The Life in the Balance public forum series continues with Powering the Future, a two-part program that focuses on climate change, energy issues and community-based solutions. Powering the Future, Part 1, is a free community screening of The Great Squeeze: Surviving the Human Project, an award-winning documentary. An informal reception will follow the film, giving audience members a chance to share their reactions. The screening and reception will be on Friday, January 22, 7-9 p.m., at the Alcott School Auditorium. Seating is first come, first served; or reserve seats in advance by email to ace@colonial.net (subject line: "tickets").

Powering the Future, Part 2, is "Our Community and Tomorrow's Energy," a speaker forum on Friday, February 5, 7-9 p.m., which will build on themes framed in The Great Squeeze. The forum, at the Harvey Wheeler Community Center, will feature guest speakers discussing community-level solutions to energy challenges. Attendees may also participate in group sessions to discuss the issues and local responses. Snow date is Sunday, February 7. For more information click here, visit lwvcc.com/lifeinthebalance.html, email Green_Initiatives@lwvcc.com or call 978-369-3842.

Donate your gently used children's and household items for a neighbor in need! You'll eliminate unnecessary clutter, keep the environment green, and help provide a family in need with items to make their home. On January 30th from 9am-1pm at First Parish in Concord, volunteers will be ready to receive your donations of household goods (such as linens, lamps, pots & pans, rugs, mattresses and furniture) or children items (baby-teen clothing, footwear, outerwear, baby equipment, children's books and toys.) All donations will go directly to Cradles to Crayons and HGRM to be redistributed to families in the Greater Boston Area. For more information or a list of accepted items, please contact Abby White at: abbygwhite@comcast.net.

What could be a better way of spending a cold January morning than with family, friends and John Fitzsimmons? Winner of the 2003 Parent's Choice Award for Outstanding Achievement in children's Music, John and his band sing traditional folk songs for kids and adults alike. His concerts are a nostalgic step back in time to campfire days. Your feet will be tapping to the beat in no time! Milldam Nursery School hosts this annual children's concert to raise funds for its enrichment programs. We hope to see you and your family there!

Saturday January 30 at 10 am in the Thoreau Elementary School Auditorium. Tickets ($10) are available at The Concord Bookshop or at the door. For more information, visit the Milldam Nursery School website at www.milldamnurseryschool.org.

Summer Fun in February - Save the Date! CCHS Summer Opportunities Fair - Monday, February 1, 2010 at Concord-Carlisle High School
Come join us at the 29th Annual Summer Opportunities Fair to be held Monday, February 1, 2010, from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. (snow date is February 2) in the CCHS cafeteria. This event provides parents and students from K-12 the means to explore some exciting alternatives to the usual summer activities, and brings together representatives from approximately 90 organizations to present summer opportunities held locally, nationally and aboard. Exhibitors will be present to display information on wilderness adventures, educational and enrichment opportunities, foreign language and student exchange programs and volunteer opportunities, as well as traditional, sports and special-needs camps. This event is sponsored by the Concord-Carlisle High School Parents' Association. For more information, click here.

Dr. Michael Thompson, author, national and international lecturer, will speak on, "The Pressured Child," Thursday, February 4 at 7PM at the Concord Carlisle High School. In his engaging style, Dr. Thompson will offer helpful information and inspire parents/caregivers of both younger and older children. Don't miss out on this special opportunity to hear one of the leading voices on parenting and child well-being. This event is sponsored by the Concord Carlisle High School Parents Association. It is free and no registration is required to attend. To learn more about this specific topic, please visit www.michaelthompsonphd.com/workshops.htm. Question? Contact Angela at amartinez@colonial.net or 978-202-1143.

Before-School Introduction to Strings for Grade 5: This 8-week program introduces fifth graders to a string instrument. It can enable entry into the elementary or middle school orchestra, or spring concert, for some students. It may also be an opportunity for your child to simply try learning a string instrument. Student rent instruments, or there are several at the school; contact Anna Anderson, aanderson@colonial.net once you enroll. To enroll please call 318-1540, or sign up online at www.ace.colonial.net. 8 Tuesdays, 8:00-8:50 AM, January 26-March 23 Willard School, $75 #3510

Support Group for Parents of Adolescents with Eating Disorders led by Dr. Jodi Galin
Although your child may be receiving help from a nutritionist or counselor to deal with his or her eating disorder, YOU may feel alone, out of the loop and at a loss as to how to help. Come join fellow caregivers in a comfortable, supportive setting to share your dilemmas as well as successes. Confidentiality will be upheld. The group will be facilitated by Dr. Jodi Galin, an expert in the topic of eating disorders. She will provide information and address the pressing needs of participants. Group meets at the Ripley Building, January 27, with possible future dates. 7:30-9PM. Email Sally Quinn Reed, at squinnreed@colonial.net and write "Support Group" in the subject line. No Fee to attend. Partially funded by Acton Medical Associates.