Kids VT, May 2019

Labor of LOVE

GROWING FAMILIES THROUGH SURROGACY PAGE 16

POSTPARTUM ANGELS LIGHTEN THE LOAD PAGE 22

RAISING EMOTIONALLY COMPETENT KIDS PAGE 24

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

COPUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com

COPUBLISHER

Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Alison Novak alison@kidsvt.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mary Ann Lickteig maryann@kidsvt.com

STAFF WRITER/CALENDAR WRITER

Brett Ann Stanciu brett@kidsvt.com

ART DIRECTOR

Brooke Bousquet brooke@kidsvt.com

MARKETING & EVENTS DIRECTOR

Corey Grenier corey@kidsvt.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com

PROOFREADERS

Katherine Isaacs, Kara Torres

PRODUCTION MANAGER

John James

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Don Eggert

DESIGNERS

Kirsten Cheney, Todd Scott, Rev. Diane Sullivan

CIRCULATION MANAGER

Matt Weiner

BUSINESS MANAGER

Cheryl Brownell

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Heather Fitzgerald, Astrid Hedbor Lague, Elisa Järnefelt, Julie Peoples-Clark, Ken Picard

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andy Brumbaugh, Jeb Wallace-Brodeur

ILLUSTRATOR

Marc Nadel

P.O. BOX 1184 • BURLINGTON, VT 05402

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EDITOR’S NOTE

A Helping Hand

My daughter, Mira, turns 12 this month. She rocks lavender Doc Martens and big hoop earrings and is partial to sayings like “Yas kween” and “Badass,” but it doesn’t feel like so long ago that she was a newborn.

When we arrived home from the hospital a few days before Mother’s Day 2007, my mom was there to help out. Though I was in a state of bleary-eyed postpartum delirium, I still remember how special it felt to spend my first Mother’s Day as a mom with my own mother and daughter. And experiencing the intense joy, love and, yes, challenges of having children for the last 12 years has given me a new understanding of and appreciation for my mom.

When you’re a mama, it helps to have relatives, friends and people from the community to help lighten the load. In this month’s Kids VT — our annual Mom & Baby Issue — we write about some of the ways that happens in our state.

In “Mothers’ Helpers” on page 22, Brett Ann Stanciu spotlights Good Beginnings of Central Vermont’s Postpartum Angels Family Support program, which pairs volunteers with new moms so that they can take a shower, nap or do chores around the house while someone else looks after the baby. And in “Raising Emotionally Competent Kids” on page 24, Mary Ann Lickteig interviews parenting consultant Alyssa Blask Campbell, founder of Seed & Sew, who teaches moms and dads how to help kids cope and cool down when they’re feeling angry or frustrated (in the grocery store, perhaps).

In our camp guide starting on page 27 — the last one of the year — read “A Model of Inclusion,” about Partners in Adventure, a Chittenden County-based summer camp and year-round program started 20 years ago by Debbie Lamden, a mom of a child with cerebral palsy. Lamden wanted her son, and other young people like him, to have the opportunity to experience the fun of camp with no restrictions. She’s created a program that o ers sailing, rock climbing, horseback riding and more adventurous activities to all campers, regardless of their special needs.

And on page 16, you’ll find my article “Team E ort” about how gestational surrogates — who are moms themselves — help people who’ve struggled to become parents turn their dreams into reality.

In this issue, you’ll also find a great informational article on searching for frogs this time of year (page 10) and a profile of Dr. Jacques Bailly (page 20), a University of Vermont classics professor who is the voice of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which takes place at the end of this month and is televised on ESPN.

And don’t miss “Milestones” on page 55, a moving and powerful essay by Julie Peoples-Clark about marveling at her young son’s development while simultaneously grieving her daughter.

Parenting can be hard. We hope you’ll use Kids VT as a resource to make it a little easier — and more fun.

ALISON

NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR

STAFF QUESTION

Share a favorite baby picture.

CONTRIBUTOR’S NOTE

JULIE PEOPLES-CLARK (“Use Your Words,” page 55) is originally from Baltimore, Md. She has been a go-go dancer in a nightclub, a showgirl in Atlantic City, a magician’s assistant, a teeny bopper in three John Waters films, a tap-dancing book on TV and a professional modern dancer. Currently, she is on the dance faculty at the University of Vermont.

Most importantly, she is mother to Ella the Great and Emanuel Blessing.

Alison and Mira in Montréal, 2008

Designer Diane Sullivan as a baby

Contributing editor Mary Ann Lickteig as a baby

Copublisher Colby Roberts’ eldest daughter, Lily Art director Brooke Bousquet with son Noah

Contributing writer Ken Picard’s daughter, Manya

Production manager John James with his mom, Dorothy

TRENDING

AUTUMN ANSWERS

How can I best support a friend through a miscarriage?

According to a new study, the rate of button battery ingestions increased 150-fold among children under 6 in the two decades after 1995. One more reason not to buy those annoying toys that require said batteries.

Ten-yearold Alora Wood of Underhill had a wheelchair built for her disabled pet chicken, Granite, which led Saturday Night Live’s Colin Jost to quip, “Just eat the chicken.” Sorry, Colin. That idea just doesn’t fly.

In the four years between my older brother’s birth and my own, our mother had two miscarriages. In those four years, she carried, loved and grieved the loss of our would-be siblings. She was eight weeks pregnant when she miscarried the first time. The second time, she was nearly 18 weeks along. She told me about it just once. What she most clearly recalled was not the doctor, or the hospital, but how completely alone she felt when it was over. No one ever said anything about grief — that it would come, that she should let it, or that it was normal. With each heartbreaking loss, she tucked her feelings away and went back to work, back to supporting my dad in grad school, back to raising a toddler.

Miscarriage is not uncommon. March of Dimes reports that about 10 to 20 percent of known pregnancies end this way. In the public arena, miscarriage has historically and primarily been discussed as a public health issue. In “The History of Talking About Miscarriage,” a 2018 article from the Cut, author Daniela Blei cites numerous examples of the link between public health and higher rates of miscarriage.

Though the American Pregnancy Association lists depression, di culty concentrating, and frequent crying among the

things commonly experienced by women after a miscarriage, it’s only in the last couple of decades that we’ve begun to openly acknowledge miscarriage not just as a matter of public health, but also as a personal tragedy. It’s not surprising, then, that we’re often unsure how to best support our friends in this situation.

An article from the website the Conversation entitled, “The Dos and Don’ts of Supporting Women After a Miscarriage,” recommends that you don’t o er your friend

unsolicited advice or belittle the situation. Do listen. Do o er practical support like bringing a meal. And definitely do acknowledge the loss because, “while you may worry you will say the wrong thing and upset them further, saying nothing at all is worse.” Just be clear and keep it simple. “I’m sorry about your miscarriage” is enough to let your friend know you care.

Grief can be overwhelming. For some, it may help to attend a support group. The University of Vermont Medical Center keeps an updated list of support groups across Vermont. O er to drive your friend, or watch her kids while she attends. Support is also available online through organizations such as Through the Heart, a nonprofit focused on pregnancy loss support and education.

There’s no perfect road map for supporting a friend navigating this raw and painful road. What’s important is that we put aside our own discomfort and, to the best of our ability, be available — to cook a meal, to provide a ride or childcare, and, most importantly, to listen.

In this monthly column, comedian, writer and mom Autumn Spencer answers tricky parenting questions. Have a question for Autumn? Send it to ideas@kidsvt.com.

A magical Harry Potter-themed brunch — with floating candlesticks, potions and sorcery — is coming to New York City in October. But will there be butter beer?

HERE’S HOW: Follow @kids_vt on Instagram.

Post your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #instakidsvt. We’ll select a photo to feature in the next issue.

An animal rescue organization in Winooski is offering Dog & Puppy Yoga for the whole family on May 11. Because goat yoga is just so passé.

THROWBACK MOM& BABYISSU E

This issue marks our ninth (!) Mom & Baby Issue (which we called the Baby & Maternity issue until 2018). Since our first one in 2011, we’ve featured quite a few local cuties on our covers. From the silly tongue-out, one-eye-open expression of baby Celia of St. Albans (2011) to the sweet serenity of 2-year-old Maiana as she plants a soft kiss on her mom’s nose (2015) to the wide and knowing smile of local mom/ yoga teacher/baby whisperer Susan Cline Lucey surrounded by little ones in her studio (2017), we’ve tried to capture the wonder, joy and tenderness of motherhood. Take a look at the images we’ve featured over the years. “Oh, Baby,” indeed!

IN SEASON

When the weather warms up, the volunteers come on down to Rutland’s Pine Hill Park to ready the grounds for the summer. At the end of April every year, Pine Hill Partnership — a nonprofit formed to revitalize the city park — organizes a community work day in which families, church groups and youth clubs like Girls on the Run band together to spread bark mulch and clean up the gardens. During the last few weeks of the school year, students from Rutland High School build new trails for hiking and mountain biking as an educational and community service experience. When high school kids began getting involved in maintaining the park, vandalism went down, said Partnership volunteer Shelley Lutz. “When you can get community involved, it’s exciting,” she added.

KIDS SAY WHAT?

“Mamastay”

ELI, AGE 2, AT THE END OF YOGA CLASS

PET CORNER

Nicole Carey of Stowe shared this photo of her 7-year-old daughter, Delia, and 2-year-old corgi, Townes Van Zandt. The pup likes helping Delia with her challenging math homework every night. “I’m sure her special-education teachers note her math improvement, all because of her favorite friend in the world,” writes Carey. “The love runs deep on both sides here!”

By saving with VHEIP, you’re creating opportunities for your child that will last a lifetime. Begin now to grow your earnings tax-free. Every dollar you save now is a dollar you won’t need to borrow later on. Start with just $25—even small amounts can add up over time.

Why VHEIP? As Vermont’s official 529 college savings program, the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan through VSAC is the only college savings plan that qualifies families for a 10% Vermont income tax credit on annual contributions.

LANGUAGES Learning En Français

The Burlington School District has announced that it will partner with the Embassy of France to explore o ering DUAL-LANGUAGE FRENCH IMMERSION PROGRAMMING in Burlington schools. Why was Burlington chosen? The city’s “proximity to Québec and the prevalence of French in this region certainly played a role,” said district communication specialist Russ Elek. Burlington schools are also known for innovative programming and strong language instruction, as there are more than 40 languages spoken in the district, Elek added. Through the partnership, the embassy will help recruit instructors and provide grant money to help finance French instruction certification and program start-up costs. Superintendent Yaw Obeng said that promoting authentic language programs is a goal of the district because they have been shown to narrow the achievement gap, increase academic outcomes and reduce dropout rates. Though there is no o cial timeline for the program yet, “the next step is for us to work together to identify and establish a strong pipeline of quality instructors,” said Obeng. After that, the district will solicit input from community and sta members so that a program can be designed to best meet the needs of Burlington students. —AN

For more information, visit bsdvt.org.

BY ALISON NOVAK AND BRETT ANN STANCIU

COMMUNITY Pedal Party

Cyclists of all ages are invited to bring their wheels to the third annual HUMAN POWERED PARADE AND FESTIVAL in Bristol. Inspired by the bike-central culture of the Bay Area, cycling advocate Melanie Kessler dreamed up the event as a way to spread the positivity of this lifestyle to Vermonters. “A parade is a great way to do that,” she said. Before the parade, participants can jazz up their bikes with provided decorations at the Bristol skate park. The jamboree then rolls down the road with spontaneous stops to make public art together: stopand-drop chalk art, drumming with musician Saragail Benjamin, lying in a field to form a human peace sign and other zaniness. Kids who learned to bike this year are invited to take a congratulatory spin through a “cheering tunnel” lined with two rows of clapping fans. Back at the skate park, the festivities roll on with local food and bike-gadget vendors. Sip a smoothie made with pedal power or take a spin on one of Rad-Innovations’ custom bikes for mobility- or balance-impaired riders. Two BMX riders will perform acrobatics and backflips in a performance designed to get the kids psyched about the potential of their own two wheels. —BAS

The Human Powered Parade and Festival takes place on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at the Bristol Hub Teen Center & Skatepark. Find more information at humanpoweredparade.org.

EDUCATION Kicking It New School

In December 2018, the Renaissance School, a private elementary school in Shelburne, closed with little warning, leaving parents scrambling to find classrooms for their children midway through the school year. A group of those parents approached Teresa Davis, asking if she would consider starting a K-2 school. Davis is the founder of the Davis Studio, which has provided art camps, after-school programs and academic enrichment classes to kids since 2003 and a preschool program since 2016. Davis obliged and in January, the DAVIS COMMUNITY SCHOOL opened its doors to 10 students. The school — which is inspired by the student-centered Reggio Emilia philosophy that embraces self-directed learning and views adults as mentors and guides — will continue next year with one mixed-age classroom for grades 1-3 to accommodate current students. Davis hopes to add a kindergarten and fourth grade the following year. Students are immersed in both the arts and the outdoors, and have language instruction in both Spanish and French. Schools have become increasingly academic for younger children, often tamping down kids’ ability to express their “essential self,” said Davis. A primary focus at Davis Community School is to teach subjects in a way that is “playful and joyful.” —AN

about the Davis Community School at davisstudiovt.com.

Last year’s bike parade

BSD Superintendent Yaw Obeng (right) with French Consul General Arnaud Mentré and K-12 Education Officer Edit Dibra

Davis Community School

BY HEATHER FITZGERALD

Going on a Frog Hunt

Turn searching for croakers into a springtime ritual

CALL OF THE FROGS

These are the most common frogs found in Vermont, listed in the approximate chronological order in which their calls peak. For more information, visit the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas at vtherpatlas.org.

Wood frogs are the first frogs you hear calling, peaking in mid-April. To my ear, they make a chuckling sound; guidebooks often describe it as a duck-like quacking. They are brown or reddish with darker “backpack straps” along the side of each shoulder. They are usually found in vernal pools, low-lying spots in the forest that fill with snowmelt for a few months in spring and summer and then dry out, making them safe from egg- and tadpole-eating fish.

The gray treefrog repeats its short trill every few seconds. They often call from trees (where they feed) on warm, humid nights from April to July, peaking in early June. They breed in slow or still water bodies that are heavily vegetated, and range in color from green to gray. Adults have bumpy, irregular patterns on their backs that look like lichen.

May is a great month to look for frogs. For starters, they’re making a lot of noise at this time of year. That’s because now is when many species are trekking through the woods to the nearest body of water to mate and lay eggs. The males are calling out to females: “Here I am! Pick me!”

To go on a frog-hunting expedition, simply follow the sound. Even within the Burlington city limits, you’ll find multiple species in wet places, such as the retention pond near Centennial Field, the boardwalk near Ethan Allen Homestead, and maybe even your own backyard.

Another technique, recommended by naturalist Erin Talmage, who has contributed more than 100 observations to the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian Atlas — which has gathered extensive data about our state’s reptiles and amphibians — is to keep an eye out for cattails. Since cattails grow in wet areas, there will likely be frogs nearby.

You can also use the free iNaturalist app (or go to inaturalist.org) to find frogs near you. It allows you to search for locations where different species

of plants, animals or fungi have been reported. If you post a photo of something you’ve found, an expert on the app will help you identify it. You don’t even need to become a member unless you want to leave comments and suggest identifications.

Once you find frogs, what’s next? I like to just sit and listen. The rest of my family enjoys mucking about and looking for more calling frogs, eggs and tadpoles. Consider boots or water shoes if you choose this option.

You’ll usually find frog eggs in large gelatinous masses. I might jiggle the stick they are attached to, but I never take them out of the water. It’s OK to pick up frogs and tadpoles with wet hands, though, as long as you’re not wearing lotion or sunscreen. Frogs do much of their breathing through their skin, and residues on your skin can harm them. Also, don’t bring home the critters you find. They do best in their native habitat. Go back over the next few weeks or months to watch the tadpoles hatch and grow. You might notice that the numbers of eggs and tadpoles dwindle as

Many people compare spring peepers’ vocalizations to jingling sleigh bells from a distance, but up close, they are loud and piercing. They can start as early as March and continue through July, peaking in early May. They are smaller than Vermont’s other frogs — around 1-1.5 inches — brown, and they often have an “X” on their backs. They are not too fussy about the bodies of water they choose to lay their eggs. Even a ditch can suffice.

The American toad’s call is a highpitched trill that lasts up to 30 seconds. It calls from April through July, peaking in early May. They have dry, warty skin and are the most common amphibian in Vermont.

weeks pass. To encourage your budding scientist’s observation skills, sit and watch for a predator — perhaps a fish, bird or even an insect — to eat an egg or tadpole. It might even provide fodder for a discussion about life eating life.

Since the amphibious ruckus is all about mating — which frogs do by a method called external fertilization — it’s also a good opportunity to talk about sperm and eggs. In the frogs’ case, the females discharge eggs, then males spray sperm on them.

The green frog (pictured) call sounds like a plucked banjo string: “GUNK gunk gunk.” It can be heard from April through July, peaking at the beginning of July. Their appearance is quite variable, ranging from mottled green to brown, with stripes — often broken — on their legs.

In my family we call the American bullfrog the NASCAR frog, because its call sounds like cars racing around a track. I hear a deep “rum, rum,” though many guidebooks describe it as “jug-o-rum.” They call from May to August, peaking in early July. They are our largest frog; their bodies (not including legs!) can be up to 7 inches long. They range from mottled green to brown, have stripey legs, and are found in or near large bodies of water with a marshy shoreline nearby.

To figure out what species are in your pond, listen closely to their calls. My favorite online recordings of frog calls are on musicofnature.com, the website of naturalist and author Lang Elliot. Every frog makes a distinct call, and they are surprisingly easy and satisfying to learn. K

Heather Fitzgerald teaches field ecology and environmental science at the Community College of Vermont and the University of Vermont.

Follow the croaking sounds to find frogs

Heather’s son, Jesse, in 2011

Almost two years after giving birth, many of the changes that becoming a mom brought out in me are wearing off. I no longer wake up in the middle of the night to even the tiniest sounds or constantly scan new environments for spots to feed my daughter or change her diaper. However, one thing remains: I’m in a constant fake mode of calm that occasionally morphs into actual calm.

My daughter, at 23 months, has started to feel very confident in her ability to do things even when she doesn’t have the skills. Almost daily, she starts running, then loses her balance and falls, or bumps into something or someone. I let her attempt these feats because that is what she needs in order to learn.

When the fall inevitably comes, I’m screaming on the inside, but what comes out of my mouth is a calm “Oho!” or “Mukkelis-makkelis!”

These expressions in my native Finnish are equivalent to the English “Oops!” and “Oopsy-daisy!” I now realize these seemingly carefree words found in both languages are the linguistic expressions of the parental panic that we cannot let out. K

BOOKWORMS BY BRETT ANN STANCIU

Bittersweet

A novel’s protagonist struggles with gender identity and financial hardship

Jo Knowles credits reading Robert Cormier’s young adult novel The Chocolate War as a teenager with inspiring her to become a children’s novelist. Later, after they met at a writing conference, Cormier o ered the budding novelist a burst of confidence when he read a draft of her first book. Now, when Knowles visits schools, she encourages kids to “dare to disturb the universe,” a pivotal theme in Cormier’s book.

The importance of friendship is central to Knowles’ newest book, Where the Heart Is. Released in April, the middle-grade novel follows 13-year-old Rachel Gartner as she navigates the in-between space of the tween years, while her family deals with serious economic di culties. Infused with the sensitivity and humor that readers of Knowles’ earlier middle-grade and YA books — including See You at Harry’s and Jumping O Swings — have come to expect, Where the Heart Is explores the confusion that arises from a young girl’s search for identity. Fittingly, Rachel’s family lives on Bittersweet Farm — modeled on Knowles’ childhood home in Meredith, N.H. — a name that reflects both the sweetness of childhood and the difficulties of change. Animal friends also figure prominently when Rachel takes a summer job caring for her neighbors’ small menagerie.

In 2005, Knowles received the PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Children’s Book Discovery Award for her debut novel, Lessons From a Dead Girl

She currently teaches writing in the Mountainview Low-Residency Masters of Fine Arts program via Southern New Hampshire University. Knowles lives in Hartland with her husband, a college archivist at Dartmouth College; their son is a sophomore at American University in Washington, D.C.

Kids VT: Were animals as important to you as a child as they are to Rachel in this novel?

Jo Knowles: Much like Rachel, when I was 13, some neighbors moved in across the street and hired me to take care of all of their animals for the summer. It was a huge responsibility, but I also became very attached to them, especially the young steer I had to walk on a leash, just like Rachel does. Writing this book was like visiting old friends.

KVT: Without giving too much away, Where the Heart Is tells the story of a family experiencing economic hardships. Would you talk about how your personal experiences informed this novel?

JK: My family went through some serious financial challenges when I was in college, and we ended up having to move out of the home I grew up in. I wrote an essay for my college’s literary magazine called “Living Room Music,” about what that was like. In the essay, I describe coming home late one night and there was music coming from the living room. My parents were slow dancing in the dark. As I watched them, I realized that even though it seemed as if the walls were crumbling all around us, we would always be there to hold each other up. I wrote that essay 30 years ago, but the memory is still strong. Whenever my husband, son and I face challenges, I try to remember that love is the strongest, most important thing… It’s a message I tried to convey in Where the Heart Is as well.

KVT: Beyond the “more traditional” middle school themes of friendship and growing up, Where the Heart Is addresses edgier topics, including gender fluidity. Why did you choose to include this topic in a book for middle schoolers?

JK: Middle school is the time so many kids start having feelings for others and about themselves. It seems natural to include themes of identity in a book for them. I don’t see this as a di cult topic, but I think what happens is that a lot of adults find it hard to discuss this stu , or feel unprepared to talk about it with kids. Instead of facing that, they tend to say it’s the kids who aren’t ready. In order to create an accepting society, we need to have all representations in books for kids. Not only so that all kids can see themselves there, but so that they can see diverse representations and, hopefully, become more accepting in the process. I really believe kids are ready — and in many cases desperately need — to have these conversations. Books are a great place to start.

Learn more about the author at joknowles.com.

My name is Alicia Lamonda and I am a nurse, doula, lactation counselor, sleep consultant and, most importantly, a mother of three young children.

I work with families on meeting their breastfeeding goals and establishing good sleep habits.

MEALTIME BY ASTRID HEDBOR LAGUE

Gnocchi with Spring Vegetables

An Italian main course to make together

For as long as I can remember, my daughter’s favorite Italian dish has been gnocchi (pronounced NYOH-kee), a flu y pasta dumpling usually made with potato. She simply can’t get enough of it. In her more poetic moments, she has referred to it as a happy little party in her mouth.

We have chosen restaurants to eat at based purely on whether or not they have gnocchi on the menu. And when my sister recently took a trip to Milan, my daughter was jealous of the gnocchifilled meals she enjoyed there.

Though potato gnocchi originated in Florence, it is popular all over Italy. Luckily, the pasta is not too challenging to make from scratch, especially if you enlist help.

There are a few tricks to making really good potato gnocchi. First and foremost, use russet potatoes — they contain less water than other varieties so you can use less flour to form the dough. Second, instead of mashing the potatoes, put them through a ricer or grate them on the largest holes of a box grater, like I did. This helps to keep the finished product flu y, and not gluey. Third, the dough should be kneaded only until the flour is incorporated because overworked dough can make for tough gnocchi.

Traditionally, the dough is rolled into ropes and then cut into small pieces. If you’d like, use the tines of a fork or a gnocchi paddle (available inexpensively from a good kitchen supply store) to make indentations in each gnocchi. These are thought to help the pasta hold more sauce. I like them because they make the gnocchi look authentic.

I wanted to make the dish into a celebration of springtime, so I used a tip that my sister picked up in Milan, steeping just a pinch of sa ron with the cream for the sauce. This lends it a light earthy flavor and a pretty pastel yellow tint.

Incorporating tender young asparagus and lovely little peas, along with the sharp bite of really good Parmesan and the crunch of nicely crisped bits of pancetta (Italian bacon), this dish is at once creamy and light. The sauce nicely coats the flu y pillows of gnocchi.

So gather your family together for some pasta-making fun. The process is almost as delightful as the final product.

GNOCCHI WITH SPRING VEGETABLES IN SAFFRON CREAM SAUCE INGREDIENTS

FOR THE GNOCCHI DOUGH:

• 2 pounds russet potatoes

• 1 1/2 cups flour

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 egg FOR THE SAUCE:

• 3/4 cup half-and-half or cream

• a few threads of saffron

• 1/4 cup cubed pancetta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 shallot, minced

• 1 pound young, thin asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces

• 1 cup shelled peas

• 1/2 cup water

• salt & pepper to taste

• juice from half a lemon

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS:

To make the dough:

1. Put potatoes in a large pan, cover with cold, salted water, bring to a boil and simmer until cooked through, about 30-35 minutes. Drain, cool and peel.

2. Grate the potatoes on the largest holes of a box grater, or put them through a potato ricer.

3. Add flour, salt and egg. Mix (preferably with your hands) until just combined, 30 seconds to a minute. The mixture will still be a little sticky.

4. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper, flour them lightly and set aside. On a lightly floured countertop, roll a piece of dough about the size of a lemon into a rope about 3/4-inch in diameter. (Cover the remaining dough with a kitchen towel so it doesn’t dry out.) Cut into 3/4-inch long pieces. If desired, roll each piece on the back of the tines of a fork or along a gnocchi paddle to make ridges.

5. Place finished gnocchi on lined baking sheets and lightly sprinkle with flour.

6. Repeat until you’ve used all the dough.

To cook the gnocchi:

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Working in small batches, gently place gnocchi in the pot — do not crowd them, or the pieces may stick together — and boil just until they begin to float, about a minute.

2. Gently remove the gnocchi with a strainer or slotted spoon, toss with a little olive oil, and put aside until ready to add to the sauce. Repeat until all gnocchi are cooked.

To make the sauce:

1. Add saffron to half-and-half or cream and allow to steep in a measuring cup at room temperature.

2. Sauté pancetta until crisp. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in the same pan and add garlic and shallots. Cook for about 5 minutes over medium heat, until the shallots are translucent. Add asparagus and peas; sauté for about 3 minutes. Add the water, cover and steam until the asparagus is tender, 6-8 minutes.

3. Add saffron-flavored halfand-half or cream and stir to coat the vegetables. Return the pancetta to the pan, then stir in the gnocchi, tossing to coat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice, and serve immediately.

Pro Tip: Gnocchi can be made ahead and frozen. Freeze uncooked pieces on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, they can be cooked from frozen; just boil them a little longer.

Ingredients for the saffron cream sauce

PHOTOS: ANDY BRUMBAUGH

Astrid (second from left) makes gnocchi with her daughter, mom and sister

How Do I Know If My Baby Has Tongue-Tie?

KVT: How is tongue-tie diagnosed?

babies are at lower risk for asthma, type 2 diabetes, obesity, gastrointestinal infections and Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And mothers who breastfeed lower their risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. But breastfeeding can be difficult for babies with ankyloglossia, commonly known as tongue-tie. This congenital defect, which can run in families and affects anywhere from 2 to 11 percent of infants, limits the range of motion of the baby’s tongue. However, medical professionals disagree on whether corrective procedures are warranted.

Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, offers his advice based on the latest medical evidence.

Kids VT: What exactly is tongue-tie?

Lewis First: It’s when the frenulum, that short band that attaches the base of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short and/or thick and thus limits the tongue’s mobility forward, which can affect the ability of a baby to breastfeed.

KVT: What are the primary concerns regarding tongue-tie?

LF: Early on, it’s a combination of difficulty breastfeeding for the baby, and pain for the nursing mother. With tongue-tie, the baby cannot get the tongue forward enough to latch onto the breast properly and, in turn, cannot create the suction needed to express milk by movement of the tongue under the breast. Instead, the baby will chomp down on the nipple to push out milk, resulting in poor feeding as well as pain, discomfort and irritation for the mother. But be aware that there are many other reasons besides tonguetie why babies may not latch well that should be checked for as well.

KVT: Is tongue-tie a new diagnosis?

LF: No. But the prevalence and recognition of it has increased, largely due to the fact that breastfeeding is now considered the ideal method of providing nutrition to babies. Decades ago, if a mother experienced discomfort in breastfeeding, it often resulted in an immediate switch to baby formula and bottle-feeding.

LF: One indicator is if the tongue can’t reach past the gum line or opening of the mouth. If the tongue curls into a little heart shape or forms a V, that may also be another indicator. If the baby is chewing rather than sucking on the breast, is having difficulty latching, if the mother is experiencing painful or sore nipples, and if the baby is not gaining weight, it may be time to discuss this problem with your health care professional.

KVT: How is it treated?

LF: In an easy procedure called a frenotomy, the frenulum is snipped with scissors. The frenulum has very few nerve endings and blood vessels, so it rarely bleeds or causes discomfort. Hence, many times it’s done in early infancy and without anesthesia. It can be done in a doctor’s office by a pediatrician, a family physician credentialed to do this procedure, or by an ear, nose and throat specialist.

KVT: What happens if tongue-tie goes untreated?

LF: It may not be a problem at all if the baby is breastfeeding well and gaining weight. On the other hand, if a child has difficulty as they get older making certain speech sounds, it may be due to an inability to move their tongue forward, suggesting that tongue-tie may be becoming a problem that requires treatment. Tongue-tie may also create problems with oral hygiene because the tongue can’t sweep around the mouth to clear away food particles, so they stay deposited at the gum line. With older children, later recognition of tongue-tie may require a more involved surgical correction, similar to a frenotomy, called a frenuloplasty.

KVT: Can either of these procedures create other problems down the road?

LF: We don’t know that yet. One thing we do know is, many of these babies who may start with tongue-tie are able to stretch that little band and sometimes the problem disappears. But we don’t have good longitudinal studies that say an unclipped tongue-tie definitely means problems for the child as they get older. We don’t say, “If you don’t clip it now, your baby will have speech problems up the road” because that has not yet been shown to be true. We also don’t say that if a child has a speech problem, it must be

due to tongue-tie since there are multiple other reasons that a speech problem can occur. Board-certified lactation consultants are superb at identifying tongue-tie and helping parents work through it. The issue is, if your baby isn’t having trouble with breastfeeding, a frenotomy may be unnecessary. And if a baby is fatiguing because of a congenital muscle weakness or because of heart disease and cannot feed for as long as they normally should, you don’t want to miss those problems — or misdiagnose the problem — by thinking it can all be fixed with a snip of the tongue.

KVT: What does the latest research indicate?

LF: The American Academy of Pediatrics is now studying the evidence and working on a policy outlining when frenotomies and frenuloplasty are warranted. Some infants who’ve had their tongues clipped did not show dramatic improvements at breastfeeding. Other parents of children who’ve had it done swear by it. But one size doesn’t fit all, and your health care professional still needs to make sure there are no other explanations for why breastfeeding is not going well rather than simply blaming it on the tight frenulum.

KVT: Ultimately, what advice do you give parents who are considering these elective procedures?

LF: If a mother really cannot breastfeed, then a frenotomy is a very simple procedure to consider. But it still requires ongoing monitoring to make sure you’re not missing other explanations for why the baby is having difficulty breastfeeding. If your baby is breastfeeding well, even with a short frenulum, I would hold off on doing the procedure and continue to monitor the baby’s weight rather than simply do it to prevent later complications of a tight frenulum, since such complications often don’t occur in babies who feed and grow well despite their tongue-tie. Even if the frenotomy or frenuloplasty is done later, there is research showing that speech gets better quickly, so waiting until a child is older to do the procedure is not going to hurt a child’s ability to speak well. Just like any other elective surgical procedure, if it’s not indicated, don’t do it. K

Team Effort

A Vermont agency brings intended parents and surrogates together to create families

BY ALISON NOVAK

There’s a photograph that Jes Stumpf keeps in an album in her bedroom and thinks of fondly. Taken almost four years ago, it shows Stumpf the day she gave birth for the third and last time, while serving as a surrogate for a couple who could not have children. Stumpf lies in a hospital bed cradling a newborn baby boy, swaddled in a blanket and wearing a knit cap. On the left are her husband, then-11-year-old daughter and then-13-year-old son. On the right is the couple Stumpf carried the child for — known as the “intended parents” in the surrogacy world. Everyone is smiling.

Stumpf, 40, likes to imagine zooming out from the scene in the photograph. In her mind’s eye, she sees the doctors and nurses who helped deliver the baby. Zoom out a little more and there’s the obstetrician and all the medical professionals who supported her during the pregnancy. Then there’s everyone at the fertility clinic who helped the intended mom and dad in their journey to start a family. Also in the imagined scene: the lawyers who hammered out the arrangement and the therapists, friends and relatives who supported the intended parents through their struggles with infertility.

Stumpf envisions all of these people leaning in, gazing adoringly at the newborn baby as if to say, “Look what we just did.”

ON THE RISE

It takes a village to raise a child, the adage goes. But, sometimes, it also takes a village to make a child.

With surrogacy, parents who otherwise would not be able to conceive a child work with a woman willing to carry a baby for them. Sometimes the surrogate is a relative or friend, but increasingly, as in Stumpf’s case, the parties are connected by an agency — and the surrogates are compensated for their role.

The first compensated surrogacy agreement on record in the U.S. occurred in 1980; the surrogate used her own egg and carried the child, a process now known as traditional surrogacy. That practice fell out of favor after the high profile case of “Baby M.” In 1985, a New Jersey woman, Mary Beth Whitehead, entered into a traditional surrogacy agreement with a married couple, William and Elizabeth Stern, using William’s sperm. But when the child was born, Whitehead decided she wanted to keep the baby. After a legal fight, the Sterns were given custody,

but the case highlighted the complicating factors that can arise when the surrogate is biologically related to the baby she carries.

Today most surrogacy falls under the category of gestational surrogacy, in which the intended mother or a donor provides the egg, and the intended father or a donor provides the sperm. The surrogate’s own egg is never used. The embryo or embryos are then implanted in the surrogate, who carries the baby.

This practice is on the rise in the U.S. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of gestational carrier cycles — instances in which an embryo or embryos are transferred into a surrogate — increased from 727 in 1999 to 3,432 in 2013. Between those years, gestational carrier cycles resulted in 13,380 deliveries and 18,400 babies, including multiple births. In a preliminary report from the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology, 6,422 gestational carrier cycles were reported in the U.S. in 2017 alone. High-profile celebrities who have used surrogates — including Neil Patrick Harris and Kim Kardashian — have also increased public awareness.

It’s di cult to know how widespread the

practice is in Vermont; no one tracks the number of local families who have worked with surrogates, or the number of women who have served as carriers. Paid surrogacy received a boon in the state in 2014, though, with the establishment of both the state’s only surrogacy agency and its only fertility clinic that implants embryos in surrogates.

MOM& BABYISSUE

her early 20s. Both pregnancies went smoothly, and she enjoyed being pregnant. She offered to carry her friend’s baby. Ultimately, that friend decided not to have children, but Stumpf couldn’t get her mind off the idea of being a surrogate. “If I would do this for her, why wouldn’t I do it for someone else?,” she remembered thinking.

term, according to the CDC, just a small fraction of those women and their partners choose surrogacy.

And the practice became more legally secure last year with the passage of the Vermont Parentage Act, which allows parents who use a surrogate to establish parentage prior to the baby’s birth and to have their names put on the baby’s birth certificate at the time of birth. Before the bill was passed, the surrogate’s name appeared on the birth certificate until it was amended in probate court. Colchester’s Northeastern Reproductive Medicine, the only fertility clinic in Vermont that offers gestational carrier services, completed 31 gestational carrier cycles between 2015 and 2017.

There is no federal law regulating paid surrogacy, in which intended parents provide compensation to a surrogate that goes beyond medical and pregnancy-related expenses; state laws vary. Paid surrogacy is illegal in New York and Michigan, though compassionate surrogacy, in which a woman carries a baby for her friend or family member and receives no additional compensation, is legal in those states. Louisiana prohibits paid surrogacy and allows compassionate surrogacy only when the intended parents’ sperm and egg are used.

Laws vary outside of the U.S., as well. Paid surrogacy is illegal in Canada, Denmark and the United Kingdom, and all forms of surrogacy are banned in Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Spain. Critics of paid surrogacy cite concerns about exploitation or coercion of the surrogate, as well as religious objections.

But for proponents of the process, the experience can be a transformative one, both for the surrogate and the intended parents. “This is about helping people have families who can’t,” said Stumpf. “When you get to the point where you need to work with a surrogate, you’ve tried everything. You’re at the end of your rope and you have nowhere else to go, and you need some amazing woman to be there to say ‘Yes.’”

“BORN ON THE SPOT”

Stumpf’s interest in gestational surrogacy started around six years ago, when a close friend was experiencing fertility problems. Stumpf had given birth to her own children when she was in

She found an out-ofstate surrogacy agency that matched her with a couple who had struggled to conceive.

In the midst of her research, she sought legal advice from Kurt Hughes, a partner at the Burlington law firm of Murdoch Hughes Twarog Tarnelli who has worked in adoption law since 1995 and surrogacy law since around 2000. Stumpf asked him if he’d ever considered starting a surrogacy agency in Vermont. In fact, he had. “It bothered me a little that Vermont residents and carriers had to go to out-of-state programs to do matchmaking,” Hughes explained, “and it was just one of those ideas in my head that I never acted on.”

The two decided to join forces. Vermont Surrogacy Network “was kind of born on the spot,” said Hughes. The agency opened in September 2014, before Stumpf had even become pregnant as a surrogate. Since then, 17 babies have been born with the support of VSN, with at least six more due this year.

“We don’t take the use of a gestational carrier lightly,” said Dr. Peter Casson, an obstetrician-gynecologist who left University of Vermont Medical Center to open Northeastern Reproductive Medicine in October 2014. The fertility clinic often partners with VSN to implant embryos and provide other surrogacyrelated medical services. “It’s complicated and it’s expensive and has to be done just right,” said Casson. “It’s not something you suggest off the cuff. It’s kind of a Hail Mary.”

Indeed, intended parents pay an estimated $75,000 to $100,000 — including legal fees — to go through the full gestational surrogacy process with VSN. The associated medical procedures — including egg retrieval in some cases, preimplantation testing of embryos to detect genetic defects and embryo transfer — are involved ones, and, in the case of transfers, sometimes unsuccessful.

But many couples who opt for surrogacy are already familiar with involved medical procedures. That was the case for an intended father from Québec, who asked to remain anonymous because of the personal nature of his story. He and his wife had undergone 13 rounds of in vitro fertilization over the course of nine years, a journey that left them emotionally drained. They

“A HAIL MARY”

People turn to surrogacy for different reasons. Couples who have exhausted infertility treatments, women whose medical conditions make pregnancy risky or preclude it altogether, and same-sex couples are among those who opt for the process. And women who understand the desire for family so deeply they want to help others fulfill it offer to carry their child.

Though 12 percent of women have difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to

learned that the intended mother’s eggs were not viable, so they worked with Northeastern Reproductive Medicine and VSN to find an egg donor and a surrogate in Vermont. Their son was born 16 months ago. Despite pregnancy complications — their surrogate developed preeclampsia and was induced at 34 weeks — they are working with that surrogate again, primarily

Vermont is one of the healthiest states in the country. It’s ‘Eat More Kale.’

We grow great babies here.

JES STUMPF, VERMONT SURROGACY NETWORK COFOUNDER

Team

because of the strong bond they formed. “I think we’re going to be lifelong friends,” he said. Their second child is due in September.

Some intended parents are past the biological window to conceive a child. Terry and Colin O’Brien of New Hampshire had tried and were unable to conceive naturally. Years went by. In their 50s, they decided it was important to them to become parents, and they found VSN. “Relinquishing control” to the surrogate to carry their baby was a challenging notion at first, said Terry. But once they met the surrogate that Stumpf had matched them with, along with her husband, “we came away feeling like we had known them for years.” Their son was born in January 2018, with both Terry and Colin in the

fact that Stumpf had been a surrogate herself and that Hughes had extensive experience writing surrogacy contracts.

Stumpf matched Katie with Eliza, a surrogate from northern Vermont who has two daughters of her own. Katie said she got a good vibe from the very beginning. “We just clicked,” said Katie. Because she saw what an amazing mom Eliza was to her own children and knew of her passion for nutrition, Katie said she was “able to trust her completely” to carry her child.

Katie’s daughter was born eight months ago. She and Eliza exchange texts every week or two and hope to meet for a weekend in Vermont this summer.

“At the end, it is a business transaction,” said Katie, “but there’s so much more behind it in terms of emotions and sensitivity.”

least one pregnancy with no major complications that has resulted in a child they have raised or are raising. Their medical records undergo a cursory screening by a consultant hired by VSN when they begin working with the agency, and a more in-depth screening at the fertility clinic once the surrogate and intended parents are matched.

Intended parents may be turned away if VSN determines that they are not emotionally ready, they are not respectful of the process, or they indicate that they think they should be allowed to control the surrogate’s decisions. “There, of course, are reasonable expectations, such as not drinking or smoking, or travel restrictions,” said Stumpf, “but trusting your surrogate to make healthy choices for your baby while going about her everyday life is a requirement for an intended parent.”

In addition to compensation for all pregnancy-related expenses, VSN’s surrogates receive a base fee of $35,000, with more compensation for an experienced surrogate or a surrogate who carries twins. Stumpf considers it her ethical responsibility to ensure that surrogates are not pursuing the role purely for financial reasons. “If this is something you’re looking to support your family with, you’re not qualified,” she said. If, however, a surrogate says the money will allow their family to build a garage, or contribute to a college or retirement fund, then that is acceptable.

LIKE ONLINE DATING

birthing room. “She took such wonderful care of him during her pregnancy,” Terry said of her surrogate.

About half of intended parents who work with VSN are same-sex male couples. Chapin and Kevin Fish, who live in Massachusetts, were the first couple that VSN worked with. At that point, in 2015, they were already having a child via compassionate surrogacy with a friend. They knew they wanted their child to have siblings and found another surrogate through VSN. She agreed to have two embryos transferred at Yale Medicine Fertility Center. In early January 2016, the couple’s daughter from the first surrogacy was born. Eight months later, their twin sons arrived. “We knew we wanted kids from birth,” Chapin said, and he and Kevin appreciated that surrogacy allowed them to control the timeline.

Katie, a resident of New York City who asked that her last name not be used to protect her family’s privacy, came to VSN after losing the ability to have children due to cancer treatment. After exploring adoption and contacting several surrogacy agencies, she and her husband chose VSN. She liked the small size of the agency, the

Around 10 to 15 percent of VSN’s clients have a compassionate carry arrangement with a friend of family member. They use VSN for services including medical record and health insurance review, coordination with the fertility clinic and assistance in preparing a legal contract.

But the majority of intended parents come to VSN looking for a surrogate. This multistep process initially bears some similarity to online dating. Surrogates and intended parents fill out extensive applications that ask about medical history, reasons they want to be involved with surrogacy, and questions such as under what circumstance they would want to terminate a pregnancy and whether they want two embryos transferred with the intention of producing a twin pregnancy. There’s no “right answer” when it comes to these questions, said Stumpf. The goal is to match surrogates and intended parents whose answers align.

Stumpf also meets surrogates and intended parents face-to-face, or through video conferencing, to get a better sense of who they are. To work with VSN, intended surrogates must be between 23 and 42 years old and have had at

One question Stumpf says she always asks potential surrogates is, “What do you imagine it will feel like to release the child to the parents?” She said some women “immediately go to that really happy place” and talk about how amazing it will likely be while others might say, “I imagine it’s going to be a little sad that it’s over.” Both reactions are OK, says Stumpf.

Stumpf says her own experience of giving birth to someone else’s child was an amazing one. When the baby was born, he bore a striking resemblance to his intended dad. “To see his father hold him for the first time with tears streaming down his face, it was just breathtaking,” said Stumpf.

A CUSTOMIZED CONTRACT

When a surrogate and intended parents are matched by Stumpf, they review each other’s applications. If they decide to move forward, they speak on the phone, then arrange a faceto-face meeting. If that goes well, they enter the contract stage. With one attorney — often Kurt Hughes — representing the intended parents and another attorney representing the surrogate, a contract is drawn up that essentially states that if the pregnancy is successful, the intended parents take all financial responsibility for the expenses associated with the pregnancy, as well

Effort CONTINUED FROM P. 17

It bothered me a little that Vermont residents and carriers had to go to out-of-state programs to do matchmaking.

KURT HUGHES, VERMONT SURROGACY NETWORK COFOUNDER

as legal and financial responsibility for the baby. It also addresses potential scenarios, such as the cases in which the pregnancy may be terminated, what kind of compensation the surrogate would get if she had to have a hysterectomy, and what would happen if twins unexpectedly resulted, explained Hughes.

Intended parents must also pay for health insurance for the surrogate if her existing plan does not cover surrogacy, as well as a $500,000 life insurance policy the surrogate can designate to beneficiaries of her choosing. The contract is customized for each set of clients, down to granular details like how additional compensation would work if the surrogate has to go on bed rest to whether the surrogate will pump breast milk. (The agency’s surrogates never nurse the baby.) In addition, lawyers draw up a prebirth planning order that spells out the logistics of the birth.

The surrogate and intended parents will discuss dietary restrictions, medications, travel and preferences for natural or medicated childbirth throughout the process, said Stumpf, but these are usually not official parts of the contract. “When it comes to her body, the surrogate makes all the decisions,” said Stumpf, but ultimately, “most surrogates are very open to decisions the intended parents would like to have, as this is their baby.”

“I KNOW IT’S NOT MINE”

Almost all of the surrogates who work with VSN live in Vermont.

It’s “one of the healthiest states in the country,” Stumpf says. “It’s ‘Eat More Kale.’ We grow great babies here.” Because of that image, she says, couples from out-of-state considering surrogacy are particularly drawn to Vermont.

Bethany Johnson of St. Albans was a surrogate through VSN in 2017 into 2018. “Having babies and carrying babies was fairly easy and fun for me,” said Johnson, who works in the nonprofit sector. When she applied to be a surrogate, her children were preteens — “out of my lap and off my hip” — so she felt that the process wouldn’t have a major impact on her family. She was matched with a couple from a neighboring state and met them for breakfast in Montpelier. Because they already knew so much about each other, she said, they both felt immediately at ease.

The actual process isn’t easy, though. A surrogate must take progesterone injections and estrogen pills before the embryo is transferred and for around nine weeks after. The hormones suppress the surrogate’s ovaries from releasing eggs and trigger the body to act as it would during a natural pregnancy. In Johnson’s case, the first embryo transfer was not successful. She asked for one month to give her body a break and then underwent a second transfer, which was successful.

That feeling of being pregnant was “just as incredible as with my own,” said Johnson. Some people asked her how she was going to “give up” the baby. But she always explained to them, “I know it’s not mine.”

When Johnson gave birth to a baby boy, she, her husband and the intended parents passed the baby around for hours. She said it was relatively easy to step back into her life after the experience. There was no baby paraphernalia in her house, no cries waking her up at night, and no searching for childcare, although, for seven weeks, she pumped breast milk and overnighted it to the intended parents. Johnson is 44 now, so being a surrogate again isn’t an option but, she said, “If I was 10 years younger, I’d do it again.” The experience of “giving up control of some part of my life and body to this mom … created a bond,” said Johnson. “Man, I love this woman.”

Eliza — who carried Katie’s daughter — spoke of the range of reactions she received when she explained that she was a surrogate. “Some people thought it was amazing; some people thought you shouldn’t mess with science that way; some people didn’t understand the baby genetically didn’t belong to me,” she said. She viewed the questions as an opportunity to educate people on infertility and surrogacy.

May

Ultimately, said Eliza, her decision to become a surrogate was inspired by the love she has for her own children — and her desire both to help others experience that kind of love and to serve as a role model for her kids.

“I couldn’t imagine my world without them, and I just want them to be good people when they grow up,” said Eliza. “When you get a chance to do something selfless in your life, you should definitely move forward with that.” K

Bee Prepared

Prepared

Meet UVM’s Jacques Bailly, pronouncer of the Scripps National Spelling Bee

BY KEN PICARD

Jacques Bailly knows firsthand the intense pressure facing the 550-plus students who, once a year, stand on stage in front of him as they try to spell obscure English words while an audience of millions watches live on TV. Bailly, who’s been the o cial pronouncer of the Scripps National Spelling Bee since 2003, won the event in 1980 as a 14-year-old eighth grader by correctly spelling “elucubrate,” a verb meaning to produce a written work by working long and diligently.

When a reporter mispronounced it “ee-LUCK-you-brate” during an interview, Bailly gently corrected him with the dictionary’s preferred pronunciation, “ee-LOO-cue-brate.”

“But a word like this you can say however you want and you’re right,” he added. “It doesn’t get pronounced much.”

Indeed, Bailly, a University of Vermont associate professor in the

classics department, admitted that he’s never used the word elucubrate since, and includes it in the category of “ghost words,” or those that are rarely, if ever, used but still appear in dictionaries and reference books.

The annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, one of the nation’s oldest and largest spelling competitions, is awash in such obscure vocabulary. Spelling these words can floor some competitors. In 2004, Bailly read the word “alopecoid,” meaning foxlike, to 13-year-old competitor Akshay Buddiga, from Colorado Springs, Colo. Before the boy could answer, he swayed sideways and fainted — then quickly got back on his feet and spelled the word correctly.

“We had another kid who got ‘Sardoodledom,’ who found that word so funny he could barely recover, he was giggling so hard,” Bailly recalled. He, too, finally pulled himself together and got it right.

Dr. Jacques Bailly on the big screen at the 2018 Scripps National Spelling Bee

Such grace under pressure, Bailly said, is really what the Scripps National Spelling Bee is all about. Competitors, who cannot be older than 14 nor beyond the eighth grade, have worked their way to the top of a pool of more than 11 million spellers from around the world. To get there, they’ve invested thousands of hours studying for the event, which carries a grand prize of $40,000, a $2,500 savings bond and hundreds of dollars in reference materials from MerriamWebster and Encyclopaedia Britannica.

“The top ones in the spelling bee are just getting better,” he said. “It’s harder and harder to get a winner because they study so hard … and very intelligently. They look for the roots of words and try to figure out what language they’re from.”

What traits characterize good spellers? Heavy exposure to foreign languages is a common one Bailly sees among many of the spelling bee’s top competitors. Another is a voracious appetite for reading, which enhances their recognition of uncommon words and unusual spellings.

As the name suggests, Bailly’s job as o cial pronouncer is to read the word’s preferred dictionary pronunciation and, if requested by a competitor, any variant pronunciations. Spellers may also ask Bailly to define the word and provide its part of speech, both of which may be helpful in figuring out its spelling. They may also ask him to use it in a sentence. Finally, Bailly can provide them with the word’s language of origin, which may o er further clues.

As an example, Bailly (pronounced BAY-lee) pointed to some English words that are derived from the Hawaiian language, such as “wikiwiki,” which means quickly. As he explained, Hawaiian words often share common traits: They have few sounds but those sounds are usually spelled the same way. Hawaiian also features a lot of repetition, or reduplication, as Bailly demonstrated using a word he’s often asked to spell: humuhumunukunukuapua’a, which is the o cial state fish of Hawaii.

The 53-year-old Denver native was introduced to spelling bees by his sixth-grade Catholic school teacher, Sister Eileen Kelly, who often gave his class spelling tests. She then asked the best-performing kids if they wanted to join the school’s spelling team.

Bailly, whose father came to the United States from France in 1948, already spoke French by that age. An avid reader with a good memory for words, he discovered that he also had a knack for spelling. He went on to compete in the Colorado State Spelling Bee, and from there, in the Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee, as the event was known then.

“I never really thought about the next stage,” he recalled. “I just thought, Well, this is a fun contest. Oh, we get to go to another one? Great!”

After college, Bailly was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to Switzerland, where he learned German. He has since studied ancient Greek, Latin, Arabic and Chinese, and earned a doctorate in ancient philosophy at Cornell University. In 1990, he wrote a letter to Scripps o ering his services to the national spelling bee and was hired as an associate pronouncer.

“pill-AS-ter,” the man, who told Bailly he’d spent years in the building trades, said that he’d installed more than a thousand pilasters in his career and had always heard it pronounced “PYE-las-ter.”

“All I could say was, ‘You’re absolutely right! The dictionary hasn’t caught up to you yet,’” Bailly said. “However we pronounce these words as English speakers is correct. It’s not like the dictionary gets to decide.”

on the dance floor when music is playing, and he takes the time to meet and talk with as many kids as he can.”

Then, once the competition begins, Miller continued, spellers often step to the microphone with creative greetings for “Dr. Bailly,” as he’s commonly known — oftentimes in foreign languages. If he can, Bailly will respond in the same language, or ask a question about that language.

“He has a heart of gold and a genuine interest in helping each student succeed,” Miller said of the father of two. (Bailly’s daughter, Isidora, is 17, and his son, JeanPierre, is 15. Bailly described them as “not bad” spellers. “We worry more about what words mean, honestly,” he said.)

Bailly said he’s often asked for advice on how to become a better speller. The first rule, he suggests, it simply to try spelling a word the way it sounds. Why? “Because every letter in a word, at some point, was pronounced,” he explained. “Silent Qs are pretty rare, so don’t try them.”

As for tricks for spelling words you repeatedly misspell, he recommends “over-pronouncing” those words, or sounding out every letter, such as saying the T in “often” or the R in “iron” as memory tools.

Bailly has appeared in two films about the Scripps National Spelling Bee: the 2003 Oscar-nominated documentary Spellbound, and the 2006 feature film, Akeelah and the Bee, in which Bailly portrays himself. At the national spelling bee, he’s become something of a rock star or, as Valerie Miller, communications manager for the Scripps National Spelling Bee, described him in an email, a “spellebrity.”

In an age when smartphones, search engines and word processing programs automatically correct our typos and spelling blunders, why are spelling bees still relevant? Bailly suggested that the Scripps National Spelling Bee is less about spelling words properly than it is about helping kids learn, grow and face adversity.

In 1997, Bailly moved to Vermont to teach Greek and Roman philosophy, Latin and etymology at UVM. He took over as Scripps’ o cial pronouncer when his longtime predecessor, Alex Cameron, died in 2003.

“People think I know how to pronounce all these words,” he said. “I just read the dictionary, and I know the symbols that guide the pronunciation.”

In fact, Bailly is no language purist and doesn’t necessarily think that the dictionary always has the definitive pronunciation. After one national spelling bee, he recalled, Bailly was approached by a man who was very upset by the way he’d pronounced the word “pilaster,” which is a rectangular column that protrudes from a wall. Though Bailly had pronounced it

But Miller pointed out that Bailly’s fame is about more than people recognizing him from ESPN or even his deep knowledge of words, etymology and language. When competitors prepare for the national championship using recorded study materials, it’s usually Bailly’s voice they hear, so they arrive at the bee feeling as though they know him already.

“The spellers flock to him at Bee Week,” Miller added, referring to the weeklong event leading up to the final competition, which will be held this year in National Harbor, Md. “They want to meet him, talk to him and get his autograph.

“He genuinely wants to meet them, too. At our kicko event and Friday night dance party, he’s one of the first ones

“It’s tough to watch a kid miss a word. But honestly, I think that builds character,” he said. “People call it failure, but it’s not. We all need to be able to put ourselves out there and take the risk of not getting it right, so that we can get it right another time.” When Bailly won the bee in 1980, he got to meet then-president Jimmy Carter, who apologized because his sta had misspelled Bailly’s name in the White House program.

Spelling, Bailly added, is “a gateway skill” that introduces young people to countless other subjects.

“You’ll never get a Pulitzer Prize for spelling,” he said. “But maybe it’ll open a child’s mind to musical instruments or tropical fish or who knows what. Because there are some really strange words out there, and kids love them … And helping kids learn is a beautiful thing.”

The 92nd Scripps National Spelling Bee begins on Monday, May 27 with the preliminaries test and concludes with the primetime finals broadcast on ESPN on Thursday, May 30 at 8:30 p.m.

It’s tough to watch a kid miss a word.

But honestly, I think that builds character. JACQUES BAILLY

Dr. Bailly (center) pronouncing at last year’s Scripps National Spelling Bee

Mothers’ Helpers

“Mothering has been the richest experience of my life,” writes Anne Lamott. Her memoir of solo parenting an infant, Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son’s First Year, resonates with readers not because it paints a sentimental picture of motherhood, but because Lamott’s humorous and heartfelt musings capture the joys and di culties that accompany being a mom. Lamott writes about long nights with a crying baby and how pregnancy changed her body — experiences most mothers will likely understand, especially new mothers like Helen Sullivan.

On one of the first warm spring days in April, Sullivan sits on the couch in her East Montpelier living room, with her 7-week-old daughter, Vera, and 2-yearold son, Eric. The St. Johnsbury Academy social studies teacher is on maternity leave, while her husband, Zachary, has returned to work as a senior planning analyst at the University of Vermont Health Network.

Sullivan, however, isn’t the only adult in the room. Didi Brush snuggles sleeping Vera against her chest while chatting with Eric about his overalls. The little boy happily points out a train engine with a snowplow on his front pocket.

Brush is a new volunteer with Good Beginnings of Central Vermont’s Postpartum Angel Family Support program, which pairs community members with postpartum mothers for physical and emotional assistance.

After a background screening and training that included tips to soothe a baby, Brush committed to visiting a new mom for two to three hours weekly, for 12 weeks. Brush is the second helper Sullivan has had through the program. Before she became a mother, Sullivan says, she had driven by the Good Beginnings o ce in Montpelier, but hadn’t thought much about what the organization did. When Eric was a newborn, she attended a babywearing group, discovered the postpartum support program, then requested — and received — an Angel.

Although babies figure prominently into the equation, the Postpartum Angel

BY BRETT ANN

Postpartum Angel Didi Brush plays with 2-year-old Eric while his mom, Helen Sullivan, holds 7-week-old daughter Vera

Volunteers lighten the load during the “fourth trimester”

STANCIU

program focuses primarily on the “fourth trimester” of pregnancy, a term for the three months after birth when new mothers need to rest and nurture their own well-being. Good Beginnings program director Lauriana Capone describes the postpartum period as “the blueprint” for building the bond between mother and child, as well as the mother’s foundation for confident parenting.

Nearly three decades old, the Postpartum Angel program, free to new moms, has served hundreds of families — with the help of a steady stream of volunteers — since its inception.

On this afternoon, Vermont Public Radio’s classical music station streams through the Sullivans’ sunny home. While Brush holds sleeping Vera, Sullivan puts away dishes and pours a sippy cup of milk for Eric, then kneels with him in his toy kitchen and accepts a wooden tomato. Neither she nor her husband have family nearby, so Brush’s help is particularly valuable.

“Mostly, Didi just holds the baby, and I do things,” says Sullivan. Those “things” include taking a shower or nap, tackling small household projects, washing dishes, or simply letting Eric jump on her.

A Montpelier resident since 1981, Brush acknowledges, “This is new for me.” But the 69-year-old is no novice to baby care or community service. The mother of two grown children, Brush has been a board member for the Family Center of Washington County and currently serves on the design committee for Montpelier Alive, an organization devoted to deepening the capital city’s vibrancy.

Connection lies at the heart of Good Beginnings’ work: strengthening bonds between babies and parents, fostering friendships between new parents and growing a supportive social network in the community.

While the organization offers a range of programs — from parenting workshops to new mama social circles — the Postpartum Angel Family Support program is its centerpiece. Across cultures, new mothers are often embraced by an extended and supportive web of family and community members. The U.S., however, lacks a “model of complete rest and secure bonding for mothers,” says Capone. Postpartum Angels help provide “a balm to the isolation a new mother may be feeling.”

The program covers Washington and Orange counties and frequently serves moms across county lines. Families

only need to ask for an Angel. Capone says that sometimes she must prioritize need — multiple births, single mothers and families with mental health concerns may receive services first — but the needs of all new mamas are recognized. If a

grants, an annual grant of approximately $10,000 from Vermont’s Child Development Division of the Agency of Human Services provides about 10 percent of Good Beginnings’ yearly budget. Twenty Washington and Orange

American culture so highly prizes selfsufficiency that it’s often difficult to ask for assistance, continues Capone. New England especially, she says, values that stiff upper lip and buck up attitude that “you have this beautiful baby and you should pull yourself together. You should be happy.” Compounding the challenges is what Capone describes as the “not helpful messages” on social media and the pressure to become a supermom. At Good Beginnings, “what we’re trying to do is … talk about the realities of motherhood.”

Postpartum Angels tailor their time to mothers’ needs, from folding laundry or cooking a nourishing meal to entertaining older siblings, running errands, or meeting a mother at her therapist or health care provider’s office to hold her baby there. Sometimes, says Capone, a new mother simply needs to be asked how she’s doing, because no one has inquired about her physical or emotional health. “We need volunteers to be mom crazy,” not baby crazy, says Capone, explaining that the mother’s well-being is the program’s focus.

volunteer isn’t immediately available, Capone usually can fulfill requests within a few weeks.

Good Beginnings of Central Vermont was founded in 1991 by three Northfield mothers — Sara Nevin, Terry Howe and Maureen Larsen. As experienced parents, the women knew the importance of early attachment between newborns and parents, and recognized the challenges new mothers often experience after giving birth. They modeled the program on Good Beginnings of the Upper Valley in New Hampshire, which started in 1986. The organizations retain a sisterly collaboration, exchanging information about how to best serve families.

The Vermont organization now employs three part-time staff, with 60 to 70 volunteers (about 20-25 are active at any given time). In addition to private

county towns contribute funds yearly, and local businesses and approximately 100 individuals make donations.

From a comfortable seat in the Nest — Good Beginnings’ drop-in parenting space, furnished with couches, toys, a lending library and a pile of baby carriers — Capone shares her thoughts about the program’s importance. Lacking the polish of a professional office, the living room-like space, open 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, invites new parents to slip off their shoes and relax with their babies.

“Maybe it’s because women are so strong, we just take it for granted that they’ll take care of themselves,” says Capone, who also is a certified postpartum doula. “We want to be strong. And we are strong. But being a new mother is a time of our life when we need support.”

Capone observes that, while need has remained a constant, self-referrals have been on the rise. The majority of mothers connect with the program through hospital referrals, but increasing awareness of postpartum depression and anxiety has imbued mothers with more knowledge and self-awareness of postpartum well-being. She also notes that an increase in family chaos spawned by opioid use and mental health issues, which are often linked, has altered the need for this kind of service.

On this sun-filled afternoon in the Sullivans’ living room — in between admiring baby Vera and laughing with Eric — conversation winds around to the harder and often hidden aspects of motherhood: how isolating being at home with a baby can be and how families sometimes lack good role models or confront unexpected challenges related to economics or illness. “Sometimes people get in over their heads. I’m just one person, but it takes an army,” Brush says.

But for these two hours, Brush is enough, as baby Vera sleeps peacefully in her arms. K Visit

Women want to be strong. And we are strong. But being a new mother is a time of our life when we need support.

GOOD BEGINNINGS PROGRAM DIRECTOR LAURIANA CAPONE

Helen Sullivan plays with son Eric

Raising Emotionally Competent Kids

Vermont consultant creates a toolbox to support lifelong skills

Alyssa Blask Campbell is on a mission to help parents, teachers and caregivers raise emotionally intelligent humans.

Emotional intelligence — self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy and social awareness — is the greatest predictor of success in life, she says. Campbell, a former preschool teacher and childcare center director with a master’s degree in early childhood education, started her child-rearing consulting company, Seed & Sew, in 2017. The “modern parenting village combining parents in the trenches with experts in the field” o ers a blog, podcasts, online interactive workshops and in-person presentations. Some — including “Tiny Humans, Big Emotions” — zero in on emotional intelligence.

Along with a former coworker, Lauren Stauble, Campbell has created the five-step Collaborative Emotion Processing method. The first four steps are designed to prepare adults to respond — rather than react — to children’s strong emotions, and the fifth step is devoted to the adult-child interaction that leads children through five steps to process their emotions. Stauble and Campbell have written a book about the method and are looking for a publisher now.

Campbell, 30, is the fourth of five children who grew up in Portville, N.Y. “The village very much took care of me, and then I started taking care of kids very young,” she says. She lives with her husband, Zach Campbell, in Burlington.

Kids VT: You have called emotional intelligence the greatest predictor of success in life, career, and relationships. Why?

Alyssa Blask Campbell: Daniel Goleman (a psychologist) did a research study following folks for 30 years and looking at different socioeconomic backgrounds, access to education, and gender and race. And looking at all these factors over 30 years, the folks who have the most success — career, financial, relationship and reported happiness — had a higher level of emotional intelligence. I think that if we have the tools to process the world around us and our experiences, and to truly connect with one another, empathize... You don’t have to agree with why somebody is feeling what they’re feeling to empathize with the emotion behind it — and I think if we can get to that place, that is where we will see the most success societally and personally.

KVT: What have you observed about common practices regarding emotions?

ABC: I’ve been seeing in schools — especially K through 12, but also younger — where we’re really focused on this regulation idea, that if we can teach kids to regulate, they can then exhibit pro-social behaviors. And I think what we’re often doing is teaching kids to not express. And so we’re saying, Oh, you get a green sticker today or you’re on the green level because you did a great job regulating your emotions today. And the person on red maybe got

COURTESY OF ALYSSA BLASK CAMPBELL

angry at some point today and expressed that — or when they were embarrassed they expressed it — and we’re putting shame on those hard feelings and the ability to express them.

KVT: What is a better way for adults to respond?

ABC: We have developed five phases of emotion processing in developing the CEP method. And the [first is] allow yourself to feel; the next is recognize what you’re feeling; the third is security in your feelings, where you’re OK to feel it because you know it’s on a continuum, you won’t feel this way forever; the fourth is coping; and the fifth is moving on, problem-solving. What I often see is that we’ll do the first two. We might allow somebody to express in a certain way. And we will label that feeling for them. And then we’re jumping right to moving on. And I want to slow down.

KVT: Why is it important to slow down?

ABC: A child is not ready to move on or problem-solve or engage in conflict resolution when they’re still in their amygdala, when they’re still in their feelings brain. And if we are just doing the first two steps, they’re still in their feelings brain. I see it as our job as adults to teach them how to leave their amygdala and come into their prefrontal cortex in order to problem-solve. So I think what we’re often doing is we’re prolonging a tantrum or an emotional expression of some kind because we’re trying to problem-solve when kids aren’t ready.

KVT: How can adults help kids move from their amygdala, their “feelings brain,” to their prefrontal cortex, their “thinking, rational brain?”

ABC: That is my “Tiny Humans, Big Emotions” two-hour presentation! To really go into it, it is an in-depth conversation. But really, what I want to do is, once we validate their feeling — you don’t have to agree with why they’re feeling what they’re feeling; if you give a kid a purple cup and they wanted an orange cup and they’re disappointed, you don’t have to agree that they should feel disappointed about an orange cup — you just have to empathize with the feeling. So at phase two, if we can empathize with disappointment and how that feels, then they’ll usually soften a bit here, and we

can say, “Oh, I really want to help you solve this problem. How can I help you feel calm so that we can solve this together?” And when we offer up the word “calm,” we’re doing two things. One, we are letting the brain know, Oh, another feeling exists. I don’t have to live in this feeling forever. It’s a little trigger to the brain that can help pull you out of your amygdala and into the prefrontal cortex. And when I ask them, “How can I help you feel calm?” I’m asking them what coping strategies are we going to tap into? I’m reminding them that before we problem-solve, we’re going to find our calm first.

KVT: What if the child hasn’t mastered coping strategies?

ABC: Then I’m going to offer them just two — one touch and one non-touch. So, it could be, “Would you like a hug?” Or, “Would you like to read a book to feel

couldn’t reach it. That’s so frustrating. I wonder how you’re going to get it again. Can you try again?

KVT: What about older children; is it too late for them?

ABC: No! I got these skills in my 20s! It’s never too early, and it’s never too late. I think we need to meet people wherever they are. Do they not have coping strategies? Great; let’s build them. Are they not letting themselves feel? Great; let’s build it. Do they not know what they’re feeling yet? Let’s work on it. No matter what the age or stage is, it’s just figuring out where they are getting stuck in this process.

KVT: We have focused on adult-child interaction. What about the first four steps of your collaborative emotion processing method?

ABC: The other four parts of the CEP method are how we do this work for ourselves as adults so that we can show

up to respond instead of react. So it’s selfawareness for us as adults, learning what we’re bringing to the table and learning how to start to identify our feelings. The next part is identifying our explicit and implicit biases. Understanding things like mirroring, that [children] will feed off of our cortisol, or they can feed off of our calm. And then the fourth, the one that we’re the worst at, is self-care. This is not just like getting a massage or having a night out, but what are you doing every day, all day, to take care of yourself? We need to be doing all of this work on our own, so that when we come to those adult-child interactions, we’re ready to respond.

KVT: Let’s get really practical. You’re in a grocery store with a toddler who’s throwing a tantrum. What do you do?

calm before we solve this problem?” Or, it could be, “Would you like to do a puzzle with me or would you like to dance?” Down the road we might work on breathing, but it’s typically hard for a tiny human to do, depending on the age. And we can just mirror it. If we personally slow down and we take a deep breath, then we are lowering our cortisol (a stress fight, flight or freeze hormone) and their body can match ours… We can essentially bring the calm.

KVT: When can you start teaching these skills?

ABC: Infancy. With an infant, we’re doing coregulation. I’m, from the get-go, practicing regulating my response to their cortisol spike and being able to respond to them with some semblance of calm. Oh, you were working so hard to get that toy, and you were so close. And you

ABC: Well if they’re throwing a tantrum because they want something you’ve said no to, I want you to hold that boundary. Empathize with them: Oh, I know you really wanted to have that lollipop and we’re not going to get it today. That really stinks. How can I help you feel calm so we can keep grocery shopping? … Can I give you a hug and then we can talk about it? I’m not here to make the tantrum stop. I’m here to let them know it’s OK to feel what you’re feeling, and I’m here to help you find your calm, and when you’re ready, we can talk more about it.

KVT: Why did you name your business Seed & Sew?

ABC: I see seeds as things that we plant and that we nurture, and they take a while to grow. And that’s the same for me with these tiny humans, that a lot of the work we’re doing can seem like it’s taking forever, but it’s all for this bigger purpose. And the sew part is that I believe so deeply in the village and that none of us should be doing this solo. And I picture it like a quilt, that we all bring our own pieces and sew them together and participate in this together. K

Learn more at seedandsew.org.

You don’t have to agree with why somebody is feeling what they’re feeling to empathize with the emotion behind it.

ALYSSA BLASK CAMPBELL

SUMMER IT’S

MUSEUM. GET HERE!

June 15 & 16

Shelburne Museum Classic Auto Festival

Celebrate Father’s Day Weekend—and TRUCKS!— with vintage cars, hands-on activities, BBQ, and more.

June 22

Opening of William Wegman: Outside In

The renowned artist gives a rare look inside his work and process.

July 14

Circus Palooza

Feats under the Big Top, games, food, and fun all over the Museum Grounds!

May 12

Springtime at Shelburne Museum

Celebrate Mother’s Day! Art activities, family yoga, live music, and more! PLUS special guest…Clifford the Big Red Dog!

July 5,

August 2, &

September 6

Free First Friday Eve Series

Celebrating the farm families who own Cabot

Live music, lawn games, tours, picnicking, and FREE admission to the entire Museum on glorious summer evenings!

Fun for Everyone

Partners in Adventure helps young people with special needs experience the joy of camp

BY ALISON NOVAK

Thirty-one years ago, Debbie Lamden’s priorities underwent a seismic shift when her son, Ari, was born 16 weeks early, weighing just 1.5 pounds. Lamden, who lives in Charlotte, put her career as an artist and owner of a home furnishing shop on the back burner in order to care for Ari, whose premature birth caused him to have cerebral palsy.

Ari came home from the hospital weighing just over 4 pounds. He was on oxygen and had a feeding tube. “All I could focus on from then on was how to provide life to my son,” Lamden said.

When Ari was in preschool, Lamden began working for the Vermont Parent Information Center — now part of Vermont Family Network — a group that advocates for and supports families with members who have special needs.

As her son grew, Lamden looked for social and recreational enrichment opportunities for him in the summertime. Several camps said they would be able to accommodate Ari, who uses a walker to get around and sign language to communicate. But when he tried them, Lamden found that because the programs weren’t specifically designed to serve kids with disabilities, he ended up getting left out of activities.

“When kids are younger, they play side by side,” said Lamden. “But as they get older, they’re running here five seconds after they’re there.” Ari wasn’t able to keep up.

Through Vermont Parent Information Center, Lamden surveyed fellow parents of children with special needs. Many said that they, too, wanted recreational opportunities for their kids in which all activities were accessible. So Lamden convened 20 Chittenden County organizations — from parks and recreation departments to Shelburne Farms to Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports — to start a dialogue about how to make that happen.

The organizations were all enthusiastic, and in 1999, when Ari was 11, Lamden launched the first iteration of Partners in Adventure with the help of another parent of a child with special needs, Sue Minter (not the former gubernatorial candidate). The two-week pilot program, based in an open pavilion along the Burlington waterfront, o ered swimming, boating, tae kwon do, horseback riding, fencing and more activities to 35 campers, ages 11 to 22. It was a success, said

Former Partners in Adventure staff member Sarah and camper Chris swing together at Bolton Adventure Center

Fun for Everyone

Lamden, and she has been running — and growing — Partners in Adventure ever since.

The camp now runs for eight weeks every summer and serves around 150 campers who have come from as far as Tennessee, Florida and California. The program uses space in local churches and schools, and campers travel to differ-

power — make activities accessible. Staff members also use outside-the-box thinking to accommodate campers’ individual needs. This might look like tapping a tennis ball to the rhythm of a nursery rhyme on the racquet of a camper who is blind and has severe cerebral palsy, or using a sensory sand table as an alternative to an art project for a child with autism who has sensory integration issues, explained Lamden.

The program isn’t just for those with special needs. All young people, including siblings, are welcome to attend camp.

ent locations for swimming, sailing, horseback riding, archery, biking, rock climbing and more. Incorporated as a nonprofit in 2003, it is open to kids ages 7 and up. Because participants never age out, some campers are in their 30s and 40s.

Adaptive equipment — like bendable plastic foils for fencing, a sailboat that allows a person to move the rudder by leaning left or right, and tandem bicycles in which one person provides the pedal

Campers attend with a variety of helpers — including parents, one-on-one aides and nurses. Camp staffers are primarily educators who have experience working with kids with special needs; all are trained to work with people

For the past four years, Shelly Waterman of Burlington has sent her now-17-year-old daughter, Hannah — who has a neurological disorder called Rett syndrome and a seizure disorder called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome — to Partners in Adventure, along with Hannah’s younger sister, Hadley, who does not have special needs.

with autism. High school students, ages 16 to 18, provide volunteer support. Tuition is $540 per twoweek session, with limited scholarships available.

Some kids have an Individualized Education Program, or IEP, specifying that they receive support services year-round.

CONTINUED FROM P. 27 FUN FOR EVERYONE

In these cases, tuition to Partners in Adventure and the one-on-one aides that accompany the campers are partially funded by the camper’s school.

Before finding Partners, Waterman said she was frustrated that there weren’t any fun, social activities Hannah and Hadley could do together. “They deserve the same opportunity as any other siblings,” said Waterman.

When Hannah first attended camp at age 13, Waterman served as one of her two caregivers and Hadley came, too. “For me as a mom ... and my daughters as siblings, to be able to have something in common … made such an impact on our lives,” she said. A highlight of camp for Hannah has been horseback riding. For Waterman, it was seeing her girls glide together through the air on a tandem zip line at the now-closed Northern Lights Rock and Ice in Essex Junction. “I cried,” said Waterman.

She appreciates the fact that Partners in Adventure is “not a quote, unquote camp for kids with special needs. It’s a camp for everyone.”

This inclusive spirit is modeled in the way staff members view campers’ achievements. “There is no winning or losing, no degrees of success,” said Lamden. “We consider everything successful … I think that has really encouraged the self-esteem building that happens at Partners in Adventure.”

Photos from past summers at Partners in Adventure

1. Hannah and Shelly on a recumbent bike

2. Boating at the Community Sailing Center with Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports

3. Lamden’s son Ari fences

4. Ben tries on a firefighter’s hat

5. Colin climbs at Petra Cliffs

6. Tandem biking

Bolton Valley

Performing Arts Camps

Summer Camps 2019! Summer Camps 2019!

Stay Active and Meet New Friends in the heart of the Greens!

Stay Active and Meet New Friends in the heart of the Greens!

Mountain Kids Camp

June 17-21 * July 8-12 * July 29-Aug 2 * Aug 19-23

Get your kids into the outdoors every day with swimming, hiking, nature walks, and citizen science projects - not to mention soccer, volleyball, disc golf, ping pong, & much more. Every week has a fun theme and an ice cream party on Friday.

Action Sports Camp

June 24-28 * July 15-19 * Aug 5-9

Campers hone their skate and scooter skills in the mornings, and mountain biking skills in the afternoons with help from expert coaches and a focus on safety and fun!

Tennis & Sports Camp

July 1-5 * July 22-26 * Aug 12-16

Drills, skills, & thrills for the junior tennis player of any level.

Co-operative games along with comprehensive drills & activities keep your child progressing & having fun!

For complete details, visit boltonvalley.com/summercamps Available by the week & for drop-in.

Magic Tree House

Musical Theater

Radio Plays

Music Video Creation

Dance Adventure

Frozen Ballet Camp

Tap Dancing Intensive

Broadway Kids

Lights…

Camera… Action!

Flash Mobs & Pop-Up Performance

Under the Big Top Green Screen & Special Effects Studio

Broadway Showstoppers

Silent Filmmaking

Moana & Friends

Broadway Kids

Horses, Snails, & Fairy Tales

Broadway Bound Latin Jazz Intensive History Comes Alive!

Lord of the Rings & LARPing

Narrative Filmmaking

SCHOLARSHIPS & PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE.

PLEASE REQUEST ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES WHEN REGISTERING. MORE INFO ONLINE.

for ages 4-19 FLYNNARTS.ORG

Like us on Facebook.

Kevin Sneddon’s Hockey School

JOIN THE ADVENTURE!

MetroRock offers camps for kids from 5 to 15 all summer long and during school vacations.

5% DISCOUNT when you register by May 1

5% DISCOUNT for sibling/multiweek registration

SUMMER CAMPS: BASE and RAD Camp

For more info visit metrorock.com or email kidsclimbvt@metrorock.com

For kids who are wild about animals

For kids who are wild about animals!

For kids who are wild about animals!

Kids Ages 5-7: $200

Animal Adventures (ages 7-9)

Animal Adventures (ages 7-9)

Week 1: Monday-Friday, July 8-12

Afternoons only still available!

Session One: 8:30AM-12:30PM

Afternoons only still available!

July 13-17 ● July 20-24

Week 2: Monday-Friday, July 15-19

Summer Safari (ages 10-12)

July 13 -17 ● July 20-24

Session Two: 8:30AM-12:30PM

Kids Ages 8-9: $390

Week 3: Monday-Friday, July 22-26

Session Three: 8:30AM-3PM

Week 4: Monday-Friday, July 29-Aug. 2

Session Four: 8:30AM - 3PM

Full-day camp: A few slots available

July 27– July 31● Aug 3-7 ● Aug.10-14

-12) day camp: A few slots available

Register: (802) 862-0135 x 12 Or visit chittendenhumane.org.

Kids Ages 10-12: $390

Aug.10-14 0135 x 12

Week 5: Monday-Friday, Aug. 5-9

Session Five: 8:30AM-3PM

Or visit chittendenhumane.org.

Week 6: Monday-Friday, Aug. 12-16

Session Six: 8:30AM-3PM

Before & after care hours are available. Scholarships funded by Redducs Foundation

Before & after care hours are

6 Susie Wilson Rd | Essex Junction, VT

Rock Point Camp

Where Spiritual Exploration Meets Outdoor Adventure

Week-long Sessions

- Overnight Camp, ages 7-16

- Day Camp I & II, ages 5-10; 9am-5pm

- Day Camp Plus, ages 7-16; 8am-5pm

- NEW! Adventurers Day Camp, ages 7-12; 9am-5pm Archery, Fun-Yaks, Crafts, Campfires, more! rockpointvt.org/camp 802.658.6233

WE KNOW CAMPS Register today for a summer of fun!

CAMP KODA

Age: For kids in K - 6 grade Location: 6 area communities

Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Full-day, coed summer day camp with 3 and 5 day options in Burlington, Essex, Georgia, Underhill, and Waterbury.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

CAMPS

Age: Co-ed for ages 11-14

Location: Greater Burlington

Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

These camps will provide an opportunity to make a real difference!

CAMP IGNITE

Age: For girls ages 8-14 Location: Burlington

Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

A camp to Inspire Girls in Nature, Technology, and the Environment on the shores of Lake Champlain in Burlington.

SUMMER BOOKEND CAMPS

Age: For kids in K - 6 grade Location: Burlington

Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Beginning and end of summer camps celebrate A Universe of Stories in collaboration with the Fletcher Free Library.

CAMP ABNAKI

Age: For boys in grades K - 10 Location: North Hero, VT

Hours: 1 and 2 week sessions

Day and overnight camp on Lake Champlain. Campers build skills, a sense of values, and have fun! campabnaki.org

For more information about Y summer camps, and to register today, visit gbymca.org/camp

CAMP

LOOK CLOSER…

Partnering individuals with and without special needs, ages 7 through adults for a summer day camp experience. IEP designed programming.

Digital

July 14–27, 2019

Learn how to solve & prevent crimes through Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity

High school students—are you interested in how crimes are solved or prevented by investigating how people use their computers and other digital devices? In this 14-day residential camp you will learn by working alongside experts in the fields of digital forensics and cybersecurity at the Champlain College Leahy Center for Digital Investigation.

Space is limited. Register today. champlain.edu/digitalforensics2019

Fun for Everyone

CONTINUED

After around six years of running the summer program, Lamden began creating opportunities for campers and their families to stay connected during the school year. Now, an additional 350 young people and family members participate in year-round events at various locations in Chittenden County, including a winter camp during February break that has offered ice fishing, skiing, sled hockey and snowshoeing. Fitness Fridays, from 5 to 7 p.m. every week, provide opportunities for swimming, yoga and gym games at different venues. Families gather to go apple picking, tackle corn mazes and walk around the mall, followed by dinner out. There are socials with a DJ and dancing and trips to the movies and bowling alley.

Eva Seyller, 23, has autism and developmental delays. The Essex woman has been attending Partners in Adventure since she was about 11 years old.

Seyller tends to be shy and hesitant in social situations, said her mom, Anna Seyller, but when she goes to a Partners outing, she’s always greeted by multiple people immediately, “and within a minute she’s doing the activity and laughing and giggling.”

Fitness Fridays and monthly Saturday events are still a big part of Eva’s social calendar. She has made friends over the years, and so has her

mom. “It’s just a totally nonjudgmental group,” Anna said. “For me, I think I get exactly as much benefit as she does.”

Lamden recalled a few memorable experiences in the 20 years she’s been running Partners in Adventure. One 16-year-old camper from Burlington who used a wheelchair had spent most of her summers watching television and had never been in the lake, Lamden recalled. At camp, she got the chance to sit in a beach wheelchair and dip her toes in Lake Champlain. “She was just squealing with happiness as her feet got wet,” said Lamden.

Then there was the time when Erin, a nonverbal camper with quadriplegia — severely impaired movement in her arms, legs and torso — went zip lining. With her wheelchair securely tethered to the zip line cable, Lamden asked her to signal with her eyes if she was sure she wanted to take the ride.

“Her eyes slowly climbed up to my eyes and then went down… I asked her to do it one more time, and she did… There was this little smile on her face,” said Lamden.

After the ride, Lamden asked Erin if she wanted to do it a second time, and she, once again, raised her eyes. Said Lamden: “It was one of the most wonderful moments of my life.” K Learn more about Partners in Adventure at partnersinadventure.org.

Campers Emily and Faith

Act! Laugh! Play! Perform!

Spruce Peak Arts Camps offer a fun, in-depth learning experience packed with creativity and opportunity to develop new skills.

YOUtheatre: Fractured Fairy Tales Camp

Instructors: Madeline Nickerson and Christine Penney

Campers will create and perform a story based on famous fairy tales. Song and dance might show up as well!

Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19 9am to 3:30pm* (performance at 3:30pm Friday)

Ages: 6 to 14

Fee: $295 Spruce Peak Arts Members, $335 Non-Members

Jazz, SCAT, Performance Camp

Instructors: Dave Tisdell and Kevin Bloom

Campers will explore their jazz “voice” during a fun-filled, creative, and multi-disciplinary week.

Monday, August 12 to Friday, August 16 9am to 3:30pm* (performance at 3:30pm Friday)

Ages: 8 to 14

Fee: $295 Spruce Peak Arts Members, $335 Non-Members

Space is limited, Sign up today!

StretchingSmallwithOnes

New mamas tote their pre-crawling babies to an all-levels flowing yoga class during Evolution’s POSTNATAL YOGA, focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a relaxed and nurturing environment. See evolutionprenatalandfamily.com for class options, Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington and Essex Junction.

Week to Week

SUN MAY 12

SAT

Springtime at Shelburne Museum!: Families celebrate Mom’s special day with a stroll around the museum’s grounds, spring art activities, music and more.

Children’s literary classic Clifford the Big Red Dog shakes a paw with visitors and poses for photos. 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Shelburne Museum, Shelburne.

Oakledge For All: Grand Opening Celebration: Come play! The community celebrates the first phase of Oakledge for All — the region’s first universally accessible playground — with an unveiling of new equipment and live music by Mister Chris and Friends. Tasty treats, and fun games add more merriment. 10 a.m.-noon, Oakledge Playground, Burlington.

Open Fields Medieval Festival: Rain or shine, the town green transforms into a medieval village, as royalty, peasants, craftsmen, shepherds and farmers celebrate with a No Strings Marionette Company performance, music, dance, games, pageantry, eats and more.

Costumes encouraged. Geared toward ages 3-12. 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Thetford Green, Thetford.

Like the University of Vermont Medical Center on Facebook and get weekly updates from Dr. First! See “First With Kids” videos at uvmhealth.org.

1 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

All-Star Panel Discusses Children’s

Literature: Middle grade authors William Alexander, Ann Braden, Kekla Magoon and Lindsey Stoddard share their stories about writing for kids in celebration of Children’s Book Week. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 6 p.m. Info, 448-3350. FREE

Book Discussion Group: Raising Humans in a Digital World: Using the book’s discussion guide, community members come together to talk about this contemporary topic. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 7-8:30 p.m. Info, 985-2827. FREE

Kids’ Chess Club: Strategy lovers of all abilities face o against opponents. Ages 6 and up.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 6-7 p.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Minecraft Club: Homeschool gamers play and socialize. Bring a device with Minecraft pocket edition. Ages 7-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1-2 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Open Studio: Kids ignite their imagination with the library’s materials. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 879-0313. FREE

Read With Daisy the Therapy Dog: Book bu s of all ages bring a selection from home or borrow from the library to amuse an attentive canine. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4:15 p.m., preregister. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Yoga for Kids: Young yogis engage their energy and explore breathing exercises and relaxation poses with professional instructor Melissa from Evolution Yoga. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

LAMOILLE

Student Art Show Opening Reception: With accolades and sweet treats, this kicko event celebrates the creative work of kids from Stowe elementary, middle and high schools, with guest school Rumney Elementary. Exhibit will be on display until June 1. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 3-6 p.m. Info, 253-8358. FREE

Tots on the Turf: Little ones move and groove in pop-up forts, a small bounce house and free play. Caregiver supervision required. Stowe Arena, 10-11 a.m., $5 per child. Info, 253-6138.

RUTLAND

Lego Club: Budding builders bust out amazing architecture with blocks. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3-4 p.m. Info, 422-9765.

FREE

WASHINGTON

Dungeons & Dragons: Players exercise their problem-solving skills in imaginary battles and adventures. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036.

FREE

Walk-Through Wednesday at Orchard Valley: Parents interested in an alternative education for their children in grades 1-8 tour classrooms, observe a lesson and ask questions. For adults. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 8:30-9:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 456-7400. FREE

WINDSOR

Homeschool Red Clover Book Award Club: In this 6-week program, home learners read books on the esteemed list, participate in art and writing projects, and vote for their favorite read. Ages 5-11. Hartland Public Library, 1-2:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 436-2473. FREE

Toddler Time: Little ones immerse in art projects and free play activities, stimulating socialization and motor, language, and cognitive development. Ages 4 and under with adult caregiver. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 9-11 a.m., $5; $20 for a 5-visit punchcard. Info, 457-3500.

2 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Free Family Art Workshops: Imaginative youngsters drop in for all or part of the morning and make masterpieces with many materials. Co ee, drinks and snacks provided. Ages 1-12 with adult caregiver. Old Firehouse at GRACE, Hardwick, 9-11 a.m. Info, 472-6857. FREE Knitting for Kids: Small crafters learn simple skills with Hazen Union High School student Audrey Grant. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 3-4 p.m., RSVP if yarn and needles needed. Info, 472-5948. FREE

Classes

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

SUMMER DANCE CAMP IN STOWE!: Stowe/ Mad River Dance Academy is ready for a busy summer. Join us for everything, from kids ballet to jazz, hip-hop to tumbling. We offer beginner levels for new dancers and advanced intensives for those looking to improve their technique and training during the summer.

MULTI-AGE GYMNASTICS CAMP: Daily, Jun 24 through Jun 28, ages 6-8, Bristol Elementary School. This half-day camp will include an emphasis on proper fundamentals as well as focused small group instruction on bars, balance beam, handstands, walkovers, rope and conditioning. Gymnasts will make substantial progress in their gymnastics skills over the course of this inspiring week of camp.

Resident Fee: $185, Non-resident Fee: $195. Register at bristolvtrec.com or email recdirector@bristolvt.org.  www. bristolvtrec.com

TWO-DAY GYMNASTICS WORKSHOP: June 20 & 21 and July 1 & 2, Ages 5-12, Bristol Elementary School. This intensive workshop has been created for aspiring gymnasts, dancers, cheerleaders and others who are looking for an opportunity to focus on improving their tumbling, flexibility, balance and technique. In two days, students will be challenged to learn new skills on the floor, beam and bars. We will also review leaps, jumps, partner balancing and much more. If you like to move, you will love this workshop! Gymnasts should please bring a water bottle, two healthy snacks and a lunch.

Resident Fee: $120, Non-Resident Fee: $130. Register at bristolvtrec.com or email recdirector@bristolvt.org.

CHITTENDEN

4-H Roblox Program: Coding with Lua: Burlington Tech Center student Andrew Dutil teaches inquisitive kids how to code, design and build robots in the Roblox environment, while having fun. Ages 8-18. Burlington Technical Center, 3:30-5 p.m., preregister. Info, 651-8343.

FREE

Colchester Lego Club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with interlocking toys. Ages 6-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE Essex Lego Club: Small builders strengthen STEAM skills while having a blast with plastic blocks. Ages 5 and up. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 879-0313. FREE Food for Thought Teen Library Volunteers: Young adults polish o pizza as they ponder library projects. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Monthly Home School Program: Home learners soak up nature-related studies in an outdoor classroom. Parent participation optional. Ages 6-8. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $20-25, preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Preschool Yoga: Children’s Yoga Teacher Melissa Nutting charms wee ones and caregivers with a half-hour of singing, relaxing, reading and stretching. Ages 3-6. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Steve’s STEM Club: Curious kids investigate hands-on projects with rotating experts. Preregister and inquire for specific themes and recommended ages. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 482-2878. FREE

Ukulele Joe: Musical ones join Joe to sing and play. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

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

EVOKIDS AND EVOBABIES YOGA CLASSES: Join us for spring classes in Burlington and Essex Junction! Weekday and weekend classes available in both locations for all ages, new babies up to teenagers. Evolution Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington and 37 Lincoln St., Essex Junction. Info, evolutionprenatalandfamily. com.

PRENATAL & POSTNATAL YOGA AND STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES AT EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA CENTER: Now with two locations, Burlington and Essex Junction! Have a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for birth with stretching, strengthening and relaxation — and then bring body back to balance and strength in our postnatal classes. Join our community at any point in your pregnancy, and 6 weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling). No yoga experience necessary.  $17/class, $140/10 class pass ($20 off if purchased on your first class), or $90/monthly unlimited. Location: Evolution Prenatal Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington and 37 Lincoln St., Essex Junction. Info, evolutionprenatalandfamily. com.

BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU: The future of our nation lies in the courage, confidence and determination of its people. Our Kids BJJ Program promotes self-esteem, self-confidence, character development and a physical outlet with discipline, cooperation with other children, respect for peers and adults, perseverance and a healthy lifestyle. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will help your kids to learn realistic bullyproofing and self-defense skills that they can use for the rest of their lives! Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu builds endurance, patience and self-respect. Give your kids the ability to get stronger, gain confidence and build resilience! Our sole purpose is to help empower people by giving them practices they can carry with them throughout life. Remember you are raising children, not flowers. First class is free! Please stop by our school at 55 Leroy Rd., Williston; call 598-2839; visit vermontbjj.com or email julio@bjjusa.com to register your son or daughter!

Writing Club: Amateur authors create unique comic books, poems and more. All ages. Winooski Memorial Library, 4-5 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: Kiddie constructionists combine their imagination with the library’s supplies. Haston Library, Franklin, 2-5 p.m. Info, 285-6505.

PJ Story Hour: Sleepyheads get ready for bed, then arrive at the library for themed stories, snacks and a craft. Ages 6 and under. Fairfax Community Library, 6-7 p.m. Info, 849-2420. FREE

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

3 Friday

CHITTENDEN

Family Gym: Indoor playground equipment provides tiny tumblers a chance to run free. Ages 7 and under with caregivers. Greater Burlington YMCA, 10:15-11:45 a.m., $5-8 per family; free for members; preregister. Info, 862-9622.

Family Painted Pottery: Dads, moms and kids enjoy an instructional and creative evening together. Davis Studio, South Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m., $25 per person, preregister. Info, 425-2700.

Game Day: Strategy lovers get the weekend o to a super start. All ages. Winooski Memorial Library, 4-5 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE

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

Magic the Gathering: Players of all abilities seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

STEAM Fridays: Eager youngsters engage with inventive science, technology, engineering, art and math projects. Check online for specific program details. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Trivia Night: The National Honor Society at Essex High School hosts a contest for ages middle school and up, with prizes and refreshments. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Westford Craft and Food Fair: Shopping for Mother’s Day? Multiple vendors offer dinner eats and handmade crafts, with the additional festivities of a student art show and face painting. Westford School, 5-8 p.m. Info, 878-5932.

Walk, Run & Bike

MAPLE STREET PARK 5K RUNNING

SERIES: Fleet feet have fun with friendly competition over courses varying each week from 2.5 to 5 miles. New runners welcome. Registration opens at 5 p.m. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, WEDNESDAYS, 6 P.M., $10 per race; $50 for all 6 races. Info, 878-1375.

COTS WALK: On a 3.5 mile trek, participants follow the path a homeless person in our community might take, visiting various programs and shelters run by the Committee on Temporary Shelter and raising funds to support this program.

Check-in, 1 p.m.; walk begins at 2 p.m. Battery Park, Burlington, SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1-4 P.M., donations accepted. Info, 864-7402.

FRANKLIN

Yoga Story Time Yoga with Ms. Liza: Small ones soak up a storytime with stories, songs, stretches and bubbles. Swanton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 868-7656. FREE

LAMOILLE

Tots on the Turf: See May 1.

RUTLAND

Apples to Apples: This First Friday event gets the weekend off to a smashing start with a group game. Ages 8 and up. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3-4 p.m. Info, 422-9765. FREE

Catamount’s

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: Petite ones play with plastic cubes and chat companionably. Ages 4-12. Craftsbury Public Library, Craftsbury Common, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 586-9683.

WASHINGTON

Montpelier Mayfest: The capital city swings into the spring season with weekend festivities including an Art Walk, an all-you-can-eat breakfast, an ultimate frisbee tournament, a bike swap and the farmers market opening day. See montpelieralive.org for specific dates and times. Downtown Montpelier, fees for some venues. Info, 223-9604. FREE

4 Saturday CALEDONIA

St. Johnsbury Lapsit Storytime: Parents and wee ones partake in stories, fingerplay and bounce songs. Ages 2 and under. Older siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 748-8291. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Alpine Shop Bike Swap: Cyclists in search of a new-to-them ride shop a selection of pre-owned wheels amid music and food. Drop off used bikes April 28 until May 3. The Alpine Shop, South Burlington, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Info, 862-2714.

MIDDLEBURY MAPLE RUN: Novice and experienced athletes rally for races including a half-marathon and relay options, with a 3-mile fun run, music along the way by Middlebury College student bands and a pancake breakfast at the finish. Porter Medical Center, Middlebury, SUNDAY, MAY 5, 9 A.M. $30-75. Info, 989-6980.

MILTON COMMUNITY FUN RUN: IN COLOR: Athletes of all ages and abilities run or walk a 1- or 2-mile loop, or a full 5K, through a rainbow shower. Festivities include music, a bouncy house and dancing. Registration opens at 10 a.m. Bombardier Park, Milton, SUNDAY, MAY 5, 11 A.M.-1 P.M., $15; food available for purchase; all proceeds benefit Milton Elementary and Middle School field trips.

CENTRAL GIRLS ON THE RUN VT RUN/WALK: In a celebratory completion of the Girls on the Run program, enthusiastic athletes and community members lace up for a noncompetitive 5K. Registration, face painting and hairstyling begin at 8:30 a.m. Race starts at 10 a.m. Castleton University, SATURDAY, MAY 11, $10-30. Info, 246-1476.

HUMAN POWERED PARADE & FESTIVAL: Kicking off at the Bristol Hub Skate Park with a BMX trick show, live music and a bike decorating bash, families roll their foot-pedaled vehicles with pauses for dancing, interactive art and general zaniness. Following festivities include food and bike-gadget vendors, music by local funk trio Band of the Land and more. Bristol Skate Park, SATURDAY, MAY 11, 10 A.M.-2 P.M., donations accepted; funds raised support Safe Routes to Schools incentives in Addison County. Info, 503-9774.

WALK FOR ANIMALS: Walkers complete an easy two-mile loop through downtown Montpelier — with or without leashed dogs — to raise funds for the Central Vermont Humane Society, then enjoy a celebration with refreshments, dog contests and a demonstration by 802 Disc Dogs. Montpelier High School, SATURDAY, MAY 11, 9 A.M.-NOON, donations and fundraising encouraged. Info, 476-3811.

5K HEARTS FOR HUNGER: Organized by the United Church of Hinesburg, athletes of all ages and abilities sprint or saunter a 1K or 5K run or walk, to raise money for the Vermont Foodbank Backpack Program. Champlain Valley Union High School, Hinesburg, SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9 A.M., $12-16. Info, 482-3352.

BARRE TOWN SPRING RUN 5K: Runners of all abilities lace up their shoes, with prizes awarded for top finishers in age categories. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. Barre Town Recreation Facility, SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9 A.M., $5-10; free for 8th graders and younger; proceeds benefit the Barre Town Recreation Department. Info, 570-916-5514.

FRIENDCHIPS 5K FUN RUN: Runners and walkers lace up for the annual sprint to support youth mentoring at Essex Westford School District. Founders Memorial School, Essex, SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9:30 A.M., $15-25. Info, 878-6982.

RICHARD’S RIDE: In memory of cyclist Richard Tom, families and individuals bike varying distances to raise memorial funds, followed by a festival with free activities and food for riders. Family rides include 4.4-mile, 5-mile or 17-mile rides traversing trails and roads closed to motorized traffic. Rides begin at 8:30 a.m. See website for detailed schedule. Cochran’s Ski Area, Richmond, SATURDAY, MAY 18, 10:30 A.M.-3 P.M., $25; free for children under 17. Info, 434-2479.

FLOWER POWER MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE: Catamount’s season gets a rolling start with wheeled races on the Goose Hill course. A variety of distances suit each member of the family. Registration opens at 8 a.m.; races begin at 9 a.m. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, SUNDAY, MAY 19 $20-25; free for kids under 9; preregister. Info, 879-6001.

TUESDAY NIGHT TRAIL RUNNING SERIES: Athletes of all ages and abilities choose between 2.5K and 5K courses or a short “cubs” race — with a 10K option on the second Tuesday of each month — during this fun evening race. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, TUESDAYS, 5:30-8 P.M., $10; free for children under 18. Info, 879-6001.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT MOUNTAIN BIKING:

Pedalers of all ages and abilities wend their way along the trails in a nonintimidating atmosphere. This fun event includes 2.5K or 5K options and a short loop for ages 8 and under, beginning at 6 p.m. Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston, WEDNESDAYS, 5:30-8 P.M., $10; free for kids under 18. Info, 879-6001.

MINI MARATHON: Young racers navigate half- and 1-mile fun runs or a 2-mile timed course the day before the Vermont City Marathon. Ages 4-14. Race packet pick-up opens at 7:45 a.m. Races begin at 8:30 a.m. Burlington’s Waterfront Park, SATURDAY, MAY 25, $20-25 per child until sold out; preregister. Info, 863-8412.

Big Truck Day: Beep, beep! Little ones check out the drivers’ seats in fire trucks, dump trucks, motorcycles, tractors, a cement truck and more. Horn free until 11 a.m. One Community Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., $3-5; food and face painting available for a fee; proceeds benefit the Robin’s Nest Children’s Center. Info, 864-8191. Colchester Touch-A-Truck: Honk, honk! Kids and their grownups climb into the big rigs, including tractors, police cars, dump trucks, fire trucks and a helicopter. Siren free until 10:30 a.m. Colchester High School, 9-11 a.m. Info, 264-5640. FREE

Drag Queen Storytime: Local drag queens Nikki Champagne and Emoji Nightmare share stories capturing the imagination and play of childhood’s gender fluidity, and offer children positive queer role models. Recommended for ages 3 and up but all ages welcome. See DragQueenStoryHour.org for more info. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Earl’s Bike Swap: Cyclists of all ages looking to upgrade their wheels choose from a variety of pedal-powered vehicles. Check in your used bike on Thursday, May 2, or Friday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Earl’s Cyclery and Fitness, South Burlington, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Info, 864-9197. Kids Building Workshop: Handy helpers learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as they construct seasonal projects. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon, preregister at workshops.homedepot.com. Info, 872-0039. FREE

Mayfest: Folks celebrate spring with dancing, flower-crown making, face painting, pony rides, live music and refreshments. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., food for sale and a small fee for pony rides. Info, 985-2827.

One-on-One Tutoring: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students coach elementary-age kids in reading, math and science. Grades 1-6. Some assistance available for other grades in certain subjects with inquiry. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 9-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Read to Cleo The Therapy Dog: Canine and reading enthusiasts visit with a personable pooch. Ages 2-12. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Skirack Bike Swap: Active families peruse wheeled offerings, plus car racks, bike shoes, child carriers, tricycles and inline skates. Items for the swap accepted from Monday, April 29 through Friday, May 3. Skirack, Burlington, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Info, 658-3313.

Flower Power Mountain Bike Race

Webby’s Art Studio: Fancy Fishing: Artists of all abilities create a mixed media, anglerinspired sculpture. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular museum admission, $8-25; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

FRANKLIN

May the 4th Be With You: Space fans come out for epic Star Wars crafts, Jedi training and intergalactic treats. Costumes encouraged. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

WASHINGTON

Capital City Farmers Market: Veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at a celebration of farm-grown food and handmade crafts. Downtown Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 279-7293.

Ongoing Exhibits

BRATTLEBORO MUSEUM & ART

CENTER

Info, 257-0124

GLASSTASTIC 2019: Twenty wild and whimsical glass creations wow visitors, conceived and drawn by students in grades K-6 and transformed into art by New England glass blowers. Over 1,200 children’s drawings submitted in this contest are displayed, too. $4-8; free for children ages 18 and under; free admission for all, Thursdays, 2-5 p.m. Through June 16.

ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON Info, 864-1848

AGE OF DINOSAURS: Fans of these giant creatures journey back in time to the Mesozoic era, visit these amazing animals in their habitat and get hands-on with interactive stations including a fossil dig pit, fossil rubbing and remote-control dinosaurs. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Through May 12.

TRIVIAL PURSUIT: A 50 STATE ADVENTURE

EXHIBIT: More than 50 interactive and hands-on activities immerse families in the geography, science, history and uniqueness of the United States. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Through September 15.

HELEN DAY ART CENTER, STOWE

Info, 253-8358

STUDENT ART SHOW: The extraordinary artistic talents of students in the greater Stowe area are showcased in this month-long exhibit, with special guest school Rumney Elementary in Middlesex. Through June 1. FREE

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

Montpelier Bike Swap: Cyclists prepare for the upcoming season by trading in their used wheels for new-to-them models. Sellers drop o April 27 through May 3. Onion River Outdoors, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 225-6736.

Montpelier Mayfest: See May 3.

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH Info, 649-2200

DESTINATION: SPACE!: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission’s moon landing, space fans take a tour of the technology that landed astronauts on the moon, check out what’s happening on our sun and earth, and travel to the far reaches of outer space. Regular museum admission, $13-16; free for children under age 2. Through August 4.

MAKING MUSIC: Families explore the inner workings of all things musical — from cellos to electronic synthesizers — play and make instruments, and engage with multimedia exhibits which share stories of musicians, scientists and craftspeople, highlighting traditional and new practices, techniques, and materials. Regular museum admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Through May 15.

MINDBENDER MANSION Puzzle fans try to master brainteasers and interactive challenges in this temporary exhibit devoted to testing the problem-solving skills of all ages. Regular museum admission, $13-18; free for children under 2. Through September 2.

ROBERT HULL FLEMING MUSEUM, UVM, BURLINGTON Info, 656-0750

SMALL WORLDS: MINIATURES IN CONTEMPORARY ART: Devotees of diminutive realms are enchanted by the work of multiple artists, featuring tiny figures, rooms and landscapes in photographs or sculptures, evoking both childhood playthings and the dark forces hidden beneath the seduction of the small. Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays, noon-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $3-5; free for members and children under 7. Through May 10.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES! Kids Birthday Parties

& Corporate Outings

Play on the Sports Simulators: Zombie Dodgeball, Carnival Games, all your favorite sports, including: Football, Hockey, Soccer, Basketball, Baseball & Golf

Rainy days, especially on weekends, Gonzos will try to be OPEN!!

SATURDAY 4, P. 42 »

4 Saturday (cont.)

WINDSOR

Family Clay: Children and their parents make memories firing and glazing special pieces. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 10 a.m.-noon, $20 per parent-child pair; $5 each additional child. Info, 457-3500.

5 Sunday

ADDISON

Family Play: Moms, dads and children have fun with free court time and use of equipment. Open to all experience levels. Middlebury Indoor Tennis, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 388-3733.

FREE

CHITTENDEN

Art Play Day: Little ones and caregivers drop in and get messy with multiple materials to spark imagination. Ages 18 months to 5 years with caregiver. Radiate Art Space, Richmond, 10-11:30 a.m., $5 per child; $8 max per family; $40 for a 10-visit punch card. Info, 324-9938.

Earl’s Bike Swap: See May 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Essex Open Gym: Energy-filled kids flip, jump and tumble in a state-of-the-art facility. Ages 6 and under, 1 p.m.; ages 7-12, 2:30 p.m.; ages 13 and up, 4 p.m. Regal Gymnastics Academy, Essex, 1-5:30 p.m., $8-14 per child. Info, 655-3300.

Family Gym: See May 3.

Family-Focused Grocery Store Tour: A registered dietitian teaches families tips and tricks about shopping for and preparing delicious healthy meals. Grades K-5 with adult. Williston Hannaford, 4 p.m., preregister. Info, 847-4029.

FREE

Skirack Bike Swap: See May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

WASHINGTON

All Species Day: Neighbors dress up as their favorite species and parade from Hubbard Park to the State House lawn for a Birth of Spring Pageant with large-scale puppetry, maypole dancing and warm-weather revelry. Hubbard Park, Montpelier, noon-3:30 p.m. Info, 223-1242. FREE

Montpelier Mayfest: See May 3.

6 Monday

CHITTENDEN

Crafts for Kids: Clever kiddos get creative with artsy projects. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Gamers Group: Youngsters pursue pastimes including Dungeons & Dragons and board games. Grades 5-8. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-5:30 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Read with Pugsley: Petite ones practice literacy skills with the library’s pooch. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Stories with Megan: Little listeners learn and laugh. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Teen Space: Adolescents enjoy games, music, snacks and special events. Ages 12-17. Milton Public Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Williston Preschool Music: See May 2, 11 a.m.

FRANKLIN

Fairfax Maker Mondays: After-school kids drop in and ignite their imaginations with the library’s materials and tools. Ages 10 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 849-2420. FREE

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: Mini-musicians ages 2 and under sing songs and engage in early literacy activities. Rutland Free Library, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 773-1860. FREE

Live Performances

‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING

BEE’: Six awkward middle-school spellers try to keep their cool and win the trophy while three well-intentioned adults run the show, in this musical that keeps the audience laughing. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, THURSDAY, MAY 2, 8-10 P.M., FRIDAY, MAY 3, 8-10 P.M., SATURDAY, MAY 4, 8-10 P.M. AND SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2-4 P.M., $15-23. Info, 989-9089.

VERMONT VAUDEVILLE: THE CREAM OF THE CROP: Old-school entertainment combines with cutting-edge music, acrobatic stunts and comedy for a one-of-a-kind theater experience. Food truck Root Juice serves up sandwiches and juice before the show. Hardwick Town House, THURSDAY, MAY 2, 7:30 P.M., FRIDAY, MAY 3, 7:30 P.M. AND SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2 & 7:30 P.M. $8-18; advance tickets recommended. Info, 472-1387.

‘THE FAIRY CIRCUS’: Starring over 20 handcrafted marionettes, this performance pleases the audience with turn-of-thecentury-style trick puppetry — followed by a workshop to fashion your own magical crown. The Grange Theatre, South Pomfret, SATURDAY, MAY 4, 10 A.M., $5-10; free for children under 5; $5 workshop fee. Info, 457-3500.

HOPSTOP FAMILY SHOW: ‘GET UP AND DANCE!’: Headed up by former Mark Morris dancer John Heginbotham, the Dartmouth Dance Ensemble gets the audience moving and grooving with a fun and funky performance. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., SATURDAY, MAY 4, 11 A.M. Info, 603-646-2422.

FREE

CINCO DE MAYO WITH TISH HINOJOSA: This renowned singer/songwriter entertains the audience with music and bilingual lyrics. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3-5 P.M., $10-15; proceeds benefit the Hazen Students Without Borders Spanish Travel-Study program to Mexico City. Info, 533-2000.

LEDDY ARENA SKATING SHOW: With a theme of ‘Come Rain or Come Shine,’ skaters from the Burlington Parks lesson program and Champlain Valley Skating Club dazzle the audience with slick moves. Leddy Park Arena, Burlington, SUNDAY, MAY 5, 2-4:30 P.M., admission by donation; also bring a nonperishable item for the food shelf. Info, 864-0123.

‘ME ... JANE: THE DREAMS & ADVENTURES OF YOUNG JANE GOODALL’: This inspirational musical mesmerizes the audience with the story of renowned humanitarian, conservationist and animal activist Dr. Jane Goodall as a little girl who — teamed up with her toy chimpanzee named Jubilee — adventured in her backyard and discovered the importance of protecting all living species. American Sign Language interpreted. Spaulding Auditorium, Hanover, N.H., SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3 P.M., $13-23. Info, 603-646-2422.

MISTER CHRIS & FRIENDS: Singer-songwriter and educator Chris Dorman and his band enchant the audience of all ages with their Higher Ground debut, featuring new and familiar songs celebrating the simple beauty of childhood, parenthood and community. Doors open at 11 a.m. Music begins at noon. Higher Ground, South Burlington, SUNDAY, MAY 5, 11 A.M., $12-15; free for children under age 1. Info, 652-0777.

VERMONT YOUTH ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT: The VYO enchants the audience with the travel-inspired musical sketches in Antonín Dvorák’s evocative New World Symphony, and features violinist Sabrina Chiang as soloist in final movement from Max Bruch’s famous G Minor violin concerto. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, SUNDAY, MAY 5, 3 P.M., $12-17. Info, 863-5966.

HERO PRINCE OF IRELAND: Singing and dancing entertain the whole family in this Irish folktale-based performance by the Vermont Youth Theater featuring Red Sean who combats a giant, a horrible sea monster, a warrior princess and more. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 7:30 P.M. AND SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2 & 7:30 P.M., $15. Info, 454-1286.

‘NEWSIES THE MUSICAL’: This Tuttle Middle School production features a talented cast and professional pit musicians, and stars 13-year old Ronnie Farrell as Jack Kelly, the charismatic newsboy who leads his band of teenage ‘newsies’ in a strike. South Burlington High School, FRIDAY, MAY 10, 7 P.M. AND SATURDAY, MAY 11, 2 & 7 P.M., $6-10. Info, 652-7100.

FAMILY RAVE WITH DJ CRAIG MITCHELL: As part of the Flynn’s new, free family musical program, this Winooski DJ transforms the lobby into a lively, beats-filled, disco space for a family dance jam. All ages. Flynn Center Lobby, Burlington, SATURDAY, MAY 11, 10-11 A.M., preregister. Info, 652-4537. FREE

7 Tuesday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Lego Club: Fledgling architects assemble creations collaboratively with colorful blocks. Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 3-5 p.m. Info, 472-5948. FREE

‘STUART LITTLE’: This merry musical, based on E. B. White’s beloved book, enchants the audience with child-sized puppets and live actors in a heart-warming story of family and friendship. Grades K-5. Barre Opera House, MONDAY, MAY 13, 10 A.M., $8. Info, 476-8188.

DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE! KING

FOR A DAY: Based on the PBS Kids VT series, Daniel and all of his friends invite families for a brand-new adventure in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe where Daniel learns what it takes to be King. Ages 3 and up. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, THURSDAY, MAY 16, 6 P.M. $15-75; preregister. Info, 863-5966.

FAMILY, FUN, FIVE ‘B’S’: Spruce Peak Chamber Music Society invites families of all ages to an evening of masterworks by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Bartok and Bridge, in a fun and interactive setting, followed by a meet-and-greet with the artists. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, SATURDAY, MAY 18, 7 P.M., $10. Info, 760-4634.

‘FRACTURED’: New England Center for Circus Arts astounds the audience with acrobatics and aerial theater, expressing the human spirit in motion. Ages 5 and up. Highland Center for the Arts, Greensboro, THURSDAY, MAY 23, 7 P.M., $8-25. Info, 533-2000.

‘BEOWULF: WARRIOR’: Based on the epic Anglo Saxon tale of the hero who arrives by sea to save the Danes from the monster Grendel, the Vermont Youth Theater Teen Company entertains the audience with a lively song-and-dance adaptation. Ages 6 and up. Plainfield Town Hall Opera House, SATURDAY, MAY 25, 7:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY, MAY 26, 2 & 7:30 P.M., $15. Info, 454-1286.

‘ALICE IN WONDERLAND’: Moving Light Dance dazzles the audience with this magical tale of the white rabbit and an adventurous girl. Barre Opera House, FRIDAY, MAY 31, 10 A.M., $7. Info, 476-8188.

Vermont Youth Orchestra Spring Concert

Paint by Pages: Little listeners soak up the story The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein, then make their own artistic masterpiece. Ages 5 and up. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 3-4 p.m. Info, 748-8291. FREE

CHITTENDEN

After-School Snacks and Stories: While kids relax and refuel after school, volunteer Greg Leroy reads picture books. Children under age 10 must be accompanied by a caregiver. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 2:15 p.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE

Art Play Day: See May 5, 8:45-10 a.m.

ASL Signing Story Time: Ms. Cathy teaches babies, toddlers and preschoolers simple communication, followed by free play and snacks. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 9:30-10 a.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE

Creative Tuesdays: Young artists involve their imaginations with interesting materials. Kids under 6 must be accompanied by an adult. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:15-4:45 p.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Dorothy’s List Book Club: Middle readers make merry conversation around The Benefits of Being an Octopus by Ann Braden. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Lego Club: Amateur architects snap together buildings of their own design. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2-3 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Magazine Bead Bracelets: Crafters create jewelry with colorful paper. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:45-3:45 p.m. Info, 878-6956.

Middle School Student Visiting Day: Students currently in grades 5-7 interested in an alternative education spend a day attending classes at the Turtle Lane Campus. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., preregister by May 6 at noon. Info, 985-2827. FREE

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

Tinker Tuesdays: Inquisitive kiddos investigate what makes technology tick by taking apart objects and designing new creations. Use the library’s materials or bring in computers, keyboards or other old electronics. Winooski Memorial Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE

FRANKLIN

Adoption Support Group: Families facing adoption issues and challenges join forces in a respectful setting. All welcome. Franklin County Seniors Center, St. Albans, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 524-1700. FREE

Family-Focused Grocery Store Tour: A registered dietitian teaches families tips and tricks about shopping for and preparing delicious healthy meals. Grades K-5 with adult. Hannaford Supermarkets, St. Albans, 6 p.m., preregister. Info, 847-4029. FREE

RUTLAND

Harry Potter Club: Witches, wizards and muggles celebrate all-things-Hogwarts with di erent activities each week. Grades 1-6. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15-4 p.m. Info, 422-9765. FREE

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

8 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Family-Focused Grocery Store Tour: A registered dietitian teaches families tips and tricks about shopping for and preparing delicious healthy meals. Grades K-5 with adult. Hannaford Supermarkets, Burlington, 6 p.m., preregister. Info, 847-4029. FREE

Kids’ Chess Club: See May 1.

Live-Action Role Play: LARPers create characters and plots in an amazing and imaginary adventure. For ages 11 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-5 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Open Studio: See May 1.

Read to Willy Wonka the Therapy Dog: A certified reading pooch listens patiently to emerging readers. Ages 3-8. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4:15 p.m., preregister. Info, 264-5660. FREE

Read With Daisy the Therapy Dog: See May 1.

Yoga for Kids: See May 1.

Yoga for Youth: Perfect for middle school and high school students on early dismissal days, this program encourages youngsters to stretch and relax. Mats provided. Ages 8-18. O’Brien Community Center, Winooski, 1-2 p.m. Info, 655-6424. FREE

Young Writers & Storytellers: Small ones spin their own yarns. Ages 5-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4-5 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE

FRANKLIN

Fairfax Lego Club: Amateur architects construct creatively with colorful blocks. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

RUTLAND

Lego Club: See May 1.

WASHINGTON

Dungeons & Dragons: See May 1.

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

9 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Knitting for Kids: See May 2.

CHITTENDEN

4-H Roblox Program: Coding with Lua: See May 2.

Burlington Babytime: Infants through pre-walkers have a ball with books, rhymes, songs and socializing. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:15 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Colchester Lego Club: See May 2. Essex Lego Club: See May 2.

Fairy Stories: Storyteller Linda Costello entertains little listeners with tales and legends about wee folk. Ages 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Family-Focused Grocery Store Tour: A registered dietitian teaches families tips and tricks about shopping for and preparing delicious healthy meals. Grades K-5 with adult. Essex Hannaford Supermarkets, Essex Junction, 6 p.m., preregister. Info, 847-4029. FREE

Moms Night Out: Mamas enjoy free bowling and shoe rental — and get a free gift, too. Spare Time Entertainment, Colchester, 6-10 p.m. Info, 655-2720. FREE

Science & Nature

FRIDAY MORNING SPRING BIRD WALK: Led by expert birders and naturalists, eagle-eyed avian aficionados search for spring migrants like warblers, vireos, thrushes and waterfowl in rotating birding hotspots around Montpelier. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, FRIDAYS, 7-8:30 A.M., $10; free for members; RSVP requested. Info, 229-6206.

POLLINATORS: NATURE’S SMALL AND POWERFUL SUPERHEROES: Families get buzzing with bee facts, planting flowers, exploring the garden and tasting a bit of the bees’ sweet stuff. Ages 3-6. The Nature Museum at Grafton, FRIDAY, MAY 3, 10-11:30 A.M., $5-8 per child; no charge for caregivers; preregistration encouraged. Info, 843-2111.

GEOMETRIC BUBBLE PLAYDAY: Families immerse themselves in the shiny world of soap creations and soak up some science and math savvy. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, SATURDAY, MAY 4, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. AND SUNDAY, MAY 5, 10 A.M.-5 P.M., regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

GREEN UP DAY: Community members spiff up the state for summer. Various locations statewide, SATURDAY, MAY 4. Info, 229-4586.

FREE

GREEN UP WITH BRANCH OUT BURLINGTON: Rain or shine, families plant trees while enjoying live music and dance by On the Border Morris, refreshments, and door prizes. UVM Horticultural Nursery, South Burlington, SATURDAY, MAY 4, 9 A.M. Info, 656-5440. FREE

STREAM STEWARDSHIP VOLUNTEER DAY:

Guided by Kristen Balschunat of the Winooski Natural Resources Conservation District, the Williston Master Naturalist class and the community get dirty tending recently planted trees. Ages 10 and up. No experience needed. Muddy Brook Nature Reserve, Williston, SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2:30-4:30 P.M., preregister. Info, 412-335-2211. FREE

DAIRY DAY AT THE FARM: Farm enthusiasts meet spring calves and their mamas, ride on a wagon through the pastures, and check out the afternoon milking. Shelburne Farms, SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1-4 P.M., $5 per carload; free for walkers. Info, 985-8686.

BOOKS & BEYOND: SCIENCE FOR PRESCHOOLERS:

Children’s literature and hands-on activities combine for fun science learning and exploration.

Ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:15 & 11:30 A.M., regular museum admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

WORLD MIGRATORY BIRD DAY: A 7 a.m. morning bird walk for ages 10 and up starts off this internationally celebrated day and its theme of ‘Protect Birds: Be The Solution to Plastic Pollution.’ Live feathered creatures meet and greet avian aficionados of all ages from 10 a.m. to noon. Shelburne Farms, SATURDAY, MAY 11, 7 A.M.-NOON, regular museum admission, $5-8; free for members and children under 3. Info, 985-8686.

DRAFT ANIMAL DAY: Teams of oxen, working steers and draft horses wow visitors with large animal power in the Billings Farm fields. 4-H students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by putting their animals through obstacle courses and showcasing their teams in the Working Steer & Oxen Parade. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, SUNDAY, MAY 12, 10 A.M.-5 P.M., regular museum admission, $4-16; free for children under 3; mothers receive free admission for Mother’s Day. Info, 457-2355.

MARSHFIELD MOTHER’S DAY WILDFLOWER

WALK: The library pairs up with the Stranahan Forest Stewardship Committee for an afternoon’s amble in search of spring ephemerals. Meet at the Stranahan Forest parking lot at the beginning of Thompson Road. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1-4 P.M. Info, 426-3581. FREE

NESTLINGS FIND NATURE: What is pollination? Junior naturalists explore the world of these tiny working creatures through observation, crafts and hands-on activities.

Ages 4-8. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:30-11:30 A.M., regular museum admission, $3.50-7; free for children under 3. Info, 434-2167.

Monthly Home School Program: Home learners soak up nature-related studies in an outdoor classroom. Parent participation optional. Ages 9-12. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $20-25 per child, preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Preschool Yoga: See May 2. Read to a Cat: Feline fanciers sign up for literacy sessions with a furry friend. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m., preregister for a reading slot. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Steve’s STEM Club: See May 2.

Ukulele Joe: See May 2.

Williston Preschool Music: See May 2. Writing Club: See May 2.

FRANKLIN

Fairfax Read to a Dog: Book lovers choose stories to share with a furry friend. Ages 5-10. Fairfax Community Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m., preregister for a 15-minute time slot. Info, 849-2420. FREE

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See May 2.

Mother’s Day Card Making & Chocolate

Giveaway: Kids drop in and create a craft for their special someone, with a sweet treat to tuck in, too. All ages. Sheldon Public Library, 3-7 p.m. Info, 933-2524. FREE

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

10 Friday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Farmers Market: Local produce, plants, artisan cheese, syrup and more fill shoppers’ market baskets. Diverse dinner fare available. Atkins Field, Hardwick, 3-6 p.m. Info, 832-498-4734.

CHITTENDEN

SPRING BIRD WALK: Local experts lead spring songbird admirers on an insightful stroll. Meet at the Stranahan Forest parking lot at the beginning of Thompson Road. Rain date Sunday, May 19. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, SATURDAY, MAY 18, 7:30-10 A.M. Info, 426-3581. FREE

WATER CRITTER WONDERS: Nature lovers pull on their mud boots to explore a pond and examine the amazing adaptations of its inhabitants. Recommended for ages 5 and up with an adult. Shelburne Farms, SATURDAY, MAY 18, 9:30-11:30 A.M. & 12:30-2:30 P.M., $6/3-7/4 adult/child pair; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

BIRD MONITORING WALK: Eagle-eyed participants bring binoculars to search the museum’s property for fluttering feathers, followed by coffee. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, LAST SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 7:30 A.M., donations welcome; preregistration encouraged. Info, 434-2167.

SHEEP SHEARING & HERDING: Young farmhands watch as Southdown ewes get haircuts, and border collies herd sheep in the fields. Fiber and hands-on carding demos and tours of the operating dairy farm round out the day. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, SATURDAY, MAY 25, 10 A.M.-5 P.M. AND SUNDAY, MAY 26, 10 A.M.-5 P.M., regular museum admission, $4-16; free for children under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Dungeons & Dragons: Players embark on invented adventures, equipped with their problem-solving skills. Game starts at 6:30 p.m.; come early for assistance with character design. Grades 6 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956.

FREE

Family Gym: See May 3.

Game Day: See May 3.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See May 3.

Mother’s Day Craft: Youngsters make a masterpiece for their special someone. Ages 4-10 with adult caregiver. South Burlington Public Library, 1-3 p.m. Info, 846-4140. FREE Music with Raph: Melody lovers of all ages play and sing. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

STEAM Fridays: See May 3.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See May 3.

11 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies, eggs and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes. Middlebury VFW, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

BENNINGTON

Mother’s Day Crafting: The bookstore hosts a morning for youngsters to make beautiful mason jar bouquets for mama’s special day. Ages 4-15. Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, 10:30 a.m. Info, 800-437-3700. FREE

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Farmers Market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, beef and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of “shop local” options. St. Johnsbury Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 592-3088.

Green Up Day Vermont

CHITTENDEN

Dog & Puppy Yoga: This animal rescue organization pairs furry friends with stretching and socializing in a peaceful and playful setting. No experience needed. A Canine Gem, Winooski, 11 a.m.-noon, $25, preregister. Info, 989-1675.

Kids Day: A parade beginning at the corner of Church and College Streets at 9:30 a.m. kicks o the festivities, then families enjoy a day at the waterfront with a theme of ‘Love Our Pollinators,’ celebrated through helmet decorating, live entertainment, life-size games, a softball derby, a petting zoo, touch-a-truck, inflatables, a food court and much more. Burlington School Food Project provides a free lunch to all kids under 18. Waterfront Park, Burlington, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Info, 864-0123. FREE

Mother’s Day Craft: See May 10, 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.

Webby’s Art Studio: Spring Has Sprung: Nimble fingers fold a paper dahlia flower to celebrate the season. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular museum admission, $8-25; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

FRANKLIN

Sheldon Community Forest Walk: Get outdoors! The Sheldon library hosts a nature walk guided by Kurt Valenta of Exordium & Hands on Productions. Meet at the Sheldon Elementary School. All ages, but children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Sheldon Elementary School, 10-11 a.m. Info, 933-2524. FREE

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: Local vendors peddle farm-fresh produce and fruits, handcrafted breads, artisan cheese, and more at this large outdoor emporium. Depot Park, Rutland, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 342-4727.

WASHINGTON

Capital City Farmers Market: See May 4. Green Mountain Youth Symphony Auditions: Talented youngsters of all experience levels try out for placement in the GMYS’s three orchestras for the fall season and August camp. Ages 6-18. Center for Arts and Learning, Montpelier, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $25, preregister for a specific time; financial assistance available. Info, 888-4470.

Kids Trade & Play: Families exchange clean and gently used clothing and toys, sizes newborn to 12. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 9:30-11:30 a.m., $3 per family. Info, 831-337-8632.

Mayfest at Orchard Valley: Maypole dancing, crafts, games and puppet shows make for a springy jubilee. Preregister for a free school tour. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 456-7400. FREE

12 Sunday

Happy Mother’s Day!

ADDISON

Family Play: See May 5.

CALEDONIA

Mother’s Day Tea: Mum basks in her special day with an elegant menu and complimentary flowers. Perennial Pleasures Nursery, East Hardwick, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., reservations required. Info, 472-5104.

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See May 5.

Family Gym: See May 3.

Moms Bowl Free: In honor of their special day, mothers get two free games when they mention Kids VT. Spare Time Entertainment, Colchester, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Info, 655-2720.

Old North End Neighborhood Band Teen

Music Jam: Hosted by the One Band, musician Brian Perkins leads a music jam/rehearsal open to teenagers of all experience levels, combining strings, woodwinds, brass and vocals in a mix from past and present immigrant groups. Ages 12-20. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 12:151:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 881-8500. FREE

Springtime at Shelburne Museum: Families celebrate Mother’s Day with a stroll around the Museum’s grounds, spring art activities, music and more. Children’s literary classic Cli ord the Big Red Dog welcomes visitors and steps into photo shoots. Shelburne Museum, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., regular museum admission, $8-25; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

Winooski Farmers Market: Local produce, farm goods, artisan crafts, kids’ activities and tunes come together on the banks of the Winooski River. Champlain Mill, Winooski, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

13

Monday

CHITTENDEN

Read with Pugsley: See May 6. Stories with Megan: See May 6.

Teen Space: See May 6.

Ukulele Jam: Beyond the Basics: Williston Central School music teacher Karla Kennedy starts strumming fun for players with some experience. Ukuleles provided, or bring your own. Ages 8 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Info, 878-4918.

FREE

Williston Preschool Music: See May 2, 11 a.m.

FRANKLIN

Cupcakes & Pajamas Storytime: Small ones in sleepywear snuggle in for stories and sweet treats. Ages 7 and under. Sheldon Public Library, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Info, 933-2524. FREE

Fairfax Maker Mondays: See May 6.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See May 6.

14 Tuesday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Lego Club: See May 7.

CHITTENDEN

After-School Snacks and Stories: See May 7.

Art Play Day: See May 5, 8:45-10 a.m.

Creative Tuesdays: See May 7.

Library Elementary Event Planners: Junior helpers celebrate the school year’s end. Grades 6-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:45-3:45 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Spanish Musical Kids: See May 7.

Strategy Board Games: Game lovers partake in complicated tabletop pastimes. Ages 13 and up. Milton Public Library, 5-7:45 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Tinker Tuesdays: See May 7.

LAMOILLE

Free Family Art Workshops: Imaginative youngsters drop in for all or part of the morning and make masterpieces with many materials. Co ee, drinks and snacks provided. River Arts, Morrisville, 9-11 a.m. Info, 472-6857. FREE

RUTLAND

Harry Potter Club: See May 7.

WASHINGTON

Cosmic Sun Catchers: Artsy kiddos create colorful crafts. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

15 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Kids’ Chess Club: See May 1.

Minecraft Club: See May 1.

Open Studio: See May 1.

Read With Daisy the Therapy Dog: See May 1.

Tiny Ones: This caregiver-child morning takes wee ones and their grownups on a woods adventure, with creative play and sensory challenges. Ages 18 months to 4 years. Ascension Lutheran Church, South Burlington, 9:30-11:30 a.m., $18 per child, preregister. Info, 489-0410.

Yoga for Kids: See May 1.

Zine Club: Imaginative youngsters experiment with di erent writing styles and art techniques to create personal publications in this last session of the school year. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

FRANKLIN

Homeschooling Q&A: Prospective and current homeschooling families join a representative from the Vermont Agency of Education for an informational gathering about the home study program. Children welcome. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

RUTLAND

Lego Club: See May 1.

Rutland Farmers Market: See May 11, 3-6 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Dungeons & Dragons: See May 1.

WINDSOR

Homeschool Red Clover Book Award Club: See May 1.

Toddler Time: See May 1.

16 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Free Family Art Workshops: See May 2.

Knitting for Kids: See May 2.

CHITTENDEN

4-H Roblox Program: Coding with Lua: See May 2.

Burlington Babytime: See May 9.

Colchester Lego Club: See May 2.

Essex Lego Club: See May 2.

Preschool Yoga: See May 2.

Steve’s STEM Club: See May 2.

Ukulele Joe: See May 2.

Williston Preschool Music: See May 2.

Writing Club: See May 2.

FRANKLIN

Family STEAM Night: Moms, dads and kids team up for activities around science, technology, engineering, art and/or math, with a theme this month of black bears with special guest Mr. K from Exordium. Fairfax Community Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See May 2.

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

17 Friday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Farmers Market: See May 10.

CHITTENDEN

Baby Time: Families with wee ones socialize, read board books, learn some sign language and play. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30-10 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Family Gym: See May 3.

Family Movie: Viewers enjoy a family-friendly flick while feasting on free popcorn. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:15 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Family Paint Night: Moms, dads and kids take pleasure in painting together. Davis Studio, South Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m., $25 per person, preregister. Info, 425-2700.

Game Day: See May 3.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See May 3.

Preschool Yoga with Danielle: Simple movement, stories and songs satisfy children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

FRANKLIN

Yoga Story Time Yoga with Ms. Liza: See May 3.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See May 3.

WASHINGTON

Montpelier Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up: Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local, state and national level, and how to create a more just and naturefriendly world. Dinner and nature-themed kids’ programming included. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7:30 p.m., RSVP requested. Info, 229-0041. FREE

18 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See May 11.

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

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Farmers Market: See May 11.

St. Johnsbury Lapsit Storytime: See May 4.

CHITTENDEN

African Story Time: Eager youngsters hear traditional stories, try on children’s clothes from West Africa, play authentic instruments, and learn some games from Nigeria and Ghana. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:30 a.m.

New Parents

BURLINGTON EARLY MONTHS INFANT MASSAGE: This mother-infant group includes baby massage and postpartum new mama support. The Janet S. Munt Family Room, Burlington, WEDNESDAYS, 11 A.M.-NOON. Info, 862-2121. FREE

EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, SUNDAYS, 10 A.M., MONDAYS, 5:45 P.M., TUESDAYS, 4:15 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, 5:45 P.M., THURSDAYS, 12:30 P.M., FRIDAYS, 8:15 A.M. AND SATURDAYS, 11:30 A.M., $17 per class; $120-140 for 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA ESSEX: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina and a stronger connection to their baby.

Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga, Essex Junction, SUNDAYS, 5:30 P.M., MONDAYS, 10:30

A.M., TUESDAYS, 6:15 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, 12:30

P.M., THURSDAYS, 4:15 P.M. AND SATURDAYS, 8:15

A.M., $17 per class; $120-140 for 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

ESSEX LA LECHE LEAGUE: Moms bring their bitty ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Siblings welcome. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 6:30-8 P.M. Info, 899-5490. FREE

EVOLUTION POSTNATAL YOGA: New mamas tote their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a relaxed and nurturing environment. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, SUNDAYS, 12:15 P.M., TUESDAYS, 10 A.M., THURSDAYS, 10:45 A.M. AND FRIDAYS, NOON-1 P.M., $17; $120-140 for a 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

HYDE PARK BABY CHAT: Parents with babies mingle, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Lanpher Memorial Library, Hyde Park, FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229.

PRE/POSTPARTUM CIRCLE: Mamas, papas, primary caregivers of wee ones and mamas-to-be drop in, recharge their energy, practice gentle stretching exercises and self-care, while savoring socializing, tea and snacks. Bring newborns through crawling babies. The Children’s Room, Waterbury, THURSDAYS, 11 A.M.-12:30 P.M. Info, 244-5605. FREE

BOSOM BUDDIES: New and expectant mothers, babies and supportive grandmas rally in a relaxed evening, when peers and professionals answer mothering and breastfeeding questions. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, FIRST MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 5:30-7 P.M. Info, 371-4415. FREE

BOSOM BUDDIES TOO: Nursing mamas of toddlers and mobile wee ones socialize and swap supportive stories and advice with peers and professionals. Babies welcome. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 5:30-7 P.M. Info, 371-4415. FREE

MOM AND BABY YOGA: Brand-new mamas and their littles relax, stretch and bond. Followed by a free mothers’ gathering at 11:30 a.m. Embodied, Montpelier, TUESDAYS, 10:30-11:30 A.M., $11. Info, 223-5302.

PRENATAL YOGA: Moms-to-be stretch and bend. Embodied, Montpelier, TUESDAYS, 6-7:15 P.M., $16 per drop-in class. Info, 778-0300.

MAMA’S CIRCLE BARRE: This supportive gathering brings moms of new babies and toddlers together to foster friendship through unique-but-shared experiences.

Imagine Yoga, Barre, SECOND FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953.

FREE

MORRISVILLE BABY CHAT: Parents with babies socialize, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Lamoille Family Center, Morrisville, SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229.

BURLINGTON LA LECHE LEAGUE: New moms bring their babies and questions to a breastfeeding support group. Older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:15 A.M. Info, 985-8228. FREE

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF THE NORTHEAST KINGDOM: Expectant, novice and experienced moms join nursing experts for advice and support. Enter through the children’s section of the library. Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:30 A.M. Info, 720-272-8841. FREE

BREASTFEEDING FAMILIES GROUP: Nursing moms (and supportive dads, too!) gather for snacks and advice. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, THIRD WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 11 A.M.-1 P.M. Info, 888-5229. FREE

ELIMINATION COMMUNICATION: Novice parents pursue advice about this practice where a caregiver uses timing, signals, cues and intuition to address a baby’s need to eliminate waste without using a diaper. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 1-2 P.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE

Info, 878-6956. FREE

Burlington Farmers Market: In a new location this year, growers and artisans o er fresh and ready-to-eat foods, crafts and more in a bustling marketplace. Pine Street, Burlington, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 310-5172.

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

Dad Guild: This new group gets fathers of young children reading together, having fun with creative play and forming new friendships. All are welcome. Ages 5 and under. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE

Dog Park Grand Opening: Located in Bombardier Park West, this 3-acre, fully enclosed canine-friendly space swings open its gates for the community. Bombardier Park, Milton, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 893-4922. FREE

LA LECHE LEAGUE OF CENTRAL VERMONT: Breastfeeding mamas swap stories and support each other, with a professional available for consultation. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953.

FREE

NURSING BEYOND A YEAR: In a supportive setting, mothers discuss the joys and challenges of breastfeeding children approaching one year old and beyond. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, THIRD FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953.

FREE

BREASTFEEDING CAFÉ: Mamas nurse their babies, chat and ask for answers from a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, supportive dads and older siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 11 A.M.-1 P.M. Info, 236-4136. FREE

MOMMY GROUP: Breastfeeding peer counselor Angela Scavo hosts mamas and answers questions in a relaxed setting. Junebug Mother and Child, Middlebury, FOURTH WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:3010:30 A.M. Info, 349-9084. FREE

TINY TWILIGHT CAFE: Caregivers and children ages 3 and under connect with each other in a safe and welcoming environment. Light dinner provided; older siblings welcome. Downstreet Community Room, Barre, FOURTH SUNDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 4:30-6:30 P.M., RSVP appreciated. Info, 595-7953. FREE

HOW TO BREASTFEED PRENATAL CLASS: Expectant mamas and their partners learn the basics of breastfeeding, how to get off to the best start with their baby and where to find assistance when needed.

Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 4:30-6 P.M., preregister. Info, 371-4415. FREE

JOHNSON BABY CHAT: Parents with babies mingle, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson, FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229. FREE

Hinesburg Saturday Storytime: Small ones and caregivers start the weekend o with stories, songs and games, followed by free play and snacks. Ages 5 and under. CarpenterCarse Library, Hinesburg, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE

Oakledge For All: Grand Opening Celebration: Come play! The community celebrates the first installment of Oakledge for All — the region’s first universally accessible playground — with an unveiling of new equipment and live music by Mister Chris and Friends. Tasty treats and exploring add more merriment. Oakledge Park, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 922-2151. FREE

Read to a Dog: Little library patrons delight in books and a furry friend. All ages; under 5 with adult caregiver. South Burlington Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 846-4140. FREE

Read to Cleo The Therapy Dog: See May 4.

Thinking About Homeschooling Q & A: Community members who are home learners discuss their experiences in an interactive workshop. Activities provided for children of all ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: Flower Power: Crafters create a one-of-a-kind tote bag using an unusual printing technique. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular museum admission, $8-25; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

FRANKLIN

All Ages Story Time: Big kids missing story time? Kids of all ages soak up stories, songs and crafts. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

ThinkSafe for Kids: Dave Quinlan, of Martial Way Self Defense Center, leads a fun and informative program for kids about self-defense and safety in a non-frightening manner. Ages 4-6 at 1 p.m.; ages 7-9 at 2 p.m. St. Albans Free Library, 1 p.m., preregister. Info, 524-1507. FREE

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See May 11.

WASHINGTON

Capital City Farmers Market: See May 4.

Green Mountain Youth Symphony Auditions: See May 11.

Waitsfield Farmers Market: Saturday shoppers search out handmade crafts and local produce, meat and maple products, while enjoying lunch fare and live music in this grassy outdoor venue. Mad River Green, Waitsfield, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

One to Watch

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

Visit

19 Sunday

ADDISON

Family Play: See May 5.

Story Times

Middlebury Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up: Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local level and how to transition to a safer and healthier world. Vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 8 and under provided. Middlebury Recreation Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 382-0829. FREE

CHITTENDEN

Art Play Day: See May 5.

Essex Open Gym: See May 5. Family Gym: See May 3.

Old North End Neighborhood Band Teen Music Jam: See May 12.

HYDE PARK STORY TIME: See Monday, 10 a.m.

JERICHO STORY HOUR: Jericho Town Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 899-4686.

Early literacy skills get special attention during these readaloud sessions. Some locations provide additional activities such as music, crafts or foreign-language instruction. Most story times follow the school calendar. Contact the organizers for site-specific details.

MONDAY

BARRE CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR: Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 476-7550.

COLCHESTER PRESCHOOL STORY

TIME: Burnham Memorial Library, 11:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

ESSEX STORYTIME WITH EMILY: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

HUNTINGTON STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Huntington Public Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 434-4583.

HYDE PARK STORY TIME: Lanpher Memorial Library, 6 p.m. Info, 888-4628.

NORTHFIELD CHILDREN’S STORY

TIME: Brown Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 485-4621.

RICHMOND BABY LAP TIME: Richmond Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 434-3036.

ST. ALBANS MOVEMENT &

MUSIC STORY HOUR: St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507.

STOWE STORY TIMES FOR 2-3-

YEAR-OLDS: Stowe Free Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 253-6145.

WATERBURY BABY & TODDLER

STORY TIME: Waterbury Public Library, 10:15 a.m. Info, 244-7036.

WOODSTOCK BABY STORY TIME: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 457-2295.

TUESDAY

ALBURGH STORY HOUR: Alburgh Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 582-9942.

COLCHESTER TODDLER STORY

TIME: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

CRAFTSBURY STORY TIME:

Craftsbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 586-9683.

EAST BARRE STORY TIME: East Barre Branch Library, 10 a.m. Info, 476-5118.

ESSEX JUNCTION STORY TIME: Brownell Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Info, 878-6956.

FAIRFAX PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Fairfax Community Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Info, 849-2420.

HARTLAND EARLY LITERACY

STORYTIME: Hartland Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 828-436-2473.

HINESBURG YOUNGSTER STORY

TIME: Carpenter-Carse Library, 9:30-10 a.m. Info, 482-2878.

LYNDONVILLE STORY TIME: Cobleigh Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 626-5475.

MILTON INFANT STORY TIME: Milton Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

MONTPELIER STORY TIME: Kellogg-Hubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 223-3338.

MORRISVILLE PRESCHOOL STORY

TIME: Morristown Centennial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 888-3853.

SHELDON STORY TIME: Sheldon Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 933-2524.

SOUTH BURLINGTON TODDLER

TIME: South Burlington Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 846-4140.

WATERBURY SONGS AND STORIES: The Children’s Room, 9-9:30 a.m. Info, 244-5605.

WILLISTON STORY TIME: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 878-4918.

WOODSTOCK PRESCHOOL STORY

TIME: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 457-2295.

WEDNESDAY BARNES & NOBLE STORYTIIME: Barnes & Noble, South Burlington, 11 a.m. Info, 864-8001.

ESSEX BABYTIME: Essex Free Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

ESSEX JUNCTION STORY TIME: See Tuesday.

LYNDONVILLE STORY TIME: See Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

MARSHFIELD STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Jaquith Public Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 426-3581.

MILTON TODDLER RHYTHM & MOVEMENT STORY TIME: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

NORWICH WORD PLAY STORY TIME: Norwich Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 649-1184.

QUECHEE STORY TIME: Quechee Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 295-1232.

RANDOLPH PRESCHOOL STORY

TIME: Kimball Public Library, 11 a.m. Info, 728-5073.

RICHMOND MOVERS AND SHAKERS STORYTIME: Richmond Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 434-3036.

SOUTH BURLINGTON BABY TIME: South Burlington Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 846-4140.

SWANTON STORYTIME: Swanton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 868-2493.

WARREN PRESCHOOL STORYTIME: Warren Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 496-3913.

THURSDAY

BRISTOL STORY TIME: Lawrence Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 453-2366.

HINESBURG MOVEMENT AND MUSIC: Carpenter-Carse Library, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Info, 482-2878.

NORTHFIELD CHILDREN’S STORY

TIME: See Monday.

RUTLAND STORY TIME: Rutland Free Library, 10-10:45 a.m. Info, 773-1860.

ST. ALBANS STORY HOUR: St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507.

VERGENNES STORY TIME: Bixby Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 877-2211.

WATERBURY PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Waterbury Public Library, 10:15 a.m. Info, 244-7036.

WESTFORD STORY TIME: Westford Public Library, 11 a.m. Info, 878-5639.

Winooski Farmers Market: See May 12.

LAMOILLE

Stowe Farmers Market: Live music and agricultural and craft vendors make for a bustling atmosphere. Stowe Farmers Market, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Info, 472-8027.

20 Monday

FRIDAY

BRANDON STORY TIME: Brandon Free Public Library, 3 p.m. Info, 247-8230.

COLCHESTER BABY STORY TIME: Burnham Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

CRAFTSBURY STORY TIME: See Tuesday.

ENOSBURG MOMMY & ME STORY

HOUR: Enosburgh Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

ESSEX MUSICAL STORY TIME: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

GEORGIA PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 524-4643.

KILLINGTON STORYTIME: Sherburne Memorial Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 422-9765.

LINCOLN STORY TIME: Lincoln Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 453-2665.

MILTON PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

MONTPELIER STORY TIME: See Tuesday.

RANDOLPH TODDLER STORY TIME: Kimball Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 728-5073.

ST. JOHNSBURY ACORN CLUB STORY TIME: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 748-8291.

STOWE BABY & TODDLER STORY TIME: Stowe Free Library, 10:3011:15 a.m. Info, 253-6145.

SATURDAY

COLCHESTER SATURDAY DROP-IN STORY TIME: Burnham Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

ENOSBURG STORY HOUR: Enosburgh Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

ESSEX WEEKEND STORYTIME: Essex Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

MILTON DROP-IN SATURDAY

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

NEXT CHAPTER BOOKSTORE STORY TIME: Next Chapter Bookstore, Barre, 10:30 a.m. Info, 476-3114.

CHITTENDEN

Crafts for Kids: See May 6.

Gamers Group: See May 6.

Lego Fun: Budding builders bring out the blocks. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Read with Pugsley: See May 6. Stories with Megan: See May 6.

Teen Space: See May 6.

Williston Preschool Music: See May 2, 11 a.m.

FRANKLIN

Fairfax Maker Mondays: See May 6.

RUTLAND

Babies & Toddlers Rock: See May 6.

21 Tuesday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Lego Club: See May 7.

CHITTENDEN

After-School Snacks and Stories: See May 7.

Art Play Day: See May 5, 8:45-10 a.m.

Cartooning and Drawing Club: Kids meet with other kids who are crazy about creating comics. Grades 3 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 2-3 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Creative Tuesdays: See May 7.

Game Time: Youngsters have a blast with word fun. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:30-4 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Public Works Story Time and Food Drive: In honor of National Public Works Week, the local public works department reads to little listeners. Bring a donation for the food pantry to fill their truck from 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-11 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Spanish Musical Kids: See May 7.

Tinker Tuesdays: See May 7.

RUTLAND

Harry Potter Club: See May 7.

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

22 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Kids’ Chess Club: See May 1.

Live-Action Role Play: See May 8.

Open Studio: See May 1.

Read With Daisy the Therapy Dog: See May 1.

Yoga for Kids: See May 1.

FRANKLIN

Crafternoon: Fairy Gardens: Small ones put together little gardens with live plants and natural elements. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

Homeschool Program: Let’s play Factile: Home learners engage in a big screen platform and create Jeopardy-style quiz games. Ages 8 and up. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 524-1507. FREE

RUTLAND

Lego Club: See May 1.

Rutland Farmers Market: See May 11, 3-6 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Acting Inside Out and All About: Little ones let their imaginations lead in play, using drama, movement, rhythm and visual art. Ages 3-5. Grange Hall Cultural Center, Waterbury Center, 10-11:30 a.m., $20 drop-in fee, preregister; free for parents. Info, 244-4168.

Lego Challenge: Small shipwrights build a boat from plastic blocks. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

23 Thursday

CALEDONIA

Knitting for Kids: See May 2.

CHITTENDEN

4-H Roblox Program: Coding with Lua: See May 2.

Colchester Lego Club: See May 2.

Essex Lego Club: See May 2.

Pop-Up Library: Check out the library in a di erent location. A performance by the Mechanical Man, library cards, free books, summer reading info and more entertain visitors in the village park. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 3-7 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

Preschool Yoga: See May 2.

Steve’s STEM Club: See May 2.

Ukulele Joe: See May 2.

Williston Preschool Music: See May 2.

Writing Club: See May 2.

FRANKLIN

Fairfax Read to a Dog: See May 9.

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See May 2.

WASHINGTON

AB2: Books Come to Life: This Active

Body-Active Brain class, led by literacy professional Rachel O’Donald, combines reading, music and movement. Babies through preschoolers. Waterbury Public Library, 10:15 a.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

24 Friday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Farmers Market: See May 10.

CHITTENDEN

Dungeons & Dragons: See May 10.

Family Gym: See May 3.

Game Day: See May 3.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See May 3.

Music with Raph: See May 10.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See May 3.

25 Saturday

ADDISON

Middlebury Farmers Market: See May 11.

CALEDONIA

Caledonia Farmers Market: See May 11.

CHITTENDEN

Burlington Farmers Market: See May 18.

Read to a Dog: See May 18.

Webby’s Art Studio: Preserved Plants: Imaginative crafters create a pressed relief using a simple tooling method. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular museum admission, $8-25; free for members and children under 5. Info, 985-3346.

FRANKLIN

Kid’s Movie Matinee: Small ones settle down for a flick on the big screen. St. Albans Free Library, 12:30 p.m. Info, 524-1507.

RUTLAND

Rutland Farmers Market: See May 11.

ORANGE

Open Fields Medieval Festival: Rain or shine, the town green transforms into a medieval village, as royalty, peasants, craftsmen, shepherds and farmers celebrate with a No Strings Marionette Company performance, music, dance, games, pageantry, eats, and more. Costumes encouraged. Geared toward ages 3-12. Thetford Hill Green, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., $7 per person; free for children under 5; food for sale; some activities require a small additional fee. Info, 785-2077.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Common Farmers Market: Locals load up on garden-fresh produce, Vermont-made crafts, baked goods and more. Craftsbury Common, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Capital City Farmers Market: See May 4.

Waitsfield Farmers Market: See May 18.

25 Saturday (cont.)

NEW YORK

Memorial Day at Fort Ticonderoga: On the grounds where so many American soldiers fought and sacrificed, armed servicemen and servicewomen are honored with a Fife and Drum Corps presentation and a glimpse into the life of soldiers in the year 1777. Fort Ticonderoga, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., $12-24; free for children under 5. Info, 518-585-2821.

26 Sunday

ADDISON

Family Play: See May 5.

CHITTENDEN

Essex Open Gym: See May 5. Essex/Westford Community Bike Fix & Swap: Essex CHIPS hosts an opportunity for families to donate, swap or fix their summer wheels. Bike donations accepted beginning Monday, May 20, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Essex Junction Parks & Recreation. See essexchips.org for detailed workshop schedule. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., RSVP requested. Info, 878-6982. FREE

Playgroups

Family Gym: See May 3.

Old North End Neighborhood Band Teen Music Jam: See May 12.

Winooski Farmers Market: See May 12.

LAMOILLE

Stowe Farmers Market: See May 19.

NEW YORK

Memorial Day at Fort Ticonderoga: See May 25.

27 Monday

Memorial Day

NEW YORK

Memorial Day at Fort Ticonderoga: See May 25.

28 Tuesday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Lego Club: See May 7.

CHITTENDEN

After-School Snacks and Stories: See May 7.

Art Play Day: See May 5, 8:45-10 a.m.

Creative Tuesdays: See May 7.

Spanish Musical Kids: See May 7. Strategy Board Games: See May 14.

Tinker Tuesdays: See May 7.

Tuesday Movie: Viewers relax with a familyfriendly flick. Popcorn and drinks provided. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

LAMOILLE

Free Family Art Workshops: See May 14.

WASHINGTON

Watercolor & Oil Painting: Petite Picassos bring out the brushes and get busy. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

29 Wednesday

CHITTENDEN

Kids’ Chess Club: See May 1. Open Studio: See May 1.

Read to Willy Wonka the Therapy Dog: See May 8.

NORTHFIELD PLAYGROUP: United Church of Northfield, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 262-3293.

WAITSFIELD PLAYGROUP: Big Picture Theater, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 262-3292, ext. 115.

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

MONDAY

AUDUBON NATURE PLAYGROUP:

Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 434-3068.

BURLINGTON CRAWLERS, WADDLERS AND TODDLERS: Janet S. Munt Parent-Child Center, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 862-2121.

CHARLOTTE PLAYGROUP: Charlotte Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 425-2771.

JERICHO PLAYGROUP: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 899-3932.

MORRISVILLE PLAYGROUP: River Arts, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

OPEN GYM: Central VT

Gymnastics Academy, Waterbury, 10 a.m.-noon, $10. Info, 882-8324.

ROBIN’S NEST NATURE PLAYGROUP: North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-noon, donations welcome. Info, 229-6206.

TWINFIELD PLAYGROUP: Twinfield Union School, 8:15-9:45 a.m. Info, 262-3292.

TUESDAY

BRADFORD PLAYGROUP: Grace United Methodist Church, 9-11 a.m. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

BROOKFIELD PLAYGROUP: First Congregational Church of Brookfield, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 685-2264.

BURLINGTON FATHERS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER: Janet S. Munt Parent-Child Center, 4-7 p.m. Info, 862-2121.

EVOLUTION NEW FAMILY PLAYGROUP BURLINGTON: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 11:15 a.m. Info, 899-0339.

WINOOSKI PLAYTIME: O’Brien Community Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 655-1422.

WEDNESDAY

BARRE PLAYGROUP: Aldrich Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 262-3292, ext. 115.

COLCHESTER PLAYGROUP: Colchester Village Meeting House, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 264-5640.

MAMA’S CIRCLE: Good Beginnings, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 595-7953.

PURPLE CRAYON PLAY GROUP: ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, Pomfret, 9:30-11:30 a.m., donations accepted. Info, 457-3500.

RICHMOND PLAYGROUP: Richmond Free Library, 10 a.m.noon. Info, 434-3036.

SOUTH ROYALTON PLAYGROUP: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 685-2264. ST. JOHNSBURY TODDLER TIME: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m. Info, 748-1391.

WATERBURY MUSIC & MOVEMENT: The Children’s Room, 10:3011:30 a.m. Info, 244-5605.

THURSDAY

DADS AND KIDS PLAYGROUP: Family Center of Washington County, 5:30-7 p.m. Info, 262-3292.

JOHNSON PLAYGROUP: United Church of Johnson, 9-10:30 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

MONTPELIER PLAYGROUP: St. Augustine Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 262-3292.

OHAVI ZEDEK SYNAGOGUE

PLAYGROUP: Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Info, 864-0218.

RANDOLPH PLAYGROUP: St. John’s Church, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 685-2264.

UNDERHILL PLAYGROUP: Underhill Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 899-4676.

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

Read With Daisy the Therapy Dog: See May 1.

Yoga for Kids: See May 1.

Young Writers & Storytellers: See May 8.

FRANKLIN

STEM Club Science Fair: Junior scientists who attended the prep day show o their learning from STEM Club with local inventor Ralph Lemnah. Open to parents and the public at 3:30 p.m. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Info, 849-2420. FREE

RUTLAND

Lego Club: See May 1.

Rutland Farmers Market: See May 11, 3-6 p.m.

WASHINGTON

Acting Inside Out and All About: See May 22.

Dungeons & Dragons: See May 1.

Starry Night Stories: Small ones snuggle in for imaginative stories. Sleepywear encouraged. Ages preschool to age 7. Waterbury Public Library, 6 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

30 Thursday

CALEDONIA

WILLISTON PLAYTIME: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Info, 878-4918.

WINOOSKI PLAYTIME: See Tuesday.

FRIDAY

ALBURGH PLAYGROUP: Alburgh Public Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 582-9942.

CAMBRIDGE ELEMENTARY

PLAYGROUP: Cambridge Elementary School, 9-11 a.m. Info, 888-5229.

CENTRAL VERMONT PLAYGROUP: The Children’s Room, Waterbury, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 244-5605.

COLCHESTER PLAYGROUP: See Wednesday.

EVOLUTION NEW FAMILY PLAYGROUP ESSEX: Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga, 11 a.m. Info, 899-0339.

OPEN GYM: See Monday.

RUTLAND PLAYGROUP: Rutland Free Library, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 773-1860.

WATERBURY PLAYGROUP: The Children’s Room, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 244-5605.

WINSOOSKI MOVE, PLAY, CONNECT PLAYGROUP: O’Brien Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 655-6424.

SATURDAY

MONTPELIER SATURDAY

PLAYGROUP: Family Center of Washington County, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 262-3292, ext. 190.

Build A Story: In celebration of spring, little library-goers listen to The Curious Garden by Peter Brown, followed by a special challenge. Ages 5-12. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 3-4 p.m. Info, 748-8291. FREE

Knitting for Kids: See May 2.

CHITTENDEN

Colchester Lego Club: See May 2.

Essex Lego Club: See May 2.

Jericho Farmers Market: Local growers o er heirloom tomatoes, fresh greens, fragrant herbs, wildflowers and more at this familyfriendly market made merry with live music. Mills Riverside Park, Jericho, 3-6:30 p.m.

Preschool Yoga: See May 2.

Steve’s STEM Club: See May 2. Ukulele Joe: See May 2.

Williston Preschool Music: See May 2.

FRANKLIN

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See May 2.

Story Time Celebration: Storytime friends celebrate their literary learning with a special tale, craft, certificate and book. St. Albans Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507. FREE

WINDSOR

Toddler Time: See May 1.

31 Friday

CALEDONIA

Hardwick Farmers Market: See May 10.

CHITTENDEN

Family Gym: See May 3.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See May 3.

ORLEANS

Craftsbury Lego Club: See May 3.

KIDS JUST FOR

Bunny ’ s Mom Maze

It’s bedtime for Bunzo, and Mom has just finished reading his favorite story, The Hoppit by J. Ear Ear Tailpuff, to him — for the 10th time! Can you guide Bunzo through his cloud of dreams to find his precious golden carrot?

ANSWER P. 55

KIDS JUST FOR

Writing Contest

In May, the weather gets warmer and some birds who flew south for winter return to Vermont. Imagine you are a bird. How would you behave? What would you see from the sky? What would it feel like to fly? Write a poem or paragraph that begins, “If I were a bird…”

COLORING CONTEST WINNERS

This month, young artists celebrated spring with blossoming flowers, rainbowcolored Easter eggs and brightgreen grass. Maisie, 4, drew a giant gold sunflower and gave her rabbit a basket of colorful jellybeans. Ten-year-old Jenny’s bunny basked in the sun, keeping cool with a large glass of lemonade and red flip-flops. Lily, 6, placed her furry friend in a carrot patch beneath a purple sky and puffy white clouds. Congratulations to all the creative kids who submitted their work this month. Send us your colorful masterpieces again in May!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

“PETER THE RABBIT IN EGGLAND”

Victoria Bove, 5, Colchester

“NEAR THE MEADOW”

Cicely Duhamel, 8, St. Albans

“EASTER KING”

Chloe Charron, 9, Burlington

“HEART BUNNY”

Helena Neill, 5, Grand Isle

“SPRING IS HERE”

Gwyn Seifert, 8, Marshfield

“HIDDEN HOPPER”

Isabelle Bourn, 4, Milton

“LOVING THE SPOTLIGHT”

Lumia Beeli, 10, South Burlington

“THE COLORFUL BUNNY”

Teagan Bergman, 6, Hyde Park

The winners of annual family memberships to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium are…

We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and work in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop Deadline to enter is May 15.

Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Writing Contest, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

WRITING WINNERS

In our April issue, we asked kids to tell us how kids should help take care of the Earth, in honor of Earth Day. Below, find the winning entries. Louisa and Nate each receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington.

Louisa Duncan, 6

WINOOSKI

Nate Heath, 4 UNDERHILL

“EARTH RABBIT”

Haley Heath, 11, Underhill

“SUPERHERO BUNNY CAT”

Daniel Kipp, 5, Derby

“EASTER IS COMING”

Cameron Rice-Lund, 6, St. Johnsbury

“CARROTS!”

Jakobi Kmiecik, 9, Worcester

TOP TITLES

“RABBIT HIDES EGGS, FLOWERS

FIND THEM”

Harrison Young, 5, Morrisville

“MISS BUNNY: THE GREATEST EGG

JUGGLER IN THE WORLD”

Electra Tremblay, 7, Ferrisburgh

“FARMER RABBIT OF SUNNYBROOK

FARM”

Sophia Van Zyl, 11, Addison

I help the earth by picking up trash because it helps the animals.

To keep the world clean you should pick up all the trash. If you see trash when you wake up, always pick it up. So always keep the world clean! Don’t put plastic bags into the water to protect the animals. Save our planet!

Coloring Contest!

Three winners will each receive an annual family membership to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium. Send Kids VT your work of art by May 15. Be sure to include the info at right with your submission. Winners will be chosen in the following categories: (1) ages 5 and younger, (2) ages 6-8 and (3) ages 9-12. Winners will be named in the June issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Sponsored by

Jumble

BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK

The letters of these crazy words are all mixed up. To play the game, put them back into the right order so that they make real words you can find in your dictionary. Write the letters of each real word under each crazy word, but only one letter to a square.

Birthday Club

You are now ready to solve this month’s Jumble For Kids. Study the picture for a hint. Then play around with the letters in the circles. You’ll find you can put them in order so that they make your funny answer.

Print your answer here:

Puzzles4Kids

Riddle Search — MATH FUN

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 sea creature knows how to add?

ADD

ARITHMETIC CALCULATOR DIVIDE EVEN FIFTY FOUR

HALF HUNDRED LESS MORE

MULTIPLY NINE NUMBER REMAINDER SIXTY SUBTRACT TEN TWO

UNIT WHOLE

BY HELENA HOVANEC

KATERIN lives in Jericho and turns 5 on May 3. She enjoys coloring and drawing, doing ballet, and playing the piano. She loves all things “unicorn” and is an awesome big sister to Kora. She wants to be a doctor, candy maker, author and someone who helps people when she grows up.

Katerin wins four day passes and four 3D movie tickets to ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain in Burlington.

VERA lives in Burlington and turns 4 on May 15. She’s chatty and outgoing and likes to show people her new baby brother. She loves dancing, drawing, and cutting and sprinkling tiny pieces of paper all over the house. She keeps her parents in line by reminding them to take their vitamins, and she helps them find their phones on a daily basis.

SADIE lives in Stowe and turns 7 on May 15. She’s artistic, outgoing and creative. She loves reading and science, and she has a contagious laugh!

To enter, submit information using the online form at kidsvt.com/birthday-club Just give us your contact info, your children’s names and birth dates, and a photo, and they’re automatically enrolled.

Vera, Sadie and Mason each win four ECHO day passes.

Riddle Answer:

MASON lives in East Barre and turns 3 on May 20. He’s a sweet and silly boy who likes to play with Matchbox cars and play hide and seek (which he calls “Come get me!”). He loves giving kisses, hugs, thumbs-up, high-fives and even fist bumps.

ANSWERS P. 55

Milestones

A mother celebrates her young son’s development, while grieving her precious daughter

Since my son, Manny, was born four years ago, I’ve marveled as he’s gracefully sailed through developmental milestones, navigating the world with grace, ease and confidence.

Recently, Manny, my husband, Dave, and I were hanging out in a local coffee shop. After our son gobbled down his giant chocolate chip cookie, he noticed his hands were covered in chocolate. He announced that he was going to the bathroom. He took off to the back of the coffee shop, entered the small, single bathroom, washed and dried his hands, then returned to our table.

Dave and I looked at each other and laughed. “Amazing, just amazing,” my husband said, shaking his head.

Our son is not our only child. Our daughter, Ella, was our precious first, born in February 2003. Because of an injury caused by her difficult birth, she suffered severe brain damage, causing spastic quadriplegia cerebral palsy. Ella’s body was rigid, tight and stiff; voluntary movements of her limbs and head were impossible. Ella was never able to walk, talk or do anything for herself. Her physical disability made her medically fragile. We feared her catching a simple cold, as it could turn into pneumonia within days.

Every day was a struggle for Ella, and I bore witness as she failed to grow and thrive. Each day, I felt like I climbed a mountain just to get over it and on to the next day, only to repeat the same struggles. Feeding, diapering and keeping Ella clean and out of harm’s way were my daily tasks for her entire life.

My husband and I poured our hearts and souls into caring for Ella, while giving her as rich and full a life as possible. She attended school and community gatherings and had many friends. We traveled the world. She swam with dolphins. Dave and I created and built a ski sled that we pulled behind us while we skied so Ella could enjoy the winter, and we designed a safety harness system for our paddleboards so she could experience being on the lake in the summer.

For our own sanity and survival, Dave and I learned to reframe our expectations of our daughter and ourselves. By necessity, we learned patience. When your child fails to reach milestones year after year, there’s a desperate need to recognize and celebrate any forward momentum as time passes

mercilessly by. We cheered and cried over Ella’s first smile at age 2 in a hotel in Montréal. While on vacation in Ocean City, Md., 3-year-old Ella made her first reactive sound. I was cooking and hit a spoon against the side of a pot. The high-pitched noise made Ella moan, a delightful sound accompanied by a slight smirk. The more I did it, the more she moaned. We quickly called our families so they could listen to her.

sister’s sweet smile and the same wild, untamable head of curly blond locks. He is love.

My husband and I channel the unconditional love we learned from Ella to Manny. He inspires us with his lust for life and we indulge his obsessions with dinosaurs, monster trucks and Katy Perry.

This time around, parenting is different: easier because of Manny’s abilities; harder because of his strong will; and painful, at times, as I think back to how hard everything was for Ella and how much we miss her.

When, at age 7, she hit the yes/no switch on her communication system at school for the first time, the whole school — students and teachers — celebrated Ella with high fives. With each passing year I celebrated Ella’s birthday with as much vigor as I could muster, planning elaborate parties knowing full well that it would be another year of missed developmental milestones.

Ella graced our family for 11 years. After a long year battling pneumonia and very low red blood cell and platelet counts, which put her in and out of the hospital for weeks at a time, Ella died. She passed at 4:30 p.m. on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, Mother’s Day 2014. She was ready. She was tired. She was peaceful. Ella’s last breath broke our hearts, crushed our souls and released us from the incredible task of caring for her every need, every single day of her life.

Three months after Ella died, Dave and I took a healing journey, driving across the country, then flying to Hawaii for a few weeks. On our way back to Vermont, I fell ill in a hotel in Flagstaff, Ariz. I took a pregnancy test, and it was positive.

In May 2015 — a year and five days after Ella died — I gave birth to a beautiful, healthy baby boy, Emanuel Blessing. Manny.

He is the embodiment of the strength of our marriage — full of love, joy, grit and determination. He has his

I have a not-so-helpful tendency to play the “What if” game regarding Ella’s life. What if her birth injury never happened? What if I worked a little harder on her speech therapy and her occupational or physical therapy? What if she were still alive to meet her little brother?

The “what ifs” crept in as I watched Manny speak his first word, take his first step, run down a hill, potty train, learn to ride a bike and wash his hands, get dressed and eat breakfast all by himself. I feel sadness and guilt that Ella never got to do those things in her life. However, it doesn’t take long before I’m jolted back to the present. I’d like to think that’s Ella, sending me a shock from beyond, telling me to enjoy and witness the divine human growing right in front of my eyes.

Ella had a sage-like quality — quiet, wise and knowing. There was always a lesson to learn in her presence. When she was alive, there was no choice but to stay present. Her past birth injury was far too painful to dwell on and her future too uncertain. So staying in the moment was the only way for me to find joy in my role as her caregiver.

When Ella made small gains in her development, they felt huge to us. As a result, Manny’s monumental milestones feel magical. If not for our daughter, I may have missed the magic. It’s Ella I have to thank for waking me up to the miracle of the present. K

For our own sanity and survival, Dave and I learned to reframe our expectations of our daughter and ourselves.

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