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05.07.09 Big Truck Day. Kids and toddlers get to climb on all sorts of construction and emergency vehicles. "We took our two-year-old son last year and came away thinking it was the best $5 we'd ever spent," says Cathy. "We've been looking forward to going back all year." Saturday, May 9, Hinesburg Community School, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. $5 per child; adults are free. Proceeds benefit Hinesburg Community School.

04.23.09 k.d. lang. The Canadian singer is coming to Burlington to promote her latest release, Watershed. "I don't exactly have a 'constant k.d. craving,'" says Cathy, "but I really love her voice." Friday, April 24, Flynn MainStage, Burlington, 8 p.m. $60-76.

04.16.09 Small Dog's Third Annual eWaste Recycling Event. Bring your used cellphones, computers and electronic equipment to this collection, and Small Dog Electronics will recycle it for free. "I've got a bunch of stuff to haul out of my basement," says Cathy. "How about you?" Saturday, April 18, South Burlington High School parking lot, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free.

03.19.09 The Slam for Sudan, in which Vermont high-school students compete in slam-dunk and three-pointer contests. The proceeds benefit Sudanese refugees living in Vermont. "Basketball is in now that Obama is president," says Cathy. Wednesday, March 25, Memorial Auditorium, Burlington, 6 p.m. $5-7.

01.08.09 Women in Afghanistan, a talk tonight by Middlebury College sophomore Shabana Basij-Rasikh, who describes attending secret schools for girls under Taliban rule. "I can't even imagine what she's going to say," says Cathy. Thursday, January 8, Lawrence Memorial Library, Bristol, 6:30 p.m. Donations.

12.11.08 Winooski Holiday Market. "I went with my family last weekend for lunch, and it was fantastic," says Cathy. "This week there's also a holiday craft market from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m." Saturday, December 13, Champlain Mill, Winooski, 10 a.m. -1:30 p.m. Free.

12.04.08 The Ripton Community Coffeehouse. The popular monthly open mike night precedes a concert by Patrick Fitzsimmons. "Go now, before it gets snowy," says Cathy. "You won't regret it. You can even bring the kids." Saturday, December 6, Ripton Community House, 7:30 p.m. $5-8.

10.09.08 The talk by PostSecret founder Frank Warren . Warren explains his popular public art project, in which he solicits secrets from strangers. He'll also show images of submissions that were banned from his four PostSecret books. Says Cathy: "Who can resist a good secret?" Tuesday, October 14, Ira Allen Chapel, UVM, Burlington. 7-10 p.m. Lecture followed by a book signing. $5 for UVM students, $20 for everyone else.

09.18.08 Teddy Roosevelt Day , a celebration at the Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve, in honor of the conservation-minded president's visit in 1901. Says Cathy: "Speak softly, and carry a big trilobite." Saturday, September 20, Goodsell Ridge Fossil Preserve, Isle La Motte, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free.

09.04.08 Listening to 'A Prairie Home Companion' on VPR — this weekend's episode was recorded last month at the Champlain Valley Fair. Says Cathy: "I love me some Bebop-a-Rebop Rhubarb Pie!" Saturday, September 6, 6-8 p.m. and Sunday, September 7, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Vermont Public Radio. Free to listen.

06.26.08 Political BBQ and Hamburger Summit, an annual gathering of local politicians, activists, reporters and bloggers. "It's a great opportunity to grill Gaye Symington and other candidates," says Cathy. "And who knows, maybe they'll be up for a game of touch football." Saturday, June 28, North Beach, Burlington, 1-5 p.m. Free, but you have to pay to park. The hosts provide burgers, dogs and drinks. Bring salads or dessert if you like.

06.19.08 Queer Barbecue at the RU12? Community Center. "We can all hang out and talk about friends who are getting married in Massachusetts and California," says Cathy. Friday, June 20, RU12? Community Center, Burlington, 7-9 p.m. Free. Grillables provided, bring sides and bevvies.

05.15.08 The Blackfly Festival, an annual, tongue-in-cheek celebration of Vermont's most annoying insect. "They've got a pie contest, kids activities and a parade," says Cathy. "It's some good fun. Plus I get to return to my non-blackfly-infested home in the city." Saturday, May 17, Adamant Co-op, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Various prices.

04.10.08 Rachel Frida Siegel and Joy Madden, whose dance performances explore motherhood. "Rachel is my friend," says Cathy. "I missed her last show, 'Proud Parent of a Drug-Addicted, Tattooed and Pierced Sexual Deviant.' I don't want to miss this one." Sunday, April 13, FlynnSpace, Burlington, 4 p.m. $5 suggested donation.

02.21.08 Attack of the Bloodsuckers, an exhibit at ECHO. Says Cathy: "I can't wait to take my kid to see the real live sea lampreys." ECHO Lake Aquarium and and Science Center, Burlington, Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Adults $9.50, children 3-17 $7. Children under 3 are free.

10.18.07 Garry Trudeau. The "Doonesbury" cartoonist is speaking at a fundraiser for the Center for Cartoon Studies. "Trudeau's been doing 'Doonesbury' for 36 years, and it's still smart, funny and indispensable," says Cathy. "He's worth the drive to White River Junction." Monday, October 22, Center for Cartoon Studies, White River Junction, 8 p.m. Sorry, it's sold out.

10.11.07 Birds of Vermont Fall Festival. "The Birds of Vermont museum is a little weird, because all the birds are carved from wood, but they've got actual live raptors at this festival on Saturday," says Cathy. "Plus admission is free." Saturday, October 13, Birds of Vermont Museum, Huntington, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Free.

08.09.07 VINS Nature Center. "I've heard great things about the raptor center," says Cathy. "And I'm intrigued by birds of prey." Open daily, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. $8 adults, $6.50 kids.

07.17.07 Muggle Madness Party at the Flying Pig in Shelburne, to celebrate the release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. "I just re-read books five and six in the Harry Potter series," says Cathy. "I'm planning to get book seven and pull an all-nighter." Friday, July 20, Flying Pig Bookstore, Shelburne, 10:30 p.m. - midnight. Free.

06.21.07 The Burlington Concert Band . Says Cathy, "Free music in Battery Park on a Sunday night at sunset. What's not to love?" Sunday, June 24, Battery Park, Burlington, 7 p.m. Free.

05.17.07 Kids' Day in Burlington. Says Cathy, "I'm always looking for kid-friendly things to do that will get us out of the house." Saturday, May 19, parade starts at Edmunds Elementary School, Burlington, 9:30 a.m. Festival 10 a.m. ? 4 p.m. $1.

04.19.07 The Radical Writer-Mama Reading . "How could I miss a chance to see Ariel Gore from Hip Mama?" says Cathy. "We radical writer-mamas have to stick together." Saturday, April 21, Peace & Justice Center, Burlington, 5:30 p.m. Free. Kids welcome!

01.26.07 Little Miss Sunshine, on DVD at Waterfront Video. "I haven't seen any of the Oscar nominees," says Cathy, "and this one looks funnier than 'Blood Diamond.' I think 'Jesus Camp' is next on my list."