HILLTOWN FAMILIES PRESENTS
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Join us on
Saturday, December 3rd at 9:30am in the community room at the Meekins Library in Williamsburg!
Board games are a great way to play with your kids and a board game swap is a lovely way to interact with your community while finding new games to play or give for the holiday season.
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COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
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"Hilltown Families supports all of us in whatever our needs are. From informative resources to community activities, Hilltown Families gives us the knowledge!... With all the information out there, I can always count on Hilltown's to be accurate, environmentally aware and the articles have our best interests at heart. As Hilltown Families grows, quality is never compromised! Refreshing at a time when everyone is cutting corners to save money. We don't need to worry about that here! Hilltown Families also helps us to connect with local businesses that fit our needs and this helps us have a greater sense of community responsibility. Thank you Hilltown Families!" - Jenn Therrien (Westhampton, MA)
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If you have any additional events, camps or classes to suggest, please feel encouraged to share on these free bulletin boards, or find out more about our enhanced publicity options.
Wellness Bulletin Board
(coming soon!)
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SUPPORT
HILLTOWN FAMILIES
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HILLTOWN FAMILIES
eNEWSLETTER
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Holiday Strolls in December
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Shelburne Falls has their Holiday Stroll the Friday after Thanksgiving each year as part of their Moonlight Magic annual event. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
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Many towns host holiday strolls where families can enjoy walking around high-spirited Main Streets illuminated for the holidays while parents shop locally and take in the celebratory atmosphere. Last week Shelburne Falls kicked off this string of Holiday Strolls with Moonlight Magic, and several Holiday Strolls are coming up this weekend and next!
This Friday, December 2nd, the town of Amherst's Holiday Stroll, Merry Maple Celebration, happens with hayrides, chorus music, opportunities to make your own gifts, tree lighting, Santa and a marching band. The same night in the town of Easthampton, the town's Holiday Stroll starts at Maple Street School and ends at Pulaski Park with singing, lighting of the park, and Santa. In the Berkshires, the town of Pittsfield will have their Holiday Stroll on Friday too, beginning with a community tree lighting at Park Square, chorus carol singing, MYO crafts, and again, Santa.
This Saturday, December 3rd, Williamstown begins their Holiday Stroll, which lasts all weekend, including their famous Reindog Parade. On Sunday, December 4th, Main Street in Stockbridge comes alive with their Holiday Stroll that's a scene out of a Norman Rockwell painting (minus the snow).
Next weekend, on Saturday, December 10th, Dalton lights up with a Holiday Stroll that starts at Depot Street with Santa and travels up Main Street towards a destination of carols and tree lighting. Great Barrington's Holiday Stroll happens the same day with a story hour at the library, children's chorus, tree lighting, and of course, Santa.
Check our list of Weekly Suggested Events for a full listing of holiday events happening each week in December.
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BULLETIN BOARD
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  BALLET: Pioneer Valley Ballet is proud to present its 33rd annual production of the Nutcracker, an enchanting, classic ballet production at the landmark Academy of Music Theatre on Dec 9, 10, 11. All tickets are reserved seating and available online and in person at the Academy of Music in Northampton. Senior & MTA member discounts available in person only. To purchase tickets, please call the Pioneer Valley Ballet at 413-527-6363, or the Academy of Music box at 413-584-9032 x105, or visit www.academyofmusictheatre.com. All shows have discounted high school & college student RUSH seats available 1/2 hour prior each performance at the box office window. RUSH seats are restricted to upper balcony only.
CRAFTED IN THE VILLAGE: December 3rd and 4th. Crafted in the Village. Open Studios and Craft booths all over Ashfield! Shop with those who make what they use and use what they make. Saturday 11am - 4pm Sunday 11am - 2pm Saturday night: Swing Caravan in Concert at Elmer's Store! Dinner begins at 5, the concert starts at 7pm. Come early to shop, stay to eat and swing! www.Elmersstore.com for information on everything!
 | | Enter to win eco-friendly, locally-made, free-play toys & music from Easy Keepers. Deadline to enter to win: 12/5/1 |
OPEN HOUSE/CRAFTS:
On Sat. Dec. 3rd,
Greenfield Center School will again host a Crafty Rumpus Open House. This is a colossal arts, crafts and music event for all ages with free art activities for children 3-12 years. Also musician Jay Mankita, who, according to Pete Seeger, is "one of the half dozen best songwriters today" will perform children's music, as will Carrie Ferguson. In addition, Crafty Rumpus hosts a 25+ booth craft fair featuring juried artisans from across the region offering lovely wares, and will be serving up savory and sweet foods. All events free and all are welcome! Admissions information will also be available. For directions: www.centerschool.net and check out the Rumpus website: craftyrumpus.com Crafty Rumpus 2011 Sat. Dec 3rd, 10-4
HANDMADE HOLIDAY FAIR: Start your holiday shopping at Alchemy Initiative's Handmade Holiday Festival- a juried exhibit of 40 artisans. From pottery and jewelry to chocolates and quilts- this is your one-stop spot to check everyone off your holiday list! Preview Party: Fri., Dec. 2nd, 4-7pm, $20. Gen admission: Fri., 7-9pm and Sat., Dec. 3rd 10-6pm, $4 adults/kids under 5 free. Drop and Shop: Parents, drop your child off at Bisque, Beads, & Beyond for a two-hour art project while you shop. Hands-on for your child, hands-free for you! Special hours on Saturday only. Call BBB to reserve your child's spot: 413-442-9033. For more info, visit www.AlchemyInitiative.org or call 413-236-9600. 40 Melville St., Pittsfield, MA (next to the CYC and Boys and Girls Club).  | |
Find out how you can have your event, craft fair, workshop, open house, etc. featured here while supporting the work of Hilltown Families!
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JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including DIY posts, seasonal cooking, and community-based educational opportunities. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com. Lee MacKinnon, Director of Family Education and Support at the Hilltown Community Health Centers writes, "A staff representative from the Hilltown Community Health Center's Families Together program will be at the Cummington Family Center, 33 Main St. in Cummington, on Wednesday, December 7 from 10-11am. Hilltown residents wishing to give comments, suggestions, or ideas for improvement to the program are invited to drop by and complete a survey. Anyone wishing to give input but unable to make the session may obtain a survey at the Worthington Health Center or call the health center at 413-238-5511 x155 to find out how to complete a survey. Families Together is funded by the Massachusetts Community Development Block Grant Program. To remain eligible for these funds, the program must annually gather this information."  | |
Enter to win a yearlong family membership to The Trustees for 2012 plus two adult stickers for cross-country skiing at Notchview in Windsor for the 2011-12 season. Deadline: 12/24.
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Emma Stamas of the West County Resilience Committee writes, "Creating a More Resilient Holiday Season... Have you ever wanted to have a less stressful and more meaningful holiday season? Join in a discussion about how to save time and money and become more sustainable with members of West County Resiliency at our Tues. December 6 meeting at 7 to 8:30pm at the Shelburne Senior Center. Come and learn new gift giving ideas and less wasteful ways to make decorations, gifts, wrappings,holiday meals, and ways to minimize stress and depression. For more information about this free event or what our group is all about, call 413-624-3240."
Kristen Rhodes of Leeds, MA writes, "Looking to start a playgroup for my 4yo son. If your child is 3-6 & you are looking for a homeschooling playgroup, contact me! I'm hoping to get together up to 5 mornings a week (9:30-11). My son has a severe peanut allergy so the group would need to be peanut free. I am willing to host, provide activities, & snacks (just let me know of food allergies/special diets) or we could meet at a peanut free facility if the group prefers... Pretty much I'm looking for an alternative for preschool as he is in much need of play with other children & cannot attend most playgroups due to his severe allergy, I have a background in early childhood & wouldn't mind facilitating. Anyone is interested in brainstorming some type of playgroup, let me know!" |
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SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING
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 Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community! Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are invited to Sponsor and Advertise with Hilltown Families. Let us help get the word out about your class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com for more information, or click here. |
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BEST BETS THIS WEEKEND
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On Saturday, December 3rd from 9:30-10:30am: BOARD GAME SWAP: Hilltown Families is hosting a Board Game Swap in the Meekins Library community room in Williamsburg, MA. Bring in board games you would like to swap with other families. Kindly make sure the games have all their pieces before bringing in. A fun way to recycle old board games and to discover new ones. Board games make excellent holiday gifts for the children in your life too! Surprise them with a new recycled game. This community swap is free and open to all families. RSVP here, or just drop in. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)
Following the Board Game Swap on Saturday, December 3rd from 10am-3pm - MYO CRAFTS & HOLIDAY FAIR: Both kids and adults today can create unique handmade holiday gifts and crafts today at the Hilltown Cooperative Charter School's Eco-craft Fair! More info...
And later on Sunday, December 4th at 4pm and 7:30pm - VESPERS : Visit Mt. Holyoke College for their annual vespers service. The college's glee club, jass ensemble, choir, and handbell choir will perform, and there will be carols and a candlelight chant. More info...
Check out our complete list of Weekly Suggested Events with 70 event listings for this coming weekend alone!
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MARK YOUR CALENDARS
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On Saturday, Dec. 10th from 3-8pm - HOLIDAY STROLL: Take a holiday stroll today in Great Barrington! There will be all kinds of family activities, including fireworks! More info...
On Sunday, Dec. 11th at 11:30am - CAROLING: Go caroling all over Franklin Co.! More info...
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HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Thanksgiving Episode
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Mark your calendars! We have many exciting Guest DJ's this fall, including: Alastair Moock, The Jimmies, Mama Doni, Katherine Dines, Charity Kahn, Orange Sherbert and Mo Phillips.
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The Hilltown Families Variety Show celebrates Thanksgiving this weekend with seasonal songs of gratitude and celebration.
Families have several ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:
Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday (9-10am) & Sunday (7-8am) mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio.
On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA.
Podcast: Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too!
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HILLTOWN FAMILIES: A TRAVELING PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
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All images in the exhibit are for sale and proceeds benefit Hilltown Families. So stop in and select a photo to give this holiday season! Buy local and handmade while supporting Hilltown Families!
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Exhibit currently on display at Mocha Maya's in Shelburne Falls through the end of December. Stop in to see the exhibit and pick one to purchase as a holiday gift!
Currently booking shows for 2012. Contact us to inquire about hosting this exciting fundraising exhibit for Hilltown Families in your town/venue.
Featured On
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Hilltown Families' Blog was voted as Best Local Blog in the Valley Advocate Best of the Valley Readers' Poll for 2011!
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Hilltown Families is an online grassroots communication network serving thousands of families in the Highlands Region of Western Massachusetts, including the Hilltowns, Pioneer Valley and parts of the Berkshires. Through a dynamic web site, social networking, listserv, podcast, online bulletin boards, and collaborations with civic and nonprofit groups, Hilltown Families connects people and organizations in the widespread communities of the Highlands region. With your support, we help area residents to share ideas, organize activities, support their children's education and increase participation in community life.
Warm regards,
Sienna Wildfield
Founder/Director, Hilltown Families
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