CALL FOR CRAFTERS: Hilltown Families is a proud sponsor of the Cummington Family Center's 3rd annual Handmade for Kids Holiday Fair. The fair is the center's annual fundraiser and an excellent opportunity for community members to find commercial-free handmade items, many supporting creative free play. This year's fair will be held on November 3rd at Berkshire Trail Elementary School in Cummington, MA. Registration is now open for crafters who make handmade, commercial-free items for kids of all ages.  Spaces are also open for anyone interested in leading hour long gift-making workshops for children and/or adults. This is a great family-friendly event. If you are interested in learning more, email Stacey at cummingtonfamilycenter@yahoo.com.     

JOB OPPORTUNITY: RH Conwell CEC is seeking to employ a certified individual to teach ELA to students in grades K-6. RHC is a small privately funded school, whose staff teaches students to their specific abilities within multi-age settings versus to their age or grade level. RHC staff relies heavily on differentiated instruction and creative hands-on learning, and the staff holds students to high expectations within their individualized learning plans. If you feel you may be a good fit to the team, please apply today. This position is part-time with the possibility of additional hours contingent on enrollment. Flexibility is a must. RHCCEC is an EOE.  Send resume packet to: RHC Attn: J. Dupont 147 Huntington Rd. Worthington, MA 01098 or JDupont@rhccec.org     

INFO SESSION: The Academy at Charlemont will host a summer information session August 1, 7 - 8 PM at the Forbes Library in Northampton.  At The Academy, rigorous academic and artistic exploration are nurtured by a supportive community, governed by an Honor Code.  The curriculum develops skills to prepare students for Senior Independent Projects culminating in presentations to the community.  Studio Block classes connect students with local artists, musicians, and writers.  Academy students are stretched by leadership, citizenship, and athletic requirements.  Everybody plays, everybody learns, everybody matters. Meet students, staff, and parents on August 1 and learn what it means to "Find your voice, speak your mind".  Details at www.charlemont.org.     

FOR SALE: Are you interested in building your own home on land trust land? Want to live in rural Wendell in the center of "town?" Only $19,000 for antique school house, well and septic. Use the school house as an accessory building or restore it for a dwelling. Land owned by non-profit member organization - Valley Community Land Trust - www.vclt.org for more information.

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.   

SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. See your event, camp, workshop, business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter. Find out more abo

 

   

FAMILY CAMPING REGISTRATION OPENS: Families who would like to try out camping this summer are encouraged to sign up for the Becoming an Outdoors Family Camping Weekend to be held on Aug 4-5, 2012 at the Otter River State Forest in Templeton. This is a partnership program between the Division of Fisheries & Wildlife, Dept. of Conservation & Recreation and North Face. No prior outdoor experience is necessary; this weekend is especially designed for families new to camping. The focus will be on learning basic camping skills, such as outdoor cooking, fishing, archery, and hiking. Some camping equipment is provided. Registration deadline: Jul 27. Some scholarship assistance is available. Registration materials are posted at: www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/education/bow/bow_calendar.htm.

 

CAR SEAT SAFETY: Get your child's car seat inspected and checked for proper car installation by certified technicians at the Amherst Fire Department this Saturday, July 21st.  A seat check can help families identify potential problems with their car seats and ensures that children are traveling as safely as possible!  Call to schedule an appointment (each lasts about 30 minutes).  413-259-3355.  68 North Pleasant Street.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE)