Multi-Arts’ winter break Camp

Showers of creativity and eruptions of happy memories!

On the menu to brighten the skies: theater, fashion design, art, creative writing, and dance.

Monday, February 21 - Friday, February 25
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. • $280
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. • $150

Grades K to 6: groups organized by age
Location: Immanuel Lutheran Church • Amherst

Fun and active, this might just be what you are look for!

Don't delay, click now!

http://www.multi-arts.org/03pdfs/RegistrationForm_schoolBreak_2011.pdf

Click on image to enlarge

Please note: this event not sponsored by the FR PGO.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.

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ARHS Nordic Ski Program. Amherst Regional High School now has a Nordic ski program, and you can help support it - by skiing. Each Wednesday this month and next, the program is presenting all-comers sprint races at Northfield Mountain. Snow permitting, the races start at 3:30 p.m. These are true sprints: the course is just one-kilometer long, a flat loop in the field between Route 63 and the Northfield Mountain main building. The races are sorted by age groups and heats, with the top two finishers in each heat advancing to a final round, while there's a consolation round for everyone else.

Register in advance at http://nordicsprint.eventbrite.com/ or on race day by 3 p.m. at the ski center. Entry fee is $5 ($3 with a Northfield Mountain pass), or sign up for the whole series for $30 ($18 with pass).

Technique will alternate between classic on the first and third Wednesday and freestyle on the second and fourth. This week's races are the second in the series.

For more information, call Northfield Mountain at 800-859-2960 or visit www.firstlightpower.com/northfield/ccski.asp.

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Have a Creative Year with Multi-Arts: Multi-arts Summer Camp registration is now open. There is a $50 discount per child, when you pay in full by February 28. Full tuition refund with cancellation before June 1, 2010. You can register at www.multi-arts.org

P.S.
We still have space in our Fort River After School Fridays: a 10 weeks Art & Theater Workshop: The fun will end with a great production (grades 1 to 6). Click here for more details.


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Amherst Monte Carlo Night. Some of you may know that the Amherst High Athletic teams are supported primarily through athletic fees and through fundraising by the teams and by the Amherst Hurricane Boosters (a volunteer group of parents).  Next year, this will be even more true as our district looks to move more athletic support to revenue lines due to the proposed budget cuts.

This is where you can help!  Each year, the Amherst Hurricane Boosters hosts a gala event--Monte Carlo Night--to raise money for all the athletic clubs.  This year's event will be held on March 13th and is a true night on the town.  Complete information on Monte Carlo night can be found at http://www.amherstmontecarlo.com/ Tickets ($25 in advance and $30 at the door).

PS. The Amherst Hurricane Boosters are now on Facebook...become a fan!
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Fort River Parent Council will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions:

1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families.
2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description.
3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.

We add new information to the blog every Thursday during the school year. Please send your announcement no later than 5pm Wednesday for inclusion in the week's updates. Also note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.
***************************************************
ARHS Nordic Ski Program. Amherst Regional High School now has a Nordic ski program, and you can help support it - by skiing. Each Wednesday this month and next, the program is presenting all-comers sprint races at Northfield Mountain. Snow permitting, the races start at 3:30 p.m. These are true sprints: the course is just one-kilometer long, a flat loop in the field between Route 63 and the Northfield Mountain main building. The races are sorted by age groups and heats, with the top two finishers in each heat advancing to a final round, while there's a consolation round for everyone else.

Register in advance at http://nordicsprint.eventbrite.com/ or on race day by 3 p.m. at the ski center. Entry fee is $5 ($3 with a Northfield Mountain pass), or sign up for the whole series for $30 ($18 with pass).

Technique will alternate between classic on the first and third Wednesday and freestyle on the second and fourth. This week's races are the second in the series.

For more information, call Northfield Mountain at 800-859-2960 or visit www.firstlightpower.com/northfield/ccski.asp.

***************************************************
Have a Creative Year with Multi-Arts: Multi-arts Summer Camp registration is now open. There is a $50 discount per child, when you pay in full by February 28. Full tuition refund with cancellation before June 1, 2010. You can register at www.multi-arts.org

P.S.
We still have space in our Fort River After School Fridays: a 10 weeks Art & Theater Workshop: The fun will end with a great production (grades 1 to 6). Click here for more details.

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Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents its final weekend of performances on Friday January 22nd - 7:30pm, Saturday January 23rd - 2:00pm & 7:30pm, Sunday January 24th - 2:00pm. Click here for more information.

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Fort River Parent Council will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions:

1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families.
2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description.
3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.

We add new information to the blog every Thursday during the school year. Please send your announcement no later than 5pm Wednesday for inclusion in the week's updates. Also note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Rotary Grant

Applications are being accepted from local non-profit organizations and government agencies now through Feb. 28, 2010 for the Amherst Rotary Community Grant at www.AmherstRotaryClub.org.

This $25,000 grant will fund a single project that will provide an important and sustainable improvement to the quality of life in our community. More information here: http://www.amherstrotaryclub.org/content/grant-intro.html

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.
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Start 2010 creatively with Multi-Arts:

After school Fridays at Fort River.
A 10 weeks Art & Theatre Workshop: The fun will end in a great production (grade 1 to 6)
Click here for more details.

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Come dance and meet new friends at the Northampton Family Dance! Join us for our third dance of the season on Sunday, January 17, from 3 - 5 PM at First Churches, 129 Main St., Northampton (use Center Street entrance). Brendan Taaffe calls, with music by Susan Janssen & Shirley White. Come enjoy easy, fun dances for children and families, from traditional American to international folk. All dances are taught, so no dance experience is necessary. Admission is $4 per person for ages 3 and up, free for ages 2 and under, $15 maximum per family. The Northampton Family Dance is held on the third Sunday of the month, November through March. For more information, please call Judy Stern (parent of Fort River third grader) at (413) 256-2613.

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Click on image below to enlarge.

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Fort River Parent Council will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions:

1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families.
2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description.
3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.

We add new information to the blog every Thursday during the school year. Please send your announcement no later than 5pm Wednesday for inclusion in the week's updates. Also note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Educational Implications of Chronic Medical Conditions in Children

This is one of a series of workshops being offered to families and community members over the course of the school year. This presentation will take place on Thursday, Jan. 21st. from 6:00-8:30 pm at the Professional Development Center at the Amherst Middle School. Presented by Dr. Emily Gonzalez. Click here for more information/Spanish translation.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.
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Two Workshops to start 2010 creatively with Multi-Arts:

N'1 This weekend: Short and intense.
One-day Theatre: join us for a 3 hours of intense fun!
Click here for more details.

N'2 After school Fridays at Fort River.
A 10 weeks Art & Theatre Workshop: The fun will end in a great production (grade 1 to 6)
Click here for more details.

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Come celebrate the 2nd annual Empty Bowls dinner benefiting the Amherst Survival Center! On January 12th from 4pm-8pm at The Pub, choose a hand-crafted ceramic bowl made by a local artist and enjoy soups prepared by chefs at area restaurants. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. With your help, the Amherst Survival Center can continue to provide the services that our community so urgently needs. To purchase tickets, visit www.amherstsurvival.org or call 413-549-3968. Tickets are also available at The Pub and Hastings.

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Come dance and meet new friends at the Northampton Family Dance! Join us for our third dance of the season on Sunday, January 17, from 3 - 5 PM at First Churches, 129 Main St., Northampton (use Center Street entrance). Brendan Taaffe calls, with music by Susan Janssen & Shirley White. Come enjoy easy, fun dances for children and families, from traditional American to international folk. All dances are taught, so no dance experience is necessary. Admission is $4 per person for ages 3 and up, free for ages 2 and under, $15 maximum per family. The Northampton Family Dance is held on the third Sunday of the month, November through March. For more information, please call Judy Stern (parent of Fort River third grader) at (413) 256-2613.

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Click on image below to enlarge.

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Fort River Parent Council will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions:

1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families.
2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description.
3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.

We add new information to the blog every Thursday during the school year. Please send your announcement no later than 5pm Wednesday for inclusion in the week's updates. Also note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.

Merry Maple Celebration. Friday, Dec. 4, 4-6pm. In front of Amherst Town Hall. This is a fun family event to kick off the holiday shopping season! Come watch the lighting of the Merry Maple, hear music, sing carols and get some delicious treats! More info here: http://is.gd/5bz09.

Holiday Open House. Please join us for a Holiday Open House and Art Sale featuring yummy treats, warm company, and a showing of beautiful handmade gifts by local artisans (two of whom are Fort River Parents): Rebecca Fricke (quilted fabric arts), Laura Woodworth (functional pottery), and Lisa Oram (beaded and glass jewelry).  You are welcome to spread the word and bring friends!  When: Sunday, December 6, 2009, Time:  1:00 – 5:00 pm, Where: Home of Lisa Oram, 195 Aubinwood Road, Amherst Questions: lo@lisaoram.com.

Multi-Arts Children's Theatre Show. The Twisted Story. December 12, at 11 am, Jones Public Library. The play is written by a 13-year-old, Alejandra Rojas, who is a Fort River Alumna. Cinderella, Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, Red Robin Hood and Sleeping Beauty in a 2010 setting. Come laugh and be be entertained by this creative, clever and funny story. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Catalina Arrubla, Director www.multi-arts.org.

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Fort River Parent Council will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions:

1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families.
2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description.
3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.

We add new information to the blog every Thursday during the school year. Please send your announcement no later than 5pm Wednesday for inclusion in the week's updates. Also note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Open House Schedule

OPEN HOUSE!

YOU ARE INVITED!

Wednesday, September 23rd

All parent/guardians are encouraged to attend our Parent Night/Open House. This is an evening to meet school staff and learn about the educational program planned for your child’s class.


7:00 – 7:30 PM

-Art, Music, Physical Education, Computer Lab

-Special Education Staff

-Guidance Counselors (Rooms 13 and 14)

-Instrumental Music representatives (Library)

-ELL parent orientation -Grades Kindergarten-3 (ELL Room)

-Language Arts and Math Resource Teachers – Library



7:30 – 8:00 PM

-Classroom Teacher Presentations – Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Grades

-Instructional materials will be on display in classrooms Grades 4-6

-Library Open



8:00 – 8:15 - Transition Time

- ELL parent orientation-Grades 4-6 (-ELL room)



8:15 – 8:45 PM

-Classroom Teacher Presentations – 4th, 5th, and 6th Grades

-Instructional materials will be on display in classrooms – Grades K-3

-Library Open



NOTE:

· This is an evening for parents. Except for a few classes of students whose teachers have invited them to be a part of the program, students are not invited.

· Conference Sign-ups: A sheet will be posted in each classroom (grades 1-6) so parents may sign up for an individual conference. Teachers will not be discussing progress of individual students on this evening.



PARKING:
It is important that Fire Lanes are kept open during Open House and all other times. The Amherst Fire Department needs to know that they could get fire engines to the school in an emergency.
Parking is permitted in all marked spaces.
Parking is permitted on the right side of the entrance and exit roads, but NOT on the left side.
Parking is not permitted along the curb in front of the school. Please keep fire lanes open!

Calling All Fort River Kids: Be In the Amherst 250th Parade!

Please note: this is not a Parent Council Sponsored Event.


Calling all Amherst Elementary School Students!


Be in AMHERST’s 250th Anniversary PARADE on SUNDAY, September 27th, 2009
And be part of Your Town and Public Libraries’ History!


Parents from Crocker Farm, Fort River, Mark’s Meadow and Wildwood schools are helping organize a walking float to celebrate the impact the town Libraries have on all children’s lives!

What to wear: Costume! Come as your favorite storybook or literary character. Wear comfortable shoes.

What to bring: A favorite book to carry, if you wish. Water; portable snack.

Where to meet: Kirby Theater, Amherst College Campus, east side of Route116, South of the Amherst Common (Enter from 116 South at Admissions Office sign; follow circular drive.)

When to arrive: Noon. Parade steps off sharply at 1 p.m.

Where it ends: Near the Mullins Center on the UMass Campus (2 mile walk)

All students, siblings and families are welcome! Strollers included!

Kids under 9: A parent or guardian must accompany you. Costumes encouraged but not required!

Kids/teens 9 – 15 years old: A parent or guardian must meet you at parade’s end, near the Mullins Center.

Don’t have a costume? Attend a costume making session:

· Session 1 will be held at the Jones Library on Sat., September 19th from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM

· Session 2 will be held at the Munson Library on Wed., September 23rd from 4:30 PM until 5:30 PM

To sign up for the parade or receive additional information, please contact

Becky Demling at beckydemling@yahoo.com

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council.

Music Together For Valley Families, an internationally recognized parent/child music enrichment program, offers fall classes for young children 0-5 years old with their parents/caregivers. They are celebrating 10 years of classes in the area and are offering free sample classes between Sept. 2-12 at selected locations and times. The ten week session begins September 16 with the registration deadline of September 11. Please call to reserve a spot in a sample class or for more information. Locations are in Amherst at The Immanuel Lutheran Church, at The Congregational Church Parish House in Belchertown, The South Deerfield Congregational Church and All Saint’s Episcopal Church in So. Hadley. Call (413) 259-9400 or see www.valleymusicgroup.com.

A note from Parent Council. We will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions:

1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families.
2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description.
3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included.

We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Upcoming School Events

COFFEE WITH A PRINCIPAL.  Friday, Sept 4.  8:30 am. Cafeteria. Fort River parents are invited to share coffee and light refreshments with Principal Ray Sharick and Asst. Principal Susan Kennedy-Marx.

LABOR DAY. Monday, Sept. 7. No School.

PARENT COUNCIL MEETING. Wed, Sept 9. 8:45 am, Cafeteria. All parents are invited to attend the first Parent Council meeing of the year.  

*Items in teal are sponsored by Parent Council.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. 18th Annual Taste of Amherst. June 19-20. The Taste starts this evening at 5pm! Lots of great food, entertainment, and fun! Lots more info here. Certified Teacher w/Masters in Early Childhood Ed. Available all summer for tutoring and/or childcare. Victoria Bruno, phone (973) 495-4595, email: indigo026@aol.com Music Together For Valley Families, an internationally recognized parent/child music enrichment program, offers summer classes for young children and their parents/caregivers. They are celebrating 10 years of classes in the area. The eight week Summer session begins June 23 and the registration deadline has been extended. Please call first to check availability. Locations are in Amherst at Immanuel Lutheran Church, at The Congregational Church Parish House in Belchertown, The Children’s Museum at Holyoke and All Saint’s Episcopal Church in So. Hadley. Call (413) 259-9400 or see www.valleymusicgroup.com for more information. Please call for available class times and to reserve a space. A note from Parent Council. We will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions: 1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families. 2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description. 3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included. We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. 6th grade girls are invited to “You Win,” a high impact, interactive anti-bullying program that tackles the social issues that girls face repeatedly during their school years. Date: Saturday June 13th; Time: 9-11 am, Place: First Baptist Church in Amherst, in the lower level of the church, enter through the rear. RSVP: Anita Sever asever@gscwm.org. COST: $10/girl if not a Girl Scout. This event is open to all girls and is sponsored by Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts. Music Together For Valley Families offers summer classes for young children and their parents/caregivers. Through May 29, 2009: Free sample classes offered celebrating 10 years of Music Together® for Valley Families, an internationally recognized parent/child music enrichment program. Eight week Summer session begins June 23 and registration deadline is June 8. Locations are in Amherst at Immanuel Lutheran Church, at The Congregational Church Parish House in Belchertown, The Children’s Museum at Holyoke and All Saint’s Episcopal Church in So. Hadley. Call (413) 259-9400 or see www.valleymusicgroup.com for more information. Please call for available class times and to reserve a space. A note from Parent Council. We will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions: 1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families. 2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description. 3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included. We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. Amherst Travel Soccer Teams. For girls going into grades 2-5. Amherst is in danger of losing some travel soccer teams. Please consider joining travel soccer. We carpool so the driving isn't so bad and we have many home games. The girls love it; they learn new skills and have fun. The emphasis is not on keeping score, although it is a bit more competitive than rec soccer. If your daughter is interested PLEASE contact Diane Caraker at Dianec711@comcast.net or 253-4191 or 687-8833 immediately! Registration is due 5/30 and it's less than $160 for the whole season including full uniforms! Tryouts start next week and more than likely anyone who shows up will be placed on a team. So please call right away. Info can also be found at http://www.amherstsoccer.org (Amherst Youth Soccer.) Thank you- let's keep girls soccer in Amherst! A Can and Bottle drive is being held at 15 Indian Pipe Lane (the Kelly's) tomorrow (Saturday 5/30) from 9am-1pm. This is being held to help with funding a trip to Washington DC for a Girl scout troop (many of the scouts are from Fort River) in later June. Sugarloaf Youth Track League. Come be a part of Amherst's youth track and field league. The first meet is Sunday, May 31 at the ARHS track. Bring a picnic and make it a family night at the track! It's not too late to sign up! We will take additional athletes at any time. Below is a link for the entry form, just print it out and bring it with you on Sunday. http://sugarloafmac.org/regforms/smac_amherst.pdf. Who: Boys and Girls currently in grades 1-8, Fee: $42/person by 5/8; $52 after 5/8 --- A $10 non-resident fee will be added to any participant who is not an Amherst resident. Location: Amherst Regional High School Track. Meets: Sundays, May 31, June 7, 14, 21, 28 (awards night) (Make-up date: June 25) Time: 5:15-8:15 p.m. Sponsored by the Sugarloaf Mountain Athletic Club and the Town of Amherst Leisure Services. Music Together For Valley Families offers summer classes for young children and their parents/caregivers. Through May 29, 2009: Free sample classes offered celebrating 10 years of Music Together® for Valley Families, an internationally recognized parent/child music enrichment program. Eight week Summer session begins June 23 and registration deadline is June 8. Locations are in Amherst at Immanuel Lutheran Church, at The Congregational Church Parish House in Belchertown, The Children’s Museum at Holyoke and All Saint’s Episcopal Church in So. Hadley. Call (413) 259-9400 or see www.valleymusicgroup.com for more information. Please call for available class times and to reserve a space. Multi-Arts Financial Aid. On June 1, Multi-Arts will be assigning Financial Aid to families who applied for assistance to attend camp in summer 2009. To apply for financial aid, visit www.multi-arts.org and download the financial aid form from the program page. Forms should be received by Multi-Arts on or before June 1. Contact: Catalina Arrubla, carrubla@gmail.com. Attention Parents of Twins and Multiples! The Multiples Family Festival, presented by the Hampshire/Franklin County Mothers of Twins Club, will take place on Sunday, May 31, from 2-5pm at the Florence Civic Center, Park St., Florence (right off of Rt. 9). Bring your multiples and their siblings for an afternoon of fun! Face painting, free raffles, games, cookie decorating, Ed Popalarczyk Magic (from 2:30-3:30pm). For more info contact Sam at promogirl73@yahoo.com. A note from Parent Council. We will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions: 1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families. 2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description. 3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included. We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. Music Together For Valley Families offers summer classes for young children and their parents/caregivers. Through May 29, 2009: Free sample classes offered celebrating 10 years of Music Together® for Valley Families, an internationally recognized parent/child music enrichment program. Eight week Summer session begins June 23 and registration deadline is June 8. Locations are in Amherst at Immanuel Lutheran Church, at The Congregational Church Parish House in Belchertown, The Children’s Museum at Holyoke and All Saint’s Episcopal Church in So. Hadley. Call (413) 259-9400 or see www.valleymusicgroup.com for more information. Please call for available class times and to reserve a space. Travel Soccer Team Tryouts. Does your child want to play travel soccer for Amherst in the next school year? If so, you need to preregister your child by May 30th for the tryouts which are held in June. There are boys teams and girls teams for rising 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Tryouts for the Amherst Travel Soccer teams will be held between May 31 and June 17. Mandatory pre-registration forms are due May 30th. The pre-registration forms, the tryout schedule, and more detailed information about Amherst Travel Soccer can be found on the Amherst Youth Soccer Association website http://www.amherstsoccer.org/. The 7th edition of "Your Amherst Government" in honor of the Town’s 250th Anniversary and the League of Women Voters' 70th birthday has been published by LWV Amherst. This 72-page booklet provides information about Amherst town government - its history, structure, programs and services, finances, and its relationship to other units of government. This free publication is available at the Amherst town libraries, the Amherst Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall and on the League’s website, www.lwvamherst.org. A copy can also be obtained by contacting the League at 253-0633. Multi-Arts Workshop: “Disaster Awaits!” Saturday, May 23,11:00 a.m. at the Jones Public Library, Amherst. Disaster awaits! Your mother-in-law calls and says she's moving in for a month..."Broken Hips" Written by Amherst local Savannah Stutie. Come and watch this hilarious one-act play performed by young Amherst actors. Afterwards, Multi-Arts drama teacher Ilana Meredith will lead children through a short storymaking workshop. For children ages 6-12. Contact: Catalina Arrubla, Director, www.multi-arts.org. Multi-Arts Financial Aid. On June 1, Multi-Arts will be assigning Financial Aid to families who applied for assistance to attend camp in summer 2009. To apply for financial aid, visit www.multi-arts.org and download the financial aid form from the program page. Forms should be received by Multi-Arts on or before June 1. Contact: Catalina Arrubla, carrubla@gmail.com. Attention Parents of Twins and Multiples! The Multiples Family Festival, presented by the Hampshire/Franklin County Mothers of Twins Club, will take place on Sunday, May 31, from 2-5pm at the Florence Civic Center, Park St., Florence (right off of Rt. 9). Bring your multiples and their siblings for an afternoon of fun! Face painting, free raffles, games, cookie decorating, Ed Popalarczyk Magic (from 2:30-3:30pm). For more info contact Sam at promogirl73@yahoo.com. A note from Parent Council. We will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions: 1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families. 2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description. 3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included. We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. Massive 50+ Family Tag Sale this Saturday, May 16th from 8am-1pm at 86 High Street in Amherst, sponsored by the ARHS Girls Ultimate team. Toys, books, tools, linens, clothes, furniture, lamps, antiques, jewelry, shoes, kids stuff, and lots more! The sale will benefit the ARHS Girls Ultimate Program which is currently the #3 ranked high school team in the United States. Travel Soccer Team Tryouts. Does your child want to play travel soccer for Amherst in the next school year? If so, you need to preregister your child by May 30th for the tryouts which are held in June. There are boys teams and girls teams for rising 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. Tryouts for the Amherst Travel Soccer teams will be held between May 31 and June 17. Mandatory pre-registration forms are due May 30th. The pre-registration forms, the tryout schedule, and more detailed information about Amherst Travel Soccer can be found on the Amherst Youth Soccer Association website http://www.amherstsoccer.org/. Free screening and discussion of: "Unnatural Causes: Is Inequality Making Us Sick?" Tuesday, May 19, 5:00—7:00pm, at Amherst Cinema. Presented by the Town of Amherst and the The Town of Amherst Department of Public Health. The screening will include a forum on the implications of inequality and health for the Amherst community and a dialogue among participants facilitated by Dr. Barbara J. Love and introductions by Amherst Public Health Director, Epi Bodhi. Light refreshments, provided by the Amherst Public Health Department will be served on site prior to the screening The Screening will be followed by a reception at Amherst Coffee. For more information, see http://amhersthealth.blogspot.com. The 7th edition of "Your Amherst Government" in honor of the Town’s 250th Anniversary and the League of Women Voters' 70th birthday has been published by LWV Amherst. This 72-page booklet provides information about Amherst town government - its history, structure, programs and services, finances, and its relationship to other units of government. This free publication is available at the Amherst town libraries, the Amherst Town Clerk’s office in Town Hall and on the League’s website, www.lwvamherst.org. A copy can also be obtained by contacting the League at 253-0633. Multi-Arts Workshop: “Disaster Awaits!” Saturday, May 23,11:00 a.m. at the Jones Public Library, Amherst. Disaster awaits! Your mother-in-law calls and says she's moving in for a month..."Broken Hips" Written by Amherst local Savannah Stutie. Come and watch this hilarious one-act play performed by young Amherst actors. Afterwards, Multi-Arts drama teacher Ilana Meredith will lead children through a short storymaking workshop. For children ages 6-12. Contact: Catalina Arrubla, Director, www.multi-arts.org. Multi-Arts Financial Aid. On June 1, Multi-Arts will be assigning Financial Aid to families who applied for assistance to attend camp in summer 2009. To apply for financial aid, visit www.multi-arts.org and download the financial aid form from the program page. Forms should be received by Multi-Arts on or before June 1. Contact: Catalina Arrubla, carrubla@gmail.com. Attention Parents of Twins and Multiples! The Multiples Family Festival, presented by the Hampshire/Franklin County Mothers of Twins Club, will take place on Sunday, May 31, from 2-5pm at the Florence Civic Center, Park St., Florence (right off of Rt. 9). Bring your multiples and their siblings for an afternoon of fun! Face painting, free raffles, games, cookie decorating, Ed Popalarczyk Magic (from 2:30-3:30pm). For more info contact Sam at promogirl73@yahoo.com. A note from Parent Council. We will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions: 1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families. 2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description. 3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included. We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. Music That's Amherst will be a wonderful evening in celebration of our Town's diverse cultures. Saturday, May 9 at 7PM, Amherst Regional High School Auditorium. Featuring Jumbo Jembo, an instrumental alternative rock trio of Amherst HS students, Julio Neijens Arrubla, Daniel Hegner and Aaron Noble; Las Chicas Flamencas, a dance group from Ines Arrubla's Flamenco Studio performing a colorful and passionate performance; Klezamir, New England's premier roots rockin' klezmer band with new takes on old Yiddish favorites and original Klezmer barnburners; Cambodian Dancers, composed of Ft. River students directed by Seiha Krouch, Tyda Ty & Sothaul Ding performing traditional dances and one in honor of the Cambodian New Year; The Nataraj Dance Company, unique and innovative dance by young Indian dancers based on traditional and contemporary themes, bridging East and West; and Conjunto de Bomba, Afro-Puerto Rican drumming and singing, in the tradition of music and dance of Santurce and Loiza, ARHS students directed by Tracy Vernon and Nick Shaw. Multi-Arts Financial Aid. On June 1, Multi-Arts will be assigning Financial Aid to families who applied for assistance to attend camp in summer 2009. To apply for financial aid, visit www.multi-arts.org and download the financial aid form from the program page. Forms should be received by Multi-Arts on or before June 1. Contact: Catalina Arrubla, carrubla@gmail.com. A note from Parent Council. We will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions: 1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families.

2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description. 3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included. We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. There's lots of stuff to do this weekend in town! 18th Annual Amherst Ultimate Invitational Tournament, May 2-3, 2009. Hosted by Amherst Regional High School (ARHS). The Tournament will be held at the Ultimate fields at ARHS and Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. Thirty high school teams from New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts will compete in one of the largest and most prestigious Ultimate tournaments in the country. On Saturday, games will be played from 9:45am to 5pm at both venues; on Sunday, games will run from 8am to 4:30pm at ARHS. Combining the non-stop movement and athletic endurance of soccer with the aerial passing skills of football, a game of Ultimate is played by two seven-player squads with a high-tech plastic disc on a field similar to football. Amherst is steeped in the history of Ultimate, acknowledged to be to be the birthplace of the sport by an Amherst College student in 1967. Ultimate has grown precipitously over the following 40 years to over 4.9 million competitive Ultimate players around the world (2008). Amherst coaches Tiina Booth and Jim Pistrang formed some of the first competitive teams in the country in the 1970s. ARHS last won the national Ultimate championship in 2004. For schedules, times, locations, and much more information on the tournament, see: http://www.amherstultimate.org/ai/2009. The 62nd annual book sale of the League of Women Voters of Amherst opens on the Amherst Town Common at 9 a.m. Friday morning, May 1, and runs until Sunday, May 3. The hours are 9 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday. The sale attracts book lovers from all over New England, and bargain hunters can find thousands of books under the big tent at the area's largest and oldest book sale. League members and friends spend hundreds of hours processing the more than 30,000 donated books. The books are sorted into over 40 categories, and the wide variety assures that there will be books that appeal to all tastes and interests, from children’s books to books for scholars, homemakers, poets and all manner of light and literary reading. In addition to serving as a major effort in recycling affordable books for readers of all ages, the sale is the League’s primary fund raiser and helps to support projects and publications that encourage informed voting and citizen participation in government. For more information, call 253–0633. Award Winning author Jane Yolen reads “My Uncle Emily,” Saturday, May 2, 10 a.m, at the Emily Dickinson Museum. Join us for a reading and booksigning to celebrate Jane Yolen's new book, My Uncle Emily, a children's story based on the relationship between Emily Dickinson and her young nephew Gilbert. Light refreshments will be served. The event is free and open to the public. http://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/. Details of many other Emily Dickinson-related events in May here. JOIN MULTI-ARTS INTERACTIVE ARTS FESTIVAL. Performances & Workshops, Music – Dance – Art – Mime – Creative Writing. Where: Barnes and Noble, Hadley, When: Saturday, May 2nd. 11:00-12:00 for Little Ones, 3:00-6:00 for everyone. Music: Bring your instrument and join us in the performance of Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" and Haydn's "Toy Symphony." Art: Design & make your own 3-D cardboard dog. Dance: Watch "Las Chicas", a Flamenco dance show. Have a taste of Flamenco in a ten-minutes workshop. Try Funk and Break dance extravaganza. For little ones: Paint your face, learn basic juggling, Entertainment by clowns, mimes, and story tellers. Don’t miss it. See you there! Some Fort River first graders will have their writings read by WFCR's John Montanari! Click here for more information. May 2 - 7, Conversations with the Past. The West Cemetery Walk. Founded in 1737 West Cemetery was placed on the National Historic Register in the year 2000. As part of Amherst's 250th anniversary, walk along the avenues and boulevards of West Cemetery and explore Amherst's past. Come meet fourteen residents spanning three centuries who will come to life to tell their stories and answer your questions. The West Cemetery Walk is planned for the following dates and times:

• Saturday May 2, 10am - 1pm
• Sunday May 3, 1pm - 4pm
• Tuesday May 5, 9am - noon
• Wednesday May 6, noon - 2:30pm
• Thursday, May 7, 5 - 7pm.

A note from Parent Council. We will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions: 1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families.

2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description. 3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included. We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.

Upcoming Community Events

Please note that these events are not sponsored by Parent Council. April 24 is the last day for donations of books for the 62nd Annual League of Women Voters of Amherst Book Sale which will take place on the Town Common on May 1, 2, and 3. Area residents are urged to look over their book shelves and contribute books to the LWV fund raiser. The book sale is a great way of recycling books in the area. Last year nearly 40,000 books were received, providing a source of good books at bargain prices. Profits have supported publication of the Voter’s Guide for the recent local election and League publications such as the Town Meeting Hand Book, They Represent You, a listing of Town meeting members and elected officers, and the recently revised Your Amherst Government. Books should be brought to the LWV sorting and pricing place at 479 West Street, #8 (corner of Pomeroy Ln.and West St.), the Hadley Stop & Shop, the Jones, Munson and North Amherst Libraries or the UPS Store at 6 University Drive. For information call 253–0633. JOIN MULTI-ARTS INTERACTIVE ARTS FESTIVAL. Performances & Workshops, Music – Dance – Art – Mime – Creative Writing. Where: Barnes and Noble, Hadley, When: Saturday, May 2nd. 11:00-12:00 for Little Ones, 3:00-6:00 for everyone. Music: Bring your instrument and join us in the performance of Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" and Haydn's "Toy Symphony." Art: Design & make your own 3-D cardboard dog. Dance: Watch "Las Chicas", a Flamenco dance show. Have a taste of Flamenco in a ten-minutes workshop. Try Funk and Break dance extravaganza. For little ones: Paint your face, learn basic juggling, Entertainment by clowns, mimes, and story tellers. Details - visit www.multi-arts.org. Don’t miss it. See you there! Call for Creative Writers! Multi-Arts invites young writers to submit examples of their work: a poem, short story, comedy routine, play, or a school essay. Selected works will be published in our ONLINE MAGAZINE and read by John Montanari, WCFR host, as a part of the Multi-Arts Interactive Festival at Barnes & Noble, Hadley, on Saturday, May 2, 2009. This interactive festival will include performances & workshops in music, dance, art, mime, and clowns). Multi-Arts inspires youth to explore their creativity and develop a lifelong love of the arts. Learn all about us; visit our website at www.multi-arts.org. Send your work now by clicking the SUBMIT button, or e-mail us at carrubla@gmail.com. A note from Parent Council. We will publish information about non-Parent Council sponsored events with the following conditions: 1. The event should be of interest to Fort River families.

2. The information should be sent to Ann McLaughlin at damclaughlin@comcast.net in the form of a short description. 3. Contact information (website or name, telephone and/or email address) must be included. We add new information to the blog every Friday during the school year. Please note that we do not accept announcements of items or services for sale (with the exceptions of children's classes/lessons). Inclusion in this section does not imply any guarantees or endorsements by Fort River Parent Council or Fort River School.