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COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
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"Hilltown Families is my first stop for an interesting and fun weekend with my 2 seven-year olds. It is our saving grace to have a kid-friendly destination on a Saturday morning, and Hilltown Families comes through for us in spades! We especially love it being new to the Valley (from Boston) and don't know up from down out here!" - The Greenwoods (Florence MA)
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SUPPORT
HILLTOWN FAMILIES
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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.
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HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
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All are invited to join Hilltown Families on an organized field trip to the Food Bank of Western MA on Sat., Sept. 15th at 1:30pm in Hatfield, MA. Sign up!
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Ongoing Columns
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| HILLTOWN FAMILIES SPONSORS | |
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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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HILLTOWN FAMILIES
eNEWSLETTER
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18 Community Highlights: Robert Frost to Monarch Butterflies. Guided Tours to Open Houses.
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Robert Frost to Monarch Butterflies. War of 1812 to Urban Townhouses. Guided Tours to Open Houses. These are just a few of the learning highlights we're featuring this week!
Scroll down to see our highlights, or select a day of the week to your left, and plan on getting out into your community and learn while you play!
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Family free draw in Pulaski Park during Northampton Chalk Art Festival. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
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The 3rd Annual Northampton Chalk Art Festival begins next Friday, Sept. 14th. Artists selected through a juried process will take to the streets from 8am-4pm with their finished work on view during Northampton's Arts Night Out from 5-8pm. There will be an informal "family free draw" happening in Pulaski Park from 4-6pm. Chalk provide. BYO family!
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BULLETIN BOARD
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 MUSIC & MOVEMENT CLASSES: Miss Leticia Music presents Music and Movement Classes this fall in Amherst for young children. There are several weekly 45 min. classes being offered starting Sept 18th and running for 10 weeks @ $125. On Tuesdays at Pineapple Dance (83 Sunderland Rd.) there are 3 classes being offered: Sing and Dance with Your Tot happens at 9am; Children Sing/Adult Dance at 9:45am(Separate Rooms/Two Instructors). On Thursdays at Second Chances (7 Pomeroy Ln.), Music and Movement with Tots happens at 9am. On Saturdays at The Red Barn (409 Main St.), Music and Movement for Children PreK-1st Grade happens at 9am. $125. For more info. visit www.missleticia.com. To register call 413-256-1778 or email leticiadavies@comcast.net.
MUSIC CLASS: HooteNanny Singers is a music class, created and taught by Nerissa Nields for children aged 4-10. The mission of the class is to teach young children basic musical skills (singing, movement, rhythm, harmony, songwriting) through play and community building. The class will have a performance at the end of the session to show off their greatness. Meeting at Cradle on the Third floor of Thornes Market in Northampton on Wednesdays 4-4:45pm $165 for 10 weeks (includes CD and songbook) Sept 19-Dec.5 2012. Email Nerissand@gmail.com to sign up. THEATER IMPROV FOR CHILDREN/TEENS: Sign up for Theater Improvisation with Heidi Haas! Improv increases spontaneity, creativity and self-confidence. Classes focus on tuning into one's scene partners, creating bold characters and developing skits with each other. Classes are offered for 6th-8th graders on Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00 and for 1st-5th graders on Thursdays from 3:30-5:00 in Florence. The first 10 week session begins in Sept. Heidi has been teaching theater to children since 1996 and is also a clinical social worker with a specialty in child/family concerns. Check out her website at www.heidihaasimprov.com. To register call: Heidi Haas 584-5562 or email Heidi_Haas@comcast.net. T(w)EEN WRITING GROUP: Teen/Tween Creative Writing Group with Nerissa Nields in Northampton on Mondays from 3:45-4:45. 10 Weeks starting Sept. 17 and going to Nov. 26 (skipping Columbus Day). This is a creative writing workshop for young people. Participants will spend part of the workshop time writing fresh material, and then the remainder sharing work with each other. All kinds of writers are welcome: fiction, poets, songwriters, short story writers, journalists of all kinds, novelists, playwrights. Structured exercises and prompts will be given, but participants may write about whatever they choose. Participants must be between the ages of 9 and 15 to participate. Cost is $200 for 10 weeks. Email Nerissa Nields at Nerissand@gmail.com for more information. SLEEP WORKSHOP: Concerned about your own or your baby's sleep? Join other parents for a sleep workshop, "Sleep in the First Year of Life," on Saturday, Sept. 8th from 10am-12noon in Hampshire County, offering a look into the world of sleep science and its clear implications for families. Share common struggles and learn concrete strategies to help children and families get better sleep. Recommended by area pediatricians and obstetricians. Led by Beth Grams Haxby Ed.M. (www.sleepandparenting.com) and held at The Center for Midwifery at Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton, MA. Cost: $20.00 payable by cash or check. Call or email to register: 413-348-6273 or beth@sleepandparenting.com.  SELLERS WANTED FOR KIDS CONSIGNMENT SALE: The Sharing Tree Children's Consignment Sale is now registering sellers and volunteers for their fall/ winter sale coming September 29 - 30 in Westfield, MA. Save money by selling and buying high quality, gently used children's items at their weekend-long sale. Sellers earn a percentage on the items they sell and shop early - before the sale opens to the public. Volunteers shop first - even before sellers! Thousands of items expected, including baby and kids' clothes, shoes, toys, books, nursery and children's furniture, baby equipment and maternity wear. To find out more and to register, visit www.sharingtreekids.com. For questions, email Karen at info@sharingtreekids.com or call 413-324-8733.
 ADVERTISE YOUR FALL CLASS: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
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 local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking, and community-based educational opportunities. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com
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Hilltown Families is a proud sponsor of Handmade for Kids Holiday Fair!
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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.
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HISTORY
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Take a special back-to-school themed tour of the Stockbridge Cemetery on Saturday, Sept. 8th, now the final resting place of numerous former town residents of special interest. This late afternoon tour will feature visits from ghosts of former schoolteachers and town residents who want to share their stories of learning in Stockbridge. Same evening in the Pioneer Valley, learn about the Grand Trunk Hotel, once an important part of Turners Falls' life and culture! Join the Great Falls Discovery Center to visit the hotel's former site, and use your imagination (along with artifacts, photos, and recorded testimony) to piece together an idea of what a stay at the hotel may have been like. - Both tours are free.
Old Sturbridge Village hosts Drummer's Call on Saturday, Sept. 8th, a celebration of 19th century military music. There will be a parade featuring numerous groups in costume, uniform "fashion shows," and more. Along with the learning opportunities available during a visit to the village, the event offers families a chance to learn about music history, and the role that music played in the military (especially during the Civil War). Then on Wednesday, Sept 12th, OSV is hosting a special homeschool day, featuring events and activities centered around the War of 1812. The War of 1812 is perhaps one of the most misunderstood conflicts in American history - immerse yourself in 1830's life to learn about this war in American history.
The Rowe Historical Society presents Robert Frost- for kids on Sunday afternoon, Sept 9th! The event will include a reading of some of Frost's most kid-friendly work, as well as a talk on his life and poetry. John Dennis Anderson will dress as Frost, and questions will be answered first as Frost may have, then from a historian's perspective. Prepare for the presentation by reading some of Frost's poetry at home! Then in the evening of Monday, Sept 10th, the Pelham Historical Society will include a special presentation on the area's rich agricultural history. Authors Ruth Owen Jones and Sheila Rainford will share slides and material from their book Harvesting History, which covers over 300 years of local agrarian history. The event is great for older students interested in agriculture and/or the development of their community, and can help to supplement studies of American history and culture. - Both events are free.
SUPPLEMENTAL READING:
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ARCHITECTURE
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There are two guided afternoon tours happening on Saturday, Sept 8th. In Berkshire Cty., take a guided tour of the grounds at Field Farm in Williamstown, a Trustees of Reservations site that is home to two stunning modernist homes, nestled amongst over 300 acres of beautiful Berkshire scenery. Families can learn about the history and design principles behind the homes, and explore the paths and foothills of the property. And in Hampden Cty., learn about Springfield's unique historic district at Mattoon Street with the Springfield Preservation Trust Home Tour! The area is home to one of Western Massachusetts' only distinctly urban rows of conjoined brick townhouses, and tours are being offered of these historic homes! Visitors will learn about the history of the area and its significance within the development of the community, as well as interesting facts about the homes' unique architecture and why the design is specific to urban environments.
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| ANIMAL & NATURE ADVENTURES | |
The Zoo in Forest Park in Springfield is home not only to exotic creatures, but to animals native to New England as well! Visit the zoo on Saturday, Sept 8th for Backyard Friends, a program on animals you'll find locally and how to help them survive and thrive. Then on Sunday, Sept 9th, it's Grandparents Day at the Zoo in Forest Park! Grandparents get a free train ride with a child ticket. - Another zoo adventure awaits at the Southwick Zoo on Sunday, Sept 9th where they will be celebrating Massachusetts Day! Present a state residency card (driver's license, passport, etc.) to receive buy-one-get-one admission.
Monarch butterflies take on an epic annual migration - from the northern United States, all the way to Mexico! Learn about the life cycle and migratory flights of this beautiful butterfly on Sunday morning, Sept. 9th. There will be hands-on science activities at the Bernardston Unitarian Church, and maybe even a chance to see some live butterflies up close! Then on Monday morning, Sept 10th the canal in Turners Falls is drained once a year to allow for maintenance to the power station and the canal's walls. Northfield Mountain is offering a unique opportunity to explore the canal bed while it's dry! Participants, clad in boots and bearing buckets of all sorts, will be able to see species not normally found due to their aquatic habitats (including dragonfly nymphs, lamprey eels, and more). Kids can learn to identify new species! All collected critters will be released afterwards. - Both events are free.
SUPPLEMENTAL READING:
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ART ADVENTURES
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Celebrate Springfield's history and culture at the annual Mattoon Street Arts Festival on Saturday, Sept 8th in Springfield! This year marks the 40th year of the festival, making it the longest running arts festival in the valley. There will be local food, artisan vendors, art showcases, and tours of the many historic homes and gardens surrounding the historic Quadrangle neighborhood. The event also features a special children's carnival.
On Sunday afternoon, Sept 9th, the Museum School at the Springfield Museums' D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts is offering an open house, featuring demonstrations of many of the different skills that students can learn, a chance to meet faculty, and, of course, ample opportunity to learn about the school's programs for children and parents.
Arts Night Out in Northampton on Friday night, Sept 14th, features the annual Chalk Art Festival. Community members can view the finished pieces (created in public spaces all across town by artists with varied styles and specialties) while visiting the many other galleries, restaurants, and businesses hosting art shows. Artists will be drawing from 8am-4pm, and families can explore Northampton to view the creation process before seeing the finished product! A free event.
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MUSIC
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There are a couple of music school open houses happening this weekend. In Berkshire Cty., the Berkshire Music School in Pittsfield hosts a morning pen house for prospective students and parents on Saturday, Sept 8th. There will be an instrument petting zoo and opportunity to check out youth music classes. And in Hampshire Cty. on Sunday afternoon, Sept 9th, families are invited to visit the Northampton Community Music Center to learn about the many different programs offered to the community (and to learners of all ages!). Families can take a demo class, visit an instrument petting zoo, explore the center, and get information about fall programs, classes, performances, and more. - Visiting these open house sis a great first step for families interested in bringing music education into their family, or for kids with a keen interest in learning to read music, sing, or play an instrument. |
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HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW:
Guest DJ, Ben Rudnick
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 This week Ben Rudnick is our guest DJ, pulling together a show all on the theme of love! Next week Doni Zasloff Thomas (Mama Doni) will be hosting our Rosh Hashanah Episode. 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! |
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 | 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!
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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, |
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