Happy Valentine's Day!

 

We hope you have been having a good week with you own little Valentines! We have been taking the time for extra hugs and snuggles..... partly due to sickness (boo! *sniffle*) but mostly because hugs make our day a little happier!

Fun Fact:
Did you know hugs are good for your health? It triggers the release of a hormone called oxytocin, the "feel good" hormone. Aside from making us feel good, "it lowers the levels of stress hormones in the body, reducing blood pressure, improving mood, increasing tolerance for pain and perhaps even speeding how fast wounds heal. It also seems to play an important role in our relationships. It’s been linked, for example, to how much we trust others" (Hugs and Cuddles, Mesrahealth.com).
So.... make sure to hug someone today and every day!!

SBFC News
Playgroup:
Please note, there WILL be playgroup on Presidents Day (Mon. Feb. 20).
Also, due to popular demand and requests, we WILL have playgroup during February school vacation.

Thursday Storytime with Miss Meg at Playgroup!
Miss Meg, the South Burlington Children's Librarian has been joining us on Thursday mornings from during our story, snack and song time (appx 10:30-11am). We have had fun with her little finger puppy friends- Jack and Jill, and have learned all about our body parts with Elmo, singing "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes!" Come join us to see what fun we will have next!

Mother Goose Parent Program
Last week was the first night of a three-part parenting series designed to help parents learn some fun strategies to promote early literacy skills with their children. If you missed out on this opportunity, have no fear! Check back here to find out some of the things we've learned!

Things To Do

• Friday Night Family Clay Drop-In at Burlington City Arts: Fridays, 5:30-7:30pm
  Learn wheel and hand building techniques at BCA’s clay studio while hanging out with the family. Make bowls, cups and amazing sculptures. Staff will give wheel and hand building demonstrations throughout the evening. Price includes one fired and glazed piece per participant. Additional fired and glazed pieces are $5.00 each. No registration necessary.
  FEE: $6 per visit |$5 BCA Member
   
• Bread and Butter at Shelburne Musem: Feb. 18th, 9:30-11:30am
  Do some shaking and singing to make some butter! How do these two things help transform cream into butter? Come find out! And make some bread to serve under the butter! You’ll start with the wheat plant, remove the wheat berries, grind them, and sift! We’ll shape our dough into one-of-a-kind designs, bake, and eat…with butter on top!
  Registration Required: 985-8686
  FEE: Member: $10/parent & child, $5/each additional child | Nonmember: $12/$6
   
• The Great Ice Event in Grand Isle: Feb 10-19th
  Ice skating, Kids fishing derby and more!
  See link above for schedule of events and more details!
   
• Dog Sled Rides by Burlington Parks and Rec: Feb 25, 1:00-3:00pm
  Experience the iditarod at the Miller Community Recreation Center with local sled dog handler (Ingrid Bower and her team) with a ride around the fields. Get to meet the dogs and learn about the winter sport of dog sledding.
  Pre-registration required
  FEE: $35.00 per family
  
  
• Family Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing at Schmanska Park: Feb 25, 1:00-4:00pm
  Enjoy a weekend afternoon snow shoeing and Nordic Skiing at Schmanska Park in Burlington. Burlington Parks and Rec. will outfit the kids with skis and snowshoes and provide hot chocolate and the barn as a warm-up hut! Art activities will be available for the little ones. (Adult skis and snowshoes, when available).
  FEE: Family Rate-$15.00 resident/$17.00 non-resident (Rate covers 2 adults and three children)