Cafeteria Update

Big things are happening at Wildwood Elementary School in the Cafeteria!

We need your donations of: paving materials and plantings for the courtyard dining garden. We are hoping to get some tall, columnar Arborvitaes, about 8 in all and an assortment of small or dwarf bushes, probably hardy evergreens as well. The goal is to have appropriately sized planting that don't need to be trimmed all the time and won't take over the space!

If you want to just donate cash towards the purchase of the paving materials and plantings, please donate on-line at http://wildwoodpgo.blogspot.com/ or call Susan Rupp (549-7838) or Sheilah Jones (549-7838) to let them know you want to make a donation.

The non-profit, all volunteer parent group “Friends of Wildwood Cafeteria,” recipient of the Rotary Club of Amherst’s 2013 $25,000 Community Grant, is hard at work renovating Wildwood Elementary School’s cafeterias and dining courtyard. Originally designed in 1970 to serve only as cafeterias, these rooms are now being called upon to also be music classrooms, performance space and the home of the expanded After School Program.

Working in collaboration with the Amherst Public Schools and assisted by donations from local businesses, the dramatic improvements include beautiful large scale art murals, new storage, room dividers, lighting and dining tables, all designed to create a warm environment for diners and a more functional space for instruction.

Local artist Sophie Theroux has already completed three beautiful, large scale murals commissioned for the project. Each cafeteria has its own color and theme, Autumn Mountain red; Connecticut River Valley green; and Undersea blue.

Our community partners so far include Cowls Building Supply, who made a generous donation of paint to the project, and Whirlwind Landscape Design, who is transforming the courtyard space into an outside dining garden for students.

The project is currently seeking donations of paving materials and plantings for the courtyard dining garden. Please contact us today if you or your business can join other local businesses in supporting Friends of Wildwood Elementary in this exciting community project!

Contact Susan Rupp 549-7838 and Sheilah Jones 549-7838

September Exhibitions, Programs, and Events at The Carle

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

EXHIBITIONS

For more information visit

www.carlemuseum.org/Exhibitions/Current_Exhibitions

Robert R. Zakanitch: A Garden of Ordinary MiraclesThrough November 10, 2013
The art from A Garden of Ordinary Miracles is blossoming in an exhibition at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. Award-winning artist Robert Zakanitch celebrates the beauty of all growing things in A Garden of Ordinary Miracles, an alphabetical ode to nature. The delights of nature’s everyday wonders come to life for both children and adults in detailed renderings of plants that we grow and nurture in our gardens.

Seriously Silly: A Decade of Art and Whimsy by Mo WillemsThrough February 23, 2014
On view is more than 100 works surveying the full range of Mo Willems’ prolific output thus far. Highlighted is work from his award winning Knuffle Bunny series, the irresistible Pigeon books, as well as Elephant and Piggie. The exhibition will provide an informative insight into the artist’s meticulous working process.

The Art of Eric Carle: Friends
September 17, 2013 - March 23, 2014
Eric Carle's new picture book Friends forthcoming from Philomel Books in November 2013, is a celebration of friendship and childhood expressed in colorful tissue paper collage illustrations and the poetic story of an imaginary journey of the child at play.  Come see the original art from this new book.

______________________________________________________________________

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

For more information visit

http://www.carlemuseum.org/Programs_Events/Upcoming

______________________________________________________________________

Information Session 
Simmons College MFA in Writing for Children at The Carle
September 10, 2013, 3:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Attend an informational session at the Museum to learn about the programs, how to apply, and meet representatives from Simmons and the Museum.
For more information, please contact Megan Lambert, Instructor at The Center for the Study of Children's Literature, Simmons College at megan.lambert@simmons.edu.

Hat Day!September 14, 2013
Free with Museum Admission
Donate a new hat, bring your knitting needles and crochet hooks, or design your own paper hat in the Art Studio. Join us in celebrating the 75th anniversary of the publication of The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins by Dr. Seuss and the 500 Hats Project. At2:00pm, there will be a Special “Hat” Storytime.500hats.org

Celebrate International Dot Day with
Peter H. ReynoldsSeptember 15, 2013
Free with Museum Admission
Join us for International Dot Day, an annual "birthday" celebration of Peter H. Reynolds’s classic book The Dot. Enjoy special activities throughout the day, including a presentation with Peter H. Reynoldsand Paul Gagne of Weston Woods at 1:00 pm. Book signing to follow.

fablevisionlearning.com/dotday.

Eric Carle Book SigningSeptember 21, 2013
10:00 am (Museum Members may enter at 9:00 am)
Free with Museum Admission
Meet Eric Carle!  Check www.carlemuseum.org for signing guidelines.

A limited number of tickets will be distributed the day of the event. No tickets are available in advance.

The Carle Honors 2013

Annual Benefit Gala and Art Auction
September 26, 2013, 5:00 - 9:00 pm
Guastavino's
409 East 59th Street, New York, NY

Join us for the Eighth Annual Carle Honors, where we will pay tribute to five remarkable contributors in the field of children’s books. The Carle Honors Art Auction will feature original works of art donated by over a dozen of the industry's most celebrated artists.

For ticketing information, visit http://www.carlemuseum.org/carlehonors2013

The Carle Celebrates Museum Day
September 28, 2013

Free Admission

Join us for Museum Day, an annual event hosted by Smithsonian Magazine in which participating museums across the country open their doors for free to anyone presenting a Museum Day coupon. The Museum Day coupon provides free admission for two. For additional information, visit www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday.

Northampton Community Music Center Family Concert Series: Joanie LeedsSeptember 28, 2013, 11:00 am
$6
Experience Joanie Leeds’s tuneful melodies and rich, funny, thoughtful lyrics as she sings selections from her five full-length CDs.

Ticket sales begin at 10:30, no advanced sales.

Special Storytime with Peter Mandel
September 28, 2013, 2:00 pm
Free with Museum Admission
Meet Peter Mandel, children’s book author, blogger, and adventure travel journalist for The Boston Globe as he reads from a sampling of his books like Zoo Ah-Choooo and Jackhammer Sam. Help Peter brainstorm funny ideas for his next picture book.

Bridging Art & Nature for Teachers and Parents
September 30, 2013, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
$60 (Members $55)

Join instructor Diana MacKenzie for a workshop which links the art and design of the picture book with an exploration of the natural world and a variety of open-ended art projects.
Registration is required.

###

Sandy Soderberg

Marketing Manager

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

125 West Bay Road

Amherst, MA  01002

t (413) 658-1105

f (413) 658-1139

sandys@carlemuseum.org

http://www.carlemuseum.org

MS. KATHRYN RUNYAN AWARDED FIRST ROGER L. WALLACE EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD

MS. KATHRYN RUNYAN AWARDED FIRST ROGER L. WALLACE EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD 

SORRY TO POST THIS SO LATE!  WE'VE BEEN SLACKING THIS SUMMER. 

Congratulations to Ms. Kathryn Runyan - Wildwood's Technology Teacher (computer teacher) - for winning the first Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award! Wildwood is lucky to have such a GREAT teacher!

The award consists of a $750 prize, a plaque and calligraphy of Angel Nieto Romeo’s poem “To Be a Teacher.” Nick Yaffe, principal of Wildwood school, will receive a plaque to be placed at the Wildwood School.

Ms. Runyan was lauded for her teaching and for her development of the Lego Robotics Club for which she initially received a grant from the Amherst Education Foundation. Ms. Runyan excelled by making sure that the club was open to all students, and she worked to achieve buy-in from teachers in Amherst & Pelham, Leverett and Shutesbury assuring that all elementary school students would have access to the program. In her work in the classroom and with the Robotics club, her nominees noted the impact she has on her students. As one of her nominees stated, “Every student under her guidance learned, achieved, and grew as a person – more than we parents could ever have expected. And they had fun doing it!” She was also praised for inspiring girls to succeed in STEM fields. Because of her outstanding dedication and skill and because of the “enthusiasm and grace” that Kathryn brings to her work, the Committee is proud to name her the first winner of the Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award.

FREE FILM SERIES ON AMHERST TOWN COMMON

FREE FILM SERIES ON AMHERST TOWN COMMON - BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE AMHERST BID

The Amherst Business Improvement District is organizing a free film series for kids on the Amherst Town Common and we would love to get the word out to area families!

We will be showing "Brave" on July 24, "Madagascar 3 "on July 31, and "The Muppets" on August 7. Music starts at 6 pm and the film screening around 8:15 pm. In case it rains, the show will happen the next day.

RECIPES - FOR FRIENDS OF JONES LIBRARY

The Friends of the Jones Library wants your recipes!

The Friends of the Jones Library is creating a community cookbook!  We're hoping to get library patrons, local restaurants and farms, and local luminaries to submit recipes.  We have a super duper easy online recipe form that only takes a minute to fill out.  Would you consider submitting a recipe?  

Any questions? Email cookbooks@friendsofthejones.org.  

Thanks for supporting our town libraries!

GIRL SOCCER PLAYERS IN 4th AND 5th GRADE NEEDED FOR TRAVEL TEAM

NEEDED: GIRL SOCCER PLAYERS IN 4th and 5th GRADE FOR TRAVEL TEAM

Calling all next year 4th and 5th grade girl soccer players!

Interested in more structured practice time? Playing teams from other towns?

We are trying to establish an Amherst U11girls travel soccer team.

Please let me know if you are interested please contact

justyneogdahl@gmail.com

Sincerely,

Justyne

--
Justyne Ogdahl
413-320-2064
413-549-4769

CHILDREN'S SOCIAL REASONING STUDY AT AMHERST COLLEGE

Children’s Social Reasoning Study at Amherst College

Is your child between the ages of 8 to 12 years-old?

If so, your child may be eligible to participate in a research study at Amherst College examining how children understand their social relationships. This study is being conducted by Dr. Julia McQuade, Assistant Professor of Psychology. Participating children and their parent will complete a two hour assessment at Amherst College that includes an interview and measures assessing social experiences and cognitive abilities.

$75 compensation is provided

For more information, contact the Peer Relationships Lab at 413-542-5619 or email peerstudy@amherst.edu

***************************

Julia D. McQuade, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Psychology

Amherst College, Merrill 323

Email: jmcquade@amherst.edu

Phone: (413)-542-2792

ALL THINGS LOCAL STORE

ALL THINGS LOCAL STORE
         – a new, year-round cooperative store that will support our local farmers and producers.

Together we can create this indoor marketplace to “buy local” from local farmers, craftspeople and small businesses all year long.

The All Things Local Store will improve food security, enhance localemployment, advance community and regional economic well-being, and promote sustainableliving by offering a marketplace for locally-produced goods in the Pioneer Valley.

A Working Group is negotiating a site for the All Things Local Store. We have until July 25th to join together as co-op members to secure the site.

The concept:
This producer-consumer cooperative will be member-owned. Producers will each have their own spot, decide what to sell, and set the price. They will keep 75=85% of the sale price that they set – TWICE what they can get at any other store. Having a year-round, centrally-located, indoor market complements the outdoor and winter markets. The store will also offer cooking demonstrations, food canning and preservation parties, and support for new local food processing businesses. 

The numbers:
More than 200 of our neighbors have already become members! With your participation, that number can quickly reach 300 members – nearly two months’ rent so the store can open this fall. Reaching 1,400 members will pay rent for a year. At 2,500 members, a full-time marketplace will become possible! 

How you can help make the store a reality:

1. Join the co-op. $50 membership makes you a Founding Member of the coop, with full membership benefits for your household, and a vote. To become a founding member, see below! 

2. Tell your friends. Please forward this message. 

3. Host a House Party. Invite your neighbors and friends for 45-60 minute gathering to explore this exciting model, answer questions, and share ideas.
To schedule a Neighborhood/House Party, contact: TinaClarkeUS@gmail.com 

Be a Founding Member! 

Mail a $50 check made out to All Things Local to: 
All Things Local, c/o 329 Pine Street, Amherst, MA, 01002 
Or join online at: www.AllThingsLocalStore.com

SUMMER FUN AT LSSE

SUMMER FUN AT LSSE

The Week-Long Summer Arts Programs combined with the new Arts Plus Programs give families the opportunity to enroll their children in a fun enriching day from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, an hour later than usual. Arts Plus Programs include The Green Games, an ecological take on beginning Spanish; Spinning and Fiber classes; and illustrator Carolyn Toomey’s fantasy-themed drawing and painting programs. 

Taught by experienced instructors, all classes attend children’s individual differences and needs, and include outdoor activities, and time for lunch and/ or a snack.

MULTI-ARTS' SUMMER CAMP

MULTI-ARTS' SUMMER CAMP

Interested in planting the seed of creativity and self-confidence in your child?   Multi-Arts' summer program is here for you!  This  fun program  will awaken and develop your child’s creative powers and  stimulate, provoke, and engage your child’s imagination.

There is still time to sign up your 4-13 year old(s) for our summer workshops, or you can choose our one day or half day options. Please visit us at multi-arts.org to learn more about Multi-Arts and our 2013 summer offerings, or call 413-584-7951.   

“Multi-Arts is a tremendously unique place.”  -- Parent

ERIC CARLE MUSEUM OF PICTURE BOOK ART

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

EXHIBITIONS

For more information visit

www.carlemuseum.org/Exhibitions/Current_Exhibitions

The Art of Eric Carle: Feathers, Fins, and FurThrough September 1, 2013
Eric Carle’s love of nature is legendary. To recognize this passion, the Carle is organizing a selective survey of works exploring his interest in animals. On view will be a host of animals who have populated his books. In addition to finished collages, there will be preliminary works including pencil studies that underscore Carle’s meticulous study of his subject.

Robert R. Zakanitch: A Garden of Ordinary MiraclesThrough November 10, 2013
The art from A Garden of Ordinary Miracles will blossom in an exhibition at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts. Award-winning artist Robert Zakanitch celebrates the beauty of all growing things in A Garden of Ordinary Miracles, an alphabetical ode to nature. The delights of nature’s everyday wonders come to life for both children and adults in detailed renderings of plants that we grow and nurture in our gardens.

Seriously Silly: A Decade of Art and Whimsy by Mo WillemsThrough February 23, 2014
On view will be nearly 100 works surveying the full range of Mo Willems’ prolific output thus far. Highlighted will be work from his award winning Knuffle Bunny series, the irresistible Pigeon books, as well as Elephant and Piggie. The exhibition will provide an informative insight into the artist’s meticulous working process.

______________________________________________________________________

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

For more information visit

http://www.carlemuseum.org/Programs_Events/Upcoming

______________________________________________________________________

CactusHead Puppets Presents

Just So Stories
August 2 - August 3, 2013
11:00 am and 1:00 pm
$5 (Members $4.50) Museum Admission extra
Enjoy these three tales of mischief and magic that tell how some of your favorite animals came to be.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Museum Admissions Desk or by calling (413) 658-1126.

Special Storytime with Lita Judge
August 3, 2013
2:00 pm
Free with Museum Admission
Author/illustrator Lita Judge grew up watching grizzly bears in Alaska, flying golden eagles from a glove, and volunteering on dinosaur digs. During Special Storytime she'll share pictures and stories, showing how these adventures inspire her books. Book signing to follow.litajudge.net

Information Session 
Simmons College MFA in Writing for Children at The Carle
August 4, 2013, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Attend an informational session at the Museum to learn about the programs, how to apply, and meet representatives from Simmons and the Museum.
For more information, please contact Megan Lambert, Instructor at The Center for the Study of Children's Literature, Simmons College at megan.lambert@simmons.edu.

CactusHead Puppets Presents
Just So Stories
August 4, 2013, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
$5 (Members $4.50) Museum Admission extra
Enjoy these three tales of mischief and magic that tell how some of your favorite animals came to be.

Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Museum Admissions Desk or by calling (413) 658-1126.

Meet Author Monica Brown
August 4, 2013, 2:00 pm
Free with Museum Admission
Celebrate Latino culture with award-winning children's author Monica Brown, featuring a number of her books which include:Marisol McDonald Doesn't Match, Waiting for the Biblioburro, and Tito Puente, Mambo King. Book signing to follow.monicabrown.net

Free Fun Friday at The Carle

Celebrating Picture Books by Mo Willems and Eric CarleAugust 9, 2013, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Sponsored by Highland Street Foundation

Come celebrate picture books with films, activities, and more!

Admission is FREE. 

Meet Local Author and Illustrator Astrid Sheckels
August 9, 2013, 2:00 pm
Free with Museum Admission
Local author and illustrator Astrid Sheckels returns to The Carle to share her latest book, Nic and Nellie. Astrid will also show some of the countless sketches and steps that go into creating a book. Book signing to follow.astridsheckels.com

VT PuppeTree Theatre Presents
Swimmy/Swimmer
Based on the picture book by Leo Lionni
August 17 - August 18, 2013, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
$7 (Members $6.50) Museum Admission extra
By combining the elements of education and entertainment,Swimmy/Swimmer introduces children to the fundamentals of ecology and science through fun, almost magical experiments certain to create a base for continual exploration and growth.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Museum Admissions Desk or by calling (413) 658-1126.vtpuppetree.org

Gallery Tour with Curator Nick ClarkSeriously Silly: A Decade of Art and Whimsy by Mo Willems
August 17, 2013, 1:00 pm
Free with Museum Admission
Join Chief Curator Nick Clark as he introduces you to the work of one of the most popular and successful creators of children’s books in the new century.

Special Storytime with David Rowinski
August 24, 2013, 2:00 pm
Free with Museum Admission
Join author David Rowinski, and illustrator Dea Lenihan as they take you on a journey through the dreamlike art of The Open Pillow and share the story behind how the book came to be. Book signing to follow.

CactusHead Puppets Presents
Little Red Riding Hood
August 25, 2013, 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm
$5 (Members $4.50) Museum Admission extra
Join us for our sly and silly adaptation of this classic story, told with hand puppets and shadow puppets.
Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Museum Admissions Desk or by calling (413) 658-1126.

###

Sandy Soderberg

Marketing Manager

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art

125 West Bay Road

Amherst, MA  01002

t (413) 658-1105

f (413) 658-1139

sandys@carlemuseum.org

http://www.carlemuseum.org

6th GRADE FAMILIES: PLEASE DONATE TO CLASS GIFT

2012-2013 6th GRADE CLASS GIFT TO WILDWOOD: A BENCH

The 6th graders are pooling their contributions to make a lasting gift to beautify their school.  Whether they have been at Wildwood for 7 years or only 7 months, this school has been a place the kids have depended on for creating lifelong friendships, getting a good education, and producing amazing art and performances.  Let's help them leave their mark on a school that has served them well.

Each 6th grade family is asked to give $10 or more towards a lovely bench that will be engraved to commemorate their time at Wildwood and in memory of Betty Yaffe (Principal Nick's mother).  The Wildwood Garden Team will arrange for lovely plantings to surround the bench.  This bench will be put near the front school entrance.

Donate online using the DONATE button on the blog or contribute cash or a check made out to Wildwood PGO (write in the memo area: "6th Grade Class Gift"). Collection cans will be set up in each 6th grade classroom.  But to minimize the black hole effect on forms and money (aka backpack) - please consider making an on-line donation.

Thank you from the Sixth Grade Class Parents!

Please see attached flyer and photos of the front entrances of Wildwood and Fort River, so that you can imagine what benches and decorative plantings in front of the school might look like.

Wildwood

Fort River with benches