Bridlemile – Parent Night Oct. 23, 2014

VHFLC’s fall-themed parent night at Bridlemile was a hit once again with RS Steven Dobrinski bringing in apple tasting this time instead of squash – courtesy of the always gracious New Seasons Market and New Seasons' superstar Nikki Vega...

Kids had a lot of ground to cover this time, with a number of fun stations open for their perusal. A quick skim around the room revealed a lot of creative and fun-looking activities (and a lot of kids who seemed just as torn as us on where to start…).

In addition to the beautiful looking apples that everyone was waiting patiently to get a taste of, there was jack-o-lantern corn hole, ‘guess the amount to win’ cookie and candy jars, pumpkin bowling, face painting, and a table displaying a variety of elaborate dioramas – constructed carefully by the self-dubbed “Portable Posse.” Naturally, these delicately compiled model cabins, airplanes and ‘battle’ scenes involving an intentional clash of eras – knights and dinosaurs fighting gladiators and spacemen – begged for further investigation.

Sophie B, this girl's got skill.

We spoke to Grace S, Samantha W, and Sophie B, who were proudly standing over their creations. We were told that there were 12 or so kids in the talented ‘posse’, and learned of how all the little scenes came to be (“Well, the people from the future came last”…). We were also informed that the long-time ‘sheriff’ of the Portable Posse was stepping down, and that there was to be an election for the new sheriff next week!

Grace S looks destined for a career in movie set design

Before we had a chance to plan our next move, we were distracted by a stream of zombies, puppies, cats (you name it) emerging from the face-paint station. Our instinct was to run and hide, until we remembered that the Halloween spirit produces many alter-egos! A puppy led us
to our next station, where we found Alex J quietly examining the jars. He explained to us that whoever guessed the contents of the jars accurately would be the proud winner of a Halloween jackpot. Noting his inability to look away from the jars, we asked him if this was his favorite part of parent night. “It’s just started!” he said, “There’s a lot more to see.” We moved on feeling foolish for our presumptions.

These two were wise to get their bets in first

Next was pumpkin bowling. Out of the corner of our eyes we spied Kyle S, who was doing some unexpected and inarguably incredible celebratory break-dance moves. He had won 10 tickets in one go, and was understandably delighted with this triumph. Everyone turned around to watch as a booming “WOOOO HOOOOOOO” echoed throughout the room. Teacher Scott A. stood watch from a safe distance and deftly managed the chaos of the burgeoning bowling excitement...

Kyle S, Pumpkin Bowl Champion

A few more chats, (cats, bats, etc) and laughs, and we were off to make our way back to the main office. A train comprised of giggling kids and a cubby basket shuffled past us on our way out. It seemed an appropriate image to summarize such a festive and joyous afternoon.