To the Editor: 

We are writing to the community members of the Hilltowns — as well as the community members of Altamont, Voorheesville and all surrounding areas — to invite everyone to participate in a special event in honor of the late Jean Forti. 

As many readers know, Jean was very involved in all aspects of the community, and she was a vital presence at everything that went on in our towns.  This was especially true of the Berne-Knox-Westerlo schools; she was as a classroom parent, PTA Board member and event chair, sports parent, school board meeting attendee — the list goes on and on.

The BKW Parent Teacher Association is honoring Jean and her family for all of the hard work and dedication she showed to the students and staff of BKW schools with our first annual “BKW PTA's Jean Forti Run for Education.”  All proceeds from this event will go toward programs and events that the PTA sponsors for our BKW schools.

The "BKW PTA's Jean Forti Run for Education" event features a 5K run or walk, as well as a Family Fun Run for the younger kids at the Thompson's Lake campground on Saturday, Oct. 24.  The Kids Fun Run begins at 8:15 a.m.; the 5K begins at 9 a.m.  All pre-registered people will receive a T-shirt the morning of the race, provided they are registered by Oct. 12.

We are hoping to have a huge community turnout with people participating in the event, as we honor Jean's memory and her commitment to bringing people together in support of a cause we all believe in — our children and our schools.

People of all age levels and abilities are welcome and encouraged to participate!  All participants must register individually for the 5K or Family Fun Run events.  The race is being advertised on the Albany Running Exchange Calendar, as well as the Hudson Mohawk Road Runner's Club Calendar, so we are hoping to see people from all of the surrounding towns participate in this worthwhile cause.

Individuals may follow this link to register: https://www.zippyreg.com/online_reg/registration.php?eventID=636

Paper registration forms are also available, along with sponsorship opportunities.  Please contact the PTA if you are interested in either of those forms, or if you have any questions.  Please help us to honor Jean's memory by participating in this event, and show her family how very much Jean was loved and is missed.

The leaves will be changing colors and the course will be a wonderful reminder of Jean and her love of the outdoors.  We look forward to seeing you all there!

Tami Hanley, president

BKW PTA