3/13/08

Find resources at Marysville 411 Community Connections Fair

From free parenting advice to health and youth programs, Marysville-area parents and youth can find a wealth of free information at the Marysville 411 Community Connections Fair on Saturday, March 29.

The Marysville Community Coalition (MCC) invites parents and teens to the 411 Fair, a one-stop source for information, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Totem Middle School Gymnasium and Cafeteria, 1605-7th St. in Marysville.

The resource fair will feature keynote speaker and former Seattle Seahawk fullback Mack Strong and his wife, Zoe. Joining Strong will be Rick Pribbenow, a well-known speaker and counselor who will provide parenting and life skills advice both on stage, and in individual sessions afterwards.

Pribbernow will speak from 10:15-11 a.m., with the afternoon session from 1-1:45 p.m. featuring the Strongs.

“This is your chance to get the 4-1-1 on free resources, referrals and information from local community assistance organizations,” said Cathy Schindler, Coalition chair. “The Coalition’s goal is to make local families aware of the wide range of community-based resources and programs available to them, shared in a fun, casual setting. We want people of all cultures and backgrounds to be more knowledgeable about the services available to them in this area.”

Attendees will be able to drop by more than two dozen informational booths to get the 411 on the latest community health and safety resources. Participating agencies include Marysville Youth Action Network (MYAN), Marysville Fire District, 2-1-1, Tulalip Tribes, Sno-Isle Regional Library, Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU), Marysville Parks and Recreation, YMCA, Compass Health, Marysville Police, Families and Friends of Victims of Violent Crimes, Sea-Mar Health Clinic and the Marysville Healthy Communities Project.

Marysville Fire District and police vehicles will be on hand, so bring a camera for photos. Music and dance entertainment will feature the Krayola Mob break-dancing team and Totem Marimba Band, with other acts to be announced.

For youth, the Marysville Library will host a video game challenge featuring Dance Dance Revolution, Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Child care and crafts tables hosted by Campfire USA will also be available.

A healthy lunch will be provided to attendees from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

The Marysville Community Coalition is a community partnership of caring, involved members committed to promoting safety, diversity and awareness in responding to the needs of youth in their respective communities.

For more fair information call (360) 653-0899 or e-mail Community_Coalition@msvl.k12.wa.us or contact Doug Buell at (360) 363-8086, dbuell@ci.marysville.wa.us.