Friday, March 2, 2012

Spring..... into Winter?


It's funny to think that Spring begins this month (on the 20th) with the snow we've had recently! We hope you are taking advantage of all the white stuff and having fun with your little ones out in the fluff! The temperatures will soon turn it all back into slush.

March in Vermont is a unique time of year, an in-between month that involves snow, slush, rain and probably a lot of mud puddles. Sugaring season is upon us, and you will see many events surrounding our wonderful Vermont maple syrup! 

SBFC News
Playgroup:
We have been listening to your comments and concerns...
There is now a separate yellow garbage can at playgroup, along with little baggies for soiled diapers. Please be courteous and use this garbage after changing your child's disposable diapers. We all appreciate it!

Please Note: Playgroup on Tuesday March 6 will be at City Hall! (See SAPLINGS below)

S.A.P.L.I.N.G.S Event:
SAPLINGS (Seniors and Preschoolers Linking Intergenerational Needs & Growing Successful Communities) 
The SAPLINGS program is a new collaborative effort between SB Rec. Dept and SBFC, to meet the needs of the early preschool and senior populations in our community. The SAPLINGS meet once per month to participate in a variety of themed activities including craft projects, coloring contests, sing-a-longs, sharing & telling stories, games and more. The SAPLINGS events require no pre-registration and are open and free to all South Burlington Residents. Whether you are a grandparent looking for a fun activity to do with your grandchild, a mom of a preschooler who is looking for an outlet and some adult conversation, or a senior who is longing for the laughter of little ones, this program is for you. 

We encourage all who are interested to join us for our kick-off event Tuesday, March 6 from 9:30-11am, at City Hall as we celebrate Dr. Seuss' Birthday with a Green Eggs and Ham Party! We will begin by reading the classic children's story "Green Eggs and Ham", then dive right into sampling our own batch of the delectable treat as we meet and greet new faces in our community and work on take home crafts together. It is a festive event sure to be fun for all ages!

Things To Do
Lots of FREE things this month. For more, check out FindandGoSeek!
  • Ben & Jerry's Winter Festival: March 3, 11am-4pm
  • Mardi Gras Parade, Church St, Burlington: March 3, 3pm
  • Toddler Yoga and Stories: Williston Library 10:15am
    Simple yoga and books for children ages 1-5. Presented by Karen Allen.
    • 4-week series.
    • Fridays, 10:15 am. (March 9-30). 
    • Pre-register at 878-4918.
  • Teddy Bear Tea Party, Gardener's Supply, Williston: March 10, 10-11am
    Bring your favorite stuffed animal or doll to our conservatory for a Tea Party. They will be serving crackers and jam and tea/juice. You will learn about how plants keep our air clean, take a greenhouse tour and paint a pot. You will even get to take a clean air plant home to plant in your pot.
    Please register ahead of time 658-2433.
     
  • Wintervale, Intervale, Burlington: March 11, 10am-2pm
    Winter fun at the Intervale!
  • Visit a Sugar House:
    Check out the link above for over 40 different sugar houses open to the public! Call ahead to make sure they are open.
    Maple Open House, Various Locations: March 24-25

Parent Workshops and Education:

  • Life of the Child Conference-- The Art of Thinking,
    Lake Champlain Waldorf School: March 10, 8am-3pm
    Cost: $75. See link above for registration details.
  • Building Blocks for Literacy, Discovery Preschool, So. Burlington: March 20, 7-9pm Come and learn strategies to help your child build early literacy skills in:
    • alphabet knowledge
    • shared book reading
    • vocabulary
    • phonological awareness
     This workshop provides information and fun activities for promoting your two-to-five year old's early reading success. To help them prepare, please e-mail them if you plan to attend this FREE event.