MEMS Community News

Long Trail School to Hose Free Summer Movies

2010-06-15T06:21:00.000-07:00

Long Trail School invites you to join them for some great films under the stars! There will be a concession stand for munchies. Please bring chairs and/or blankets. Showtime is 8:45 p.m.

Wednesday, July 14 Avatar (PG-13)

Wednesday, July 21 Monty Python and the Holy Grail (PG)

Wednesday, August 4 Princess Bride (PG) **Free ice cream will be given to those who have either read or been reading this book.

For questions, please contact the Long Trail School, 867-5717.

20% off at Equipe Sport

2010-06-14T09:36:00.000-07:00

Students, parents and faculty associated with area schools will be eligible to receive a 20% discount on non-sale items the weekend of June 26-27. Click here to view flyer: https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0ByXI_fPIsxEtNGY4ZjE1ZGUtYjZlZi00YmI0LTlmNjctNThhOTI2ZmU1Y2Ex&hl=en

Youth Fishing Derby this Saturday!

2010-06-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

REMINDER: The Forest Service and Trout Unlimited want to remind everyone of Saturday, June 12th's Youth Fishing Derby at Hapgood Pond in Peru. The Derby will be held rain or shine! THIS IS FOR KIDS AGES 12 AND UNDER. and they must be accompanied by an adult.

Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m., with fishing from 9:00 to 11:00. The festivities should last until about noon. Youth fishing day is held in conjunction with National Fishing Week, and Saturday, June 12 is free fishing day in Vermont! This annual Youth Fishing Derby is made possible through donations and volunteer help from many organizations and members of the local communities. Hope to see everyone there!!

FREE to Good Home

2010-06-08T13:11:00.000-07:00

FREE guinea pig to a good home. She's brown and tan; 3 years old. Large cage, water bottle and hut included. If interested, call 366-1222.

Riley Rink Hockey Academy

2010-06-08T12:38:00.000-07:00

Riley Rink will offer a Hockey Academy from July 5-9 for ages 8-15. Click here for information: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0ByXI_fPIsxEtNGQyYzdkMTgtZWUxNi00MThjLWExOTktMzM4Y2IxYjViMTk0&hl=en

Camp Freeze @ Riley Rink

2010-06-08T12:31:00.000-07:00

Camp Freeze @ Riley Rink Summer Vacation Camp for ages 5-11 will be held July 5-9 only from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Choose hockey or figure skating. Click here for info and registration: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0ByXI_fPIsxEtYzhjZDAyNTYtMjRkYS00NjU0LTlhNzUtMTZjOThhOTNhNDA5&hl=en

1st Time Hockey @ Riley Rink

2010-06-08T12:29:00.001-07:00

1st Time Hockey Camp at Riley Rink will be held June 21 - July 28, Mondays and Wednesdays from 6-7 p.m. Gary Grabarz will be director/instructor. For more info and registration, click here: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0ByXI_fPIsxEtNjQyMDE1NjAtMTI4Zi00MzQ5LThjODEtMDA2OTU3YzJhYzIy&hl=en

Mother Myrick's Summer Reading Program

2010-06-08T11:06:00.000-07:00

Mother Myrick's Confectionery is once again offering their Summer Reading Program to area children. Reading Gameboards for children in grades K-6 will be distributed through our school. Using this specially designed game board, done by Burr & Burton art student Nicole Foster of Londonderry, children record their reading progress through the summer. After each reading step, they bring in their game board to be rewarded in candy and chocolate from the Mother Myrick's shop. This year's theme is "Make a Splash" With Reading which is the statewide summer reading theme at our libraries.

You don't have to be around all summer to participate. The many steps gives everyone a chance to receive a prize for completing even a little bit of reading. Additional game boards are available at Mother Myricks. Pick it up or call to have a game board sent directly to you. This year's program begins on June 26th. Happy Reading! (Jacki @ Mother Myrick's; jacki@mothermuyricks.com)

Horse Show Volunteers Needed! July 7 - August 15

2010-06-08T10:06:00.000-07:00

Friends of MEMS is once again manning the gate at the Vermont Summer Festival Horse Show this summer.....and we need your help! We keep 100% of the gate receipts during the 6 weeks of the Show (last year we made over $12,000, jump-starting our current campaign) and volunteers are needed from July 7th til August 15th.

Volunteering at the gate is fun and easy! And....every volunteer get in FREE to a Sunday Grand Prix during the 6-week show! Click here for full details:https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0ByXI_fPIsxEtOWZlNjk3NjgtYTc2NC00YjQ4LTkxMGYtNGJkMDFlZTMwOGMz&hl=en

Pick your 3-hour shift.....from 9-12 or 12-3.....on Wednesdays thru Sundays.....perfect for when the kids are in camp or bring 'em along. Call 802-384-8081 or e-mail bhendrickson@bigplanet.com to sign up. We need all hands on deck to take advantage of this awesome opportunity to raise funds for MEMS. Thanks!

Manchester Youth Soccer Fall Registration due by June 30th

2010-06-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

Grades K-3: $40.00 includes t-shirt

Grades 4-6: $55.00 includes uniform

A $10 late fee will be assessed for registrations received after June 30th.

$5.00/child discount for families registering 2 or more siblings - - scholarships available. Please fill out registration and write "scholarship requested" on the paperwork.

Make check payable to: Manchester Youth Soccer League, fill out the registration form available by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0ByXI_fPIsxEtNjMzZjIwYWItZjg4Yy00OGFkLWJjNzQtZTljMWMyM2QwZjE2&hl=en
and the uniform order form available by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0ByXI_fPIsxEtYzkzODUzN2QtODE4MS00NzE1LTlhY2QtMTNjYmRmNTZhODM4&hl=en

MAIL registration and uniform order form with payment to:

Barry Brown

PO Box 193

Manchester Ctr., VT 05255

OR drop off at:

The Phone Company

116 Lincoln Avenue

Manchester Ctr., VT

Any questions, please contact Barry Brown at barry@phoneco.com

Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day on the Equinox Preserve

2010-06-02T13:27:00.001-07:00

National Get Outdoors Day - - Saturday, June 12th - - is a new, annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. The Equinox Preserve Trust and the Manchester office of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) invite families to participate in the Equinox Scavenger Hunt challenge to celebrate GO-Day. VINS-Manchester staff will be on hand at the Red Gate parking lot on West Union St. from 9-11:30 a.m. handing out scavenger hunt forms and prizes for those nature explorers seeking a fun, active challenge on the trails at the Preserve.

This event is free and open to the public. For more info, contact Rick at the VINS-Manchester office, 362-4374. For more information on GO-Day, visit www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org. Happy trails!

$200 discounts on Summer Riding Camps

2010-06-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

It's time to plan summer! Mountain View Ranch is offering $200 discounts for Vermont residents on all riding camps! Check out all the camp details at www.mountainviewranch.biz. Also on offer are some great deals on Riding Lesson Packages - check out the options below. Riding at the MVR is perfect for horse crazy kids, because it's all about horses, horses and more horses!

During Riding Camp, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., your child is immersed in the world of horses learning about, working with, and riding horses in a fun and safety conscious environment. Our programs not only develop riding skills, but also enhance self-confidence, responsibility and horsemanship skills. Each rider learns to feed, groom, and care for his/her "own" horse safely and enjoys trail rides and lessons every day.

At MVR the focus is on developing a strong connection between horse and child. Most children already come with an innate love and interest in horses; MVR takes that attraction and helps them build a confident connection based on trust, respect, empathy and appreciation for the special horse they call their 'own'. By the end of camps and lessons, kids have bonded with their mounts and learned a lot more about teamwork and the wonderful world of horses.

Something new this year is the Camp Junior Wrangler Program. This program is built into each riding camp, children 15 years old and older are eligible to participate. It is designed to teach wrangler skills such as working with ranch guests, assisting in trail rides and riding lessons, having responsibility for guest horses, horse handling training, minor veterinarian skills, feed and stable management programs and mentoring younger riders. Once this program is successfully completed, participants will be eligible to apply as Junior Wranglers at Mountain View Ranch. If interested, please call (802) 293-5837 or visit www.mountainviewranch.biz for more details. Mountain View Ranch is located at 502 Easy Street in Danby, Vermont.

5 Day Camps - $550/Vermont residents, $750/non-residents:

June 28 - July 2

July 5-9

July 19-23

Aug. 2-6

Aug. 16-20

Aug. 23-27

Ten Day Camps - $950/Vermont residents, $1,250/non-residents (no camp on weekends):

July 19-30

Aug. 2-13

SPECIAL on Riding Lessons Packages. Price offer ends June 30th!

Ten - 1 Hour Lesson Packages

Group Lessons - $250

Private Lessons - $400

Pony Lovers Package - $180:

Six 1.5 hour lessons for beginners ages 6-9. Focus on tacking, basic riding skills, grooming, trail riding, fun and safety

Horse Lovers Package - $180:

Six 1.5 hour lessons for beginners ages 10 to adult. Focus on tacking, basic riding skills, grooming, trail riding, fun and safety.

Canter On! Package - $210:

Six 1.5 hour lessons developing canter, jumping, gaming skills, natural horsemanship, bareback, and trail skills.

Gallop On! Package - $210:

Six 1.5 hour lessons refine riding and horsemanship including course work up to 2' 6", speed classes, equitation, and natural horsemanship.

Take Off With Books!

2010-06-01T04:43:00.001-07:00

Please come to an evening of early literacy fun for children ages 0-4 and their parents/caregivers on Monday, June 7th from 5:30-7:00 p.m. this is a free community event which includes a pizza dinner in the cafeteria followed by an interactive read aloud, crafts, balloon animals and give-away bags filled with books, crayons, markers, puzzles and more!

This evening is made possible by the Friends Foundation for MEMS and Burr and Burton Academy. Contact Susi Garvin at sgarvin@manchesterschools.org if you need additional information.

FREE Lake Monsters baseball Ticket

2010-05-28T10:47:00.000-07:00

Read four books between June 1st and August 1st and get a FREE Lake Monsters ticket, and then join Champ and the Lake Monsters on the field before the game to get your picture taken!

What is the "Hit the Books" Summer Reading Program all about? The Vermont Lake Monsters believe reading is essential for children all year long. Therefore, the Vermont Lake Monsters are teaming up with Price Chopper to reward kids for reading in the summertime. This program is designed to maintain children's reading skills throughout the summer. Any student who reads 4 books between June 1 and August 1 will be given a FREE child's general admission ticket to a 2010 Vermont Lake Monsters regular season home game.

Here's How to Qualify:

Any student in grades K-8 may submit one entry

Read 4 books from June 1 - August 1

Complete the reading log and mail it back with a self-addressed stamped envelope by August 1st. Reading logs are available on the counter in the MEMS main office. No late arrivals (after August 1st) or entires without a self-addressed stamped envelope will be eligible. Reading logs and SASE should be mailed to: Vermont Lake Monsters; Attn: Reading; 1 King Street Ferry Dock; Burlington, VT 05401.

Upon receipt of your reading log and self-addressed stamped envelope, the Lake Monsters will mail you back a FREE 2010 Lake Monsters ticket voucher! Then just come enjoy the family fun atmosphere of a Lake Monsters home game!!!

All participating students wil have the opportunity to be a part of the "Hit the Books" celebration on Sunday, August 22 at Centennial Field. All kids wishing to participate in this celebration must arrive by 11:45 a.m. in order to join the pre-game parade, and be a part of the group photograph with Champ and members of the Lake Monsters!

If you have any questions, feel free to contact the Lake Monsters at 802-655-4200 or via email to Connor Stratford of the Lake Monsters organization at connor@vermontlakemonsters.com

Winged Arts Studio at Maple Street School

2010-05-27T08:22:00.000-07:00

Maple Street School will offer 11 studio courses taught by professional artists in Manchester from June 21-July 2nd. Camps are for boys and girls, ages 7-12, and are held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Extended day care will be offered after 1:30 p.m. Contact Studio Director, Laura Brown for information.

Course selection will include: for boys and girls currently in grades 1 to 3

9:00-10:15 a.m.

Jewelry I

Drama

Art in Nature

10:30-11:45 a.m.

Cartooning I

Puppetry

Weaving I

12:15-1:30 p.m.

Ceramics I

Hip Hop

Photography

for boys and girls currently in grades 4-7:

9:00-10:15 a.m.

Cartooning II

Basketweaving

10:30-11:45 a.m.

Ceramics II

Jewelry II

12:15-1:30 p.m.

Mixed Media

Weaving II

Brochures are available in the MEMS office. For information, call Studio Director, Laura Brown, at 362-7137 or e-mail her at lbrown@maplestreetschool.com.

Congratulations MEMS Students!

2010-05-26T05:22:00.000-07:00

Rebecca Raymond, MEMS Visual Arts teacher, shares that MEMS students created art work for area business ads and submitted them for judging to be published in the Kids Create An Ad supplement to the Vermont News Guide. Students from eight area schools submitted art work All of the students who created designs did a great job and are commended for their outstanding efforts.

The following MEMS students had work chosen for publication:

Grade 1:

Duncan Chamberlain - Perfect Wife Restaurant

Sean Lam - Breznick Woodworking

Grade 2:

Nasier Camp - Candeleros

Grade 3:

Olivier Cazaudumec - Southern VT Glass and Shower Door

Sage Lalor - Pets Etc.

Alexia Smith - Lighting Place

Nate Lalor - Manchester Discount Beverage

Griffin Gourd - Rutland Regional Medical Center

Grade 4:

Hannah Pinkus - Zoey's Double Hex Restaurant

Bryan Emery - P&F Appliance

Emily Bleakie - Stove Depot

Lakin Morgan - Nature's Market

Claire Iannuzzi - Sew Bead It

Grade 6:

Justin Tegen - Bob's Diner

Jack Ams - RK Miles

Hannah Phillips - Al Ducci's

Madison Scott - Dutton Farm Stand

Everett Hazelton - McWayne's Jewelers

What's new at the Manchester Parks and Rec....Equinox Explorers Summer Camp!

2010-05-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

Seven weeks of adventures, friendships, and the great outdoors. Register for one or all seven weeks! Register and pay by May 31 for the full 7-week season and get one week free!

Swim lessons are now offered in the morning and late afternoon! Registrations are being taken now.

Smart Kids Camp for preschoolers. Smart Kids Camp returns for another year of important safety lessons in a fun camp setting. June 21-25, 9 a.m. - noon, at the Park.

Scuba, Snorkeling, Skin Diving and more are offered throughout the summer! Great family fun! Registration and information, go to www.richmorinsproscubacenter.com

Cliff Drysdale Tennis Camps offered Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, the weeks of June 21, June 28 and July 5. Program broken down into age groups. Go to www.cliffdrysdale.com for more info and registration.

Soccer camps galore! Vermont Voltage Soccer Camp, June 28-July 1st; North American Soccer Camp, July 12-16th; and Challenger British Soccer, July 26-30.

Camps divided by age groups. Sign up for the one that fits into your summer schedule.

Triton Swim Team registration has begun. Be a part of a dedicated group of swimmers for a summer of competition and camaraderie! It's great fun and great exercise!

Please see our website for more information and registration forms. www.manchesterrec.com See you at the Park!

The Collaborative to host a Spaghetti Supper and Art Auction

2010-05-25T10:09:00.000-07:00

On Friday, June 4th from 6-8 p.m. at Flood Brook Union School in Londonderry, The Collaborative is hosting a spaghetti dinner and art auction! The cost will be $7/adults, $5/per child ages 4-12, and free for children ages 3 and younger.

All proceeds go to support Collaborative Camp and Extended Day Program scholarships. Come join us for a nice spaghetti dinner, silent art auction, live music and games for the kids! For more info about The Collaborative, please visit www.thecollaborative.us

Anyone interested in volunteering will receive one free spaghetti meal and should expect to show up no later than 5 p.m. Interested volunteers should notify Erika Rogness at The Collaborative, 802-824-4200, or e-mail to erika@thecollaborative.us.

Private Swim Lessons

2010-05-17T11:03:00.000-07:00

Private swim lessons for all ages and abilities will once again be offered this summer at the Lawrence School for Young Children in East Dorset. The scheduling of each one-on-one lesson is extremely flexible to fit your needs. The fee is $25/lesson. Michaela Lewis will return as instructor. Please call Cathy Lawrence at 362-1992 for more information.

Locks Of Love Week at MEMS

2010-05-17T09:21:00.001-07:00

Our Community Service Learning team invites you to participate in "Locks of Love Week" from June 1-11, 2010. To kick off the week, on Tuesday, June 1st several members of the MEMS school community will begin the donations by having their hair cut at a school-wide town meeting. Last year, over 500 inches of hair was donated between the school and community effort.

Members of the community are encouraged to visit their favorite salon, get a haircut, and donate their 10 or more inches of hair to Locks of Love. Locks of Love is a public, non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada suffering from long-term medical hair loss. Hair is needed from men and women, young and old, all colors and races. It is estimated that 80% of all donations come from chidlren who wish to help other children.

The basic donation guidelines are:
•10 inches measured tip-to-tip is the minimum length needed for a hairpiece;
•hair must be clean and in a ponytail or braid before it is cut;
•and hair must be completely dry before it is mailed in.
You may drop off your hair in a Ziploc bag at MEMS. Please include your name so you can be recognized for your act of kindness. For more donation guidelines, please visit www.locksoflove.org/.

How many inches of hair can the Manchester community donate to Locks of Love in one week? We need your help - and your hair - to find out! If you have any questions, please contact Sarah Merrill at 362-1597 x1132.

Be An Art Student for a Day! Free Workshop

2010-05-14T08:09:00.001-07:00

On Saturday, May 29, from 1:30-4 p.m., the Southern Vermont Arts Center will be hosting a free children's art-education event in the Madeira Education Center on the SVAC campus.

"Be An Art Student for a Day" invites children ages 6-10 to have fun experiencing formal art instruction in an informal, laid-back atmosphere.

Stacy Gates, Outreach Coordinator at SVAC explains how the event will run. "We'll start the day with a little inspiration.....a tour of Yester House Gallery, where we'll see the 81st Annual Members' Exhibition and the Art of Action Exhibition."

After the tour, students will head to the studios where four different stations will be set up, each with an instructor and a different art medium, such as sketching, painting or printmaking. Students will rotate among the different activities spending 30-40 minutes at each station to get hands-on experience working in a variety of media.

The event is free, but advance reservations are required as space is limited. While the kids are busy making art, parents are welcome to enjoy the Festival of Fine Art on display in Yester House Gallery. For more info and reservations, call Stacy Gates, Outreach Coordinator, at 362-1405 or e-mail Stacy at sgates@svac.org

2010 June Jam at SVAC

2010-05-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

To purchase tickets, call the Southern Vermont Arts Center Box Office at 802-362-2522.

Magic Flute Arts Workshop for Kids

2010-05-14T08:02:00.001-07:00

Magic Flute Arts Workshop for Kids will be offered in a collaboration between Opera Theater of Weston and Southern Vermont Arts Center on June 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Art projects, an interactive dance program, and participation in a short performance of Mozart's famous opera. $10 for children ages 6-14. Advance registration required. Registration deadline is June 1st. To pre-register, please call Opera Theatre of Weston at (802) 824-3821 or email otw@sover.net.

Shipwrecks In and On Lake Champlain

2010-05-14T07:58:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at Manchester's First Congregational Church, the Manchester Historical Society is sponsoring a talk by Erick Tichonuk of the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum titled "Shipwrecks in and on Lake Chaplain". This event is free and open to all ages. Children accompanied by an adult. Refreshments will be served.

Explore Nature at VINS Nature Camps - Limited Space Available!

2010-05-12T13:16:00.001-07:00

Enjoy a week (or more) of fun and inquiry-based adventure with the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) summer camp programs at Burr and Burton Academy and Hildene. The perfect blend of adventure and discovery, VINS Nature Camps offer children entering grades 1 to 6 with an unforgettable experience of hands-on study of the natural environment, facilitated by certified educators with more than 25 years of experience. Children will have opportunities to study pond ecology, make their own maps, use a hydrogen powered car, create a solar oven, go fishing for lunker bass and much more!

Through June 10th, VINS-Machester is offering a special 10% discount to local children. Enter discount code: MANCVBP061010 when registering on-line at www.vinsweb.org or call 802-359-5000.

For a full detailed listing of offerings and to register for VINS Nature Camps or download a campership application, please visit www.vinsweb.org.

VINS is a non-profit, member-supported environmental education, research and avian rehabilitation organization headquartered in Quechee, VT with a satellite office in Manchester, VT VINS' mission is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment with a priority placed on making high-quality, compelling and fun environmental education programs and learning opportunities accessible to more people and communities. Stay connected to VINS through their new nature blog at vtnature.blogspot.com and their website.

Summer Acting Camp - calling all aspiring thespians!

2010-05-10T13:16:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Grigsby will be running the Drama camp this summer at Long Trail School. The camp will be filled with fun theater games, improvisation, and acting exercises. Kids will learn the rehearsal process and end each session with a performance on the big stage.

Ages 5 to 7: June 28 - July 2

Ages 9 to 13: July 5 - July 23

For more info, call Simone Hughes at Long Trail School, 867-5717 ext. 161.

Fall 2010 Soccer Registration Night for Grades K-6

2010-05-10T11:36:00.000-07:00

Come and Join the Manchester Youth Soccer League

For boys and girls in grades K-6

as of the 2010-2011 school year

living in Manchester, Dorset, Danby, Pawlet and Rupert

When: Tuesday, May 18th from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.

Where: MEMS cafeteria

Fees: due by June 30th

Grades K-3 is $40, which includes shirt

Grades 4-6 is $50, which includes uniform

A $10 late fee will be assessed for registrations after June 30th

*family discounts and scholarships are available.

Questions: Please call Barry Brown at 362-4900 (ext. 211)

email at barry@phoneco.com

SAVE THE DATE - Refuse to Use Kick-off

2010-05-07T04:46:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Refuse to Use Kick-off is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010 from 1:30-3:30 p.m. in the MEMS gymnasium. This is a required event for students in grades 7 and 8 wishing to participate in Refuse to Use. Students must attend with a parent/guardian. For information on the Refuse to Use Program, go to www.thecollaborative.us

Welcoming Fresh Air Fund Children

2010-05-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

Manchester and Dorset "Friendly Town" have been welcoming children to our area through the Fresh Air Fund for many years. This not-for-profit program provides vacations for inner-city children from New York City. Host families willing to share their homes for a one or two week period this summer are being sought.

the children will arrive in our area on June 30th and stay through July 7th or through July 14th. There is also an August trip from Aug. 4th-11th. This is a wonderful gift to a child trapped in a stuffy apartment or confined to the hot pavement of city streets. Sometimes these vacations you provide can have a lasting effect on the children and you as their host family.

For more information, you may contact Martha Thompson at (802) 362-3473, Geralyn Manning at (802) 867-5944, Pat Meulemans at (802) 297-9886 or the Fresh Air Fund at 1-800-367-0003 or visit www.freshair.org

Castleton Basketball Camp for boys 8-18

2010-05-03T06:51:00.000-07:00

Castleton Basketball Camp for boys ages 8-18 will be held July 18-22, 2010. Commuter and overnight options available. Overnight camp fee is $395; commuter camp fee is $300.

Camp Director Paul Culpo has 16 years of collegiate coaching experience including stints at all three division of the NcAA. In addition, Coach Culpo has directed camps and clinics stateside and across the Atlantic as he spent a year coaching professionally as the Head Coach of the Doncaster Panthers in Doncaster, England.

Under Coach Culpo, the Castleton Basketball Camp is designed to enhance the skills of players of all abilities. Camp includes drills to improve fundamentals, competitive age-group games, and daily lectures on the different facets of the game. Shooting, passing, ball-handling, screening and pivoting are key fundamentals that will be stressed during camp.

Registration brochure available on the counter in the MEMS office; or registration can be done online with a credit card payment, at www.castleton.edu/athletics and click on the "Camps and Clinics" link.

Bill Muench Basketball Camp

2010-05-03T05:29:00.000-07:00

The annual Bill Muench Basketball Camp for boys and girls will be held at MEMS this summer. For campers going into 6th and 7th grade, camp will run June 21-June 25th. For campers going into 8th and 9th grade, camp will run June 28-July 2. Both camps run from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Camp spots are limited and taken on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information and registration, visit online at Billmuenchbasketballcamp.co, call 802-379-5431 or click here: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0ByXI_fPIsxEtZjYwNzA4NjYtNDY5NC00ZjZlLWEyZjAtNDVkYWM4OGFhZTNk&hl=en

Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge - Summer 2010

2010-04-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

You'll never run out of ideas for fun things to do this summer with Venture Vermont Outdoor Challenge! This fun program for families and kids is a statewide, outdoor scavenger hunt. You download a score sheet, do fun outdoor activities, take photos of your activities and earn points. When you reach 250 points, send in your score sheet and photos to Vermont State Parks and receive a gold VIP pass for free park entry for the rest of the 2010 season and all of the 2011 season! More info at www.vtstateparks.com/venturevermont.

Vermont Days at Vermont State Parks

2010-04-30T10:38:00.000-07:00

Vermont Days is a way for the State of Vermont's Dept. of Forests, Parks and Recreation to say "thank you" to all Vermonters for their continued support, and to give everyone a chance to try out some of Vermont's most beautiful places. During the weekend of June 12-13, 2010 entry into all Vermont State Parks Day Use areas and all Vermont Historic Sites is FREE! There will also be free park interpretive programs and events statewide.

Saturday, June 12 is free fishing day, where everyone can fish without a license.

For more info go to www.vtstateparks.com and visit the Events page.

After school Tennis Program

2010-04-29T06:11:00.001-07:00

Northshire Community Tennis will feature an after school tennis program to run on Tuesdays and Thursdays for 10 sessions from May 6th until June 8th. The cost is $25 per participant. This fee will be subsidized by Northshire Community Tennis and USTA New England. This program is targeted for beginner and intermediate players ages of 9 to 15.

Intermediate to advanced players who can serve and are ready to play a match can participate in the tennis ladder (match play) on Wednesdays. If you are interested in competitive play on Wednesdays, please mention this when registering for the after school program.

Also being coordinated is tennis for 6 to 9 year old beginners. If you have children interested in this program, please mention this when registering.

After School Tennis Program Information:

Dates: Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 6th to June 8th

Time: 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Location: Equinox Hotel Courts (behind the hotel)

Payment: checks should be payable to NCTA (Northshire Community Tennis Association)

Fee: $25 for 5 week session (same price regardless if you attend one day or all 10 days)

Equipment Required: tennis racquet and tennis shoes

Tennis Pro: Seth Gabriel and assistant

Rain date makeup: call Rhonda at Real Sports/NCTA (362-3377) if you are concerned about the weather; if courts are wet or it is raining, the session will be postponed until that Friday for rain day makeup.

For those who live on the mountain, Stratton and Londonderry area and are interested in a program closer to home, please contact Rhonda for information.

If your child's schedule is too busy this Spring but he/she is interested in tennis this summer, contact Rhonda for information about the Summer Junior Tennis Program which will run from June 26th until the first week of August.

Mark Skinner First Wednesdays Features Children's Book Expert

2010-04-28T06:55:00.000-07:00

Eminent children's book publisher, critic, and editor Anita Silvey will give a guided tour of children's literature in a free talk at the First Congregational Church in Manchester on May 5th. The talk, "Everything I Need to Know I Learned from a Children's Book", is part of the Vermont Humanities Council's First Wednesdays series and take place at 7 p.m.

Silvey will provide insights into the question that has informed her entire career......'What are the best books for children and what do adults remember about them?' Silvey has appeared frequently on NPR, "The Today Show", "60 Minutes", and radio programs in the US and Canada to talk about books for children and teenagers. As Publisher's Weekly has said, "It would be hard to find a more authoritative voice than Anita Silvey"

Silvey has served both as the editor of the Horn Book Magazine and publisher of the Houghton Mifflin/Clarion lists. She is the author of several books including "100 Best Books for Children" and "500 Great Books for Teens". The Vermont Humanities Council's First Wednesdays series is held on the first Wednesday of every month from October through May. Talks are held at First Congregational Church and are hosted by Mark Skinner Library.

For more info, call the Mark Skinner Library at (802) 362-2607.

Looking for a great gift idea?

2010-04-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Well, look no further! The Shop Around for MEMS Savings Card makes a great graduation, Mother's Day or Father's Day gift! Get discounts and savings at 12 area businesses with your Savings Card. Click here for details: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0ByXI_fPIsxEtYjAxNTgyMWUtMzE3ZS00MzgzLWJiMDQtMmQ1OTgyYzVhODQ5&hl=en

Smart Kids Camp at the Rec Park

2010-04-14T07:22:00.000-07:00

Smart Kids Camp returns for another week of important safety lessons geared toward pre-schoolers. This popular program teaches essential safety lessons and provides valuable educational experiences in a fun camp setting.

Special guests include the Manchester Rescue Squad, Manchester Police, and Amy from the Battenkill Sports Bicycle Shop. Every camper should bring a snack and wear play clothes and sneakers.

Camp runs June 21 - 25 from 9 a.m. to noon. Drop off and pick up at the Dana L. Thompson Memorial Pavilion by playground.

This camp fills up fast, so register early! Cost $55/residents and $75/non-residents. For more info and registration, please go to www.manchesterrec.com

Man. Parks and Rec Summer Camp

2010-04-14T07:14:00.000-07:00

Summer camp for 2010 has been completely redesigned! Equinox Explorers will focus primarily on outdoor activities in our natural settings. Campers will actively participate in programs that will introduce survival skills awareness, hiking etiquette, water safety, boating orienteering, flora and fauna tree and leaf identification, nutrition and much, much more!

Camp runs for seven weeks. You can sign up for individual weeks, or the entire seven weeks. The first session runs June 28 - July 2 and the last session runs August 9 - 13. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Early and late supervision is available, too.

For more information and registration, please go to www.manchesterrec.com; or contact Nancy Lewis at n.lewis@manchester-vt.gov, or 362-1313 for more information.

SVAC Summer Camp Information

2010-04-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

Southern Vermont Arts Center is offering Children's Summer Camps - 2 sessions are available August 3-6 and August 10-13 for children who will be going into grades 2-6. $160/members; $180/non-members

Session 1: August 3-6.......Exploring the State of Vermont in Art

Learn about the history, folklore and industry of Vermont as you practice different art techniques. Learn about the art of some famous Vermont artists, including Norman Rockwell, Sabra Field and Woody Jackson. Learning about the various state symbols will provide you with a plethora of images for drawing and painting exercises. The beautiful surroundings, and all that you see, will also provide you with inspiration for projects. The week will culminate with one of Vermont's most famous icons -- some Ben and Jerry's ice cream, of course.

Sessions 2: August 10-13.....Mythical Beasts and Beauties

Explore mythical beasts and beauties throughout history and from different corners of the world. Hear some of the world's oldest and most interesting stories and learn a variety of art techniques while creating arts works inspired by them. Students will also be able to design their own fanciful creature to replicate in a 3 dimension form.

Pre-registration required and space is limited. Call Stacy Gates, Outreach Coordinator for SVAC, at 362-1405 x32 for more information.

Green Mountain Conservation Camps

2010-04-07T13:09:00.000-07:00

An unforgettable week of outdoor fun!

What will you learn?

Vermont's fish and wildlife

Forests and forestry

Wetland ecology

Building bluebird houses

First aid and outdoor safety

Fly and spin fishing

Archery

Hiking and camping

Canoeing

Who will be there?

Campers will meet Vermont state game wardens, foresters, fisheries and wildlife biologists, and others who work in the outdoors. Opportunities for new friendships abound!

What does it cost?

The cost if only $200 for a fun filled week of learning in Vermont's great outdoors. Scholarships are available from the Manchester Rod and Gun Club. Your fee includes plenty of food, equipment and instruction. Camp runs in one week sessions in June, July and August for girls and boys ages 12-14.

Conservation camps are held at Buck Lake in Woodbury, VT and Ed Kehoe in Bomoseen, VT. For an application, visit www.vtfishandwildlife.com; click on - Youth pages and then on GMCC Camps

Manchester Rod and Gun Club offers $175 scholarships for girls and boys. You must be a resident of Vermont living within a 30 mile radius of Manchester Center. Applications for scholarships are available in the MEMS main office.

Circus Smirkus Returns July 8 and 9

2010-04-06T13:38:00.001-07:00

Grab your backpack, set your compass and join the intrepid Smirkus Scouts in celebrating the great outdoors, inside the circus ring as the circus troupe takes you over majestic mountains and across racing rivers. Hike the wilderness alongside Trailblazing Tumblers, soar with Alpine Aerialists and trek through the trees with juggling Lumberjacks.

Circus Smirkus, Vermont's award-winning international youth circus, is celebrating 23 years of bringing joy and magic to towns all over New England. This summer, the traveling youth circus will perform 67 shows in 15 towns, from the mountains in Vermont to the shores of Maine, with stops along the way in new Hampshire, New York and Massachusetts. Thirty teen stars, ages 10 to 18, bring polished skills and youthful exuberance from all parts of the country and the world.

This year's 23rd tour "Wilderness Wonders Outdoor Adventures Under the Big Top" is full of talent and spectacle, with aerials, acrobatics, high wire, juggling, trapeze, clowning, live music and brilliant costumes. Talented troupers will explore the "FUNtier" as Circus Smirkus celebrates the great outdoors with merrymaking, mirth and a touch of magic, in a fantastically fabulous four-season spectacle! Sure to delight circus goers of all ages.

Circus Smirkus returns to the Dorr Farm in Manchester Center on July 8 and 9 with performances a 2 and 7 p.m.

Southern VT Arts Center Spring Offerings

2010-03-31T11:08:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendar: Spring into May's Festival of Fine Art! The 81st annual members' exhibition will be May 8-June 15 and feature:

Out of the Woods: works by Northern New England Furniture Makers

The Art of Action: Shaping Vermont's Future Through Art

From May 8-November 14 view Outdoor Sculpture exhibition.

Free opening reception on Saturday, May 8 from 4-6 p.m.; featuring hors d'oeuveres and cash bar.

Explore 10 galleries of inspiring artwork and exceptional craftsmanship during May's month-long celebration of Fine Art, featuring a stunning collection of diverse perspectives by some of the region's finest visual artists.

Robert K. Carsten: Spring into Pastel Workshop will be held April 16 and 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Studio II. $160/members; $185/non-members. Contact SVAC for details.

Long Trail School Summer Camp

2010-03-29T09:34:00.001-07:00

LTSummer announces its 2010 Summer Camp Season! A 10% discount is being offered for returning campers. This discount offer is valid until April 15th.

Visit the Long Trail website at longtrailschool.org/ltsummer for all the great camps being offered this summer. Some tried and true.....and some brand new!

Please call Simone Hughes at 867-5717 x161 with any questions or to receive a brochure by mail.

8 out of 10 Teens Don't Smoke!

2010-03-29T05:54:00.000-07:00

Teen smoking in Vermont has gone way down in recent years, but any people still think that the majority of teens smoke cigarettes. We're busting that myth! The reality is that 84 percent of teens in our state don't smoke. So hit the reset button on what you think most teens do, and don't let this misperception about how many Vermont teens smoke fool you.

Did you know........

•An octopus has 3 hearts.

•Montpelier, Vermont is the only U.S. state capital without a McDonalds.

•On an American one-dollar bill, there is an owl in the upper left-hand corner of the "1" encased in the "shield" and a spider hidden in the front upper right-hand corner.

Did you also know......

•73% of Vermont students think it is wrong for kids their age to smoke.

•Cigarette smoke contains about 4,000 chemical agents.

•Vermont teenagers DO NOT think that smoking makes young people look cool or fit in, 91% of them in fact.

The Collaborative is working closely with the Vermont Dept. of Health and throughout the months of March and April we are focusing our efforts to encourage more youth to say no thanks to smoking -- just like most other Vermont teens.

Visit www.8outof10.com. At this website you'll find that sometimes things just aren't what they seem. Check out what the Truth Monkey has to say, download cool wallpaper, order free stuff, and play the "mix it up" feature for a mixed-up take on some everyday images.

Appearances can be deceiving. Have you seen the "8 out of 10" TV ads? They're definitely not what they seem at first. If you miss the ads on TV, don't worry; they can be viewed at the www.8outof10.com site.

If you are interested in learning more about quitting tobacco use for yourself, a loved one or child, here are some resources:

•Vermont Dept. of Health, www.vtquitnetwork.org or 1-800-784-8669 Quitting Tobacco Resources and Programs;

•The Collaborative, www.thecollaborative.us or 1-802-824-4200 Information and Resources for Adults and Teens

•American Lung Association, www.notontobacco.com Teen Quitting Tobacco Program and Information

•Springfield Hospital, www.springfieldhospital.org or 802-885-7346 Quitting Tobacco Resources and Programs

•Grace Cottage Hospital, www.gracecottage.org or 802-365-3649 Quitting Tobacco Resources and Programs

The Collaborative is a substance abuse prevention coalition in Manchester and Londonderry. Throughout the community and area schools, we enhance youth tobacco prevention and help reduce children's use of and exposure to tobacco products. We are a nonprofit organization that promotes the development of a healthy, involved community supporting substance free youth in a caring environment. Get Involved!

Southern VT Mountain Soccer Club openings for Girls in Grs. 1 and 2

2010-03-18T08:10:00.000-07:00

Coached by Andrea Lee, the current BBA Boys JV Gold Head Coach, the U8 Fusion soccer division is designed to bring the love of soccer to young girls in grades 1 and 2 by introducing soccer skills and team building strategies using age appropriate training curriculum.

Coach Lee has worked extensively with youth in the soccer as well as hockey arenas and has a real love of the game to share with players in this age group. Training begins indoors at the Riley Rink on artificial turf and proceeds outdoors in April. This is a great program for young ladies! SVM Fusion offers a quality soccer experience for girls in U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 levels of play.

Please contact Veronica Jorgensen at svmfusionadmin@gmail.com to register!

2010 Burr and Burton Summer Camps

2010-03-18T04:40:00.001-07:00

From field hockey to Photoshop, ceramics to softball, tennis to Techsploration - BBA offers it all at the 2010 Summer Camps with programs for children and adults!

2010 BBA Summer Camps offer some great programs for elementary and middle school aged children such as ceramics, various sport camps, dance, and technology to name just a few.

In addition, BBA is also offering several adult courses this summer.

For more information and to register, visit bbacamps.ticketjunior.com or contact Kevin Morrison, Director of the BBA Summer Camps, at 379-8300.