Call for Submissions: Dreaming the Future!

The Forbes, Jones, and Lilly libraries are collaborating with UMass's Feinberg Lecture Series, and we are asking the young people of Western Massachusetts (ages 5-18) to help us envision a future where climate change is mitigated and the world has adapted. The project, Dreaming the Future, asks young people to consider their relationship with the natural world, how they think it might change in the future, what they hope it might be like, and how to help guide humanity toward a more climate-just world. Participants are invited to respond to a variety of prompts and share their work with us; we will then publish the collection as a zine (a limited-edition publication). Participants will receive a physical copy of the booklet and it will also be available online. We are asking for submissions now through January 1, 2021. To view the prompts and find information on how to submit, please visit: https://blogs.umass.edu/feinberg/dreaming-the-future/

Mad Science HoliDaze

 Mad Science Presents: A HoliDaze Live Special

With Follow Along, Fun Hands-on Holiday-themed Science Projects

Plus a very special "Ask-a-Mad Scientist" Interactive Q&A

All from the safety and comfort of your own home

Saturday, December 19th, 5-6:30PM

$10 per participant

Hurry - sign up now. Space is limited.

westnewengland.madscience.org or direct link to registration HERE

Center Stage Dance

 

Curtains up! The Center Dance is thrilled to announce an encore session of Center Stage: a marvelous medley of musical theater, jazz and improvisational dance styles. Students will work with the fundamentals of theatrical dance, learn choreography straight off of Broadway, and master a "step, ball change!" Whether your child is an aspiring performer, a Broadway enthusiast, or simply looking for some fun physical activity as the weather turns colder, this VIRTUAL edition of Center Stage is the place to be! 

Our 3-week mini-session kicks of Monday, November 30th. Class will meet Mondays AND Fridays from 4-5PM, and will culminate in a virtual performance (date TBD). 

Tuition: $100. Recommended for kids ages 10-13.

https://the-center-dance.square.site/product/center-stage-/148?cs=true

Giving Tuesday

 

This Tuesday, December 1 is giving Tuesday. Pick your favorite charity/non-profit and help out if you can. 

To donate to the Fort River PGO, click the Donate button on the right hand side at http://ftriver.blogspot.com/.

ARPS Warm Winter Coat & Clothing Drive

[Espanol]

This winter an unprecedented number of Amherst children need warm outdoor clothing.The Amherst Public Schools (ARPS) Family Center is once again organizing a winter clothing drive with the PGOs' help. We are looking for donations of new (and gently used) winter coats for over 90 Amherst children, size pre-K through adult. Also needed: snow pants and boots; hats and waterproof mittens/gloves appreciated, too!

There are drop-off bins located outside the front doors of each Amherst public school. Please make sure all clothing is clean, in good condition and put your donations in plastic bags. You can see what sizes are needed most and signup to donate here:  tinyurl.com/coatsneeded 

If you prefer to give money instead of clothing, you may donate online at tinyurl.com/coats2020 or send a check (payable to ARPS PGO) or gift cards to Tracy Zafian, ARPS PGO Treasurer, 51 Blue Hills Road, Amherst.

Our goal is to finish collecting by Monday, December 14. If you have questions or need someone to pick up your clothing donation, please contact arpspgo@gmail.com.  Thank you.  Collected items will be distributed to families by the ARPS Family Center in December.  The PGOs may have an additional distribution in January. 

*** If you or your children are in need of warm winter clothing, please contact Mildred Martinez at the ARPS Family Center:  martinezm2@arps.org or 413-362-1871.  ***

Excellence in teaching - call for examples of commitment to social justice

Board members of the Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award Foundation seek examples that illustrate elementary school teachers’ and staff members’ responsiveness and ongoing commitment to social justice during the Covid 19 pandemic.

 

Students, guardians, parents, teachers, staff, and others are encouraged to submit a brief (or longer!) description to respond to this prompt. Please email your story to Katie at klazdowski@gmail.com by November 30, 2020 and write "Excellence in Teaching" in the subject line. Thank you!

Town of Amherst Seeking Public Input

 Town of Amherst Seeks Public Input on Block Grant Priorities

Amherst will be making its annual application to receive federal funds administered by the state in the Community Development Block Grant program. These funds are awarded primarily to projects, programs, and services that improve the lives of Amherst's low and moderate income residents.  The CDBG Advisory Committee would like to hear from the community about priorities for social services, public infrastructure projects and focus areas in town. Please click here to complete a short online form to provide input to the Committee. 

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=mv0XWNoJA0qjouaAUB4sUq4-xFjCmTRAs_ZwxPUab0FUNEhPRTM2M1ZYQ1FENTFNSThTSUxST1VGSi4u

 

More information is also available at this link. 

https://www.amherstma.gov/1122/CDBG-Advisory-Committee