BRATTLEBORO — State Rep. Mike Mrowicki, D-Putney, has returned to the place where he had worked three decades ago.
Mrowicki has joined KidsPLAYce discovery center as its administrator.
KidsPLAYce, on Elliot Street below Hotel Pharmacy, reopens Oct. 4 after its summer closure. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Opening-day celebrations include an appearance from the Caterpillar Lab, which invites kids to encounter all things Northeastern caterpillar up close and personal. Admission is free, though donations are warmly welcomed.
Established in 1983, KidsPLAYce is an environment free of computer screens and distracting electronics, and is dedicated to nurturing child development and providing a familiar, safe, and welcoming atmosphere for children and their parents.
“It's exciting to be back,” said Mrowicki, who serves on the House Human Services Committee.
Mrowicki has worked for Putney Family Services and at Putney Central School. He said his work on child advocacy issues helped him reach the Legislature in 2008 and that he's excited to keep working for the state's children and families.
He said given his experience working with nonprofit organizations, and KidsPLAYce's backing as a product of the Marlboro College Graduate Center for Nonprofit Management, makes this a good fit for him to continue doing what he is passionate about.
Mrowicki was voted into the KidsPLAYce leadership position in early September. Although he wasn't present for the May “Visions” board meeting, he said he was excited that there is “good, new energy” on the board.
That energy, he said, will be focused on moving KidsPLAYce forward. The board's long-term goals include finding a larger downtown space for offerings.
“The philosophy is to encourage creative, interactive and social play,” said Mrowicki.
Stephanie Bonin co-owner of Duo Restaurant in Brattleboro, is one of KidsPLAYce's new board members. She said the board's goal is to make KidsPLAYce a more sustainable, thriving organization and a great environment for kids to play in.