Hilltown Families Weekly eNewsletter (Aug 10th-17th, 2012)

HOST FAMILY NEEDED FOR CHINESE STUDENT: Baijie, a 15-year old boy from China, is packing his bags to come to the Academy at Charlemont as an exchange student. A talented calligraphy artist, he loves soccer and basketball. Baijie needs a family who could open their home and their hearts to him this fall. Host families provide a place for the student to sleep and study, meals, and a warm, supportive environment. They receive a $500 monthly stipend, and transportation is covered. Students have their own spending money and medical insurance. Since Baijie arrives very soon, interested families are asked to contact Ann Newsmith, 802-257-4710, ann.newsmith@gmail.com as soon as possible so that Baijie's travel and visa arrangements may be completed.

CALL 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.

SCREENINGS: The Family Resource Center in North Adams offers FREE Ages and Stages Screenings. Infants and young children have so many developmental changes and milestones in the early years, it's helpful to know where your child is developmentally and how to best support their growth. Ages and Stages is a well respected screening tool that will guide families in understanding their child's development. The FRC staff will spend an hour with you and your child to go through this screening tool. Please contact their office for more information or an appointment at mzepka@ccberkshire.org or 413-664-4821.

BACK PACKED FOR SUCCESS: The Family Place is hosting a back-to-school event for kids entering 1st grade through 6th grade at local northern Berkshire schools. Kids & their parents can get a free backpack filled with school supplies and meet their school principal. The event for families living in Florida & Savoy will be located at Gabriel Abbott Elementary School (56 North County Road) in Florida on August 21st from 5:30 -6:30 pm . The event for families living in Williamstown, North Adams, Clarksburg, Adams, & Cheshire will be located at The Family Place (61 Main Street) in North Adams on August 23rd from 12:30pm - 2:30 pm. Pre-registration required. Contact Sara or Amber at 413-663-7588 or email at smcdonald@nbccoalition.org to register by August 20, 2012.