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✱ GEOCACHING ADVENTURES ✱ THE BEST TABLETOP GAMES ✱ ARE VERMONT KIDS READY FOR KINDERGARTEN?
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Introducing the Champlain Valley’s biggest Halloween Event
www.SpookyvilleVermont.org for advance tickets and info
proudly benefitting our signature charity!
October 21-22, 28-29 Evening Shows and Little Kids’ Matinees. Enjoy a hayride, haunted mansion, kooky characters, and ghostly dance in Vermont’s spookiest village at the Champlain Valley Expo.
Be Part of the Show!
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Do you dare to enter Vermont’s best horrorfest?
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Volunteer to Act, Guide, or Craft info@SpookyvilleVermont.org
Advance tickets at www.NightmareVermont.org
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October 20—22, 27—29, Ages 13+, Tickets $12/$15
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VOL.23 NO .9
OCTOBER 2016
Your Cheese & Wine Place
Editor’s Note....................................................................5 5 See & Say ..........................................................................6 Coloring Contest Winners .................................7 Writing Contest Winners....................................7 Habitat: Sociable Scarecrows...........................43 Birthday Club..................................................................45 Use Your Words: Over the Rainbow ...........47
We find the deals, you get the savings DISCOUNTS ON NATURAL, GLUTEN-FREE AND KID-FRIENDLY FOODS
Screen Doors ..............................20
EAT. LEARN. PLAY
Five tech programs opening up new worlds for kids
Kids Beat .............................................................................8 One to Watch: Maia Vota ......................................10 Fit Families: Geocaching.......................................11 Destination Recreation: BTV Airport .......12 Bookworms: Halloween Reads .......................13 Balancing Act: Lars Hasselblad Torres & Cathleen Maine .......................................................14 The Art of Tabletop Games .................................15 Checkup: Food Sensitivities...............................16 Mealtime: Lamb Patties .........................................19
“NEW NAME AND LOOK, SAME GREAT PRICES AS ALWAYS!”
1186 Williston Rd., So. Burlington, VT 05403 (Next to the Alpine Shop) 802.863.0143 • www.cheesetraders.com Open 7 days 10am-7pm
CALENDAR
Measuring Up?...................... 24
Daily Listings ..................................................................28 Classes ..................................................................................29 Playgroups ........................................................................34 Story Times ......................................................................36 Ongoing Exhibits ........................................................38
How Vermont assesses — and addresses — whether kids are prepared for kindergarten
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OCTOBER 2016 VO L . 2 3 N O . 9
✱ GEOCACHING ADVENTURES ✱ THE BEST TABLETOP GAMES ✱ ARE VERMONT KIDS READY FOR KINDERGARTEN?
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Contributing Writers: Janet Essman Franz, Megan James, Alexandria Kerrigan, Astrid Hedbor Lague, Mary Ann Lickteig, Ken Picard, Jessica Lara Ticktin
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Thom Glick created an offbeat illustration based on the innovative programs we highlight in our annual Tech Issue.
Writing Contest............................................................44 Puzzle Page ......................................................................45 Coloring Contest .........................................................46
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EDITOR’S NOTE
16/17 FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS
The Maker Spirit
Sunday, October 9 at 3 pm
The Triplets of Belleville with live music by Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville Thursday, October 27 at 7:30 pm (ages 12+)
Mira at the Champlain Mini Maker Faire
Enchantment Theatre
AT THE FLYNN
Peter Rabbit
Tuesday, November 29 at 6 pm Nebraska Theatre Caravan
A Christmas Carol
Thursday, December 1 at 7 pm
Vienna Boys Choir
Thursday, December 8 at 7:30 pm
Cirque Mother Africa
Tuesday, January 3 at 7:30 pm
Wild Kratts-Live!
Thursday, April 20 at 6 pm
TICKETS ON SALE
Members: August 1 General Public: August 19
ALISON NOVAK
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Spooky Saturday!
Saturday, October 29 Vermont PBS Studio, Colchester Kids grade 5 and under. Two sessions to choose from.
OCTOBER 2016
Reservations required!
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vermontpbs.org/spooky 1-800-639-7811 Sponsored by
It’s not Toooo Spooky!
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“One to Watch” (page 10), Mary Ann Lickteig talks with an up-and-coming digital filmmaker who got some sweet encouragement from actor/director Lena Dunham. If low-tech entertainment is what you’re after, turn to “The Art of Tabletop Games” on page 15. Megan James talks to Scott Gemignani, owner of Middlebury gaming store Tinker & Smithy, who offers suggestions for engaging card and board games to play with kids. Or check out “Habitat” on page 43, where Janet Essman Franz writes about the 89-year-old Shelburne woman who’s been creating a playful display of smiling scarecrows on her front yard for the past 20 years. The Tech Issue is timed to coincide with the Vermont Tech Jam, which takes place on Friday and Saturday, October 21 and 22, at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. Seven Days, our sister publication, organizes this free job fair and tech expo. Students from across the state attend with their schools on Friday, when the jam hosts a school maker faire. Kids and families are welcome on Saturday to see robotics demonstrations and meet Bina48, one of the world’s most advanced social robots. There are also reps from colleges and companies to talk with, and presentations to attend. It’s not for young kids, like the Maker Faire at Shelburne Farms, but it’ll give tech-savvy teens a chance to plug in and power up.
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ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR
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AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER, my husband, Jeff, and I took our kids to the Champlain Mini Maker Faire at Shelburne Farms, an annual celebration of creative, do-it-yourself projects and innovation. Mira, 9, piloted a drone, helped create computer code that turned vegetables and fruits into electronic instruments, and used hot glue and recycled materials to construct a machine. Six-year-old Theo made and launched a rocket and marveled as robots with lasers battled each other. They both enjoyed playing with the PinBox 3000, a customizable cardboard pinball machine created by a pair of local inventors. In reflecting on our time there, Jeff and I agreed it was a perfect mix of fun and learning. Maker faires weren’t around when we were kids; the first one took place in the Bay Area in 2006, long after we had graduated from college. And though news headlines often stress the negative effects technology has on kids, events like maker faires make it easy to see the positive ones. It’s exciting that our kids are growing up at a time when technology is creating so many new learning opportunities. In this annual Tech Issue, we write about five programs that are giving Vermont kids and teens the chance to use tech tools in interesting and meaningful ways (“Screen Doors,” page 20). From the Young Writers Project, an online community where middle and high school students can share and receive feedback on their writing, to FIRST LEGO League, a competition that incorporates problem-solving, teamwork and robotics, our kids are developing skills we never even dreamed about when we were their age. Continuing on the tech theme, flip to page 11 to read about geocaching — an outdoor treasure hunt where the map is on your phone. Executive editor Cathy Resmer downloaded the free geocaching app and gave it a try. In “Balancing Act” (page 14), the executive director of the Burlington Generator maker space and his wife discuss their work-life balance. And in
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SEE & SAY
Jam On
Still looking for Halloween inspiration?
On Friday, October 21, and Saturday, October 22, our sister publication Seven Days hosts the annual VERMONT TECH JAM at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. Young people (and their parents) have the chance to meet reps from dozens of the state’s most innovative companies, learn about tech-focused careers, participate in demos and explore a Friday School Maker Faire organized by the Champlain Mini Maker Faire. Classes and field trips are welcome on Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and small groups and individual students are welcome both days. Admission is free. Find more info at techjamvt.com.
In our October 2014 issue, we showcased local kids' DIY costumes. See more at kidsvt.com.
FILE: MATTHEW THORSEN
Giving Back
Jason Fitzgerald and "The Great Wall of Diapers"
For the past nine years, Jason Fitzgerald, clinical coordinator and exercise physiologist at Dee Physical Therapy, has helped collect more than 200,000 diapers for families in need. The Dee PT Great Diaper Drive, an annual event Fitzgerald began back in 2007, calls on community members to donate boxes of diapers to families served by the
Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS). This year the event kicks off with a party with light refreshments on Monday, October 24, from noon to 2 p.m. at Dee PT’s South Burlington location at 23 San Remo Drive. That’s when Fitzgerald will begin building “The Great Wall of Diapers” from peoples’ generous contributions. Fitzgerald says he hopes to collect 35,000 diapers this year. If you’d like to help build the wall, drop off boxes of diapers at any of Dee PT’s three locations in South Burlington, Shelburne and Hinesburg through December 22. Visit deept.com or call 865-0010 for more information.
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OCTOBER 2016 KIDSVT.COM
Contributor’s Note A miscarriage or loss of a baby is heartbreaking, but it’s an experience that many parents endure. October is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. In this issue, we’re honored to share Alexandria Kerrigan’s moving story about the loss of her twin boys, followed by the joy of giving birth to two healthy sons less than a year later. Read her essay, “Over the Rainbow,” on page 47.
Alexandria Kerrigan grew up in New Hampshire and spent time living in Mexico, California and Colorado before settling in New England with her husband, Tyler Mast, a musician and educator. Alex spends her days with her twin boys, Rhodes and Wilder, and enjoys gardening, hiking, dancing, taking photos and creating things, from stuffed animals to pottery. She has a degree in education from the University of Vermont and is working toward a master's degree in social work.
On Sunday, November 6, at 3 p.m., the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital will host a service to honor the memory of children who have died. Parents wishing to include a photo or written tribute in the service can submit them by October 10 to uvmhealth.org/childrensmemorialservice.
Alexandria Kerrigan with her husband and sons
Winners' Circle COLORING CONTEST
In last month’s issue, we asked young writers to craft a poem about going to school. The two winners each receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington. Below are the winning poems. Eva Lander, 6 EAST HARDWICK
MY FIRST HOMESCHOOLING YEAR
Alyana Mass, 9
I like watercolor and I like coloring, and I like finding pretty rocks and especially picking bouquets of sunflowers
MONROE, N.H.
THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL JITTER BUGS The first day of school jitter bugs wiggle inside you until you’re about exploding. Then you hold your mom’s leg screaming Until then when you get to school it’s not really that bad so all that time you never had to worry anyways.
My classroom is my living room and my library and out in the world and my yard I love haying and I love stacking wood. I love playing. I am very excited about doing all these things this year.
This month, artists took their imaginations into the briny, deep sea. We received aquatic masterpieces surrounded by swishing seaweed, teeming with turtles and gleaming with glitter. Zoryan Ivakhiv-Gray, 5, drew a crimson coral reef around a blueand-rainbow-striped swimmer. Aly Dorman, 7, added a stylish top hat, miniature goatee and mustache to her fish. Twelve-year-old Sierra Matte gave her creation some backto-school flair, with a math book, erasers, notebook and pencil floating by her lemon-colored beauty. The entries reeled in the judges, who marveled at all the amazing artwork. We’re already looking forward to next month!
The winners of annual family memberships to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium are…
5 and under
“Rainbow Sprinkles” Aliza Hurlburt, 4 MIDDLEBURY
HONORABLE MENTIONS FANCY FINS
Shelby Tenny, 7, Sutton SQUISHY FISHY
Molly Monnarino, 4, Essex COLORED KOI
Eli Russell, 8, Plainfield FLOATING IN RAINBOWS
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Jacob Witter, 7, Lyndonville BLUE BEAUTY
Zoe Kuehl, 7, Montpelier RAINBOW FISH FACE
Find the October writing prompt on page 44. The deadline is October 15.
Lydia Vaine, 11, Monkton DEEP-SEA CHEVRON
“Ocean Guppies” Addie Yandell, 7 ESSEX
Evelyn Trodbom, 10, Barre City GLITTERY GIRL
Don't Miss Out! Find our full calendar starting on page 28!
Trinity Romero, 4, Essex LAZY-DAY BUBBLES
East Charlotte Tractor Parade
Sunday, October 9, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., on Spear Street in Charlotte
Edward Davis, 5, Georgia FANTASY FISH
Mindy Henry, 10, Rutland AWESOME OCEAN
Laurie-Anne Fournier, 10, Montpelier Nelle King, 4, Barre
“COLORFUL ME”
Halloween Howl
Sunday, October 9, 3 p.m., at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts in Burlington
“THAT’S OIL IN THE OCEAN”
Fiona Harrington, 6, Rochester “THE FISHY WHO LIVED IN PEACETOWN”
Henry Young, 5, Morrisville
“Swimming With Friends” Kaila Sheltra, 10 FLETCHER
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Find this month’s coloring contest on page 46. The deadline is October 15.
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Sunday, October 30, 1-4:30 p.m., at Oakledge Park in Burlington
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Zoe, 10, Winooski
OCTOBER 2016
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Got Wi-Fi? Vermont schools do. Results of the Vermont Agency of Education’s ANNUAL TECHNOLOGY SURVEY released at the end of August show that, for the first time, all of the state’s public school buildings have wireless internet access. Peter Drescher, education technology coordinator for the Vermont Agency of Education, credits the E-Rate Modernization Order, a federal program that reimburses schools for telecommunications costs, for making it easier for schools to access technology and highspeed internet. In 2014, the Federal Communications Commission approved a $1.5 billion funding increase for the program. The AOE survey also showed that more than 85,000 computing devices — including laptops, desktop computers, tablets and Chromebooks — were in use in Vermont public schools during the 2015-16 school year, compared to 68,000 the previous year. Additionally, 138 of the 305 schools that responded said they’re planning to upgrade their wireless access in the coming year.
Norwich, VT • montshire.org
Local sponsorship provided by Geokon and Ledyard National Bank.
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To find out more about digital learning in Vermont schools, visit education.vermont.gov/vermont-schools/ school-operations/public-schools/digital-learning.
BOOKS
Literary Lamb
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Nov. 12th, 9 am – 5 pm Nov. 13th, 10 am – 2 pm Waitsfield Elementary School Find new and used winter gear for skiers and riders of all ages. Consignment drop-off Nov. 11th, 4-7pm. Waitsfield Elementary School (WES) Route 100, Waitsfield, VT 802-496-3643 www.waitsfieldschool.org Pre-register at WES: Nov. 7-11 (7:30-9am).
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When Vermont couple John and Jennifer Churchman self-published a sweet, true tale about their injured lamb, Sweet Pea, they never imagined what would happen next. After Flying Pig Bookstore co-owner Elizabeth Bluemle wrote a rave review of their book, Sweet Pea & Friends: The SheepOver, on the Publishers Weekly blog, bigwig book agents came calling. Following a bidding war, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers paid the Churchmans — who live on a 25-acre farm in Essex — a six-figure advance for The SheepOver and two more books. Earlier this year, The SheepOver made the New York Times Bestseller List for children’s picture books. And this month, the Churchmans’ second book, BRAVE LITTLE FINN, hits shelves. It tells the story of a timid newborn lamb who finds courage with the help of his animal friends and Farmer John. The sheep that started it all, Sweet Pea, makes an appearance, too.
BRAVE LITTLE FINN Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, $17.99. Ages 3 and up. Flying Pig Bookstore will host a book-launch party at the Shelburne Town Hall on the book’s release date, Tuesday, October 4, from 4-5:30 p.m. RSVP at flyingpigevents@ gmail.com or 9853999. On October 8, the Churchmans will sign books at the Collection in Waitsfield from 11 a.m.noon and Stargazer Gifts and Toys in Richmond from 2-3 p.m.
EAT. LEARN. PLAY. Chris Dorman leading a kids’ parade at Bread & Butter Farm
Sunday, October 3oth 1-4:30 pm | Oakledge Park
MUSIC
Homegrown Programming You’ve probably seen local musician Chris Dorman singing and strumming his guitar at Bread & Butter Farm’s Burger Night. Or maybe you’ve taken one of his playful Music for Sprouts classes with your little ones. Soon you may be able to see Dorman someplace entirely different: the TV screen. In collaboration with Vermont PBS, Dorman is launching a CHILDREN’S TV SHOW KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN to raise $20,000 to film a pilot episode of an original television program. Dorman will star in the 30-minute show as farm-dwelling Mister Chris, leading viewers on an interactive musical journey that introduces the plants, animals and people who occupy the landscape. A score by Vermont musicians and special musical guests will add to the local flavor. Backers of the Kickstarter campaign will receive different rewards including live concerts, a signed DVD of the pilot episode and Dorman’s new children’s album, which drops in November.
Come in your spookiest, funniest, and most awesome costume. Enjoy a hayride, venture through the kid-friendly candy-free haunted walk, do some crafts, get your face painted, or listen to some scary storytelling! The haunted walk is wheelchair-accessible. There will be food trucks serving up yummy, fall comfort food. FRENET! EVE
Find out more about Dorman’s CHILDREN’S TV SHOW KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN starting on Thursday, October 6, at vermontpbs.org or musicforsprouts.com.
CONTEST
Sketching the Future
Last year’s winning Vermont entry
KIDSVT.COM
Self-milking cows? Recreational space travel? Google is asking kids to imagine what the For more information future holds in its annual DOODLE 4 GOOGLE on the DOODLE 4 competition. Students from kindergarten through GOOGLE competition 12th grade are invited to submit a doodle — made and to download an entry form, visit with crayons, clay, graphic design or even food — doodles.google.com/ incorporating the letters G-O-O-G-L-E, inspired d4g/how-it-works. by the open-ended prompt “What I see for the html. Deadline for future…” A winner from each state will have their submissions is Friday, doodle shown in a photo gallery on the Doodle December 2. 4 Google website and receive an Android tablet. One lucky overall winner, who will be selected from five national finalists chosen by the public, will score a $30,000 college scholarship and $50,000 for their school to spend on technology. The cherry on top: His or her doodle will be displayed on the Google homepage for a day.
OCTOBER 2016 KIDS VT
enjoyburlington.com 802-864-0123
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✱ ONE TO WATCH
BY MARY ANN LICKT EIG
Behind the Camera A teen tackles tough issues through documentary film
COURTESY OF ROSA MARIA RUVALCABA
THE FILM STARTS WITH A TEENAGE GIRL with long brown hair and braces looking directly into the camera. “My name is Maia. I’m a filmmaker,” she says. The three-minute documentary chronicles her budding career, which, despite its infancy, has already had some made-for-Hollywood moments. And no one is more surprised than Maia. “I’m quiet,” she said. “Reaching out is not in my nature.” But say the name Maia Vota around Edmunds Middle School, and, even though she’s now a freshman at Burlington High School, kids know she’s a filmmaker, said Brent Truchon, the middle school’s tech innovation coach: “It’s a badge of honor.” Truchon witnessed Maia’s start. As her seventhgrade social studies teacher, he asked students, “How can you make a difference?” then had them design their own learning activity for the last month of school. Maia went to Vermont Community Access Media, took a course so she could use their equipment and made a film, called “Anything Helps,” about a runner, a homeless man and their serendipitous encounters. “I’ve seen a lot of pretty unbelievable stuff,” Truchon said. “But it’s seldom that I’m floored. And this was one that I watched, and I was [thinking], My god, I can’t believe that was done by a seventh-grade student.” In eighth grade, Maia got permission from her principal to pursue filmmaking as an independent study course with Truchon’s supervision. That’s when she read a New York Times Magazine article about gender bias in the film industry. Maia was shocked by Maureen Dowd’s detailed account of “Hollywood’s toxic brew of fear and sexism.” In 2013 and 2014, Dowd reported, women comprised only 1.9 percent of the directors for the 100 top-grossing films.
“I had never really NAME: MAIA VOTA wanted to make a AGE: 15 documentary, because I’d TOWN: BURLINGTON always thought they were boring,” Maia said, laughing. But for the last 10 months, she’s immersed herself in documenting gender bias in the industry, “because I want to direct,” she said. “If this is something that’s going to affect me, I want to have a positive impact on that and, hopefully, change it for other people.”
Maia’s documentary is still a work in progress. It gained traction in February when Maia emailed Lena Dunham, creator and star of the HBO series “Girls.” Dunham has been vocal about Hollywood’s gender bias and was, in Maia’s mind, a “pie-in-the-sky” interview. Maia got Dunham’s email address through a friend, sent a message and got an immediate reply. “I was psyched,” Maia said. Dunham sent Maia a box of her favorite movies directed by women, including The Piano and Monsoon Wedding. “I hope they bring you joy and inspiration!” she wrote. On a “Girls” DVD case, she penned further encouragement: “Thank you for fighting the good fight.” The box is in Maia’s bedroom, which is morphing into a film studio. Her well-loved Polka Dot Puppy sits on a shelf alongside interview-release forms; on one wall, the flowers she and her mom painted are partially covered by corkboard squares that hold Maia’s storyboard. Learning to run a camera and use video-editing software has been the nuts and bolts of Maia’s filmmaking education. But finding people who believe in her — like Dunham — has been equally important. “I really feel like I’m qualified,” Maia said. She’s garnered additional support and advice from two California filmmakers who came to Edmunds as part of Digital Promise, a program that equipped students and teachers with iPads, professional development and support. One of them, Rosa Maria Ruvalcaba, who co-owns a Los Angeles video-production company, called Maia a voracious learner. “You can see her thinking,” she said. Watching her plunge into the male-dominated film industry is thrilling, Ruvalcaba said: “I was just super excited to connect with her.”
“One to Watch” shines a light on a young Vermonter who is going places. Know a local child or teen who’s recently done something amazing? Nominate him or her at kidsvt.com/vermont/kidsvtonetowatch/page.
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✱ FIT FAMILIES
BY C AT HY RE SM E R
EAT. LEARN. PLAY.
Geocaching
IN PURSUIT There’s a ton of information on geocaching.com to help you get started. You can also upgrade the free app to a premium version with more features — for $29.99 a year. Veteran geocacher Peg Rosenau says the free version has worked fine for her. She also offers this advice to parents: • Try bigger traditional caches first — they’re easier to find, and more satisfying. If you want to be sure your kids will find it, locate it yourself first. • If you’re hunting for a larger cache, bring a small, nonperishable item to leave behind. If there are trinkets inside, let the kids take one and leave their item behind. “That makes them feel part of the community,” she said.
Secrecy is key: Uninitiated passersby aren’t supposed to know what you’re up to. They’re known as “muggles,” like the non-magical people in Harry Potter’s world. Ivy and I looked at the map on the app and picked a pin we could walk to — a microcache along the Winooski River Walk. The app gave it a difficulty rating of 1.5 out of 5, which seemed reasonable. A hint said it was “magnetic.” We followed the phone map to the designated zone — the GPS is only accurate within about 70 feet — but we couldn’t find the cache. We searched everywhere, trying not to attract attention from the muggle dog walkers and joggers. “I think I just found it!” Ivy yelped at one point, pulling something from a hole in the ground. “Never mind,” she said. “It’s garbage.” We gave up after an hour. We brought her 10-year-old brother, Graham, along for the next two hunts — both caches near our house. All we found was some trash and a dead fish. I decided we needed some advice, so I called veteran geocacher Peg Rosenau, of Shelburne. A paraeducator at Shelburne Community School who also runs the environmental club, she’s lost track of how many geocaches she and her family have
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“Fit Families” is a monthly feature that offers easy and affordable ways to stay active. Got an idea for a future FF? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
KIDS VT
• You don’t have to find the cache to have fun. Kids will remember the time you spent searching. Said Rosenau: “It makes for a good story down the road.”
PEG ROSENAU, VETERAN GEOCACHER
OCTOBER 2016
• Look for “travel bugs” — numbered tags that hop from cache to cache. Pick them up, log them on geocaching.com and leave them in another cache so they can continue their journey.
It’s ultimately about being with other people and being outside, noticing the world around you.
found over the last 10 years. “A few hundred,” she estimated. “It is hard sometimes,” she admitted. But she said it gets easier over time. “Your eyes are sort of trained differently after you’ve been doing it for a while,” she told me. Now she sometimes finds caches even when she’s not actively looking. Rosenau said she likes geocaching because it gets her outdoors with her 10-year-old son and 16-yearold daughter: “It’s ultimately about being with other people and being outside, noticing the world around you.” She likes to geocache while traveling, because people often hide caches near scenic or historic spots. “It’s a great way to check out what the locals already know,” she said. Even so, her favorite cache is a reflector stuck to a guardrail near her house. “Every time I drive by and see it,” she said, “I feel like I know a secret.” Rosenau gave me a few helpful tips (see sidebar). The next time we went geocaching, I chose a cache that was farther away but had the lowest difficulty rating — a 1.0. I checked the cache’s “activity” on the app and saw that someone else said they had found it “quickly” just a few days before. We drove to the spot — there was nothing scenic or special about it — and parked near the pin. I spotted a little tunnel, and we used my phone as a flashlight to look inside. Graham saw something. “I think that’s just a rock,” he said. But when he pulled it out, he discovered that it was a palm-size container. The bottom slid open, and out popped a plastic bag with a few rolled-up pieces of paper inside. “We actually found it!” he exclaimed. I was as excited as he was. We added our code name and the date to the list on the paper, then sealed up the cache again. Ivy made sure no one was watching as she tucked it back into its hiding place. She reminded me to log our first find on the app. I suspect it won’t be our last.
KIDSVT.COM
• Identify places with multiple caches nearby, so that you can find several in one outing.
COURTESY OF CATHY RESMER
MY KIDS WON’T JOIN ME FOR A WALK, but if I mention that it involves my smartphone, they’ll race me to the door. I discovered as much this summer during the Pokémon GO craze, when we wandered the neighborhood with my phone, looking for virtual critters. Once that fad faded, I turned to a different tech treasure hunt: geocaching. Unlike a Pokémon, a geocache is a real item — it could be as small as a film canister or as large as an ammunition box — that might contain a notebook or other trinkets. A geocacher hides the object, then logs the longitude and latitude on geocaching.com so others can find it, using a GPS-enabled device. I’ve geocached before — I wrote a story about it for Seven Days in 2003. Back then, it required a clunky handheld GPS device. The free geocaching.com smartphone app, with a map and helpful video tutorials, is much easier to use. But the activity proved harder than I’d remembered. My 8-year-old daughter, Ivy, and I went geocaching one Saturday morning in September. We downloaded the app to my iPhone, chose a code name, WinooskiRez, and watched a tutorial advising us to be stealthy.
Graham and Ivy with the cache and paper log they found
HATHAWAY FARM & CORN MAZE You’re Lost… You’re Laughin’… You’re LOVIN’ it! 12-acre “RACE TO THE WHITE HOUSE” Maze Lots of Cool Farm Games ... Giant Corn Pit, Toddler Tractors & Bouncy Cows Livestock Barn * Play Area * Mini Maze Wagon Rides & Snack Shack on weekends!
✱ DESTINATION RECREATION B Y K EN PI CA R D
Burlington International Airport 1200 Airport Drive, South Burlington
Admission $12 Adults $10 Kids 4-11 & Seniors Open 10-5 – Closed Tuesdays Moonlight Madness every Saturday night admission until 9pm
SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB
SNOWBOARD
KIDSVT.COM OCTOBER 2016
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KIDS VT
Local parents review a family-friendly attraction each month in “Destination Recreation.” Got a spot you’d like us to feature? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH SKI & SNOWBOARD CLUB
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your location, it identifies every plane’s flight number, airspeed, altitude, destination and distance from the airport. After the observation deck, we explored the rest of the terminal’s less visited second floor. There we found a piano for Ezra to bang on, a Ping-Pong table (with extra balls!) and model antique aircraft hanging from the ceiling. We ended our visit by riding the escalator to the first floor. “Woo-hoo!” the kids shouted as they carefully stepped on. Watching their delight, a red-haired woman smiled and remarked, “Simple pleasures.” Indeed.
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FILE: MATTHEW THORSEN
SWAP
Manya and Ezra taking in the view from the observation deck
FILE: MATTHEW THORSEN
SKI &
FILE: MATTHEW THORSEN
LOOK CLOSER…
KEN PICARD
FOR MANY ADULTS, airports evoke stressful memories of lost luggage and prolonged layovers, so it’s easy to forget 741 Prospect Hill Rd, PICK Rutland Town, VT the intrigue they hold for a child. To YOUR OWN hathawayfarm.com PUMPKINS! 802.775.2624 them, airports offer expansive corWeekends only. ridors to run, elevators and escalators to ride, and floor-to-ceiling windows for watching massive jets arriving from k16-HathawyFarm1016.indd 1 9/22/16 2:37 PM and departing to exotic locations. IT’S TIME TO DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW! When you’re not rushing to catch a flight or schlepping 100 pounds of luggage, Burlington International Airport is a perfect place to kill an hour or two with the little ones. I took my kids — Manya, 7, and Ezra, 4 — to BTV in South Burlington on a recent evening when their mother worked late. We parked in the garage, ATTENTION, took the elevator up to the secondCLASS INSTRUCTORS! floor skyway and crossed over to the List your class in Kids VT for only $15/month! main concourse, where the “What’s Submit the listing by that, Daddy?” questions commenced the 15th at kidsvt.com immediately — about the control tower, or classes@kidsvt.com baggage carts, whirling radar, even an aluminum chimney. 16t-campsclasses.indd 1 1/23/13 4:45 PM While Manya cartwheeled past a row of rocking chairs that faced the runway, Ezra studied a blue-green mural, one of four airport murals by local artist John Anderson, that surrounds a skylight. From there, we climbed the stairs to BTV’s rooftop observation deck. SAINT MICHAEL’S COLLEGE, TARRANT BUILDING Built in 1950, it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the Champlain Valley and Green Mountains, from Camel’s Hump to the Georgia Mountain wind turbines. It’s a great place to watch planes take off and land, as well as ground crew refuel planes, unload luggage and shepherd planes to their gates. You can also see the current air-traffic control tower that — along with hard-to-decipher audio of controllers communicating with nearby planes — inspires conversation about how pilots navigate the skies. Great deals on the biggest More serious aviation nerds, or SWAP of the season! those with older kids, may want to download the smartphone app Plane Finder AR beforehand. Based on
PROS
CONS
• Parking is cheap — $1 for the first hour, $2 thereafter — safe and relatively plentiful.
• Not many food options unless you pass through airport security.
• Public bathrooms, with changing tables, are ample and clean. • There’s a private room for nursing mothers. • Burlington City Arts curates public shows in a secondfloor gallery.
• Grumpy travelers may not appreciate your raucous kids, or their piano playing. • Kids might be disappointed when they realize they’re not boarding a plane; warn them ahead of time that you’re just there to explore!
✱ BOOKWORMS B Y B RE T T STANCIU
Mental Health and Addiction Care for Children and Adolescents
Halloween Reads In October, families plan costumes and stockpile candy in preparation for Halloween. It’s also the perfect time to have something spooky to read on the bedside table. We asked Diane Grenkow, youth librarian at Hardwick’s Jeudevine Memorial Library, for some fun and fearsome book recommendations.
Georgie’s Halloween BY ROBERT BRIGHT
Georgie the ghost has been delighting little ones since the 1940s, and the series’ charming illustrations and simple stories stand the test of time. In this installment, the little Ages ghost is too shy to compete in the 4-8 best costume contest on the town green but earns a prize from the attic mice when he returns home. Says Grenkow: “Like all classics, this book is read over and over for a reason: kids — and adults — find Georgie enchanting and engaging. A sweet story for the smallest of listeners.”
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
Once, she couldn’t face the day.
Now she dreams about the future.
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BY KATE DICAMILLO ILLUSTRATED BY CHRIS VAN DUSEN
A pig in a frilly pink dress and tiara, a Halloween parade, and a hot pursuit make for an odd and entertaining night of trickor-treating. Like all books in the Mercy Watson series, the night Ages ends with an impressive stack of 6-9 buttered toast. Says Grenkow: “Mercy is one of my go-tos for emerging chapter-book readers. The pink pig’s adorable antics keep the pages flipping. Little ones in love with dressing up always get a kick out of a pig in costume.”
Twisted Sistahs
BY MARK KIMBALL MOULTON KIDSVT.COM
ILLUSTRATED BY KAREN H. GOOD
OCTOBER 2016
More silly than scary, this fantastically illustrated book serves up fried spider’s legs and fresh frogs’-egg soup when three wacky witch sisters host a shindig for clamorous suitors. Ultimately, the sisters decide that a party Ages with guests Jack and Jill O’Lantern 7-9 and Dracula is more pleasurable than picking mates. Says Grenkow: “This playful combination of fairy tale and Halloween makes for a holiday story with more than the usual costumes and candy.”
KIDS VT
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✱ BALANCING ACT
BY JESSICA LARA TICKTIN
Making Space
OCTOBER 2016 KIDS VT
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RELAXING ON HIS PORCH on a warm September evening, drink in hand and black Lab at his feet, Lars Hasselblad Torres is a happy man. Last November, he and his wife, Cathleen Maine, and their teenage daughter, Isabel, relocated to Montpelier from rural Cabot, where they’d lived for more than a decade. The couple wanted to be in a more a “bikeable and walkable city” and to give their daughter a more culturally diverse and urban environment, Lars says. The move cut down the commute time for Lars, who runs Burlington Generator, a maker space and business incubator. Cathleen enjoys a short walk to her job at the Northeast Wilderness Trust, after working from home for many years as a women’s health advocate focusing on HIV and AIDS. Downsizing from a large house with land and a barn, they opted for a 106-year-old Victorian that Cathleen describes as a “foursquare” — four rooms on top of four rooms, plus one bathroom upstairs — a stone’s throw from Hubbard Park and the Statehouse. Lars affectionately calls it their “urban box” and says the reduction in indoor and outdoor chores has freed them up to spend more time together as a family. The inside of their home is cozy and uncluttered, with warm colors and wood floors. Cathleen and Isabel love to spend time baking and cooking in the small, organized kitchen at the back of the house, using stacks of cookbooks for inspiration.
JEB WALLACE-BRODEUR
KIDSVT.COM
A conservationist and Burlington Generator’s executive director on parenting a teen in their “urban box”
Dad: Lars Hasselblad Torres, 45, executive director, Burlington Generator Mom: Cathleen Maine, 51, director of development and operations, Northeast Wilderness Trust Daughter: Isabel Maine Torres, 14
When he isn’t working with artists and innovators at Burlington Generator, Lars can be found pursuing his own artistic endeavors in his home studio or jogging with his dog late at night to calm his busy mind. On taking turns: CATHLEEN: Lars and I don’t actually sit down and make plans for strategies necessarily, but we have a really good natural synergy for understanding who’s doing what and what the other person can do to support that. If I cook, he does the dishes. If he cooks, I do the dishes. LARS: With the exception of laundry, because I don’t understand it. CATHLEEN: Laundry is complicated. [They both laugh.] LARS: So it’s easier for me to just say, “You got that.” CATHLEEN: He does something else, like recycling and trash. LARS: Yeah, something else! On family mealtime: CATHLEEN: One thing that I really like about our values is that we make sure we have at least one meal that is a sit-down meal every single day. And
when we were both working from home when Isabel was younger, it was two meals or three meals. So we were always talking, always engaging, and I think that was an incredible experience for building our foundation. Now that she is in high school, we definitely eat every dinner together. That checkin time is really important.
areas it needs to be. Very rarely do I have to say, “I can’t do that, because Cathleen’s got X over here.” Our house is organized and welcoming because of Cathleen, not because of me. I am the agent of chaos. CATHLEEN: That’s so true!
On the morning routine:
cleaning, but Lars is in charge of artwork and furniture placement. So he’s kind of like my stylist, and all I have to do is keep things neat.
CATHLEEN: Mornings are great! I get
up before everybody at around 6 a.m. I need an hour to myself. I make coffee, and then I wake Lars up. LARS: With a hot coffee! It’s amazing. It’s a gift. CATHLEEN: It is. Izzy has to get up around 6:45 to get out the door around 7:45 so she can walk to school. LARS: I have started to leave for work when Izzy leaves for school. As far as eating breakfast, well, it’s like that old hat that was cool for a while and then it just doesn’t work anymore. Breakfast has become that thing that doesn’t work anymore. CATHLEEN: There are studies that have come out now saying breakfast is not the most important meal of the day! On teenage independence:
LARS: Izzy is on her own for two to
three hours a day. Cellphones make it easier. She’s a good Snapchatter, like all kids her age, and I’m a good texter! On playing different roles: LARS: I think I am able to dedicate my creative energy 99 percent to the
On housework:
CATHLEEN: I do the tidying up and
On date night:
LARS: I think date night is overrated!
We went to see the film The Lobster as a family, and we are doing the same thing as a date night, except there’s this 14-year-old mind that is so curious, so we get this whole other enriching conversation. I mean, we get up in the morning and go for coffee and have some catch-up time. And we have plenty of pillow-talk time since Izzy is off and gone a lot, so we find these little moments. On instilling creativity: LARS: I delight — maybe overly — in Isabel’s creative exploits. Oh, do that bigger! Our life is surrounded by the arts. I try to engage her in the artifacts of my work but not the substance of it so much. Isabel is a talented young illustrator, and I don’t want her to have a sense that dedicating yourself to the creative arts means you are constantly broke.
In “Balancing Act,” we ask Vermont parents about the intersection of work and family life. Know parents we should interview? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
✱ THE ART OF
BY MEGAN JAMES
EAT. LEARN. PLAY.
Tabletop Games MEGAN JAMES
SCOTT GEMIGNANI has always loved games. Growing up in Bristol in the ’80s, he played Risk, the classic game of world domination. When his older sister wouldn’t let him join in Dungeons & Dragons, he created his own version. In April 2015, Gemignani’s dream of making a living in gaming came true. He and his wife, Rebecca, opened a community game space and store, called Tinker & Smithy, in Middlebury. In addition to selling board and card games, Dungeons & Dragons books, and medieval figurines, they offer an after-school program, Magic: The Gathering classes and other events. “People can play games for free in the store,” says Gemignani. “We’re trying to encourage people to sit across from each other and not be on a screen.”
Scott Gemignani
Find Tinker & Smithy at 18 Creek Rd., Middlebury, 989-7274, or squareup.com/ store/tinkerandsmithy.
Gemignani sees board games as an antidote to our collective screen addiction. When his two kids were 7 and 3, he and Rebecca instituted a family
tradition: “There are no Saturday morning cartoons,” he says. “We sit down in front of the fire, and we play a game.” Tinker & Smithy grew out of that love of family gaming. Gemignani says proudly that gamers of all ages hang out in the store — from the first- through sixth-graders in his after-school program to local octogenarians. A Middlebury police officer runs a weekly Dungeons & Dragons game for girls. “There are kids who do not want to be outside playing baseball,” says Gemignani. “They may wish to retreat to a quieter place, or a place where they are around like-minded individuals.” And games, Gemignani stresses, aren’t just recreation: “They are all teaching tools.” “My son is reading words like,
‘Target opponent sacrifices a creature,’” Gemignani says with a smile. “He’s in the second grade. This is because of the amount of board games we play. When you are learning in a low-stress environment, you pick up so much more because it’s enjoyable.” Gemignani doesn’t believe kids can learn as much from games played on a screen — and there are none at Tinker & Smithy. “When you jump on a computer, all of the math, all of the processing, that’s all done for you,” he says. “You’re also alone.” When you’re sitting across from another human being, he says, “You are playing against a thinking, breathing opponent who can come up with solutions to this game that a computer cannot. You’re also interacting with someone. And that in itself is an education.”
Great Games for Kids Gemignani’s all-time-favorite games are the classics: Risk, Stratego, and Dungeons & Dragons. But here are some others he loves:
THE SETTLERS OF CATAN
CARCASSONNE
In this wildly popular board game, players develop settlements by acquiring and trading resources. Disregard the 13 and up age recommendation printed on the box. Gemignani introduced his daughter to this game when she was 7. “Catan is the perfect game to begin with a young child because it requires zero critical reading, and the math involved is very, very basic — the type of stuff that a 4-year-old can easily do,” he says. Don’t be fooled by the spin-off, Catan Junior. It’s “an insult,” says Gemignani. “It’s the exact same thing, but baby-fied.”
Players lay tiles to develop the area around a medieval French city. There’s no math, no critical reading; the game simply requires placing workers to develop roads, cities and fields. “It’s obviously very French,” says Gemignani.
TICKET TO RIDE
Players attempt to out-travel each other by laying railroad tracks to as many U.S. cities as they can. “The time it takes to set up the board is the time it takes to learn how to play,” says Gemignani.
SPLENDOR
SUPERFIGHT
In this card game, players create and battle superheroes. In it, you get a handful of cards listing attributes you can use to create your superhero. For example: Chuck Norris; 10 stories tall … but he can only move when his opponent moves. Another player might be Darth Vader, who can create a force field while holding his breath ... but his bottom half is a T. Rex. “And then you sit down and have a logical discussion about who would win this fight,” says Gemignani. “It’s amazing to play with kids.”
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“The Art of” spotlights creative skills that enrich kids’ lives. Got a class or teacher to recommend? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
KIDS VT
Players become Renaissance merchants trying to buy gem mines, means of transportation and shops in order to acquire the most prestige points. This is a “crazy-good game,” says Gemignani. “You can
Players attack and escape from zombies. “It’s goofy, and it knows that it’s goofy,” says Gemignani. “It’s wicked fun.”
OCTOBER 2016
In this card game, the winner is the first player to drive 1,000 miles. All you’re trying to do is drive. “You lay down cards that represent miles, and sometimes you have a flat tire,” explains Gemignani.
ZOMBIES!!!
KIDSVT.COM
MILLE BORNES
play it while you’re eating dinner, having coffee, even watching a TV show. You can play it almost without speaking.”
Q CHECK UP W I T H V I C K I N EL S ON
Navigating kids’ food sensitivities — in school and life WHEN TODAY’S PARENTS WERE GROWING UP, food sensitivities were more about choosing chocolate or rainbow sprinkles than about serious health decisions. The dietary landscape is more complicated now. Peanut allergies in children rose threefold between 1997 and 2010, according to a 2010 study by food allergists at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. And research shows that celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by gluten, is four times more common today than it was 50 years ago. Add cultural and religious dietary restrictions to the mix, and food issues get even trickier. Food allergies don’t just pose risks to the body; they can be also be emotionally taxing. Vicki Nelson, a K-5 school counselor at Charlotte Central School, helps students develop social and psychological skills to deal with food allergies. That includes understanding and respecting their classmates’ dietary needs, and their own. Nelson has a unique perspective on that challenge: Her 7-year-old daughter, Josie, has celiac. This month, she offers a menu of tips for dealing with dietary limitations, at school and at home.
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KIDS VT: How serious is your daughter’s sensitivity? VICKI NELSON: Josie doesn’t have her own lunch table, like her classmates with peanut allergies. She just has to be really aware of her surroundings and the potential for cross-contamination. Even microscopic traces of gluten can really affect her. We can’t cook her pasta in the same pot we use and have to wash our hands well after we touch bread.
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KVT: Why do such restrictions become emotionally difficult for kids? VN: Imagine what it’s like, every day, to not have the same food choices as other kids. For example, if a class has a birthday treat, sometimes the expectation for kids with food sensitivities is just to provide them with a separate treat. If you put yourself in those kids’ shoes, and that happens to them over and over again, it has an impact. They already feel different. KVT: What advice do you give parents when those kids start school? VN: If parents don’t feel like they have an ally in the school, they have to navigate it by themselves. Some parents apologize for asking for an accommodation for their child, but as I always tell them: You are your child’s best advocate. We can help your child build skills around their own advocacy and assertiveness. But parents should build a partnership with their child’s school and identify an ally, whether it’s an administrator, school counselor, teacher, school nurse or cafeteria supervisor.
KVT: What does that mean in practical terms? VN: My child’s teacher had several food allergies in her classroom, including peanuts, dairy and gluten. That’s a lot for her to juggle. Everyone knows that teachers work really hard and can’t manage everything, so they need support, too. What my daughter’s teacher and teaching partner did was put a letter together for families about the norms around food and how we treat classroom celebrations. It’s really hard for a teacher when a parent shows up at 8 a.m. with 25 cupcakes and the teacher isn’t expecting it. If it’s not OK for all the kids to eat one, then the teacher is stuck with the burden of telling that parent who just made 25 beautifully ornate cupcakes, “I’m sorry. The kids can’t eat these.” That can be completely stressful — for the teacher and the child. KVT: What do you recommend? VN: My daughter’s school community has been very supportive of Josie and other kids with food allergies. They ask questions about what they can do and how to make it safe for her. She has a lot of gluten-free allies, and that normalizes it for her, because sometimes she’s embarrassed to say, “Is that gluten-free?” or “I can’t have that.” I really appreciate Josie’s teacher specifically telling parents, “These are the foods that are safe for food celebrations.” And, “Here are other ways we can celebrate kids’ birthdays that aren’t necessarily food-centered.”
KVT: Such as? VN: Have your child bring in a recording of his or her favorite song and have the entire class dance to it. Your child can bring in his or her favorite book, or ask the other students questions about that child’s favorite things. For the last two years, my son, who doesn’t have food allergies, has opted to write down questions about himself corresponding to how old he is. So, when he turned 9, we wrote down nine questions about him, and his friends had three guesses to answer them. The students learn more about him, and it’s celebrating who he is rather than just eating. That was also easier for me, and the teacher said the kids loved it. KVT: Should parents and teachers teach other kids about their classmates’ dietary restrictions? VN: In kindergarten, Josie had a book called Eating Gluten-Free With Emily, about a little girl who’s diagnosed with celiac. When she was 5 years old I asked her, “Would you like to read this to the class?” She said yes. My next question was, “Do you want me to read it or your teacher?” The reason my answers are so personal here is, you don’t know where kids are with their dietary needs — if they struggle with that food sensitivity or are embarrassed by it. Some kids shut down and don’t say anything. As adults, we often talk for our children and at our children. Starting very young, they need to be part of that conversation. And it’s going to change over time. K
INTERVIEW COMPILED AND CONDENSED BY KEN PICARD oakmeadow.com
802-251-7250
Got health- and wellness-related questions? Send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.
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Q MEALTIME BY A ST RID HE DB O R L AGUE
CERTAIN SMELLS CAN TRIGGER MEMORIES. For me, the tantalizing scent of my dad’s lamb patties — fragrant herbs and rich and earthy lamb — remind me of one year when I came home from college for my birthday. After a three-hour car ride, I was greeted by the aroma of mint, oregano and rosemary. I followed my nose to the kitchen, where my parents were cooking my delicious birthday dinner: lamb patties, spanakopita, tabbouleh salad and fresh pita bread, made by my expert-baker mom. My dad passed away in 2013, and he never wrote down his lamb-patty recipe. But during my sister’s most recent visit, we reminisced about how much we loved the dish, and I knew I had to make it. Last month, my kids, my husband and I gathered at my mother’s house in South Hero to try and re-create the recipe. We started by looking through the cookbooks in my mom’s extensive collection to see if my dad
PHOTOS: ASTRID HEDBOR LAGUE
Flavors From the Past: Greek-Style Lamb Patties had taken the recipe from one of them. No such luck. The patties were clearly something he had dreamed up one day and continued to make from memory. So, with our memories as a guide, we chopped the herbs and added them to the lamb. My daughter and son got right in there, mixing the meat and forming the patties. They loved prepping the dish almost as much as eating it! These lamb patties aren’t traditionally Greek — I know because we looked through about a dozen Greek cookbooks. But we treated the meal like a Greek feast, similar to my birthday dinner so many years ago, making spanakopita, tabbouleh and decadent baklava for a sweet ending. While I’m not sure I nailed Dad’s recipe, the patties certainly smelled, and tasted, like I remember them. Try them for dinner this month, and they may just become one of your family’s favorites. K
Lamb Patties INGREDIENTS:
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3 tablespoons fresh mint 2 tablespoons fresh parsley 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano 1/3 cup onion (about half of a small onion) 2 pounds ground lamb 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon salt (more or less to taste)
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Cook on a griddle or grill pan, about four to five minutes per side, until they’re cooked through and nicely browned on both sides.
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Serve with spanakopita and tabbouleh, or try pita bread and hummus on the side.
OCTOBER 2016
Form mixture into flattened patties, about two inches wide. Put them on a baking sheet and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.
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Finely chop the herbs and onion. Put the remaining ingredients in a large bowl, then add the chopped herb mixture and mix until just combined. (I like to mix it with my hands!) Do not overwork the meat or it can get tough.
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SCREEN DOORS Brandon Levesque from Rutland High School at the Olympiad of Architectural History last March
Five tech programs opening up new worlds for kids
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BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG, ALISON NOVAK, AND CATHY RESMER
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t seems like everyone is pushing educational technology lately. All Vermont schools have Wi-Fi, students use iPads and Chromebooks, and entrepreneurs push for STEM initiatives and coding classes. But not every kid wants to be an engineer or computer programmer. What if your child wants to learn more about local history? Become a better writer? Work for social change? Well, it turns out technology can help with all of that, too. We found five innovative programs that use tech tools as a catalyst for learning about other subjects. From re-creating historic buildings with 3D modeling software to making digital films about issues that matter to them, our kids have opportunities we never could have dreamed of when we were their age. Some of these opportunities kids can access by themselves. Others require a motivated teacher or adult. Some involve competition, and all invite collaboration. We think these programs represent the kind of screen time that all parents can get behind.
Printing the Past 3D VERMONT In the annual 3D Vermont contest, teams of middle and high schoolers learn to use high-tech tools for an unusual purpose: to better understand the past. The competition, launched during the 2014-15 school year by partners including the Vermont Agency of Education and the Division for Historic Preservation, invites students to research a historic building in their town and create a detailed scale model of it using a 3D printer and the modeling software SketchUp. The hands-on project gives kids “a new entry point in understanding their place,” said history educator Sarah Rooker. Rooker was one of two adults who worked with the Windsor team for the past two years in her former role as director of new initiatives at the American Precision Museum in Windsor; she’s now the director of
the Norwich Historical Society. The 2015-16 Windsor team, a group of six students in seventh through 10th grades, met after school once or twice a week for three months to research the building they chose: an old state prison, decommissioned in 1975, that’s now an apartment building. The kids reviewed historical documents and photos. They interviewed a former warden. They learned the story behind the structure. When it was time to create the model, they got to know the building itself. They toured the grounds and took measurements. “They actually went up in the attic and took photos out of the windows to make sure they had the proportions right,” Rooker recalled. They even used historical drawings to model an original building that no longer exists. The multiage group had to work together to confront technical challenges. Team captain Vincent Moeykens, now in his junior year at
Windsor High School, said his group brainstormed creative solutions to problems like not being able to print its model on the school’s 3D printer. “Even at the smallest scale, it still wouldn’t fit in the printer that we had at the school,” he said. “We decided that the best approach would be to create connectors and cut up the building and print each part separately.” All of their hard work paid off. The team brought its models, along with a multimedia presentation on their history, to the Olympiad of Architectural History held at Vermont Technical College in March, where it competed against 29 other teams. The Windsor kids won first place — for the second time — and took home 10 Chromebooks for their school. And there were other rewards. “Without the 3D Vermont competition,” said Vincent, “I wouldn’t have as great an appreciation for the area I live in, and I wouldn’t have many of the valuable 3D modeling and printing skills that now I have.” He plans to enter 3D Vermont again this year and strongly recommends it to others. The 2016-17 competition kicks off at the Vermont Tech Jam on Friday, October 21. Teams of two to 10 students can participate, with help from an adult adviser. “It was a very challenging project,” cautioned Rooker, but she said she was impressed by its transformative power. “They gained pride in their community,” she said of the students. “They used to just walk by these buildings every day. Now they look at them as the wonders of technology that they really are.” —C.R. INFO Find more information, including contest rules, at 3dvermont.org.
A Digital Community YOUNG WRITERS PROJECT Writing is a solitary activity, but writers often seek out other wordsmiths for feedback, encouragement and inspiration. In the pre-internet era, finding literary peers was a challenge for young scribes, especially in rural Vermont. Today, they can turn to the Young Writers Project. This web-based initiative connects kids to mentors, publishing opportunities and each other. YWP began in 2003 as a weekly newspaper feature in the Burlington Free Press. Its founder, former Free Press managing editor Geoffrey Gevalt, conceived it as a way to give middle and high schoolers an audience for their work and highlight the importance of writing. In 2006, YWP became an independent nonprofit with a grant from the Vermont Business Roundtable. It’s been evolving ever since. Initially, Gevalt created a website to accept submissions that were then published in local newspapers, with the option for users to post work online. Immediately, kids “took on a sense of ownership,” said Gevalt in an interview at YWP’s Burlington office. Submissions still appear in local newspapers — 22 of them — and on Vermont Public Radio’s website, but “writing online and getting reaction is part of writing now,” says Gevalt.
Gevalt calls the YWP website “a sanctuary” for its users. It gives them a forum outside of school where they can share movie reviews, story snippets and reflections on being the new kid at school. Kids must be 13 or older to create an account, and before posting anything they have to agree to the terms of service, instructing them to be respectful. Other young writers offer constructive comments online. The site also provides writing prompts as inspiration for those who need help getting started. Gevalt said the organization receives around 12,000 submissions annually. Seventeen-year-old Ava Kendrick of Waitsfield got involved in YWP in seventh grade. “The website has given me a place to be heard when I have been in the hardest places,” said Ava. “I have been able to be more outspoken about being a queer person and my road to self-discovery. I have learned to take my writing skills into real life.” Two years ago, YWP began publishing the Voice, a digital magazine featuring the best work submitted to the site each month. Because it’s online, it can incorporate elements like students’ audio recordings and photography, giving kids multiple creative outlets. YWP is piloting a new tech
Young Writers Project participants at the organization’s Celebration of Writing this year
initiative this fall: a Digital Learning Center where kids can take online courses that will help them build skills in topics like poetry, storytelling and college-essay writing. Each course will have an instructor and college-age mentor to provide support. Fourteen-year-old Essex High School freshman Elizabeth Martell, a frequent YWP contributor, worked with the organization this summer to film and edit a digital story that highlighted the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in Burlington — a project done in partnership with BTV Ignite, an alliance aimed at boosting Burlington’s technology ecosystem. Elizabeth says the experience helped her gain proficiency with Adobe software. She’s also learned to import pictures and audio files on the YWP website. More than that, Elizabeth says, her participation in YWP has taught her “that writing can be more than just a hobby … In a way, we’re like a community. I feel like I can connect to all these other writers across the state, country and even world.” —A.N. INFO Find more info at youngwritersproject.org. The Young Writers Project will host a writing conference on Saturday, November 5, at the Vermont College of Fine Arts in Montpelier.
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COURTESY OF YOUNG WRITERS PROJECT
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Screen Doors
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Rising to the Challenge DESTINATION IMAGINATION
COURTESY OF MARK COLLIER
Some kids kick around balls after school. Others are busy kicking around ideas, preparing to compete in an academic Olympics called Destination Imagination. This worldwide program aims to teach kids the creative process and give them skills to succeed in an ever-changing world. DI stages levels of competition that culminate in Global Finals, an international tournament each May that includes more than 8,000 kids from some 15 countries. DI likes to call it “the world’s largest celebration of creativity.” This year, participants are writing shows to present on handbuilt stages. They’re imagining a world without color, engineering structures to bear as much weight as possible, and concocting stories
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FIRST LEGO LEAGUE From chunky, colorful Duplos to elaborate kits with thousands of pieces, Legos just draw kids in. It’s no wonder, then, that FIRST LEGO League, a program for third through eighth graders that combines teamwork, problem-solving and programmable LEGO Mindstorms robots, has amassed 255,000 participants in 88 countries since it began in 1998. In Vermont, participation has been growing steadily. In February, Doug Webster of the Vermont Agency of Education said, “We would like every Vermont child to have access to FIRST LEGO League by 2017.” Thirty teams competed at the FIRST Lego League Vermont State Championship at Norwich University in November 2015. The Champion’s Award went to the Green Mountain Gears, a group of six middle-school boys from South Burlington. They’ve been competing at tournaments out of state since 2012. Their coach, Paul Fitzgerald — a former teacher and dad to team member Luke — describes the annual competitions as “big geeky parties with costumes and loud music.” In FLL competitions, teams must design and program an original robot to complete up to 10 challenges on a game board in two and a half minutes. Then they must explain to a panel of judges all the engineering that went into designing their robot. Participants also have to complete a project in which they research a real-world problem and design a solution. Finally, there’s a spontaneous task — for example, teams might be given materials and asked to build something. They’re evaluated on how well they interact rather than on the final product. For last year’s project, the Green Mountain Gears designed an app called Sorta Scrappy — it uses a game to teach kids how to sort trash. Their project
was one of 20 from around the world chosen by FIRST LEGO League as a Global Innovation Award semifinalist. In June, they traveled to Alexandria, Va., where they presented their project to judges and teams from places like Nova Scotia and Spain. One Saturday last month, the team gathered in Fitzgerald’s compact condo to prepare a presentation for the Champlain Mini Maker Faire. This year’s FLL theme is Animal Allies. For their projects, teams must design a solution for a problem that arises when people and animals interact. The South Burlington boys were working on different prototypes for a device used to catch and observe bees called a bee box; they reasoned that using one would make people less fearful of the insects. They displayed the prototypes they had already built using materials from the hardware store and explained that they were hoping to 3D print a bee box, too, since teams earn project points for innovation. This year, their team is mentoring a new FLL team that Fitzgerald is coaching, made up, in part, of several of the Green Mountain Gears’ younger sisters. In October, the Gears will switch gears and focus on designing and programming their robot for the state championship in December. And though the competition is exciting, Fitzgerald says FLL is about much more than just that. The program has “created a culture that celebrates solving problems,” he says, and it “promotes a sense that kids are all in this together, and it is not a zero-sum game.” —A.N. INFO Find general info at firstlegoleague.org and visit the Green Mountain Gears website at greenmountaingears.org. Attend the FIRST LEGO League state competition on Sunday, December 11, at Norwich University.
COURTESY OF CAROLYN SICCAMA
Skill-Building Blocks
Members of the Green Mountain Gears watching as their robot navigates the game board at the FIRST LEGO League State Championships last November
about secret missions complete with gadgets and secret codes. “I’m obsessed with this program,” said Carolyn Siccama, a Shelburne mom who’s in her third year as a DI team comanager and whose daughter is participating on a different team for the third time. Destination Imagination is entirely kid-focused, Siccama said. Students — in preschool through college — form seven-member teams. Each team selects one of seven challenges: technical, scientific, engineering, fine arts, improvisational, service learning or early learning (a noncompetitive category for kids in preschool through second grade). Those who compete sign a “declaration of independence” verifying that students have done all of the work. “Every
WHAT’S THE STORY? THE VERMONT YOUNG PEOPLE SOCIAL ACTION TEAM said. They built a website, made a film and wrote to every Vermont public high school principal. They cited WTS as an example of what studentcentered learning can look like. The program, which was developed by Vermont teachers with master’s degrees from Middlebury’s Bread Loaf School of English, awards students school credit in social studies or English. Lead instructor Tim O’Leary, who also serves as the district technology innovation specialist for Addison Central Supervisory Union, calls it student-driven but proficiency-based. “I’ve seen just so many instances of independent study where it’s like a Wild West of, Go do what you want and come back and tell me about it, and we’ll kind of give you credit for it,” he said. WTS, in contrast, sets learning benchmarks and provides a network of teachers — mostly Bread Loaf students or alums — to support kids. Face-to-face meetings teach kids how to use computer programs, video cameras and microphones; how to use video editing tools; and how to develop stories, do research and conduct interviews. The kids also contribute to discussions online. Already the program has been replicated at a high school in Louisville, Ky., and elements of it are in use at
the Lyman C. Hunt Middle School in Burlington, O’Leary said. Last year’s WTS teams researched foster care, Vermont’s emergency dispatch cuts, the feasibility of energy efficiency, and gender identity and expression. The WTS film “Breaking Binary” has been shown in classrooms from Alaska to Vermont, O’Leary said. The team that created it aimed to cultivate awareness around gender identity and expression to make safer, more inclusive schools. Their film won the Vermont Folklife Center Ethnographic Film Award from Freedom & Unity TV, and all three students — Becca Cottrell and Eva Rocheleau from Champlain Valley Union High School, and Fiona Nelson, a homeschooler from South Burlington — are back at WTS this year to continue to help teachers and administrators understand the difficulties that a gender binary system — the practice of classifying people as strictly male or strictly female — can cause. The 2016-17 WTS teams met for the first time in September. Kids can start applying for the 2017-18 program in February. INFO: Find more info at whatsthestoryvt.com.
—M.A.L.
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One of the state’s most innovative courses has about 25 students and meets just nine times during the school year. What’s the Story? The Vermont Young People Social Action Team puts state-of-the-art recording equipment into the hands of Vermont kids, grades seven through 12. Then it sends them out into the world to research the issues they care about, with the hope that their work will lead to social change. In teams of three or four, they blog, Skype, conduct interviews, then tell their stories via films, websites, songs, photos and other media. The course, sponsored by Middlebury College, is in its third year. It’s free for participants. “I would recommend it to any student,” said Ella Nagy-Benson, a junior at Middlebury Union High School, who participated last year and returned as a student mentor. “I think it’s a great course. And you get to meet kids from all over the state, which is a plus.” She collaborated on a project with Jacob Parker, then a junior at Champlain Valley Union High School, and Alexa Widschwenter, then a senior at Harwood Union High School. “Our aim was to inspire administrators in public schools to become more focused on the individual learner,” she
KIDS VT
Fifth-grade Destination Imagination team members from Shelburne displaying their weight-bearing structure
Digital Documentation
OCTOBER 2016
—M.A.L. INFO: Find more info at destinationimagination.org.
What’s the Story? participant Catriona Cribb with mentor Nate Archambault in 2015
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backdrop, every costume, every item … they’ve done without anybody’s help,” Siccama said. “It’s very empowering.” Each team is also assessed on how well it solves an instant challenge. “You have tin foil and a spoon and a straw, and you need to build a bridge in five minutes — something like that,” Siccama said. For the last two years, her team has won its age division at the state tournament to qualify for Global Finals. Last year, her kids had to build a weightbearing structure that weighed less than 175 grams and could work like a musical instrument, then incorporate it into a story. “Can I just brag?” Siccama asked. “Their structure was made out of paper tubes. It weighed 151 grams and … it held 650 pounds before it crushed.” When the kids blew through the perforated straw they had attached, it sounded like an oboe. A spin-off of Odyssey of the Mind, DI was created after a 1999 legal settlement split Odyssey into two separate organizations. A disagreement over whether OM should be run by a for-profit or nonprofit group led to the rift. OM, the for-profit company, is still going strong. In Vermont, between 28 and 35 schools and organizations field between 60 and 65 OM teams each year. The nonprofit DI counts about 50 Vermont schools and organizations among its participants, and about 40 teams compete. Shelburne Community School fourth grader Zoe Richardson is hooked on DI. She has signed on for a second year. “I learned how to solve problems quickly and to see things in different ways,” she said, “to think of things creatively.”
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that all kindergarten teachers complete an assessment for each of their students. The surveys are analyzed to determine students’ skills and — in the broadest strokes — whether or not Vermont’s kids are well prepared for school.
How Vermont assesses — and addresses — whether kids are prepared for kindergarten BY KATIE TITTERTON
Survey Says
Maggie Plante’s kindergarten classroom at Burlington’s Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler
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KIDS VT
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t’s the first week of kindergarten in Maggie Plante’s class at the Integrated Arts Academy at H.O. Wheeler (IAA) in Burlington, and students are enjoying choice time. The kids reflect Burlington’s ethnic and cultural diversity and boast a cheerful mishmash of personal styles. There are boys with long hair and girls in sweats and high-tops. Kids wear collared button-downs or glitter T-shirts, gold earrings or retro glasses. And they play differently, too. A boy building a train track on the carpet notices a classmate standing nearby and invites her to help. A few kids sit at a table, intently coloring cartoon bumblebees. An animated group debates the importance of Pikachu in the Pokémon universe. They find a light-up ball, which they decide is a good tool to catch the digital critter. Then they find green Lego pieces to stand in for e-tablets and pretend to play Pokémon GO. Plante circulates through the room, offering up plenty of positive reinforcement. “It’s so nice to see you sharing,” she says. “I like how you fixed how you were sitting in your chair.” Academic concepts are introduced with a light touch. A boy squishes Play-Doh through a press and holds it up to show Plante. “Wow. Is that bigger than your hand?” she asks. He compares and gives a tiny, proud nod. Plante is also making careful observations, squatting down with each group and joining them in their worlds of play. “I have no expectations,” she says. “I see how they interact, what language they’re using.” She notices who always goes straight to the blocks. She notices when kids are using materials in imaginative ways. And she notices “who’s a wanderer or a roamer, who hovers but doesn’t quite join in.” She’ll use the data she’s gathering to differentiate her instruction and to fulfill a statewide requirement: Within the first six to 10 weeks of school, the Agency of Education asks
In 2000, the state rolled out the kindergarten readiness survey — a collaboration between the Agency of Education, the Department of Health, and the Department for Children and Families. Survey questions have been tweaked over the years, but in 201516, the state debuted a new version, called the Ready for Kindergarten! Survey, or R4K!S, which, for the first time, underwent an independent review by the American Institutes for Research. Among the AIR’s recommendations was a change in how the state measures survey responses. The R4K!S report, released at the end of September, indicates that 82 percent of Vermont kids are ready for kindergarten, compared to the 49 percent assessed as ready during the 2014-15 school year (see “Behind the Numbers” on page 27 for an explanation of this dramatic leap). In the survey, teachers determine whether each student is “beginning,” “practicing” or “independently performing” 34 different skills that fit into five categories: physical development and health, social/emotional development, approaches to learning, communication, and cognitive development. The process is strictly observational. On the front lines, “it’s designed to help the teachers, when they first start working with kindergartners, to understand where that student is developmentally, and that helps target what interventions you might provide,” explains Deputy Secretary of Education Amy Fowler. Teachers like Plante, who has taught at IAA for 12 years, refer back to the surveys during the school year in order to tailor instruction to each student. Plante may target skills, like
how to share toys, through play, she says. Or she’ll group kids of different abilities together so they can learn from each other. A child who is not yet adept at social problem-solving, for example, may be intentionally grouped with a kid who’s shown a knack for mediation. Plante says she looks back at the skills she’s flagged to make sure each child is making progress. In smaller Westminster, kindergarten teachers start priming their incoming students for the transition the January before the new school year begins. Teachers do preschool
I think the hardest thing teachers do is differentiation. You have this wide range of social and academic skills. BOBBY RILEY, PRINCIPAL, INTEGRATED ARTS ACADEMY AT H.O. WHEELER visits, and in the summer they have a two-week transition camp, explained kindergarten teacher Emily Clark. So come survey time, she knows her kids well and has already flagged areas for intervention. She doesn’t rely heavily on the survey results to drive her instruction, she says, but finds it helpful in other ways. “It’s useful for informing preschools and other early-ed centers what we’re looking for,” she said.
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MEASURING UP?, P. 26 »
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Visit our website vtdayschool.org for more information. Email: info@vtdayschool.org. Phone: 495-5150 • 6701 Shelburne Road, Shelburne
OCTOBER 2016
Motivation and Success with Project-Based Learning
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Most kids start kindergarten by age 5 or 6. By then, many of them have already been to preschool. Those pre-K early learning years are crucial in preparing kids to enter school. That wasn’t always clear. It wasn’t until the 1990s that the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) released a position statement calling it “a public responsibility” to make sure families “have access to the services and support needed to provide the strong relationships and rich experiences that provide children with a foundation for all future learning.” At minimum, the statement reads,
this requires health care, economic security, nutrition, housing, family support services and “high-quality early childhood programs.” The statement marked a shift in cultural thinking. Researchers at the National Center for Education Statistics say it’s having an impact. A recent NCES study revealed that between 1998 and 2010, poor kindergartners’ academic achievement rose, closing the school-readiness gap between rich and poor kids by 10 percent in math and 16 percent in reading. This may be, the study’s authors wrote in an August 2016 New York Times article, because preschool is more accessible, poor families are reading to their children more and “because of the widespread diffusion of a single powerful idea: that the first few years of a child’s life are the most consequential for cognitive development.” What role does quality preschool play in those early years? Andrea Sambrook, executive director of Annette’s Preschool in Hinesburg, points to three key skill groups that early childhood education helps develop. The first is social interactions. Sambrook describes it like this: “Can I successfully make friends? Can I introduce myself to a play scenario and engage in play? Can I engage an adult if I need help or have a question?” The second, she says, is selfregulation. “That comes into play with waiting my turn, understanding I might not get what I want immediately, delayed gratification, being able to stop myself from acting.” The third group is adaptive skills. “That’s a fancy way of saying self-help skills, how a child can do things independently. That’s things like changing from outdoor shoes to indoor shoes,” she says, or using the bathroom, unzipping a lunch box or putting on a coat. Young children build these skills constantly, she says, “in the block area, when we line up to go outside, when we want to be the line leader but we also want to close the gate, when we want to swing but someone got there first. It’s the underlying goal. It never really stops.” Robyn Freedner-Maguire, director of the statewide early childhood campaign Let’s Grow Kids, says that since most Vermont parents are
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Measuring Up? CONTINUED FROM P. 25
working, “the childcare system has a role to play in supporting the public school system, in preparing children so they’re ready.” Childcare providers are also important economic partners for public schools, she adds, in that quality care can minimize costs. “They’re often first to see if children need early interventions,” she explains. “You may have children entering kindergarten with social and emotional issues that may require additional staffing in class. There are some challenges children have that could be mitigated if they had access to high-quality early care.” She knows it personally: Her own daughter’s childcare quickly recognized that her daughter needed help developing some social and emotional skills, and is working with the family to address them. “The trajectory has changed for her,” Freedner-Maguire says, emotion and awe in her voice. When her daughter enters kindergarten, she says, “I can visualize her playing with her classmates. A year ago, I couldn’t visualize that.”
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Supporting Students
Teachers in Vermont’s elementary schools prepare for the first day knowing they may be welcoming upwards of 20 kids with varied backgrounds and skill levels. When kindergartners arrive without foundational social skills, it’s up to the school to intervene. “I think the hardest thing teachers do is differentiation,” says Bobby Riley, principal of IAA. “You have this wide range of social and academic skills.” For example, you may have one student who can’t sit in his seat, he explains, and another who’s reading on a second-grade level. IAA has a diverse student population with vastly different needs — and some of those needs are great. “The biggest issue around the achievement gap is students’ trauma background prior to starting school,” says Riley. Nationally, that gap may be closing, but kids who grow up in poverty, or whose families lived in refugee camps before resettling in Burlington, have a higher degree of trauma or instability in their lives and are less likely to have developed those key social skills. As a result, IAA has focused on trauma training for a few years, and now Burlington is investing in
Kindergarten students at IAA reading together
trauma training for its educators district-wide. Poverty has a profound impact on kids’ ability to succeed in school, according to Sue Maguire, retired principal of Molly Stark Elementary School and Mt. Anthony Union High School in Bennington. “It doesn’t mean kids can’t learn,” she explains. “It’s not that they might not have the innate ability; it’s just that they aren’t exposed to the same [resources]. It’s not that their parents don’t love them; it’s just that they don’t have the opportunities or the know-how.” There are other traumatic factors, like illness, violence or addiction. In January, Vermont Public Radio reported that Brattleboro’s Academy School was seeing an increase in kids arriving unable to focus and function in school, which the school attributed to the state’s heroin crisis and more kids experiencing the effects of opiate misuse at home. And there are other layers of social skills intervention. IAA uses an arts-based curriculum, which embeds skills like cooperation, confidence and determination in arts-based activities, such as performing a play. The magnet school also uses a violence-prevention curriculum called Second Step that gives kids a common language for conflict resolution and problem-solving.
For kids who need the most help, IAA staff form behavior-support teams. “We think about what supports we can put in place. We write specific behavior plans and social/emotional plans for students,” says Riley. Blue Mountain Union School kindergarten teacher Melanie Gonyaw is in her 21st year teaching and has been at her current school, in Wells River, for close to 15 years. She says different schools have different resources available when a child struggles with behavior in class. “Some schools have behavior interventionists available and ready, and some don’t. Not necessarily to remove the child, but so you can continue teaching.” Without another adult in the room, teachers have to stop the lesson to redirect the child’s behavior, she explains. Sometimes, she adds, assistant principals take on the role of behavior coach. Like many other schools in Vermont, both IAA and Blue Mountain use Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS), a formal system that helps schools encourage and reinforce healthy behaviors. Programs like these are critical because, explains Sambrook, “For a child who has not mastered those social skills, they’re going to find it extraordinarily hard to focus on the
academics. When they’re ready, it will come very quickly.”
Are Schools Ready?
According to the R4K!S report, the state says “‘school readiness’ is interactional: Children need to be ready for schools, and schools need to be ready to accommodate the diverse needs of each and every child.” The Vermont Agency of Education used to assess schools for readiness, just as it assesses students. Principals were surveyed on topics including their school’s transition-tokindergarten practices and parental involvement, while teachers answered questions on the amount of support available to them from administrators, behavioral specialists and special educators. But the state stopped gathering that information in 2011; as of press time, the Agency of Education had not responded to requests for an explanation as to why. Even though that info is no longer formally collected, the question it addressed is still an important one: Are school districts prepared to best serve our newest learners? Plante says smaller class sizes would help teachers better meet kids’ diverse needs. And she thinks a critical part of her job is helping kids learn how to play and use their imaginations. There’s an educational
catch-22 there: Teachers must help kids develop social skills to be resilient, empathetic people, but mandates strip away opportunities for the natural interactions that build those skills. “The expectations we have for kindergarten are too big,” Plante laments. “Just make it where school is a place they can learn. They come to school and have to work all the time. We’ve forgotten how to be kind, how to solve a problem.” But that’s an issue for another day.
For the current crop of kids, school is in session. Back in Plante’s busy kindergarten class, free choice time is coming to an end. To get the kids’ attention, Plante sings, “Friends, friends, friends!” The desired response is for all the kindergartners to stop moving, look at her and sing, “Yes, yes, yes!” They do, and the sound is gorgeous, like bells pealing. “Wow!” says Plante, pleased. Yes, a few kids are still wiggling their hands in the rice table, but they’re singing, loud and clear. K
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The Vermont Center on Behavior and Health is conducting a study to help mothers quit smoking. With your participation, you could earn up to $1,310. If you have at least one child under the age of 12, you may qualify for this study. To see if you qualify, go online at http://j.mp/1MSDgeE to take our online survey or call (802) 656-1906 to learn more about this study.
BEHIND THE NUMBERS
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inspire greatness. You don’t need to be a runner or have previous coaching experience... just a passion to change the lives of young girls. Volunteer to be a Girls on the Run Coach!
KIDS VT
Learn more or register at: GirlsOnTheRunVermont.org /coaching
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To view the full Ready for Kindergarten! Survey report, visit education.vermont.gov.
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OCTOBER 2016
34 survey items, but two descriptive questions aren’t included in the tally). The child’s total score lands him or her in one of four readiness categories: “not yet ready,” “approaching ready,” “ready and practicing,” and “ready and performing independently.” Like academic proficiency tests for older school-age children, children whose scores fall in the top two categories are considered “ready” overall. In other words, kindergartners haven’t changed. The new evaluation criteria just gives them a little more readiness wiggle room. Fowler offers an analogy: “When you go to take your driver’s test, you’re allowed to miss a couple of questions and still get your license.” The report breaks down differences by gender, school district, free/reduced lunch eligibility, and whether or not kids attended publicly funded pre-K (though the 2015-16 report lumps together kids who attended non-publicly funded pre-K and kids who attended no pre-K whatsoever). The state hopes more accurate survey data will help school systems and pre-kindergarten programs collaborate better. For example, if a district notices a year-after-year drop in certain skills, Fowler explains, they can work with pre-K providers to intervene. Even with the changing criteria, Fowler emphasizes that around 20 percent of kids last year were assessed as not ready for kindergarten. “There’s still some room for growth, and that’s what we’re hoping pre-K will do,” she says. “The push for pre-K is not just to provide students access for learning how to be in a community before school starts, but to give those students a leg up so they can progress even further.”
KIDSVT.COM
In April 2014, Vermont Public Radio aired an alarming story with the headline “Over Half of Vermont’s Kids Deemed Not Ready for Kindergarten.” The piece cited a Building Bright Futures Report, which included data collected by the Agency of Education during the 2013-14 school year indicating that 51 percent of kindergartners that year were rated by their teachers as not ready for kindergarten. Last month, the state released the results of the 2015-16 Ready for Kindergarten! Survey, with a striking new finding: 82 percent of Vermont kids are ready. What’s behind that dramatic improvement? Essentially, the state has changed the way kindergarten readiness is evaluated. Two significant things happened in 2014: The state passed Act 166, which guarantees 10 hours per week of publicly funded pre-K for the state’s 3- to 5-year-olds; and the state won a $33 million federal grant to expand preschool programs to low-income kids. This prompted the Agency of Education to have its kindergarten readiness survey independently reviewed by the American Institutes for Research. “Given the opportunity to improve an instrument, this was the time to do it,” says Deputy Secretary of Education Amy Fowler. “A big reason for making the change at this time is, it’s baseline data for moving forward,” she says. AIR reviewers recommended a few changes in the survey, including the way results are evaluated. In past years, a kindergartner had to be proficient in every single skill in the survey to be considered “ready” overall. With the new system, a child can demonstrate a “beginning” skill in a category and still be considered “ready” overall by the state. A child is scored on a scale of one to three on each of 32 survey items (there are
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e r o l a G s d r u o G SPOTLIGHTS & LISTINGS BY BRETT STANCIU
KIDS VT
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PUMPKINS IN THE PARK: Friday, October 28, 6-8 p.m., at Bombardier Park West in Milton. Free. All ages. Info, 893-4922. miltonvt.org
COURTESY MILTON PARKS AND RECREATION
OCTOBER 2016
KIDSVT.COM
What better way to celebrate Halloween than with hundreds of jack-o’-lanterns? At PUMPKINS IN THE PARK, costumed revelers bring their own orange orb to a community carving party. Using tools and stencils provided by Milton Recreation, participants create mysterious masterpieces, then sip spiced apple cider and savor doughnuts and apples around a crackling bonfire while swaying to spooky tunes. The evening ends with a collective pumpkin lighting, with prizes awarded for most creative, funniest and — of course — scariest squash of the night.
Classes
List your class or camp here for only $20 per month! Submit the listing by October 15 at kidsvt.com or to classes@kidsvt.com. 4 TUESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Drop-In Preschool Art: Miniature Michelangelos dig into clay, paint, collage and printmaking. Ages 3-5 with adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10 per child. Info, 985-3648.
Baby & Maternity
Breastfeeding Support Clinic: A certified lactation counselor answers nursing questions in a supportive setting. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 9 a.m. $15. Info, 829-0211. Evolution Postnatal Yoga: Moms tote their precrawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a fun and nurturing environment. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.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 & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 4:15-5:30 p.m. $15 or $130 for 10-class pass. Info, 864-9642. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: Women prepare for birth through yoga, with a focus on strengthening the body and mind. See prena talmethod.com for class descriptions. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 & 6-7 p.m. $15. Info, 829-0211.
Education
Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: A certified reading pooch listens patiently to emerging readers. Ages 3-8. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30 p.m. Free; preregister for a time. Info, 264-5660.
Games
Chess Club: Strategists enjoy competition and camaraderie. All ages. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765. Family Game Night: Families take over the library’s tabletops for an enjoyable evening. Ages 5 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420. Lego Club: Amateur architects snap together buildings of their own design. All ages. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2-3 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: Players of all skill levels team up for card playing. All ages. Haston Library, Franklin, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505.
Library & Books
Music
Preschool Music: Bitty ones dance and sing to a brisk beat. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.
5 WEDNESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Tie-Dyed Tees: Fledging artists get crafty with Sharpies, T-shirts and imagination. Grades 3 and up. Charlotte Public Library, 3:15 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 425-3864.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 5:457:15 p.m. Mom and Baby Yoga: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. Followed by a free mothers’ gathering. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 223-5302. Mother’s Gathering: Moms and new babies spread out, sip tea, nurse and swap stories. Children under 2 welcome. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-5302. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: New moms gather for toning and relaxation. Prenatal Method Studio, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 829-0211. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Education
Food
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5 WEDNESDAY, P.30
KIDS VT
Middlebury Farmers Market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes. Marble Works District, Middlebury, Free. Info, 537-4754.
French & Art Chez Wingspan Studio!: Oh la la! Afterschool Art (Mondays, October 10-December 12), Daytime Immersion Frart (Tuesdays, October 19-December 14), Morning French for Homeschoolers (Fridays, October 7-December 16) and school break camp options, too! Explore! Create in an inspiring, real-working art studio with experienced instructor of French/art, professional artist and global citizen Maggie Standley. Classes start in October. Register today! Info: maggiestandley@gmail.com, 2337676 or wingspanpaintingstudio.com Prenatal Method Studio: Prenatal and postnatal yoga and barre classes, Yoga for Fertility class series, Childbirth Education series and weekend intensives. Yoga Alliance Registered Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training Program, Infant CPR, empathy circles, infant massage and new mothers’ groups. Supporting women and their partners in the management and journey of pregnancy and childbirth. Location: Prenatal Method Studio, 1 Mill St., Suite 236 at the Chase Mill, Burlington. $15/1-hour prenatal or postnatal yoga. Classes every day: lunchtimes, evenings and weekends. Info: 829-0211, beth@prenatalmethod.com or prenatalmethod.com Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Classes at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center — now with expanded schedule!: 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 six weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling). No yoga experience necessary. Prenatal Yoga: Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m.; Mondays, 5:45 p.m.; Tuesdays, 4:15 p.m.; Wednesdays, 5:45 p.m.; Thursdays, 12:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:15 a.m. Postnatal Yoga: Sundays, 12:15 p.m.; Tuesdays, 11 a.m.; Wednesdays, 1:40 p.m.; Thursdays, 10:45 a.m.; Fridays, 8:15 a.m.; Fridays, noon (postnatal core). Drop-ins welcome; $15/class, $130/10-class pass or $75/monthly unlimited. Location: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: 8990339 or evolutionprenatalandfamily.com Infant Yoga & Massage and Baby Yoga at Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center: Register now for our late fall sessions for babies 6 weeks to 1 year. Weekday and weekend classes available. Location: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington. Info: 899-0339 or evolutionpre natalandfamily.com Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: The future of our nation lays on the courage, confidence and determination of its people. Our Kids BJJ Program promotes self-esteem, self-confidence, character development and a physical outlet with discipline, cooperation with other children, respect for peers and adults, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will help your kids to learn realistic bully-proofing and self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds endurance, patience and self-respect. Give your kids the ability to get stronger, gain confidence and build resilience! Our sole purpose is to help empower people by giving them practices they can carry with them thorough out life. Remember you are raising children, not flowers. First class is free! Please stop by our school at 55 Leroy Road, Williston; call 598-2839; visit our website vermontbjj.com or email julio@bjjusa.com to register your son or daughter!
OCTOBER 2016
One-on-One Tutoring: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students coach elementary-age kids in reading, math and science. Ages 6-12. Some assistance available for other grades in certain subjects with inquiry. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4-8 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Reading Buddies: Young readers pair up with volunteers for literacy and laughs. Intended for children in kindergarten and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated but not required. Info, 264-5660.
Hearts and Noses: An Improv & Clown Acting Workshop for Boys (ages 8-12) and the Adults who Love Them: Connect deeply, laugh and play together as you enhance and transform your parent-child relationship, in the physically exaggerated world of the clown. This workshop explores issues of collaboration, initiates a “yes, and” framework of communication, and builds cooperation and mutual respect. It’s fun. Noses provided! No experience necessary. Saturday, November 12, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: expressiveartsburling ton.com DIY Halloween Costumes: Students will create one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes that will blow away those store-bought costumes and impress their friends. Cut, sew and craft your way to the best Halloween ever! Basic materials are provided; bring two ideas for costumes and any material or old clothes to help create your costume. Friday, October 21, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Instructor: Kate McKernan. Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. $85/participant; $76.50/Burlington City Arts members. Info: 865-7166 or burlingtoncityarts.org Preschool Art Drop-In: Ages 6 months to 5 years. This popular drop-in program introduces young children to artistic explorations in a multimedia environment that is both creative and social. Participants will work with kid-friendly materials, like homemade play dough and finger paint, and explore sculpture, drawings and crafts through their own projects or collaboratively. Thursdays, September 22-November 17, 9:30 a.m-11:30 a.m. Instructor: Alexandra Turner. Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. $6/ child; $5/BCA members. Info: 865-7166 or burlingtoncityarts.org. Family Wheel Drop-In: Explore Burlington City Arts’ Clay Studio while hanging out with the family. Try the pottery wheel and create amazing clay sculptures in the hand-building room while our staff gives demonstrations. Fridays, September 23-November 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Instructors: Julia Berberan, Kate McKernan, Alissa White and Alex Costantino. Location: BCA Clay & Print Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington. $8/participant; $7/BCA members, plus $5/piece to be fired and glazed. Info: 865-7166 or burlingtoncityarts.org Life Drawing Drop-In: Ages 18 and up. This drop-in life drawing class is open to all levels and facilitated by local artist Julia Berberan. Spend the evening with other artists drawing one of our experienced models. Please bring your own drawing materials and paper. Mondays, September 19-November 14, 6:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m. (no class October 10 or 31). Instructor: Julia Berberan. Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. $10/participant; $9/BCA members. Info: 8657166 or burlingtoncityarts.org. Adult Wheel Drop-In: Spend a Friday night with our pottery instructors learning the basics of wheel throwing with clay. This is a great introduction to our studio for those who don’t have time for an eight-week class, or who just want to try the wheel and have some fun with other beginner potters. Fridays, September 23-November 18, 8-10 p.m. Instructors: Julia Berberan and Alissa White. Location: BCA Clay & Print Studio, 250 Main St., Burlington. $12/participant; $11/BCA members, plus $5/piece to be fired and glazed. Info: 865-7166 or burlingtoncityarts.org
KIDSVT.COM
Book Launch: ‘Brave Little Finn’: Best-selling authors of The Sheepover celebrate their newest release with a read-aloud, sweet treats and crafts. All ages. Shelburne Town Hall, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 985-3999. Crafternoon: Maker-minded kiddos create cool projects. Ages 7 and up. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 482-2878. Lego Free Build: Kids drop in and bring their imaginations to life with plastic blocks. Ages 7-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 244-7036. Magic Tree House Adventure Club: Magic Tree House adventure booklovers learn geography and history through imaginative stories. Ages 6 and up. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.
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. Read to a Dog: Pet-lovers peruse books with registered therapy pooches. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: Book buffs bring a selection from home or borrow from the library to amuse an attentive canine. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 878-6956. 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.
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CALENDAR
Just Spooky Enough
COURTESY OF SPOOKYVILLE VERMONT
Families celebrate the scaring season at SPOOKYVILLE VERMONT, an annual extravaganza that uses storytelling, dance, theater and special effects to evoke the magic of Halloween. The 45-minute child-centered expedition starts with a hayride through hordes of glowing jack-o’-lanterns. Next, the show’s theme of “twisted holidays” comes into play in a tour of a horrid old house inhabited with spine-chilling characters, including zombie pilgrims, mischievous leprechauns and ghastly ghosts. To save the holiday, the 12-foot Pumpkin King enlists the assistance of kiddos to round up the creepy ghouls. Matinée shows feature a non-scary adventure, while ages 7 and up brave the darker and more daring evening performance. SPOOKYVILLE VERMONT: Fridays, October 21 and 28, 7-9:30 p.m., and Saturdays, October 22 and 29, noon-2:30 p.m. and 6-9:30 p.m., at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction. Purchase tickets in advance for a half-hour time slot. $8-10; some proceeds benefit Camp Exclamation Point. spookyvillevermont.org 5 WEDNESDAY (CONTINUED)
6 THURSDAY
Rutland Farmers Market: Local vendors peddle farm-fresh produce and fruits, handcrafted breads, artisan cheese, and more at this outdoor emporium. Downtown Rutland, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 342-4727. Woodstock Market on the Green: Fresh vegetables, farm eggs, local meats and cheeses, cut flowers, and seasonal fruits and berries represent the best of the growing season, to the accompaniment of live music. Woodstock Village Green, 3-6 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3555.
Arts & Crafts
Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: Novice and experienced players put their imaginations together. Ages 10 and up. Regular attendance needed to follow the ongoing storyline. Jericho Town Library, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 899-4686.
Health & Fitness
Education
After-School Tennis: Teens team up on the courts through games and instruction in this four-week program. Grades 7-9. Middlebury Indoor Tennis, 3:30-5 p.m. Free; preregister.
OCTOBER 2016
KIDSVT.COM
Library & Books
KIDS VT
Baby & Maternity
Essex La Leche League: Moms bring their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Siblings welcome. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See October 4, 10:4511:55 a.m. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:301:30 p.m. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Games
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Preschool Art Drop-In: Petite Picassos craft cool projects. Ages 6 months-5 years with accompanying adult. BCA Center, Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m. $5-6. Info, 865-7166.
Dorothy’s List Book Club: Middle readers make merry conversation around DCF pick The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Philip Hoose. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. Lego Club: Young builders bust out the blocks and creativity in themed sessions. Follows the school calendar. Ages 6 and up. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765.
Nature & Science
Story Time at ECHO: Preschoolers rally ’round for nature-inspired tales and activities. Ages 2-5. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 10:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.
Audubon Homeschool Program: Home-based learners use the outdoor classroom to explore a variety of monthly topics, rotating seasonally from insect life to bird habitat. Ages 6-8. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $25; $15 each additional sibling; preregister. Info, 434-3068. St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: Dads deepen parent-child communication skills, develop empathy and determine how to empower their family. A light dinner and childcare are included. Turning Point of Franklin County, St. Albans, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 498-0607.
Fairs & Festivals
Milton Giant Pumpkin Plus Contest: Enormous squash compete for the heaviest title. Milton Farmers Market, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4922.
Games
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.
Jericho Lego Club: Creative construction workers put plastic pieces together. Ages 4 and up with an adult. Jericho Town Library, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 899-4686.
Health & Fitness
Yoga for Kids: Young yogis engage their energy and explore breathing exercises and relaxation poses. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
Library & Books
Food for Thought Teen Group: Young adults polish off pizza as they discuss library projects. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Lego Thursdays: Young constructionists combine their creativity with the library’s supplies. All ages. Haston Library, Franklin, 2-5 p.m. Free. Info, 285-6505. Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: An attentive canine listens to little people read. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4 p.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 878-6956.
Music
Music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.
7 FRIDAY
Arts & Crafts
Family Wheel Drop-In: Parents and kids form clay sculptures with assistance from staff. All ages. BCA Print and 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 October 4, 8:159:15 a.m.
Submit your November events for print by October 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
Community
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 child. Info, 253-3054.
Education
Fairbanks Homeschool Day: Students expand their scholastic horizons in the museum’s galleries and other venues with a variety of programs. Call for specific topics and location. Grades K-8. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. $8-10 includes museum admission; $5 for planetarium; one free adult per paying child. Info, 748-2372.
Fairs & Festivals
Stowe Foliage Arts & Crafts Festival: Manycolored leaves set a stunning scene for juried artwork, live music, wood-fired pizza, craft demonstrations and face painting. All ages. Topnotch Resort, Stowe, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $10-12; free for children. Info, 425-3399.
Food
Foodways Fridays: Guests tour the heirloom garden, then watch as veggies make their way into historic recipes prepared in the 1890 farmhouse kitchen. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355. Hardwick Farmers Market: Local produce, plants, artisan cheese, syrup and more fill shoppers’ market baskets. Diverse dinner delectables available. Storytime for small ones from 3-4 p.m. Atkins Field, Hardwick, 3-6 p.m. Free. Kids in the Kitchen: Maple Pumpkin Doughnuts: Chefs-in-training create crispy masterpieces with local squash and sprinkled maple sugar, while learning the basics of measurement. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20; preregister. Info, 863-2569.
Richmond Farmers Market: Vendors peddle handheld pies, honey ice cream, homemade pickles, just-picked produce and much more at this lively showcase of locavorism. All ages. Volunteers Green, Richmond, 3-6:30 p.m. Free.
Community
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FALL REGISTRATION NOW OPEN Pre-registration is required by calling (802) 847-7222 or registering online at UVMHealth.org/MedCenterHealthsource.
Internet Safety Series Pt. 1 – “Electronic Communications, Your Best Friend or Worst Enemy.” Detective Corporal Rene Young, Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations Covering a range of topics including cyber bullying, online predators, reputation preservation, and sexting. WHEN Thursday, October 27, 6 – 7 pm WHERE Winooski School District
Internet Safety Series Pt. 2 – A Compassionate Approach to Discussing Tough Topics with Teens: Navigating the world of Social Media, Sex & High-risk Behaviors Kathy Batty, LICSW/Middle School Counselor & Angela Arsenault, Editor at Parent.co and author of “Teens, Sex, and Social Media.” Teaching parents how to talk to their kids about the digital footprints that they leave behind & setting boundaries, while maintaining open communication. WHEN Monday, November 14, 6 – 7:30 pm WHERE Winooski School District
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Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
KIDS VT
Baby & Maternity
OCTOBER 2016
HealthSource education programs and healthy lifestyle classes are offered by Community Health Improvement at The University of Vermont Medical Center. Many of these programs are FREE, unless otherwise noted. Please note that directions are provided upon registration. FREE parking is available onsite for all classes.
KIDSVT.COM
Kids Trade & Play: Families exchange clean and gently used clothing and toys, size newborn to 12. Capital City Grange, Berlin, See Dr. First videos 9:30-11:30 a.m. $3 per family. Info, “First With Kids” at 337-8632. uvmhealth.org. Milton Fire Department Open House: Families join fire safety Games week with Sparky the Dog, tower Essex Magic: The Gathering: truck rides, safety demonstrations and maPlaneswalkers seek knowledge and glory in terials, music and refreshments. Milton Fire this trading-card game. New players welcome. Station, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 891-8080. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex JuncTractor Day: Farm machinery enthusiasts of all tion, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. sizes tour a tractor “petting zoo.” Highgate PubLego Club: Youngsters build with plastic blocks lic Library, Highgate Center, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. and enjoy companionship. Ages 4-12. CraftsInfo, 868-3970. bury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 586-9683. Fairs & Festivals Magic: The Gathering: Novice and experienced Art in the Park: This outdoor festival features players team up for card playing. Ages 8 and up. art and craft demonstrations and vendors, local Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15food and children’s activities. Main Street Park, 4:15 p.m. Free. Info, 422-9765. Rutland, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 775-0356. Harvest Weekend: Visitors revel in seasonal Library & Books bounty with a husking bee and barn dance, cider Friday Free for All: Junior explorers investipressing and root veggie harvesting. Spiced gate their world, from rocks to bugs. Ages 3-5. cider and homemade doughnuts are free for Charlotte Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; the noshing. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, preregister. Info, 425-3864. Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular museum Pierson Library Book Sale: Thousands of genadmission, $4-14; free for children under 3. Info, tly used books offer bibliophiles the opportunity 457-2355. to stock up at bargain-bin prices. Shelburne Stowe Foliage Arts & Crafts Festival: See OcTown Hall, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 985-2382. tober 7. Richmond Early Bird Math Story Time: Little Vermont Reindeer Fall Festival: Little ones learners get going with math literacy through meet real-deal reindeer and other farm animals. games and play. Ages 2-5. Richmond Free LiHay rides, a bouncy house, pony rides, a nature brary, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 434-3036. trail and a craft fair add to the amusement. Teen Advisory Board: In this first TAB meeting All ages. (See spotlight on page 35.) Vermont of the year, teens plot cool library projects, preReindeer Farm, Brownington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $5; pare a snack and play a game. Grades 9 and up. lunch available to purchase. Info, 754-9583. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Food Waterbury Family Story Time: Librarian and Burlington Farmers Market: Growers and storyteller Molly Pease leads little ones in stoartisans offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts ries, crafts, music and more. Bridgeside Books, and more in a bustling marketplace. All ages. Waterbury, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 244-1441. Burlington City Hall Park, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172. Youth Services Librarian Mary Graf Retires: Young patrons and their families stop by the Capital City Farmers Market: Veggies, honey, Youth Desk to wish the children’s librarian well maple syrup and more change hands at a after 23 years of service and sign her memory celebration of locally grown food. All ages. book. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex JuncDowntown Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, tion, Free. Info, 878-6956. 223-2958. Middlebury Farmers Market: See October 5. Music Rutland Farmers Market: See October 5, 9 Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: a.m.-2 p.m. Toe-tapping tunes captivate kiddies. Radio Bean, Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 660-9346. Health & Fitness Music With Robert: Families sing along with EvoKids Saturday Yoga: Youngsters master a local legend. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, basic yoga poses through games, songs and Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216. dance. Mindfulness activities improve focus and concentration. Ages 3-9. Evolution Prenatal 8 SATURDAY & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. $15. Info, 864-9642. Arts & Crafts Smuggs’ Ski & Snowboard Swap: Skiers and riders of all ages get great deals on winter gear. Little Art: During this drop-in time, art eduConsignment drop-off Friday, October 7, 6-8 cator Tina Logan assists kids and caregivers p.m. Located at Tarrant Recreation Center. All creating unique masterpieces inspired by the ages. St. Michael’s College, Colchester, 10:30 adult Big Art displays in the mall. Ages 5-11. a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info, 644-1177. Berlin Mall, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 229-4151. Young Athletes Program: In collaboration with Shelburne Craft School Saturday Drop-In: Special Olympics Vermont, youngsters with and Artsy types create seasonal masterpieces in this without intellectual disabilities team up with ever-changing weekly series. Projects availcoaches for learning foundational movement able for pickup at a later date. Ages 5-15 with an skills and active living while having fun. Ages adult. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11 a.m. $10. 2-7. Hinesburg Community School, 10-11 a.m. Info, 985-3648. Free; preregister. Info, 482-2106.
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CALENDAR
8 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)
Library & Books
Brave Little Finn Book Signing: The best-selling authors of Sweet Pea and Friends celebrate their newest creation with border collie Laddie. All ages. The Collection, Waitsfield, 11 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 496-6055. Meet the Author and Illustrator: Anika and Christopher Denise: Creators of children’s books Bella and Stella Come Home and Pigs Love Potatoes greet admiring fans. All ages. The Flying Pig Bookstore, Shelburne, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 985-3999. Pierson Library Book Sale: See October 7. Second Saturdays: This child-friendly afternoon, a collaboration between the Norwich Public Library and the Norwich Bookstore, celebrates reading with various themed activities. Check norwichlibrary.org for location. Norwich Bookstore, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 649-1184.
Music
Music of the West African Kora: Musician Sean Gaskell enchants the audience with an educational performance of this ancient West African 21-stringed harp, featuring traditional and original compositions. All ages. Waterbury Public Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 244-7036.
Nature & Science
Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch: Families have fun on a wagon ride to the pick-your-own field. Weather permitting. Sam Mazza’s Farm Market, Colchester, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-12 for hayride and picking one pumpkin; $3 for hayride without a pumpkin. Info, 655-3440. Leaf Garlands: Artist Lori Hinrichsen helps naturalists craft a cascade of color using leaves, needles and thread. Ages 7 and up. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-4 p.m. Suggested donation $5; preregister. Info, 434-2167. Orienteering: The farm’s fields and woods
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Prehistoric Exploring Aspiring archaeologists unearth new discoveries at Montshire Museum’s latest temporary attraction, “DINOSAUR REVOLUTION.” Informative and engaging, the exhibit uses an interactive maze and hands-on stations to test visitors’ dino knowledge and challenge common myths about these long-ago creatures. Investigators of all ages travel back in time to see the world from a dinosaur’s point of view and make tracks like a T. Rex. In an activity set in the present day, kids must prevent a natural history museum from purchasing an expensive fossil hoax. The most shocking discovery the exhibit unearths? Dinosaurs may not be extinct after all. “DINOSAUR REVOLUTION”: Now through Sunday, January 1, at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Open daily. $12-15; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200. montshire.org/exhibits/detail/dinosaur-revolution
Stowe Farmers Market: Live provide an arena for training in music and agricultural and craft map-and-compass navigation. vendors make for a bustling Children under 10 must be acatmosphere. Stowe Farmers companied by an adult. Beginners’ Market, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. clinic, 9-10 a.m.; orienteering coursSee Dr. First videos Info, 279-3444. es, 10 a.m.-noon. Shelburne Farms, “First With Kids” at 9 a.m.-noon. $5-6; preregister for Winooski Farmers Market: uvmhealth.org. clinic; walk-in welcome for courses. Local produce, farm goods, Info, 985-8686. artisan crafts, kids’ activities and tunes come together on the Tour the Cosmos: This 50-minute banks of the Winooski River. live presentation takes the audiChamplain Mill, Winooski, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. ence on a journey deep into the universe. Ages 6 Info, winooskimarket@gmail.com. and up. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 1:30 p.m. $6 plus regular museum admission, $7-9; free for children under 5. Info, Health & Fitness 748-2372. Essex Open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages 9 SUNDAY 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. Baby & Maternity Family Tennis Drop-In: Families rally on the Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See October 4, courts and mingle with other players. Equip12:15-1:30 p.m. ment provided. All ages. Middlebury Indoor Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 10Tennis, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Free. 11:30 a.m. Harvest Run/Walk for Sustainability: Fleet Prenatal Flow & Glow: Expecting moms savor feet romp through farm fields in 1K and 5K this time to develop strength, flexibility, relaxraces followed by family activities, live music, ation and breath awareness as tools to guide healthy snacks and pumpkin prizes. Proceeds them along the path of pregnancy and birth. All benefit the Sustainability Academy. All ages. abilities welcome. Yoga Roots, Shelburne, 3-4 Burlington Intervale Center, 9-11:30 a.m. $5-15; p.m. $16 per class; preregister. Info, 985-0090. $30 per family; free for children under 13. It’s Just a Run in the Park: A 5K and kids’ Community 1-mile Fun Run meander on paved and dirt Champlain Valley Down Syndrome Buddy roads through this new North End park. All Walk: Community members walk to raise ages. Ethan Allen Park, Burlington, Fun Run, awareness and funds for programs benefitting 9 a.m.; 5K, 10 a.m. $5 for 5K; Fun Run free for people with Down syndrome and their families. children under 15; donations accepted for park The walk wends through the downtown busiupkeep. Info, 864-0123. ness district and continues up Church Street Smuggs’ Ski & Snowboard Swap: See October before returning to Battery Park. All ages. 8, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Preregister. Battery Park, Burlington, noon-3 Sugarbush Mad Dash & Kids Fun Run: The p.m. $8-10; maximum $40 per family. Info, Mad River Path Association raises funds and 872-2744. promotes community fitness with a choice of Leddy Park Beach Bites: Families enjoy a lake5K and 10K races and a shorter course for young side afternoon with kids’ activities, food trucks athletes. Mad River Path, Waitsfield, bib pickup, and entertainment. All ages. Leddy Park, Burl8:30-9:30 a.m.; races, 10 a.m. $15-35 for 5K and ington, 2-5 p.m. Free. Info, 864-0123. 10K races; includes a commemorative T-shirt; free for kids’ fun run; proceeds benefit the Mad Fairs & Festivals River Path. Info, 496-7284. Art in the Park: See October 8. East Charlotte Tractor Parade: Antique and Nature & Science modern farm vehicles rumble down Spear The Big Sit: Eagle-eyed participants circle up to Street at 1 p.m. amid a town party with food, live find out how many birds they can spy from seatmusic, pony rides and children’s games. Spear ed positions. Bring your own binoculars; snacks Street, Charlotte, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, and coffee provided. Birds of Vermont Museum, 425-4444. Huntington, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free; pledges and Harvest Weekend: See October 8. donations accepted. Info, 434-2167. Pumpkin Festival: Visitors see orange at this Discovery Sundays: Families have fun with quintessential autumn farm affair, featuring hands-on science experiments and investigapumpkin picking, cider pressing, storytelling, tions, using wheels, towers, magnets, feathers, live music and horse-drawn wagon rides. Green water and bubbles. All ages. Vermont Institute event with Good Foods concessions; bring your of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, own place setting. All ages. Cedar Circle Farm & 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Regular museum admission, Education Center, East Thetford, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $12.50-14.50; free for children under 4. Info, $10 per car. Info, 785-4737. 359-5001, ext. 228. Stowe Foliage Arts & Crafts Festival: See Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch: See October 8. October 7. Sundays for Fledglings: Aspiring junior birders Vermont Reindeer Fall Festival: See October learn all about the work birds do through obser8. vation, research and goofing around. Ages 5-9; siblings welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-3 p.m. Regular museum admisFood sion, $3.50-7; free for members and children South Burlington Farmers Market: Locavores under 3. Info, 434-2167. skip the grocery store and head to this outdoor Tour the Cosmos: See October 8. market for produce, meat and eggs, plus goods from local artists and ethnic lunch options. University Mall, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.
Submit your November events for print by October 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
9 SUNDAY, P.34
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CASTING CALL!
VERMONT’S RISING STARS
OCTOBER 2016
Auditions held Saturday, November 12, noon-3 p.m. on the Higher Ground stage. Live show takes place in December. To participate you must try out in front of a panel of judges. Visit kidsvt.com/talentshow to register your act.
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OCT
CALENDAR 9 SUNDAY (CONTINUED)
Playgroups
Theater
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. MONDAY Burlington Crawlers & Toddlers: VNA Family Room, 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. Cambridge Playgroup: Cambridge Elementary School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229. Charlotte Playgroup: Charlotte Central School Early Education Program, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Milton Playgroup: Milton Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-1457. Morrisville Playgroup: Morristown Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229. Open Gym: Central VT Gymnastics Academy, 10-11:30 a.m. $7. Info, 882-8324. TUESDAY Bradford Playgroup: Grace United Methodist Church, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24. Burlington Dads’ Night: VNA Family Room, 4-7 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420. Burlington New Moms Playgroup: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Free. Info, 864-9642. Burlington Playgroup: See Monday. Essex Junction Playgroup: Maple Street Recreation Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555. Jericho Playgroup: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415. Johnson Baby Chat: Church of the Nazarene, fourth Tuesday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470. Winooski Playtime: O’Brien Community Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-1422. Wolcott Playgroup: Wolcott Depot Center Preschool, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.
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WEDNESDAY ArtisTree Playgroup: Purple Crayon/ ArtisTree, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free; donations accepted. Info, 457-3500. Burlington Infant Massage: VNA Family Room, 11 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 862-2121. Burlington Playgroup: See Monday. Charlotte Babytime: Charlotte Public Library, third Wednesday of every month, 9-10 a.m. Free. Colchester Playgroup: Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 316-2918. Essex Baby Playgroup: Sunset Studio, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555. Fairfield Playgroup: Bent Northrop Memorial Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 827-3945. Hinesburg Family Playtime: Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Free.
Richmond Playgroup: Richmond Free Library, 8:45-10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415. Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 6852264, ext. 24. Toddler Time: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 748-8291, ext. 303. THURSDAY Alburgh Playgroup: Alburgh Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. Burlington Drop-In Family Play: VNA Family Room, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 862-2121. Essex Junction Playgroup: See Tuesday. Hinesburg Baby Time: United Church of Hinesburg, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Johnson Playgroup: United Church of Johnson, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229. Milton Playgroup: See Monday. Montgomery Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426. Morrisville Baby Chat: The Playroom, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 876-7555. Randolph Playgroup: St. John’s Church, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24. Williston Play Time: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 878-4918. Winooski Playtime: See Tuesday. FRIDAY Colchester Playgroup: See Wednesday. 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. Open Gym: See Monday. Randolph Toddler Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073. Rutland Playgroup: Rutland Free Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860. Stowe Playgroup: Stowe Community Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229. Underhill Playgroup: Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4415. Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, first Friday of every month, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 272-6509. SATURDAY Morrisville Baby Chat: Lamoille Family Center, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.
‘Flip Fabrique’: Six acrobats from Montréal amaze the audience with a mixture of circus, cabaret and street performance, combining comedy with aerial antics. Ages 5 and up. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 3 p.m. $28-45. Info, 863-5966.
10 MONDAY
Arts & Crafts
Crafts for Kids: Clever kiddos pursue artsy projects. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 5:45-7 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See October 5. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Dance
Aerial Dance for Kids: Using fabric, dance artist and teacher Nicole Dagesse instructs young performers in flying, hanging, climbing and spinning. Ages 7-12. North End Studio, Burlington, 3:15-4:15 p.m. $15. Info, 413-695-0659.
Education
Nurturing Parent Program: Moms and dads deepen parent-child communication skills, develop empathy and determine how to empower their family. A light dinner and childcare are included. Enosburgh Public Library, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 498-0607.
Food
Mama Mangez: Families prepare and share a meal and conversation. Tulsi Tea Room, Montpelier, 4-6 p.m. Free; ingredient donation optional. Info, 595-7953.
Library & Books
Babies & Toddlers Rock: Little musicians ages 2 and under sing songs and engage in early literacy activities. Rutland Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860. Lego Challenge Club: Inventive kiddos press together plastic-piece creations. Ages 5 and up. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.
how the natural environment can be used as an adventurous classroom. Dress in outdoor clothing. Ages 5 and under. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free; donations welcome. Info, 229-6206.
11 TUESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Drop-In Preschool Art: See October 4.
Baby & Maternity
Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See October 4. 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 October 4. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4. La Leche League of the Northeast Kingdom: Expectant, novice and experienced moms join nursing experts for advice and support. Enter through the children’s section of the library. Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 720-272-8841. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4.
Education
Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See October 4.
Games Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See October 4.
Library & Books
Coding for Kids: Young techies conquer basic computer code with Scratch Jr. and Hopscotch apps. Ages 7-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036. Magic Tree House Adventure Club: See October 4. PJ Story Time: Children chill in their jammies while crafting and listening to stories. Ages 6 and under. Fairfax Community Library, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See October 4. Spanish Musical Kids: See October 4.
Music
Preschool Music: See October 4.
Nature & Science
Music & Movement for Preschoolers: Educator Emily Lanxner gets the beat going with creative storytelling, movement and rhythm. Geared toward preschoolers, but all are welcome. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.
Discovery in the Nestlings Nook: Bird enthusiasts stretch their wings during a themed session of tales, crafts, music and outdoor exploration. Intended for preschoolers, but all ages are welcome. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Regular museum admission, $3.50-7; free for members and children under 3. Info, 434-2167.
Nature & Science
12 WEDNESDAY
Music
Audubon Nature Playgroup: Little ones and their caregivers explore the woods, meadows, beaver and peeper ponds while meeting new friends. Ages birth to 5 years. Open to Richmond, Huntington, and Hinesburg residents. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9:30-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 434-3068. Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: Little explorers and their caregivers discover the sights and sounds of the forest and field, while learning
Submit your November events for print by October 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 5:457:15 p.m. Mom and Baby Yoga: See October 5. Mother’s Gathering: See October 5. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See October 5.
Education
EarthWalk Village School Open See Dr. First videos House: Prospective families “First With Kids” at Games interested in this once-a-week, uvmhealth.org. Colchester Lego Club: See Octonature-based program or oneber 6. day-a-week after-school program participate in a morning of outHealth & Fitness door activities. Ages 6-12; children Yoga for Kids: See October 6. must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at Hawthorne Meadow on the Goddard College campus. EarthWalk Vermont, Plainfield, 9 a.m.Holidays noon. Free; preregister. Info, 454-8500. The Costume Closet: Trick-or-treaters in need One-on-One Tutoring: See October 5. of a holiday disguise check out new-to-them possibilities. Donations accepted of clean, genYoung Writers & Storytellers: Small ones spin tly used Halloween costumes and accessories their own yarns. Ages 5-11. Burnham Memoaccepted starting October 1. All ages. St. Albans rial Library, Colchester, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, Free Library, 12-8 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507. 264-5660.
Food
Middlebury Farmers Market: See October 5. Rutland Farmers Market: See October 5. Woodstock Market on the Green: See October 5.
Games
Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See October 5. Lego Club: Budding builders construct creatively with colorful blocks. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.
Library & Books
Family Fun Night: The whole family turns out for games, Legos, crafts and more. All ages. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 5-6:30 p.m. Free; pizza available with preregistration. Info, 482-2878. Lego Club: See October 5.
Nature & Science
Story Time at ECHO: See October 5.
13 THURSDAY
Arts & Crafts
Library & Books
Fairfax Read to a Dog: Little book lovers select stories to share with a furry friend. Ages 5-10. Fairfax Community Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister for 15-minute time slot. Info, 849-2420. Lego Thursdays: See October 6. Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See October 6. St. Albans Library Legos: Aspiring architects engage in construction projects with their peers. St. Albans Free Library, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.
Music
Music for Preschoolers: See October 6.
Parenting
Parenting in the Digital Age: Author Chip Donohue explores how technology can empower and engage children, parents, librarians and early childhood educators. Adults only. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 262-1352.
14 FRIDAY
Arts & Crafts
Fall Craft: Little artists create colorful trees. Grades 1 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Preschool Art Drop-In: See October 6.
Family Wheel Drop-In: See October 7. Tinker Time: Imaginative kiddos take apart household items with tools. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Baby & Maternity
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See October 4, 10:45-11:55 a.m. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:301:30 p.m. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Foodways Fridays: See October 7. Richmond Farmers Market: See October 7.
Games
Dungeons & Dragons: Players embark on invented adventures, equipped with their problem-solving skills. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Lego Club: See October 7. Magic: The Gathering: See October 7.
Health & Fitness
Family Play Tennis Clinic: Families get an introduction to tennis etiquette and equipment in an enjoyable and encouraging setting. All ages. Middlebury Indoor Tennis, 6-8 p.m. $15 per family; includes equipment and dinner; preregister. Info, 388-3733.
Library & Books
Friday Free for All: See October 7. Richmond Early Bird Math Story Time: See October 7. Songs & Stories With Matthew: Musician Matthew Witten kicks off the morning with tunes and tales. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Teddy Bear Sleepover: Kids drop off their favorite stuffed friends before 5 p.m. Friday, then return at 10 a.m. the following morning for brunch and a slideshow about their animals’ nighttime adventures. Ages 2-7. Milton Public Library, Free. Info, 893-4644. Waterbury Family Story Time: See October 7.
Music Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See October 7. Music With Robert: See October 7.
Nature & Science Montshire Unleashed: An Evening for Adults: The museum opens its doors after hours so grown-ups can let their inner curiosity go wild. Beer, wine and food available for purchase. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6-9 p.m. $15 museum admission; free for members. Info, 649-2200.
15 SATURDAY
Arts & Crafts
Claymation Workshop: Artist Robby Gilbert assists participants to sample stop-motion animation techniques. Ages 8 and up. Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury, 2-5 p.m. Suggested donation $5; preregister. Info, 748-2600, ext. 108. 15 SATURDAY, P.36
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Audubon Homeschool Program: Home-based learners use the outdoor classroom to explore a variety of monthly topics, rotating seasonally from measuring forests to aquatic ecosystems. Ages 9-12. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $25; $15 each
Food
VERMONT REINDEER FARM’S FALL FESTIVAL: Saturday, October 8 and Sunday, October 9, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at Vermont Reindeer Farm in West Charleston. $5; small donation for some activities. Info, 754-9583 or search for Vermont Reindeer Farm on Facebook.
KIDS VT
Education
Bedtime Math’s Crazy 8s: Junior mathematicians make merry with numbers, music and imagination. Ages 8-11. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 9-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 472-5948.
Seven years ago, Pauline Broe acquired two reindeer, Comet and Prancer, from a family in Indiana to join the goats, donkeys and potbellied pig at her farm in West Charleston. At the VERMONT REINDEER FARM’S FALL FESTIVAL folks are encouraged to dally for the day, meet Prancer (sadly, Comet died earlier this year), ride ponies, jump in a bouncy house, peruse a craft fair and explore an easy nature trail on the property. Feeing hungry after all that action? Refuel with hand-pressed apple cider, maple cotton candy, baked goods and lunch items. Proceeds from the event are donated every year to a local family battling cancer.
OCTOBER 2016
Mother Up! Monthly Meet-up: This familyoriented program discusses the realities of climate change and participating in a community transition to a healthier world, with the topic of fracking. Vegetarian meal and childcare provided. All ages. Unitarian Universalist Society, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. Free; RSVP. Info, 999-2820.
Education
Oh, Deer!
KIDSVT.COM
Community
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 8:159:15 a.m.
COURTESY OF VERMONT REINDEER FARM
additional sibling; preregister. Info, 434-3068. St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: See October 6.
Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
OCT
CALENDAR 15 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)
Story Times
Early-literacy skills get special attention during these read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. MONDAY Barre Children’s Story Hour: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-7550. Colchester Preschool Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Hyde Park Story Time: Lanpher Memorial Library, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 888-4628. Northfield Children’s Story Time: Brown Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 485-4621. Richmond Baby Lap 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 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507. Stowe Story Times for 2-3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:30-11:30 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.
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TUESDAY Alburgh Story Hour: Alburgh Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 796-6077. Barre Children’s Story Hour: See Monday. Colchester Toddler Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Craftsbury Story Time: Craftsbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 586-9683. East Barre Story Time: East Barre Branch Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 476-5118. Essex Junction Baby & Toddler Story Time: Brownell Library, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956. Essex Junction Preschool Story Time: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-6956. Fairfax Preschool Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 849-2420. Highgate Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970. Hinesburg Youngsters Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, 9:30-10 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878. Lyndonville Story Time: Cobleigh Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 626-5475. Milton Infant Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 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, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295. WEDNESDAY Barnes & Noble Saturday Morning Story Time: Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 864-8001. Highgate Story Time: See Tuesday, 10 a.m. Hyde Park Story Time: See Monday, 10 a.m. Lyndonville Story Time: See Tuesday, 10:30 a.m. Marshfield Story Time & Playgroup: Jaquith Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 426-3581. Milton Rhythm & Movement Toddler Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Norwich Story Time: Norwich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 649-1184. Quechee Story Time: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 295-1232. Randolph Preschool Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073. Richmond 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. Storytime at Phoenix Books Rutland: 11 a.m. Free. Info, 855-8078. Stowe Story Time for 3-5-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:15-11:15 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 a.m. Free. Info, 595-2582. THURSDAY Bristol Story Time: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2366. Colchester Preschool Story Time: See Monday. Franklin Story Time: Haston Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505. Hinesburg Youngsters Story Time: See Tuesday. Northfield Children’s Story Time: See Monday. Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860. Shelburne Musical Story Time: Pierson Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.
FRIDAY Brandon Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230. Craftsbury Story Time: See Tuesday. Enosburg Mommy & Me Story Hour: Enosburgh 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. Killington Storytime: Sherburne Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 422-9765. Lincoln Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665. Milton Preschool Story Time: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday. Randolph Toddler Story Time: Kimball Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 728-5073. 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, 10:15-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145. Swanton Storytime: See Wednesday. SATURDAY Barre Story Time: Next Chapter Bookstore, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 476-3114. Story Time at Phoenix Books Burlington: 11 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 448-3350. Colchester Saturday Drop-In Story Time: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburgh Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 933-2328. Essex Whole Book Approach Storytime: Phoenix Books Essex, 11 a.m.-noon, Free. Info, 872-7111. Franklin Walk-in Story Hour: Haston Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6505. Milton Drop-In Saturday Storytime: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday. Vergennes Story Time: Bixby Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 877-2211. Waterbury Preschool Story Time: Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036. Westford Story Time: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-5639.
Submit your November events for print by October 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
Comic Strip Workshop: Comic lovers compose their own page with a professional from the Center for Cartoon Studies. All ages. Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Suggested donation $5; preregister. Info, 748-2600, ext. 108. Little Art: See October 8. Shelburne Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See October 8.
Baby & Maternity
Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Community
Richmond Big Truck Day: Beep, beep! Tractors, fire and military vehicles, police cars and more swing open their doors for little explorers. Food for sale and face painting add to the festivities. All ages. Richmond Elementary School, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $5 per child; free for adults; proceeds benefit RES Snow Motion Program at Cochran’s. Info, 434-2461. Williston Fire Department Open House: The community comes out for firefighter intros, a station tour, touch-a-truck fun and car seat safety inspections. All ages. Williston Fire Department, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 878-5622.
Dance
Aerial Dance Workshop: Using fabric, dance artist and teacher Nicole Dagesse instructs young performers in flying, hanging, climbing and spinning. Ages 7-12. North End Studio, Burlington, 1-2:15 p.m. $15. Info, 413-695-0659.
Education
Mother Goose Parent Workshop: Families with infants and toddlers touch literacy and language through classic children’s literature, and take home a gift bag of books, a family activity guide and a music CD. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.
Food
Burlington Farmers Market: See October 8. Capital City Farmers Market: See October 8. Middlebury Farmers Market: See October 5. Rutland Farmers Market: See October 5, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Health & Fitness
EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See October 8. Young Athletes Program: See October 8.
Library & Books
Cleo the Therapy Dog: Canine and reading enthusiasts visit with a personable pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Teddy Bear Sleepover: See October 14, 10 a.m.
Movies
Kids Movie Matinee: ‘Tis the season for ghosts. See them get busted on the big screen. Popcorn and drinks provided for this PG 13 flick. St. Albans Free Library, 12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.
Music
Family Sing-Along: Families share cherished songs, dance and play simple instruments. All ages. Purple Crayon/ArtisTree, South Pomfret,
10-11 a.m. $10 per adult-child pair; $3 each additional family member. Info, 802 457-3500.
Nature & Science Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch: See October 8. Tour the Cosmos: See October 8.
17 MONDAY
Arts & Crafts See Dr. First videos “First With Kids” at uvmhealth.org.
Theater
Crafternoon: Art lovers make marvelous masterpieces. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 849-2420.
Baby & Maternity
‘PrehistoROCK! A Dinosaur Musical’: The Youth Ensemble Studio of Northern Stage entertains the audience in this madcap musical tale of a paleontologist who is visited by a rock ’n’ roll T. Rex, a lyrical stegosaurus and a triceratops who sings the blues. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 1, 2 & 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $12-15; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 5:45-7 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See October 5. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
SCHOOL YEAR PROGRAMS:
Dance
Monday
16 SUNDAY
Education
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:15-1:30 p.m. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 1011:30 a.m. Prenatal Flow & Glow: See October 9.
Fairs & Festivals
Sukkot on the Farm Harvest Festival: Families join Jewish harvest festivities featuring a puppet show, arts and crafts workshops, potato digging, horse and buggy rides, cider pressing, and dancing. All ages. New Leaf Organic Farm, Bristol, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. $15 per person; $35 per family suggested donation; local food available for purchase. Info, 385-1039.
Food
South Burlington Farmers Market: See October 9. Stowe Farmers Market: See October 9.
Health & Fitness
Essex Open Gym: See October 9. Family Tennis Drop-In: See October 9. Pumpkin Run: Runners lace up for a scenic stretch along the Westford school trails. All ages. Westford School, 9 a.m.-noon. $10 for 6.5K; donation of two nonperishable canned goods for 1K; preregister. Info, 662-1042.
Music
Boom VT Drum Festival: This community drum festival draws people with and without disabilities together through workshops, lessons and a final jam. No experience or equipment needed. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1-4 p.m. Free. Info, 871-5002.
Theater
Yoga for Teens: Young adults stretch and strengthen. Teen Center, Middlebury, 4:45-6 p.m. $10 for three sessions. Info, 734-6755.
Library & Books
Babies & Toddlers Rock: See October 10. Lego Challenge Club: See October 10. Milton Legos at the Library: Junior builders bust out interlocking blocks. Snacks served. Grades K-5. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. ‘Star Wars’ Club: Young fans channel the Force. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Stories with Megan: Little listeners learn and laugh. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.
Music
Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See October 10. Music for Preschoolers: See October 6, 11 a.m.
Tues
4-5pm Ballet/Jazz age 6-9 5-6pm Hip Hop age 5-7 5-6pm Jazz age 8-12 6:15-7:15pm Ballet 9 plus 7:15-8pm Repetoire
Saturday
Thurs
Sunday
4pm Mini Hip Hop age 4-7 4pm Breaking 5pm Hip Hop Funkstyles (Pop & Lock) age 9 plus 5pm Jazzy Hip Hop age 6-9 6:15pm Tween/Teen Partner Yoga 6:15pm Kids Yoga age 4-8 7:15pm Adult Hip Hop
9:30am Mini Hip Hop 10:45am Kids Yoga
9:30am Creative Dance 10:45am Kids Yoga
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Nature & Science
Audubon Nature Playgroup: See October 10. Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See October 10.
18 TUESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Drop-In Preschool Art: See October 4. Plattsburgh Preschool Story Hour: Aspiring art connoisseurs and their caregivers listen to a picture book, look at original works and create a project to take home. Ages 3-5. Plattsburgh State Art Museum, 10 a.m. Free; preregistration appreciated. Info, 518-564-2474.
Baby & Maternity
Breastfeeding Café: Moms nurse their babies, chat and ask for answers from a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, supportive dads and older siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 349-3825. Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See October 4. Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See October 4. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4.
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18 TUESDAY, P.38
BURLINGTON
KIDS VT
‘PrehistoROCK! A Dinosaur Musical’: The Youth Ensemble Studio of Northern Stage entertains the audience in this madcap musical tale of a paleontologist who is visited by a rock ’n’ roll T. Rex, a lyrical stegosaurus and a triceratops who sings the blues.. All ages. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 12, 1 & 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $12.50-14.50; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5000.
Health & Fitness
4-5pm Lyrical Intermediate age 11 plus 4-5pm Kids Yoga 5-6:15pm Pointe age 11 plus 6:15-7:15pm Teen/Adult Jazz
OCTOBER 2016
Discovery Sundays: See October 9. Hayrides to the Pumpkin Patch: See October 8. Sundays for Fledglings: See October 9. Tour the Cosmos: See October 8.
Nurturing Parent Program: See October 10.
Wed
4-5pm Hip Hop age 8-11 4-5pm Ballet age 6-9 5-6pm Lyrical age 8-11 5-5:45pm Creative Movement age 2-5 6:15-7:15pm Jazz Ballet Combo age 7-11
KIDSVT.COM
Nature & Science
Aerial Dance for Kids: See October 10.
OCT
CALENDAR
18 TUESDAY (CONTINUED)
Education
Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See October 4.
Games Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See October 4.
Library & Books
Lego Free Build: See October 4. Magic Tree House Adventure Club: See October 4. Read to a Dog: See October 4. Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: See October 4. Spanish Musical Kids: See October 4. TinkerBelles: Curious kids learn about working women in the many worlds of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Grades 3-5. Charlotte Public Library, 2:15 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 425-3864.
Music
Preschool Music: See October 4.
19 WEDNESDAY
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 5:457:15 p.m. Mom and Baby Yoga: See October 5. Mother’s Gathering: See October 5. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See October 5. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Education Homeschool Program: Magnificent Monarchs: Environmental educator Kristen Littlefield engages young learners in the mysterious world of these beautiful butterflies through writing, inquiry and art. Ages 6 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918. One-on-One Tutoring: See October 5. Reading Buddies: See October 5, 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Food
Rutland Farmers Market: See October 5. Woodstock Market on the Green: See October 5.
Games
Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See October 5.
38
KIDS VT
OCTOBER 2016
KIDSVT.COM
Library & Books
Lego Club: See October 5. Little One & Me Circle Time: Tiny tykes team together for movement, songs, play and snacks. Ages 5 and under. Jericho Town Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4686. Pajama Story Time: Small ones cozy up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. Ages 18 months-5 years. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.
Movies
Marshfield Family-Themed Movies: A wholesome flick fascinates viewers of all ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.
Nature & Science
Story Time at ECHO: See October 5.
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.
20 THURSDAY
Arts & Crafts
Costume-Making: Trick-or-treaters get dressed up for the big day during this drop-in time. Bring used clothes, recycled materials and imagination. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 per adult/child; $5 each additional child; preregister. Info, 253-8358. Preschool Art Drop-In: See October 6.
Baby & Maternity
Babywearing Playgroup: Moms with tiny tots share stories and socialize. All ages. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, 1011:30 a.m. Free. Info, 899-0339. Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See October 4, 10:4511:55 a.m. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:301:30 p.m. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Education
St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: See October 6.
Games
Colchester Lego Club: See October 6. Jericho Lego Club: See October 6, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Library & Books
Books Come to Life: Led by a literacy professional, this active class combines literacy and movement. Ages 3-6. Waterbury Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036. Lego Thursdays: See October 6. 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 October 6.
Music
Music for Preschoolers: See October 6.
Nature & Science
Fall-ing Into Winter: Little naturalists figure out how our forest friends tackle the long, snowy winter. Ages 3-5 with adult companion. Green Mountain Audubon Center, Huntington, 9-10:30 a.m. $8-10 per adult-child pair; $4 for each additional child; preregister. Info, 434-3068.
21 FRIDAY
Arts & Crafts
Family Wheel Drop-In: See October 7. Montshire Makers: Aspiring inventors use their imagination and the museum’s materials to create cool projects, with different monthly themes. Grades 6-9. Montshire Museum of Science,
Norwich, 6:30-8 p.m. $8-10; preregistration encouraged. Info, 649-2200.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 8:159:15 a.m.
Community
Vermont Tech Jam: Tech-savvy teens and their parents make connections at this career and tech expo, which includes a school maker faire and robotics demonstrations. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., free. Info and pre-register at techjamvt.com.
Ongoing Exhibits ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON Info, 864-1848 ‘Zula Patrol: Mission Weather’: Colorful galactic fact-gatherers answer kids’ curious questions about weather and how it works, learning all about clouds, precipitation, wind, temperature and more. All ages. Through January 1. FAIRBANKS MUSEUM & PLANETARIUM, ST. JOHNSBURY Info, 748-2372 ‘X-Ray Vision: Fish Inside and Out’: This temporary exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute illustrates the history of evolution through the translucent images of ancient fish, in an elegant union of science and art. Through 2017. HELEN DAY ART CENTER, STOWE Info, 253-8358 ‘Exposed’: National and local outdoor sculpture of all sizes spreads through the town of Stowe. Through October 15. MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH Info, 649-2200 ‘Dinosaur Revolution’: Admirers of these ancient animals travel back in time to mimic walking and flying as enormous extinct reptiles, in this combined exhibit and interactive maze. Through December 1. All ages. (See spotlight on page 32.) ‘The Tinkering Loft’: Creative thinkers are challenged to craft STEM-related constructions or games, from foam blocks for the youngest of inventors to brainteasers that test the mettle of adults and older kids. Through October 30. NIQUETTE BAY STATE PARK, COLCHESTER Info, 893-5210 Poetry Walk: Literary learning and a deeper appreciation of the natural world add another dimension to an easy hiking trail. Poems change throughout the season. Park open from 10 a.m. to dusk. Through October 17.
Submit your November events for print by October 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
Education
Bedtime Math’s Crazy 8s: See October 14.
Food
Foodways Fridays: See October 7.
Games
Lego Club: See October 7. Magic: The Gathering: See October 7.
Holidays
Spookyville Vermont: Hundreds of jack-o’lanterns evoke the season’s essence in this family-friendly show. (See spotlight on page 30.) Matinee shows: ages 6 and under. Evening shows: ages 7 and up. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 7-9:30 p.m. $8-10. Some proceeds benefit Camp Exclamation Point. Info, 355-3107.
Library & Books
Friday Free for All: See October 7. Jiggity Jog: A musical meet-up includes singing, dancing and instrument playing. Ages 2-5. South Burlington Community Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080. Richmond Early Bird Math Story Time: See October 7. Toy Hacking Workshop: Clever kiddos take apart old things and create cool new inventions. Ages 10-14. Milton Public Library, 1-3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644. Waterbury Family Story Time: See October 7.
Movies
Family Movie: Viewers enjoy a family-friendly film while feasting on free popcorn. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Music Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See October 7. Music With Robert: See October 7.
Theater
Vermont Vaudeville: Old-school entertainment combines with cutting-edge music, acrobatic stunts and comedy for a one-of-a-kind theater experience. A local food truck serves up savory fare. All ages. Hardwick Town House, 8 p.m. $615. Info, 472-1387.
22 SATURDAY
Arts & Crafts
Little Art: See October 8. Shelburne Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See October 8.
Baby & Maternity
Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Community
EarthWalk Harvest Celebration: Pumpkin carving, fire by friction, wild food, earth-oven pizza and seasonal stories celebrate community and nature. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. All ages. EarthWalk Vermont, Plainfield, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Suggested donation $3 per person; $10 per family. Info, 454-8500.
Just Play? No Way!: This celebration of healthy play offers kids and their families a variety of activities around art, reading, music, nutrition and health. All ages. Rutland Regional Medical Center, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 774-8081. Vermont Tech Jam: See October 21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Food
Burlington Farmers Market: See October 8. Capital City Farmers Market: See October 8. Middlebury Farmers Market: See October 5. Rutland Farmers Market: See October 5, 9 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.
Tour the Cosmos: See October 8.
Games
Parenting
Magic: The Gathering Drop-In Gaming Tuesdays: See October 4.
Movement-Based Birth PrepaSee Dr. First videos ration: Yogi Amy Lepage leads Library & Books “First With Kids” at expectant mothers and their uvmhealth.org. Magic Tree House Adventure partners in preparing for birth Club: See October 4. through using active and supportRead to a Dog: See October 4. ed birthing positions, and breath and vocalization for focus and Read to Daisy the Therapy Dog: relaxation. The WellSpace, Barre, 3-5 p.m. Free; See October 4. preregister. Info, 595-7953. Spanish Musical Kids: See October 4.
24 MONDAY
Arts & Crafts
Crafts for Kids: See October 10.
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 5:45-7 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See October 5. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's....
TinkerBelles: See October 18.
Music
Preschool Music: See October 4.
26 WEDNESDAY
Baby & Maternity
Aerial Dance for Kids: See October 10.
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 5:457:15 p.m. Mom and Baby Yoga: See October 5. Mother’s Gathering: See October 5. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See October 5. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Halloween Campfire Stories: Slightly spooky tales amuse little listeners. Dress warmly and bring a blanket. Highgate Elementary School, Highgate Center, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970. Spookyville Vermont: See October 21, noon2:30 & 6-9:30 p.m.
Education
Education
Movies
Library & Books
Health & Fitness
EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See October 8. Young Athletes Program: See October 8.
Holidays
Family Movie Matinee: Families snuggle in to see a big-screen PG-rated flick and savor snacks. All ages. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.
Nature & Science
Tour the Cosmos: See October 8.
Theater
Vermont Vaudeville: See October 21, 2 & 8 p.m.
23 SUNDAY
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:151:30 p.m. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 1011:30 a.m. Prenatal Flow & Glow: See October 9.
Health & Fitness
Essex Open Gym: See October 9. Family Tennis Drop-In: See October 9.
Babies & Toddlers Rock: See October 10. Halloween Stories: Book lovers dress for bed or in costume and bring a favorite stuffed friend to hear themed tales. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Lego Challenge Club: See October 10. Stories with Megan: See October 17.
Music
Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See October 10. Music for Preschoolers: See October 6, 11 a.m.
Food Kids in The Kitchen: Spooky Halloween Houses: Boo! Junior chefs get creative in this ghoulish gingerbread decorating shindig. Healthy Living Market & Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20; preregister. Info, 863-2569. Rutland Farmers Market: See October 5. Woodstock Market on the Green: See October 5.
Games
Drop-In Preschool Art: See October 4.
Colchester Dungeons & Dragons Night: Players don 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, 6-7:45 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660. Jericho Dungeons & Dragons: See October 5. Lego Fun: Budding builders bust out the blocks. Grades K and up; kids under 5 are welcome to participate with adult supervision. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.
Baby & Maternity
Holidays
Nature & Science
Audubon Nature Playgroup: See October 10. Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See October 10.
25 TUESDAY
Arts & Crafts
Breastfeeding Support Clinic: See October 4. Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See October 4. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4.
Education
Read to Willy Wonka the Chocolate Lab: See October 4.
Food
Veggie Carving: Inspired by Saxton Freymann’s book Dog Food and Food for Thought, youngsters create vegetable compositions. Ages 7-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-5 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.
Invented something? Written an opera? Raised a bunch of money for a great cause? Tell us more! He or she could be featured as One to Watch in an upcoming issue of Kids VT. Visit Kidsvt.com to tell us about this local superhero.
Halloween Celebration: Creative costumes add flair to this safe night of treats, games, crafts, a spooky maze and more. Preschoolers to grade 4 and their families. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-1375.
Library & Books Lego Club: See October 5.
Nature & Science
Story Time at ECHO: See October 5.
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Discovery Sundays: See October 9. Sundays for Fledglings: See October 9.
Yoga for Teens: See October 17.
Won a spelling bee?
KIDS VT
Nature & Science
Health & Fitness
Homework Help: Students drop in for afterschool academic advice from the Stern Center for Language and Learning staff. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. One-on-One Tutoring: See October 5. Young Writers & Storytellers: See October 12.
OCTOBER 2016
VSO Family Halloween Concert: This familyoriented performance pulls out all the stops with instrument introductions and spooky selections. As a highlight, music accompanies narration of the book A Symphony of Whales, about a Russian village’s heroic efforts to save these great creatures stranded in ice. All ages. Costumes encouraged. Waterbury Congregational Church, 2-3 p.m. $5-7; $20 for four-person family pass; $5 each additional person. Info, 864-5741.
Nurturing Parent Program: See October 10.
Do you know a local kid (age 17 or under) who's recently done something amazing?
KIDSVT.COM
Music
Dance
One to Watch
9/29/16 3:59 PM
OCT
Planning a kids event?
CALENDAR
27 THURSDAY
Arts & Crafts
List your event for free in the Kids VT monthy calendar. Submit your info by the 15th of the month online at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com
SKI & RIDE SALE Camel’s Hump School Richmond, VT
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See October 4, 10:45-11:55 a.m. Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:301:30 p.m. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 5 8am-4pm Sunday, Nov. 6 10am-2pm Season Pass Rate $525 Family of any size
calendar
Halloween Lantern Craft: Imaginative kiddos of all ages drop in to make cool creations. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918. Preschool Art Drop-In: See October 6.
facebook.com/CochranSkiSale
Education
St. Albans Nurturing Father Program: See October 6.
Games
Colchester Lego Club: See October 6. 7/29/11 k12v-cochrans1016.indd 12:35 PM 1
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Health & Fitness
Yoga for Kids: See October 6.
Holidays
Trick-or-Treat in the Library: Dressed-up kids drop in for Halloween festivities. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.
Library & Books
Fairfax Read to a Dog: See October 13. Lego Thursdays: See October 6. Read to Archie the Therapy Dog: See October 6. Spooky Stories: Young listeners snuggle together and savor stories of the season. Grades 2 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:304:15 p.m. Free. Info, 828-6956. St. Albans Library Legos: See October 13. 3-5 p.m.
Jo1N RALLv's RouNo uP!
VERMONT ATHLETICS OFFICIAL PRESENTED
Bv EsSEX FAMILY DENTAL
Krns CLUB
Music
Music for Preschoolers: See October 6.
essex.....m familydental
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Arts & Crafts
KIDS VT
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Family Wheel Drop-In: See October 7.
- Monthly emails from Rally - Free entrance to select games - Invites to Rally's Birthday Party - Locker room tours - Kids Conferences - Coupons and items from local businesses including Kids VT, Three Brothers Pizza, McDonalds, Moe's, Smugglers Notch, UVM Dining, VSAC, and Essex Family Dental - Plus more!
OCTOBER 2016
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BENEFITS INCLUDE:
For more information and to sign up, visit mrmlovfn'tt
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Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 8:159:15 a.m.
Community
Maze By Moonlight: Get lost! Using a flashlight as a guide, visitors search for hidden stations in the fort’s corn maze after dark. All ages. Fort Ticonderoga, 7-10 p.m. $10. Info, 518-585-2821. Pumpkins in the Park: A bonfire, carving tools, stencils, decorations and refreshments greet revelers bearing pumpkins. The evening ends with a lighting of the decorative gourds. (See spotlight on page 28.) Bombardier Park, Milton, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4922.
Education
www.UVMathletics.com
VSA(
Baby & Maternity
Bedtime Math’s Crazy 8s: See October 14.
Food
You
um 9/30/16 10:59 AM
Foodways Fridays: See October 7.
Games
Dungeons & Dragons: See October 14.
Lego Club: See October 7. Live-Action Role Play: LARPers create characters and plots for an amazing adventure of the imagination. Grades 6-10. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6956. Magic: The Gathering: See October 7.
Health & Fitness
Yoga with Danielle: Simple movement, stories and songs satisfy children age 5 and under and their caregivers. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.
Holidays
Spookyville Vermont: See October 21.
Library & Books
Friday Free for All: See October 7. Richmond Early Bird Math Story Time: See October 7. Songs & Stories With Matthew: See October 14. Waterbury Family Story Time: See October 7.
Music Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See October 7.
29 SATURDAY
Arts & Crafts
Little Art: See October 8. Shelburne Craft School Saturday Drop-In: See October 8.
Baby & Maternity
Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Community
Maze By Moonlight: See October 28.
Fairs & Festivals
Hoots and Howls: This educational day features snakes, skulls and bones, storytelling, crafts and ooey-gooey Halloween fun. Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, Quechee, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. $12.50-14.50; free for kids under 4. Info, 359-5000.
Food
Burlington Farmers Market: See October 8. Capital City Farmers Market: See October 8. Middlebury Farmers Market: See October 5. Rutland Farmers Market: See October 5, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Health & Fitness
EvoKids Saturday Yoga: See October 8. Milton Independent Monster Mile: Halloween enthusiasts run/walk/stroll a 1.1-mile village course, then enjoy a petting zoo and a home bake-off. Costume prizes awarded. Check-in at 2:30 p.m. Oliver Seed Co., Milton, 3 p.m. $5-15; $20 for family of five; $5 each additional member. Info, 893-2028. Trick or Trot 5K Walk/Run and Kids’ Fun Run: Runners race through a scary course in costumes. Supervised childcare provided during the adult run. All ages. Warren Elementary School, Fun Run, 4 p.m.; 5K, 4:30 p.m. $5-20; food available for purchase; proceeds benefit the Warren PTO. Info, 793-8881. Young Athletes Program: See October 8.
Holidays
Ages 5 and up. Children should be accompanied by adults. Shelburne Fall Pumpkin Fest: Squash it! FamiFarms, 10 a.m.-noon. $10-12 per lies enjoy food from local 5 Corners adult-child pair; $5-6 for each Farmers Market vendors, pumpkin See Dr. First videos additional child; preregister. Info, crafts, storytelling by the bonfire and “First With Kids” at 985-8686. the Great Pumpkin Walk, starting uvmhealth.org. Tour the Cosmos: See October 8. at 6 p.m. Bring a carved pumpkin with your name on it. All ages. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 4:30-7 30 SUNDAY p.m. Free. Info, 878-1375. Halloween Express: Dressed-up Halloween Baby & Maternity lovers enjoy an hourlong preboarding party Evolution Postnatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:15at the ECHO Center, followed by a 60-minute 1:30 p.m. round-trip train ride from Burlington to ShelEvolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 10burne. The family-friendly experience features 11:30 a.m. costumed characters and children’s activities. Prenatal Flow & Glow: See October 9. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, 8, 10 a.m. noon, 2, 4 & 6 p.m. $29 plus handling fee. Info, 872-9000 x18. Health & Fitness Halloween Hustle 5K & Kids Race: Runners Essex Open Gym: See October 9. hoof it to the finish line in short road races. PrizFamily Tennis Drop-In: See October 9. es awarded by age group and for best costume. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 9 a.m. $12-15 Holidays for 5K registration; $5 for kids race, or free with a Family Halloween: All Hallow’s Eve inspires registered runner in the 5K. Info, 878-1375. pumpkin carving, doughnuts on a string, wagon Halloween Party: Little ghouls and bats dress rides, animal programs and “not-too-scary” up for a mini-parade, stories, snacks and stories. Costume parades at noon and 2 p.m. dancing at the library. All ages. Sign up on the Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-5 website. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchesp.m. Regular museum admission, $4-14; free for ter, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. children under 3 or in costume. Info, 457-2355. Montpelier Halloween Party: Little goblins, Halloween Express: See October 29. ghosts and other costumed kids celebrate a not-tooHalloween Howl: Kids in costume have a ball spooky afternoon with games, goodies and a special with hayrides, a candy-free haunted walk, crafts, event at 2 p.m. Grades 6 and under. Montpelier face painting and spooky storytelling. All ages. High School, 1-2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 225-8699. Oakledge Park, Burlington, 1-4:30 p.m. Free; Spookyville Vermont: See October 21, 12-2:30 food available for purchase. Info, 881-7767. & 6-9:30 p.m. Haunted Happenings: From the magical to the mystical, kids don fantasy-themed costumes Nature & Science to trick-or-treat on the museum’s grounds. Bird-Monitoring Walk: Eagle-eyed particiAll ages. Shelburne Museum, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. pants bring binoculars to search the museum’s $7 per person; free for children under 4. Info, property for fluttering feathers. Best for adults 985-3346. and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 8-9 a.m. Free; donations welcome; Movies preregister. Info, 434-2167. Halloween-o-thon: Teen movie-makers roll out Farm Craft: Past & Present: Families spin wool, their five-minute horror mini-masterpieces as dip candles and make butter while comparing part of a three-week collaboration with CATV life on the farm in the 19th century versus today.
where registered teams of all ages write, direct and star in their own film productions. Dartmouth students offer youth workshops, offering tricks of the trade. Loew Auditorium, Hanover, 3 & 6 p.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2422.
Music
‘Symphony of Whales’: This family-oriented performance pulls out all the stops with instrument introductions and spooky selections. As a highlight, music accompanies narration of the book A Symphony of Whales, about a Russian village’s heroic efforts to save these great creatures stranded in an ice pack. All ages. Costumes encouraged. Mahaney Center for the Arts, Middlebury, 3-4 p.m. $6-8; $24 4-person family pass; each additional member $6. Info, 443-6433.
Nature & Science
Discovery Sundays: See October 9. Tour the Cosmos: See October 8.
31 MONDAY
Baby & Maternity
Evolution Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 5:45-7 p.m. Prenatal Method Postnatal Rehab: See October 5. Prenatal Method Prenatal Yoga: See October 4, 12:15-1:15 p.m.
Say you saw it in
Education
Nurturing Parent Program: See October 10.
Health & Fitness
Yoga for Teens: See October 17.
Holidays
The Haunted Library: Little ones in holiday gear get goodies at the spooky library and greet comic and graphic novel characters. All ages. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 5-8 p.m. Free. Info, 472-5948. Stowe Halloween Party: Costumed kids enjoy spooky games, music, food and a photo booth before heading out for candy. All ages. Stowe Elementary School, 4:30-6 p.m. Free. Info, 253-3054. Trick-or-Treat at the Highgate Library: Costumed kiddos visit the library for sweet treats. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970. Trick-or-Treating at the Library: Costumed kiddos get goodies in the stacks. Fairfax Community Library, 5-7 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.
Library & Books
Babies & Toddlers Rock: See October 10. Halloween Face Painting: Teen volunteers match younger ones’ faces to their costumes in preparation for trick-or-treating. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-6955. Lego Challenge Club: See October 10. Stories with Megan: See October 17.
Music
Music & Movement for Preschoolers: See October 10. Music for Preschoolers: See October 6, 11 a.m.
Nature & Science
Audubon Nature Playgroup: See October 10. Robin’s Nest Nature Playgroup: See October 10.
Submit your November events for print by October 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.
October 30 10 a.m.–1 p.m. KIDSVT.COM OCTOBER 2016 KIDS VT
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PARENTS: Let Your Kids Get Creative After School MAKE THINGS ACT WEAR FUNKY COSTUMES
PAINT • DRAW HAVE FUN WORK ON A TEAM
Are you looking for an exciting, educational program for your children? A program that will challenge them to reach higher levels of creativity and that teaches students there is more than one way to solve a problem?
DANCE • PERFORM WEAR MAKEUP HAVE FUN WITH FRIENDS
THE PROGRAM IS KID-DRIVEN & TEAM POWERED!
Would you like to work with kids as their Team Manager? Contact Pat Dilego at 578-0998 or vtdicreativity@gmail.com DI in Vermont www.vtdi.org DI Globally www.idodi.org Untitled-23 1
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My kids are now 10, 12, and 13, and I look at every page — ads and calendar listings included — and read most articles every single month.
Valerie Wood-Lewis GET IN THE NEXT ISSUE! CALL 985-5482 TO ADVERTISE.
Burlington
COFOUNDER, FRONT PORCH FORUM
42
KIDS VT
OCTOBER 2016
KIDSVT.COM
I just marvel at the very fine balance you've mastered at effectively delivering enough for parents of kids of all ages. I can't think of another publication that I read that does that — they each have a more limited life span for me. I find so much of value, clip lots of things, follow up on several of them each month. My copy after reading looks like I was cutting out words for a ransom note! Thank you, thank you, thank you to your hard-working, excellent team for creating a fantastic product and service for families!
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Q HABITAT
B Y J AN E T E SSM AN FRANZ
SPONSORED BY
Sociable Scarecrows MATTHEW THORSEN
EIGHTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD SHELBURNE RESIDENT Maedean Birmingham spends autumn afternoons sitting in the enclosed front porch of her little white house, watching the activity on Falls Road. She’s particularly pleased by the passersby who stop to admire the display she’s set up on her manicured front lawn every fall for the past two decades — dozens of straw men and women, boys and girls, even a baby, a witch and a ghost. The smiling hay-and-burlap scarecrows sport dresses, overalls and duds adorned with hearts and flowers. Some are clustered in groups, holding hands. Others lounge solo on hay bales or linger near the driveway, flower beds and sidewalk. People take pictures daily, says Birmingham. Occasionally a tour bus will pull over. “It’s fun to see people come. Kids stop and shake hands with them. They hug them,” she says. “I enjoy it.” Birmingham was born in Jericho and moved to a farmhouse five doors down from her current home when she was 14. She graduated from Shelburne High School in 1947 and married that summer. She and her husband moved to Woodstock for several years, then returned to Shelburne in 1961. Though she never had children of her own, Birmingham was a childcare provider for many years and enjoyed frequent visits from the neighborhood kids. Her husband, who passed away 10 years ago, worked as a toolmaker for IBM. Though she now lives alone, she has many friends and is close to her nieces and nephews and their children, some of whom live nearby. The scarecrows typically stay up through October, or until right before the first snowstorm. But Birmingham’s yard isn’t bare for long. As the winter holidays approach — and before the ground freezes — she puts up jolly snow people made of fabric and wire to spread more seasonal cheer. K
Maedean Birmingham
HOW SHE DOES IT • Birmingham’s collection numbers nearly 50 scarecrows, mostly purchased at craft stores like the Christmas Tree Shops and Michaels. • When a scarecrow gets ripped or tattered — or loses its hair — she mends it using a needle and thread, sewing machine, or hot glue gun, sometimes with the help of friends. “We put on patches,” Birmingham explained. “If they look
faded, I spray-paint them.” About half underwent repairs in September. • Preparing the straw people for display is physically demanding and takes several weeks. When they’re ready, Birmingham lays them in place, uses an iron bar to dig holes, then burrows the scarecrows’ bamboo poles into the ground with help from a neighbor or relative.
“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.
This is Home.
KIDSVT.COM
THIS IS WHERE AWESOMENESS HAPPENS.
OCTOBER 2016 KIDS VT
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Writing Contest Sponsored by
Calling all writers!
At the end of this month, we’ll celebrate one of kids’ all-time favorite holidays: Halloween! One of the best parts is planning your costume — and seeing your friends all dressed up. Tell us what you’re dressing up as this year, and why you picked that costume. Attach a drawing of your costume if you’d like.
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KIDS VT
OCTOBER 2016
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OPEN HOUSE Wednesday , October 26th. 8:30—11:00 a.m. 802.658.3992 WWW.MCSCHOOL.ORG Untitled-20 1
Like us on Facebook.
Call us to schedule a private tour
We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and poems in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is October 15. 9/28/16 5:45 PM
Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Writing Contest, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.
New Books, Used Books, Remainders at GREAT PRICES!
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3/25/11 8:04 AM
Name ________________________________ Age __________________________________ Town ________________________________ Email ________________________________ Phone ________________________________
14 Church Street Burlington crowbooks.com 862-0848
ANSWERS P. 47
PUZZLE PAGE Jumble
BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK
Birthday Club These winners get gift certificates to:
The letters of these crazy words are all mixed up. To play the game, put them back into the right order so that they make real words you can find in your dictionary. Write the letters of each real word under each crazy word, but only one letter to a square.
Congratulations to our October Birthday Club winners! REESE lives in Williston and turns 7 on October 23. She loves to sing, bake sweet treats, ride her bike and play with her little brother. She enjoys trying new things and making new friends in the process.
Reese wins entry for two to Petra Cliffs’ Friday Night Kids Club.
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.
SABRINA recently moved to Dover, Mass. — but returns to Vermont often — and turned 6 on October 1. The kindergartner loves dancing, reading and playing with her little sister. She wants to work at the New England Aquarium taking care of penguins when she grows up.
Puzzles4Kids
To enter, submit information using the online form at kidsvt.com/birthday-club. Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.
Print your answer here:
Maze
Join the Club!
Sabrina, Elizabeth and John each win a day pass to Petra Cliffs.
BY HELENA HOVANEC
Riddle Search — OUTER SPACE
Look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UNUSED letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: Why did the cow go to outer space?
KIDS VT
Riddle Answer:
45
JOHN lives in South Burlington and turns 10 on October 25. He’s a happy, thoughtful boy who loves making his family and friends laugh. He enjoys reading about cars, going to car shows, and playing and watching football.
OCTOBER 2016
ORBIT OZONE PLANETS QUEST SATURN SKY SOLSTICE STAR SUN
KIDSVT.COM
ASTEROID ASTRONOMY AXIS EARTH JUPITER LIFTOFF MARS METEOR MOON
ELIZABETH lives in Shelburne and turns 10 on October 22. She is a violinist who enjoys playing soccer, fishing and riding horses.
COLORING CONTEST! Three winners will each receive an annual family membership to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium. Send Kids VT your work of art by October 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 November 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
OCTOBER 2016
KIDSVT.COM
Phone _____________________________________________
We returned home the next day, two fewer than we should have been.
Submit your info by the 15th of the month online at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com
calendar
PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS (SEE P.45)
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KIDS VT
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“Use Your Words” is a monthly essay in which writers reflect on parenting and childhood. Got a story to share? Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.
List your event for free in the Kids VT monthy calendar.
OCTOBER 2016
whatever had happened with Cedar and Sojourn would happen with these babies. They advised me to carry on as normal, saying there was nothing I could do, aside from aborting one of the babies, to help prevent another preterm loss. It seemed absurd to do things exactly the same but to expect different results. I tirelessly researched, contacted doctors in several states and wrote to hundreds of other women who had similar experiences, in search of something that could save my current pregnancy. I asked that my doctors see me weekly, and closely monitored my body. Sure enough, just as I was reaching 21 weeks, my cervix shortened again. I expected my doctors to work quickly toward a solution but instead was told that I was overreacting. When I asserted that my second-opinion doctor in New Hampshire agreed that it was time to take action, my doctor said, “Well maybe you should just go to that hospital instead.” I was shocked and outraged — trapped in a nightmare where no one cared about saving my babies but me. I took my doctor’s advice and went to the other hospital, where Tyler and I were told to prepare for another loss. The doctors said it would be a miracle if our twins survived, but they had something they were willing to try. I was fitted with a small silicone ring called a pessary, which works by supporting the cervix and, in some cases, has been shown to reduce preterm births. Pessaries aren’t widely available in the United States, and the doctors at my first hospital never even mentioned them. I quit my job and moved into my parents’ house in order to be close to my new doctors. I was on strict bed rest — a last-ditch effort that hasn’t been shown to work but that I hoped would help — and only got up to use the bathroom. Tyler and I prayed, along with our friends, family and strangers who had heard our story. Each day was a milestone until my pessary was removed, just after 36 weeks. My water broke less than 48 hours later. Against all odds, our twin boys, Rhodes and Wilder, were born on July 18, 2015. Healthy and happy, we left the hospital with our rainbow babies — a name given to children born after a loss — after just three days. Loss can destroy us, and it can also foster our growth. Cedar and Sojourn showed me the limitlessness of my strength and resilience, and prepared me to fight for their brothers’ lives. Rhodes and Wilder taught me that miracles are possible and that hope can see us through the most dreadful days. I have four sons — two whose bodies and minds I nurture, and two whose memories I honor and guard. Whether in my heart or in my arms, I carry them always, a constant inspiration to be kind, thoughtful and brave.
KIDSVT.COM
MY FIRST SET OF TWIN BOYS were born as the firstquarter moon rose outside of my hospital room window. It was October 1, 2014. I had called the hospital 24 hours earlier because something didn’t seem quite right: At just under 21 weeks pregnant, I noticed an unfamiliar discharge after showering. It was probably nothing, I thought. I’d had an easy, uncomplicated pregnancy, so the doctor on call was unsure about having me come in, but we decided to play it safe. “You’ll be out of here within half an hour,” he assured me. On the drive from Huntington to Burlington, my husband, Tyler, and I laughed at ourselves: silly, overprotective first-time parents. The boys looked great on the monitor, and I smiled with relief when I heard their strong heartbeats. But that comfort was shattered moments later when a doctor entered our tiny room and told us that something terrible was happening: My cervix had shortened to a dangerous length. It turned out that the discharge I had noticed was my mucous plug, something that’s usually lost in late pregnancy, often just before labor begins. We were informed that the babies would soon be born. I spent all night and the entire next day in labor. Cedar and Sojourn were born inside their amniotic sacs, or en caul, which softened their passage through the birth canal and allowed them to be born alive. They immediately snuggled into my chest and held each other’s hands. Tyler and I told them how much we loved them and how sorry we were that they could not stay. We held them for half an hour, then, silently and peacefully, they were gone. We returned home the next day, two fewer than we should have been. The boys’ nursery sat half-painted and empty; baby-shower gifts that had begun to arrive by mail were packed away. My body, surprising me with its detachment from my mind, made milk for babies who were not there. It reminded me that we are more than our bodies — that my boys were more than ash and bone inside an urn on our shelf. I felt their presence expanding out into the universe and caught glimpses of their souls in the autumn rain, in poetry, in moonrises over mountaintops. Tyler and I vowed to never deny their existence. “Let’s always mention them when strangers ask if we have children,” we decided. We’ve kept that promise, and we celebrate the boys by performing acts of kindness in their honor. My doctors couldn’t tell me why my sons were born so early. “It just happens sometimes with twins,” they explained. How terrifying, then, to find myself expecting a second set of twins just a few months later. My doctors insisted it was highly unlikely that
JUMBLES BED. VENT. TRIM. CALL.
A mom fights to save her babies after a heartbreaking loss
RIDDLE ANSWER: What did the zero say to the eight? — NICE BELT
Over the Rainbow
Planning a kids event?
RIDDLE SEARCH ANSWER: To visit the Milky Way.
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Heartworks
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Endeavour
Infant to Pre-Kindergarten Program
Kindergarten - Fifth Grade
Sixth - Eighth Grade
Heartworks Preschools in emphasize kindness, respect and a positive learning environment. Children have extensive time to play while engaged in learning. We offer an incredibly fun afternoon STEAM program, and an excellent Kindergarten Readiness program.
Renaissance students achieve academic excellence, develop a strong moral character, social and life skills in fun and engaging ways that bring joy to learning. Core academics, art, music, drama, French, Spanish, PE and character development occur inside and outside the classroom. Learn: renaissancevt.com
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MIDDLE SCHOOL
A rich and engaging academic and extra curricular program for 6th to 8th graders the Endeavour experience supports the unique journey of discovery and exploration middle school students navigate with a special emphasis on building important social, emotional and life skills to ensure success in high school and college. Explore: endeavourvt.com
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