Run for the Arts

Last week, in iffy weather, the boys ran for Run for the Arts. It's an annual event where they beg friends, family and neighbors to sponsor them in this fundraiser.

The fundraiser raises money to get arts exposure for children. Remember the days when we were young and music and art was just something you took for granted? It's not that way any more! It's hard for the schools just to get the basics covered, let alone "frills" like art and music! Our school has to fundraise all year round to pay for things like our full-time librarian, a luxury that many schools cannot afford.

!!!!

In any case, the boys were jazzed to have a chance to make a little difference at the school, to have a part in bringing in some of the programs that they enjoy.

They love assembly, which is livened up with performances by live performances and artists.

Every year, the third graders put on The Portland Play, a musical that tells the story of Portland, from the time of the Native Americans, through Lewis and Clark to settlement and current day -- every child is given a speaking part, a solo or another little moment in the spotlight. The boys still talk about that play -- they loved it so much.

Each kid gets 30 minutes to run as many laps as they can. Both boys ran 11 laps. At a quarter mile per lap, that means that they ran just shy of three miles each. Not bad for a kid with short legs!

They finished tired and very happy and proud and certainly well-deserving of the popsicles that were handed round.

A great program and a very good cause.