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Phoebe said,
May 9, 2013 at 11:37 pm
I would like to thank Sienna and the HF community for rocking good advice re: ear piercing. My daughter and I visited PENELOPE at Haven Body Arts in Northampton last weekend. It was pretty intense, for both of us, but good all around.
Monica Moran said,
May 7, 2013 at 2:29 pm
If you have a few minutes and live in the hilltowns can you help the Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force by taking a quick survey for us? You can find it on-line at @ http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/hilltowndvsurvey? Survey respondents may be eligible to enter a raffle for $200 cash. We are hoping to get 300 surveys done, and have about 100 so far. We think it will really help us with outreach and education if we can get enough responses. Thanks!! Monica Moran
Steve Fratoni said,
April 30, 2013 at 10:15 pm
Well, it is little, and it is a library, and, yes, it is free… so it must be a Little Free Library.
The first Little Free Library appeared in Hudson, Wisconsin in 2009 and now they can be found in every state and at least thirty-two countries. This one on Pomeroy Street in Wilbraham is the creation of Steve Fratoni in honor of his former neighbors Ted and Jane Gebeau. Ted and Jane started living on Pomeroy Street in 1947 when it was still just a dirt road through a field of strawberries and asparagus. Ted was instrumental in the founding of the Atheneum Society of Wilbraham and Jane was a librarian at the Town’s Library for over thirty years. Both were forced to move away in 2012 for health reasons. This Little Free Library represents their continued service to the Town and to their neighbors.
On a broad scale these Libraries are a way of promoting literacy and exchanging reading material. However they quickly become more than that. They provide a neighborhood with a way to share common interests and a place for ideas and people to meet.
Another aspect of community is the use of recycled building materials for the project. This library uses plywood scraps from a neighbor’s kitchen remodeling, wood from tornado broken trees, and lengths of ripped-up invasive Bittersweet vines.
So how does it work? If you see a book inside that interests you, take it, read it, and enjoy it. When your done return it to this library, or pass it on to a friend, or place it in any other Little Free Library. If you own a book that you have finished and think that others would like to read add that to the Library, too. Even better, write a few notes to tell others what you liked about the book.
As for what kind of books are in this Little Free Library, that you will have to find out for yourself. It is something that changes from day to day and maybe even minute to minute. Since this Library opened during National Poetry Month, its first patrons will find poetry books ranging from a picture book of Hand Rhymes for children to the Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson among other fiction and non-fiction titles.
So don’t be frighten by this Little Free Library on Pomeroy Street, after all it is not really a house swept up in a tornado. Plus it is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to everyone who walks by.
Hilltown Families said,
April 25, 2013 at 11:19 am
You are invited to the Hilltown CDC Annual Meeting
Tuesday, May 21st, 6 – 8 PM at the Hilltown CDC
387 Main Street, Chesterfield, MA 01012
Agenda:
6 – 6:45: snacks, drinks, social
6:45 – 7:45: Welcome & Introductions of Board Members
Update of Hilltown CDC’s current programs (Executive Director, Dave Christopolis)
7:45 – 8:00: Election of Hilltown CDC Board Members and Westhampton Senior Housing Board Members
The Annual Meeting is open to everyone ~ the facility is handicapped accessible.
Please RSVP to Hilltown CDC by May 14 at 413-296-4536 ext. 118 or davec@hilltowncdc.org
Hilltown Families said,
April 25, 2013 at 11:17 am
The City of Pittsfield Recreation Program has teamed up with the Donald Gleason North Little League to host a free Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Competition for area youth.
Date: Saturday, May 11, 2013
Time:
9:00 – 11:00 a.m. for 7/8 year olds
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. for the 9/10 year olds
2:00 – 5:00 p.m. for the 11/12 year olds
Location: North Little League Field on Springside Ave.
Pitch, Hit & Run™ is the official skills competition of Major League Baseball®. This grassroots program is designed to provide youngsters with an opportunity to compete, free of charge, in a competition that recognizes individual excellence in core baseball skills.
Boys are divided into three age divisions: 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 and have the chance to advance through four levels of competition, including Team Championships at Major League ballparks and the National Finals at the 2013 MLB™ All-Star Game®.
The individual Pitching, Hitting and Running Champions, along with the All-Around Champion in each age and gender group at the Local Competition will be awarded and advance to the Sectional Level of Competition.
All participants must bring a copy of their birth certificate and have their parent or guardian fill out a registration/waiver form prior to the start of the competition. For questions concerning the competition, please contact Pittsfield’s Recreation Activities Coordinator, Rebecca Tefft at 413-499-9370.
Hilltown Families said,
April 22, 2013 at 10:22 am
HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO NEW ENGLAND TO HOLD COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino New England will hold a community open house for members of the West Springfield community to ask questions and become more familiar with the proposed plan. Presentations will range from traffic and job creation to project design and philanthropy. A question and answer session will be held immediately following the presentations.
April 24, 2013 – 7 – 9pm
West Springfield Middle School 31 Middle School Drive West Springfield, Massachusetts
Jonathan Evans said,
April 19, 2013 at 11:17 am
Valley Light Opera will soon be holding auditions for its fall production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s beloved operetta H.M.S. Pinafore. Audition times and dates are as follows:
Saturday, April 27, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Helen Hills Hills Chapel, Smith College
Saturday, May 4, First Congregational Church of Hadley, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 5, First Congregational Church of Hadley, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Auditions are free and open to those high school age and older. However, there is one role in this production–the “Midshipmite” (junior officer)–for someone as young as 10 or so.
Pinafore will be performed on the second and third weekends of November at the Academy of Music in Northampton. Rehearsals begin in September. More info at vlo.org.
H.M.S. Pinafore, or The Lass That Loved a Sailor, has been popular with audiences ever since its first performance in England in 1878. Gilbert and Sullivan had worked together before, but Pinafore was their first “blockbuster.” The infectious music and well-constructed libretto enabled the show to reach genuine fad status in America as well as England.
Hilltown Families said,
April 14, 2013 at 9:18 am
THEATER PROJECT ANNOUNCES AUDITIONS FOR MAJESTIC CHILDREN’S THEATER
Producing Director Danny Eaton has announced the audition schedule for the Majestic Children’s Theater summer lineup of plays, which includes “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Emperor’s New Clothes,” and “Tiny Thumbelina.”
Open auditions will take place on Saturday April 20 from 12 noon – 4:00 p.m. and on Sunday, April 21 from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. High school-aged actors should prepare a short monologue and a song with CD accompaniment if interested in a musical role, and be ready for a cold reading. The Majestic is also seeking female actors ages 9 – 13 for the part of Alice in “Alice in Wonderland.”
All auditions will be held at the Majestic Theater in West Springfield and must be booked in advance by calling (413) 747-7797. All performers are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to their audition time to complete paperwork.
Three shows are performed in rep for young audiences. Actors make a small stipend for the eight-week schedule. The first rehearsal takes place in late June (at a date to be announced later) and the final play performance is August 14.
The Theater Project is a non-profit company that Eaton founded in 1991. Since March 1997 it has been in residence in West Springfield’s historic Majestic Theater, a century-old venue that was recently named “Best Place to See Theater” in a reader’s poll conducted by The Valley Advocate. The Theater Project was also named “Best Live Theatre Company” by readers of The Republican. In addition, Eaton’s work at the Majestic was awarded with a Regional Award for Outstanding Achievement in the American Theatre by the New England Theatre Conference. For additional information, visit http://www.majestictheater.com.
Hilltown Families said,
April 5, 2013 at 10:19 am
The Mahaiwe will present a conversation about children, families, and the future, celebrating the 40th anniversary of Free to Be…You and Me with Marlo Thomas, Alan Alda, and Letty Cottin Pogrebin on Sunday, August 18 at 7:00pm. A project of the Ms. Foundation for Women, Free to Be… You and Me, conceived by Marlo Thomas, is a CD, illustrated book, DVD, and theater piece, first released as a record album and illustrated book and then as an Emmy Award-winning ABC television special. This iconic family entertainment features many acclaimed personalities, including actors Alan Alda, Marlo Thomas, Carol Channing, and Cicely Tyson, football star Rosey Grier, and singers Michael Jackson and Diana Ross. Its message challenges gender stereotypes by emphasizing strong positive values such as personal aspiration, individuality, cooperation, self-esteem, tolerance, and comfort with one’s identity. From its beloved songs and stories, three generations of children have learned that anyone-girls and boys, women and men -can achieve anything, and everyone has the right to pursue their dreams. Tickets are $35 to $200 (preferred seating and post-show reception with the artists). Proceeds will benefit the Free To Be Foundation and Mahaiwe Education programs.
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center — 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street. Great Barrington
Hilltown Families said,
April 3, 2013 at 4:05 pm
ANNOUNCING AUDITIONS
BERKSHIRE THEATRE GROUP’S 8TH ANNUAL CHILDREN’S THEATRE PRODUCTION
Berkshire Theatre Group seeks child and adult actors, musicians, backstage crew, technical support, usher staff and parent volunteers to participate in its upcoming community production, to be announced at a later date. The roles and positions are open to members of the Berkshire community, third grade through adults.
Berkshire Theatre Group’s 8th Annual Children’s Theatre Production is directed by Travis G. Daly, with music direction by Mark Gionfriddo
For the Children’s Theatre Production, rehearsals will begin Sunday, June 23, and run Monday-Friday 6pm-10pm and Saturdays 10am-4pm. Please note rehearsals will take place in Pittsfield, MA.
The Children’s Theatre Production performances are August 8-12 and August 15-18 at The Colonial Theatre located at 111 South St. in Pittsfield, MA.
Proceeds from the Children’s Theatre Production will benefit BTG PLAYS!, Berkshire Theatre Group’s Year-Round Education Program. Funding provided by BTG sponsors will cover the theatre’s direct production costs.
RODGERS AND HAMMERSTEIN’S OKLAHOMA!
Berkshire Theatre Group seeks child and adult actors to participate in its upcoming production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!. The roles and positions are open to members of the Berkshire community, third grade through adults.
Oklahoma! is directed by Eric Hill, choreographed by Gerry McIntyre, with music direction by Steven Freeman
Oklahoma! rehearsals begin on June 9. Please note rehearsals will take place in Stockbridge, MA.
Oklahoma! performances are July 1-July 20 at The Colonial Theatre located at 111 South St. in Pittsfield, MA.
AUDITION DETAILS
Auditions times:
Wednesday, April 24 from 6-10p
Tuesday, April 30th from 6-10p
Wednesday, May 1 from 6-10p
All auditions will take place at:
At The Colonial Theatre
111 South St.
Pittsfield, MA 01201
Student auditions will be held during the first three hours of each session and the last hour will be for adults. Adults should be prepared to sing only 16 bars of a song and bring the accompanying sheet music that is in the key in which they prefer to sing. Only one song need be prepared to audition for both productions. Students will learn a song at the audition. Callbacks will take place as needed.
Appointments are necessary to audition.
To schedule an audition time slot or for further information, please call
413-448-8084 x23.
Questions? (413) 997-4444
http://www.berkshiretheatregroup.org
Hilltown Families said,
April 2, 2013 at 6:46 am
Hilltown Families is accepting applications for our Fellowship Program. The Fellowship will afford the opportunity to identify the place-based educational value of local events and the importance of community engagement while gaining a better understanding of how community based resources and local organizations can work together to create a network that promotes learning and sustainability of local resources. The program is a two year position open to students or graduates living in Western Massachusetts with an ability to attend weekly meetings in Northampton, MA.
Hours per week 10-15.
Stipend/Wage: $100/week
More info here: http://www.idealist.org/view/internship/gtpdCTfhJkh4/
Pandora R said,
March 19, 2013 at 12:45 pm
RED GATE FARM KICKSTARTER LAUNCH!
When: Now until March 17th
What: Please check out and support our new farm kitchen for school groups!
How: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/redgatefarm/whats-cooking-at-red-gate-farm
Red Gate Farm is a farm education center in Buckland. We have been offering educational day programs for 10 years and are moving into multi-day school group visits. Kids will get days instead of hours to be immersed in farm life and work.
Please help us buy a stove for our new farm kitchen to feed these soon arriving kids! Check out our Kickstarter campaign, donate if you can and help pass the word. This is an all or nothing drive, if we don’t make our goal by March 17th, we lose it all!
THANKS!
Monica Moran said,
March 18, 2013 at 3:26 pm
You can help the Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force and possibly enter a $200 raffle by taking a survey at this link
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/hilltowndvsurvey. We will use survey results for an outreach and education campaign to help end domestic violence. The survey takes 5-10 minutes. Thank you for helping! For questions, email southernhillsdvtaskforce@gmail.com.
Hilltown Families said,
March 16, 2013 at 10:07 am
Through a grant from MA Department of Early Education and Care, Pittsfield Public Schools and Pittsfield’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) and Pittsfield’s Wee Read will be presenting evidence based early literacy programming for families in and around Pittsfield.
The programming is Every Child Ready to Read @ your library and will be held at Pittsfield’s public library, the Berkshire Athenaeum. There will be a series of 1 hour sessions offered in various locations throughout Pittsfield. All sessions are free of charge.
Every Child Ready to Read @ your Library happens at the Berkshire Athenaeum, Pittsfield’s Public Library.
Wednesday, March 27 Parent Workshop (Children will have separate programming)
Tuesday evenings 5:30-6:30pm:
Tuesday, May 7 Fun with Letters for Parents and Children
Tuesday, May 14 Fun with Words for Parents and Children
Tuesday, June 4 Fun with Science and Math for Parents and Children
Tuesday, June 25 Parent Workshop (Children will have separate programming)
Saturdays 10:30-11:30am:
Saturday, April 6 Fun For Parents and Children
Saturday, May 11 Fun with Letters for Parents and Children
Saturday, June 8 Fun with science and Math for Parents and Children
Call the children’s department @ 413-499-9480 ex 203 to save a seat!!!
Funded by MA Department of Early Education and Care through the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement grant through Pittsfield Public Schools.
An additional session is scheduled for: Saturday, April 6 Fun For Parents and Children @ TreeHouse, 305 North St. RSVP 413-344-4435
Sara Coblyn Porth said,
March 12, 2013 at 11:53 am
Yoga teacher available to teach free classes.
I’m a recently certified yoga teacher looking to provide a volunteer yoga class series locally for an underserved population. Ideally, you would recruit participants, have space and even mats for the yoga class to take place. I am looking to teach two separate volunteer gigs- one for adults and one for children. I am volunteering because I would like to use my yoga training to do some service in the community. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, please contact me to discuss. saracoblyn@gmail.com
Thanks!
Maria Curtin-McKenna said,
March 11, 2013 at 8:10 pm
Maria Curtin-McKenna is a Smith School for Social Work graduate student who is looking for mothers who have a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD to be part of her research study for her MSW thesis about the challenges, coping strategies and support received during the first year after the baby’s birth. Interviews are audio-taped and confidential. They will last no more than 1 hour and take place at a time and place convenient to the mother. A $15 gift card to Target is offered as a thank you. To be eligible to participate, the mother must be 18 years or older, have a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD, have given birth to a child who is age 2-60 months at the time of the interview, and be able to speak and read English. Participation closes as of April 15, 2013. Maria has worked with parents and babies in western Mass for nearly 30 years as an educator and support group facilitator. Contact Maria at 413-362-4053 or mcurtinm@smith.edu to be part of the study.
Hilltown Families said,
February 20, 2013 at 10:21 am
The Research and Academic Program at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute presents a slate of eight free lectures and public conversations over the next two months. All are held at 5:30 pm and are open to the public.
· February 26: Bachelor Japanism, a lecture by Christopher Reed, Professor of English and Visual Culture at the Pennsylvania State University. Reed’s current project examines the ways Japanese aesthetics have been used to define non-normative forms of masculinity in the West.
· March 5: Inside and Outside the Cave: Plato and Visual Politics, a lecture by political theorist Mark Reinhardt, Professor of American Civilization at Williams College. Rheinhardt’s current project draws on art history, theory, and practice, as well as the broader field of visual studies, to bring visuality more fully into political science.
· March 16: Art History and Materiality, a public conversation that concludes a colloquium endeavoring to reveal the material underpinnings of art historical thought, both in its past traditions and in its current practices. The colloquium is convened by Jennifer Jane Marshall, Assistant Professor of North American Art at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and Kate Mondloch, Associate Professor of Contemporary Art and Theory at the University of Oregon.
· April 2: Re-skilling, Repurposing, and Research in Contemporary Art, a lecture by Claire Bishop, Associate Professor in the PhD Program in Art History at CUNY Graduate Center, New York. Bishop’s publications include Installation Art: A Critical History (2005) and the edited anthology Participation (2006).
· April 6: This Is a Portrait if I Say So, a public conversation that concludes a curatorial roundtable sponsored by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery is currently developing an exhibition, scheduled to open in 2015, that will examine the rise and evolution of symbolic, abstract, and conceptual portraiture in American art. This preparatory event will help form the intellectual framework for an exhibition that hopes to reassess the theoretical underpinnings of portraiture as a genre, practice, and social activity over the course of the past century. This event is convened by Jonathan Frederick Walz, Curator, Cornell Fine Arts Museum; Kathleen Merrill Campagnolo, Independent Curator and Scholar; and Anne Collins Goodyear, Associate Curator of Prints and Drawings, National Portrait Gallery.
· April 16: Colored Photographs and White Weddings—A Study of Reception in South Africa, a lecture by John Peffer, a specialist in modern African art and photography and Associate Professor of Art History at Ramapo College. Peffer’s current project examines the vernacular uses of photography in South Africa with special emphasis on hand-colored wedding photographs in Soweto from the 1950s.
· April 20: Conditions of Visibility in Greek and Roman Art, a public conversation that concludes a Clark/Oakley Colloquium. The colloquium is convened Jas’ Elsner, Corpus Christi College; Guy Hedreen, Williams College; Richard Neer, University of Chicago; and Verity Platt, Cornell University. In this conversation, the panel will address the following questions: What were the conditions of visibility for “them” (the Greek and Romans), and what are the conditions for “us” (the modern public)? What were, and what are, the necessary and sufficient conditions for an image to be visible in the way art history needs it to be?
· April 30: Beyond the Skin of Appearance, a lecture by Beat Wyss, Kress Fellow in the Literature of Art and Professor of Art History and Media Theory at Karlsruhe University for Arts and Design. Wyss, a member of the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences, is currently working on a project that traces the Platonic legacy in occidental aesthetics.
Tiffany said,
February 18, 2013 at 3:36 pm
Hi, looking for a homeschool group in the Westfield area……desperately need to connect with other local homeschoolers.
Hilltown Families said,
February 18, 2013 at 8:41 am
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Auditions
Auditions will be held for the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) musical production of SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Monday, February 25th at the Amherst Middle School Cafeteria from 4:15pm to 6:15pm. All those auditioning should arrive at 4:00 and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of those cast in the show will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the auditions.
If you’ve loved the classic story, you’ll be delighted by this fresh and cheerful new production! Among the roles to be cast are Snow White, Queen, seven Dwarfs, her Forest Friends, Black Forest Creatures, a Magic Mirror, Bats, Henchmen and the King. Students from Kindergarten age to 12th grade are encouraged to audition. No advance preparation is necessary. Assistant Directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week, and to take on essential backstage responsibilities. There are 50-60 roles available, with parts in every age group. This is a group audition, and no advance preparation is necessary–though a smile always helps! There is a $5 Registration Fee for all those who are cast (waivers available).
The Missoula Children’s Theatre touring productions are complete with costumes, scenery, props and makeup. The MCT Tour Actor/Directors will conduct rehearsals throughout the week from 4:00-8:30 Monday, February 25th – Friday, March 1st. Not everyone will need to be present at every rehearsal.
SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS will be presented on Saturday, March 2nd at 1:30 pm and 4:00 pm in the Amherst Middle School Auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students under 18 and seniors.
For more information, go to “Children’s Theatre” at ALSCT.org, or call Susan at 413-461-6722. SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS—Join us for a magical time in the forest!
Marie said,
February 14, 2013 at 1:56 pm
PeopleLink, a non-profit that specializes in homestay programs is currently looking for families to host Japanese students or teachers from March 22-28th!
Please contact marielauderdale@mac.com or call 413 230 1121 for more informatoin!
Kira Jewett said,
February 11, 2013 at 7:57 pm
The keys have found their owner!!! Hooray!
Kira Jewett said,
February 11, 2013 at 5:22 am
FOUND: at Northampton Hospital Hill sledding area Sunday afternoon 2/10. Set of keys. Mazda black plastic key with electronic lock, another round metal key, and blue East Heaven keychain. Call 413-582-0346
Hilltown Families said,
February 8, 2013 at 1:19 pm
JACOB’S PILLOW DANCE AND MASS MOCA CO-PRESENT CANADIAN CONTEMPORARY BALLET COMPANY LES BALLETS JAZZ DE MONTREAL, MARCH 2 & 3
Jacob’s Pillow Dance and MASS MoCA co-present world-renowned contemporary ballet ensemble Les Ballets Jazz de Montréal March 2-3 at MASS MoCA’s Hunter Center for the Performing Arts. The Montréal-based dance company blends a variety of dance styles, influences, and music in three diverse works by prominent, international choreographers: Wen Wei Wang of Canada, Spain’s Cayetano Soto, and Israeli-American dancemaker Barak Marshall. This co-presentation coincides with the final month of MASS MoCA’s Oh, Canada exhibit, the largest survey of Canadian contemporary art ever produced outside of Canada.
Under the artistic direction of Louis Robitaille, the dancers of Ballets Jazz successfully bridge contemporary innovation with classical training and technique. With sleek, highly-skilled performers and a wide-ranging repertory, the company is known for its distinctive, theatrical style that engages a broad audience. Founded in 1973, Ballets Jazz is celebrating its 40th anniversary season. This engagement marks the company’s first return visit to western Massachusetts since its appearance at Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival in 2010.
Jacob’s Pillow Executive and Artistic Director Ella Baff comments, “It’s a perfect match for the Pillow and MASS MoCA to bring a major dance company, Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal, to complement an unprecedented exhibit, Oh, Canada. I think audiences will be very excited to see dance and visual art from our neighbor to the north. And did I mention that the dancers are sensational?”
The program includes three diverse works by acclaimed international choreographers. Choreographer Wen Wei Wang was born in China and now resides and works in Canada. His high-voltage, provocative work, Night Box, combines contemporary ballet with street dance to express the love, loss, sensuality, and joy of urban nightlife. Michael Crabb of The National Post calls the work a “fascinating imaginary world of burgeoning manhood and confused desire…It’s all brilliantly theatrical, in turns witty, poignant.” Set to a score by composer Philip Glass, Spanish choreographer Cayetano Soto’s powerful duet Zero In On creates a fresh take on the traditional pas de deux form and ”subverts beauty to convey something else” (Rebecca Ritzel of The Washington Post). Harry, a work by Israeli-born, Los Angeles-based choreographer Barak Marshall, concludes the program. This theatrical, energetic take on the complexities of human dynamics and conflict features an eclectic score ranging from Israeli folk songs to Balkan Beatbox to The Andrews Sisters. Marshall served as house choreographer for Batsheva Dance Ensemble in Israel from 1999 to 2001. His company made its U.S. debut at Jacob’s Pillow with his full-evening MONGER at the 2010 Festival.
The related MASS MoCA exhibit, Oh Canada, features works by more than 60 Canadian artists who hail from every province and nearly every territory in the country, spanning multiple generations and working in all media. MASS MoCA curator Denise Markonish spent three years traveling across Canada to view hundreds of exhibitions in museums and galleries, visiting over 400 artists’ studios, and making connections with a full range of artists working today. Visitors who see both the Les Ballets Jazz performance and Oh, Canada exhibit can expect to walk away with a wide-ranging snapshot of the Canadian contemporary performing and visual arts landscapes.
Audiences can continue their exploration of Canadian dance companies during the 2013 Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival. From July 17-21, Ballet BC, one of today’s leading contemporary ballet companies from Vancouver, British Columbia, performs a program of contemporary works set to the music of Mozart, Puccini, Rodgers & Hart, and John Zorn. From August 7-11, Montréal-based O Vertigo Danse performs La Vie Qui Bat, a powerful, award-winning work danced to Steve Reich’s “Drumming,” performed live by the Quebec Contemporary Music Society. From August 14-18, La Otra Orilla of Montréal will present an evening of contemporary flamenco dance, video art, and evocative live music.
Through the financial support of the Irene Hunter Fund for Dance, Jacob’s Pillow Dance and MASS MoCA have co-presented performing arts programming since the museum was founded in 1999. In the spirit of deep collaboration, this partnership creates opportunities for visual and performing artists by encouraging cross-disciplinary experimentation; cultivates new dance audiences in the Berkshires by presenting innovative, high-quality performances; and expands the public’s understanding of the creative process. Past co-presentations include Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, STREB, MOMIX, DanceBrazil, Stephen Petronio Company, Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, Armitage Gone! Dance, Cuba’s Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, and Chunky Move.
Performance and Ticket Information:
413.662.2111 or http://www.massmoca.org.
MASS MoCA is located at 87 Marshall Street, North Adams, MA 01247.
For additional information on Jacob’s Pillow and its 81st season, visit http://www.jacobspillow.org.
Hilltown Families said,
February 8, 2013 at 12:40 pm
WILLIAMS COLLEGE TO PRESENT FRANCOPHONE CARIBBEAN FILM FESTIVAL
Beginning this month, Williams College will sponsor “Power, Freedom, and Madness: Contemporary Francophone Caribbean Film Festival.” Organized by Professors Katarzyna Pieprzak and Neil Roberts, the festival will feature three films that examine the ideas of historical and fictitious representations of leadership, power, and freedom in the French-speaking Caribbean and the contemporary significance in the region, France, and global politics. All films will be screened at Images Cinema. The first film, “Toussaint L’Ouverture,” will be shown on Monday, Feb. 18 in two parts, the first starting at 5:30pm and the second at 7:30pm. The second film, “Aliker,” will be screened at 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 25, and the third film, “Moloch Tropical,” will be shown at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 4. The events are free and open to the public.
“Toussaint L’Ouverture” (2012) is an action-packed film that chronicles the life of the Haitian leader. L’Ouverture led the world’s first successful slave revolt as he defeated Napoleon Bonaparte and won independence for Haiti from France. L’Ouverture established Haiti as the first black nation in the western hemisphere and the first black free nation. The success of the Haitian Revolution had strong consequences for slavery throughout the Americas.
“Aliker” (2009) narrates the story of André Aliker, the Martinican journalist who was assassinated in 1934. Aliker was a communist militant who was known as a champion of journalism as a form of free expression and as the means for pursuing truth in colonial Martinique in the 1930s. The film is directed by Guy Deslauriers and based on a script by Martinican novelist Patrick Chamoiseau. The film stars the Cape Verde-born hip-hop artist Stomy Bugsy.
“Moloch Tropical” (2010) is a psychological drama about the final moments of a fictional Caribbean president as a violent revolution erupts. On a day he set aside for a national holiday, the democratically elected ruler of a small tropical nation finds that the people have taken to the streets in chaotic protests against him. The ruler tries to hold on to his power during the revolutionary unrest. Haitian-born director Raoul directs the film, which stars Jimmy Jean-Louis.
The event is sponsored by the departments of Romance Languages, Political Science, and the Center for Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Generous support came from Leadership Studies, Africana Studies, the Department of History, the Davis Center, and the
W. Ford Schumann Fund ’50 Program in Democratic Studies. For more information, cflang.williams.edu or imagescinema.org
Hilltown Families said,
February 4, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Berkshire Museum, SABIC, and Pittsfield Public Schools host
The Third Annual Science and Innovation Fair
February 12, 2013
On Tuesday, February 12, 2013, Berkshire Museum, in collaboration with SABIC and Pittsfield Public Schools, will host the third annual Science and Innovation Fair, featuring the Taconic High School Science and Engineering Academy and the Pittsfield High School Quark Science Club.
Approximately 170 Pittsfield Public High School students will exhibit more than 80 projects that demonstrate skills and concepts across a range of engineering and science disciplines; the participating student-scientists and student-engineers have conducted scientific research and completed engineering projects under the guidance of their faculty advisors from Taconic and Pittsfield High Schools.
On February 12, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission to the Museum will be free for all, thanks to the generosity of SABIC; visitors will see the Science Fair projects as well as the Museum’s exhibitions and galleries.
“Scientific research and the application of knowledge in engineering and technology are critical drivers of the twenty-first century global economy,” says Van Shields, executive director of the Berkshire Museum. “The Museum is enthusiastic about partnering with our schools to host the Science and Innovation Fair and other programs that stimulate student interest in science, technology, engineering and math.”
SABIC will provide the prizes as well as lunch and snacks for all participating student-scientists. Students with winning projects will advance to the Region 1 Science Fair at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in March and then on to the state Science Fair at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
On the day of the Science and Innovation Fair, the participating students will have their projects set up and ready for viewing by visitors to the Museum by 10 a.m. Between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., all fifth-grade students in the Pittsfield Public Schools will visit the Science Fair, and will be able to ask questions and be inspired by the entries. School groups in Pittsfield enjoy free visits to the museum thanks to the generosity of James and Margaret Beauregard.
A prestigious group of approximately sixty judges representing leading local businesses and educational institutions will evaluate the exhibits between 5 and 6:30 p.m., interviewing the participants about their work, and then convening to determine award winners.
Two awards ceremonies will be held, one for each school. The first begins at 7:30 p.m., and the second at 8:30, with awards presented by Kristen Pearson, Science Fair coordinator at Taconic High School, Scott Eldridge, Science Fair coordinator at Pittsfield High School, Brenda Manarchik of SABIC; and Van W. Shields, executive director of Berkshire Museum.
The snow date is February 13.
Science and Innovation Fair Schedule
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Free admission for all to the Museum courtesy SABIC
10 a. m. to 1:30 p.m.: All Pittsfield Public School fifth grade students will visit the Science Fair courtesy the Beauregard Family
5 to 6:30 p.m.: Judging
6:30 to 7:30 p.m.: Family, friends and public visit projects; admission is free during evening hours
7:30 to 8 p.m.: Award Ceremony
8:30 to 9 p.m.: Award Ceremony
Marya Laroche said,
February 4, 2013 at 10:27 am
Montessori School of the Berkshires — Free Parent-Child Playgroups from 9:00 to 11:00 am, on Saturdays (February 9, March 2, April 6, and May 4). Come experience the wonder of the Toddler Room (age 16 months+) and Children’s House (age 3–5 years old). You and your child can explore the hands-on learning materials, create art, prepare snack, enjoy music and stories, and delight in playtime. Please register at http://www.BerkshireMontessori.org or call 413-637-3662.
Hilltown Families said,
January 29, 2013 at 9:29 am
Feedback wanted from Pittsfield area residents, schools, businesses & organizations:
CHOOSE A NIGHT & COME AND TELL US HOW TO SPEND THE CITY’S CDBG FUNDS:
Monday, February 11, 2013
6:00 PM
Morningside Community School
Community Room
100 Burbank Street, Pittsfield, MA
OR
Monday, February 25, 2013
5:30 PM
Conte Community School
Community Room
200 West Union Street, Pittsfield, MA
We want to hear your comments about the issues that affect your life such as:
HOUSING * PUBLIC FACILITIES * JOBS * CODE ENFORCEMENT * INFRASTRUCTURE *CHILDCARE * DRUG & ALCOHOL ABUSE * DOMESTIC VIOLENCE * ELDERLY SERVICES * NEIGHBORHOOD ISSUES
These public input sessions are being sponsored by the Pittsfield Department of Community Development to assist in the preparation of the City’s fiscal year 2014 Annual Action Plan, regarding the use of Pittsfield’s community development resources.
If you are unable to attend the public input session, you can submit your written or oral thoughts by contacting the Department of Community Development, City Hall, 70 Allen Street, Room 205, Pittsfield, MA. Call (413) 499-9368 or TTY (413) 499-9340. Persons with special needs should contact the Department of Community Development and every effort will be made to accommodate your request.
The FY 2014 Annual Action Plan will address the needs of low and moderate-income persons and households as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Please share and forward this to others who may be interested.
Hilltown Families said,
January 29, 2013 at 9:05 am
Kindergarten registration for all Pittsfield Public Elementary Schools for the 2013-2014 school year will take place at the School Administration Center (basement level), 269 First Street in Pittsfield according to the following schedule:
If child’s last name begins with:
A-F Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – February 25, 26, 27
G-L Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – March 4, 5, 6
M-Q Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – March 11, 12, 13
R-Z Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – March 18, 19, 20
Mondays: 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Tuesdays: 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesdays: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
All children entering kindergarten in September 2013 must be 5 years old by December 1, 2013, born on or before December 1, 2008. Parents or guardians must bring the following documents to register their children: the child’s birth certificate, proof of address (a utility bill with service address or a purchase or rental/lease agreement), and child’s immunization records (including the most recent physical).
Hilltown Families said,
January 27, 2013 at 3:31 pm
REACH, a multi-city exhibition of contemporary practitioners, seeks assistance of volunteers for art installation, exhibition guards, and event preparations. This unique volunteer-run exhibition planned for April and May 2013, looks to increase awareness of intermedia art to the neighboring cities of Easthampton and Holyoke. Volunteers may be interested in arts administration, art installation, collaboration, and community building.
Whatever your skill set or interests are, don’t be shy, reach out and ask what’s involved. There are many shifts to choose from starting in April 2013 and running through May. Please sign-up on the reach website at reachfest.com and REACH organizers will be in touch. Be part of this exciting event!
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Easthampton Cultural Council, a local agency that is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
REACH invites local and national artists to show in a multi-city exhibition of contemporary practitioners working in a variety of non-traditional formats including installation, interactive sculpture, found media, performance, and future-media. REACH promotes visibility, aims to bridge the arts and spaces in Easthampton and Holyoke, MA, encourages collaborative experimentation, and invites community members to participate in experiencing an array of contemporary art practices that are exhibited in a variety of traditional, nontraditional, and underutilized spaces throughout participating cities. REACH Fest 2013 partners include Wistariahurst Museum, ECA+ Gallery, Eastworks, The City of Holyoke, MGHPCC, and Popcorn Noir.
Tina Acker said,
January 21, 2013 at 5:45 pm
Winterfest Amherst
Saturday February 9 1:00 – 6:30pm
Admission: $5 Kids, $8 Adults, Family of 3+ $20
An afternoon of fun in the snow (if there’s no snow we make some!)
Activities include: Superpipe Sledding Hill;Chili Tasting Contest; Muddy Brook Farm Wagon Rides; Frosty Fun Kids Carnival; Hoola Hoop Extravaganza; Orange Ball Long Drive Contest; Family Ice Sculpture Contest; Wildcat O’Halloran Band; ARHS Nordic Ski Team Lessons and Demo; Closest to Pin Golf Contest; Frisbee Long Toss and Putting Contest; Face Painting ; Best in Snow Dog Show; Cardboard Classic Sled Race; Pineapple Dance’s Elektrik Boyz; Cider Donut Eating ; ZumbaFest
And the best part!!!! FIREWORKS
For full schedule and information, updates etc. visit us on Facebook at Winterfest Amherst
Hilltown Families said,
January 21, 2013 at 3:54 pm
LEE’S CABIN FEVER FESTIVAL TO BRING MID-WINTER RELIEF
The town of Lee is holding it’s second-annual Cabin Fever Festival February 15th-22, 2013. This weeklong festival takes place during school vacation week and offers fun, free events every day for all ages.
Event highlights include a “Strut Your Stuff” bathing suit dash down Main Street followed by awards, downtown merchant festivities, ice sculpting, and a snow-sculpting competition for kids. Other entertainment ithorughout the week includes a dog fashion show, Improv comedy night, Tap and Blues, Open Microphone, Story Hour, short film festival and Taste of Lee restaurant night, and more…
The mission of the festival is to help Berkshire residents to break out of the mid-winter blues. To show their support, Lee businesses have the opportunity to sponsor the festival and/or offer deals or specials, valid all week as an incentive for residents to bundle up and make their way downtown.
Lee is taking a creative, low-cost approach to a fun community festival, turning the historically slow week in February into a unique fun-filled week benefiting shopkeepers and residents alike.
For more information visit http://www.cabinfeverfest.com
Hilltown Families said,
January 21, 2013 at 3:47 pm
2013 WinklePicker Festival to celebrate Mardi Gras food, music & culture.
Music from Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys, Eilen Jewell, The Primate Fiasco, Charles Neville, Salvation Alley String Band
New Orleans Cooking Workshop, authentic New Orleans Dinners, Gospel Brunch, Kids Mardi Gras Ball & more
February 15-17, 2013 in Ashfield, Mass.
Italy & Brazil have Carnivale. Germany has Fasching. New Orleans has Mardi Gras. Ashfield, Massachusetts has WinklePicker — When New Englanders Go Barnyard Crazy. February 15, 16, & 17, 2013.
Advance tickets are now available for the second annual WinklePicker Festival which will once again bring the music, food and culture of New Orleans to the streets of Ashfield, Massachusetts, February 15-17, 2013. WinklePicker is a weekend of the best food, music, cooking instruction, conversation and masquerading – New Orleans-style. This year’s event will kick off Friday night, February 15 with an authentic New Orleans dinner at Elmer’s store by chef Carlos Neville. The longtime New Orleans chef and culinary school pastry and baking tutor will then teach a special WinklePicker cooking class focused on New Orleans cuisine Saturday morning at Elmer’s Store. Things really start moving Saturday afternoon at the kids Mardi Gras ball with The Primate Fiasco, known for their high-energy mix of old timey Dixie Jazz, modern groove/funk/improv music. Saturday night it’s the grown-ups’ turn with a Mardi Gras Ball hosted by multi-Grammy nominee Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys who work up the crowd with a hot two-step, then turn on a dime and deliver an a cappella ballad, then play something that sounds like Howlin’ Wolf fell in lust with a Creole girl. Sunday WinklePicker events include a Gospel Brunch at the Ashfield Congregational Church, an afternoon concert and conversation with Charles Neville, and a grande finale show with Valley favorite Eilen Jewell, who has already earned comparison to Lucinda Williams, Peggy Lee and Gillian Welch, plus special guests The Salvation Alley String Band. Both balls and the Sunday concerts will be at the Ashfield Town Hall – site of last year’s sold out Buckwheat Zydeco WinklePicker ball. Complete WinklePicker event details and ticketing information is available at http://www.WinklePickerFest.com
WinklePicker :: Weekend Schedule Summary (February 15-17, 2013)
All events takes place in Ashfield, Massachusetts.
Doors open 30 minutes before showtime for all ticketed events.
Friday, February 15th
5:00 pm
New Orleans Dinner at Elmer’s with Chef Carlos Neville
Elmer’s Store, 396 Main Street, Ashfield, MA
Reservations required: (413) 628-4003
=================================================
Saturday, February 16th
10:30 am – 12 noon
“Cooking New Orleans”
Our Annual Cooking Class with Chef Carlos Neville
Upstairs @ Elmer’s Store (396 Main Street, Ashfield, MA)
Tickets: $65 available online and in-person at Elmer’s Store (413) 628-4003
——————————————————————————
2:00 – 3:30 pm
Kids Mardi Gras Ball
with music by The Primate Fiasco
Ashfield Town Hall (412 Main St., Ashfield, MA)
Tickets at the door: $5 child / $10 adult / $20 family of 4
——————————————————————————
8:00 pm
Grown Folks Mardi Gras Ball
with music by Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys
with special guests The Primate Fiasco
Ashfield Town Hall (412 Main St., Ashfield, MA)
Tickets: $25adv/$30dos, available online & in-person at Elmer’s Store (413) 628-4003
——————————————————————————
After the Ball / 10:00 pm
The After Party continues at Elmer’s
with music by The Primate Fiasco
Elmer’s Store (396 Main Street, Ashfield, MA) (413) 628-4003
Admission free with Mardi Gras Ball ticket.
=================================================
Sunday, February 17th
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Elmer’s Gospel Brunch
Ashfield Congregational Church (Main St., Ashfield, MA)
Reservations required: (413) 628-4003
——————————————————————————
2:30 – 4:30 pm
An Afternoon with Charles Neville
The legendary Charles Neville plays his music and talks about his life as a musician – from the Rabbitsfoot Minstrel show to the Neville Brothers – an extremely interesting event!
Ashfield Town Hall (412 Main St., Ashfield, MA)
Tickets: $10adv/$15dos, available online & in-person at Elmer’s Store (413) 628-4003
——————————————————————————
8:00 pm
The Grand Finale
Eilen Jewell
With special guests The Salvation Alley String Band
Sit down, stand up; dance, listen, groove. It’s a long weekend. You can rest later.
Ashfield Town Hall (412 Main St., Ashfield, MA)
Tickets: $20adv/$25dos, available online & in-person at Elmer’s Store (413) 628-4003
Hilltown Families said,
January 19, 2013 at 8:14 am
This year to celebrate Valentine’s Day, Images Cinema wants you to declare your love from the Big Screen! Using a template (Casablanca, Princess Bride, or Breakfast and Tiffany’s-themed), or an image of your own choosing, we’ll create a Big Screen Valentine for that special someone. Each Big Screen Valentine will show at Images Cinema as part of its preshow for two weeks, February 1 through February 14. The deadline for placing your order is January 28. The cost is $10, and Images Cinema is a 501(c)3 organization and your donation may be tax deductible. Images Cinema is located at 50 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA.
Order forms can be picked up at the Images Cinema box office, on the Images Cinema website, or mailed to you by request (call 413-458-1039 ).
Find the order form for Big Screen Valentines at http://imagescinema.org/events/big-screen-valentines.
Hilltown Families said,
January 18, 2013 at 3:00 pm
The 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival in Pittsfield, Mass. is one month away, but there are plenty of ways to become a participant in Berkshire County’s second annual winter contemporary arts festival. From a smartphone film festival and a call for PechaKucha presenters to calls for up-and-coming singer-songwriters and 10”x10” artworks, this is an arts festival with many opportunities to join in.
“The 10X10 festival was a huge success last year in part because there were so many opportunities for local artists, performers and filmmakers to participate,” noted Megan Whilden, Director of Cultural Development for the City of Pittsfield. “Over 120 new works were created for the festival and over 40 events were held. We’re expecting to see even more involvement and creativity this year!”
SMARTPHONE FILM FESTIVAL
The Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) and the Beacon Cinema team up once again to present the Smartphone Film Festival—a fun take on the film festival scene. The BIFF is looking for submissions of films—10 minutes or less in length—shot using the iPhone, iPad and other versions of smartphones, including various alternative cinematic ‘apps’ to create a desired look or effect. Experimental, action, drama and even music videos are just some of the genres that will be considered. Films must be submitted to Lauren Ferin at lauren@biffma.org by February 1, 2013. Selections will be announced in early February and will be screened at the Beacon Cinema during the 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival. Sponsored by Mad Macs in Pittsfield, Mass., prizes will be awarded to the top three local submissions as chosen by their audiences. For more information on the Smartphone Film Festival, click here.
PECHA KUCHA AT THE BERKSHIRE MUSEUM
Berkshire Museum is seeking 10 presenters who want to change the world, shamelessly self-promote, share their passion or anything that will intrigue an audience as part of its popular international networking event PechaKucha. Loosely translating to “chit-chat” or “blah-blah” in Japanese, PechaKucha nights consist of a series of PowerPoint presentations, each six minutes and 40 seconds. The catch is that each presentation comprises of 20 slides, each projected for only 20 seconds, that progress automatically. The fifth installment of PechaKucha, titled (10+10) × (10+10), takes place on February 19 at 7pm as part of the 10X10 Upstreet Winter Arts Festival. Presentations begin at 7:20pm. To sign up, email Craig Langlois at clanglois@berkshiremuseum.org, including your name, the title of your presentation and a brief description on what you want to present of three sentences or less. Please confirm your presentation by January 30. PowerPoint’s are due February 15. To sample past PechaKucha presentations, click here.
SINGER-SONGWRITERS AT MARKETPLACE CAFE
The Marketplace Café is seeking 10 young singer-songwriters to perform in one of two special performances. Potential performers can be male or female. They must be under 30 years of age and be prepared to play 20 minutes of original music. Performances are scheduled to take place on Thursday & Friday, February 21-22 from 6:30pm-8:30pm, featuring five singer-songwriters each night. Each interested performer should submit a proposal including a bio, performance history and a sample of his or her music to pittsfield@ourmarketplacecafe.com by Friday, February 1, 2013. You may also drop a proposal off in person at The Marketplace Café at 53 North Street in Pittsfield, Mass. For more information on submitting a proposal for consideration for The Marketplace Café’s young artists’ showcase as part of the 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival, click here or call 413-358-4777.
10X10 REAL ART PARTY
The Berkshire Art Association is seeking 10 inch by 10 inch original artworks to be donated for the 10×10 RAP (Real Art Party), created in collaboration with Storefront Artist Project and Berkshire Museum, a fundraiser benefiting Berkshire County art students that will be held February 20th at the Berkshire Museum. Artists get a free ticket to PechaKucha and will be listed on the Artist Registry at http://www.berkshireartassociation.org. All artwork must measure 10 inches by 10 inches prepared for hanging or display. Artwork may be in any medium and should reflect the quality of your usual work. Artists may submit up to three pieces. To sign up, please submit your name, email address, website URL and title and medium for each piece to berkshireart@gmail.com. Artwork should be dropped off at the Berkshire Museum on February 10th or 11th between 1pm and 4pm. For more information on how to participate in 10×10 RAP, click here.
The 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Barrington Stage Company and the City of Pittsfield and coordinated through a steering committee that includes the Beacon Cinema, Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF), Berkshire Museum, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts and the City of Pittsfield, Mission Bar + Tapas and yBar. Formerly 10×10 on North, the 2013 festival expands in size and geography to include more programming in venues throughout the city’s newly designated Upstreet Cultural District, including North and South Streets in Downtown Pittsfield. Berkshire Gas is the lead sponsor of the 2013 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival. Additional support is generously provided by the following sponsors: Massachusetts Cultural Council, Berkshire Magazine, The Berkshire Eagle, Lamar Advertising, Barrington Stage Company, and the City of Pittsfield. 2013 festival partners also include Alchemy Initiative, Barrington Stage Company, Berkshire Art Association, Berkshires Jazz, Berkshire Museum, Gallery 25, Hancock Shaker Village, the Royal Berkshire Improv Troupe, WAM Theatre, and WordXWord, as well as a comedy show presented by Thomas Attila Lewis. This year, the 2013 festival will also include a family arts component, as the festival takes place during February school break. Family programming participants include Berkshire Museum, Bisque, Beads & Beyond, Hancock Shaker Village and Miss Hall’s School.
Visit discoverpittsfield.com/10×10 or find 10×10 Upstreet on Facebook for more information about tickets and the schedule of events or contact the City of Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development at 413-499-9348 or dgigliotti@pittsfieldch.com.
Hilltown Families said,
January 14, 2013 at 5:40 pm
Berkshire Arts Center:
The Westfield River Wild & Scenic Advisory Committee and the Becket Arts Center invite artists to submit work for TRAVEL THE WATERSHED. Six artists will be selected by jury to paint the display cases for Travel the Watershed program sponsored by WRWSAC. Please go to the the BAC website for more details and the full application: http://becketartscenter.org/
The Travel the Watershed display cases will be displayed throughout the summer at BAC for our Summer Solstice Bash, then at the ARTS ALIVE events in Worthington in July and Huntington’s North Hall in August before rotating throughout the watershed regional libraries.
Members of the WRWSAC, BAC, Arts Alive and North Hall will participate in the selection of participating artists. Each artists receiving a stipend for their work as well as the chance to be seen throughout the area.
We are proud to present this program as the first BAC Hilltowns Engaging ART program.
TO fill out the online application you will need the following:
Personal contact information
Statement of your own interest in the Westfield River Wild & Scenic (250 words)
Resume (optional)
Images of your artwork – 4 required with 2 additional – 1MB per image – 1 image may be a proposed sketch for the project.
Deadline is midnight, March 1st, 2013 – announcements and cases distributed March 23rd. Finished work to be delivered to BAC by May 31.
Hilltown Families said,
January 14, 2013 at 3:00 pm
Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity is looking for working low-income families who are interested in learning more about Habitat homeownership opportunities in Easthampton and Turners Falls. An information session will be held on Saturday, February 9th, 10 – 12 noon at the Greenfield Savings Bank, 325A King Street in Northampton.
During that meeting, potential applicants will learn about Habitat’s selection criteria and how to prepare to be successful in the application process. The selection criteria include need, ability to make modest mortgage payments, and willingness to partner with Habitat, such as participating in the construction of the home. To prepare for making an application, those interested will be encouraged to take such steps as attending a first-time homebuyer’s course and checking their credit standing.
Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity (PVH) serves Hampshire and Franklin Counties; they seek to eliminate homelessness and substandard housing by making decent affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action for all people. PVH builds homes with volunteer labor and donations of material, supplies, land, and services. PVH then sells each home with a no-interest mortgage to a low-income family. The family becomes an active Habitat partner contributing many hours of sweat equity during the construction of their home. Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 34 families since their founding in 1989.
For information about becoming a Habitat homeowner, donating, or volunteering please visit our website at http://www.PVHabiat.org or call the Pioneer Valley Habitat office at 413-586-5430.
Hilltown Families said,
January 13, 2013 at 10:24 am
Pancake Breakfast Set to Kick Off 2013 Relay
American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Hampshire County to be held on Feb. 9
NORTHAMPTON – The kick-off breakfast for this year’s annual American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Hampshire County will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Hall, at 10 Hawley St., from 9:30 a.m. to noon.
The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is a life-changing event that gives everyone in communities across the globe a chance to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost and fight back against the disease.
At this year’s Relay in Hampshire County, which will be held from 3 p.m. June 14 through 3 p.m. June 15 at Look Memorial Park in Florence, teams of participants take turns walking on a make-shift track to raise money for cancer research and programs that benefit cancer patients and their families.
Last year’s Relay raised $262,913 for the American Cancer Society; 230 cancer survivors participated, and there were 24 new teams and 104 new individual walkers.
The February kick-off is free and open to the public. An information fair at the event will highlight programs and services for cancer survivors and caregivers. Teams can register to participate in the Relay, and table space will be available so team members can begin fundraising for this year’s Relay.
Registration is preferred by Feb. 4 but walk-ins are welcome; to register, contact Karen O’Brien at (413) 493-2113.
For more information about the Relay For Life, go to http://www.relayforlife.org/hampshirecountyma.
Catherine Wolkowicz said,
December 25, 2012 at 11:09 pm
Sandy Hook First Grade Survivors Fund
A hilltown family has a personal connection to the tragedy in Sandy Hook. I have a connection. My sister, her first grade son and husband live there. They were lucky. If there is such a thing for any child who attends Sandy Hook Elementary School.
My nephew is a first grader whose life is forever changed. A first grader who knew all 20 children. Some of them were on his baseball team this summer. At his birthday party. Too many funerals attended last week to keep track. The story is powerful; the details too hard to put to paper. This family had a few bumps and bruises along the road of life before December 14. Things families all over the country push through in a recession. Loss of a job, balancing skyrocketing health insurance costs on a single family income.
Now they have something new to worry about. A level of grief and suffering that money can’t fix.
My sister’s Sandy Hook family, and the others like them, shouldn’t have to think about how to pay the mortgage right now. We can’t all be there every day to hold the hand of the child, or hug the mom or the dad. But we can help provide funds to reduce the other daily stresses tough economic times can bring. A fund has been created for the present and future needs of the first grade children (and their families) that survived. So that these families can have time to focus on grieving, supporting their children, maybe even taking leave from work to spend that extra time with family the way they always talked about. So that they can be supported as they grieve with the parents who have just lost the unimaginable.
An account has been established at Florence Savings bank. Gifts can be sent to the Sandy Hook First Grade Survivors Fund, PO Box 28, Whately, MA 01093, or may also be left at the any Florence Savings Bank branch. The fund will be administered by volunteers and all funds collected will go to families of Sandy Hook first grade students.
This fund is not (yet sponsored by) a charitable organization, and funds are not tax deductable. Tax deductible gifts can be made to the United Way of Western Connecticut at http://www.newtown.uwwesternct.org.
Myrna Flynn said,
December 20, 2012 at 10:28 am
Contact: Myrna Flynn — mflynn@wgby.org
WGBY to Air Special Programming in Light of Newtown Tragedy
Social and political issues are explored in depth through local and national effort.
Springfield, MA — December 20, 2012 — WGBY will preempt some of its regularly scheduled programming this weekend in order to broadcast special content in the wake of last Friday’s school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. On Friday, December 21, Gwen Ifill hosts After Newtown, a PBS prime-time special produced by WNET, with contributions from FRONTLINE, NOVA, PBS NewsHour and Washington Week, from 8-9pm. The show provides an overview of issues, both social and political, that have re-emerged in the past week since the tragedy occurred.
On Saturday, viewers can learn additional information about those issues as they are more closely examined in What Next After Newtown: What Our Country and Communities Can Do. This three-hour special will include both national and local programming divided into the following six half-hour segments: The Mind of a Killer, Public Policy and Mental Illness, School Security, Talking to Children/Finding a Path to Healing, Violence in the Media and Accessibility of Weapons. What Next After Newtown airs from 3-6pm on WGBY.
WGBY’s Connecting Point will re-broadcast three of this week’s segments within that time period: Watch to see host Carrie Saldo’s conversation with a psychologist about societal factors he believes cultivate this type of horrific behavior; her interview with Chicopee School Superintendent Richard Rege that covered student safety within the district; and Saldo’s talk with a local psychiatrist who suggested ways to talk with young children who may be afraid and reluctant to go to school.
Viewers are encouraged to share their comments and ideas on WGBY’s Facebook page during and after each program. As part of its commitment to improving local communities through lifelong learning, WGBY plans to initiate a long-term effort, both on-air and off, to improve child safety in our region.
About WGBY
WGBY (www.wgby.org), a community-supported public broadcasting organization, connects the people of Western New England to events, ideas and each other through national PBS programming and locally produced series and specials. With four digital television channels, video on demand, podcasting and streaming video, WGBY is one of the region’s most accessible community institutions, providing lifelong learning opportunities for all. WGBY is available over the air on digital channel 57-1 and on cable throughout western Massachusetts and northwestern Connecticut and can be seen in high definition in western Massachusetts at Comcast 857, Time Warner 1807, Charter 782 and over the air on channel 57.
Esther Melnik said,
December 14, 2012 at 9:05 am
Sorry, some points I should have mentioned:
The lost cat was found in Williamsburg near Old Goshen Rd. last night. We think he’s been out on his own for a little while but not too long. He is hanging out on our front porch now and he seems to love everyone and everything. We have a female cat that does not play well with others so he is outside in a shelter we made for him until we can set up something separate in the house. We would love to find his family so please ask around!
If you have any questions please email me at mrsmelnik@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Esther Melnik said,
December 13, 2012 at 9:06 pm
Found! Beautiful grey striped cat. He is extremely friendly. I don’t think he’s more than a year old, if that. If he sounds familiar please email me. Thanks.
mrsmelnik@yahoo.com
Liz Smith said,
December 4, 2012 at 7:14 am
NCCHP Museum Participating in “Valley Gives” Day
The Noble & Cooley Center for Historic Preservation (NCCHP) museum is one of 268 nonprofit organizations in Western Mass to benefit from Valley Gives Day on 12.12.12
.
Valley Gives Day is a one-of-a-kind 24 hour e-philanthropy event hosted by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts with the support of eight funding organization partners: Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts, Jewish Endowment Foundation, Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts, United Way of Hampden County, United Way of Hampshire County, United Way of Franklin County, Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation and the Beveridge Family Foundation.
The goal of the Valley Gives Day is to raise $1 million on December 12th between 12:00 am and 11:59 pm. $150,000 in unrestricted cash prizes and bonus matches will be given out to participating nonprofits thanks to the organizers and other sponsors.
The goal of NCCHP on 12.12.12 is to raise $15,000 in donations from members and friends of the museum and to get enough new individual $12 donations to secure one of the top prizes for donor participation ($15,000, $10,000 and $5,000).
The NCCHP museum at the Drum Shop in Granville opened in 2007 to preserve and present the rich history of manufacturing, agricultural pursuits and rural crafts in Granville and the surrounding hill towns. “Keeping The Drumbeat of History” alive is the mission of the museum. Teaching successive generations about how their ancestors lived, worked and spent their leisure time in the hill towns is vital to preserving the rich history of the area.
NCCHP is looking to preserve and grow the museum with your support during the Valley Gives Day event. Please visit http://www.ncchp.org today to learn more about the museum and schedule a tax deductible donation. Encourage everyone you know via phone, e-mail, Facebook and Twitter to also make a minimum $12 gift to NCCHP. Then join us at the museum at 42 Water Street in Granville on 12.12.12 for a fun evening of watching NCCHP’s progress on the Valley Gives tote board. It promises to be a very interesting night at the museum!
Gigi Kaeser said,
November 25, 2012 at 1:14 pm
WE HAVE FAITH: LGBT Clergy and People of Faith Speak Out is a traveling exhibit that can go to your house of worship, library or community anywhere in the world.
PLEASE GO TO http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1976206013/we-have-faith-lgbt-clergy-speak-out and watch the video and PLEASE POST this on your Face Book page.
THIS IS A 30 day KICKSTARTER fundraising campaign which will make it possible to show this exhibit at little or no cost to any one who wants to fight bigotry and bullying in thier community.
Thanks,
–Gigi
Hilltown Families said,
October 20, 2012 at 8:04 am
10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival is seeking submissions for the 2013 festival which will be held February 14-24. The inaugural festival – named 10X10 On North – was held in downtown Pittsfield in February 2012 and was Pittsfield’s first-ever winter contemporary arts festival. Now in its second year, the festival is expanding in size and geography to include more programming in venues throughout the city’s newly designated Upstreet Cultural District and has been renamed the 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival.
Last winter’s inaugural 10X10 festival creatively enlivened downtown Pittsfield for 11 days from February 16-26, 2012 with 44 performances featuring more than 120 new works including plays, songwriters, poets, visual art, film and dance and attracted more than 3,000 visitors. 10X10 2013 will feature signature programming such as the 10X10 New Play Festival at Barrington Stage Company, the Ten Spot art show at the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, a short film festival at the Beacon Cinema, and more. The committee is also looking for new and out-of-the-box programming and partners.
10X10 Upstreet has issued a call for submissions to encourage artists, performers and cultural organizations to propose programming for inclusion in the festival. All programming must occur within the Upstreet Cultural District during the festival dates and must relate to the festival’s theme of “ten.” The deadline for submission is Friday, November 16.
For more information on submitting a proposal for consideration for the 2013 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival, visit discoverpittsfield.com/10X10 or call 413-499-9348.
About 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival
The festival is a collaborative effort spearheaded by Barrington Stage Company and the City of Pittsfield and coordinated through a steering committee that includes the Beacon Cinema, Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF), Berkshire Museum, Ferrin Gallery, Lichtenstein Center for the Arts and the City of Pittsfield, Mission Bar + Tapas and y bar. 10X10 Upstreet Arts Festival is generously sponsored by Berkshire Gas, the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the Berkshire Eagle. For more information call 413-499-9348 or visit discoverpittsfield.com/10×10
Glenn Johnson said,
October 18, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Help us reduce youth substance use. The Northampton Prevention Coalition is actively seeking parents and members of the business community for our steering committee. We meet on the first Friday of every month from 9:30-11:00 AM at Smith Vocational. We’ll work together to make Northampton a safer place for everyone.
For more info, contact:
———-
Glenn Johnson
Coordinator
Northampton Prevention Coalition
Florence Community Center
140 Pine St., Room 22
Florence, MA 01062
Phone: 413-587-1157
glenn@northamptonprevents.org
Website: http://northamptonprevents.org/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/NPCprevents
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NorthamptonPrevents
Shelley Kirkwood said,
October 13, 2012 at 8:47 am
forgot to list my contact Shelley@monumental-I.com
Shelley Kirkwood said,
October 11, 2012 at 8:25 pm
Looking for a new home to love! : Local family seeks 3-4BR home! Are you considering selling yours?
After months of MLS browsing, I am trying to reach out more directly to the community in our home search. We are looking in:Leverett, Florence, Montague, Northampton, Amherst, Pelham, Hadley, Sunderland and Deerfield. We are seeing a home with some character.
We cook and would prefer an open, integrated kitchen and a floor plan where MB is on the Same floor as other bedrooms… Ideally a floor plan that is open or open-able. Willing to renovate or looking for quality renovations. thank you!
Hilltown Families said,
October 2, 2012 at 11:19 am
The Gateway Regional School District is partnering with Berkshire Children and Families to offer a free program for parents/guardians of 9-14 year olds. The curriculum, Guiding Good Choices, is a prevention program designed to teach parents how to reduce the risk of drug and alcohol abuse by their children. The five-session program was developed by Dr. David Hawkins and Dr. Richard Catalano, both of the University of Washington. It is based on a review of over thirty years of research into factors that increase problem behaviors in young people.
Both parents and children are encouraged to attend each of the five 2 1⁄2 hour workshops, which include a shared meal each night. During four of the five sessions, while children participate in their own activities, parents learn skills that they will then practice at home. One of the sessions called “Avoiding Trouble,” is designed for parents and children together.
Workshop topics include preventing drug use in the family, developing health beliefs and standards, helping children avoid trouble with drugs and alcohol, managing conflict, and strengthening family bonds through children’s participation in family meetings and activities. A handout with more information has gone home with students.
The dates of these sessions will be determined as soon as parents rsvp and share the evenings that work best for them. If you would like to sign up or have any questions, please feel free to call Linda Dugas @ 685-1203, Wendy Long @ 685-1003, or Marylou Spaulding @ 584-5690 x102.
Hilltown Families said,
September 26, 2012 at 7:36 am
Berkshire County Rx Round Up
Saturday, September 29, 2012
10am – 2pm
Do you have unused, unwanted or expired medications around your home? Help protect your family, community and the environment by safely disposing of them at the following locations:
North Berkshire County:
Adams- Adams Police Station (4 School St.)
Lanesborough- Berkshire Mall Food Court
North Adams-Spitzer Senior Center (116 Ashland St.)
Williamstown- Transfer Station (667 Simonds Rd./Rt.7)
Central Berkshire County:
Dalton- Community Recreation Association (400 Main St.)
Lee- Lee Ambulance (177 Main St.)
Lenox-Lenox Town Hall (6 Walker Street)
Pittsfield- CHP Neighborhood Health Center (510 North St.)
South Berkshire County:
Egremont- Police Station/Town Hall (171 Egremont Plain Rd.)
Great Barrington- Police Station (465 Main Street)
Sheffield- Sheffield Senior Center (25 Cook Rd.)
Stockbridge- Police Station/Town Hall (50 Main St.)
West Stockbridge -Police Station (21 State Line Rd.)
24/7 LOCK BOX LOCATIONS:
Can’t get to the Sept. 29th Rx Round Up? You can drop off Rx meds any day at any time at police stations in these towns:
Great Barrington, Pittsfield, North Adams and Williamstown.
Source: South Berkshire Community Coalition
Hilltown Families said,
September 24, 2012 at 5:58 pm
Through a generous grant from the Alice Saver Foundation, Williamstown, MA the Milne Public Library in Williamstown upgraded their computer lab. The grant paid for 6 new computers that replace PC’s that were almost 10 years old, plus new wide screen monitors. The new lab has faster speed and greater access to new applications and software. The patrons are all remarking on the incredible improvements to a highly used service.
In addition the library has added computer training on the website http://www.milnelibrary.org. The online service is called Atomic Training and provides access to online, on-demand video training tutorials on the most popular software. Users can improve job skills by learning specific software training tutorials, it helps users of all ages become more proficient on basic computer applications and it’s paced to use when time allows. Some of the training tutorials include: Twitter, Skype, iPad, Word, Excel, Photoshop and many more to help with new technology.
The Library is highly dependent on fundraising and grants to provide the vital library that we have and to maintain the second highest circulation for a library in Berkshire County. You can anticipate that many users will enjoy sharing this up-to-date computer service to anyone who visits the Milne Library.
The Milne Public Library is located on Route 2 across from the Williams Inn. The hours of the Library are 10:5:30, Wednesday 10-8 and Saturday 10-4.
Hilltown Families said,
September 20, 2012 at 9:08 am
INNOVATIVE ECONOMIC BOOST FOR ARTS IN PITTSFIELD’S UPSTREET CULTURAL DISTRICT ANNOUNCED
Artsbucks to Stimulate Arts Purchases at October 5th Artswalk & Beyond
Berkshire Money Management today announced an innovative new initiative to spur attendance and art purchases at downtown Pittsfield’s October First Fridays Artswalk exhibitions. Called Artsbucks, they will underwrite $100 towards purchases of original art over $200 during the month of October from Artswalk partners.
Allen Harris, president of Berkshire Money Management, noted “We love taking an active role in supporting efforts that we sponsor. I believe the arts are great for business – and as any businessperson can tell you – a little incentive for the consumer can go a long way. But most of all, this is fun. I hope everyone will take their Artsbucks and maybe buy that one incredible piece they may not have otherwise. That’s what this is all about.”
$100 Artsbucks will be available at Artswalk downtown business partners and will also be distributed at the September 3rd. Thursdays event. If someone makes a purchase of an original piece of art for over $200 from one of the Artswalk partners or exhibiting artists, the customer can send in the Artsbuck with a copy of the signed receipt and receive a $100 check from Berkshire Money Management. Only one purchase per person may be submitted. Full instructions on redeeming the Artsbucks are printed on the back.
Mary McGinnis, the Chair of Artwalk, stated “We are incredibly grateful for Berkshire Money Management’s ongoing and very innovative support of First Fridays Artswalk and especially of the artists and galleries that share such beautiful creations with us each month. I expect Artsbucks will be drawing a lot of new faces to Artswalk next month too!”
The $100 Artsbuck features an image of the famous portrait of Mona Lisa in the center, in place of the traditional Benjamin Franklin portrait. A world renowned art icon over 500 years old, the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci is also “the best known, the most visited, the most written about, the most sung about, the most parodied work of art in the world,” according to the Independent. The surrealist artist Marcel Duchamp famously put a moustache and goatee on a depiction of Mona Lisa and Nat King Cole sang her praises. A larger than life Artsbuck and Mona Lisa herself will be out at 3rd.Thursdays handing out Artsbucks (and posing for photos.)
First Fridays Artwalk is a monthly series of free visual art exhibitions, openings and events throughout downtown Pittsfield held on the first Friday of the month all year round. Over thirty galleries, restaurants and shops are partners. Berkshire Money Management is a lead sponsor of First Fridays Artswalk, along with Gallery 25, the Massachusetts Cultural Council/Cultural Pittsfield, and Berkshire Art Association. Other sponsors include Berkshire Bank Foundation, Berkshire Heath Systems, Berkshire Theatre Group, and Downtown Pittsfield, Inc.
Downtown Artswalk partners include Empty Set Projects, Miller Supply, Berkshire Museum, Crowne Plaza, Brix Wine Bar, Marketplace Café, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc., the Lichtenstein Center for the Arts, Pateez Boutique, Brenda & Co, Bagels Too, Berkshire Carousel Gallery, Steven Valenti Clothing for Men, Berkshire Community College Intermodal Gallery, Paul Rich & Sons, Spice Dragon, Alchemy Initiative, Art.On.No, Treehouse, Gallery 25, Mad Macs, BINGO!, Wild Sage, Aerus Electrolux, Y Bar, Ferrin Gallery, Circa, the Lantern, West Side Clock Shop and the Berkshire Medical Center.
Berkshire Money Management is a full service money management firm with a professional investment team that monitors and manages clients’ full investment portfolios. Located in a recently renovated property at 392 Merrill Road in Pittsfield, Berkshire Money Management is committed to the financial success and prosperity of its clients. Berkshire Money Management is also dedicated to supporting the prosperity of the Berkshires, the firm’s chosen location.
For more information on downtown Pittsfield’s First Fridays Artwalk, visit http://www.firstfridaysartwalk.com or email info@firstfridaysartwalk.com. For more information on Berkshire Money Management, visit http://www.berkshiremm.com or call 888.232.6072.
Charles Dudek said,
September 18, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Williamsburg Cultural Council Taking Applications for 2013 Grants
The Williamsburg Cultural Council is accepting applications for 2013 Local Cultural Council grants. Grant applications must be postmarked no later than October 15, 2012.
The Williamsburg Cultural Council is part of a network of 329 Local Cultural Councils serving all 351 cities and towns in the Commonwealth. The state legislature provides an annual appropriation to the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency, which then allocates funds to each community.
The Williamsburg Cultural Council has been allocated a total of $3,870 from the Massachusetts Cultural Council for grants to individuals or organizations for cultural projects that benefit the community. Projects may be in the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences. In making grant decisions, the council gives priority to applicants from Williamsburg and projects that relate to the town’s character or history, and bring residents together in community activities. Applicants must secure a venue or a local organization as sponsor.
Application forms and instructions are posted on bulletin boards around town, including at Town Hall, the Williamsburg and Haydenville Post Offices, Meekins Library, Florence Savings Bank, Berkshire Bank, Bread Euphoria, and the Williamsburg Pharmacy & Hardware. Applications are also available online at https://www.mass-culture.org/Williamsburg.
For more information about the Williamsburg Cultural Council or to obtain a grant application, visit the council’s web site at https://www.mass-culture.org/Williamsburg or write to BurgyCC@yahoo.com.
Hilltown Families said,
September 5, 2012 at 3:56 pm
Donna E. Moyer, Interim Superintendent writes:
As you already know, we are closed at the [Hadley Elementary School] school tomorrow. This morning the staff arrived at school and found the water running very dirty and some electrical problems in the building. Some of the outlets were not working and many smoke detectors were flashing and needing to be reset. Jeff Udall and his staff worked quickly to contact an electrician, the alarm system company and to have a “waterless day.” Late this afternoon the alarm system technician arrived and reset the detectors but also discovered that the fire alarm system in parts of the building was out. We believe we were possibly hit by lightning causing the electrical problems. As soon as we had knowledge of the electrical issues, we contacted the Fire Department and the Chief placed the building under watch – meaning a firefighter is in the building at all times it is occupied. We insisted upon the water being tested before children or staff drink it again.
We will get the results of the water testing during the day tomorrow and there is a meeting of all the pertinent departments in town to assess how to proceed. Please watch the PTO and district websites for updates. Please also feel free to contact me via email at dmoyer@hadleyschools.org or by phone at 1-413-586-0895.
We initially made the decision to close the elementary school on Thursday erring on the side of utmost caution for the students entrusted to us. We will continue to be vigilant.
West Cummington Community Church said,
September 5, 2012 at 2:44 pm
The West Cummington Church is a small and lively hilltown congregation looking for child care workers to care for children ages birth to 5 on Sundays from 9:15 am to 11:15 am. Experience is necessary and references are required, as is a CORI check. Applicants must be 18 or over.
Send resume and cover letter to West Cummington Church, Box 148 Cummington, MA, 01026. Attention: Tom
Cindy Tarail said,
August 31, 2012 at 12:29 pm
The 2012 Montague Soapbox Derby will be held on Sunday, September 16, 2012, at 12:00 high noon, RAIN OR SHINE on the Unity Park hill, 1st Street, Turners Falls, MA. Accepting racer applications for $25.Three age brackets: 8-12 yrs old; 13-19 yrs old; 20+ yrs old. Home made carts, minimum three wheels, one rider. No motors or any form of propulsion. This event is a fundraiser for Montague Community Cable, Inc./MCTV Channel 17 in Montague, MA. Gold Sponsors: Bear Country Radio 95.3 FM, Greenfield Savings Bank, Hillside Plastics, Judd Wire, Kostanski Funeral Home, Montague WebWorks, Northeast Solar Design, and Silverscreen Design. Rules, forms and more information at montaguesoapboxraces.com. Contact: Race Director: Mik Muller (413) 320-5336 or Coordinator Cindy Tarail at MCTV, 863-9200.
Hilltown Families said,
August 27, 2012 at 1:27 pm
September waste oil paint and used motor oil waste collections set:
On Saturdays, September 8th and September 29th, 2012 the South Berkshire Household Hazardous Waste Collaborative will hold two paint and oil collections for the 16 participating towns. The Center for EcoTechnology (CET) will coordinate these collections.
The towns in the South Berkshire Household Hazardous Waste Collaborative sponsor this program. The participating towns are Alford, Becket, Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Richmond, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham and West Stockbridge.
Saturday, September 8th, 9 AM – 11:00 AM | Lenox Highway Dept.
275 Main Street, Lenox
Saturday, September 29th, 9 AM – 11:30 AM | Great Barrington Recycling Center (601 Stockbridge Road, Across from Monument Mountain High School)
Acceptable materials are oil-based paint, stains, paint thinners, spray paint and turpentine, as well as waste motor oil.
Latex paint will not be accepted at this event. Empty cans can be recycled with scrap metal. Dried-up cans of latex paint can be disposed with the regular trash. Empty cans of oil-based paint, stains and solvents can be disposed with the regular trash as well. Usable paint can be given away through freecycle.org or some non-profits.
To register online or for information about what can be brought to these collections, visit http://cetonline.org/Events/events.php?id=97 or email Aric.Brown@cetonline.org. Or call CET at 888-577-8448 ext. 10 or 30. Residents from communities that are not participating should call their City or Town Hall for information about hazardous household product collections.
Hilltown Families said,
August 22, 2012 at 12:32 pm
Hilltown Families Social Media Intern/Volunteer
Hilltown Families is an online grassroots communication network serving thousands of families in the four counties of Western MA.
Through a dynamic web site/blog, social networking, listserv, podcast, online bulletin boards, and collaborations with civic and nonprofit groups, Hilltown Families connects people and organizations in the widespread communities of Western MA by helping area residents share ideas, organize activities, support their children’s education and increase participation in community life.
Hilltown Families aim is to reflect the positive work and educational efforts activists, families, teachers, artists and civic leaders work towards and accomplish in the region, and how that affects, supports and empowers families/community.
Hilltown Families is currently hiring a social media intern/volunteer to work 5 to 7 hours per week starting September 2012. The intern/volunteer will help increase our website’s effectiveness and capacity. The intern/volunteer will gain experience in maintaining and creating content for a highly trafficked website (nearly a quarter of a million unique visitors in 2011 alone) that serves thousands of Western Massachusetts families. Intern/volunteer will receive supervision and support but should also be comfortable working independently and must have own computer.
The qualified candidate will display:
- A working knowledge of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Gmail and Google Docs. Knowledge of WordPress and html a plus.
- An interest in community based education and community development.
- An eye for detail and a willingness to tackle mundane tasks
- Excellent writing and grammar skills
- Summarize news and events
Essential Duties:
- Craft and schedule posts for Hilltown Families social media platforms
- Create, design and proof blog posts in partnership with Hilltown Families Staff
- Assist with general website administration and maintenance tasks
- Maintain accurate and updated list of resources
Applicants should email a cover letter explaining their interest in the internship/volunteer position, a resume detailing relevant experience/abilities, and hours of availability. Applications may be emailed to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Jean Potter said,
August 15, 2012 at 4:55 pm
I am a Birth and Postpartum Doula working for free/very reduced rates while completing certification.
For more information, please contact Jean Potter at (312)952-2691 or rockpilebindery@gmail.com
Thanks!
Hilltown Families said,
August 2, 2012 at 7:41 pm
Made in the Berkshires Casting Call
Berkshire Theatre Group’s festival of new works, Made in the Berkshires is seeking actors for the 2012 festival.
Made in the Berkshires will run Columbus Day weekend, October 5, 6 and 7, 2012 at the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield and the Unicorn Theatre, Stockbridge.
Made in the Berkshires is casting men and women aged 14 to 60 and one young girl able to play 7 years of age and one young boy able to play 13 years of age for roles in full length and short plays and for readings of short stories and poetry.
Auditions will occur at the Unicorn Theatre at 6 East St. in Stockbridge on Aug 12 and 13 from 12pm to 4pm. Please bring a headshot and resume and have a 2 minute monologue prepared and a song if applicable. No appointments necessary.
For more information, please visit our website at http://www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org
Katie said,
July 16, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Seeking Single Mothers By Choice! Two women, one a single mother, one a soon-to-be single mother, both of whom deliberately chose motherhood in spite of being single, are looking to connect with others in the area. If you’re considering becoming a parent on your own, are in the process of making the parenthood dream a reality, or are already a single parent by choice (or at least were when you started!), we’d love to be in touch. We’re hoping to host an informal get-together towards the end of the summer/early fall. If you’d also like to connect, please email Katie at angoltanar@freemail.hu. (Don’t worry, this really is a real email address!)
The Chester Foundation, Inc. said,
July 3, 2012 at 12:46 pm
Great family fun can be had by spending the night camping in the antique wooden caboose at Chester Railway Museum.
It sleeps four adults on the wooden bunks. Air mattresses are needed; it’s camping, not a motel. Many more can fit if on the floor. Scout troops are welcome. Includes spacious lawn suitable for a number of ancillary tents, a grill, and firewood. Electricity is available. Showers may be used at Walker Island Campground.
Spend the day hiking, fishing and swimming along the nearby Keystone Arch Trail, or visit the Becket Land Trust abandoned quarry, both only two miles away. Chester Theatre Co. and a couple eateries are within walking distance. Visit http://www.ChesterRailwayStation.net and http://www.KeystoneArches.com for more information. Or call 413.354.7878
Theresa Heary said,
June 27, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Seeking organizations that work with home school students:
SHINE Middle Grades Collaborative (www.s-h-i-n-e.org) is hosting a Home School Connect fair at Look Park. We have a family contra dance with live music, a Laughing Yoga Workshop, A hoola hop work shops, representatives from the girls scouts, and more! If you know of a community group, artisan, musician, or the like who want to connect with home-school families, could you please send them my contact information? Here are the details:
Where: Look Park
When: Tuesday, July 31, after the popular Tuesday morning children’s entertainment series, next to the sprinklers (!)
Why: To help home-schooled kids and their families connect with people who have interesting programs to share.
Fee: $10 if the vendor brings something interactive for children to do, $20 is not.
Thank you!
Theresa
Marie Lauderdale said,
June 5, 2012 at 1:20 pm
HOST FAMILIES NEEDED! From July 7th- 9th seventy six students from Chigakukan Secondary School in Mito, Ibaraki, Japan will be visiting our area as part of a school tour of the East Coast. PeopleLink a non-profit organization is currently looking for friendly families to open their homes to a student or two for those nights. Host families should provide a bed, meals and transportation to and from Amherst on arrival and departure days. You will receive a $30 per night stipend to help with these expenses.
These students are hoping to experience our culture first hand by participating in a home stay. If you are interested in making a new friend and learning about a new culture this year, please contact Marie Lauderdale at 413-230-1121 or marielauderdale@mac.com.
Thank you!
Kimberly Wachtel said,
May 30, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Hilltown families who love to garden and who love healthy food… here’s and announcement for you.
The Guyette Farm in Plainfield, MA is now protected through the Franklin Land Trust. Part of the land is being developed into a large community garden with plots available to those interested in growing some food for themselves. There are many interesting and worthy projects taking place like seed saving and food growing for local public schools planned at this community garden.
The garden needs some monetary support in it’s beginning stages mainly for soil amendments and fencing to protect the luscious food from critters. We are now raising money online via Indie Go Go. Click here: http://www.indiegogo.com/Guyette-Farm-Community-Garden-Plainfield-Massachusetts
to read more about the project and see if it is something you’d like to support and/or become involved with. There is a week left to support this funding campaign on Indie GoGo so please come by and check this community building project out soon! Please contact Bi-sek Hsaio to sign up for a plot or talk with her more about the garden and it’s plans.
Luci Leonard said,
May 29, 2012 at 10:53 am
Mom’s Attic & Consignment Sale on June 2, 2012 from 9-5. West Stockbridge Town Hall Gymnasium. If you have items that you would like to sell secure a seller number by calling (413) 358-5296. Items include clothing, home furnishings, books, cds, dvds etc. Free Admission.
Hilltown Families said,
May 28, 2012 at 10:02 pm
ALCHEMY INITIATIVE TO OPERATE AS A POP-UP
Since its inception in 2009 Alchemy Initiative has made the former Notre Dame church it’s home. The challenges of bringing the building up to code are beyond Alchemy Initiative’s capabilities as a tenant, and the intended use of the space has been curtailed. For this reason, Alchemy Initiative will no longer operate out of the former church, but will instead act as a ‘pop-up,’ producing programs and presenting events across Berkshire County.
In the past few years, Alchemy Initiative has grown from a partnership of five founders to a governance-led nonprofit organization, with many programs and projects to its credit, including:
The transformation of the empty yard at the corner of First and Melville Streets into a beautiful urban garden with raised vegetable beds, circular herb beds, and flower gardens.
First in downtown Pittsfield to receive permitting for chickens and bees.
Creation of a Flower CSA, providing members with weekly bouquets of locally-grown flowers.
Rented artist studios; presented film screenings, panel discussions, and workshops.
Coordinated a Silent Art Auction at the Colonial Theatre, raising $5,000 for the United Nations Foundation’s relief efforts in Haiti.
Established an experiential education program with the Juvenile Resource Center, providing workshops for at-risk teens.
Hosted two large-scale annual events, the Earth Day celebration and the Handmade Holiday Festival, which have continued to grow and gain in popularity.
Unfortunately, over the past few months Alchemy Initiative faced many challenges in utilizing the space. Several workshops and events were either relocated or cancelled.
Jess Conzo, Executive Director of Alchemy Initiative says:
“While we are saddened that we will no longer utilize the former church space or manage our garden there, we are very excited about the potential of no longer being bound by bricks and mortar. We see this as a real opportunity to expand Alchemy– to be more innovative and collaborative and to work more deeply within the community.
As building owners, Chris and Crispina have assumed a lot of responsibility to improve a property that has great potential. We wish, for their sake, as well as the greater community’s, that the City is able to work with them to make compliance more efficient and less costly.”
Alchemy Initiative will continue in its mission to build community by providing a forum for food and farming, art and music, health and healing and sustainable living. Workshop programming and annual events will continue. As this year’s Earth Day celebration was held in the ballrooms above Spice Dragon, the community can expect to see Alchemy Initiative ‘popping up’ in various venues across Berkshire County.
Alchemy Initiative will be unveiling a Moby Dick inspired mural as part of the upcoming City of Pittsfield Call Me Melville project. This mural was a first time collaboration with the Boys’ & Girls’ Club, spearheaded by Alchemy Initiative’s senior interns from the Horizon Program at Miss Hall’s School.
Alchemy Initiative will also curate a monthly gallery exhibit as part of First Fridays Artswalk. July will be thefirst showing at downtown Apple specialist, Mad Macs.
Plans for guerrilla gardening across Berkshire County with some new and exciting partners are also underway.
Sheri Hall-Smith said,
May 25, 2012 at 9:18 am
Host Students from Japan
Two groups of Japanese students will be staying with host families in the area this summer. A group of junior high school students will be in Hampshire County from 7/7 to 7/9. A group of high school students will be based in Amherst from 7/25 to 8/13 (host families can live in any of area community). The students will spend the weekends with their host families and have activities during the week days.
The students need friendly folks to stay with! Can you help?
($20/night for hosting one student in the high school group, $30/night for hosting two students in the junior high school group) For more information please contact Sheri, at Linksheri@aol.com.
Arden Sundari Pierce said,
May 14, 2012 at 5:39 pm
We are looking for a new owner-member to join our collective at Sun Studio.
Sun Studio is at the Arts & Industry Building in Florence in a long established studio located convenient to Northampton, Easthampton and Westhampton as well as the Hilltowns. It is a 800 sq ft sunny, beautiful, open space (two walls of windows) including welcoming foyer, a private office space separate from studio, changing room, lots of equipment and ample parking. It can be used for personal practice and wellness classes of all kinds. The private office space can be used for one on one therapy sessions. Clients and students love coming here.
For photos and more information visit: http://sunstudio.us/index.html
Benefits of becoming an owner-member:
~ Participate in a sustainable economic model and enjoy low rent
~ decisions are made by consensus
~ share an amazing established space
~ gain personal & professional support from other owner-members
~ grow your practice
It would be perfect for someone with an established practice and clientele, or a committed newcomer.
More details: It’s is shared ownership of the studio business and all equipment and furnishings inside (except for Pilates equipment)
This requires a buy-in of $600. A payment plan could be arranged. If you ever leave the owner-membership, the new incoming member buys you out.
The monthly “rent” includes rent toward lease and monthly expenses to run the studio.
Every member’s monthly rent varies at this time, the range is $200 – $300 all inclusive. Over time we would like to make every member’s rent more equal.
We are looking for a new member to join by July 1st when our lease and collective agreement get signed again. The new member would participate in any amendment to the collect agreement that is needed.
We share in everything needed to run this space except our individual profits.
We meet more or less about once a month to discuss running the studio, check in with each other around how our individual marketing, privates and classes are going and how we can support each other in this regard, and learn from each other on a chosen theme.
Questions: Email Arden Pierce yoga@rcn.com
Hilltown Families said,
May 10, 2012 at 12:31 pm
Hey Nathalie,
Looks like we have some leads for you here: https://www.facebook.com/HilltownFamilies/posts/10150918152581418?ref=notif¬if_t=feed_comment
moondropshop, Nathalie said,
May 10, 2012 at 11:18 am
Hi everyone,
I am a preschool teacher who just relocated to the area and is seeking employment. I have over 10 years of experience and a definite passion for what I do. I have lot’s of experience as an art teacher and have worked in a wide variety of school settings, all with varying philosophies- Creative Curriculum, Reggio Emilia, Montessori…. I was wondering if anyone might know of any alternative preschools that are hiring- looking for assistant or lead teachers- full or part time. *Anything* you could send my way would be greatly appreciated as I have been looking for a couple weeks now and haven’t heard back from anyone. I really love teaching and am hoping to stay in this line of work- not just get any old job for the sake of having one.
Thank you in advance
Nathalie Lewis
moonlove27@gmail.com
sarajane said,
May 1, 2012 at 12:53 pm
Seeking House Rental: Nice, hardworking family; Mum, Dad, 3 year old daughter and 2 sweet dogs. Looking for rental starting June 1st.
Thank you, Sara 413-977-4048
Williamsburg, Goshen, Cummington, Plainfield, Ashfield, Conway, Whately, Hatfield, Deerfield, Sunderland, Northampton, Easthampton, Westhampton, Hadley, Shutesbury, Leverett, Montague
Hilltown CDC said,
May 1, 2012 at 12:31 pm
First Time Homebuyer Workshop
Do you dream of driving down the driveway to your own home. The road to get there can sometimes be bumpy, like the many dirt roads in the hilltowns, but if you prepare yourself properly, the road can feel smoother. The trick to driving a bumpy road is learning how to navigate the bumps — the same is true of navigating the bumps you encounter when buying a home.
Learn directly from the professionals and you will know how to better navigate your way through them to a successful home purchase! A lender, realtor, home inspector, insurance and attorney will be there.
Next Workshop Series: Saturday mornings, June 2, 9 and 16, 2012 from 9-12:30 at the Meekins Library.
FREE Pre-registration is required.
Contact Bea at 296-4536, ext 115 or beavh@hilltowncdc.org
sarajane said,
May 1, 2012 at 12:19 pm
Seeking House Rental: Nice, hardworking family; Mum, Dad, 3 year old daughter and 2 sweet dogs. Looking for rental starting June 1st.
Thank you, Sara 413-977-4048
Hilltown Families said,
April 26, 2012 at 6:03 am
Berkshire Theatre Group seeks child and adult actors, musicians, backstage crew, technical support, usher staff and parent volunteers to participate in its upcoming community production of the musical Oliver!, book, music and lyrics by Lionel Bart, based on Charles Dickens’s Oliver Twist. The production will be directed by Travis G. Daly.
These roles and positions are open to members of the Berkshire community, third grade through adults. Rehearsals will begin in late July. Please note that rehearsals will take place in Stockbridge, MA. Performances are September 7 to 9 at The Colonial Theatre located at 111 South Street in Pittsfield, MA.
Proceeds from the production will benefit BTG PLAYS!, Berkshire Theatre Group’s Year-Round Education Program. Funding provided by BTG sponsors will cover the theatre’s direct production costs.
Auditions will occur on Monday, May 14th from 6pm to 10pm, Tuesday, May 15th from 6 to 10pm and Monday, May 21st from 6 to 10pm at The Colonial Theatre in Pittsfield, MA located at 111 South Street.
Student auditions will be held during the first three hours of each session and the last hour will be for adults. Adults should be prepared to sing 16 bars of a song and bring the accompanying sheet music that is in the key in which they prefer to sing. Students will learn a song at the audition. Callbacks will take place as needed. Appointments are necessary to audition.
Principal Singing Roles:
Oliver Twist (A workhouse boy about 13 years of age)
Mr. Bumble (A pompous man of 55)
Widow Corney (A sharp-tongued, domineering widow of 50 – the Workhouse Mistress)
Noah Claypole (The Undertaker’s apprentice)
Mr. Sowerberry (The Undertaker)
Mrs. Sowerberry (His overseer)
Charlotte (Their flirty young daughter)
The Artful Dodger (Fagin’s brightest pupil)
Fagin (An elderly receiver – runs training academy for young pickpockets)
Nancy (23 years old – a graduate of Fagin’s academy, and Bill’s doxy)
Charles Bates, and other boys in Fagin’s establishment
Bet (A 13-year-old lass in Fagin’s establishment – idolizes Nancy)
Bill Sykes (A villain in his prime)
Mrs. Bedwin (The Brownlows’ Housekeeper)
In addition, there will be a chorus of 40+ adults and 100+ children.
To schedule an audition time slot or for further information, please call the Oliver! Hotline at 413-298-5536 extension 23.
For more information, please visit our website at http://www.BerkshireTheatreGroup.org
Jennifer Atkins said,
April 11, 2012 at 1:38 pm
The Mass Sheep and Woolcraft Fair, which is held in Cummington Sat and Sun of Memorial Day weekend every year, needs spinners for the very popular Drop-In Spinning area.
We are looking for spinners willing to spend a couple of hours demonstrating their craft, and if they feel comfortable, helping people try it out. We will have some wheels available, or you can bring your own.
The fair committee has agreed that we will be able to offer some kind of small “thank you,” for your time, though exactly what that will be is not yet certain.
Please contact Delia Nash
Delia Nash
bydelia@yahoo.com
413 230-1458
if you could help out or would like more information. She’ll be setting up a schedule and would like to fill both days with spinners. It is a fun way to help the fair be successful and to meet lots of interesting folks.
Erin White said,
April 11, 2012 at 11:37 am
The preschool program at the RH Conwell school in Worthington is looking for a new assistant teacher. The position is part-time: Monday-Friday from 9am-1 pm. A degree in early childhood is preferred, although not required. Susan Warner directs the program, which is a child-centered and nature-based curriculum serving approximately 12 children between the ages of 3-5.
If you or someone you know might be interested in the job, please contact Sue Warner at swarner@rhccec.org.
Tim Cohen-Mitchell said,
April 2, 2012 at 2:42 pm
It’s BizVenture time again! $6K Business Idea/Plan Contest for ages 12-24 in Franklin County and North Quabbin
Young Entrepreneurs Society (YES) proudly presents our 3rd annual BizVenture Series to help youth explore small business, entrepreneurship, self-employment and invention as career options!
Any youth aged 12-24 who lives in or has a parental address in the 30 towns of the Franklin County-North Quabbin region is eligible to participate. If they enter at http://www.bizventure.org by midnight April 30 they can compete to win:
1 of 5 $50 cash prizes for signing up with a BizBuck
1 of 3 Flip MinoHD 4GB video cameras for answering 30 multiple-choice BizQuiz questions
2 of 6 cash prizes of $25-$200 for entering a BizIdea (ages 12-14; 15-17; 18-24)
2 of 13 cash prizes of $50-$500 for entering a BizPlan (ages 18-24 only)
plus
2 of 6 summer BizKamp scholarships worth $25-$200 each (for BizIdea entries)
2 of 13 summer BizKamp scholarships worth $50-$200 each (for BizPlan entries)
1 of 2 4-year college scholarships worth up $60K-$80K each (for BizPlan entries)
Awards will be presented at the
Youth Business Expo 2012
Thursday, May 24, 5:30-7:30 pm
GCC Downtown Center, 277 Main Street, Greenfield
Co-presented with Community Action Youth Programs, the Expo will feature a youth business/odd jobs trade show, speakers, awards and after-parties for youth and adults.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO ANY AND ALL ELIGIBLE YOUTH ABOUT THIS AWESOME OPPORTUNITY!
We have plenty of flyers, rave cards, numbered BizBucks, buttons. Let us know if we can get some to you to distribute!
To become a Series Partner organization, school or college (free), visit bizventure.org/about/22
To become a named prize sponsor of $25-$500 visit bizventure.org/about/27/
Contact us for details:
Tim Cohen-Mitchell (Series) Colleen Jacobsen (Expo)
978-544-1869 office and cell (413) 774-7028 x653
tim@yes-inc.org CJacobsen@communityaction.us
YES is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization founded in 1998. Our mission is to help youth chart their own paths to prosperity through entrepreneurship, job readiness and financial education.
Young Entrepreneurs Society, Inc.
26 South Main Street, Orange, MA 01364 U.S.A.
(978) 544-1869 | (978) 544-1809 fax
http://www.yes-inc.org / Fb=yes.inc
Jeff Winston said,
April 2, 2012 at 8:28 am
The HEAR ME Project is holding on-line auditions for local teen musicians, singers and rap artists aged 12-19 through April 30th.
Please visit http://hearmeproject.com for all information regarding the project and audition process.
The HEAR ME Project is a multi-media project aimed to enhance our communities by turning a lens onto the rich artistic talent of the younger generation in the Pioneer Valley.
The mission of The HEAR ME Project is to:
• Inspire authenticity
• Encourage individuality
• Exemplify unity
The first endeavor of The HEAR ME Project will be to document the rich musical talents of our local youth. We will utilize audio and video professionals to capture individual and small groups of teenagers from all over the Pioneer Valley playing their instruments and sounding their voices to one song. No pre-recorded music will be used in the final edit, ensuring that every note on this music video will be authentically created by the kids.
Interviews of these teens will also be incorporated to highlight how artistic expression supports the growth of strong, balanced and tolerant individuals.
For more information please call Jeff Winston 413-588-7807 or email TheHearMeProject@gmail.com
Caitlin Culver said,
March 30, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Youth for Understanding, one of the oldest and largest exchange programs in the world, is seeking loving families to host foreign exchange High School Students for the 2012-2013 academic year. For families interested in learning about other countries and backgrounds, hosting a foreign exchange student is an excellent introduction into a new culture, and a priceless experience for you as well as the international student.
We are a private, non-profit educational program dedicated to preparing young people for their responsibilities and opportunities in a changing, interdependent world.
Host families are as diverse as America itself. Everyone from single parents, parents with or without children and older parents with an “empty next” have hosted for YFU. After all, there is no age limit for a global education!
Please contact Caitlin at 617-868-3660 or cculver@yfu.org for further information. You may also visit our website at http://www.yfu-usa.org.
Meg Taylor said,
March 21, 2012 at 11:14 pm
Pine Brook Children’s Center (under new ownership, formerly Mountain Brook Children’s Center) in South Deerfield has spaces available in their year round, nature-based Preschool/Kindergarten program for children ages 3.8 to 7 years old, beginning in July or late August 2012.
- Nature Pre-school/ Kindergarten for children ages 3.8 to 7 years old.
- Six acres of outdoor learning spaces (school gardens, paths, woods, brook, meadow) that encourage creativity and exploration.
- Outside play every day (in all types of weather!).
- Earth-based curriculum with an emphasis on the natural sciences, community-building, art, music, yoga, and child-directed play.
- A place where all children with their individual quirks and needs are celebrated and supported.
- A learning community that fosters curiosity, independence, responsibility, problem solving, and pro-social behaviors.
- Skilled, attentive, caring, and experienced teachers/ director.
- Provides two healthy snacks each day.
- Family events such as school camp-out, winter solstice celebration, garden work days, etc.
- Open Monday through Friday: choose 3, 4, or 5 days/ week.
- Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (can drop off as late as 9 a.m. and pick up after rest time, if desired).
- Year round program – school closed 4 weeks/year.
- Summer Program runs July 5-August 10 and includes additional outside time, hiking, gardening, and water/sand/mud play.
- Tuition: $45/day.
- Only 15 minutes from Northampton, Florence, Greenfield, N. Amherst.
For more information or to schedule a visit, please call Eileen at 413.665.4560
Website:
http://mountainbrookchildrenscenter.wordpress.com/
Serena Torrey said,
February 21, 2012 at 11:24 am
Semi-collective living in Plainfield. I am looking for a family to share my home and 10 acres of land in Plainfield. I am seeking folks who want to share homesteading projects like gardening, maple tapping, and keeping chickens and small livestock collectively. Several private bedrooms available June 1st, shared kitchen, bath, laundry. I am a single mom with two young boys, and our housemates of ten years are moving on this spring. I would love to build a stable home share with another family. Please call for more details, 413-634-8088, or email me at serenatorry@gmail.com. Thanks, peace!
Jen Stromsten said,
February 19, 2012 at 8:07 am
The Greenfield Local Cultural Council is sponsoring a juried art show…
01301: Art for, by, and about Greenfield
Applications are available at Town Hall in Greenfield
or online at http://www.thrivesmedia.com/glcc-art-exhibit
or on the Greenfield Local Cultural Council Facebook page
Applications due June 15, 2012….art opening and show Fall 2012
Hilltown Families said,
February 14, 2012 at 8:00 am
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: Accepting applications for fall 2012. The Bement School founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield is a co-educational junior boarding and day school serving 245 students in kindergarten through grade 9. Bement’s rich, traditional curriculum motivates and challenges students with strong academics, a renowned fine arts program, and a diverse athletic program. Students participate in athletics and fine arts daily. The pervasive atmosphere at Bement is that of a family, learning and living together. Bement actively seeks an academically diverse, international, and multi-cultural student body. For information on how to apply, financial aid, or to arrange a visit to campus, call 413-774-7061 http://www.bement.org.
Hilltown Families said,
February 14, 2012 at 7:55 am
Jennifer Van Beckum writes, “There are currently 2-3 openings in my home-based Waldorf Childcare Program in Florence, ½ or full day options. The program is based on rhythm, a love of nature, the protection of childhood, and the belief that the caregiver should surround the children with the love and happiness which will help their capacities unfold and flourish. Our days include creative play, crafts, painting, baking, and gardening, circle time, story time, outdoor play and rest time. Warm, home-made, nutritious snacks and lunch are served. I have 20 years experience as an Early Childhood Teacher and am also a Certified Simplicity Parenting Group Leader. For more information call Jennifer Van Beckum: 413-586-0596 or email: javanbeckum@iglide.net.”
shelly bathe lenn said,
January 27, 2012 at 1:20 pm
NEW GROUPS STARTING…Please help us spread the word!!
The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens offers a safe and welcoming setting to process the many feelings associated with grief and loss. Any family with a child ages 5-18 years who has experienced the death of a close family member is invited to participate in our Sunday afternoon groups. New groups will be forming late February, and will meet at the Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please call 413 584 7086 ext 124 or email at shelly.thegarden@gmail.com
Aimee & Sarah Champion said,
January 17, 2012 at 12:15 pm
We’re looking for a loving adoptive home for Sunny and Snapple, two female guinea pigs. They are very sweet and don’t bite. We have kept them in a room separated from our cat, but we’re adopting two small children and can’t easily protect the pigs from the children and the cat simultaneously. If you are interested in adopting our pigs, please let us know! We’re happy to bring them to you.
Aimee 253-205-6685 or email aimee@aimeewelchlaw.com
Cindy Tarail said,
January 12, 2012 at 1:32 pm
Gill, Erving and Montague residents–Help your children create video programs about family, school and community activities. Get free training in video production. Great for homeschooling families, students, community groups. Visit montaguetv.org for more information or call 413-863-9200.