Kids VT, April 2012

✱ TALKING TO KIDS ABOUT SAVING AND SPENDING

✱ DADS DESCRIBE THEIR FIRST JOBS

✱ CAMPS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

✱ CHOCOLATE MUFFINS: GOOD AND GOOD FOR YOU

Biz

Kids

Some young Vermont entrepreneurs are earning — and learning — their money.

a . Drugs.

b. The birds and the bees.

c. War.

d. Money.

If you said D, you’re not alone.

That’s why National Life Group is a proud sponsor of Champlain College’s Center for Financial Literacy.

Our employees have been training Vermont teachers to cover financial literacy in their classrooms so the topic of money is no longer taboo.

It’s just one of the many ways we help those we care about experience life.

The topic I’d rather not talk to my kids about is:

APRIL 2012

Some young Vermont entrepreneurs are earning — and learning — their money.

Rich Kid, Poor Kid

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

money, income and inequality?

kids

Co-Publisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

Co-Publisher/Executive Editor Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com ext. 74

Creative Director Don Eggert don@kidsvt.com ext. 71

Managing Editor Kate Laddison kate@kidsvt.com ext. 73

Calendar Writer Becky Tharp becky@kidsvt.com ext. 78

Account Executive Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com ext. 72

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

• Published 11x per year.

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

• © 2012 Da Capo Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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

Copy Editors/Godparents Pamela Polston

Paula Routly

Proofreaders Meredith Coeyman

Kate O’Neill

Production Manager Justin Gonyea

Lead Designer Brooke Bousquet

Designers Celia Hazard

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Manager Steve Hadeka

Deputy Web Editor Tyler Machado

Office Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: Maryellen Apelquist, Tim Brookes, Cindy Morgan, Ken Picard, Katrina Roberts, Emily Rose, Ana Ruesink, Sarah Tuff, Lindsay J. Westley

Photographers: Andy Duback, Matthew Thorsen

Illustrators: Fish McGill, Rev. Diane Sullivan

Cover image: Matthew Thorsen

And the wi er is…

Parenting Media Association awards top honors to Kids VT

When Seven Days bought Kids VT in December, 2010, we redesigned the magazine to give it a fresh look and filled it with lots of local content. We’ve heard from readers that they like the changes we’ve made, but it was especially gratifying to get positive feedback from our peers in the Parenting Media Association

Last month, in San Antonio, Texas, the PMA announced the winners in its annual Editorial and Design Awards Competition. Kids VT competed against other publications with a circulation of 30,000 and under. We won six awards, including:

1. Best Overall Writing

2. Best Overall Design

3. Best Illustration Cover, Newsprint (February 2011)

4. Best Service Feature (“Toy Story,” November 2011)

5. Best Briefs/Short Stuff (The Kids Beat)

6. Best Special Series (Vermont “Day-cations,” June-August 2011)

What the judges said about our work:

“The magazine isn’t afraid to dedicate the space to a solid piece of reporting. But the publication also succeeds in mixing it up, o ering a nice balance of shorter and longer pieces.”

“Kids VT has a fresh appeal with its simple, bold presentation and appealing use of illustrations. The inside layout was very strong: consistent use of white space, successful hierarchy of font usage and a well-designed calendar. It was the little things that stood out: recipe design, use of rules, labels, bold-face leadins. This show designers who put a lot of attention into the small details on each page for reader service.”

DESIGN NOTES

CONTENT NOTES

ABOUT THE “DAY-CATIONS” SERIES:

“This three-part series ... provides readers a wonderful ‘how-to’ bu et of places to go and things to do in Vermont.”

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

“The ‘Kids Beat’ sections are bright and easy to read with fun headlines.”

Dollars and Sense

There are Too many financialliTeracy lessons To counT in this month’s issue of Kids VT. Some kids have already “gotten it”; the “Biz Kids” featured on page 24 could teach many of us parents a thing or two.

Money’s a tricky topic. There’s a lot of emotion attached: pride in providing for our families, fear when there’s not enough, worry about future resources.

In his feature story on page 20, Ken Picard asks the experts the best way to foster healthy economic awareness in kids. How do you answer questions such as “Are we poor?” and “How come Emma had to move out of her house?” It’s never too early to talk about family finances. The Boys & Girls Club of Burlington starts talking to kids in kindergarten about financial planning and career goals.

Jim White, who’s been teaching “Growing Money” classes through the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity for a dozen years, says kids take their cues from parents, whether the lessons are explicit discussions about the grocery bill or implicit messages about money troubles or triumphs. Parents may find financial literacy hard to teach because it’s something they themselves haven’t fully gotten a handle on. Read about CVOEO’s “Growing Money” classes in the sidebar on page 27.

Having grown up in post-World War II England, Tim Brookes has a different philosophy about money — and buying presents — than his wife does. His essay about gift giving references Dickens and Rowling.

My son and I were reading He Bear, She Bear recently when I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. “A dad,” Oliver said. I marveled at his innocence and left it at that. Looking back, I probably should have gone ahead and started talking him about what we do versus who we are. I’m not sure I have any “right” answers, but a discussion on planning for the future — for financial goals and career ones — would probably be a wise investment.

KaTe laddison, managing ediTor kate@kidsvt.com

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors:

Tim Brookes (“Use Your Words”) is the director of the Professional Writing Program at Champlain College, but he’s still convinced that bankruptcy and debtors prison are just a heartbeat away.

Emily Rose (“Crafting With Kids”) is the sales assistant at Seven Days. In her free time, she’s a crafter who enjoys scrapbooking and making cards. Her latest project was jazzing up an old picture frame.

Ana Ruesink (“The Art of...”) writes about an online tool that helps Vermont kids become composers. Neither of her daughters composes music, though they’re both violinists. Ana is also a violist and plays with the Burlington Chamber Orchestra, the Vermont Symphony Orchestra and anyone else who will hire her.

Lindsay J. Westley (“All Together Now”) is a freelance writer living in South Hero who contributes to Seven Days, the Washington Post and Dwell This is her second camp-related feature for Kids VT. Lindsay went to three different summer camps when she was a kid; her favorite activities were hiking and rock climbing.

The Kids Club

Sat.

Sat. May 5 · 10–11:00am

It’s all about Mom!

Sat. June 9 · 10–11:00am Dig, plant, Grow!

Sat. July 7 · 10–11:00am

What’s

Let’s

Sat. Sept. 8 · 10–11:00am

Beautiful Birds*

Sat. October 20 · 10–11:00am

Pumpkin & Pirates!

Sat. Dec.

How do you handle allowances in your family?

Slightly more than half of the parents who answered our poll — 55 percent — give allowances to their kids. In most of those households, the kids decide how to spend the cash: Thirty-one percent said kids spend allowances however they like. In 24 percent of the families, the allowances have a focus: daily expenditures, savings, spending or charity.

COLORING CONTEST

Lucky us! We got a lot of submissions for last month’s St. Patrick’s Day-themed coloring contest and enjoyed the bright, shiny coins included in many of your pots of gold. Thanks to the 111 of you who sent us your artwork. Our panel of judges was impressed.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

BEST DEPICTION OF AN ITCHY VIRUS

“Chicken Pox on St. Patrick’s Day”

Emerson Rice, 6, Panton

SPOT-ON POLKA DOT SHOES

“Lucky Day”

Mallie Allen, 8, Burlington

BEST FAIR-WEATHER CLOUDS

“The Lucky Day”

Cecie Ladd, 8, St. Albans

MOST METEREOLOGICALLY ACCURATE

“St. Patrick’s Day”

Carly Trapeni, 7, Shelburne

SENSATIONAL SCRIBBLES

“Lucky Freddy”

Sean Patrick Kennedy, 5, Shelburne

GROOVY GREENS

“Mr. Green”

Beatrice Dirkmaat, 3, Underhill

PAINTERLY PERFECTION

“St. Patrick’s Day”

Emma Lowry, 8, Burlington

MOST COLORFUL CLOVER

“The Amazing Rainbow”

Heaven Omari, 10, St. Albans

BEST CLOVER IN CAMOUFLAGE

“Zombie Clover”

Vincent Marias, 10, Underhill

SWEET SPARKLES, BOSS EMBOSSING

“I’m Feelin’ Lucky”

Savana Senecal, 11, Milton

TOP TITLES

“Super Rainbow Person Guy”

Tess Fontana, 5, South Burlington

“Rainbow Connection”

Mason Sylvester, 6, St. Albans

“Shiny Happy Shamrock”

Mason Allen, 7, Georgia

“Under the Rainbow”

Emily Cueto, 9, St. Albans

“St. Backward’s Day”

Noah Cueto, 11, St. Albans

THE BEAT

BUSINESS

Nappy Time

Don’t know the di erence between an all-in-one and a pocket? Bummis or Thirsties? It’s time to get the poop on cloth diapering, and a new local company is ready to help. Cambridge resident Jessie Rogers just launched DIAPER DAYS, an online store and cloth-diaperingresource website. Rogers decided to set up shop after her own research during her pregnancy. “I found the information overwhelming,” she says, “I just wanted someone knowledgeable to help guide me.” Through Roger’s site you can buy several brands of diapers and accessories, learn about di erent systems, and get the schedule of Cloth 101 courses Rogers conducts at the o ces of an Essex doula and childbirth education business. Business happens.

DIAPER DAYS: Diaperdaysvt.com. Cloth 101 classes offered at Birth Journeys, 4 Kellogg Road, Essex Junction. Info, 881-9451.

BY KATE LADDISON

BOOKS Beyond National Geographic

East Africa is a long way from East Montpelier. Unless, that is, you’re a Vermont kid connecting with African tribespeople via Skype. Stowe photographer and author Jan Reynolds has written several books on vanishing cultures — the most recent of which, ONLY THE MOUNTAINS DO NOT MOVE, is about the nomadic Maasai tribe. But local kids don’t have to settle for gorgeous pictures of the colorful Kenyans who favor red plaid garments and elaborate beaded jewelry. A Vermont fundraiser last year financed the purchase of an iPad, a smartphone, solar batteries and a charger for the Africans, so the kids — from both continents — can communicate directly with each other.

SCIENCE

Inside Out

Remember the uproar over the unidentified Chinese cadavers in “Bodies: The Exhibition”? OUR BODY: THE UNIVERSE WITHIN is the family-friendly version. In April, the traveling exhibit brings 200 preserved human bodies to the newly opened and expanded Lakeside Pavillion at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. The online “Family Outing” guide o ers tips to prepare kids for the experience, including fun facts: Did you know babies have 300 bones at birth, but 206 later on? Don’t let the anatomical correctness scare you; it’s too good a learning experience to pass up. ECHO is collaborating on this one with the UVM College of Medicine, which has provided additional videos. “This is a unique and powerful way for folks to experience for themselves the wonders of the human body,” says ECHO executive director Phelan Fretz.

OUR BODY: THE UNIVERSE WITHIN: April 14 through September 30 at the ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center. General admission: $9.50-12.50, additional price for Our Body exhibit: $6-$8.

FINANCIAL LITERACY

Funny Money

FITNESS

New Kicks

FUSION TAE KWON DO: 110 Elm Court, Colchester. Info, 860-6312, fusiontaekwondo.wordpress.com.

So long Snyder’s. Hello FUSION. A Colchester tae kwon do studio is under new ownership. Damir Alisa and Leslie St. Pierre — both former Snyder’s teachers — bought the place from their former employer. They’ve given it a makeover and diversified their o erings, an approach that aims at blending mind, body and spirit. There are new yoga and conditioning classes, for example. But tae kwon do is still the main attraction — family sessions and others geared for a range of ages, from kids to adult. Alisa and St Pierre want to be more than just a martial-arts school — they’d like to create a welcoming atmosphere that develops students of all ages into good citizens. Meanwhile, Snyder’s is still operating in St. Albans.

Money is not usually a laughing matter, but financial literacy instructor and standup comic Colin Ryan does his best in ECONOMY OF ME Targeting Vermont high school students, Ryan engages kids with lines like “Budgeting is one of the most life-changing things I’ve ever done. And believe me, I know exactly how boring that makes me sound.” The need is there, based on financial-literacy surveys conducted by the Association of Vermont Credit Unions. The group paid for Ryan, a San Diego native and former journalist, to bring his popular presentation to more than 5000 students, from Rutland to Richford. “Not only is this exactly the kind of message we need high school students to hear,” suggests Marti Kingsley of the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation. “This is exactly who they need to hear it from: a dynamic presenter like Colin who they will actually listen to.”

ECONOMY OF ME: Colin Ryan speaks at Montpelier High School on Tuesday, April 3, and the New England Educational Opportunity Association conference on Thursday, April 5. Info, 861-7037, economyofme.com.

One OF THe mOST ImpORTAnT DecISIOnS facing new parents might be one they overlook: how to choose a health care provider for their baby. Pediatric health care involves more than just routine checkups and vaccines. These days, a child needs coordinated care from a “medical home” that takes a comprehensive approach to his or her well-being, from diaper stage to high school graduation.

But how do parents decide on a primary care provider? This month, Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, offers tips for selecting one that’s right for you and your child.

KIDS VT: How early do parents need to start the selection process?

LEWIS FIRST: It’s important that parents begin three to four months before the baby is born. Hopefully, babies will go to term, but if they’re born prematurely, it’s preferable to not just use the hospital’s neonatal team, but also have them working with your own provider. If you suddenly need to pick a pediatrician or family physician because the baby has been born sooner than expected and you have not looked into whom you want to use, you may not feel as comfortable with the choice you make.

KVT: What’s the difference between using a family practitioner and a pediatrician?

LF: A family practitioner will be able to follow you and your baby together as a unit because of their training in health care for both children and adults. On the other hand, family physicians don’t specialize in advanced training for children’s health care but will partner with pediatricians if those needs arise, which is what pediatricians do. Family physicians will still turn to a pediatrician if they feel they need added expertise for a particular problem.

KVT: What about nurse practitioners?

LF: Pediatric and family physician practices may also have, as part of their medical home, nurse practitioners. NPs also have special training in pediatrics, and many people like using them because they can have added expertise in specialized areas such as breast feeding and nutrition. Nurse practitioners can also write prescriptions, order tests and follow their own patients, but also know when to refer a patient to a general pediatrician or pediatric specialist.

KVT: So how do parents start searching?

LF: The best kind of searching begins with word of mouth recommendations

from other friends, neighbors, and coworkers — especially if they share parenting philosophies that are similar to your own.

KVT: What if parents are new to a community?

LF: Obstetricians can often make recommendations. These days, there are also other background checks you can make. For example, you can go to the Vermont Board of Medical Practice website, which lists doctors for whom complaints have been registered. The American Board of Pediatrics website lists which doctors are board-certified and who has recertified within the required amount of time. The American Board of Family Medicine also lists family physicians who are board-certified in each state.

KVT: Is it appropriate for parents to interview a prospective physician?

LF: I strongly believe that you should pay a visit to the practice and meet the doctor, nurse practitioner or health care provider who will be primarily responsible for your child. This lets you know whether this is someone you’re comfortable with and whose style and personality work well with you and your child. It also lets you take a look at the office. Look at the staff who greet you. Look at the parking — its availability and accessibility. A prenatal visit also allows you to judge if your provider is credible, affable, reliable and knowledgeable and meets your needs. Then parents should ask questions.

KVT: What are the best questions to ask?

LF: Ask about their training, experience, who else works in the practice and how they provide coverage when they’re

not in the office. Who else may see your child? Is this a teaching practice? This would mean that medical students and pediatric residents also will see patients in that practice. How long are typical visits? What happens if you call after hours? Are there evening and weekend hours? How are calls returned and how quickly? Other issues to talk about include how much time they spend discussing safety, nutrition, fitness, the environment other non-illness-related topics such as sleep and behavior.

KVT: What are some questions parents may not think of?

LF: Does this practice use email? Does it have a website? What hospitals is it affiliated with? How strongly does the practice advocate for and help with breast feeding? What’s their opinion on alternative, complementary and integrated medicine?

What’s the practice’s approach to antibiotics? How do doctors explain the importance of vaccines?

What’s its philosophy on circumcision? What do they advise regarding issues such as co-sleeping and vegetarian diets? Families need to find a practice that will be respectful and supportive of their lifestyle and maximize the health of their child.

KVT: How else can parents prepare for the meeting?

LF: It’s a great idea to write down your interview questions in advance so you don’t get flustered when you meet. There’s no such thing as a stupid question to ask your health care provider. If parents feel uncomfortable asking questions about anything that concerns them about their child, that practice is probably not the right fit. K

There’s no such thing as a stupid question to ask your health care provider.

Jump Roping for Joy

SomeWhere deep in a duSty corner of my brain is a memory of jumping rope in an Ontario school yard at age 11, double Dutching, “Miss Mary Mack” and all.

But as an adult who’s tried just about every sport, for some reason I just never picked it up again. Nor have my kids, ages 3 and 5.

That’s a missed opportunity, according to Burlington jump-rope teacher Casey Clark, who’s been leading Pee Wee Jump Roping and Junior Jump Ropers for kids ages 5 to 12 at the Miller Community Recreation Center in Burlington’s New North End. “It’s a great activity for the whole family,” says Clark. “Adults can swing the rope and kids can jump. Kids just need a lot of encouragement, and they love the attention of you watching them shine. It’s a great way to get their energy out.” Plus, as Clark also points out, it’s affordable fun.

Before you or your kids take a single hop, though, find the right length of rope. Have your child hold each handle and stand on the rope’s midpoint, pulling it up alongside his or her body. “Ideally the rope handles would just reach one’s armpits,” says Clark. “And when they’re jumping with the rope, it should just brush the floor.”

Next, let your kids practice on their own, having them start with their arms behind their head, holding the rope, and then simply bringing it down to jump over. “It might be hard to get that first jump,” says Clark, “but once they do, their confidence starts to build.” Now’s a good time to crank up the Katy Perry, she adds: “Energizing music makes jumping much more fun.”

For single and double Dutch — in which two people turn one or two ropes, while a third jumps — the swingers need to be as focused as the jumper, at least at first. “Those swinging the rope should really watch the jumper closely and try to get the

rope under in just the right moment,” says Clark. “Once the jumpers start to gain confidence, you won’t need to watch as closely.”

Clark says she counts students off “One, two, ready,” adding “go” right when the rope is almost above their heads. “By the time they hear me and move their bodies, it will be about the same time the rope goes under.”

Mastering the tricky art of doubleDutch jumping takes practice: big jump, then little jump. “Kids should continue that rhythm so that they

What you need: a rope of appropriate length

Where to Go: some open space, indoors or out

don’t jump too soon,” says Clark. “They can practice the big-jump, little-jump rhythm even when they aren’t jumping under the rope.”

With Clark’s advice in mind, I decided to give jump roping a whirl with my kids during the recent spell of summerlike weather. That is, after they stopped fighting over the rope and begging that we do the limbo or turn the rope into a snake. Finally, my 5-year-old daughter and I were positioned as the swingers, with my 3-year-old son as the jumper. “One, two, ready,” we proclaimed. At “go,” he promptly ran in the other direction.

“Miss Mary Mack”? Not yet. But we shared enough giggles to keep the rope readily available for some instant fun — and fitness. K

Graf’s summary: This Caldecott Honor Book offers lessons in saving and working together as a family. Readers see the story from a young girl’s point of view — a girl who sometimes helps her waitress mother by wiping salt and pepper shakers and filling ketchup bottles. Half of her pay, and all of her mother’s tips, go into a big jar at home.

Librarian: Mary Graf, youth services librarian, Brownell Library, Essex Junction

book: A Chair for my Mother, written by Vera B. williams

aGe ranGe: 3 to 7

What are they saving for? A big, soft chair for Mama to rest in after a long day’s work.

The previous year, they had lost all their belongings in a fire. Their neighbors helped them furnish a new apartment, but they are still without a sofa and a comfy chair. When the jar fills up, the family rolls up the coins and brings them to the bank to exchange for bills. On the mother’s day off, they finally go shopping for their dream: a rose-colored velvet armchair.

Why it’s memorable: Vibrant illustrations convey the warmth of this family and the generosity of the neighborhood in which they live. Reminiscent of the response to Irene’s devastation here in Vermont, the book offers hope through hard work, fiscal discipline and a caring community. K

“The Librarian Likes” features a different librarian and book each month. Got an idea for a future LL?

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

“Adults can swing the rope and kids can jump … It’s a great way to get their energy out.”

caSey cLark, jump-rope teacher

caSey cLark

Seeing

The grade on Vermont’s childcare, preschool and after school programs

VERMONT’S STEP AHEAD RECOGNITION SYSTEM (STARS) is designed to help parents evaluate programs that care for their kids. Sponsored by the Child Development Division of the Vermont Department for Children and Families, STARS assigns star rankings to participating childcare, preschool and after school programs.

The process is much more thorough than a simple site visit. To receive a ranking, programs must complete an application that assesses progress in five areas: compliance with state regulations, sta qualifications and training, communication and support of children, families and communities, providers’ self-assessments and plans for improvements, and the strength of a program’s operating policies and business practices. Simply by completing the process, programs demonstrate a desire to go above and beyond the minimum state standards.

The STARS coordinators assign applicants one to five stars. A single star

BOLTON

Lisa’s Playhouse

3215 Theodore Roosevelt Highway, 434-2570

Smilie Preschool Program

Smilie Memorial School, 2712 Theodore Roosevelt Highway, 434-2757

Y School Age Program at Bolton

Smilie Memorial School, 2712 Theodore Roosevelt Highway, 862-9622

CHARLOTTE

Charlotte Central School

Early Education Program 408 Hinesburg Road, 425-6691

Charlotte Children’s Center 116 Ferry Road, 425-3328

means a program is new or examining its practices and working to improve them; a five-star ranking signifies that a program is established and outstanding in all areas. A ranking is good for three years, though each applicant must complete an annual review to maintain it.

STARS helps parents assess a program’s quality and professionalism, and it can also save them money. Parents who meet the state’s income eligibility guidelines may pay less for childcare if they enroll their children in programs with three, four or five stars.

Each month, Kids VT publishes an excerpt of the list of STARS participants. This month’s “Seeing STARS” features participating programs in Bolton, Charlotte, Hinesburg, Huntington, Richmond and Shelburne. Find more information about STARS, a complete list of rankings, and other childrcare resources at dcf.vermont. gov/cdd/stars.

Charlotte Children’s Center (Seekers) 116 Ferry Road, 425-3328

Penny Blanchette 81 Hemlock Hill Road, 482-2516

Charlotte Children’s Center 116 Ferry Road, 425-3328

Type of program: Childcare center

Year established:  1984

Age range of children: 6 weeks to 8 years old

Last field trip: Charlotte Volunteer Fire Station

Favorite rainy-day activity: Playing outside in the rain and in mud puddles. There’s no bad weather; only bad clothing. Favorite book, song or art project: Children incorporate lots of natural materials into their artwork.

Special programming: Offering our first-ever summer camp for 5- to 8-year-olds.

Y School Age Program at Camels Hump Camels Hump Middle School, 173 School Street, 862-9622

My First Friends Daycare 104 Marsett Road, 985-9160

Y School Age Program at Charlotte Charlotte Central School, 408 Hinesburg Road, 862-9622

HINESBURG

Annette’s Preschool 96 Pond Road, 482-2525

Hinesburg Community School Early Education Program 10888 Route 116, 482-2106

Hinesburg Nursery School Masonic Temple, 10856 Route 116, 482-3827

HUNTINGTON

Brewster Pierce Memorial School 120 School Street, 434-2074

Y School Age Program at Huntington Brewster Pierce, Memorial School, 120 School Street, 862-9622

RICHMOND

Pam’s Day Kids 3453 East Main Street, 434-2608

Richmond Elementary Preschool 120 School Street, 434-2461

Y School Age Program at Richmond Richmond Elementary Preschool, 120 School Street, 862-2254

SHELBURNE

Acorn Child Care 145 Pine Haven Shore, Suite 2013, 985-8118

Adventures in Early Learning 17 Drew Lane, 985-9025

Heart Works School— Shelburne 4066 Shelburne Road, 985-2153

Puddle Jumpers Daycare 187 Oak Hill Road, 985-5426

Shelburne Community School, EEE 345 Harbor Road, 985-3311

Shelburne Nursery School

Shelburne Methodist Church, 30 Church Street, 985-3993

Y School Age Program at Shelburne

Shelburne Community School, 345 Harbor Road, 862-9622

SHINING STAR Each month, Kids VT spotlights one five-star program from the featured geographical area.

Nancy Elder

BECAUSE

PROJECT

BECAUSE

WITH SUPPORT FROM

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

As a kid, I had what I deemed “o -stage fright.” I was a pale, awkward, sometimes socially inappropriate white girl with a dark Afro. I had a gravelly voice and used big words.

Then, when I was 7 years old, I joined Riverside Children’s Theatre in Riverside, Calif., where I learned to project my voice, tap dance and sing pitch-perfect lyrics to every song in Annie.

Joan Wing was my first teacher there. Joan recognized that I wanted to be famous. I wanted to be Annie.

She played acting and theater games with her students. She’d give us a hat or sunglasses or cane, and we’d create characters and become each other’s audience. She taught me to memorize lines — and that no one dies from forgetting their lines onstage.

She showed me that we wear masks all of the time: We play various characters o stage in our lives, and the more aware we are of what we want (our motivations) and how we get it (our tactics), the better we know ourselves (our character).

Above all, she taught me to improvise in front of an audience, to trust my instincts and create something from nothing.

One afternoon, Joan called me at home. A childabuse prevention organization had approached her in need of a child actress for educational videos they were creating. Joan thought I would be perfect. When the

camera crew came to my house, I felt like I was doing something important.

Those child-abuse-prevention films were shown in elementary schools throughout Riverside. Once in a while, a kid or parent would stop me in the mall to ask if I was that kid in the video. I didn’t feel like just a regular kid; I was an actress. Not one of those creepy child stars, but someone who acted out stories. This is what Joan taught me to do — act out stories believably.

Joan believed in me. She saw a spark in me, which helped me see that spark in myself.

Now I run my own theater program, Theatre-inAction. I use improvisational techniques to educate youth about bullying prevention, conflict resolution and social justice. I’ve run workshops in schools and at social service organizations in Burlington, St. Albans and Montpelier and throughout Vermont. I think about Joan a lot — she’s the one who taught me that grown-ups can ignite a kid’s passions. That improvisation builds resilience, collaboration and acceptance. That theater can be a tool to help a child know herself.

Submit your stories for the Because Project to sara@vtchildrenstrust.org. Submissions should be 300 to 600 words long and respond to the prompt "I am/ decided to/learned to _______ because of ______." Kids VT will feature one of these stories in each issue.

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

I developed a passion for acting

of my first theater teacher, Joan Wing.

Kim Jordan, FOUNDER, PROGRAM DIRECTOR AND TEACHING ARTIST, THEATRE-IN-ACTION, BURLINGTON

VERMONT CHILDREN’S TRUST FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE:

1899 MOUNTAIN ROAD, STOWE 802.253.4411 PIECASSO.COM

✱ HOME COOKIN’ BY MARYELLEN APELQUIST

The Muffin Man

THE MUFFIN HAS BEEN THROUGH A LOT. It’s been diminished in size and blown up to unreasonable proportions, thanks to mini- and jumbo-mu n tins. As a breakfast food, it’s been thrown over for “healthier” options. But mu ns are good — and they can be good for you. And chocolaty. These mu ns make a perfect breakfast treat or portable snack. Packed with protein and whole grains, they are nearly fat free — the yogurt replaces the usual butter or oil. The mu ns can be baked, frozen and thawed out whenever the kids need a chocolate fix.

0:30

Hamburger or Cheeseburger

DOUBLE-CHOCOLATE MUFFINS

¾ cup white whole-wheat flour

¾ cup oat flour*

1 cup packed brown sugar

Steps the kids can help with:

Eddie Spaghetti

Made with marinara or butter.

$5 | add meatballs for $1.5

Grilled Cheese

KIDS MENU

Texas toast with cheddar & american cheese. Ser ved with a side of hand-cut fries. $5

Chicken Tenders

Free-range chicken tenders. Served with a side of hand-cut fries. $6

PT farms all-natural grass-fed beef. Ser ved with a side of hand-cut fries. $6.5

Personal Pie

Comes with cheese & choice of 1 topping. $6 | add additional toppings for $.75

Pizza Roll

Fresh baked dough wrapped with mozzarella, herbs & choice of pepperoni or broccoli. $6

¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon salt

1 cup nonfat Greek yogurt

1 large egg

¼ cup milk

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

⅔ cup bittersweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Grease a standard-size 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper muffin cups.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Set aside.

4. In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, egg, milk and vanilla.

• Preparing muffin tin

• Measuring ingredients

• Whisking dry ingredients

• Mixing batter

• Folding in chocolate chips

• Filling muffin cups with batter

• Setting the timer

• Testing muffins with toothpick

5. Fold wet ingredients into dry, being Divide batter equally into muffin cups. Bake 13 to 16 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

careful not to overmix. Fold in the chocolate chips.

6. Let cool on a wire rack.

*For a wheat-free option, these muffins can be made with oat flour only, rather than a combination of wheat and oat flours. The texture will be nuttier and may take some getting used to.

MAKES 12 MUFFINS

MORGAN

Boloco

THE FEBRUARY VACATION WEEK ate up most of our dining budget. But I still didn’t feel like cooking. So we went for a healthy option I knew we could a ord: budget-friendly burritos.

“Welcome to Boloco” is how the friendly manager behind the counter greeted us on a recent Friday night. “Are you familiar with our menu?”

Five heads shook.

Gesturing at the huge menu suspended over his head, he said, “Start by picking a flavor, then choose a filling: chicken, carnitas, steak, tofu, veggies … then any extras.”

Flavor? I thought we were getting burritos — meat, rice, beans, salsa. Options included Bu alo, with spicy bu alo sauce and blue cheese dressing; Cajun, featuring Cajun spices, corn salsa and black beans; and Memphis BBQ — barbecue sauce, coleslaw, rice and beans. And there were more where those came from.

The flavor choices overwhelmed my twins and the friend they’d brought along, so we let the college student behind us go ahead. Then my son’s friend, clearly annoyed at our indecision, strode up to the counter and ordered.

I nudged my kids forward, telling them, “They will put whatever you want in a burrito; just order.”

The manager presented more choices. White or wheat tortilla? Size? White rice or brown? Black beans or pinto?

Just to make things more confusing, I asked about the kids menu.

The manager sized up the three

92 Church Street, Burlington, 658-9771

10-year-olds standing before him. His expression implied the kids meal — mini burrito, healthy side and drink — probably wouldn’t be enough for them.

We all ordered original-size burritos for $6.25 each: Bu alo, Summer, Bangkok Thai, Classic Mexican and a Goloco, aka choose your own ingredients.

The boys snagged a booth in the casual but clean dining area, while my daughter and I watched our burritos being made with our noses pressed to the glass. The speed and e ciency of the assembly line was impressive. I could have watched it a lot longer, but our order was up within minutes.

We marveled at the wellengineered wraps. Ones I’ve had in the past have fallen apart the moment I picked them up; these tightly rolled burritos held together, from the first chewy bite to the last.

“This is really spicy,” my son said after biting into his Bu alo chicken and guzzling half his lemonade.

I tried a bite.

Holy cow, it was spicy. But he was a trouper, leaving only a pile of bu alo sauce-soaked rice that my husband finished o .

The only thing we didn’t polish o was a cup of bland salsa. We ate every made-on-site tortilla chip, and I wiped the guacamole container with a finger. The only miss in the order was our guest’s Summer burrito: The steak was chewy and the ingredients were poorly distributed.

Overall, the meal was good and

FAMILY-FRIENDLY AMENITIES:

Kids menu with 1-2-3 approach to ordering and $4.95 kids meal, high chairs, changing station in the larger rest room.

OUR BILL FOR FIVE: $50

inexpensive. The functional dining room — with no décor to speak of — was the ideal setting for three exuberant 10-year-olds.

Boston-based Boloco works hard to please with a menu that includes hormone-free chicken and steak, all-natural pork, vegetarian, vegan and allergy-sensitive and gluten-free options. Their use of compostable

cups speaks to the company’s values, as well.

The only possible trouble for parents? A “loco” number of good choices. I think we’ll try them all over time. On April 4, the company is giving away free small burritos to celebrate 15 years in business. The Burlington restaurant — No. 13 — opened in July 2008.

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

Clockwise from center: Adi, Ali, Katie, Kender and Ellie

Q

Dave Meek

:

essex, Personal Trainer aT The eDge

Children: sons Alexander, 8, and Thomas, 4

My first job was a “paper round.” It was an evening paper in England, where I grew up, so I’d finish school, go home and head to the news agent’s at, like, 3:30 and pick up my bag full of papers. I’d have certain houses to deliver to, on my bike. I did that for maybe three years — I think I was maybe 13 to 16. Once I’d done it for a couple of years, I switched to mornings because the morning paper round paid more. I think it taught me a little self-discipline, because I had to get up in the morning, and there were people relying on me.

It’ll be different for Alex and Tom. They don’t do that around here — the guy who delivers papers drives along in his car. I don’t think they would even hire a kid that age. Why that is, I don’t know; it’s not like it’s a difficult job. I don’t know what they’d do for a job. My wife, Melanie, says Alex is going to be a lifeguard. He can already swim like a fish.

I bought records with my money, like vinyls. Isn’t that crazy? I’ve probably got three or four hundred vinyls back in England. Will I let Alex buy music? You know what? It’s his money; he can spend it how he wants to.

MaTT DoDDs

BurlingTon, owner of BranDThroPology

Children: son, Forrest, 15; daughter, Amelia, 13

My first job was as a book packer. A neighbor down the street had an operation where he got remainder books and would send them down to regular buyers, like libraries. He would store them in his barn, and when the order came in, my brother and other kids around, we’d all pack them. I remember I really liked the idea that I could make money. That was quite empowering.

My kids both have things happening this summer. My daughter just started working at Windswept Farm. She’s a nutter for the horses. Gonzo’s, an indoor golf place, wants my son to take kids around on a golf cart. Steve Gonzolvez, who runs Gonzo’s Indoor Golf, also runs a junior golf clinic in the summer. He’s just asked my son to help him out. Because kids are swinging clubs around each other, he needs help keeping them safe. It’s nice to see that he would trust Forrest. I think Forrest likes the idea of working with kids — which he’s always been great with — but also in getting in some free rounds of golf over the summer. Beats packing books!

I can’t say that we’ve instilled business sense in the kids, per se. But they’ve had a front-row seat on our growing a small, mom-and-pop business over the past 10 years. It’s not a 9-to-5 kind of job. It takes a lot of our weekends. My wife Anne and I never liked leaving the kids alone, so we’ve packed them up to go to the office, and they’ve earned some jingle if they help us out. I guess we’ve tried to keep a sense of responsibility in the mix.

Travis Perry shelDon, verMonT sTuDenT assisTance corPoraTion cusToMer relaTions

Child: son, Declan, 19 months

My first real job was at a farm and garden store. I grew up in the Northeast Kingdom, and it was in Newport. I was working in the warehouse and garden area of the Agway. It was actually not a bad job. It was my first time dealing with all sorts of people. I remember it being a lot harder than I expected. I wasn’t used to moving around 50-pound bags of grain. I think I made maybe $5 an hour, which I thought was good. I did it during my school breaks and all summer long for five years.

I’m sure it’s going to be different for my son. It’s still going to be learning how to deal with all sorts of people, having a boss, having to be on time, to be responsible. I think that’s not going to change. It might be different in how it’s executed. He may not be lifting big bags of grain; he may be doing something a little more technical, something more with computers. But the basic aspects of it will still be the same. Which is why I would encourage him whenever he feels ready to start getting a job.

Mark larson

BurlingTon, coMMissioner of The DeParTMenT of verMonT healTh access

Child: daughter, Mariah, 8

My first job was working at the Burger King in the town where I grew up. I worked there for a little over a year. I think I walked away feeling like I had accomplished something. I learned a lot about working, the importance of showing up for work on time, following through on things and being flexible.

My second job was working for a landscaper. It was quite nice to be able to switch to something where I could work outside, and I made better money. It was the start of learning about what I looked for in a job, beyond a paycheck.

I think one interesting dynamic is wondering how it would be different for a girl as opposed to a boy. I think there are different options available for work. For example, how many girls end up with their first job being babysitting?

We don’t know what to expect from her first work. We already talk about what she wants to do when she grows up. We try to encourage her to think about things she would be interested in or things that she would do well. Which, so far, is being a firefighter, a teacher or a doctor. I could see her doing something like a camp counselor a lifeguard or something where there’s some aspect of helping or taking care of people. K —

compIled by Kate laddIson

What lessons did you learn from your first job? How will your kids’ experience likely be different?

Q the art OF…

Music Composition

What yOu’ll need

a Creative spirit: Although it helps if students know how to play an instrument or sing, all they really need is interest.

Computer: Most kids have access at home or at school.

software: Younger kids can use composition tools that don’t require notation, such as Groovy Music ($69 and up; available at sibelius.com.)

Creatingmusic.com is a free, creative environment where children can compose music and play interactive music games.

kids in grade 4 and up may be ready to use notation software such as sibelius ($200 and up; available at sibelius.com) or (Noteflight, basic version is free at noteflight.com.)

On stage at COlChester’s elley-lOng MusiC Center, four professional musicians with shiny brass instruments face eighth grader Ben Hunt and his Edmunds Middle School music teacher, Betsy Nolan. Ben is about to hear his composition “Fanfare of the Zombies” performed for the first time.

The tuba starts, soft and low, then the music grows in waves as two trumpets join in. There’s a mournful trombone solo before the opening theme returns, this time stated thunderously by all four instruments. You can hear, and almost see, the undead marching through the hall, trailing their rotten limbs. It’s a modern-day “Danse Macabre.”

When the music stops, there’s a pause. “Does it sound better than the Sibelius file?” asks trumpet player Chris Rivers. “Yeah,” Ben replies with a satisfied grin.

They’re talking not about Jean Sibelius, the late-Romantic, Finnish composer — but about a computer software program that helps translate musical ideas into the language of standard musical notation.

Many aspiring young Vermont composers like Ben get guidance and support from Music-COMP, a group formerly called the Vermont MIDI Project, which provides online mentoring to students in school music programs. Using software such as Sibelius or Noteflight, kids as young as 9 or 10 can get those snippets of song out of their heads and onto the computer screen. Students work with Music-Comp mentors for six to eight weeks, composing and revising. From their work, MusicComp selects about two dozen pieces to be performed by professional players in concerts held twice a year.

Ben caught the composition bug several years ago.

He has now written about 10 pieces, often inspired by noodling on his bass clarinet.

“Fanfare of the Zombies” started with a simple idea to compose something in a minor key. “I’ll play something by accident and think, Hey, that sounds cool.”

Music educators consider composition to be a key component of music literacy, but it can be hard to teach and

Learn more about Vermont’s online music composition mentoring program at music-comp.org. Hear student compositions performed at Music-COMP’s Opus concert, Wednesday, May 2, at the Ludlow Town Hall.

to learn. Computers level the playing field so all kinds of kids can participate, according to Music-COMP director Sandi MacLeod. She founded the nonprofit back in 1995. Today, more than 50 Vermont schools — and more than a dozen homeschooled or independent-study students — participate in the program.

“Students have incredible sound libraries. They’ve been hearing sounds since the womb. Composition helps to organize those sounds,” says MacLeod. She sees many social and academic benefits to music composition: Students develop their communication skills, persistence and concentration. And composing enhances their ability to listen and analyze.

“Anybody can compose if you stick with it and listen to what the mentors tell you,” Ben claims modestly. “It’s fun to create something. And I like getting it performed live.” Nothing dead about it. K

“It’s fun to create something. And I like getting it performed live.” Ben hunt

Ben hunt

TAKE ON SUMMER

HEALTHY KIDS DAY

SATURDAY, APRIL 28 10AM-3PM free

Summer is just around the corner. Are you ready for it? Kick start your summer at the 12th annual Healthy Kids Day, a free community event taking place at the Greater Burlington YMCA. Expect a day loaded with activities, entertainment and education for active young families. New “Champ on Church Fun Run” starts the event with a bang at 8:30 AM. For more information, visit gbymca.org or call 862-9622. See you there!

Highlights

Fun Run with RunVermont

Make Your Own Fruit Smoothie

Mickey the Musical Minstrel

Magic Show

Carl’s Caricature Portraits

Itty Bitty Play Area

Giant Bounce Castle

Open Swim Time

Face Painting

Make and Take Crafts

Stuntology Event

Thanks to Our Sponsors

NorthCountry Federal Credit Union

MVP Health Care

Fletcher Allen Health Care

KidsVT

Community Partner:

Community Booths

NorthCountry Federal Credit Union

Fletcher Free Library: Summer Reading Program

KidsVT

Wholesome Grains

Boys and Girl Scouts/4H Club

Y Early Education Program

Y After School Program

Sullivan Learning

Vermont Children’s Hospital at FAHC

Be Seat Safe

Y Backyard Learn to Swim Program

Community Sailing Center

Meet Y Camp Staff

Camp Greylock

Camp Abnaki

Teen Camp

Adventure, Art, Nature, Ballet Camps

Save the Date

April 14: Free Autism Spectrum Swim

April 23: Dynamo Swim Team: New Season

May 5: Green UP Day

May 26: Kids Triathlon

June 17: Myers Pool Opening & Community BBQ

June 18: Winooski Swim Team

The Greater Burlington Y is a non-profit organization. We’ve been building a strong and healthy community for 146 years.

266 College St · 862-9622 · gbymca.org

Rich Kid, Poor Kid

How do parents teach their kids about money, income and inequality?

BY KEN PICARD

Parents assume that the hardest questions they will face from their children will be about life’s great mysteries. But, there are practical questions that they might find more di cult to answer, such as: Are we poor? Or, Are we in the one percent? In fact, several recent studies have come to the same conclusion: Most parents today say they would rather discuss drugs, religion, death — even sex — with their kids than broach the touchy topic of money.

In these troubled financial times, discussions of wealth and economic inequality are sure to come up. Children are perceptive, and from an early age, they notice di erences among their peers, including socio-economic ones.

Answering questions about income may be even more awkward when families are struggling to make ends meet or are suddenly a icted by money troubles brought on by divorce, layo , eviction or natural disaster. Last year’s Tropical Storm Irene destabilized countless families and their finances.

As Don Peck observed in his book, Pinched: How the Great Recession Has Narrowed Our Futures and What We Can Do About It, earlier generations of Americans tended to live in communities that were more economically diverse than they are today. While this characterization may apply less to rural Vermont than other areas, Peck warns that as we segregate ourselves by socioeconomic status, we begin to lose our ability to identify and empathize with others less fortunate than ourselves.

In these times, how can parents impress upon their children the importance of financial planning and a healthy awareness of economic injustice?

For many children, the first lesson in microeconomics comes in the form of a piggy bank.

John Pelletier, director of the Center for Financial Literacy at Champlain College in Burlington, says that a coin repository is a great way to start teaching children one of life’s most important financial lessons: the value of saving.

some are naturally inclined to squirrel away their funds, while others prefer to “live for the day” and spend as though there were no tomorrow. Di ering money personalities can also teach children about wealth inequality.

Children learn another valuable lesson in wealth and income when they start to earn their allowance — and Pelletier emphasizes the word “earn.”

“I think an allowance is fine as long as there’s actual work attached to it,” he says. Children shouldn’t view an allowance as a right or entitlement. Instead, he suggests it should convey the message that if you don’t work, you don’t get paid.

“I believe that saving is like a muscle that a lot of us don’t want to exercise,” Pelletier says. And, like muscle memory, the earlier it begins, the more likely the behavior will become ingrained as a lifelong habit.

When children begin at age 3, 4 or 5 to set aside money for something they want, he says, it teaches them how to develop “saving goals” for the future. This becomes particularly important when children are teenagers and peer pressure to conform and seek instant gratification is more intense. Pelletier, who’s the father of three boys, even set up a “Bank of Dad,” which pays his kids 5 percent interest, in order to teach them the concept of compound interest.

Pelletier soon discovered that kids naturally develop their own “money personality.” That is,

Finally, Pelletier believes it’s important to teach kids the value of setting money aside to “give back” to the community, be it a house of worship, community fundraiser, food shelf or other local charity.

Pelletier, who lives in Stowe and previously worked in the

Sometimes, the question

“Are we poor?” is driven by mere curiosity. Other times, it’s a red flag.

rich Kid, poor Kid

continued from p. 21

asset-management field in Boston, says it was very important to him and his wife that they instill in their kids a sense of compassion for those less affluent than they are.

“One way to make them understand how lucky they are is to put them in circumstances helping people who aren’t so fortunate,” he says. “It’s very visceral when you see it up close and personal, and you can’t help but be grateful for what you have.”

Better yet: go along, according to South Burlington psychotherapist Joyce Hagan. The way parents speak of and interact with poor people will make a much greater impression when children are trying to understand why some people are comfortable and others struggle. “Their action speaks louder than words,” Hagan says.

On any given day, the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington serves about 250 kids from low-income families at its three Chittenden County locations. About half are children of color; one in five is a new arrival to the United States.

About six years ago, the nonprofit launched a program to teach sixth graders about financial literacy and the importance of an education to get ahead in life and break the cycle of poverty. But after five years, executive director Mary Alice McKenzie and her staff made a startling discovery: Sixth grade is too late to start the process. If kids don’t acquire certain basic skills by the time they reach middle school, she says, they “check out and, in our experience, it’s almost impossible to get them back on an enthusiastic track” in school.

Even those who managed to graduate “had a diploma, but they didn’t have the basic skills” to work a job or succeed in college.

So the Boys & Girls Club started teaching basic financial literacy — including reading , writing, math and career aspiration — starting in kindergarten, as soon as they start coming to the Boys & Girls Club.

“We have to start talking to our kids about their futures as early as we can,” McKenzie says.

Rita Markley, executive director of the Committee on Temporary Shelter in Burlington, sees many of the same kids. In her work with individuals and families who have

lost their homes, she sees many parents who are under tremendous financial stress. And answering questions about income and wealth is especially challenging when their kids call the shelter home.

For previous generations, Markley notes, a job meant financial selfsufficiency. But today, some homeless children see both parents work all day — only to return to a shelter. As a result, they may question the value of work and education.

In fact, some of the hardest questions Markley hears, especially from young children, are, “Will it always be this way? Will we have a chance to be the family that gets to go to the movies or have vacations?’”

How does Markley reassure kids who are living through economic distress?

“We say, ‘Homelessness isn’t who you are. It’s a short, tough time, and there are a lot of people in the country right now who are struggling. But you’ll get through it. And, it’s not your fault,’” she says. “The worst thing for

a child is for them to internalize the blame.”

Hagan agrees, based on her experience with patients, mostly parents and children, from a wide range of incomes and backgrounds. Much of her work involves treating people who suffer from anxiety, depression and other stress-related disorders, all of which, she notes, are “fairly epidemic” right now.

“The adults are more stressed, so the kids are more stressed,” she says. “And certainly, economics are a huge part of it for a lot of people.”

As Hagan explains, the age at which children first become conscious of money and family finances can vary greatly from family to family, even from child to child within the same

when, in fact, the kids are totally oblivious to it.

Hagan points out that even children who aren’t living in a shelter or trying to cope with financial hardship will occasionally express apprehension or concern about their family’s economic well-being. Sometimes, the question “Are we poor?” is driven by mere curiosity. Other times, it’s a red flag about deeper-seated anxieties about the future.

Hagan recommends that parents try first to identify the source of the question by asking, “Why are you wondering?” Or, “What made you think about this issue?” Sometimes, a child’s question is sparked by an experience at school, such as learning that a friend’s parent lost a job, or seeing a classmate teased for being poor. In such cases, she recommends explaining to a child that you feel secure in your employment —

household. Obviously, if a family is experiencing money-related stress, she says, a child is more likely to become aware of it at an earlier age.

Kids who are younger than 4 or 5 may pick up on stress in the family but not necessarily understand where it’s coming from, whereas older children are more apt to make the connection to its cause. Indeed, Hagan has worked with kids who have verbalized concerns about their family’s money troubles as early as age 7.

Sometimes, she says, parents are unaware that their children are paying attention to the family’s financial matters. Other times, parents automatically assume that their kids are worried about money

assuming that’s true, of course — and are prepared to deal with problems should they arise.

Regardless of the catalyst of such questions, Hagan recommends that parents offer a simple answer first and see if it suffices before launching into a more detailed explanation. She cites the old joke about the boy who asks his father, “Daddy, where did I come from?”

Startled and unprepared, the father sweats out a long and tortuous explanation about the birds and the bees. Afterwards, the boy sits silently for a long time. Finally, the father asks his son, “So what made you ask that question?”

“Well,” the boy replies, “my friend told me he came from Chicago.” K

I think an allowance is fine as long as there’s actual work attached to it.

John PelleTier, cenTer for financial liTeracy aT chamPlain college

Biz Kids

BY KATE LADDISON AND CATHY RESMER

Reading, writing, arithmetic … and money management? Financial-literacy programs are popping up all over, to school kids on saving, spending and investing wisely.

But some eager young entrepreneurs don’t need professional help — they’re figuring out money matters on their own.

We found several local “biz kids” — between 8 and 18 years old — who are turning their hobbies and skills into fledgling business ventures. Some of them spend what they earn; others give most of their profits to charity.

We asked them about their moneymaking endeavors; to explain what they do and why, and what they’ve learned along the way. We’ve distilled their answers into mini-profiles that reveal some of the practical lessons they’ve learned on the job.

Parental influence varies.

Charles Hulse, whose son Eli creates and sells his own iPhone apps, admits that he’s mostly sitting back and watching his son make his own way. “I don’t really have a lot of business experience,” he says. “I’m learning from him.”

Some young Vermont entrepreneurs are earning — and learning — their money.

PHOTOS BY MATTHEW THORSEN

Alec Distler loves pretzels. He grew up eating bite-sized bits of broken-up sourdough pretzels baked with spices, as per his grandmother’s recipe. The secret ingredient? Cayenne pepper.

In his last year at Williston Central School, Alec had to complete the school’s traditional eighth- grade challenge — a kind of capstone project. He chose to pursue entrepreneurship and started his own business, baking and packaging his grandma’s spicy pretzels.

Distler says he brought an initial 50 bags of Alec’s Spicy Pretzels to CVU’s cafeteria thinking, I wonder how long it’s going to take to sell them. The next day, Alec got a call — the school wanted another 100 bags. By that Christmas, in 2008, he was selling about 900 bags per week.

Three and a half years later, Alec’s pretzels are available in local stores, including Sam Mazza’s, Burlington Bay Market & Café and Shelburne Supermarket. They are, as the packages claim, “addicting.”

A few things have changed as the company has grown. There are now five flavors — ranch, maple, spicy, x-tra spicy and fiery. And the baking and bagging processes have been outsourced.

ALEC’S INSIGHTS:

• If your idea takes off, go with it. “I didn’t really expect this to become the long-term thing that it has become,” says Alec, who never guessed that his school project would turn into the family business. But the Distlers have embraced the opportunity, and it’s paying off.

• The business owns the business owner. Increased demand for your product is great, but if you’re the owner, you have to do more work to meet the demand. Sometimes that means spending all of your free time breaking apart sourdough pretzels.

• It can’t just be about the money. “It takes a couple of years to start making money,” Alec advises. “You’ve got to do something that you like to do.”

When they were in kindergarten, Alex and Isabelle — and their respective moms — came up with a craft project to make a little extra cash. They started making hair ties, bows and bands for family and friends. Positive reactions led to table sales at craft fairs and relationships with local stores. Their product proved so popular that the moms, Deborah Morris and Alexis Mittelstadt, made a grown-up business out of it.

Named Alex & Isabelle after their daughters, the mom-led company makes hair ties that are more complex than the ones they created with their girls. Customers buy them on the web and at stores such Isabean, Ecco and Mirror Mirror.

Meanwhile, the girls have been doing their own thing, and selling the products at local events. Dubbed Hold Your Horses, their company uses the tagline “ponytails with a purpose” — a reminder that the two girls give a large portion of their profits to charity.

Alex Morris and Isabe e Mi elstadt

AGES Both are 10 HOMETOWNS

Shelburne and Charlotte, respectively SCHOOLS

Shelburne Community School and Charlotte Central School

BUSINESS VENTURE

Hold Your Horses — they make headbands and hair ties.

The moms felt strongly about the donation requirement, which at first was hard for Alex and Isabelle to accept. But the girls have gotten into it, says Alexis Mittelstadt. For example, they donated to Spring Hill Horse Rescue in Clarendon after getting a letter about an influx of new horses there with special needs. And when the Connor B. Turnbaugh Foundation put out a call to help families of children with cancer, the girls dyed a batch of hair ties and set up a sale.

They don’t give away all of their profits, though. Isabelle is a saver and has been socking most of her earnings away. Alex is getting better about putting money away, too.

Alec Distler

AGE 16

HOMETOWN Williston SCHOOL

Champlain Valley Union High School

BUSINESS VENTURE

Distler’s: Pretzels With a Kick — he makes spicy pretzel snacks.

The Distlers also recently changed the company name from Alec’s Spicy Pretzels after coming across a similar-sounding California company. The new name, Distler’s: Pretzels With a Kick, reflects the fact that the business isn’t just Alec’s enterprise — his mother and sisters help out a lot, too.

No one’s getting rich — yet. “People think, because I have a business, I have lots of money,” Alec says. Truth be told, while he draws an hourly paycheck, most of the profits are reinvested in the company, and 10 percent goes to charity.

There are some sweet perks, though. Alec gets to attend food trade shows, where he meets people from around the world. And Alec’s mom, Lynn Distler, says the family has enjoyed the together-time the pretzel-making process required — often 10 to 15 hours a week in a commercial kitchen, breaking pretzels and dancing to the radio.

They’ve both used Hold Your Horses as an opportunity to polish their math skills. Deborah Morris says the girls have grown independent enough that she can sit back and read a book during a sale.

How long will they continue in business? Alex says she hopes to have a day job someday. “When I’m older, I want to work with horses,” she says. “For now, this is a great job.”

ALEX’S INSIGHTS:

• Don’t forget the three Ls: location, location, location. It’s best to set up shop in a high-traffic area. The Shelburne Supermarket is a hot spot, says Alex.

• Communicating with customers is key. “It is scary to talk to somebody,” says Alex, “but you kind of have to do it.”

• The soft sell works. Alex says being aggressive is not her style. She prefers to wait until people seem interested, then explain her products.

• Giveaways = free advertising. The girls give some of their hair ties away, hoping to spur sales. Alex notes that one of her friends “helps advertise because she wears them a lot.”

Alex Morris

Some kids need a little encouragement to sell cookies or popcorn during school fundraisers. Not Nora Bartlett. The outgoing 8-year-old is unafraid to knock on doors and has already mastered “the ask.”

NORA’S INSIGHTS:

• Don’t be shy. “I’m not exactly shy, but I can be sometimes,” Nora says. “I’ve learned not to be.”

Nora Bartle

Nora makes bookmarks and finger-knitted scarves that she sells to nearby neighbors. She also does household chores, such as folding laundry for pay, and has organized classmates into fundraising collaboratives. Last year she brought together a group of schoolmates for monthly meetings and tasked them with fundraising duties that she thought would appeal to them — artfully decorating mailing envelopes, for instance.

Nora gives most of her own hard-earned money away, mainly to environmental organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund. “I feel like there are people that need it more than I do,” she says. “To tell you the truth, I never really buy anything.” She adds, “I know I’m going to be a saver. I can buy a house with it when I grow up.”

She sells handmade items.

Her mom, Kitty Bartlett, is the annual giving coordinator for the Lund Family Center. Kitty admits that dinner table talk might have influenced Nora’s philanthropy. But Kitty, a self-described spendthrift, can’t take credit for Nora’s miserly tendencies. Her mom recalls a time when Nora spent $5 on a wind-up butterfly — only to decide she wanted to return it and get that exact $5 bill back into her pocket.

“I love her buyer’s remorse,” Kitty says.

• Expect that your customers will want to buy. Nora believes in her causes and assumes that people she approaches will see the value in her products and her goal. She simply expects that they’ll want to buy. “It works,” quips Kitty.

• Cash is king. Nora prefers to donate cash, rather than products, to her charities of choice. “I think that with some money, you can pretty much do what you need,” she says. “If you give people canned food… what can they do?”

When Greg Potter was in third grade, he wanted to lend his books to his friends and keep track of who borrowed them. So he wrote a software program that managed his lending library.

Since then, he’s taken on projects such as creating school websites, fixing computers, and selling visual e ects templates for animated graphics. He currently sells his code segments and web video work to clients through sites such as AudioJungle and VideoHive.

A year ago, Greg’s freelance portfolio helped him land a part-time job at Dealer. com, developing the web applications used by car dealers to manage their businesses.

Next fall, he heads to Lehigh University to study computer science. Greg says the thing he likes most about his job at Dealer.com is talking to other developers; it’s the first time he’s worked with people who understand and share his passion. He also loves to see his programming put to use at dealerships across the country. In fact, he enjoys it so much that he works at Dealer after school and on breaks during what he calls his “Dealer-cations.”

Greg Po er

GREG’S INSIGHTS:

• Find problems and solve them. Greg says the problem-solving skills he used to write his lending library program are the ones he’s still using today. Tackling that project gave him a chance to experiment and figure out what worked and what didn’t. It was great training for what he’s doing now.

• Hard work can be fun. “Making money doing what I love is awesome,” he says.

AGE 18

HOMETOWN Richmond SCHOOL

Mount Mansfield Union High School

BUSINESS VENTURE

He comes by his interest in technology genetically; his dad, David Potter, is the cofounder and former co-owner of South Burlington-based software company Data Innovations. David remembers how his own father pushed him toward semi-conductor engineering when he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do. He doesn’t want to pressure Greg in the same way. That’s why he supports all of Greg’s computer projects, no matter what they are. He’s glad his son is experimenting before he goes o to school.

He develops animated graphics and web videos as a freelancer and is a part-time web developer at Dealer.com.

“The single thing I really try to hammer home with all the kids,” says David, “is to be passionate and happy about what you do. If you really love your work, whatever it is, you will find the success you need.”

• Reinvest your profits. Greg spends the money he makes on things that will help make him more money, i.e. books, computer components and software.

• Even if you have a job, you should still consider college. “I want to study artificial intelligence and computing,” he explains. “I don’t know enough about that topic; it’s beyond what I’m doing now.”

Eli Hulse wasn’t always a techie kid. His parents, who are both doctors, homeschooled him until eighth grade. They shielded him from media and technology; the family didn’t get a television set until Eli was 10.

When he was 11, he started playing chess on his family’s desktop PC and wondered how the computer came up with the moves it used against him. “I thought that was, like, really cool,” he says. To satisfy his curiosity, he taught himself the Visual Basic language and wrote some primitive programs. He wanted his own computer, so that summer, he earned money to buy one by making bagels and selling them at the South Hero farmers market.

ELI’S INSIGHTS:

• Act the part. Eli’s email signature identifies him as the CEO of Elis Studios.

• Keep your personal and business finances separate. Eli notes that if you mix profits with allowance or birthday money, you’ll never know how much you’re making.

A ing It A Up

CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE’S CENTER FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY

Info, 860-2700, CFL@champlain.edu, champlain.edu/center-for-financialliteracy-x13547.html

This new partnership between Champlain College, National Life Group and several financial institutions advocates for more financial education opportunities at the local, state and national levels. It offers programs for Vermont students and adults, including a public policy summit, a summer teachers institute, and a credit score workshop for students.

Eli Hulse

AGE 14

HOMETOWN South Hero SCHOOL

Vermont Commons School

BUSINESS VENTURE

Elis Studios — he creates iPhone apps.

When Eli discovered the Apple App Store, he realized he could write programs for mobile devices, and get people to buy those instead. He bought a book, Starting an iPhone Application Business for Dummies, and got his parents to help him register Elis Studios with the App Store for $99. He launched his first app, a drawing application called Color Splasher, in 2010. He’s added four more since then.

• Not moving enough units? Try a loss leader. In February, Eli released a free version of his Color Splasher app, to stimulate downloads. It’s working — more than 400 people have downloaded it since the beginning of February. He says he hopes it’ll draw attention to his other offerings: “They’ll say, ‘Oh look, there’s this other really cool app called iTap, and I could download that, too.’” Eli also makes money off of advertising that’s embedded in the free version.

• Know your audience. Eli’s apps appeal to people like him — teenagers searching for stuff to do. His output consists of a doodling app, three games and Safety Light, which turns the iPhone into a beacon that flashes white and red; it’s designed to make bikers and skateboarders visible to cars in the dark. His next project? An app that can organize and save his friends’ one-liners in a database. “I don’t know if it’ll work or not,” he admits, “but that would be the yearly fee to keep his products in the App Store. In the short term, really fun.”

Eli sells all of his apps for 99 cents each. He estimates he’s made about $250 so far — enough to pay the yearly fee to keep his products in the App Store. In the short term, he explains, he just wants to cover his costs; he sees his apps as an investment in his future. “I really hope it will help me when I’m trying to go to college,” he says.

His mom, Molly Rideout, speculates that being homeschooled gave Eli the flexibility to pursue his interests and brought him into contact with supportive adults who encouraged him. “He tends to get really intensely involved in certain things,” she observes. “It’s pretty impressive.”

VERMONT JUMP$TART COALITION

Info, 877-242-8550, jumpstart.org/statesvermont.html

The Jump$tart Coalition is a national nonprofit devoted to improving kids’ personal financial literacy through advocacy, research and providing educational resources. The Vermont group maintains a local speakers bureau and holds an annual Common Sense Conference for educators. The 2012 conference took place in March.

THE VERMONT STATE TREASURER

Info, 828-3706, vermonttreasurer.gov/ financial-literacy

The state treasurer’s office is a clearinghouse of financial literacy information. In addition to an annual poster contest for kids, which concluded in March, the office partners with the VT Jump$tart Coalition to conduct personal finance workshops for teachers. Here are three of the VST’s programs: How to Raise a Money Smart Child — A Parent’s Guide: This booklet, created in partnership with the Vermont Jump$tart Coalition and People’s United Bank, is distributed by 57 schools throughout Vermont. There’s also a related series of free parent workshops, including one on April 3 in Barre. See the calendar spotlight on page 38.

Reading is an Investment: This program encourages students to read about financial literacy. The more titles they log, the more likely they are to win a $250 college savings account.

Vermont Reserve Cup: This annual gameshow-style tournament encourages high school students to think about economics. This year’s event is May 4; teams must sign up by April 2.

CVOEO GROWING MONEY FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

Info, 860-1417, cvoeo.org/htm/ MicroBusiness/Microbusiness.html, The Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity’s Financial Futures Program provides free education and training for low- to moderate-income Vermonters who need help organizing their finances or want to start a business. Free classes include:

Spend Smart: This three-session class is for people in households with limited income.

Keys to Credit: This two-session class goes into detail about the important and often confusing world of credit.

Creating a Financial Future: This twosession class covers IRA account basics, how to start building household savings, how to create an emergency fund, how to enhance your savings, and much more.

VERMONT HIGHER EDUCATION INVESTMENT PLAN

Info, 1-800-637-5860, vheip.org

Administered by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, this site includes information about 529 college savings plans, a calculator to figure out how much you’ll need, webcasts, hotlines and other resources targeting people saving for college.

VERMONT BAR ASSOCIATION

Info, 223-2020, vtbar.org

The association offers free legal and educational resources, including a publication that describes how to protect financial resources as you grow older: Taking Charge: Plan Now for Future Financial Control.

Want to start teaching your kids about money?

Many public and private organizations offer free or low-cost classes and workshops. Here’s a short list to help you get started.

This Summer Make Family

Last

All Together Now

BY LINDSAY J. WESTLEY

ADULTS TRY THEIR BEST to create the ideal summer vacation — the perfect equilibrium between activity and relaxation — only to find it can often wind up being more stressful than just staying home. As kids, we had it down. What happened when we grew up?

Enter the family camp. Modeled after the traditional sleepaway experience, the multigenerational version is a vacation with less organizational stress — and best of all, you get to share it with your kids. Meals appear at regular intervals and cheery camp counselors whisk kids o to age-appropriate activities, leaving parents free to launch a canoe for old time’s sake, or simply hobnob on a shady front porch overlooking the lake.

“Family camp can be a real relief

for the cooks or the chau eurs in the family,” says Carole Blane, program director at Camp Common Ground in Starksboro. “It’s also great fun for adults wishing to re-create the magic of going to camp. You get to run around barefoot, play soccer or just spend time enjoying your surroundings while your kids are being taken care of.”

The laid-back, semi-structured approach appeals to harried parents seeking a real vacation, but it’s the nostalgia that brings them back.

Ernie Ruben, a Princeton, N.J.-based professional photographer, attended Ohana Family Camp in Fairlee like her mother before her, and has since returned with her husband, their four children, their children’s spouses and eight grandchildren.

“We come back because it’s a very special world that is fast disappearing,” she says. “It’s hard for me to believe that everyone doesn’t feel the need to be connected to the natural world in the way you are while at camp.”

Ruben has “a grown daughter who never takes her eyes off her computer and another daughter who is so busy she doesn’t know what to do with herself,” she says. At Ohana Family Camp, families swim, fish, canoe, kayak, sail, hike and sit around bonfires telling stories and roasting s’mores. Families reconvene for meals and programs during the afternoons and evenings.

It’s a different pace of life — one that parents don’t often get to experience alongside their children. For kids, family camp can be a good introduction to the world of overnight camp — without the homesickness. Brooklyn-dweller Laura Tichler

Night Eagle Wilderness Adventures

and her family have attended Camp Common Ground for the past four summers, which she says is helping her 9-year-old daughter acclimate to the idea of going away to camp on her own.

“I want my kids to have the experience of finding their own turf and discovering who they are independent of their parents, but my daughter isn’t quite ready to attend the camp I went to as a kid,” she says. “Family camp helps ease the transition.”

There are two main models to choose from when evaluating a summer-camp getaway — designated family camps like Camp Common Ground and Ohana Family Camp, and kids overnight camps that run a special family session. The YMCA Camp Abnaki in North Hero offers family camp over Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends, while Camp

You get to run around barefoot, play soccer or just spend time enjoying your surroundings while your kids are being taken care of.

carole Blane, camp common Ground

Talent Development Institute

Summer 2012

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

Johnson State College

June 24-30, 2012

“TDI has provided an environment where being intelligent is encouraged….TDI has given me confidence to be myself outside the camp and introduced me to friends I look forward to seeing each year.” — Camper

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

Greater Burlington YMCA CAMP ABNAKI

Where Your Son

Belongs

Resident and Day Camps

For Boys Ages 7-16

CampAbnaki.org

Animal Adventures ages 7-9: Half-day camp with themes like Dog Day, Feline Friends, Careers, Shelter Day, and Animal Safety. (choose between AM or PM session)

Summer Safari ages 10-12: A full-day camp that includes the above themes and incorporates a fascinating video project focused on animals.

Summer Sessions:

July 9-13 | July 16-20 | July 23-27 | July 30-Aug 3

(Choose Between AM or PM) AM: 9am-12pm | PM: 1pm-4pm August 6-10 | August 13-17 Full Day

802.862.0135 x11 www.chittendenhumane.

All Together Now

Pok-O-MacCready in the Adirondacks has a late-August session for families after younger campers have departed. Oneor two-session family camps aren’t inferior to their year-round counterparts — and their rates are usually far cheaper — but families should ask about the daily schedule and activities, as some are better equipped to accommodate multigenerational campers.

“It’s important to choose a camp that offers a balance between active and free time, and clearly defines who the programming is for,”

says Lucy Jackson Norvell, New England director of public information at the American Camp Association.

“Sometimes that means programming for ‘a tall and a small,’ and sometimes it’s separate activities for kids and adults. The ability to choose is important, too — teens will participate if they decide to go on an adventure, but they don’t want to have that decision made for them by an adult.”

Programs at Camp Common Ground run the gamut, from making fairy houses to launching homemade boats,

I want my kids to have the experience of finding their own turf and discovering who they are independent of their parents, but my daughter isn’t quite ready to attend the camp I went to as a kid.

Laura TichLer

WANT YOUR CHILD TO THRIVE?

taking cello lessons, glassblowing, songwriting and building terraria. Professional artists, musicians and craftspeople teach many of the classes, netting parents who have an interest in woodworking or African dance.

Smart camp directors know that a successful experience caters equally to kids and their parents or grandparents alike, so staff make a special effort to keep everyone happy. At Ohana Family Camp, that means meals cooked by chefs who attended culinary school; at Camp Common Ground, you can count on local, fresh ingredients. Accommodations vary from LEED-certified eco-lodges to rustic tent platforms.

Family camp offers a chance for families to grow closer through adventures and new experiences, but regulars know it’s as much about socializing as it is about honing your archery skills.

“Camps are intentional communities that meet at the same time every year, so families frequently coordinate sessions,” says Norvell. “And when grandparents and parents attended camp while growing up, that friendship can lead to a long line of families growing up together.”

Whether summer getaways appeal for downtime, family time or the luxury of not having to plan meals and carpool schedules, Tichler says they have a way of getting under your skin.

“You can relax in the fact that your kids are having fun and being taken care of by everyone there,” she says. “When I tell people about Camp Common Ground, they always think it’s a lot more kumbaya-ish than it

actually is. Sure, there is an aspect of community building, but it’s done in a way that would affect even the biggest cynic.” K

Family camps

camp pok-o-maccready, Willsboro, N.y august 15 through 19 or august 17 through 19. $195-$ 650. info, 800-982-3538, pokomac.com.

camp abnaki, North Hero. may 25 through 28 and august 31 through september 3. $150-$495. Kids 4 and under are free. info, 862-8993, ext. 131, campabnaki.org. mother/child weekend, september 14 through 16. $60-$195. Father/son weekend, october 5 through 7. $60-$195.

camp common Ground, starksboro. one-week sessions, July 21 through august 17. $50-$975; rates vary depending on accommodations. info, 800-430-2667, cgcvt.org.

ohana Family camp, Fairlee. oneweek sessions, June 30 through august 18. $280-$5520; rates vary depending on accommodations. info, 333-3460, ohanacamp.org.

craft summer their 2012

9-12 year-old Campers. Our program offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities including sports, craft projects, field trips and more! Our campers have an active summer playing and learning with their friends! Activities offered by CAMP EDGE: 4t-kTheedgesummercamps0412.indd 1 3/8/12 2:11 PM

APRIL CALENDAR

Awwww-some Event

Cuteness counts at the Billlings Farm & Museum’s BABY ANIMAL DAY

Kids — of the human variety — cosy up with newborn calves, lambs, chicks, ducklings and goslings while learning about their care, diet and growth from experienced farming interpreters. Horse-drawn wagons provide the big picture, ferrying visitors around the 250-acre working dairy farm to see the cows, horses and oxen. Or you can stay inside to craft pom-pom chicks and lamb handprints. As a parting gift, the museum provides an heirloom seed in a paper cup. And, of course, they help you plant it.

BABY ANIMAL DAY: Saturday, April 7, Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $11-12 adult; $3-6 child; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355, billingsfarm.org.

S

ponsored by:

1 SUNDAY

Firehouse Pancake Breakfast: Firefighters fix a full spread of morning eats for community members. After filling their bellies, kids climb on the shiny red trucks and make the horns blow. All ages. Williston Fire Department, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $8 adults; $6 seniors; $5 kids; free for children under 2. Info, 878-5622.

Health & Fitne

Family Gym: Indoor playground equipment provides active fun for kids and their parents. Ages 7 and under. YMCA, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free for members; $5-8 family. Info, 862-8993.

Nature & Science

Fossils: Science enthusiasts handle fossilized remains and use clues to guess their origins. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200. Kitchen Chemistry: Kids explore scientific reactions with household products. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

2 MONDAY Arts

Arts for Tots: Young ones and their caregivers find creative outlets in music, movement, free play and an art project. Ages 18 months-4. Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, 10-11 a.m. $10 adult/child pair.

Baby & Maternity

Baby Yoga: Mini yogis and their minders stretch and move to soothing music to build coordination, strength and balance. Ages 3-10 months. Preregister. Move You Fitness Studio, Essex, 10:45-11:30 a.m. $10 baby/adult pair. Info, 734-0821.

Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: Moms-in-the-making focus on relaxation, strengthening and focus. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. $15. Info, 778-0300.

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

F d

Kids in the Kitchen: Banana Pancakes: Little chefs whip up tall stacks of a breakfast favorite with an added tropical fruit. Fresh-made butter and maple syrup for topping complete the meal. Preregister. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 child. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Health & Fitne

Hot Mama Workout: Kids are welcome while moms squeeze in some fitness. City Hall Gymnasium, St. Albans, 9-10 a.m. Free if preregistered; $10 drop-in. Info, 524-1500, , ext. 266.

Martial Arts Class Trial: Young martial artists try Aikido on for size. Ages 5-6 and 7-12. Aikido of Champlain Valley, Burlington, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 951-8900.

Library & B ks

Ilsley Detectives’ Club: Youth sleuths investigate Sherlock Holmes, play secret-agent games and craft original mysteries. Grades 5-6. Preregister. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Pokemon Invasion: Fans of the popular Japanese card game bring their decks and gather for trading and battles. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

3 TUESDAY

Arts

Toddler Art Tuesdays: Wee ones get creative, and messy, with mixed media followed by outdoor play and a snack. Ages 2-4 with caregiver. Preregister. Center School Learning Community. Plainfield, 9:30-11 a.m. $10 class; $30 session. Info, 454-1947.

Education

Money Smart Workshop: See Spotlight, page 38.

Library & B ks

Craftacular Tuesdays: Kids get caught up in low-tech projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, first Tuesday of every month, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Creative Tuesdays: Crafters use their imagination and recycled materials. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Music With Robert: Families sing along with a local legend. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

4 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

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

Education

Social Thinking: Meetings focus on social-skills development for kids with nonverbal learning disabilities, Asperger’s syndrome and highfunctioning autism. Call for times. Ages 6-17. Preregister. Maple Leaf Clinic, Wallingford, Info, 446-3577.

F d

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

Kids Cook Up Stories: Hungry for words? Readers bring lit to life in the kitchen. For prekindergarten-age children. LACE, Barre, 10 a.m. $3 suggested donation. Info, 476-4276.

Kids in the Kitchen: Pho Noodle Soup: Vietnamese noodle soup gets the approval of young cooks who make the broth from scratch. Participants bring home the extras for dinner.

Preregister. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 child. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Health & Fitne

Afternoon Hoops: Basketball-loving high school students spend the afternoon dribbling, shooting and scoring. Preregister. St. Albans City Hall, 2:30-3:45 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Kids Open Gymnastics: Tykes tumble and jump while adults connect with other families. Snack is provided. River Arts, Morrisville, 10-11:30 a.m. $5 child, $8 two children, $10 three or more children. Info, 888-1261.

Martial Arts Class Trial: 4 p.m. See April 2.

Library & B ks

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

Mother Goose Meets Mother Nature: Parents of little ones gather for education on the use of literature to enrich kids’ curiosity about the natural world. Each family recieves an activity guide and six picture books to get started at home. Participants should attend all four workshops. Adults only. Preregister. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Nature & Science

‘Play Again’: Families gather for a documentary film featuring six teenagers who unplug from technology and embark on their first wilderness adventure. Orchard Valley Waldorf School Main Campus. Montpelier, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 456-7400.

5 THURSDAY

Arts

After School Art Room: Kids get creative in a well-stocked studio. Ages 6-10. ArtisTree Gallery, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. $15. Info, 457-3500. Art Exploration for Preschoolers: Tots express themselves through music, movement, stories and creation stations with mixed media. Ages 3-5. Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. $15 child. Info, 457-3500.

Pollywog Drop-in Art: Tots get their art fix with a variety of craft materials, from homemade play dough to colorful ribbons. Ages 6 months-5 years accompanied by adult. Burlington City Arts Center (BCA), 9:30-11:30 a.m. $5-6 child/ parent pair. Info, 865-7166.

Baby & Maternity

Breast-feeding Support Group: Lactating moms bring their babies and share stories, advice and company. Preregister. Family Birthing Center, Northwest Medical Center, St. Albans, first Thursday of every month, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 524-7970.

Co unity

Mom’s Matinee: Parents and their wee ones catch a flick with dimmed lights and babyfriendly volumes. Palace 9, South Burlington, 10:30 a.m. $7.25 adult; $6 child; free for kids under 2. Info, 864-5610.

Health & Fitne

Hot Mama Workout: 9-10 a.m. See April 2. Stroller Gathering: Walkers and their wheeled counterparts meet for a recreation path promenade. Fairfax Community Park & Recreation Path, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 782-6332.

Library & B ks

Food for Thought: Teens chat while working on library projects. A pizza dinner finishes o the evening. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Highgate Youth Advisory: Kids in grades 5-8 plan projects with the Crossroads after school program. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 3-4:45 p.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Homeschoolers Book Group: Bibliophiles share thoughts on recent reads. Ages 8-10 and 11 and older. Preregister. St. Albans Free Library, first Thursday of every month, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Shelburne Magic Club: Fantasy-card-game lovers play and share tips. Grades 5-8. Pierson Library, Shelburne, first Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 985-5124.

6 FRIDAY

Arts

Family Clay Drop-in: Parents join kids for some work on the wheel. All ages. Burlington City Arts Center (BCA), 5:30-7:30 p.m. $5-6 includes one glazed/fired piece; $5 per additional piece. Info, 865-7166.

Preschool Clay Drop-in: Kids craft cool stu using the wheel or working by hand. Preschool ages. Burlington City Arts Center (BCA), 9:3011:30 a.m. $6. Info, 865-7166.

Co unity

First Friday Family Dance: Supper kicks o a wholesome evening of live music and dancing. All ages. Worcester Town Hall, first Friday of every month, 5:30-10 p.m. $5 person; $8-$12 family. Info, 229-0173.

Education

Little Chefs: Wee ones learn to make a beloved snack: pizza. Ages 3-5 accompanied by an adult. Preregister. Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m. $28-38 child. Info, 864-0123.

Parent-Child Sign Language: Wee ones use their hands to communicate with mom and dad. Ages birth to 5. Preregister. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 879-7576.

Safe Routes to School Training: This workshop teaches adults how to share pedestrian and bicycle safety with kids. Attendees receive instructional materials to share with students. Preregister. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 828-5799.

Health & Fitne

Afternoon Hoops: 2:30-3:45 p.m. See April 4. Family Gym: 10:30 a.m.-noon. See April 1.

Kids Open Gymnastics: 10-11:30 a.m. See April 4.

Library & B ks

After School Movie: Film bu s put their feet up and watch a flick, popcorn in hand. KelloggHubbard Library, Montpelier, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

7 SATURDAY Arts

Family Art Drop-in: Folks get creative with crafts, drawing and painting whenever the mood strikes. All ages. Burlington City Arts Center (BCA), 1-3 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7166.

Flowery Craft: Celebrate springtime by painting a wooden tulip or sunflower to take home. All ages. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $3. Info, 862-0646.

Saturday Drama Club: Thespians help Very Merry Theatre produce a show in just three hours. All ages. Preregister. Very Merry Theatre, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 (or whatever you can a ord). Info, 863-6607.

Baby & Maternity

Postnatal Yoga: Moms and their brand-new babies connect through movement and breathing exercises. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, 10:45-11:45 a.m. $10 mom/baby pair. Info, 778-0300.

Prenatal Yoga: Moms-to-be explore meditations, postures and breath work tailored to their minds and bodies during pregnancy. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, 9-10:30 a.m. $10 person. Info, 778-0300.

Community

Baby Animal day: See Spotlight, page 36. Easter Egg Hunts: See page 41 for list of egg hunts.

RU12? Family Program: Local non-profit working for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning Vermonters seeks ideas for reinvigorating regular family events. Bent Northrup Memorial Library, Fairfield, noon-1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-7812.

Fairs & Festivals

Birthday Bash: Celebrating all birthdays, this party boats a bounce house, tumbling area, infant-specific play space, crafts, and snacks. BFA Fairfax, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 782-6332.

Food

maple day: The Vermont Maple Mobile Sugarhouse hands out the sweet stuff drizzled over snow and in cotton-candy form. City Market, Burlington, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 861-9757; cnunziata@citymarket.coop.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class Trial: 9 a.m. See April 2.

Vermont Athletics Youth Lacrosse day: Fans of this game with Native American roots watch a UVM match. Kids get in free by emailing rallycat@uvm.edu. Bring your stick for some post-game pass and catch with the team. UVM Virtue Field, Burlington. 1 p.m.

Nature & Science

creeping colors: This science-packed session teaches kids about capillary action as they watch water crawl up paper and find hidden colors inside a marker. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

it’s a Worm’s World: Vermicomposters squirm under the watchful eyes of young gardeners as kids learn about decomposition and get tips on making their own worm bins. Preregister. Gardener’s Supply, Williston, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 658-2433.

Turtle discovery: Young naturalists learn about shelled natives and help feed those that reside in the museum. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

8 SUNDAY

Arts

‘Fantastic mr. Fox’: Movie buffs take in this stop-motion animated film starring George Clooney and Meryl Streep. All ages. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, 7 p.m. $5-7.

Health & Fitness

Family Gym: 10:30 a.m.-noon. See April 1.

Nature & Science

About Air: Kids create mini-parachutes to learn how air resistance slows down falling objects.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200. cells!: Compare plant and animal cells using a compound microscope. Then, using the lab’s video microscope, take a close-up look at your own cheek cells. Ages 9 and older. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

9 MONDAY Arts

Arts for Tots: 10-11 a.m. See April 2.

Baby & Maternity

Baby Yoga: 10:45-11:30 a.m. See April 2. Breast-feeding class: Expectant mothers learn the basics for successful nursing. Participants receive additional support postpartum. Preregister. Franklin County Home Health Agency, St. Albans, 7-9 p.m. $15. Info, 527-7531.

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: 5:30-7 p.m.

See April 2. Yoga After Baby: 11 a.m.-noon. See April 2.

Health & Fitness

Hot mama Workout: 9-10 a.m. See April 2.

Library & Books

Books and Beyond: Children’s literature and hands-on activities combine for fun science learning and exploration. Ages 3-5 and their parent or caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:15-11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

ilsley detectives’ club: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

See April 2.

10 TUESDAY Arts

Toddler Art Tuesdays: See April 3.

Education

New Beginnings support Group: Parents gather to celebrate the joys, accomplishments, and challenges of raising young children that have an autism spectrum diagnosis. Vermont Family Network, Williston, 6:30-8 p.m. Free. Info, 863-0423.

Food

Kids in the Kitchen: omelets: Culinary kiddos whip and mix then fill and flip the perfect morning meal. Preregister. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 child. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Library & Books

creative Tuesdays: 3-5 p.m. See April 3. Game on!: Kids learn new diversions or play old faves. All ages. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, second Tuesday of every month, 3:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

mother Goose meets mother Nature: 6-8 p.m.

See April 4.

music With Robert: 11-11:30 a.m. See April 3.

11 WEDNESDAY

Baby & Maternity

Burlington La Leche League: Moms bring their questions, babies and older kids, too, to this

Money Smarts

Want to teach your kids about the importance of saving money? You might benefit from your own refresher course. The state of Vermont’s moNEY smART WoRKsHoP is all about teaching adults how to teach kids about personal finance. lisa Helme, director of financial literacy and communications at the State Treasurer’s Office, covers five core areas of financial education: earning, spending, saving/investing, borrowing and protecting. in smaller groups, attendees get specific feedback about their own concerns by tackling topics such as allowances, budgets, credit cards and savings. Helme says parents know more than they think about managing their cash; this event demystifies the process of sharing that wisdom. Everyone leaves with take-home worksheets to explore with their kids. And there’s potential for immediate pay off, too: Childcare is provided, and you could win a $100 restaurant gift card.

moNEY smART WoRKsHoP: Tuesday, April 3, Barre Technical Center, 6 -7:30 p.m. Free. Preregister. Info, 476-6237, MoneyEd.Vermont.gov.

breast-feeding support group. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, second Wednesday of every month, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 985-8228.

Community

Georgia Family Game Night: Candyland, checkers and Monopoly bring gamers to the library. Visitors are welcome to carry in other favorites, too. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, second Wednesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Education

social Thinking: See April 4.

Vermont Family Network conference: Parents and professionals assemble for a day featuring 10 different workshops on caring for children with special needs. The film “Who Cares About Kelsey?” premieres. Preregister. Hilton Burlington, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $75-90 person. Info, 876-5315, ext. 217.

7 sATURdAY (COnTinuEd)

F d

Cookie Decorating: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

See April 4.

Kids Cook Up Stories: 10 a.m. See April 4.

Kids in the Kitchen: Tortellini Salad: Professional chefs share pasta tricks of the trade with burgeoning cooks. Homemade dressing and fresh chopped veggies finish the healthy dish. Preregister. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 child. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Health & Fitne

Afternoon Hoops: 2:30-3:45 p.m. See April 4.

Kids Open Gymnastics: 10-11:30 a.m.

See April 4.

Library & B ks

LEGO Afternoons: 3:30-4:30 p.m. See April 4.

12 THURSDAY

Arts

After School Art Room: 3-5 p.m. See April 5.

Art Exploration for Preschoolers: 3-5 p.m.

See April 5.

Pollywog Drop-in Art: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

See April 5.

Co unity

Guiding-Eye Puppies: Canine lovers meet and greet soon-to-be guide dogs and learn about raising one for the benefit of a visually impaired person. All ages. Preregister. Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, South Burlington, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 845-661-1014.

Mom’s Matinee: 10:30 a.m. See April 5.

Education

Windows on Waldorf: Prospective students and thier families tour the grade school. Student work showcases the core curriculum. Preregister. Orchard Valley Waldorf School Main Campus, Montpelier, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 456-7400.

Health & Fitne

Hot Mama Workout: 9-10 a.m. See April 2.

Stroller Gathering: 9:30 a.m. See April 5.

Library & B ks

Highgate Youth Advisory: 3-4:45 p.m.

See April 5.

LEGO Club: Building-block lovers get busy. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, second Thursday of every month, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Nature & Science

Science Magic: Kids use trickery and everyday household items to wow their audience. Grades 3 and up. Preregister. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

13 FRIDAY Arts

Family Clay Drop-in: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

See April 6.

Preschool Clay Drop-in: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

See April 6.

Education

Parent-Child Sign Language: 10 a.m.

See April 6.

Health & Fitne

Afternoon Hoops: 2:30-3:45 p.m. See April 4.

Family Gym: 10:30 a.m.-noon. See April 1.

Kids Open Gymnastics: 10-11:30 a.m.

See April 4.

Stowe Kids Night Out: An evening away from home includes free play, ice skating, movies and games, all supervised by camp counselors. Ages 5-15. Preregister. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m. $10. Info, 253-6138.

Library & B ks

After School Movie: 3 p.m. See April 6. Songs and Stories with Matthew: Tales and tunes delight a mid-morning crowd. All ages. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, Every other Friday, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

14 SATURDAY

Arts

Family Art Drop-in: 1-3 p.m. See April 7.

Grass Folk Craft: Crafters fabricate dolls from pasturage. Preregister. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Saturday Drama Club: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

See April 7.

Co unity

Burlington Indoor Farmers Market: Farmers and artists peddle their goods. Face painting, music and hands-on activities make the experience fun for kids, too. On April 28th, pint-sized folks make frozen yogurt by hand. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, Every other Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 310-5172.

Chess Championship: Competitors face o in a state-wide bout. Grades K-12. Berlin Elementary School, 9 a.m. $12 in advance; $20 at the door. Info, 223-1948.

Magic Show: A slight of hand master wows a family crowd. Fairfax Middle School, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 782-6332.

“Sibshops”: Siblings of kids with special needs connect for playtime. Ages 7-12. Preregister. Howard Center McClure Gymnasium, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 1-800-800-4005 , ext. 217.

Vermont Has Talent: Locals from 5 to 24 years old show o their musical talents and compete for big prizes. Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 878-8487.

F d

Cupcake Creations: Amateur bakers frost cute confections with professional instruction. Ages 6-12. Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. $17 child. Info, 864-0123.

Health & Fitne

Otter Creek Mud Run: Little legs pick up the pace to support the Otter Creek Child Center. All ages. Otter Creek Child Center, Middlebury, 8:30 a.m. $8 child; $15 student; $25 adult; $30 race day registration. Info, 388-9688.

Postnatal Yoga: 10:45-11:45 a.m. See April 7.

Prenatal Yoga: 9-10:30 a.m. See April 7.

Nature & Science

Egg Drop Challenge: Careful experimenters protect delicately shelled ovums in customdesigned capsules and test their creations with an 18-foot plunge. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 12-2 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Behind the Curtain

Everything that happens before the concert is what determines how an orchestra sounds on stage. That’s why it’s cool to catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of VERMONT YOUTH ORCHESTRA during a rehearsal-setting open house. You can learn about the organization’s rich history — and concertizing alumni — while observing the young players preparing their spring repertoire. Anyone interested in auditioning — provided they’re between third and eighth grade— can get the inside scoop on the process. Stick around for a Q&A with light refreshments after.

VYOA OPEN HOUSE: Sunday, April 15, Elley-Long Music Center at Saint Michael’s College, Colchester, 3-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-5030, vyo.org

Jake the Snake: Kids learn about the lives of reptiles while visiting with a full-grown boa constrictor. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Leaping Lambs and Shear Delights: Little lambs leap about while participants get a feel for wool; watch a sheep get sheared, wash the wool, and learn how to spin and felt. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $10-12 adult; $5-6 child. Info, 985-8686.

15 SUNDAY Arts

VYOA Spring Open House: See Spotlight, page 39.

Health & Fitne

Family Gym: 10:30 a.m.-noon. See April 1.

Nature & Science

Microscopic Investigations: Kiddos get an upclose look at everyday items using hand lenses and microscopes. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Mirror, Mirror: Science fans learn about symmetry and reflection while creating cool and complex images. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Singing Frogs and Silent Salamanders: Budding naturalists discover who’s making all the springtime noise, and why, then try to return the calls. Ages 4 and older. Preregister. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 1-3 p.m. $10-12 adult/ child pair; $4-5 additional child. Info, 434-3068.

16 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Baby Yoga: 10:45-11:30 a.m. See April 2. Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: 5:30-7 p.m. See April 2.

Yoga After Baby: 11 a.m.-noon. See April 2.

Health & Fitne

Hot Mama Workout: 9-10 a.m. See April 2.

Library & B ks

Early Literacy Workshop: In this three-week series parents of preschool-aged children learn to teach their kids early reading skills. Dinner, childcare and books are included for participants. Preregister. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

COURTESY OF VERMONT YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Story Times

SUNDAY

Burlington Sunday Stories: Ohavi Zedek Hebrew School, Burlington, April 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-0218.

MONDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stowe Family Story Time: Stowe Free Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

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

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: Buttered Noodles, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

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

TUESDAY

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

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

Burlington Science & Stories: ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 324-6386.

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

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

East Middlebury Preschool Story Hour: Sara Partridge Community Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-7588.

Essex Preschool Story Time: Brownell Library, Wednesdays, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Toddler Story Time: Brownell Library, 9:10-9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Fairfax Preschool Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 242-9000.

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

Early literacy skills get special attention during these free read-aloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities like music, crafts or foreign language instruction. Contact the story time organizer or visit kidsvt.com for details.

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

Hinesburg Preschool Story

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

Hinesburg Toddler Story Time: Carpenter-Carse Library, first Tuesday of every month, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Milton Preschool Story

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

Montpelier Story Time: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Reading With Frosty & Friends: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

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

Shelburne Story Time With Webby: Shelburne Museum, 10:30-11 a.m. Free with admission. Info, 985-3346.

South Burlington Tiny Tot Time: South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Williston Story Hour: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Info, 878-4918.

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: 10-10:30 a.m. See Monday.

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

WEDNESDAY

Essex Preschool Story Time: See Tuesday. Highgate Toddler and Preschool Story Time: 11:15 a.m. See Tuesday.

Jericho Preschool Story Time: Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4962.

Lyndonville Story Time: Cobleigh Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Middlebury Baby and Toddler Story Hour: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Middlebury Stories With Shoopie and Lily: Ilsley Public Library, 4-5 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Montpelier Story Time: 10:30 a.m. See Tuesday.

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

Richford Story Hour: Arvin A. Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 848-3313.

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

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

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

Warren Story Hour: Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 496-3913.

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

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: See Monday.

THURSDAY

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

Colchester Preschool Story Time: See Monday.

Fairfax PJ Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, April 5, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 782-6332.

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

Jericho Evening Family Story Time: Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, April 5, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 899-4962.

Jericho Preschool Story Time: See Wednesday.

Middlebury Preschool Story Hour: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

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

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

South Burlington Baby Story Time: South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

St. Albans Story Time: See Monday.

Stowe Preschool Story Hour: Every other Thursday, See Wednesday.

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

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

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: See Monday.

FRIDAY

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

Essex Drop-in Story Time: Brownell Library, Every other Friday, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Georgia Preschool Story Time: Georgia Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

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

Lincoln Children’s Story Time: Lincoln Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

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

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

South Burlington Story Time Adventures: South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

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

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

Williston Story Time at Buttered Noodles: See Monday.

SATURDAY

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

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

Hinesburg Saturday Story Time: Brown Dog Books & Gifts, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-5189.

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

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

See “First with Kids” videos at VermontChildrens.org APRIL CALENDAR

16

(CONTINUED)

Graphic Novels 101: Comic book enthusiasts learn writing and illustrating tips and tricks. Preregister. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 899-4962.

Ilsley Detectives’ Club: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

See April 2.

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Clay and paint transforms into personalized dishes at the hands of young artists. St. Albans Free Library, through April 28. $10 piece. Info, 524-1507.

Reading Takes You Places: Families partake in correlating stories and crafts. Grades K-5. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Nature & Science

Magnetic Moments: Budding scientists experiment with electric currents. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Playing Telephone: Kids craft paper-cup phones and explore the properties of sound waves. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

17 TUESDAY

Art

Toddler Art Tuesdays: See April 3.

Co unity

Getting There: Life After High School: Parents and caregivers of at-risk teens gather to share concerns and receive support. Vermont Family Network, Williston, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 8765315, ext. 209.

Education

Color Mixing: Museum guests blend hues and observe the resulting changes. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

F d

Kids in the Kitchen: Dog Treats: Animal lovers whip up cookies for their furry friends. Snacks for humans keep hungry bakers sated while creating. Preregister. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 child. Info, 863-2569 , ext. 1.

Library & B ks

Creative Tuesdays: 3-5 p.m. See April 3.

Game Day: Bring your favorites or play on the library’s own collection of classic board games. All ages. Cobleigh Public Library, Lyndonville, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5475.

Music With Robert: 11-11:30 a.m. See April 3.

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28. See April 16.

Nature & Science

Hoopster Gliders: Kids create a craft that flies. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

18 WEDNESDAY

Education

Social Thinking: See April 4. F d

Cookie Decorating: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

See April 4.

Kids Cook Up Stories: 10 a.m. See April 4.

Health & Fitne

Afternoon Hoops: 2:30-3:45 p.m. See April 4.

Kids Open Gymnastics: 10-11:30 a.m. See April 4.

Library & B ks

LEGO Afternoons: 3:30-4:30 p.m. See April 4.

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28. See April 16.

Nature & Science

About Air: 3 p.m. See April 8.

Optical Tops: Young scientists investigate visual changes resulting from rotational motion. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admisson. Info, 649-2200.

19 THURSDAY

Arts

Pollywog Drop-in Art: 9:30-11:30 a.m. See April 5.

Co unity

Guiding-Eye Puppies: 7-8:30 p.m. See April 12.

Mom’s Matinee: 10:30 a.m. See April 5.

Health & Fitne

Hot Mama Workout: 9-10 a.m. See April 2.

Stroller Gathering: 9:30 a.m. See April 5.

Library & B ks

Highgate Youth Advisory: 3-4:45 p.m.

See April 5.

Parenting Book Discussion: Parents and caregivers ponder provocative rearing read, Nature Shock: New Thinking About Children. St. Albans Free Library, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28.

See April 16.

Shelburne Magic Club: third Thursday of every month, 6-8 p.m. See April 5.

Nature & Science

Mirror, Mirror: 11 a.m. See April 15.

Rockets: Young and old compress air to launch water rockets and learn the physics of it all. Preregister. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:30 a.m.-noon & 2-3:30 p.m. $25 family. Info, 649-2200.

Skulls: Science lovers explore skeletal remains of local wildlife. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Spring Discovery: Subtle and spectacular signs of spring are studied by young scientists. Time is made for basking in the sun, collecting wildflowers and catching salamanders. Ages 3-5. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 10-11 a.m. $8-10 adult/child pair; $4 additional child. Info, 434-3068.

20 FRIDAY

Arts

Family Clay Drop-in: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

See April 6.

Preschool Clay Drop-in: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

See April 6.

Scrapbooking Extravaganza: Memory keepers gather mementos with the help of some instruction and available materials. Ages 1014. Preregister. Milton Elementary School, third Friday of every month, 6-8 p.m. $12. Info, 893-4922.

Vermonters celebrate the popular Easter custom of seeking and collecting colorful eggs. We’ve found these hunts for you, but some may still be hiding. Check kidsvt.com for updated

Barre, Rotary Park, 10 a.m. Info, 476-0256 Colchester, Bayside Park, 10 a.m. Info, 264-5640

Fairfax, Fairfax Community Park & Recreation Path, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 524-6393. Milton, Bombardier Park, 10 a.m., Info, 893-4922

Montpelier, Hubbard Park, 10 a.m., Info, 229-5711

South Burlington, Ascension Lutheran Church, 10 a.m., Info, 862-8866

St. Albans, Main St., 10 a.m. Info, 524-1500 Stowe, Stowe Elementary, 11:30 a.m., $5. Info, 253-6138

Waterbury, Green Mountain Club Visitor Center, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 244-7037

Youth Night: Teens and tweens hang out and enjoy movies, snacks and projects. Kellogg-Hubbard Library, Montpelier, third Friday of every month, 6-9 p.m. Free. Info, 223-4665.

Nature & Science

Oakledge Exploration: Kids and their caregivers explore the park through hikes and activities with Mo the Moose. Preregister. Oakledge Park, Burlington, 9:30-11 a.m. $12. Info, 862-8027.

Sound Science: Curious kids experiment with sounds and how they travel. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Straw Rockets: Science lovers discover the power of air during this hands-on session. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

21 SATURDAY Arts

Earth Day Craft: Eco-conscious folks turn recycled materials into works of art. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $3. Info, 862-0646.

Family Art Drop-in: 1-3 p.m. See April 7. Major Mess: Young artists explore holidaythemed projects with mixed media. All ages. Children under 4 must be accompanied by an adult. Purple Crayon Productions, Woodstock, third Saturday of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $10. Info, 457-3500.

Saturday Drama Club: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

See April 7.

Baby & Maternity

Cloth Diapering 101: Parents looking to start a new baby o on the reusable types, and those wanting to switch over from disposables, get tips for choosing the best bum covers. Participants receive $10, their first order. Diaper Days, Essex Jct. 2-3 p.m. $10. Info, 881-9451.

Postnatal Yoga: 10:45-11:45 a.m. See April 7.

Prenatal Yoga: 9-10:30 a.m. See April 7.

Co unity

Co unity

Kids Night Out: Parents get a break while the younger crowd plays games, do crafts and snack. Grades K-5. Preregister. Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, Burlington, 6-9 p.m. $15. Info, 865-7091.

Education

Parent-Child Sign Language: 10 a.m.

See April 6.

Health & Fitne

Afternoon Hoops: 2:30-3:45 p.m. See April 4.

Family Gym: 10:30 a.m.-noon. See April 1.

Kids Open Gymnastics: 10-11:30 a.m.

See April 4.

Library & B ks

After School Movie: 3 p.m. See April 6.

Jiggity Jog: Kids let music move them via song, instrument and dance. Ages 2-5. South Burlington Community Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28. See April 16.

Autism and Teddy Bears: Vermont Family Network and the Howard Center team up to educate the public about this increasingly common neural development disorder. Visitors can tour the factory, make a craft, hear a story, learn about autism and create an Autism Speaks VT Teddy Bear T-shirt. All ages. Vermont Teddy Bear Company, Shelburne, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $3 tours; Free for children under 12. Info, 876-5315, ext. 212. Dance Party: Families come together to groove, sing and play. All ages. Fairfax Middle School, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 782-6332.

Fairs & Festivals

Matsuri Festival: Families watch martial arts and Taiko drumming demonstrations in this festival of Japanese culture. Kids try their hands at origami and watch pint-sized samurais show o their skills. All ages. Aikido of Champlain Valley, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $5 person. Info, 951-8900.

Health & Fitne

Vermont Athletics Youth Lacrosse Day: 3 p.m.

See April 7.

Library & B ks

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28.

listings.

Playgroups

MONDAY

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

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

Isle La Motte Playgroup: Isle La Motte School, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Jeffersonville Hometown Playgroup: Cambridge Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 885-5229.

Middlebury Music & Movement: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Morristown Hometown Playgroup: Morristown Graded Building, Morrisville, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Swanton Playgroup: Mary S. Babcock School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Williston Music With Raphael: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

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

TUESDAY

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

Burlington Family Play: VNA Family Room, Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

Burlington Fathers and Children Together: VNA Family Room, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 860-4420.

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

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

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

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

South Hero Playgroup: South Hero Congregational Church, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

St. Albans Playgroup: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Worcester Playgroup: Doty Memorial School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 229-0173.

WEDNESDAY

Barre Open Gym: 10 a.m.-noon. See Monday. Burlington Moving and Grooving: Fletcher Free Library, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Charlotte Playgroup: Charlotte Central School, 12:15-1:15 p.m. Free. Info, 764-5820.

Colchester Music With Raphael: Burnham Memorial Library, 12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-0313.

Colchester Playgroup: Colchester Village Meeting House, Fridays, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5640.

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

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

Essex Welcome Baby Playgroup: Essex Junction Teen Center, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 872-9580.

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

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

Morrisville Open Gym: River Arts, 1011:30 a.m. $5 child, $3 additional child. Info, 888-1261.

Shelburne Sing-along: Lemon Peel Café and Creperie, Shelburne, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 985-9511.

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

Williston Baby-Time Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 658-3659.

Winooski Open Gym With Princess: Regal Gymnastics Academy, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $12 child. Info, 655-3300.

THURSDAY

Burlington Family Play: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. See Tuesday. Essex Movin’ Moms: Move You Fitness Studio, first Thursday of every month, 10:30-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 734-0821.

Fletcher Playgroup: Fletcher Elementary School, Cambridge, first Thursday of every month, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Johnson Hometown Playgroup: United Church of Johnson, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Milton Playgroup: See Tuesday.

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

Morrisville Baby Chat: First Congregational Church of Morrisville, first Thursday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

Williston Music With Raphael: See Monday.

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

FRIDAY

Colchester Playgroup: See Wednesday. Essex Center Playgroup: Memorial Hall, Essex Junction, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6751.

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

Ferrisburgh Open Gym: Ferrisburgh Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 388-3171.

Hometown Playgroup Stowe: Stowe Community Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Montgomery Tumble Time: Montgomery Elementary School, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Nature & Science

All About Fingerprints: Kids get up close and personal with their prints, exploring what makes them unique. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Exploring Binoculars: Ever wonder how binoculars work? In this workshop, curious kids deconstruct a pair and learn about optics. Ages 8-16. Preregister. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 1-2:30 p.m. $10-15 adult/child pair. Info, 434-2167.

In the Lab: Glaciers: Science-minded kids explore the nature of ice and make a model glacier. Ages 9 and up. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Mud Fest: Spring is ushered in with nine days of muddy activities and games. Daily live music by Vermont talent energizes the atmosphere. Echo Center, Burlington, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Museum admission. Info, 1-877-324-6386.

Wings are the Things: Learn about the keys to flight in this workshop with live birds. Visitors make and take a themed craft, too. Preregister. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-noon. $10-12 adult; $5-6 child. Info, 985-8686.

22 SUNDAY Health & Fitne

Family Gym: 10:30 a.m.-noon. See April 1.

Library & B ks

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28. See April 16.

Nature & Science

Fossils: 3 p.m. See April 1.

Leafcutter Ants: Nature fans examine the secret life of insect fungus farmers during this hands-on investigation. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Museum admission. Info, 649-2200.

Mud Fest: See April 21.

23 MONDAY

Arts

Arts for Tots: 10-11 a.m. See April 2.

Baby & Maternity

Baby Yoga: 10:45-11:30 a.m. See April 2. Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: 5:30-7 p.m. See April 2.

Morrisville Open Gym: See Wednesday. Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 985-2382.

St. Albans MOPS: Church of the Rock, St. Albans, first Friday of every month, 8:45-11 a.m. Free. Info, 891-1230.

Swanton Late-Morning Playgroup: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7147.

SATURDAY

South Burlington Tots and Tykes Open Gym: Chamberlin School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

Yoga After Baby: 11 a.m.-noon. See April 2.

Health & Fitne

Hot Mama Workout: 9-10 a.m. See April 2.

Library & B ks

Movie Matinee: Kids catch a flick (title TBA) while snacking on popcorn and lemonade. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28. See April 16.

CongreFree. Info, 734-0821.

Johnson Hometown Playgroup:

21 SATURDAY (CONTINUED)

South Burlington Crafternoons: Kiddos drop in for artsy fun with a comic strip theme. Make cartoon-character thumbprints, moving storybooks and illustrations using dots. All ages. South Burlington Community Library, through April 27, 12-2 p.m. Free. Info, 652-7080.

Nature & Science

Magnetic Moments: 3 p.m. See April 16.

Mud Fest: See April 21.

Straw Rockets: 11 a.m. See April 20.

24 TUESDAY

Arts

Toddler Art Tuesdays: See April 3.

Library & B ks

Creative Tuesdays: 3-5 p.m. See April 3.

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28. See April 16.

South Burlington Crafternoons: Through April 27, 12-2 p.m. See April 23.

Nature & Science

Bird Homes: Those fond of fowl craft dwellings for feathered friends. Preregister. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 2-3:30 p.m. $10-15 adult/child pair. Info, 434-2167.

Hoopster Gliders: 3 p.m. See April 17.

Kitchen Chemistry: 11 a.m. See April 1.

Mud Fest: See April 21.

25 WEDNESDAY Arts

Art Safari: Tots dive into stories and art activities related to the museum’s collections. Ages 3-5 with adult. Preregister. Shelburne Museum, fourth Wednesday of every month, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $5. Info, 985-3346.

Education

Chittenden Families Together: Families rendezvous to talk housing and living options for adults with developmental disabilities. Preregister. Vermont Family Network, Williston, 5:30-7 p.m. Free. Info, 876-5315, ext. 215.

Social Thinking: See April 4.

F d

Cookie Decorating: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

See April 4.

Kids Cook Up Stories: 10 a.m. See April 4.

Health & Fitne

Afternoon Hoops: 2:30-3:45 p.m. See April 4.

Kids Open Gymnastics: 10-11:30 a.m.

See April 4.

Library & B ks

LEGO Afternoons: 3:30-4:30 p.m. See April 4.

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28.

See April 16.

South Burlington Crafternoons: Through April 27, 12-2 p.m. See April 23.

On the Bird Walk

The peregrine falcon was once endangered in Vermont, but conservation efforts have helped restore its local population. Where nesting sites were once off limits, the NORTH BRANCH NATURE CENTER now leads families on a guided walk to the home of a breeding pair on the sheer cliffs of Marshfield Mountain. Even NASCAR fans will be impressed with the swiftness of these feathered hunters that are said to reach speeds of more than 200 miles per hour in flight. The tour is lead by an experienced birder, so bring binoculars and all your fine-feathered questions.

PEREGRINE FALCON FORAY: Saturday, April 28, North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. $5 adult, free for children. Info, 229-6206, northbranchnaturecenter.org.

Client: UVM Marketing

Date: 03/16/12

Job Title: Sugarsnap Ad

Scale

1:1

Keyline to print: NO

Production Notes:

The artwork and materials for this piece is to be examined carefully upon receipt. If material is deficient or does not comply with your requirements, please contact:

Driven Studio - Jeff Price

Ongoing Events

spring dance: Families boogie to music in celebration of spring. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:45 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7222.

Teddy Bear Tea Party: Stuffed friends tag along for stories, creativity and delicate snacks. Preregister. St. Albans Free Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 524-1507. Vacation Book and craft: Schoolkids hear a story, create a mask and perform an inspired skit. Grades 2 and older. Preregister. Deborah Rawson Memorial Library, Jericho, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 899-4962.

Nature & Science

About Air: 3 p.m. See April 8. mud Fest: See April 21. optical Tops: 11 a.m. See April 18.

26 THURSDAY Arts

Pollywog drop-in Art: 9:30-11:30 a.m. See April 5.

Community

Guiding-Eye Puppies: 7-8:30 p.m. See April 12.

mom’s matinee: 10:30 a.m. See April 5.

Food

Kids in the Kitchen: Fruit Parfaits: Little epicures blend granola, yogurt and berries for a tasty any-time snack. Preregister. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 child. Info, 863-2569, ext. 1.

Health & Fitness

Hot mama Workout: 9-10 a.m. See April 2. stroller Gathering: 9:30 a.m. See April 5.

Library & Books

Book Writing and illustrating for Kids: Award-winning author and illustrator Sarah Dillard walks kids through the creative process. All ages. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 1-2 p.m. Free. Info, 482-2878. Highgate Youth Advisory: 3-4:45 p.m. See April 5.

LEGo club: 1-5 p.m. See April 12.

LEGo creations: Little architects build tiny creations with interlocking blocks to display at the library. Ages 5 and older. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Plate, cup & Bowl: Through April 28. See April 16.

south Burlington crafternoons: Through April 27, 12-2 p.m. See April 23.

Nature & Science

mirror, mirror: 11 a.m. See April 15. mud Fest: See April 21.

skulls: 3 p.m. See April 19.

27 FRIDAY

Arts

Family clay drop-in: 5:30-7:30 p.m. See April 6.

coBLEiGH PUBLic LiBRARY

Info, 626-5475

Red clover Book Project: Families read and discuss award-winning books, then gather for related projects and activities. Grades K-4.

EcHo LAKE AQUARiUm

ANd sciENcE cENTER

Info, 864-1848

our Body: The Universe Within: Real human bodies are displayed with attention to the functional systems of the anatomy. Exhibits allow visitors to peer under the skin to discover the complexity and beauty of hominid biology. Opens April 14.

FAiRBANKs mUsEUm & PLANETARiUm

Info, 748-2372

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

iNdEPENdENcE PETTiNG FARm

Info, 948-2429

Animal menagerie: Rain or shine, families visit, pet and feed a variety of animals at this educational, hands-on farm. Open daily, year-round. All ages.

moNTREAL sciENcE cENTRE

Info, 1-877-496-4724

star Wars identities: Combining LucasFilm archive memorabilia with interactive elements, this exhibit explores the development of identity. Visitors explore character development within the themes of origins, influences and choice. Fan then explore their own existence by combining their identity with fictional elements to create a unique Star Wars character. Through September.

moNTsHiRE mUsEUm oF sciENcE

Info, 649-2200

charlie and Kiwi’s Evolutionary Adventure: Young visitors learn the basics of evolution through story, exhibits and activities about a boy and his favorite bird, the kiwi.

VERmoNT iNsTiTUTE oF NATURAL sciENcE NATURE cENTER

Info, 359-5000

Through the Eyes of Raptors: Kids who explore the natural world through the eyes of raptors are usually amazed by these efficient predators. Bird programs cover the mechanics of flight, seasonal migration and conservation issues. All ages.

Raptors up close: Little nature lovers discover the fascinating lives of birds in this exhibit featuring touchable artifacts and handson materials. Kids learn how hundreds of birds are rehabilitated each year and the fundamentals of how raptors are trained. All ages.

submit your may events by April 15 at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com.

25 WEdNEsdAY (Continued)

Co unity

Burlington Indoor Farmers Market: Every other Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. See April 14.

Health & Fitne

Healthy Kids Day: See Spotlight, page 45.

Library & B ks

Miss Eileen’s Last Story Time: A beloved storyteller reads aloud to youngsters for a final time. A cake to share marks the day with sweetness. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 10:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28. See April 16.

Nature & Science

Cells!: 3 p.m. See April 8.

Compost Fest: Dirt lovers learn all about the importance of decomposition for soil enrichment and solid-waste management. Workshops, food, music, ra es and kids’ activities make it fun for the whole family. Green Mountain Compost, Williston, 9 a.m. Free. Info, 660-4949.

Falcon Foray: See Spotlight, page 43.

Kitchen Chemistry: 11 a.m. See April 1.

Mud Fest: See April 21.

Stepping It Up

Whether you run, walk, skateboard or scooter, make sure you’re selfpropelled for HEALTHY KIDS DAY. The Greater Burlington YMCA encourages families to get a move on during a celebration of wellness as part of a national initiative. And, of course, because it’s fun. Activities begin with a half-mile Champ on Church Street Fun Run featuring the lovable Lake Monsters mascot. The good times continue at the Y with non-stop games, open swim, family gym time and a bounce house. Even the snacks require action — spin up a bicycle-powered smoothie or work through a make-andeat sculpture. Tired out yet? Live music and magic shows entertain while informational booths provide health screenings, car seat checks, and other health- and safety-focused services.

HEALTHY KIDS DAY: Saturday, April 28, Greater Burlington YMCA, Fun Run at 8:30 a.m., other activities take place from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free. Info, 862-8993, ext. 137, gbymca.org.

Preschool Clay Drop-in: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

See April 6.

Education

Parent-Child Sign Language: 10 a.m.

See April 6.

Health & Fitne

Afternoon Hoops: 2:30-3:45 p.m. See April 4.

Family Gym: 10:30 a.m.-noon. See April 1.

Kids Open Gymnastics: 10-11:30 a.m.

See April 4.

Library & B ks

After School Movie: 3 p.m. See April 6.

Plate, Cup & Bowl: Through April 28.

See April 16.

Songs and Stories with Matthew: Every other Friday, 10-10:45 a.m. See April 13.

South Burlington Crafternoons: Through April 27, 12-2 p.m. See April 23.

Nature & Science

Mud Fest: See April 21.

Sound Science: 3 p.m. See April 20.

Straw Rockets: 11 a.m. See April 20.

28 SATURDAY Arts

Family Art Drop-in: 1-3 p.m. See April 7.

Saturday Drama Club: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

See April 7.

Baby & Maternity

Postnatal Yoga: 10:45-11:45 a.m. See April 7.

Prenatal Yoga: 9-10:30 a.m. See April 7.

Spring Blooms Walk: Winooski Valley Park District leads a 2-mile guided walk through farm fields, natural areas and an active sugar bush looking for buds and discussing invasive species. All ages. Oak Hill View Country Park, Williston, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 863-5744.

29 SUNDAY Arts

‘Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters’: African music and dance accompany this lively performance of a Zimbabwe Cinderella story. Flynn Main Stage, Burlington, 3 p.m. $22 adult; $15 child. Info, 863-5966.

Health & Fitne

Family Gym: 10:30 a.m.-noon. See April 1.

Nature & Science

All About Fingerprints: 11 a.m. See April 21. Creeping Colors: 3 p.m. See April 7.

Mud Fest: See April 21

30 MONDAY

Baby & Maternity

Baby Yoga: 10:45-11:30 a.m. See April 2. Montpelier Prenatal Yoga: 5:30-7 p.m. See April 2.

Yoga After Baby: 11 a.m.-noon. See April 2.

F d

Kids in the Kitchen: Rice Pudding: Young foodies cook and top perfectly blended custards. Preregister. Healthy Living Natural Foods Market, South Burlington, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $20 child. Info, 863-2569 , ext. 1.

Health & Fitne

Hot Mama Workout: 9-10 a.m. See April 2.

Library & B ks

Early Literacy Workshop: 5:30 p.m. See April 16.

Skating 101

My two oldest daughters, Lily and Nola, were recently invited to an ice-skating party. This prompted some family discussion, because we are skiers, not skaters. In fact, none of us had ever donned skates before this invitation.

Tips:

Both girls attended the party and, despite a few bruises, had a wonderful experience, all captured on video. They skated to their hearts’ content — alongside my teetering, Vermont-born husband — and enjoyed cake and presents at the rink. In fact, Nola has asked repeatedly to go skating again.

Whether they’re into Kempo Martial Arts, finger knitting or ice skating, your kids can lead you to a new hobby or activity outside of the family’s comfort zone. I know there’s a skating birthday party in our future. It’ll be at one of two places:

cAiRns ARenA

600 Swift Street, South Burlington, cairnsarena.com

Cairns offers year-round skating with two rinks, a locker-room space and no limits on party size. Private parties can be combined with public skating.

Private rate: $180 per hour. Public skating: $5 per adult, $3 per child ages 6-17, and $1 for seniors and children 5 and under. Skate rentals $2 during private parties, $3 during public skating.

PAqueTTe ARenA AT Leddy PARK

216 Leddy Park Road, Burlington, enjoyburlington.com/leddypark

Leddy’s Olympic-size rink is open year-round, while the studio rink offers up its ice from September to March. Leddy has a private lounge as well as an outdoor barbecue space for summer use.

Studio rink: $115 per hour. Olympic rink: $200 per hour including lounge. For an additional fee, Leddy can also arrange for a junior instructor to guide attendees.K

Q THe PARTy PLAnneR by K A trin A r oberts

even though you’ll be indoors, dress warmly and don’t forget your helmet.

Every month, birthday kids win prizes, and their picture appears in Kids VT to make their birthdays extra special!

KYLE lives in Milton and turns 13 in April. Kyle is very outgoing, writes his own songs and loves to sing.

Kyle wins a $75

from Bounce Around VT.

LUCAS lives in New Haven and turns 7 in April. Lucas loves to play soccer, basketball, hockey and baseball. He also enjoys riding his four-wheeler and snowmobiling.

pUZZle pAGe

Kids Across/PArenTs down

Puzzles4Kids

riddle search — on the road look up, down and diagonally, both forward and backward, to find every word on the list. Circle each one as you find it. When all the words are circled, take the UnUsed letters and write them on the blanks below. Go from left to right and top to bottom to find the answer to this riddle: what is green and sings?

enjoy fun time with Mom, dad or your favorite grown-up. The across clues are for kids and the down clues are for adults.

skin in the Game

Kids Across

1. A movie about birds who go on a family trip: “The _____ of the penguins”

5. A baby penguin (or ostrich or eagle)

6. it helps a penguin to stand up straight (much like a kickstand holds your bicycle steady)

8. layer of fat that helps keep emperor penguins warm

PArenTs down

2. emperor penguin’s chilly continent

3. birds beware!: Along with the shark, the killer _____ is among a penguin’s primary predators

4. penguin’s pole

7. some penguins use rocks to build a

9. 10A talk: Where to find the puck if a penguin achieves his goal

by HelenA HovAneC

10. The pittsburgh penguins play it on ice.

11. The color of the emperor penguin’s chest

13. penguins can ____ much faster than they can move on land

15. deep thought: emperor penguins can ____ hundreds of feet under the sea to catch their dinner

17. penguins catch and eat them for dinner

18. The penguins have it the moment they score the first goal of a game

19. penguins use their________ as underwater “wings”

12. What emperor penguins do during a snowstorm to keep warm (or a gridiron gathering)

13. What a penguin makes when it leaps from an iceberg

14. penguin’s prominent facial feature (or the last thing your waiter brings to the table)

16. penguin couple’s precious possession

19. Grounded!: A penguin’s 19A are great for swimming, but can’t be used to ___

20. A penguin may be cute, but is not a good ___

riddle Answer:

22. A funny family film about penguins in love that made millions smile (2 wds)

21. place a penguin feels right at home

COLORING CONTEST!

Send us your work of art by April 15. You could win $25. Plus, winners get an additional $10 when they open a TD Bank Young Saver Account by May 31st.

Be sure to include the info at right in your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 4 and younger, (2) ages 5-8, and (3) ages 9-12. The best artwork will be featured on kidsvt.com, and winners will be named in the May issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to Kids VT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

materials

• empty, clear plastic bottle (A 2-liter soda or juice bottle works well)

• construction paper in different colors or patterns

• scissors

• glue

• tape

• magazine

Q cRAFTinG WiTH Kids

Bird Banks

i WAs one oF THose Kids WHo sAVed HeR money, in bear-shaped piggy bank that my grandfather painted pink. I loved collecting coins that were “different,” such as silver dollars and 50-cent pieces. Try out this friendly, feathered coin bank to get kids excited about saving. Use a clear plastic bottle and they can watch their banks fill up, knowing they’ve got a pile of savings for an excursion, a toy or a donation.

— By EmiLy RosE

Share your fun craft ideas with us! send them to ideas@kidsvt.com.

1. With the bottle upright, cut a slot near the top for the coins. (This step should be done by an adult.)

2. Cut a piece of construction paper to wrap around the body of the bottle, leaving a half-inch gap where the ends of the paper would meet. This will allow kids to see their coins add up.

3. Cut an oval shape from a different color paper and glue it to the belly of the bird bank.

4. Cut two pieces of paper into wing shapes, like an elongated spade, with a pointed end and a rounded end. The rounded end should have a “stem,” which you’ll use to attach it to the bottle.

5. Tear pieces of magazine pages into inch-long strips to create feathers for the wings. you could use craft feathers instead.

6. Glue the torn pieces of magazine to the wings and allow them to dry.

7. Fold back each wing’s stem/tab and use glue to attach them to the side of the bottle.

8. Cut a pipe cleaner into a three-inch length, then fold it in half.

9. Glue this V-shaped pipe cleaner to the bottle cap to create a spiky crest for your bird.

10. Cut out two eyes and a beak and glue them to the face.

11. Cut two pieces of paper into feet shapes and glue them to the ends of two pipe cleaners.

12. bend the pipe cleaners to create legs and tape the other ends underneath the bottle.

13. perch your bird in a visible spot to collect coins.

Not-So-Big Spender

BY TIM BROOKES

WHEN I WAS GROWING UP, my family was very, very poor.

This didn’t dismay my parents unduly, I suspect. We lived in England, and the entire nation was poor. The Second World War had ended less than a decade before I was born, and rationing and the ghastly postwar “austerity” years meant tight belts and empty stomachs well into the ’60s. Most of the time, we didn’t even realize we had no money. The exception came when it was time to buy presents for Christmas and birthdays.

The presents in our household weren’t quite at the Harry Potter-level of a toothpick or a used Kleenex, but I certainly remember one Christmas getting a wooden ruler. And we had a fairly strict one-present-to-oneperson tradition — so much so that when I emigrated to the United States, became marginally less poor, and sent multiple presents to my siblings and their kids, I made them uncomfortable.

This may make me sound like a Dickensian waif, but when I was back in England, I didn’t mind. When you’re that poor, you know exactly what you can and can’t a ord, and what you can and can’t expect to receive. It’s when things change that the trouble arises.

Fast-forward to the United States in the mid-1990s. Financially, everything had changed. Thanks to Reaganomics, the U.S. had gone from being the world’s thriftiest, saving nation to its biggest spender/ debtor nation. The dot-com boom had further served to convince us that we could all be billionaires. And in my own life, I married Barbara, a woman of such spontaneous generosity it made my head spin, and we were raising two young daughters.

Barbara and I were by no means well o , but that didn’t hold her back when birthdays or Christmas were approaching. For her, the rule was closer to 12 presents to one person. In her own childhood, she had always been the victim of her parents’ bargain-basement shopping, so quality mattered. Unlike me, she gave a lot of thought, early and often, to what everyone wanted or might possibly want. She started ordering and buying and wrapping so far ahead of time that when I started to think about Christmas, all the good presents had already been taken.

They say the two most contentious issues between couples are sex and money, and money alone was driving us apart. I came to dread Christmas and my daughters’ birthdays. About two months out, the girls would start drawing up gift lists that catapulted me

back 40 or 50 years, as if I had become my own parents, struck dumb by horror and dismay.

Yet within a couple of weeks, Barbara would whisper joyfully that she had managed to get almost everything on the list. To me, this was anything but good news. It meant our meager household budget was already under strain, and anything I spent would make things even worse. Time and again I would find myself walking up and down Church Street, my heart sinking with each step, trying to find that fictitious gift that was exactly what my daughter wanted yet hadn’t thought to put on her list. It — or they — should be lavish enough to speak to the love in my heart, yet preferably cost less than $25.

This past birthday — Maddy’s late in February — I think we finally cracked it. Barbara, planning ahead as always, bought herself, Maddy and Maddy’s boyfriend tickets to see The Book of Mormon in New York, plus two nights in a hotel. I can’t imagine how much this cost, but I decided, at long last, that it wasn’t my job to do so. Fact is, I can’t stand musical theater, and my family knows it. This was a mother-daughter thing, and, frankly, mothers and daughters need their thing. For my part, I decided to do a father-daughter thing, and bought her all kinds of paraphernalia from the TV show “Psych,” which Maddy and I watch religiously and repeatedly. I ordered the “Psych” iPhone cover, the “Psych” pen, the Burton Guster Pharmaceutical Rep pen, the “I’ve heard it both ways” T-shirt. Plus the soundtrack CD to Midnight in Paris, as she and I both love French music, especially gypsy jazz. That whole bundle probably didn’t come close to the cost of a single ticket to The Book of Mormon, but what I had finally come to understand was that Maddy didn’t think of me as a stingy person, and the only reason she’d ever think me mean spirited would be if I tried to curb her mother’s generosity.

Children don’t need presents, or money. Anyone who has watched a 2-year-old happily spend an hour banging a wooden spoon on an overturned saucepan knows that. They need their parents’ love, which can be expressed in any number of ways. Right now I’m making Maddy a kind of late, or follow-up, birthday present: an easel, handmade out of cherry wood, that will help (I hope) in her art career, and with care will last 20 or 30 years.

What did that cost? Maybe $30 for materials. The real investment is exactly what it costs to raise a child: time, labor, patience, love.

I came to dread Christmas and my daughters’ birthdays.