorns and drinks provided. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

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Where Mothers Flourish & Families Thrive

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See May 4.

19 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Creative Tuesdays: See May 5. 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, 10-11:30 a.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 518-564-2498.

Family Fun Sunday: See May 3.

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Offering Yoga Classes for Pregnancy, Postpartum, and All Ages, Birth to Teen.

19 TUESDAY, P.50 k6h-EvolutionYoga0515.indd 1

evolutionprenatalandfamily.com 20 Kilburn Street, Burlington Susan Cline Lucey, Owner/Director 4/23/15 11:47 AM

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Games

1127 North Avenue, Suite 41 Burlington • 802.846.8100

MAY 2015

Stowe Farmers Market: Live music, face painting and cooking demos complement an array of food and craft vendors. All ages. Stowe Farmers Market, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 472-8027.

TIMBER LANE PEDIATRICS 51 Timber Lane, S. Burlington 802.864.0521

4/20/15 2:45 PM

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Dance, Sing & Jump Around: A lively intergenerational afternoon includes circle and line dances, singing games and live music by Kenric Kite. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, 3-4:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation for adults; free for kids. Info, 223-1509.

Call or E-mail for a FREE 2015 Catalog with our Sale Pricing!

Health & Fitness

Library & Books

Community

95 No. Brownell Rd., Williston 802-652-0100 rainbowvermont@yahoo.com www.rainbowplay.com

Colchester Tutoring: See May 2, 4-8 p.m.

17 SUNDAY Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See May 1, 12:15-1:30 p.m. Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3. Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: See May 3.

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Fairfax Crafternoon: Kids plant, decorate and bring home egg-carton gardens that can be put right in the ground. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

‘Disney’s Mulan Jr.’: See May 15, 2 & 7 p.m. Vermont Vaudeville: Old-school entertainment combines with new and cutting-edge music, stunts and comedy for a one-of-a-kind theater experience. Recommended for ages 5 and up. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $20-32. Info, 760-4634.

Baby & Maternity

$100 OFF

Arts & Crafts

Chace Mill Prenatal Barre: See May 4. Chace Mill Prenatal Yoga: See May 2, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Essex Open Gym: See May 1. Little Yogis: See May 4. Shelburne Open Gym: See May 1, 10 a.m., noon & 5:30 p.m. Vergennes Kids Yoga: See May 4. Williston Open Gym: See May 1.

Theater

SWING INTO SUMMER SALE

May calendar

Bird is the Word

courteSy oF nortH BrancH nature center

nothing says spring like the sound of birds chirping. amateur ornithologists flock to the north Branch nature center, where avian adventures await at the annual BiRdFEsT. the day takes flight with early morning warbler walks and bird-banding demos. adding to the feathered fun, a StoryWalk along the Winooski river gives way to visits with live raptors and naturalist-led games and crafts. landmanagement workshops and birding for adults ensure there’s something to get everyone’s heart aflutter. “this is a great event for getting outside with the entire family,” says organizer Sharon Plumb. BiRdFEsT: Saturday, May 30, 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. All ages. $10 for adults; free for kids. Info, 229-6206. northbranchnaturecenter.org 19 TuEsdAY (continued)

Baby & maternity

Breastfeeding café: Moms nurse their babies, chat and pose questions to a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, dads and siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 349-3825. Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See May 1, 10:45-11:55 a.m. Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See May 3, 4:15-5:30 p.m. chace mill Prenatal Yoga: See May 2, 12:15-1:15 & 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Health & Fitness Baby Pump: See May 5.

Essex open Gym: See May 1. Fit moms: See May 5. shelburne open Gym: See May 1, noon & 2 p.m. Trail Running series: Short races for kids are followed by 5K runs for adults in this weekly outdoor series. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, 6 p.m. $3-8; free for children under 8. Info, 879-6001. Williston open Gym: See May 1.

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See May 5. Project micro: Participants of all ages view water, leaves and other items under the microscope, with help from UVM lab technician

Janet Schwartz. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581. Teen Tinker Tuesday: may Baskets: Kids ages 12-18 weave and fold spring baskets out of recycled paper. Ages 12 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4:30 p.m. Free; preregister online. Info, 264-5660.

movies

Youth media Lab: See May 5.

music

children’s sing-Along: See May 5. colchester Preschool music: See May 5. music With mr. chris: See May 5.

20 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

Education

colchester Tutoring: See May 2, 4-8 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See May 1. shelburne open Gym: See May 1, noon.

submit your June events for print by may 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

ON VIEW MARCH 28 – JULY 5 A whimsical exhibition by Walter Wick, the acclaimed artist behind the best-selling I Spy books, featuring installations and photographs of his work.

May 2015

KidsVT.com

Image: Walter Wick, Sky High from Can You See What I See? Dream Machine, 2003. Pigmented Inkjet Photograph, 60 x 36 in. Copyright Wick Studio. Organized by the New Britain Museum of American Art.

Kids VT

GAMES, GIZMOS AND TOYS IN THE ATTIC