Act fast! This scholarship opportunity won’t be available for long!

AMHERST, Mass. – A painful loss is serving as the catalyst for two events designed to raise awareness and break down barriers around student stress and substance abuse.

Darby Fassett, a member of UMass Amherst’s class of 2009, died May 7, 2008 of an accidental heroin overdose. Now, his family, friends and the university community are reaching out, through “Be the One,” a creative art project and memorial benefit concert.

Through art and music, organizers are calling attention to the challenges young people can face and the resources available to them. “We’re remembering the passing of a talented, delightful student and working to prevent this tragedy from happening to others,” said Dan Fassett, Darby’s father and one of the event planners. “Each of us has the ability to ‘Be the One’ who makes a difference, by speaking up with love and courage from both sides of this experience.”

The concert takes place Friday, May 8, 7pm-midnight at Bowker Auditorium at UMass. The eclectic lineup of bands and performance artists lending their talents includes:

Tickets will (soon) be available online at the Fine Arts Center Box Office and at the door; admission is $5 for students and $15 for the general public. Donations are also welcome at the door. Proceeds will benefit substance abuse prevention initiatives through the university’s Center for Alcohol and other Drug Abuse Prevention (CADAP).

Beginning April 28, creative art stations in the Campus Center concourse will give students an opportunity to visually express their feelings about grief, loss, memory, hope and recovery. Participants can work at the stations, independently, or at the university’s Craft Center through the end of the semester. Artworks will be framed and displayed in galleries, residence halls, the Campus Center and other high-visibility venues across campus.

Elise Forcino, a UMass senior and Darby’s close friend, was awarded a UMass Arts Council grant for the project. “I want to create connection to help break down the silence around issues like this. I want people to feel they have support…and that none of us are alone,” she explained in her grant application.

CADAP promotes responsible decision-making around alcohol and other drug use on the UMass Amherst campus and in the community. Established in 2006 as part of the Health Education department at University Health Services, CADAP employs cutting-edge approaches to reduce dangerous behaviors and increase awareness. Learn more at http://www.umass.edu/uhs/cadap.

Theme: Salute Your Soul!

Recognizing the toll that everyday life can have on your physical and spiritual self is important. Take the time to relax, have a discussion about faith, affirm old friendships and create new ones, & remember to take care of yourself. Celebrate and rejuvenate your soul this week with shoalers old and new.

See Pricing/Registration section of the website for 2009 rates & info! Start fundraising! Scholarship application and all registration forms available on the downloads section.

Lanterns lit and ready to bring to worship.

Its back and better than before.

This year you can bring your own
favorite obscure soda for every one to try.
but

1. No energy drinks.
2. If bring something bring enough for every body,
   so for example,
   3 glass bottles
   9 cans
   1 two liter plastic bottle
3. Bring a small shot glass, some will be provided.

Also I would like to ask a  $5 material fee, but only $1 If you bring something. Special prize for those who finish the tasting including the King’s Cup.

Please check out Thomas Putney’s Facebook album, for this years selection, and soda reviews.

January 2-4th, 2008
First Parish in Billerica, MA

Save the date & save your cash!

For those in financial need, starting in December, it’s 29 weeks until star,
that means if you are under 18, you can start saving by putting away about $20 a week, and if you are over 18, you can start saving by putting away about $24 a week. If you can do this, you won’t need any scholarship – imagine the possibilities.

Love, <3 your friendly 2009 staffers.

see the contact page for who has been selected for staff 09!

Reunion is coming.. reunion is coming.. reunion is coming..

keep an eye on the website, and your (e)mailboxes.

Coffeehouse Flyer

Intended to be printed out double-sided, this nifty document will help get your broke ass to star faster than you can say “excuse me sir… may I have a minute of your time to expla…”
-Johnny

Until we get our RYE website shipshape, you can keep tabs on upcoming cons and stuff right here. So if you’re planning (or planning on planning) a youth event, drop me a line.

Check out the flyer/registration for CON-fucius in Brewster MA, Feb. 29th – Mar. 2nd on the downloads page!