COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD
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"If we wish to create a lasting peace we must begin with the children." - Mahatma Gandhi
Welcome to Hilltown Families, a grassroots communication network for families with grade school children living in Western Mass, established in 2005 by hilltown mother and long time activist Sienna Wildfield.
HF welcomes writings that reflect the positive work and educational efforts activists, families, teachers, and artists work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families.
HF also invites the voices of parent’s surviving the struggles and challenges of parenthood, along with art and photography. Click here to find out how to become a contributing writer/artists.
Have something short, sweet or sassy to share? Post a comment and tell us what's on your mind.
If you know of an upcoming event that either families, kids or adults might find useful or entertaining, post it on our Suggest an Event page.
Hilltown Families welcomes individuals and businesses to become a sponsor. Email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com to inquire how you can support the work of Hilltown Families by becoming a sponsor.
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Hilltown Families said,
November 9, 2009 at 11:20 am
DOWNING TO HOST MASSACHUSETTS SENATE PRESIDENT THERESE MURRAY IN DISTRICT
Briefings planned on innovative health care and residential education/treatment programs operating in Berkshire County on November 12-13, 2009.
EVENT #1 – Berkshire Health Systems Heart Failure Program Presentation
WHO:
Senate President Therese Murray (D- Plymouth)
Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D- Pittsfield)
Representative Christopher Speranzo (D-Pittsfield)
Dave Phelps, President and CEO, Berkshire Health Systems
Darlene Rodowicz, Chief Financial Officer, Berkshire Health Systems
John Rogers, VP and General Counsel, Berkshire Health Systems
Eugene Dellea, President, Fairview Hospital and BMC Hillcrest Campus
Diane Kelly, Chief Operating Officer, Berkshire Medical Center
Dr. Gray Ellrodt, Chairman, Department of Medicine, Berkshire Medical Center
Alicia Ferrarin, NP, Clinical Manager, Heart Failure Clinic
WHAT:
Berkshire Health Systems Heart Failure Program Presentation.
On July 28, 2009 the Wall Street Journal highlighted BHS’ program to prevent heart-failure patients from returning to the hospital after they have been discharged. Discussion will focus on success of the program, how it affects health care costs at BHS, in the Berkshires, potential implications statewide.
Link to article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124873545269485081.html#
WHEN:
Thursday, November 12, 2009. 4:00-5:00 PM
5th Floor Classroom, BMC Medical Arts Complex, 777 North Street, Pittsfield
==================
DOWNING TO HOST MASSACHUSETTS SENATE PRESIDENT THERESE MURRAY IN DISTRICT
Briefings planned on innovative health care & special residential education and treatment programs operating in Berkshire County on November 12-13, 2009.
EVENT #2 – HILLCREST EDUCATIONAL CENTERS GENERAL PROGRAM OVERVIEW
WHO:
Senate President Therese Murray (D- Plymouth)
Senator Benjamin B. Downing (D- Pittsfield)
Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli (D-Lenox)
Jerry Burke, President and CEO, Hillcrest Educational Centers
Shaun Cusson, Executive Vice President, Hillcrest Educational Centers
Steve Conroy, Director of Development, Hillcrest Educational Centers
Scott Haskell, Hillcrest Center Campus Program Director
Hillcrest Education Center Student Panel
WHAT:
Hillcrest Educational Centers General Program Overview.
Hillcrest Education Centers has provided state of the art residential treatment services to students with behavior disorders since 1985. A brief administrative overview will be given, followed by program descriptions and a presentation from current students. The students will give the group a tour of the facility.
More information on Hillcrest Education Centers: http://www.hillcrestec.org
WHEN:
Friday, November 13, 2009. 8:30-9:30 AM
Report to Reception, Tatro Building, Hillcrest Center Campus, 349 Old Stockbridge Road, Lenox
Hilltown Families said,
November 5, 2009 at 1:24 pm
From: Kimberly.Edgar@Dartmouth.edu (Kimberly Edgar)
Date: November 3, 2009 9:57:26 PM EST
Subject: Western, MA Fall Forum Sponsored by the Northeastern Girls Collaborative (NEGC): Thursday, November 19th at Ford Hall, Smith College
Hello,
The Northeastern Girls Collaborative (NEGC), the NSF-Funded National Girls Collaborative Project for Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island will be hosting a forum at Ford Hall at Smith College on Thursday, November 19, 2009 from 4:00pm. to 6:00pm.
The Program Agenda for the Fall Forum includes presentations on successful Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) collaborative programs serving K-12 girls in Western Massachusetts, a panel discussion on how to form and substain collaborations, information on the golas and objectives of the National Girls Collaborative Project (http://www.ngcproject.org) and to facilitate opportunities for collaborative efforts among individuals, schools, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and corporations.
Too often programs serving girls in STEM are limited in service and impact due to size, location, funding, expertise and equipment, In other cases, projects compete with each other, duplicating services and seeking the same resources. The Northeastern Girls Collaborative (NEGC) aims to reduce this competition and increase STEM outreach, interest and participation by providing opportunities for interested individuals to come together and leverage the know-how, talents and resources of programs with like-minded interests, along with providing mini-grant funding opportunities.
Please register at: http://www.ngcproject.org/events/events.cfm?eventid=155 or visit the NGCP Website and select Events then Forums.
For additional information, please contact Kim Edgar at KimberlyEdgar@aol.com or #603-448-3708
Thank you.
Kim Edgar
Northeastern AAUW Regional Liaison to NGCP
Hilltown Families said,
November 3, 2009 at 11:52 am
YouthFilm 2010, Part of the Four Sundays in February Series
Make your Movie
The Northampton Arts Council is excited to present YouthFilm, the fourth annual showcase of cinematic talent from local children and teenagers.
The deadline is January 6, 2010.
Kicking off our program at the Academy of Music Theatre on February 15th with the eleventh annual international children’s film festival KidsBestFest, the week will culminate with a return to the Pioneer Valley area to look at the films and animations created by our up and coming local superstars. YouthFilm will give them the opportunity to display their talents on the big screen at the beautiful Academy of Music Theatre.
The Northampton Arts Council is seeking original films produced by youth (18 and under) to showcase at the Academy in February as part of this year’s line-up. Those interested in participating in YouthFilm should send an application and their films to the Northampton Arts Council (nacads@comcast.net) January 6, 2010, but send your films early!
Films should be submitted on DVD in .mov or .wmv format and be no longer than 30 minutes. All genres are welcome. The selections from past festivals include claymation shorts about love, horror and octopi, a stop action racing film, a Survivorman feature, and an original rock opera. YouthFilm brings a new generation of enthusiasm, talent
YouthFilm will screen at the Academy of Music Theatre on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 12pm.
Films are run “festival-style” with films suitable for all ages shown earlier in the afternoon and those with mature themes shown later in the day. Admission is $3 (cash only) for adults, and free for those 18 and under. We look forward to collaborating with the area’s youth to further promote the arts in the community.
ENTRY FORM HERE:
http://www.northamptonartscouncil.org/view/web/id/7677/title/Four_Sundays_in_February
Hilltown Families said,
October 31, 2009 at 10:36 am
Parents looking for childcare on election day, might benefit from knowing that Bonnie’s Program will offer a full day of care at the New Hingham Elementary School in Chesterfield on November 4th. The hours will be from 7:00 AM to 5:00 P.M. Pre-registration is required: 413-296-0182.
Hilltown Families said,
October 30, 2009 at 9:10 am
Wendy V. Long, Editor of Breaking News From Gateway writes:
Good afternoon:
The Gateway Regional School District is seeing growing numbers of absences of students who have Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI). Health officials are presuming that people who show ILI right now have Swine Flu. Parents are asked not to send students to school if they have flu-like symptoms. Students who are ill should not return to school until their fever has been gone for at least 24 hours, without the use of products like Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Gateway staff have been working for some time with Hilltown Community Health Centers, our seven towns Boards of Health, the Medical Reserve Corps, and officials from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to prepare for H1N1 Vaccinations.
We will begin free vaccination clinics throughout the district as the vaccine becomes available. As young people are more susceptible to Swine Flu than those born before 1985, we will begin by holding evening clinics at our five elementary schools for elementary-aged students and their younger siblings. Information and registration forms are going home in elementary student Red Folders on October 30th. Parents are asked to return the form, whether or not they plan to use a Gateway elementary clinic, so that we know how many doses will be needed for each school clinic. Parents or guardians MUST be present with their children at these clinics. Parents who return a registration form requesting the vaccine for their child(ren) will be contacted with the date of the clinic for their school.
Once the elementary clinics are held, we will vaccinate grade 5 – 12 students (whose parents have granted permission and signed registration forms) during school hours.
We also plan to hold clinics for the general public once the students are done and more vaccine becomes available. Each town’s Council on Aging will then hold a free clinic to vaccinate any senior citizens who wish to participate, with Town Boards of Health seeing that the vaccine gets to shut-ins at home. In the meantime, the best way to protect seniors from Swine Flu is to keep their grandchildren from getting it and spreading it.
Luckily, for now, the H1N1 virus does not seem as lethal as it did when it first appeared last spring, but it is a very unpleasant flu that comes with fever, chills and sometimes with diarrhea and vomiting as well. The impact on individuals, families and our community will be huge if large numbers become sick. In the words of those who have had H1N1, “You so don’t want this…â€
We are pleased with the number of hilltown residents and Gateway staff members who have stepped forward to work at our clinics. More are still needed, so if you are willing to help and haven’t yet completed a form, please consider doing so. A form is attached for your convenience.
Hilltown Families said,
October 7, 2009 at 5:11 pm
SMALL BUSINESS WORKSHOPS FOR HILLTOWN BUSINESSES IN CHESTERFIELD, MA
Hilltown CDC presents a broad range of workshops for businesses.
Online Marketing for Artists and Craftspeople will be presented on October 26 in Chesterfield at Hilltown CDC from 6 to 9 PM. The workshop will be led by Donald Clark, author of Making a Living in Crafts. This class will explore ways that craftspeople and artists can use the internet to grow their businesses, including ways to join already existing sites as well as the merits of having one’s own site.
Introduction to Photoshop Elements will be presented the next night, October 27, also at Hilltown CDC from 6 to 9 PM, taught by Debbe Dugan of Simply Computing. You will learn about the basic workspace within Photoshop Elements and the various tools available to edit your photos. You will learn to edit and resize photos, reorient the photos, crop photos, improve the color of the photos, and work with various color palettes. Photoshop Elements contains many of the techniques available in Photoshop.
Introduction to Powerpoint will be presented the following week, on November 3 in Chesterfield from 6 to 9 PM, also taught by Debbe Dugan of Simply Computing. PowerPoint is software used to create slides for presentations. These slides can be printed or viewed electronically, either on your computer or with a projector. We will create basic PowerPoint slides using templates and auto-content outlines. We will create handouts and speaker notes for the presentations. We will also investigate the slide master and how it is used to create your own slide style. We will look at the different types of slides and how to change them by adding graphics, charts, and graphs. You will learn pointers on how to create a polished presentation. Folks attending the class will be able to create a simple presentation by the end of the class; will have the knowledge required to print the presentation, notes, and handouts; and will have the ability to use the computer as a presentation medium. Requirements: basic knowledge of a computer (MAC or PC) and knowledge of word-processing software.
And, on November 4, a favorite workshop returns. 30 Ways to a Better Website on Any Budget will be presented in Chesterfield, from 6 to 9 PM. Whether your web site is a simple brochure or a database-driven, e-commerce enabled profit center, you want to maximize its value to your organization. This program brings together considerations from strategic marketing, web content creation, and website design and management to present 30 ways to improve your website without busting your budget. The session includes reviews of real web sites. Taught by marketing consultant Karen Lauter Utgoff, website designer Silvana Gravini, and writer Jeanne Yocum.
The fee for each workshop is $35, with tuition waivers available for low and moderate income hilltowners.
Therese Brigley said,
October 6, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Davenport Child Care in Chesterfield, MA is pleased to announce that they have expanded!
We have converted a room in our center to an infant room and have now competed the licensing of this space.
This now means that we can accommodate more infants and toddlers than we could before. We previously could take a combination of nine in a mixed group of infants and toddlers, now we can accommodate nine toddlers and seven infants. This is in addition to our preschool classroom which can service twenty preschoolers. Stop by to see our custom built facility in a beautiful rural setting! You can also contact Therese Brigley, Director, for more information or email us at thereseb@netzero.net
Davenport Child Care
387 Main Road
Chesterfield, Ma 01012
Hilltown Families said,
October 2, 2009 at 9:38 am
THE HOSMER ART GALLERY at FORBES LIBRARY IN NORTHAMPTON
INVITES ARTISTS FOR 2010-2011
The Hosmer Art Gallery is currently accepting applications for the 2010-2011
season. Local artists interested in showing their work should apply by
November 14, 2009.
The gallery was renovated in 2002 and and is dedicated to the memory of
Valley graphic artist Jean E. Hosmer. The space can accommodate a variety of
art formats. It is designed to provide opportunities for local artists to
show their work to the public. Exhibits include a wide range of media and
content reflecting the diversity of the Pioneer Valley community.
The application process is simple and is open to all artists living and
working in the greater Northampton area. Criteria for review include
technical and artistic quality, a coherent theme, and contribution to an
interesting and varied program for the year. First-time exhibitors are
welcome. Applications may be picked up at the library, or downloaded from
the library web site.
More information about the gallery and the application process is available
at the library, online at http://www.forbeslibrary.org, or by phone at
587-1013.
Hilltown Families said,
October 1, 2009 at 10:52 am
Leslie Reed-Evans writes:
WRLF invites artists to paint in support of land conservation
The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation invites artists and photographers to record their impressions of the colorful north Berkshire fall landscape for submission to a juried exhibition to be held at Gramercy Bistro in North Adams during March 2010. The show and sale will benefit the WRLF, a non-profit land conservation trust. Artist participants in the fundraising exhibit are asked to donate proceeds from the sale of their work to the WRLF. Any two-dimensional work featuring preserved or scenic lands will be considered, and must be submitted to the WRLF at its Sheep Hill headquarters by December 15th, 2009. Works for the show, called “Dreaming of Green”, will be selected in January, and the show will be hung at Gramercy Bistro in North Adams throughout the month of March. Artwork can be submitted to the WRLF at its Sheep Hill headquarters on Cold Spring Road (Route 7) in Williamstown by December 15. There will be an additional show of all submitted artwork at Sheep Hill in the late summer and fall of 2010.
The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation and chef Alexander Smith of Gramercy have partnered in a number of efforts in support of the local food movement and land conservation. Leslie Reed-Evans, WRLF Executive Director, states “In the doldrums of March we want to be reminded of the colorful splendor of summer and fall in our stunning landscape. The WRLF’s partnership with Gramercy Bistro celebrates the preservation of farmland and support of the regional farm economy through Chef Smith’s commitment to the use of local ingredients in his creative menu.”
For a submission form or other details artists may call 458-2494 or email ruraland@wrlf.org.
Leslie Reed-Evans
Executive Director
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation
Sheep Hill
671 Cold Spring Road
Williamstown, MA 01267
lre@wrlf.org http://www.wrlf.org
413-458-2494
Hilltown Families said,
September 25, 2009 at 11:38 am
Kim Edgar writes:
Please plan to join us and invite others to attend the Northeastern Girls Collaborative (NEGC) Western MA Fall Forum being held at the brand new Engineering and Nanotechnology Ford Hall at Smith College, Northampton, MA on Thursday, November 19, 2009 from 4:00pm. to 6:00pm.
The Fall Forum will feature a number of successful Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs serving K-12 girls in Western Massachusetts, provide information on the goals and objectives of the National Girls Collaborative Project (http://www.ngcproject.org) and encourage collaborative efforts among individuals, schools, non-profit organizations, government agencies and corporations.
Too often programs serving girls in STEM are limited in service and impact due to size, location, funding, expertise and equipment, In other cases, projects compete with each other, duplicating services and seeking the same resources. The Northeastern Girls Collaborative (NEGC) aims to reduce this competition and increase STEM outreach, interest and participation by providing opportunities for interested individuals to come together and leverage the know-how, talents and resources of programs with like-minded interests.
Registration will begin in early October through the National Girls Collaborative Project Website, http://www/ngcproject.org
For additional information, please contact Kim Edgar at KimberlyEdgar@aol.com or #603-448-3708
Enjoy the fall season,
Kim Edgar
Northeastern AAUW Regional Liaison to NGCP
Brent said,
September 21, 2009 at 4:43 pm
Whole Foods Market/ Ann Cooper
School Lunch Makeover Video Contest!
Here’s your chance to get Chef Ann Cooper, a.k.a. the “Renegade Lunch Lady,” to your home town! Ann has been making school lunch programs healthier across the US for the past decade. This is your chance to bring her to your school or district for your very own action plan to improve your lunch program.
How To Enter
*Make sure your video is 1 minute or less
*Upload your video to your YouTube account
*Send an email to schoollunchmakeover@wholefoods.com with your
**full name
**email
**phone number
**home address
**school or school district name
**a link to your video.
Entry Deadline is October 8th. Brought to you by Whole Foods Market!
To Learn More Please visit:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/schoollunchmakeover/
Hilltown Families said,
September 12, 2009 at 6:25 pm
The Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA is celebrating the 25th anniversary of Festival of Trees this year from Nov. 14 to Jan. 3. As many know, the Festival of Trees is a Berkshire County tradition where local businesses, schools and community groups decorate trees to display in the Museum galleries. To accompany these trees, they’re looking for local artists to create unique artwork to be on view through the exhibit. For more information contact Maria Mingalone, mmingalone@berkshiremuseum.org.
Hilltown Families said,
September 10, 2009 at 11:40 am
Wednesday, October 14 in Huntington, MA
———- Forwarded message ———-
From: Seth Isman
Date: Thu, Sep 10, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Subject: Get the Media to Tell Your Business’ Story, October 14
Get the Media to Tell Your Business’ Story, October 14
Hilltown CDC announces a new workshop for small businesses on “How to Get the Media to Tell Your Business Story.” This three-hour evening workshop, on October 14 from 6 to 9 PM, will take place at Gateway Regional High School, 12 Littleville Road, Huntington, MA. The fee is $35, with tuition waivers available for low and moderate income people, and with $5 off for Hilltown CDC members. More details are available at http://www.hilltowncdc.org, or by calling 413-296-4536 ext. 12.
Publicity is one of the most effective marketing tools available to any business owner. Getting your company and its products or services covered in a news story in print or broadcast media provides tremendous visibility and credibility, and it can be done for virtually no cost. In this workshop, Jeanne Yocum, a PR veteran with 30 years’ experience, will explain how you can interest the media in covering your story. Examples of tools you can use to generate media coverage will be provided along with tips on how to be a star in media interviews.
Hilltown Families said,
September 8, 2009 at 11:30 am
“Gator Grins” to open at Littleville September 14, 2009
Huntington – “Gator Grins”, the dental outreach program serving students in the Gateway Regional School District, will open the school year by seeing Littleville Elementary School students who are due for their six month checkups, beginning September 14 at the school.
Letters have been mailed to families of students who were seen last year, by the program. Letters are also scheduled to go home with first grade students on September 4, with information on how to enroll in the program.
Run by the dental department of the Hilltown Community Health Centers, “Gator Grins” is in its second year of operation in the school district. Dental services are provided by Dr. Emily Bowden, dental hygienist Liz Spooner and dental assistant Kiirsten Cooper. Dr. Mary Lou Stuart provides additional medical oversight to the program. Program staff use portable dental equipment that can move from school to school in the Gateway district.
Students who enroll in the program can be seen at their school for comprehensive dental exams, dental cleanings, x-rays, fluoride varnishes, restorative fillings and dental sealants. The purpose of the “Gator Grins” program is to improve child dental health while minimizing the amount of time that students miss school for treatment.
Program staff use portable dental equipment that can move from school to school in the Gateway district. The program will also see returning patients attending Chester Elementary School, Gateway Middle School, Gateway Jr. High School and Gateway Sr. High School. If the schedule permits, the program may be able to offer services to students at Russell Elementary School this year.
The Gator Grins program is funded through grants from the DentaQuest (formerly the Oral Health Foundation) and the MassHealth Access Program and student insurance. Grants funded the purchase of portable dental equipment that moves with staff from school to school. No district funds are used in providing school-based dental services.
CISA said,
September 2, 2009 at 10:20 am
Help CISA on October 1, 2, and 3
CISA is looking for a cadre of volunteers to help with the set-up, production, and clean-up of Eat the View, our annual fundraising benefit (see above). We need your help to transform the main arena at the Three County Fairgrounds into a wonderful showcase of local farms and the foods they produce. Volunteers are needed to assist with setting up tables and assembling decorations as well as other pre-event tasks. Assistance also needed to help with post-event deconstruction. Some heavy lifting may be required. If you are available during daytime hours Thursday – Saturday, October 1-3, please contact Tracie at tracie@buylocalfood.org.
Seth Isman said,
August 21, 2009 at 7:40 am
WEBSITE MARKETING FOR BUSINESSES OF ALL SIZES, workshop begins Sept. 16
Hilltown CDC announces a three-session workshop on Marketing Your Website, on Sept. 16, 23 and 30, at Gateway Regional High School in Huntington, taught by Peter Pelland. Each three-hour evening session will be from 6 to 9 PM. The total cost is $90, with tuition waivers available for low and moderate income people, and with $5 off per session for Hilltown CDC members. More details are available at http://www.hilltowncdc.org, or by calling 413-296-4536 ext. 12.
Even the best-designed website is ineffective if it doesn’t reach its target audience and if the target audience does not feel compelled to stay. Although search engine optimization is important, it is often overemphasized, particularly by companies that are eager to provide the service for a fee. A third of the typical website’s traffic comes from search engines, but another third comes from both referring sites and direct traffic. Learn to take a proactive approach toward maximizing the effectiveness of all three sources. Nobody understands a small business better than its owner, making you the most capable person to promote your own company’s website. This workshop will walk you step-by-step through hands-on, real world exercises. Learn how to measure and evaluate performance, how to confirm that your site is fully search engine ready and search engine friendly, how to increase the volume and quality of links from referring sites, how to read and interpret Web traffic statistics, how to uncover your competitors’ secrets and strategies, how to make Web 2.0’s consumer-generated content work to your benefit, how to use “offline” marketing to your maximum advantage, how to use powerful free tools from Google (including Google Analytics, Google Alerts, Google Maps, and Google Webmaster Tools), and how to take an overall “guerrilla” approach to your website’s marketing – all with a minimal commitment of time and on a shoestring budget. Through hands-on exercises, learn how to get people to your site, how to get them to stay, how to get them to take the prescribed course of action, how to get them to tell others about their great experience, and how to make your website work as effectively as possible.
Seth Isman said,
August 21, 2009 at 7:39 am
COMPUTER WORKSHOP SERIES FOR CURRENT & FUTURE BUSINESS OWNERS
Hilltown CDC announces a new series of Computer Workshops. Participants will learn how to make the computer work for them, and how to make their businesses more efficient by using the computer. The first three workshops in the series are Basic Computers (September 15), Word for Beginners (September 22) and Beginning Excel (September 29). Workshops will be held in Chesterfield, at the Hilltown CDC Computer Lab. Each three-hour evening workshop, from 6 to 9 PM, is $35, with tuition waivers available for low and moderate income people, and with $5 off for Hilltown CDC members. More details are available at http://www.hilltowncdc.org, or by calling 413-296-4536 ext. 12.
On September 15, Basic Computers will teach the basic components of a computer, what you need for a computer for your home or business, how to shop intelligently for software and hardware, and some basic troubleshooting techniques. Learn how to scan, how to save documents on different types of storage media, and how to send along attachments (and open and save them) on your email. Don’t wait for the kids to come home from school to help you. Taught by Debbe Dugan of Simply Computing.
On September 22, the subject is Word for Beginners. This workshop is designed for people with little knowledge of Word. You will learn how to create documents, set up margins and fonts, store documents, print documents, and do basic formatting of the documents. Taught by Debbe Dugan.
And on September 29, learn Beginning Excel. This class is designed for a beginning user (or someone who wants to learn a few new tricks). Topics include: navigating the basic spreadsheet; formatting cells, columns, and rows; creating formulas; displaying your data as charts. Taught by Debbe Dugan.
Janet Bennett said,
August 11, 2009 at 7:43 am
Campus Home Exchange:
Win/win for Five College area residents/visitors
Campus Home Exchange, a new web-based service launching in the Five College Area, allows campus-area residents to exchange homes with campus visitors, such as college parents and alumni. The benefit? Campus area residents can now participate in the growing home exchange movement and enjoy the comforts of a real home and free accommodations during their travels. Campus visitors can avoid overbooked hotels, dining out three meals a day, and the expense of one or more hotel rooms to accommodate the whole family.
What’s a home exchange? Put simply, a home exchange means “You stay in my home while I stay in yours,” a strategy to increase comfort and decrease travel related costs. It is not a new concept, but a growing one—especially given the current economy. However, a quick search on the large home exchange sites for people looking to vacation in the Pioneer Valley and Western MA turns up next to nothing. That’s what prompted a road-trip loving Northampton family to develop Campus Home Exchange. According to Janet Bennett, who created the site with her husband Mark Bennett, “We hope Campus Home Exchange will facilitate long weekends to NYC and other towns and cities within an easy drive to the Pioneer Valley as well as an annual destination vacation.”
In addition to connecting those who live near college campuses and those who want to visit, Campus Home Exchange creates a cohesive alumni exchange network by connecting alumni to trusted others from their alma mater also interested in the benefits of home exchange. Janet Bennett explains, “Rather than a home exchange site for the masses, our goal is to develop a home exchange community that revolves specifically around a person’s affiliation or proximity to a particular college.”
An annual subscription of $48 allows members to list their homes, complete with home descriptions and photos, and provide local area “must-see and do” suggestions. The goal now is to get members using the site so it is of value to both residents and visitors. To build an inventory of campus area homes, Campus Home Exchange is offering a FREE annual subscription to the first 100 Pioneer Valley residents to join, a $48 value. Interested residents simply use coupon code “5CollegeArea” when checking out.
Contact:
Janet Bennett
413.559.1446
janet@campushomeeschange.com
http://www.campushomeexchange.com
SW said,
August 11, 2009 at 5:36 am
Anyone looking to put up local peaches? Apex Orchards (Peckville Road, Shelburne, MA) was selling big boxes of seconds for $15 this weekend. We were able to render just less than 25 cups of peeled & pitted fruit. Here’s their number is you want a box 413-625-2744 or 413-625-2744. http://www.apexorchards.com
We also picked 20#’s of low bush blueberries (in less than 20 mins!)in Heath, MA at the Benson Farm. You have to call to make an appointment to pick this week. Their number is 413-337-5340. http://www.bensonplace.org
Hilltown Families said,
August 11, 2009 at 5:27 am
Visit a local blacksmith in the Pioneer Valley!
Ted Hinman invites visitors to his old coal burning forge for free in Northampton, MA (46 Bridge Street). Ted is a member of ABANA and a graduate of Mass. College of Art and has been forging for over 13 years. He also offers private lessons … (wonder if he’d offer group lessons to a small homeschooling group?)
Call Armene at 413-773-0448 for more info.
Andrew Baker said,
August 8, 2009 at 7:48 am
Hilltown CDC Seeks Part Time Commonwealth Corps Volunteers for One-Year Paid Internships
HILLTOWNS — The Hilltown Community Development Corporation (HIlltown CDC) is offering three part-time one-year stipended volunteer positions starting in September to talented adults (must be over 18) interested in serving as Commonwealth Corps members and learning about the community development field. Each volunteer is paid a stipend of $5,000 for 800 hours of service. Volunteers who complete the full term of service over 48 weeks qualify for a $900 bonus at the end of the year. Hours are flexible, but each volunteer serves approximately 17 hours per week as a publicity assistant on community outreach projects relating to Hilltown CDC’s work on affordable housing, small business development and planning projects. If interested, send resume and cover letter by August 25 to Andrew Baker, Executive Director, Hilltown CDC, P.O. Box 17, Chesterfield, MA 01012 or to andrewb@hilltowncdc.org.
The Commonwealth Corps positions are offered by Hilltown CDC thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Massachusetts Service Alliance. Hilltown CDC is part of a six-member Western Massachusetts Community Development Corporation (WMCDC) collaborative participating together in the Commonwealth Corps Program. The WMCDC collaborative serves 71 communities in western Mass. including the cities of Springfield and Holyoke.
The mission of the Commonwealth Corps is to engage Massachusetts residents of all ages and backgrounds in direct service to rebuild communities, address unmet community needs, and increase volunteerism. Across Massachusetts, more than 250 Commonwealth Corps members will serve up to twelve months in full-time or part-time capacities at 36 designated nonprofits and public entities. What they have in common is a desire to put their talents and ideas to use in the service of their communities and the Commonwealth.
Marie Westburg said,
August 5, 2009 at 12:01 pm
My business ArtStar:: A Creative Arts Lounge in Williamsburg will be re-opening in Sept. and I want to offer daytime hours for Homeschoolers. I am wanting to connect with local homeschooling families in order to get a sense of how to set up this part of my business. Anyone willing to give me some feedback about how you schedule your day and what kinds of art experiences you generally seek for your homeschooler ?
Thanks,Marie Westburg
artstarmarie@verizon.net
Hilltown Families said,
July 31, 2009 at 7:42 am
Tom Adams of Williamsburg, MA writes: Angel Park Summer Music Series: tomorrow (7/31), 5pm, Williamsburg, MA. Featuring: AJ Rabino, old school country singer/songwriter bring appetizers and a blanket! See you all there, pass it on! http://www.williamsburgcac.org
Erin O’Donnell of Willamsburg, MA writes: Our family fun fundraiser is happening! August 8th (raindate August 9th)
11:00-4:00 at 13 West St. (Off route 10, right before the bridge and rotary) in Easthampton, MA: Crafts, Games, Tag/book sale, baked goods. Help us bring our baby home from China!
Tony Lemos of Ashfield, MA writes: There is a “Medicine Girls Competition” going on. Click here to read more.
Jessica Thompson of Ashfield, MA writes: Ashfield Community Preschool Has Openings – Enroll Now! We still have a few spaces left to accept children into our Fall program. For more information or to schedule a visit please call 628-3248. Click here to read more.
There will be a screening of Food, Inc. at the Little Cinema in the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA from August 7th-13th, 2009. Nightly at 8pm. Monday Matinee at 2pm. Call for more info and to confirm: 413-443-7171.
Jessica Thompson said,
July 23, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Ashfield Community Preschool -Openings – Enroll Now
We still have a few spaces left to accept children
into our Fall program.
For more information or to schedule a visit
please call 628-3248.
About Us…
Teachers: Our dedicated teaching staff have the knowledge and skill to guide,
nurture, and model the fun and excitement of learning, with love and respect for each child. We maintain low student / teacher ratios to ensure individual attention. Our program emphasizes social skills, the arts, movement and a love and respect for the natural world.
Facility: We are located in a renovated house in Ashfield center. Two large, sunny classrooms, a spacious backyard and a large play room provide opportunities for both quiet and active, energetic play.
Schedule: We offer flexible schedules — both half-day (7:45AM – 12:00PM) and full day (7:45AM – 5:30PM) programs throughout the school year. A summer program is also available.
Ages: Children should be 2 years, 9 months by September 1st.
Tuition: Fees are competitive with area programs. Financial aid is available through Ashfield Community Preschool Scholarship and the Community Partnership for Children.
Ashfield Community Preschool is licensed by the Office for Early Education and Care and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Kathy McMahon said,
July 16, 2009 at 10:01 am
Wanted: Museum Tour Guide
Museum Tour Guide at the Kingman Tavern Museum in Cummington. Saturday afternoons until the end of August. $12 a hour.
No experience necessary. Will train.
Must like people and able to present material well.
If you have a strong interest in history and want to help bring a simpler era alive for people (1880-1920), join us.
Two immediate openings. Respond with brief letter of intent to: Kathy McMahon PeakShrink@peakoilblues.com
Hilltown Families said,
July 13, 2009 at 5:08 am
Support Services in Amherst
Free lunch – The Food Pantry and The Free Store at the Amherst Survival Center will be open Monday, Tuesday, Friday from 11-2 and Thursday from 11-7. A free hot lunch is served on these days from noon-1. The ASC Free Drop-In Health Clinic welcomes patients on Monday,11:30-1:30, and Thursday, from 5-6., Amherst Survival Center, 1200 North Pleasant St., Amherst. 549-3968.
Not bread alone – Free meals, friendship and social service referrals offered to adults and children Saturday and Sunday, 10:30-1:30 p.m. and Wednesday, 4 to 5 p.m., First Congregational Church, 165 Main Street, Amherst. Volunteer help welcome. 256-0128.
Dean said,
July 12, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Greenfield Energy Park
Monday July 13th
Pioneer Valley Concert – Solar Series
Hilltown Families said,
July 3, 2009 at 5:38 pm
Transformers Marketing Still Not Transformed: CCFC Urges FTC to Act
Marking the June 24th release of Paramount’s newest PG-13 blockbuster, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, CCFC sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission urging the Commission to stop the marketing of violent, PG-13 movies to young children. From March 17th to June 14th, CCFC found that over 2,700 commercials (http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/actions/pg1309.html) for PG-13 films, including Star Trek, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Terminator Salvation, and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen-and related products-aired on children’s channels like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network during hours when young children were likely to be watching. Such marketing is particularly concerning because of “ratings creep;” films rated PG-13 for violence today would have received the more restrictive R rating a decade ago. Continue Reading… http://www.commercialfreechildhood.org/newsletter/2009/june.html#1
Bosco said,
July 3, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Summer Reading Program (offered by TD Banknorth)
Looking for a way to make summer reading even more fun for your kids?
http://www.tdbanknorth.com/summerreading/
Andrew Baker said,
June 22, 2009 at 8:16 am
Hilltown CDC and area COAs Host July 1 Roundtable on “Options for Elder Living” at Chesterfield Senior Center
Many elders have concerns about later life living arrangements. These include concerns about affordability, access to medical care, being part of community, being treated with respect and having companionship and stimulation. Creative solutions are needed to address needs for community and needs for relationship, connection and home.
Hilltown CDC and the Williamsburg, Plainfield and Cummington Councils on Aging invite you to attend a learning and discussion gathering with Jon Kent on Wednesday, July 1, 2009 at 2:00 PM to explore new elder living options. Participants can network with others who have similar interests, and learn about a particular living model called the Abbeyfield Home. The gathering will take place at the Chesterfield Senior Center at 400 Main Road (Route 143) in Chesterfield.
The Abbeyfield model was developed in the United Kingdom in the 1970’s by Sir Richard Carr-Gomm. He retired from the military and bought a house with his own money and opened the doors to anyone who felt lonely. His mission was love and service. Out of this initiative, an elder living model developed based on small scale homes with 10 to 12 elders sharing a house accessible to community resources and managed by a volunteer group and one employee to coordinate, cook and clean. There are now nearly 1000 such homes throughout the world served by 10,000 volunteers!
Presenter/facilitator Jon Kent has volunteered for about 5 years with Abbeyfield and is on the Abbeyfield US Board of Directors. Please RSVP to Hilltown CDC by June 29th at (413) 296-4536 or staff@hilltowncdc.org if you plan to attend the gathering on July 1st.
Hilltown Families said,
June 18, 2009 at 9:03 am
The Northampton Survival Center pantry & food pick-up schedule:
MWF 11-2
TTh 4-7
Hilltown Families said,
June 18, 2009 at 6:59 am
Here are a few community resources the HCDC (www.hilltowncdc.org) shared in their Summer ‘09 newsletter:
Need affordable rental housing in the Hilltowns? Inquire about Hilltown CDC vacancies in Williamsburg, Chesterfield and Huntington by calling Hilltown CDC at 413-296-4536.
Hilltown Food Pantry: Distributions of free nutritious food to income qualified households every Wed at the Goshen Town Hall: Call 413-268-7578 or contact the Northampton Survival Center at 413-586-6564 or http://www.thensc.org
Free MassSAVE Home Energy Audits for homeowners using WMECO or National Grid Utilities. Save 75% (up to $2,000) on weatherization improvements. 0% interest loans up to $15,000 for energy upgrades – solar hot water, efficient windows, furnaces, etc. Call the Center for Ecological Technology at 413-586-7350 or visit http://www.cetonline.org.
Foreclosure Preventions counseling and assistance: call 413-233-1622
CommunityAction! serves the Hilltowns and offers services in the following areas: First Call for Help, Parenting, Child care, Food & Nutrition, Health Access, Eduction, Energy (fuel assistance, energy audits, weatherization), Housing, Money Management, Youth Groups, Conflict Resolution, and Crisis Response. Call 413-774-2318 or visit http://www.communityaction.us
Join today and support Hilltown CDC and your community! http://www.hilltowncdc.org
Maribeth Ritchie said,
June 16, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Farm Safety Bill – Help Stop It! – Just When We Thought We Were Safe
Background Information
A new food safety bill is on the fast track in Congress-HR 2749, the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009. The bill needs to be stopped.
HR 2749 gives FDA tremendous power while significantly diminishing existing judicial restraints on actions taken by the agency. The bill would impose a one-size-fits-all regulatory scheme on small farms and local artisanal producers; and it would disproportionately impact their operations for the worse.
HR 2749 does not address underlying causes of food safety problems such as industrial agriculture practices and the consolidation of our food supply. The industrial food system and food imports are badly in need of effective regulation, but the bill does not specifically direct regulation or resources to these areas.
To read a detailed account of the bill, go to: http://www.ftcldf.org/news/news-15june2009.htm
Alarming Provisions:
Some of the more alarming provisions in the bill are:
* HR 2749 would impose an annual registration fee of $500 on any “facility” that holds, processes, or manufactures food. Although “farms” are exempt, the agency has defined “farm” narrowly. And people making foods such as lacto-fermented vegetables, cheeses, or breads would be required to register and pay the fee, which could drive beginning and small producers out of business during difficult economic times.
* HR 2749 would empower FDA to regulate how crops are raised and harvested. It puts the federal government right on the farm, dictating to our farmers.
* HR 2749 would give FDA the power to order a quarantine of a geographic area, including “prohibiting or restricting the movement of food or of any vehicle being used or that has been used to transport or hold such food within the geographic area.” Under this provision, farmers markets and local food sources could be shut down, even if they are not the source of the contamination. The agency can halt all movement of all food in a geographic area.
* HR 2749 would empower FDA to make random warrantless searches of the business records of small farmers and local food producers, without any evidence whatsoever that there has been a violation. Even farmers selling direct to consumers would have to provide the federal government with records on where they buy supplies, how they raise their crops, and a list of customers.
* HR 2749 charges the Secretary of Health and Human Services with establishing a tracing system for food. Each “person who produces, manufactures, processes, packs, transports, or holds such food” would have to “maintain the full pedigree of the origin and previous distribution history of the food,” and “establish and maintain a system for tracing the food that is interoperable with the systems established and maintained by other such persons.” The bill does not explain how far the traceback will extend or how it will be done for multi-ingredient foods. With all these ambiguities, it’s far from clear how much it will cost either the farmers or the taxpayers.
* HR 2749 creates severe criminal and civil penalties, including prison terms of up to 10 years and/or fines of up to $100,000 for each violation for individuals.
Action to Take:
Contact your Representative now! Ask to speak with the staffer who handles food issues. Tell them you are opposed to the bill. Some points to make in telling your Representative why you oppose HR 2749 include:
1. The bill imposes burdensome requirements while not specifically targeting the industrial food system and food imports, where the real food safety problems lie.
2. Small farms and local food processors are part of the solution to food safety; lessening the regulatory burden on them will improve food safety.
3. The bill gives FDA much more power than it has had in the past while making the agency less accountable for its actions.
HR 2749 needs to be defeated!! Please take action NOW.
To contact your Representative, use the finder tool at http://www.Congress.org or send a message through the petition system (the petition will be on our website this evening) at http://www.ftcldf.org/petitions_new.htm. Or call the Capitol Switchboard at 202-224-3121.
To check the status of HR 2749, go to http://www.Thomas.gov and type “HR 2749″ in the bill search field.
Updates on HR 2749 will be provided as events warrant.
Hilltown Families said,
June 9, 2009 at 10:31 am
iTunes has selected The Sippy Cups’ new single “Seven Is The New 14″ to be their first ever Discover Download in the Children’s genre. The song will be available free from the iTunes Store for one week beginning today.
Hilltown Families said,
June 4, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Summer Professional Development in Inquiry-based Science
A unique opportunity for K-8 teachers at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA.
The Berkshire Museum will serve as the coordinating partner for the Museum Institute for Teaching Science (MITS) summer professional development institute for K-8 teachers, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday from July 6 to July 17. This year’s institute will focus on water and energy concepts and lessons.
MITS Summer Institutes focus on teaching using inquiry-based methods in which students are engaged in firsthand investigations of questions that inspire curiosity, while building their skills as problem-solvers. MITS helps teachers integrate social studies, the arts, and math with the inquiry process to help students develop 21st century skills including communication, technology use and collaboration. The inquiry-based instruction model reflects the intuitive process of learning – acquiring knowledge and simultaneously learning how to apply it.
This summer, up to thirty local teachers will explore how Berkshire communities and companies from yesterday and today have utilized alternative energy, from solar and wind power to biodiesel and straight vegetable oil (SVO) fuel. Participants will tour part of the Housatonic River, take part in macro-invertebrate sampling and water quality testing, explore the amphibian world , examine strategies for incorporating the outdoors into classroom curricula, and learn exciting ways to model energy forms and transfer. Visiting sites including Hancock Shaker Village, Jiminy Peak, Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Samson Environmental Center, teachers will experience hands-on, minds-on, inquiry-based activities that will reinvigorate their students’ interest in exploring the world of science.
The Berkshire Museum is partnering with the Center for Ecological Technology, Hancock Shaker Village, Housatonic Valley Association, and the Samson Environmental Center at Darrow School for this summer institute.
For more information please contact Berkshire Museum Education Program Manager Curtis Asch at (413) 443-7171, ext. 19, or email at casch@berkshiremuseum.org.
Tracie said,
June 4, 2009 at 12:02 pm
A volunteer working at the CISA table at the Hilltown Festival in Cummington on May 30 left behind a hand-carved cane that his late father made for him. Obviously, it is irreplaceable. Please call CISA at 413-665-7100 if you or someone you know found this item. Ask for Tracie.
Hilltown Families said,
May 28, 2009 at 12:05 pm
GOOD NEWS FOR YOUTH SUMMER JOBS: Due to the economic stimulus package, unprecedented amounts of state money are available for Summer Youth Employment. All students ages 14 – 24 looking for summer jobs can apply to the program, run through the Franklin-Hampshire Career Center. Applications are available in the high school Guidance Office. All students (regardless of income level) are encouraged to apply.
Jessica Waters said,
May 19, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Greetings! We are a fun-loving, caring, mature, responsible, living-lightly-on-the-planet type couple (we compost, recycle, reuse, freecycle, etc) that are looking for a wonderful place to live. We are looking to move to a wonderful place to live in the Hilltown area anytime after June 15th.
We are non-smokers, quiet, and take good care of wherever we live. One of us is 51 and the other is 30 years old.
We have two well-behaved cats that love to roam around outside, so we want to make sure the house (or apt) is not right on a road. We are looking for a place with a ~*sparkly*~ magical vibe, a place that we can really call home.
We can pay up to $900/mo (if this includes utilities, or at least the heat).
We enjoy the idea of sharing a place with other like-minded people, we have lived communally many times in the past and it has always worked out really well, but we would also be happy living on our own.
We have a new washing machine and dryer, so hook-ups would be great, and we prefer spaces that are open and light-filled that have a gas stove (we cook!) and at least one bathtub. (these are negotiable but on our ‘wish list’)
One of us works in the alternative health field and owns a professional organizing company based in LA, and the other is a part time odd jobs man and part time bartender who plans on attending GCC in the fall for massage.
We are committed to clear and open communication and finding solutions to problems in such a way that the outcome is mutually beneficial.
We currently live in Haydenville and would like to give our current landlady at least 3 weeks notice, as per her request.
thank you and we look forward to speaking with you.
enjoy life!
Jessica @ 508-237-7994 (Cell)
or Zach 413-588-1649
UWHC said,
May 19, 2009 at 3:07 pm
United Way of Hampshire County
The Hampshire YMCA is a proud Partnerof the United Way of Hampshire County (UWHC). United Way funding along with the Y’s Annual Campaign provides financial assistance for camp scholarships and Y memberships for single parent households experiencing financial hardships.
Children & Youth is one of three major program areas supported by the United Way of Hampshire County along with Health & Safety and Economic Security.
The 2009 UWHC Community Campaign ends June 30. For more information on supporting your local United Way please log on to http://www.unitedwayhampshirecounty.org
Hilltown Families said,
May 15, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Step Up to the Plate @ your library Swings Into Action
Step Up to The Plate LogoThe boys of summer are stepping up to the plate, so why not join them? The American Library Association and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum are getting into the swing of things by launching the fourth season of Step Up to the Plate @ your library. It could be your chance to win a trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame!
Go here for more info: http://www.ilovelibraries.org/news/topstories/stepup.cfm
Hilltown Families said,
May 8, 2009 at 7:55 am
Vendors Needed: Help celebrate Hadley’s 350 years of agriculture! A special farmers’ market will be held in conjunction with the Antique Tractor show on Sunday, May 24, at Long Hollow Bison Farm (Rt. 9 Hadley) from 10am to 5pm. Rain date May 25. Free 12×12 space. If you would like to sell your produce or other locally grown farm product, contact Bruce Jenks at bruce@backnineadvantage.com or 413-588-1716.
Vendors Needed The Bernardston Farmers’ Market is looking for vendors. If you want to sell your produce at this market, contact Ed Gray of Silvery Moon Farm at order@silverymoonfarm.com. The market is held in the Bernardston United Church parking lot on Tuesdays from 4 pm to 7pm from June to mid-October.
Bob K said,
May 5, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I found this resource other parents looking for work in the Pioneer Valley can use for their job search:
http://www.NohoJobs.com
You can also list jobs there too.
Raiul Baztepo said,
March 28, 2009 at 5:50 pm
Hello!
Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!
PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language ;)
See you!
Your, Raiul Baztepo
Hilltown Families said,
March 18, 2009 at 7:18 am
From: Sue Cairan
Subject : FT Coalition Coordinator Opening in Greenfield
Date : Tue, Mar 17, 2009 02:11 PM
Spread the word about this great job opportunity with our coalition partner in Franklin County. It involves working with some wonderful and talented people!
- Sue
Noksperse said,
March 17, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Hello there…
I’ve been lurking this forum for a while as a guest – but finally decided to register. A little off-topic but I have a 8 year old boy and a 5 year old little girl who are dying to browse online.
I’ve spent hours researching the internet and besides TippyTales.com, I really can’t find any other educational site online. Besides the music & games, they have a cool book creator where my kids develop their own books. I swear it entices them to read…not joking!!
Anyway, was wondering what other parents are introducing their kids to or if we’re all stuck on the same site?!!!
Seth Isman said,
February 25, 2009 at 11:19 am
Hilltown CDC Receives Economic Development Grant Award
(Chesterfield) Hilltown CDC’s Economic Development Program was recently awarded a $35,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office of Small Business and Entrepreneurship. With this award, Hilltown CDC will expand its Small Business Assistance Program to all businesses with fewer than 20 employees in a 20-town region. Hilltown CDC will provide small businesses with workshops on business issues, including marketing and selling, e-commerce, market research, public relations, and financial planning. Workshops will be held both in Chesterfield and in Huntington.
Hilltown CDC will also provide small businesses with individualized consulting to solve their business problems.
Workshops are announced individually in the press. The complete list, with full descriptions, is at http://www.hilltowncdc.org. Businesses eligible for assistance are located in nine western Hampshire County towns, in four western Hampden County towns, in six eastern Berkshire County towns, and in Ashfield, in Franklin County.
For more information, contact Seth Isman, Economic Development Director, at sethi@hilltowncdc.org or at 413-296-4536 ext. 12.
Sienna Wildfield said,
February 23, 2009 at 1:57 pm
Commonwealth Center for Change (C3) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide quality, affordable program and office space, shared resources and capacity building services to Northampton area nonprofits and artists so they can do their work more effectively, sustainably and collaboratively.
http://www.commonwealthcenter.org
413.658.5406
info@commonwealthcenter.org
Sean Reagan said,
January 28, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Hi everyone,
As some of you know, I teach creative writing classes at the Brassworks in Haydenville. My current lease mate is moving out, and I’m interested in finding someone else who might be interested in sharing space – either there or in another location. There are several useful spots in the Brassworks, which seems to be well-located in terms of reaching students in both the hilltowns and greater Pioneer Valley. But I’m flexible.
Ideally, I’d love to hook up with another artist/educator – or even two – who’d like to create a space that provides both a quiet work-away-from-home opportunity and a learning space for home-schooled students (and others!) in the community.
If you or anyone you know might be interested, I’d love to talk!
Thanks,
Sean
sophgoat@gmail.com
Sienna Wildfield said,
January 20, 2009 at 12:40 pm
FWD: Tax Assistance Program SPONSORED BY: Valley CDC & Community Action
From mid-January through April, local residents with low to moderate incomes may make an appointment to have their federal and state tax returns prepared for free by IRS certified volunteers. Participants’ taxes will be filed electronically, allowing those taxpayers expecting refunds to get their money in 4 to 10 days within filing. Volunteers are specifically trained to screen for taxpayer eligibility for the Earned
Income Credit and the Child Tax Credit, credits that can garner significant refunds for working families and individuals.
For more information, contact:
Sara Cummings
413.376.1129
scummings@communityaction.us
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
please call Carolyn Bellany at 413.376.1136!
Hilltown Social Services said,
January 19, 2009 at 6:29 am
Hilltown Social Services offers assistance in food stamps, fuel assistance, health access, economic self-reliance and social service information and referals. For more info call 667-2203.
Eartheasy said,
January 17, 2009 at 6:16 pm
A new service, started by three environmental groups, is giving people a chance to gain some control over the postal flood tide that inundates them with billions of catalogs a year. Called Catalog Choice, the online service allows people to compile a list of catalogs they do not want to receive.
http://www.catalogchoice.org/
Katarina Noyes said,
January 11, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Parent Aide Volunteers
Help prevent child abuse and neglect
What do Parent Aide volunteers do?
Parent Aides receive training and then are matched with a parent who wants the service. They spend 3-5 hours a week supporting a parent in multiple ways including:
· Raise the parent’s self-esteem and self-confidence
· Assist parents to find resources for their families
· Support positive parenting to prevent child abuse and neglect
· Increase understanding of child development
· Expand social contacts and reduce isolation
· Help parents learn to help themselves
Who are volunteers?
Volunteers come from all walks of life and share a common interest in building a nurturing relationship with a parent in the community who needs support. Parent Aides can be parents, or not, working or retired.
Criteria for being a Parent Aide
Volunteers need to be at least 21 years of age, agree to attend bi-weekly group supervision at the agency, and be available to meet weekly with the parent. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license, car insurance and access to a car. A background check is required. If you are caring, non-judgmental and a good listener, you can be a Parent Aide.
Please contact Katarina at (413) 584-5690 ext.140 or knoyes@bcfcma.org
Andrew Baker said,
January 10, 2009 at 7:37 pm
Dear Friends -
Happy New Year! Below is a brief update on Hilltown CDC’s affrodable housing programs in the Hilltowns. If you have friends or neighbors who might find this information useful, please forward it along.
a) Housing Survey: Below is the link to our Hilltown Housing Needs Survey. Please give us your input by January 16. The survey covers Hilltown housing issues such as senior housing, housing rehab, rental housing and first time homebuyer needs. Your responses will help improve our housing programs. It should take about ten minutes to complete. If you copy and paste the link into your browser it will take you to the on-line Survey.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=wfSixV88fdYKyrp_2b80oEoQ_3d_3d
b) Affordable Housing Expo: On January 15, 2009 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, the Massachusetts Housing Partnership will sponsor an Affordable Housing Expo at Hampshire College’s Red Barn in Amherst. Hilltown CDC and 8 other area affordable housing developers will make brief presentations about our projects from 5:00 – 6:30 pm. There will be displays and handouts. It’s a good opportunity to see what is happening in housing in the Pioneer Valley in one place. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more info or to RSVP, contact Connie Kruger at (413) 253-7379 or ckruger@mhp.net.
c) Upcoming First Time Homebuyer Workshop: Hilltown CDC will be holding its next workshop series for first time homebuyers on January 24th, 31st and February 7th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Hilltown CDC Office, 387 Main Road, Chesterfield. The workshop series is free. Participants receive a certificate of completion which is required for specialized mortgage products and assistance. Hilltown CDC also has financing assistance available to income-eligible homebuyers (up to $35,000 per household). Contact Bea von Hagke to register at (413) 296-4536 ext. 15 or beavh@hilltowncdc.org.
d) Affordable Rental Housing: Hilltown CDC owns and manages affordable rental apartments in Chesterfield, Williamsburg and Huntington. To inquire about vacancies and to make an application, contact Yamilet Boston at Home City Housing Corporation: (877) 889-3259.
e) Housing Rehabilitation: Hilltown CDC is building a waiting list for income eligible homeowners in need of health and safety related housing repairs (roof, foundation, boiler, septic, well, plumbing, electric, lead paint, asbestos removal and more). Eligible homeowners in Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Plainfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg and Worthington may qualify for zero-interest deferred payment loans which do not have to be repaid if you stay in your home for at least 15 years.
For details on these and other Hilltown CDC programs, visit our web site at http://www.hilltowncdc.org.
Thanks for supporting Hilltown CDC’s affordable housing work!
Andrew Baker
Executive Director
Hilltown Community Development Corp.
387 Main Road, P.O. Box 17
Chesterfield, MA 01012
(413) 296-4536 ext. 18
(413) 296-4020 fax
Sienna Wildfield said,
January 10, 2009 at 10:47 am
U.S. Census Testing at the Forbes Library in Northampton, MA
The United States Census is preparing for the 2010 Census and will be
holding testing at Forbes Library for a variety of positions in
Hampshire County. Available positions include census takers, crew
leaders, and census clerks.
Plan on arriving half an hour before the start of the test and bring two
forms of identification. One should be a picture ID and the other must
be something that establishes employment eligibility such as a Social
Security card or birth certificate. For more information contact
1-866-861-2010 or visit http://www.census.gov/2010censusjobs/.
Tests will be held at the library on Friday 1/16 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.,
Wednesday 1/21 at 2 p.m., Friday 1/30 at 2 pomp, Friday 2/6 at 2 pomp,
Friday 2/13 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., Friday 2/20 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.,
and Friday 2/27 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Forbes Library
20 West Street
Northampton, MA 01060
Phone 413-587-1017
http://www.forbeslibrary.org
Diane Meehan said,
July 10, 2008 at 11:56 am
In the Southern Hilltowns, victims of domestic abuse can find help through New Beginnings which is a program of the YWCA of Westfield. Lindsey Maxwell is a counsellor/advocate who is assigned to an office in Huntington to work with area residents in need of help. She can be reached by calling 413-667-8784 or through the Westfield office at 413-572-2649. Also there is a police liason for domestic abuse working out of the Russell State Police barracks. Gail Bobin can be reached at 413-559-8039. She is available for confidential consultation, court advocacy, and safety planning. There is no safe house/shelter in the hilltowns, but either Lindsey or Gail can help you to plan for the safety of yourself and your children.
Mrs Wrobel said,
July 1, 2008 at 9:23 pm
Yes, there is Safe Passage in Northampton. In Amherst there is the womans center, almost on campus, free for any woman. In Greenfield is Nelqick. What I was mainly asking is that I am very aware that there is a lot of Domestic abuse in the hilltowns. My question is if a woman asks for help or needs to hide from her abuser what service or half house does the hilltowns provide? Or is she to run or walk to Northampton?
Sienna Wildfield said,
July 1, 2008 at 6:59 pm
There are a few resources in the hilltowns to support victims of domestic violence:
Hilltown Coalition To End Domestic Violence 888-345-5282 (Or Gail Kielson at 296-4088)
Hilltown Men Against Domestic Abuse (Men’s Resource Center)
The Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence (www.janedoe.org)
Western Mass Legal Services (www.wmls.org)
Everywoman’s Center Sexual Assault Hotline 888-337-0800
Does anyone know of any other resources?
Mrs Wrobel said,
June 30, 2008 at 10:23 pm
I live in the hilltowns, and would like to know what is done to help victims of domestic Abuse? What kind of help is avaible? Are there counseling centers for these people? and if not why?