Goblins, ghouls, witches and trolls...

     Goblins, ghouls, witches  and trolls...Laraway staff waited with candy-filled bowls.  In what has become an agency tradition, students from Laraway School paraded through our administrative offices in full Halloween regalia uttering "Trick or Treat" while offering polite thank you's.
     Tootsie Rolls, M&Ms, and sugary Nerds were among the sweet stuff offered during our annual Halloween Parade. Even some of our high schoolers showed up for handfuls of the crunchy, chewy, fruity and sometimes chocolaty treats.
     If you happen to stop by in a sheet of white, you TOO, may also get your very own Charleston Chew.  Happy  Halloween!

Laraway celebrates Harvest Week with sack races and a guest speaker

     "What we need to figure out is what kind of world we want to have," observed Keith Morris at the opening of Harvest Week.  Morris, a grower, builder, and farm designer from Jeffersonville, Vermont, delivered the keynote address to students and staff at the start of Harvest Week, a celebration of all things harvest at Laraway School.
     Morris told of the transformation of the once-wooded area he grew up in in New Jersey to a place of quick marts and traffic lights.  He challenged listeners to consider the importance of our relationships with plants, animals and people.  He invited listeners to think of stewardship of our environments.
     Laraway teacher Jess McCoy partnered with colleagues across our agency to plan a week of fun and learning for students attending Laraway's K-12 independent school.  Students ran a relay, crafted tie dye shirts, participated in a sack race, and carved pumpkins between activities to prepare our farm for winter.  Trees were mulched and garlic bulbs were planted.  There was even an old-time square dance!
     "A lot of our students have missed out on opportunities to simply play," McCoy said.  "Harvest Week makes their learning environment enticing and inviting."

Community members turn out for Laraway Art Reception

 

  "Amazing work!  Really thoughtful and creative.  Thank you!"
     "Love the work.  Absolutely spectacular!  The Starry Night frames were superb."
     "Very creative work."
     "Thank you for the creative art.  I get to see it every day because I work here.  Your art makes my days much better."
     These are comments by community members and friends who attended Laraway's Art Reception at the Lamoille County Court House on October 10th.  This is Laraway's second show at the historic structure in Hyde Park.
     Laraway youth in attendance mingled with visitors and answered their questions.  It was a great opportunity for young people in our programs to share their creative talents while talking about art.
   

Art Show and Reception on Friday, October 10th, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Lamoille County Court House

The walls of the Lamoille County Court House are adorned with art conceived and created by young people at Laraway Youth & Family Services.  The show has been organized by Kristen Murphy, an art teacher at Laraway School.

            Members of the community are invited to attend an Art Reception at the Lamoille County Court House at 154 Main Street in Hyde Park on Friday, October 10^th, 5:00-7:00 p.m.  Light refreshments will be served.

 “We are delighted to have been invited to present youth art in this grand old building,” said Katherine Stamper, Laraway’s Development Director. “It’s a great opportunity for the kids we serve to share their talents with the community.”

For more information, contact Katherine Stamper at KatherineS@Laraway.org or (802) 635-2805 x 106.

Open House: It's about Connection!

      Is ice cream your thing?  Do you like to make jewelry?  Maybe you enjoy pressing cider or eating vegetables fresh from the garden?  Perhaps you favor strolling around gardens, fields and flowers---that's what we call a Larawalk.  Maybe catching an art show or a photography exhibit catches YOUR fancy?
     These activities and more were offered at Laraway's highly successful Open House Celebration on Thursday, September 18th on our campus in Johnson, Vermont.  Old friends and new, present clients and alumni of our school as well as folks from partner agencies came, learned and connected.
     Foods from Laraway's Kitchen Garden were showcased in a colorful vegetable crudite with homemade dips, seasoned with herbs grown on site.
     Radiant autumn hues provided a multicolor backdrop to our community event.  We are grateful to guests who attended and hope to see you again soon.  If you missed the event and wish take a tour, please contact Katherine Stamper at KatherineS@Laraway.org or (802) 635-2805 x 106.  We'll be happy to show you around!