Science, Art Program Offered for School Break

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Participants make ice cream at a past school break program.
EGREMONT, Mass. — Flying Cloud Institute and Greenagers will once again hold a science and art exploration program during the February school break for children aged 7 to 13 years. It runs Feb. 17 - 20 from 9 to 3:30 (with early drop-off at 8:30 a.m.), at the April Hill Education and Conservation Center in South Egremont.
 
Participants will engage in science investigations, art projects, engineering challenges, and nature explorations. During the last school break, youth explored material science by making phosphorescent (glow-in-the-dark) polymers and learned about sound by making oscilloscopes. Children also took part in an engineering challenge by using sticks, marshmallows and straws to design structures, and were then introduced to TinkerCad design software and 3D printers. They learned about sheep, visited a working sheep farm, observed wool and other fur samples under the microscope, and created felted wool projects. The program concluded with an outdoor walk, scavenger hunt, and showcase of creations.
 
The February break program will be located at April Hill, which serves as the headquarters for Greenagers, as well as a resource for community gatherings and education. The nearly 100-acre property has nature trails, vegetable gardens, orchards, pastures and hayfields, and abuts the Appalachian Trail. 
 
"Flying Cloud Institute is excited to partner with Greenagers this February break. We look forward to engaging youth with dynamic science and art activities to ignite their creativity," said Executive Director Maria Rundle.
 
The cost is $250 for the four-day program and financial aid is available. To register, visit flyingcloudinstitute.org or call 413-645-3058 with questions.
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Monterey Man Arrested in Suspicious Fire

Update: John Rohane was taken into custody on a warrant connected to the fire. He was taken to an area hospital for an issue unrelated to the fire or his arrest.
MONTEREY, Mass. — State Police, Monterey Police, and other officials are searching for John Rohane, 60, following a suspicious fire early Wednesday morning at his home on Main Road.
 
Rohane may be wearing a green jacket and boots. Anyone who sees him or knows of his whereabouts is urged to call 911 right away. Do not approach him.
 
The Monterey Fire Department responded to 340 Main Road at about 3:50 Wednesday morning for a report of a fire. Otis responded for mutual aid. No injuries were reported. 
 
Based on an examination of the scene, witness interviews, and other evidence, State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal's office determined that the fire had been intentionally set.
 
As the investigation continued, State Police and regional partners began searching for Rohane, bringing additional assets to the wooded area behind 340 Main Road, including areas of Beartown State Forest.
 
Those efforts remain active at the posting of this information at 5 p.m.
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