Hilltown Families Weekly eNewsletter
Weekly Suggested Events
for the week of
March 31st-April 6th, 2012
Saturday, March 31st
Sunday, April 1st
Monday, April 2nd
Tuesday, April 3rd
Wednesday, April 4th
Thursday, April 5th
Friday, April 6th




THIS WEEK
Recent Posts
Bulletin Board
Weekend Best Bets
Mark Your Calendars
HFVS: Katherine Dines Guest DJ
Traveling Photography Exhibit
Sponsor Hilltown Families

SUPPORT  

HILLTOWN FAMILIES 

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COMMUNITY FEEDBACK 

"I love Hilltown Families, and in particular, "Saturdays' Best" through Facebook. Hilltown Families helps me remain more connected to western Massachusetts community happenings; and increases our awareness of local happenings involving sustainable agriculture, outside activities/nature, and area businesses and artists... I can more effectively support the local economy and feed my family better because of Hilltown Families." - Megan O'Brien (Leeds, MA)

 


List of Weekly Suggested Events
Suggest Event
Enhanced Publicity
Giveaways
Hilltown Family Variety Show
Listserv   

 

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.

ENTER TO WIN

 

Contributing Writers  


SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS IN WESTERN MA

 

HILLTOWN FAMILIES SPONSORS

Sponsor Hilltown Families
Katywill Farm Community
SPONSOR: RH Conwell School
Hilltown Tree and Garden in Haydenville, MA
Sponsor: Academy at Charlemont
Sponsor: Chandler's Restaurant
Sponsor: Lui Collins' Upside Up Music
Sponsor: Yes Computers
Sponsor: SHOW Circus Studios of Easthampton
Bement School
Sponsor: The Hartsbrook School
Pioneer Valley Ballet
Sponsor: Ashfield Community Preschool
Sponsor: Crimson & Clover Farm
SPONSOR: Clean Air Lawn Care
SPONSOR: Biocitizen Summer Camp
Sponsor: Blazing Star Herbal School
Sponsor: Collective Copies
Sponsor: River Valley Market Co-Op
Sponsor: Bread Euphoria
Sponsor: Cup and Top Cafe
Sponsor: Daniel Lieberman Digital 

HILLTOWN FAMILIES

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Hilltown Families Event
Mark your calendars for the Hancock Shaker Village's annual Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm beginning next Saturday, April 7th, 2012. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
There's so much happening in Western MA!  This week in addition to our list of Weekly Suggested Events we've published lists that highlight Easter Events, Vernal Pool Events, April Events in the Berkshires, and Summer Camp/Programs.Take a look and make your plans!

SEASONS AT OUR TABLE: We had a great month at Hilltown Families celebrating the Maple harvest!  Our readers shared their stories and breakfast recipes inspired by the sugar season as part of of our Seasons at Our Table project.  Here are recipes from our readers to inspire you in the kitchen this weekend:

RECENT POSTS

BULLETIN BOARD

  PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: Swing into spring with the O-Tones at ArtSpark, Hilltown Cooperative Charter Public School's annual party & auction at Look Park's Garden House, Saturday March 31st at 7 p.m. Put the "fun" in fundraiser with live music, dancing, food by Bread Euphoria & a cash bar. The silent auction is the Valley's most eclectic, with many one-of-a-kind furniture and crafts by local artisans to a Cape Cod getaway and South African Safari. Tickets are $20 apiece, available in advance at local businesses including Bread Euphoria, State Street Fruit Store, Cooper's Corner & The Creamery, or at the door. More info, please call 413-268-3421.

SUMMER CAMP: Journey Camp returns to Cummington for Hilltown families this summer. The unique camp offers a supportive atmosphere where it's easy to make friends as campers explore nature, dramatics, games, music. Inclusiveness and peace building are hallmarks of Journey Camp. Director Sarah Pirtle, founder of Journey Camp, has won numerous awards for her books & music for children. SESSION ONE, boys & girls ages 7-13, July 2-6, 8:45-4, Woolman Hill, Deerfield. HILLTOWN JOURNEY CAMP, boys & girls ages 7-13, July 16-20, 8:45-4, Taproot Common Farm, Cummington. MOONSEED TEEN LEADERSHIP FOR GIRLS, ages 12-18, July 30-Aug. 2, two overnights & campfires, Woolman Hill. GIRLS WEEKS, ages 7-13, Aug. 6-10 & Aug. 13-17, 8:45-4, Woolman Hill. www.sarahpirtle.com.

  

 
BALLET: Pioneer Valley Ballet presents Cinderella based on the classic fairytale of Cinderella and the Prince, the birth and flowering of love, the obstacles in its path and finally the dream fulfilled.  This comic ballet is known for its jubilant music, lush scenery, beautiful dancing and the hilariously wicked stepsisters, more mad than bad in this production.  Come experience a beggar turning into a Fairy Godmother, a pumpkin and mice that turn into a coach and coachmen, a glass slipper that makes dreams come true. You will leave the theater laughing, awe-inspired, and believing in "happily ever after!" Shows: March 31 & April 1 at the Academy of Music in Northampton.  Visit www.pioneervalleyballet.org or the Academy at 413-584-9032 for tickets.

Summer Camps SUMMER CAMP: Are you looking for a great summer experience for your kids?  Check out our post  Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA which highlights opportunities happening throughout the region. With a great variety of themes, there are many summer camp/programs your family can choose, including: farm & gardening, music, art, technology, nature, personal development, science, theater, sports, ballet, preK, college... as well as a good old fashion summer camp! Discover what's being offered near you, and find out how you can add a camp to this growing list too!

Partner with Hilltown Families in the marketing of your local event, class, camp, workshop, open house or service. Click on the banner to find out how to be featured here.
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.
 

BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT: Empty Arms is a local community of bereaved parents who seek to support families who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss. Four support groups are held each month. The Bereavement group meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month, 7 - 9 PM at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. The Subsequent Choices group meets on the 2nd Monday of each month.  Contact Carol McMurrich for time and location (carolmcmurrich@comcast.net). The Miscarriage group meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, 7 - 9 PM at Cooley Dickinson. The Parenting After Loss group meets on the 2nd Sunday of each month in the morning. Contact Erika Parker for time and location (ehenyey@gmail.com). For more information, contact Carol McMurrich, director carolmcmurrich@comcast.net.

 

EARTH HOUR: Join together with other community members to celebrate togetherness and local resilience, and observe Earth Hour, too!  "Weaving a Web of Resilient Community" takes place at the Cummington Community House (33 Main St.) on Saturday, March 31st.  Beginning at 7pm, the event features activities, performances, and images that highlight the unique culture and values shared locally.  There will be a photography show featuring pictures taken by Hilltown Families' Sienna Wildfield, a seed swap, potluck snacks (bring something to share!), a concert with Sarah Stockwell-Arthen (whose music channels the theme of the event), and a celebration of Earth Hour, where the lights will be turned out and candles will be lit (BYO!).  Visitors will also have a chance to share information about farms, sustainability projects, or other relevant community ideas, projects, and initiatives with others at the event, and there will be art materials available for kids to experiment with!

 

WEEKEND BEST BETS: March 31st & April 1st 

 All day on Saturday, March 31st , the Meltdown, an annual family music and book celebration, takes place in Northampton! This free event features live music from many great children's musicians, readings and talks with celebrated children's authors, crafts for kids, a gymnastics area, storytelling, magic and puppet shows, booths featuring local vendors and family services (including Hilltown Families!).

And in the evening on Saturday, mysterious creatures and critters in the woods at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton come alive! Families can take a guided tour of the woods to characters who live in the vernal pools at the sanctuary.

  

On Sunday, April 1st in the Berkshires, it's Free Family Day at The Clark in Williamstown where families can enjoy an afternoon of activities, games, gallery talks, and tours all centered around the theme of Copycat: Reproducing Works of Art.

In Pittsfield after the noon hour on Sunday, the Berkshire Museum is incubating eggs from Hancock Shaker Village, set to hatch this Sunday!  There will also be a lamb visiting from the village, and kids can meet animal friends and take part in fun animal- and spring-themed activities.

 

Find out  more about this weekend's Best Bets and our full list of events at www.HilltownFamilies.org. 

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: April 7th & 8th 

 Next Saturday, April 7th , families can help give Energy Park in Greenfield a good spring cleaning.  There will be lots to do, including cleaning up debris left by winter storms and gardening in the park's beds.  BYO garden tools and gloves.  Families can work together to help prepare the park, a great community resource!  A great opportunity to volunteer together with your kids.

And next Sunday, April 8th, Winterberry Farm's Lambs' Open House takes place in Leverett, inviting Families to the farm to meet the recently born lambs, as well as some fuzzy little chicks!  A lovely spring time tradition!

To find out more about these upcoming events and other activities happening in Western MA for families, visit www.HilltownFamilies.org 

 

HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Guest DJ, Katherine Dines   


 


Next week Doni Zasloff Thomas (Mama Doni) host our Passover Episode!


HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW:  Katherine Dines guest DJs, telling her story in song!  

 

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!   
  • HILLTOWN FAMILIES: A TRAVELING PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBIT
    "Hilltown Families: A Traveling Photography Exhibit of Life and Landscape in Western MA" goes up for a short stay at the Cummington Community House from March 27th-April 1st, then will return in July along with friends... stay tune for details! - In June Treehouse in Pittsfield hosts the show, and then to the Westhampton Library in August, and River Valley Market Co-op in Northampton in November.

     Would you like to host this fundraising exhibit for Hilltown Families in your community? Email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com
    .

    SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING 


    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.

    Hilltown Families' Blog was voted as Best Local Blog in the Valley Advocate Best of the Valley Readers' Poll for 2011!

    Hilltown Families is an online grassroots communication network serving thousands of families living in the four counties of Western MA.  Through a dynamic web site, social networking, listserv, radio show/podcast, online bulletin boards, and collaborations with civic and nonprofit groups, Hilltown Families connects people and organizations in the widespread communities of Western MA. With your support, we help area residents to share ideas, organize activities, support their children's education and increase participation in community life.  We welcome your participation and feedback at anytime. 

    Warm regards,

    Sienna Wildfield
    Founder/Director, Hilltown Families
    swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org