Kids VT — February 2019

FEBRUARY 2019

FREE

VOL.26 NO.01

Restorative justice for youth Cold-weather science Sled dogs as teachers PAGE 20

PAGE 12

PAGE 24

CENTER SECTION

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Open Open House House Do you have a child around the age of 7?

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KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

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STAFF QUESTION

EDITOR’S NOTE

What do you love most about Vermont?

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS COPUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Cathy Resmer

cathy@kidsvt.com COPUBLISHER

Colby Roberts

colby@kidsvt.com MANAGING EDITOR

The mountains, the lakes, the rivers, the woods — I love being able to spend time OUTSIDE in all seasons surrounded by nature.

It helps put things in perspective.

Alison Novak

alison@kidsvt.com CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mary Ann Lickteig

maryann@kidsvt.com

CATHY RESMER, EXECUTIVE EDITOR

STAFF WRITER/CALENDAR WRITER

Brett Ann Stanciu brett@kidsvt.com ART DIRECTOR

Brooke Bousquet brooke@kidsvt.com

MARKETING & EVENTS DIRECTOR

Corey Grenier

corey@kidsvt.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kaitlin Montgomery kaitlin@kidsvt.com

Alison and daughter Mira find a little joy on a snowy day at Shelburne Farms

PROOFREADERS

Katherine Isaacs, Kara Torres PRODUCTION MANAGER

John James CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Don Eggert DESIGNERS

Kirsten Cheney, Todd Scott, Rev. Diane Sullivan CIRCULATION MANAGER

Matt Weiner BUSINESS MANAGER

Cheryl Brownell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chelsea Edgar, Janet Essman Franz, Astrid Hedbor Lague, Heather Fitzgerald, Ken Picard, Sean Prentiss, Erinn Simon PHOTOGRAPHERS

Andy Brumbaugh, Sam Simon ILLUSTRATORS

Daniel Fishel, Elisa Järnefelt, Marc Nadel, Kim Scafuro P.O. BOX 1184 • BURLINGTON, VT 05402 802-985-5482 • KIDSVT.COM

Published 11x per year.

Circulation: 25,000 at 600+ locations throughout northern and central Vermont. © 2019 Da Capo Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

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

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

Da Capo Publishing reserves the right to refuse any advertising, including inserts, at the discretion of the publishers.

Sparking Joy

I

n recent weeks, my family — along with countless other Netflix subscribers — has binge-watched the new reality series, “Tidying Up With Marie Kondo.” A spin-off of the best-selling book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing, the show chronicles the petite and adorable Kondo as she goes into people’s homes and helps them figure out how to pare down clothing, books and other belongings, keeping only those items that “spark joy.” She also teaches viewers how to fold everything — from socks to hoodies — into cute little packets that stand at attention in your drawers.

It’s the kind of show that, after watching one episode, makes you want to yank everything out of your dresser and start getting rid of things — or at least that’s the reaction it prompted in my household.

I’d argue that, for parents, the approach that Kondo advocates is particularly compelling. After all, parenting is messy. Kids get sick. They spill tall glasses of milk. They leave their Legos and Beanie Boos all over the living room floor. There’s a lot that happens outside of our control. But a drawer of crisply folded T-shirts? That’s something we can manage.

Sometimes — in the thick of a cold and snowy winter — it’s difficult to figure out what sparks joy. We’re too busy tracking down our kid’s missing mitten or digging out the long underwear from the bottom of the hamper.

So, in this month’s issue, we’ve written about some of the things that spark joy this time of year. For a Vermont musher and the first and second graders he visits at Waterbury’s Thatcher Brook Primary School, it’s sled dogs (page 24). For one Weathersfield family, it’s the backyard hockey rink they’ve made as a family project for the past eight winters (page 11). For Burlington teen Alexandra Contreras-Montesano, it’s poetry (page 13). And for you, our readers, it may be any one of the fun activities we write about this month — from animal tracking (page 10) to cold-weather science experiments (page 12) to baking éclairs for Valentine’s Day (page 18).

On a more serious note, turn to page 20 to read “Peer Reviewed,” in which Ken Picard writes about a unique youth restorative justice panel run by the Williston Community Justice Center. Teen volunteers on the panel help to decide how their peers will make reparations for offenses such as sexting, retail theft and distracted driving. “Our process is not about blame or shame,” says the director of the justice center, Cristalee McSweeney. “It’s about accepting responsibility and obligation.”

Lastly, we hope you’ll join us on Saturday, February 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Hilton Burlington for our 22nd annual Camp and School Fair. Summer?

Now that sparks some serious joy!

Among the many, many things I love about Vermont — beautiful scenery, civil politics, no billboards, DMV offices that get you out in 15 minutes or less — is its very HUMAN SCALE. It feels as though there are only two degrees of separation between everyone in the state, which makes people treat strangers more kindly.

KEN PICARD, STAFF WRITER

I love Vermont because it’s SMALL. No matter where you go, you usually cross paths with someone you know — and even if you don’t, people are generally friendly.

BRETT ANN STANCIU, STAFF/ CALENDAR WRITER

There is a shared appreciation of GOOD

FOOD. Whether it be at a farmers market,

general store or local restaurant, you can fill your gullet with a wide variety of yummies.

BROOKE BOUSQUET, ART DIRECTOR

I love Vermont because, let’s be honest, it’s the BEST STATE in the union. We’re little, we’re tough and extremely good-natured.

DIANE SULLIVAN, DESIGNER

I love Vermont so fiercely for SO MANY REASONS, it’s impossible to choose just one.

KIRSTEN CHENEY, DESIGNER

CONTRIBUTOR’S NOTE (“Use Your Words,” page 55) learned to ski when he was 2, write when he was 30, and be a father when he was 44. He and his family enjoy skiing across Solstice Lake in northern Vermont.

SEAN PRENTISS

ALISON NOVAK, MANAGING EDITOR KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

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KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

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Purchase tickets in advance at all Price Chopper stores, all gardener’s supply stores, or www.greenworksvermont.org For more information call 888-518-6484.

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FEBRUARY 2019 DANIEL FISHEL

Peer Reviewed

ow!

Let It Sn

A Williston justice panel puts the fate of school-age offenders into the hands of fellow youth

Week to Week SAT FEB 2

FRI FEB 15 -SUN FEB 17

SAT FEB 23

Vermont sled dogs delight, compete and educate

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Kids VT Camp & School Fair: Parents and campers-to-be get personal attention and detailed information as representatives from dozens of camps and schools from Vermont and beyond present their programs. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Hilton Burlington, Burlington.

Vermont Flurry: Woodstock Snow Sculpture Festival: The village green transforms into a winter art wonderland in this three-day professional snow sculpting competition. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Woodstock Village Green, Woodstock.

The Music of the Beatles for Kids: The Rock and Roll Playhouse — a family concert series — gets kids moving and grooving to tunes from the classic rock canon. Doors open at 11 a.m., concert begins at 11:30 a.m., Higher Ground, Burlington.

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

40

COURTESY OF ROB FARLEY

Born to Run

DISCOUNTED

SPONSORED BY:

Nature-loving Vermonters have fun in Burlington’s backyard during WINTERVALE — a community event including kids’ games and activities, nature walks, a bonfire, free use of snowshoes and cross-country skis, groomed trails, and a chili cook-off.

Sunday, February 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Intervale Center, Burlington.

COURTESY OF ABBY PORTMAN

20

CALENDAR FEBRUARY

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

Calendar 40 Daily Listings 41 Ongoing Exhibits 42 Seasonal Events 44 Live Performances 45 Classes 46 Science & Nature 48 New Parents 49 Playgroups 50 Story Times

JUST FOR KIDS

Writing Contest & Winners...................52 Coloring Contest Winners.......................52 Coloring Contest...............................................53 Puzzle Page ........................................................... 54 Birthday Club ...................................................... 54 Puzzle Answers ................................................ 55

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Summer Camp

Fergie and Foggy Fitzfuzzlewump were tired of spending their whole winter sleeping in a cold, dark cave.

The two brave bears decided to get as far away from the ice, wind and snow as possible. Connect the dots to see how they can go anywhere under the sun!

ANSWER P. 55

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

27

Distance Vision New virtual reality program brings camp to sick kids

Welcome Editor’s Note 3 Staff Question Contributor’s Note

Short Stuff Autumn Answers 6 Trending #InstaKidsVT 7 Parent Participation Throwback Kids Say What?

Pet Corner

Columns Kids Beat 8 9 Family Portrait 10 Fit Families 11 Habitat 12 Seasonal Activities 13 One to Watch 14 Checkup 15 Bookworms 17 The Art of 18 Mealtime 55 Use Your Words

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51

Just for Kids 51 Dot-to-dot Word Puzzle 52 Writing Contest & Winners Coloring Contest Winners Coloring Contest Puzzle Page Birthday Club Puzzle Answers

53 54 55

On the Cover FEBRUARY 2019

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VOL.26 NO.01

Restorative justice for youth Cold-weather science Sled dogs as teachers PAGE 20

PAGE 12

PAGE 24

CENTER SECTION

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

Elisa Järnefelt created this pen-and-ink illustration of a heartfelt mother-child walk in the snow. See more of Järnefelt’s work on Instagram at @aslittlecookingaspossible.

136 Locust Street, Burlington, VT 862-6696 • www.cksvt.org admissions@cksvt.org facebook.com/cksvt KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019 k8v-ChristKing0219.indd 1

5 1/24/19 1:33 PM

TRENDING The National Day of Unplugging is happening from sundown on March 1 to sundown on March 2. Log out and look up. You too, Mom and Dad!

British ultrarunner Jasmin Paris became the first woman to win the 268-mile Montane Spine Race, a feat she accomplished while expressing breast milk for her 14-month-old daughter along the way. Now that’s our kind of superhero.

Just Born Quality Confections, the Pennsylvania candy company that makes Peeps, will open its factory to the public for the first time ever as part of a contest supporting the United Way. But do they have lickable wallpaper?

AUTUMN ANSWERS

O

How can we nurture and strengthen the relationship we have with ourselves?

f the hundreds of relationships each of us maintains — with our kids, partners, parents, in-laws, siblings, co-workers, teachers, coaches, Facebook friends, crossing guards, postal workers, baristas, etc.

— only one is so important and powerful that it directly impacts the health of every other aspect of our lives: the relationship we have with ourselves.

Honestly, I’m tired of the term “self-care.”

I think it’s played out. I never need to hear that old adage, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” ever again. And the oxygen mask metaphor? Please stop talking to me about oxygen masks. Please.

Here’s the thing, though. However oversold these concepts are, we actually can’t pour from an empty cup. We also can’t help anyone else get enough oxygen if we’re suffocating. And, if we want the relationships we have with other people to be positive and high-functioning, if we want any other aspect of our lives to be vibrant and robust, then we have to nurture our own health and well-being through … yup, you guessed it, self-care.

Self-care may sound like an indulgence. It may even feel selfish. Who has time for such

#INSTAKIDSVT New research shows that children under age 13 experience concussion symptoms much longer than older teens and adults. Protect those noggins, kids!

6

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

Thanks for sharing your photos using the hashtag #instakidsvt.

We loved this picture of Meadow of Underhill having fun on a frigid day by making slime!

Share a picture of your kids having fun this month.

frivolity? Maybe you think you don’t. But you know what else you don’t have time for?

Heart disease, depression and the flu. Which is exactly the kind of trouble we get into when we experience chronic psychological stress (like, for instance, the daily stress of juggling parenting and work).

In an article entitled, “How Stress Influences Disease: Study Reveals Inflammation as the Culprit,” ScienceDaily reports that a Carnegie Mellon University research team showed that “the effects of psychological stress on the body’s ability to regulate inflammation can promote the development and progression of disease.”

How does self-care help mitigate psychological stress? According to Psychology Today, activities that calm your mind and body — breathing exercises, getting enough sleep, yoga — engage your parasympathetic

kellongley. C was sick today, so M and I had some girl time. #slimetime #slimeexpert #somuchslime

nervous system. This is the part of your autonomic nervous system that decreases your heart rate, slows your breathing and reduces blood pressure. This relaxation response reduces stress, fear and anxiety. It also boosts your energy and strengthens your immune system.

So, starting this month, I encourage you to practice being your own Valentine.

Give yourself the gift of self-compassion.

Romance yourself with self-acceptance. Give time and attention to the most important relationship in your life — the one between you and you — and notice how every other part of your life begins to improve.

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

Tag us on Instagram !

HERE’S HOW:

Follow @kids_vt on Instagram.

Post your photos on Instagram with the hashtag #instakidsvt.

We’ll select a photo to feature in the next issue.

THROWBACK

PARENT PARTICIPATION

Izzy, 3

This month, we asked our Facebook followers to share photos of their kids playing outside during January’s epic snowstorm.

Find their snapshots below.

Cora, 9

Carter, 2 Sienna, 4 Levi, 10 months

FEBRUARY 2018

Friends Forever Last February, we celebrated the love between pals by interviewing local pairs and groups of friends, like 6-year-old Leo and his “County Road Grandma,” Kitty. “I can still remember your mama coming out for the first time with you after you were born, and I thought, Oh, wow! You were the most beautiful little baby,” Kitty told Leo.

KIDS SAY WHAT?

“Wait... what?

You’re doing laundry on a Saturday?

I never want to be a grown-up!”

ELIZA, AGE 8

Ben, 4

PET CORNER

Aviana, 7, and Sebastian, 10

Jaimie Bissell of Swanton shared this photo of her 6-year-old son, Liam, and cat, Karma. “We foster kittens for the Franklin County Animal Rescue and Karma was one of the little nuggets we were fostering, but we ended up keeping her,” Bissell shared.

“Liam is my kitty assistant and he LOVES cats!”

Kids in Barre

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

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B Y A L I S O N N OVAK AN D K R IS T EN R AVIN

EVENTS

COURTESY OF RICHMOND COMMUNITY KITCHEN

Sweat & Sup

Drop off your kids, practice yoga for an hour-and-a-half, then come back for a hearty, healthy meal they’ve prepared for you. Sounds too good to be true, right? It’s not, thanks to RICHMOND COMMUNITY KITCHEN’S FAMILY NIGHT OUT CLASS SERIES. The business, run by local moms Susan Whitman and Amy Gifford, has been offering prepared meals and cooking classes, with a focus on local food, from their storefront in the heart of Richmond since 2017. Their Family Night Out series, which launched in January, is a partnership with Balance Yoga — another woman-run, Richmond business — and supported in part by a grant from RiseVT, a community initiative designed to help Vermonters embrace healthy lifestyles. The first class in January — which featured a menu of winter green salad with maple vinaigrette, farmers market vegetable soup, cheesy toast and baked apples — was a huge success, said Whitman.

“There was a lot of gushing going on.”

Classes geared to families are a big part of Richmond Community Kitchen’s offerings because, she said, kids are just as much a part of the community as adults. And when kids learn to cook, she added, they’re building important skills that will enhance their health and well-being later in life. —AN

Kids prepare a meal at the January Family Night Out class

Richmond Community Kitchen’s next Family Night Out class takes place on Saturday, February 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. Kids must be between the ages of 6 and 13. Cost is $50 per child-adult pair, with scholarships available.

A Valentine’s Day parent-child class takes place on Sunday, February 10, from 1 to 3 p.m., and costs $65 per pair. For more information on classes and camps, visit richmondcommunitykitchen.com.

FOOD

Bake Sale

Find Vermont Mud Brownies in the refrigerated section of Natural Provisions and the refrigerated and freezer section of Healthy Living. To learn more about Burlington Technical Center’s culinary arts program, visit btc. bsdvt.org. or search for “BTC Culinary Arts and Champlain Café” on Facebook. The program’s student-run Champlain Café is open to the public for lunch and takeout on Fridays.

Students will also be offering special Valentine’s Day treats for preorder.

The bite-size, chocolatey squares being sampled at Natural Provisions in Williston last month were decadent, even by brownie standards. The sweet treats, fittingly dubbed VERMONT MUD BROWNIES, contain raisins and walnuts sandwiched between two layers of semisweet chocolate and topped with fluffy meringue buttercream. The recipe also includes coffee and Vermont maple syrup.

The unconventional ingredients aren’t the only thing that makes these brownies stand out. They’re made by students in the culinary arts program at Burlington Technical Center, and stocked by both Natural Provisions and Healthy Living Market & Café in South Burlington under the wholesale goods brand name Burlington Tech Center Culinary Creations. The idea to sell brownies outside the school — and the recipe itself — comes courtesy of Cheryl Niedzwiecki, the culinary instructor at Burlington Tech. Niedzwiecki thought the experience of pitching a product to local businesses would give students real-world experience in entrepreneurship. She hopes to expand the selection of student-made wholesale food items to chutneys, pickles and vegan desserts. Burlington High School senior Theo Buker was one of the students who wrote and delivered the short elevator pitch that convinced the two stores to carry the brownies. Bringing samples of the product also helped, he said, recalling that as soon as a staffer from Natural Provisions tasted one, “it was like, Oh, yes!” —AN

Cradle Will Rock

A family-friendly music series introduces kiddos to classic-rock staples — and offers parents some respite from earworms such as “Baby Shark.” THE ROCK AND ROLL PLAYHOUSE CONCERT SERIES highlights superstars such as Tom Petty, Stevie Nicks and Queen through interactive performances geared toward families with kids ages 10 and under. Games and props — think streamers, hula hoops and a giant parachute — keep little listeners engaged as local musicians serve up iconic tunes. Concerts take place in 18 music venues around the country, including Higher Ground in South Burlington. A January show there featured well-known numbers by the Grateful Dead and drew an impressive 600 grown-ups and youngsters.

Upcoming dates at Higher Ground showcase songs by Phish, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. “We saw a need to create a space for music-loving parents to share a concert experience with their kids … especially in this particularly frigid part of the year when The Rock and Roll Playhouse presents it can be challenging the Music of Phish for Kids on Saturday, to find indoor activities February 9; the Music of the Beatles for Kids for the whole family,” on Saturday, February 23 and the Music of the explained Higher Ground Rolling Stones for Kids on Saturday, March assistant general manager 23 at 11:30 a.m. Doors open at 11 a.m. Tickets Mark Balderston. And cost $15; free for kids under 1. Higher Ground is yes, in addition to chicken located at 1214 Williston Rd. in South Burlington.

Learn more at highergroundmusic.com and fingers and quesadillas, the therockandrollplayhouse.com. bar will be open. —KR 8

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

COURTESY OF THE ROCK AND ROLL PLAYHOUSE.

MUSIC

FAMILY PORTRAIT P H OTO BY S A M S I M ON • IN T ER VIEW B Y ER IN N SIM O N Mikey van Gulden, 50, and Jackie Reno van Gulden, 33, of Burlington, with daughter Josie, 8, and son Langston, 6

Mikey, Jackie, Josie & Langston

What are you all up to tonight?

Langston: Making slime! Let’s make some more slime. Can we make more right now?

Mikey: Let’s save the slime for later.

Jackie: (laughing) Yeah, and I don’t feel like a box of slime mix really describes us as a family!

What do you like to do together?

Langston: Play cards!

Mikey: We do play a lot of cards.

Jackie: Langston has been playing cards and checkers since he was 2 years old. He can beat all of us at checkers!

Mikey: He learned how to play dominoes at Thanksgiving, and within a few hours, he was beating the adults.

Jackie: And Josie, you and Dad always draw together. Where’s that project you’ve been working on?

Josie: (showing off a detailed drawing) It’s a map! It shows everything that’s going to happen at my birthday party! K KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

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FIT FAMILIES BY H E AT H E R F I TZ GE RA L D

In search of animals in the winter

I

n the middle of winter, it sometimes feels like everything outside is dormant. But February is actually the perfect time to look for tracks that critters leave behind in the snow. Tracking is a great way to get kids and parents tuned in to all the animal action that is going on right under our noses.

One easy way to create instant tracking opportunities — and also improve your skills — is to let your dog (or a friend’s pup) into the yard and watch what she does, then go look at the tracks.

When she slows from a run to a walk, or stops and looks to the left, what do the tracks she makes at those moments look like?

Years ago, my son brought home a handout from his Shelburne Farms Adventures preschool program that has really helped us. It’s super simple, but it brought me out of the morass of measurements and movement patterns and gave me the big picture: In the winter, chances

are that if you see tracks, it’s one of just ten animals: coyote, fox, deer, porcupine, weasel, squirrel, rabbit or hare, mole, vole, or mouse. The handout (reproduced in part above) includes images that show what different animals’ tracks look like.

If you want to see prints right in Burlington, naturalist, educator and tracker Sophie Mazowita’s map — which can be found at trackingvt.org — shows the richest spots to go looking. The Intervale and forested places like Centennial Woods and Derway Island are good bets. The best tracks will likely be found fairly soon after a wet snow — before the snow has a chance to melt and change the shape and size of the tracks.

If you find large mammal tracks, you can submit photos of them to the Burlington Mammal Tracking Project, a citizen science project Mazowita launched in 2015.

If you’re heading out with kids, I recommend keeping this in mind: Other than a relatively few species that

Insects: Because they are coldblooded, insects don’t have to (and can’t!) stay warm.

Most will spend the winter as eggs, in cocoons, or buried in the ground in leaves or under loose bark.

Many are able to survive being frozen.

At the base of trees on warmer, sunny days look for snow fleas, which look like specks of black pepper jumping around.

Amphibians and reptiles: These coldblooded animals are hibernating under leaf litter, rocks and logs, or in the mud at the bottoms of ponds. Some species, particularly wood frogs (referred to fondly by some naturalists as “frogsicles”), are able to survive being frozen.

Birds: Have you ever noticed a bird looking unusually large? Chances are it was puffing out its feathers to create warmer air pockets next to its skin. Birds also shiver, huddle together, and keep out of the wind to stay warm. Most birds don’t use nests for shelter in winter. Some winter birds eat seeds, some eat berries and, believe it or not, some birds, such as chickadees and nuthatches, join multispecies flocks and eat frozen insects all winter long.

COURTESY OF TEAGE O’CONNOR

COURTESY OF SHELBURNE FARMS

Making Tracks

Mammals: Furry creatures often hibernate or are dormant for much of the winter, but emerge for peak mammal breeding season, sometime between February and April. Many change their eating habits and other behaviors to get through the winter. Mice and voles spend most of their time in the subnivean zone, where trapped heat melts a thin layer of snow right next to the earth and the A red fox in Burlington’s temperature is kept Centennial Woods close to 32°F by the insulating properties of the snow.

migrate, every animal who is around in the summer is still here. How — without heated houses, hats, gloves or winter boots — do animals stay warm? Through this lens, a short walk through a field, forest, or even your yard or neighborhood can become rich with wonder.

Here’s a quick rundown on what animals are likely to be doing in the winter:

When I venture out to find tracks, I aim to get home before my fingers and toes have started to get cold, and bring home photos of a nest, a track, or even just an interesting weed that I can draw while I warm up by the fire. My 11-year-old son likes to imagine and draw fanciful pictures of animals in their winter homes. K Heather Fitzgerald teaches field ecology and environmental science at the Community College of Vermont and at the University of Vermont.

CHECK IT OUT! Vermont naturalist Mary Holland writes animal books for both adults and children and publishes a blog called Naturally Curious (naturallycuriouswithmaryholland. wordpress.com) that has many ideas for what to look for in nature, any day of the year.

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PHOTOS: COURTESY OF PATTY KELLY

HABITAT BY A L ISO N N OVA K

Backyard Hockey Rink

Inside the warming hut

F

or Patty Kelly and Jason Gaudette, the coldest months of the year are all about one thing: hockey.

When Thanksgiving rolls around, they and their sons — 11-year-old Colton and 8-year-old Lucas — begin prepping their Weathersfield backyard for an ice rink.

They put up boards, bolt them together in a rectangular shape, then put stakes behind the boards for support to form the perimeter of the rink. Then, when the forecast calls for a string of days with single-digit highs and no precipitation, the four of them roll out a heavy-duty white plastic tarp to line the inside of the rink and drape it over the boards. They run a hose from a nearby creek to a water pump and spend anywhere from three to 12 hours, depending on the rate of water flow, flooding the rink.

This year, an early cold snap enabled them to fill the 35-by-80-foot rink — their biggest yet — in early December. They were on track to make record time when their pump broke, and they had to rent a backup. Another winter, there was a leak in the plastic liner.

Once filled and frozen, the rink requires regular maintenance, from draining excess water by creating a siphon with a garden hose, to doing an occasional hot rinse to smooth out the

surface, to snowblowing. “Every year is an adventure,” Kelly said.

Some might say the couple, natives of Ottawa, groomed their sons for the rink.

They put them on “two-blade, cheese cutter skates” at 2 years old, “right after they could walk,” said Kelly. Both boys now play hockey for the Hartford, Vt.based Upper Valley Storm, where their dad is a coach. Lucas is also a member of the Vermont Flames, an invitation-only league. The family spends many winter weekends traveling to tournaments around Vermont and Canada.

Kelly and Gaudette built their first backyard rink — 20-by-40-feet — in 2012, and have had one every year since.

As their sons grew, so did their rinks.

Kelly said her husband’s ultimate goal

is to build a rink that’s 50-by-100-feet, a little more than half the size of a regulation rink.

In 2016, the family purchased a prefabricated 10-by-20-foot warming hut from the Jamaica Cottage Shop. They use it to store their skating gear, which includes a skate sharpener and skates of all sizes that Kelly lends to friends and neighbors. Gaudette’s father took apart an old picnic table to make benches for inside the hut, which also has rubber mats and a propane heater. Flood lights on each end of the rink enable skaters to glide after dark.

In rural Weathersfield, population less than 3,000, Kelly says her family is known as the Canadians with the hockey

rink. Since it’s visible from the road, drivers sometimes honk as they pass by or stop to get a closer look. One man brought over two nets left over from when his kids were younger. Another dropped off old leather goalie gloves.

Homeschool families have used the rink for PE class. The family hosts an annual Storm team event and neighborhood skating parties.

Though the boys spend considerable time hitting pucks in indoor arenas, that doesn’t stop them from taking advantage of their very own rink. “Even before they go to their regular practice,” Kelly said, “they will be out there playing.”

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

11

SEASONAL ACTIVITIES

BY J A N E T E S S M AN FR AN Z

Cold-Weather Science Embrace winter with your own outdoor laboratory

W

FROZEN BUBBLES

Blowing bubbles in any weather demonstrates scientific concepts, including elasticity and surface tension. Bubbles blown in very cold air form icy globes with beautiful crystalline patterns. We tried making ice bubbles twice with store-bought bubble solution. On a 22degree evening, only our largest bubbles froze, and it took a few minutes for the ice to harden. We had better results on a 10-degree day. The bubbles froze faster and stayed frozen longer. When they popped, they looked like shards of glass. We discovered that the trick is to blow slowly, creating large spheres, and try to land them on a cold stone patio or walkway rather than the warmer ground.

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF JANET FRANZ

hen temperatures plummet and winter winds howl, it’s tempting to hunker down indoors.

But outdoor play in any season provides health benefits. A 2017 research report, coauthored by the University of Vermont nursing faculty for the Rutland-based nonprofit Come Alive Outside, points to many positive correlations between physical activity in nature and children’s academic performance and emotional well-being, year-round. And frosty air, sparkling icicles and piles of snow provide the perfect setting for both play and scientific discovery.

My 10-year-old son, Zac, and I took advantage of recent cold days to try a few outdoor science experiments. We conducted some at home and some at Mad River Glen, with help from an onsite naturalist.

“Snow, ice and cold weather offer unique opportunities to explore science concepts you don’t get in other seasons,” said Cory Stephenson, who guides Mad River Glen’s snowshoe treks. “It also teaches grit and perseverance. You may not be 100% comfortable outside in winter, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself and have fun.”

We did! Check out four of our cool experiments.

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KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

Chemical reactions occur when two things combine to make something new.

Mixing baking soda and vinegar creates carbon dioxide gas that spews like a volcano. Adding soap and food coloring creates vibrant, foamy “magma.”

We used an empty one-liter plastic seltzer bottle, two spoonfuls of baking soda, one spoonful of liquid dish soap, several drops of red food coloring and about 12 ounces of white vinegar. We mounded snow into a volcano shape around the bottle. Zac poured everything except the vinegar into the bottle.

When he added the vinegar, the volcano “erupted,” with bubbly red lava pouring over the snow.

Caution: Vinegar can sting eyes, so supervise young children.

Making frozen bubbles

KEEPING IN THE HEAT

What materials make good insulation on cold days? With Stephenson’s guidance, we filled three Mason jars with piping hot water from a teapot, making sure that each jar held the same volume.

Stephenson presented several insulation options. Zac and two other boys chose bubble wrap for one jar and a down hat for another. We left the third jar unwrapped to serve as a control.

We measured the water temperature with a thermometer and also felt it with our hands. Zac made a chart listing the insulating materials and starting temperatures and left space to fill in ending temperatures and change in temperatures. We placed the jars outside in the snow and left for two hours to snowshoe.

Upon our return, the sample wrapped in down still felt too hot to touch, while the bubble-wrapped sample felt lukewarm, and the unwrapped control was icy cold. Stephenson explained that down feathers’ fluffy structure creates pockets of air. The trapped air insulates birds and people — and Mason jars — preventing heat from escaping.

SNOW VOLCANOES

SELF-FREEZING SLUSHY This experiment provided a tasty lesson in thermodynamics and nucleation, the process that occurs when matter changes from one form to another, such as when liquid becomes solid.

When you cool liquid slowly, it lowers its freezing point to below 32 degrees (the temperature at which water usually freezes). When that liquid is then agitated, by shaking or pouring it, it can start a chain reaction in which ice crystals form.

It took several tries to get this experiment to work, so I recommend starting with a small bottle of seltzer or soda. We found success on a 4-degree morning with a one-liter bottle of lemon-lime seltzer.

We started by vigorously shaking the never-opened bottle of seltzer to increase the pressure inside the bottle. We set the bottle in snow for about four hours, until we could just barely see some ice forming inside the bottle, but the seltzer remained mostly liquid.

We carefully unscrewed the cap, poured the seltzer into a freezer-chilled glass, and, in seconds, ice formed before our eyes! To help the reaction along, we stirred the seltzer with a spoon, then enjoyed a refreshing, citrus slushy. K

TIME TO TREK

Zac erupts a snow volcano

Get outdoors with the Mad River Glen Naturalist Programs, tailored to participants’ interest in ecology and wildlife.

Join a staff naturalist for a 1.5-2 hour guided snowshoe trek, every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., through the end of March. $25 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and under, $65 for a family of four. Snowshoes available to rent for $5. Register at the ski school desk in the Basebox Lodge.

ONE TO WATCH BY BRE TT A N N S TA N CI U

Powerful Poet A Burlington teen uses words to question the world

COURTESY OF SHANNON FINNEY

A

nyone who thinks teens and poetry aren’t a natural fit hasn’t met Burlington High School senior Alex Contreras-Montesano. A 2018 National Student Poet, she emanates a mixture of modesty and articulate poise.

When asked about receiving the nation’s most prestigious youth poetry honor, she says in a soft-spoken voice, “I’m very, very grateful for it.”

The National Student Poets Program — a joint endeavor between the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers — chooses five high school poets from different NAME: Alexandra regions of the country to serve Contreras-Montesano as literary ambassadors each AGE: 18 year. The appointment also TOWN: Burlington includes a $5,000 academic really large refugee population, and award, which Alex — the I think there is a pressure … to put Northeast ambassador — has American culture first and foremost ... earmarked for college tuition.

I’m very thankful for also having the Mexican Competition is fierce. Thousands of poems were experience, because it also gives me a different lens submitted to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. to look through.”

From that pool, 450 young poets won National Gold That lens was focused, in part, by support from and Silver Medals, qualifying them for the National the Young Writers Project, a Vermont-based writStudent Poets Program. Of these, 35 semifinalists ing forum that Alex joined in fourth grade. Susan were asked to send additional poetry and perforReid, the project’s executive director, describes mance videos. Judges included celebrated poet Alex as “a natural storyteller and a keen observer Edward Hirsch and Damian Woetzel, president of of life, unafraid to confront difficult issues and to the Juilliard School. speak out.” Alex has grown into a leader at Young In August, Alex and her fellow honorees acWriters Project, Reid says, “always applauding her cepted their year-long appointments at a ceremony peers and encouraging them to reach higher.” held in the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. As a literary ambassador, Alex’s mandate is to Alex’s highlight of the literary fête was a three-hour promote literacy and poetry in the community. meeting with current US Poet Laureate Tracy K. While detailed plans aren’t solidified, she intends to Smith. “She has a way of making everyone comfort- visit juvenile detention centers and create “poetry able immediately,” says Alex. “She’s very knowlworkshops that are based on restorative practices edgeable, very educated … and a really amazing and the idea of healing through stories … basically, person to talk to about poetry.” gathering youth voice that’s often not heard.” Her Alex has her own unique story to tell. Born in long-term career goals include working in educaOregon, she spent much of her early childhood in tion policy and juvenile justice reform.

Puebla, Mexico, then moved to Burlington as a kinThe young poet sees herself as part of a politidergartener. She lives with her 10-year-old sister, cally aware youth movement and cites the four Scarlett, and her mother, Rachael Montesano, Burlington and South Burlington poets of Muslim a senior lecturer of Spanish at the University of Girls Making Change as personal mentors. “Their Vermont. Alex has been writing poetry everywhere writing has made such change and highlighted so since she was a young child, her mother says, from many things in the community that are broken,” she Bananagrams tiles to the fogged-up bathroom says. “I see writing and reading your work aloud ... mirror. as a really peaceful channel that can be used to At home, Alex speaks both English and Spanish. change the world.” K The experience of growing up bilingual, with Alex leads a teen poetry workshop as part of the exposure to two different cultures, has “definitely given me a unique perspective,” says Alex. “I Young Writers Project’s Writing on the Roof series, love Burlington and think that a lot of people in Saturday, February 23, 10-11:30 a.m., Karma Bird Burlington go through similar things. We have a House, Burlington. Preregistration required.

i am English A poem by Alexandra Contreras-Montesano it hurts when i hear Spanish, real Spanish. not the kind they try to teach you in high school or shove down your throat in college. i could never love anyone who speaks Spanish. love demands that you keep your eyes open when you kiss and your ears open when they talk. i used to have friends but then I threw them all away thinking that it would make me feel better. they were never beat up by the words that came out of their own mouths. they didn’t understand why i cringed when a transfer sat down and told me that the teacher said i spoke Spanish too. “i don’t speak Spanish” i would hiss. i feel it. every day and in every ligament of my life. i turned away from him because i’m selfish. he would learn to hate Spanish soon enough. my cousins down in mexico try to get me to be like them but they don’t understand that i killed that part of myself when i moved to the states and they started asking me who I was. “hello bella” i would say.

“I am alex.” “hello Spanish” she would say. “i am bella.” i suffocated my rolled r’s and all of the extra letters I had learned because of bella. i learned to hate my caramel skin so i bleached it with words like “i was born in the US” and “columbus is my hero.” i hurt myself because on applications and standardized tests the question please check off what race you are makes me want to vomit up all of my hard work. it took me years to act like English to talk like English. to read like English. to want like English. to hate like English. all it cost me was my Spanish.

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

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CHECKUP W IT H DR . L EW IS FIR ST • IN T ER VIEW C O M P IL ED A ND CO NDE NS E D B Y KE N P I CA R D

Should All Children Get the HPV Vaccine?

M NOW OPEN

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DESTINATION: SPACE!

FEATURING

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KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

ost parents don’t like to think about the fact that, one day, their kids will be sexually active. Before that occurs, parents can do something that will protect their children and teens from a common sexually transmitted infection — and in the process, potentially save their lives.

The American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that all girls and boys get vaccinated for the human papillomavirus, or HPV, between the ages of 9 and 14. Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at University of Vermont Children’s Hospital, explains why the vaccine is a real game-changer in public health.

KIDS VT: What is HPV? LEWIS FIRST: HPV is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections. It affects more than half of all unvaccinated sexually active people at some point in their lives, usually in their teens and 20s. It’s estimated that about two-thirds of sexually active preteen and teenage girls who haven’t been vaccinated are infected. About 75 percent of new cases reported each year occur in people 15 to 25 years of age, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

KVT: What does HPV do?

LF: Most commonly, HPV in females and males causes genital warts, which, by themselves, are not very harmful.

But the virus is also associated with an increased risk of several worrisome cancers, most notably, cervical cancers in women. In both women and men, it can also cause cancer of the mouth, throat and anus, as well as cancer of the penis in men. Since 2006, when the vaccine was first licensed, we have seen a 65 percent decline nationally in cervical cancers attributed to the strains included in this vaccine.

KVT: How does someone know if they have been infected?

LF: Oftentimes you don’t know. In fact, many people have it and don’t know it, and it may be a couple of years before they develop a genital wart. All that time, they may remain sexually active.

Once you’re infected, you’re infected forever and can pass it to others without

continue to be protected. And, we’ve seen the decrease in cervical cancers and know from research studies that protection against the strains of HPV in the vaccine persist for at least 10 years after being vaccinated.

knowing it. So, we want to get this vaccine out there before teenagers become sexually active, because we also know that it only works before you’ve been infected.

KVT: Is there a benefit to someone getting the vaccine who already has been infected with HPV? LF: There are different strains of HPV, so getting some protection is better than none. The strain someone is carrying may not be one that causes cancer. The current vaccine protects against nine different strains of the virus, which are also the ones most commonly associated with cancer-causing HPV. KVT: Why should kids who aren’t yet sexually active get vaccinated?

LF: Three reasons. First, full protection from the vaccine between ages 9 and 14 requires two shots administered over a six- to 12-month period. Between ages 15 and 26, people need three shots.

In order to insure that people get the full series, it’s better to start giving them early, before teens gain their independence and forget or refuse to return to the doctor. Secondly, and more importantly, we now know that preteens make more antibodies and develop better protection against HPV when they get the vaccine earlier in life. This also explains why kids 9 to 14 need only two shots. Finally, we want kids fully vaccinated before they become sexually active.

KVT: How effective is the vaccine?

LF: We only have 10 years’ worth of data to study, but we know already that people who were immunized at age 11

KVT: Will the vaccine completely prevent women from getting cervical cancer later in life?

LF: No, so when a woman turns 21 — or if her doctor thinks it should be done sooner — she should still get a pap smear to screen for evidence of cervical cancer. Also, a male getting the vaccine doesn’t mean that he doesn’t need to use a condom. There are many other sexually transmitted infections for which a condom can be protective. And condoms alone won’t protect against HPV, which can still be transmitted through close skin-to-skin contact in genital areas that the condom may not cover.

KVT: Is there evidence that teens who get the HPV vaccine become sexually active earlier than those who don’t?

LF: No. The good news is, studies have shown that preteens and teens who got the HPV vaccine did not start having sex at an earlier age than those who did not receive it. And, giving kids the vaccine is not implicitly telling kids or teens that it’s OK for them to have sex. Parents should see this vaccine as an opportunity to start talking to their kids about their values around sex and making smart choices with their bodies.

KVT: Does the vaccine have side effects?

LF: Nothing more than minor effects, such as soreness, redness and swelling at the injection site. There are reports of people, mostly females, fainting after receiving the injection. We don’t know what causes it, but if patients sit or lie down for 15 minutes after the injection, this shouldn’t occur. Fevers occur about 10 percent of the time, as do headaches.

But the rate of allergic reactions to the vaccine are rare — only one in 1 million, according to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System. Worldwide, 170 million doses have been distributed in 80 countries, and there have been no serious safety concerns reported. K

BOOKWORMS BY BRE TT A N N S TA N CI U

Searching for Timeless Tales A family-owned press in Shelburne publishes children’s picture books

T

he idea for Ripple Grove Press dates back to 2012, when Rob Broder spent long hours alone in his car while selling sweets for Lake Champlain Chocolates. A new father in those days to a baby daughter, he and his wife, Amanda, read numerous picture books and discussed what they liked and disliked.

Broder, a former preschool teacher, had always been passionate about storytelling and children’s literature.

After a lot of thinking on the road, he suggested to Amanda that they start their own picture book press. “A week later, she said, ‘OK, let’s try that,’ ” he recalled.

Nearly six years after opening Ripple Grove’s doors, Broder receives paper and email submissions every day, from all over the world. With 16 titles to date, the press’ catalog includes Grandmother Thorn, which received a 2018 Anna Dewdney Read Together Award, an honor given in memory of the late Llama Llama series author; Monday Is Wash Day, printed in English and Korean; and Rob Broder Broder’s own picture book, Paul and His Ukulele, illustrated by Jenn Kocsmiersky of upstate New York.

Broder also works as a consultant for writers and illustrators. Last summer, he signed two of his own books with larger presses — Simon & Schuster and Sasquatch Books/Little Bigfoot — with release dates in 2020. With his wife busy as Teaching Academy coordinator at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Broder manages all aspects of Ripple Grove, from creative direction to marketing and distribution. “I love everything about it,” he said.

From his home office in Shelburne — where the couple reside with their 8-year-old daughter — Broder spoke with Kids VT.

Learn more about Ripple Grove Press at ripplegrovepress.com.

KIDS VT: What’s the story behind the name Ripple Grove Press?

ROB BRODER: Ripple Grove is an imaginary place that I made up as a preschool teacher. I would tell the kids about this place, Ripple Grove, and I made it feel like it wasn’t too far from where they lived. There were fairies and troll-like characters and underground tunnels and things like that. So Amanda thought of the name Ripple Grove Press.

KVT: How does your press differ from larger publishing houses?

RB: One of our goals from when we first started Ripple Grove was finding really talented artists who may not have been discovered by the larger presses yet. A lot of our illustrators and authors have gone on to larger presses.

KVT: How do you select books from the many submissions you receive?

RB: I’m picky, and I struggle to find something that resonates with us and represents our press. We’re looking for something really timeless, really wonderful, really sweet, and it would be helpful if it were unique or just slightly different …

We have to talk about, Will this story sell?

KVT: What makes a story sell?

RB: The writing. I can tell 12 people in a room to write me a story about a duck on a farm, and I’m going to get 12 different stories — or I might get 12 all the same — but it all depends on how the author writes the story … It really comes down to the writing style of that story and if, when I’m reading it, I can visualize the story so clearly without having illustrations. It’s good when they’ve really brought me to that farm, or that duck, or whatever that story is about.

KVT: Tell our readers a little about Ripple Grove’s February 5 release, The Full House and the Empty House, written and illustrated by LK James.

RB: The way we received it was really great … (at a writers’ conference), Amanda came home with a little 4-by-4 book that this artist had made. I called LK Monday morning … We just edited it a bit — maybe a smidgen — or tweaked a few words … It’s a beautiful book, and I’m really proud of it.

KVT: Any advice for readers who want to submit a children’s book to Ripple Grove Press?

RB: We strive to make a book that someone reads over and over and that finds the cozy spot in someone’s home, or the library, or classroom — to sit and look at and explore and read again the next day … I would love to know someone read this article and submitted to us. We’re just trying to find that next little gem.

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

15

It's a bird, it's a plane it's....

One to Watch

Do you know a local kid (age 17 or under) who's recently done something amazing?

Won a spelling bee? Written an opera?

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

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THE ART OF BY BRE TT A N N S TA N CI U COURTESY OF BEES ON BROADWAY

Soap Making D

COURTESY OF DARCI BENOIT

arci Benoit calls herself a queen bee — a fitting moniker for this busy beekeeper and crafter of body-care products.

The Swanton resident, along with husband B.J. and 10-year-old daughter, Amelia, first acquired bees six years ago and now owns half a dozen hives. Benoit began selling her honey-and-beeswax-based lip balm at craft shows five years ago. Two years ago, she added soap to her repertoire.

And in August, she opened a shop — Bees on Broadway — in downtown Swanton, where she sells honey, body creams, masks and salves, and showcases artwork from the Swanton Arts Council.

Benoit has been experimenting with creating body-care products since her teen years. “Much to my mother’s dismay, I made very messy things,” she said.

Benoit’s primary soapmaking method, called cold process, uses a combination of oils, butters and waxes. When Homemade soaps decorated with dried flowers lye, an alkali, is added to the mixture, a chemical reaction called saponification occurs, which changes oils into soap. After a melt-and-pour soap base — a premixed curing, or drying, process of at least six combination of blended oils and other inweeks, no lye remains. “The longer the gredients. Variations range from goat or cure time, the better the soap. It’s a labor coconut milk to clear glycerin. Beginners of love and patience,” she explained. can simply melt this solid substance, For novice soap makers, Benoit bypassing the complicated blending recommends a simple recipe that uses a process. The soap base can be purchased

Benoit’s daughter Amelia

SIMPLE SOAP FOR YOUR VALENTINE Supplies:

at craft stores like Michaels or online at sites including bulkapothecary.com and newdirectionsaromatics.com.

When her store opened, local families requested soap-making classes for kids. Enrollment for her first class in January — which taught kids to create custom-colored, fragrant soaps to take home — filled quickly. A second class is slated for Saturday, February 9.

While Benoit is keeping mum about the secret recipe behind her cold-process soaps, she shared this easy recipe, perfect for families looking to create unique, handcrafted soaps for Valentine’s Day gifts.

The recipe is such a snap that her daughter concocts batches on her own.

•

16 ounces melt-and-pour soap base

•

1/2 teaspoon lavender essential oil

•

dried rose petals and/or lavender flowers to place on the soaps (find these in City Market/Onion River Co-op’s bulk department or in a craft store)

•

silicone or plastic molds

Directions: •

In a microwave, melt the soap base using 10-second intervals. Do not overheat. The mixture should be just melted. Then mix in essential oil.

•

Pour into silicone or plastic molds.

Candy molds or cupcake molds work well. Sprinkle dried flowers on the warm tops and lightly press petals into the soaps. Let cool for at least an hour before removing soap from mold.

Sign up for Benoit’s February soap-making class at the Bees on Broadway Facebook page (facebook.com/ beesonbroadway/). For more info, visit beesonbroadway.net.

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

17

MEALTIME BY A ST RI D H E D B OR L A GUE

Raspberry Éclairs A fancy treat for Valentine’s Day

DIRECTIONS

PHOTOS: ANDY BRUMBAUGH

To make the pastry cream:

W

hen I was a young teenager, I was a Girl Scout.

My troop was small, comprising fewer than 10 girls from Grand Isle County. As a troop, we only lasted for a year or two. Still, some of the memories of those years as a Girl Scout have followed me into adulthood. In particular, I remember that, in order to earn a baking badge, we went to our troop leader’s house and made éclairs. I don’t know how authentic they were, but I do remember how fancy and grown-up I felt to be making French pastries.

Last summer, I traveled to France with my mother and sister. Though we didn’t get a chance to sample the local éclairs, we did see them in the pâtisserie windows. My old memories of Girl Scouts flooded back, and I knew that I wanted to try my hand at making them again. And what better time for elegant pastries than Valentine’s Day? Éclairs — like many types of French pastries including cream puffs, profiteroles and the towering masterpiece that is the croquembouche — start with pâte à choux, a simple pastry dough. To make it, heat water — or a mixture of milk and water — with butter, then mix in flour, cook a little more, and whip in eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy. The dough then can be piped into any number of shapes.

I can’t guarantee that these éclairs are the most traditional version. But they are fun, delicious and easier to make than you might imagine. Filled with a delectable raspberry pastry cream and topped with festive heart decorations, they are perfect for Valentine’s Day, or really any day you are craving a sweet treat. K

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(Makes approximately 24 éclairs)

INGREDIENTS: For the raspberry pastry cream:

For the pâte à choux:

• 3 cups whole milk

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 cup cornstarch • 1 tablespoon allpurpose flour • 4 egg yolks • 1/4 cup butter • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • 1/3 cup raspberry purée (fresh or frozen raspberries, puréed and strained to remove seeds)

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 ½ cups of milk, along with sugar and salt, to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

2.

In a glass measuring cup or small bowl, whisk together the remaining milk, cornstarch, flour and egg yolks.

Add a little of the hot milk mixture to the eggs and whisk well to temper (this will keep the eggs from getting scrambled).

3.

Pour the tempered egg mixture into the warm milk mixture through a fine mesh sieve to prevent lumps later. Return the mixture to heat and bring to a boil, whisking the whole time. Cook until thickened.

4.

Strain through a mesh sieve again into a bowl. Stir in butter, one tablespoon at a time, until melted, then add the vanilla.

5.

Stir in the raspberry purée and cover with plastic wrap pressed onto the surface of the pastry cream so that it doesn’t form a skin.

Refrigerate for at least two hours, until ready to use.

To make the pâte à choux:

RASPBERRY ÉCLAIRS

• 1/2 cup sugar

1.

1.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2.

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, water and butter. Bring to a rolling boil.

3.

Remove from heat and add the flour and salt all at once, stirring vigorously with a wooden spoon until incorporated.

4.

Return to heat and cook over medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the dough forms a cohesive ball, and a film forms on the bottom of the pan.

(Do not scrape the film up into the dough; leave it in the pan. You might not see this film if you are using a nonstick pan.)

5.

Transfer mixture into the bowl of a stand mixer. Whip with a paddle attachment until there is no more steam, and the dough no longer feels hot to the touch. (Alternatively, allow to cool in a bowl for five to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.) Add eggs, one at a time, and beat until entirely incorporated after each.

After the final addition, continue whipping for about two minutes.

The dough should look smooth.

• 1/2 cup milk • 1/2 cup unsalted butter • 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour • 3/8 teaspoon salt • 4 eggs

For the decoration: • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil • 2 tablespoons white chocolate chips

Subscribe at butwhykids.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

6.

Fit a large pastry tip (either round or star-shaped) into a piping bag and pipe dough onto parchmentlined baking sheets into even lines, about 5 inches long. (Some people draw lines onto the underside of their parchment paper to use as a guide; I was not that exact.) The pastry will keep its shape when you bake it, so use a finger dipped into water to flatten any irregularities.

If you have used a round pastry tip, run the tines of a fork along the top of the éclairs before baking to help them crisp up.

2.

Place the white chocolate in a piping bag and melt by heating in the microwave in 30-second intervals, squeezing to mix between each heating. (You may need to reheat during decorating to keep it melted.)

3.

Dip the tops of the éclairs into the semisweet chocolate, then run a finger or a knife over the edge to clean off any excess chocolate.

(This can get messy, but what a delicious mess.)

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7.

Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then lower heat to 350 degrees and bake for an additional 25 minutes. Do not open the oven during baking. When the éclairs are done, they should be a deep golden brown.

8.

Remove from the oven. Cool completely on wire racks before filling.

4.

To fill: Cut the éclairs in half lengthwise or poke a small hole on both ends of the bottom of the éclair, then pipe pastry cream into each one, until the éclairs are full.

To decorate: 1.

Melt the semisweet chocolate in a dish long enough to fit the éclairs. (I added the vegetable oil to the chips, then heated them in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time, stirring between intervals, until melted. Do not overheat, or the chocolate may become stiff and grainy.) As an alternative to microwaving, you can melt the chocolate with the oil in a double boiler, stirring until smooth.

5.

To make white-chocolate heart decorations, cut a very small hole into the tip of the whitechocolate-filled piping bag. Pipe two small circles next to each other on top of the semisweet chocolate. Use a toothpick to draw a line of white chocolate down the middle of the two dots to form heart shapes. Repeat a few times on the top of each éclair.

This decoration works best if the semisweet chocolate is not yet set.

Let the chocolate cool and harden before serving.

Note: Éclairs taste best served right away. You can store unfilled shells in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or freeze them in an airtight plastic freezer bag for up to six weeks. To refresh before filling, arrange the shells on a baking sheet and warm in a 350-degree oven until dry, firm and almost crisp — 10 to 15 minutes for room-temperature shells, 15 to 20 minutes for frozen shells. Cool before filling.

1/24/18 1:23 PM

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1/24/19 3:49 PM

Peer Reviewed

A Williston justice panel puts the fate of school-age offenders into the hands of fellow youth

J

essica and Ted considered themselves to be more cyber-savvy than many parents. They limited their son’s online activities by not giving him his own smartphone, and they supervised his time on the family’s computer by letting him use it only in the kitchen. They even took a class on internet safety.

But the Chittenden County couple’s best efforts to raise a “good digital citizen” weren’t enough to prevent their then-16-year-old son, Luke, from borrowing his older brother’s iPad and using it to break the law.

So they turned him in to police.

His crime — exchanging nude photos with a classmate and requesting sexually inappropriate images from others — could have given him a criminal record and landed him on Vermont’s sex-offender registry for disseminating child pornography. (Kids VT agreed to use pseudonyms to protect the family’s privacy.)

Instead, Luke was offered an opportunity to admit to his offense, learn from his mistakes and make amends to everyone who was injured by his crime,

including his parents, the victim and the police. Luke’s case was heard by a new restorative justice panel, the only one of its kind in Vermont to include high school and college students. Founded and run by the Williston Community Justice Center (WCJC), the youth panel gives criminal justice professionals a powerful new tool for dissuading school-age offenders from reoffending — through positive peer pressure.

“The way we explain it to youth is, this is your golden ticket,” said Cristalee McSweeney, director of the WCJC, who

BY KEN PICARD

created the youth panel about a year ago.

“This is your chance to deal with [the crime] outside of the court system. But you’re still being held accountable and responsible.”

Though Luke declined a reporter’s request to tell his own story, his parents agreed to do so without his involvement.

Luke’s troubles began in the summer of 2017, just before he began his junior year in high school. After friends began teasing him for still being a virgin, Ted explained, Luke felt pressured into sexting, or exchanging nude photos online DANIEL FISHEL

20

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

with a female classmate. According to McSweeney, the practice has become increasingly common among students, some of whom even compete to see who can accumulate the most photos.

Only after Luke was caught and questioned by police did his parents discover that he’d set up multiple email and social media accounts — on Twitter, Facebook, Gmail and Instagram. In addition to using his brother’s iPad without his permission, Luke also used the school library computer to check his messages, and borrowed friends’ smartphones to send and retrieve images.

Ironically, Jessica and Ted had attended a cyber-safety awareness class put on by the WCJC 18 months earlier.

Afterward, they explained to Luke how sharing sexually explicit images of minors violates state and federal child pornography laws and could land offenders in serious legal jeopardy. But as Jessica recalled Luke saying to her after he was caught, “I know you told me this stuff, Mom, but I didn’t believe you.”

Rather than sending Luke’s case to the state’s attorney for prosecution, the police referred it to the Williston youth panel. It’s comprised of about 10 adult and youth volunteers. Appointed by the Williston selectboard, the members have all undergone at least eight hours of classes and training from the justice center staff before they’re allowed to hear actual cases.

The youth panel, which only deals with offenders up to age 21, cannot hear felony offenses, such as armed robbery, rape or kidnapping, McSweeney explained. In addition to cybercrimes such as sexting, online bullying, harassment and revenge porn, the panel hears cases involving property damage, retail theft, simple assault and distracted driving, as well as misdemeanor hate crimes that were motivated by race, gender, religion or sexual orientation.

The youth panel differs from court diversion in that the offenders have not been formally charged with crimes.

Cases can be referred to the panel by the Williston Police Department, the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s Office or school administrators whose students come from Williston, Richmond, Hinesburg, Huntington, St. George, Bolton and parts of Shelburne and Charlotte.

The youth panel isn’t juvenile court; there are no prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, juries or sworn testimony.

Instead, the panel adheres to the principles of restorative justice, a mediationlike process that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crimes and rebuilding community relationships. Participation is voluntary but predicated on the condition that the offender, who’s referred to as the “responsible party,” must own up to his or her offense and then agree to make restitution to all affected parties.

If the youth fails to satisfy all the requirements, as spelled out in a legally binding contract, the case can be referred to the state’s attorney’s office for prosecution.

“Our process is not about blame or shame,” McSweeney said. “It’s about accepting responsibility and obligation.”

Here’s how it works. The panel will convene at least two meetings with the responsible party, typically over a 30- to 60-day period, though more complex cases may last as long as nine months.

Often the group sits in a circle, which may also include a police officer, a school counselor or principal, the offenders’ parents and, most importantly, the victim, if he or she chooses to participate.

Everyone, including the victim, gets an opportunity to speak.

“In the court system, the responsible party is the center of the court and oftentimes victims are left voiceless,” McSweeney explained. “Their needs are not met or heard … and they don’t get the opportunity to ask questions like, ‘Why did you do this? What were you thinking?

And why me?’”

The process is confidential and panel members are expected to recuse themselves from the case if they know the responsible party or victim personally.

The first meeting is devoted to getting to know the responsible party, the details of the offense and the individual’s explanation for why he or she did it.

“People commit crimes for various reasons, and I think the criminal justice system just looks at it as, ‘You are your crime now,’” said Amanda Payne, a school counselor at Montpelier High School who serves as an adult volunteer on the youth panel. “[Youth panel volunteers] spend a lot of time just trying to get to know somebody first and hear who they are … beyond just their crime.”

“You can’t really judge a person with“And it’s not an easy pass,” Kolibas out knowing them,” said Beckett Pintair, added. “You have to give 100 percent.” a 16-year-old junior at Champlain Valley Indeed, successfully completing Union High School who volunteers on the contract requires hard work. As the youth panel. “And you can’t really say, McSweeney pointed out, certain of‘This is bad, this is good,’ unless you know fenses, such as online bullying, sexting who they are and where they’re coming and revenge porn, require offenders from.” to attend a 12-week course. The curBrianna Kolibas, an 18-year-old riculum — created by the WCJC in senior at CVU and one of the panel’s conjunction with the Chittenden County first youth members, said she’s heard State’s Attorney’s Office, the Williston a variety of cases, including those Police Department, the Chittenden involving revenge porn, drug possession Unit for Special Investigations and local and retail theft. Sometimes, she said, defense attorneys — covers such issues the offenders didn’t even realize that as internet safety, online reputations, what they were doing was illegal. Other cyber footprints and the legal repercustimes, they committed the crime out of sions that can befall parents if they are desperation. the official owners of the devices used in “A lot of the retail theft is really sad,” such crimes. she said, “because we see a lot of people In Luke’s case, he was also required to who don’t have a lot read several books of resources. That’s about technology why they steal.” and the law, includAs Pintair ing lol… OMG!: What explained, getting to Every Student Needs know the responsible to Know About parties is critical to Online Reputation formulating the final Management, Digital contract. Each one is Citizenship and different, he noted, Cyberbulling and 16-YEAR-OLD and must be agreed iRules: What Every YOUTH PANEL VOLUNTEER BECKETT PINTAIR upon by all affected Tech-Healthy Family parties.

Needs to Know about “Our main goal is Selfies, Sexting, to help them get to that finished contract. Gaming, and Growing Up. He then had to We don’t want to give them something discuss the books with the panel and his that they’re never actually going to do,” he parents, and write a term paper reflecting said. Ultimately, the goal is to “help them on his choices and what he would do learn and give back to their community.” differently the next time.

For example, if the offender enjoys “And it wasn’t just a paragraph or two,” cooking, perhaps the contract will his father said. “It was four or five pages require them to cook a meal for the long.” victim and victim’s family. It may also “You could see that he’d given some include writing a formal apology letter real thought to it, which was kind of explaining why the offense was wrong, neat,” his mom, Jessica, added. She then reading it aloud to their parents, described Luke’s paper as “one of his best the victim, the victim’s parents, the works.” police and school administrators.

“What I personally look for in cases To some people, the youth panel is an understanding that the responsible concept may sound like it coddles party takes ownership for what they have offenders and gives them an easy get-out- done in how they talk about it,” Pintair of-jail-free card. But McSweeney and her said. At times, that process becomes very volunteers contend that the process is emotional for everyone in the room. neither quick nor easy.

“It’s really powerful when a victim “The space we’re creating is a really comes,” he added. “When you’re able to caring and healing space,” Payne said. … watch the responsible party hear the “It’s not woo-woo or touchy-feely. It’s victim’s side, a lot of growth and learning humanizing.”

You can’t really judge a person without knowing them.

PEER REVIEWED, P. 22 » KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

21

The 14,000 women and men who teach Vermont’s students are proud to be ...

Peer Reviewed

CONTINUED FROM P. 21

has come from it.” In Luke’s case, the Katie Palmer is the director of Two victim did not participate.

Roads Academy, an alternative high The youth panel isn’t a good fit for school in Williston for students who’ve every offender. experienced trauma, anxiety, depres“It’s tricky… Some people come sion and other emotional disorders; in with an attitude,” Kolibas said. there are currently about a dozen teens “We’re just trying to help, and some enrolled. Since her school opened last people don’t care. It’s really hard March, Palmer said, the youth panel to get those people to be open and has been “extraordinarily beneficial” truthful.” in helping change the behavior of Kolibas recalled a few cases in her students, all of whom have been which responsible parties showed referred to the youth panel at some up to meetings under the influence point. of alcohol or drugs. “Cristalee sniffed “We did not know how powerful them right out,” she said. this partnership was going to be,” Though the youth panel has been Palmer said. “But I can tell you now operating for only a year, McSweeney that I would not run this school said, she’s without that already received partnership. about a dozen It’s that inquiries from impactful.” other comKey to munity justice that success, centers around McSweeney Vermont — there said, is having are 20 comyoung offendmunity justice ers being held centers across accountable the state, from by people their Bennington to own age.

Orleans — asking “We have how they can 60- and k4t-vtnea0218.indd 1 1/25/18 2:07 PM implement simi70-year-old lar programs. [volunteers] Thus far, of the who can’t YOUTH PANEL 42 youth referwrap their ADULT VOLUNTEER rals received last heads around AMANDA PAYNE year, only two of why kids need the responsible nudes on The The helps kick-start helps helps kick-start the school kick-start the year. school the school year. year. parties failed to their phones,” The gives the gift of learning to all. fulfill the terms of their contracts and she said. “With peers, they underBecause All Great Minds Don't Think Alike!

Because All Because Great Because Minds All Great All Don't Great Minds Think Minds Don't Alike!

Don't ThinkThink Alike!

Alike! just one case resulted in a criminal stand the social pressures of it … and record for the offender. see how the victims of this really end Anecdotally, the youth panel also up traumatized.”

Instruction Instruction Instruction Learning Learning Learning Professional Professional gets high marksProfessional from the Williston “I feel like I can connect with now offered now offered now offered Evaluations Evaluations Evaluations community. them as a youth myself and maybe Learning for Learning Learning for for online & in-person online & in-person online & in-person “I’ve met with Teachers the panel and some understand a little more why they did Teachers Teachers of the students who serve on it, and I it,” said Kolibas, who plans to attend have really high regard for everybody the University of Alabama next fall to Detailed reportDetailedDetailed report report Reading ReadingReading Courses offered CoursesCourses offeredoffered volunteers,” said Williston Police study criminology. “I can put myself in Highly-trained Highly-trained Highly-trained team teamyear-round inwho Instruction Learningteam Professional Writing Writing Writing year-round year-round in in Chief Patrick Foley.

“They work their shoes.”

Recommendations Recommendations forRecommendations for forreading, for Math now offered Math Math writing, writing, writing, reading, reading, Evaluations Learning online & in-person hard at their jobs and take it very As for Luke’s parents, they’re instruction & accommodations instruction instruction & accommodations & accommodations math & social math & math social & social SAT/ACT prep SAT/ACTSAT/ACT prep prep Teachers communication seriously.” appreciative to the youth panel communication communication Reading Detailed report Answers to all your Answers questions Answers to all your to all questions your questions online online All available online All available All available CVU principal Adam Bunting volunteers for giving their son a Writing Highly-trained team Courses offered said his experience participating second chance.

Math Recommendations year-round in in a panel with a student accused “They acknowledged that we all SAT/ACT prep for instruction & reading, writing, of a “community safety issue” was make mistakes, but you can right Allaavailable online accommodations nonprofit educational a nonprofit a hub nonprofit educational in Williston, educational hub VT inmath Williston, hub&insocial Williston, VT VT t t t t t t “powerful.” yourself from this mistake and help www.s erncen www.s er.org www.s erncen erncen er.org er.org Answers to all communication “What I witnessed in the student others or give back,” Jessica said. your questions was a transformative moment, “And, it’s not going to be a mark on where they were able to take some you for the rest of your life.” K Stern Center for Language and Learning ownership” for their offense, he A nonprofit educational hub celebrating 35 years!

For more information about said. “Some of the anxiety that the Williston, Vermont student carried into the process was community justice centers in alchemized into something really Vermont, visit cjnvt.org. positive.”

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KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

23

BORN to RUN Vermont sled dogs delight, compete and educate

BY MARY ANN LICKTEIG

O

ne sure way to get kids excited open cockpits. Heavy snow and bitterly about learning? Make the lesson cold temperatures made flying unsafe. So about dogs. serum was sent by train from Anchorage It works for Adrienne Magida. In mid- to Nenana, the closest that trains could February, her first and second graders get to Nome. By the time the serum got at Waterbury’s Thatcher Brook Primary to Nenana, on Jan. 27, three children had School will begin a three-week unit that died of diphtheria, more cases were being revolves around the Iditarod Trail Sled diagnosed, and Nome was still more than Dog Race, Alaska’s famous 1,000-mile 650 miles away. That’s when musher dogsled race from Anchorage to Nome, “Wild Bill” Shannon lashed the serum to which starts March 2. his dogsled, and the relay began.

Magida uses the annual race to teach Through whiteouts, 4-foot snowdrifts, reading, writing, history, geography and gale-force winds and temperatures that even technology, thanks to dipped to 50 degrees below the race’s detailed website, zero, mushers and their dog which includes resources teams passed the medicine for teachers and students. down the Iditarod Trail, Once the Iditarod begins, a path the government the site enables kids to maintained for dog teams follow its progress. to deliver mail. After his “There’s just so much two lead dogs froze to death, interesting stuff about the Charlie Evans harnessed race that is so kid-friendly,” himself to his sled. Gunnar Magida says. “Dogs and Kaasen dug through snow winter and sleds? I mean, with his bare hands to how can you go wrong?” find the serum after it was Especially in Vermont, lost when a blast of wind where kids have the oplifted his dogs and sled into portunity to meet real, live the air. It normally took a sled dogs.

ADRIENNE MAGIDA, musher 15 to 20 days to get As Magida’s students to Nome. But the relay’s 20 THATCHER BROOK will learn, the Iditarod repmushers and roughly 150 PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER licates the 1925 emergency dogs covered the 674 miles dogsled relay that brought in five days and seven and diphtheria medicine to Nome, a coastal a half hours. And on Feb. 2, a dog named town on the Bering Sea closer to Siberia Balto led Kaasen’s team into Nome. Balto than to Fairbanks. In the midst of winter, has been immortalized in a 1995 aniin those days, radio telegraph was the mated movie and is depicted by a statue icebound town’s most reliable means in New York’s Central Park. The actual of communication. On Jan. 20, 1925, a dog is mounted and displayed at the radio signal went out: “Nome calling …

Cleveland Museum of Natural History.

Nome calling … We have an outbreak of In Magida’s classroom, first graders diphtheria … No serum … Urgently need will read picture books about Balto and help … Nome calling…” second graders will choose chapter Seattle heard and replied, “Fresh books. As they study the modern-day serum available here … Airplane standing Iditarod race, they will make oaktag sleds by… ” But the airplanes at that time had with popsicle-stick runners. Magida will

Dogs and winter and sleds?

I mean, how can you go wrong?

24

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

give them flannel to put inside their sleds, felt to make booties like the dogs wear and clay to make something racers would need, such as an ax or dog food. They will write a report on the Iditarod, and they will pick a few mushers and follow them from checkpoint to checkpoint, over the Alaska Range, up the Yukon River, along Norton Sound, and into Nome.

A highlight in the unit comes when Hinesburg musher Rob Farley brings his sled and a few of his dogs to school, and all Thatcher Brook first and second graders — about 145 total — meet in the gym. Farley teaches them that the most common three breeds of purebred huskies are Alaskan malamute, Samoyed and Siberian. That other breeds — Irish setters, border collies and even standard poodles — also pull sleds. And that some dogs pull people on skis — a sport called skijoring — and on bikes, scooters and skateboards. Then, the kids get to go outside to meet Farley’s dogs and harness themselves to the sled to pull each other around.

Farley owns October Siberians, a touring company that offers rides in Waterbury’s Little River State Park and

Follow the Iditarod at Stoweflake Mountain starting on Resort & Spa. Saturday, March 2 He estimates at iditarod.com. that there are 100 sled dog kennels in Vermont, with five or six of them giving tours. Many other kennels are recreational, with five or six dogs.

Farley has 21 purebred Siberian huskies, a relatively small working kennel, he says. Whenever he runs a tour, speaks at schools or appears at other events, he uses the opportunity to teach. “I just want people to understand the relationship of working dogs and the people that own these working dogs,” he says, “and that they’re really doing what the dog was meant to do, what it likes to do, and that it’s not a forced thing. It’s an enjoyable activity for us both.”

Students from Champlain Valley Union High School and the University of Vermont’s animal science program have interned with Farley. He teaches students to care for the dogs, to understand their personalities and to run a dogsled. “You’re planting seeds, and

COURTESY OF OCTOBER SIBERIANS

Hinesburg musher Rob Farley with his purebred Siberian huskies

time in a fenced yard. And they run three or four times a week — three to four miles as they start getting in shape in the fall and 25 to 30 when the tour season is in full swing.

Logan Griswold, a UVM freshman from Williston, interned with Farley last year for his Grad Challenge, a project required of all CVU seniors. A lover of dogs and winter, Griswold had written an essay about four-time Iditarod winner Susan Butcher, which piqued his interest in sled dogs. One of the lasting lessons he learned working with Farley was resiliency. “One of the important rules of dogsledding is not to let go of the sled and let them get away,” Griswold says. But one time, when Griswold was driving, the team took a sharp left that he had not commanded. He fell off and let go. But his next time out, he says, “Rob gave me a team to drive on my own. And I made it through the entire day without falling off.”

Farley, who occasionally takes a wild ride himself, maintains an even disposition. When he talks, he sounds measured, patient and a little amused, a cross between Mister Rogers and Jerry

Lack of snow in Waterbury forced his tours this day to the portion of Vermont 108 — the Notch Road — that is closed to cars during the winter. The scene is postcard-perfect. Snow-dusted trees and marshmallow-cream hills sparkle under blue skies. Alan Joy of New Hyde Park, N.Y., is about to get a ride, a present for his 30th birthday from his wife, Lisa, who will ride, too.

Farley’s daughter, 19-year-old Sage Coates-Farley, a freshman at American University, is helping out during her semester break. Her first word was “doggie,” and she wrote her college application essay about growing up with sled dogs. She has photos of all 21 current dogs displayed in her dorm room. “I’ve got family pictures, too,” she adds.

The blue and brown-eyed huskies lounging around the GMC pickup with the orange “dog box” topper at the base of the closed road spark curiosity, and father and daughter are happy to answer questions.

Many people are surprised by how small the dogs are — males average 50 pounds, females, 40. They start training when they’re

Three-time Iditarod champion Mitch Seavey offers dogsled tours from his home in Seward, Alaska.

On his website, he offers these fun facts about sled dogs. (Find more under “News” at ididaride.com.)

COURTESY OF KAYLEIGH DIMAGGIO

COURTESY OF OCTOBER SIBERIANS

Seinfeld. “I got dragged on my knees through most of this,” he says, after driving his sled around a bend on the Notch Road in Stowe in January. “But we stayed upright!” After 25 years working with Siberians — breeding, raising and training them — he appreciates the breed. “I found that they’re very nice, friendly dogs,” he says. They’re independent and smart, he says. “But not necessarily obedient … You can see the lights on.”

•

The first dogsleds date back to 1000 A.D. and were developed by the Inuit people as a means of transportation.

•

Sled dogs are well-equipped for the cold, with a thick “double coat” consisting of a coarse outer fur and a dense, softer inner layer for insulation. Paws are protected by thick pads, and a fluffy tail allows for a nose cover while the dog is curled up in a ball when sleeping out in the elements.

•

The breeds most often used in dogsledding teams are Siberian huskies and Alaskan malamutes.

They are highly intelligent and easily trained.

•

While domestic dogs of a similar size typically only require around 1,700 calories a day, sled dogs can easily consume up to 10,000. During very cold weather, a mixture of hot water, proteins and kibble are cooked together to make a warming stew.

•

Sled dogs can and do change roles on the team depending upon dynamics, terrain or musher strategy. “Lead dogs” may not be the fastest dogs, but they must be the most intuitive to catch subtle signals from the musher and direct the team behind them. Directly behind the lead dog are two “swing dogs” that help navigate turns, especially helpful in deep snow or on steep trails. The middle dogs are “team dogs,” acting as the crucial power to the entire team. Finally, the strongest dogs are placed in the very back, closest to the musher, and are called “wheel dogs.”

Farley enjoys time in the woods with his dogs

Teen musher Kayleigh DiMaggio

you’re sparking kids’ interest,” he says.

Some of the UVM students will become vets, he says. “And I really want vets to understand what we face when we have a kennel of dogs and that our decisions are made based on the pack, not the individual love and devotion of a single dog.”

Having extra hands around is a bonus, too. It takes an hour to feed the dogs and to clean their 6-by-12-foot kennels. Dogs are divided into groups for supervised play

DOG DATA

6 months old, and they all can pull double their weight. They eat a working dogs’ diet that contains 35 percent protein and 25 percent fat, and Farley buys food by the ton. His dogs eat 4,000 pounds of specialty kibble and 2,000 pounds of meat — poultry scraps from Vermont’s Misty Knoll Farms — each year. They are expected to wait while food is placed in front of them until they are given the OK, an exercise to keep BORN TO RUN, P. 26 »

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

25

Born to Run

CONTINUED FROM P. 25 Kayleigh DiMaggio races Eurohounds

16-YEAR-OLD MUSHER KAYLEIGH DIMAGGIO the dogs well-mannered and to remind them who is in charge.

A cluster of onlookers has gathered by the time Alan Joy’s birthday tour is about to start. Ten dogs are harnessed to the gang line in front of the sled. Alan stands on the runners behind Farley, and Lisa, wrapped like a burrito, is tucked into the sled basket in front.

“OK, guys, let’s go,” Farley tells the team. And the sled glides quietly up the road.

Farley used to race around New England and in Québec. Forty years ago, there were races in New England every weekend, says retired Wolcott musher Mike Green. “Now, it’s kind of died off. It’s expensive to maintain a big dog team, so we don’t have that many races anymore.” Lack of snow also forced cancellations, Green says. “I think the biggest thing that affected us was global warming.” Vermont had races in Newport, East Burke, Shelburne, Stowe, and Lake Elmore, Green says. Now there 26

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COURTESY OF OCTOBER SIBERIANS

COURTESY OF KAYLEIGH DIMAGGIO

When I was a kid, and I found out there was a sport involving my favorite animal, that was the craziest thing in the world to me.

Rob Farley and Winston

is just one — which Green organizes — on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, starting and ending in Morrisville. It’s scheduled for Feb. 9 and 10.

Sixteen-year-old Kayleigh DiMaggio, of Hooksett, N.H., plans to enter the six-dog class, where she’ll race against adults. Classes with three or fewer dogs are for kids only, Kayleigh says. She’s been training with dogs since she was 5 or 6 years old.

“I just really like dogs,” she says.

“I’ve always really liked dogs. And there’s also the adrenaline; I like going fast. I like going around turns and trying to keep the sled upright.

It’s just exciting.” Her dad and his brother both started racing when they were 5 years old. They quit as teenagers, and then her grandfather picked it back up. “And when I was a kid, and I found out there was a sport involving my favorite animal,” Kayleigh says, “that was like the craziest thing in the world to me.” K

Distance Vision New virtual reality program brings camp to sick kids

BY CHELSEA EDGAR

KIM SCAFURO

I

n the winter, South Hero can resemble an abandoned outpost: a flat, frozen landscape dotted with burger shacks and ice cream stands, all in a state of suspended animation. But in mid-January, there were signs of life at Camp Ta-Kum-Ta, which sits tucked away on a hilltop overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.

Inside the main lodge, a 6,000-square-foot mansion strewn with mattresses and beanbags, seven middle-schoolers — attending a winter weekend session at the camp — were trying to solve a series of clues that would allow them to open a locked storage bin. Their postures telegraphed varying degrees of enthusiasm, from somewhat engaged to supine beneath a foosball table. The boys began to drift to the edges of the room.

A casual observer probably wouldn’t have noticed anything unusual in this tableau of adolescent apathy. But in the middle of a long lull, one boy turned to another and said, as matter-of-factly as he might have reported what he ate for breakfast, “I really hope my surgery ends up being on a Monday, so I can miss school.”

Ta-Kum-Ta is for children and teens who, at some point, have been diagnosed with cancer. Some of the puzzle-solvers were in remission; others were undergoing treatment. But at camp, they’re just kids.

“When you’re here, you never hear the word ‘cancer,’” said Dina Dattilio, Ta-Kum-Ta’s program manager. “Here, they’re just allowed to be normal and have the childhood experiences that the rest of their peers get to have.”

Since 1984, Ta-Kum-Ta has offered a free, weeklong summer sleep-away camp for children with cancer who either live or receive treatment in Vermont. Campers range in age from 7 to 17, although Ta-Kum-Ta often offers spots to kids who are older or younger. In recent years, the camp’s calendar of events has expanded to include three winter weekends, multiple sessions for parents and siblings, and year-round programs.

And now, with an assist from virtual reality technology, Ta-Kum-Ta also provides a 3D glimpse of camp life to kids who haven’t attended before or can’t go in person. In early January, the pediatric oncology team at the University of Vermont Children’s DISTANCE VISION, P. 28 » KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019 CAMP GUIDE 2019

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During his visit, a group of kids managed to acquire thousands of tiny rubber ducks, which they dumped all over the place. One morning, at the crack of dawn, the youngest boys released four goats into the oldest girls’ cabin.

But Bateman said that intertwined with the shenanigans was an ineffable feeling, simultaneously sad and uplifting. At the beginning of each summer session, the staff holds a memorial service in the Ta-Kum-Ta chapel for campers who have passed away. Johnson said the ceremony isn’t about grief, but about healing.

“You just can’t understand it until you’ve been there,” said Johnson. “It’s a magical place.”

“Magical” is a word people often use to describe Ta-Kum-Ta. Dr. Lewis First, chief of pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital, believes that going to camp can be a turning point in the treatment process.

Hospital began offering patients VR headsets, queued up with videos of campers swimming, ziplining and lounging in the sunshine.

The goal of the VR program, said Ta-Kum-Ta executive director Hattie Johnson, is partly to encourage new patients to sign up and partly to help them forget, even for just a moment, that they’re in a hospital.

VR has become a staple at children’s hospitals around the country, including at the Vermont Children’s Hospital, which serves approximately 30 new pediatric oncology patients each year. At any given time, about 100 cases are in active treatment, according to Michael Carrese, senior media relations strategist at the UVM Medical Center.

“Time passes slowly when you’re in a hospital,” said Dr. Heather Bradeen, a pediatric hematologist/oncologist at the Children’s Hospital. “It’s so important to keep kids as relaxed as possible and find ways to keep their spirits up on those long, difficult days.”

CHILD LIFE SPECIALIST JENNIFER DAWSON Jennifer Dawson, a child life specialist at the hospital, said that movies and games can provide a temporary distraction from pain and “It can be a miraculous experience for these procedures, but in her experience, VR has been kids,” said First. “When they come back from far more effective at reducing anxiety. camp, they’re dedicated to fighting, and they “VR immerses them in a completely new want to pay it forward.” environment, which is sometimes exactly what First is eager to see the impact of the Tathey need,” Dawson said. “I can think of one kid Kum-Ta VR program on new patients. who would always wake up from anesthesia in “For kids who aren’t physically able to attend, an incredibly agitated state, which was trauthe VR program will allow them to experience matic for both him and his parents. Then, we put the magic. And it’s going to be a great way for our VR goggles on him before a procedure, and he younger patients to understand what a special woke up totally calm. It was actually amazing.” place it is,” he said.

Ta-Kum-Ta’s VR program began with Don Patients aren’t the only ones who might need Bateman, a multimedia producer who lives in to be convinced of the merits of a week at camp, Williston. While riding the ferry to Plattsburgh, a proposition that can intimidate young children N.Y., one day last June, Bateman got into a and provoke a knee-jerk refusal from adolesconversation with a guy who told him about cents (who, Bradeen acknowledged, tend to be a summer camp in South Hero for kids with the toughest sell). For parents, the decision to cancer. Bateman and his business partner, John send their sick child away is often fraught with Hoehl, son of the late philanthropists Cynthia anxiety. Zack Engler, 27, a former camper who is and Bob Hoehl, had been interested in developnow Ta-Kum-Ta’s youngest board member, said ing VR programs for nonprofits. To Bateman, that watching his mother and father worry about Ta-Kum-Ta sounded like an ideal candidate him was the hardest part of being sick. for that kind of project, and the Hoehl Family The first time Engler went to Ta-Kum-Ta, he Foundation agreed to provide funding. was 9 years old, and he’d only been in treatment “I thought it would be really incredible to be for acute lymphoblastic leukemia for a few able to offer the experience of a months. His mother, he said, was a camp like that to a kid who might nervous wreck.

This article also be too sick to attend,” Bateman “I remember my dad telling me, appears in the Jan. 30 said.

‘You need to write her letters like, issue of Seven Days.

When Johnson agreed to let every single day, so she knows Bateman film while camp was in you’re OK,’” Engler recalled. session last August, Bateman had “But if the VR program had been only heard exuberant testimonials about the around at that point and she could have seen all transformative power of Ta-Kum-Ta. But he said the incredible experiences I’d be having, I think that he wasn’t prepared for what he called “the that the decision to let me go would have been vibe” — the carefree, joyful attitude that seemed much less stressful for her.” to permeate even the most mundane moments.

For Engler, Ta-Kum-Ta was life-changing.

VR immerses them in a completely new environment, which is sometimes exactly what they need.

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After that first summer, he returned every year until he aged out of the program, then came back as a counselor for one year while attending college at UVM. For the past seven years, he’s been going back to volunteer. Ta-Kum-Ta, Engler said, has provided him with a sense of community that he’s never felt anywhere else.

“When I was undergoing treatment, I was on steroids for periods of time, which made me eat a ton and put on weight,” Engler said. “At camp, it was never a thing people cared about; I would be heavy one year, not so heavy the next, and it didn’t matter at all.” When he took off his shirt to go swimming, no one commented on the scar on his chest where his medication port had been.

“The friendships you make there are so profound,” he said. “You’re connecting with people on a totally different level, even if you’re too young to be conscious of it, because you have this thing in common that makes you different from everyone else when you’re at home.”

Engler has been cancer-free for the last 15 years, but those relationships are still a huge part of his life: This summer, he’s officiating the wedding of his best friend, whom he met at camp, in the Ta-Kum-Ta chapel.

If the VR program makes it possible for more people to have the experience he had, said Engler, that can only be a positive thing.

Last fall, 18-year-old Alex Blair went to the doctor for what seemed like just a cold. A few weeks later, blood tests confirmed that she had leukemia. Since September, Blair has spent all but a handful of days at the UVM Medical Center. Being away from home hasn’t been easy.

She misses her chocolate Lab, Taz. She misses tacos, good salads and anything that isn’t hospital food. Most of all, she misses the Cambridge Fire Department, where she’s been volunteering since she was 16. Whenever the ambulance from her local rescue squad passes beneath her window, they honk to say hello.

On January 15, the day she returned home for a two-week reprieve — her first break from the hospital in nearly a month — Blair and her father, Craig, became the first people to test out the Ta-Kum-Ta VR program. Even though Blair is technically too old to be a camper, Ta-Kum-Ta often makes exceptions; if she’s well enough, she’ll have the opportunity to attend this summer.

Blair put on the headset first. For five minutes, she sat on the bed in silence, turning her head occasionally to look at something behind her in the world of VR. She didn’t say much. Every now and then, she smiled. Her father never took his eyes off her. It was a surreal moment — a girl wearing massive goggles, taking in another time and place, while the grown-ups in the room anxiously awaited her return.

When Blair removed the headset, she grinned.

“That was cool,” she said. K Learn more about Camp Ta-Kum-Ta at takumta.org.

Vermont Ballet Theater School Center for Dance presents Celebration of Dance 2019

Classes & Camps

Our annual showcase of talent from ages 4 through pre-professional will dance their way onto the Flynn Main Stage in Burlington for 2 exciting performances,

• Week-long ballet themed camps for ages 3-9; Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Nutcracker and more!

Saturday May 25, 2019 at 1:00 & 6:30 pm.

For show & ticket information visit www.vbts.org.

2019 SUMMER

reimagine Your child's

• All That Jazz Musical Theater Camp, plus STORM Dance Co. Summer Intensive with Kate Stevens

Education

• Weekly ballet classes for young dancers - adults - beginner - advanced • Ongoing yoga and fitness classes for adults

EARLY CHILDHOOD • GRADES 1-8 • HIGH SCHOOL

VBT Summer Intensive 2019 Auditions Sat. March 9th for ages 8 & up.

Visit website or call for details!

This summer come dance with the best at VBTS! For schedule and enrollment information, visit us at WWW.VBTS.ORG, or call 878-2941, or email INFO@VBTS.ORG

Schedule your tour today!

(802) 985-2827 ext. 212 | admissions@lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org

www.lakechamplainwaldorfschool.org

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Where Spiritual Exploration Meets Outdoor Adventure Week-long Sessions - Overnight Camp, ages 7-16 - Day Camp I & II, ages 5-10; 9am-5pm - Day Camp Plus, ages 7-16; 8am-5pm - NEW! Adventurers Day Camp, ages 7-12; 9am-5pm Archery, Fun-Yaks, Crafts, Campfires, more! rockpointvt.org/camp 802.658.6233

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What will your adventure be?

Join Us!

L E A R N C R E A T E P L AY

Kids project-based learning classes!!

Learn how to use laser cu ers, 3D printers, the wood shop, electronics, jewelry studio, vinyl cu er, and more.

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filmmaking ï½¥ acting ï½¥ music ï½¥ dance ï½¥ photography

Day Camp (ages 5-12) | Overnight Camp (ages 7-18) YOUTH, TEEN, ADVENTURE AND HORSE CAMPS! River of Life Camp is a co-ed, nondenominational Christian camp located in Irasburg, VT that provides incredible camping experiences for kids of all ages!

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creative arts camps for teens N e w Yo r k | L o s A n g e l e s | Ve r m o n t

CAMP DATES Session 1:

June 24 – July 5 - Burlington

Session 2:

July 8– July 19 - So. Burlington

Session 3:

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

IEP designed programming.

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July 22 – August 2 - Essex

Session 4:

August 5 – August 16 - Burlington

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Clown around with Smirkus this summer!

n u f r e m m u s V T B #

Sign Up for Camps & Recreation Programs

Learn to unicycle, flip, fly, juggle and clown!

Join us at our overnight camp in Greensboro, VT! June 6-9 Adult Camp Ages 21+ June 15-16 Smirkling Camp Age 5-11 June 22 Intro to Smirkus Age 5-11 June 23-28 Beginner Camp Age 8-16 June 30-July 12 All Levels Age 8-16 July 14-26 Intermediate Age 12-18 July 28-Aug 16 Advanced Camp Age 12-18

For kids of all ages, including adults!

Outdoor Science & Adventure Learning

Creative Arts

enjoyburlington.com | (802) 864-0123

WWW.SMIRKUS.ORG

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Sports & Active

2019 2019 2019 WINDSURFING 1/16/19 11:28 AM

AMUSEMENT

PARK RIDES

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2019

CAMP

WND&WVS IS OFFERING WEEKLY HALF-DAY WINDSURFING CAMPS FROM JUN 17H – AUG 23 AT OUR BURLINGTON SURF CLUB LOCATION. THE CAMP RUNS FROM 8:45 AM TO 1:45 PM, MONDAY THRU FRIDAY FOLLOWED BY A FREE LUNCH FROM THE SPOT. VISIT WNDNWVS.COM/PLAY OR CALL 802 540-2529 FOR MORE INFO.

Summer STEM Programs

Lego Engineering, Robotic Programming, Stop Motion Animation, Minecraft

6-9

9 -14

Burlington, Essex Junction, South Burlington, Winooski wwwwLetGoYourMindwcom

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2019

Summer Camp Programs

MER PROGRAM SUM S “Your program is extraordinary.

You are not simply a ‘summer camp’... you are growing human beings.”

-Kroka Parent

WILDERNESS ADVENTURE EXPEDITIONS NOW ENROLLING SUMMER 2019 www.kroka.org | 603-835-9087 | Marlow, NH Where Consciousness Meets Wilder ness Untitled-7 1

Girls Basketball

Week 1: June 17-21 Week 2: July 15-19

Boys Basketball

Week 1: June 24-28 Week 2: July 22-26

Girls Soccer

Week 1: July 8-12 Week 2: July 29- Aug 2

Field Hockey

Week 1: July 22-26 Overnight: July 14-18

Boys Soccer

June 24-28

Girls Lacrosse

July 8-12

Boys Lacrosse

Week 1: June 17-21 Week 2: July 29- Aug 2

Volleyball

July 8-12

Knights Total Sports

July 29- Aug 2

Baseball

July 29- Aug 2

SAVE THE DATE FOR SMC SUMMER CAMPS REGISTRATION OPEN 2/01/19 For more information please contact: Meggan Dulude camps@smcvt.edu

1/23/19 2:48 PM

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WE KNOW CAMPS

Register today for a summer of fun!

CAMP KODA

CAMP IGNITE

CAMP ABNAKI

Age: For kids in K - 6 grade

Age: For girls ages 8-14

Age: For boys in grades K - 10

Location: 6 area communities

Location: Burlington

Location: North Hero, VT

Hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm

Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Hours: 1 and 2 week sessions

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

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

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

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CAMPS

SUMMER BOOKEND CAMPS

For more information about Y summer camps, and to register today, visit

Age: Co-ed for ages 11-14

Location: Burlington

Location: Greater Burlington

Hours: 8:30 am – 5:00 pm

Hours: 8:30 am – 3:30 pm

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

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

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Age: For kids in K - 6 grade

campabnaki.org

gbymca.org/camp The Y’s Community Partner

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NEW PRESCHOOL NOW ENROLLING!

JUNE 17 - AUGUST 23, 2019

SUMMER CAMPS BURLINGTON TEEN TOUR

New Model - 4 shows traveling on the wagon, three final shows at 20 Allen.

JULY 22-26, JULY 29-JULY 31 Ages 13-18

THE VELVETEEN RABBIT JULY 22-26 Ages 6-13

THE WIZARD OF OZ

JULY 29-AUG. 2, AUG. 5-9 Ages 6-13

JUNE 25 - AUGUST 24,BARN 2018CAMP: CINDERELLA MONARCHS!VT 2 CORPORATE DRIVE ESSEX, JUNE 17-21 Ages 6-13 ALICE IN WONDERLAND

High quality foundational education in a safe, loving, "home-like" learning environment located on Shelburne Road in South Burlington

JUNE 24-28 Ages 6-13

CAMELOT

JULY 1-5 Ages 6-13

CHARLOTTE — Wagon JUNE 17-21 Ages 6-11

WAGON TOUR ONE: PINOCCHIO, the Musical

JUNE 24-28, JULY 1-5 Ages 7-13

JUNE 25 - AUGUST 24, 2018VERGENNES

THE HOBBIT

JULY 8-12 Ages 6-13

THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS JULY 15-19 Ages 6-13

WAGON TOUR TWO: FROG & TOAD JULY 8-12, JULY 15-19 Ages 7-13

THE MARVELOUS LAND OF OZ JUNE 24-28 Ages 6-13

DISCOVER Y ADVENTURE CAMP 2 CORPORATE DRIVE ESSEX, VT SIGN UP JUNE 25-AUG 24ONLINE 8AM-3:30PM www.verymerrytheatre.org

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A sleep-away camp teaching conservation and outdoor skills in week-long sessions for boys & girls ages 12-14

After care available from 3:30PM - 5:30PM Ages 3-7 SU Scholarships available for all activities MRegal’s science-based camp is designed especially for children Contactsummer us at info@verymerrytheatre.org M 20 ages 19 ER3-7 years old! Daily activities will center/focus around sensory play 2 CORPORATE VT and science experiments. 2 Day, 3DRIVE Day & 5 Day ESSEX, options

JUNE 25 - AUGUST 24, 2018

Every day of fun-filled camp 1/23/19 ADVENTURE CAMP includes: • 1 hour of instructional gymnastics • Open gym time • Cooperative games • Outdoor explorations Regal’s science-based summer camp&isplay designed especially for children Theme-based experiments, stories, crafts activities ages 3-7• years old! Daily activities will center/focus around&sensory play and science experiments.

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JUNE 17 - AUGUST 23, 2019

egal

SUMMER

Every day of fun-filled camp includes: • 1 hour of instructional gymnastics • Open gym time JUNE 25-AUG 24is designed 8AM-3:30PM Regal’s science-based summer camp especially for children • Cooperative games available 3:30PM - 5:30PM ages 3-7 years old!care Daily activities from will center/focus around sensory play •After Outdoor explorations & play and science•experiments.

Day, 3 Day &stories, 5 Day options Theme-based2experiments, crafts & activities Ages 6-14 • Nutritious lunch and snacks provided day of fun-filled ComeEvery experience all thatcamp Regal has to offer! Our full-day camp includes includes: morning meeting, group warm-ups, daily instructed gymnastics, open • 1 hour of instructional gymnastics Instructional Gymnastics Camp gym, daily challenges, games, outdoor activities including • Open cooperative gym time water slides and• Cooperative arts ADVENTURE & crafts.

Children will showcase their skills in an CAMP games • Outdoor explorations & play endAof week gymnastics exhibition! weekly themed Science / Discovery Camp packed full of fun and • Theme-based experiments, stories, & activities activities. This camp is offered for ages 3-7 and crafts includes snacks and • Nutritious lunch and snacks provided hot meals.

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Camps

2 CORPORATE DRIVE ESSEX, VT

Regal’s science-based summer camp is designed especially for children Instructional Gymnastics Camp Vermont Ninja Camp ages 3-7 years old! Daily activities willWarrior center/focus around sensory play

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Forand ages 6-12, experiments.

Vermont’s largest offers weekly camps science 2 Day,gymnastics 3 Day & 5 facility Day options JUNE 25-AUG 24 8:30AM-3:30PM for everyone from children just wanting to get started to those already day ofAfter fun-filled camp onEvery competitive teams.

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Vacation Summer Performing Arts Camps

+

for ages 4-19

Magic Tree House Adventures Musical Theater Adventure Radio Plays: You’re on the Air Music Video Creation Dance Adventure Frozen Ballet Camp Tap Dancing Intensive Broadway Kids Lights… Camera… Action!

Flash Mobs & Pop-Up Performance Under the Big Top Green Screen & Special Effects Studio Broadway Showstoppers Silent Filmmaking Moana & Friends Adventures Broadway Kids Horses, Snails, & Fairy Tales Broadway Bound Latin Jazz Intensive History Comes Alive!

Lord of the Rings and LARPing Narrative Filmmaking SCHOLARSHIPS & PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE. PLEASE REQUEST ACCESSIBILITY SERVICES WHEN REGISTERING. MORE INFO ONLINE.

JOY. CURIOUSITY. BELONGING. FLYNNARTS.ORG

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Talent Development

Institute

Summer Day Camp for Adopted Children & Teens

NORTHERN VERMONT UNIVERSITY

2019 TWO ONE-WEEK SESSIONS

July 22-26 & July 29-August 2,

June 23-29 &/or June 30July 6, 2019

Crossett Brook Middle School, Duxbury, VT

Ages 6-11, 9am-3pm South Burlington, VT

With bus service from Burlington and Williston FOR AGES 7 – 17 Visit our website for registration forms and information: www.camp4me.org | info@camp4me.org

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Serving advanced and gifted students entering grades 4-9 for 22 years!

802-658-9941 LUCY@TDIVERMONT.ORG 1/24/19 10:20 AM

New Village Farm Camps

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April Vacation Camp

ART MUSIC THEATRE MOVEMENT

Farm & Garden Ages 5-11 CIT & Crew

Ages 12+

www.NewVillageFarm.com Shelburne, VT

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Find Your Adventure!

Grades 2-12

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Lake Champlain Maritime Museum

Lake

Adventure Camp Vergennes, Vermont Shuttle stops in Burlington, Shelburne, Middlebury & Vergennes Financial aid available.

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Heavy Metal Mania Build Your Own Adventure Robot

camps.lcmm.org https://camps.lcmm.org

The Original Lake Adventure Camp Champlain Expedition

Boating Certiication and more....

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Sliding Scale Tuition!

For kids are wild about animals For kidswild who are wild about animals!

For kidswho who are about animals!

COYOTE CLAN WILDERNESS

Kids Ages 5-7: $200

Adventure Day Camps for ages 4-13

Afternoons only still available!

Week 2: Monday-Friday, July 15-19 Week 4: Monday-Friday, July 29-Aug. 2 Summer Safari (ages 10-12) July Session 13-17 ●Two: July 8:30AM-12:30PM 20-24 Session Four: 8:30AM - 3PM

RETRIBE 16T

Full-day camp: A few slots available July 27– July 31● Aug 3-7 ● Aug.10-14

Summer Safari (ages 10-12)

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

Full-day camp: A Ages 10-12: $390 July 27– July 31● Aug 3-7 Kids ● Aug.10-14

Only a few openings left!

Week 5: Monday-Friday,

Wilderness Leadership Trek Ages 14-16 - July 21- August 2

One-Week for New Campers

Week 6: Monday-Friday, Aug. 12-16 Session Six: 8:30AM-3PM

hosmerpoint.com

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Scholarships funded by Redducs Foundation

Scholarships funded by Redducs Foundation

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SUMMER & SCHOOL VACATION CAMPS

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

GYMNASTICS, FREESTYLE & PARKOUR

5% DISCOUNT when you register by May 1 5% DISCOUNT for sibling/multiweek registration FEBRUARY AND APRIL SCHOOL BREAK CAMPS TOO!

Before & after care hours are available.

Before & after care hours are available.

Aug. 5-9 Register: (802) 862-0135 x 12 Session Five: 8:30AM-3PM Or visit chittendenhumane.org.

Ages 8-13 - June 16-21

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Kids Ages 8-9: $390

Animal Adventures (ages 7-9) Week 1: Monday-Friday, July 8-12 Animal Adventures (ages 7-9) Afternoons only still available!Week 3: Monday-Friday, July 22-26 Session One: 8:30AM-12:30PM Session Three: 8:30AM-3PM July 13-17 ● July 20-24

SUMMER CAMPS: BASE and RAD Camp For more info visit metrorock.com or email kidsclimbvt@metrorock.com

6 Susie Wilson Rd | Essex Junction, VT k6h-MetroRock0219.indd 1

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260 Avenue D, Suite 30 • Williston (off Industrial Ave.) • 802-652-2454 k6h-GMTC0219.indd 1

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Night Eagle NIGHT EAGLE Wilderness Adventures WILDERNESS ADVENTURES A unique summer camp for boys, ages 10-14, in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains

CHAMPLAIN COLLEGE GAME ACADEMY

tipi living ▲ nature crafts canoeing ▲ backpacking ▲ wilderness skills ▲ tracking atlatls ▲ ’hawk throwing swimming ▲ archery ▲ hiking ▲ cooperative work & play ▲ and much more! ▲ ▲

Session 1: July 8–19, 2019 Session 2: July 22–August 2, 2019 This two-week program, taught by Champlain faculty (all game industry veterans), introduces high school students to game development— game design, game art and animation, programming, testing, and production.

Register by June 14, 2019 champlain.edu/game-academy 36

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Call for a full brochure:

((802) 802) 773-7866 446-6100

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Plan your summer!

2019

JUNE 17-21

JUNE 24-28

JULY 1-5

JULY 8-12

JULY 15-19

JULY 22-26

JULY 29-AUG 2

AUG 5-9

AUG 12-16

AUG 19-23

Cut out and use this handy sheet to plan your summer camp schedule. Find a downloadable version at kidsvt.com/campplanner.

Adventure

Leadership

Teamwork

Friendship

Summer Art Camps Start June 17 for ages 6-18

To learn about our camps, view the schedule, or to sign up please visit: BurlingtonCityArts.org/camp or call us at 802.865.7166 BCA Studios is located at 405 Pine Street near downtown Burlington. Convenient Parking is available for drop-off and pick up.

FINE METAL JEWELRY

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Empowering Girls and Women Since 1919

South Hero, VT Residential Camp

Day Camp with Transport

FFor girls ages 6 to 17

ywcavt.org ( 8 0 2 ) 8 6 2 - 7 5 2 0 2019 Registration Open

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WH E R E M E MORI E S AR E MADE 2019 SUMMER CAMPS Sail, paddle, & more starting June 17th!

Scholarships Available COMMUNITYSAILINGCENTER.ORG

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Voyageur and Trekker Summer Camps For boys and girls ages 12-16

100-year-old summer family camp in the heart of the Adirondack Park timberlock.com• 518-648-5494

unplug@timberlock.com

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Green Mountain Youth Symphony

Creative Arts & Music Program August 4-10 @ Northern Vermont University- Johnson

Early bird discount until March 9

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Summer Camp at Shelburne Museum Tumble through the grounds, paint by the pond, explore the beloved Ticonderoga, and ignite your creativity and imagination. Registration opens to Members on February 4, and to the general public on February 11. Visit shelburnemuseum.org/camps.

June 24–29 CIRCUS CAMP Ages 7–12 Come one, come all as Circus Smirkus and Shelburne Museum partner to offer a camp focusing on all things circus arts. Joni White-Hanson, residency artist, will join us each day to teach us the tricks of the trade—from clowning to juggling, and much more. The week will culminate in a big top performance for family and friends!

July 29–August 2 QUILT CAMP Ages 8–12 Learn new sewing techniques or improve existing skills as we gather in this weeklong summer camp creating unique lap quilts. Campers will explore the Museum’s extensive collection of textiles and gather inspiration. Each camper will have access to a sewing machine for the week, as well as all materials needed to create beautiful, unique, and inspired quilts.

August 5–9 EN PLEIN AIR

Photography by Mollie Davis.

Ages: 7–10 Do you love the outdoors? Do you love to paint? In this weeklong summer camp, campers will gather to learn the techniques of plein air painting. We will explore the diverse paintings collection of Shelburne Museum, learn new techniques, and paint outdoors daily!

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NEW THIS SUMMER! OWL COTTAGE ACADEMY Ages: 4–6 Geared toward children ages 4–6 years old, these weeklong camps teach children about the Museum’s collections through close looking, art making, games, and fun! Each week’s activities will focus on a single theme. Sign up for a single week, or up to four!

Week 1: July 1–5 Trains Week 2: July 8–12, Circus Week 3: July 15–19, Boats Week 4: July 22–26, Animals

NEW! COUNSELOR-IN-TRAINING PROGRAM Ages 13–16 Have you outgrown the traditional summer camp but are still looking for summer fun? Consider being a Counselor in Training! Our new CIT program allows young adults the opportunity to explore the grounds and gain on the job experience working with campers and staff, while still in a supervised environment. Young adults will join Museum staff to help plan and prep for camp as well as assist in all day- to-day activities. CITs must be available for a full week and will need a personal reference and cover letter when applying for their camp choice.

shelburnemuseum.org/camps

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CALENDAR FEBRUARY

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SPONSORED BY:

Nature-loving Vermonters have fun in Burlington’s backyard during WINTERVALE — a community event including kids’ games and activities, nature walks, a bonfire, free use of snowshoes and cross-country skis, groomed trails, and a chili cook-off.

Sunday, February 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Intervale Center, Burlington.

Week to Week SAT FEB 2

FRI FEB 15 -SUN FEB 17

SAT FEB 23

Kids VT Camp & School Fair: Parents and campers-to-be get personal attention and detailed information as representatives from dozens of camps and schools from Vermont and beyond present their programs. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Hilton Burlington, Burlington.

Vermont Flurry: Woodstock Snow Sculpture Festival: The village green transforms into a winter art wonderland in this three-day professional snow sculpting competition. 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Woodstock Village Green, Woodstock.

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

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COURTESY OF ABBY PORTMAN

The Music of the Beatles for Kids: The Rock and Roll Playhouse — a family concert series — gets kids moving and grooving to tunes from the classic rock canon. Doors open at 11 a.m., concert begins at 11:30 a.m., Higher Ground, Burlington.

SUBMIT YOUR MARCH EVENTS FOR PRINT BY FEBRUARY 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

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

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

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

Magic the Gathering: Players of all abilities seek knowledge and glory in this trading-card game.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6-8 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Preschool Yoga with Danielle: Small ones stretch and relax. Ages 2-5. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 878-6956.

FREE

STEAM Fridays: Eager youngsters engage with inventive science, technology, engineering, art and math projects. Check online for specific program details. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE FRANKLIN Yoga Story Time Yoga with Ms. Liza: Small ones soak up a storytime with stories, songs, stretches and bubbles. Swanton Public Library, 10 a.m.

Info, 868-7656. FREE LAMOILLE Stowe Open Gym: Community members of all ages play pick-up sports. Equipment provided.

Stowe Elementary School, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $2 per participant. Info, 253-6138.

RUTLAND First Friday: Youngsters get the weekend off to jolly start with a group activity, rotating from games to crafts. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3:15-4:45 p.m. Info, 422-9765. FREE Rutland Library Book Sale: Bibliophiles thumb through thousands of hardcovers, paperbacks, puzzles and more. Rutland Free Library, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Info, 773-1860.

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

2 Saturday ADDISON Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: Locally produced crafts, cheeses, breads, veggies and more vie for spots in shoppers’ totes, with free coffee and tea and children’s books to read at the market. Middlebury VFW, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

CALEDONIA St. Johnsbury Lapsit Storytime: Parents and wee ones partake in stories, fingerplays, bounce songs and more. Ages 2 and under; older siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m.

Info, 748-8291. FREE

CHITTENDEN ‘Kids VT’ Camp & School Fair: Parents and campers-to-be get personal attention and detailed information as representatives from dozens of camps and schools from Vermont and beyond present their programs. Hilton Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 864-5684. FREE Create Your Own Comic: From Start to Finish: Local artist Stephanie Zuppo leads an afternoon of art and storymaking. Grades 3 and up.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1-3 p.m. Info, 878-6956.

Fancy Nancy Tea Party: Crafts and sweet treats await elegantly dressed small ones. Ages 3-7.

Milton Public Library, 1-3 p.m., preregistration required. Info, 893-4644. FREE

Ongoing Exhibits ECHO LEAHY CENTER FOR LAKE CHAMPLAIN, BURLINGTON Info, 864-1848 AGE OF DINOSAURS: Fans of these giant creatures journey back in time to the Mesozoic era, visit these amazing animals in their habitat and get hands-on with interactive stations including a fossil dig pit, fossil rubbing and remote-control dinosaurs. Regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3.

Through May 12.

MONTSHIRE MUSEUM OF SCIENCE, NORWICH Info, 649-2200 DESTINATION: SPACE!: In celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 mission’s moon landing, space fans take a tour of the technology that landed astronauts on the moon, check out what’s happening on our sun and earth, and travel to the far reaches of outer space. Regular museum admission, $13-16; free for children under age 2. Through August 4.

MAKING MUSIC: Families explore the inner

workings of all things musical — from cellos to electronic synthesizers — play and make instruments and engage with multimedia exhibits which share stories of musicians, scientists and craftspeople, highlighting traditional and new practices, techniques and materials.

Regular museum admission $13-16; free for children under 2. Through May 15.

SHELBURNE MUSEUM, SHELBURNE Info, 985-3346, ext. 3395

MAPPING AN UNEVEN COUNTRY: BIRD’S EYE VIEWS OF VERMONT: More than three

dozen drawn, painted and printed views of the Green Mountain State — from Bennington and Burlington to Vergennes and Waterbury — investigate through illustration the popular phenomenon of ‘perspective’ or ‘bird’s eye’ views of Vermont’s growing towns in the second half of the 19th century. Through March 3.

Kids Building Workshop: Handy helpers learn do-it-yourself skills and tool safety as they construct seasonal projects. Ages 5-12. Home Depot, Williston, 9 a.m.-noon, preregister at workshops.homedepot.com. Info, 872-0039. FREE Play, Laugh, Learn: Little ones explore the library in engaging and interactive activities with Early Learning Specialist Tina Boljevac from Allow Play and Yoga. Ages 5 and under. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 865-7216. FREE Read to Cleo The Therapy Dog: Canine and reading enthusiasts visit with a personable pooch. Ages 2-12. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE Valentine’s Workshop: Petite handworkers create felted wool hearts, paper crafts and rosepetal soaps to celebrate the sweetheart holiday.

Ages 3-6 with caregivers. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 10-11:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 985-2827. FREE Webby’s Art Studio: Light Up the Night: Inspired by the Museum’s collection, amateur artists design their own lamp fixture. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular winter museum admission, $5-10; free for children under age 5.

Info, 985-3346.

FRANKLIN Kid’s Paint and Juice: Amateur artists learn basic brush skills. Ages 4-12. Sheldon Public Library, 10-11 a.m., preregister. Info, 933-2524. FREE Take Your Child to the Library Day: Families drop in for a scavenger hunt and special children’s crafts. Fairfax Community Library, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 849-2420. FREE RUTLAND Rutland Library Book Sale: See February 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Rutland Winter Farmers Market: More than 50 vendors peddle produce, fresh salad greens, apples and cider, artisan cheeses, homemade breads, and other local products. Vermont Farmers Food Center, Rutland, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Info, 342-4727.

WASHINGTON Capital City Winter Farmers Market: Root veggies, honey, maple syrup and crafts change hands at an indoor off-season celebration of locavorism. Montpelier City Center, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Info, 793-8347.

WINDSOR Family Clay: Children and their parents make memories firing and glazing special pieces.

ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 10 a.m.-noon, $20 per parent-child pair; $5 each additional child. Info, 457-3500.

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

Family Gym: See February 1.

Jewish Summer Program/Camp Fair: Representatives from regional Jewish summer camps answer questions from prospective parents. Ohavi Zedek Synagogue, Burlington, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 864-0218. FREE

Spring 2019 Babysitter Mingler: Parents meet potential collegiate caregivers for children.

Families encouraged to bring their small ones.

Students arrive at 10 a.m. UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 10:30 a.m., preregister online.

Info, 656-3131. FREE LAMOILLE Tot Time: Wee ones move and groove in pop-up forts, a ball pit, a small bounce house and more.

Caregiver supervision required. David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 10-11 a.m., $5 per child, drop-ins welcome. Info, 253-6138.

4 Monday CHITTENDEN Chinese New Year Festivities: Revelers have a blast with stories, snacks, a dragon dance and lantern making. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 4-5 p.m. Info, 878-6955. FREE Colchester Preschool Music: Bitty ones dance and sing to a brisk beat. Ages 3-5. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE Itty Bitty Public Skating: Tiny feet learn the art of sliding on ice through jolly games. Ages 2-5 with caregiver. Leddy Park, Burlington, 10-11:30 a.m., $8 per family; $1 skate rentals. Info, 865-7558.

Stories with Megan: Little listeners learn and laugh. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE Teen Space: Adolescents enjoy games, music, snacks and special events. Ages 12-17. Milton Public Library, 3-5 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE Williston Preschool Music: Lively tunes with local musicians strike the right note among the wee crowd. Ages 5 and under with a caregiver.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 11 a.m., limited to one session per week per family.

Info, 878-4918.

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

Info, 773-1860. FREE

5 Tuesday CALEDONIA Hardwick Lego Club: Fledgling architects construct collaboratively with colorful blocks.

Jeudevine Memorial Library, Hardwick, 3-5 p.m.

Info, 472-5948. FREE Red Clover Book Club: Little ones listen to award-winning picture books and partake in a book-related activity. Ages 5-12. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 1-2 p.m. Info, 748-8291. FREE CHITTENDEN After-School Snacks on Tuesdays: The library teams up with the Hinesburg Community Resource Center and offers munchies for after-school readers and library users. All ages.

Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 2-3 p.m.

Info, 482-2878. FREE Creative Tuesdays: Young artists involve their imaginations with interesting materials. Kids under 6 must be accompanied by an adult.

Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 3:15-4:45 p.m.

Info, 865-7216. FREE

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FEBRUARY 5 Tuesday (cont.)

Seasonal Events COLCHESTER WINTER CARNIVAL: A

talent show kicks off three days of frosty fun, sponsored by the Colchester Parks and Recreation Department. Other activities include horse-drawn hay rides, a chili cook-off, inflatables, arts and crafts, a snow maze and a free Sunday open skate at Leddy Park.

See colchestervt.gov/663/WinterCarnival for details. Colchester High School, FEB. 1-3, $7; free for children under 3. Info, 264-5500.

Dorothy’s List Book Club: Middle readers make merry conversation about a DCF pick. Call the library for the details. Ages 8-11. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE Puzzles: Clever-minded kiddos check out jigsaw puzzles, Sudoku, crosswords and more. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:45-3:45 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

St. Albans Winter Carnival

Read to Ginger the Dog: Petite ones snuggle with a book-loving pooch.

All ages. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m. Info, 879-0313.

FREE

South Burlington Nurturing Parent Program: Moms and dads deepen parent-child communication skills, discuss empathy and learn how to empower their families.

A light dinner and childcare are included. Weekly through May 14.

Ascension Lutheran Church, South Burlington, 10 a.m.-noon, preregister. Info, 498-0607. FREE

A day of activities celebrates community with storytelling, puppet shows, crafts, a bonfire and snow cave. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, SATURDAY, FEB. 2, 10 A.M.-2 P.M., free admission; fees for activities; food available for purchase. Info, 456-7400.

COURTESY OF STINA BOOTH

ORCHARD VALLEY WINTER FAIR:

PENGUIN PLUNGE: Stouthearted

swimmers in creative costumes dunk themselves in Lake Champlain to raise funds for Special Olympics Vermont. Cool School Plunge at 11 a.m.; Burlington Plunge at noon. Waterfront Park, Burlington, SATURDAY, FEB. 2, free to watch. Info, 861-0278.

ICE ON FIRE WINTER FESTIVAL: The

community pays tribute to winter with a puppet processional parade, games, storytelling, performers and a huge closing bonfire. Bring a mug; XC skis, costumes, shakers, rattles, bells and drums encouraged. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, SUNDAY, FEB. 3, 2-5 P.M., suggested donation $1-5. Info, 223-1242.

MILTON WINTER FESTIVAL: This snowy season

jubilee gets the party going with sled dog and sleigh rides, a pancake breakfast, a chili cook-off and an Ice Crystal Ball.

Check Facebook page for detailed schedule.

Various locations, Milton, FEB. 8-10, small fee for some activities. Info, 893-4922.

‘BRRRLINGTON’ WINTER BASH: This winter shindig just for kids includes indoor and outdoor activities, including crafts, live animals, games with Big Blue Trunk, music and dancing. Robert Miller Community & Recreation Center, Burlington, SATURDAY, FEB. 9, NOON-3 P.M. Info, 540-1058. FREE LAKE ELMORE POLAR SPLASH: Community

members “freeze for a reason” in this annual fundraiser for the Morrisville Rotary Club.

Elmore State Park, Lake Elmore, SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 11 A.M., free for spectators. Info, 318-7548.

SHELBURNE WINTERFEST: Hearty folks

honor the season with live entertainment, ice skating, crafts, live birds, tasty treats and more merriment. Shelburne Farms, SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 10 A.M.-1 P.M., donations accepted for Shelburne Parks & Recreation; $2 for horse-drawn rides. Info, 985-8686.

VERMONT FLURRY: WOODSTOCK SNOW SCULPTURE FESTIVAL: The village green

transforms into a winter art wonderland in this three-day professional snow sculpting competition. Weather dependent.

Woodstock Village Green, FRIDAY, FEB. 15, SATURDAY, FEB. 16 & SUNDAY, FEB. 17, 10 A.M.-10 P.M. Info, 457-3981. FREE ST. ALBANS WINTER CARNIVAL: Saturday night fireworks in Taylor Park start Sunday’s festivities, including games, races, sledding, horse-drawn wagon rides, family activities, the Flag Football Snow Bowl and the Duct Tape Derby. Hard’ack Recreation Area, St. Albans, SATURDAY, FEB. 16 & SUNDAY, FEB. 17, 11 A.M.-3 P.M., most events free; small fee for some activities; food available for purchase.

Info, 524-1500.

CENTER STREET NIGHT SLEDDING: Bundled-up families have a blast when Center Street is blocked off as a sledding hill. Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum opens its doors with free admission and fun children’s activities.

Downtown Rutland, TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 7-9 P.M., Info, 773-9380. FREE SNOW SCULPTURE CONTEST: Families flock

to the finale of Rutland Winter Fest to check out amateur and professional snow carving. Games, live music and chili samples keep folks toasty. Main Street Park, Rutland, SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 10 A.M.-2 P.M. Info, 775-5686. FREE WINTER RENAISSANCE FAIRE: In this two-day

shindig, medieval and Viking demonstrations of life on the battlefields, singers, musicians, acrobats, dancers — and artisan and craft vendors, too — enchant visitors of all ages. Champlain Valley Expo, Essex Junction, SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 10 A.M.-6 P.M. & SUNDAY, FEB. 24, 10 A.M.-6 P.M., $15; free for children under age 6 with purchase of adult ticket. Info, 778-9178.

WINTERVALE: Intervale Center, Burlington, SUNDAY, FEB. 24, 11 A.M.-3 P.M., local food

and hot drink available for purchase. Info, 861-9753.

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

Grades 9 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2-3:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Tinker Tuesdays: Inquisitive kiddos investigate what makes technology tick by taking apart objects and designing new creations. Use the library’s materials or bring in computers, keyboards or other old electronics. Winooski Memorial Library, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 655-6424.

FREE

Winter Story Time: Small ones soak up stories and get creative with crafts. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE FRANKLIN Adoption Support Group: Families facing adoption issues and challenges join forces in a respectful setting. All welcome. Franklin County Seniors Center, St. Albans, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 524-1700. FREE LAMOILLE Tot Time: See February 3.

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

6 Wednesday CHITTENDEN Game Gathering for Developmentally Delayed Young Adults: Teens and young adults enjoy simple, noncompetitive board and card games and socializing. Ages 14-25, with a support person, if needed. Milton Public Library, 4-5 p.m.

Info, 893-4644. FREE Kids’ Chess Club: Strategy lovers of all abilities face off against opponents. Ages 6 and up.

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

Minecraft Club: Homeschool gamers play and socialize. Bring a device with Minecraft pocket edition. Ages 7-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 1-2 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Open Studio: Kids mix their imagination with the library’s materials. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 879-0313. FREE Read With Daisy the Therapy Dog: Book buffs of all ages bring a selection from home or borrow from the library to amuse an attentive canine.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3:15-4:15 p.m., preregister. Info, 878-6956. FREE Yoga for Kids: Young yogis engage their energy and explore breathing exercises and relaxation poses with professional instructor Melissa from Evolution Yoga. Ages 2-5. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 11-11:30 a.m. Info, 865-7216. FREE FRANKLIN Fairfax Read to a Dog: Book lovers choose stories to share with a furry friend. Ages 5-10. Fairfax Community Library, 3:15-4:15 p.m., preregister for 15-minute time slot. Info, 849-2420. FREE RUTLAND Lego Club: Budding builders bust out amazing architecture with blocks. Sherburne Memorial Library, Killington, 3-4 p.m. Info, 422-9765. FREE WASHINGTON Maker Program: Crafty kiddos dig into different projects using the library’s materials and mentoring. Ages 8-11. Waterbury Public Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036. FREE Musical Storytelling for All Ages: Scrag Mountain Music’s artistic directors Mary Bonhag and Evan Premo, the Aeolus Quartet, and theater artist Kim Bent enchant the audience with chamber music combined with narrated beloved childhood tales, including “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and “The Ugly Duckling.”

Jaquith Public Library, Marshfield, 6-6:45 p.m.

Info, 426-3581. FREE Orchard Valley Walk-Through Wednesday: Parents checking out an alternative education for their children tour classrooms for grades 1-8, a mixed-age kindergarten, and Farm & Forest classes. For adults. Orchard Valley Waldorf School, East Montpelier, 8:30-10:30 a.m., preregister. Info, 456-7400. FREE

7 Thursday ADDISON Teen Video Game Nights: Adolescents kick back during a lock-in evening with plenty to play and pizza, too. Ages 14-18, preregistration required.

Bixby Memorial Library, Vergennes, 7-10 p.m.

Info, 877-2211. FREE BENNINGTON Harry Potter Book Night Party: Junior wizards and witches dressed up in their best Hogwarts robes or themed outfits vie for prizes in a costume competition, participate in Potter trivia, hunt through the bookstore for he-who-mustnot-be-named’s horcruxes, attend Divination class and more. Ages 4-14. Northshire Bookstore, Manchester Center, 4:30-6:30 p.m., bring a pair of new socks to donate. Info, 362-2200. FREE CALEDONIA Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: Freshly baked goods, veggies, handmade crafts, meat and maple syrup figure prominently in displays of Vermont wares. St. Johnsbury Welcome Center, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

CHITTENDEN Colchester Lego Club: Mini-makers participate in surprise challenges with interlocking toys. Ages 6-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 4 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE Essex Lego Club: Small builders strengthen STEAM skills while having a blast with plastic blocks. Ages 5 and up. Essex Free Library, Essex Junction, 3-4 p.m. Info, 879-0313. FREE Food for Thought Teen Library Volunteers: Young adults polish off pizza as they ponder library projects. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4-5 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE Harry Potter Book Night: Three Phoenix Books locations — Burlington, Essex and Rutland — host magical bashes for young readers dressed up as wizards, witches and Muggles with merriment including magical games, readings and quizzes. Phoenix Books, Burlington, 6 p.m. Info, 448-3350. FREE Monthly Home School Program: Home learners soak up nature-related studies in an outdoor classroom. Parent participation optional. Ages 6-8. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $20-25, preregister.

Info, 434-3068.

Preschool Yoga: Children’s yoga teacher Melissa Nutting charms wee ones and caregivers with a half-hour of singing, relaxing, reading and stretching. Ages 3-6. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 11:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE Ukulele Kids: Musical ones join Joe to sing and play. All ages. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 865-7216.

FREE

Williston Preschool Music: See February 4, 10:30 a.m.

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

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

FREE

LAMOILLE Pre-K Art Play: Toddlers drop in and create personal projects with diverse art supplies.

Ages 1-4, caregiver required. Helen Day Art Center, Stowe, 10-11 a.m., $5. Info, 253-8358.

Tot Time: See February 3.

WINDSOR Toddler Time: See February 5.

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

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Family Gym: See February 1.

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See February 1.

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

Rice High School For a Day: 8th graders get a sneak peek of what it’s like to attend this private high school, experience hands-on activities and meet the faculty and new friends. Rice Memorial High School, South Burlington, 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 862-6521. FREE STEAM Fridays: See February 1.

LAMOILLE Kids’ Night Out: While their parents appreciate time off, youngsters enjoy dinner, a movie and themed activities. Grades K-5.

David Gale Recreation Center, Stowe, 6-10 p.m., $15-20 per child; drop-ins welcome. Info, 253-6138.

ORLEANS Craftsbury Lego Club: See February 1.

9 Saturday ADDISON Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See February 2.

CALEDONIA Surprise Pocket Valentines Workshop: Crafters put paper, ribbons and doilies together to create a card with a space for a secret message for a special someone. Ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Catamount Arts, St. Johnsbury, 10 a.m.-noon, preregister by email; donations accepted. Info, 748-2600, ext. 109.

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CHITTENDEN Burlington Winter Farmers Market: Local farmers, artisans and producers offer fresh and prepared foods, crafts, and more in a bustling indoor marketplace made merry with live music. UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 656-4636.

Family Contradance: Movers and groovers swing to music by the Woodbury Strings Mega Jam Band, with instruction by the Mad Robin Callers Collective. The Schoolhouse Learning Center, South Burlington, 3:30-5 p.m., suggested donation $5-8; free for children.

Info, 223-8945.

Play, Laugh, Learn: See February 2.

Story Time in French: Small ones soak up stories in French and English with Delphine Quenet. Non-French speakers welcome.

Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE FRANKLIN Valentine’s Day Card Decorating: Artists of all ages create a crafty greeting. Sheldon Public Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 933-2524.

FREE

RUTLAND Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See February 2.

Music with Raph: Melody lovers of all ages play and sing. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE SATURDAY 9, P. 44 » Untitled-19 1

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FEBRUARY

9 Saturday (cont.)

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

WINDSOR Norwich Winter Farmers Market: Local growers present produce, meats and maple syrup, complementing baked goods and crafts from area artists. Tracy Hall, Norwich, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Info, 384-7447.

Live Performances Step Afrika

Stencil Valentines for Kids: Youngsters drop in and create a handmade holiday card using historic stencils, specialized papers, paint and more. Ages 3-18. ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 10 a.m.-noon, $2.

Info, 457-3500.

10 Sunday CHITTENDEN Essex Open Gym: See February 3.

SUNDAY, FEB. 10, 4 P.M;

AMERICAN GIRL LIVE: The

LAMOILLE Tot Time: See February 3.

WASHINGTON Dance, Sing and Jump Around: In a new location, families delight in a lively afternoon of circle and line dances and singing with instruction and live traditional music. Ages 2-8 with caregivers. Capital City Grange, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m., $5 donation requested for adults; no one turned away. Info, 223-1509.

11 Monday CHITTENDEN Colchester Preschool Music: See February 4.

Crafts for Kids: Clever kiddos pursue artsy projects. Ages 5-10. Burnham Memorial Library, Colchester, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 264-5660. FREE Gamers Group: Youngsters pursue pastimes including Dungeons & Dragons and board games.

Grades 5-8. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30-5 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE Stories with Megan: See February 4.

Teen Space: See February 4.

Williston Preschool Music: See February 4.

RUTLAND Babies & Toddlers Rock: See February 4.

12 Tuesday CALEDONIA Hardwick Lego Club: See February 5.

Red Clover Book Club: See February 5.

CHITTENDEN After-School Snacks on Tuesdays: See February 5.

Creative Tuesdays: See February 5.

Lake Champlain Waldorf High School Visiting Morning: Parents and their prospective high school students take a tour of the campus, experience a sampling of classes and close with Q&A. Lake Champlain Waldorf High School, Shelburne, 8:30-10 a.m., RSVP. Info, 985-2827, ext. 212. FREE

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Music’s artistic directors Mary Bonhag and Evan Premo, the Aeolus Quartet, and theater artist Kim Bent enchant the audience with chamber music combined with narrated beloved childhood tales, including “The Three Billy Goats Gruff” and “The Ugly Duckling.” Bread and Butter Farm, Shelburne, SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 10 A.M.; Lost Nation Theater, Montpelier City Hall Auditorium, SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 4 P.M. and Middlebury Community Music Center, donations accepted. Info, 377-3161.

Family Gym: See February 1.

‘THE LION & AND THE MOUSE AND OTHER TALES’: The Crabgrass Puppet Theatre

enchants an audience of all ages with inspiring tales from Africa, Asia and Europe.

The Grange Theatre, South Pomfret, SATURDAY, FEB. 2, 11 A.M., $5-10. Info, 457-3500.

BIG BUBBLE BONANZA: Master bubble

wrangler Jeff Boyer mixes comedy, music and interactive magic to delight an audience of all ages. Town Hall Theater, Middlebury, SUNDAY, FEB. 3, 1 & 4 P.M., $10-20. Info, 382-9222.

DEPICTIONS OF A DREAM: The Vermont Youth Orchestra teams up with the Vermont Humanities Council to launch the 2019 Vermont Reads selection, March: Book One, by John Lewis, to the literary-minded public. Senior soloist Sebastiaan West and Counterpoint Vocal Ensemble perform in this musical tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., too. Ages 6 and up. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, SUNDAY, FEB. 3, 3 P.M., $12-17. Info, 655-5030.

‘STEP AFRIKA’: This award-winning troupe integrates the audience into song and storytelling, drawing on percussive dance styles which grew out of African American communities, African traditional dance and various other influences. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6, 7 P.M., $25-55. Info, 760-4634.

LC JAZZ ‘WINTER THAW’ FREE COMMUNITY CONCERT: Over 20 musicians make a

marvelous musical evening for community members of all ages. Vergennes Opera House, SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 7:30 P.M., donations accepted for student scholarships. Info, 877-6737. FREE THE MUSIC OF PHISH FOR KIDS: The Rock and

Roll Playhouse — a family concert series — gets kids moving and grooving to tunes from the classic rock canon. Doors open at 11 a.m. Higher Ground, South Burlington, SATURDAY, FEB. 9, 11:30 A.M., $15; free for children ages 1 and under. Info, 652-0777.

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

MUSICAL STORYTELLING FOR ALL AGES: Scrag Mountain

iconic American Girl characters come to life for an admiring audience through story and song, as they follow their hearts, share their dreams and learn the power of friendship. Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, Stowe, WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20, 7 P.M. & THURSDAY, FEB. 21, 7 P.M., $45-55. Info, 760-4634.

DANCE SHOWCASE: A bevy of graceful groups

— including Bryce Dance Company of New York City, Liam Reddy and Di’Ahna Restry of Boston, the Champlain College Dance Team, Ballet Vermont and many more — strut their stuff in a benefit performance for Vermont Family Network and Puppets in Education. Black Box, Main Street Landing Performing Arts Center, Burlington, SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 7 P.M., $25-28; free for children under 1. Info, 863-5966.

THE MUSIC OF THE BEATLES FOR KIDS: The Rock and Roll Playhouse — a family concert series — gets kids moving and grooving to tunes from the classic rock canon. Doors open at 11 a.m. Higher Ground, South Burlington, SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 11:30 A.M., $15; free for children ages 1 and under. Info, 652-0777.

MR. CHRIS & FRIENDS: Chris Dorman — of the

Vermont PBS children’s show Mister Chris & Friends — and Miss Andrea of Musical Munchkins gets families singing, dancing and jumping to a musical beat. Zenbarn Studio, Waterbury, SUNDAY, FEB. 24, 4-5:30 P.M., $10 suggested donation to support Waterbury-area daycares. Info, 578-6440.

‘THE SOUND OF MUSIC’: The timeless tale of Maria and the von Trapp family enchants the audience with Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic songs and story of 7 mischievous children, a couple in love and the magic of music to transcend trouble.

Flynn MainStage, Burlington, TUESDAY, FEB. 26, 7 P.M. & WEDNESDAY, FEB. 27, 7 P.M., $25-80.

Info, 863-5966.

Library Elementary Event Planners: Junior helpers prepare snacks and plan projects for younger students. Grades 6-8. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:45-3:45 p.m. Info, 878-6956.

FREE

Spanish Musical Kids: See February 5.

Strategy Board Games: Game lovers partake in complicated tabletop pastimes. Ages 13 and up.

Milton Public Library, 5-8 p.m. Info, 893-4644.

FREE

Tinker Tuesdays: See February 5.

Winter Story Time: See February 5.

LAMOILLE Tot Time: See February 3.

WASHINGTON Parent-Child Dance: Moms, dads and kids of all ages enjoy a night of dancing, refreshments and fun. Capitol Plaza Hotel, Montpelier, 6:30-8:30 p.m., $20-25 per couple; $5-7 each additional guest; preregister. Info, 225-8699.

WINDSOR Toddler Time: See February 5.

13 Wednesday CHITTENDEN Dorothy’s List Group for Homeschooled Students: Books nominated for this esteemed award generate group discussion. Grades 4-8.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Green Mountain Book Award Book Discussion for Homeschooled Students: High-school homeschoolers spark lively conversation around award-winning books. Grades 9-12. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Info, 878-6956.

FREE

Kids’ Chess Club: See February 6.

Lake Champlain Waldorf School Visiting Morning: Parents interested in an alternative education for their children in grades 1-8 visit the Turtle Lane Campus classes, followed by conversation and questions. Lake Champlain Waldorf School, Shelburne, 8:30-10 a.m., RSVP. Info, 985-2827, ext. 212. FREE Live-Action Role Play: LARPers create characters and plots in an amazing and imaginary adventure. For ages 11 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-5 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Open Studio: See February 6.

Read With Daisy the Therapy Dog: See February 6.

Red Clover Group for Homeschooled Students: Budding book lovers bury themselves in bibliophile activities. Grades K-4. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9-10 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Yoga for Kids: See February 6.

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

WEDNESDAY 13, P. 46 »

SUBMIT YOUR MARCH EVENTS FOR PRINT BY FEBRUARY 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

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

INSPIRING PIANO LESSONS:

Individualized lessons for students ages 6 through adulthood by renowned professional music director, Randal Pierce. All experience levels welcome.

Info, randalpiercemusic. com, randal.pierce@gmail.com or 999-1594.

EVOKIDS AND EVOBABIES YOGA CLASSES: Join us for winter classes

in Burlington and Essex Junction!

Weekday and weekend classes available in both locations for all ages, new babies up to teenagers.

Evolution Family Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn St., Burlington, and 37 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction.

Info, evolutionprenatalandfamily. com.

PRENATAL & POSTNATAL YOGA AND STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES AT EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA CENTER: Now with two locations,

Burlington and Essex Junction!

Have a more comfortable pregnancy and prepare for birth with stretching, strengthening and relaxation — and then bring body back to balance and strength in our postnatal classes. Join our community at any point in your pregnancy, and 6 weeks or later in your postpartum time (until baby is crawling). No yoga experience necessary. $17/class, $140/10 class pass ($20 off if purchased on your first class), or $90/monthly unlimited. Location: Evolution Prenatal Yoga Center, 20 Kilburn Street, Burlington, and 37 Lincoln Street, Essex Junction. Info, evolution prenatalandfamily.com.

SCHOOL BREAK WORKSHOPS:

Choose from one to five days of art workshops for your child during winter school break. All basic supplies are included. Students must bring a bag lunch, and snacks will be provided. Location: BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington.

Info, burlingtoncityarts.org.

POTTERY WHEEL: This day is all about learning the basics of the ever-popular pottery wheel.

Students will have all day to get their hands on clay, spinning it into small bowls or cups to be fired and glazed by the studio. All items will be dishwasher safe and lead-free. Ages 6-11. Mon., Feb. 25, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., $70/person; $63/BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington. Info, burlingtoncityarts.org.

DRAWING & PAINTING: This workshop is designed for the young artist who loves to draw and paint. Join us at BCA’s painting studio to experiment with different mediums and techniques while learning how to make your drawings and paintings even better. Ages 6-11. Tues, Feb. 26, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. $70/person; $63/BCA members.

Location: BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington. Info, burlingtoncityarts. org.

SCREEN PRINTING: Working in BCA’s

professional print studio, students will learn the basics of screen printing to print images onto paper and fabric. Ages 6-11. Wed., Feb. 27, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. $70/person; $63/BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington. Info, burlingtoncityarts.org.

MINI WORLDS: Shrink down with us

and create small beautiful worlds.

Campers will be encouraged to explore a variety of craft media to develop tiny, intricate terrariums, doll houses or fairy worlds. Ages 6-11. Thu., Feb. 28, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. $70/person; $63/BCA members.

Location: BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington. Info, burlingtoncityarts. org.

POTTERY WHEEL: This day is all

about learning the basics of the ever-popular pottery wheel.

Students will have all day to get their hands into clay, spinning it into small bowls or cups to be fired and glazed by the studio. All items will be dishwasher safe and lead-free. Ages 6-11. Fri., Mar. 1, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. $70/person; $63/BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington. Info, burlingtoncityarts.org.

FAMILY ART SATURDAY: Get creative and make art together! Families are invited to drop in to the BCA Center every third Saturday of the month to create their own artworks inspired by our current exhibitions.

Each Family Art Saturday offers a different art-making project that will ignite the imaginations of your family members! Third Saturday of the month, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Location: BCA Center, 135 Church St., Burlington. Info, burlingtoncityarts. org.

SUNDAY FAMILY JEWELRY: Spend a morning with teaching artist Kate McKernan in BCA’s jewelry studio.

Using our studio equipment, fine metals and beads, your family will create beautiful and wearable works of art. All supplies are provided, no experience needed.

Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Adults may assist their child(ren) free of charge. Additional tickets are required for adults who’d like to join the fun and create on their own. Ages 6 and up.

Sun., Feb. 10, 10 a.m.-noon. $10/ participant; $9/BCA members.

Location: BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington. Info, burlingtoncityarts. org.

SUNDAY FAMILY PRINTMAKING: Spend a morning with teaching artist Kate McKernan in BCA’s print studio.

Using our printing plates, inks and press, your family will create beautiful works of art. All supplies are provided, no experience needed. Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Adults may assist their child(ren) free of charge.

Additional tickets are required for adults who’d like to join the fun and print on their own. Ages 6 and up. Sun., Mar. 3, 10 a.m.-noon. $10/ participant; $9/BCA members.

Location: BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington. Info, burlingtoncityarts. org.

FRIDAY FAMILY CLAY: Spend a Friday night with your family at the BCA Clay Studio. A ticket provides a wheel demonstration at the beginning of class, wheel access (for ages 6+), hand building for any age, unlimited clay, and time to create.

Youth must be accompanied by an adult. Adults may assist their child(ren) free of charge. Additional tickets are required for adults who’d like to join the fun and either hand build or use a wheel of their own. If you’d like your work to be fired and glazed by the studio, there is a $5 fee per piece. Finished pottery will be available for pick-up three weeks after visit. Ticket purchases for this class are nonrefundable. Fridays, Feb. 1-May 3, 5-7 p.m. $10/participant; $9/BCA members. Location: BCA Studios, 405 Pine St., Burlington. Info, burlingtoncityarts.org.

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

KIDS — WOOD SHOP: MAKE A CHAIR OR STOOL: Build your own chair ...

Then, sit down and relax! Create your own step stool or chair for your bedroom or a space needing a seat! Students will get the chance to use a table saw, jigsaw, router and orbital sander to build their hardwood creation. Students will design their own seat and leave with the amazing piece of work! Mondays, Mar. 18-Apr. 8, 3:30-5:30 p.m. $175. Location: Generator, 40 Sears Ln., Burlington.

Info, 540-0761, generator.com or generatorvt.com/classes.

KIDS — METAL: All experience levels

welcome. “Wow!” is exactly what friends and family will say when you show them what you made in our metals studio. From jewelry to small sculpture, this class is all about fun and mastering the skills you need to make projects of your own design. Mondays, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Jan. 28-Feb. 18 or May 6-June 3 (no class May 28). $175. Location: Generator, 40 Sears Ln., Burlington.

Info, 540-0761, generator.com or generatorvt.com/classes.

KIDS — GAME BOARD AND PIECES:

Make your own tabletop game and pieces that are beautiful to look at and use. This is a project-based class that relies primarily on the laser machine and the 3D printer. Students will design and construct a tabletop game using the laser machine and 3D printer.

Several game ideas are available or you can adapt a game of your choice! Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m., May 16-June 6. $175. Location: Generator, 40 Sears Ln., Burlington.

Info, 540-0761, generator.com or generatorvt.com/classes.

KIDS — MAKE YOUR OWN STICKERS & SHIRT!: Learn how go from doodle

to design using Adobe Illustrator and a vinyl cutter! This hands-on workshop will teach kids how to make multicolor prints using the tools necessary to turn their drawing into reproducible digital designs. This class covers Adobe Illustrator basics, design thinking, as well as an introduction to Generator’s Roland GX-24 vinyl cutter. Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Apr. 11-May 9 (no class Apr. 25), $175. Location: Generator, 40 Sears Ln., Burlington. Info: 540-0761, generator.com or generatorvt.com/ classes.

KIDS — ELECTRIFY YOUR WARDROBE WITH WEARABLE ELECTRONICS: E-textiles, also

known as wearable electronics, combine sewing with circuitry.

Imagine a hat that twinkles whenever you tilt your head, or a backpack that blinks when it’s dark outside. Participants will sew a light-up cuff with a magnetic switch, create their own battery holders and switches using conductive materials, and learn how to integrate a microcontroller into their own designs. Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Mar. 7-Mar. 28. $175.

Location: Generator, 40 Sears Ln., Burlington. Info, 540-0761, generator.com or generatorvt.com/ classes.

MUSICAL MUNCHKINS — MUSIC CLASSES & BIRTHDAY PARTIES: You

and your little munchkin will be accompanied by Miss Andrea on guitar while singing, dancing, playing instruments, utilizing props and puppets, and having so much fun! Options include Baby Boogie (4-13 months), Toddler Swing (1 & 2 years), Kids Jamboree (2-3 and 2-4 years), Preschool Swing (3-5 years) and Family Swing (mixed ages).Teaching for the past 25 years in New York, Miss Andrea has trained with some of the finest music educators and performers, including Laurie Berkner. Weekday and Saturday classes offered with ongoing enrollment. Now registering for winter. $140 for 8 weeks includes CD and downloaded music. Book your birthday party, with prices starting at $150. Location: Green Mountain Performing Arts, 37 Commercial Drive, Waterbury. Info, musicalmunchkins.net, musicalmunchkinsofvermont@gmail.com or 845-802-2311.

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13 Wednesday (cont.)

FRANKLIN Fairfax Lego Club: Amateur architects construct creatively with colorful blocks. Ages 6 and up.

Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister.

Info, 849-2420. FREE

WASHINGTON Maker Program: See February 6.

14 Thursday ADDISON Teen Video Game Nights: See February 7.

RUTLAND Lego Club: See February 6.

CALEDONIA Valentine’s Day Creations: Inventive kiddos celebrate the heart holiday with arts and crafts.

Ages 5-12. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 3-4 p.m.

Info, 748-8291. FREE CHITTENDEN Colchester Lego Club: See February 7.

Essex Lego Club: See February 7.

FIRST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 6:30-8 P.M.,

$8-15, preregistration encouraged. Info, 649-2200.

WONDERFUL WINTER: THE HOWS AND WHYS OF THE SEASON: Small ones soak up the savvy

about snow, try out snowshoes, go for a slide and make snowmen and seasonal crafts.

Ages 3-6. The Nature Museum at Grafton, FRIDAY, FEB. 1, 10-11:30 A.M., $5-8 per child; no charge for caregivers. Info, 843-2111.

FAIRBANKS MUSEUM ANNUAL REOPENING CELEBRATION: Natural history fans check

out what’s new for 2019 after the Museum’s yearly freshening up. Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, St. Johnsbury, SATURDAY, FEB. 2, 9 A.M.-5 P.M., regular museum admission $7-9; free for children under 5. Info, 748-2372.

FEBRUARY WEEKENDS: Families check out farm animals wintering in barns, tour the historic 1890 farmhouse and enjoy activities.

Billings Farm & Museum, Woodstock, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 10 A.M.-4 P.M., regular admission, $4-14; free for children under 3.

Info, 457-2355.

FINDING CLUES OF ANIMALS IN WINTER THROUGH TRACKING: Families get hands-on

investigating the winter world and the smart animals who thrive in the snowy season through basic tracking, pelts and exploring Chester Pinnacle on snowshoes. Whiting Library, Chester, SATURDAY, FEB. 2, 10-11:30 A.M., by donation; RSVPs appreciated. Info, 843-2111.

PLAYDATE! WINTER ON THE FARM: Little

ones drop in and have a hoot with indoor educational activities and a visit from a live owl. Ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult.

Shelburne Farms, SATURDAY, FEB. 2, 9:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M., $5-7 per child, free for adults, preregister. Info, 985-8686.

WEEKEND HORSE-DRAWN WAGON RIDES:

Jingling horses trot visitors through rolling acres. Rides leave on the half hour; seats are first-come, first-served, with ticket sales beginning at 10 a.m. Shelburne Farms, SATURDAYS & SUNDAYS, 11 A.M.-2 P.M., $8-10; free for children under 3. Info, 985-8442.

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PJ Storytime: Little ones snuggle up in their sleepy clothes for bedtime yarns. Ages 2-7.

Milton Public Library, 6:30-7:15 p.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE Preschool Yoga: See February 7.

Read to a Dog: Pet-lovers peruse books with registered therapy pooches. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 3:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 878-4918. FREE

Science & Nature MONTSHIRE MAKERS: Middle school inventors use their imaginations and the museum’s materials to create cool projects with different monthly themes. Grades 6-9.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich,

Monthly Home School Program: Home learners soak up nature-related studies in an outdoor classroom. Parent participation optional.

Ages 9-12. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $20-25 per child, preregister. Info, 434-3068.

Ukulele Kids: See February 7.

Williston Preschool Music: See February 4, 10:30 a.m.

FRANKLIN Crafternoon: Needle-Felted Hearts: Artsy folks fashion fancy valentines. Ages 7 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE

BOOKS & BEYOND: SCIENCE FOR PRESCHOOLERS:

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

Ages 3-5 with a parent or caregiver. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, FIRST MONDAY

Franklin Lego Thursdays: See February 7.

Sheldon Lego Creations: Fledgling builders tackle the library’s challenge or create their own construction. All ages. Sheldon Public Library, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 933-2524. FREE LAMOILLE Tot Time: See February 3.

OF EVERY MONTH, 10:15 & 11:30 A.M., regular museum

admission, $13-16; free for children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

SCIENCE & STORIES AT ECHO: Preschoolers

rally ’round for nature-inspired tales and activities. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, TUESDAYS, 10:30 A.M., regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

MONTSHIRE UNLEASHED: AN EVENING FOR ADULTS: The museum opens its doors after

hours so grown-ups can let their inner curiosity run wild. Beer, wine and food available for purchase. Ages 21 and up.

Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, FRIDAY, FEB. 15, 6:30-9 P.M., $7-10; free for museum members. Info, 649-2200.

CRAFTSBURY FULL MOON SNOWSHOE: Lunar

lovers trek along snowy trails, then relish a bonfire and hot chocolate, courtesy of WonderArts and the Craftsbury Rec Committee. All ages. Craftsbury Academy, Craftsbury Common, SATURDAY, FEB. 16, 6:30-8:30 P.M., RSVP; snowshoes available by prearrangement. Info, 533-9370. FREE

GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT OPEN MUSEUM:

Ornithologists-in-training visit the museum’s feeding station, explore exhibits, check out Audubon Vermont’s 8 a.m. bird walk and learn more about this big bird count, an annual four-day event. Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, SATURDAY, FEB. 16, 10 A.M.-2 P.M., admission by donation.

Info, 434-2167.

IGLOO BUILD: Bundled-up families learn to construct insulated, sturdy snow dwellings during this long-running Montshire tradition with igloo-building expert Dr. Bert Yankielun. Montshire Museum of Science, Norwich, SATURDAY, FEB. 16, 10 A.M.-3 P.M., regular museum admission, $13-16; free for members and children under 2. Info, 649-2200.

PRIDE HIKE: Audubon Vermont, Pride Center

of Vermont and Outright Vermont team up to host an easy-to-moderate hike. All ages; youth under age 18 should be accompanied by an adult. Check vt.audubon.org for location. Audubon Vermont, Huntington, SATURDAY, FEB. 16, 9:30 A.M.-1:30 P.M. Info, 434-3068. FREE

FULL MOON SNOWSHOE HIKE: Hot chocolate fuels walkers for a sparkling stroll beneath lunar light. Snowshoes provided. North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, TUESDAY, FEB. 19, 7-8:30 P.M., $5-10; preregister. Info, 229-6206.

CIRCUIT CIRCUS: Students on school break learn about electricity, fluorescence and more through hands-on activities and science shows. ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, Burlington, FEB. 23-MARCH 5, 10 A.M.-5 P.M., regular museum admission, $11.50-14.50; free for children under 3. Info, 864-1848.

FORESTER FOR A DAY: Kids don hard hats

as they observe a woodsman fell a tree, then take to the woodshop for hands-on fun. Ages 5 and up with adult. Shelburne Farms, SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 10 A.M.-NOON, $3-7, preregister. Info, 985-8686.

OWL FESTIVAL: Curious naturalists of all ages

have a hoot learning about these amazing creatures, current owl research and VINS’s rehabilitation program through stories and crafts. Come in costume as your favorite owl, too. Vermont Institute of Natural Science, Quechee, SATURDAY, FEB. 23, 9 A.M.-5 P.M. AND SUNDAY, FEB. 24, 10 A.M.-4 P.M., regular museum admission, $13.50-15.50; free for children under 4. Info, 359-5000.

WINDSOR Toddler Time: See February 5.

15 Friday CHITTENDEN Baby Time: Families with wee ones socialize, read board books, learn some sign language and play. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 9:30-10 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Family Gym: See February 1.

Family Movie: Viewers enjoy a family-friendly flick while feasting on free popcorn. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See February 1.

Kids’ Night Out: While parents take some deserved time off, kids delight in dinner and fun.

Ages 3-12. Greater Burlington YMCA, 6-8 p.m., $10-19, preregister. Info, 862-8134.

Parents’ Night Out: Moms and dads enjoy some personal space, while small ones in PJs savor a snack, arts and crafts, and a movie. Grades K-5.

Maple Street Park, Essex Junction, 6-9 p.m., $10 per child. Info, 878-1375.

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

Info, 878-4918. FREE STEAM Fridays: See February 1.

FRANKLIN Yoga Story Time Yoga with Ms. Liza: See February 1.

ORLEANS Craftsbury Lego Club: See February 1.

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

16 Saturday ADDISON Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See February 2.

CALEDONIA Caledonia Winter Farmers Market: See February 7.

CHITTENDEN ‘Right As Rain’ With Lindsey Stoddard: This Vermont author shares her second middle school novel — the story of a family’s move from Vermont to New York City after the oldest child’s death — and answers questions and signs books for admiring fans. Ages 8-14.

The Flying Pig Bookstore, Shelburne, 11 a.m.

Info, 985-3999. FREE Champlain College Winter Open House: Prospective students check out the college’s unique Upside-Down Curriculum and Career Collaborative. Champlain College, Burlington, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., preregister. Info, 625-0201. FREE Family Art Saturday: Families drop in and ignite their imaginations with a current exhibit, then get hands-on with an artistic endeavor. Burlington City Arts, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Info, 865-7166. FREE Hinesburg Saturday Story Time: Stories, songs and games amuse youngsters, followed by free play and snacks. Ages 5 and under, with caregivers. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 10-10:30 a.m. Info, 482-2878. FREE Play, Laugh, Learn: See February 2.

Read to Cleo The Therapy Dog: See February 2.

Webby’s Art Studio: Pretty Petite Paintings: Inspired by the Museum’s collection, little artists make a winter-themed masterpiece on canvas. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular winter museum admission, $5-10; free for children under age 5. Info, 985-3346.

RUTLAND Center Street Story Walk: Families find maps and scavenger hunt info at Phoenix Books, then check out repeat readings of Ryan T. Higgins’ Mother Bruce in locations around town to launch Rutland Winter Fest — with added festivities at the Rutland Free Library and Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum. Dress warmly. Downtown Rutland, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Info, 773-9380. FREE Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See February 2.

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

17 Sunday ADDISON Middlebury Mother Up! Monthly Meet-Up: Families discuss the realities of climate change, what that means on a local level, and how to transition to a safer and healthier world. Vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 8 and under provided. Middlebury Recreation Center, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 382-0829. FREE CHITTENDEN A Better Discipline Plan: Parents get professional guidance for a five-step discipline design for toddlers to teens, to calm conflict and nurture learning and maturation. Office of Beth Martell Life Coaching, Essex Junction, 2-3 p.m., $25, preregister. Info, 881-4161.

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Calm and Connect: Caregivers learn from a professional about the science of effective communication with teens. For adults.

Office of Beth Martell Life Coaching, Essex Junction, noon-1 p.m., $25, preregister. Info, 881-4161.

Essex Open Gym: See February 3.

Family Gym: See February 1.

LAMOILLE Tot Time: See February 3.

Reg opens 2/14/19!

18 Monday FRANKLIN Pajama Storytime: Families in their favorite PJs partake in stories and music. Sheldon Public Library, 6-7 p.m. Info, 933-2524. FREE RUTLAND Babies & Toddlers Rock: See February 4.

19 Tuesday CALEDONIA Hardwick Lego Club: See February 5.

Red Clover Book Club: See February 5.

8th Annual 200hr

Yoga Teacher Training

CHITTENDEN After-School Snacks on Tuesdays: See February 5.

Collaborative Art Project: Artists of all abilities create an abstract large-scale painting. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Creative Tuesdays: See February 5.

WASHINGTON Capital City Winter Farmers Market: See February 2.

Read to Ginger the Dog: See February 5.

Saturday Matinee: Students on school break snuggle in for a family-friendly flick and snacks. Children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Waterbury Public Library, noon-1:45 p.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

Winter Story Time: See February 5.

Spanish Musical Kids: See February 5.

Tinker Tuesdays: See February 5.

20 Wednesday CHITTENDEN Kids’ Chess Club: See February 6.

Minecraft Club: See February 6.

TRAINING BEGINS AUGUST 2019 Attend the INFO SESSION to learn more about the training and speak with the director of the program, John McConnell.

Wednesday, February 13, 7-8pm Rosa Parks Room Davis Center, first floor 590 Main Street, Burlington

Details, video, pricing

GO.UVM.EDU/YOGA

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FEBRUARY 20 Wednesday (cont.)

New Parents EVOLUTION POSTNATAL YOGA: New mamas

tote their pre-crawling kids to an all-levels flowing yoga class focused on bringing the body back to strength and alignment in a relaxed and nurturing environment.

Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, SUNDAYS, 12:15 P.M., TUESDAYS, 10 A.M., THURSDAYS, 10:45 A.M. AND FRIDAYS, NOON-1 P.M., $17; $120-140 for a 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA: Mothers-to-be

build strength, stamina and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, Burlington, SATURDAYS,

11:30 A.M., SUNDAYS, 10-11:30 A.M., MONDAYS, 5:45 P.M., TUESDAYS, 4:15 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, 5:45 P.M., THURSDAYS, 12:30 P.M. AND FRIDAYS, 8:15 A.M., $17 per class; $120-140 for 10-class

pass. Info, 899-0339.

EVOLUTION PRENATAL YOGA ESSEX: Mothers-

to-be build strength, stamina and a stronger connection to their baby. Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga, Essex Junction, SATURDAYS,

8:15 A.M., SUNDAYS, 5:30 P.M., MONDAYS, 10:30 A.M., TUESDAYS, 6:15 P.M., WEDNESDAYS, 12:30 P.M. AND THURSDAYS, 4:15 P.M., $17 per class;

$120-140 for 10-class pass. Info, 899-0339.

BOSOM BUDDIES: New and expectant mothers,

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

toddlers and mobile wee ones socialize and swap supportive stories and advice with peers and professionals. Babies welcome.

Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin,

FIRST TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 5:30-7 P.M.

Info, 371-4415. FREE

MOM AND BABY YOGA: Brand-new mamas and

their littles relax, stretch and bond. Followed by a free mothers’ gathering at 11:30 a.m.

Embodied, Montpelier, TUESDAYS, 10:30-11:30 A.M., $11. Info, 223-5302.

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

BURLINGTON EARLY MONTHS INFANT MASSAGE:

This mother-infant group includes baby massage and postpartum new mama support. The Janet S. Munt Family Room, Burlington, WEDNESDAYS, 11 A.M.-NOON. Info, 862-2121. FREE GATHER: A POSTPARTUM SUPPORT GROUP:

New parents join certified Postpartum Support Doula Dayva Savio in an informal support circle centering on the joys and struggles of this time. Mount Mansfield Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Barn, Jericho, WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6, 10 A.M.-NOON, $10, preregister. Info, 658-5959.

ESSEX LA LECHE LEAGUE: Moms bring their

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

Open Studio: See February 6.

Read With Daisy the Therapy Dog: See February 6.

Teen Movie Night: Adolescents enjoy a popular movie about magical beasts, with costumes, origami creatures and snacks. Grades 7-12. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 4:30-7:30 p.m. Info, 878-4918. FREE

HYDE PARK BABY CHAT: Parents with

babies mingle, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Lanpher Memorial Library, Hyde Park, FIRST

Yoga for Kids: See February 6.

Zine Club: Imaginative youngsters experiment with different writing styles and art techniques to create personal publications. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956.

FREE

THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M.

Info, 888-5229.

PRE/POSTPARTUM CIRCLE: Mamas, papas,

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

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

Imagine Yoga, Barre, SECOND FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE MORRISVILLE BABY CHAT: Parents with babies socialize, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Lamoille Family Center, Morrisville, SECOND SATURDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229.

BABY WINTER WELLNESS DISCUSSION FOR FAMILIES: Dr. Cathryn Naden and licensed

acupuncturist Allison Jacobs host a conversation about baby health and care during the chilly months and answer parents’ questions in a relaxed setting. The Children’s Room, Waterbury, SUNDAY, FEB. 10, 10 A.M.-NOON, preregister; childcare available on request.

Info, 244-5605. FREE BURLINGTON LA LECHE LEAGUE: New moms bring their babies and questions to a breastfeeding support group. Older children welcome. Lending library available. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:15 A.M. Info, 985-8228. FREE LA LECHE LEAGUE OF THE NORTHEAST KINGDOM:

Expectant, novice and experienced moms join nursing experts for advice and support.

Enter through the children’s section of the library. Siblings welcome. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, SECOND TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10:30 A.M. Info, 720-272-8841. FREE BABYWEARERS OF CENTRAL VERMONT:

Brand-new mamas and papas check out infant carriers, get advice and spend some socializing time with other new parents.

Good Beginnings, Montpelier, SECOND THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. AND FOURTH MONDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 5:45-7:45 P.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE

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

babies, chat and ask for answers from a certified lactation consultant. Pregnant women, supportive dads and older siblings welcome. Ilsley Public Library, Middlebury,

THIRD TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 11 A.M.-1 P.M.

Info, 236-4136. FREE

BREASTFEEDING FAMILIES GROUP: Nursing

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

ELIMINATION COMMUNICATION: Novice

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

Breastfeeding mamas swap stories and support each other, with a professional available for consultation. Good Beginnings, Montpelier, THIRD THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-11:30 A.M. Info, 595-7953. FREE HOW TO BREASTFEED PRENATAL CLASS:

Expectant mamas and their partners learn the basics of breastfeeding, how to get off to the best start with their baby and where to find assistance when needed. Central Vermont Medical Center, Berlin, FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 4:30-6 P.M., preregister. Info, 371-4415. FREE

JOHNSON BABY CHAT: Parents with babies

mingle, learn more about developmental needs and expectations, and have the opportunity to ask questions of a maternal health specialist. Church of the Nazarene, Johnson,

FOURTH TUESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 10-11:30 A.M. Info, 888-5229. FREE MOMMY GROUP: Breastfeeding peer counselor Angela Scavo hosts mamas and answers questions in a relaxed setting. Junebug Mother and Child, Middlebury, FOURTH WEDNESDAY OF EVERY MONTH, 9:30-10:30 A.M.

Info, 349-9084. FREE

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FRANKLIN STEM Club: Under the lead of local inventor Ralph Lemnah, sciencey types challenge their imaginations with themed activities. Ages 6 and up. Fairfax Community Library, 3-4 p.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE RUTLAND Lego Club: See February 6.

WASHINGTON Maker Program: See February 6.

21 Thursday ADDISON Teen Video Game Nights: See February 7.

CHITTENDEN Colchester Lego Club: See February 7.

Dorothy’s List Book Discussion: Little literati chat about DCF pick Felix Yz by Lisa Bunker.

Grades 4-8. Milton Public Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644. FREE Essex Lego Club: See February 7.

Preschool Yoga: See February 7.

Read to a Dog: See February 14.

SoundCheck: Hosted by slam poet ​Rajnii Eddins, the Young Writers Project and Burlington City Arts sponsors a writing workshop for adolescent authors and an open mic at 7 p.m. Burlington City Arts, 6 p.m. Info, 324-9538. FREE Ukulele Kids: See February 7.

Williston Preschool Music: See February 4, 10:30 a.m.

FRANKLIN Fairfax Read to a Dog: See February 6.

Family STEAM Night: Moms, dads and kids team up for activities around science, technology, engineering, art and/or math, with a theme of volcanoes. Fairfax Community Library, 6:30-7:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 849-2420. FREE Franklin Lego Thursdays: See February 7.

Sheldon Lego Creations: See February 14.

WASHINGTON AB2: Books Come to Life: This Active BodyActive Brain class, led by literacy professional Rachel O’Donald, combines reading, music and movement. Babies through preschoolers.

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

SUBMIT YOUR MARCH EVENTS FOR PRINT BY FEBRUARY 15 AT KIDSVT.COM OR CALENDAR@KIDSVT.COM

22 Friday

24 Sunday

Family Movie Night: Folks bring blankets and pillows and relax with a kid-friendly flick and refreshments. Ages 15 and under with caregivers.

Greater Burlington YMCA, 6-8 p.m., $10-20 per family, preregister. Info, 652-8134.

CHITTENDEN Dungeons & Dragons: See February 8.

Family Gym: See February 1.

Friday After-School Movie: Kids have fun viewing a PG-rated flick. Carpenter-Carse Library, Hinesburg, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 482-2878.

FREE

Kids Music With Linda ‘Tickle Belly’ Bassick: See February 1.

Music with Raph: See February 8.

STEAM Fridays: See February 1.

ADDISON Middlebury Winter Farmers Market: See February 2.

CHITTENDEN Burlington Winter Farmers Market: See February 9.

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

Play, Laugh, Learn: See February 2.

Saturday Story Time: Miss Teen Vermont, Lizzie Martell, shares a story and children’s craft.

Ages 3 and up. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE

FREE

23 Saturday

Family Gym: See February 1.

Movie at the Library: The big screen shows an all-ages feature. Milton Public Library, 1 p.m.

Info, 893-4644. FREE

Stuffie Sleepover: Small ones tote their stuffies to a pajama storytime on Saturday, then stop in Sunday to see a slideshow of the animals’ nocturnal adventures. Ages 3 and up. Fletcher Free Library, Burlington, 5 p.m. Info, 865-7216.

ORLEANS Craftsbury Lego Club: See February 1.

CHITTENDEN Essex Open Gym: See February 3.

We Local Sweet Potatoes Recipe Contest Taste Test: Families swing by City Market’s table at the festive indoor Burlington Winter Farmers Market to sample the top three recipes from the store’s local food recipe contest. UVM Davis Student Center, Burlington, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info, 861-9753. FREE

Webby’s Art Studio: Structural Snowflakes: Enterprising youngsters construct an industrial winter design, using materials in the Museum’s exhibition Johnny Swing: Design Sense. Shelburne Museum, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., regular winter museum admission, $5-10; free for children under age 5. Info, 985-3346.

FRANKLIN Baby Time: Small ones settle in for songs, movement, stories and snacks. Ages 2 and under. Sheldon Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 933-2524. FREE RUTLAND Rutland Winter Farmers Market: See February 2.

WINDSOR Norwich Winter Farmers Market: See February 9.

Stuffie Sleepover: See February 23, noon-1 p.m.

25 Monday CHITTENDEN Colchester Preschool Music: See February 4.

Crafts for Kids: See February 11.

Lego Fun: Budding builders bring out the blocks.

Children under age 8 must be accompanied by a responsible caregiver. Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 3-4:30 p.m. Info, 878-6956. FREE Milton Legos at the Library: Builders fashion architecturally sound constructions in this STEM program. Ages 6-12. Milton Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644. FREE Montshire Museum Presents ‘Batteries and Motors’: The museum’s staff engages curious kids in a hands-on exploration of how to make things go. Ages 7-10. South Burlington Public Library, 2-3 p.m., preregister. Info, 846-4140.

FREE

Stories with Megan: See February 4.

Teen Space: See February 4.

Playgroups

Williston Preschool Music: See February 4.

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. Most playgroups follow the school calendar. Contact the organizer for site-specific details.

Monday AUDUBON NATURE PLAYGROUP:

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

BURLINGTON CRAWLERS, WADDLERS AND TODDLERS: Janet

S. Munt Parent-Child Center, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info, 862-2121.

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

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

OPEN GYM: Central VT

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

ROBIN’S NEST NATURE PLAYGROUP:

North Branch Nature Center, Montpelier, 10 a.m.-noon, donations welcome. Info, 229-6206.

SENSORY PLAY STUDIO: The

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

TWINFIELD PLAYGROUP: Twinfield

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

Tuesday BABYTIME PLAYGROUP: The Children’s Room, Waterbury, 8-8:45 a.m. Info, 244-5605.

BRADFORD PLAYGROUP: Grace

United Methodist Church, 9-11 a.m. Info, 685-2264, ext. 24.

BROOKFIELD PLAYGROUP: First

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

BURLINGTON FATHERS AND CHILDREN TOGETHER: Janet S.

Munt Parent-Child Center, 4-7 p.m. Info, 862-2121.

EVOLUTION NEW FAMILY PLAYGROUP BURLINGTON:

Evolution Prenatal & Family Yoga Center, 11:15 a.m. Info, 899-0339.

WATERBURY PLAYGROUP: Thatcher

Brook Primary School, 10-11:30 a.m. Info, 244-5605.

WINOOSKI PLAYTIME: O’Brien

Community Center, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 655-1422.

Wednesday BARRE PLAYGROUP: Aldrich

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

MAMA’S CIRCLE: Good Beginnings,

PURPLE CRAYON PLAY GROUP:

ArtisTree/Purple Crayon, South Pomfret, 9:30-11:30 a.m., donations accepted. Info, 457-3500.

RICHMOND PLAYGROUP: Richmond

Free Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 434-3036.

SOUTH ROYALTON PLAYGROUP:

United Church on the Green, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 685-2264.

ST. JOHNSBURY TODDLER TIME: St.

Johnsbury Athenaeum, 10:30 a.m.

Info, 748-1391.

WATERBURY MUSIC & MOVEMENT:

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

Thursday DADS AND KIDS PLAYGROUP:

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

MONTPELIER PLAYGROUP: St.

Augustine Church, 9:30-11 a.m.

Info, 262-3292.

OHAVI ZEDEK SYNAGOGUE PLAYGROUP: Ohavi Zedek

Montpelier, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 595-7953.

Synagogue, Burlington, 9:3010:30 a.m. Info, 864-0218.

NORTHFIELD PLAYGROUP: United Church of Northfield, 9:30-11 a.m. Info, 262-3292, ext. 115.

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

UNDERHILL PLAYGROUP: Underhill

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

WAITSFIELD PLAYGROUP: Big Picture Theater, 10-11:30 a.m.

Info, 262-3292, ext. 115.

WILLISTON PLAYTIME: Dorothy

Alling Memorial Library, 11 a.m.-noon. Info, 878-4918.

WINOOSKI PLAYTIME: See Tuesday,

9:30-11:30 a.m.

Friday

RUTLAND Babies & Toddlers Rock: See February 4.

26 Tuesday CALEDONIA Hardwick Lego Club: See February 5.

Red Clover Book Club: See February 5.

CHITTENDEN After-School Snacks on Tuesdays: See February 5.

Burlington Circle of Parents for Adoptive & Guardianship Families: Moms and dads come together to socialize about their parenting experiences and strengthen skills. Childcare and dinner included without fee. Howard Center, Burlington, 5-6:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 864-7467. FREE Creative Tuesdays: See February 5.

CENTRAL VERMONT PLAYGROUP:

Drop-In Lego Club: Amateur architects snap together buildings of their own design. Children ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Dorothy Alling Memorial Library, Williston, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Info, 878-4918. FREE

EVOLUTION NEW FAMILY PLAYGROUP ESSEX: Evolution

Snowflake Quilling Workshop: Eager crafters check out this rolled paper project in a winterthemed project. Ages 9-12. Milton Public Library, 2-3 p.m., preregister. Info, 893-4644.

ALBURGH PLAYGROUP: Alburgh

Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Info, 582-9942.

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

Prenatal & Family Yoga, 11 a.m.

Info, 899-0339.

FREE

OPEN GYM: See Monday.

Tinker Tuesdays: See February 5.

RUTLAND PLAYGROUP: Rutland

Vacation Movie: Kids relaxing on school break enjoy a PG-rated flick while feasting on popcorn.

Brownell Library, Essex Junction, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Info, 878-6956. FREE

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

Saturday

Strategy Board Games: See February 12.

MONTPELIER SATURDAY PLAYGROUP: Family Center of

Washington County, 9:30-11 a.m.

Info, 262-3292, ext. 190.

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CALENDAR

FEBRUARY

26 Tuesday (cont.)

WASHINGTON Drop-In Family Craft Time: Families make masterpieces with multiple materials during this informal crafting session. All ages; children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

Waterbury Public Library, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE

27 Wednesday CHITTENDEN Kids’ Chess Club: See February 6.

Movie Night: Families having fun on school break settle in for a flick and free refreshments.

Ages 5 and up with caregivers. South Burlington Public Library, 5-7 p.m. Info, 846-4140. FREE Open Studio: See February 6.

Young Writers & Storytellers: See February 13.

RUTLAND Lego Club: See February 6.

28 Thursday CALEDONIA Build A Story: Little library-goers listen to Ellen Levine’s book Henry’s Freedom Box : A True Story from the Underground Railroad, followed by a building block challenge. Ages 5-12. St. Johnsbury Athenaeum, 3-4 p.m. Info, 748-8291.

FREE

WASHINGTON Starry Night Stories: Small ones snuggle in for imaginative stories. Sleepywear encouraged. Ages preschool to age 7. Waterbury Public Library, 5:30 p.m., preregister. Info, 244-7036.

FREE

Live-Action Role Play: See February 13.

FRANKLIN Franklin Lego Thursdays: See February 7.

WASHINGTON Family Lego/Strawbees Free Build: The whole family has fun with the library’s abundance of plastic blocks. Adult supervision required for children under 8. Waterbury Public Library, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Info, 244-7036. FREE K

CHITTENDEN Colchester Lego Club: See February 7.

Essex Lego Club: See February 7.

Preschool Yoga: See February 7.

Williston Preschool Music: See February 4, 10:30 a.m.

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

Monday BARRE CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR:

Aldrich Public Library, 10:30 a.m.

Info, 476-7550.

COLCHESTER PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

Burnham Memorial Library, Feb. 4, 10:30 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

ESSEX STORYTIME WITH EMILY: Essex

Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

HUNTINGTON STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Huntington Public

Library, 10 a.m.-noon. Info, 434-4583.

HYDE PARK STORY TIME: Lanpher

Memorial Library, 6 p.m. Info, 888-4628.

NORTHFIELD CHILDREN’S STORY TIME:

Brown Public Library, 10-11 a.m.

Info, 485-4621.

RICHMOND BABY LAP TIME:

Richmond Free Library, 10:30 a.m.

Info, 434-3036.

ST. ALBANS MOVEMENT & MUSIC STORY HOUR: St. Albans Free

Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507.

STOWE STORY TIMES FOR 2-3YEAR-OLDS: Stowe Free Library,

10:30-11:15 a.m. Info, 253-6145.

WATERBURY BABY & TODDLER STORY TIME: Waterbury Public Library,

10:15 a.m. Info, 244-7036.

WOODSTOCK BABY STORY TIME:

CRAFTSBURY STORY TIME: Craftsbury

Wednesday

Thursday

BARNES & NOBLE STORYTIIME:

BRISTOL STORY TIME: Lawrence

EAST BARRE STORY TIME: East

Barnes & Noble, 11 a.m. Info, 864-8001.

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

Barre Branch Library, 10 a.m. Info, 476-5118.

ESSEX JUNCTION PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Brownell Library, 10-10:45

a.m. Info, 878-6956.

ESSEX JUNCTION TODDLER STORY TIME: Brownell Library, 9:10-9:30

a.m. Info, 878-6956.

FAIRFAX PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

Fairfax Community Library, 9:3010:30 a.m. Info, 849-2420.

HINESBURG YOUNGSTERS STORY TIME:

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

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

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KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

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

LYNDONVILLE STORY TIME: See

Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

MARSHFIELD STORY TIME & PLAYGROUP: Jaquith Public Library,

10-11:30 a.m. Info, 426-3581.

MILTON TODDLER RHYTHM & MOVEMENT STORY TIME: Milton

MONTPELIER STORY TIME: Kellogg-

Hubbard Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 223-3338.

MORRISVILLE PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Morristown Centennial

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

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

WATERBURY SONGS AND STORIES: The

COLCHESTER TODDLER STORY TIME:

10 a.m.

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

Public Library, 9:30 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

Tuesday

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

HYDE PARK STORY TIME: See Monday,

Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

SOUTH BURLINGTON TODDLER TIME:

Public Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 582-9942.

ESSEX JUNCTION PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: See Tuesday, 10-10:45 a.m.

MILTON INFANT STORY TIME: Milton

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

ALBURGH STORY HOUR: Alburgh

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

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

Children’s Room, 9-9:30 a.m. Info, 244-5605.

WILLISTON STORY TIME: Dorothy

Alling Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m.

Info, 878-4918.

WOODSTOCK PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

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

NORWICH WORD PLAY STORY TIME:

QUECHEE STORY TIME: Quechee

Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 295-1232.

RANDOLPH PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

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

RICHMOND MOVERS AND SHAKERS STORYTIME: Richmond Free Library,

10:30 a.m. Info, 434-3036.

SOUTH BURLINGTON BABY TIME:

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

SWANTON STORYTIME: Swanton

Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 868-2493.

WARREN PRESCHOOL STORYTIME:

Warren Public Library, 10:30 a.m.

Info, 496-3913.

Memorial Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 453-2366.

BURLINGTON BABYTIME: Fletcher

Free Library, 10:15 a.m. Info, 865-7216.

HINESBURG MOVEMENT AND MUSIC:

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

NORTHFIELD CHILDREN’S STORY TIME:

See Monday.

RUTLAND STORY TIME: Rutland

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

ST. ALBANS MOVEMENT & MUSIC STORY HOUR: See Monday.

ST. ALBANS STORY HOUR: St. Albans

Free Library, 10:30 a.m. Info, 524-1507.

VERGENNES STORY TIME: Bixby

Memorial Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Info, 877-2211.

WATERBURY PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

Waterbury Public Library, 10:15 a.m.

Info, 244-7036.

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

Friday

GEORGIA PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

Georgia Public Library, 10 a.m. Info, 524-4643.

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

Info, 422-9765.

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

MILTON PRESCHOOL STORY TIME:

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

MONTPELIER STORY TIME: See

Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.

RANDOLPH TODDLER STORY TIME:

Kimball Public Library, 10:30-11 a.m. Info, 728-5073.

ST. JOHNSBURY ACORN CLUB STORY TIME: St. Johnsbury Athenaeum,

10:30 a.m. Info, 748-8291.

STOWE BABY & TODDLER STORY TIME:

Stowe Free Library, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Info, 253-6145.

Saturday COLCHESTER SATURDAY DROP-IN STORY TIME: Burnham Memorial

Library, 10 a.m. Info, 264-5660.

ENOSBURG STORY HOUR: Enosburgh

Public Library, 10-11 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

ESSEX WEEKEND STORYTIME: Essex

BRANDON STORY TIME: Brandon Free

Free Library, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Info, 879-0313.

COLCHESTER BABY STORY TIME:

MILTON DROP-IN SATURDAY STORYTIME: Milton Public Library,

Public Library, 3 p.m. Info, 247-8230.

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

10 a.m. Info, 893-4644.

CRAFTSBURY STORY TIME: See

NEXT CHAPTER BOOKSTORE STORY TIME: Next Chapter Bookstore,

Tuesday.

ENOSBURG MOMMY & ME STORY HOUR: Enosburgh Public Library,

9-10 a.m. Info, 933-2328.

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

Barre, 10:30 a.m. Info, 476-3114.

JUST FOR KIDS

Writing Contest & Winners....................52 Coloring Contest Winners........................52 Coloring Contest................................................53 Puzzle Page............................................................ 54 Birthday Club....................................................... 54 Puzzle Answers................................................. 55

Hibernation Vacation

BY MARC NADEL

ANSWER P. 55

Fergie and Foggy Fitzfuzzlewump were tired of spending their whole winter sleeping in a cold, dark cave.

The two brave bears decided to get as far away from the ice, wind and snow as possible. Connect the dots to see how they can go anywhere under the sun!

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

51

JUST FOR KIDS

Writing Contest

SPONSORED BY

In February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day, a holiday all about love. This month, we’d like you to think about why you love your home state. Write a love letter to Vermont, telling all the things you love about it. You may start your letter “Dear Vermont,” or choose to begin in a different way.

COLORING CONTEST WINNERS Cats of all colors, stripes and polka dots amazed our judges this month. A swirling snowstorm surrounded 8-year-old Levi’s orange tabby, who skated on a bright-blue pond. Twelve-year-old Evie’s pink feline soared among enormous stars. Annaka, 5, transported her cat to a farm, with a brilliant yellow sun and sparkling turquoise sky.

Congratulations to all our creative artists. Send your most magnificent work again this month.

HONORABLE MENTIONS “CATTY FEVER”

Danae LaMadeleine, 12, Walden

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

“Ice Skating Laser Tag” Logan Peters-Smith, 5

5& under

SOUTH BURLINGTON

“NINJA SKATING CAT”

Charlie Coleman, 5, Burlington “WINTER IN LAKESIDE PARK BTV”

Niko Chernyshov, 9, Burlington “DANCING CAT”

Drake Moreau, 7, Williston “CITY SKATER”

Mya Peters, 11, Huntington “CHRISTMAS SKATING”

Harlan Palmer, 7, Panton We’ll pick two winners and publish their names and poems in the next issue. Winners receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop.

Deadline to enter is February 15.

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

Name ________________________________

“ICE CAT”

Age __________________________________

Hailey Smith, 7, Swanton

Town ________________________________

“LEONARDO JINKS”

Email ________________________________ Phone ________________________________

Lyndsay Maxfield, 12, Walden “THE SPOTTED CAT”

Anna Brillhart, 8, Underhill

“S-kcat-ing on the Moon” 6 to Syria Vegna-Spofford, 8 8

BRISTOL

“SPRING BOP”

Ophelia Ross, 4, Newbury

WRITING WINNERS

“HOT COCOA KITTY”

Harper Leonard, 3, Randolph

In our December/January Issue, kids were asked to respond to the writing prompt, “If snow was made of ice cream…” Below, find the winning entries. Iris and Eleonore each receive a $25 gift certificate to Crow Bookshop in Burlington.

“FANCY SKATER”

Florence Johnson, 5, St. Johnsbury

TOP TITLES Iris Chesnut, 9 SHARON

cream If snow was made of ice e gu ton my t ou ck sti uld I wo akes wfl sno am cre Catching ice m yu re mo le litt a th Wi cream If snow was made of ice tory fac am cre ice an e hav ’d We am flakes Shaping peaceful ice cre sanctuary Falling into a snowflake

Eleonore Wilson, 9

WEYBRIDGE

If snow was made of ice cream…. you would eat and laugh and play Yes, you would do this every day If snow was made of ice cream You would never go to sleep Because ice cream was so cheap, It would be ice cream galore Fudge, coco and much much mor e

“MRS. MARVELOUS”

Coen LeCompte, 4, Monkton “FREDDIE THE FROZEN FELINE”

Ashton Starr, 8, Montgomery “FROZEN FIGURE-SKATING FELINE”

Josie Maxwell, 9, South Burlington

“Catsmonaut Kat: Mission Moon Skate” Alden Looft, 11 CHARLOTTE

52

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

9 to 12

Coloring Contest!

Three winners will each receive an annual family membership to the Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium. Send Kids VT your work of art by February 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 March issue of Kids VT. Send your highresolution scans to art@kidsvt.com or mail a copy to Kids VT, P.O. Box 1184, Burlington, VT 05402.

Title _______________________________________ Sponsored by

Artist _____________________________________ Age ______________ Town _________________ Email _____________________________________ Phone _____________________________________

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

53

JUST FOR KIDS

Jumble

BY DAVID L. HOYT & JEFF KNUREK

Birthday Club

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

Congratulations to these February Birthday Club winners! elier and ATTICUS lives in Montp He likes to turns 3 on February 8. with Dad and sing, dance, build forts il. He loves ma receive letters in the le smile. op pe ke ma d to help out an passes and Atticus wins four day ECHO to ts ke tic vie mo four 3D Champlain Leahy Center for Lake . ton in Burling You are now ready to solve this month’s Jumble For Kids. Study the picture for a hint. Then play around with the letters in the circles.

You’ll find you can put them in order so that they make your funny answer.

Join the Club!

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

Print your answer here: CECILIA lives in Essex

Puzzles4Kids

Cecilia, Mary and Charlie each win four ECHO day passes.

Junction and turns 6 on February 8.

Cecy loves animals, spending time with her little sister and friends, and going to school. She speaks Spanish and English fluently and enjoys learning about maps and places in the world.

BY HELENA HOVANEC

Riddle Search — IN A FLOWER SHOP MARY lives in

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 kinds of flowers should you never give on Valentine’s Day?

BLOOM BOWL BUNCH DAISY DELIVERY DISPLAY GIFT LILY PAPER PEONY PETAL

54

PLANT POSY ROOT ROSEBUD SOIL SPRAY STEM STRING TAPE VASE WREATH

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

Vergennes and turns 4 on February 16.

She is an adventurer who is always doing things all by herself — like refilling soap dispensers when no one is looking. She loves playing outside, riding her bike and camping.

Riddle Answer:

CHARLIE lives in Burlington and turns 2 on February 17.

He’s a happy guy who loves trains.

ANSWERS P. 55 Untitled-21 1

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USE YOUR WORDS BY S E A N P RE N TI S S

Skiing Through Life

Planning a kids event?

CALENDAR

PUZZLE PAGE ANSWERS

SEE “JUST FOR KIDS” SECTION FOR PUZZLES

JUMBLES

Sarah just smiled.

Within moments, Winter picked up the skis and used them as hockey sticks.

Sarah, a newer skier — she learned to ski on our first dates — knelt beside Winter and said, “These are skis. They go on your feet. You use them in snow.”

Winter slid her bare feet into the bindings.

I grabbed her hands and helped her “ski” across the carpet. As her feet slid, she let out a wild laugh, just like I make when I surf through powder. ❆ Skiing, it seems, has taught me every important thing in life.

My parents would say to my siblings and me, “If you want to ski, you have to put on your own boots,” so we learned self-sufficiency.

On the coldest days, when Kristin, Jay, and I wanted to hide in our RV to stay warm, my dad would say, “We’ll have the mountain to ourselves. We’ll have so much fun,” which taught us

List it for free in the Kids VT monthy calendar. Submit your March event by February 15th online at kidsvt.com or to calendar@kidsvt.com

FAN. WISH. JEEP. GIFT.

She let out a wild laugh, just like I make when I surf through powder.

to brave the elements and the hard moments of life.

Regardless of the weather, we’d talk and laugh our way up the mountain on the chairlift, sharing stories of skiing or school or friends, which helped us learn to communicate.

And then we’d ski down the mountain.

Mom making elegant turns. Dad racing through the moguls, run after run, with Kristin close behind. Jay flew through the air off every jump he could find. And I scouted paths through the woods. We learned early in life that we each had our own paths down the mountains and our own styles for skiing and for living.

When there were tears — and there were always tears about falls or being cold or hungry — Mom or Dad would take care of the problem, stand us up, and say, “Let’s be all done crying and get back to skiing, OK?” They’d wipe our noses, and we’d get back to skiing, all five of us, together, which reminded us that it was OK to be sad but also that, after a bit, it was time to get back to skiing, to life. ❆ Twenty inches of snow graced our Thanksgiving.

Sarah and I bundled up Winter and carried her outside. She always likes being outside best, just like her parents.

As we walked out the door, Sarah grabbed Winter’s skis and set them in the snow. Sarah didn’t say a word, didn’t tell 2-year-old Winter what to do. She just let Winter’s skis sit in the snow.

“Skis?” Winter asked.

“Yup,” Sarah said.

“Winter?” Winter said, asking if she could put on her skis.

We bent down, clicked Winter’s boots into the bindings, and pulled her across our driveway. We made goofy faces.

We picked her up and spun her like a helicopter. We let her slip and slide and walk until each of us was laughing.

“Do you want to go down the hill?” I asked.

Winter, laughing and smiling and confident, cooed, “Yes,” so I tucked her between my legs, maybe just as Mom and Dad tucked me between their legs, just as Kristin and Jay tucked my niece and nephew between their legs. And Winter and I, we skied into the rest of our lives.

RIDDLE ANSWER:

❆ As a child, my family skied almost every area on the East Coast, up to Québec. Weekends, we’d load into an old RV and camp in a ski area parking lot.

Then we’d ski first lift to last.

In college, I studied skiing as much as business.

After graduation, every winter found me chasing snow from resort to resort, then from backcountry area to backcountry area, all across the West. ❆ Two years after I bought them, Sarah set Winter’s toddler skis on our carpet.

“Why pull them down?” I asked. It was July. We had months until the snow would fly.

The triangle, circle and square worked out to —GET IN SHAPE

F

ive months before my daughter was born, I strolled through my college town of Crested Butte, Colo. The ski shops offered summer sales, so I looked for skis for my wife, Sarah, and sunglasses for me. While shopping, I stumbled upon a pair of toddler skis. Immediately, I bought those skis. I didn’t care that my child wasn’t yet born. I didn’t care that I had no idea what type of girl she would be.

We hadn’t even picked a name.

All I knew was that my entire life had been defined by skiing, and I could not imagine a child of mine not being influenced by the sport. I thought of two photos, black-and-whites from the 1930s or 1940s, that hang on our walls. They show my father’s parents on wooden skis, bamboo poles in hands. I thought of the thousands of other photos of my parents, brother, sister and me skiing.

Ours has been a life of winter, of skiing. ❆ When I was 2 years old, my parents strapped me to my first pair of skis on the same day that my older brother and sister started skiing. On that day, my parents taught the three of us to ski on a gentle slope in Pennsylvania.

My mother, seven years ago, framed my oldest ski hat, tiny and rainbow-colored. Surrounding the hat are pictures of me skiing: arms wrapped around a T-bar, wedging through moguls, blazing a path out of the woods, and standing with my family, all of us on skis or with skis in our hands, faces blizzards of smiles. ❆ In mid-January 2017, six days after Winter — so named because she was born into a world of snow and to parents who love snow — came home from the hospital, I bundled her up, tucked her into my jacket, and stepped outside with my cross-country skis and poles.

Sarah asked, “Are you sure?”

“Winter is a Prentiss,” I replied, “which is just another name for skier.”

I strapped on my skis, and we glided across frozen Solstice Lake. Soon enough, Winter snoozed against my chest, with only her little hat poking out of my jacket. Soon enough, I began to feel like a father.

RIDDLE SEARCH ANSWER: Cauliflowers

A winter tradition passes to the next generation

KIDSVT.COM FEBRUARY 2019

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