Thursday, April 24, 2008

It's Here!!!! Party Info!!!!

We are SOOOO close to the big event...there's TONS going on behind the
scenes and the benefit planning crew is still hard at work getting
everything in line, but it's almost party time!

I'm sorry I haven't sent anything sooner...trust me...woulda ifa coulda.

For today...I'm inviting all River Kids (and parents for that matter) who
are available to meet at New City from 4-5pm to hear all about the details
of the event and what will be expected of them.  We'll talk about attire,
demeanor, responsibilities, schedule for the event, secret RK only info, and
more...There will be a couple surprises at the event that I know not even
all the RK coordinators know about!

All parents need to know:

Benefit Dinner Planning Committee will be meeting at New City 3pm Friday.
They will be traveling by cars with Charlotte and Claire to begin event
preparations at City Museum.

I will be staying at New City with some of the Benefit Planning Kids to load
up the gear in the cargo van from 3pm-4pm.  I would appreciate adult help
here if anyone is available.

Thanks to Sally Molho and Enterprise, we'll have a cargo van to help move
the bigger items like the stream table.  However, it would be great to have
a second vehicle there as backup.  I've heard from some people that they can
be there, just confirm via email that you'll be there.

Other River Kids are invited to show up at the City Museum between 4:30 and
5:00pm to begin helping.  Parents are welcome to stay and help, but kids may
be dropped off with us if you need to do something before the event.

When you arrive at the City Museum, simply tell them at the front desk that
you are working the River Kids benefit dinner in the Architectural Hall.

Attire - Willy Wonk costumes are great, but I have no clue how many people
will do so...If not in costume, we expect the kids to dress a little nicer
than usual, but it's definitely not on my checklist to grade kids'
attire...as for the adults, I'll be harshly critical and admonishing.

In truth, last year there was a real mix, but many of the adults dressed up
a bit...go as you please...just don't complain if your tux winds up with
face paint on it.

Demeanor - We'll be having a blast, but we expect our kids to be aware that
we are representing New City and River Kids of course...that just means I'll
have to watch the dirty jokes...the kids will be fine.

Responsibilities - The kids will need to work some of the tables - raffles,
merchandise sales, ticket sales, and stream table.  They will also need to
be ready to give their speeches (if applicable) or join us on stage when
necessary.  If they are asked to help with something, no questions
asked...they need to follow through.  That's a biggie.

Adult responsibilities...We'd love some help at the raffle, silent auction,
merchandise, and ticket sales tables, but the kids will be handling most of
the work...it would just be nice to know that our RK parents are keeping an
eye out.  Other than that, you're there to party and be proud.  Bring a
camera...and maybe a tissue or two.

Seating - You will be given a seat by the people working the front table at
the entrance upon arrival.  And don't worry, we put the cool people at your
table.

Tickets - If you have not done so, please pick up your tickets to the event.
You are eligible for door prizes if you have a stub to drop in the bucket at
the entrance.  Tickets may be picked up in the hall tomorrow morning and
afternoon.  If you aren't able to get them, we'll be holding them for you at
the door.

Rides/Carpooling - It's up to you to arrange for your child to be at the
City Museum by NO LATER than 5pm...before then is better.  If your child
needs a ride, of course you may ask other parents, but you may also arrange
something with Claire, Charlotte, or me.  We are able and willing to take
some kids with us in our vehicles.  Just make sure we know that's the plan.

Let me know if you have any other questions...I hope I've covered the gamut.

Rock on!

Ben



Friday, April 18, 2008

River Trip Form

This is the release form that we MUST have in hand before your River Kid leaves on the camping trip May 3.  We'll also be sending out a schedule and supply list to help out, but that's not in hand yet.


Attached file can be viewed by clicking here.

Ben

Thursday, April 17, 2008

New Map for Earth Day

Here's a much more specific map for Earth Day...it includes where the RK
booths will be as well as where all the stages are for performances.  Geez,
we're getting the royal treatment...they made us our own personal map.  In
truth, the organizers at Earth Day do love the River Kids...of course,
what's not to love?

Notice we're right by the main stage, so we'll have lots traffic and free
entertainment all day long...that is in addition to shooting spitwads at
Claire.  Don't worry, we pick all the spitwads up (at least the ones that
didn't stick) at the end of the day...sorry if you signed up for cleanup.

Thanks for volunteering your tents...Dan Welby came through early on, so I
think we're set for tents...The Birches are bringing the other...correct me
if I'm wrong...but just on that issue...on other issues, just let me believe
I'm right.

I've had a couple people volunteer to bring snacks...we'd love to get some
more...maybe a cooler of drinks?  We'll have water in a cooler for everyone
as well.  Let me know if you will be bringing snacks...the more the
merrier...Heck, worst case scenario, we have to get another tent to shade
the snacks...

Oh and I hear the 5th grade, or at least some of them, will be performing a
stepping routine at 4:50 in the eco-arts pavilion...that's on the map
too...the pavilion, that is - not the routine.

One more thing (as if that were true)...Parents don't have to stay with us
for Earth Day... though they are welcome...If you choose to drop your child
off, please make sure you touch base with us before leaving.  And leave a
contact number...You are welcome to send money with your child as well if
you're okay with them "losing" it when I get hungry...Or if you're okay with
them going to get food from the vendors...Or if they want to buy some of the
new tax-free, duty-free River Kids merchandise.

See you at the big event!

Ben


Anyone Got a Kayak?????

We're looking to put on a little skit before the 4th grade assembly on
Friday to promote ticket sales and raffle items.  We'd like to have a kayak
as a prop for the skit.

Is there anyone out there with one lying around that we could borrow???...we
have purchased one from REI, but it won't be in until Saturday.

Let me know ASAP...

Thanks!

Ben


Wednesday, April 16, 2008

RK Schedule for the Week

Hey everyone!

The Trailnet Cleanup was a blast this weekend!...Thanks to all the hard-core
river-enthusiasts who put up with the cold, the wind, and the sleet.  The
big story of the day was that the kids actually found a pillowcase full of
old jewelry and won an REI backpack for finding the most valuable prize.
What a crazy day!

I still have River Kids calendars for you all in my room...I forgot to give
them all out at the last meeting...so if you would like one, swing by or
have your River Kid grab one.

These next two weeks are the craziest of the year for River Kids...so hunker
down and strap in your gear...there's whitewater ahead.

We need everyone to chip in wherever possible in order to pull off Earth Day
and the Benefit.

Please sign your River Kid up for at least one two-hour shift on Sunday,
April 20.  The sign up sheet is posted outside the PA Room.  We'll need at
least one person with a big vehicle to help out with setup and one for break
down at the end of the day.  The more the merrier...Kids can stay to help
out as long as you'd like...Parents are welcome to help as well.  I'll send
a separate email with details just on Earth Day.

River Kids are all invited every day of the week to come to the PA room and
help with Earth Day or the Benefit.  There are numerous things being done on
any given day that could be taken over by a River Kid.

Ticket and Merchandise sales will continue.  Kids have signed up for
shifts...If someone would like to help sell, but can't find a slot, please
let me know.


Here's the general scoop on the daily meetings:

Monday - Bracelet/Necklace Making Session - We will be making necklaces
using 100 beads...each bead represents one percent of all water on Earth.
97 green and blue = saltwater
2 clear = ice caps
1 silver = precious one percent of all water that is useable freshwater
Our kids will talk about this with others at earth day and our benefit
dinner.  They will sell the bracelets as well.

Also Monday - Rap Group Set Designers...there are still a couple things that
need to be painted...

Tuesday - Earth Day/Stream Table Practice Session - This is a big meeting.
We would like everyone there if possible.  We will go over the Earth Day
Booth Responsibilities, practice on the stream table, discuss the bracelet
activity as well as the recycled river creatures activity.

Wednesday - Rap Rehearsal - Down to two rehearsals...everyone who is cast in
the performance NEEDS to be there.

Thursday - Benefit Dinner Walkthrough for Planning Committee Members
only...speak with Charlotte about whether you are supposed to be there or
not.  Charlotte and I will be driving these kids to the City Museum and
back.

Friday - Large Group Meeting - Final Meeting about Earth Day to discuss all
responsibilities and practice for the event

Also Friday - FINAL RAP REHEARSAL - All cast members MUST be there.

Sunday - St. Louis Earth Day Festival in Forest Park - Shifts available from
9:30am to 7pm.

Let me know if you have any questions.  Being a River Kid is almost a
full-time job through these next two weeks.  We recognize that means some
parents will be working overtime as well...thanks ahead of time (from
Charlotte and Claire as well) for ALL the schedule shuffling, transporting,
discussion, and encouragement you'll be investing...You help make this whole
experience amazing.

Ben