Kids VT, December 2019-January 2020
On the Menu: Winter Family Fun; Spanish Immersion in Jericho; Creating a Reuse Zone; How to Build an Igloo; Cheering on UVM Women’s Hockey;
Mealtime: Italian Holiday Cookies, Two Ways
After college, I convinced my best friend (and my current food photographer, Andy Brumbaugh) to move to Vermont from his hometown of Jamestown, N.Y. He lived with my parents for a while, and occasionally shared his Italian family’s recipes with us, especially around the holidays. I still remember the first time I tried his little…
Ones to Watch: The Kids of the “Spectacular Spectacular” Talent Show
In 2014, Kids VT came up with the idea of an annual community event that would showcase the talents of local kids. That December, our “Spectacular Spectacular” talent show was born. The event has proven it has staying power. On Saturday, December 7, we’ll hold our sixth annual “Spectacular Spectacular” at Higher Ground in South…
Family Portrait: Roger, Jenny, Marilyn, Charlie, Mickey, Sydney and Petey
We met up with the Browns at their home as they were returning from a day at Cochran’s Ski Area, the Richmond ski center founded by Roger’s grandparents, Mickey and Ginny Cochran. Everyone’s cheeks were still red, but when it was time to take photos, Jenny and Roger suggested some action shots. To our surprise,…
A Family Business Teaches Hard-Earned Lessons
In 2013, my husband, Bob, and I became Beverly Hillbillies in reverse. We left Los Angeles and moved east to start a berry farm and ice cream business in Vermont. We undertook this bold entrepreneurial venture for a number of reasons. We’ve always loved berries and ice cream. Early in our relationship, we made a…
Yoga Pose of the Month: Sledding Pose
Benefits: Strengthens core and back muscles Lengthens spine and opens heart Strengthens legs, arms and buttocks Promotes relaxation Massages abdominals to possibly improve digestion Steps: Lie down on your belly. Rest your arms out in front of you, palms facing each other. Breathe in and lift your legs and arms. Take a couple of breaths…
Welcome, Winter
On the morning of November 12, my 9-year-old son, Theo — already sporting his trusty long underwear — stood at our front window, watching the snow pile up outside. He was giddy about the first snow day of the school year and eager to go outside and tromp around with his neighborhood friend. A plow…
The Art of… Igloo Building
“Make friends with winter,” Bert Yankielun likes to say. By that, he means dress well and eat enough high-energy foods to stay fueled so you can weather potentially harsh conditions. But Yankielun has made friends with winter in another sense: He truly enjoys its company. The hundreds of people expected to see him leading his…
How to Create an At-Home Reuse Zone
Encouraging eco-friendly art projects and open-ended play can be as simple as setting up a “reuse zone” in your home. In my household, we used to incorporate recycled items into crafts and play on occasion. But establishing a designated, organized area for kid projects and play has helped our kids, ages 5 and 2, find…
New Comic Book Teaches How Democracy Works
Did you know that when the United States Constitution was ratified in 1788, only white men who were 21 or older and owned land could vote? Since then, the Constitution has changed. But how and when did that happen? The Center for Cartoon Studies’ This is What Democracy Looks Like: A Graphic Guide to Governance…
How Can Parents Ensure That Their Babies Are Safe During Sleep?
For parents of newborns and infants, a good night’s sleep can be a rare occurrence. Regular disruptions from a baby who needs feeding and diapering are one thing. Being afraid to fall asleep for fear that you won’t notice if your baby stops breathing is another. Sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) is defined as babies…
Cheering on UVM Women’s Hockey Team
It’s cold outside, Netflix hasn’t updated its shows lately, and your kids are so bored they’re offering to organize your cabinets. How about a movie? Meh. You did that last week. Plus, with tickets, popcorn and slushies, you might have to take out a second mortgage on the house. So where can you find budget-friendly…
20 Ideas for Family Fun in Winter
Winter in Vermont can feel really long. Sometimes, it’s hard to figure out how to pass these cold, icy months. Kids VT to the rescue! We’ve compiled a list of 20 family-friendly places — perfect destinations on those days when you’ve got Netflix malaise, you’ve made your umpteenth pillow fort and you’re wearing a hole…
Kids in the News: Let It Grow
In November, 9-year-old Nolan Anand of Williston got some surprising and exciting news. Bonnie Plants announced that he was the Vermont winner of its Third Grade Cabbage Program, an award that comes with a $1,000 educational scholarship. Each year, the plant company — the largest producer of vegetable and herb plants in North America —…
Embark on a Scavenger Hunt for Red Rocks
It took me a long time to figure out what bedrock is. Though geologists don’t seem to say it so simply, the definition I developed for myself in grad school is: it’s the rock that’s attached to the earth. Now, when I see interesting bedrock features like ledges and outcrops, I point them out to…
Montréal’s Old Port Hosts Winter Adventure Park
In December, Voiles en Voiles — a pirate-themed ropes course in the Old Port of Montréal — transforms into a winter adventure park, with 12 fun, family-oriented activities for all ages. Revelers can slip and slide on four 20-foot-high snow tubing courses, covered with 2,400 cubic meters of artificial snow. A groomed trail provides a…
New Greater Burlington YMCA to Open January 1
The new year brings a new home for the Greater Burlington YMCA. The modern, light-filled 50,000-square-foot facility will open at 298 College Street on January 1. The new location is just 150 steps from the current Y, a 1934 red brick structure at 266 College Street that GBYMCA director of communications Doug Bishop described as…
Newsweek Rates Essex High School as Top STEM Program
Newsweek, in partnership with educational company STEM.org, has identified Essex High School as one of the top U.S. high school programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics in ratings released in November. Essex was rated 50th on the national list of public and private high schools, and was the only Vermont school in the top…
A First-of-Its-Kind Spanish Immersion Program Turns Out Bilingual Learners in Jericho
Like many elementary school students in Vermont, Sylvan Ross’ 18 kindergartners at Jericho Elementary School begin their day with a class meeting. They circle up on a colorful world map rug, where they read the morning message, greet each other and participate in a playful activity. Like their peers around the state, their academic day…
