Hilltown Families Weekly eNewsletter
Weekly Suggested Events
for the week of
July 27th-Aug 3rd, 2012
Friday, July 27th
Saturday, July 28th
Sunday, July 29th
Monday, July 30th
Tuesday, July 24th
Wednesday, Aug 1st
Thursday, Aug 2nd
Friday, Aug 3rd


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THIS WEEK
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Bulletin Board
Best Bets
Mark Your Calendars
HFVS: Randy Kaplan Guest DJs
Suggested Titles to Supplement this Week's Local Learning Highlights

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK 

"I'm relatively new to the Berkshires so I'm mostly familiar with the southern Berkshires. I love finding out about all these lovely little towns north of me, and knowing about all the various events going on ALL THE TIME, from concerts to theater, to apple picking. I moved here to live in the country and Hilltown Families keeps me informed of all the wonderful things country life has to offer." - Valerie Sheehan (Lenox, MA)    

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HILLTOWN FAMILIES SPONSORS

 

Ashfield Community Preschool 

Chandler's Restaurant (South Deerfield, MA) 

Earthwork Programs 

Hilltown Tree and Garden in Haydenville, MA 

Sponsor: Kathy Puckett, SLP 

Katywill Farm Community 

Lui Collins' Upside Up Music 

Paintbox Theater 

RH Conwell School 

S.H.I.N.E. 

SHOW Circus Studio 

Yes Computers in Northampton, MA 

Academy at Charlemont 

Bement School 

Blazing Star Herbal School in Ashfield, MA

Daniel Lieberman Digital Consulting 

Bread Euphoria Cafe & Bakery in Haydenville, MA 

Cup & Top in Florence, MA  

Enhanced Publicity
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

eNEWSLETTER 

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22 Highlights for Next Week!
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For additional supplemental reading material on topics highlighted this week, be sure to check out our list of recommended titles (see side bar)!
Hilltown Families Highlights for this coming week combine economic development with community-based and service-based learning:

 

COMMUNITY SUPPORT: There are several opportunities to support your community this week. We all know that shopping local is a great way to foster economic development, and this weekend there are a few events that make it easy to shop local, including sidewalk sales in both downtown Northampton and downtown Greenfield, and the annual Arts & Crafts Fair at Church on the Hill in Lenox. Another way to support your community while benefiting from service based learning is by volunteering as a family. A few opportunities coming up this week include building a new trail with the Trustees of Reservations in Ashfield on Saturday, July 28th, helping out at the Just Roots Food for All Garden to support local hunger relief every Sunday in Greenfield through the growing season, and a community-wide gleaning event currently being organized in Amherst (interest meeting on Tuesday, July 31st).

 

ANIMALS: Animal adventures next week include nocturnal insects & animals, aquatic critters, and birds of prey. Hatifield Library takes a look at what critters come out only at night on Tuesday, July 31st while the Chicopee Library presents their predators hosted by Tom Ricardi and his Birds of Prey on Thursday, Aug 2nd. If fish and aquatic animals are your interest, the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield has an Aquarium Adventure program every Thursday where kids can meet & greet while learning about these critters.

 

HABITATS: Ponds, rivers and streams are great natural habitats for families to explore and learn about ecology during the summer months. On Saturday, July 28th, kids can learn about the unique habitats provided by beaches, especially beaches at our local ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers, at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls in the morning, and after lunch join educator Dawn Marvin Wood for an afternoon of river studies at the Northfield Library. On Sunday, July 29th, families can walk the canal side trail in Turners Falls and learn about all of the creatures who call the river home, or take a guided canoe trip at Bartholomew's Cobble in Sheffield with the Trustees of Reservations and learn about the history of the Housatonic River. Ponds are the focus on Friday, Aug 3rd as Northfield Mountain hosts a special family adventure to learn about the life in a local pond - using nets, magnifiers, and guides, families will learn to identify many different pond creatures.

 

LOCAL HISTORY: Families can learn about local history through the lens of fiber, pottery, wells and bricks this week. On Saturday, July 28th, families can visit Historic Deerfield to learn about tailoring, as part of the museum's "Fun with Flax" exhibit, or the Ashley House in Sheffield to learn about the craft of pottery and its history. Also on Saturday, Kingman Tavern Historical Museum in Cummington hosts an afternoon of sheep shearing and fiber history. On Sunday, July 29th in Plainfield visit the Shaw Library for a program that takes a look at how residents during the 19th century created their own aqueduct to draw water from springs on higher ground. Later in the week on Friday, Aug 3rd, the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls will present a program that looks at the local brick making industry of Montague City and the importance of this industry to our local history.

 

MATH & SCIENCE: Summer time is no time to put math and science on hold! At the Forbes Library in Northampton, Gary Pozzato and his computerized friend Robo the Robot will share information about space, planetary orbits and rockets on Tuesday, July 31st. On Wednesday, Aug 1st the Westhampton Library will host an origami demo where kids use math and geometry skills for folding paper. Also on Wednesday, at the Monson Library, kids crazy about LEGOS can practice basic principles of architecture, design, and physics during an afternoon drop-in.

 

Bucket ListFind out about these events and over 100 other events & activities happen all next week in our List of Weekly Suggested Events. And don't forget about our Bucket List of 60 recommendations of things to do and places to see in Western MA in the summer by Hilltown Families readers (and add you're own recommendation too!)  

RECENT POSTS

BULLETIN BOAR


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.     

  

HOME SCHOOL CONNECT FAIR: On Tuesday, July 31, SHINE Middle Grades Home School would like you to learn about programs for home-schooling families in the valley, while having a good time!  Come to the 10am performance by Alex the Jester at The Pines Theater in Look Park in Florence at 10am, and then stay for the fun.  The Home School Connect Fair will take place from 10:45-2:00 in the mini-pavillion next to the splash park. There will be laughing yoga, hula-hooping, a lesson by the Pioneer Valley Women's Martial Arts, and a family Contra Dance. There are also many vendors, including, Tekoa Mountain Outdoors, Simplicity Parenting, North Star Learning Center, A Natural Music School, Lui Collins, & more. Learn more about the event at: http://www.facebook.com/events/248710701898130/.

  

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.

  

Call for Youth PhotographersCALL FOR YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHERS: Western MA youth photographers ages 8-18 are invited to participate in an upcoming exhibit titled, "Places We Live, Play & Learn: Narratives of Life by Western Massachusetts Youth Photographers."  Hosted by Hilltown Families with the support of the Cummington Cultural Council, the exhibit will be on display at the Cummington Community House Gallery in the rear of the Cummington Community House during the month of September 2012. Exhibit gives youth an opportunity to explore their towns and document their findings both in images and a written narrative. Great summer learning opportunity! Participation is free and open to all youth  living in Western MA. Deadline for entry: Aug 27, 2012. More info and entry forms here: Call for Youth Photographers. 

 

 

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 about our Enhanced Publicity options and how we can help with your marketing.

VOLUNTEER FOR HISTORY: Is your teen (or you) a bit of a history buff?  Would they be interested in learning more about local history?  Storrowton Village in West Springfield is currently seeking youth volunteers for the 2012 Big E, from Sept. 14-30. It's an opportunity to provide a service to the community, as well as to gain and share knowledge of 19th century history.  Volunteers dress in 19th century clothing and either act as hosts or guide tours through the village.  This is a great activity for friendly, outgoing teens!  Volunteer training begins on Aug 22 for 3 sessions, including Aug 29 & Sept 5, from 1-6pm. For more info. & to schedule interview, call 413-205-5051 before Aug 15.

BEST BETS FOR THIS WEEKEND
Berkshire Family Fun for Late July-Early August, 2012
 
 Did you know Western MA has it's very own water ski show team?  The Oxbow Water Ski Show Team, established over 30 years ago, is hosting the annual Eastern Region Water Ski Show Tournament this weekend, July 28th & 29th on the CT River in Northampton. Four teams from New England come together to compete, each putting on a free show the whole family will enjoy! Sunday morning (the day to go!) each team will put on a free one-hour show including barefooting, swivel skiing, jumping, ballet lines, doubles, and of course the famous human pyramids.

Saturday, July 28th, Kingman Tavern Historical Museum in Cummington hosts a free afternoon of sheep shearing and fiber history!  Traditional blade shearer Kevin Ford will do a demonstration (beginning at 3), and families can explore the museum to see lots of local artifacts (many related to shearing) and learn about local history!

 

Find out more at www.HilltownFamilies.org

 MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Next Weekend

Weekend of August 4th and 5th the Great New England Air Show takes place this weekend at Westover Air Force Base!  Families can visit to learn all about different types of planes, watch flight shows, and see giant Air Force planes and helicopters up close.


Same weekend, the Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield hosts the Age of Iron Weekend. For a full weekend blacksmiths from the region will be at the village demonstrating the art of blacksmithing and metal work. There will be several techniques and styles highlighted, including ironwork craftsmanship dating from the 17th to the 21st century, Japanese hardware, tool making, engraving, and Viking and Shaker forging.  This learning opportunity will afford youth a first hand look at how blacksmithing was an integral part of life in Shaker history.
 

Find out more at www.HilltownFamilies.org.    

HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW:  

Road Trip Episode

 


This week will be a rebroadcast of our Road Trip Episode, originally airing May 30, 2009. Music to travel to by Caspar Babpants, Ziggy Marley, Joe McDermott, Terri Hendrix, Ellis Paul, 23 Secret Agent Skidoo, the Sippy Cups, and several other artists.  

 

Check out our archives to listen anytime, or tune in this weekend to hear our Summer Essential Episode. 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' Blog was voted as Best Local Blog in the Valley Advocate Best of the Valley Readers' Poll for the past two years in a row!  Thank you for your support!
    Hilltown Families is an online grassroots communication network serving thousands of families living in the four counties of Western MA.  Through an award winning 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