Kids VT, December 2013-January2014

Snow, Man

DOUBLE ISSUE

✱ Q&A WITH VERMONT’S NEW ED HEAD

✱ SINGING SILLY SONGS —EN FRANÇAIS

✱ SKATERS RAMP IT UP AT TALENT

Head of the Classes.............22

Vermont’s incoming Secretary of Education has a new lesson plan

Photographer Jeb Wallace-Brodeur captured his son, Aidan Casner, in a moment of snowshoeing glee at Smugglers’ Notch.

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

Copublisher/Executive Editor Cathy Resmer cathy@kidsvt.com ext. 74

Copublisher Colby Roberts colby@kidsvt.com ext. 77

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

Managing Editor Megan James megan@kidsvt.com ext. 73

Calendar Writer Alison Novak alison@kidsvt.com ext. 75

Marketing & Events Manager Corey Grenier corey@kidsvt.com ext. 76

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

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

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

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Copy Editors Jeff Good Margot Harrison

Pamela Polston

Paula Routly

Proofreaders Meredith Coeyman

Hayley Lamberson

Production Manager John James

Lead Designer Brooke Bousquet

Designers Aaron Shrewsbury

Rev. Diane Sullivan

Circulation Managers Steve Hadeka

Matt Weiner

Digital Media Manager Tyler Machado

Office Manager Cheryl Brownell

Contributing Writers: James Douglas, Linda Furiya, Tasha Lehman, Thea Lewis, Ken Picard, Jessica Lara Ticktin.

Photographers: Jeb Wallace-Brodeur, Matthew Thorsen

Illustrators: Rev. Diane Sullivan

GIVE THE GIFT OF JAY PEAK this Holiday Season

Move Up Gift Cards are available in any amount and can be used across the resort for skiing and riding, waterparking, skating, Nordic skiing, eating, drinking, or do it all with a lodging stay.

Going for the Goal

ON A RECENT

SUNDAY MORNING, our family of four gathered for a ritual that provides muchneeded structure to our lives: the weekly house meeting.

My partner, Ann-Elise, and I started having house meetings after moving in together 14 years ago. On Sunday nights, we’d sit down and talk about things like chores, schedules, finances and goals. Having a regular check-in helped us stay focused on our priorities and kept us from nagging each other all week long. If Ann-Elise didn’t like how I was putting away the dishes, for example, we’d talk about it at the house meeting.

When our kids were infants and toddlers, we let go of the routine for a while. We met whenever we could manage it, which wasn’t often.

But now that Graham and Ivy are 7 and 5, they’re able to add items to the agenda and participate in a meaningful discussion — for 20 minutes or so, anyway. Their recent agenda items have included “weekend playdates,” “buying a sucker fish” and a “family LEGO battle.” Ann-Elise and I still go into executive session to discuss finances and scheduling.

We take notes at our meetings, in part to stay organized, but also to document the progress we’ve made. Flipping through those pages, we can see how we worked through problems such as digging out of debt and getting our old house ready to sell.

I was thinking about our family’s approach to challenges as I edited our

Kids VT feature stories this month. One introduces Vermonters to our new Secretary of Education, Rebecca Holcombe; she takes the helm at the Agency of Ed in January.

In “Head of the Classes” (page 22), Holcombe o ers some insight into who she is — her own educational path was fairly unusual — and how she’ll approach controversial issues such as school consolidation, extending the academic year, and universal preschool.

Another feature story this month, “Medal Mania” (page 18), focuses on some of the young Vermont athletes who hope to compete in February’s 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, or who are training for the 2018 games in South Korea. All of them share a dream and have committed themselves to making it a reality. We found their stories of perseverance and determination inspiring, and hope you will, too.

I know I’ll be taking some time during these two months to reflect on the past year and make plans for the new one; goals for 2014 will likely appear on an upcoming house-meeting agenda.

How does your family prepare for the future? Let us know. We always enjoy hearing from you.

CATHY RESMER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Some of this month’s Kids VT contributors:

James Douglas (“The Because Project”), Vermont’s governor from 2003-11, is an executive in residence at Middlebury College — and a big Red Sox fan.

Megan James (“Medal Mania”) is the new managing editor of Kids VT. She lives in Winooski with her husband and one-eyed cat. She’s expecting a baby in the spring.

Jessica Lara Ticktin (“Getting and Spending”) is a freelance writer and childbirth educator. She lives in Burlington with her husband and their three daughters.

Readers Respond

Doll Dispute

[Re “Use Your Words: To Barbie or Not to Barbie,” November] Very well stated. You can’t silently take a stance when it comes to your children. They will inevitably ask the dreaded “ Why?” Thank you for this article!

Allison Loeffler Thompson

Outstanding Outings

Thank you for these posts [Re The Blue Backpack Chronicles]! I’m a mom of three dreaming of relocating to Vermont, and, if we ever get there, my first order of business will be to recreate each one of these trips with my own kids. Looking forward to reading the rest of the Blue Backpack Chronicles.

Brooke Gibson NEW ORLEANS, LA.

Got a comment? Email us at feedback@kidsvt.com

Best of the Kids VT Blog

The Blue Backpack Chronicles: Movement and Marble in Middlebury

BY ALISON NOVAK

Typically my 3-year-old son, Theo, has boundless reserves of energy. But when I buckle him into his car seat, he gets really mellow. That makes long country drives a pretty relaxing option on our days together.

Last week, we headed down Route 7 to Middlebury. Theo chilled in his seat, and I pointed out silos, cows, vegetable stands and even a camel along the way.

Before hitting the downtown area, we peeled o onto Exchange Street so we could check out Maple Landmark Woodcraft, a toy manufacturer…

All Aboard the Big-Boy Train: Kids VT designer Brooke Bousquet and her two boys rode the rails recently from Essex Junction to Bellows Falls.

Top 10 of 2013

“Daycare Nightmares” by Ken Picard, February. Wandering kids, neglect and verbal abuse: How bad does it have to get for the state to crack down on negligent childcare providers?

2 “Vermont Daycations” by Kids VT staff, June, July, August. This year’s series of familyfriendly summer day trips included visits to Thunder Road Speedbowl, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum and ArborTrek Treetop Obstacle Course at Smugglers’ Notch.

3 “Home Cookin’: Applesauce” by Tasha Lehman, September. This quick-and-easy applesauce recipe is perfect for fall.

4 “Storytellers Who Sparkle”

by Megan James, October. The creators of Sparkle Stories, one of iTunes’ most popular kids’ podcasts, live right here in Vermont.

5 “School Choices” by Cathy Resmer, September. Kids VT’s executive editor explains why her family loves their “failing” Winooski school.

“The Lunch Box by Alice Levitt, September. A Colchester mom blogs about the creative, bentobox-inspired school lunches she makes

Taking a Stand Against Tobacco

BY MEGAN JAMES

Elese Snay, a senior at Milton High School, has always wanted her dad to quit smoking, but until she joined Our Voices Xposed, the state’s anti-tobacco youth program last summer, she wasn’t sure she had the tools to convince him.

On November 19, Snay joined more than 70 kids from around northern Vermont at the annual youth summit for OVX and its middle school equivalent,

“The Dads Next Door” by Ken Picard, June. Gay dads in Vermont say discrimination is less an issue than the perennial question: “Where’s the mom?”

Home Cookin’: Healthy Flax and Bran Banana Bread: Writer Tasha Lehman o ers a nutritious twist on the comforting fall favorite — but doesn’t skimp on the chocolate chips!

8 “Father’s Footsteps” by Benjamin Roesch, June. In this essay, a high school English teacher talks about how he’s becoming, and not becoming, his dad.

and not becoming, his

9 “Shots for Tots” by Ken Picard, September 2011. When parents don’t vaccinate their kids, does it put others at risk? The vaccination debate has kept this 2011 story on the list.

10 “Late Start” by Erica Houskeeper, May. One Vermont mom describes her circuitous path to parenthood.

Vermont Kids Against Tobacco, at the DoubleTree Hotel in Burlington... Read more at kidsvt.com.

The Kids Rocked Out

Kids of all ages twirled, leapt, flailed and shook their booties on November 9 at the Kids Are Alright concert — an afternoon benefit for the Integrated Arts Academy PTO. Local bands

Rough Francis, Waylon Speed, Swale and James Kochalka

Superstar offered rowdy takes on classic kids’ songs, plus memorable original tunes such as Kochalka’s call-and-response crowd pleaser “Monkey vs. Robot ” Pint-size revelers waved glowsticks and

sang along.

COLORING CONTEST

Last month’s kitten in mittens proved irrestible to our artistic young readers. We received a record 177 Coloring Contest submissions, which included entries embellished with all sorts of fancy flourishes. We spotted flying Reese’s Pieces, a plaid-clad kitty, floating Thanksgiving turkeys and snowflakes made from stabbing the paper with a pen. Thanks, all you cool cats, for sharing your creativity with us. Keep it coming — and congratulations to all the winners!

HONORABLE MENTIONS

LUSCIOUS LANDSCAPE

Hayden Oakes, 8, Swanton

SILLIEST SEA CREATURES

Emily Kneeland, 5, Cambridge

MIGHTIEST MOUSTACHE

Norman Benoit, 9, Bristol

AWESOME ABSTRACTION

Yuran Jung, 5, South Burlington

BRIGHTEST BUNNY

Elana Philbrick, 10, Richmond

STUPENDOUS SUSPENDERS

Maggie Leuschner, 7, Hinesburg

BEST PAPER POKING

Sophie Frost, 5, Hinesburg

TASTIEST-LOOKING TURKEY

Camila V. O. Gonzalez, 10, Middlebury

TOP TITLES

“SPOTTY THE BLOTTY”

Aranne Jung, 7, South Burlington

“EVERY SNOWFLAKE IS DIFFERENT”

Emily Deibler, 11, Essex Junction

“KITTY WANTS A HUG!”

Adelaide Fitton, 5, Ferrisburgh

“YELLOW FLAME”

Brody McGuire, 6, Vergennes

These winners get $25 gift cards to Creative Habitat in Burlington and their artwork framed for free.

“Cat in the Winter”

Aly Dorman, 5 RICHMOND

“Kitty in the Sunny Snow”

Chandler Chickanosky, 6 BRISTOL

“Kitty in the City”

Ava Hadley, 10 SOUTH BURLINGTON

Find this month’s coloring contest on page 53. The deadline for submissions is January 15.

For

THE BEAT

CHARITY

Huggies Heroes

Want to contribute to a positive change this December? Drop o some new disposable diapers at Dee Physical Therapy. The PT clinic is in the midst of THE GREAT DIAPER DRIVE OF 2013 — its sixth annual fundraiser for the Committee on Temporary Shelter, which provides emergency housing for homeless Vermonters. Exercise physiologist Jason Fitzgerald organized the drive after reflecting on his own experience as a father of two. “Anyone who buys diapers knows how expensive they are,” he says. Last year’s drive brought in 27,000 diapers; COTS went through them in about six months, Fitzgerald says. The drive accepts diapers of all brands and sizes — as long as they’re dry.

BY CATHY RESMER

BOOKS

THE GREAT DIAPER DRIVE OF 2013: Drop off diapers until December 20 at one of two Dee Physical Therapy locations: 23 San Remo Dr., South Burlington, or 166 Athletic Dr., Shelburne. Find more information at 865-0010 or facebook.com/ deeptdiaperdrive2013.

Santa’s Mail Man

If your kid writes a letter to Santa Claus and he sends one back, you might want to thank Mark Perry. The children’s book author, who has a house in St. Johnsbury, helps Mr. Claus with his correspondence. In his new picture book, ‘POST’ MARK: SANTA’S MISFIT POSTMAN, Perry explains how he traveled to the North Pole and met Santa. Turns out Father Christmas needed some help answering his mail, so he asked ‘Post’ Mark to help him. Parents can now pay Perry a small fee to ensure delivery of one of Santa’s merry missives. Order one by December 15 to have it postmarked from the North Pole.

‘POST’ MARK: SANTA’S MISFIT POSTMAN: Delor Francis Press, 28 pages, $15.95. Find more information at northpolepostman.com.

Jason Fitzgerald and Matthew Odachowski

Your Turn

Some video games are more infectious than others. PATHOGEN, from Burlington-based Birnam Wood Games, is an elegant new app for mobile and tablet devices that’s similar to classic games such as chess and Go. Players attempt to control the board by placing “cells” that multiply like viruses. It’s easy to learn — kids as young as 5 should be able to figure it out — but di cult to master. An array of game boards and di culty settings keeps the challenges coming. Up to four players can participate in each match, though the game also o ers a single-player option, which is a good thing. You’ll need to practice if you want to win.

COMMUNITY

Friends for the Ages

The director of Heartworks Shelburne Preschool has been arranging a di erent kind of playdate this fall: between students and residents of the Lodge at Shelburne Bay, a senior living community down the road. The new GRAND FRIEND PROGRAM brings the two groups together. In October, several seniors attended the school’s Halloween parade; in November, students went to the Lodge to make Thanksgiving crafts. “There are tremendous benefits to this kind of intergenerational program,” says Heartworks director Libby Macdonald. Her students get to engage with older adults and practice their social skills. As for their new pals? “It provides them with a strong sense of their value in the community,” says the Lodge’s resident services director Cherrie Willette. It’s the next best thing to visiting grandma.

GRAND FRIEND PROGRAM: Find more information at heartworksvt.com.

INTERNET

Low-Cost Connection

Students can find a vast array of educational opportunities online these days — if their families can a ord access. In November, Comcast held a press conference at the Boys & Girls Club of Burlington to remind Vermont parents about one way to help close the digital divide. Through its INTERNET ESSENTIALS program, Comcast o ers broadband internet access for just $9.95 a month, plus tax, to families with school-age children in the federal free and reduced lunch program. The discount, which applies until the child graduates from high school, is also available to home schoolers. If you think you might qualify, apply now — Comcast spokesperson Jessica Forrest notes that Internet Essentials will only accept participants through the end of the 2013-2014 school year.

A Basic Skills Skating Badge Program at the Essex Skating Facility

Skating Director, Jillian Frascoia

Our programs are open to children of all ages.

Registration Schedule: Wednesday, Jan 29 6:15-7:15 p.m.

Children’s Lessons Wed., Thur. & Fri. Adult Lessons, Sun. 5:45 - 6:45 pm Ice skate rentals available 878-1394

PATHOGEN: Available in the iTunes App Store, $2.99; Android version coming soon.

Are

your family?

Between the ages of 18 and 42 and plan to become pregnant in the next year

Never had a child before, or Have diabetes or hypertension, or Had preeclampsia, or Have a family history of hypertension or preeclampsia

THEN

to speak with you. is study will examine risk factors for preeclampsia, a disease of pregnancy.

Financial compensation of up to $375 is provided. We will provide you with ovulation detection kits to aid timing your conception.

BY KEN PICARD

PARENTS DISCOVER EARLY ON that the terrible twos start well before age 2 and don’t end when their child turns 3. But simply knowing that your toddler’s di cult behavior is a normal part of early development may make it easier to manage, especially if you can understand how a toddler thinks.

This month, Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at Vermont Children’s Hospital at Fletcher Allen Health Care, o ers some advice for surviving an aggravating age.

KIDS VT: Why are toddlers so frustrating?

LEWIS FIRST: Toddlerhood is a time of push and pull between parents, who are establishing limits, and children, who discover at about age 1, as they learn to walk and talk, that they can try to be just like their parents. The secret to parenting at this age is choices. Parents should o er their toddler choices as often as possible instead of constantly saying “No!” For example, asking “Do you want the apple or the banana?” allows parents to give their child autonomy while also limiting the snack options. Until about age 2, a toddler will almost always take the second choice you o er. The reason is language development. It’s easier for them to remember the last words you just said.

KVT: Is there a secret to controlling toddlers?

LF: There are three things parents can try to control: their child, their child’s environment and their own behavior around the child. The fact is, you can only control two of those areas. Parents can control themselves and their child’s environment, but a child has to develop his or her own self-control.

KVT: Any tricks to getting toddlers to follow instructions?

LF: After age 2, when kids begin to understand cause and effect, you’ll make more progress with the things you want them to do by identifying the things they want. So let’s say they want you to read an extra bedtime story and you want them to brush their teeth. Say, “If you brush your teeth, I’ll read you the extra story.”

That’s a lot better than saying, “Why aren’t you brushing your teeth? They’re going to fall out!” which engages the child in an even greater battle to test the limits. Once their teeth are brushed, celebrate the occasion with praise, and they’ll want to brush their teeth even more.

KVT: How can parents deal with a picky eater?

LF: O er choices: “Do you want spaghetti or tuna?” If they pick tuna only to throw it on the floor because they want attention, the meal is over. At the next meal, try again: “Do you want pasta or chicken?” If your child again refuses to eat, don’t worry; wait for the next meal. If you go through three meals like that, giving choices and setting limits, by the third meal your child will sit down and eat — because now they’re hungry and understand what is acceptable behavior. Keep in mind that between ages 1 and 2, a child normally gains only two to three pounds; they won’t melt away from one, or even two, missed meals.

or even two, missed meals.

provide a distraction. Have your child’s special toy in your pocket and say, “Look, Billy the bunny wants to go to the store. Are you coming, too?”

KVT: What if the tantrum occurs in public?

LF: If a tantrum starts up in a store, simply leave the store and go home. Don’t try to put out the fire there. Parents should never feel embarrassed or think it’s a reflection of bad parenting. It’s about establishing and reinforcing limits so your child learns selfcontrol. At bedtime, when your toddler has your unconditional attention, talk about what happened and why you had to leave the store. Next time, when your child behaves better in the store, o er positive reinforcement, like a trip to the playground.

KVT: Any advice for keeping kids in bed at night?

KVT:

Any advice for quelling tantrums?

LF: Give your child a predictable schedule. If your toddler doesn’t know how to tell time, and all of a sudden they go from working on a puzzle to being whisked o to the store, they’re going to be upset. Build in transition time. “After you finish the puzzle, we’re going to go to the store.”

LF: Before going to bed, give them a “golden ticket.” Tell them that if they come out of their bedroom during the night, they’ll have to give up the golden ticket. Warn them that if they come out a second time, you’re going to close their door or turn o their nightlight. Once kids have the golden ticket, they’ll stay in their bedroom and won’t surrender it. And, if they stay in the room all night, praise them the next morning.

KVT: Disciplinary no-nos?

time. “After you finish puzzle,

Finally, when you see a tantrum revving up,

LF: Never feed into a child’s tantrum. If your child says he’s not happy with you, don’t say you’re not happy with him. A child is saying this because they love you unconditionally and are testing you. Parents should remember that saying no and setting limits is OK — it’s how kids learn self-control — as long as they also praise the positive.

Parents

Boarding School

UntiL recentLy, my boys’ onLy exPerience With skateboarding was riding our old skateboard down the driveway. I haven’t been much help as a coach. My only advice? “Don’t fall; I don’t have time to go to the ER today.”

So when my 12- and 9-year-old sons had the opportunity to attend a three-hour camp at Talent Skatepark this fall, they were thrilled. I was a little nervous about their afternoon of “thrashing,” though. I envisioned them zipping around in a boys’ club full of loud, sweaty adolescents with attitude.

But that’s not what I found at Talent. The indoor skating center, designed and run by husband-andwife owners Hannah Deene Wood and David Wood, was loud, and the kids were sweaty, but the park had a family-friendly atmosphere that was more supportive, and safetyconscious, than I had imagined.

David Wood designed the skate park, which is located in an old billiards hall on Williston Road. It’s full of ramps, stairs and rails that appeal to experienced skaters and beginners alike. “The park is challenging,” Hannah told us when we arrived, but it “offers basic structures for all little buddies to feel successful.”

My “little buddies” needed to rent skateboards and helmets before they tried any tricks. Once they were equipped, they joined a group of about a dozen young skaters inside — including a few girls. I, however, had to wait in the observation area; I could only watch them through a window.

“We don’t allow parents in the skate park,” Hannah explained. “When the door closes, a sigh of joy, independence, freedom is exhaled!”

She said that the parent-free atmosphere gives skaters “a chance to talk about things that are eating them up, bumming them out or drowning their spirit. They know they will be paid attention to, listened to and guided if needed.”

After describing the park’s noparent policy to me, Hannah called to a staffer in another room, “Make sure he gets wrist guards! Number one injury in skating.”

David reassured me that Talent’s skateboarding coaches are handpicked by the staff and have usually been “campers” themselves before being asked to come on board as “skoaches.”

“Our focus in training coaches is safety, fun and progression, in that order,” he said.

That day at camp, I saw skoaches at each of the stations, waiting to offer instruction. I can only assume my boys listened to what they had to say. I left for a couple hours, and, when I returned, I watched in amazement as my once-apprehensive boys showed those ramps who was boss.

They took turns on all of the ramps except the big bowl, a five- to sixfoot-deep wooden structure meant to resemble an empty swimming pool — just like the ones the California kids used to skate in back in the early days of the sport.

I guess my kids had to leave

something to conquer for next time. And I’m pretty sure we’ll return. “When can we go back?” one of them asked on the car ride home. “Can I have my birthday party there?” asked the other.

I’m happily surprised to discover that skateboarding is a talent I want to encourage.K

iF yoU go:

Talent skatepark is located at 2069 williston Road in south Burlington. The park offers rental equipment, including pads and skateboards, so you don’t have to purchase anything for beginners who want to give skating a try. when your skaters are hooked, you can outfit them at the Talent skate shop.

Lessons for beginners are available on saturdays from 9-10 a.m. and sundays from 11 a.m.-noon by reservation. Talent also offers summer and vacation camps, as well as private rentals for parties. Visit talentskatepark.com for rates and more information.

Librarian: Joanne Pariseau, children’s librarian, Dailey Memorial Library, Derby

book: Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker

age range: 8-12

Pariseau’s summary: Summer of the Gypsy Moths is a Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children’s Book Award nominee for grades 5 and up. It tells the story of Stella and Angel, two 12-year-old girls living with their foster mother on Cape Cod. Stella longs for her wandering biological mother to return and settle down, while Angel would prefer to live with her aunt from Portugal.

The girls are different as night and day, but they have one thing in common: a longing for family. So when their foster mother dies, they decide to hide her death until their families come to take them home. But how long can they keep their secret — and run a summer cottage rental business on Cape Cod?

Why you’ll like it: I loved getting to know the two main characters and how they avoided being “found out.” Stella’s obsession with Good Housekeeping’s cleaning column “Hints from Heloise” and Angel’s adamant avoidance of swimming all made sense in the end. K

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

Email us at ideas@kidsvt.com.

Asher, Dan and Camilla Pia-Needleman

BECAUSE

BECAUSE of

Boston Red Sox

FORMER GOVERNOR JAMES DOUGLAS

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

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

The exciting turnaround season of the World Champion 2013 Boston Red Sox brings back my childhood memories of New England’s team. I recall attending games at Fenway Park with my dad even before I could understand what baseball was all about. I also remember being intrigued by the team’s o cial charity, the Jimmy Fund, an e ort dedicated to helping children with cancer.

While still in elementary school, I decided to organize a fundraiser for the Jimmy Fund in our yard. I charged my family and neighbors modest fees to take their chances at games of skill, such as throwing a bean bag at a target. I raised less than $10, but I received a very nice letter from the Fund thanking me for my e orts and explaining that every amount, no matter how small, helped the cause.

That experience cemented my a nity for the Red Sox. Years later, as governor of Vermont, I had the opportunity to meet Mike Andrews, the all-star second baseman who has served as chairman of the Jimmy Fund for nearly three decades. I even got to throw

Submit your stories for the Because Project!

Hyer Learning & Diagnostics

EFFICIENT, EFFECTIVE AND ENDURING INTERVENTIONS TO LEARNING

The fastest and most effective way to improve attention, language and reading is to treat the underlying cause – processing speed. Help children become ALL they can be!

Brain plasticity has been called the most important scientific discovery of the last 50 years. It provides a way to improve learning at any age, using targeted exercises that build stronger connections and automaticity in learning.

the first pitch at Fenway — yes, I was nervous, but it crossed the inside corner of the plate at the knees.

More importantly, though, my first Red Soxinspired fundraiser contributed to my interest in charitable endeavors later in life. I’ve helped with a host of fund-raising campaigns since then, often as a board member for nonprofit organizations. Before getting into government full time, I served as the executive director of the United Way of Addison County. I’m currently helping to raise money for the Calvin Coolidge Memorial Foundation and am honorary cochair of the capital campaign for Lund, a nonprofit serving Vermont’s pregnant or parenting teens and women, adoptive families, and children.

I’ve learned that charitable e orts reward the donor as much as the recipient — there’s a real sense of accomplishment when a goal is achieved or someone’s life is improved.

Over the years, baseball and helping those in need have become two of my favorite pastimes. I can’t think of a better combination. Go Sox!

I developed an interest in doing charity work

the

Q ouT To eaT

By Linda Furiya

El Cortijo Taqueria y Cantina

189 Bank Street, Burlington, 497-1668

“ThaT’s a curious place To geT Tacos!” my 10-year-old son exclaimed when I told him we were going to a diner for Mexican food. I said that to pique his interest, though it wasn’t exactly accurate — the original 1950s luncheonette diner where we were headed is now called El Cortijo Taqueria y Cantina.

El Cortijo means “farmhouse” in Spanish; the eatery is a sister restaurant to The Farmhouse Tap & Grill located down the street. I was hoping El Cortijo would stay true to the Farmhouse’s farm-to-table philosophy without putting too much of a strain on my pocketbook.

When my boyfriend, son and I arrived early on a Saturday evening, clusters of patrons were hobnobbing outside; El Cortijo is a small restaurant, and it doesn’t take reservations. We waited about 30 minutes for a booth.

From our seats in the back of the long, narrow diner, we had a clear view of the restaurant. The crowd that night was a lively mix of college students, families and date-night couples. No need for piñatas or sombreros in this Mexican joint; as twilight fell, the hanging jujube-hued lampshades and soft white lights strung across the chrome counter gave the place a festive warmth.

We ordered chips with the rojo and verde salsas and a queso fundido dip, which arrived almost immediately. The rojo ($3), made from canned tomatoes, had a disappointing metallic flavor, but the verde (also $3) was tangy and fresh tasting. The queso ($4), although nicely seasoned with chopped house-pickled

jalapeños, tasted more like béchamel than cheese; it remained mostly untouched. The tortilla chips were fresh, hot and salty — perfect with a glass of canesugar cola.

The menu features a wide selection of entrées, but I had come for the tacos. I ordered the three-taco plate ($16.50, includes two sides) to share with my son. We chose the pescado (fish), carnitas (pork, from Vermont Heritage Grazers in Bridport) and the vegetarian taco special, which included broccoli, corn and cheddar. There’s no children’s menu, but fillings such as cilantro and onion can be omitted upon request. My boyfriend ordered the carne asada ($18), which is seared steak from LaPlatte River Farm in Shelburne served with chimichurri — a mixture of herbs, olive oil and chili pepper.

We hadn’t waited long when my three soft corn tortillas arrived. The pollock with tequila-lime crème and red cabbage slaw was a delicious blend of creaminess, crunch and tang. My son took three big bites and gave a thumbs up.

But he made an unpleasant face after biting into the pork taco. I tried it myself and found the meat to be dry and stringy. The sweet charred-pineapple salsa did nothing to improve the blandness of the braised pork. On the other hand, my son said the vegetarian special taco was “too delicious to be vegetarian.”

My boyfriend’s carne asada was flavorful, juicy and generously covered in chimichurri. But the portion was small for $18. To stretch out the meal, we filled extra tortillas with the remaining salsa and our sides: Spanish rice, greens and, my favorite, Vermont Bean Crafters organic black beans cooked with seasonings and onions.

Dessert was a churro ($1.50) with chocolate sauce on the side. Crusted with sugar and cinnamon, this stick of deep-fried dough had a crisp veneer and a divine, lemony, cakey middle. Skip the chocolate sauce; the churro doesn’t need it.

I was hoping for Mexican food on the cheap, but that’s not what we found at El Cortijo. However the locavore menu and fun Tijuana vibe made it worth the extra pesos. K

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

The tortilla chips were fresh, hot and salty

— perfect with a glass of canesugar cola.

Kid-friendly ameniTies: high chairs, two unisex restrooms outfitted with changing tables.

Will and Andy Glock

Q:

How do you handle rules in two-household families?

DaviD Gale richmond Captain, BurlinGton Fire Department Sons Andrew, 20, Kyle, 17

My boys’ mother and I are pretty much on the same page with rules and discipline. They were 11 and 8 when we separated, and we basically carried on with the rules we set up when we were together. Sometimes, if they were out of line at her place, she might ask me to talk with them. If there was something they wanted to do that I was interested in, and she didn’t think they were old enough, they might come to me, but rarely.

They’re good kids. They pay for their car insurance, and we have an agreement that they’ll pay for part of their college tuition. We all sat down to talk about it. It was a family discussion.

Usually, they come to my place, and we hang out, and they don’t give me any flak. But once, Kyle had a party while I was gone. He knew there would be consequences, but he figured he’d have fun and deal with consequences later. His mom and I talked about it — she was probably more disappointed than I was. We grounded him. No car or phone for a month.

Will mikell Williston

proDuCer, “aCross the FenCe,” uvm extension serviCe

Sons Davis, 18, Sam, 15

Even before we were married, my ex-wife and I shared a pretty common vision where raising kids was concerned and what our expectations were. I think we established solid ground rules that still work for us today.

Was it easier when we were married? Sure it was, but we made it very clear to the boys: “You don’t ask Dad if you can play a video game if you already asked Mom and her answer was no.” You asked one parent; that’s it. You didn’t get to plea bargain the thing. They know that it’s not respectful — and does not work — to try to play one parent against the other, even though we’re in separate homes.

They have responsibilities in both houses: to mow the lawn, take out the trash and help with the dishes. If they don’t meet their responsibilities, there are consequences, whether it’s here or there. We’re fortunate that our boys communicate well with each of us. There’s a mutual respect, and that makes it easier to establish ground rules.

aBram CorBett south burlington senior eDitor, Creative serviCes, WCax-tv Daughters Eva, 6, Alana, 4

Part of the reason my ex-wife and I got together is that opposites attract. We’re kind of the poster children for that setup. So she tends to ask the girls things, like, “Can you please come here?” and I’m more like, “Come here — right now.” If you ask a child something, it gives them leeway. But, with certain things, I feel they don’t get a choice. I don’t say, “Would you like to brush your teeth?”

I’m more like, “Come on, it’s time.” The same goes for bedtimes.

Some things my ex-wife worries more about. Like, one time Eva said “poopie,” a word she picked up at school, and her mother was very serious about it. To me, it wasn’t a big deal. I think a word like that is something a kid might use more if you react to it.

But, I don’t think the two of us are offering a radical contrast. We’re hoping we’re both providing love for our children and experiences that will be good for them.

Bryan aGran richmond

Co-oWner, hen house proDuCtions

Two daughters, 10 and 8

I think my ex and I have similar expectations. But each person has to be free to run their household the way they see fit. While rules may be different, we have open communication because we both want to raise healthy children who will become healthy adults.

Children are always going to push limits and test boundaries. We let them know Mommy and Daddy talk. We’ll call and say, “Here’s what was said. Is this accurate?” Whatever you say to one of us, you’d better be ready to back it up when you say it in front of the other parent.

As far as discipline goes, you do something egregious at my household, you’re going to be grounded. You can’t expect the other parent to continue the grounding in their household, so the kids know they’re going to serve out the rest of the time when they get back. At the same time, the other parent is aware of the situation. The kid’s on probation. So if they do it again, they may be grounded at the other house, too. K

We let them know mommy and Daddy talk.

Bryan aGran

French

At C.P. Smith, instructor Anton explained in French that Petit George was sick, using the predicament as an opportunity to name parts of the body as the students looked on attentively.

She then initiated a dice-rolling game, which was a chance for kids to practice numbers as well as to review some things they’d learned previously, including a silly French song that directed them to raise their thumbs in the air, pull their elbows back, bend their knees and point their toes inward.

Sporting a bright yellow tour de France t-Shirt and braided pigtails, French-language instructor Alysse Anton met her étudiantes in the gymnasium of Burlington’s C.P. Smith Elementary School with a cheery “Bonjour!”

She handed name tags — which said, “Je m’appelle” instead of “My name is” — to five first-, second- and third-grade girls before leading the students to a classroom where the afternoon lesson would commence.

With a Curious George stuffed animal known as Petit George as her sidekick, Anton then launched into the customary check-in, which anyone who’s ever taken a French class probably remembers.

“Ça va?” the Swiss native asked her students, who sat on the floor in a circle.

The question — which means, “How’s it going?” — generated a string of mals and biens.

The class was part of “Tour de France,” a 12-week series offered by the Alliance Française of the Lake Champlain Region in conjunction with the Burlington Kids after-school program. This fall, the Alliance offered French language classes in two elementary schools in Burlington as well as one each in Colchester and Essex. This winter, the Alliance plans to expand its programming to J.J. Flynn Elementary School in Burlington.

Micheline Tremblay, director of the Alliance’s French Instruction Program and a former middle and high school French teacher, said that when teaching kids to

speak en français, her organization prefers to use songs, books, dance and activities.

The “Tour de France” curriculum is centered around the route of the famous bike race. When discussing Cannes,

“Because they’re little, you have to keep up their enthusiasm to make them want to continue learning, to keep them interested,” Tremblay said.

Despite Vermont’s proximity to Québec, few elementary schools in the state offer French instruction, and language programs are usually first to go when budgets are tightened. “We’re trying to fill a huge gap by offering after-school programs,” Tremblay said.

The benefits of learning French extend beyond being able to communicate with our neighbors to the north. Tremblay cited research showing that for children, study ing a second language improves cognitive abilities, boosts confidence and leads to a broader worldview.

which is a stop on the race and home of the Cannes Film Festival, students dress up and parade around the classroom like glamorous movie stars as they learn clothing-related vocabulary. When “traveling” through Provence, they learn about famous artists, design an impressionist postcard and practice color vocabulary.

allonS-y!

Young children are often more adept than adolescents and adults at mimicking foreign sounds, she added, which is why they often sound more like native speakers than those who study a language later in life. When it comes to learning French, Tremblay enthused, “the earlier, the better.”

During the school year, the alliance Française of the Lake Champlain offers classes for kids in conjunction with after-school programs and local parks and recreation departments. Classes at J.J. Flynn elementary school, edmunds elementary school and Champlain elementary school begin in December and January. a program at Founders memorial school in essex starts in February.

the alliance also offers individual and group lessons throughout the year and a camp in the summer. For more information, visit aflcr.org or contact micheline tremblay at michelineatremblay@gmail.com.

Alysse Anton with French students

How three young Vermonters are preparing for the Winter Olympics

By m egan James

Medal

When the 2014 Winter Olympics kick off in Sochi, Russia, this February, some young Vermont athletes will be watching especially closely. The state has produced a number of past competitors — from skier Barbara Ann Cochran to snowboarder Ross Powers — and plenty more long to take home a medal for their achievements.

Kids VT spoke to three young Vermonters who are pursuing their Olympic dreams. Two of them live part time at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, N.Y.; the other recently relocated temporarily to Sweden. They juggle days full of rigorous training with evenings keeping up with schoolwork.

Tara Geraghty-Moats, Elijah Pedriani and Megan Nick have been athletic from an early age, but none of them started out pursuing the sports they now hope to take to the Olympics. Faced with injuries and unexpected opportunities, they all adjusted their aims — good news for kids who haven’t settled on a sport by kindergarten.

These young athletes may not end up on the U.S. Olympic team in 2014 — Kids VT went to press before the Olympic trials — but they’re training around the clock. Two of them hope to make the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

Read on to find out what it takes to forge a path to the biggest stage in amateur athletics.

courtesy of tara geraghty-moats

Tara Geraghty-Moats

MANIA

TARA GERAGHTY-MOATS, WEST FAIRLEE

When Tara Geraghty-Moats launched into her first ski jump at age 9, she says, it felt like flying. By 16 she had made the junior development team — one step below the junior national team. She dreamed of competing in the Olympics.

“I always loved being in the air, whether it was jumping o the bed or into a lake,” says the West Fairlee native. “I thought it was really cool that there was this sport that fit my personality. I was a bit of a mischievous kid, and it challenged me to use that side of me in a productive way.”

Jon Farnham, one of Geraghty-Moats’ first coaches at the Lebanon Outing Club, remembers, “She was one of the kids that got the most jumps at practice.”

Instead, Geraghty-Moats switched gears to a new sport that took advantage of her Nordic skiing training: biathlon, which combines cross-country skiing and target shooting. She didn’t have any experience with guns, so she had to learn to shoot.

“You have to make a plan for your race so you don’t ski too hard, so you can calm down to shoot well,” Geraghty-Moats says. “With ski jumping and shooting, you need to be able to fine-tune your movement. A millimeter in bullet placement can really change the outcome of a race.”

Now she’s pursuing biathlon with the same dedication she brought to ski jumping. In 2011, Geraghty-Moats made the junior national team; last year she was part of an exchange with the Swedish national team, and in December she’ll go to the first round of Olympic trials.

ELIJAH PEDRIANI, NEW HAVEN

Elijah Pedriani was 12 when he first saw skeleton racing in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. The highspeed sport involves careening headfirst down an icy chute on a tiny sled. Pedriani thought it was the coolest thing — so he built a course of his own in his snowy New Haven, Vt., backyard.

When summer rolled around, his mom heard that the USA Luge Slider Search was coming to Plattsburgh, N.Y., to recruit young athletes for its development team. Luge is similar to skeleton except that sliders go down feet first, steering with their calves.

Most ski-jump hills don’t have lifts; if you want to go again, you’ve got to hike. “You can tell if a kid is really enjoying themselves if they’re climbing up the hill as fast as they can to get another one,” Farnham says.

As a kid, says Geraghty-Moats, “being in the air gave me a lot of trust in myself. I was proud that I could do something that no one else could do.”

That notion was challenged in 2009, when she su ered a knee injury at 16. A couple years later, it happened again. The teen was told she might have to give up ski jumping for good.

Still, Geraghty-Moats, now 20, misses getting airtime. “I was always sad that I’d gotten injured,” she says. Last fall, just to see if she still had it in her, she participated in a national ski-jumping competition at Lake Placid — and came in fifth. “It was an amazing feeling to get it back,” she says. “I know that I’ll continue to jump; there’s no question.”

Which sport will she pursue long-term? “I’ll make that decision in the spring,” Geraghty-Moats says.

“We showed up not knowing what to expect,” recalls Pedriani, now 16. “I sat down on some wheeled sleds and went down a paved road and weaved through cones and stu .” He had no experience beyond his backyard experiments.

But the young slider took to it immediately. “Every time I went down, I just had a smile on my face,” he says. “It’s like extreme sledding.”

A couple of weeks later, Pedriani got a letter inviting him to spend a week at training camp, which led to a second tryout camp, and ultimately led him to compete in youth nationals. After a year of training, he earned a spot on the U.S. junior development team.

When you’re flying down the ice, you get this feeling that’s unlike anything else.

ELIJAH PEDRIANI

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medal mania

continued from p. 19

These days, Pedriani lives primarily at the dormlike Lake Placid training center — two or three weeks there, one or two weeks at home in Vermont. He remains a full-time student at Mt. Abraham High School, meeting one-on-one with his teachers to create an academic plan for the year. His parents pay an annual fee for the luge program.

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In Lake Placid, Pedriani trains 12 to 15 hours every day, on the ice and off. Great sliders don’t just hold on for dear life as they whiz down the ice, he says; they know when to roll their shoulders, tilt their heads and counter the pressure of a curve.

“When you’re flying down the ice, you get this feeling that’s unlike anything else,” Pedriani says. “It’s like riding a roller coaster, except you control where you go.”

Pedriani hasn’t made it to the national team yet, but he’s hoping to qualify in time for Pyeongchang in 2018. That’ll be his best chance to compete on the world stage in his unusual sport.

“You get a cool vibe in Lake Placid,” Pedriani says. “Everybody has the same feeling. It’s sort of like hope, or a dream. Everybody’s there to eventually go to the Olympics. Everybody has that power, that drive.”

megan nic K , shelburne Megan Nick always dreamed of going to the Olympics — in the summer, for gymnastics. She started the sport when she was 3. In ninth grade she gave up skiing so she could pursue her passion.

But last summer, on a whim, the 17-year-old submitted a video application to the U.S. Ski Team’s Elite Aerial Development Program, and became one of six youngsters from around the nation to make the cut. Remarkably, two of the others are also from Vermont: Tyra Izor and Kira Tanghe.

The aerial program seeks out gymnasts because, coaches claim, it’s easier to teach them to ski than it is to teach skiers to do flips. Since she moved to the training center, Nick — a natural flipper — has literally thrown herself into the deep end of aerial skiing.

Training has included skiing down a long, wet ramp — kind of like a ski jump — and flipping through the air into a pool churning with bubbles, which cushion the skier’s impact. While airborne, Nick keeps her body

straight and her skis tightly together as she rotates a full 360 degrees. She’s currently in Park City, Utah, somersaulting onto snow for the first time.

All of that training has positioned Nick to one day compete in the Winter Olympics. She’s hoping to make the team in 2018.

Nick’s mom, Colleen, says she is thrilled for her daughter — and anxious, too. A senior at Champlain Valley Union High School, Nick is taking a few courses independently so she’ll be able to graduate with her class this spring. But the Aerial Development Program — which is free for the Nick family, except for

1899 MounTain Road, STowe 802.253.4411 pieCaSSo.CoM

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equipment and travel costs — lasts two years. “So, do you put college on hold?” her mother wonders.

Colleen Nick says it’s also difficult to let go of her youngest child; Megan’s two older siblings have already left home. “I was kind of looking forward to this senior year,” Colleen says. “I wasn’t looking forward to becoming an empty nester a year early.”

Injuries are another concern. Colleen shudders when she recalls watching her daughter compete in gymnastics with a broken hand. She says it’s nerve-wracking to imagine Megan landing somersaults on skis.

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“But I’m excited for her,” she says. “I think her dream was always to take gymnastics to a new level, and this is a way for her to use some of those skills through a different avenue.”

What if Megan Nick doesn’t make it to the Olympics?

“It’s a possibility,” Megan admits. “Depending on the year of the Olympics and how good each freestyle ski team is, maybe only one female aerialist gets to go. I’ve definitely thought about it, but this is still a great opportunity. The Olympics would be awesome, but I still get to do this.” K

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Megan Nick

I don’t think it makes sense for every child to go to a traditional, four-year college.

REBECCA HOLCOMBE, INCOMING VERMONT SECRETARY OF EDUCATION

Head of the Classes

Vermont’s incoming Secretary of education has a new lesson plan

by Ken PICarD

rebecca Holcombe, Vermont’s new Secretary of education, has an ambitious vision: to close the gaps in learning opportunities. Public education, she says, is “the civil rights issue of our time.”

but Holcombe herself isn’t the product of U.S. public schools. The daughter of United Nations workers, she went to U.S. government-run international schools in afghanistan and Pakistan, followed by boarding school just outside boston.

Holcombe’s interest in public schools came later in life (see “From afghanistan to the Upper Valley”). after earning degrees from brown and Harvard universities, she taught at a middle school in Hanover, N.H., and earned a reputation as a visionary young principal in Fairlee, Vt.

In January, Holcombe, a 47-year-old Norwich resident and mother of two public school students, will leave her job as director of the Teacher education Program at Dartmouth college to replace outgoing Secretary armando Vilaseca.

Holcombe inherits a school system in which declining enrollments, shrinking financial resources and a rapidly changing global workplace are forcing Vermont parents, educators and officials to rethink their approach to public education. She says her first priority in January will be to meet teachers, administrators and agency staff, then sit down, listen and learn from them.

While she declined to address recent controversies such as chittenden county’s effort to adopt a year-round school calendar, Holcombe gave Kids VT a preliminary read on her approach to education.

Kids VT: What was it like growing up with such an international background?

Rebecca Holcombe : The power of living abroad is you have to look at yourself from the outside. When you’re in one of those international schools, you’re going to school with children from so many different countries. That challenges you to think about things you take for granted. You realize quickly how important language facility is to doing well … It’s an incredibly privileged way to grow up.

KVT: What were some of your biggest frustrations as a teacher?

RH: any time you’re doing anything in a democratic institution, part of it is dealing with conflict. That doesn’t bother me but this work is really hard, and it’s really hard to teach well. I wish people understood how

complex teaching is, because it’s easy to judge from the outside and say, “You should be doing better.” What sometimes is hard — in the context of high-stakes accountability where you’re giving students these tests and constantly getting feedback — is if you don’t measure up, there are punitive consequences ... We’ve got to stop talking about test scores and start talking about the act of teaching.

KVT: How do we do that?

RH: We need to move beyond this national narrative of school failure, which I don’t think is accurate. We’ve got to be comfortable talking openly about what we’re doing, the same way we’d expect from our doctors. If they made a mistake, we want them to sit down and diagnose it so it doesn’t happen again. We need

Rebecca Holcombe grew up overseas. Her family, as she puts it, “had the bad fortune of arriving in countries just as political trouble was beginning.”

From fourth to seventh grade, she lived in afghanistan, until the Soviet invasion in 1979 forced them out. next it was on to Pakistan, where Holcombe attended the International School of Islamabad — until anti-american unrest scared away nearly all the englishspeaking students and teachers. because Holcombe’s family stayed, she got a brief taste of home schooling. “my dad actually had to teach me algebra,” she remembers.

Holcombe eventually returned to the united States and attended milton academy, a boarding school near boston. but during vacations, she routinely joined her parents overseas, including in Fiji and Sudan. She even attended a year of high school in Spain, and still speaks fluent Spanish.

after high school, she attended brown university, where she met her husband, james bandler, who went on to become a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for the Wall Street Journal.

In 1989, the couple moved to Vermont. Though they have spent some time since then living out of state, they currently reside in norwich with their son, a sixth grader at the public marion Cross School, and their daughter, an eighth grader at Francis C. richmond middle School in Hanover, n.H., which is part of an interstate school district.

Holcombe traces her interest in public schooling to her post-graduate studies at the Harvard Graduate School of education. She didn’t initially plan to go into teaching, but while there, she says she realized that “public schools are where it’s at. I guess I was coming home and didn’t know it until I got there... From there, I was hooked.”

after Harvard, Holcombe attended what is now known as the upper Valley educators Institute for her teaching certification. For a time, she taught at Francis C. richmond middle School, then became principal at Vermont’s Fairlee elementary School, where she helped create one of the country’s first interstate school districts (see “Consolidation across State Lines”).

Public school, she explains, “is where we achieve equity. It’s where we bring each other together and become a civil society. It’s the means for making sure every child has a chance.”

From Afghanistan to the Upper Valley

inthe mid-1990s, fairlee elementary was struggling with dwindling enrollment and limited resources for such programs as art, music and athletics; other nearby schools were confronting the same problem. faculty turnover in the school district was so high, it was virtually impossible to make lasting improvements.

those are just some of the challenges rebecca Holcombe faced when she became principal of fairlee elementary in 1996, at the age of 29. as a result of her leadership, voters in four towns — three in Vermont and one in new Hampshire — approved the formation of the rivendell interstate School District in 1998.

Such school “consolidation,” as it’s called, has been hotly debated in Vermont for decades. on the pro side, it’s a way for small schools to share resources, increase efficiency and save taxpayer money. opponents argue that school consolidation erodes local control and has the potential to destroy communities.

Gail Keiling, now head of elementary schools for the rivendell district, was a new teacher at fairlee elementary when Holcombe first arrived and took an active role in the interstate-district planning committee.

“She was a very young principal, but you would never know it because she was just so knowledgeable about education and about curriculums,” Keiling recalls. “She was really a driving force to help us build this new school system.”

Doug tifft, who worked with Holcombe on the planning committee, agrees. He calls Holcombe “a visionary,” “an intellectual” and “the thomas jefferson of our effort.” Holcombe, he says, had a knack for bringing reluctant citizens and stony-faced community leaders to the table, not merely to begrudgingly accept school consolidation, but to embrace its potential. in the end, 80 percent of voters supported the measure.

“throughout the whole process, rebecca was always able to connect us to the latest understanding of what education could be,” tifft adds. “people didn’t feel as though they were leaving something. they felt as though they were creating something new.”

more than a decade later, the rivendell District has vibrant language, music and arts programs and the faculty turnover rate is back to normal.

What did Holcombe learn from the experience? that community involvement is key. “We had members of the community who were willing to come together in a sustained way over a period of time and ask the hard questions, do the research and figure out what was going on and keep having engaging conversations with the town about what the right outcome would look like,” she says. “townspeople did not feel this was forced upon them. they had multiple opportunities to weigh in through multiple community forums. We involved them very actively in designing all aspects of the project, so people who had concerns were able to bring them to the table.”

Head

of the classes

to be able to do the same thing in our schools.

KVT: Why is the narrative of school failure inaccurate?

RH: The reality is, schools are actually doing better now than they’ve ever done. Vermont has some of the highest graduation rates in the country. Our graduation rates are much higher than they were 50 years ago. We have kids going to college who wouldn’t have gone years ago. We have kids going to school who wouldn’t have gone to school years ago. Our test scores have been rising. The federal government just published a report that placed [Vermont] seventh in the world for math and science ... So, we need to have a more sophisticated conversation about what it means to do well.

KVT: How does poverty make the work of schools more difficult?

RH: The real challenge is that we have growing child poverty. We know that child poverty is associated with higher levels of special education services, because if you’re not getting adequate nutrition in utero, you’re going to have problems later on in life. Poverty causes stress and stress suppresses working memory. That impairs school performance. So, it’s not that our schools aren’t doing well; it’s that we have these changing social dynamics, which are going to make it more difficult for children to learn.

KVT: should universal preschool be a mandate?

RH: It should be an opportunity. Though this is still in the early stages, we need to find ways to work with the people and agencies that are already providing early education services to come up with clear criteria for high-quality preschool and find the resources to support them ... We don’t have the specifics for how that will work yet, but it has to be a high priority.

KVT: should Vermont extend its school day and/or school year?

RH: We know from good empirical

continueD from p. 23

research in other areas that the opportunity gaps and achievement gaps we’re seeing aren’t happening during the school day or school year. They’re happening in out-of-school time ... You go into any highincome community, those kids are busy all summer. You go into a low-income community, many of them are sitting at home because their parents can’t afford camp. That is the achievement gap. It doesn’t matter how hard they work during the year. We know those low-income kids lose ground over the summer because they’re not engaged, they’re not stimulated. Meanwhile, their peers are charging ahead. High-income kids actually gain over the summer, because they’re reading, they’re supported, like science camps or LEGO robotics. All those enrichment programs not only build and maintain their academic skills; they give you a sense of purpose.

KVT: in your application letter you wrote, “We should not make every child college-ready but innovation-ready.” What did you mean?

RH: I don’t think it makes sense for every child to go to a traditional fouryear college. What we need is to make sure every child has a choice and has the skills and understanding to be successful in their career, because careers are not what they used to be.

KVT: is too much emphasis placed on attending college as a prerequisite for success?

RH: When you go to the drugstore, you check out with a machine. When you fly, you get your ticket at a kiosk. These jobs are going to be gone for students, so we can’t educate them for those terminal jobs anymore. We need to educate them to be “innovation-ready” because they need to be constantly reinventing themselves for a very dynamic workforce. They need to be able to handle ill-structured problems and deal with nonstandard situations, because a computer can’t do those things. They need to be able to integrate masses of information and use judgment, because computers can’t do that, either. K

The reality is, schools are actually doing better now than they’ve ever done.

rebecca Holcombe

DEC / JAN CALENDAR

FIRST NIGHT BURLINGTON: Tuesday, December 31, noon to midnight, in downtown Burlington. All ages. $5-20 First Night button; $40 Family Pack for two adults and two children; free for kids under 3; additional $4 tickets required at select venues. Info, 863-6005. firstnightburlington.com

FIRST NIGHT ST. JOHNSBURY: Tuesday, December 31, 4 p.m.-midnight, on or near Main Street in St. Johnsbury. All ages. $13-20 First Night button; free for preschoolers. Info, 748-2600. firstnightstj.com

COURTESY OF FIRST NIGHT BURLINGTON

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dEcEmBER

1 SUNDAY

Arts & crafts

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

christmas card Greetings: Families pose with props for a holiday portrait to be cropped and edited to perfection. All ages. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $15; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: Moms bring their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class addressing sore shoulders and back pain through gentle core work. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 12:15 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: Mothers-to-be build strength, stamina, comfort and a stronger connection to their baby in this all-levels class. Free class coupons are available through midwives and OB/GYNs. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 10:05 a.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

dance

‘The Nutcracker’: Albany Berkshire Ballet performs this holiday favorite set to a soaring score by Tchaikovsky. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 1 p.m. $19-41. Info, 863-5966.

Education

Homework Help: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students tutor individuals or small groups in reading, math and science.

Grades 1-8. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 2-6 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Fairs & Festivals

EcHo HarvestFest: Nine days of events, films and activities focus on three harvest staples: corn, beans and squash. All ages. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $10.50-13.50; free for children under 3; $2 discount with a nonperishable food donation for the local food bank. Info, 864-1848.

Women’s Festival of crafts: Female artisans sell bags, jewelry, clothes, pottery and other creative crafts just in time for the giving season. All ages. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info, 864-7528.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: Fans of cocoa-covered confections experience the tempering and dipping process. All ages. Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 253-9591.

Homemade candy cane demonstration:

Wonka-wannabes boil, pull, turn, roll and twist striped seasonal sweets in five flavors. Laughing Moon Chocolates, Stowe, 11 a.m. Free to watch; $6 per person to make your own; preregister. Info, 253-9591.

Health & Fitness

Lyndon center Public skating: Graceful gliders circle the ice at this Northeast Kingdom rink. All ages. Fenton W. Chester Ice Arena, Lyndon Center, 12:30-2:30 p.m. $4-5; $3 for skate rentals. Info, 626-9361.

south Burlington Public skating: Skaters of all ages lace up and hit the ice. Skates available for rent. Times subject to change. Cairns Arena, South Burlington, 1-2:30 p.m. $1-4. Info, 658-5577.

YoGirls Yoga class: Fierce females acquire selfconfidence, emotional stability and a positive body image through yoga poses, mindfulness activities, games and crafts. Ages 7-11. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 2:30-3:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Holidays

caring claus sundays: Children with autism and other sensory conditions spend a quiet morning with Santa. All ages. Burlington Town

Center, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 658-2545.

christmas Tree Lighting & caroling: ’Tis the season for glowing greenery! The Colchester Community Chorus provide a festive soundtrack for crafts, hot cocoa and cookies. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Holiday Bazaar: Local artisans offer shoppers a wide array of affordable fine gifts for the holidays. Chandler Center for the Arts, Randolph, noon-3 p.m. Free. Info, 431-0204.

santa claus Visits: Wishful children let Kris Kringle in on their Christmas hopes and dreams. University Mall, South Burlington, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free; photo packages available for purchase. Info, 863-1066, ext. 18.

st. Albans Tree Lighting: Holiday revelers partake in caroling and a bonfire during this arboreal illumination. All ages. Taylor Park, St. Albans, 5 p.m. Free. Info, 309-4487.

Thanksgiving Weekend: A holiday celebration

showcases Turkey Day doings from 1890, as well as tasty treats and wagon rides. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for members and kids under 3. Info, 457-2355.

Nature & science

Fossils: Evidence of the Past: Youth sleuths clue into the origins of preserved remains. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. Kitchen chemistry: Mad scientists combine common household products, which yield unexpectedly entertaining results. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. machine madness Pre-Build: In preparation for a main event on December 7, diligent designers get a jump start on their innovative apparatuses. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200. Planetarium Presentation: An astronomy expert offers a guided tour of the cosmos. Ages 5 and up.Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 1:30-2:30 & 3:30-4 p.m. $5. Info, 748-2372.

2 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

clay for Kids: Participants improve their sculpting, brush work and glazing skills through guided projects and free time. Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. $20; preregister. Info, 457-3500. clay for Tots: Little potters practice and play with a malleable artistic medium. Ages 2-5. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $15. Info, 457-3500.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: Pregnant mamas focus on movements that will ready their bodies for the next phase of life. Yoga Mountain Center, Montpelier, 5:30-7 p.m. $15. Info, 778-0300.

Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: Moms-to-be learn breathing techniques and different positions to prepare their bodies for birth. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 6 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361. Yoga After Baby: New moms work on their core, pelvic floor and arm strength, bringing their infants along if they choose. Shambhala Center, Montpelier, 11 a.m.-noon. $10. Info, 778-0300.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students school elementary-age kids in reading, math and science. Ages 6-12. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 5:30-7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Gingerbread House contest: Families drop off ornate and edible structures for public display and potential prizes. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Games

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

Health & Fitness

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

Classes

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: Parents can attend a by-donation community yoga class one room over from this workout for kids. Grades K and up. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $14; $20 per two children. Info, 864-9642.

Hot mama Workout: Babies and older children are welcome as moms work through a boot campstyle circuit intended to burn fat and improve muscle tone. Gymnasium, St. Albans City Hall, 9-10 a.m. $10-13; bring a yoga mat. Info, 5241500, ext. 266.

itty Bitty Public skating: Tiny feet learn the art of sliding on ice through fun and games. Leddy Park, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m. $8 per family; skate rentals available for $1. Info, 865-7558.

Kids Yoga: Playful breathing, stretching and relaxation techniques build mindfulness and body awareness. Ages 6-12. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 4-5 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361.

2 moNdAY, p.28

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

Family sled-dog Rides: Enjoy a sled ride with the dog team from Jericho’s These Woods Kennels, a small sled-dog racing kennel and touring operation. In business more than 30 years, the kennel runs only purebred Siberians. January 11, 2-4 p.m. $35/residents; $45/nonresidents. Location: Miller Community Recreation Center, Kid’s Room, 130 Gosse Ct., Burlington. Registration required. Please contact Burlington Parks and Recreation at 864-0123 or sign up online at enjoyburlington.com.

cheer Team: Participants in Cheer Team learn poise, arm motions, jumps, chants, cheers and tumbling skills. Learn or perfect round-offs and all kinds of cartwheels and tumbling. Learn teamwork and play games that enhance body awareness. The team cheers at events including Burlington High School football games. Participants provide their own black bike shorts, sneakers and white socks; cheer shell provided with opportunity to purchase matching skirt. Season ends with a team banquet. Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., January 8 through February 19. $70/residents; $80/nonresidents. Instructor: Ila Sewell of Gym Kids Academy, Inc. Ages: 5-14. Location: CP Smith School Gymnasium, 332 Ethan Allen Parkway, Burlington. Registration required. Please contact Burlington Parks and Recreation at 864-0123 or sign up online at enjoyburlington.com.

Gymnastics class: Make friends and gain body confidence while perfecting skills such as round-offs, handstands, walkovers and all kinds of cartwheels! Participants practice balance moves and dance steps and try lots of new things in a non-competitive atmosphere. Opportunities to perform. Mondays, 6:15-7:30 p.m., January 6 through February 17. $70/residents, $80/nonresidents. Instructor: Ila Sewell of Gym Kids Academy, Inc. Ages: 5-12. Location: Edmunds Middle School, cafeteria, 275 Main St., Burlington. Registration required. Please contact Burlington Parks and Recreation at 864-0123 or sign up online at enjoyburlington.com.

december Vacation camp: Art/math in Nature & Architecture: Hone observation, mathematical and artistic skills at an

inspiring camp! We’ll study iconic, peoplemade structures such as Notre Dame and the pyramids, as well as amazing naturemade treasures such as sunflowers and pinecones to see how art and math work their magic together. Create mathematically inspired drawings and paintings in a variety of materials. December 23 and/or December 27. $90/day; $160/two days. Location: wingspan Studio, 4A Howard St., Burlington. Info: maggiestandley@yahoo.com, 2337676, wingspanpaintingstudio.com.

Aikido of champlain Valley: martial Arts and conflict Resolution for children: The Japanese martial art of aikido integrates self-defense with a philosophy of non-violence and compassion. Children’s classes include physical conditioning, bully awareness and prevention, and methods to cultivate inner calm. Visitors are always welcome, and children can try a free class.  Ages 5-6, Thursdays, 4 p.m.; ages 7-12, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 4 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. Location: Aikido of Champlain Valley, 257 Pine St., Burlington. Info: bpincus@burlingtonaikido.org, 9518900, burlingtonaikido.org.

Felted mini-stockings Family Workshop: Family felting fun awaits! Utilizing a wetfelting technique, adult/child teams create a unique piece of felt out of a variety of fibers such as silk, wool and mohair. Then, through stitching and embellishing, the felt is transformed into a mini stocking ornament. Instructor: Kim Goodling. December 7, 12:30-3:30 p.m. $40 per adult/child pair; $15 per additional family member. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: 253-8358, education@helenday.com, helenday.com.

Animated drawings Teen Workshop: Animators-in-the-making combine creative forces to bring drawings to life! After brainstorming with the group, each student produces his or her own sequence of drawings to be interwoven with the rest into one fluid Quicktime animation. Instructor: Leif Goldberg. December 11 and 12, 6-9 p.m. $75/ two-day workshop. Helen Day Art Center, 90 Pond St., Stowe. Info: 253-8358, education@helenday.com, helenday.com. K

DEC CALENDAR

2 MONDAY (CONTINUED)

Little Yogis: Music, games and creative movement encourage the bitty set to play and learn. Ages 18 months-3 years with a caregiver. 2

Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 9-10 a.m. $14 drop-in. Info, 870-0361.

Preschool Yoga: Preschool posers develop their practice away from caregivers with music, storytelling and creative movement. Ages 3-5. 2

Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $14 drop-in. Info, 870-0361.

Shelburne Open Gym: Tumbling tots burn energy on trampolines, balance beams, rings and more. See gymstargymnastics.com for schedule changes during school vacations. Gymstar

Gymnastics, Shelburne, 9 a.m., noon, 2 & 5 p.m. $3-6. Info, 985-8948.

Holidays

Santa Claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Library & Books

Chess Club: Game players strategize and make moves in this brain-building game. No experience necessary. All ages. Lincoln Library, 4 p.m. Free. Imagination Station: Elementary-aged builders make Lego constructions and art projects in this creative class. Snack provided. Jaquith

Story Times

MONDAY

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

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

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

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

Northfield Children’s Story Time: Brown Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 485-4621.

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

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

Stowe Story Time for 2- to 3-Year-Olds: Stowe Free Library, 10:15-11 a.m. Free. Info, 253-6145.

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

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

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

TUESDAY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Highgate Toddler and Preschool Story Time: Highgate Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 868-3970.

Hinesburg Preschool Story Time: CarpenterCarse Library, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 482-2878.

Hinesburg Toddler Story Time:

Public Library, Marshfield, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

Write Now!: Junior scribes get inspired to pen poems and stories in a supportive group setting. Grades 6-12. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660. Young Adult Advisory Board: Sixth through 12th graders help make the library a destination for their peers. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Music

Music for Preschoolers: Lively tunes with Peter Alsen or Derek Burkins strike the right note

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

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

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

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

Georgia Pajama Story Time: Georgia Public Library, third Tuesday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

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

Sheldon Story Time: Sheldon Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 933-2524.

South Burlington Tiny Tot Story Time: South Burlington Community Library, 9:15 & 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

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

Winooski Preschool Story Time: Winooski Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424. Woodstock Preschool Story Time: Norman Williams Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 457-2295.

WEDNESDAY

Berkshire PJ Story Time: Berkshire Elementary School, third Wednesday of every month, 6-7 p.m. Free. Info, 347-1780.

Burlington Preschool Story Time at the Aquarium: ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Dec. 4, 11:30 a.m. Regular admission, $10.50-13.50; free for members and children under 3. Info, 877-324-6386.

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

Essex Junction Preschool Story Time: See Tuesday.

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

Grand Isle Preschool Story Time: Grand Isle Free Library, 10 a.m. Free; newcomers should preregister. Info, 372-4797.

Hardwick Preschool Story Time: Jeudevine Memorial Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 472-5948.

Highgate Toddler and Preschool Story Time: See Tuesday, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

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

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

Middlebury Babies & Books Story Time: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

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

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

Richford PJ Story Time: Arvin A. Library, every other Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

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

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

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

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

Warren Preschool Story & Enrichment Hour: Warren Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 595-2582.

Williamstown Story Time: Ainsworth Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 433-5887.

THURSDAY

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

Fairfax PJ Story Time: Fairfax Community Library, first Thursday of every month, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Franklin Story Hour: Haston Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6678.

Middlebury Preschool Story Time: Ilsley Public Library, 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Montgomery Story Hour: Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 326-3113.

Northfield Children’s Story Time: See Monday. Rutland Story Time: Rutland Free Library, 1010:45 a.m. Free. Info, 773-1860.

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

St. Albans Story Hour: See Monday.

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

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

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

FRIDAY

Brandon Preschool Story Time: Brandon Free Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Charlotte Friday Free For All: Charlotte Public Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 425-3864.

Essex Junction Drop-In Story Time: Brownell Library, Dec. 13, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-6956.

Essex Musical Story Time: Essex Free Library,

among the wee crowd. For ages 5 and under with a caregiver. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:45 a.m. Free; limited to one session per week per family. Info, 878-4918.

Winter Party With UVM Zest: A cappella music and library decorating are on the evening’s agenda during this holiday celebration. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6 p.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

3 TUESDAY

Arts & Crafts

Crafty Kids: Creative types explore beading, stitching, molding and more. Ages 5-12. ArtisTree

third Friday of every month, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 879-0313.

Enosburg Story Hour: Enosburg Public Library, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

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

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

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

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

Montpelier Story Time: See Tuesday.

Moretown Story Time: Moretown Memorial Library, 11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 496-9728.

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

South Burlington Story Time Adventures: South Burlington Community Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-7539.

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

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

SATURDAY

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

Burlington Story Time at Phoenix Books: Phoenix Books Burlington, 11 a.m. Free. No story times in December. Info, 448-3350.

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

South Burlington Story Time: See Wednesday. St. Johnsbury Story Time: See Friday, first Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m.

Winooski Story Hour: Winooski Memorial Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 655-6424.

SUNDAY

Williston Russian Story Time: Buttered Noodles, 11-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 730-2673.

Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 3-5 p.m. $15; drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

Winter craft series: Resourceful kids learn how to make balsam pillows, glycerin soap and more. Kindergarten and up. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

Baby & maternity

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See December 1, 10:30 a.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1, 4 p.m.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: Yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques nurture bodies and create a loving connection between moms-to-be and their babies. Women at all stages of pregnancy are welcome. Yoga Roots, Shelburne, 5:45-7:15 p.m. $15, first class free. Info, 985-0090.

Education

school observation mornings: Prospective parents get a chance to see pre-K through eighth grade classes in session, meet faculty and ask questions. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 8:30-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 985-2827, ext. 12.

Fairs & Festivals

Festival of the Trees: Caroling, holiday stories, a parade and an auction are part of this weeklong holiday extravaganza. See festivaloftreesvt.com for event details. St. Albans City Hall, 6:30 p.m. $2-30 for select events. Info, 309-4487.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Gingerbread House contest: See December 2, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Kids in the Kitchen: Parisian macarons: Bakersin-training learn French culinary technique to create cookie sandwiches both crunchy and chewy. Recommended for children 6 and up. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per adult/child pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Games

chess club: Checkmate! Beginners and experts alike scheme winning strategies. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420.

magic: The Gathering: Planeswalkers of all levels seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game. For teens and adults; kids under 13 must be accompanied by a guardian or have parental permission to attend. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5-7:45 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. martial Arts class: Playful but focused activities build agility, strength, balance and peaceful cooperation. Ages 7-12. 2 Wolves Holistic Center, Vergennes, 4-5 p.m. $14. Info, 870-0361. moovin’ & Groovin’: Energetic youngsters develop self-confidence, coordination, and language and social-interaction skills through jumping, dancing and tumbling. Ages 18 months-4 years. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 10-10:45 a.m. $12; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: Young gymnasts bounce, bend and balance. Ages 9 months to 6 years, accompanied by an adult. Green Mountain Gymnastics, Williston, 9:30-11 a.m. $10 per child; $15 per family. Info, 652-2454.

Holidays

deck the Halls: The new Pizzagalli Center for Art and Education gets dressed up for the holidays during this six-day event featuring kids craft projects and musical performances. See calendar spotlight on page 34. All ages. Shelburne Museum, 1-4 p.m. Regular winter museum admission, $3-10, free for members. Info, 985-3346.

Pajama Party With santa: Bedtime-ready kids wear their jammies and bring stuffed animals and blankets for photos with Mr. Claus. All ages. Burlington Town Center, 6 p.m. Free; bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. Info, 658-2545. santa claus Visits: See December 1. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Library & Books

Williston story Time & crafts: Young explorers develop literacy skills and engage in artistic exploration. Ages 3-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

movies

Youth media Lab: Aspiring Spielbergs film, edit and produce videos while exploring other areas of digital media. Grades 4-6. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: Parents sip coffee while wee ones break into song with a local musician and educator. Preschool-aged kids and younger. The Bees Knees, Morrisville, 10-10:45 a.m. Free. Info, 888-7889.

Theater

‘madeline and the Bad Hat’: A young Parisian girl — the heroine of Ludwig Bemelmans’ children’s book series — learns about second chances in this ArtsPower production. Paramount Theater, Rutland, 10 a.m. $6.50. Info, 775-0570, ext. 202.

‘Timber!’: Axes fly and whips crack as Cirque Alfonse’s aerialists and acrobats channel smallvillage lumberjacks, loggers and farmers. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7 p.m. $15-36. Info, 863-5966.

Very merry Holiday celebration: Creative kids explore midwinter traditions through song, dance and storytelling with instructors Trish Denton and Randal Pierce. Ages 7-14. Very Merry Theatre, Burlington, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $20. Info, 355-1461.

4 WEDNESDAY Arts & crafts

Arts for Tots: Music, movement, free play and art projects inspire creativity in young minds. Ages 18 months-4 years. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 10:15-11:15 a.m. $10 drop-in; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

christmas Around the World: Craft projects teach kids about historical holiday celebrations and customs from different countries. Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 3:30-5 p.m. $15 per class; $40 for three-week session; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Holiday Knitting Workshop: Yarn enthusiasts learn new stitches and techniques for creating handmade gifts and ornaments. All ages. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 6-8 p.m. $20; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Baby & Maternity

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

Education

High School Observation Mornings: Students and parents interested in finding out more about the Waldorf philosophy in practice sit in on classes, meet teachers and ask questions. Lake Champlain Waldorf High School, Charlotte, 8:3010 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 985-2827, ext. 12.

Homework Help: See December 1, 2-5 p.m.

One-on-One Tutoring: See December 2, 6-8 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Festival of the Trees: See December 3.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See December 1.

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

Homemade Candy Cane Demonstration: See December 1.

Games

Lego Afternoons: Youngsters create freely from big buckets of building blocks. Parents encouraged to send a snack; popcorn provided. Ages 6 and up. Lincoln Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2665.

Lego Club: Amateur architects piece together creative scale models of cityscapes. Lawrence Memorial Library, Bristol, 3:15-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 453-2366.

Theme-Based Lego Club: Weekly prompts inspire kids’ building projects. Their constructions will be on display the following week. Ages 9-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 244-7036.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 2.

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 2.

Lyndon Center Public Skating: See December 1, 2:45-4:15 p.m.

Shelburne Open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers Open Gym: See December 3.

Holidays

Deck the Halls: See December 3.

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 5-8 p.m.

Santa Claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Story Time With Mrs. Claus: Cookies, milk and pajamas enhance Christmas tales told by Santa’s jolly wife. Meet at the JCPenney Court, University Mall, South Burlington, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1066, ext. 18.

Library & Books

Dorothy Canfield Fisher Book Discussion: Eager readers voice their likes and dislikes about award winner One for the Murphys by Lynda Hunt. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Evening Pajama Party: Kids listen to holiday stories in their jammies. All ages. St. Albans Free Library, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info, 524-1507.

Story Hour With Tracey Campbell Pearson: The Vermont artist and author shares her newest picture book, Elephant’s Story, about a pachyderm who plays with letters. Snacks and treats provided. Ages 6 and under. The Flying Pig Bookstore, Shelburne, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 985-3999.

Music

Moving & Grooving With Christine: Tots let loose to the rhythms of rock-and-roll and world music. Recommended for ages 2-5, but all are welcome. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 1111:30 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Preschool Music With Derek: Kids tap their toes in time to a fun, tune-filled gathering. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: Small scallywags “ooh” and “aargh!” during swashbuckling songs, movements and guessing games. Ages 7 and under with their parents. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 10-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

5 THURSDAY

Arts & Crafts

Fairy Tales: Enchanted stories inspire whimsical works of art. Ages 3-5. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 10:15-11:15 a.m. $10 drop-in. Info, 457-3500.

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

Baby & Maternity

Birth Story Circle: Mothers to newborns share their laboring tales in a nonjudgmental environment. Babies welcome. Birth Journeys, Burlington, noon-2 p.m. $5-15; preregister. Info, 324-8809.

Breast-Feeding Support Group: Lactating moms bring their babies and bond over stories and advice. Family Birthing Center, Northwest Medical Center, St. Albans, 10 a.m.-noon, Free; preregister. Info, 524-7970.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1, 5:45 p.m.

La Leche League of Essex: Moms bring their little ones to a discussion of parenting and breastfeeding. Pregnant and planning moms are also welcome. First Congregational Church of Essex Junction, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 383-8544.

Shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See December 3, 9-10:15 a.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Festival of the Trees: See December 3.

A Traditional Christmas in Stowe: The idyllic town celebrates the season with holiday music, a lantern parade, a tree lighting, wagon rides, a visit from Santa and more. All ages. Various locations, Stowe, 7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 253-2275.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

Essex Open Gym: See December 2.

Itty Bitty Public Skating: See December 2.

Martial Arts Class: See December 3. Shelburne Open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

South Burlington Public Skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Yoga for Tots: Mini yogis jump like frogs and stretch like dogs in this relaxed class filled with games, stories and songs. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 10-10:45 a.m. $12. Info, 457-3500.

Holidays

Deck the Halls: See December 3. Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Plum Perfect

When The Nutcracker premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1892, critics panned it. But the Tchaikovsky ballet has gone on to become one of the most beloved of all time. The show follows the adventures of young Clara, who receives a nutcracker doll at a Christmas party that leads her into a dreamy world inhabited by oversize mice, toy soldiers and a dazzling Sugar Plum Fairy. Vermont Ballet Theater’s 180 dancers — 6 to 18 years old — have spent two months rehearsing to ensure that when the curtains open on VERMONT’S OWN “NUTCRACKER,” their moves are on point.

VERMONT’S OWN “NUTCRACKER”: Saturday, December 21, 2 and 7 p.m., and Sunday, December 22, 1 and 6 p.m., at the Flynn MainStage in Burlington. All ages. $22-35; students, seniors and children under 12 receive a 10-percent discount. Info, 863-5966. flynntix.org or vbts.org

Santa Claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Statehouse Tree Lighting: Governor Shumlin presides over this annual event, which includes choir music and refreshments in the building’s lobby. Vermont State House, Montpelier, 4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 223-9604.

Library & Books

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

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 2, 10:30 a.m.

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

Spanish Musical Kids: Niños celebrate Spanish through Latin American songs and games. Ages 1-5 with a caregiver. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Theater

Holiday Plays & Kids Cabaret: Holiday themes inspire drama kings and queens to create exciting original skits, plays and comedies with children’s theater director Trish Denton. Ages 7-12. Jericho Community Center, 3:30-5 p.m. $15; preregister. ‘Timber!’: See December 3, Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, 7 p.m. $15-40. Info, 603-646-2422.

4 WEDNESDAY (CONTINUED)

6 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

Art studio: Under the guidance of a nurturing instructor, kiddos express themselves through painting, drawing, sculpture and printmaking.

Ages 2-5. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 10:30-11:30 a.m. $5. Info, 457-3500. drop-in Kinder Arts Program: Artist/instructor Kelly Hold leads an exploratory craft session. Ages 3-5. River Arts, Morrisville, 10:30 a.m.noon, $12; $8 per second child. Info, 888-1261. Family Wheel drop-in: Parents and kids make bowls, cups and sculptures from clay. All ages. BCA Print & Clay Studio, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $6 includes one fired and glazed piece per participant; additional pieces are $5 each. Info, 865-7166.

Lil Picassos: Preschoolers get their hands dirty creating Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired masterpieces. Ages 3-5 with a parent. Leo O’Brien Civic Center, South Burlington, 9:30-10:30 a.m. $6-10; preregister. Info, 846-4108.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: Get your abs on! New moms learn to reengage core muscles lost during pregnancy in this flowing yoga class for all levels. Pre-crawling babies are welcome. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 1:30 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

dance

First Friday Family dance: A wholesome evening of live music and dancing ends with a song circle. All ages. Worcester Town Hall, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $5-12. Info, 229-0173.

Education

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

Homework Help: See December 1, 3-6 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

Festival of the Trees: See December 3, 7 p.m.-midnight.

A Traditional christmas in stowe: See December 5, 4:30-9 p.m.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon, 2 & 6 p.m. south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3.

Holidays

deck the Halls: See December 3. Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Holiday Fair: Grown-ups take their pick of handcrafted gifts from more than 60 artisans while little ones enjoy storytelling, African drumming, face painting and jump-rope making. Adults and older teens. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Info, 985-2827, ext. 14.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Library & Books

Teen Fridays: High schoolers learn about new young adult lit, play in the gym and do homework. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 3-5 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

music

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

music With derek: The wee crowd convenes to shake out their sillies with tune-filled activities. All ages. Buttered Noodles, Williston, 1010:30 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810.

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

music With robert: Families sing along with a local legend. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

rockin’ ron the Friendly Pirate: The swashbuckling musician delivers mealtime songs, dances and jokes at the resort’s Morse Mountain Grille. All ages. Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, 8-10 a.m. Free. Info, 644-1247.

Theater

‘Broadway direct’: Veterans of the Great White Way put on a musical show alongside talented local teens. All ages. Vergennes Opera House, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $10-20. Info, 877-6737.

‘Pinocchio’: A puppet dreams of becoming a real boy in the National Marionette Theatre’s production of this classic childhood tale. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Mater Christi School, Burlington, 3:30 & 6 p.m. $8; $30 per family. Info, 658-3992.

‘Timber!’: See December 5, 8 p.m.

7 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Face Painting: Kids get fancy with facial embellishments by the Snowqueen, near the food court. University Mall, South Burlington, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for price. Info, 864-0683.

Holiday Bookmaking: Little bibiliophiles create their own paper projects. Grades K-3 with a caregiver. Outback Artspace, St. Johnsbury, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free; preregister. Info, 748-2600, ext. 108.

Jazzy Jewels: Fashionable designers create wearable art with a variety of beads and materials.

Ages 9-12. BCA Print & Clay Studio, Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 865-7166.

Kids craft: Gingerbread Person ornament: Youngsters dress up sweet boys and girls with felt clothes and accessories in this drop-in session.

Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

mini Felted stockings: Adult/child teams make their own wool, then use it to line a cozy holiday ornament. Ages 8 and up. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 12:30-3 p.m. $15. Info, 253-8358. Pittsford craft show: Holiday shoppers support local artisans selling jewelry, pottery, crocheted items and food. All ages. Lothrop Elementary School, Pittsford, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 483-6351.

recycled craft Workshop: Resourceful artisans learn to save money while saving the Earth in this eco-conscious class with the Winooski Valley Park District. All ages. Ethan Allen Homestead Museum, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free; bring a nonperishable food donation for COTS. Info, 863-5744.

Winter Gifts: Using recycled and natural materials as inspiration, fans of handmade crafts make beautiful objects and prepare yummy treats. All ages. Shelburne Farms, 9:30-11:30 a.m. & 12:302:30 p.m. $20 per parent/child pair; $15 per each additional child; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

Youth & Family saturday drop-in: Artsy types create everything from wooden paddle boats to gourd people to tin nightlights in this ever-changing weekly series. Call for specific class activities. Shelburne Craft School, 10-11:30 a.m. $12; $10 each with a friend or participating parent. Info, 985-3648.

Baby & maternity

Breast-Feeding support Group: The Vermont Department of Health organizes this informative social group for moms, babies and families.

Bent Northrop Memorial Library, Fairfield, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 524-7970.

community

Festival of Trees & Light: Decorated Christmas trees and menorahs beautify the room while carols and Hanukkah songs entertain guests. All ages. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 5-7 p.m. Free; donations of outerwear, food and toys accepted for various organizations. Info, 253-8358.

Horse & Buggy rides: Petite ponies from the Green Mountain Miniature Horse Club pull passengers in bedecked carriages around the top block of Church Street. All ages. Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1648.

Horse & Wagon rides: Families ride in oldfashioned style through the downtown area. All ages. Downtown Middlebury, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 388-4126.

“inspired By Emily” Art show: Artwork created to accompany the poetry of Emily Lyman, who died from leukemia in 2012, is displayed in tribute to this young writer. All ages. 4 Market Street, South Burlington, 4-8 p.m. Free. Info, 233-7481. Kids Night out: Parents take some time for themselves as their offspring enjoy pizza, yoga games and crafts. Ages 4-8. Aspire Community Studio, Essex Junction, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25 for first child; $15 per each additional child. Info, 878-1375. sleigh rides: Weather permitting, jingling horses trot visitors over the snow on a wintry tour of rolling acres. Rides leave every 20 minutes; seats are first come, first served. Shelburne Farms, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $8-10; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8686.

Education

Kids Workshops: Children learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as they build a different project each session. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 872-0039.

Fairs & Festivals

Festival of the Trees: See December 3. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Festival of Wreaths: More than 100 rings of evergreen are up for auction at this gathering with food, music and holiday cheer. Proceeds benefit the Mary Johnson Children’s Center. All ages. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Suggested donation. Info, 388-9222.

river of Light Lantern Parade: “Creatures Under the Sea” is the theme for this year’s celebration, where the streets of Waterbury are set aglow with handmade creations and 20-piece band Sambatucada provide the soundtrack. All ages. Thatcher Brook Primary School, Waterbury, 5 p.m. Free.

A Traditional christmas in stowe: See December 5, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Winooski Train show: Mini-locomotives and railroad gear captivate choo-choo enthusiasts at this event benefitting Winooski’s Dollars for Scholars program. Winooski Educational Center, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $1-5; free for children under 6. Info, 655-2555.

Food

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

capital city Winter Farmers market: Root veggies, honey, maple syrup and more change hands at an off-season celebration of locally grown food held in the gymnasium. All ages. Vermont College of Fine Arts, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 223-2958.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

make Your own Gingerbread House:

Sweet-toothed boys and girls use graham crackers to build structures, then decorate them. All ages. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

middlebury Winter Farmers market: Crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes. All ages. Mary Hogan Elementary School, Middlebury, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. Info, 537-4754.

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

Pancake Breakfast & silent Auction: Flapjacks, maple syrup, applesauce and gluten-free options grace the cafeteria tables at this community event with local goods and services to bid on. Proceeds benefit unique learning opportunities for students. All ages. Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes Elementary School, Burlington, 8:30-11:30 a.m. $5-8; $15 per family. Info, 864-8480.

rutland Winter Farmers market: More than 50 vendors sell local produce, cheese, homemade bread and other made-in-Vermont products. All ages. Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. Info, 753-7269.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: Youngsters master basic yoga poses through games, songs and dance. Mindfulness activities help them improve their focus and concentration. Ages 4-9. Evolution Yoga, Burlington, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. $14. Info, 864-9642.

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1, 2-3:45 p.m.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, 9 & 10 a.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 2:40-4:10 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Yoga Tots: Toddlers and parents stretch it out in exercises meant to build self-esteem and positive attitudes toward physical activity. Ages 2-6. Community Room. Highgate Town Office Building, 9-9:30 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 868-3970.

Holidays

Breakfast With santa: Old Saint Nick circulates and poses for photos while hungry families enjoy a hearty repast of pancakes and sausage. All ages. St. Albans Historical Museum, 8-10:30 a.m. $5; $15 per family. Info, 524-1500.

candy cane Lane: Mini merrymakers hunt for sweets, decorate cookies, make holiday crafts and write letters to Santa. All ages. Miller Community Recreation Center, Burlington, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $5; free for children under 2; preregister. Info, 865-7558.

christmas at the Farm: Fête the season the oldfashioned way, with 19th-century crafts, tours of the 1890 farmhouse and horse-drawn sleigh rides. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 2. Info, 457-2355.

christmas market: Spirited shoppers pore over the wares of more than 60 juried artists and craftspeople amid children’s activities, homemade food and a raffle. Proceeds benefits the Arts-in-Our-Schools program. St. Johnsbury School, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 626-5836. deck the Halls: See December 3.

Floating Bridge Food & Farms cooperative Holiday market: Wreaths, candles, soap, winter produce, pizzas and sweet treats are among the offerings for supporters of local agriculture. All ages. The Fork Shop, Brookfield, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Tree cutting from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 1591 Twin Ponds Road. Info, 276-0787.

Holiday Bazaar: Toys, books, household items and crafts tempt shoppers while artsy kids create unique gifts. All ages. Unitarian Universalist Society, Burlington, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Free; $6 for lunch. Info, 288-9566.

7 sATuRdAY (continueD)

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Holiday Fair: See December 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Holiday story & craft Time: Petite partiers pop into the library for festive stories, songs and crafts during Waterbury’s Holiday Stroll. Grades K-4. Waterbury Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

Holiday stroll at the Library: Family-focused events include a visit from Santa and his elves, a reading of ’Twas The Night Before Christmas and lively musical entertainment. All ages. Bixby Memorial Library, Vergennes, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 877-2211, ext. 204.

Live Reindeer: Rudolph lovers meet the real thing and learn about its diet, hooves, fur and antlers. In front of Homeport, Church Street Marketplace, Burlington, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1648.

Lyndonville Polar Express: Pajama-clad passengers enjoy hot cocoa, cookies and caroling aboard a vintage coach train that picks up Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves on its journey. All ages. The Freighthouse, Lyndonville, noon, 2, 4 & 6 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 626-1400.

old-Fashioned Visits With santa: Little ones share milk, cookies and their wish lists with Father Christmas, while a juggler adds to the fun. All ages. Middlebury Community House, 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4126.

open House With santa: Sweet-toothed celebrators get in the holiday spirit with kids music from Robert Resnik and Martha Seyler, Christmas creemees and an appearance by the jolly guy in red himself. All ages. Vermont Cookie Love, North Ferrisburgh, noon-4 p.m. Free. Info, 425-8181.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

santa Train: Antique coaches take festive passengers on a merry ride. Boarding is 30 minutes before departure. All ages. Rutland Amtrak Station, 10 a.m., noon, 1:30, 3 & 4:30 p.m. $10-22. Info, 776-7636.

santa’s Arrival: Well-wishers line the streets as Saint Nicholas arrives in town via fire truck. All ages. Downtown Middlebury, 9:45-10 a.m. Free. Info, 399-4126.

shelburne Holiday craft Fair: Students sell food and handmade wares, including jewelry and holiday decorations to benefit classrooms. All ages. Shelburne Community School, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Free. Info, 985-3331.

Vergennes Holiday stroll: Cookie decorating, card making, a craft fair, a visit with Santa and musical performances are highlights of this festive community celebration in the Little City. See full schedule at addisoncounty.com/ holidaystroll. Downtown Vergennes, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Various prices; most events are free. Info, 388-7951, ext. 1.

Waterbury Holiday stroll: Friendly snowmen greeters, a parade and special retail and restaurant offerings help community members celebrate the season. Downtown Waterbury, Free. Info, 793-6029.

Library & Books

cleo the Therapy dog: Canine companions visit with a friendly pooch from Therapy Dogs of Vermont. Ages 3 and up. Milton Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

meet the Grinch: Parents snap pics of their kids with the mean green one himself during this seasonal story time with activities. All ages. Phoenix Books, Essex Junction, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 872-7111.

‘The Polar Express’: This magical evening includes a reading of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved picture book, a lighted hayride, cocoa and cookies. All ages. Highgate Public Library, 4, 4:30, 5 & 5:30 p.m. Free; preregister specifying boarding time. Info, 868-3970.

spanish musical Playgroup: Rhymes, books, songs and crafts en español entertain niños Snacks provided. Ages 5 and under. Dorothy

Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 878-4918.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: Ahoy mateys! The seafaring entertainer makes merry with music and dancing while families dine on pizza at Riga-Bello’s. Smugglers’ Notch Resort, Jeffersonville, 5-6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 644-1142.

Nature & science

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

machine madness: Emerging engineers of all ages link their home-built contraptions to create an incredible chain reaction. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 1-3 p.m. Free for families entering a machine; $11-14 museum admission otherwise; preregister. Info, 649-2200.

my sky: Astronomy enthusiasts learn about celestial objects in this 20-minute program geared toward ages 3 to 9. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 12:30-1 p.m. Regular museum admission, $6-8; free for members and children under 5. Info, 748-2372.

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1.

Theater

‘Beauty and the Beast’: A traditional tale of true love is recreated with lively puppets in this National Marionette Theatre production. All ages. Black Box, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. $5-10. Info, 864-7999.

children’s ‘Les misérables’ Auditions: Budding performers try out for the roles of Young Eponine, Young Cosette and Gavroche in the Lyric Theater Company’s production of the celebrated French musical. Children must be at least 8 years old to audition. The Schoolhouse Learning Center, South Burlington, 8:30 a.m.noon. Free. Info, 363-4599.

‘A Fool’s Feast’: Renowned clown Bob Berky goes for the giggles in a wacky performance. St. Johnsbury School, 4:30 p.m. $10-25. Info, 748-2600. saturday drama club: Thespians help Very Merry Theatre produce a show in just three hours. Ages 5-12. Very Merry Theatre, Burlington, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. $15 or pay what you can. Info, 863-6607.

8 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1.

community

sleigh Rides: See December 7.

Education

Homework Help: See December 1.

Fairs & Festivals

Festival of the Trees: See December 3, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

st. Albans Public skating: Families gather to glide around the rink. Helmets suggested. Rentals not available. All ages. Collins-Perley Sports Complex, St. Albans, 12:15-1:45 p.m. $3-5. Info, 524-1500.

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1. south Burlington Public skating: See December 1.

YoGirls Yoga class: See December 1.

Holidays

caring claus sundays: See December 1.

christmas at the Farm: See December 7.

christmas market: See December 7.

deck the Halls: See December 3, noon-4 p.m.

Floating Bridge Food & Farms

cooperative Holiday market: See December 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1.

Holiday concert & sing Along: The Milton Community Band provides festive music while families chime in with their voices. All ages. Milton High School, 2 p.m. Free. Info, 893-1398.

Lyndonville Polar Express: See December 7. santa claus Visits: See December 1.

Library & Books

Life & Art in the inca Village: The customs and practices of native South Americans come to life as Charlotte author Elizabeth Conrad VanBuskirk shares passages from her newest book, Beyond the Stones of Machu Picchu: Folk Tales and Stories of Inca Life. Ages 10 and up. Shelburne Town Hall, 4 p.m. Free. Info, 985-3999.

Nature & science

Parachutes: Curious kids make their own ’chutes to test air resistance. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1. skulls: Neophyte naturalists explore skeletal remains of local wildlife. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

‘Antic Variations’: Whether he’s playing a kazoo or miming, performer Bob Berky has built a reputation for clowning around onstage. Next Stage Arts, Putney, 2 p.m. $10-25. Info, 748-2600.

‘Beauty and the Beast’: See December 7.

9 MONDAY

Arts & crafts

clay for Kids: See December 2. clay for Tots: See December 2. clay ornaments: Artists-in-training sculpt their own tree decorations to give or keep. Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $15; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See December 2.

Vergennes Prenatal Yoga: See December 2. Yoga After Baby: See December 2.

Education

one-on-one Tutoring: See December 2.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 2.

Hot mama Workout: See December 2. itty Bitty Public skating: See December 2.

Kids Yoga: See December 2. Little Yogis: See December 2.

Preschool Yoga: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2.

Holidays

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Library & Books

chess club: See December 2.

imagination station: See December 2.

Pajama story Time With Abby Klein: Flannelclad kiddos bring their favorite stuffed animals for tales, crafts and a bedtime snack. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

music

music for Preschoolers: See December 2. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6, 5-8 p.m.

Parenting

simplifying the Holidays: Waldorf teacher and parenting coach Anne Shapiro shares strategies for making the gift-giving season meaningful for families. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 7 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 985-2827, ext. 12.

10 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

Teen Art studio: Creative juices flow as local artists encourage adolescents to dream up ideas and carry them out in an anything-goes atmosphere. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 253-8358.

Winter craft series: See December 3.

Baby & maternity

Burlington La Leche League: Babies and older kids are welcome as moms bring their questions to a breast-feeding support group. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 985-8228.

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See December 1, 10:30 a.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1, 4 p.m.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See December 3.

community

stowe Half-day camp: Kids dismissed early from school partake in seasonal activities for the remainder of the day. Grades K and up. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 11:45 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $25. Info, 253-6138.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Gingerbread Houses: Creative kiddos use candy canes, gumdrops and frosting to build their own sweet abodes. Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 3:30-5 p.m. 15; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Kids cooking class: Gingerbread cookies: Run, run, as fast as you can ... Budding bakers mix up spicy-sweet cookie dough with whole grains and molasses, then cut it into fun shapes. Ages 6-12, accompanied by an adult. King Street Youth Center, Burlington, 5:30-7 p.m. $5-10; preregister at citymarket.coop. Info, 861-9700.

Kids in the Kitchen: Edible ornaments: Kids roll, punch and bake a cavalcade of Christmas cookies to decorate, hang on the tree and eat. All ages. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per adult/child pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

submit your February events for print by January 15 at kidsvt.com or calendar@kidsvt.com

Games

chess club: See December 3.

magic: The Gathering: See December 3.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

martial Arts class: See December 3.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, 12 & 2 p.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3.

Holidays

Pajama Party With santa: See December 3. santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Library & Books

Williston story Time & crafts: See December 3.

movies

Youth media Lab: See December 3.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See December 3.

Ongoing Exhibits

doWnToWn middLEBURY

A Very merry middlebury: The college town is awash in holiday magic with an I Spy 10 Tiny Gingerbread Contest, cut-outs of seasonal characters, free gift wrapping and a 25-cent-a-cup Hot Cocoa Hut in Cannon Park. Visit bettermiddleburypartnership.org for more information. All ages. December 1-31.

EcHo LAKE AQUARiUm And sciEncE cEnTER, BURLinGTon

Info, 864-1848

‘cool moves’: Get a move on! This traveling exhibit explores the phenomenon of motion through such interactive features as a ripple tank, three-wheeled racers and a giant dancing wall. Through January 6.

‘Alice’s Wonderland’: This traveling exhibit encourages curious minds to go down the rabbit hole to explore math and science topics inspired by the classic Lewis Carroll tale. Ages 3 to 8. January 18-May 11.

FAiRBAnKs mUsEUm & PLAnETARiUm, sT. joHnsBURY

Info, 748-2372

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

monTsHiRE mUsEUm oF sciEncE, noRWicH

Info, 649-2200

‘Toys: The inside story’: Diminutive discoverers get a glimpse inside familiar playthings to see how pulleys, gears and circuits work. All ages. December 7-January 19. K

Theater

FlynnArts show choirs: Dynamic local singers, dancers and actors ages 9 to 18 inject their energy into Broadway favorites and pop hits, accompanied by a live band. All ages. FlynnSpace, Burlington, 8 p.m. $12-16. Info, 863-5966.

Very merry Holiday celebration: See December 3.

11 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

After-school craft club: Amateur artists end the school day with a creative project. Grades

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

Arts for Tots: See December 4.

christmas Around the World: See December 4.

Baby & maternity

infant massage class: Moms of babies ages 18 months and younger learn techniques to soothe their little ones with a certified infant-massage therapist. Birth Journeys, Burlington, 10:15-11:15 a.m. $5-15; preregister. Info, 324-8809.

Education

History for Homeschoolers: Reading, writing and hands-on activities hosted by the Vermont Historical Society offer a new perspective on the past. Ages 6-12. Vermont History Museum, Montpelier, 1-3 p.m. $4-5; free for parents and nonparticipating children; preregister. Info, 828-1314.

Homework Help: See December 1, 2-5 p.m. one-on-one Tutoring: See December 2, 6-8 p.m.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

cookie decorating: See December 4. Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1.

Teens Take over the Kitchen: croquembouche: Sweets lovers bake profiteroles to golden-brown perfection, then stick them together with caramel sauce to make a towering tree of deliciousness. Ages 12-19. Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5:30 p.m. $30; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

Games

Family Game night: Players sit down for friendly competitions of Candy Land, checkers and Monopoly. Visitors are welcome to bring their own games. Georgia Public Library, Fairfax, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 524-4643.

Lego Afternoons: See December 4.

Lego club: See December 4.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 2.

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1, 2:45-4:15 p.m.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3.

Holidays

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 5-8 p.m.

Holiday cookie sharing & Gift making: Bakers offer up recipes and sweet samples during this crafting session. All ages. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

story Time With mrs. claus: See December 4.

Library & Books

Gift-making Workshop: Kindergarteners through second graders make presents to spread holiday cheer. Charlotte Public Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 425-3864.

Museum Merriment

’tis the first time families can visit the Shelburne museum during the holidays, thanks to its new, year-round Pizzagalli center for art and education. During the first week in December, the impressive building — spruced up with 10 festive evergreens — hosts dEcK THE HALLs, a week of special programming for all ages. Kids create crafts in the spirit of the museum’s collections, from candycane mice to gingerbread ornaments for the museum’s community tree. live music from madrigal singers, a cappella groups and choirs rings through the bedecked halls each afternoon.

dEcK THE HALLs: Tuesday, December 3, through Saturday, December 7, 1-4 p.m., and Sunday, December 8, noon-4 p.m. Regular winter museum admission, $3-10; free for members. Info, 985-3346. shelburnemuseum.org

Games

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Little Explorer Program: Preschoolers discover their community through hands-on exploration of nature topics such as farming, sugaring and gardening. Ages 3-5. Highgate Public Library, Highgate Center, 11 a.m. Info, 868-3970.

Read to Van Gogh the cat: Feline fanciers sign up for 10-minute sessions with this furry friend. All ages. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: See December 4.

Preschool music With derek: See December 4. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 4.

Theater

‘Beauty and the Beast’: See December 7. All ages. St. Johnsbury Academy, 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. $4. Info, 748-2600.

FlynnArts show choirs: See December 10, 6 & 8 p.m.

12 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art drop-in: See December 5.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1, 5:45 p.m.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See December 3, 9-10:15 a.m.

Education

History for Homeschoolers: See December 11.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

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

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. itty Bitty Public skating: See December 2.

martial Arts class: See December 3. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Yoga for Tots: See December 5.

Holidays

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Library & Books

Voluntweens: Big kids help plan upcoming library programming. Ages 10 and up. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 3:30-4:15 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

movies

Teen Books-to-Film discussion: Readers discuss Elin Hilderbrand’s Beautiful Creatures, then watch it jump off the page in a film adaptation. Pizza provided. Milton Public Library, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

music

music for Preschoolers: See December 2, 10:30 a.m.

music With mr. chris: See December 5.

Theater

‘The christmas Revels’: Song, dance, storytelling and pageantry roll into one at this Appalachian celebration of the winter solstice. All ages. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., 7 p.m. $8-38. Info, 603-646-2422.

Holiday Plays & Kids cabaret: See December 5.

13 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

drop-in Kinder Arts Program: See December 6.

Family Wheel drop-in: See December 6. Vermont symphony orchestra Holiday Pops: Festive international music from Russia, England, France, the Ukraine and Brazil rings through the theater in this presentation emceed by Vermont commentator Bill Mares. Barre Opera House, 7:30 p.m. $9-30. Info, 476-8188.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: See December 6.

Education

Early Bird math: See December 6. Homeschool Project day: Siblings and parents act as the audience as out-of-classroom learners present current and past projects. Milton Public Library, 2:30 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644. Homework Help: See December 1, 3-6 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

Family dive-in: Parents and kids make a splash while watching an in-pool movie. Bring a suit, towel and favorite float. The Edge, South Burlington, 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon, 2 & 6 p.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3.

Holidays

Around the World celebration: Families make merry while learning about holiday traditions from across the globe. Activities include gingerbread-house making, sugar-cookie decorating and pictures with Santa. A holiday bonfire follows. Ages 3 and up. Maple Street Recreation Center, Essex Junction, 4-6 p.m. $34-39 includes food and take-home treats; preregister. Info, 878-1375.

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday Bonfire: Straight from the North Pole, the big man in red attends a community sing-along with flickering flames and seasonal refreshments. All ages. Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 7-8 p.m. Nonperishable food donations accepted for the local food pantry. Info, 878-1375.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Wassail Weekend on the Farm: History lovers celebrate the holidays like it’s 1890 with traditional music, sleigh rides, crafts and more. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 2. Info, 457-2355.

Woodstock Wassail Weekend: Townwide festivities include visits with Santa, an equestrian parade, theater and musical performances, a home tour and a craft fair. All ages. Various locations, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Prices vary by event. Info, 457-3555.

Library & Books

marko the magician: This master entertainer hypnotizes awed audience members with his sleights of hand. All ages. Fairfax Community Library, 7-8:30 p.m. Free. Info, 849-2420. Teen Fridays: See December 6.

Toddler Time: Books, rhymes, crafts and fingerplays help young learners build literacy skills. Ages 1-3. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 878-4918.

movies

Family movie Night: Film-lovin’ families settle in for an entertaining flick. Call for the movie title. Ages 18 months and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 264-5660.

music

Holiday sing-Along: Musical kids and adults belt out seasonal tunes. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 457-3500.

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6.

music With derek: See December 6. music With Robert: See December 6. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6.

Nature & science

Full moon snowshoe Hike: Hot chocolate fuels walkers for a sparkling stroll under lunar light. Snowshoes provided. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7-8:30 p.m. $5-10; preregistration recommended. Info, 229-6206.

Theater

‘A christmas carol’: Nebraska Theatre Caravan stages a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge. All ages. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7 p.m. $15-$42. Info, 863-5966.

‘The christmas Revels’: See December 12.

14 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Build & Grow: Kids with a penchant for tools put together a festive train engine adorned with stickers. Ages 2-10. Lowe’s Essex Junction, 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 662-9131. Lowe’s South Burlington, 10-11 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 318-9052.

dream catcher Workshop: Crafty families learn about this Native American tradition and build their own from natural materials. All ages. Outback Artspace, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-noon. $10 for the first family member; $5 for each additional member; preregister. Info, 748-2600, ext. 108.

Gifts Galore: Busy little hands create penguins, snowmen, snowflakes, doll crafts and holiday wreaths. Ages 4-10. Children ages 6 and under must be accompanied by an adult. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 10 a.m.noon. $18; $10 per sibling. Info, 457-3500.

Kids craft: Personalized ornament: Drop-in crafters decorate porcelain to hang on the tree with felt stickers, glitter glue, markers and gems. Ages 5 and up. Creative Habitat, South Burlington, 1-3 p.m. $5. Info, 862-0646.

Pittsford craft show: See December 7.

11 WEdNEsdAY (continueD)

Youth & Family saturday dropin: See December 7.

community

Horse & Buggy Rides: See December 7.

Kids Night out: Participants keep busy with pizza, pool time and a bounce castle. Ages 1-4 and 5-12; sessions run simultaneously.

Greater Burlington YMCA, 5:30-8 p.m. $9-17; preregister. Info, 862 9622. sleigh Rides: See December 7.

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Wagon Rides With Black Horse Farm: Families pack together for festive, 15-minute horse-drawn trips around town. Meet in front of La Brioche at the corner of East State and Main Street, Montpelier, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. Info, 223-9604.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. middlebury Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Rutland Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: See December 7.

Parents Night out: Adults looking for some alone time drop off their young yogis for dancing, game playing, pizza eating and relaxation activities.

Ages 4-11. Evolution Physical Therapy and Yoga, Burlington, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $25 for one child; $30

Holidays

for two children in the same family; preregister. Info, 864-9643.

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1, 2-3:45 p.m.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, 9 & 10 a.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 2:40-4:10 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Family day: An afternoon of dreidel games, art activities and gingerbread house decorating makes for festive fun. All ages. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 1-4 p.m. Free. Info, 253-8358.

‘The Gift’: Graceful gliders from the Champlain Valley Skating Club sail across the ice, performing holiday-themed acts during this seasonal revue. All ages. Gordon H. Paquette Arena, Leddy Park, Burlington, 3-5 p.m. Donations accepted. Info, 865-7558.

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday character Breakfast: Revelers join the Ice Queen, Snowman, Penguin, Reindeer and Gingerbread Man for pancakes, coloring, balloons and a photo booth with props. All ages. Middlebury Inn, 8:30 & 10 a.m. $5-8. Info, 388-4126.

old-Fashioned Visits With santa: Deserving kids read their holiday wish lists to jolly Saint Nick. All ages. Maple Landmark, Middlebury, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 388-4126.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Victorian Holiday open House: Carolers set a merry-and-bright tone for an afternoon of crafts, children’s planetarium shows, treats and the wreathing of the lions. Fairbanks Museum

& Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, 1:30-4 p.m. Free. Info, 748-2372.

Woodstock Wassail Weekend: See December 13, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Library & Books

Winter story Time: Heartwarming tales of family and friends delight young audience members. All ages. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 10:3011:15 a.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

music

Green mountain Youth symphony: One hundred junior musicians showcase their talents, playing classical and seasonal favorites as well as highlights from Harry Potter in the afternoon show and Concert Suite from The Polar Express in the evening show. Barre Opera House, 3:30 & 7:30 p.m. $5 suggested donation for afternoon concert; $10-18 for evening concert. Info, 476-8188.

Holiday Harmony With maiden Vermont: This local women’s chorus lets voices shine in this concert featuring special guests the Jingle Belles and Snowflake Brass. Ages 5 and up. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. $10-17. Info, 382-9222.

Kids creating music: Bob Brookens leads children in a tuneful playtime with instrument activities, song and dance. 18 months-4 years. Waterbury Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 244-7036.

music & dance Performance: Vermont Local Arts and Music showcases homegrown talent, including a classic violinist and hip-hop dancers. University Mall, South Burlington, 3 p.m. Free. Info, 863-1066, ext. 18.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 7.

Vermont symphony orchestra Holiday Pops: Festive international music from Russia,

England, France, the Ukraine and Brazil rings through the theater in this presentation emceed by Vermont commentator Bill Mares. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 7:30 p.m. $9-52. Info, 863-5966.

Nature & science

Bird count: Avian enthusiasts leave no chickadee uncounted as they attempt to census every feathered flyer in the greater Montpelier area. All ages. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 7:15 a.m.-5 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 229-6206. cells!: Curious kiddos compare plant and animal cells using a compound microscope and their own cheek cells. Ages 9 and up. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Hoopster Gliders: Creativity soars as kids craft a flying contraption. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

my sky: See December 7.

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1, 3:30-4 p.m.

Theater

‘The christmas Revels’: See December 12, 2 & 7 p.m.

‘an irish christmas in america’: Sprightly singers and dancers transport family audiences to the Emerald Isle. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $28-38; $120 family four-pack. Info, 760-4634.

saturday drama club: See December 7.

hopkins center for the arts presents

the christMas re VeL s

Join Revels North in celebrating the shortest day of the year with a spectacular journey to Southern Appalachia, where Native American, African and European traditions combine in astonishing music, dance and folktales.

15 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1.

community

sleigh Rides: See December 7.

Education

Homework Help: See December 1.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

st. Albans Public skating: See December 8.

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1. south Burlington Public skating: See December 1.

YoGirls Yoga class: See December 1.

Holidays

caring claus sundays: See December 1, 8:30-10 a.m.

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1. santa claus Visits: See December 1. Woodstock Wassail Weekend: See December 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

music

‘orchestrapalooza’: The Vermont Youth Orchestra Association instrumentalists and choruses crowd onstage to perform works by Bach, Stravinsky and more while soloist Nathan Chan goes it alone on Bellini’s Oboe Concerto Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 4 p.m. $5-10. Info, 863-5966.

Vermont symphony orchestra Holiday Pops: See December 14, Paramount Theater, Barre, 3 p.m. $9-32. Info, 775-0903.

Nature & science

Leafcutter Ants: Nature fans examine the secret lives of “insect fungus farmers” during this hands-on investigation. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. mirror, mirror: Little ones use looking glasses to investigate reflection and symmetry. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. Planetarium Presentation: See December 1.

Theater

‘The christmas Revels’: See December 12, 1 & 5 p.m.

16 MONDAY

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See December 2.

Yoga After Baby: See December 2.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

sugar-cookie decorating: Chefs in the making embellish a batch of sweet treats. Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 3:30-4:30 p.m. $15; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

Games

Lego club: See December 2.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 2.

Hot mama Workout: See December 2. itty Bitty Public skating: See December 2. Kids Yoga: See December 2.

Little Yogis: See December 2.

Preschool Yoga: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2.

Holidays

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Library & Books

chess club: See December 2.

imagination station: See December 2. make Your own star Book: Elementary art teacher MC Baker teaches how to fold pages in an astral shape. Kindergarten and up. Children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3-4 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 878-4918.

movies

Young Adult Film crew: Wannabe actors, directors and audiovisual buffs put together a program for Lake Champlain Access Television. Ages 12-18. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

music

Holiday Tunes on the Uke: Groovy young musicians learn to strum some old and new seasonal songs on the ukulele. Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 4:30-5:30 p.m. $15; preregister. Info, 457-3500.

music for Preschoolers: See December 2. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6, 5-8 p.m.

Nature & science

Books & Beyond: science for Preschoolers: Children’s literature and hands-on activities combine for fun science learning and exploration. Ages 3-5 and their parent or caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 10:1511 & 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and kids under 2. Info, 649-2200.

17 TUESDAY

Arts & crafts

Paint Your own mug: Little artistes decorate a sturdy cup for that special someone. Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 3:30-5 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 457-3500. Winter craft series: See December 3.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See December 1, 10:30 a.m.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1, 4 p.m.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See December 3.

dance

‘The sleeping Beauty’: The Bolshoi Ballet presents a performance of this beloved fairytale that pits the honorable Lilac Fairy against the wicked Carabosse, set to music by Tchaikovsky. Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury, 7 p.m. $6-18. Info, 748-2600.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: Gingerbread Houses: Budding architects craft fanciful dwellings decorated

with gum drops, candy canes and chocolate kisses—then populate them with gingerpeople. All ages.

Healthy Living Market and Café, South Burlington, 4-5 p.m. $20 per parent-child pair; preregister. Info, 863-2569.

A mosaic of Flavor: Nepalese momos: Veggie- and chickenstuffed dumplings with tomato chutney are on the menu at this cooking class, presented by City Market in collaboration with the Vermont Refugee Resettlement Program. All ages. Sustainability Academy at Lawrence Barnes Elementary School, Burlington, 6-7:30 p.m. $510; preregister. Info, 861-9701.

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Games

chess club: See December 3.

magic: The Gathering: See December 3.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

martial Arts class: See December 3.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3.

Holidays

Pajama Party With santa: See December 3.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Library & Books

science story Time: Animal Tracks: Animal detectives investigate who’s been stepping in the snow through stories, art and song. Ages 3 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free.

Williston story Time & crafts: See December 3.

movies

Youth media Lab: See December 3.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See December 3.

Theater

Very merry Holiday celebration: See December 3.

18 WEDNESDAY

Arts & crafts

Afterschool craft club: See December 11.

christmas Around the World: See December 4.

Education

Homework Help: See December 1, 2-5 p.m.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

cookie decorating: See December 4.

Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1.

Kids in the Kitchen: Gingerbread Houses: See December 17.

Games

Lego Afternoons: See December 4.

Lego club: See December 4.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 2.

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1, 2:45-4:15 p.m.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m. south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3.

Holidays

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 5-8 p.m.

Holiday sing-Along: Musicians Rich and Laura Atkinson lead singers of all ages in seasonal tunes. Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6:45 p.m. Free. Info, 426-3581.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

story Time With mrs. claus: See December 4.

Library & Books

Gift-making Workshop: Older kids make crafts to share with family and friends. Grades 3 and up. Charlotte Public Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 425-3864.

Pajama story Time: Small ones curl up for bedtime tales, cookies and milk. All ages. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

movies

documentary Film series: ‘The opiate Effect’: The heroin overdose of UVM student Will Gates leads his father on a mission to educate the public on the dangers of drug abuse in this short documentary, followed by a panel discussion. Recommended for teenage viewers. Vermont Commons School, South Burlington, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 865-8084.

music

moving & Grooving With christine: See December 4.

Preschool music With derek: See December 4. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 4.

19 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Pollywog Preschool Art drop-in: See December 5.

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1, 5:45 p.m.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See December 3, 9-10:15 a.m.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

itty Bitty Public skating: See December 2.

martial Arts class: See December 3.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Holidays

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Very merry Holiday celebration Performance: Seven- to 14-year-olds stage a heartwarming holiday production filled with song, dance and storytelling. Very Merry Theatre, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free; bring a dinner dish to share. Info, 355-1461.

19 THURsdAY (continueD)

Library & Books

community Book discussion: Readers chat about these dystopian young-adult selections: Allegiant, The Testing and The Long Walk. Milton Public Library, 7 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

movies

middle school Books-to-Film discussion: Bookworms read Wendy Orr’s adventure tale Nim’s Island, then watch the movie version over snacks. Milton Public Library, 3:30 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

music

ArtisTree caroling: Singers spread kindness and joy on the streets of Woodstock after a warm-up session at the arts center. Ages 6-12. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 3:30-5 p.m. Free. Info, 457-3500.

music for Preschoolers: See December 2, 10:30 a.m.

music With mr. chris: See December 5.

Nature & science

Winter solstice stroll: Walkers — or snowshoers, weather permitting — greet the season on a leisurely exploration of woodland flora and fauna with the Winooski Valley Park District. All ages. Woodside Natural Area & Overlook Park, Essex, 3 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 863-5744.

Theater

Holiday Plays & Kids cabaret: See December 5.

20 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

drop-in Kinder Arts Program: See December 6.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: See December 6.

community

Parents Night out: Moms and pops take a breather while kids have fun with crafts, games and music. Ages 10 and under. Proceeds benefit the East Montpelier Girl Scouts. East Montpelier Elementary School, 5-8 p.m. $10 per child. Info, 225-6075.

Education

Early Bird math: See December 6.

Homework Help: See December 1, 3-6 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon, 2 & 6 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3.

Holidays

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Vermont symphony orchestra Holiday concert: The Counterpoint Chorus and the VSO Brass Quintet unite to perform seasonal favorites including “Jingle Bell Rock” and “You’re a Mean

submit your February events for print by January 15 at kidsvt.com or calendar@kidsvt.com

One, Mr. Grinch” in this concert featuring a youth composition by Johna Saltsman. All ages. Jay Peak Resort, 7:30-9:30 p.m. $20-35. Info, 800-876-9293.

Library & Books

Teen Fridays: See December 6.

music

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6. music With derek: See December 6. music With Robert: See December 6. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6.

Theater

‘The Flying Nut: A Journey’: Students from the professional and youth performance programs put a thrillingly athletic circus spin on The Nutcracker. All ages. New England Center for Circus Arts, Brattleboro, 7 p.m. $8-12. Info, 254-9780. ‘Night Fires’ Winter solstice celebration: A young woman who journeys into the dark earth is at the center of this tale, which incorporates poetry and dance. Ages 10 and up. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, 8 p.m. $18-23. Info, 382-9222.

21 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Face Painting: See December 7. solstice crafting: Kids ages 5 and up celebrate the return of the sun by transforming a glass jar into a colorful “stained-glass” candleholder. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 865-7216.

community

Horse & Buggy Rides: See December 7. Parents day out: Gift making, singing and creative snack building entertain kids while parents take a break. Ages 3 and up. ArtisTree Community Arts Center, Woodstock, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. $10 per child; preregister. Info, 457-3500. sleigh Rides: See December 7. Wagon Rides With Black Horse Farm: See December 14.

dance

Vermont’s own ‘Nutcracker’: Graceful ballerinas conquer the Mouse King and journey to the Land of Sweets in Vermont Ballet Theater’s annual production of this holiday classic. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 2 & 7 p.m. $22-35; children under 12 receive a 10 percent discount. Info, 863-5966.

Fairs & Festivals

FrostFest: Holiday vacation kicks off with upcycled crafts, winter-themed stories and an indoor snowball fight with homemade catapults. ECHO Lake Aquarium and Science Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Regular admission, $10.50-13.50; free for members and children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

capital city Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.

middlebury Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Norwich Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Rutland Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Chill Out

nothing like a bonfire to cure the post-holiday blues. the icE oN FiRE festival at north branch nature center is about “celebrating the warmth of community in the depths of winter,” says co-organizer nancy chickering. the day kicks off with an opening parade, after which hearty partiers break up into “villages” for theater, music, games, storytelling, chili and cider. Snowshoeing, sledding, a christmas-tree labyrinth and a blanket toss in which kids are flung skyward provide additional outdoor entertainment, while a warming hut offers hot chocolate and face painting.

icE oN FiRE: Sunday, January 26, 2-5 p.m., at North Branch Nature Center in Montpelier. All ages. $1-5 suggested donation. Info, 229-6206. northbranchnaturecenter.org

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: See December 7.

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1, 2-3:45 p.m.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, 9 & 10 a.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 2:40-4:10 p.m.

Holidays

christmas at the Farm: See December 7, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Joe’s Big Band christmas Ball: An 18-piece ensemble made up of veteran Vermont musicians puts families in a festive mood with music ranging from swing and jazz standards to James Brown and Santana. Snacks and beverages provided. Vergennes Opera House, 7 p.m. $5-15; $40 per family. Info, 877-6737.

old-Fashioned Visits With santa: The round guy in red fields last-minute gift requests before he heads back up to the North Pole. All ages.

Danforth Pewter, Middlebury, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 388-4126.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Library & Books

cleo the Therapy dog: See December 7.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 7.

Nature & science

Exploring magnets: Budding scientists experiment with invisible pull. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular

museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. my sky: See December 7.

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1. straw Rockets: Imaginative inventors use air power to make space contraptions fly. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

‘The Flying Nut: A Journey’: See December 20, 1 & 5 p.m.

‘Night Fires’ Winter solstice celebration: See December 20, 4 & 8 p.m. saturday drama club: See December 7.

22 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1. Newborn 101: Moms- and dads-to-be learn baby basics — from breast-feeding to soothing techniques — as well as how to enjoy the first three months of parenthood. Franklin County Home Health Agency, St. Albans, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $30; preregister. Info, 527-7531.

community

Horse-drawn sleigh Rides: Revelers experience the real meaning of “horse power” on a sightseeing journey. If weather does not permit sleighs, wagons will be used. All ages. Hard’ack, St. Albans, 1-4 p.m. $5-11; preregister. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

dance

Vermont’s own ‘Nutcracker’: See December 21, 1 & 6 p.m.

Education

Homework Help: See December 1.

Fairs & Festivals

FrostFest: See December 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstra-

tion: See December 1.

music

music for Preschoolers: See December 2.

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Homemade candy cane demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

st. Albans Public skating: See December 8.

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1. south Burlington Public skating: See December 1.

YoGirls Yoga class: See December 1.

Holidays

christmas at the Farm: See December 7, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Holiday Bazaar: See December 1.

santa claus Visits: See December 1.

Nature & science

Parachutes: See December 8, 3 p.m.

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1.

Turtle discovery: Young explorers learn about these slow-and-steady creatures and help feed those that reside in the museum. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

Theater

‘The Flying Nut: A Journey’: See December 20, 1 & 5 p.m.

‘Night Fires’ Winter solstice celebration: See December 20, 4 p.m.

‘The Nutcracker’: Albany Berkshire Ballet performs this holiday favorite set to soaring works by Tchaikovsky. Paramount Theater, Rutland, 2 & 6 p.m. $29.50-39.50. Info, 775-0903.

23 MONDAY

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See December 2. Yoga After Baby: See December 2.

community

sleigh Rides: See December 7.

Fairs & Festivals

FrostFest: See December 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

itty Bitty Public skating: See December 2.

Kids Yoga: See December 2.

Holidays

christmas at the Farm: See December 7, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.

christmas cookies Workshop: Junior chefs decorate tasty holiday treats. Ages 10 and up. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 893-4644.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Library & Books

Puzzles & Board Games: Visitors challenge themselves with a variety of mindbending diversions. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Info, 865-7216.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6, 5-8 p.m.

Nature & science

Kitchen chemistry: See December 1, 3 p.m.

Paper-cup Telephones: Ring, ring! Talkers and listeners discover whether sound can really travel through a string. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

24 TUESDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See December 1, 10:30 a.m.

community

sleigh Rides: See December 7.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Games

chess club: See December 3.

Health & Fitness

martial Arts class: See December 3. south Burlington Public skating: See December 1.

Holidays

christmas at the Farm: See December 7.

santa claus Visits: See December 1, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Library & Books

Puzzles & Board Games: See December 23, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

music

children’s sing-Along With Lesley Grant: See December 3.

Nature & science

color mixing: Preschoolers and their families blend primary colors into brand-new hues. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 11 a.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

25 WEDNESDAY

merry christmas!

26 THURSDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1, 5:45 p.m.

shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See December 3, 9-10:15 a.m.

community sleigh Rides: See December 7.

Fairs & Festivals

FrostFest: See December 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Playgroups

MONDAY

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

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

Burlington Early Learning Readiness Class: VNA Family Room, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-8147.

Cambridge Playgroup: Cambridge Elementary School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 888-5229.

Colchester Playgroup: Malletts Bay School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 264-5900.

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

St. Albans Water Babies: Fitness Zone, 6-6:40 p.m. Free. Info, 370-0838.

Winooski Early Learning Readiness Class: Y Early Childhood Program Winooski, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 652-8147.

WEDNESDAY

Barre Open Gym: See Monday.

Enosburg Playgroup: American Legion, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

Essex Building Bright Futures Baby Playgroup: Move You Fitness Studio, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

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

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

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: Barlow Street Community Center, 3-5:30 p.m. $11-14 per session. Info, 524-1500, ext. 266.

Williston Playgroup: Alice in Noodleland: Buttered Noodles, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-1810. Winooski Fathers & Children Together: Winooski Family Center, 5-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 655-1422.

TUESDAY

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

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

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

Colchester Playgroup: See Monday.

Essex Junction MOPS: Essex Alliance Church, every other Tuesday, 8:45-11 a.m. & 6:30-8:45 p.m. $5 includes childcare and a meal; first meeting is free. Meets every other Tuesday starting December 3. Info, 310-6489.

Georgia Playgroup: Georgia Elementary & Middle School, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 528-5470.

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

Johnson Baby Chat: Church of the Nazarene, fourth Tuesday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

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

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

Montpelier Tulsi Morning Playgroup: Tulsi Tea Room, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 223-0043. Richford Playgroup: Cornerstone Bridges to Life Community Center, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

Games

Library Legos: See December 12, 3-5 p.m.

Health & Fitness

Martial Arts Class: See December 3.

South Burlington Public Skating: See December 1.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 7, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Library & Books

Puzzles & Board Games: See December 23.

Essex Junction RU12? LGBTQA Family Playgroup: Leaps and Bounds Child Development Center, Dec. 11 only, 10 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 860-7812.

Hinesburg Playgroup: Hinesburg Town Hall, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 482-4061.

Milton Playgroup: Milton Family Community Center, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 893-1457.

Richford Tumble Time: Richford Elementary, every other Wednesday, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

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

Shelburne Playgroup: Trinity Episcopal Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-5820. South Royalton Playgroup: United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 685-2264.

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

St. Albans Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, St. Albans, 8:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

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

Williston Baby Time Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Free; no session on the first Wednesday of the month or on January 8. Info, 878-4918.

Williston Evening Baby Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, first Wednesday of every month, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

THURSDAY

Alburgh Playgroup: NCSS Family Center, Alburgh, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 527-5426.

Brandon Stories & Crafts: Brandon Free Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Free. Info, 247-8230.

Burlington EvoMamas Playgroup: Evolution Yoga, second Thursday of every month, 10:20 a.m.-noon. Free. Info, 864-9642.

Burlington Family Play: See Tuesday.

Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Playgroup: Essex Junction Recreation and Parks Department, 9:30-11 a.m. Free; bring indoor shoes. Info, 876-7555.

Johnson Hometown Playgroup: United

Music

Music for Preschoolers: See December 2, 10:30 a.m.

Nature & Science

Mirror, Mirror: See December 15.

Skulls: See December 8.

27 FRIDAY

Arts & Crafts

Drop-In Kinder Arts Program: See December 6.

Baby & Maternity

Postnatal Core Yoga: See December 6.

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

Milton Playgroup: See Tuesday.

Montgomery Infant/Toddler Playgroup: Montgomery Town Library, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 347-1780.

Montpelier Baby Play: St. Augustine Parish, 9:30-11 a.m. Free; no playgroup on December 26. Info, 262-3292.

Montpelier Dads & Kids Playgroup: Family Center of Washington County, 6-7:30 p.m. Free. Info, 262-3292.

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

South Hero Playgroup: South Hero Congregational Church, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 796-3309.

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

Winooski Early Learning Readiness Class: See Tuesday.

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

Worcester Playgroup: Doty Memorial School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 223-1312.

FRIDAY

Bradford Story Hour: Bradford Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Free. Info, 222-4536.

Burlington Early Learning Readiness Class: See Monday.

Burlington Family Gym: Greater Burlington YMCA, 10:30 a.m.-noon. $5 for families with one child; $8 for families with multiple children; free for YMCA members. Info, 862-9622.

Charlotte Playgroup: Charlotte Central School, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 764-5820.

Essex Center Toy Library Playgroup: Memorial Hall, Dec. 13 and Dec. 20 only, 9:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

Fairfax Community Playgroup: BFA Fairfax, 9-10:30 a.m. Free. Info, fairfaxsx6@gmail.com.

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

Huntington Playgroup: Huntington Public Library, 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Free. Info, 899-4415.

Isle La Motte Playgroup: Isle La Motte School, 8:30-11 a.m. Free. Info, 796-3309.

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

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

St. Albans Afternoon Fun: See Monday.

St. Albans MOPS: Church of the Rock, first Friday of every month, 8:45-11 a.m. First meeting is free; $4 dues per each meeting that follows. Info, 393-4411.

Community

Sleigh Rides: See December 7.

Education

Early Bird Math: See December 6.

Fairs & Festivals

FrostFest: See December 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Food

Chocolate-Dipping Demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

South Burlington Public Skating: See December 1.

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

Swanton Playgroup: Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, swantonbbf@ gmail.com.

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

Williston Playgroup: Allen Brook School, 9:3011 a.m. Free. Info, 876-7555.

SATURDAY

Bakersfield Tumble Time: Bakersfield Elementary/Middle School, second Saturday of every month, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

Burlington Family Gym: See Friday, 10:30 a.m.-noon.

Enosburg Tumble Time: Enosburg Elementary School, first Saturday of every month, 9-10 a.m. Free. Info, 370-4797.

Essex Junction Building Bright Futures Preschool Open Gym: Maple Street Recreation Center, 3-4:30 p.m. Free. Info, 878-1613.

Fairfax Open Tot Gym & Infant/Parent Playtime: BFA Fairfax, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. No sessions on December 21 and 28. Info, fairfaxsx6@gmail.com.

Franklin Tumble Time & Playgroup: Franklin Central School, Dec. 7 and Jan. 11 only, 9-11 a.m. Free. Info, 285-6678.

Montpelier Morning Playgroup: Family Center of Washington County, 9:30-11 a.m. Free; no session on December 21 or December 28. Info, 262-3292.

Morrisville Weekend Baby Chat: Lamoille Family Center, second Saturday of every month, 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info, 888-3470.

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

Williston Spanish Music & Movement Playgroup: Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, first Saturday of every month, 10:30 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

Holidays

Christmas at the Farm: See December 7, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Library & Books

Puzzles & Board Games: See December 23.

Teen Fridays: See December 6.

Music

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

Music With Derek: See December 6. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6.

Nature & Science

Sound Science: Keen listeners explore how audio travels through di erent materials. All

26 THURSDAY (CONTINUED)

ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. straw Rockets: See December 21, 11 a.m.

28 SATURDAY

Arts & crafts

Face Painting: See December 7.

Baby & maternity

Pregnancy circle: Moms-to-be use movement, food, art, breathing and discussion to explore maternity topics and build a supportive community. Birth Journeys, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $5-15; preregister. Info, 324-8809.

Fairs & Festivals

FrostFest: See December 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

middlebury Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Rutland Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: See December 7.

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1, 2-3:45 p.m.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, 9 & 10 a.m.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1, 2:40-4:10 p.m.

Holidays

christmas at the Farm: See December 7, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Library & Books

Puzzles & Board Games: See December 23.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 7.

Nature & science

Bird monitoring Walk: Binocular buddies keep their eyes to the sky, hoping to catch sight of feathered wings above. Best for adults and older children. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 8-10 a.m. Free; preregister. Info, 434-2167.

Hoopster Gliders: See December 14.

Kitchen chemistry: See December 1, 3 p.m. my sky: See December 7.

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1.

Theater

‘Ruckus: A cirque spectacular’: Aerialists, acrobats, jugglers and vaudeville characters wow audiences in Nimble Arts’ family-friendly circus show. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $38-46. Info, 760-4634. saturday drama club: See December 7.

29 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1.

community

Horse-drawn sleigh Rides: See December 22.

Fairs & Festivals

FrostFest: See December 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

st. Albans Public skating: See December 8.

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1.

YoGirls Yoga class: See December 1.

Holidays

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

christmas at the Farm: See December 7, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Library & Books

Puzzles & Board Games: See December 23, noon-6 p.m.

Nature & science

Exploring magnets: See December 21, 3 p.m.

mirror, mirror: See December 15.

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1. 1:30-2:30 p.m.

30 MONDAY

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See December 2.

Yoga After Baby: See December 2.

community

sleigh Rides: See December 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Fairs & Festivals

FrostFest: See December 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Food chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

itty Bitty Public skating: See December 2.

Kids Yoga: See December 2.

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1.

Holidays

christmas at the Farm: See December 7, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Library & Books

Puzzles & Board Games: See December 23. Traveling storyteller: A puppet-show version of The Gingerbread Man delights young audience members. Preschoolers and up. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

movies

movie day at the Library: Film buffs catch a flick on the big screen. Call for film title. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m. Free. Info, 893-4644.

music

music for Preschoolers: See December 2.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6, 5-8 p.m.

Nature & science

BYoBox: Construction workers-in-training are invited to create and share an original arcade game using cardboard, tape and dowels. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 1-4 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

31 TUESDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See December 1, 10:30 a.m.

community

sleigh Rides: See December 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Food

chocolate-dipping demonstration: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

south Burlington Public skating: See December 1.

Holidays

christmas at the Farm: See December 7, 10 a.m.3:30 p.m.

First Night Burlington: Circus arts, theater, music, dance and fireworks at 6 p.m. and midnight make for a fun-filled New Year’s Eve celebration for kids and adults alike. See calendar spotlight on page 26. All ages. Downtown Burlington, noon-midnight. $5-30 First Night button; family packs for two adults and two children $42 until December 15; free for ages 2 and under; additional $4 tickets required at select venues. Info, 863-6005.

First Night st. Johnsbury: Thousands of revelers convene for first-rate entertainment, from the fiery street performances of Dancing Djinn to juggling unicyclist the King of Silly. See calendar spotlight on page 26. All ages. Downtown St. Johnsbury, 4 p.m.-midnight. $13-20 First Night button; free for preschoolers. Info, 748-2600. New Year’s Eve Fireworks: Mountain pyrotechnics kick off a party to ring in 2014 with dancing and rock-and-roll music from the Grift. All ages. Jay Peak Resort, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. $5-10 includes complimentary drink ticket and appetizers. Info, 327-2154.

Nature & science

Hoopster Gliders: See December 14. optical illusions: Young minds discover that things are not always what they seem during this science-based session. All ages. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 3 p.m. Regular museum admission, $11-14; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200. Planetarium Presentation: See December 1. 6-9 p.m.

JANuARY 2014

1 WEDNESDAY

Happy New Year!

Health & Fitness

FirstRun 5K & Fun Run: Families pound the pavement to usher in 2014 at this inclusive, costumed race. Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, registration and packet pickup, 9:30-10:45 a.m.; kids fun run, 10:30 a.m.; 5K, 11 a.m.; afterparty, 11:30 a.m. $5-25. Info, 863-8412. Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1, 2:45-4:15 p.m.

2 THURSDAY

Baby & maternity

Breast-Feeding support Group: See December 5.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1, 5:45 p.m.

La Leche League of Essex: See December 5. shelburne Prenatal Yoga: See December 3. 9-10:15 a.m.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. itty Bitty Public skating: See December 2. martial Arts class: See December 3.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

Library & Books

Food for Thought Teen Group: See December 5.

music

music for Preschoolers: See December 2, 10:30 a.m.

3 FRIDAY

Arts & crafts

drop-in Kinder Arts Program: See December 6.

Baby & maternity

Postnatal core Yoga: See December 6.

dance

First Friday Family dance: See December 6.

Education

Early Bird math: See December 6.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon, 2 & 6 p.m.

music

Kids music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See December 6.

music With derek: See December 6.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6.

4 SATURDAY

Baby & maternity

Breast-Feeding support Group: See December 7.

Education

Kids Workshops: See December 7.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Rutland Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: See December 7. Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1, 2-3:45 p.m.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, 9 & 10 a.m.

usAsA Rail Jam Featuring the Lil’ Rascals: Little shredders ages 9 and under get pointers from coaches before sliding, grinding and jibbing on the mountain. Then older kids and teens compete. See calendar spotlight on page 34. Jay Peak Resort, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $15-25; preregister. Info, 327-2154.

Yoga Tots: See December 7.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 7. Young Tradition Vermont Alumni concert: Youthful performers, composers and recording artists with local roots prove they’re wise beyond their years onstage. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $20-28; $72 per family fourpack. Info, 760-4634.

Nature & science

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Theater

saturday drama club: See December 7.

5 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington Postnatal Yoga: See December 1.

Burlington Prenatal Yoga: See December 1.

Health & Fitness

Lyndon center Public skating: See December 1.

YoGirls Yoga class: See December 1.

Nature & science

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

6 MONDAY

Baby & maternity

montpelier Prenatal Yoga: See December 2.

Yoga After Baby: See December 2.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

Hot mama Workout: See December 2.

itty Bitty Public skating: See December 2.

Kids Yoga: See December 2.

Little Yogis: See December 2.

Preschool Yoga: See December 2.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2.

Library & Books

Pajama story Time With Abby Klein: See December 9.

Write Now!: See December 2.

Young Adult Advisory Board: See December 2.

music

music for Preschoolers: See December 2.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6, 5-8 p.m.

Nature & science

Books & Beyond: science for Preschoolers: See December 16.

7 TUESDAY

Education

High school open House: A panel of current students and alumni sheds light on what the Waldorf high school experience is like. A campus tour for teens and parents follows. Lake Champlain Waldorf High School, Charlotte, 7-9 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 9852827, ext. 12.

See Dr. First videos “First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3.

Library & Books

Williston story Time & crafts: See December 3.

8 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

infant massage class: See December 11.

Education

History for Homeschoolers: See December 11.

Games

Family Game Night: See December 11.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3.

Library & Books

dorothy canfield Fisher Book discussion: Leigh Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone is at the center of a spirited conversation between 8-11-yearolds. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

Ready to Ride

athletes of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to slide, grind and jib to their heart’s content at jay peak’s UsAsA RAiL JAm at 9 a.m., freestyle coaches give pointers to small shredders. Then, at 10 a.m., kids 9 and under compete in the lil’ rascals jam to win fun awards such as “Speed Demon” and “coolest Trick.” at noon, older riders hit the mountain to show off their technical skill and creativity. let it snow!

UsAsA RAiL JAm: Saturday, January 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., at Jay Peak. $15 for participants in Lil’ Rascals Rail Jam; $15 for freestyle coaching session; $25 for competitors 10 and up. Info, 327-2596. jaypeakresort.com

Little Explorer Program: See December 11.

music

Preschool music With derek: See December 4. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 4.

9 THURSDAY Education

History for Homeschoolers: See December 11.

Games

Library Legos: See December 12.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

Library & Books

Voluntweens: See December 12.

music

music with mr. chris: See December 5.

10 FRIDAY

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon, 2 & 6 p.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3. Toddler Yoga & stories: Flexible friends strike simple poses and listen to books. Ages 1-5. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:15 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

music

music with derek: See December 6. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6.

Theater

‘Poro oyna: The myth of the Aynu’: Shadowlight Productions brings the culture and history of Japan’s indigenous Aynu people to light in a performance combining puppetry, folktales and song. Ages 10 and up. Moore Theater. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., 8 p.m. $17-30. Info, 603-646-2422.

11 SATURDAY community

Vermont Fancy Felines & Alouette cat club shows: Animal enthusiasts applaud furry friends as they compete for ribbons in different categories. Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5-7. Info, 819-322-7148.

Food

capital city Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Norwich Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids saturday Yoga: See December 7.

Nordic mini marathon: Bill Koch League skiers and their families go the distance — from 5-22K — during this snowy tour which includes food stops along the way. Ages 5 and up. Stowe Mountain Resort, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $20-25; preregistration recommended. Info, 253-7966.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, 9-10 a.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

music Hopstop Family series: marewrew: Four women share ancient Aynu traditions through songs, stories and chants. Ages 3 and up with an adult. Alumni Hall. Hopkins Center for the Arts, Hanover, N.H., 11 a.m. Free. Info, 603-646-2010. Rockin’ Ron: See December 7.

Nature & science

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Playdate! Winter on the Farm: Little ones have a hoot with indoor educational activities and a visit from a live owl. Ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult. Shelburne Farms, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $3-5. Info, 985-8686.

Theater

‘Poro oyna: The myth of the Aynu’: See January 10.

12 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Birth Preparation Workshop: Expectant mothers practice visualizations, learn important coping techniques for labor and create beautiful birth visuals at an empowering workshop with Francesca Arnoldy of VT Birth Haven. Yoga Roots, Shelburne, 2-4 p.m. $25; preregister. Info, 985-0090.

community

Vermont Fancy Felines & Alouette cat club shows: See January 11.

Health & Fitness

st. Albans Public skating: See December 8. YogGirls Yoga class: See December 1.

Nature & science

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

13 MONDAY

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. Little Yogis: See December 2. Preschool Yoga: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2.

Library & Books

Read To Van Gogh The cat: See December 11.

movies

Young Adult Film crew: See December 16.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6, 5-8 p.m.

14 TUESDAY

Baby & maternity

Burlington La Leche League: See December 10.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

15 WEDNESDAY

Education

Get Ready For Kindergarten!: Kids on the cusp of elementary school practice early literacy and numeracy skills through books and play. Ages 4-5. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury, 2-2:45 p.m. Free. Info, 388-4097.

15 WEdNEsdAY (continueD)

school observation mornings: See December 3.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 2.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

Library & Books

After-school Workshop: Book-loving kids listen to a story, then let their creative juices flow with a related crafts. Grades 1 and up. Charlotte Public Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Free; preregister. Info, 425-3864.

Pajama story Time: See December 18.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 4.

16 THURSDAY

Education

High school observation mornings: See December 4.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

music

music with mr. chris: See December 5.

17 FRIDAY

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon, 2 & 6 p.m.

music

Burlington Ensemble: ‘Named Angels’: The Chamber-music group performs the work of celebrated young composer Mohammed Fairouz. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7:30 p.m. Preconcert conversation with Fairouz at 6 p.m. open to all ticket holders. $30; $80 family four-pack. Info, 760-4634.

music with derek: See December 6.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6.

Nature & science

Full moon snowshoe Hike: See December 13.

18 SATURDAY

community

sleigh Ride Weekend: Families cruise through the pastures the old-school way and try out jack jumper sledding before visiting the farmhouse. All ages. Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular admission, $3-12; free for kids under 2. Info, 457-2355.

Fairs & Festivals

stowe Winter carnival: A Vermont ski town gets its party on with cold-weather fun for all ages, from snow-volleyball tournaments to ice-carving competitions to Kids Karnival Kaos. Various locations, Stowe, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Various prices; see gostowe.com for details and schedule. Info, 253-7321.

Food

Burlington Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 2.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, 9 & 10 a.m.

music

music with mr. chris: See December 5.

Nature & science

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Winter Wildlife detectives: Young naturalists learn about animals who are active in the colder months, then search for tracks, scat and pellets around the farm. Ages 5 and up. Shelburne Farms, 10 a.m.-noon. $5-6; preregister. Info, 985-8686.

19 SUNDAY community

sleigh Ride Weekend: See January 18.

Health & Fitness

stowe Tour de snow: Skiers, snowshoers, walkers, runners and sledders wind their way along the trail while families participate in games and crafts. Children’s cross-country skis can be borrowed for the day. All ages. Stowe Recreation Path, noon-4 p.m. $5. Info, 253-9216.

YoGirls Yoga class: See December 1.

Nature & science

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1. 1:30-2:30 p.m.

20 MONDAY community

sleigh Ride Weekend: See January 18.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6, 5-8 p.m.

21 TUESDAY

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2.

Library & Books

science story Time: A Log’s Life: Science educator Kristen Littlefield explains how soil is created in a forest ecosystem. Ages 3 and up. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m. Free. Info, 878-4918.

22 WEDNESDAY

Baby & maternity

infant massage class: See December 11. Nursing Beyond a Year: See December 25.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 4.

23 THURSDAY

Arts & crafts

Well-strung: This all-male singing string quartet interprets works by artists from Mozart to Lady Gaga, giving new meaning to the term “boy band.” All ages. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, 7 p.m. $40. Info, 760-4634.

Games

Library Legos: See December 12.

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

music

music with mr. chris: See December 5.

24 FRIDAY

Health & Fitness

See Dr. First videos

“First with Kids” at fletcherallen.org/ firstwithkids

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon, 2 & 6 p.m.

music

music with derek: See December 6.

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6.

25 SATURDAY

Baby & maternity

Pregnancy circle: See December 28.

Education

school open House: School tours and children’s activities give interested parents and students a glimpse into what goes on in pre-K through eighth-grade classrooms, with an “Introduction to Waldorf Education” presentation at 11 a.m. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 10 a.m.noon. Free; preregister. Info, 985-2827, ext. 12.

Fairs & Festivals

shelburne Winterfest: Sledding, snow play and tasty treats reward the hearty folks who brave the chilly temps for outdoor fun. All ages. Shelburne Farms, noon-3 p.m. Donations accepted for Shelburne Parks & Recreation Department; $2 for sleigh rides. Info, 985-8686.

Food

Norwich Winter Farmers market: See December 7.

Health & Fitness

EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 7. Parents Night out: See December 14.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, 9 & 10 a.m.

Tiny Tumblers open Gym: See December 3, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 7.

Nature & science

Bird monitoring Walk: See December 28. Planetarium Presentation: See December 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

26 SUNDAY

Baby & maternity

Newborn 101: See December 22.

Fairs & Festivals

ice on Fire Festival: The community pays tribute to winter with a parade, games, theater, singing, storytelling and a bonfire. See calendar spotlight on page 38. All ages. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 2-5 p.m. $1-5 suggested donation. Info, 229-6206.

Health & Fitness

st. Albans Public skating: See December 8. YogGirls Yoga class: See December 1.

music

Vermont Youth orchestra Winter concert: Composer Pierre Jalbert and violinist Soovin Kim join the state’s up-and-coming instrumentalists in a seasonal program. Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 3 p.m. $12-17. Info, 863-5966.

Nature & science

Planetarium Presentation: See December 1, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Wildlife Wanderers club: Families connect with Mother Nature during an outdoor adventure complete with games, activities, investigation and observation. Meet at the park gate. Red Rocks Park, Burlington, 2-4 p.m. Free. Info, 846-4108.

27 MONDAY

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. Little Yogis: See December 2. Preschool Yoga: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2.

Library & Books

intergenerational dessert Book discussion: Lit lovers gather for a good read-and-rant session, complete with something sweet. Grades 6 and up. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 6:30 p.m. Free. Info, 264-5660.

music

music for Preschoolers: See December 2. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6, 5-8 p.m.

28 TUESDAY

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

29 WEDNESDAY

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. EvoKids Afterschool Yoga: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

music

Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 7.

30 THURSDAY

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

music

music with mr. chris: See December 5.

31 FRIDAY

Health & Fitness

Essex open Gym: See December 2. shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon & 2 p.m.

shelburne open Gym: See December 2, noon, 2 & 6 p.m.

music

music with derek: See December 6. Rockin’ Ron the Friendly Pirate: See December 6.

Nature & science

Find more January events at kidsvt.com.

Friday Nights for Teen Tinkerers: Would-be Ben Franklins create, design or build something cool, from “Frankenstuffies” to stop-motion animation. Grades 6-9. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, 6:30-8 p.m. $14-16; preregistration encouraged. Info, 6492200. K

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Discovery Preschool

open house

crafts | music | face painting | storytime | snacks

DISCOVERY PRESCHOOL open house family fun day

crafts | music | face painting | story time | snacks

Saturday, January 25, 2014 10 am-12pm

Saturday January 19th, 10am to Noon

A non-denominational, not-for-profit, parentcooperative preschool

A non-denominational, not-for-profit, parentcooperative preschool

Explore our classrooms, talk with our experienced teachers, and learn about our diverse, dynamic, and play-based programs for 3-5 year olds.

899 Dorset Street, South Burlington, 802-860-4370 (located on the property of Faith United Methodist Church)

We’ll pick the four most creative entries and excerpt them in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop. Deadline to enter is January 15. Send your entries to: Kids VT, attn: Book Review, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

New Books, Used Books, Remainders at GREAT PRICES!

Name Age Town Email Phone

14 Church Street Burlington crowbooks.com 862-0848

Tree-House Bedroom

By Thea Lewis

in 2010, adam hadLock BuiLT his girLs a Tree house for chrisTmas — in their shared bedroom at his home in Sharon. He sketched a design one day while at his job as a systems administrator and bought the materials on the way home from work. When the girls were visiting their mother for a few days before the holiday, he started construction.

To save floor space, he raised their beds and put a new Ikea dresser underneath. The rest of the area under the beds became a cave, which he decorated with a string of Christmas lights.

He used furniture-grade plywood to make the “trees,” which enclosed the beds in a cozy corner. While the required coats of

stain and polyurethane were drying, he wove the hammock out of climbing rope, using YouTube videos as a guide, and installed it above the beds. For Hadlock, who had never woven anything, that was the most perplexing part of the project.

He finished the whole thing in two and a half days — just in time for Christmas — and spent about $150, not including the dresser and the mattresses.

Three years later, the bedroom that was a holiday hit when Shannon and Addison were 5 and 7 is still their favorite nook for reading, snuggling with stuffed critters and hanging out with sleepover pals. K

• Tree-trunk bed and platform supports are fun and functional.

• Dresser fits beneath the bed, conserving floor space.

• Crawlspace under the beds provides storage or a cozy play space.

• Hammock above the beds is great for relaxing — or storing stuffed animals.

dad: adam hadlock kids: addison, 10; Shannon, 8

Happy New Year

Thanks to all of our readers and advertisers — and the creative kids who enter our contests — for making this a great year. We’re fortunate to be part of this community and we’re looking forward to more adventures in 2014.

From our Kids VTfamilyyours!to

Pictured, from left to right: Henry, Brooke and Noah Bousquet (seated), Nola, Colby and Rose Roberts, Corey Grenier, Lily Roberts, Megan James, Graham Resmer, Mira, Theo and Alison Novak, Cathy and Ivy Resmer, Kaitlin Montgomery, Matt Weiner, Ezra and Manya Graczyk-Picard and Ken Picard.

Photo by Stina Booth

Ice Sun Catchers

These sun caTchers made from ice are a fun way to add bursts of color to the white wonderland in your backyard this winter. This simple craft project is easy enough for all ages, and the best part is that it won’t cost you a dime!

By TaSha Lehman

materials

• Plastic bowls or containers in any shape or size

• Leaves, berries, twigs, fruits, nuts or other natural things

• Ribbon or twine

• Water

insTrucTions

1. once you’ve gathered your materials, fill the containers with water. your sun catcher will be about as thick as the depth of the water poured into the container. Try using containers of different shapes and sizes and filling them with varying amounts of water to create an interesting assortment.

2. Place your leaves, twigs and other natural items into the water, arranging them any way you’d like.

3. cut a piece of ribbon or twine, fold it into a loop and submerge both ends in the water, leaving the loop dangling out. It may help to tape the loop to the outside of the container so it doesn’t fall into the water.

4. If it’s cold enough outside, you can leave the containers out to freeze. otherwise, store them in the freezer until fully frozen.

5. Pop your sun catchers out of their containers and hang them on your favorite tree! K

HELENA HOVANEC

Riddle Search — Thanksgiving

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 do math teachers do on Thanksgiving?

GRAND-PRIZE WINNER

COLORING CONTEST!

Three winners will receive $25 gift cards to Creative Habitat and free framing of their artwork for its Kids Gallery, located at the store on 555 Shelburne Road in Burlington. After a monthlong display of the winning artwork, Creative Habitat will give each artist the framed print to display at home. Send Kids VT your work of art by January 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 February issue of Kids VT. Send your high-resolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to KidsVT, PO Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

✱ CONTEST

BOOK-REVIEW WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THESE ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG CRITICS who shared their reading recommendations with us. Each wins a $25 gift certificate from Crow Bookshop in Burlington. We loved reading about all the entrants’ literary adventures and have included some of our favorite excerpts below.

Peek inside some well-known toys to discover the gadgets and gizmos that make them work.

and gizmos that make them work.

Elijah Duhamel, 5 ST. ALBANS recommends: The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

“I liked the battling part because Gandalf blows up bad guys. This story is about peace and harmony but also war and justice.”

Ludovica Palmieri, 12

ESSEX recommends:

My Life in Pink & Green by Lisa Greenwald

“My favorite part is when the main character Lucy gets the grant and saves her family’s pharmacy. I like it because it shows kids can change the world.”

Creed Stilwell, 9 LINCOLN recommends: Storm Runners: The Surge by Roland Smith

“Imagine being stuck in a giant circus barn with a pregnant elephant and a wild jaguar. That’s what it would feel like being Chase Masters, the main character.”

Elinor Simmons, 4

BRISTOL recommends: Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

“I like Sarah, Plain and Tall because it helps me learn about when you have no mommy.”

Getting and Spending

Should we opt out of the gift-giving game?

BY JESSICA LARA TICKTIN

I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN AN AVID CONSUMER. As a kid, I collected tiny porcelain dogs and cats, had several Strawberry Shortcake dolls, and about seven My Little Ponies, too.

My older sister Tamara, however, is an anticonsumer. Growing up, she had no particular attachment to toys. She preferred to throw my Barbies out of our bedroom window or make up games outside.

Not surprisingly, on the day before my daughter Dahlia’s third birthday six years ago, my sister and her husband told me they believe that giving children lots of birthday presents just perpetuates a horrible consumer culture of “acquiring things.”

I kind of lost it.

How could they judge when they had no children of their own? Had they ever taken a child to a birthday party? Had they ever had to tell a girl who watched her friends open gifts at their parties that there would be no presents at hers? And what was so wrong with getting stu anyhow? Didn’t I turn out all right?

My husband suggested Dahlia got too many things, my mother got o ended and my sister gave me that wordless look that meant: Weren’t the kids having fun and enjoying the day so much more before all the stu came along?

An argument ensued, during which I told my sister and her husband that changing this birthday-gift ritual would be cruel. “Just wait until you have a child of your own,” I said, ending the discussion.

But the memory of that birthday party stuck with me. Shortly afterward, my husband and I moved to Vermont and had a third child. Living here, we’ve been able to instill a love of the outdoors in our children, in part by surrounding ourselves with other families who also love hiking, camping, canoeing and biking. Kids here seem to spend more time outside. There’s less emphasis on stu and more on doing activities together with family, friends and as a community.

I still believe that giving a gift to a friend or sibling is a big deal and brings joy to children, too, but I have been trying to shift away from the idea that it needs to be purchased from a store.

rented a house there, and my sister and her husband flew in from Hawaii;

That year we celebrated Dahlia’s birthday on Vancouver Island in British Columbia. My parents had rented a house there, and my sister and her husband flew in from Hawaii; we flew in from New Jersey, where we were living at the time.

On Dahlia’s birthday, my sister revived a beloved family tradition from when my three siblings and I were little. We’d make tall crowns out of colored construction paper and decorate them for the party guests. The biggest and most decorative one was for the birthday girl, of course.

mother and Dahlia baked a chocolate cake. It was a

When we were done, my mother and Dahlia baked a chocolate cake. It was a lovely, messy a air. Then it was time to blow up balloons with her grandfather. Later we all took a walk through tidal pools where we spotted crabs and picked up tiny sea creatures.

Finally, it was time for the presents, and my mother brought out a huge bag of wrapped toys. At first, as Dahlia opened each one, her smile widened and she jumped for joy. But as the presents kept coming, I could see Dahlia’s focus shifting from what she was receiving to the next thing still wrapped. The occasion became less about the gifts she received than about the desire for accumulation.

When all the gifts had been opened, my two daughters began to fight. My 1-year-old was grabbing at the toys while Dahlia tried to keep a protective circle around “her stu .”

turned 9. For her birthday she asked on Pond with three friends. She asked each of them to bring a favorite book to

also asked them to donate money to Shelburne Farms, one of agreed to match the

So has Dahlia. This past August, she turned 9. For her birthday she asked to go on a backpacking trip to Sterling Pond with three friends. She asked each of them to bring a favorite book to exchange so they could all take home a “new” one they hadn’t read yet. Dahlia also asked them to donate money to Shelburne Farms, one of her favorite places. We agreed to match the amount they gave with birthday money from her grandparents.

I was so proud of her, started a trend. This year one of Dahlia’s best

I was so proud of her, and she may have started a trend. This year one of Dahlia’s best friends donated money to the Humane Society for her birthday. The birthday rituals in our small community are beginning to reflect the values we hold.

As an avid consumer, I’ve struggled to keep my own love of stu in check. It helps that I hear my sister’s voice in my head when I go shopping with my children, saying, Do we really need this? It’s just going to end up in a landfill.

And my sister? As I write this, she’s probably planning a vegan, sugar-free birthday cake for her own daughter, who will be going for a birthday hike in a homemade construction-paper crown.

My 1-year-old was grabbing at the toys while Dahlia tried to keep a protective circle around “her stuff.”