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.
