Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Michelle Symington MetroWest Reminder Assistant Editor WESTFIELD The Abner Gibbs Elementary School staff is hoping to attract hundreds of people to Stanley Park on May 21 for a giant game of musical chairs. The fund-raising event, which is currently in the planning stages, will help pay for physical improvements to the school's building and grounds. Kathleen Hedge, a teacher at Abner Gibbs and the publicist for the event, explained that Abner Gibbs is one of the oldest of the eight elementary schools in the city and there is not always money available in the school budget to pay for improvements. She said the teachers were brainstorming about how they could raise money for the school when Carolyn Cleland, a third grade teacher at the school, recommended a game of musical chairs. Hedge said that Cleland had read about a similar fund-raiser and suggested it to the other teachers. "We began discussing it last summer and it has taken on a life of its own," Hedge said. She explained that planning the event is more involved than the teachers had anticipated and that they will need a number of volunteers to make the game successful. Hedge said the teachers plan to ask the Abner Gibbs Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for help as well. The teachers hope the event will be a family event, during which both children and adults play musical chairs. "Abner Gibbs has a huge sense of community and we would like everyone to come and have a good time," she said. "It is for a good cause." Hedge said the goal is to attract 500 participants. The teachers chose Stanley Park as the location for the game because it was a large enough venue that offered suitable parking and restrooms. "Stanley Park is beautiful," she said, adding that she hopes people will take advantage of the park while they are there for the game. Tickets for the giant game of musical chairs will be available soon by calling the school at 572-6418. Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults. Tickets for a family of four or more will be sold at a flat rate of $25. Participants will need to supply their own chairs for the game. The game will begin at 1 p.m. on May 21 at Stanley Park. Participants are asked to arrive at 12:30 p.m. WHYN will provide the music. |