Hampden County

Chester On Track: Railroad-Themed Family Festival in the Hilltowns!

May 13, 2013 at 9:00 am (Hampden County, Suggested Activity)
Tags: berkshire hills, Hilltowns, History, keystone arch, railroad, railroad hub, Westfield River

Chester On Track Celebrates 174th Anniversary
Saturday, May 18th, 2013
Chester, MA

All aboard for Chester On Track, the railroad-themed family festival in downtown Chester, MA on Saturday, May 18 from 9am-4pm (rain or shine). A 10am parade sets the day’s pace along Route 20 and through the village. This free event gathers some of the very best early railroad, industrial, military and artisan talent from the across region.

Celebrate the 174th anniversary of the coming of the railroad to Chester, MA. Chester became a significant railroad hub during the age of steam. 150 men worked around the clock at the roundhouse maintaining the “pusher” engines to move passengers and freight up and over the Berkshire Hills westward.

Visit with living history re-enactors and explore the stories of the local landscape: 10th Massachusetts Regiment Civil War, blacksmithing, and Irish immigrant Western Railroad workers from Storrowtown Village, and tool demonstrations at a former granite stone finishing works.

Stop by the rail fan train show at the depot. Marvel at the Pioneer Valley Live Steamers ‘one-lung’ steam & gas engine demos, and classic cars. Displays include a number of 1920′s-era freight cars, wooden caboose, wooden velocipede, ‘Children’s Boxcar,’ Operation Lifesaver and US Fish and Wildlife’s Watershed On Wheels exhibit van.

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Classroom Learning in the Field at Western MA State Forests and Parks

May 7, 2013 at 1:00 pm (Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Resources)
Tags: Connecticut River Valley, Field Trip, Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, nature based education, Nature Based Learning, western massachusetts

Western MA State Forests & Parks Offer Educational Opportunities for Students
By Guest Writer, Gini Traub

As a tax-supported agency, our educational programs are offered free of charge. They are available to public, private, and home school groups, scouts, and adult learners. Here’s a quick run-down of field trip opportunities in the Connecticut River Valley.

When you hear the term, “Field Trip,” what do you think?

Recently I spoke with a teacher at the Christa McAuliffe Regional Charter School in Framingham. This middle school emphasizes expeditionary education with field trips for students. “But we don’t call them field trips,” the teacher said. “Students think a field trip is a day to goof off. We call them field work and field research, just like scientists do.”

I couldn’t agree more, even though I still call them “field trips.” I’m a regional educator for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, the agency that manages the state forests and parks. There is so much to learn and discover in them. And it fits with so much of what’s taught in the classroom.

Why not take classroom learning and see how it’s applied in the field? The subjects can be geology, soils, plants, and ecology. It can be history, too: No matter where we walk in wooded Massachusetts, chances are we will find evidence of past human activity, what I sometimes call hidden history. Read the rest of this entry »

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Little Free Library in Wilbraham

May 1, 2013 at 6:00 am (Hampden County)
Tags: Books, Community Building, Literature, Little Free Libraries, Little Free Library, Promoting Literacy

Little Free Library in Wilbraham Honors Neighbors & Remembers Tornado

Little Free 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. (Photo credit: Steve Fratoni)

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, Massachusetts 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 Little Free 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 (see list below). 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.

(Photo credit: Steve Fratoni)

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.

- Submitted by Steve Fratoni

Other Little Free Libraries in Western MA include:

Easthampton: Located on the Man Rail Trail, west of Union Street, built by Williston Northampton School & the Manhan Rail Trail. Bruce Simons is the Steward.
Northampton: In the front yard of 82 Washington Ave. Marjorie Senechal is the Steward.
Pittsfield: At the Pemble Farm Stand located at 787 Pecks Road. Caitlin Pemble is the Steward.
Russell: Located at 6 Blandford Stage Road. Bruce Miller is the Steward.
Williamstown: Located in the front yard on 74 Linden Street. Justin Adkins is the Steward.

Add your Little Free Library to the map at www.littlefreelibrary.org.

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20 Community Service Opportunities in Western MA for Families this Spring

April 9, 2013 at 12:00 pm (Berkshire County, Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Suggested Activity, Take Action, Volunteer Opportunity)
Tags: Community Service, Earth Day, Park Clean Ups, Service Based Learning, Volunteer Opportunites, Volunteering

Park Clean Ups & Community Service Activities for Families this Spring in Western MA

In addition to these volunteer park clean-ups and trail maintenance opportunities, Hilltown Families will be hosting a Family Community Service Event on May 4th bringing families together under one roof to participate in hands-on volunteer projects for seven non-profit and community organizations in Western MA. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

As spring warms the landscape across western Massachusetts, opportunities for outdoor adventures increase exponentially. What would have been a snowshoe trek and bark inspection a month ago has become a woods hike where families can identify plants, trees, and wildlife of all shapes and sizes.

However, as the ground awakes from its snow-covered slumber, trails and parks are in need of some restoration and there are plenty of opportunities for families to volunteer together, including during DCR’s Massachusetts Park Serve Day on Saturday, April 20th, Mass Audubon’s 7th Annual Statewide Volunteer Day on April 27th, and stocking the Connecticut River Watershed with Salmon Fry throughout the spring.

All of these volunteer opportunities, and many other community service work days, aim to bring together community members for a day of reconnecting with nature and cooperative work while providing service based learning experiences! Community service is a great way to show your appreciation for local resources as a family, and participating in volunteer work can help kids develop a strong commitment to their community and their surroundings. Kids can use volunteer work to learn useful skills for everything from hands-on tasks (like trail maintenance) to social skills (such as working in intergenerational settings).

20 Community Service Opportunities in Western MA this Spring

Wednesday, April 10th from 5:30-7pm: Families with older children and train with the Housatonic Valley Association to be part of their Stream Team Project volunteer crew. Walk or paddle a stretch of the river and report your findings. Interest meeting at the Dewey Memorial Building. 413-394-9796. Sheffield, MA
Saturday, April 13th from 9am-12noon: Look Park is open for the season, but the grounds need some attention! There are leaves & down branches galore from the October blizzard that need to be cleaned up. Bring your family and come to the park ready to work (BYO rake and gloves). Your help ensures that the park remains a valued community resource! 413-727-8457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA.
Sunday, April 14th from 1-4pm: Looking for a way to give back to your community by volunteering with your family? How about a spring clean-up? Greenfield Energy Park’s opening performance will be its annual spring clean-up. Greenthumbers invites families with children of all ages to come and join the fun. Some tools will be provided, but please bring your favorite clippers, rake, shovel, tarp or bucket. 413-774-5667. Energy Park. Greenfield, MA
Wednesday, April 17th from 5-6:45pm: Families with older children can train with the Housatonic Valley Association to be part of their Stream Team Project volunteer crew. Walk or paddle a stretch of the river and report your findings. Interest meeting at the Mason Library. 413-394-9796. Great Barrington, MA
Saturday, April 20th from 8am-1pm Earth Day Cleanup! Meet at the Masonic Lodge and volunteer for the morning cleaning up the environment. Families welcomed. Bring waterproof boots, work gloves, and a desire to help clean the environment! Meet at the Masonic Lodge. 413-572-6281. 72 Broad Street. Westfield, MA
Saturday, April 20th from 9-11am: Clean up Whately for Earth Day! Bring the kids and pick up roadside litter debris. Meet outside of the Town Hall (rain date: 4/21). Whately, MA
Saturday, April 20th from 9am-12noon: Families with children ages 10 and older are invited to the annual Meadows Spring clean-up at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Working out in the field, wear work clothes and bring gloves & water. Pre-register. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Road. Easthampton, MA
Saturday, April 20th from 9am-1pm: Clean up the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail! Families with children ages 8yo and older can assist with cleaning up the trail and landscaping. Call for exact location: 413-499-7003. Cheshire, MA
Saturday, April 20th from 9am-1pm: Chicopee State Park clean up! Families with children ages 8yo and older can help plant flowers, spread mulch, stain picnic talbes and do general trail maintenance. Meet at the DCR Park Headquarters. 413-594-9416. 570 Burnett Rd. Chicopee, MA
Saturday, April 20th from 9am-1pm: Lend a hand to The Trustees of Reservations sprucing up Peaked Mountain. Bring work gloves, water & snack. Call to pre-register. : 413-532-1631 x21. Butler Road. Monson, MA
Saturday, April 20th from 9am-2pm: Join the patrons of the Ramsdell Library for a day of cleaning up along the banks of the Housatonic River. Meet at the library for an assigned route to clean-up. Pizza at the Brick House at noon for all volunteers. Screening of “Fold, Crumple, Crush” in the library theater at 2pm. 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA
Saturday, April 20th from 9:30am-1pm: Families with older children can help clean up DAR State Forest. Help prepare for the upcoming camping season by raking campsites & day use picnic areas. Meet at the campground pavilion. 413-268-7098. Route 112. Goshen, MA

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Volunteer with Gray House in Springfield

March 26, 2013 at 12:00 pm (Hampden County, Volunteer Opportunity)
Tags: Community Service, Gray House, Service Based Learning, Springfield, Volunteer Opportunity

Support Neighbors in Transition
Volunteer with Gray House in Springfield

Looking for community service opportunities to do as a family? Whether you’re hoping to fill a few free afternoons with an engaging activity or are planning to make a long-term commitment to lending a hand with a community organization, opportunities for service learning abound at The Gray House! Located in Springfield’s North End, The Gray House offers a thrift shop and food pantry twice a week, along with after school programming and a place-based summer program for Springfield students.

Families can spend time sorting donations at the thrift shop or food pantry on Mondays and Wednesday-Friday. Volunteers on these days help to sort donations, prepare distribution bags, and fill displays of food, household items, and clothing – activities that are all necessary to keep the services running smoothly. Both the shop and the pantry are always in need of volunteers, but families don’t have to commit to regular visits – perfect for busy families, or those with regularly changing schedules.

If you’re hoping to become involved in a long-term service learning project, volunteers are also always needed to help out with The Gray House’s Community Education Support Program (CESP) and the Kids’ Club after school and summer programs. Best for teens and parents, these programs offer valuable education-related resources to the community. People from more than 16 countries utilize the English language and literacy skills classes that CESP offers, and the Kids’ Club provides a fun, safe, and engaging after-school environment for students (not to mention that participants also get free dinner!). No experience with education is necessary in order to volunteer for either program, but volunteers must make at least a 4-week commitment and will receive training before beginning.

Volunteering for a community organization is a great hands-on, experiential way for families to learn about supporting their community. Kids old enough to participate will learn valuable lessons about helping their neighbors and giving back. There are many powerful lessons that can be learned through community service!

The Gray House is located at 22 Sheldon Street in Springfield. Contact Katie Manning at 413-734-6696 for information on volunteering and the services offered.

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2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA

March 24, 2013 at 9:00 am (Berkshire County, Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Hilltown Families, Suggested Activity, Summer Camp)
Tags: Berkshire County, camp, Camps, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, Massachusetts Summer Camps, New England Summer Camps, Summer Activities, Summer Camp, Summer Camps, Summer Camps in the Berkshires, Summer Camps in the HIlltowns, Summer Camps in the Pioneer Valley, Summer Camps in Western Massachusetts, Summer Program, Summer Programs, Western MA, western massachusetts

Hampshire County

Franklin County

Berkshire County

Neighboring Regions

Add A Listing

Add Your Camp/Program

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Easter Events in Western MA, 2013

March 14, 2013 at 5:59 am (Berkshire County, Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Easter, easter egg hunt, Easter Egg Hunts in Western Massachusetts, Easter Events for Families, Easter Events in Massachusetts, franklin county, Greenfield, Hampden County, hampshire county, Southwick, Springfield, Things to do in Western Massachusetts for Easter, western massachusetts, Westfield

Easter Events in Western MA 2013

During Easter many towns host egg hunts for their residents. Find an egg hunt nearest you, along with Easter craft opportunities, brunch and Easter Bunny appearances.

Community events that celebrate Easter take place through April 13th. We’ll be adding to this list as events come in, so be sure to check back.

Saturday, March 16th

In Great Barrington at 3pm, earn to make naturally-dyed eggs with the Berkshire Co-op! Families will learn how to use food, flowers, leaves, and more to create beautifully decorated, all-natural holiday eggs. You’ll get to take the eggs that you dye home, and make sure to wear clothes that can get messy. 413-528-9697. 42 Bridge Street. (FREE)

In Otis at 10am, the town of Otis will host an Easter Egg Hunt and Games event. BYO basked and arrive at the town hall. For more info call 413-269-4541. (FREE)

In Whatley at 12noon, Marion Abrams will be leading a Family Batik Ukrainian Egg Workshop at the Whately Library. Children ages 8yo+ will learn basic skills for beautiful traditional Ukrainian Pysanky. 413-247-9807. (FREE)

Saturday, March 23rd

In Adams from 10-11:30am, the Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum will host an Old Fashioned Easter Egg Hunt with hard boiled eggs colored by Daisy Troop 40054 for kids up to ages 12yo. 413-743-7121. 67 East Road.

In Amherst from 12noon-3pm, Atkins Farms hosts an Easter Egg & Candy Hunt with the Easter Bunny. Photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. BYO basket. Under the pavilion. 413-253-9528. Corner of RTE.116 & Bay Rd. (FREE)

In Easthampton at 10am, there will be an Egg Hunt at Daley Field. Bring a camera for photos with Easter Bunny. BYO basket. For kids ages 10yo and younger. Easthampton High School. Williston Ave. (FREE) – Rain/Snow Date: 3/30

In Great Barrington from 10-11:30am, Berkshire South Regional Community Center will host an egg hunt. Toddlers to age 6yo are welcomed. BYO basket. Pre-register. 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. (>$)

In Huntington at 2pm, the Huntington Recreation Committee will host an Egg Hunt at Pettis Field for Huntington kids (& grandkids) 10yo and younger. BYO basket. 413-667-3500. (FREE) – Rain/Snow Date: 3/24, 2pm.

In New Marlborough at 10:30am, the New Marlborough Library will host a Spring Egg Hunt at the New Marlborough Central School for children up to 11yo. BYO basket and camera to take photos with the Easter Bunny. 413-229-6668. – Rain/Snow Date: 3/24, 1pm

In Northampton at 1pm, Marion Abrams will be leading a Family Batik Ukrainian Egg Workshop at the Forbes Library. Marion will teach basic skills for beautiful traditional Ukrainian Pysanky. Children ages 8yo+ are welcomed. 413-247-9807. (Free/>$)

In South Hadley at 12noon, the Odyssey Children’s Department will be hiding 100 eggs in store for an Epic Easter Egg Hunt! Two simultaneous Egg Hunts will happen, one on each floor, divided according to age. Spring Storytime follows hunt. BYO baskets. All ages welcome. 413-534-7307. 9 College St. (FREE)

In Wendell from 10am-12noon, Diemand Farm hosts their annual Easter Egg Hunt. There will be egg coloring, crafts and an egg hunt for your children to enjoy. A variety of baby animals including rabbits, goats and lambs will be there to pet–and maybe even feed! 126 Mormon Hollow Road. (FREE)

In Westfield at 11am, the Mayor’s Easter Egg Hunt happens at Shaker Farms Country Club. Kids can search for eggs filled with treats – BYO basket! The Easter Bunny will visit at 11:30am, and kids can get their faces painted. 413-572-1260. 866 Shaker Road. (FREE) – Rain/Snow Date: 4/1, 11am.

In Wilbraham from 10:30am-1pm, the Wilbraham Children’s Museum will host an egg hung for kids ages 5yo and younger. BYO baskets and come hunt for over 400 eggs, enjoy indoor crafts and story time. Hunt begins promptly at 11am. 678 Main Street. (>$) – Rain or Shine.

In Williamstown at 10am, Sweet Brook of Williamstown Rehabilitation and Nursing Center hosts their 3rd annual Easter Egg Hunt. Children up to 10yo can join in. There will be Easter baskets and plastic eggs filled with candy to hunt for on the grounds. 413-458-8371. 1561 Cold Spring Road. (FREE) – Rain/Snow Date: 3/24, 2pm.

Sunday, March 24th

In Ludlow at 12noon, Randall Boys and Girls Club host an Easter Egg Hunt for kids ages 3-11yo. Pictures with the Easter Bunny at 12noon. Hunt begins at 1pm. Must register by 3/22. Rain date: April 7. 413-583-2072. 91 Claudia’s Way. (>$) – Rain/Snow Date: 4/7.

In Sunderland at 2pm, Sunderland Recreation host their 14th annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Sunderland Elementary School. 413-665-1439. 1 Swampfield Dr. (FREE)

Friday, March 29th

In Health from 10:30-11:30am, the Heath Library will host an Egg Hunt on the Town Common in lieu of their weekly story hour. They ask that all participants RSVP. 413-337-4934 x7 (FREE)

Saturday, March 30th

In Agawam at 10am, the Great Easter Egg Hunt happens at the Bethany Assembly of God. Kids ages 1-12yo can join in an Egg Hunt, win prizes and enjoy a performance by the TNT Puppet Team. 413-789-2930. 580 Main Street. (FREE)

In Cheshire from 11am-6pm, Whitney’s Farm Market hosts their Annual Easter Egg Hunt. Kids ages 5yo and under search at 11am. Kinds ages 6yo and older search at 3pm. 413-442-4749. 1775 S. State Rd. (FREE)

In Chicopee from 10am-12:15pm, the Chicopee Parks Dept hosts their annual Easter Egg Hunt at Szot Park. Kids are invited to make a silly pair of bunny feet during the event and prizes will even be awarded. In the upper fields at the park, thousands of eggs will litter the field, with good luck eggs sprinkled throughout! Call to register: 413-594-3481. Upper Szot Park. (>$) – Rain site: Chicopee Academy.

In Dalton, the Dalton CRA host an Easter Egg Hunt on the CRA Memorial Lawn. Open to kids 11yo or younger. Easter Bunny visit too. BYO basket. 413-684-0260. 400 Main Street. (FREE) – Rain site: CRA gym.

In Florence at 9:30 & 11am, Look Park hosts two seatings for families to have a breakfast buffet with the Easter Bunny at the Garden House. Tickets sold first come first served. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main St. ($)

In Florence from 1-2pm, the Northampton Rec Department host their annual EGGstravaganza Egg Hunt at Look Park for children ages 10yo and younger. With over 10,000 eggs with goodies inside, kids can scramble for eggs according to age group. BYO basket, get your photo taken with the Easter Bunny, and even win prizes. Be sure to arrive early! 300 North Main St. (FREE/>$ Parking)

In Granby at 11am, the Granby PM Club hosts an Egg Hunt for kids 12yo and younger at the Dufresne’s Park Gazebo. BYO basket. (FREE) – Rain Cancels.

In Hadley from 10:30am-12noon, Hadley Park & Rec. to host an Easter Party at the Hadley Elementary School. Pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts and fun activities. BYO basket to collect eggs! 21 River Dr. (FREE) – Rain or Shine.

In Holyoke at 10am, Holyoke Parks and Recreation hosts an Egg Hunt and Spring Celebration at the Holyoke Heritage State Park. Easter egg hunts for four age groups, great prizes, face painting, gift bags and a t-shirt decorating station (t-shirts and gift bags included for the first 500 children), pony rides, craft stations and of course a chance to meet the Easter Bunny! BYO basket. 413-322-5620. 221 Appleton Street. (>$) – Rain or Shine.

In Ludlow at 11am, the Hubbard Library host their annual egg hunt. Kids of all ages are invited to the Library’s egg hunt, sponsored by the Friends of the Library! Children will search the grounds for colorful eggs, and a chance to win prizes. Kids who have food allergies can swap for non-candy eggs. BYO basket. 413-583-3408 x3. 24 Center Street. (FREE)

In Pittsfield at 10:30am, the Annual Eggstravaganza Egg Scramble will be held at Pittsfield’s Morningside Community School. Five different age categories beginning at 10:30am-11:25am, open to all Pittsfield children. One winner in each age group who finds the golden egg will receive a special prize! BYO baskets. Easter Bunny will make a special appearance. 100 Burbank Street. (FREE) – Rain or Shine.

In Springfield from 11am-1pm, The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center hosts a Spring “Egg”stravananza. Collect eggs along the “bunny trail.” Meet live animals that all come from eggs, and bring your camera for a photo with the Easter Bunny. 413-733-2251. 302 Sumner Ave.

In Stockbridge at 11am, the Stockbridge Library host an annual Easter Egg Hunt to follow a spring story time and book giveaway. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. (FREE)

In West Springfield at 9:45am, West Springfield residents are invited to join the search for over 7,000 eggs at the West Springfield Park and Recreation Department annual Easter Egg Hunt at Mittineague Park. Children ages 7yo and younger are invited to meet the Easter Bunny and receive a candy treat between 9:45-10:30am in the tennis court area and then the Easter Hunt will begin sharply at 10:30am. Children will be divided into three color-coded age groups. 413-781-3020. Mittineague Park. (FREE) – Call if rain/snow.

In Worthington at 10:30am, Worthington Easter Egg Hunt takes place at R.H. Conwell School. Kids hunt followed by teen/adult hunt. All are welcomed. 413-238-5500. (FREE)

Sunday, March 31st

In Deerfield from 10am-3pm, celebrate Easter at Chandler’s Restaurant at Yankee Candle! There will be delicious food (some from local farms!) and the Easter Bunny will stop by to visit! Reservations suggested. 413-665-1277. 25 Greenfield Road. A ($$)

Saturday, April 13th

In Turners Falls at 1pm, the 8th Annual Peter Cottontail’s EGGstravaganza takes place at Unity Park. Children ages 4-12 are invited to take part in this great community tradition. Activities include face painting, egg coloring, pictures with Peter Cottontail, and a 5,000 Egg Hunt! BYO basket. Unity Park, First Street. (FREE) – (Originally scheduled on 3/23)

[Photo credit: (ccl) Jose Chavarry]

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Maple Syrup Time: Eight Featured Sugar Shacks in Western MA

March 12, 2013 at 9:00 am (Contributing Writer, Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Suggested Activity, Theresa Heary-Selah)
Tags: breakfast, Food, Maple Syrup, maple syrup season, maple syrup time, restaurants, Sugar Season, Sugar Shacks, Western MA, western massachusetts

Maple Syrup Season

The moment that we have been waiting for all winter is here: Maple Syrup Time! The ground is thawing and the sap is running… maple sugaring is everywhere, giving great reason to get out with your family to learn about the maple sugaring process while enjoying the first harvest of the year!

Below, I have listed several sugar shacks where there is a restaurant and the sap run is a sweet and joyful event. However, do not disregard the people around the corner or the trees in your own back yard! A directory of sugar shacks in Massachusetts is available at www.massmaple.org. Check to see if there is someone making syrup in your neighborhood that you do not know. Call ahead to see if they are boiling and if you bring your kids to come watch the process.

Sugar Shacks with Breakfast

If you want a list with highlights, this is the list for you:

Williams Farm Sugarhouse in Deerfield serves breakfast weekdays 8am-1pm, and weekends 8am-3pm, through April 13th. Their menu includes pancakes, Belgian waffles, and maple frosted donuts.
North Hadley Sugar Shack is open weekdays 7am-1pm, and weekends from 7am-3pm. They are known for their great pancakes.
South Face Sugar Shack in Ashfield is open 8:30am- 3pm, weekends only, through March 30th. They have homemade pancakes, waffles, corn fritters, maple milkshakes and many other special maple goodies.
High Hopes Farm Sugar House in Worthington serves weekends from 7am- 2pm. They are the home of the exclusive “All You Can Eat” Sugar House Buffet.
Red Bucket Sugar Shack in Worthington is open 8am-2pm on Saturdays and 8am-3pm on Sundays through mid-April. on weekends. They have a lot of wonderful variations on the pancake, including carrot cake and zucchini bread pancakes.
Gould’s Maple Sugarhouse in Shelburne is open on weekends. Call to find out the particular hours. They have candy, cream, fudge and syrup in addition to a full breakfast.
Pomeroy Sugar House & Restaurant in Westfield is open Fri-Sun 7:30am-1pm through the first of April. In addition to breakfast, there are farm animals to meet and pet.
Hanging Mountain Farms & The Strawbale Cafe in Westhampton is open Fri- Sat 7am-1pm, and Sun. 8am-1pm. They have a full menu, including buttermilk, multigrain and gluten-free pancakes & french toast! Yum.

For a quick, complete, and unannotated list, with hours, dates and directions, check out the Mass Maple Sugar House with Restaurant directory. And while there is a definite joy in celebrating the harvest with comrades and pancakes, have you considered tapping a tree or two yourself? Here is a quick guide from the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association to get you started: Make Your Own Maple Syrup.

Related Post: HFVS Sheep Shearing & Maple Syrup Episode (Radio Show/Podcast)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Theresa Heary-Selah — Theresa is a teacher and a freelance writer, making her home in Greenfield, MA and Wright, NY with her family. She teaches at S.H.I.N.E. (Students at Home in New England), a social and academic support program for middle school students in the Pioneer Valley, and writes about home-schooling and technology. Theresa’s interests include home-schooling, gardening, cooking, hiking, and dancing.

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28th Annual Maple Fest on Chester Hill

March 12, 2013 at 6:00 am (Food, Hampden County, Hilltown Families, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Chester, Maple Syrup, western massachusetts

28th Annual Maple Fest on Chester Hill

Chester is celebrating the beginning of spring with their annual Maple Festival. On Saturday, March 16th from 9am-3pm, families are invited to visit Chester Center to experience old time sugaring first hand and relive simpler times. Families can begin their day with a traditional Country Breakfast, served continuously from 9am ‘til noon at the First Congregational Church (>$). After breakfast, visit local artisans and craftspeople, at the old schoolhouse across the road. Begin the afternoon listening to the sound of the Pioneer Valley Fiddlers, scheduled to play at the church at 12noon. All day long, wagons pulled by tractors or a team of draft horses will carry guests back and forth to High Meadows Sugarhouse to watch the production of maple syrup.

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Celebrate the State’s Sweetest Season this Weekend

March 6, 2013 at 12:00 pm (Berkshire County, Hampden County, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Maple Syrup, Massachusetts, New England, Sugar Season, western massachusetts

Celebrate MapleFest to Maple Harvest Day, from the Berkshires to the Pioneer Valley

Dennis Picard, Storrowton Village Museum director, demonstrates the art of open kettle evaporation to boil sap from a nearby maple tree into sugar during last year’s Maple Harvest Day.

It’s maple season in Western MA for certain! Taps, buckets, and sap-carrying tubes have been put up in the woods all over the area, the weather is just right, and sap is running. This weekend, celebrate the return of the state’s sweetest season at MapleFest, Hopkins State Forest’s annual celebration of the tradition of maple sugaring in Williamstown. Taking place on Saturday, March 9th from 11am-2pm, the event offers families a chance to learn about the modern processes used to produce syrup, as well as a delicious opportunity to sample local syrup atop pancakes or poured over snow.

The forest is home to a working sugar shack, where families can duck into the small, steamy building to see the heated vat evaporating water out of the freshly collected sap. Once you’ve learned conventional ways maple syrup is made, watch a demonstration of the syrup-making techniques of yesterday! Families can learn about methods that date as far back as pre-Colonial times. And, for those interested in lending a hand, helping out with the harvest is always welcome! Haul a bucket or two, or schlep a crate of freshly sealed jugs – being part of the process is the best way to learn!

For a maple-related adventure down in the Pioneer Valley, look no further than West Springfield’s Storrowton Village! The historic village, filled with buildings from all over New England, will host Maple Harvest Day on Sunday, March 10th from 11am-3pm.

Families visiting Storrowton will learn about maple sugaring in early New England, and can see museum workers in period costume participate in the 19th-century version of the tasks necessary to make maple syrup.

Inside the homes in the village there will be demonstrations of basic homesteading skills such as open hearth cooking, spinning and weaving, and more. Enjoy a day in old New England, and learn about rural culture throughout American history!

Both events are free! Hopkins State Forest is located at the corner of Blakely Street and Northwest Hill Road in Williamstown. Storrowton Village is located at 1305 Memorial Drive in West Springfield, and can be reached at 413-205-5051. Enjoy!

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Learn How to Make Pisanski Eggs in Western MA

February 27, 2013 at 1:30 pm (Berkshire County, Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Suggested Activity, Video)
Tags: decorated easter eggs, Easter, Easter Egg, Folk Art, Pisanski, Pisanski eggs, tradition of easter eggs, Ukraine

The Tradition of Pisanski Eggs

We all know about the American tradition of Easter eggs – the three dimensional ovals that come in many varieties, from jelly beans to hard boiled. They’re no match, however, for Pisanski eggs. These eggs – that you would never dream of eating – are beautifully decorated using beeswax and vibrant (yet non-edible) dyes. A tradition from eastern Poland and Ukraine, rich in history, Pisanski eggs are usually decorated with intricate patterns, and are made using hollowed out eggs!

The word Pisanski comes from the Polish verb “pisac,” meaning to write - an accurate description of the process! Check out this simple tutorial on making pisanki- wax and dye decorated Easter eggs from polandisawesome.blogspot.com:

Easter is coming – it’s on March 31st this year! Introduce a new tradition to your family while exploring the customs of another culture. Instead of plastic candy-filled eggs, make your own Pisanski eggs. Your beautiful eggs will become beloved family treasures. Families hoping to find help in learning to make Pisanski are in luck! Check out these Western MA classes and workshops taking place before Easter Sunday:

Hampden County: On Saturday, March 2nd the Wistariahurst Museum hosts a hands-on demonstration of making pisanki with local artist Carol Kostecki. Ages 12+, registration required. 413-322-5660. Holyoke, MA. ($$)

Franklin County: The Deerfield Spring Sampler, held at the Eastern States Exposition, will offer Ukrainian Egg Workshops on Sunday, March 9th at 12noon. 413-774-7476. West Springfield, MA. ($)

Berkshire County: Ventfort Hall Gilded Age Museum will offer two workshops, taught by Tjasa Sprague. Classes will take place at 10am and another at 12:30pm on Saturday, March 23rd, with lots of demonstration. 413-637-3206. Lenox, MA. ($$)

Hampshire County: Marion Abrams will be leading two Family Batik Ukrainian Egg Workshops. The first one take place on Saturday March 16th from 12noon-2pm at the Whately Library (FREE) and on Saturday, March 23rd from 1-3pm at the Forbes Library (>$) in Northampton. Marion will teach basic skills for beautiful traditional Ukrainian Pysanky. Children ages 8yo+ are welcomed. For info contact Marion at 413-247-9807. Whately, MA & Northampton, MA. (Free/>$)

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History of Transportation in the Pioneer Valley

February 26, 2013 at 12:00 pm (Hampden County, History, Suggested Activity)
Tags: aviation, cars, History, history of transporation, Pioneer Valley, transportation, western massachusetts

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
History of Transportation in the Pioneer Valley

One of the best ways to learn about the changes that historical events and innovative inventions create is by studying local history. By learning about broad concepts and eras within history, we can gain an understanding of how things changed on a large scale. However, to really understand how these changes were played out on a smaller scale, we must examine the effect that they had on our own communities.

The Wistariahurst Museum is offering a series of lectures this spring on the history of transportation in the Pioneer Valley. Titled, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles: Transportation in the Pioneer Valley,” the series aims to teach the community about how changes in technology, industry, and politics played out in they way that we get from place to place. Some of the topics addressed in the lectures will include:

Westover Field’s role in our country’s involvement in the Cold War
The short history of rail travel and transport in the Pioneer Valley, and its place in our future
Travel by foot or on bike, as supported by the many hiking trails and bike paths in the valley
The systems we’ve implemented in our waterways in order to accommodate changing energy needs and the upstream travel of fish

Best for older students, the lectures will explain lots of important local history and will focus on 20th century history (though a few of the topics deal with late 19th century history, as well). Each event will take place at 6pm in the museum’s carriage house, and they will take place on Monday evenings from March 4th-May 13th, 2013. The museum asks a small donation to attend the lectures. Wistariahurst is located at 238 Cabot Street in Holyoke, and can be contacted at 413-322-5660.

More info on the series at www.wistariahurst.org.

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1800′s Journal Unfolds Online, Sharing Western MA History

February 18, 2013 at 12:00 pm (Hampden County, History)
Tags: History, Holyoke, journel, Local History, Pioneer Valley, Silk Mills, Western Massachsuetts, William Cobbett Skinner

Blogging the Days in the Life of William Cobbett Skinner
1888 Journal is posted online as the year unfolds.

William Cobbett Skinner (1857 – 1947) 1888 Journal

In 1888, William Cobbett Skinner was 31 years old, working under his father’s guidance at Skinner and Sons Manufacturing in Holyoke, MA. Wistariahurst Museum’s blog entries will track Will’s 1888 journal. Each week new entries will be transcribed and uploaded to the Wistariahurst Museum website for interested readers to follow.

“The journal entries will unfold like a mystery” remarked Penni Martorell. “It is all new material to us. We’ve never had the time to transcribe this journal and we thought we would share the discoveries as they happen along in the year.”

Follow along as Will’s journal lends insights into his business dealings, family relationships and social life.

Dale Platenik, a select volunteer with skills at deciphering handwriting has stepped up to take on this time consuming and yet intriguing process. “I love the challenge of decoding Will’s handwriting and I am learning all sorts of things about Will and the Skinner Family. It is quite fun.”

You can find the entries at wistariahurst.org/experience-history/wcs-journal. Scroll down to the weekly blog entries.

-Submitted by Michelle Fredette

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Girls Connect: An Introduction to LEGO Robotics for Pioneer Valley Youth

February 13, 2013 at 12:00 pm (Hampden County, Hampshire County, Science, Suggested Activity)
Tags: FIRST LEGO League, Girls Connect, LEGO Robotics, Robotics, Robots, Science. Technology, STEM, western massachusetts

Learn how to build and program LEGO robots!

Girls Connect takes place March 9th in Holyoke and April 6th in Amherst. Pre-registration required. Girls ages 8-13 are invited to attend in teams of 5 to be part of the Western MA Girls Connect event. This cool all-girl introduction to FIRST LEGO League matches you up with coaches and professional engineers to learn how to build and program LEGO robots to do real-world tasks.

The idea of robots can seem like very sophisticated machines, created by highly trained robotics specialists. However, robotic machines don’t have to be very complex – and even kids can learn to make them!

There are two opportunities coming up in the Pioneer Valley for youth to experiment with LEGO robotics. The FIRST LEGO League is offering two introductory workshops just for girls to learn about participating in the FIRST LEGO robotics competitions. Called Girls Connect, the workshops are open to girls ages 8-13 living in Hampshire, Hampden, and Franklin counties. The workshops will match teams of girls (5 per team) up with coaches, professional engineers and computer scientists in order to tackle the challenges presented. Teams will use a variety of LEGO parts to program their robots to complete everyday tasks, similar to the challenges presented in regular FIRST LEGO League competitions. The workshops will end with a friendly competition, and awards will be given to teams based on their finished products and their hard work in creating them.

Participation in the workshop can help girls learn about FIRST LEGO League and ways to apply basic principles of math, science, and engineering. Participation in engineering activities can be empowering for girls, and can help them learn how useful the scientific and mathematical ideas that they learn in school can be.

The workshops will take place on Saturday, March 9th at the Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center in Holyoke, and on Saturday, April 6th at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Karen Sullivan writes, “Teams may attend either date, but not both. In order to receive registration materials, one adult member (teacher, parent, Girl Scout troop leader, afterschool program staff) of your team must join one of the following brief informational conference calls on Wednesday, February 27th at 7:30pm or Thursday, February 28th at 3:00pm (April 6th event only). Join the call by dialing 1-218-339-2699 Access Code 354432. Note, this is not a toll-free number; long-distance charges apply.”

To apply or receive more information, please go here.

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Victorian Valentines Workshop & Era Days at Wistariahurst Museum

February 6, 2013 at 10:30 am (Hampden County, Museum, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Holyoke, Non-Commercial, Valentine's Day, Victorian Valentines, western massachusetts, Wistariahurst Museum

Victorian Valentines Workshop
Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke
Sunday, February 10th, 2013

Join museum staff for an afternoon of crafting valentines for friends, family and sweethearts on Sunday, February 10th. Antique valentines, bygone love poems and enchanting phrases will be on display for inspiration.

On Sunday, February 10 from 1-3pm, come to Wistariahurst Museum for this fun and creative program that will inspire the artist in everyone! In 1847, the year she graduated from Mount Holyoke Female Seminary, Esther Howland of Worcester, Massachusetts received her first Valentine’s Day card. She was so pleased with this English novelty that she tried making some valentines of her own. With the help of her brother, a salesman who carried her cards with him along with his other samples, she received $5,000 worth of orders her first year in business!

Esther was able to handle the large volume of orders by employing friends and using “assembly-line” techniques for the production of her cards. Her cards were covered with an array of linen lace, colored paper, hand-painted birds and flowers and hand-inscribed, rhymed messages.

Esther found herself a true businesswoman by the end of 1849. She continued to make valentines for two decades. She eventually would profit $50,000 -$100,000 annually from the sale of her cards. Esther Howland’s business success made her one of America’s first “modern woman.”

Channel your inner Esther by creating your own beautiful, unique card for special friends, family and sweethearts. Antique valentines, bygone love poems and enchanting phrases will be on display for inspiration. Reservations for the workshop are suggested. $5 per person.

Victorian Era Days

Holyoke: From Monday, February 18 to Thursday, February 21 from 11am – 12pm, step out of the winter doldrums and back in time at Wistariahurst Museum! The museum is offering daily craft workshops for interested Girl Scouts and other young women. Victorian Era days is a program designed to educate young women on pastimes of yore. $5 per person per activity. Reserve online at www.wistariahurst.org

Monday, February 18, 11am-12pm: Decorated Diaries
Each member of the Skinner family kept countless journals, diaries and scrapbooks. Help keep the tradition alive by binding and decorating your own diary and learning a bit more about what was in the heads of the Skinner family.

Tuesday, February 19, 11am-12pm: Build a Bookmark
Before Kindles & Nooks there existed books! Often acting as mini-scrapbooks, bookmarks were more than just a placeholder. Join us for story-time and the opportunity to make your own bookmark keepsake.

Wednesday, February 20, 11am-12pm: Historic Hats & Hatboxes
First, take a peek at some of the antique hats Wistariahurst has gathered over time in its archives. Then, after being inspired by such ornate headwear, decorate your own miniature hatbox to take home with you!

Thursday, February 19, 11am-12pm: Fancy Fans
Become bilingual in the language of the fan with an afternoon at Wistariahurst! Scouts can see some examples of antique fans and then have the chance to decorate their own. Ending the hour of fun is a lesson on the art of communicating with your fan.

Wistariahurst Museum is located at 238 Cabot Street in Holyoke. For more information, please call 413-322-5660 or go online at www.wistariahurst.org.

-Submitted by Marjorie Latham [Photo credit: (ccl) SLV]

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National Gay-Straight Alliance Day

January 29, 2013 at 2:00 pm (Hampden County, Hilltown Families, Suggested Activity)
Tags: gay straight alliance, LGBT, LGBT Coalition of Western Mass, National Gay-Straight Alliance Day

National Gay-Straight Alliance Day
February 6th, 2013

National Gay-Straight Alliance Day is coming up on Wednesday, February 6th! The special day brings high school students together to learn about and connect over their support for equality.

In Western MA, high school GSA’s are invited to join High School of Commerce in Springfield, MA for an afternoon of performances, speakers, and information sharing that will help students strengthen the bonds between the LGBT community and their allies. Each GSA represented at the event is invited to do a presentation of some kind, which could be anything from performing a silly skit to sharing a display board chronicling the history of gay rights.

The event will take place from 3-5pm, and groups are asked to RSVP before the event. To register, contact Emily Scagel of the LGBT Coalition of Western Mass at 413-588-1018.

[Photo credit: (ccl) Benson Kua]

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Western MA Planetariums and Online Resources for Space Studies

January 29, 2013 at 1:00 pm (Berkshire County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Homeschooling, Science, Video)
Tags: Astronomy, astronomy concepts, Science, Space Studies, western massachusetts

Resources for Supporting the Study of Space Science

Hubble's Panoramic View of a Turbulent Star-Making Region

If, after diving head-first into all things astronomical, your student is completely enamored with space studies, consider entering Astronomy magazine’s essay contest! The grand prize is a trip to the 2013 Northeast Astronomy Forum in Suffern, NY, where the winner will be able to meet important people in the field of astronomy, learn about space programs and discoveries, and more! The topic for the contest is, “What I love most about astronomy,” and essays should be 300-500 words. Hurry, though – submissions are due by February 15th! More info at www.astronomy.com.

Studies of outer space can be mysterious and intriguing to young minds and there are many resources to support a students interest in the study of space, both online and in Western MA.

ONLINE RESOURCES

The website StarChild offers a wealth of information and basic internet-based activities that help students build their understanding of outer space. Beginning with our solar system and moving outward, the information is grouped into two levels based on degrees of difficulty and background information needed in order to understand concepts. Students can guide themselves through each lesson, learning astronomical vocabulary and facts about the universe. At the end of each section, there are a variety of activities to do, such as identifying planets while in orbit, matching facts to their corresponding stars and planets, and pairing planets with their many moons.

Another resource online is NASA’s Afterschool Universe, “an out-of-school-time astronomy program for middle school students that explores basic astronomy concepts through engaging hands-on activities and then takes participants on a journey through the Universe beyond the Solar System.”

If you are interested in the Afterschool Universe program, visit their website at universe.nasa.gov/afterschool and their Afterschool Universe YouTube channel for more demonstration videos.

WESTERN MA RESOURCES

To experience astronomical phenomena in real life, visit a local observatory or planetarium in Western MA! The Milham Planetarium at Williams College in Berkshire County, the Seymour Planetarium at the Springfield Museums in Hampden County, and the Bassett Planetarium at Amherst College in Hampshire County all offer planetarium shows and other learning experiences to visitors. For other events, resources, and community learning opportunities, the Five College Astronomy Program, Springfield Stars Club, Arunah Hill Natural Science Center in Cummington, and the Amherst Area Amateur Astronomer’s Association hold events, workshops, and other astronomy-related events for the community year-round.

[Photo credit: (ccl) NASA Goddard Space Flight Center]

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Winter Fare: A Week of Winter Farmers’ Markets

January 22, 2013 at 9:00 am (Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Local Food, Pioneer Valley, Suggested Activity)
Tags: CISA, Farmers' Market, Local Food, Pioneer Valley, western massachusetts, Winter Fare, Winter Farmers' Market

CISA’s Week of Winter Fare
January 26 & February 2, 2013

In addition to perusing the array of local foods, shoppers can attend educational workshops scheduled during each market. Workshops range in topic from simple cheese-making and canning to growing grains and herbal medicine. All the workshop leaders are local people who practice these skills at home. The workshops are free and do not require pre-registration. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

It is possible to eat locally year-round and there is a lot of amazing local food to be had even in the depths of winter. On January 26th and February 2nd, CISA will kick off its 20th anniversary year with Winter Fare, a celebration of the winter bounty. In collaboration with regular Winter Farmers’ Markets in Greenfield, Northampton, Amherst, and Springfield, Winter Fare will highlight the array of local food available in the deep of winter with workshops, bartering, music, and more! Bring your shopping bags and stock up on fresh salad greens, root vegetables, local grains and bread, eggs, meat, cheese, maple syrup, honey, jam, pickles, and more, all grown by local farmers.

Amherst, Greenfield, and Northampton will all host Barter Markets, a fun, lively food-swapping event. Bring your own home-preserved foods and trade with your neighbors to diversify your pantry and get to know other people that can, dry, and freeze the local harvest.

This special event is designed to showcase the amazing local food that is available year-round in the Pioneer Valley of Western MA, and to introduce new people to the incredible farmers’ markets that run all winter long. For a complete list of winter farmers’ markets, including regular markets in Athol, Easthampton, and Hampden, visit www.buylocalfood.org.

More details about Winter Fare, including complete lists of workshops, are available at www.buylocalfood.org. Volunteers are still needed to make this event possible! Please contact CISA at 413-665-7100 or volunteer@buylocalfood.org to sign up or for more information.

Winter Fare is sponsored by River Valley Market, UMassFive College Federal Credit Union, and Whole Foods Market. All four markets accept SNAP (formerly known as Food Stamps), and in honor of Winter Fare, CISA will be matching the first $10 of all SNAP purchases.

- Submitted by Claire Morenon

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The Instrument that Rocked the World, Rocks Western MA!

January 16, 2013 at 3:00 pm (Hampden County, Hilltown Families, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Guitar, instrument, Music History, music studies, Pioneer Valley, Springfield Museum, Springfield Museums, western massachusetts

GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World
Rocks the Springfield Museums!
January 18 through April 21, 2013

GUITAR: The Instrument That Rocked the World, an exhibit celebrating what is arguably the single most enduring icon in American history, will be on view January 18 through April 21, 2013 at the Springfield Museums.

Throughout history, the many different media that humans have used in order to channel their creativity has expanded – whether as a result of changes in technology, shifting culture, or the availability of different and materials, the ways in which we convey and share our creativity constantly evolving. The Springfield Museums’ most recent addition explores the history behind one particularly interesting and popular means of expression – the guitar.

“GUITAR: The Instrument that Rocked the World,” is a nationally touring exhibit which, after five years of visiting museums around the country, will culminate in the creation of a national guitar museum. It will be on view in two museums at the Springfield Museum from January 18 through April 21, 2013.

This fully immersive exhibition allows visitors to interact with the guitar from a historical perspective, learn about its evolution and design, discover the music that guitars have helped to create, and understand the guitar’s role as an agent of personal freedom, social change, and expression. Featuring guitars from greats like Steve Vai, Johnny Winter, and others, the exhibition includes more than 60 instruments – from the rare and antique to the wildly popular and innovative. There’s even the world’s largest playable guitar (over 43 feet long!), along with performance video and audio, hands-on interactives, touch screens, and photographs.

The George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum houses an exhibit made up of guitars of all shapes and sizes from all over the world, illustrating the evolution of the instrument across cultures and throughout history. The exhibit also includes examples of early relatives of the guitar, including stringed instruments from Africa and Asia.

The Wood Museum of History is housing the second half of the exhibit, which details the modern history of guitar. The introduction of electric guitars into the music world drastically changed the instrument’s role in music, as well as the way in which guitars can be played. The second part of this exhibit includes many different modern guitars, including some pretty outlandish ones, like an 8-necked electric guitar and the world’s largest playable guitar (a full 43 feet long!).

A visit to the exhibits can help students of all ages learn to make cultural history meaningful, and would be a terrific supplement to music studies. Music in almost every genre includes elements of guitar, and students can learn about the evolution of music by studying how this one important instrument has changed.

Before or after visiting the museum, families can learn about several types of guitars (and their use in music) from Grammy-nominated children’s musician, Mister G, a contributor of Hilltown Families. Mister G’s recent vlog for Hilltown Families takes viewers straight into his studio, for a special lesson on guitars in his monthly column, “Under the Hat: Independent Music Education.” Families can learn about the unique sound each has, and will learn about how Mister G uses each one to enhance his music. Great for kids of all ages!

You can also check out this video to help understand the physics of the rock guitar, as illustrated by physicist Mark Lewney:

The Springfield Museums are located at 21 Edwards Street in Springfield, MA. Museum hours are Tuesday-Saturday from 10am-5pm and Sundays from 11am-5pm. For more information, call 800-625-7738 or visit www.springfieldmuseums.org.

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6 Ways to Observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day in Western MA

January 16, 2013 at 9:00 am (Berkshire County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Hilltown Families, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service, martin luther king day, Martin Luther King Jr., Pioneer Valley, place-based education, Service Based Learning, western massachusetts

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
Opportunities and Celebrations in Western MA
Monday, January 21, 2013

Six different community building events, community-based educational opportunities and service-based learning experiences are schedule this Monday, January 21st in Western MA. Find one that fits your interests and spend MLK Day learning, serving and connecting through your community!

Honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and dedication to creating change in our country can be done in many ways. The day will be celebrated in Western MA at concerts, lectures, worship services, and ceremonies throughout the region.

Mass Audubon is offering a unique way for families to spend the special holiday this year – providing much needed help with improvement projects at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton on Monday, Jan 21! Dr. King’s major goals had to do with civil rights, but he also stands as a pillar of service to community, dedication, hard work, and determination. Honor these values by giving your time to better your community!

Projects at the sanctuary include:

trail clearing to provide better habitat for small animal and bird species
working to eliminate invasive plant species from the grounds
helping to clean and organize the sanctuary’s Visitor Center so as to make further groups’ visit more enjoyable

These service-based learning activities also allow families to learn about the many different animals who call the sanctuary home, the type of habitat protected by the sanctuary, and how to support local conservation efforts. Spending time outdoors can also lead families to discover winter animal signs, including tracks, scat, and traces of pre-nibbled food from a variety of plant species.

The community service day will take place on Monday, January 21st from 9:30am-1:30pm at Arcadia, located at 127 Combs Road in Easthampton. Pre-registration (done online) requested. Dress warmly if you plan to spend time outdoors, and bring water, lunch, and perhaps a hot drink.

There are several other opportunities for families to observe Martin Luther King, Jr. day through out the region too:

NORTHAMPTON: Join fellow community members in Northampton for the 29th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration. Starting at 8am, there will be events throughout the day, beginning with a community breakfast and dialogue at Christ United Methodist Church (271 Rocky Hill Road). At 10am, families can take a walking tour of Florence highlighting places significant to abolition and sharing information about the life and work of Sojourner Truth. Other events throughout the day include a workshop for youth education, a multifaith celebration, and a lecture on the effects of racism. (FREE)

STURBRIDGE: Old Sturbridge Village is open from 9:30am-4pm with special programs celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! There will, of course, be lots of opportunities to learn about life and culture during the winter in early 19th century New England. In addition, families can meet Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman (played by historian Tammy Denease), a young slave from Massachusetts who won her freedom (legally- in a court!) from her owner in 1781. The decision was a landmark case, considering Freeman was not only a slave, but also a woman. Families can learn about the importance of Freeman’s story, and pair what they learn with further studies of civil rights issues and American history. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. ($)

SPRINGFIELD: The Community Music School of Springfield presents their annual musical celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at Newhouse Hall from 11am-1pm. The event will feature performances from the Freedom Choir, the MLK Dancers, the CMSS String City Orchestra, Dream Studios, and many other local groups sharing song, dance, and words honoring Dr. King and his accomplishments. 413-746-3655. 127 State Street. (FREE)

GREAT BARRINGTON: Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day at an interfaith celebration at the First Congregational Church starting at 12noon for the 4th Annual Interfaith Celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday. There will be readings, music, and singing, and youth from local organizations will participate in the ceremony and present information. Bring a nonperishable food item to donate to a local food pantry. 251 Main Street. (FREE)

STOCKBRIDGE: Learn about the powerful images that Norman Rockwell created during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Starting at 2:30pm, Norman Rockwell Museum’s Curator of Education Tom Daly will share the stories behind the creation of such paintings as “The Problem We All Live With,” “Murder in Mississippi,” and “New Kids in the Neighborhood,” and Rockwell’s dedication to civil rights throughout his career. 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. (FREE with museum admission)

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12.12.12 ❥ A Celebration of Generosity

December 10, 2012 at 6:01 am (Contributing Writer, Franklin County, Hampden County, Hampshire County, Northampton, Sarah Werthan Buttenwieser, Video)
Tags: Community Foundation, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, philanthropy, Pioneer Valley, Sarah Werthan Buttenwieser, Valley Gives, western massachusetts

Note 20, Valley Gives Day

I love this about the little Valley I call home: people care about the larger world and they care about this community. I think volunteerism is something that’s a community value. To wit, my daughter’s preschool—not just the parents—are involved in community service activities. The message, as I understand it, to help others is part of life. Period.

The folks at the Community Foundation apparently think the same and so this year, there’s an initiative Valley Gives to bring lots of energy—and money—to participating organizations across the Valley. Their language: Valley Gives is a “celebration of generosity.” In order to partake in the day—it’s 12.12.12—each non-profit received some training, about using website and email and social media to reach out to their constituencies, and to ride the wave of the larger effort, the 12.12.12 one (is this date lodged in your mind yet?).

Even our preschool is participating.

I’ll be honest; there’s an overwhelm factor to a day like this—for the people doing the asking and for the people being asked, often, if you’re someone like me, known to be a cheerleader and a donor, you are being asked to help loads of organizations on one day and how can you possibly do so?

I’ve been thinking hard about this. Here are my answers:

I am going to take some money that would have gone to holiday gifts and give it out on 12.12.12—and then I’m going to let my family know, as a holiday gift, that I have done so. I will give to organizations that matter not just to me but also to them. It’s not going to do magic for anyone, but it’s a way at this rather expensive time of year to justify giving a little more—and back to the helping is part of life, period sentiment, I’m not going to apologize for the fact that giving is part of life. To give is, in fact, a gift. You probably agree if you’ve read this far.
I am inviting you—if you are involved with or enamored of an organization that’s participating in Valley Gives to leave a comment and let more people know about your favorite organization (click the link on the word, preschool, above, for one of mine). Add a link; tell us why.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sarah Werthan Buttenwieser

Sarah is a writer, who lives in Northampton with her husband and four children. She contributes to Preview Massachusetts Magazine, as well as other publications and writes a parenting blog Standing in the Shadows at the Valley Advocate. She moved to the Valley to attend Hampshire College—and found the Valley such a nice place, she stayed!

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Winter Festival at Storrowton Village

November 20, 2012 at 12:01 pm (Hampden County, Hilltown Families, History, Suggested Activity)

Yuletide at Storrowton: Winter Festival at
Storrowton Village in West Springfield
December 1st & 2nd, 2012

Eastern States Exposition’s Storrowton Village Museum will present “Yuletide at Storrowton,” Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 1st & 2nd from 11am-4pm. This free winter holiday festival is a chance for the community to come together to enjoy Yuletide activities and celebrations for the entire family as well as musical presentations and entertainment, all in the historic Village in West Springfield, MA. (Courtesy Photo)

Storrowton Village, the Eastern States Exposition’s historic 18th and 19th century New England village in West Springfield, is getting ready for the holidays – and for families to visit in December!

The weekend of Dec. 1st & 2nd during “Yuletide at Storrowton,” the village will be open for visitors to enjoy holiday activities, tour the beautifully decorated grounds, and celebrate Yuletide – and the special Winter Festival brings even more excitement to Storrowton!

Holiday displays made with all-natural materials have been created throughout the village by community organizations and local businesses – every fence, window, and porch throughout the village is covered in festive garland, wreaths, and sprays. During the festival, tours of the village will be available, and families can take part in a host of activities. A Victorian Santa will be on hand for visiting, sculptors will create beautiful ice-art pieces, live holiday music will be performed throughout the village, and more!

Along with providing a unique way to kick off your family’s holiday celebrations, a visit to the village can help to supplement students’ studies of early American history and culture, a topic often covered around Thanksgiving. Students who have learned about the ways of life of New England settlers can experience a firsthand reenactment of what an 1800’s New England village may have looked like and learn about the many different parts of a community of settlers. “Yuletide at Storrowton,” will take place from 11am to 4pm and is a free holiday festival.

Blacksmithing, fireplace cooking, quilting and spinning demonstrations happen throughout the village. (Courtsey photo)

Yuletide features throughout the Village include:

Ice Sculpting Demonstrations
Celtic Harp performance
19th Century Crafts: Broom making, Tinsmith, Hatter, Windsor chair maker
Hands-on Children’s Crafts
Blacksmithing, fireplace cooking, quilting and spinning demonstrations
Petting Zoo/Farm Animals on the Village Green
Visit with a Victorian Santa
Caroling and tree lighting ceremony (Daily at 4pm)

Performances in the Village’s Meetinghouse include:

Sat, 12noon – Richard Smith as Henry David Thoreau from the essay “Walking”
Sat., 1pm – “Music from the American Traditions of the 19th Century,” Richard Spencer
Sat., 2pm – “Belsnickle, Santa’s Other Darker Side,” Dennis Picard, director of Storrowton Village Museum
Sat., 3pm – Pioneer Valley Fiddlers
Sun., 12noon – “From Sackbut to Jazz Tones,” a brief look at the evolution of the trombone and its uses in popular music with George Garber
Sun., 1pm – “Songs from a New England Farmstead & Fireside,” with April Gran
Sun., 2pm – “Seasonal Songs with a Winter’s Theme,” with Paul Kaplan
Sun., 3pm – “Belsnickle, Santa’s Other Darker Side,” Dennis Picard, director of Storrowton Village Museum

All activities are weather permitting. For more information, call 413-205-5051 or 413-205-5115, or visit www.TheBigE.com/Yuletide

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Learn About Fiber Art & Industry at the Fiber Festival of New England

October 23, 2012 at 2:00 pm (Hampden County, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Eastern States Exposition, Fiber Art, New England, Pioneer Valley, western massachusetts

Third Annual Fiber Festival of New England
November 3rd & 4th in West Springfield, MA

Want to learn more about fiber crafting? Attend one of the workshops held during the Fiber Festival, including Beginner Rug Hooking, Fancy Felted Soaps and Needle Felted Sheep.

It’s going to be a fleece and fiber bonanza at the 3rd annual Fiber Festival of New England on November 3rd & 4th, 2012 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA!

The festival features fiber of all varieties and will host demonstrations, fun activities, and learning opportunities for families. Those interested in expanding their understanding of fiber art and industry can watch demonstrations of spinning and weaving (which will produce a colorful coat by the end of the festival!), or sign up for a fiber art workshops – topics for which include rug hooking for beginners, and creating needle-felted scarves.

The show offers an educational component for visitors to learn how animals contribute to the fiber industry through live displays of llamas, alpacas, sheep, rabbits and goats.

The festival also offers an educational component for families to learn how animals contribute to the fiber industry through live displays of llamas, alpacas, sheep, rabbits and goats. After learning about the animals, families can learn a bit about the history of fiber arts and traditional uses for fiber too! Volunteers from Storrowton Village will hold workshops to demonstrate proper use of fiber tools new and old, such as bat heads and clock reels. Curious families can bring any mystery fiber tools they may have to be identified by the historians, too!

The festival is a fun event for kids to learn about the many ways to use fiber as a creative medium, and can provide students with an introduction to types of farms and farming that don’t involve food production— and parents can get a jump start to their holiday shopping with more than 200 vendors showcasing their handmade wares!

The festival will be held in the Mallary Complex at the Big E in West Springfield on Nov 3rd & 4th, 2012. Show hours are Saturday, 9am-5pm, and Sunday, 9am-3pm. Admission to the Fiber Festival of New England is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and under. For more information visit FiberFestival.org.

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Create a Gingerbread Fairy Tale for the Springfield Museums Holiday Exhibit

October 10, 2012 at 1:00 pm (Hampden County, Springfield Museum, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Creative Free Play, Fairy Tales, Gingerbread House Competition, kitchen skills, Springfield Museums, Springfield Science Museum

Springfield Museums Gingerbread Fairy Tales Exhibition & Competition Inspires Creative-Free Play in the Kitchen

The Springfield Museums are inviting bakeries, schools, individual bakers and young people to submit design plans to create gingerbread houses that will be on view at the Springfield Science Museum as part of the holiday exhibit “Gingerbread Fairy Tales.” Entry forms and design plans must be submitted by Nov. 9. Any structure, including designs based on fairy tales, recreations of historic homes or buildings, and magical make-believe creations, will be eligible. Completed gingerbread houses must be delivered to the Museums on Nov. 19 and will be on display from Nov. 23 through Dec. 30. (Submitted Photo)

What does your fantasy fairy tale castle look like? Are there turrets? A moat? Maybe a drawbridge? Now, what if it was made not out of stone, but of gingerbread, icing & candy? – Gingerbread houses are a great way to engage in creative-free play with your family, and the Springfield Museums is inviting community members of all ages to be a part of their holiday exhibit, “Gingerbread Fairy Tales.” All entries will be displayed in the museum alongside fairy tale backdrops and holiday trees beginning in mid-November.

Entries (due by November 9th) can be created by school classes, businesses, youth groups, etc. – or your family can create one of their own! Participation in the gingerbread contest offers youth a fun and creative way to experiment with architecture and design, as well as kitchen skills & creative-free play! Families with kids of all ages can design an entry together – using careful planning to perfect designs for each wall, window, and courtyard – and can easily incorporate math, problem solving, food science, etc.

While the contest is exciting on its own, there’s even an extra incentive – prizes are available for certain entries! For more information on the contest, including official guidelines and registration dates, visit the museum’s website at www.springfieldmuseums.org.

The Springfield Museums are located on the Quadrangle at 21 Edwards Street in downtown Springfield. For additional information about the gingerbread competition, please call Laura Scott at 413-263-6800 x387.

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Discover Holyoke Day Celebrates Art, History & Culture

October 9, 2012 at 3:00 pm (Hampden County, Hilltown Families, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Holyoke Day, PassportHolyoke, western massachusetts

Discover Holyoke Day
Saturday, October 13th

On Saturday, October 13, PassportHolyoke is organizing a city-wide celebration of art, culture and history. More than 20 active members collaborate to stimulate tourism and economic growth within and beyond the city of Holyoke. Its goal is to provide activities and resources for residents and visitors alike to build a vibrant community. Activities will take place at 5 main city locations: Holyoke Heritage State Park, Wistariahurst Museum, Open Square, Victory Theatre and The Winter Palace Theater.

The city of Holyoke has so many resources and so much rich, interesting history – celebrate all that the community has to offer on Saturday, October 13th with PassportHolyoke! The organization’s annual Discover Holyoke Day celebrates history, art, and culture at locations throughout the city.

With a wristband (available for just $1), families can see performances by the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet and the Holyoke Civic Symphony at Open Square, see a play presented by Enchanted Circle Theater or watch a dance demonstration at the Holyoke Creative Arts Center, explore a train on the rails at Heritage State Park, and visit the Children’s Museum, Merry-Go-Round, and the Volleyball Hall of Fame… for free or discounted admissions!

There will also be a farmers’ market featuring seasonal local produce, demonstrations and shows of art throughout the day, chances to get a tutorial on the Wistariahurst Museum’s new online Holyoke History Walk, and discounts for wristband wearers at the Electric Cafe (whose numerous delicious offerings include creme brulee french toast!).

The event ends with the Holyoke Latin Jazz Festival – bringing a full night of music, dance, and culture! Families can learn more about their community by taking part in the event – kids can explore the city, visit historic sites and museums, see art and performance by talented locals, and celebrate a great city! For more information, visit www.passportholyoke.org.

[Photo credit: (ccl) MA Office of Travel & Tourism]

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The Holyoke History Walk: A Virtual Tour of the City

October 3, 2012 at 6:01 am (Hampden County, Hilltown Families, History, Holyoke)
Tags: Historic Preservation, History, Holyoke, New England, Paper Mills, Virutal Tour, western massachusetts, Wistariahurst Museum

The Holyoke History Walk: A Virtual Tour of the City

“Holyoke, Massachusetts is marked as one of the first planned industrial cities famed for its paper manufacturing,” writes Penni Martorell, City Historian. “The City’s rich past is reflected in its architecture: remnants of the paper mills topped with wrought iron widow’s walks; the stunning City Hall, buffeted on all sides by stained glass windows; and the central train depot, originally designed by H.H. Richardson. The Holyoke History Walk was created to engage the public with the history of the city through their direct geographic interaction with its architecture, monuments, and historic landscapes while at the same time utilizing historical collections and materials present in the city’s archival records.”

Have you ever walked, biked, or driven through downtown Holyoke and wondered about the history of the city’s numerous old buildings? Each empty mill, towering church, and brick rowhouse tells a story of the city’s past. An exploration of Holyoke’s history reveals a rich, diverse, and complicated history. Visitors to Holyoke can now learn about the city’s history themselves – from home or while exploring the city’s streets thanks to the Wistariahurst Museum!

The Museum has recently added a gigantic community resource to its repertoire- the Holyoke History Walk, available on the museum’s website, offering a comparative look at the city and many of its streets and buildings as they once were (up to 125 years ago).

“A collection of historic maps from the Holyoke History Room were digitized and stitched together to form a single map. The map was then sliced into tiles and geo-referenced for use as a layer in Google Maps. Overlaid atop the map are approximately 100 buildings, monuments, civic structures, and street views. These images were re-photographed from the same vantage point in the summer of 2012.”

The program (created by UMass intern, Jonathan Haeber) uses Google Maps, and provides a map – created by piecing together numerous maps from the museum’s archives – of Holyoke past, layered above a map of Holyoke present. Scattered across the map are over 100 of the city’s landmarks – churches, civic buildings, prominent businesses, and views across the canal, from hilltops, and down various streets in the busiest parts of town.

The old photos are shown next to a current image of the location. In some cases, the buildings are unrecognizable; in others, entire blocks are boarded up; meanwhile, some others remain relatively unchanged. Families can use the interactive tour to learn all about local history, and can use what they learn about the city to bring context and deeper understanding to American history and changes in industry, technology, and the American way of life.

“When visitors view the map on their device, they can see where they are in relation to the sites, touch or click the site that interests them, and watch as the 19th century photograph fades into the 2012 photograph of the same location,” writes Penni Martorell, City Historian.

Topics to explore include the industrial revolution, immigration to the United States, the Great Depression, and issues of race, class, and gender throughout the last 100 years (students can pursue this topic to varying degrees depending on maturity and background knowledge).

The history walk is available in both English and Spanish, and can be used via the internet on any computer, smartphone, or tablet. Check it out at wistariahurst.org/walk-holyoke/index-en.html.

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Discover & Celebrate Colonial History of Westfield

September 26, 2012 at 6:00 am (Hampden County, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Colonial History, History, Massachusetts, New England, Revolutionary War, western massachusetts, Westfield

Westfield Colonial Harvest Day
Saturday, Sept 29th, 2012

Westfield Colonial Harvest Day is free to all, and takes place on Saturday, September 29th from 10am-6:30pm (rain date: Sept 30). The festival offers a wide variety of events, performances, activities, and sales, and takes place in the center of town near the green.

Take a step – a BIG one – back in time to 1669! The city of Westfield is hosting the 8th annual Colonial Harvest Day this weekend – the event celebrates the history and culture of the city’s 17th century self.

Downtown Westfield will be alive with Revolutionary War reenactments, a Harvest Hoedown accompanied by a fiddle contest and other live music, colonial games and activities for kids of all ages, horse-drawn carriage and wagon rides, and tons of fun! Artists and artisans of all types will show and sell their wares, the library will host a book sale, and local vendors will offer seasonal foods.

Perhaps the most entertaining element of the festival is the Celebrity Town Crier Contest, in which local celebrities will compete for the position of Town Crier for the next year.

Families can visit the festival to learn about Westfield’s 17th century history and culture, and to learn about the community’s role in the Revolutionary War. The event can serve as an extension of studies of early New England – students will be able to experience 17th century culture hands-on and can see a live wartime re-enactment.

The 8th annual Westfield Colonial Harvest Day, sponsored by Westfield on Weekends and the Westfield Business Improvement District, celebrating the colonial history of Westfield and the autumn harvest will take place on Saturday, September 29th from 10am-6:30pm. The event will take place on the grounds of the Westfield Athenaeum at 6 Elm St. and on Goose Lane (known today as Court Street) up to the intersection with Washington St.

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Community Service: Source-to-Sea River Clean-Up with The Trustees

September 24, 2012 at 12:00 pm (Hampden County, Take Action, Volunteer Opportunity)
Tags: Community Service, Connecticut River, Environment, Holyoke, Service Learning, Source to Sea, Volunteer Opportunity

Source-to-Sea Clean-Up in Hampden County
Sunday, Sept. 30th

Ellie Lobovits, Holyoke Education Coordinator for the Trustees writes, “The river is such a spectacular resource in Holyoke. From restoring ecological habitat along its banks to leading kayaking trips we really want to keep it healthy and make sure people are enjoying it.” (Photo source: CT River Watershed Council)

The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees), United Water, and Holyoke Friends of the River have joined forces this fall to organize a river clean-up volunteer day on the banks of the Connecticut River. On Sunday, September 30th, from 9am-Noon, folks of all ages and abilities are invited to meet at the American Legion next to Pulaski Park (50 St. Kolbe Dr., Holyoke, MA) to walk down to the river, picking up trash and debris along the way. The trash will then be organized into categories (metal, wood, etc.) and picked up by the Holyoke DPW. Much of the trash will be recycled… even tires get recycle! This clean-up is part of a larger effort organized by the Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC) called “Source-to-Sea,” a clean-up that will run all weekend and will span all four states through which the Connecticut River runs.

This volunteer day is a great opportunity for youth groups, student groups, and other local organizations to come together to help clean-up the river and to make this precious resource safer for all. The river is used for all sorts of recreational activities, including boating and fishing, and is an important ecological resource, providing habitat for bald eagles, turtles, herons, and various fish. Last year, 1,500 Source-to Sea volunteers pulled over 51 tons of trash from 60 miles of shoreline throughout Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Connecticut!

Looking for an existing group in your area to join? Check the CRWC website for groups still looking for volunteers, including the Friends of the Green River for the 9th Annual Green River Clean-Up on Saturday, Sept 29th from 9am-3pm.

Become a Friend of the River:

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Teen Volunteer Opportunity with Habitat for Humanity & Zoo in Forest Park

September 11, 2012 at 10:59 am (Hampden County, Hilltown Families, Teen, Volunteer Opportunity)
Tags: Community Service, Habitat for Humanity, Massachusetts, Service Based Learning, Springfield, Vounteer Opportunity, western massachusetts, Zoo in Forest Park

Springfield Non-Profits Working Together!
“Habitat Goes to the Zoo!” Volunteer Event
Saturday, Sept. 22nd

Laura Browne of Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) chats up a friendly camel during her site visit to the Zoo in Forest Park. (Courtesy photo)

Teens ages 16yo and older and their parents are invited to participate in the volunteer opportunity event, “Habitat Goes to the Zoo!” on Saturday, Sept. 22nd!

The Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity (GSHFH) and The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center, two cherished Springfield non-profits, are working together to improve the public grounds at the Zoo for the community to enjoy by organizing this volunteer opportunity.

Jennifer Schimmel, Executive Director of GSHFH says, “Our primary mission is to provide decent, affordable housing to families, usually human families,” she laughs. “Although this project falls outside of our typical mission, we are Springfield neighbors with the Zoo and the animals that live there need a little help with their housing as well.” Schimmel adds, “GSHFH is very adept at mobilizing and managing volunteers and we are glad to be leveraging that talent on behalf of the Zoo.”

John Lewis, Executive Director of the Zoo in Forest Park says “We have spent much of this season recovering from big property damage from the storms of last year. We are so grateful that we were able to connect with Greater Springfield Habitat to put the finishing touches on many of our exhibits. Habitat volunteers will focus on painting fourteen of our wooden buildings & animal sheds which will really look great when finished.”

The date for the “Habitat Goes to the Zoo!” event is Saturday, Sept. 22nd from 8:30am-3pm (rain date: Sunday, Sept 23). Teens ages 16-18yo are welcomed as volunteers along with an adult chaperone. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit habitatspringfield.org or call 413-739-5503.

ABOUT PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS

The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center is more than 80 years old and located in Forest Park in Springfield, MA. They depend on the support of the community, memberships & educational programs to thrive. They have approximately 175 animals with over 85,000 annual visitors. Forestparkzoo.org

Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity is a housing ministry dedicated to strengthening communities by empowering low-income families to change their lives and the lives of future generations through homeownership opportunities. HabitatSpringfield.org

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6 New England States at the Big E’s Avenue of States

September 11, 2012 at 6:01 am (Hampden County, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Big E, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New England, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, States, Vermont, western massachusetts

New England’s Finest Products, Traditions and Fare on the Big E’s Avenue of States

How can you visit all six New England states in less than one hour? Visit The Big E, the only fair in the country with multiple states participating! Take a stroll along the Avenue of States and see impressive replicas of each New England state’s original statehouse sitting on land actually owned by that state. Take a step inside and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and tastes and of quintessential New England.

The Avenue of States provides fairgoers the opportunity to tour New England all without leaving The Big E. A visit to the Fair just isn’t complete without taking a stroll through the unique offerings and traditions of each New England State. From native foods to products and crafts, each state provides a plethora of delights for residents of New England and those visiting from afar.

Connecticut Building – With pristine beaches, rolling hills, picturesque lodgings, fascinating history and incredible casino entertainment, visitors to Connecticut are sure to find something to satisfy their interests. Fairgoers who tour the building will enjoy Connecticut-made products and the aromas of delicious fare including Connecticut made pizza and candy products. Your trip will not be complete without a stop at LEGO, a visit with dinosaurs and a chat with a Connecticut winemaker as well as many of the agricultural exhibitors that will be representing the Nutmeg state. Visit on Connecticut Day, Sept. 19, and witness the best our neighbor to the south has to offer.

Maine Building – Known for mouth-watering “lobstahs,” exquisite wildlife, and serene coastline and landscape, the Pine Tree State exhibits its specialties at The Big E. Fairgoers can indulge in a famous Maine Baked Potato, delectable lobster roll or wild blueberry product! This year’s exhibits in the Maine Building include the Maine Lighthouse Collection Series, ever-popular maple products and nature-inspired jewelry and ornaments. Visit on Maine Day, Sept. 29 for a “down east” experience.

Massachusetts Building – Bay State locals are not surprised that Massachusetts brings agriculture, picture-perfect scenery and rich history to The Big E. The Massachusetts Building at The Big E, a replica of the original Statehouse, boasts the best of the state from Provincetown to Pittsfield. Browse through the many choices of Massachusetts fare including Finnish pancakes, maple products, and fudge. Purchase a Bay State t-shirt or a beautiful braided rug and browse other exhibitors to purchase products made right here in the Bay State. Be sure to check out the Tornado Fire Starters, a company recycling wood from trees destroyed by last year’s tornado. On Massachusetts Day, Sept. 20, demonstrations showcasing Massachusetts’ talents will take place both inside and outside the building.

New Hampshire Building – Enjoy homemade fudge, blueberry pie and candies, and treat yourself to handmade soaps and lotions without leaving The Big E. The Granite State has so much to offer visitors from hand thrown pottery to beaded jewelry and hand-woven rugs. Be sure to stop in and check it out! On New Hampshire Day, Sept. 21, the New Hampshire Building will host a slew of performers and entertainers all possessing that good ole’ New Hampshire spirit!

Rhode Island Building – Didn’t make it to the Rhode Island shore this summer? Not to worry, the shore is coming to you at The Big E. The Rhode Island Building invites you to spend time taking in some of the most popular sites Rhode Island has to offer. While you’re there, be sure to enjoy The Ocean State’s famous clam cakes, decadent seafood, and refreshing Del’s Lemonade. Don’t forget the coffee milk! The building is full of exhibits and businesses including embroidered clothing with New England themes, and one-of-a-kind Rhode Island creations. Stop by on Rhode Island Day, Sept. 18, for special performances.

Vermont Building – The Green Mountain State is known for its friendly people, historic villages, fabulous fare, working farms, coffee, and, oh did we mention maple syrup? Be sure to visit the Vermont Building on the Avenue of States and sample fresh, cold milk and cheddar cheese. Plan a ski vacation for the whole family while sipping on warm cider! Featuring everything from handmade crafts to hard-to-find antiques, the Vermont Building is sure to shine. Vermont Day is Sept. 22, so be sure to stop by for special performances and entertainment.

The Big E takes place Sept. 14 – 30, 2012 in West Springfield, Mass. For more information, be sure to visit TheBigE.com or call the info line at 413-205-5115.

- Submitted by Catherine Pappas

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