Amherst College Announcement Archives

Town of Amherst Reports on August Water Test
In August 2008, the town of Amherst discovered trace amounts of E. coli in the public water supply, then retested the system and found it clean of the bacteria. In an effort to be as open and transparent about the process as possible, the town has issued a statement to the community explaining its testing procedures and what measures would have been taken had there been a real water emergency.
For more information: www.amherstma.gov/DocumentView.asp?DID=1601

Museum of Natural History to Remain Open During Thanksgiving Break
In response to increased interest and enormous positive feedback from the public, the Amherst College Museum of Natural History will remain open for visitors for the second straight year during the college's Thanksgiving vacation from Friday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Nov. 30. It will be open each day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/news_releases/2008/11/node/81892

Oxford Summer Seminar with UMass Info Session Dec. 1
Now entering its 43rd year, the University of Massachusetts Amherst's Summer Seminar at Trinity College, Oxford, is one of the oldest Anglo-American summer programs at Oxford University. It is still guided by its original intention: to introduce a wide range of students to the best of Oxford University's academic and social traditions. To find out more about this program, please attend the information session on Monday, Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. in the Career Center.

Biology / Neuroscience Program Lecture Dec. 1
Jeffrey M. Trimarchi '93, Ph.D., postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, will present "Exploring Retinal Development at Single Cell Resolution" on Monday, Dec. 1, at 3:30 p.m. in Merrill 4.

Change in Program for Amherst Symphony Orchestra's Holiday Concert
Due to a budget shortfall, the Amherst Symphony Orchestra (Mark Lane Swanson, Music Director) has postponed until December 2009 its holiday production of Puccini's opera La Boheme, originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6, 2008, at 8 p.m. in Buckley Recital Hall. The orchestra's program has been replaced by performances of Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf and Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite, tickets for which may be reserved by writing concerts@amherst.edu. The orchestra regrets any inconvenience.

Athletics Department Coat Drive Dec. 2
Going home for Thanksgiving? Whether you are a student or staff member, don't forget to bring back your old coats! The Athletics Department will be hosting its first annual Holiday Coat Drive on Dec. 2. There will be donation boxes located in the gym and the CCE leading up to the big event, which will take place during half-time of the Men's Basketball game vs. Lasell on Tuesday, Dec. 2. Bring your coat to either of the boxes beforehand or to the game at 7 p.m.

Tuesdays at the Terrace: The Art of Networking Dec. 2
Students who want to know what "networking" is all about, including how they can tap into the wonderful Amherst College alumni network, are invited to grab their lunch in Val and head downstairs to Terrace Room A on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 1 to 2 p.m. Dean Lee will be on hand to offer information, tips and advice.

Physics Senior Honors Talks Dec. 2
On Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 4:30 p.m. in Merrill Lecture Room 3, Tim Ripper '09 and Michael Chernicoff '09 will give their honors presentations.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/physics/seminars_and_colloquia/schedule_2008-2009

The Financial Crisis Dec. 2
Professors Adam Honig, Walter Nicholson and Geoffrey Woglom will discuss the current crisis at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 2, in Merrill 4. The discussion will include: 1) How we got into the mess; 2) What steps should be taken in the short term; 3) What steps should be taken in the long term. This event is sponsored by the Amherst College economics department.

World AIDS Week Dec. 1 - 5
Members of the AIDS Coalition will be tabling all week (from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Campus Center and 5 to 7:30 p.m. in Val) to raise awareness about the many facets of the issue of HIV/AIDS. Students will be selling raffle tickets and tickets to the 2nd Annual AIDS Benefit Dinner. Items being raffled include gift certificates to various businesses in town and CDs from Amherst musical groups. Suggested donation is $5. Profits go to Partners in Health.

Film: Philadelphia Dec. 2
As part of World AIDS Week, the AIDS Coalition will sponsor a showing of the film Philadelphia at 8 p.m. in Pruyne Lecture Hall. Philadelphia tells the story of Andrew Beckett, a gay lawyer who, having been fired from his law firm after being infected with AIDS, sues his firm with the help of a homophobic lawyer, Joe Miller. During the court battle, Miller sees that Beckett is no different than anyone else on the gritty streets of the City of Brotherly Love, sheds his homophobia and helps Beckett with his case before AIDS overcomes him.

Teach For America Dialogue Dec. 2
Teach for America spokesperson and Amherst alum Tim Visser '06 will be leading a dialogue on education in under-resourced communities this Tuesday, Dec. 2, at 8:15 p.m. in the Octagon. If you are interested in the Teach for America program and would like address for of the issues surround education today, we welcome you to attend. Wings will be served. This event is sponsored by The Black Student Union.

Cristina Feijoo to Speak Dec. 2
Cristina Feijóo, writer and political activist, will give a talk titled "A Trilogy and 25 Years of Argentine History" at 4:30 p.m. in the Pruyne Lecture Hall. The lecture will be given in Spanish. Feijoo was born in Buenos Aires in 1944. She was imprisoned for her political beliefs between 1971 and 1973 and then again between 1976 and 1979, after which she was exiled to Sweden, where she remained until 1983. Her first book of short stories, "En celdas diferentes"(1992), received a prize from the Consejo para la Cultura Sueco. "Memorias del rio inmovil" (2001) was awarded the premio Concurso de Novela Clarin. Feijoo currently resides in Argentina. This event is open to the public and funded by the Corliss Lamont Fund for a Peaceful World and the Department of Spanish.

Philosophy Lecture by Visiting Professor Matthew Silverstein Dec. 2
Matthew Silverstein, Robert E. Keiter 1957 Postdoctoral Fellow and Visiting Professor of Philosophy at Amherst College, will give a talk titled "Normativity from Agency: Can we locate the foundations of ethics in the philosophy of action?" at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 2, in the Babbott Room of the Octagon. Organized by the Department of Philosophy, the lecture is free and open to the public.

Poetry Reading Dec. 3
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 9 to 11 p.m. in the Rotherwas Room of Mead Art Museum, come to the first Open Mic Night for original works and works-in-progress, organized and hosted by Max Kaisler '11 and presented by Marsh House and the Mead Art Museum.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/museums/mead/programs/schedule

Amherst Select Internship Program Info Session Dec. 3
First years, sophomores and juniors thinking about summer internships have one last chance to attend an ASIP info session. This one takes place in the Career Center on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 4 to 5 p.m. This is the final session before the application deadline of Dec. 5.

Psychology Talk Dec. 3
Dr. Jefferson Singer '80, psychotherapist and professor of psychology at Connecticut College, will present a talk entitled "Self-Defining Memories in Personality and Psychotherapy" at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Cole Assembly Room of Converse Hall. The event is sponsored by the Cummings Lecture Fund and is open to the public.

No-Mic Open-Mic Poetry Reading at the Mead Art Museum Dec. 3
On Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 9 to 11 p.m., the Mead Art Museum will host the first-ever No-Mic Open-Mic Poetry Reading in the Rotherwas Room. Organized by Max Kaisler'11 on behalf of the college's Marsh Arts House, the event is free and open to the public. During No-Mic Open-Mic, poets and poetry-lovers alike will be invited to read five to seven minutes of poetry-original work or personal favorites-in the Mead's 16th-century, Jacobean Rotherwas Room. The location is the perfect setting for the activity: between 1949 and 1962, Robert Frost offered public readings of his poems in the room during his regular visits to Amherst. Participants are encouraged to arrive promptly to sign up for a spot. Cookies and hot chocolate will be served.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/news_releases/2008/12/node/81887

Lecture by Donna Denelli-Hess Dec. 3
As part of World AIDS Week, the AIDS Coalition is pleased to present this lecture by Donna Denelli- Hess entitled "Adopting Ben: A Long Journey Home" at 8 p.m. in Pruyne Lecture Hall. Denelli-Hess will speak about her experience working at an orphanage in Kenya and will tell the story of how she adopted her son Ben from the same orphanage. This lecture is sponsored by AAS and the AIDS Coalition.

French Film Screening Dec. 3
Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 8:00 p.m. the French film, LE PERE NOEL EST UNE ORDURE, will be screened in Newport House: One Christmas Eve, the staff of "SOS Détresse", a Paris-based social services team, have their hands full. As Pierre and Thérèse man the phones and try to console the capital's depressed and distressed, an obviously pregnant woman, Zézette, suddenly arrives at their office, her violent husband Félix close behind her. Pierre and Thérèse eventually manage to subdue Félix – who is still dressed in his working clothes as a street Father Christmas. This is only one in a series of "catastrophes" that occur as the evening progresses. This movie is one of the most controversial comic films made in France during the 1980s.

CANCELLED: kDy Automation Solutions Info Session Dec. 4
There will be no info session about opportunities with kDy Automation Solutions as previously scheduled.

Physics Senior Honors Talks Dec. 4
On Thursday, Dec. 4, at 4:30 p.m. in Merrill Lecture Room 3, Ted Pudlik '09, Jonathan Tucker '09 and Dylan Bianchi will give their honors talks.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/physics/seminars_and_colloquia/schedule_2008-2009

Monitors Needed for Self-Scheduled Exams Dec. 15-19
The Registrar's Office needs students to serve as monitors for the self-scheduled examinations from Monday, Dec. 15, to Friday, Dec. 19, morning and afternoon sessions. The monitor distributes the exams at the beginning and collects them at the end of the exam period and is not required to stay during the exam itself. However, we do need you to be at the Registrar's Office 15 minutes before the start of each exam to be able to start the exams on time and to later collect the completed exams and deliver them to the Registrar's Office. You would receive a minimum of $8.50 for each exam monitored. Please stop by the Registrar's Office in Converse Hall if you would like to sign up or get more information about this.

German Film Series Dec. 4
Film showing on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 4 and 7:30 p.m. at Stirn Auditorium: Erbsen auf halb sechs (Peas at Half Past Five, Lars Büchel, 2004; 111 minutes; Comedy-drama centered on an unlikely romance). A young woman, born blind, is assigned to help a theater director cope with his situation after he loses his eyesight in an accident. Undeterred by his rejection, she decides to pursue him in a bizarre journey across northeastern Europe. The Film Series is sponsored by the German Department. It is free, and all are welcome!
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/german/film_series

Philosopher Michael Bratman to Discuss Resisting Temptation Dec. 4
Michael E. Bratman, Durfee Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences and professor of philosophy at Stanford University, will give a talk titled "When and Why is it Rational to Resist Temptation?" at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, in Pruyne Lecture Hall of Fayerweather Hall. Organized by the Department of Philosophy, Bratman's talk is the second event of a lecture series on the Philosophy and Science of Weakness of the Will. It is free and open to the public.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/news_releases/2008/12/node/79333

Transporting the Elixir: A Look at Tibetan Medicine Inside Tibet Dec. 4
Dr. Lhusham Gyal, Dean and Associate Professor of the Qinghai University's Tibetan Medical College, will speak on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. in Paino Lecture Hall. Tibetan medicine is one of the most ancient practices of healing known to humanity, dating back nearly 4,000 years. Until recently, this ancient wisdom was practiced throughout Tibet virtually unchanged, as its knowledge was handed down through generations of lay and monastic doctors. Today, it is offered in the West as an alternative to mainstream medicine. But how is Tibetan medicine practiced in its native homeland today, given China's recent economic development? What are the strengths and cultural constraints that could influence its effectiveness?

Steps to Study Abroad Meeting Dec. 4
Students interested in studying abroad are invited to this session of Steps to Study Abroad, with Dean Janna Behrens, Director of International Experience, on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. in the Career Center. This is the last session this semester. It will be repeated in the spring.

Athletes: What Have They Done for Us Lately? Dec. 4
What do athletes contribute to this community? Are athletes on this campus misunderstood? How have you navigated this school as a scholar-athlete? There will be a round tables discussion on the impact of student-athletes on college campuses with Coach McBride on Dec. 4 in the Multicultural Resource Center from 7 to 8 p.m. Dinner will be provided.

Word! -- An Open Mic Event Dec. 4
This Thursday, Dec. 4, La Causa, Marsh House and the MRC are proud to present Word! - an open mic event intended to showcase the diverse talents and perspectives of our local students. Word! is open to all Amherst and Five College students who would like to perform. Performances will take place from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Friedmann Room of Keefe Campus Center. Contact scasamenti11@amherst.edu to perform.

Lecture by Professor Goldsby Dec. 4
Richard Goldsby, Professor of Biology and John Woodruff Simpson Lecturer, will give a lecture entitled "What We Know about HIV/AIDS: A Selective Summary" at 8 p.m. in Pruyne Lecture Hall. Professor Goldsby will provide a basic overview of what we know about HIV/AIDS and will describe the most recent advances in knowledge about and treatments for HIV/AIDS. This lecture is sponsored by AAS and the AIDS Coalition.

Faultlines to Host Concert, Workshop, Seminar by Anthony Davis Dec. 3-5
The yearlong Amherst College Music festival Faultlines: Mapping Jazz in the 21st Century concludes its Fall 2008 program with a mini-residency by acclaimed pianist and composer Anthony Davis, Dec. 3 to 5. Davis will give a solo concert in Buckley Recital Hall at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3; a performance workshop from 2 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. in Room 7 on Thursday, Dec. 4; and a composition seminar from 2 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. in Room 102 on Friday, Dec. 5, all in the Arms Music Center. All of the events are free of charge and open to the public.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/news_releases/2008/12/node/78820

Still Seats Left on the Saturday Bus Trip to NYC Dec. 6
Are you looking for something fun to do this weekend? There are still about 10 seats left on Saturday's faculty/staff bus trip to NYC. We leave from Converse at 7 a.m., dropping off at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and in Times Square. You are on your own for the day. We leave the city at 6:45 p.m. from the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The cost is $42 per person. Students are welcome. If interested, please contact Carol Sharick in the Career Center at 413-542-2265 ASAP.

Ben Bishop '09 on Jeopardy! Tonight at 7:30 p.m.
Join the campus in cheering on Ben Bishop '09 as he takes on night No.4 on Jeopardy! The show will be broadcast in the Keefe Campus Center Theater tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Project Dec. 4-6
The Performance Project will be staged Dec. 4-6 at 8 p.m. in Holden Theater. It's an evening of original choreography and performance works developed by students during the fall semester in Theater and Dance 62: Performance Studio, taught by Wendy Woodson. Tickets are free; reservations are recommended. Call the Box Office at 413-542-2277.

Faculty Colloquium Series 2008-09: Jerome Himmelstein Dec. 5
On Friday, Dec. 5, from noon to 1 p.m., the Faculty Colloquium Series for 2008-09 is sponsoring "Good Numbers, Bad Numbers, No Numbers: The War on Drugs and Quantitative Literacy" presented by Jerome Himmelstein, professor of sociology. This event will take place in the Faerber Room, Lewis-Sebring Commons.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/political_science/events/faculty-colloquium

Faculty Lunch to Focus on Issue of Teaching Disturbing Materials Dec. 5
Many of our classes include readings, discussions and films that are violent, painful and provocative. Indeed, such material is often vital to the course, if not constitutive of it. How can we be mindful of the risks of triggering students' memories of traumatic experiences while presenting material that is vital to the course? Faculty are invited to a buffet lunch and discussion on Friday, Dec. 5, from noon to 1:30 p.m. in the Friedmann Room of the Keefe Campus Center. Questions about these lunches and suggestions for topics we might address in the future should be sent to Amrita Basu at abasu@amherst.edu.

Public Health Dialogue: Multiple Paths to Social Justice and Healing Dec. 5
All are welcome to engage in a dialogue on opportunities in public health. Students should feel free to bring questions and thoughts to contribute. Attending alumni and faculty are Dr. Richard Aronson '69, Dr. Alan Blum '69, Dr. Gary Forester '69, Anya Guyer '99, Molly Greene '01 and Assistant Professor of Anthropology Chris Dole. Join us on Friday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. in the Career Center. Individual mentoring sessions will follow; please sign up in Experience. For more complete biographical information on the speakers, please see the mentoring schedules in Experience. Refreshments will be served.

Swing and Ballroom Club End-of-Semester Dance Dec. 6
Dance the stresses of finals away at the Swing and Ballroom Club's biannual event on Saturday, Dec. 6, in Morris Pratt Dormitory! There will be a lesson on the basics of swing and salsa from 8 to 9 p.m., and Amherst's own Reservoir Cats will play from 9 to 11 p.m. The event is free, and there will be light refreshments. No partner or experience is necessary, and semiformal attire is encouraged but not required. This event is sponsored by AAS and the Campus Center.

Amherst Symphony Orchestra to Perform Concert of Seasonal Favorites Dec. 6
The Amherst Symphony Orchestra rings in the holiday season with a lighthearted program of popular favorites on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 8 p.m. in Buckley Recital Hall. The orchestra will perform Tchaikovsky's colorful Nutcracker Suite and Prokofiev's captivating tale of Peter and the Wolf, narrated by Dean of Students Benson Lieber. Mark Lane Swanson, music director, and Daniel Curtis '08 will conduct. Tickets are $8 for the general public and $4 for seniors and children 12 and under. There is no charge for Amherst College students. Reservations may be made by e-mailing concerts@amherst.edu. Hot cider and cookies will be served immediately following the concert.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/news_releases/2008/12/node/81376

La Causa Presents 11th Annual Voices for the Voiceless Dec. 6
La Causa is proud to present the largest ALANA poetry concert in the Northeast, Voices for the Voiceless. This is the 11th year this concert has taken place, and this year's theme is "Cambiar para Intercambiar." The poets include such notables as co-founder of Def Jam Poetry Bruce George and winner of two Latino Hall of Fame awards Juan Felipe Herrera. They will share the stage with six other renowned poets on Saturday, Dec. 6, at 5:30 p.m. in the Friedmann Room of Keefe Campus Center for a free event that is open to the entire campus, as well as the Five College Consortium. Dinner will precede the concert, catered by Salsarengue. This event is sponsoredrnby AAS and many others.

Politics & Poetry: The Role of Artists in Politics Dec. 5
This Friday, La Causa invites you to join a panel of nationally acclaimed poets for a discussion of the historical involvement of artists in shaping the political atmosphere. This event serves as a kickoff for Voices for the Voiceless, a spoken word event featuring these and other poets this Saturday. Join us on Friday, Dec. 5, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Pruyne Lecture Hall (Fayerweather 115). Refreshments will be served.

2nd Annual AIDS Benefit Dinner on Dec 5
Join the Amherst AIDS Coalition for the 2nd Annual AIDS Benefit Dinner on Dec. 5 at 8 p.m. at Valentine Hall. We will have food from Freshside and performances by the Bluestockings and the Sabrinas. Sayres Rudy, visiting lecturer in the department of Social Thought and Political Economy at UMass, will give a short lecture about his previous work with Partners in Health. Dress is semi-formal. Tickets are required. Suggested donation is $5, and all profits go to Partners in Health. This event is sponsored by AAS, the President's Office and the AIDS Coalition.

Massachusetts Power Shift Statewide Meeting Dec. 6
Massachusetts Power Shift (MAPS) is a statewide network of climate activists demanding immediate, bold and comprehensive solutions to climate change. The effects of anthropogenic climate change pose one of the greatest threats in the history of humanity. Solutions to this crisis are also the solutions to many of society's other problems, such as minimizing funding of oppressive regimes and terrorism dependent on oil money and pulling ourselves out of our current economic crisis by creating millions of new jobs. To find out how you can help repower America, join us on Saturday, Dec. 6, for our statewide network meeting, hosted by Amherst College in the Cole Assembly Room of Converse Hall at 1:30 p.m.
For more information: www.masspowershift.org/

Argentine Tango Beginner Lesson Dec. 5
For all dancers, or people who are interested in dancing in general, there is one final planned Argentine Tango lesson this Friday, Dec. 5, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. in Studio Two of Webster Hall. There will be a beginner lesson along with a few cool moves at the end, and it's free! Invite all your friends, beginner or advanced. We accept all. This is sponsored by the Amherst College Argentine Tango Club.

Public Conversation with Jonathan Meese and Adam Lindemann '83 Dec. 7
On Sunday, Dec. 7, at noon in Mead Art Museum, there will be a public artist's conversation: Jonathan Meese discusses his work with collector and author Adam Lindemann '83 in ALARM de ALARM (PROPOGANDA IN ALASKA): New and Recent Works by Jonathan Meese from the Collection of Adam Lindemann '83 and Amalia Dayan. This event is free and open to all.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/72421

Artist's Performance: DRIVE ME HOMEESE BABYBABY, TO ERZLAND (ACHTUNG) Dec. 7
On Sunday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m., there will be a performance in Kirby Theater, with a reception to follow at the Mead Art Museum. The performance is by German painter and sculptor Jonathan Meese, the artist featured in the Mead's special installation ALARM de ALARM (PROPAGANDA IN ALASKA): New and Recent Works by Jonathan Meese from the Collection of Adam Lindemann '83 and Amalia Dayan. This event is free and open to all.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/museums/mead/programs/exhibitions/current

Annual Vespers Service Set for Dec. 7
Come celebrate the 2008 holiday season at the annual Christmas Vespers service on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 4 and 7:30 p.m. in Johnson Chapel. The Festival of Lessons and Carols, as it is called, is sponsored by the Office of Religious Life and the Choral Society.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/news_releases/2008/12/node/79186

Mead Art Museum to Host Performance by Artist Jonathan Meese Dec. 7
On Sunday, Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in Kirby Theater, the Mead Art Museum will host DRIVE ME HOMEESE BABYBABY, TO ERZLAND (ACHTUNG), a performance by German painter and sculptor Jonathan Meese, the artist currently featured in the Mead's special installation ALARM de ALARM (PROPAGANDA IN ALASKA): New and Recent Works by Jonathan Meese from the Collection of Adam Lindemann '83 and Amalia Dayan. Preceding the evening show, at noon the same day, the Mead will host a public conversation with Meese; collector and author Lindemann; and Lawrence Douglas, the James J. Grosfeld Professor of Law, Jurisprudence and Social Thought at Amherst, in the museum. Both activities are free and open to all.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/news_releases/2008/12/node/81379

Kwanzaa Celebration Dec. 7
Join the Black Student Union as we celebrate the seven principles of Kwanzaa with members of the Amherst College and Pioneer Valley Community on Dec. 7. Kwanzaa will be held at noon in the Red Room of Converse Hall. The event is free and open to all. A traditional feast will be held right after in the Octagon.

High Mountain Institute Post-Grad Outdoor Educator Info Session Dec. 8
The Rocky Mountain Semester Apprentice Program is a professional residency in traditional and outdoor education for college graduates. Apprentices will be immersed in an intense, semester-long seminar that combines formal lessons in educational techniques and philosophies of outdoor education with a hands-on apprenticeship with the Rocky Mountain Semester (RMS). For more information, please attend this information session on Monday, Dec. 8, at 4 p.m. in the Career Center.
For more information: www.hminet.org/apprentice-program/about-program

Student Voice Recital Dec. 8
The voice students of Ann Maggs will give a recital in Room 3 of Arms Music Center on Monday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m. The program is an enjoyable mix of jazz standards, showtunes and art songs. The recital is free and open to the public.

LEAD: Leadership Education and Development Conference Jan. 25
LEAD will provide Amherst College students with practical and valuable tools necessary to achieve their leadership potential. Come explore ways to be more effective and engaging leaders who positively impact your campus and community. The Conference will feature a lunch with Ed Gerety (www.edgerety.com), an inspirational and dynamic speaker and leadership trainer who combines his personal experiences, real-life examples and humor to teach the principles and skills that are essential to being a leader. Space is limited and registration is required. The conference is sponsored by AAS, the Office of the President, the CCE, the Career Center, Health Education, Student Activities, the Multicultural Resource Center, Residential Life and the Athletics Department.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/cce/leadamherstconference

Interterm Career Choices Alumni Panels Jan. 20 & 21
The Career Center invites students to sign up to attend our Interterm Career Choices Program. Whether you are sure of your career direction and looking for advice on next steps or are somewhat concerned about the process and find it daunting or mysterious, Career Choices is designed to help. Alumni from many different fields, levels of experience and academic backgrounds will be on campus in a four-part program offering general advice, from networking, interviewing and the job search to some specific insights about careers in sports, media/communications and the arts and a general look at the choices people make throughout their career path. The program includes catered dinner and lunch. Stay tuned for a listing of alumni. Sign up in Experience.

Interterm 2009 Information Available Now
Interterm at Amherst College is a three-week period during the January break when students are given the opportunity to take informal noncredit courses, work on a senior thesis, take part in an internship or take a course at one of the other four college campuses. All aspects of the Amherst program can be found on the site linked below, including daily changes and updates.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/campuslife/interterm

Exam Week Getaway
Looking for a quiet place to study during exams? Need some inspiration for that last paper you have to write? Experience the deeply calming influences of giant fossil skeletons on the 2nd floor of the Museum of Natural History. It's open Sunday through Wednesday evenings, 7 to 10 p.m.

Film Screening and Discussion with Filmmaker Aishah Shahidah Simmons Dec. 9
Aishah Shahidah Simmons will present a film screening of "NO! The Rape Documentary" followed by a discussion on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 8 p.m. in Merrill 4. Simmons is an award-winning African-American feminist lesbian documentary filmmaker, international lecturer, published writer and activist who uses the moving image and the written and spoken word to advocate for left-of-center, radical progressive social change. A reception will follow. This event is sponsored by the English Department.

Physics Senior Honors Talks Dec. 9
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 4:30 p.m. in Merrill Lecture Room 3, Adam Kaufman '09, Max Urmey '09 and Jeff Grover '09 will give their honors presentations.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/physics/seminars_and_colloquia/schedule_2008-2009

Evenings at the Mead with Special Guests the Sabrinas Dec. 10
On Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 8 to 9 p.m., take a break with art, music and food! Enjoy an Evening at the Mead, presented by the Mead Art Museum Docents with special guests the Sabrinas. This event is made possible with support from the AAS.
For more information: www.amherst.edu/museums/mead

Jazz Ensemble Fall Concert Dec. 10
Join the Amherst College Jazz Ensemble and their musical guests the Maine Saxophone Project for an evening of eclectic jazz. The free concert happens in Buckley Recital Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 8 p.m. The two groups will perform music of Bill Street (Director of Maine Saxophone Project), Gil Evans, Billy Strayhorn, Herbie Mann, Bruce Diehl and Nat Adderley. They plan to perform together for the final two numbers. Contact Jazz Ensemble Director Bruce Diehl for more info: 413-542-8308. This concert is sponsored by the Music Department.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/music/performances/jazz

Habitat For Humanity's Gingerbread House Build Dec. 10
Come celebrate the end of classes at Habitat for Humanity's annual Gingerbread House Build on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 8 to 11 p.m. in Valentine Hall! Prizes will be awarded for the best gingerbread houses.

Holiday Posada Dec. 10
Dance and dine for a good cause. This Wednesday, come to Holiday Posada, a semiformal dance for charity sponsored by La Causa and the Swing & Ballroom Dance Club. All donations go to Partners In Health for hurricane relief in Haiti. The suggested donation is $5. We'll have a live salsa band and refreshments from Atkins Farms. Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in the Friedmann Room, Keefe Campus Center.

Biology Department / Neuroscience Program Lecture Dec. 11
Annaliese K. Beery, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the University of California, San Francisco, will present "The Social Brain: Neurobiology of Affiliation and Anxiety in Rodents" on Thursday, Dec. 11, at noon in Merrill 4.

Emily Dickinson Museum to Host Birthday Lecture Dec. 11
The Emily Dickinson Museum will commemorate the 178th birthday of its namesake on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 4 p.m. at the Alumni House with the annual Emily Dickinson Birthday Lecture. This year's speaker, Virginia Jackson, will probe the question "What Did Dickinson Write?" and sign copies of her book Dickinson's Misery: A Theory of Lyric Reading at the conclusion of the event. The program is free and open to the public. Prior to the talk, officials from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) will make an announcement of new grant awards to the Emily Dickinson Museum and other organizations in Western Massachusetts.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/news_releases/2008/12/node/83056

Emily Dickinson Museum to Host Birthday Dinner and Fundraiser Dec. 11
The Emily Dickinson Museum will commemorate the 178th birthday of its namesake on Thursday, Dec. 11, with a celebratory birthday dinner from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Lewis-Sebring dining room of Valentine Hall. The dinner party will feature an extravagant full-course dinner buffet, wine and a specially created signature dessert by Amherst College baker Karen Macmillan. Ticket prices are $75 to $150 per person; those interested should call 413-542-5084 for information and reservations.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/news_releases/2008/12/node/83059

Jazz Combos in Concert Dec. 12
Amherst College jazz combos Telepathic Milk and Black Coffee will perform on Friday, Dec. 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Friedmann Room. Each combo will bring a special treatment of music they have been preparing all semester, including standard jazz tunes as well as originals by members within each group. Naturally, improvisation will play an important role in the sound of each group. For more info, please contact Bruce Diehl at 413-542-8308. These concerts are supported by Student Activities and the Music Department.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/academiclife/departments/music/performances/jazz

Mandatory Study Abroad Pre-Departure Meetings Dec. 11 & 12
Students going abroad in the spring are required to attend a pre-departure meeting next week with Dean Behrens. The sessions are divided by geographical locations. The meetings will be as follows: Australia & New Zealand: Thursday, Dec. 11, at 11 a.m. in the Career Center; Europe: Thursday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. in Pruyne Lecture Hall (Fayerweather); Asia & Southeast Asia: Friday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. in the Career Center; Africa & the Middle East: Friday, Dec. 12, at 1:30 p.m. in the Career Center; and South America & the Caribbean: Friday, Dec. 12, at 3 p.m. in the Career Center.

Dickinson Museum and Amherst Cinema to Celebrate Poet's Birthday Dec. 13
The Emily Dickinson Museum will host its annual Open House on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 1 to 4 p.m. in a free celebration of the anniversary of Emily Dickinson's birth (Dec. 10, 1830). A new addition to the day will be a special screening and "meet-the-filmmakers" discussion of the new film "The Poet in Her Bedroom" at noon at the Amherst Cinema Arts Center (ACAC) at 28 Amity St. in Amherst. ACAC members can attend the screening for free; it is $3 for the general public. The open house will begin at 1 p.m. and include self-guided tours of the Homestead and The Evergreens. Other activities will include parlor music, poetry readings, crafts and light refreshments.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/aboutamherst/news/news_releases/2008/12/node/83118

Final Day for Japanese and Chinese Language Tables is Friday, Dec. 12
This corrects an error in the announcements which indicates the language tables will be meeting during examination period. They will not.

Argentine Tango Open Class Dec. 12
There will be a final beginner tango lesson for the semester, sponsored by the Amherst Argentine Tango Club, this Friday, Dec. 12, for anyone interested, whether beginner or advanced. The class is free and open to the entire college community. It will be from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. in Studio Two in Webster Hall. Please invite all your friends; it will be worth attending!

Amherst Dance Nondenominational Winter Spectacular Dec. 13
On Saturday, Dec. 13, at 8 p.m. in Kirby Theater, come see the finest show to hit Reading Period this year! The Winter Spectacular is choreographed and performed by Amherst College students. One night only! Admission is free!

Amherst Dance Winter Spectacular Dec. 13
Join Amherst Dance on Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. in Kirby Theater for the Amherst Dance Winter Spectacular! An exciting evening of dance with styles including ballet, hip-hop, modern, jazz and tap. All works are choreographed and performed by Amherst College students. The show is free, open to the public and sponsored by the AAS.

Biology Department / Neuroscience Program Lecture Dec. 15
Mary C. Packard, Ph.D., postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Genetics at Harvard Medical School, will present "Creating Neural Stem Cells in Vivo: Using the Fruit Fly Brain to Identify Molecular Mechanisms that Control Neurogenesis" on Monday, Dec. 15, at 4:30 p.m. in Merrill 220.

Holiday Luncheon in Valentine Dec. 19
Staff and faculty are cordially invited to attend the reception in Lewis- Sebring from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Following the reception, students are invited to join the staff and faculty for the holiday luncheon from 12:15 to 1:30 p.m. Please join us!

Change to Valentine Closing Time Dec. 19
Due to the prediction of bad weather, dinner on Friday, Dec. 19, will be from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.

2009 Business Leadership Seminar Jan. 21-23
The Business Leadership Seminar will be held from Jan. 21 to 23. The seminar provides an opportunity to interact with leading professionals from the business community. Since its inception, the seminar has enjoyed the participation of over 500 students and 150 professionals. The 2009 seminar features topics such as "Demystifying the Investment Bank," "Entrepreneurship," "Insider View: Spotlight on the Summer Analyst Position," "Sports Management," "Marketing" and a variety of workshops and networking opportunities.
For more information: https://www.amherst.edu/taxonomy/term/9181

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