Arts briefs: Valee de Croix Chorus names interim director

Scott Perau has accepted a contract as interim director of the Vallee de Croix Chorus, the award-winning group of singers that draws women from around the region.

Perau is the music teacher in the Somerset, Wis., school district. One of his favorite genres of music is a cappella, and he is very active in the Barbershop Harmony Society. He has performed and competed with many barbershop quartets and choruses, including a youth chorus that he founded and directed in college called "Wissota Voices." He has been a guest clinician for multiple Youth in Harmony day camps in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and formerly directed the "North Star Chorus," based out of St. Paul. Perau also was the bass section leader and a warm-up leader of the International Silver Medalist "Great Northern Union Chorus" for nearly five years.

In addition to teaching at Somerset, he is the music director of First Congregational United Church of Christ in River Falls, Wis., and is an adjudicator for the Wisconsin School Music Association.

Snowshoeing lessons start again on Jan. 4 at Lake Elmo Park Reserve, 1515 Keats Ave. N., Lake Elmo.

Led by a naturalist from Warner Nature Center, participants will learn more about the ancient art of snowshoeing while improving their well-being in nature. Participants meet at the Snowshoe Shack in the Eagle Point Trailhead Lot.

Class size is limited; registration is required. To register call 651-430-8370.

There will be two programs per day. Participants can register for one or both. The cost is $5 per person per class; all equipment is provided. Please dress for the weather and bring water/snacks. All participants must be 9 years of age or older and under parental supervision.

Two programs for young people are among many offerings coming up at Cottage Grove Ice Arena, 8020 80th St. S., Cottage Grove.

Youth open hockey will be available during the school winter break from 9-10:15 a.m. on Dec. 26, 29, 30 and Jan. 2, public skating will follow from 10:30 a.m.-noon and high school open hockey will be from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Cost for hockey is $5, and public skating is $4.

From 2-3:30 p.m. on Dec. 28, young hockey players can skate with their favorite Wolfpack players from Park High School. The program is free.

The First Day Hike, an annual tradition at Afton State Park, takes place from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Jan. 1 at the park, 6959 Peller Av. S., Hastings.

The new year is about new resolutions and intentions. The park naturalist will lead a walk to find one thing that inspires, intrigues or increases awareness on this first day of the new year (even if it is just another day to get some exercise).