Let's Move Amherst Elementary!

The Amherst College Swim and Dive Team in conjunction with the Amherst College Athletic Department and the Crocker Farm, Fort River and Wildwood Parent Guardian Organizations are pleased to announce the inaugural "Let’s Move Amherst Elementary!"

The event will take place on Sunday, April 3, 2011 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM in the Amherst College Alumni Gym. The event is free, and open to all K–6 Amherst students and their families; no registration required. Inspired by First Lady Michelle Obama’s Campaign for Public Health, the goal is to promote active lifestyle choices that build healthy families, schools and communities. The day will feature a variety of options for families to move together, including parent/child yoga, Jazzercise classes, a one-mile walking loop, pick-up games and a boot camp. All families are encouraged to come out and be Sixty Minute Superstars!

In addition to these fun-filled exercise options, there will be talks about healthy meal choices from local nutritionists, information about sun protection, an "Ask a Pediatrician" table, as well as nutrition information from local restaurants and fitness centers.

All activities will be facilitated by Amherst College Students, student athletes and local fitness instructors. Healthy snacks will be provided.

For more information, please contact Andrea Jensen at ajensen11@amherst.edu or Becky Demling at beckydemling@yahoo.com

This event is being sponsored by the Amherst Elementary Parent Groups, the Amherst College Center for Community Engagement, Amherst College Athletic Department and the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce.

Amherst Sustainability Festival Looking for Volunteers

Join the organizing team of a valley-wide Earth Day celebration!

The Amherst Sustainability Festival’s organizing committee is looking for volunteers to organize/coordinate a non-mechanized rail trail event involving Amherst residents (school aged and beyond).  Amherst is joining marketing forces this year with Greening Northampton, WGBY, and 93.9 The River for a valley-wide Earth Day event on April 23rd.

The Amherst Sustainability Festival will take place on the Common, but this year we adding to the fun with a group of Amherst people biking, walking or jogging on the rail trail to Hadley. A similar group will depart from Northampton and the plan is to meet in the middle at Whole Foods. We are looking for a group (or individual) to plan, organize and publicize a low-carbon procession from an Amherst rail trail departure point. If you are interested in helping to make this happen, please contact Susan Waite at the Amherst DPW at 259-3049, waites@amherstma.gov.