Kids VT, November 2015

FREE

NOVEMBER 2015

V OL.22 NO.1 0

The Giving Season

✱ KIDS WHO VOLUNTEER

✱ BONDING ON THE LONG TRAIL ✱ TANTALIZING TURKEY RECIPE

PRESENTS

A Talent Show for Vermont’s Rising Stars

Audition for the Kids VT Spectacular Spectacular —a talent show for Vermont’s rising stars at Higher Ground in December 2015.

To participate you must try out in front of a panel of judges.

LIVE AUDITIONS

Saturday, November 7

Register your act at kidsvt.com/talentshow

SPONSORED BY:

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KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDSVT.COM

CASTING CALL!

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VOL.22 NO.10

NOVEMBER 2015 Editor’s Note....................................................................5 See & Say ..........................................................................6 Coloring-Contest Winners ................................7 Habitat: Purple Playhouse ..................................43 Birthday Club..................................................................45 Use Your Words: Long Trail ...............................47

Your Cheese & Wine Place

EAT. LEARN. PLAY

We find the deals, you get the savings

Better to Give........20

The Kids Beat ..................................................................8 One To Watch: Sofie Carfaro.............................10 Fit Families: Junior Roller Derby ................11 Destination Recreation .........................................12 Balancing Act: Baker’s Couple .........................13 Bookworms: Social Issues ................................15 Writing-Contest Winners ..................................15 Mealtime: Thanksgiving Turkey .....................17 Checkup: Concussions ............................................18 The Art of Fabric Upcycling ...............................19

Charitable kids learn life lessons

GIFT BASKETS Cheese, wine, sweets

CALENDAR Daily Listings ..................................................................28 Classes ..................................................................................29 Ongoing Exhibits ........................................................31 Playgroups ........................................................................32 Story Times ......................................................................38

Field Studies........24

Nature is the teacher at Burlington’s popular Crow’s Path FREE

ON THE COVER

HANDS ON Book-Inspired Contest ...........................................44 Puzzle Page ......................................................................45 Coloring Contest .........................................................46

NOVEMBER 2015

V O L . 2 2 NO . 10

The Giving Season

For teachers, care-takers, friends & someone special

Sweetwaters restaurant has been opening its doors to anyone who’d like a free meal on Thanksgiving Day for 26 years; the event includes a coat drive, illustrated by Andy Hood.

More than 100 volunteers serve, cook and clean throughout the day, including some families interviewed in our cover story. ✱ KIDS WHO VOLUNTEER

✱ BONDING ON THE LONG TRAIL ✱ TANTALIZING TURKEY RECIPE

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

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

ext. 74 ext. 77 ext. 75 ext. 41 ext. 73 ext. 76 ext. 72 ext. 78

Published 11x per year.

Circulation: 25,000 at 600+ locations throughout northern and central Vermont.

Da Capo Publishing shall not be held liable to any advertiser for any loss that results from the incorrect publication of its advertisement. If a mistake is ours, and the advertising purpose has been rendered valueless, Da Capo Publishing may cancel the charges for the advertisement, or a portion thereof as deemed reasonable by the publisher. Da Capo Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including inserts, at the discretion of the publishers.

• •

Illustrator: Andy Hood Photographers: Sam Simon, Matt Thorsen, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

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

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© 2015 Da Capo Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

Contributing Writers: Darcie Abbene, Jennifer Lane, Mary Ann Lickteig, Ken Picard, Erinn Simon, Jessica Lara Ticktin, Katie Titterton, Molly Walsh

KIDS VT

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

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NOVEMBER 2015

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

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NOVEMBER 2015

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EDITOR’S NOTE

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Experience Snowboarding Nov. 1 — Jan. 8

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Last year’s Thanksgiving photo, CM the first-ever snowy one MY

Giving and Getting

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Visit our website vtdayschool.org for more information.

Email: info@vtdayschool.org. Phone: 802-495-5150 6701 Shelburne Road, Shelburne

KIDS VT

ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR

Visit echovermont.org for more information.

NOVEMBER 2015

together activity baskets for homeless kids.

We hope that the piece will inspire you and your brood to contribute to those in need this holiday season. It inspired us to organize a food drive to benefit the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf on Saturday, November 7 — to coincide with our Spectacular Spectacular talent show auditions at Higher Ground (see the ad on page 39 for more information).

As for the gift guide, we’re pretty sure you’ll be able to figure out the perfect present for your kids without our help.

We’ve got plenty of other inspiring stories as well. Seven Days writer Molly Walsh spent the day at Crow’s Path, an unconventional outdoor-education program in Burlington (“Field Studies,” page 24). Its elementary-age students ditch the classroom one day a week for a six-hour stint immersed in nature, where they learn to track skunks, make fires and whittle.

In “Use Your Words,” architect Jennifer Lane writes about hiking the Long Trail — all 273 miles of it — with her 13-year-old daughter. The duo pushed through rain, mud and blisters to reach the end in just 24 days. If their story doesn’t make you want to hit the trail with your kids, we don’t know what will.

And “Mealtime” writer Erinn Simon helps you work up the courage to make your very own Thanksgiving turkey this year, breaking down what can seem like a daunting process into simple steps.

Here’s to the start of a wonderful holiday season with your perfectly imperfect family!

KIDSVT.COM

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MY PARENTS HOST Thanksgiving dinner every year at their home in the suburbs of New York City. It’s a large affair with more than 30 guests and a 25-pound turkey. Thanksgiving is the only day of the year when I eat my Grandma Iams’ famous onion pudding and my dad’s equally famous sausage and pecan stuffing. I get to watch my kids play with my cousins’ kids. I have philosophical conversations with aunts and laugh until I cry while reminiscing about the past with my mom and sisters.

My mom documents the holiday with an annual group photograph before the big meal. The cast of characters has changed over time.

Boyfriends and girlfriends have come and gone. Grandparents have died.

Babies have been born.

My mom sets the camera timer and always makes it into the picture just in the nick of time. An older family member usually lets a couple of curses fly to get some laughs. There are always several people looking away from the camera or making weird faces. Those photos every year remind me of what the holidays are all about — spending time with my perfectly imperfect family.

The holidays are also the time of year when glossy catalogs full of toys, dolls and clothes start arriving in our mailboxes by the stack. When radio stations start playing holiday tunes.

And when publications like ours put out annual gift guides.

This year, though, we’ve decided to replace our November gift guide with an article about volunteering with kids (“Better to Give,” page 20).

Contributor Mary Ann Lickteig talks to families who exhibit altruistic behavior year-round, from serving meals to the hungry to putting

FREE Burton Riglet Outdoor Park Saturday, November 7

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SEE AND SAY

Readers Respond Praise for the Puzzler [Re “One to Watch: Rubik’s Dude,” October 2015]: What a wonderful story!

You go, Brady! Keep showing the world all Brady MacKay the great stuff you have in your head. You should be very proud of yourself. Your determination and persistence is inspiring and can help a whole lot of people!

Lisa Jarvis Elder SOUTH BURLINGTON

Little Feats The recently released feature film The Walk, which chronicles Philippe Petit’s high-wire walk between the Twin Towers, has a Vermont connection. Lead actor Joseph Gordon-Levitt learned the ins and outs of tightrope Read more at walking from kidsvt.com Green Mountain State native Jade Kindar-Martin.

The Circus Smirkus alum spent a recent Friday afternoon in October with seventh and eighth grade students at the Lake Champlain Waldorf School in Shelburne explaining the finer points of forward rolls, cartwheels and shoulder sitting.

— A L I S O N N OVA K

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KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDSVT.COM

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors: JENNIFER LANE (“Use Your Words”) lives in Waterbury with her daughter Abby, 13, and son Ben, 9. She recently started her own architecture practice with a focus on well-designed, energyefficient homes. You can find her at jlanearchitect.com.

Burlington writer MARY ANN LICKTEIG (“Better to Give”) worked in daily journalism in Vermont, Iowa and San Francisco for nearly 13 years. Then she had four kids, and the real work began.

G N I N E T FRIGH N O I H S A F We asked our Facebook followers to post photos of their kids in all their costumed glory. Here’s a sampling of the spooky snapshots we received.

Best of the Blog Five Books for Outdoorsy Families

COLORING CONTEST

B Y S A R A H G A LBRAT H

The 116 entries we received for last month’s Halloween-themed contest were so doggone cute!

We loved Kiefer McGrath’s dog dressed as an FBI agent enjoying an ice-cream cone. We giggled when we noticed that Dominic Mazzilli’s “Rainbow Dog-God” was being offered a giant bone

by Lilliputian disciples. And we were impressed when we saw that Veronica Miskavage had transformed the spikes of the dog’s dinosaur costume into individual candy-corn kernels.

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

For parents who are aiming to raise their children in nature, there are lots of books that focus on outdoorsy fun. With the fabulous fall hiking season fading fast, here are five picture books for young children to get your family excited about the outdoors.

Stella & Roy Go Camping

by Ashley Wolff A Camping Spree with Mr. Magee by Chris Van Dusen Do Princesses Wear Hiking Boots?

by Carmela LaVigna Coyle Henry Hikes to Fitchburg

by D.B. Johnson

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

5 and under

Annabelle Rumsey, 4 BURLINGTON

“Spotted Dogasaur”

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Charley Harper’s What’s in the Woods? by Zoe Burke

SOLAR POWERED

Cal Simon, 8, Burlington REALLY SCALY

See kidsvt.com for book descriptions!

Lucia Hackerman, 7, Charlotte BEAUTIFULLY BEDAZZLED

Olivia Harris, 8, Montpelier CUTEST CANDY

6 to 8

Lucia Hamor, 6, Stowe YELLOWEST BRICK ROAD

Eli Love, 10, Jericho

SAM SIMON

Home Cookin’: Cinnamon Rolls

“The Dazed Dragon”

BEST BATMAN

OH MY, DOG-GOD!

Dominic Mazzilli, 10, Moretown SPECTACULARLY SPOOKY

Charlie Adams, 5, Charlotte RAD RED

Colby Perrotte, 5, Fairfax

Here’s what you’ll need: ❑ Butter or margarine

❑ Granulated sugar

❑ Eggs

❑ Salt

❑ Cinnamon ❑ Raisins/ chopped nuts (optional)

“SPOOK-O-DYNO-RAMA”

Sidney Harris, 6, Montpelier

9 to 12

HINESBURG

“Kandy Korn King”

“TRICK OR TERRIER”

Teddy Tremblay, 9, St. Albans “LION OF THE FBI”

Kiefer McGrath, 9, South Burlington

Find this month’s coloring contest on page 46. The deadline for submissions is November 15.

KIDS VT

❑ Fast-acting dry yeast

❑ Dark-brown sugar

TOP TITLES

Veronica Miskavage, 9

NOVEMBER 2015

❑ All-purpose flour

SUPER STRIPES

Maria Bush, 4, Hinesburg

KIDSVT.COM

FABULOUS FLOWERS

Ryan Bright, 5, Northfield

❑ Milk

Find the full recipe at kidsvt.com.

Leo Rosowsky, 9, South Burlington

BOLTON

Betty Kayembe, 9, South Burlington

BY E R INN SI M O N

The weather is cool, the leaves are falling and we are in heavy baking mode at my house! This weekend my 8-year-old son, Cal, and I made cinnamon rolls together. Besides being delicious, they were so much fun to make. The dough is easy to whip up and involves a good amount of kneading — always a great kid job. And the rolling is challenging enough to be fun for a bigger kid who really wants to say, “I made these!”

FUN FLAP!

Will Mezitt, 8

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THE

BEAT

B Y A L I S ON N OVA K A N D D A N BOLLE S

BUSINESS

Throwback Style When Deirdre Lozier was growing up in Rutland, her “amazing seamstress” mom taught her to sew. It was just a hobby for Lozier until her third son was born in 2012 while she was a biology and chemistry student at Castleton State College. That’s when she googled the phrase “How to make money by sewing.”

Lozier started creating samples for New York City-based children’s clothing designers to earn extra cash. But it wasn’t until she enrolled in grad school that she realized her plan to become a scientific researcher wasn’t what she wanted. “I was miserable,” she says.

A year ago, she left a PhD program behind and launched her own children’s clothing brand, MOUNTAIN HONEY CLOTHIER, which specializes in bonnets with removable animal ears and meticulously made clothing and toys fashioned from plaid, wool, fleece and woodlandthemed fabrics.

Thanks in large

MUSIC

KIDSVT.COM NOVEMBER 2015 KIDS VT

A .N.

Items from MOUNTAIN HONEY CLOTHIER can be found at Clementine in Middlebury (clementinestore.com), Birdfolk Collective in Winooski (birdfolkcollective.com) or at mountainhoneyclothier.com.

BOOKS

Musical Mama

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part to Instagram, demand for Lozier’s items has been so great in the past few months that she’s planning to hire several seamstresses to keep up with orders.

Lozier thinks the heirloom feel of her creations resonates with today’s parents. “I feel like our lives are so incredibly fast-paced right now,” she says. “There’s something about vintage style that gives you that sense of oldfashioned childhood, when things were a lot simpler and less plugged in.”

Linda Bassick’s weekly Friday Morning Sing-Along at Burlington’s Radio Bean attracts legions of local kids — and their parents — with the sing-song strains of children’s classics such as “Puff the Magic Dragon,” “The Green Grass Grew All Around” and “Move Over for Marty.” These beloved tunes and many more can be found on Bassick’s recently released 13-song album, FRIDAY MORNING SING-ALONG, which was recorded live at Radio Bean last year. Bassick is best known to grown-ups as a member of the local bands Mellow Yellow and Steady Betty, and for her folksy solo pursuits. She’s an accomplished singer and guitarist and applies veteran chops to each song on the record — matched only by her veteran chops as a mom of an adult son. The whimsical looseness of tunes such as “Oh Susannah” and “Take Me Riding” is bolstered by the pleasant, chirping sounds of singing children in the background. Musicality abounds, making the record not just fun for kiddos, but, just as importantly, tolerable for parents who’ll undoubtedly have to spin it on repeat.

D.B.

Cage Against the Machines

FRIDAY MORNING SING-ALONG WITH LINDA BASSICK & FRIENDS happens every Friday at Radio Bean in Burlington, 11 a.m.

Free. Bassick’s album of the same name is available on CD Baby for $9.99.

David Macaulay’s books explore the inner workings of everything from cathedrals to toilets. The celebrated Norwich author does so “with a writer’s grace” and “an engineer’s clarity,” according to the New York Times. Last month, Macaulay released HOW MACHINES WORK: ZOO BREAK! The story, geared toward 7- to 10-year-olds, follows two furry characters, Sloth and Sengi, as they try to escape their enclosure with the help of six simple machines: a wedge, lever, inclined plane, screw, pulley, and wheel and axle. Engaging illustrations and text, pop-up models, and interactive elements bring the concepts to life. On one spread, for

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

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THEATER

Against All Odds In 2004, Trish Denton received a copy of the picture book Brundibar, a collaboration between playwright Tony Kushner and children’s book author Maurice Sendak. In it, a brother and sister desperately try to earn money for their sick mother by singing in the town square. An organ grinder named Brundibár thwarts their efforts, until 300 schoolchildren join the pair in song and defeat the evil man.

The story resonated with the Burlington-based artist. She later learned it was an adaptation of a children’s opera written in 1938 by a group of Czech artists. While they were producing it in the early 1940s, most of the creators and cast members — many of them children — were sent to the Theresienstadt concentration camp, where they performed the show 55 times. “Hearing of the total heroism of these artists and teachers who did everything they could to create this imaginative environment where the kids felt safe” was further inspiration to Denton.

Denton is bringing the story of BRUNDIBÁR to a Burlington stage in March, in partnership with the Jewish theater company Theatre Kavanah.

A.N.

vermontnannyconnection.com • 872.1VNC(1862) Sixth graders at Vermont Commons School

Community members donated $5,200 toward the effort; additional Trish Denton support has come from the Vermont Arts Council, Burlington City Arts and the Sisters of Mercy Peace Initiative.

Next month, Denton will hold a casting call to recruit local kids, ages 8 to 14, and a few adults for the solo and ensemble roles. A community chorus will be made up of students from the Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler, Champlain Elementary School and Vermont Commons School, where Denton’s currently teaching kids about the story. When it’s staged at Burlington City Hall Auditorium, the musical will have a contemporary feel with a timeless message: Solidarity is required to stand up to those who try to defeat us.

A . N.

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AUDITIONS FOR BRUNDIBÁR will take place at Burlington City Hall Auditorium on Saturday, December 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Sunday, December 6, 2-6 p.m. theatrekavanah.org/auditions

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KIDS VT

HOW MACHINES WORK: ZOO BREAK! By David Macaulay.

Published by DK, 32 pages, $19.99. David Macaulay will read and sign copies of his book at Norwich Bookstore on Saturday, November 15, 1-3 p.m. norwichbookstore.com

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example, young readers can create a seesaw and try to launch models of Sloth and Sengi over a paper fence. And at the end of the book, kids will ooh and ah as they discover an elaborate pop-out contraption that incorporates all six machines they’ve just learned about.

Looking for a babysitter?

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Q ONE TO WATCH

B Y A L IS O N N OVAK

Show Runner

A drama-loving teen creates her own theater company

DINOSAURS WILL DISAPPEAR ON DEC 13!

See them before they’re gone.

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BENEFITS INCLUDE: - Monthly emails from Rally - Invites to kid's club events including Rally's Birthday Party, locker room tours and kids conferences presented by the DoubleTree by Hilton - Membership card which gives you FREE admission to certain games and 10 % off at the university bookstore - Coupons and items from local businesses including KidsVT, Three Brothers, McDonalds, and Buffalo Wild Wings.

- And more!

For more information and to sign up, visit www.UVMathletics.com

KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

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JOIN RALLY's ROUND UP! VERMONT ATHLETICS FREE KIDS CLUB

SOFIE CARFARO’S LEATHER BLAZER, black-rimmed glasses and long dark hair make her seem older than her 16 years. So do her professional ambitions. The Mount Mansfield Union High School junior aspires to direct and produce creative works on the stage.

A year ago, when she was a sophomore, she founded the Inconceivable Theater Company to start progressing toward that goal. Its name isn’t a reflection of her chances of achieving success — it’s a reference to Vizzini’s oftenquoted line from the 1987 cult classic The Princess Bride. In fact, all of the things he labels as “inconceivable” do actually occur.

If not inconceivable, the company’s first show was unconventional: Using a cast and crew made up exclusively of local high school and college students, Sofie mounted a production of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog. The musical originated as a web miniseries developed by Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon and starring Neil Patrick Harris. Sofie chose it in part because she thought a friend of hers would be perfect in the title role.

The Inconceivable Theater Company staged three performances this past August, at the Black Box Theater at Burlington’s Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center.

Sofie raised $1,500 for the set, props and costumes through a crowdfunding website. She collected an additional $850 in audience donations at the shows, which went to the nonprofit Women Helping Battered Women. In Sofie’s estimation, both the process and the final product were a success.

“I was blown away by how much work a bunch of people put into it,” she says.

After the show, friends and strangers approached her about taking part in her next production.

Sofie has already selected her

Sofie (center) with theater company members

NAME: AGE: TOWN:

SOFIE CARFARO 16 RICHMOND

follow-up show, but she’s keeping it under wraps for now. What she can disclose is that it will be longer than this summer’s approximately 40-minute performance, and it’s “something that’s not traditionally a stage show.” She’ll fundraise for the show this winter and spring and stage it next summer.

Sofie says she’s “always been one of those kids who liked singing.” And she comes from a theatrical family — her dad toured as an actor before his kids were born.

But it was a dynamic music teacher at Camels Hump Middle School, Heather Schoppmann, who first gave her an outlet to explore theater.

Though she’s dabbled in acting, Sofie says the producer/director role fits her “take-charge but logical and creative” personality best.

“It was something I was always aspiring to,” Sofie says. “But when you’re young, people say, ‘Wait a little bit … try things out.’” The success of her show last summer gave Sofie the confidence to continue pursuing a career in the field.

The Richmond teen hopes to major in theater in college. But not before taking a gap year so that she can travel and study international art forms, such as Italian opera and Russian ballet. Ultimately, she’d like to move to a city where she can produce and direct on a bigger stage. She won’t forget her small-town roots, though.

“Maybe some of these connections from right now will pay off then,” she says. K

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

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

Nominate him or her at kidsvt.com/vermont/kidsvtonetowatch/page Untitled-20 1

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Q FIT FAMILIES

BY KAT IE T IT T E RTO N

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

Junior Roller Derby MATTHEW THORSEN

IT’S A CHILLY FALL NIGHT, but skater and Minor Catastrophes things are starting to heat up in a cav- instructor Mitzi Blake, or “Cajun ernous room at the Champlain Valley Crusher,” seconds that. “She can Exposition, Green Mountain Roller skate,” she says, giving Emily an Derby skater Carrie Speranza leads admiring nod.

18 roller-skate-clad girls through a Minor Catastrophes was formed two-on-one blocking drill. Dressed three years ago when Blake and a few in blue and red pinnies and wearing other moms who compete with Green helmets personalized with stickers Mountain Roller Derby pitched the and their alter-ego derby names, the idea of starting a girls’ team to their boisterous girls split into groups of fellow league members. “Everyone three and take turns skating around thought it was a great idea,” says a corner, with two girls trying to Blake, whose 11-year-old daughter prevent a third girl from breaking Zoe (“Candy Crusher”) skates with their formation.

Minor Catastrophes.

Speranza, known as “Breaker” Green Mountain Roller Derby, in the rink, is the lead instructor which recently changed its name from for Minor Catastrophes, a Green Green Mountain Derby Dames in Mountain Roller an effort to be more Derby junior team inclusive of other genfor girls in second ders, is Vermont’s first through 12th grade. roller-derby league.

The team meets It is skater-owned once a week for two and -operated, and a fall sessions and member league of the two spring sessions, Women’s Flat Track EMILY O’NEILL, A and runs a weeklong Derby Association.

17-YEAR-OLD MINOR summer camp, The league has two CATASTROPHES TEAM all through Essex bout teams: Grade A MEMBER Junction Recreation Fancy and the Black and Parks.

Ice Brawlers, who Roller derby, which grew out of compete against other WFTDA teams 1930s competitive roller-skating from New England, New York and marathons, has evolved into a prefarther afield. dominantly female sport in which The first and only junior roller teams skate in the same direction derby team in the state, Minor around a rink trying to lap each other.

Catastrophes offers an appealing enviEach player chooses a pseudonym, or ronment for some girls. “Normally, the “derby name,” which embodies her kids [who join Minor Catastrophes] personality in the rink. aren’t in any other sports,” says Blake.

The Minor Catastrophes program “This gets them into a sport. They like is popular, and interest is growing. “A the physical activity of it.” lot of them will bring their friends,” Indeed, roller derby is an intensely says Speranza, “and a lot of them have athletic sport. In the rink, a “jammer” become really good friends since they scores points by lapping her counterstarted.” part on the other team. Her teamThat’s true for Emily O’Neill, mates work to block the opposing a 17-year-old high school senior jammer while creating openings for from Colchester. Emily, aka “Kaoz” their own, which leads to lots of high (pronounced “chaos”), started skatvelocity bumping and nudging. “It’s ing last fall, when a friend persuaded pretty tough to roller skate for an hour her to join the league. “It’s outside and a half,” Blake says wryly. of my school, and I get to meet new Because there aren’t other junior people,” she says. “When I started, I derby teams nearby, the Minor didn’t know how to skate. I’m really Catastrophes don’t actually compete. good now.”

But the team shows off its skills in Green Mountain Roller Derby

Elah Spence and Ingrid Gilliam lace up for practice

When I started, I didn’t know how to skate. I’m really good now.

To learn more about the Minor Catastrophes, visit the Essex Junction Recreation and Parks website at ejrp.org or visit the team’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ gmddminorcatastrophes.

KIDS VT

11

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

NOVEMBER 2015

community, and they’re always at bouts.”

Despite the sport’s rough and tumble reputation, Emily says that roller derby can actually be kind of relaxing. She enjoys letting her mind drift while she circles the rink, snapping back to attention during jams or while navigating obstacles. “Some people run to get rid of stress,” she says. “Roller derby is like that.” K

KIDSVT.COM

exhibition halftime shows during Green Mountain Roller Derby bouts.

Girls don’t need prior experience to start skating with the group – just a pair of roller skates and protective gear including knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, a mouth guard and a helmet. In fact, girls can participate without skating at all. “Some kids referee who don’t want to skate,” says Blake. “They also get to be part of the

Q DESTINATION RECREATION B Y M E G AN J AM E S

Jamie Two Coats Toyshop

Middlebury Tot Time

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

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ADDRESS: Middlebury Municipal Gym, 94 Main Street

KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDSVT.COM

WHEN THE COLD, wet weather arrived last month, I felt a creeping sense of dread. How would my toddler daughter and I get through the days without spending long stretches romping around outside?

Then we discovered the municipal gym. Every Wednesday and Thursday, October through early June, Middlebury’s recreation department hosts Tot Time there from 10 a.m. to noon. Many Vermont towns offer these kinds of unstructured drop-in sessions.

There’s nothing fancy about the venue; it’s a dingy old building attached to the town offices (a $6.5 million replacement is currently under construction down the street).

But the first time we went, 18-monthold Joni and I both felt like we’d hit the jackpot.

She took off to explore the toys — tricycles, dump trucks, rocking horses, a plastic mini-slide, tumbling mats, a train set and a fleet of police cruiser Cozy Coupes. I sat on the floor with a friend and finished the coffee I’d bought at nearby Carol’s Hungry Mind Café.

We lingered for an hour and a half before packing up to head home for

lunch. I stuffed the $2 drop-in fee into a tub while Joni enjoyed a last hurrah climbing the bleachers near the door.

It wasn’t the great outdoors, but it sure was fun. K

PLUSES • Plenty of room to run and wheel around • Toys, balls and kid-powered vehicles provided • Basketball hoops so parents can perfect their dunk while kids play • Walking distance to cafés and sandwich shops for coffee and/or lunch

MINUSES • $2 entry fee: It’s a totally reasonable charge for a wonderful public service, but sometimes it’s enough to tip the scales in favor of hanging at the library instead.

• When local daycare centers bring large groups of children, the place can get pretty rowdy; little kids might feel overwhelmed.

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Local parents review a play space each month in “Destination Recreation.”

Got a spot you’d like us to feature? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com. k3v-DeltaDental0415.indd 1

3/27/15 10:13 AM

Q BALANCING ACT

BY JESSICA LARA TICKTIN

Baker’s Couple How the owners of Great Harvest Bread juggle work and family

Mom: Sara Brown, co-owner and staff and business manager, Great Harvest Bread Kids: sons Olin, 10, and Eamon, 7; daughter Eve, 4

home when the boys are getting home from school, and that’s sometimes my most productive time of day.

in the bouncy seat and the Moby wrap, and it always worked. I never had to pump milk. I always had them at my side, all the time. It was out of necessity, but it worked. Looking back, I am grateful that I never had to put them in childcare.

Ethan: For the kids, the bakery is this great, stimulating environment. It’s funny, because by the time they start going to kindergarten, they’re better socially equipped with twentysomethings than they are with other 4- or 5-year-olds!

On working and parenting together:

On what happens when a kid is sick:

Ethan: We always joke that we know what sort of day each other has had but haven’t really spoken. At the end of the day, over dinner, we can catch up. We are in each other’s midst all day long, you know, but it’s not like we’re hanging out chatting.

Sara: Despite the fact that we are about 40 feet apart, we have very different spheres here. They definitely overlap, but I can go hours at work without speaking to Ethan.

On how they juggle childcare responsibilities and running a bakery:

Ethan: They’ve never suffered from a bad infectious disease or something.

If it was anything beyond a cold, we wouldn’t bring them in.

On housework: Sara: Oh, now we’re really getting into tricky territory here! I do most of it.

He does all the dishes. I make dinner every night. He certainly pitches in. I think I’m more domestically inclined, and I think, especially because our two oldest children are boys, Ethan

Ethan: I’m not luxuriating somewhere while she’s doing housework! I feel that there’s joint active participation as parents on a number of fronts.

Sara: We do what comes naturally and what we are inclined to, but, like a lot of modern families where both parents work, we haven’t quite reached that same equity in the house on the domestic level. I do feel, however, that in my job I have a lot more flexibility, and I don’t work as many hours a week as Ethan does.

On the future of the bakery: Is it a long-term commitment or a chapter?

Ethan: It’s very much a chapter.

Sara: We love the bakery, and it’s been an amazing place to raise our family to this point. The desire to close this chapter in our lives comes mainly from me. I really want to get back to teaching. I want to have the same schedule as my kids and spend my summers with them. In fact, the bakery is for sale. No buyers yet, but there’s been interest. K

13

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

KIDS VT

Sara: Ethan is always in here by 7 a.m., so he’s usually up and out before the kids are even awake. I have the kids in the morning, and I get them off to school, and then, typically, Ethan is

Sara: Usually we bring them in. Occasionally, one of us arranges to work a shorter day so they don’t have to be in here that long, but we bring them in with a pillow and a blanket, and we lay them out on the couch [in the office].

They don’t ask to stay home very often because they know it means they are going to come to the bakery!

does more of the direct childcare in terms of spending time with them, doing stuff with them after school, taking them to soccer practice, kicking around the ball with them in the park.

NOVEMBER 2015

Sara: I only took three days off with each of the boys. I deliberately took one week off after I had Eve, but with the boys I never took any maternity leave because … I couldn’t. It’s not like I went back to working 40 hours a week, but I was there. I brought them with me, and they spent a lot of time

Dad: Ethan Brown, co-owner and production manager, Great Harvest Bread

KIDSVT.COM

On taking time off when the kids were born:

The Browns prepare baked goods with help from daughter Eve MATTHEW THORSEN

ETHAN AND SARA BROWN met at Great Harvest Bread 15 years ago. Not the one in Burlington, where you can find them in flour-covered aprons with children at their heels five days a week — this one was in Missoula, Mont.

Ethan, a D.C. native, worked research jobs in his hometown after college. The gigs paid well but weren’t fulfilling. When he saw an opportunity to move to Montana, the avid snowboarder jumped at it. To pay the rent, he took a gig at Great Harvest Bread, a chain with 190 franchises around the country, and found that he enjoyed the lifestyle.

Sara, who grew up outside of Atlanta, had come to Missoula for graduate school in education. The bakery was a block from her house, and she would stop there every morning to get a coffee on her way to class. The two fell in love and decided they wanted to open their own Great Harvest franchise. Sara took a job alongside Ethan so she could learn the ropes, then they embarked on road trips around the Northwest and New England to scout bakery locations. Burlington immediately appealed.

Ethan, 48, and Sara, 40, got married in 2002, moved to Burlington’s South End soon after and opened up their Pine Street Great Harvest location in 2003. Two years later, their first son, Olin, was born, followed by a second son, Eamon, in 2008, and a daughter, Eve, in 2011.

Mental Health and Addiction Care for Children and Adolescents

LEFT TO RIGHT: DR. CHRIS LUNDBERG DR. FRED ZIEGLER DR. MATT ROGERS DR. TOM FISCHER

Once, she couldn’t face the day.

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.

THESE GUYS CAN PUT A HEALTHY SMILE ON YOUR FACE. 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.

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

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 • Comprehensive orthodontic treatment for adolescents and adults • Treatment of complex bite problems and jaw deformities

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• Clear and metal braces • Removable Clear Aligners including Clear Correct and Invisalign®

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2/19/15 4:32 PM

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KIDSVT.COM

“How do I make my money work for me? Can I do more with less?”

KIDS VT

Life is in constant motion. NEFCU adds the financial tools, tips, services and knowledge to help keep you moving in the right direction.

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Local, affordable, and on your side™.

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✱ BOOKWORMS

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

Tackling Tough Subjects

Children’s books don’t just entertain. Sometimes they help teach kids about serious issues such as homelessness, poverty and immigration.

We asked local librarians to suggest books that explore sensitive topics in ways that kids can understand.

Book-Inspired Contest Winners Congratulations to these talented young artists who submitted captioned pictures showing themselves with a robot friend, inspired by Boy + Bot by Ame Dyckman.

Each wins a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington. Here are the winning drawings.

The Teddy Bear

BY DAVID MCPHAIL

In this picture book, a little boy leaves his treasured teddy bear at a diner. A homeless man finds the stuffed animal in a trash can and quickly grows to treasure it.

When the man leaves the bear on a park bench one day, the little boy finds it and rejoices. But, in an act of generosity, the boy ultimately lets the man keep the bear.

“I love this story because it addresses homelessness in a way that isn’t frightening to children and emphasizes the importance of compassion,” says Jessica Summer, youth services librarian at Winooski Memorial Library. After reading this story together, a family could sort through gently used toys and donate some to families in need, she suggests.

Fiona Case, 6

BURLINGTON

“My name is Fiona, and this is my friend Bella the robot. We make mistakes like she bends my arm like a robot’s arm and I bend her arm like a human arm.”

Other Winners:

Gaby, Lost and Found

BY ANGELA CERVANTES

When Gaby’s mom, an undocumented worker from Honduras, is deported, the sixth grader must deal with taunting from classmates and the instability caused by a neglectful father. But a school community-service project at a local animal shelter boosts her self-confidence and gives her a renewed sense of purpose.

Kids who love animals will connect with this middle-grade novel, says Carole Oglesby, the librarian at Malletts Bay School in Colchester. “I particularly like how Gaby, a girl with problems of her own, finds her passion in helping others,” she adds.

Reena Lucas Yildiz, 10 COLCHESTER

Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen

BY DYANNE DISALVO-RYAN

Sponsored by

Trent Biaza, 9 SOUTH BURLINGTON

Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop.

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15

Find this month’s book-inspired writing prompt on page 44.

The deadline is November 15. Happy reading … and writing!

NOVEMBER 2015

Recommendations compiled by Alison Novak

Willard Peabody, 6 VERGENNES KIDSVT.COM

A young boy accompanies his uncle as he gathers food donated by community members, then prepares a feast for visitors to a local soup kitchen. The boy, apprehensive at first, comes away with a greater understanding of what it means to give back.

Craftsbury library director Susan O’Connell says this book “introduces the concepts of hunger and need with a tone of empathy and respect.” She points out that overt signs of homelessness and hunger are less common in rural Vermont than in the urban setting of this book. So it’s “a good discussion starter for what those in need might look like in our own communities, and ways to offer assistance with the same respectful attitude that Uncle Willie and his colleagues model.”

THE LEARNING CENTER AT HEALTHY LIVING Pumpkin Pancakes!

1 1/2 cups milk

1

tsp baking soda

1

cup pumpkin puree

1

tsp ground allspice

1

egg

1

2

Tbsp vegetable oil

tsp ground cinnamon

2

Tbsp vinegar

2

cups all-purpose flour

3

Tbsp brown sugar

2

tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp ground ginger chopped nuts; for garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS: In a medium bowl, mix together the milk, pumpkin, egg, oil, and vinegar. Combine the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, allspice, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a separate bowl. Stir the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture just enough to combine. Heat a lightly oiled non-stick pan over medium high using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Brown on both sides and serve hot!

• Apple Toaster Pastries! • Tuesday, 11/3 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $20 • Loaded Baked Potato Soup! • Thursday, 11/12 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $20 • Sloppy Joe, Sloppy Sloppy Joe Yeah! • Wednesday, 11/18 · 4:00 - 5:00pm • $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.

DORSET STREET, SOUTH BURLINGTON ×

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× HEALTHYLIVINGMARKET.COM ×

AM- PM SEVEN DAYS A WEEK

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KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDSVT.COM

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN IN NOVEMBER

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Q MEALTIME BY E RIN N SIM O N

EAT. LEARN. PLAY. SAM SIMON

Turkey Time EVERY YEAR, MY FAMILY TRAVELS to my mom’s house in Binghamton, N.Y., for our Thanksgiving feast. Because we have to endure a half-day car trip with three kids, I’m not an architect of the meal, nor am I responsible for any specific dish. I help out once we arrive, but my mom and her sisters still take care of the bulk of the cooking.

When I was younger, this seemed fair, but as I’ve gotten older and grown as a cook, I’ve become more interested in contributing something of my own. After all, feeding people is what I do for a living, and I’m no stranger to cooking for a crowd.

For the past six years I’ve helped organize and prepare a giant annual feast involving not one but three turkeys for the Burlington Children’s Space community. But lately I’ve been dreaming of cooking a real, old-fashioned Thanksgiving dinner on a smaller scale.

So when Kids VT asked me if I’d like to write about roasting a bird at home for my family, I was thrilled.

Still, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I forgot, for example, that unless ordered specially, turkeys purchased more than a week before Thanksgiving will be frozen solid and need three days and ample fridge space to defrost.

As for the recipe, I wanted something classic that would also be really delicious. After some cookbook and internet browsing, I chose Ina Garten’s Perfect Roast Turkey. I loved that the recipe included lemons — an ingredient I always use when roasting chickens at home.

The turkey turned out as good as I’d hoped it would. The skin was crispy, the lemons and sage looked beautiful, and the house smelled amazing while the bird roasted all afternoon.

Here’s the funny part: I started this project on a weekday afternoon, so by the time the bird came out of the oven and had its photo shoot, it was 9 p.m.! My husband, Sam, and I had a preThanksgiving turkey dinner date, and the leftovers made for some seriously delicious sandwiches and soup.

Despite the awkward timing, the endeavor was such a success that I just might request turkey duty this year at Mom’s house. 

LEMON-HERB ROASTED TURKEY (adapted from Ina Garten)

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter

Melt the butter in a small saucepan. Add the lemon zest and juice plus about two teaspoons of thyme leaves to the melted butter, and stir. Set aside.

Liberally salt and pepper the inside of the turkey cavity — and, yes, this requires you to reach all the way inside the turkey.

Stuff the cavity with the whole bunch of thyme, all but a few leaves of the sage, one halved lemon, the quartered onion and the head of garlic.

1 large bunch fresh thyme, plus two teaspoons 1 fresh turkey (10-12 pounds) Kosher salt Freshly ground black pepper 1 good-size yellow onion, peeled and cut into quarters

Now for the Burlington Children’s Space trick: Take what remains of the lemon that you juiced and zested; slice it into thin rounds. Using your fingers, separate the skin from the turkey breasts, being careful not to tear it, and place three or four lemon slices and several sage

Roast the turkey for about 1 hour, then baste with the remaining butter mixture. Continue to roast for another 90 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you cut between the leg and the thigh. Rest the turkey, covered loosely with aluminum foil, for 20 minutes.

Slice and serve.

NOVEMBER 2015

1 large bunch fresh sage

Remove the bag of giblets and other parts from the turkey cavity and rinse the turkey inside and out with cool water.

Remove any excess fat and leftover pinfeathers, and pat the outside dry.

Place the turkey in a large roasting pan. If this is your first time preparing a turkey, this can be the trickiest part. I was working with a 12-pound bird, which seemed enormous and unwieldy during

leaves underneath the skin. Then, using a basting brush, coat the outside of the turkey with the butter mixture, reserving about a quarter of it for basting later, and sprinkle again with salt and pepper.

Tie the legs together with some cooking twine.

KIDSVT.COM

the prep process. My advice: Just roll up your sleeves and get in there.

Preheat oven to 350º F

3 lemons; two zested and juiced and one cut in half

1 head garlic, top cut off

DIRECTIONS:

KIDS VT

17

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

Q CHECKUP W IT H A L AN M AY N ARD

How do you know if your child has a concussion?

Got a question about kids’ health and wellness?

Send it to ideas@kidsvt.com.

CONCUSSIONS CAN CAUSE lasting damage, and public awareness of that danger is growing. In 2013, former NFL players sued the league for failing to warn them about the risks posed by head injuries sustained while playing the sport. Last spring, the NFL agreed to pay them up to $1 billion dollars. Actor Will Smith stars in a new film called Concussion, opening in December. It’s based on the true story of the physician who identified chronic traumatic encephalopathy — a degenerative disease caused by repeated blows to the head.

It’s most common in professional boxers, football players, hockey players and wrestlers.

This month, as many kids are wrapping up football season and getting ready to hit the slopes to ski or snowboard, Kids VT spoke to Alan Maynard about youth concussions. Maynard isn’t a physician, but he’s a certified athletic trainer, an assistant professor at the University of Vermont’s College of Nursing and Health Sciences and an expert on concussive injuries. He educates coaches and physicians throughout Vermont about when it’s safe for kids to return to school, sports

and other physical activities following a concussion.

KIDS VT: First, what is a concussion?

ALAN MAYNARD: A concussion is a brain injury caused by a fall or blow to the head. We don’t assign them different levels of severity like we used to. They’re all different, like fingerprints, so we have to handle each one individually. As I like to say, “If you’ve seen one concussion, you’ve seen just one concussion.”

Concussions are all different, like fingerprints, so we have to handle each one individually.

KVT: What symptoms should parents watch for if their child has been hit in the head?

AM: Red flags include headaches, dizziness, nausea, lack of concentration, confusion or fogginess, unusual fatigue, irritability and memory loss.

Since kids can have headaches or feel tired for other reasons, a good clinical examination by someone trained in recognizing concussions is critical.

KVT: Are there clear guidelines for how long it takes someone to recover from a concussion?

AM: No. We can’t really set a timeline.

Everybody is different. You may have someone who’s had four concussions, and their symptoms resolve quickly.

You can have someone else who

has their first concussion and their symptoms linger. That seems counterintuitive, but we see cases like that all the time.

KVT: Are we seeing higher rates of concussions since the days when coaches told kids to just “shake it off” and get back into the game?

AM: First of all, we don’t use language like that anymore because concussions are brain injuries. We still run into parents who call them “bell ringers” and say, “Oh, he’ll be just fine.” Well, no, it’s still a brain injury and he might not be fine, so let’s take a closer look.

As far as incident rates go, it’s hard to say whether the uptick we’ve seen is the result of better diagnoses or more concussions. I think coaches, trainers and parents are all learning to be more vigilant about concussions generally.

KVT: Which activities have the highest rates of concussion?

AM: Football certainly hits the mark as one of the more dangerous sports. But right up there — and sometimes surpassing football — is girls’ lacrosse, with a higher incidence of game-related concussions, as well as soccer and cheerleading. In cheerleading, we’ve seen a threefold increase nationally in catastrophic head- and neck-related trauma in the last five years. Concussion can strike anyone, but for reasons we don’t yet

understand, it seems to take girls and young women longer than boys to return to play.

KVT: Do helmets make a significant difference?

AM: Helmets are made to prevent catastrophic skull fractures. But nothing can slow down the brain moving inside the skull, which is what happens with a concussion. So, there’s no such thing as a concussionproof helmet. Certainly, helmets make things safer. But we also know there’s a slight uptick in risky behavior when kids put on a helmet. Some ski mountains now require helmets for skiing and snowboarding, so that’s making people safer, but it’s not eliminating concussions.

KVT: As parents become more educated, is it affecting which activities they allow their kids to engage in?

AM: Overall, I think sports are safer than they’ve ever been, in part because we’re making better choices today. I have a student athlete who’s had multiple concussions and her parents finally said, “She’s just going to play softball from now on.” That never would have happened 10 years ago. Parents are becoming more educated about the risks of concussions and making better choices for their kids, and themselves, and that should pay positive dividends for generations to come. K

Open to all: Primary & Middle Grade Teachers, Early Childhood Teachers, Administrators, Special Educators, Specialists, Parents, etc. Learn more and register at: vthec.org

The Science of Reading: Language, Brains, and Print Wednesday, December 9, Capitol Plaza, Montpelier Presenter: Donna Coach, MEd, Associate Professor of Education, Dartmouth Explore the brain from the perspectives of education, psychology and neuroscience and learn about the remarkable plasticity of the human brain. Educators and students together are literally building brains that can read.

Autism and Coexisting Challenges Friday, December 4, Capitol Plaza, Montpelier Presenter: Teresa Bolick, Ph.D., Psychologist, Board Certified Behavior Analyst and Author Learn about the co-existence of ASD and other disorders and challenges that may not be recognized as separate diagnoses, while focusing on practical assessment and intervention strategies for school, home, and community.

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KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDSVT.COM

Interview compiled and condensed by Ken Picard

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10/28/15 12:36 PM

Q THE ART OF

BY DARCIE ABBEN E

EAT. LEARN. PLAY.

Fabric Upcycling

Sewing Skills

Love the idea of repurposing old fabric but don’t know how to sew?

Think your son or daughter might benefit from lessons? Here are some local shops that offer sewing classes for kids and adults: NIDO 881-0068, nidovt.com 209 College Street, Suite 2E, Burlington SEWING MACHINES AND MORE 622-0770, moresewing.com 542 Route 302, Berlin

STITCHED 878-2290, stitchedvt.com 15 Falls Road, Shelburne THE QUILTERS’ CORNER AT MIDDLEBURY SEW-N-VAC 388-3559, middleburysewnvac.com 1428 Route 7 South, Middlebury A QUILTER’S GARDEN 223-2275, aquiltersgarden.net 342 River Street, Route 302, Montpelier

19

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

KIDS VT

Buffington marveled at the motherson pair’s creativity. “This is awesome,” she said. “This is what makes it worth it.” K

NOVEMBER 2015

“We live in a disposable world,” she said. “If your backpack strap breaks, you should be able to fix it, not just throw it away and get a new one.”

Thirteen-year-old Sasha deviated from the tote-bag project at Buffington’s station after he found a T-shirt emblazoned with a picture of the band One Direction. He quickly set to work cutting out the band members’ faces, then sewing a piece of camouflage fabric underneath to fill the holes. When he completed his alterations, he held up the shirt for his mom to see.

“Cool!” she said, showing him her own creation: a black shirt with a starcovered soccer ball from another shirt sewn on the front. She’d also given it a pocket to hold her cellphone.

SEW-OP AT THE UPPER VALLEY FOOD COOPERATIVE 295-5804, uppervalleyfood.coop/ sew-op/ 193 North Main Street, White River Junction

KIDSVT.COM

Give them the tools and let them go. Let the creative juices flow.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KAREN FREEMAN

WITH ITS ROBOT BATTLES, 3D printers and rocket displays, the Champlain Mini Maker Faire at Shelburne Farms had a decidedly high-tech vibe. But this celebration of innovation in September included at least one low-tech activity — the first-ever “Swap, Stitch, Make.”

It took place in a corner of the Coach Barn, at tables piled high with textiles and lined with sewing machines. Kids and adults practiced upcycling — making useful items out of used fabric. Karen Freeman, a lifelong sewer, organized and presided over the craft area. She said the purpose was twofold: Get more people sewing and teach ways to repurpose textiles to keep them out of landfills.

“Give them the tools and let them go,” she said of the workshop participants as she refolded old T-shirts displayed on a table. “Let the creative juices flow.”

An array of hands-on projects enabled that creativity. At one table, local designer Jennifer Muldoon demonstrated how to make a trivet with ribbon pieces and torn-up strips of old fabric, using a weaving technique called locker hooking. At the booth next to her, Kelly Hickey, who sells her handmade home goods and clothing through her Etsy shop, Edie & Glo, taught kids and adults how to make lavender-filled eye pillows using vintage cloth and a sewing machine.

At a booth sponsored by Vermont creative ways to use, and this has been Teddy Bear Company, 9-year-old a great event,” Shouldice said. “Sewing Miranda traced a giant heart on the is a skill that is dying out, and we back of a large scrap of blue fur, the would love to help keep first step of a pillowmaking project. Her it going.”

Kids made simple 6-year-old brother, tote bags at a booth Liam, traced a rectangle sponsored by Jennifer on brown fur. The Teddy Buffington, owner of the Bear Company’s CEO, Shelburne sewing shop Bill Shouldice, even Stitched. Nine-yeargot in on the action: He old Michaela proudly dusted off his sewingKAREN FREEMAN, displayed a bag with a machine skills to make “SWAP, STITCH, MAKE” ORGANIZER pocket sewn inside that matching heart-shaped she had just fashioned pillows out of white from an old, red T-shirt. fur dotted with hearts “That was easier than I thought!” she for his daughter and her college marveled. roommate.

Sewing isn’t just fun, according to “We have thousands of yards of remnant pieces that we are looking for Buffington, it’s an important life skill.

20

KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDSVT.COM

Better to Give Charitable kids learn life lessons

BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG

H

The Diemer kids

Staying Grounded

KIDS VT

21

BETTER TO GIVE, P. 22 »

NOVEMBER 2015

For Chittenden County mom Jill Diemer, helping people make ends meet is personal. “For a good stretch of my childhood, we would worry about if the heat was going to be paid or if we had enough food,” she says. Her brother wore shoes with holes in them, and one year, Diemer remembers, some teachers got together to buy him a new pair — but told him that they found the shoes, so the family wouldn’t be embarrassed.

That’s why Diemer started volunteering at the Committee on Temporary Shelter’s Phonathon years ago. When she started having babies, she brought them to COTS in their car seats.

Now, Tré, 14, Tyler, 11, and Lili, 9, are old enough to work as runners between the adult volunteers.

At Christmastime, the Diemers adopt a family through Women Helping Battered Women. They ask to be paired with one that has children of similar ages to theirs. The Diemers buy the Christmas presents that their adopted family lists. Each Diemer child takes one list. It’s eye-opening for them to see that the requested items are often practical things rather than toys.

“Many times, they want boots, ski pants, warm mittens, socks,” Diemer says. “So my kids are going, ‘What about all the presents, Mommy? I don’t want to buy her jeans. Can we get her another Barbie doll?’”

Whatever charity work she does — whether it’s donating coats to Spectrum Youth & Family Services, diapers to Joseph’s House or Thanksgiving pies to Sweetwaters — Diemer takes her kids with her. “For my husband and I, we strongly believe that we need to keep our children grounded and not let them forget that there are people that are less fortunate, and bring them to these places so they can see it and they can experience it.”

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ILLUSTRATIONS BY ANDY HOOD

ere’s what the perfect Thanksgiving looks like for Burlington, siblings Gertie and Ira Siegel, 14-year-old Sydney Hicks: who are 11 and 9, have turned down She gets up early, pulls on jeans and a Halloween candy in order to educate T-shirt and heads to Sweetwaters in people about fair-trade chocolate. downtown Burlington. There, she dons These altruistic actions are about an apron and, with her mom and dad, more than just giving back. Parents say helps prep the kitchen, set tables and put they want to keep their kids grounded. out pies for the restaurant’s annual free They want their kids to see and help Thanksgiving community dinner. The people who are less fortunate, and they Shelburne teen has been coming to the want to raise children who are engaged, event since she was a baby. connected and empowered.

At 10 a.m., she watches the doors Research supports the idea that open. “I love seeing all the people who are philanthropic work is good for kids, says excited to get their meals,” she says. She eats, too, between taking orders and serv- Mary Ann Donnelly-DeBay, a clinical and school psychologist for the ing fountain drinks to nearly 1,000 Winooski School District: “It guests. Sydney chats with promotes healthy lifestyle some, respects the privacy and choices, enhances of others, and, when it’s development, teaches over, she wraps up the life skills, improves day at home playing the community and board games. encourages a lifelong “That’s what I, service ethic.” It’s hopefully, plan to do also an antidote every year,” she says, to pessimism and “even when I go to hopelessness. Media college.” inundate us with news For Sydney, volunSydney Hicks of tragedies, Donnellyteer work isn’t a big deal. with her parents DeBay says, and “families “It’s just something that we and children who are actively do,” she says. involved in righting some wrongs, It’s the season of giving and, contributing to their community, have a for many, it’s also the season of giving reason to feel more optimistic.” back. Around Vermont, though, there are Working at Sweetwaters every families who give year-round. They raise Thanksgiving has made Sydney Hicks money and awareness for issues close to appreciate things she might otherwise their hearts. They collect blankets, coats, take for granted: a fridge full of food, a hats, mittens and diapers. They particibed with sheets and a blanket, a house. pate in fundraising walks, bike rides and “And,” she says, “it’s made me actually sleep-outs. And they cook meals, then sit thankful on Thanksgiving.” Her dad, Pat down to eat with homeless people.

Hicks, recalls the year Sydney was 5 and In some cases, kids take the lead. the family ate a catered Thanksgiving Shelburne 9-year-old Lulu Hall has assembled 235 activity kits for kids living dinner in Texas with family. Sydney saw one of her uncles snap his fingers at the in a local shelter. In Fairfax, the kitchen waiter. After that, she said, “Dad, we’re table at Mike and Ashley Ferrone’s never not doing Sweetwaters again.” house is covered with the equipment and Read on to learn how other kids and supplies their 7-year-old daughter, Ella, families give to those in need — and what needs to make buttons to raise money they get in return. for a family friend with ALS. And in

Better to Give

CONTINUED FROM P. 21

Understanding Their Impact

He might need a prompt, but 9-yearold Ira Siegel of Burlington can recite this quote from cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

“It’s the kid’s mantra,” says his mom, Rachel. Granted, Ira and his sister Gertie, 11, have grown up watching activists organize around their kitchen table. Their mom is a former Progressive city councilor and the current executive director of the Peace & Justice Center; their dad, Jules Fishelman, is the director of information services at the nonprofit Vermont Energy Investment Corporation and has volunteered with community gardens, local co-ops and the Burlington Walk-Bike Council.

Marches, rallies, protests and taking the bus to combat climate change are routine for the Siegel kids.

Rachel and Ira Siegel running to raise money for Outright Vermont

Doing ‘A Little Something’

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After visiting family friend Todd Quinn, who has the degenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, Ella Ferrone, then 6, told her parents she felt sad. The Quinns, who have a son two years younger than Ella, didn’t get to do fun things, Ella observed, because all of their money went toward medical expenses. The Fairfax girl told her parents she wanted to help.

She sold lemonade to raise about $150. But she wanted to do more. She thought about it for 10 days and then

announced, “I would like to make buttons.” Since then, the family’s kitchen table has been littered with stickers, stamps, markers, colored pencils, crayons and a button press.

The Ferrones have moved their meals to a counter. In the year that she’s been working, Ella has made nearly 2,000 buttons and raised $4,000.

She is 7 years old.

“I want to give a friend a helping hand … and try to help make a cure for ALS,” she says. Her enterprise, A Little Something, launched via Facebook around Valentine’s Day, and 225 buttons sold in two days. They say things like, “I wheelie like you” and

Selling her wares at the Fairfax Farmers’ Market

Ella making buttons

While Gertie is more comfortable playing a quiet role, Ira is a bootson-the-ground kind of guy. “I really like fundraising,” he says. “I think helping people and animals who can’t help themselves is really important.”

Among his causes: Zoe’s Race, which helps families retrofit their homes to accommodate wheelchairs; the Committee on Temporary Shelter; Outright Vermont; and the Cocoa Campaign. When he and Gertie learned that the cocoa industry often uses child slave labor and contributes to deforestation that threatens the habitats of some monkeys, they turned down chocolate that wasn’t fair trade on Halloween and distributed fact sheets.

Rachel says that having her kids volunteer or raise money is less important to her than having them realize the impact they can have. “I want them to be engaged,” she says. “I want them to see how they contribute to the world.”

“One cute chick.” The price: a small donation.

Buttons have gone to 27 states, Canada, Ireland, India and Dubai.

Sports teams, businesses and charitable groups now ask Ella to make buttons for them to distribute, and Ella’s mom, Ashley, tells them, “We’ll ask Ella and run it by her and get back to you.”

Ella always says yes.

In September, the Quinns used some of the money Ella raised to travel to New York and visit the Statue of Liberty and the Bronx Zoo.

Lulu Hall

Kid to Kid

Nine-year-old Lulu Hall is used to seeing adults who are homeless.

She and her family have been cooking for guests at ANEW Place shelter in Burlington for more than five years. But when she dropped off blankets at a Shelburne family shelter last year, she realized that kids can be homeless, too.

That shelter, Harbor Place, has 41 homeless kids this fall.

Lulu thought they might like something to occupy their time.

So she gathered crayons, coloring books, stuffed animals and books, and made compact activity kits for the shelter to distribute. “We took ideas of what most kids like to do when they’re bored and downsized them,” she says.

Lulu has made 235 kits so far.

Her family solicits donations on Facebook and Front Porch Forum or purchases things at the dollar store, and Lulu sorts items into kits for boys and girls divided by age group: 3 to 7 and 8 to 13.

Sometimes she adds Legos, lip balm and hair ties.

Says her mom, Laura, “We give the kids something to do while the adults figure it all out.”

One Saturday a month, the Hall family also cooks and eats dinner with guests at ANEW Place. “It’s fun,” Lulu says. “You kind of feel like you’re having a big family gathering … and you kind of feel happy for them [later] when you see them in the grocery store and you talk to them and they say that they have their own place now.”

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People doing philanthropic work not only help other people; they help themselves, says clinical and school psychologist Mary Ann DonnellyDeBay. “People who volunteer tend to have higher self-esteem, psychological well-being and happiness,” she says. What’s more, she says, children who serve an hour or more per week are less likely to engage in atrisk behaviors than kids who do not.

Organizations soliciting help via the United Way of Chittenden County list an appropriate minimum age for volunteers.

Fourteen is typical, says United Way coordinator of volunteer mobilization Laurie Dana, though some groups accept younger kids working with an adult. United Way’s website lists volunteer opportunities by categories, including “projects for teens” and “projects for children with an adult.”

Says Dana: “It’s never too soon to let kids know that they can make a difference and help somebody.”

Find more information at unitedwaycc.org.

at 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. at 1 p.m. & 6:00 p.m.

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At age 10, Ella Byers has an impressive résumé of charitable work.

She’s been participating in the Lund fundraising bike ride since she was 4. She has helped deliver diapers to the Dee PT Great Diaper Drive since she was 7. And last year, at age 9, she used her allowance to buy items on Lund’s wish list. She also recruited two cousins and a friend to join her in Spectrum Youth & Family Service’s Sleep Out, an annual fundraiser designed to raise awareness of homelessness.

“It was raining that night,” the Essex Junction girl remembers of the March event. “And the tents were on top of snow.” Her friend’s tent leaked, and the girl and her dad finished the night in their car, but the mission was accomplished. The kids gained a better understanding of what homeless teens go through. “It was heartbreaking to feel what they felt like,” Ella says, “especially in the winter when it’s snowing and it’s freezing and they don’t get to sleep in comfy beds like me and my friends do.”

Ella’s activities give her a sense of power over situations people may feel helpless about, says her mom, Sara.

“And feeling like you can make a difference at this young age means only positive things for our community in the future.” K

10 th Anniversary Performance

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Ella Byers at the Spectrum Sleep Out

Fighting Helplessness

10 th Anniversary Performance

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Field Studies

Crow’s Path headquarters

Nature is the teacher at Burlington’s popular Crow’s Path

BY MOLLY WALSH & PHOTOS BY MATTHEW THORSEN

T

o get to school on Wednesday mornings, Amelia Van Driesche of Burlington must first pass through a rustic driftwood arch she and her classmates call “the portal.”

It isn’t a typical entryway, or a typical school.

Beyond the portal is a 144-acre classroom, consisting of meadows, orchards, woods and shoreline stretching to the promontory of Lone Rock Point overlooking the vast expanse of Lake Champlain.

For one day each week, Amelia and her classmates at the Crow’s Path field school ditch their regular classrooms and roam outside for six hours straight. They make fires with flint and carve spoons using real knives. They track skunks and learn to recognize the hoot of the barred owl.

The technical term for what they are doing is experiential learning. Ask the children what they like about it, and they’ll say the simple pleasure of being outside. All day. Even in February. The best thing about Crow’s Path, says 9-year-old Amelia, is that “we’re allergic to going inside.”

In an age when many schools are flooded with technology, and knowledge is often measured by standardized tests, Crow’s Path takes a different tack, more in line with the “unschooling” movement: It gives kids time and freedom to follow their curiosity in the great outdoors. There are no computers, no tests. One of the biggest curricular goals is fortitude — learning, for example, that if you roll in the snow and get wet, you will be cold for the rest of the day, unless you stand by the fire and let the moisture steam off.

In Vermont, this kind of learning is in demand, in Burlington and beyond (see sidebar, “Flocking Outdoors”).

Despite Crow’s Path’s lack of advertising, the five-year-old, privately run, nonprofit program is remarkably popular. Through word of mouth, it’s grown from five to 75 children, most of them elementary-school kids enrolled in a one-day-a-week field school class during the academic year.

An after-school program for 25 middle schoolers runs a few days a month. Both initiatives include a few overnights in the woods.

Some field-school students are homeschooled, but most attend public school. Their parents have received permission from teachers and

THE CROW’S PATH FOUNDER’S INDIRECT FLIGHT Teage O’Connor’s own childhood and education helped form the philosophy that guides Crow’s Path. Born in Alaska, he spent his earliest years toddling the woods. His dad was a vet, and the family always had a menagerie of animals. When O’Connor was 5, his mom won a prize in a screenwriting contest. The family moved to southern California so she could explore a film career.

When young O’Connor wasn’t riding his bike or playing outside, he dabbled in child acting. He did a few commercials and still ads and was promoted from bit player to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son in the movie Kindergarten Cop. “I spent a day with him and this actress who played his wife,” O’Connor says.

Ultimately, director Ivan Reitman decided the storyline with the son made the movie too long. “It wound up being cut,” says O’Connor, who got snapshots with the hulking Schwarzenegger but no screen time.

When O’Connor was 8, his father died of cancer, leaving his mother to raise him and his sister. He chafed under the rules and ideals at his well-regarded public school.

“I was really frustrated with being told what was important and what I had to learn to be successful.”

The school system failed friends of

his “in terms of developing their own interests,” O’Connor says now.

For all the frustrations, O’Connor was a good enough student to be admitted to the selective University of Chicago.

He studied photography, statistics, computer science and many other things on the way to earning a degree in environmental studies. He moved to Burlington in 2008 to get a master’s degree in the field naturalist program at the University of Vermont.

O’Connor started Crow’s Path by offering a short summer session. Now, in addition to directing the program, he teaches natural history and botany at the University of Vermont and Community College of Vermont.

When he’s not teaching, he’s often running, sometimes barefoot, through Burlington; he logs 100 miles a week.

O’Connor, who is engaged to be married, has no children of his own yet.

O’Connor’s personality is part of what has made Crow’s Path successful, says Jeffrey Hughes, director of the field naturalist program at UVM. “He’s a world-class runner and so [he has] to be pretty competitive,” Hughes says. But O’Connor is competitive with himself. With others, he’s a community builder, his friend says. At Crow’s Path, “he’s a terrific cheerleader for all these kids.”

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with students principals to substitute the other kids there a day in the woods for a a home base, a place of day of classroom instrucsolidity that I think makes tion. The families pay $1,725 for everything else go better.” the year and sometimes jockey to do Crow’s Path founder and director so: This year’s waitlist is 45 children Teage O’Connor, 32, is playful and long. unpretentious. He shows up for field These parents don’t seem worschool on a recent Wednesday mornried about kids missing academics. ing wearing clothes that look like they Amelia’s dad, Jason Van Driesche, says came from Goodwill. Before heading Crow’s Path has made his daughter, into the woods, he adds a necktie a third grader at the Integrated Arts fashioned from grass and twigs and Academy in Burlington, a better a pine-needle crown. He resembles a student. grown-up wood sprite.

He points out that learning-byO’Connor’s appearance is deceivdoing resonates with young children. ing. The Burlington resident, who grew At Crow’s Path, they’re learning up in Alaska and Southern California, natural science in a way “that is going is an overachiever. He has a degree to stick and is going to give them a in environmental studies from the much deeper and more appreciative University of Chicago and a master’s sense of how the natural world works from the field naturalist program at than if they were simply studying it in the University of Vermont. O’Connor the classroom,” he says. is both competitive — a semiAnd, he adds, “the mentoring at professional runner, he placed 10th Crow’s Path is just exceptional. The in the 2015 Vermont City Marathon people who lead it are so good with and 42nd out of 45,000 runners at kids, and they give Amelia and all

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the Chicago Marathon in October — and creative. He starred in his sister Meryl O’Connor’s short film “The Ballad of Finn + Yeti,” which was shown at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival.

O’Connor believes Crow’s Path is popular because families want to give their children an opportunity to soak up nature and “explore their wild self,” he says.

To do that, the kids first have to separate from their daily lives. Before they pass through the portal, they spend 15 minutes running around in a field “to shake off the dust” and get away from the “hustle and bustle,” O’Connor says.

After that, instructor Julie Pacholik gives each of the children a challenge for the day — telling one to do a sketch, another to make up names for plants he doesn’t know. To a little boy who has goldenrod seeds stuck in his hair, she says: “You are actively seeding the forest … I want you to shake your head off. Disperse the seeds as you walk.”

After a five-minute hike, they arrive at their camp.

Crow’s Path operates on the Champlain peninsula known as Rock Point, which is owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont.

Though it’s not affiliated with the diocese, Crow’s Path makes donations to it every year and helps maintain the land, planting new apple trees, fixing foot bridges and maintaining the popular network of trails that wind through the property. One of these leads to the program’s primitive headquarters — a fire pit surrounded by logs where children can sit, with a tarp overhead.

After making a fire using bark and kindling and a little friction, the children sing a song about wanting to be “free like a flower and a bee.”

Then they choose a guild, or activity, that will take them through much of the day. Options include carving wood, making apple cider, taking a “walkabout” or doing a “changing

Passing through the portal

consciousness” exercise that involves making a maze in a field.

That idea is borrowed from ancient monks.

All Crow’s Path staff members have wilderness first-aid training and many have worked in other outdooreducation programs.

The studentteacher ratio is about five to one, which allows teachers to watch carefully when children are learning skills

such as carving.

O’Connor initially wondered if he could teach kids to use knives and hatchets without mishaps. “I was really hesitant at first,” he admits.

Predictably, the children loved the element of danger. Less predictably, they took the safety tips seriously, which O’Connor encouraged by telling them: “I trust you to be careful with this.”

So far there have been no major injuries, or even minor ones, at Crow’s Path, according to O’Connor.

Jeffrey Hughes, director of the field naturalist program at UVM, is O’Connor’s friend and former academic adviser. Hughes suggests that Crow’s Path offers the right balance of freedom and guidance. Kids are encouraged to explore and figure things out on their own, but they aren’t “just running around like crazy chopping off one another’s fingers with an axe,” he says.

Hughes adds, “These days, especially among a lot of the very wellintentioned but maybe over-privileged families, there’s this controlled, protected environment. We shield our kids from things. As a parent myself, I understand wanting to do that. But, gee whiz, it’s OK to get dirty, it’s OK to build a fire, it’s OK to get poison ivy or stung by a bee.”

Back at the fire pit, the children run off with instructors into the woods.

Pacholik leads the walkabout with three girls in second and third grade who want to explore the property.

They start on a shady wood path that runs by a ropes course with wires and swings. Each of them takes a

FLOCKING OUTDOORS Crow’s Path is not the only oneday-a-week field school in the area.

The Forest School in Richmond uses a similar model. So does the EarthWalk Village School in Plainfield, and the ROOTS School in Corinth and Marshfield.

Some private schools, such as those in the Waldorf network, emphasize nature and hands-on skills like carving. So do some homeschooling parents who are inspired by the growing stack of books touting the benefits of outdoor learning. These titles include the recent Home Grown: Adventures in Parenting off the Beaten Path, Unschooling and Reconnecting with the Natural World

by Cabot author Ben Hewitt.

Meanwhile many public schools, including Edmunds Elementary in Burlington, offer field trips that bring kids into nature. And a few public schools are going further.

This year, Shelburne Community School kindergarten teacher Joplin James is spending every Friday outside with his class in a patch of woods near the school. The Forest Fridays program will continue through the winter, just as Crow’s Path does, and he’s already working with families to make sure children will be dressed appropriately.

“I definitely believe there’s no such thing as bad weather; there’s just the wrong clothes,” James says.

So far parents are keen on the pilot program, even though James sees it as somewhat “radical.” The only complaint from parents is that it’s not available to more children, he says. “Kids just don’t have the play time outside like we used to.”

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Michelle Mathias. Under the Common Core national standards, academic demands are increasing, so “parents really have to monitor how their kids are doing in terms of missing whatever academic activities are happening.”

But, she adds about Crow’s Path, “I think it’s a great program.”

Mathias has talked to O’Connor about bringing the Crow’s Path experience to all kids at Edmunds, but for now he doesn’t see a way to make that possible. It tugs at Mathias to see that only some children get the chance to participate. “It’s a little sad for me,” she says. “I think enrichment is great for everybody.”

Back at Crow’s Path in Burlington, young Ruby sums up the experience succinctly. As she puts it: “It’s nice to get away from school and get outside.” K

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turn swinging over a shallow ravine, shrieking with the thrill. They see an earthen tunnel and discuss: Should they venture in? It’s dark and tight inside, Pacholik explains.

Ultimately the girls decide to pass up this adventure and move on toward an opening in the forest, after Pacholik announces, “New land awaits us.” They walk into a meadow filled with goldenrod gently waving its drying, amber tops. In other spots, long grass forms a soft bedding over the ground, and tall pines stand sentry. Crickets make the wistful song of fall.

The girls move slowly, stopping when they want. They tap the poppers off jewelweed and tromp by soft purple wild aster. They grab pods of drying milkweed and pull out the white fluff, blowing it into the air.

They hunker down next to a monarch in the brush and watch it slowly open and close its wings.

The leisurely walk brings the complex details of an ordinary meadow into focus, intensifying its dazzling beauty.

With Pacholik, the children discuss the life cycle of the monarch, the way poison ivy looks in the fall, the fungus on a tree and the reason for a depression in the grass. “It looks like an animal could have slept here,” says Zoe Smith, a Burlington 7-year-old who attends Champlain Elementary School.

At Crow’s Path, Zoe has learned to knit, braid natural fibers, make a fire and carve. “I love it,” she says.

“I like being outside all day.” Ruby Dutcher, also a Champlain Elementary 7-year-old, ticks off her new skills. “I’m learning how to climb, and I’m learning how to find good places with clay. And I’m learning to recognize poison ivy, and I’m learning new animals,” she explains.

The goal is for children to learn to distinguish the features of the natural world. Making things from wood and rock, calling out the names of trees and flowers that serve as landmarks, reading animal tracks, and turning sumac berries into “sumac-ade” are examples of the nature-based learning the program offers.

“There’s never any agenda,” O’Connor says, but kids gain knowledge. “They will sort of pick up on it over time.”

Local public schools seem to be OK with that approach. At Edmunds Elementary School in Burlington, 11 students are participating in Crow’s Path this year.

“This is an individual parent’s choice, of course,” says principal

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Highlights SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

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g n i Kidd nd u o r A

The aquarium’s lawn is converted to a snowy obstacle course where kids ages 3-8 navigate challenges with the help of Smuggs and Burton staffers. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; parking rates apply. Info, 877-324-6386.

When a hitchhiker finds a suitcase by the side of the road, hijinks ensue in FOOLZ JOURNEY, a one-man show full of juggling, storytelling and buffoonery. With experience performing in hundreds of schools, libraries and theaters in the United States and Europe, Michael Zerphy of Hartland, Vt., gets the audience giggling through physical comedy, then grabs a few spectators to help with the show. The comedian “is a clown, but he’s no Bozo,” writes the Boston Globe. “He takes his clowning around very seriously.”

FOOLZ JOURNEY: Saturday, November 21, 11 a.m., at the Hopkins Center for the Arts, Darmouth College, in Hanover, N.H. All ages. Free. Info, (603) 646-2422. hop.dartmouth.edu

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

FARM CRAFT: PAST & PRESENT Families spin wool, dip candles and churn butter while comparing a young person’s life on the farm then and now. Ages 5 and up. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-noon. $10-12 per adult/child pair; $5-6 each additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

WESTFORD TURKEY TROT Families seeking fresh air choose from a 10K or 3K race on rural roads, with hand-painted medals for age-group winners and home-baked treats for sale.

A 100-yard Tot Trot is geared toward the littlest athletes.

Westford School, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $12 for preregistration; $15 on race day. Info, 878-5804.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28

INTERNET CAT VIDEO FESTIVAL These shorts have been carefully selected to help families shake off that extra holiday stuffing with laughter.

Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 2 & 7 p.m. $5-10; 50 percent of proceeds benefit Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society. Info, 382-9222.

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

3 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Baby & Maternity

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

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

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

For moms with infants and early crawlers.

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

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

Food Kids in the Kitchen: Apple Toaster Pastries: Budding bakers discover the sweet secrets of homemade delights. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Games

Family Game Night: Families take over the library’s tabletops for a fun evening. Ages 5 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 6-8 p.m. Free.

Info, 849-2420.

Health & Fitness

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

Library & Books

Movies

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

Info, 388-4097.

Music

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

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

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: Expecting mothers get a ballet-inspired workout. Prenatal Method Studio, Our next Burlington, 5:30-6:30 p.m. $15. issue covers Info, 829-0211.

December and Prenatal Method Prenatal January! Submit Yoga: See November 3, 12:15events for both 1:15 p.m.

months by November 15!

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

Free. Info, 264-5660.

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

4 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

Classes

Baby & Maternity

Education

One-on-One Tutoring: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students school elementary-age kids in reading, math and science. Ages 6-12. Some assistance available for other grades in certain subjects with inquiry. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:308 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Food

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

Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 342-4727.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

pass. Location: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington.

Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily.com, 899-0339 Kids Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian JiuJitsu 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, self respect and helps to instill courage and self confidence. First class is free! Free uniform with first-month 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 Kids Holiday Sewing at nido: Looking for a kids’ class full of creativity, making and fun? nido’s Kids Holiday Sewing Workshops offer beginners the basics of sewing while constructing holiday projects. Learn how to thread/use a sewing machine and create basic stitches. $58, materials included. Ages: 9-13. Sunday, December 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. or Sunday, December 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Info: info@nidovt.com, 881-0068

ECHO Stories & Science: Animals in November: Young listeners learn how our animal neighbors stock up on supplies for the snowy season. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children 2 and under. Info, 864-1848.

5 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

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

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

Info, 865-7166.

Webby’s Art Studio: The museum’s temporary and permanent exhibitions inspire specialized art activities for all ages. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular admission, $7-24; free for children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3.

12:15-1:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 & 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Games

Intro to Minecraft: Teen volunteers teach the basics of this popular game. Minecraft enthusiasts of all abilities encouraged to attend. St. Albans Free Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

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5 THURSDAY, P.30

KIDS VT

Prenatal and Postnatal Yoga Classes at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Have a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for birth with stretching, strengthening and relaxation in prenatal yoga — and then bring your body back to balance and strength in postnatal yoga. Join our community of mothers at any point in your pregnancy, and 6 weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling).

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

Build It!: Junior engineers join construction challenges using popsicle sticks, straws and other materials. Grades 3-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

Creative Writing Club: Young literati let their imaginations loose through prompts, games and other exercises. Ages 9 and up. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, first Wednesday of every month, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

David Macaulay’s ‘Life in the Studio’: The famous illustrator and author discusses his creative process, from his earliest ideas to published work. Unitarian Church of Montpelier, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Discussion: Boundless by Kenneth Opel spurs kid-lit chat.

Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Group for Homeschooled Students: Books nominated for this esteemed award generate group discussion.

Grades 4-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Green Mountain Book Award Activity for Homeschooled Students: High school-homeschoolers meet monthly and film trailers of their favorite literary finds. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Red Clover Group for Homeschooled Students: Budding readers enjoy books and related bibliophile activities. Grades K-3. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Nature & Science

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

EvoKids Yoga at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Have Saturday morning plans? Drop into our EvoKids yoga class for ages 3-7. Your child will learn basic yoga poses through games, song and dance. We will also spend time improving our focus and concentration through mindfulness activities. Let your child spend a Saturday morning finding peace and balance. Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $15/class or $65/5 class Kids Pass. Location: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: evolutionprenatalandfamily.com, 899-0339

Library & Books

KIDSVT.COM NOVEMBER 2015

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.

Hinesburg Crafternoons: Kiddos get creative with themed projects and materials. Ages 8 and up. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 482-2878.

NaNoWriMo Write-In: New novelists pen their prose during National Novel Writing Month. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 6:45-7:45 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0318.

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

Spanish Musical Kids: Niños celebrate Latin American culture through tunes and games en español. Ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Williston Read to a Dog: Pet-loving kiddos peruse books with registered therapy pooches.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

NOV CALENDAR COURTESY OF RIVER OF LIGHT LANTERN PARADE

Shiny, Happy People

5 THURSDAY (CONTINUED)

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Library & Books

The River of Light Lantern Parade is a magical nighttime procession that winds through downtown Waterbury one night in December — this year’s takes place on Saturday, December 5. In preparation for the festivities, three COMMUNITY LANTERN-MAKING WORKSHOPS give participants step-by-step instructions for creating their own glowing works of art from coffee filters, glue and sustainably harvested willow branches. LED lights will be available for purchase on the day of the parade to illuminate the handmade beauties. Organizers expect more than 500 lanterns to join the parade this year, making for a radiant stream of light.

COMMUNITY LANTERN-MAKING WORKSHOPS: Saturday, November 7, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Thatcher Brook Primary School in Waterbury; Saturday, November 14, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Helen Day Art Center in Stowe; Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., at Smilie Memorial School in Bolton.

Recommended for ages 6 and up. Free; donations appreciated. Preregistration required; space is limited. Info, 778-0334 or info@gowrisavoor.com. ariveroflight inwaterbury.wordpress.com

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.

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

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

PJ Story Hour: Sleepyheads get ready for bed, then go to the library for a read-aloud and craft project. Fairfax Community Library, 6-7 p.m.

Free. Info, 849-2420.

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: An attentive canine listens to little people read. All ages.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

6 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Barnes and Noble Maker Faire: Aspiring engineers exhibit their projects. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 3-7 p.m. Free; preregister.

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

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

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

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

KIDSVT.COM

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NOVEMBER 2015

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Mother’s Gathering: Moms and new babies spread out, sip tea, nurse and share stories. Children under age 2. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Free. Info, 223-5302.

Education

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

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

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

Call for specific topics and location. Grades K-8.

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

Fairs & Festivals Jeh Kulu West African Dance & Drum Festival: World-renowned teachers and musicians join Burlington’s Jeh Kulu Dance and Drum Theater for three days of classes and performances.

(See spotlight on page 34.) Burlington City Hall Auditorium. Various prices; visit jehkuluregistration.blogspot.com for details. Info, 859-1802.

Games

Magic: The Gathering: Planeswalkers seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game. New players welcome. Grades 6 and up.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Free.

Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

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

Teen Advisory Board: Young adults aid with the “I moustache you to check out these books” display and celebrate the sweetness of National Bundt Day. Grades 9-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Big Screen Movie: The popcorn’s provided at this family-friendly film night. Colchester Village Meeting House, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Music Burlington 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.

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

Songs and Stories with Matthew: Listeners of all ages applaud tales and tunes. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Theater

Middle School Theater Improv Group: Thespians-in-training create and dramatize scenes together, supervised by playwright Luc Reid.

Grades 4-8. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

7 SATURDAY

Arts & Crafts

Barnes and Noble Maker Faire: See November 6, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Family Clay: Creative kids and their parents make memories firing and glazing special pieces to be picked up later. All ages. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 10 a.m.-noon. $20 per parent-child pair; $5 per additional family member; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

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

Origami Workshop: Paper folders let their imaginations run wild. Children under 8 should be accompanied by an adult. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

River of Light Lantern-Making Workshop: Families craft magical willow-and-tissue-paper lights in preparation for Waterbury’s River of Light Community Lantern Procession. Bring

a bag lunch. Ages 6 and up. Children ages 6-8 must be accompanied by an adult. (See spotlight on page 30.) Thatcher Brook Primary School, Waterbury, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; preregistration required. Info, 778-0334.

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

Webby’s Art Studio: See November 5.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Community

Mother’s Helper Class: Aspiring babysitters learn the basics of child development, safety and hazards, what to do in emergencies and firstaid basics. This is not a babysitter-certification course. Ages 9-12. Milton Town Offices, noon-3 p.m. $15; preregister. Info, 893-4922.

Education

Fall Open House: Teachers and high school students give tours and a presentation at 11 a.m., while younger children enjoy refreshments and activities. Preregister. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 985-2827.

One-on-One Tutoring: See November 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

5 Corners Indoor Farmers Market: The market moves indoors with its local bounty of produce, prepared foods, sweets and treats, crafts and unique gifts. Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 274-6671.

Fall Craft Show: More than 100 vendors lay out their wares, with lunch food and a book/media sale, too. Williston Central School, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 871-6107.

Jeh Kulu West African Dance & Drum Festival: See November 6.

Orchard Valley Holiday Market: This Waldorfinspired bazaar features local honey and foods, pottery, children’s clothing and body care products. Fresh Tracks Farm Vineyard & Winery, Montpelier, 2-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 456-7400.

Ongoing Exhibits ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON Info, 864-1848 Experience Snowboarding: ECHO and Burton team up to display the history of this sport, from the 1970s to today’s latest models. Through November 15.

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, ST. JOHNSBURY Info, 748-2372.

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

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH Info, 649-2200 The Outside Story: Artwork by Adelaide Tyrol: An artist’s close observations, artistic skills and lifelong fascination with the natural world make for stunning illustrations. Through November 29.

Food

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

Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, beef and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of “shop local” options. All ages. Welcome Center, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 592-3088.

7 SATURDAY, P.32

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Playgroups

WEDNESDAY

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.

MONDAY 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 Early Education Program, 9:30-11 a.m.

Free. Info, 383-1226.

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

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

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

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

Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

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

Burlington Playgroup: See Monday.

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

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

Free. Info, 888-3470.

®

Burlington Playgroup: See Monday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 Prenatal and Family Yoga Center, second Thursday of every month, 10:20-11:50 a.m.

Free. Info, 864-9642.

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

Milton Playgroup: See Wednesday.

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

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

Celebrate your Birthday at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory!

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

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NOVEMBER 2015

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

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

Williston Play Time: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m.-noon.

Free. Info, 878-4918.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Young Athletes Special Olympics Program: Rice Memorial High School, 9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 861-0274.

Chocolate-Bar Making: Budding chocolatiers temper and mold the sweet stuff, then create and wrap four goody-filled bars to take home.

Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. South End Kitchen, Burlington, 3-4 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 864-0505.

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

Free. Info, 537-4754.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: Farmers offer produce, meats and maple syrup, which complement baked goods and handcrafted items from local artists. All ages. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 384-7447.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See November 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Games

Chess Club: Teen players teach novices new moves. All ages, but children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Burlington Outdoor Riglet Park: The aquarium’s lawn is converted to a snowy obstacle course where kids ages 3-8 navigate challenges with the help of Smuggs and Burton staffers.

ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; parking rates apply.

Info, 877-324-6386.

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

Library & Books

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

Info, 893-4644.

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

Education

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

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

Vermont Day School Open House: Prospective parents listen to a short presentation by the head of this innovative new school and meet teachers. Vermont Day School, Shelburne, 3 p.m. Free; RSVP. Info, 985-5150.

Nature & Science

Fairs & Festivals

Movies

Bird-Monitoring Walk: Beginning birders embrace ornithology on an identification walk.

All ages. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 8-10 a.m. Donations appreciated.

Info, 434-3068.

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

Hawks, Owls & Falcons: Avian aficionados meet and greet live raptors. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $5-6; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Mad Science Saturday: ECHO educators pull out all the madcap stops in fun-fueled, hands-on experiments. Ages 6 and up. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, noon-12:45 p.m. Free with $10.50-13.50 museum admission; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Take Apart Day: Curious kiddos explore the “guts” of everyday items, from toasters to toys. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

8 SUNDAY

Arts & Crafts

Barnes and Noble Maker Faire: See November 6, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 10-11:30 a.m.

Education

One-on-One Tutoring: See November 4, 5-8 p.m.

Jeh Kulu West African Dance & Drum Festival: See November 6.

Food

Health & Fitness

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

World Run Day: Fleet-footed kids hoof it around Burlington in a one-mile fun run, followed by a 5K at 9:30 a.m. Children under 7 must be accompanied by an adult. Ski Rack, Burlington, 8:45 a.m. Free. Info, 863-8412.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: Families engage in hands-on science experiments and investigations, using wheels, towers, magnets, feathers, water and bubbles. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with museum admission, $11.50-13.50; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5001, ext. 228.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See November 7.

9 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Fitness: Moms and moms-to-be learn parenting, self-care, birthing and recovery skills from local professionals. Babes in arms welcome. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, 6-8 p.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 595-7953.

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

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Open House: Families contribute to the community and receive a complimentary wellness check. Chiropractic For Kids & Adults, Shelburne, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Free; donations accepted for food shelf. Info, 985-9500.

Library & Books

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.

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

Essex LEGO Challenge Club: Kids construct plastic-block creations. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Middle School Planners & Helpers: Students play games and plot cool projects for the library over snacks. Grades 6-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See November 5, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

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.

10 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.

Preschool Art: See November 3.

Baby & Maternity

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

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See November 3.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See November 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Library & Books

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See November 3.

Kids & Families Book Discussion: Intergenerational conversation and a storytelling game center around Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See November 3.

Spanish Musical Kids: See November 3.

10 TUESDAY, P.34

November 27-29 & December 5-6 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

AT S H E L B U R N E MUSEUM

NOVEMBER 2015

Also November 27-29, join us for the museum store sale!

KIDSVT.COM

Celebrate the creative spirit of the holiday season! Ring in the holidays with a visit to our festive trees and holiday villages, participate in art activities, explore the grounds by horse and wagon and view the museum in a new light.

KIDS VT

6000 Shelburne Road Shelburne, Vermont ShelburneMuseum.org

33

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NOV CALENDAR COURTESY OF JEH KULU

Dance Party Is the darkness of November dragging you down? Reenergize with JEH KULU ANNUAL DANCE AND DRUM FESTIVAL. “Jeh kulu” means “community” in Mali’s Bambara language. Founded in 1993, Burlington’s dance and drum theater, made up of more than 20 artists, aims to raise cultural awareness and create a sense of community while honoring the joyous traditions of West Africa.

The three-day festival includes classes and evening performances by local and internationally known teachers from Guinea, Senegal and Mali. Their irresistible rhythms will get you moving.

JEH KULU 21ST ANNUAL DANCE AND DRUM FESTIVAL: Friday through Sunday, November 6-8, at Burlington City Hall. All ages. Info, 859-1802. Kids class on Sunday, November 8, 10-10:45 a.m. Family-friendly evening performance on Saturday, November 7, 8 p.m., at North End Studios in Burlington. jehkulu.org

10 TUESDAY (CONTINUED)

Williston Read to a Dog: See November 3.

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Movies

Library & Books

Youth Media Lab: See November 3.

Music

Preschool Music: See November 3.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See November 3.

11 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

The Art of Identity: See November 4.

KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDSVT.COM

Baby & Maternity

34

Health & Fitness

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See November 4.

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

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

Nature & Science

ECHO Stories & Science: Migration: Little ones learn which birds fly south for the winter and why certain feathered friends remain.

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

Info, 864-1848.

12 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Preschool Art Drop-In: See November 5.

Webby’s Art Studio: See November 5.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 & 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Education

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

Food Kids in the Kitchen: Loaded Baked Potato Soup: Junior chefs whip bacon, cheese and potatoes into a satisfying potage. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: See November 5.

Lego Thursdays: See November 5.

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

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See November 5.

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

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

Info, 524-1507.

Movies

“Most Likely to Succeed”: This feature-length documentary examines the history of education and reappraises our school model in today’s innovative world. Public discussion follows.

Winooski High School, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See November 5.

Nature & Science

Let’s Talk Turkeys: Curious kids find out what gobblers eat for Thanksgiving. Finish up with a trail walk to learn about these wild birds. Ages 3-5. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per adult/child pair; $4 per additional child. Info, 434-3068.

Theater

‘White Christmas’: Set in a picturesque Vermont inn, this WWII-era story celebrates the season’s sweetness through song and dance.

All ages. (See spotlight on page 40.) Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $23-38. Info, 863-5966.

Museum on the Go! 13 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafternoon: Art-minded kids launch into the weekend with creative projects. Grades 4-8.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Family Wheel Drop-In: See November 6.

Baby & Maternity

River of Light Lantern-Making Workshop: See November 7.

Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; preregistration required. Info, 253-8358.

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at Saturday Kids Drop-In Craft uvmhealth.org..

Class: See November 7.

Thanksgiving Craft: The library’s activity room bustles with holiday handcrafts. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Webby’s Art Studio: See November 5.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Mother’s Gathering: See November 6.

Education

Early Bird Math: See November 6.

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

ThinkSafe for Kids: This fun and informative evening instructs kids about stranger danger in a non-frightening way. Ages 4-6 5:30 p.m.; ages 7-13 6:30 p.m. Martial Way, Milton, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4922.

Games

Dungeons & Dragons: Players embark on imaginary adventures, equipped with their problem-solving skills. Grades 6 and up.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8:30 p.m.

Free. Info, 878-6956.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Library & Books

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

Rhythm & Movement Toddler Time & Story Time: See November 6.

Music

Burlington Music With Robert: See November 6.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See November 6.

Theater

‘White Christmas’: See November 12.

14 SATURDAY

Our Educators will come to you!

Perfect winter programing for schools, clubs, homeschool groups, & anyone who loves to learn!

History, Music, Ecology, & More!

Dance Apparel & Footwear

Dance

Family Contradance: Families swing to music by the Woodbury Strings Band Lab with various callers. All ages. The Schoolhouse Learning Center, South Burlington, 3-5 p.m. $8 suggested donation; $15 per family; free for children under 12. Info, 223-8945.

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Education

One-on-One Tutoring: See November 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Vermont Autism Task Force ‘Workshop Day’: Attendees participate in workshops focusing on practical strategies and daily tips for living with autism. Bring your own lunch. First Presbyterian Church, Barre, 9 a.m.-3:15 p.m. $15-30; preregister.

Fairs & Festivals

5 Corners Indoor Farmers Market: See November 7.

Fall Into Winter Fair: Live music, outdoor games, puppet shows, a book sale and a visit from Father Winter and Jack Frost are highlights of this Waldorf-sponsored event celebrating the change of seasons. All ages. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; fee for some activities. Info, 456-7400.

Mercy Bazaar: This holiday sale features canned goods prepared by the Sisters and Mercy Associates, plus household items, books, fudge, toys and holiday decorations. Mater Christi School, Burlington, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

Info, 863-6835.

Food

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

Written an opera? Raised a bunch of money for a great cause? Tell us more! He or she could be featured as One to Watch in an upcoming issue of Kids VT. Visit Kidsvt.com to tell us about this local superhero.

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See November 7.

Chocolate-Bar Making: See November 7.

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See November 7.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See November 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See November 7.

Family Movement: Parents, grandparents and children come together for yoga, dance and creative play. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 10-11 a.m. $10 per parent-child pair; $5 per additional family member; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

NOVEMBER 2015 KIDS VT

Comics and Cartoons: Kiddos learn professional techniques to make their own strips and characters come alive. BCA Center, Burlington, 1:30-3:30 p.m. $22.50-25; preregister. Info, 865-7166.

Farm Craft: Past & Present: Families spin wool, dip candles and churn butter while comparing a young person’s life on the farm then and now. Ages 5 and up. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-noon. $10-12 per adult/child pair; $5-6 each additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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NOV CALENDAR

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16 MONDAY

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

Info, 868-3970.

Baby & Maternity

Library & Books

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New Associates

14 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)

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American Girl Tea Party: Little ladies and their dolls sit down for an afternoon cuppa with treats, historical games and snacks. Ages 8-12 accompanied by an adult. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

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

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

Author & Illustrator David Macaulay: The well-known creator of The Way Things Work reads and signs copies of his latest book, How Machines Work: Zoo Break! Norwich Bookstore, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1114.

Drop-In Saturday Storytime: See November 7.

Russian Playgroup: Little rompers enjoy music, puppets and a snack. Non-Russian speakers welcome. Ages birth to 5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Second Saturdays: This child-friendly afternoon, a collaboration between the Norwich Public Library and the Norwich Bookstore, celebrates reading with different activities.

Check norwichlibrary.org for location. Norwich Public Library, 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

Waterbury Musical Story Hour: Lesley Grant entertains wee ones. Ages 18 months to 5 years.

Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Nature & Science Discover the Brain: A Day of Neuroscience for High School Students: Teens explore hands-on brain anatomy and nervous system physiology demonstrations, in this day devoted to the relationship between movement, nutrition and mental health. Middlebury College, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; preregister.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See November 7.

Theater

‘White Christmas’: See November 12, 2 & 7:30 p.m.

15 SUNDAY

KIDSVT.COM

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Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 10-11:30 a.m.

Follow us on Instagram

NOVEMBER 2015

Baby & Maternity

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 8.

Nature & Science

@kids_vt

Discovery Sundays: See November 8.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See November 7.

KIDS VT

Theater

36

‘White Christmas’: See November 12, 2 p.m.

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Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

One-on-One Tutoring: See November 4, 5-8 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See November 9.

Burlington Stories With Megan: See November 9.

Essex LEGO Challenge Club: See November 9.

Milton Legos at the Library: Kids construct creatively with colored blocks. Grades K-5.

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

Pajama Story Time: Flannel-clad kiddos bring their stuffed pals for seasonal tales, crafts and a bedtime snack. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

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

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See November 5, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See November 9.

17 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Creative Tuesdays: See November 10.

Preschool Art: See November 3.

Baby & Maternity

Breastfeeding Cafe: Moms nurse their babies, chat and pose questions to a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, supportive dads and older siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 349-3825.

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See November 3.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See November 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3.

Education

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

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

Visit our website for our

Health & Fitness

2015-2016 Class Schedule

Movies

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

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

Info, 426-3581.

Library & Books

See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at Gaming For Teens & Adults: uvmhealth.org..

See November 3.

Nature & Science Read to Daisy the Therapy ECHO Stories & Science: HiberDog: See November 3. nation: Little listeners learn why Spanish Musical Kids: See November 3. some creatures cozy up for a long winter’s nap Williston Read to a Dog: See November 3. while others enjoy the snowy months. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, BurlingMovies ton, 10:30 a.m. Free with museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3. Info, Youth Media Lab: See November 3.

864-1848.

Music

Preschool Music: See November 3.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See November 3.

18 WEDNESDAY

All Ages…All Levels

Parenting

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

Arts & Crafts

19 THURSDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

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

Maker Space Workshop: Hands-on experimenting entertains entrepreneurial engineers.

Ages 11 and up. Milton Public Library, 6-8 p.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Preschool Art Drop-In: See November 5.

Webby’s Art Studio: See November 5.

Education

Baby & Maternity

The Art of Identity: See November 4.

Geographic Information Systems Day: Youth dive into geography and learn how to tell a tale with maps. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

History for Homeschoolers: See November 12.

One-on-One Tutoring: See November 4.

Food Kids in the Kitchen: Sloppy Joe, Sloppy Sloppy Joe Yeah!: Kiddo chefs prepare and serve up this classic American sandwich with lots of sauce and extra napkins. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per child; free for accompanying adult; preregister.

Info, 863-2569.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See November 4.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Call now for information and reserve a spot in our Fall Classes!

Arts & Crafts

Classes offered in Colchester (NEW LOCATION) & Middlebury

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

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Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 & 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Library & Books

Colchester Lego Club: See November 5.

Lego Thursdays: See November 5.

NaNoWriMo Write-In: See November 3.

PJ Story Hour: Tykes in nightwear nestle together for nursery rhymes, snacks and crafts.

St. Albans Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See November 5.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See November 5.

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Do you find yourself saying, “keep trying” or “you’ll get it eventually”?

Has homework time taken over family time?

Sometimes reevaluating the situation and receiving assistance can be a life changer for your child. We offer support in reading, writing, and math that is provided by an experienced and knowledgeable instructor.

Stern Center for Language and Learning 802-878-2332 | www.sterncenter.org Untitled-4 1

10/27/15 1:55 PM

CHCB welcomes our new Pediatrician Terry Hetzler, MD.

Theater

‘Suessical’: Well-loved Dr. Seuss stories get a musical makeover by Burlington High School Drama in this retelling of classic children’s stories. Pre-show Paloozical party begins at 12 p.m. before the matinee; $5 per child; free for accompanying adult. Burlington High School, 7-9:30 p.m. $8-12. Info, 850-727-3788.

NOVEMBER 2015

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

Now accepting patients ages 0-13.

For an appointment, call 864-6309.

KIDS VT

Baby Charms: Non-walking infants sing silly songs, dance and make music with Miss Susan.

South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

Build It!: See November 4.

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

STEM Club: Maker kids investigate magnetism and build an electric buzzer. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.

Did you enjoy watching Riverdance?

Why not learn some of the steps!

KIDSVT.COM

Library & Books

Vermont’s only certified

Irish Dance School!

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

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20 FRIDAY, P.39

Medicare, Medicaid and All Major Insurance Plans Accepted 9/25/15 10:22 AM

Story Times

NOV CALENDAR

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Winter is Coming!

Onion River Kids and get great deals on infant, toddler and youth outerwear, boots, hats, gloves and mittens!

7 Langdon Street Montpelier, VT www.onionriverkids.com 802-223-6025

38

KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDSVT.COM

Stop down to

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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.

MONDAY

THURSDAY

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

Info, 476-7550.

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

Info, 453-2366.

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

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

Highgate Cruisers’ & Crawlers’ Stay & Play: Highgate Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Hyde Park Story Time: Lanpher Memorial Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 888-4628.

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

Northfield Children’s Story Time: Brown Public Library, Thursdays, 10-11 a.m. Free.

Info, 485-4621.

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

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

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

St. Albans Story Hour: St. Albans Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

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

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

Bristol Story Time: See Monday.

Colchester Preschool Story Time: See Monday.

Franklin Story Time: Haston Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Northfield Children’s Story Time: See Monday.

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

Shelburne Musical Story Time: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday.

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

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

TUESDAY Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077.

Barre Children’s Story Hour: See Monday.

Brownell Baby & Toddler Story Time: Brownell Library, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956.

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

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

Craftsbury Story Time: Craftsbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 586-9683.

East Barre Story Time: East Barre Branch Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118.

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

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

Hinesburg Youngsters Story Time:

FRIDAY Carpenter-Carse Library, 9:30-10 a.m. Free.

Info, 482-2878.

Milton Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

Montpelier Story Time: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-3338.

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

Free. Info, 652-7080.

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

Winooski Pajama Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free.

Info, 457-2295.

WEDNESDAY Barnes & Noble Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

Brownell Story Time for 3- to 5-Year-Olds: See Tuesday.

Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday.

Hyde Park Story Time: See Monday. 10 a.m.

Johnson Story Time: Johnson Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 635-7141.

Marshfield Story & Activity Time: Jaquith Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Norwich Story Time: Norwich Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.

Quechee Story Time: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 295-1232.

Randolph Morning Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073.

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

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

Free. Info, 652-7080.

Stowe Story Hour: Stowe Free Library, 10:1511:15 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

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

Info, 595-2582.

Brandon Preschool Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, first Friday of every month, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Craftsbury Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

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

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

Huntington Story Time: Huntington Public Library, 10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 434-4583.

Lincoln Toddler/Preschool Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

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

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

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

SATURDAY Barnes & Noble Saturday Morning Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001.

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

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

Colchester Saturday Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

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

Franklin Walk-in Story Hour: Haston Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.

Stories & Songs: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Swanton Storytime: See Wednesday.

10:30 a.m.

20 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Family Wheel Drop-In: See November 6.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Mother’s Gathering: See November 6.

New Mothers Tea: New moms and little ones socialize and sip tea. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 829-0211.

Education

Early Bird Math: See November 6.

Games

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

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

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Library & Books

Jiggity Jog: A musical meet-up with Miss Susan includes singing, dancing and instrument playing. Ages 2-6. South Burlington Community Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

Native Storytelling: Arthur Blackhawk tells traditional, drumming and original tales.

Grades 1-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Rhythm & Movement Toddler Time & Story Time: See November 6.

Music Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See November 6.

Songs and Stories with Matthew: See November 6.

Nature & Science

Spectacular community!

Theater

21 SATURDAY

Kids VT is partnering with the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf to collect food for those in need this holiday season.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Want to help out?

Drop off non-perishable, boxed and canned foods at Cheese & Wine Traders on Williston Road in South Burlington on

Community

Free Winter Clothing: Clean winter clothing in good condition changes owners. Donations of clothing accepted at the Jaquith Library on November 19 and 20. Old Schoolhouse Common Gazebo, Marshfield, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free.

Info, 426-3581.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7, FROM NOON-3 P.M.

Education

One-on-One Tutoring: See November 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

e donat o h w All ea eceiv will r

Fairs & Festivals

FF O % 10 n from

5 Corners Indoor Farmers Market: See November 7.

Highgate Elementary Fall Craft Show: Handmade items and delicious baked goods delight seasonal shoppers. Highgate Elementary School, Highgate Center, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Free.

Info, 868-3970.

o coup & Wine se Chee ders!

Tra

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See November 7.

Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: See November 7, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Capital City Thanksgiving Farmers Market: More than 50 farmers, food producers and craftspeople offer root veggies, honey, maple syrup at this off-season celebration of locavorism. All ages. Montpelier High School, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.

Chocolate-Bar Making: See November 7.

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See November 7.

Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See November 7.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See November 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Games

WE’RE COLLECTING: •

CANNED MEATS, FISH, FRUIT, SOUP, CHILI AND VEGETABLES

•

BOXED CEREAL, RICE, PASTA AND MEALS

•

SHELF-STABLE JUICE

•

KID-FRIENDLY SNACKS

•

PEANUT BUTTER

•

PASTA SAUCE

Berlin Fall Scholastic Chess Tournament: Checkmate! Players of all abilities sit down for a strategy game, focusing on fun and sportsmanship. Grades K-12. Berlin Elementary School, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $8; $15 per family; free to spectate. Info, 223-1948.

Essex International Games Day: Girls and

KIDS VT

39

Animal Origami: Aspiring artists create animals through paperfolding. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 1-4:30 p.m. $30 per adult/child pair; $10 each additional child. Info, 253-8358.

Family Art: Kids and caregivers dive into a

FOR YOUR

NOVEMBER 2015

Middle School Theater Improv Group: See November 6.

Suessical: See November 19.

variety of materials to create unique masterpieces. All ages.

ArtisTree Community Arts Center, South Pomfret, 10 a.m.-noon. $20 per parent-child pair; $5 per additional family member; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Milton Artists’ Guild Craft Demos: Creative handcrafters take over the bookstore and do demos, read books and wrap gifts. Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Free.

Info, 318-3682.

River of Light Lantern-Making Workshop: See November 7. Smilie Memorial School, Bolton, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free; preregistration required. Info, 778-0334.

Saturday Kids Drop-In Craft Class: See November 7.

Webby’s Art Studio: See November 5.

KIDSVT.COM

Montshire Unleashed: An Evening for Adults: The museum opens its doors after hours so grown-ups can let their inner curiosity run wild. Beer and wine available for purchase.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6-9 p.m. $14 museum admission; free for members.

Info, 649-2200.

Arts & Crafts

DO SOMETHING

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

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10/29/15 2:48 PM

NOV CALENDAR

STAY WARM IN STYLE WITH 100% MERINO WOOL

Staging the Season

ABLE RENEW & LE INAB SUSTA

Lyric Theatre’s annual production of WHITE CHRISTMAS brings to life Irving Berlin’s classic Christmas tale in all its grandeur, complete with a live orchestra and dozens of dancers.

The musical, based on the classic film, is set just after World War II. It tells the story of two army vets and showbiz buddies who meet a pair of talented sisters at a nightclub, then put on a show in a picturesque Vermont inn run by their former general. Shelburne sixth-grader Briege Riley, who plays the general’s granddaughter, Susan Waverly, says the show’s cast has become like a big family. Her favorite part of the experience? “Christmas is so happy and bubbly,” she says, and rehearsing and acting in the show is like “having three months of Christmas.”

HANDMADE IN D NEW ZEALAN

100% NATURAL

20 CHURCH STREET BURLINGTON 802.489.5993

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10/28/15 2:03 PM

Planning a kids event?

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

21 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)

Essex International Games Day: Girls and boys get groovin’ with games galore. Pizza and popcorn provided. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0318.

Hardwick International Games Day: The library’s tables turn over to players and their pieces. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

Milton International Games Day: Boards and boxes come out of the library’s closet for this worldwide event. Pizza and prizes are prominent, too. Ages 6 and up. Milton Public Library, 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Williston International Games Day: Drop-In Games: Players pull out the library’s collection or bring their own favorites. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

Info, 878-4918.

Health & Fitness

calendar

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See November 7.

Westford Turkey Trot: Families seeking fresh air choose from a 10K or 3K race on rural roads, with hand-painted medals for age-group winners and home-baked treats for sale. A 100-yard Tot Trot is geared toward the littlest athletes.

40

KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

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

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WHITE CHRISTMAS: Thursday and Friday, November 12-13, 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 14, 2 & 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, November 15, 2 p.m., at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington. All ages. $23-38. Info, 863-5966. flynntix.org

3/25/11 8:24 AM

Westford School, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. $12 for preregistration; $15 on race day. Info, 878-5804.

Library & Books

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

Drop-In Saturday Storytime: See November 7.

Fairfax International Games Day: Tabletop amusement takes over for participants of all ages. Fairfax Community Library, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Free. Info, 849-2420.

Milton Therapy Dog Visit: See November 7.

Nature & Science Aiken K-12 Maker Faire & TASC Challenge: Junior engineers exhibit their work. Middle and high school students demonstrate their savvy solutions to a physics problem. (See spotlight on page 42.) UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; preregister.

Conserve Vermont, Conserve the World: Love Without Borders: The University of Vermont’s Animal and Veterinary Science students share stories and interactive exhibits about animals who need human help the most. ECHO Leahy

Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with museum admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 2. Info, 864-1848.

Falcon Appreciation Day: Visitors get up-close and personal with these fighters of the avian world. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free with museum admission $11.50-13.50; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5000.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See November 7.

Theater

Michael Zerphy ‘Foolz Journey’: This physical comedian asks for audience assistance with this topsy-turvy acrobatic story. Ages 3 and up. (See spotlight on page 28.) Hopkins Center for the Arts, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H., 11 a.m.

Free. Info, 603-646-2422.

Suessical: See November 19, 2 & 7-9:30 p.m.

22 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

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

Games

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 10-11:30 a.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 8.

Vermont Skating Academy

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

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See November 8.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See November 7.

Minecraft at the Library: Gaming enthusiasts gear up with crafts and refreshments, too. Grades 4 & 5. Milton Public Library, 1-3 p.m.

Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Library & Books

Knitting for Kids: Novices learn how to knit a hat on the library’s looms. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6955.

Gaming For Teens & Adults: See November 3.

Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See November 3.

Turkey Time: Young bibliophiles belly up to a buffet of stickers, glitter, ribbon, confetti and paper to create a holiday decoration. Age 3 and up. South Burlington Community Library, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Baby & Maternity

Movies

23 MONDAY

Arts & Crafts

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

One-on-One Tutoring: See November 4, 5-8 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See November 9.

Burlington Stories With Megan: See November 9.

Essex LEGO Challenge Club: See November 9.

Time Travel Thanksgiving: Young historians take a virtual field trip to Plimoth Plantation and play pilgrim games. Ages 5 and up. South Burlington Community Library, 10 a.m. Free.

Info, 652-7076.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See November 5, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See November 9.

24 TUESDAY Preschool Art: See November 3.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See November 3.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3.

Montpelier Postnatal Yoga: See November 3.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES

AIKEN K-12 MAKER FAIRE & TASC CHALLENGE

Youth Media Lab: See November 3.

25 WEDNESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Our programs are open to children of all ages.

Registration Schedule: Wednesday, Dec. 16 6:00-7:00 p.m.

11 Week Session

Children’s Lessons

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.

Preschool Music: See November 3.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See November 3.

Skating Director, Jillian Frascoia

Wed., Thur. & Fri. Adult Lessons, Sun. 5:45 - 6:45 pm Ice skate rentals available

Saturday, Nov. 21, at UVM’s Davis Center

878-1394

essexrink.com

MAKE, create, think and play Real Science.

at the first Aiken

K-12 Maker Faire and TASC Challeenge k8v-VTSkating1115.indd 1

The Art of Identity: See November 4.

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 5:45-7:15 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Food

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See November 4.

10/28/15 3:01 PM

AL FUN! E R

Free admission for the whole family!

Visit

Games

Montshire Museum

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

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

• 135+ Hands-on Exhibits • Daily Activities • Visiting Exhibitions • David Goudy Science Park • Nature Trails • Live animals & aquariums • Museum Store • Free parking

Movies

Movie Matinee: See November 7.

26 THURSDAY

$2 Off Admission! When you subscribe to Montshire’s eNews at montshire.org.

Happy Thanksgiving!

OPEN DAILY 10-5

Health & Fitness

Museum of Science

27 FRIDAY, P.42

CMF-055-15; K12 Maker Faire; Kids VT; 4C; 2.3” x 11.25” Untitled-6 1 10/27/15

2:05 PM

41

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

KIDS VT

Montshire

UVM.edu/ K12MakerFaire

Thanksgiving Turkey Skate: Kids of all ages work up an appetite by whizzing and whirling on ice. Stowe Arena, 10 a.m.-noon. $5. Info, 253-6138.

KIDSVT.COMNOVEMBER AUGUST 2015 2011 KIDSVT.COM

Arts & Crafts

A Basic Skills Skating Badge Program at the Essex Skating Facility

Health & Fitness

NOV CALENDAR COURTESY OF AIKEN K-12 MAKER FAIRE

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See November 7.

Theater

Internet Cat Video Festival: These carefully selected shorts help families shake off that extra holiday stuffing with laughter. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 2 & 7 p.m. $5-10; 50 percent of proceeds benefit Homeward Bound, Addison County’s Humane Society. Info, 382-9222.

29 SUNDAY

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:30 p.m.

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 10-11:30 a.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 8.

Holidays

Deck the Halls: See November 27.

Nature & Science

Discovery Sundays: See November 8.

Full Dome Planetarium Movie: See November 7.

30 MONDAY

Full STEM Ahead

28 SATURDAY

Maker Faires are the modern incarnation of the good old-fashioned science fair. The AIKEN K-12 MAKER FAIRE, Vermont’s first such event aimed specifically at school-age students, showcases the smarts of creative kiddos from across the state. Participants are invited to present projects related to engineering, music, science and technology. Teacher-led workshops provide additional enrichment. So does the TASC CHALLENGE, which unites middle and high school students in teams of two to six — with an adult coach — to design a solution to a problem using engineering principles. This year’s challenge involves using a robot to move tennis, golf and lacrosse balls toward different targets.

AIKEN K-12 MAKER FAIRE AND TASC CHALLENGE: Saturday, November 21, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Davis Center, University of Vermont. Free. Email info@champlainmakerfaire.com for more information. uvm.edu/~cems/tasc

Arts & Crafts

Saturday Kids Drop-In Craft Class: See November 7.

Baby & Maternity

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Food

Chocolate-Bar Making: See November 7.

Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See November 7.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See November 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See November 7.

Holidays Holidays

27 FRIDAY

42

KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDSVT.COM

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

Mother’s Gathering: See November 6.

Education

Early Bird Math: See November 6.

Food

Chocolate-Bar Making: See November 7.

Deck the Halls: Visitors view the museum’s decorations, participate in art activities and explore the grounds by horse and wagon. Local musicians add joyous sounds to the festivities.

Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Regular winter museum admission, $5-8; free for children under 5 and members. Info, 985-3346.

Library & Books Rhythm & Movement Toddler Time & Story Time: See November 6.

Music Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See November 6.

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

Deck the Halls: See November 27.

Library & Books

Colchester Read to Hank the Therapy Dog: See November 14.

Drop-In Saturday Storytime: See November 7.

Tomie dePaola: Annual Thanksgiving Signing: This beloved children’s author and illustrator chats with children (and grown-ups, too) while autographing books. Norwich Bookstore, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 649-1114.

Nature & Science

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

Baby & Maternity

Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 5:45-7 p.m.

Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Barre: See November 4.

Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See November 3, 12:15-1:15 p.m.

Education

One-on-One Tutoring: See November 4, 5-8 p.m.

Games

Lego Day: Amateur architects snap together buildings of their own design. Grades K and up. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister.

Info, 878-4918.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See November 3, 11 a.m.-noon.

Library & Books

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See November 9.

Essex LEGO Challenge Club: See November 9.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See November 5, 11 a.m.

Nature & Science

Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See November 9.

JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR

Q HABITAT B Y DARC IE AB B E N E

Funky Purple Playhouse TWINS MATILDA AND TALLULAH Macdonald were perplexed when they arrived at their home in Stowe this past summer and discovered a small purple dwelling outside. “Whose house is in our yard?” they wondered.

The playhouse, which had been delivered earlier that day, was a surprise fourth birthday present from Oma — their grandmother, Peggy Smith.

Smith co-owns Smith Macdonald Real Estate Group with her son McKee Macdonald, the girls’ father; she recently sold a house to local designer and builder James Westermann. After learning that Westermann had created some unconventional chicken coops and sculptures, she commissioned him to make a playhouse for her granddaughters that was “funky and purple.”

The brightly painted shed is anything but traditional. The open windows tip toward each other; a slightly tilted cupola juts out from the roof.

Parents: McKee and Jen Macdonald Daughters: Matilda and Tallulah, both 4

The hand-carved wooden knob on the split front door opens into a space big enough for a grown-up to stand in. A little roof overhanging the front door is connected to a small front porch by two columns made of birch trees so freshly cut that one sprouted a stem

over the summer.

When the girls’ dad was growing up, he helped his father and godfather build an elaborate treehouse from discarded items and salvage-yard treasures. The house had real windows and an old steel staircase. “I guess this is just Oma’s way of extending that tradition,” he says. “Kind of her way of reliving my childhood through my daughters.”

Matilda’s favorite thing about the playhouse? It’s from her Oma. K

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“Habitat” celebrates places where Vermont families live and play. Got a sweet space you’d like us to see? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

KIDS VT

• Macdonald plans to install Plexiglas windows soon.

The girls look forward to painting the playhouse’s interior walls next summer.

NOVEMBER 2015

• A ladder with a railing leads up to the cupola, where kids can take a peek out of a pair of windows.

• Two pink plastic Adirondack chairs and a pumpkin on the porch add to the tiny-house vibe.

KIDSVT.COM

• The 8-by-10-foot interior is outfitted with a small table and chairs, a bright rug and a bed for the family’s pup, Diego.

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Breakfast with

SANTA

• Creating Christmas Cards FREE ACTIVITIES! and Ornaments ta • Pictures with San Write a Letter to Santa • ing orat Dec kie • Coo Storytelling with Mrs. Claus • • Manicures • Face Painting

In The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant, a visit from family from Virginia means lots of hugging, eating and laughing — not to mention cramped sleeping arrangements.

What activities do you like to do when you get together with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins? Draw a picture of your favorite thing to do when relatives visit, then write a couple of sentences about your illustration.

All proceeds go to benefit Joseph’s House Emergency Outreach Center

Saturday, December 5th 8:30am, 10:30am Breakfast $15/person (Children 1 & under are free) St. John Vianny Community Center, South Burlington Register online at www.josephshousevt.org or call 951-4290 K8h-JosephsHouse1115.indd 1

10/7/15 11:25 AM

We know you’ve got your hands full.

_______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

We’ll pick the four most creative entries and publish one of them in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is November 15.

Wee-Mail sponsored by:

Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Book Review, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

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

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

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New Books, Used Books, Remainders at GREAT PRICES!

Name ________________________________ Age __________________________________ Town ________________________________ Email ________________________________ Phone ________________________________

14 Church Street Burlington crowbooks.com 862-0848

ANSWERS P.47

PUZZLE PAGE Jumble

Birthday Club These winners get gift certificates to:

BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK

The letters of these crazy words are all mixed up. To play the game, put them back into the right order so that they make real words you can find in your dictionary. Write the letters of each real word under each crazy word, but only one letter to a square.

Congratulations KAT lives in Colchester and turns 8 on November 24. She loves to dance, sing and dress up like the Disney princesses. She also enjoys going to Lake Monsters games and Skateland, bowling, and playing mini-golf.

Kat wins a birthday-party package for up to 10 kids.

You are now ready to solve this month’s Jumble For Kids. Study the picture for a hint. Then play around with the letters in the circles. You’ll find you can put them in order so that they make your funny answer.

Join the Club!

To enter, submit information using the online form at kidsvt.com/birthday-club.

Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.

Print your answer here:

Joyce, Emmett and Felicity each win a player’s pass.

JOYCE lives in Lincoln and turned 11

Maze

on November 1. She enjoys swimming in the river and joined a swim team this fall. She has three nephews.

Puzzles4Kids

EMMETT lives in St. Albans and turns

3 on November 14. He enjoys cooking with his dad, traveling, reading books and jumping in muddy puddles. He also loves to sing songs from the musical Newsies with his sister, Lucy.

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1205 Airport Pky • So. Burlington (802) 862-7888

KIDS VT

FELICITY lives in South Burlington and turns 5 on November 30. Her favorite activities are making art, singing, dancing, gymnastics and snowboarding.

She loves her dog, Oscar.

MINI-GOLF • GIANT PLAY STRUCTURE PIZZA • CAKES • LASER TAG ARCADE • BATTING CAGES BIRTHDAY CROWN OR TIARA

NOVEMBER 2015

Riddle Answer:

More to do under one roof than anywhere in VT!

KIDSVT.COM

Search up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Read from left to right, top to bottom, to answer this riddle: What is a vampire’s favorite fruit?

MELON PERSIMMON PINEAPPLE PLUM SATSUMA SLOE SWEETSOP TAMARIND TANGELO

VT’S BIRTHDAY CAPITAL

BY HELENA HOVANEC

Riddle Search — Exotic Fruits

ACKEE CHERIMOYA FIG GUAVA JUJUBE LIME LYCHEE MADRONO MANGO

to our November Birthday Club winners!

COLORING CONTEST! Three winners will each receive a one-day pass to Petra Cliffs.

Send Kids VT your work of art by November 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the December/January issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com, or mail a copy to Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

HANDS ON Title _______________________________________________ Artist _____________________________________________ Age _______________________________________________ Town _____________________________________________ Email _____________________________________________

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KIDS VT

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDSVT.COM

Phone _____________________________________________

✱ USE YOUR WORDS B Y J E N NIFE R L ANE

Into the Woods

A mother and her teenage daughter bond on the Long Trail

PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS

NOVEMBER 2015

KIDS VT

47

JUMBLES TAG. DUNK. FEED. HUSH.

“Use Your Words” is a monthly essay in which writers reflect on parenting and childhood. Got a story to share?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

calendar

RIDDLE ANSWER: What do you have if you have five apples in one hand and five in the other? — HUGE HANDS

We talked about books, friends, politics, her perceptions of me and my perceptions of her.

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I’ve noticed how happy and carefree she is in the woods. I’d always thought about doing a long-distance hike with her. In the summer of 2014, when Abby was 12, I finally asked her if she’d like to hike the Long Trail with me.

She responded with typical preteen nonchalance: “Cool.

When do we do it?”

I knew I had to act fast or my budding teenager might decide she didn’t want to spend that much time with her mom in the middle of the woods.

Although our family had camped and hiked regularly over the years, backpacking was relatively new to me. In the months leading up to the hike, I watched online videos of Long Trail thru-hiker panel discussions and took pages of notes. I spent hours combing through blogs and asked veteran hikers for their advice.

Abby had excellent stamina on shorter hikes we’d done as a family, so I set an ambitious goal of completing the 273-mile trail in 24 days, with no days off. I refined our itinerary using the Green Mountain Club’s Long Trail map and guidebook, which gave estimated hiking times between shelters.

Abby took a more hands-off approach to the planning. She couldn’t have cared less about the gear or the map, had only a passing interest in the food prep and had no tolerance for talking about any of it. Thinking that her disengagement might have been her way of signaling that she wasn’t into the hike, I told her several times that we didn’t have to go. But she always said she still wanted to do it and, a few times, even suggested we cover more miles per day than I’d planned.

So I bought and borrowed gear, created a menu and made snacks that I portioned into boxes to be delivered to us at crossroads. A friend and Long Trail veteran advised me that we should save our energy for the real thing, so Abby and I completed just one eight-mile practice hike before the trip.

At home, in full-on teen mode, Abby often gives our family nothing — no “hello,” no “thanks,” just that look. One touch from us can have the effect of water on the Wicked Witch of the West.

But on that practice hike, we seemed to step into a parallel universe. We talked about books, friends, politics, her perceptions of me and my perceptions of her. We laughed and teased each other, took selfies, rested, pushed on and were quiet.

The intimacy of it amazed me — I felt connected to my 13-year-old daughter in a way I hadn’t in a long time. It made me excited for the big hike.

On June 27, 2015, carrying 35- and 45-pound packs, respectively, Abby and I started off from North Adams, Mass., on a spur trail that lead to the start of the Long Trail. Over the

List your events for next few weeks we would experience pouring rain, endless mud and blisters upon blisters. free in the Kids VT I learned early on that talking about substantive things like monthly calendar. books and politics could pull Abby through the tough times better than motivational cheer. And that sometimes keeping Submit your info my mouth shut was better than offering advice. Abby’s small, kind gestures — like handing me my poles when I struggled to by the 15th of the my feet after a rest — warmed my heart. month online at There were exhilarating highs, such as climbing up and kidsvt.com or to over Mt. Mansfield in dense fog and 40degree temps with gusting winds. And there calendar@kidsvt.com was a rock-bottom low: On rainy Day 23, flies buzzed relentlessly around our heads while we tripped along what had turned into the Long Stream.

We had been averaging about 11 miles per day, but the physical and mental demands of that rain-soaked stretch stopped us just a little more than 6 miles in.

Abby felt sick and was in tears. I reassured her that we had an extra day’s worth of food in our packs and could just spend another night in the woods.

K-UYW-calendar.indd 1 8/28/15 10:46 AM The next morning, we got started just after 7 a.m. Abby’s spirits were much higher.

Two miles in, she told me she had decided that (SEE P.45) we would finish the hike that day, even though it meant covering more miles than we ever had.

I was skeptical but energized. If she was game, so was I. Fueled by adrenaline, we pushed over multiple summits and 18.6 miles of trail.

We made it out on Day 24, as originally planned, hiking the last mile in North Troy, near the Canadian border, with headlamps.

Shockingly, the bond we had formed over the past three and a half weeks seemed to break in that last mile. There was no celebratory embrace, cheers or tears between us; Abby just wanted to be done. We met our welcoming party and headed home. We eased back into our roles and routines. That last month of summer, Abby shunned her brother’s and my company in favor of reconnecting with her social circle. When family and friends offered her praise for completing the trail, Abby’s quiet response was always just: “All I did was walk.”

It took about three weeks before Abby mentioned anything about our trip to me. Over dinner one night, she repeated a funny phrase from a dreadlocked thru-hiker we’d met named Miles: “I like the way y’all say your thoughts.”

The mention of it made us both laugh. Only Abby and I knew the story behind those words, and only Abby and I ever would.

As my daughter navigates her teen years, I’m certain we’ll drift apart and come back together again. We’ll have to climb many more mountains. But now I have faith: There’s nothing two accomplished thru-hikers like us can’t handle.

RIDDLE SEARCH ANSWER: Neck - tarines

EVER SINCE MY DAUGHTER, ABBY, WAS A TODDLER,

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