Sugarloaf, Maine was the point of destination for Charlotte Scott, Rodeo Purves-Langer, Hayden Higgins, Laila Fenner, Katherine and Elizabeth Chvatal. After making their way up the elementary ladder, it was finally their turn to take school on the road for the annual right of passage: the fifth grade ski trip.

With parents Josh Scott, Molly Purves, Adrian Higgins, Keith Fenner and Molly Chvatal along for the ride with nurse Janice Brown and educator Becky Barca-Tinus taking the lead, snowy conditions awaited the crew in Carrabassett Valley.

But shortly after their adventure began, Hayden took ill. The flu quickly took over and he and his dad returned to the boat. The class ventured north one student shy but with a stuffed bear, thoughtfully named Hayden, who went everywhere with the class. Yes, the bear version of Hayden even took to the slopes. Conditions in the Valley were average upon arrival with each day improving with nearly a foot of fresh powder. With the help of instructors Mike and Joy, the kids all made it to the summit on day two. The group rounded out their trip with swimming, card games, story telling and good company.

Save that date. The Chilmark School PTO will hold its annual fundraiser on March 10 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the CCC. For $25 the Spring Fling-Goodbye Winter party will wow the 21+ crowd with live music by Johnny Hoy and the Bluefish, live and silent auctions, desserts, beverages, a photo booth, and live comedy. Funds raised will directly support the Chilmark School Outing Program.

It’s been a rewarding month for Patricia Bacon. As the new program director for the non-profit GoDocGo, she travelled to Haiti along with a group of volunteer physicians and nurses. The group makes short trips to Haiti, Senegal and Ethiopia and provides cervical cancer screenings as they do not do pap tests there because of the costs associated. The volunteers also train residents, nurses, midwives and physicians in VIA testing which uses vinegar to screen for abnormalities. Women who had abnormal results were treated using cryotherapy. The next scheduled clinic is in Senegal in May. If anyone wants more information they could contact Patricia at pmbacon@aol.com or visit godocgo.org.

Are you looking for a great way to give back locally? Consider joining the Chilmark volunteer fire department. This team of dedicated townspeople that are ready to assist their neighbors is always looking for folks willing to lend a hand and become active participants in one of the oldest professions in the book. Call the Crossroad station at 508-645-2550 for information.

Congratulations to fourth grader, Emily Boyd, daughter of Mary (Murphy) and Jonathan for her solid showing at the Mardi Gras Invitational gymnastics meet in Hanover. Although she took a tumble on the balance beam, her calm demeanor and supportive X-cel Gold teammates allowed for her solid showing in all events. Not only did the team sweep the bars event but Emily and her teammates from Island Gymnastics took home a third place team trophy. Congratulations.