Telegraph Business Ticker

DeSanto to speak at Rotary evening event

Michael DeSanto, new co-owner with his wife Renee Reiner of Misty Valley Books, will speak at the Chester Rotary’s First Thursday event, which starts at 5:15 p.m. Sept. 1. He’ll address how independent booksellers thrive in today’s economy.

DeSanto and Reiner own Phoenix Books, with locations in Burlington, Essex and Rutland and on May 16 added Misty Valley Books to their family of stores.

DeSanto and Chester Rotary will offer participants a chance to win two $25 gift certificates for purchases at Misty Valley. The event will take place at the Fullerton Inn, on the Common in Chester, from 5:15-6:30 p.m. It is open to the public at no charge. Reservations are not necessary but for planning purposes, including the free hors d’oeuvre buffet, please register at chestervtrotary@gmail.com.

Collaborative hires coordinator for Extended Day Program

The Collaborative has hired Kimberly Eckhardt as the new coordinator of its Extended Day Program, with the mission of creating engaging after-school activities for students in K-8 at Flood Brook School.

Eckhardt comes to The Collaborative with experience in extensive ropes course knowledge, outdoor education and tutoring. She adds that she is eager to provide “the students with the opportunities to tinker and experiment, and to give expression to their ideas.”

Opportunities for new after-school programs include bagpipe and drum band, Girl and Boy Scouts, Odyssey of the Mind and robotics. Eckhardt says she looks “forward to meeting students at the start of the school year, and families at our first event, Harvest Festival on Oct. 13.”

Eckhardt lives in Landgrove, with husband Greg and daughter Amelia.

The Collaborative is a substance abuse prevention organization whose mission is to promote the development of a healthy, involved community, supporting substance free youth in a caring environment.