Let’s Talk Italy
2024-09-19 17:00 - 18:15, 2024-09-26 17:00 - 18:15, 2024-10-03 17:00 - 18:15, 2024-10-10 17:00 - 18:15, 2024-10-17 17:00 - 18:15 (America/New_York) | Joslin Memorial Library, 4391 Main Street, Waitsfield, 05673
Susan Day, who has been touring Italy for over 20 years (mostly by bicycle), will lead participants on a journey of the contemporary Italian countryside–with a bit of language thrown in. She’ll share information about the different geographic regions, and what makes them unique, particularly when it comes to food and wine. Participants will practice helpful words and phrases, laugh at themselves as they pronounce double constants and the Italian “r”, translate menus, and spend at least one session cooking.
A presto! Pre-registration is required. Go to the Joslinmemoriallibrary website and Click on Upcoming Programs to register.

MRV Libraries Pub Trivia
2024-10-03 19:00 - 20:00 | Hostel Tevere, 203 Powderhound Rd, Warren, VT, 05674, United States
This month’s trivia, is once again at the Deco restaurant at Hostel Tevere. Please reserve a table for you and your team by calling 802-496-9222. Questions about all things haunted will make for a spooky evening.

Journeys on the Long Trail
2024-10-04 18:00 - 19:30 | Moretown Town Hall and Library, 1147 Route 100B, Moretown, 05660
Join Sandi Pierson for a presentation on this 272 mile trail along the crest of the Green Mountains from Massachusetts to Canada. Sandi has hiked the trail alone, with her four sisters, twice with her son and always with a pup by her side. Light refreshments will be served.

Geology Event at Mad River Glen! Family-Friendly
2024-10-05 13:00 - 13:45 | Mad River Glen, 57 Schuss Pass Road, Waitsfield, 05673
Join us on October 5th for an engaging presentation by Greg Walsh of the U.S. Geological Survey. From 1:00-1:45 pm at the Mad River Glen Basebox. Families can dive into Stark Mountain’s geologic history with interactive activities like visualizing Earth’s timeline and piecing together the Pangaea supercontinent. Perfect for kids 5 and up, this event also features new geology signs along the mountain’s snowshoe trails, and families can ride the single chair to view the foliage.
Don’t miss out—pre-register here: bit.ly/geologypresentation #FamilyFun #Geology #MadRiverGlen #StarkMountainFoundation #Vermont
**Illustration by Sarah Clowes, modified from “Rock Cycle” by Siyavula Education

von Trapp Farmstead – Farm Tour
2024-10-05 15:00 - 16:30 | von Trapp Farmstead, 251 Common Road, Waitsfield, Vermont, 05673
Trace the path of von Trapp Farmstead’s award-winning organic cheeses on a guided farm tour: from pasture to store!
Beginning at the farm store, we’ll walk out on pasture and learn about how we manage soil health and cultivate a diverse diet for our cows. From there, we’ll go find the cows – either on pasture or in the covered barnyard taking a mid-day break in the shade and then learn a little about cheesemaking. Finally, we’ll return to the farm store where you’ll get to sample all of our cheeses and check out the many local products in the store!
Some things to keep in mind:
Wear closed toe shoes
Dress for the weather (hats, sunscreen, raincoat, etc.)
Leave your animals at home
During check out, you will read the Vermont Act 31 Agritourism liability warning
Our tour is geared towards adults and older children. We do not recommend this tour for toddlers and young children. If you do plan to bring young children, they need their own ticket and must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the tour

MRV Conservation & Recreation Visioning (CRV) Community Forum
2024-10-09 17:00 - 20:00 | Lareau Farm, 48 Lareau Road, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Local recreation and conservation groups invite you to join the MRV Conservation & Recreation Visioning (CRV) team as we host our third Community Forum on Wednesday, October 9th at the Pavilion at Lareau Farm in Waitsfield.
The forum will begin with a potluck at 5 PM; we encourage everyone to bring a dish to share, as well as your own reusable bowl/place/silverware, in order to eliminate waste at the event. The potluck will be followed by a meeting from 6 – 8 PM.
During the forum, we’ll be looking for your feedback on a draft shared vision and principles to guide our community’s ongoing efforts to balance recreation and environmental integrity. Our Steering Committee will also present a summary of the desired conditions we aspire to for our environment and trail network. We look forward to hearing your ideas for our shared future!
See more info at our website: www.mrvrd.org/conservation-recreation-visioning-crv or email the Community Project Manager, Emily Friedman, at madrivercrv@gmail.com with questions or to get on the email list.

Book Launch – Janet Hubbard Brown’s Novel
2024-10-10 17:00 - 18:30 | Lareau Farm Inn, 46 Lareau Rd., Waitsfield, 05673
Longtime Mad River Valley resident, world traveler, teacher, bon vivant, and author of more than two dozen books – Janet Hubbard Brown left us one last literary gift before her recent death: The Eloquence of Grief, published by Touchpoint Press.
Join us as we celebrate Janet’s final novel with a Book Launch in the Red Barn Galleries at the Lareau Farm. The event features selected readings from the book and a cash bar. Price of admission includes a copy of the novel.
A co-production of Phantom Theater and the Big Picture Theater.

Addison West Tent Sale
2024-10-11 10:00 - 2024-10-13 15:00 | Addison West, 5275 Main Street, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Addison West will be popping up several tents this weekend full of amazing deals! Holiday, home decor, pantry essentials, clothing and free bins will be stuffed into the tents. Appalachian Gap Distillery will be on hand to sample out their fine spirits and selling bottles. Sale starts Friday and will continue Saturday and Sunday, come Friday for the best bargains!

American Flatbread Benefit Bake for Circle in Support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month
2024-10-11 16:00 - 21:00 | American Flatbread, 46 Lareau Rd, Waitsfield, 05673, United States
American Flatbread Waitsfield is hosting a fundraiser/awareness event for Circle, Washington County’s domestic violence shelter and services organization. They will be donating $5 for every pizza sold.

Around the World in 120 Days
2024-10-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Moretown Town Hall and Library, 1147 Route 100B, Moretown, 05660
Join Moretown Resident Bill Nowlan at Moretown Library for an evening of human interest stories and photographs from a recent four month journey that took him literally around the world . While traveling with Semester at Sea, a floating college campus, he visited nine countries in Asia and Africa . With six days in each port, Bill had time for meaningful exploration and interaction with the local communities. He says he came home a changed man. Light refreshments will be served.

MRVBC Fall Trail Work Day
2024-10-13 09:00 - 15:00 | Catamount Trail Section 19S Trail Head (Battleground Condos), 4606 Battleground Road, Waitsfield, Vermont, 05673, United States
The new tools are here, the new tools are here!
Just in time for Trail Work Day – Sunday Oct 13
The Mad River Valley is extremely fortunate to have access to one of the most incredible backcountry recreation opportunities in Vermont – the Phen Basin. As a chapter of the Catamount Trail Association, MRVBC has committed to the care and management of access to this resource by adopting section 19S from the Battleground condominiums north to the Long Trail in Huntington Gap. This commitment includes organizing an annual Fall Trail Work day where volunteers have an opportunity to help ensure continued access by working to maintain the trail and its features. And just in time, your membership dollars at work, we have a suite of new tools to make light work (dare we say, fun??!!) of clearing those ankle grabbers and pow line interrupters.
With several bridges, a consistent slope, unique natural features, and beautiful views, this section provides excellent access for non-motorized wintertime use. Come explore the trail while helping to keep it in good shape. This year work will focus on simple sight line clearing, blazing, and lopper work higher up the trail. If this is of interest – please bring your best yard-sale, animal encounter, or dawn patrol story and join us! You will hear great stories and intel from Trail Chief Alan Hammersmith and Board Secretary Kevin Russell (one of THE most knowledgeable folks in the Valley when it comes to our natural and trail spaces). There will no doubt be some post work trail side merriment as well!
Please visit the MRVBC.org event page for contact information. We ask that you register to let us know you are coming!
Also, please consider other Catamount Trail Association trail work days!

2024 Trail Work Schedule

If you enjoy working in the woods and have some time to spare, please join the Valley’s Catamount Trail Assn Trail Chiefs in the their annual effort to clear the Catamount Trail of blow-downs, branches, and brush.
Things You’ll Need
You’ll need lunch, water, long pants, layers, work gloves, hiking boots, an orange hunting vest or similar during hunting season, and a pair of loppers or handsaw. Bring a friend, give back to the trails you enjoy, and help CTA provide trail users with great experiences this winter.

Camp Meade Fall Family Festival
2024-10-13 11:00 - 17:00 | Camp Meade, 961 ROUTE 2, middlesex, 05602
Join us for our inaugural Fall Family Festival and Community Art Show! Free tickets available at our website.
11-5 = Food (Peaceburger) + drinks (The Local) available (+ Red Hen 11-3)
11-5 = Story Walk + cabin tours
11-5 = Face painting + art projects
11-2 = Instrument Petting Zoo
11-12 = Lawn games
12-1 = Story Time w/ George Leal (English) + Jessica Robles (Spanish)
12-2 = World of Leaves walks with Gail Johnson
1-3 = Pumpkin painting, carving
2:30 = Fire onion lighting (weather-permitting) + Carving contest prizes
3-5 = Community Art Show Opening Reception
Our shared experiences of making, working and playing create connections that bridge our differences, so the Planetary Art Institute offers opportunities for neighbors, friends, and families to experience delight, surprise, and togetherness through creativity and collaboration.

Just Getting By Film Screening & Community Discussion
2024-10-17 17:00 - 19:00 | The Big Picture Theater & Cafe, 48 Carroll Rd, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Just Getting By, a new documentary film by Bess O’Brien, is a sweeping, yet intimate look at the lives of Vermonters who are struggling with food and housing insecurity.
The film, being presented by ShareMRV and The Big Picture Theater, will run from 5:00-6:30PM at The Big Picture Theater & Cafe on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Following the community screening, a community discussion will be hosted by Capstone Community Action from 6:30-7:00PM.
The event is FREE to all.

Line Dancing Pop-Up with Larissa
2024-10-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Farmsprung Gatherings, 2692 East Warren Road, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Alright MRV, I hear you want to DANCE! Help me try out some future programming for next season—if folks are interested, I’ll offer this kind of gathering more regularly in the future.
I’m offering more LINE DANCING lessons by popular demand before we close up Stowell Barn for the season.
Join me for some low-stakes social dancing that you can do solo—no dance experience required (plus no hetero-normative male/female, lead/follow roles to navigate!).
This Thursday it will be pay what you wish at the door via Venmo, Square (credit card), or cash.
Here’s what to expect & bring:
Attire:
+ comfy shoes for dancing (boots are fun but not required)
+ wear warm clothes you can move in, specifically LAYERS! It’s going to be chilly this late in the season, but once we start moving we may warm up some and may want to don/doff layers. I’ll have the patio heater going, but keep in mind that Stowell Barn is a 3 season space
Lessons & Dancing:
+ ~ 45 min to 1 hr lessons for 3 different line dances at multiple entry levels (beginner & advanced beginner); folks can participate in as much or as little as they’d like.
+ After lessons I’ll play music and folks will get a chance to practice the dances we learned at different tempos on our sprung floor (your knees and feet will thank you)
+ if folks have dances they’d like to do that I’m NOT teaching, I’m happy to take requests for later in the evening! Just let me know what songs to add to the playlist. I’m planning to cover “Muddy Muddy,” “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” and “Wagon Wheel”
Other info:
+ Feel free to BYOB—I’ll provide water too.
+ Couches and seating available when folks want to sit out anything, or need a rest between dances
+ Parking on the grass by the barn
+ Barn is accessible by ramp (from a grass parking surface), but the dance floor has a 2 inch step up
+ portalet available on site; it unfortunately is not accessible
Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out!

VT Kindness Project: The Faces of Aces
2024-10-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Moretown Town Hall and Library, 1147 Route 100B, Moretown, 05660
A presentation on the cutting edge science of trauma and resilience, followed by a
screening of the film The Faces of ACEs, a discussion, and a demonstration of a few simple techniques for regulating stress.
Facilitated by filmmaker and trauma educator Kimberly Pierce, founder of The Vermont Kindness Project. No registration required!

Recreation Hub Grand Opening & MRV Recreation District 30th Anniversary
2024-10-20 13:00 - 15:00 | MRV Chamber Welcome Center, 9 Route 17, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Join us for the grand opening of the new Mad River Valley Recreation Hub This exciting new center is designed to inspire adventure and connect locals and visitors to the Valley’s incredible outdoor opportunities and our business district. The celebration will also honor the 30th anniversary of the Mad River Valley Recreation District, featuring family-friendly activities and outdoor exploration. With maps, guides, and info on all things hiking, biking, skiing, and paddling, the Rec Hub is the go-to resource for year-round fun.
Event Timeline

Noon – Riparian Buffer planting begins (bring your own tools, volunteers meet by the Mill Brook)
1:00 Ribbon Cutting on Mill Brook Bridge, thank you VOREC!
1:10 Volunteer Thank You & Recruitment
1:15 – 2:15 Tours & Events
Friends of the Mad River: Riparian Buffer Planting Continues
Mad River Path: Off-Grid Bathroom Explained
Chamber of Commerce: Tours of the Welcome Center & Itinerary Builder
Mad River Riders Kids’ Bike Event
2:15 Celebrate 30 years of MRVRD
(Refreshments inside at the Welcome Center with MRVRD timeline on display)
MRVRD Volunteer Awards Announced
3:00 Wrap Up

Attendees will enjoy refreshments, giveaways, and live demos of the Hub’s interactive displays. This is a great opportunity to meet the local recreation leaders and discover all the ways to get outside and play in the Valley.
Come explore the future of outdoor recreation in the Mad River Valley!
About the MRV Recreation Hub
The Mad River Valley Recreation Hub offers a one-stop resource center for residents and visitors alike to access trail maps, travel information, and guidance on outdoor activities throughout the Valley. It came about via a partnership with the MRV Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Mad River, Mad River Path, Mad River Riders, MRV Recreation District and the Town of Waitsfield.

Author / Illustrator Jason Chin Visits Inklings Children’s Books!
2024-11-02 10:00 - 11:00 | Inklings Children’s Books, 106 Mad River Greeen, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Inklings is so excited to welcome author/illustrator and Caldecott medalist, Jason Chin on Saturday, November 2nd at 10am!
Jason will be sharing LIFE AFTER WHALE, which follows a blue whale’s enormous body to the bottom of the ocean, where it sets the stage for a bustling new ecosystem to flourish.
Following the reading, Jason will do an illustration demonstration for the children!!

Join the 2nd Annual Waitsfield Holiday Walkabout!!
2024-12-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Mad River Green Shops, 107 M, waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Come celebrate the holidays in the Mad River Valley at the 2nd Annual Waitsfield Holiday Walkabout!!
Step back into the charm of an old-fashioned holiday and join local shops on Saturday December 7th, from 12pm – 4pm, for Live Music, Cookie Decorating, S’more Making, Crafting, Delicious Food, and Hot Chocolate- and a visit from Santa!!!
Join the Holiday Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win big prizes!!
Follow participating shops for more information.
PLANNED ACTIVITIES:
Bridge Street:
Holiday Card Making and Stories at Early Literacy Labs, 12PM – 4PM
Cookie Decorating at Joslin Memorial Library, 1PM – 3PM
Santa’s Helpers Collect Letters to Santa at Library Steps, 1PM – 2PM
Santa Claus on Bridge Street, 1PM – 2PM
Lighting of luminaries at 4:15PM
Mad River Green Shops:
Beignets, Hot Cocoa, and Holiday Treats from Three Mountain Cafe, 12PM – 4PM
Free S’more making, 12PM – 4PM
Write Letters to Santa and Crafts at Inklings Children’s Books, 12PM – 4PM
Live Holiday Music w/Madigan Linnane, 12:30 – 1:30PM
Santa’s Helper Collects Letters to Santa at The Collection, 2:15PM – 3:15PM
Candy canes at Whippletree Designs
Photos with Santa at Inklings Children’s Books, 2:15PM – 3:15PM
PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES:
Artisans’ Gallery
Barrie Fisher Photo + Gallery
Blockhouse Studio
The Collection
Deadrise Revival
Drip Culture
Early Literacy Labs
5th Quarter Butcher Shop
Gracie’s Tamales
Inklings Children’s Books
Joslin Memorial Library
Mad River Massage
Mad River Taste Place
The Mad Rover
Quayl’s Chocolates
Product Think Tank
Salt & Sand Studios
Serenity Now Studio
Someday Boutique
Stephanie Grace Ceramics
Three Buds Apothecary
Three Mountain Cafe
Whippletree Designs

MRV Chamber Offers Community Training on Gender-Based Violence Awareness and Prevention
2024-12-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Sugarbush Resort – Mt. Ellen, Fayston, Vermont, 05673
Mad River Valley, VT – In the Mad River Valley, we believe that safety is a fundamental right for all who live, work, and visit here. In alignment with our commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming community, the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to continue our Stand Up For Safety campaign. This initiative began 3 years ago to provide vital resources, signage, and training to empower our community to address harm and create a culture of safety and support.
As part of this campaign, we invite you to join us on Monday, December 11th, at Mt. Ellen for a special training session on recognizing and responding to gender-based violence. The training, taking place from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., will be led by international speaker Anna Nasset, owner of Stand Up Resources. Anna will provide critical education and tools to enhance awareness and equip attendees to take actionable steps in preventing and addressing gender-based violence. Please RSVP if you plan on attending by emailing info@madrivervalley.com
This training is open to all Chamber members and their staff. We encourage businesses to bring their teams to learn how they can contribute to the safety and well-being of our community and our guests. Participants will also receive collateral materials, including posters and resources, to display in business restrooms or bulletin boards, reinforcing the campaign’s message throughout the Valley.
Event Details:

What: Gender-Based Violence Awareness Training
When: Wednesday, December 11th, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Where: Sugarbush Mt. Ellen base Lodge
Presenter: Anna Nasset, Stand Up Resources

Together, we can create a safer, more inclusive Mad River Valley by standing up for one another and those who visit our beautiful community.
For questions or more information, please contact Anna Nasset at anna@standupresources.com.
About Stand Up Resources:
Stand Up Resources is dedicated to providing education, training, and advocacy to address gender-based violence and foster safe communities worldwide. Owner Anna Nasset is an international speaker with extensive experience in victim advocacy and prevention strategies.
About the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce:
The Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce is committed to supporting local businesses, promoting sustainable tourism, and fostering a vibrant, connected community.

Climb It For Climate – Touring Rally & Climate Ski Film Fest
2024-12-13 17:00 - 20:30 | Sugarbush Resort, 102 Forest Drive Warren, VT 05674, Warren, 05674
Calling all backcountry touring enthusiasts, outdoor recreationists, and those concerned about our changing climate!
Join Friends of the Mad River and the Mad River Valley Backcountry Coalition for an uphill touring rally and climate-focused ski film fest this Friday. The evening will begin with an uphill tour of Lincoln Peak followed by screenings of climate focused ski films that will build the stoke for a discussion about climate action in the recreational community. Come to shred, stay for thoughtful conversation about our role in safeguarding the future of outdoor recreation and winter weather through collective climate action!
Learn more and sign up with the link provided.
Schedule:
5:00 – Touring begins! 75 min lap departs
5:15 – 60 minutes lap departs
5:30 – 45 minutes lap departs
6:15 – all skiers return, change, and eat dinner
6:30 – Bar opens
7:00 – Films start
8:30 – Evening concludes

Sugarbush Wall Of Fame Celebration Honoring Win Smith
2024-12-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Gate House
Join us this Saturday, December 14th, as we honor Win Smith at the Sugarbush Wall of Fame Celebration.
Established during the resort’s 60th anniversary, the Wall of Fame annually recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to fostering a spirit of lifelong adventure and camaraderie among Sugarbush staff, guests, and the community.

Solstice Celebration at the Big Picture
2024-12-21 15:00 - 20:30 | Big Picture Theater, 44 Carroll Road, Waitsfield, 05673
A free community event featuring
3p – the classic Christmas movie “It’s a Wonderful Life”
5p – Carol singing with pianist Carey Bennet
6p – Community potluck: bring a dish to share!
7p – a Moth-Inspired Storytelling event hosted by Phantom Theater with the theme: Stories of the Solstice & Transformation.
A great family friendly gathering!
Owner Claudia Becker will be on hand to share thoughts about the future of this important community hub.

Mrs. Claus Elf Party at Inklings Children’s Books!
2024-12-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Inklings Children’s Books, 106 Mad River Greeen, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Join Mrs. Claus at Inklings Children’s Books for an Elf Party! Cookies, crafts, and drinks for all.
People dressed as an elf will get an official elf certificate from Mrs. Claus herself, direct from the North Pole!!
FREE and open to all.

Winter Solstice Tea Party at Joslin Memorial Library
2024-12-22 16:00 - 17:30 | Joslin Memorial Library, 4391 Main Street, Waitsfield, 05673
Join Joslin Library and music-maker Lynn Noble on one of the shortest days of the year for our 5th annual celebration of light and community.
We’ll have tea, goodies, a cozy fire, a shadow puppet show, and plenty of songs and chants to get us in the spirit.
All are welcome. Please be sure to dress for the weather.

Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration
2024-12-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Rusty Parker Memorial Park, Park Row, Waterbury, 05676
Join us Sunday afternoon, December 29th, at Rusty Parker Memorial Park, at 4:00 pm for our third annual Menorah Lighting and Chanukah Celebration! Delicious Chanukah treats, music, hot cocoa, and and so much more! Also on the menu: good vibes and festive fun.
Our noses may be a little frosty, but with community togetherness and a public display of BEAMING Jewish pride like no other, our souls will be warm and bright.
We are so looking forward to you joining us for our biggest and best year yet. This event is open to all.
We hope to see you there!

Children’s Poetry Workshop at Inklings Children’s Books!
2025-01-11 11:00 - 12:30 | Inklings Children’s Books, 106 Mad River Greeen, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
What is poetry? What are the rules (if any)? Can I write a poem? Writer Erika Nichols-Frazer is leading a poetry workshop for young people curious about this beautiful art form that people have expressed themselves with for thousands of years.
Erika will share examples of different types of poetry, talking about the different approaches of each writer. She’ll also give everyone the opportunity to write something of their own and also write something as a group!
RECOMMENDED AGE: 8 – 12
DATE: January 11th – 21st, 11AM – 12:30PM
