The TRIP Dance Company, featuring many local dancers, will be performing at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, 122 Hourglass Drive, Stowe on March 24-25 at 7 pm, with general admission seating $25 for adults and $20 for students.  Tickets for this fundraising performance can be purchased in advance directly through the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center atWWW.SPRUCEPEAKARTS.ORG or802-760-4634. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.

2017 Vermont State Scholastic Chess Championships, Kindergarten - Grade 12,  April 8, Berlin Elementary School, Registration at 8:30-9:30am. For details and registration information visit http://vtchess.info or contact Mike Stridsberg at 802-223-1948.  

Mad River Mini Milers  Registration for Mad River Valley Mini Milers youth running program opened online on Monday, Feb. 27th and slots are filled on a first come first serve basis at https://www.runvermont.org/youth/ready-set-run/. The program will begin in the Valley on April 24th (last year we started in SNOW so starting it later this year) and run every Monday for an hour. (or Wednesdaydepending on what the group wants) Session runs 5 weeks and ends May 22nd. It is a volunteer ONLY program, so I would welcome any parents who can help out once in awhile. If your child is in Girls on the Run, this program will not interfere, and I have my own child doing both.
The program is state-wide - brought it to the Valley last year- that allows both girls and boys in grades K-5. Children meet weekly with Mini Milers leaders to get motivated, educated and keep track of their progress. In addition to mileage incentives, t-shirt and medal, participants receive monthly e-letters filled with ideas, citizen challenges and tasty recipes. At the end of the season, I encourage all runners to sign up for the MVP Health Care Kids 1/2 mile, 1 mile or 2 mile run held May, 27th at Waterfront Park in Burlington as a part of the Vermont City Marathon.
The cost per participant in the Mini Miler program is $35.00. Please contact Kim at Kim.Canarecci@vermont.gov for more information.

Technology and Behavior: Benefits and Detriments of the Online World   Harwood Union is pleased to host a presentation by Andrew Donofrio designed to support parents in understanding popular technology and social media usage by today's youth and potential benefits and detriments.  The presentation will share actionable steps that help parents and their children avoid many of the missteps and mistakes made by students in the world of technology.  The presentation will take place March 30, 7:00pm, at Harwood Union High School Auditorium. Mr. Donofrio was a leading computer forensics examiner particularly examining the exploitation of children through technology. Some of the presentation topics include bullying online, unhealthy online social connections and risky behavior, texting while driving, and other current issues.

PAJAMA PARTY at THE COLLECTION SAT, APRIL 1st TO CELEBRATE THE RELEASE OF THE SHEEPOVER BOARD BOOK    Parents and Grandparents with kids of all ages are invited to join us at The Collection dressed in their jammies SAT, APRIL 1st at 11:00 a.m. for story time with Farmer John Churchman.  Farmer John, co-author and illustrator will be reading Sweet Pea and Friends’ Brave Little Finn accompanied by Laddie the border collie.  Story time will begin at 11:15 a.m. followed by a question and answer session after which John will be signing books until 1:00 p.m.
Contact Info: Yvonne Fugate * 496-6055 * collection@madriver.com

Dr. Paul Foxman – “The Worried Child, Recognizing Anxiety in Kids and Teens and Helping them Cope”     Hannah’s House is pleased to welcome Dr. Paul Foxman, founder and Director of the Center for Anxiety Disorder for a two hour presentation  “The Worried Child, Recognizing Anxiety in Kids and Teens and Helping Them Cope”, on April 12, 6-8pm at the Big Picture Theater in Waitsfield.  Dr. Foxman specializes in anxiety disorders in children and adults and presents around the country on this topic.  He frequently appears at conferences and on television and radio shows to address anxiety and stress-related issues and is well known among mental health professionals.  He is the author of several books on of anxiety in children and adults, including The Worried Child, Dancing with Fear, Anxiety Disorders in Kids and Teens, which will be available for sale that evening.This free event is made possible through a grant from The National Life Foundation and the Big Picture Theater for the event venue. For more information contact Barbara@hannahshousevt.org or call 496-9715   

Host Families Needed      Host families are needed in August for high school exchange students. By opening their homes, host families make it possible for members of their community to meet, interact, and learn from someone from a different culture.  Exchange students bring new perspectives that can open minds, creating opportunities for engagement and understanding that strengthen schools and communities alike. Many host families develop a relationship that lasts a lifetime with the student they host.  Families can learn more about CIEE and the exchange program by visiting www.ciee.org/highschool.  For more information contact Susan at susankuegel10@gmail.com