Thursday, January 17, 2013

Wintertime Family Fun!


It's finally winter in Franklin County and you are wondering what my family can do during this winter season.  In Franklin County there is plenty to do whether you are more inclined to spend your time playing in the snow or keeping warm inside your home.  For those who love to spend time outside I suggest exploring some of the numerous opportunities available in our community;

 

  • Hard'ack is located in St. Albans at 179 Congress Street.  Hard'ack provides great winter activities such as sliding, downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, snowshoeing and cross country skiing on the numerous trails on the backside of the hill.  There hours of operation are Thursday-Friday 4:00pm-9:00pm; Saturday 12:00pm-9:00pm; and Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm.  Best of all the recreation at Hard'ack is free of charge!
  • Jay Peak and Smuggler's Notch are close by and offer downhill skiing and snowboarding for beginners and experts.  Keep your eyes open for discount deals for Vermonters and daily deals which can be found on LivingSocial, 802shopping, Localvore Today, and Today's jumponit Deals.  This will certainly save you a little bit of money. 
  • The Missisquoi Rail Trail is 26 miles long and can be used for snowshoeing and snowmobiling.  You can find several pull offs to park your vehicle and begin your adventure. 
  • The Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge is open year round and will provide a great place to go snowshoeing.  It is located on Tabor Road in Swanton. Visit the Missisquoi National Wildlife Refuge website; http://www.fws.gov/northeast/missisquoi/  to read the activities newsletter and their upcoming events.  
  • Hazen's Notch which is located in Montgomery and has great trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and educational programs.  Visit their website; www.hazensnotch.org to learn about their events taking place throughout winter.
  • Ice fishing for Trout, Salmon, Bass on various different points around Lake Champlain.  Before heading out please adhere to Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department regulations and recommendations. 

 

Please remember before going outside to wear the proper gear to keep yourself and family safe and protected. 

 

Now for those who enjoy the warmth of their own home or want to travel out into the community here are a few ideas;

 

  •  There are many play groups/story times available to all families in each town. 
    • The St. Albans Playgroup located at the NCSS Family Center, 130 Fisher Pond Road. Children and care providers are invited to playgroup, which is every Wednesday morning from 9:00-10:30am. 
    • A mother of Preschoolers (MOPS) is located at 1091 Fairfax Road in St. Albans.  Moms meet for creative activities, advice, encouragement, and a light lunch.  The mothers meet the first and third Friday of the month from 8:45-11:00am. 
    • Another MOPS group is held in the Richford/Enosburg area at the Lighthouse Assembly of God on 878 Horseshoes Road in East Berkshire.  The meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month. 
    • Attend a Children's Story hour/playgroups at a library;
      • St. Albans City Free Library is located at 11 Maiden Lane. A story hour is held Monday and Thursday from 10:30-11:30am. Children 0-6 and care providers are welcome to join. 
      • Swanton Public Library located at 1 First Street has a story hour for children 0-5 on Wednesday's at 10:00am.  
      • Fairfax Community Playgroup located at 17 Hunt Street has a playgroup for children 0-6 and is every Friday from 9:00-10:30am. Enjoy circle time, free play, and a snack is provided. 
      • Georgia Public Library located at 1697 Ethan Allen Highway, offers preschool story time for preschooler on Friday morning at 10:00am. Success by Six Pajama Story time is also offered every third Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30pm. The Library offers Family Game Night every second Wednesday 6:30-7:30pm. 
      • RU12 Rainbow Reading Hour at the Bent Northrop Memorial Library located at 164 Park Street in Fairfield, offers to all children at 6:00pm every first and third Monday from 6:00-7:00pm. 
    • A fun round of bowling at the St. Albans Bowling Center located at 133 North Main Street would be a great adventure.
    • A matinee at the Welden Theater located on Main Street in St. Albans could be a great afternoon activity.  
    • Yoga Tots in Highgate at the community room in the Town Office.  Yoga Tots is offered the first Saturday of the month at 9:00am.  It is designed for ages 3-6 and registration is required.  To register for Yoga Tots call 868-3970 or email Liza at highgatepublic@comcast.net.
    • Water Babies at Branon’s Pools on Thursday at 6pm. Building Bright Futures created an opportunity for care providers and babies to enjoy fun and fitness together.

 

  • Begin a story hour at your own home with your children.  Have hot chocolate while reading a book and follow up with an activity, maybe lacing mittens for a fine motor activity?          

 

Please keep yourself and your family informed of ongoing events by Building Bright Futures. You can read more at www.buildingbrightfutures.org/.

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s development, reach out to your pediatrician or you can also contact the Family Center at Northwestern Counseling & Support Services and speak with the Children’s Integrated Services Coordinator, Heather Wilson, at (802) 393-6601. 

____________________________________________________________________

Submitted by Amber Stowe, Children’s Integrated Services, Early Childhood and Family Case Manager, NCSS Children, Youth & Family Services Division.

No comments:

Post a Comment