Posted on October 13th, 2008 by susan
October is Hike for Hunger Month and many Champlain Valley schools are joining forces with other schools around the state to participate in the Vermont Campaign to end Childhood Hunger’s 12th annual event. Over 30 Vermont schools will be hiking on various days and locations throughout the month to raise money and awareness for hunger and nutrition issues.
Participating Champlain Valley schools include: Bellwether School in Williston, Brewster Pierce Elementary School in Huntington, Champlain Elementary School in Burlington, Charlotte Central School, Ferrisburgh Central School, Flynn Elementary School in Burlington, Orchard Elementary School in South Burlington, Heartworks Renaissance School in Shelburne, Robinson School in Starksboro, Rock Point School in Burlington, and Williston Central School. Their Hikes for Hunger will include hiking to the summit of Mt. Philo, to exploring the trails of Rokeby Museum and Catamount Family Center, to marching through their neighborhoods and to the top of the Ethan Allen tower in Burlington. Read more »
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Posted on October 10th, 2008 by susan
Vermont’s own Polar Express, the annual fundraiser for the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation, pulls in to Burlington on December 13 & 14. Tickets have become so popular, however, they are only available by lottery! Lottery applications are available online starting October 10th. All entries must be received by october 31. Applications can be completed online or mailed in, but those in the mail must be postmarked no later than 10/31. “Even though we’ve added more trains this year, we still expect demand once again to exceed capacity,” explained Sue Kamp, executive director of the Foundation. “With the lottery, everyone interested in attending our event has an equal chance of purchasing tickets.” Tickets will be mailed out before Thanksgiving. To get your application, visit www.vtchildrenstrust.org.
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Posted on October 9th, 2008 by susan
Planning a long drive? Worried about the kids’ bladders holding out? You might find this new product, 
called, Pottyflip, useful! It’s the first portable, full size, disposable child potty. It’s sold in packs of 12 ($24), and each one is only the size of a deck of cards. Well, okay… maybe a little bigger. Unfold it and you’ve got a potty seat for a child that weighs up to 75 pounds! When finished, just fold it up and throw it away. It’s fully and rapidly biodegradable! You can buy it online at www.pottyflipusa.com.
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Posted on October 6th, 2008 by susan
Here’s some advice from Kristen, a PA mom who had such crispy kids in cold weather she invented her own line of children’s skin care products!
1. Minimize the time spent in the bath or shower. Strange as it may seem, being in water actually sucks moisture out of the skin.
2. Also, try to use cooler water. The hotter the water, the more moisture-sucking effects.
3. Avoid bubble bath. It’s fun, yes, but soaking in soap can lead to a seriously dry kid.
4. Find a cleanser that doesn’t dry. There are lots of nice moisturizing options on the market. Those that don’t foam tend to be even better for dry, sensitive skin.
5. Apply a thick moisturizer (our cream works great for this) just after bathing, to seal the remaining moisture into the skin for better hydration.
6. Reapply frequently, especially to itchy areas like legs, elbows, hands and feet.
7. Keep cream or lotion near sinks so you remember to apply after hand washing.
8. Apply lip balm at bedtime. It lasts longer when you aren’t eating and talking and can prevent chapping if applied regularly.
9. If prevention doesn’t work, apply lip balm frequently to chapped lips and cheeks, too. (Ours is nice and light and lasts a long time. And it feels soothing right away.)
10. Consider switching to non-irritating laundry products.
Kristen’s “Stuff for Sprouts” line is formulated without using nut oils, animal products, soy, artificial colors, or chemical fillers. The company offers parents paraben- and phthalate-free product choices. Stuff for Sprouts does not do any animal testing and always promises to produce products with “Nothing weird. Nothing gross. Just good stuff for dry skin.” To find out more, visit them online at stuff4sprouts.com.
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Posted on October 2nd, 2008 by susan
The Haunted Forest, a seasonal mainstay at Catamount Outdoor Family Center in Williston, has something for 
everyone. If you think your kids might be too spooked by the regular performance, try the matinee! It’s a show that’s written especially for children up to age 7 so that they can experience the fun of Halloween in a non-scary environment designed just for them. The show is written by Erin Evarts and Tim Maynes, both of So. Burlington, and Jana Beagley, the Managing Director of the Haunted Forest. While they wanted to incorporate traditional Halloween characters like ghosts, witches and vampires, the wanted to be sure to include some of the Haunted Forest’s own classic characters like the Halloween Wizard. “Our goal is to make children feel powerful around a holiday which can be scary for them,” says Beatley. “The kids solve a riddle to save Halloween and get a toy at the end. They walk away feeling confident, active and recognized.” There are 3 performances of the children’s matinee on October 25. For more information or to purchase tickets ($8.50 each), call 802-879-9160 or visit www.thehauntedforest.org.
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Posted on September 29th, 2008 by susan
Most Vermonters do not know that a 7-year-old riding in a car should be in a booster seat.
That finding was among results revealed in a state survey conducted by Macro International for the Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP). The study, conducted in June, polled 400 Vermonters about their awareness and understanding of Vermont’s child passenger safety law.
The Vermont GHSP is trying to raise awareness of the law, which was passed in 2004. Read more »
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Posted on September 25th, 2008 by susan
Visitors to Vermont’s pick-your-own orchards will once again have a chance to win an iPod during the annual 
“Apples to iPods” fall promotion that kicked off on Sept. 15. One specially marked wooden apple will be placed in apple trees at each of Vermont’s 24 pick-your-own orchards. Customers who find the wooden apple replicas will win an Apple iPod Nano, Shuffle or Touch sold by Vermont’s Apple Specialist, Small Dog Electronics.
Now in its second year, the promotion is sponsored in partnership with Small Dog Electronics, the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing, and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.
“Vermont’s apple orchards are wonderful places to visit this time of year and the second annual ‘Apples to iPods’ promotion is a creative way to make apple picking even more fun,” said Governor Jim Douglas. “Both technology and agriculture play very important roles in building a stronger, more innovative economy in Vermont,” he added. “I want to encourage every Vermonter-and all of our visitors-to visit a local orchard this fall and take full advantage of Vermont’s beautiful fall season.” Read more »
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Posted on September 22nd, 2008 by susan
Babies, bring your grownups to exercise class at Shelburne Health & Fitness! Each Weds at 10:30am starting Oct. 1, nonwalkers and their caregivers can exercise together for fitness and fun. “‘Baby Steps’ class will stimulate our bodies and minds, help our caregivers get fit and introduce us to other babies in town,” says Zac Franz, who will be teaching the class with his mom Janet, a certified personal trainer who’s been teaching exercise in the area for 9 years. “We will use mats, balls, bands and fun music in a clean, bright exercise studio,” Zac continues. “The grownups will also use us as weights for squats, leg lifts, chest presses, crunches and more. This is dymanic strength and resistance training at its best. Because, you know, the bigger we get, the stronger our caregivers need to be!” The class runs for 12 weeks and costs $108 for members and $144 for nonmembers. To register, call 802-985-3141.
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Posted on September 17th, 2008 by susan
Zutano, the Cabot-based designer of children’s clothing, has embarked upon its largest aid effort to date with the donation of 5% of revenue from its entire Fall/Winter 2008 Collectibles clothing line to Global Action for Children, a nonpartisan coalition dedicated to advocating for orphans and highly vulnerable children in the developing world. The line is available in over 1,500 stores internationally including the company’s flagship store on State St. in Montpelier at as well as online e-tailers and the Zutano e-boutique. Zutano has been a great supporter of children’s organizations around the world, generously providing assistance whenever possible, in whatever way they can.
“We are very pleased to support Global Action for Children in its efforts to improve the lives of vulnerable children throughout the developing world,” says Michael Belenky, President of Zutano. “Advocating for the health and well-being of children worldwide is a mission that we at Zutano fully embrace.” Read more »
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Posted on September 15th, 2008 by susan
“Why does my nose run? What are taste buds? Where do tears come from?” Parents know that kids have many questions about their bodies. To help kids - and parents - uncover the mysteries of the human body, KidsHealth.org has launched a new version of its #1 feature for kids, “How the Body Works.” Since 2004, more than 1.6 million people have viewed a “How the Body Works” feature. Using kid-friendly language, animations, and activities, “How the Body Works” is a popular resource for homework help and an entertaining way for kids to get answers to their questions. The new interactive module builds upon the previous features and includes more than 100 articles, quizzes, word searches, activities, and movies featuring everything from the adventures of Glandman to Col. Lucy Leukocyte, commander of a body’s immune system. To view “How the Body Works,” visit KidsHealth.org. KidsHealth comes from The Nemours Foundation, one of the largest nonprofit organizations devoted to children’s health. The site has received many accolades including being named on of the 50 Coolest Websites by TIME Magazine.
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Posted on September 12th, 2008 by susan
Saturday morning on August 23rd in Battery Park in Burlington was the perfect summer day backdrop for the final Prevent Child Abuse Vermont’s WALK FOR CHILDREN TO END CHILD ABUSE. Governor Jim Douglas, and House Speaker Gaye Symington were introduced by PCAV’s Board President, Walter Bruska. Also joining in the family-focused festivities were Champ, Mr. Cruller , Dr Lewis First , PCAV’s Big Blue Kid Bear, Cub Scout Troop 620 and many teams and individuals from every corner or the state. Both the Burlington and Montpelier Walks in 2008 were dedicated to the memory of Brooke Bennett, three small infants who died this year from Shaken Baby Syndrome, (abusive head trauma), and three year old Stephen McKay who died from abuse several years ago. Read more »
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Posted on September 10th, 2008 by susan
There’s nothing young children like more than music. Except maybe hearing their own name. Name Your Tune has combined these two favorites in a personalized CD that mentions your child’s name more than 80 times in 14 songs. And it’s digital! You simply order the CD from their website. A CD costs $20 and there’s a discount for 2 or more ordered at the same time. The package is mailed, complete with the child’s name on the CD label, and instructions for downloading songs and burning the CD! Songs can also be loaded on to an iPod or other MP3 player. It’s easy! Ffor more information or to order, visit www.nameyourtune.com
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Posted on September 8th, 2008 by susan
The kids have settled back in at school. But that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! There’s a new handheld electronic game based on the TV Quiz Show “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?”. Completely portable, the game features 13 subjects with more than 2,500 questions. Kids can brush up on their knowledge of science, math, geography and more while having fun!
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Posted on September 5th, 2008 by susan
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) kicked off its annual observance of September as College Savings Month with a gubernatorial proclamation touting the benefits of Vermont’s 529 plan, the Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan (VHEIP). VSAC uses College Savings Month as a springboard for publicizing the benefits of VHEIP, which it administers in partnership with TIAA-CREF, and encouraging more Vermonters to enroll. The plan offers three investment options, can be opened with a contribution of only $25, and provides attractive federal and state tax benefits. Plan earnings are free of Vermont and federal income taxes when used for qualified higher education expenses. Also, Vermont offers participants an income tax credit on contributions. The tax credit saved about 1,700 Vermont tax filers more than $800,000 in 2007. Following are events where Vermonters can meet with staff from VSAC to learn more about VHEIP: Read more »
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Posted on September 1st, 2008 by susan
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