MB's Tech Whiz Kid, Hockey, Surfing and a Wine Event

1. Nolan Stevens of Manhattan Beach has been announced as one of 53 youths who have made the list to try out for next year's National Team Development Program Under 17 team, according to U.S. Hockey. He joins Ryan Tait of Santa Clarita and Blake Weyrick of Ojai as the only California residents to do so, according to a Western College Hockey blog. The 15-year-old plays for the Los Angeles Jr. Kings hockey team in the Tier I Elite Hockey League for players under 16. The team competes in the Pacific District Championships at 3:15 p.m. Friday, March 9 against Fairbanks Artic Lions 16U and at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 10 against Los Angeles Selects. The games will be live streamed online for $9.99 each. According to the WatchMyTeamPlay website, "All games will be Streamed Live only if internet is available during the game, every game will be available OnDemand within 24 hours of completion."

2. Parents and others can learn more about teens and substance abuse during a free presentation, "State of Our Teens," offered  by MBPD and the Beach Cities Health District on Wednesday, March 28 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the MB Library, according to librarian Don Gould. The event is designed to help parents better recognize, understand and be prepared to deal with the challenges teens face, according to the BCHD website.

MBPD Detective John Loy, the department's school resources officer at Mira Costa High School, and other panelists [Dr. Greg Allen, attorney George Bird, Jr. and BCHD Youth Services staffer Sandi Conley] will "provide positive suggestions for resolving issues as they relate to teen stress, social life pressures, substance use, and family dynamics." Adults will be taught how to recognize teen issues and symptoms, address concerns and seek additional support. Audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions.

RSVPs are requested. For information, call 310-897-5043 or email awakening02@hotmail.com.

3. The Seventh Annual Ultimate Wine Festival is set for Monday, March 12 from 6-9 p.m. at Shade Hotel in Manhattan Beach. California wineries scheduled to attend include Rombauer, Opus One, Far Niente and Cambria Estates, among others. Tickets are $100 per person and include wine and appetizers. A percentage of proceeds will benefit Manhattan Beach Middle School. Shade is located in downtown MB at 1221 N. Valley Drive; 310-546-4995.

4. Listen to and watch Manhattan Beach sixth grader and app whiz kid Thomas Suarez talk tech in an online clip from the TEDX Manhattan Beach's "Transforming Learning" event held in MB in October 2011. Manhattan Beach Patch was among he first to feature Thomas and his amazing accomplishments and knowledge: . 

5. Surfing is definitely one of MB's defining rituals. Just check out El Porto or the pier any day of the week and you're apt to find a surfer in the water. From surfing's early days to now, the wonderful world of surfing continues to evolve, with today's younger generation hitting the waves in MB at young ages. Noah Collins, Jordan Wible and Rachel Tominaga are just three of the names of MB high schoolers taking to the waves for high school, South Bay Boardriders and Western Surfing Association competitions.

Here's a step back in time to one of surfing's pioneering females. It's a great read, The Liquid Salt Interview: Pioneering Surfer Linda Bensen, and Bensen lived in MB for about 34 years, according to the piece.