Welcome to the Hilltown Families Sustainability Bulletin Board, a place for community organizations, nonprofits and individuals to share all things sustainable in Western MA. Please feel encouraged to self post any of the following:
- Sustainability Events, Workshops & Resources
- Recycling Opportunities
- Reskilling Classes
- Film Screenings
- Sustainability Ideas/Projects for families
- Announcements regarding sustainability, environmental issues, calls to action, etc.
SUSTAINABILITY BULLETIN BOARD MANAGER
Katelyn Tsukada ♦ Katelyn moved to Western MA in August 2012 and is a new addition to Hilltown Families as our Sustainability Bulletin Board Manager! She works for an environmental nonprofit, the Center for EcoTechnology (CET), coaching residents and businesses on energy efficiency. While at Bucknell University, Katelyn majored in Environmental Studies and wrote her senior thesis on community-based natural resource management in the Philippines. Her hobbies include writing, acting and dancing in a new contemporary dance company called The Movery located in Hadley. E-mail Katelyn at ktsukada@hilltownfamilies.org for questions or comments on all things sustainable!
Hilltown Families reserves the right to edit or remove posts at any time. Posting a comment to Hilltown Famiies will automatically add you to the Hilltown Families mailing list to receive our weekly update. Email addresses are never rented or sold. To be removed from our mailing list, email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Katelyn said,
June 7, 2013 at 7:50 am
Edible Perennial Gardening and Landscaping
Tuesday June 19, 2013 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Sunderland, MA.
GARDENING: Local naturalist, permaculture practitioner and landscaper John Root will
offer a 90-minute power point presentation about growing trees, shrubs, vines, canes, and herbaceous plants for produce in New England. Informational flyers will be available, and plants will be offered for sale. Flyers will be distributed and plants will be offered for sale. Supported by the Orange Cultural Council. Call John at (413) 961-9059. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St. in Sunderland. (Free)
Katelyn said,
June 7, 2013 at 7:48 am
Green Night-Northampton
Wednesday, June 12th at 4:30pm. Northampton, MA.
TRANSITION TOWN: This month join Speaker Tina Clarke as she shares stories and best practices for building local resilience as part of the Transition Town Movement. Learn how these local Transition Initiatives are actively and cooperatively creating more locally resilient communities; communities that prepare themselves to weather any storm whether environmental or economic. “Transition Towns” as they are called, work together on projects in areas of food, transport, energy, education, housing, and waste as small-scale local responses to the global challenges of climate change, economic hardship and shrinking supplies of cheap energy. They are models on more sustainable and responsible ways to be in the world and with one another. Hosted by the Western MA Green Consortium. Green Night occurs every 2nd Wednesday of the month beginning at 4:30pm. Clarion Hotel, 1 Atwood Dr. Northampton. (Free).
https://www.facebook.com/events/169884463187213/?ref=22
Katelyn said,
May 28, 2013 at 10:21 pm
Slow Living Summit
Wednesday June 5 – Friday June 7, 2013. Brattleboro, VT.
RETREAT: Our plates are full with child responsibilities, dinner plans, household chores and work. Do we ever have a chance to “Live Slow?” This 3-day retreat explores questions about slow design, resilient food systems and a balanced lifestyle. The list of speakers includes Frances Moore Lappé (author of Diet for a Small Planet), Jonathan Lash (President of Hampshire College), and Gus Speth (Vermont Law School professor and environmentalist). Join these and other inspirational leaders to explore the Slow Living Vision: an Earth where humankind, honoring and celebrating the profound connectedness of all people, places and living beings, gives back by co-creating mutually supportive communities, bioregions and economic systems — and where we combine the wisdom of the past with a vision for the future to ensure a balanced, fulfilling way of life for all generations to come. Register online. Downtown Brattleboro, VT. ($$)
http://www.slowlivingsummit.org/the-2013-slow-living-summit/
Katelyn said,
May 28, 2013 at 9:59 pm
Electronics Recycling
Saturday, June 8th from noon to 4pm. Huntington, MA.
RECYCLING: Cleaning the garage to make room for new garden equipment? Replacing the old TV from the family room for children’s books? Join the Gateway Regional School District in safely discarding your electronics and household appliances this weekend! Items include: laptops, video games, computers, refrigerators, water heaters and stoves. Additional fundraisers will also include a car wash and bake sale. Call Wendy Long at (413) 685-1003. 12 Littleville Road Huntington, MA 01050. (Free/Donation)
For a complete list visit: http://www.grsd.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_2448/File/Wendy%27s%20docs/BNews%20FY%2713/Recycling%20Event.pdf
Katelyn said,
May 28, 2013 at 9:32 pm
Motor Oil and Paint Collection
Saturday, June 1st from 9-11am. Lenox, MA.
RECYCLE: Do you have paint left over from painting the baby’s room? Motor oil in the garage/shed you’d like to dispose of safely so your kids don’t mistakenly get into it? Residents in the South Berkshires can safely dispose of both at the Great Barrington Recycling Center. Items that will be accepted are: used motor oil, oil based paints, turpentine, stains and thinner. A complete list of participating towns including Becket and Otis can be found online. Sponsored by the South Berkshire Household Hazardous Waste Collaborative and the Center for EcoTechnology (CET). Preregistration mandatory. Call Jamie at 888-577-8448 ext 14 or email Amanda.Bates@cetonline.org. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, 275 Main Street, Lenox. (FREE).
Visit: http://www.cetonline.org/events/household-hazardous-waste-collection/
Katelyn said,
May 27, 2013 at 9:42 pm
Home Herb Health Garden Workshop
Saturday, June 8 from 10:00am to 11:30am or
Wednesday, June 12 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. Cummington, MA.
WORKSHOP: Grow your own medicinal herb garden!Taproot Commons Home Health Herbs is a carefully selected treasure trove of about 35 cultivated and wild/weed medicinal plants including common species like dandelion and red clover. Join Sarah Stockwell-Arthen and grower Carly Leusner as they explain the importance of medicinal plants used for digestion, children’s ailments, colds/flus, calming, sleep remedies, and even herbal first aid. Learn to harvest and use the suggested collection of plants (and wild allies) for your family’s general health and common ailments. These plants are simple to acquaint yourself with, and are easy to incorporate into your daily routine and health habits with simple, water-based “infusions” or strong teas. Plant starts will be available for sale at the workshop and at the Taproot Commons Farm Stand. (And you can find the wild plants such as Dandelion and Red Clover right where you live!) Pre-register at music@sarahstockwell.com. Cummington Community House, 33 Main St, Cummington. (Free or donation)
For more information including the plant list visit: http://www.sarahstockwell.com or http://www.taprootcommons.org
Katelyn said,
May 27, 2013 at 9:29 pm
Native Pollinators in Your Backyard
Wednesday, June 5. 6:30 pm-8:30 pm Sunderland, MA.
LECTURE: The number of honey bees in Massachusetts continues to decline in record numbers but there are applicable solutions that may save the 356+ types of these native pollinators. Tom Sullivan is a former beekeeper and landscape designer whose design business, Pollinators Welcome, focuses on native bee habitat. Tom will reveal the basic needs of honey bees including nesting strategies and flower resources that offer solutions for preserving our crop pollinators while ensuring pollinator health throughout the ecosystem. Learn strategies for attracting high numbers of native bees to your landscape by protecting, enhancing and providing much needed habitat. Resources will be available.Contact Adam Novitt at 413 665-2642. Sunderland Library, 20 School St. Sunderland MA, Free.
Visit: http://pollinatorswelcome.com/.
Katelyn said,
May 27, 2013 at 9:16 pm
Edible Perennial Gardening and Landscaping
Tuesday June 4, 2013 from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Orange, MA.
PRESENTATION: Local naturalist, permaculture practitioner and landscaper John Root will
offer a 90-minute power point presentation about growing trees, shrubs,
vines, canes, and herbaceous plants for produce in New England. Informational flyers will be available, and plants will be offered for sale. Flyers will be distributed and plants will be offered for sale. Supported by the Orange Cultural Council.
Call John at (413) 961-9059. Wheeler Memorial Library, 49 E. Main St. in Orange. (Free)
Katelyn said,
May 27, 2013 at 9:13 pm
“Longing for a Local Lunch” Film Showing
Sunday, June 2nd at 1pm. Great Barrington, MA.
DOCUMENTARY: The Berkshire International Film Festival and producer/director Lynne Cherry presents “Long for a Local Lunch, ” a 10 minute documentary about climate change and the role of local vs. processed foods in our children’s meals. Great Barrington students tackle a global problem through small scale change in their own school lunches. Inspire your own children through the actions of high school role models positively changing the world. 413-528-6415. The Mahaiwe Theater 14 Castle St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. ($)
http://biffma.festivalgenius.com/2013/films/longingforalocallunch_lynnecherry_biffma2013#screenings
Katelyn said,
May 27, 2013 at 9:13 pm
“GMO OMG” Film Showing
Saturday, June 1st at 11:15am, 1:45pm. Great Barrington, MA.
DOCUMENTARY: Come to the Berkshire International Film Festival for the showing of “GMO OMG,” a film about genetically modified foods and the loss of seed diversity in our food system. Director Jeremy Siefert explored the way food laboratory modifications affected his children and sustained future of our planet. GMO OMG follows one family’s struggle to live and eat without participating in an unhealthy, unjust, and destructive food system. How are your own family’s choices affecting the environment and the dinner table? 90 minutes. 413-528-8885, 413-358-4780. Various theatre locations, Great Barrington, MA 01230. ($)
Saturday, June 1st, 2013 11:15am & 1:45pm – FILM/SUSTAINABILITY: : Come to the Berkshire International Film Festival for the showing of “GMO OMG,” a film about genetically modified foods and the loss of seed diversity in our food system. Director Jeremy Siefert explored the way food laboratory modifications affected his children and sustained future of our planet. GMO OMG follows one family’s struggle to live and eat without participating in an unhealthy, unjust, and destructive food system. How are your own family’s choices affecting the environment and the dinner table? 90 minutes. 413-528-8885, 413-358-4780. Various theatre locations, Great Barrington, MA. ($)
http://biffma.festivalgenius.com/2013/films/gmoomg_jeremyseifert_biffma2013
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 20, 2013 at 11:00 pm
Low-Impact Cloth Diapering Workshop
Thursday, May 30, 2013 from 6:30-8:00 pm. Northampton, MA.
WORKSHOP: Want an alternative to disposable diapers but don’t know where to begin? Protect your budget and your baby’s bottom with cloth diapers. Join Jessica Montagna from Simple Diaper & Linen for a hands-on interactive workshop on low-impact diapering. She will cover all the ins and outs of cloth diapering, discuss the eco-costs and benefits, and help you find a system that works for your family. It’s the smarter, planet-friendly way to care for your newborn! 413 584-2665. 330 N King St Northampton. (FREE)
http://simple.coop/event/low-impact-diapering
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 20, 2013 at 10:59 pm
Permaculture Site Tour
Saturday May 25th from 9:00AM – 5:00PM. Pioneer Valley, MA.
PERMACULTURE: Spend a day touring the valley and visit a variety of permaculture hot spots! Begin at the Edible Forest Garden featured in the book Edible Forest Gardens before traveling to the Wildside Gardens for the Homestead Design Project. Get a first hand look at the UMass Franklin Garden, recognized by the White House for providing college students with fresh produce and mentoring in gardening design. Site vistes range from Holyoke to Amherst.
RSVP required. Pre-Registration at ecologicalgardens@gmail.com. Hosted by Sowing Solutions on a $30-45 sliding scale fee for the day. Payments to ‘Sowing Solutions’, 72 Baker Rd, Shutesbury, MA 01072. ($$)
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 15, 2013 at 8:34 am
Pittsfield Repair Cafe
Saturday, May 18th from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Pittsfield, MA.
REPAIR: Come visit the Repair Cafe, every third Saturday in St. Stephen’s Church basement in Pittsfield! Skilled volunteers can fix children’s bikes, mend torn jeans, repair computers and fix up vacuums cleaners stuffed with crumbs and LEGO toys. Bring your broken lamp or light fixture without adding it to the landfill or purchasing a replacement. Children can learn the science and maintenance associate with their very own bike! Free refreshments. Call Tom Harter at 413-212-8589 or email Janet Henderson at jmh227@hotmail.com. 67 East St. Pittsfield. (FREE) http://www.repaircafe.org
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 15, 2013 at 8:33 am
Grown in Westhampton Discussion
Tuesday, May 28th from 7 – 8:30 p.m. Westhampton, MA.
Ever wondered what energy independence means? Learn about how you can “grow your own” power from two “energy independence” entrepreneurs – Sam Taylor of Dog Bar Solar and Paul Vesel of Poderco, Inc. Both speakers will present homeowners with various possibilities for creating and distributing electricity on a local level. The meeting will be organized in a round-table to give participants a friendly and informal introduction to the energy independence movement on local, regional, and global levels. (413) 527-5386. Westhampton Library, 1 North Road, Westhampton.
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/News-from-Westhampton-Library.html?soid=1109020606312&aid=M5Y5W5MrFik
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 15, 2013 at 8:24 am
March Against Monsanto Event
Saturday, May 25th from 11:00am-3:00pm. Pittsfield, MA
PROTEST: On May 25, activists around the world will unite to March Against Monsanto. Join protesters to advocate for food by promoting GMO labeling, buying local and organic, and ultimately hold Monsanto executives accountable for their unjust corporate greed. To learn about the world wide movement, visit: http://www.march-against-monsanto.com/. Park Square, Pittsfield. (FREE)
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 15, 2013 at 8:24 am
Worm Composting Basics Workshop
Tuesday, May 21th from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Northampton, MA.
COMPOST: Learn everything you need to know about worm composting! Ben Goldberg will provide information about worm bins, the correct compost and feeding schedules for your crawly friends. Children will love to watch their food scraps disappear week after week. Please register in advance. 413 584-2665. River Valley Market Community Room, 330 N King St. Northampton.
http://www.wehaveworms.com
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 15, 2013 at 8:23 am
Organic Gardening List in MA
Join the organic gardening list and share your questions and knowledge with other organic gardeners across the state. Discussions include: petroleum in veggies, sharing soil blocker, and methods used on organic food in grocery stores. Have your questions answered and help other farmers just like you.
To join, email nofa-mass-subscribe@lists.riseup.net
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 9, 2013 at 11:31 pm
Pay-as-you-throw Compost Pilot
Beginning Tuesday, May 14th from 8:00am-2:00pm. Amherst, MA.
Don’t throw away your food scraps! Amend Organics, a local agricultural composter, is starting a pilot program to collect home food waste. This six month composting program will accept food waste and food-soiled paper, including material unsuitable for home composting such as meat, dairy, seafood, bones and greasy pizza boxes. Permit holders from Amherst, Pelham and Shutesbury can purchase Amend’s 13 gal biodegradable bags at the Transfer Station in rolls of fourteen ($20). The pilot program is a cooperative venture between the Solid Waste Division of the Amherst DPW and Cam Weimar of Amend Organics. Susan Waite, Amherst Recycling Coordinator, 413-259-3049. Amherst Transfer Station, 740 Belchertown Rd, Amherst. ($)
http://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/22724
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 9, 2013 at 11:06 pm
Waste Not Want Not Art Walk
Saturday, May 11th from 10am-9pm. Easthampton, MA.
FESTIVAL: Easthampton Art Walk focuses on sustainability and upcycling is this Saturday! Begin the day with the spring cleaning tag sale at 10am and continue with Art Walk events from 5pm-8pm. Join a drum circle with recycled ice cream buckets, make a kite and visit local exhibitions including art work at Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream and Nash Gallery. At 8:30pm, don’t miss the lighting of historic Old Town Hall with colorful LED lights after dark! Downtown Easthampton, MA. (FREE)
For a complete listing of events visit: http://www.artwalkeasthampton.com/
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 6, 2013 at 9:24 pm
Solar 101: Solarize Northampton
Tuesday, May 8 from 7pm-9pm. Florence, MA.
SOLAR: Interested in getting solar but couldn’t afford it? Northampton is now participating in the Solarize Mass 2013 program! Residents of the Northampton community can learn everything they need about solar-electric (PV) systems, the Solarize Mass incentive program and what their options are. The program encourages the adoption of small scale solar projects through an educational campaign and a group purchasing model. Solarize Northampton is a partnership between the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the Department of Energy Resources Green Communities Division, local officials and community volunteers. Contact Susan Lantz at solarizenorthampton@gmail.com. JFK Middle School is at 100 Bridge Road, Florence, MA.
Visit the website: http://www.northamptonma.gov/energyresources/solarizeblue
Katelyn Tsukada said,
May 3, 2013 at 2:58 pm
Free Bus Rides!
Fridays & Saturdays through Oct. 12, 2013. Lenox, MA.
The BRTA is providing free bus rides within Lenox (Lenox Dale – Downtown – Price Chopper) every Friday and Saturdays through October 12, 2013. This program promotes the use of public transportation and relieves traffic/parking congestion downtown. Teach your children the benefit of riding together for a cleaner, better planet.
The #2 bus line runs hourly through Lenox. Northbound departures from Town Hall are at 55 minutes after the hour. Southbound departures from Town Hall are on the hour. Bicycle racks are available on every bus. Endorsed by The Lenox Environment Committee and approved by the Select Board. For schedule details visit http://www.berkshirerta.com. Various locations, Lenox. (FREE)
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 29, 2013 at 9:51 pm
Home Composting Workshop
Saturday May 11 from 11am-12 pm. Pittsfield, MA.
Learn how to turn food and yard waste into “black gold” at this informative free workshop. Attendees will participate in a hands-on demonstration of how to build an active and efficient compost pile at home. Come learn how easy it really is and how you can reduce waste costs and negative environmental effects as well as providing a healthy alternative to fertilizers for you garden, yard, and houseplants. RSVPs required. Please send any RSVPs and questions to cynthia.grippaldi@cetonline.org. Pittsfield Farmers Market, First St. Pittsfield.
http://www.cetonline.org/events/home-composting-made-easy-3/
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 29, 2013 at 9:38 pm
Home Energy Efficiency Initiative
Monday, May 13th at 5:30 p.m. Great Barrington, MA.
Berkshire Bank & the Center for EcoTechnology have teamed up to offer an information session on CET’s No Cost Home Energy Efficiency Initiative. Learn how this environmental nonprofit can help save you money and energy this summer! Berkshire Bank, 244 Main Street, Pittsfield. (FREE)
Berkshire Bank Event
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 29, 2013 at 9:18 pm
Youth Environmental Summit–Workshop Presenter
Thursday, May 23rd from 8:45am-1:30pm. Pittsfield, MA.
Inspire the future of tomorrow through environmental awareness! The Youth Environmental Summit (YES) brings students from grades 3-12 together to present science and environmental studies projects through presentations and hands-on workshops. Bring your students or participate as a YES workshop presenter, open to both professionals and college student. Past workshop topics included Animals and Adaptations, Healthy Cooking, and Tree ID. Contact Stephanie at sbergman@flyingcloudinstitute.org. Berkshire Community College, 1350 West St, Pittsfield. (FREE)
YES Workshop Presenter Registration
Hilltown Families said,
April 29, 2013 at 1:36 pm
Growing Food While Growing Community
Where: Westhampton Public Library
When: Tuesday, April 30, 7-8:30 pm
Grown in Westhampton is delighted to host Philip Korman and Margaret Christie of Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) who will share how they “strengthen local agriculture by building connections between farmers and the community.” Our growing neighbors at Intervale and Bridgmont Farms have told us how CISA helps them define their businesses and market what they grow, and we are sure to get deeper insights into how CISA does this. What is so interesting and wonderful about CISA is its emphasis on building a vibrant agricultural culture in our “Happy Valley”-so please come and enjoy their presentation and learn how you, too, can help make our region one of the tastiest on earth!
**also-pls bring perennials (mints, herbs, hops, etc.) or other growables to share, if you want. I’m bringing mint and willow to share.
Heather Warner said,
April 29, 2013 at 12:51 pm
Your voice is needed to help extend the Bike Path into Haydenville!!
On Thursday, May 2nd Northampton City Council will take public comments and vote on taking steps to extend the Bike Path into Haydenville!!
City Council will be asked to vote on authorization for a grant to extend the Norwottuck Rail Trail in Leeds an additional 1,600 feet north in Leeds.
It is also likely that City Council will be asked to authorize an agreement whereby Northampton and Williamsburg jointly acquire an easement, for $5,000, that would extend from our existing rail trail easement to South Main Street in Leeds.
This is a RARE opportunity…and there will be opposition so we need Northampton and Williamsburg/Haydenville residents to say a few words or send in a written statement about why you feel this is an important project.
Public comment starts at 7:00 PM, but arrive early to signup for speaking (since there will be many people there on a variety of subjects). Bring or send written statements to: mmidura@northamptonma.gov.
This is huge since it means for the first time that the trail would not dead end in Haydenville. If you only speak to City Council on one rail trail item this year, this is the night to do it!
Please spread the word,
Heather Warner, Florence Resident
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 29, 2013 at 12:02 am
Electronics Recycling Day
Saturday, May 4th from 9am-12pm. Northampton, MA.
RECYCLE: Want to get rid of that bulky TV or outdated VHS player that no longer works? Teach your family how to dispose of electronics in a responsible way and bring your electronic waste to Yes Computers in downtown Northampton. Every participating family will receive $10 Yes Computers gift certificate! Rules: Three larger items per car (one TV limit). This free event is sponsored by YES Computers, 93.9 The River, Alternative Waste Recycling, and Gold Circuit E-cycling. 196 Pleasant Street, Suite 101 Northampton, MA. 413-585-0007. (FREE).
http://www.yescomputers.com/Yes_Computers/Community.html
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 24, 2013 at 11:22 pm
Home Composting Workshop
Saturday, May 4th from 11am-1pm. Lenox, MA.
COMPOST: Don’t throw away those food scraps! Show your children the magic of composting as apple peels and eggshells transform into rich organic soil ready for use in your backyard garden. Staff at the Center for EcoTechnology will teach you the basic techniques for creating a toxic-free alternative to store-bought fertilizer. Pre-ordered compost bins will be available for $20. Sponsored by the Lenox Environment Committee. Register at: 413.445.4556 ext. 25 or online at: http://www.cetonline.org. Lenox Library, 18 Main St. Lenox, MA. (FREE)
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 24, 2013 at 10:50 pm
9th Annual Sustainability Summit
Saturday, May 11th from 9:00am-6:30pm. Amherst, MA.
EDUCATIONAL: Co-op Power hosts the 9th Annual Sustainability Summit bringing people together to discuss sustainability, grassroot movements and a greener future. Connect with activists, thinkers and green professionals alike to ensure a cleaner, healthier world for your family and your children. The event will also feature an exhibitor hall and keynote speaker Halina Brown of Clark University who will lead a discussion on “Transitioning to the New Economy.” Register online at http://www.cooppower.coop or contact elizabeth@cooppower.coop (877-266-7543) for more information. Hampshire College, 893 West St Amherst, MA 01002. ($15-$45)
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 24, 2013 at 9:28 am
Berkshire County Rx Round Up
Saturday, April 27 from 10am – 2pm. Multiple Locations.
Protect your family and the environment by safely disposing of your unused, unwanted or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications. Bottles and pills left around the house are easily picked up by curious hands, or erroneously flushed into our water systems. Help your children understand the attention and care required for handling and properly disposing of all medication. Disposal sites awill be set-up throughout Berkshire County including: Adams Police Station, Pittsfield Health Center, and West Stockbridge Police Station. Contact your area representations at: North County, ldaunis@nbccoalition.org; Central County, k.cole@berkshireunitedway.org; and South County, sbcc@chpberkshires.org. Berkshires, MA. (FREE)
For a complete site listing visit: http://berkshireunitedway.org/events/calendar/2013/04/27/aprilroundup/
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 22, 2013 at 10:24 pm
1st Annual Spring Seed & Plant Exchange
Saturday, May 18th from 10:00am-2pm. Cummington, MA.
Find the perfect plant to grow this season and swap new seeds for summer crops! Bring the whole family and exchange gardening tips with neighbors and friends. Seeds, seedlings, and perennial divisions are all accepted during this Hilltown Seed Saving Network event. Farmer Tevis Robertson-Goldberg of Crabapple Farm will be on hand to answer questions. Bringing seeds and plants begins at 10am and the exchange begins at 10:30am. Community House, 33 Main Street, Cummington. Contact Sadie Stull at 413-634-5013, or Michael Alterman at 413-358-6919 or alterman@speakeasy.net. (EXCHANGE)
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 22, 2013 at 10:23 pm
Burgy Farmer’s Market Seed Swap
Thursday, May 9th from 2-6pm. Williamsburg, MA.
Growing a little green thumb in your family? Bring them to the seed swap and see how plants are started! Exchange your garden seeds with new varieties and get great tips from Hilltown Seed Saving Network members who will be on hand to answer any questions. The event is a great way to celebrate springtime weather outside on the lawn. Sadie Stull at 413-634-5013, or Michael Alterman at 413-358-6919 or alterman@speakeasy.net. Meekins Library, 2 Williams Street, Williamsburg. (EXCHANGE)
Campus Sustainability Initiative (UMASS Amherst) said,
April 22, 2013 at 2:20 pm
Come hear Annie Leonard live!
Come out and celebrate Earth Day at UMASS Amherst TONIGHT with a phenomenal talk given by world-renowned sustainability author Annie Leonard on her book and web-film series the Story of Stuff.
7pm at Bowker Auditorium in Stockbridge Hall (UMASS Amherst)
Event is free and open to the public.
Seating is limited. Call ahead to reserve tickets (413-545-2511) or arrive early to ensure a seat.
Handicap access available.
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 21, 2013 at 10:27 pm
Don’t forget about our great collection of environmental archives!
In 2011, families in Western MA gave us their eco-friendly tips for celebrating Earth Day and saving the planet one action at a time:
Families in Western MA Offer Earth Day Eco-Tips
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 18, 2013 at 11:39 pm
Oil and Paint Collection
Saturday, May 4th from 9-11:30am. Great Barrington, MA.
RECYCLE: Do you have paint left over from painting the baby’s room? Or motor oil in the garage/shed you’d like to dispose of safely so your kids don’t mistakenly get into it? Residents in the Berkshires can safely dispose of both, including other household hazardous waste, at the Great Barrington Recycling Center, thanks to South Berkshire Household Hazardous Waste Collaborative and the Center for EcoTechnology (CET). Accepted items are: used motor oil, oil based paints, turpentine, stains and thinner. A complete list of participating towns including Becket and Otis can be found online. Preregistration mandatory. Call Jamie at 888-577-8448 ext 14. Great Barrington Recycling Center, 601 Stockbridge Road, Great Barrington, MA. (FREE).
Register at: http://www.cetonline.org/events/household-hazardous-waste-collection/
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 17, 2013 at 9:39 am
Documentary Film Showing of “Greenhorns”
Monday, May 6th at 7 pm. Williamsburg, MA.
GARDENING: Bring your blossoming gardener to the showing of “Greenhorns” at the Meekins Library in Williamsburg. This 45-minute documentary explores the challenges and wonders of being a young, small scale farmer in America today. Older kids can learn about CSAs and every one can enjoying hearty veggie soup & sweets together! Sponsored by Yard Birds Farm. Meekins Library, 2 Williams Street, Williamsburg. (FREE)
Yard Birds Farm
http://yardbirdsfarm.com
The Greenhorns
http://www.thegreenhorns.net
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 16, 2013 at 9:19 am
Earth Day Festival
Sunday, April 21 from 11am-4pm. Springfield, MA.
EDUCATION: Treat your children to ice cream and plant seedlings while celebrating Earth Day at the Springfield Museum. Sing environmental songs with Boys of the Landfill Bluegrass Band and visit local exhibitors to learn about recycling, paper making and a live animal program with birds of prey! Celebrate the spring weather as your children learn to protect their natural planet. 413-263-6800. Springfield Museum and Quadrangle, 21 Edwards St. Springfield. (FREE) http://www.springfieldmuseums.org/calendar/view/2066-earth_day_festival/04-21-2013
Katelyn Tsukada said,
April 16, 2013 at 9:17 am
Pittsfield Repair Cafe
Saturday, April 20 from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Pittsfield, MA.
REPAIR: Come visit the Repair Cafe, every third Saturday in St. Stephen’s Church basement in Pittsfield! Skilled volunteers can fix children’s bikes, mend torn jeans, repair computers and fix up vacuums cleaners stuffed with crumbs and LEGO toys. Bring your broken lamp or light fixture without adding it to the landfill or purchasing a replacement. Children can learn the science and maintenance associate with their very own bike! Free refreshments. Call Tom Harter at 413-212-8589 or email Janet Henderson at jmh227@hotmail.com. 67 East St. Pittsfield. (FREE) http://www.repaircafe.org
Katelyn said,
April 14, 2013 at 3:28 pm
Reuse and Recycling Rally
Saturday, April 20th from 9am-12pm. Northampton, MA.
REUSE/RECYCLE: Don’t miss the next Reuse and Recycling Rally, the 3rd in a series of events sponsored by the Northampton DPW. Find new-to-you toys for the kids at the community tag sale, shred confidential papers, donate old baby equipment, recycle well-loved pants with holes in the knees and t-shirts with juice box stains for the textile drive, and bring by those hotel shampoos and conditioners from your family winter vacation to Florida to donate to the Hampshire County Interfaith Emergency Shelter. Contact Karen Bouquilion at 413-587-1059. Smith Vocational High School, 80 Locust St, Northampton. (FREE/FUNDRAISER)
http://www.northamptonma.gov/dpw/Recycling/reuse/
Katelyn said,
April 14, 2013 at 3:15 pm
Saturday, April 27th 8:00am-1:00 pm – RECYCLING: Get rid of your batteries, washing machines and old electronics at the Hadley Mothers’ Club Recycling Day. The Salvation Army will collect reusable items and clothing donations. Pick up service for larger items available! Visit the website for a complete list of collected materials. Denise Devine (413) 584-1859. Hopkins Academy parking lot 131 Russell St, Hadley, MA (FREE/FUNDRAISER)
http://www.hadleypto.org/2013/04/hadley-mothers-club-recycling-day.html
Hilltown Families said,
April 3, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Grow Food Amherst invites Amherst area residents to join the 350 challenge and come grow with us!
Grow Food Amherst is a collaborative between Sustaining Amherst, the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, UMass Amherst Permaculture, UMass Auxiliary Enterprises, Hampshire College, Transition Amherst and Amherst residents. The mission of Grow Food Amherst is to create a resilient community by actively engaging residents to support creative endeavors for growing healthy and affordable food locally, including public places and neighborhoods, and by encouraging more sustainable agriculture and permaculture projects in the Amherst, MA area. Our latest initiative is the 350 Garden Challenge where we hope to get 350 area residents to become members and help us grow 100 new gardens this spring!
If you are new to gardening, there are three events which will prepare you to meet this challenge. The Gardening 101 Workshop is being held on Thursday, April 18th from 6 PM -9 PM in the Town Room, Amherst Town Hall. Master Gardener Charlotte Vesel will present a one hour overview on the basics of gardening, followed by a question and answer period and culminating in four work stations where attendees will learn the basic techniques of soil testing, container and trellis gardening , how to build raised beds and techniques for building a “lasagna” garden.
On Saturday, April 27th visit the Grow Food Amherst booth at the 4th Annual Amherst Sustainability Festival on the Amherst Town Common to sign up to become a member. Be sure to stop by the central demonstration area where you can learn to prune trees with Amherst Tree Warden, Alan Snow at 10:30 AM; learn how goats control invasive species from the Goat Girls at 11:30 AM; have another opportunity to see Master Gardener Charlotte Vesel’s demonstration on creating a “lasagna” garden at 12:30 PM; discover the wonders of outdoor composting with David Lovler aka “Dr. Worm” at 1:30 PM; and effective permaculture techniques with the UMASS Permaculture group at 2:30 PM.
On Sunday, May 5th attend a “Living Classroom” workshop led by Sarah Berquist of the UMASS Amherst Permaculture group from 1PM – 3 PM. Find out what permaculture is by participating in an installation. Attendees should wear comfortable clothes and be prepared to “dig in”!
All events are FREE and open to the public.
So come grow with us, Amherst! To sign up for the challenge, or for more information, go to http://www.growfoodamherst.org or contact Sustainability Coordinator, Stephanie Ciccarello at (413) 259-3149 or via e-mail at ciccarellos@amherstma.gov.
Leigh said,
February 28, 2013 at 8:53 pm
On Sun. March 3 at 1:30 in the Jones Library in Amherst there will be a screening of the award winning film Genetic Roulette. The film touches on many of the issues surrounding GMO foods and crops. At the end of the film, Ed Stockman, local organic farmer and GMO researcher / expert, will conduct a Q & A. The movie combined with Ed Stockman’s chat will provide many answers to the scientific and political questions surrounding this issue. Ed will also discuss the movement to get GMOs labelled here in MA, and in 38 other states as well.
We are having a “Non-GMO” potluck of snacks you are welcome to join in, and I believe we are hosting an excellent local folk singer to share a cameo song about food, the environment & politics around 4pm ish as well. Please help spread the word by forwarding this to people you think may appreciate this.
THANKS! Hope to see you there in Amherst on Sunday, 3/3/13 at 1:30!
Leigh Salvage
Member of GMO Awareness of Western MA
“GENETIC ROULETTE”
1:30 JONES LIBRARY Amherst, MA, Woodbury Room (Downstairs, former Large Meeting Room)
FREE Movie showing and Discussion with Ed Stockman, Co-founder MA Right To Know GMOs
ONLINE:
http://marighttoknow.com/home
(you do not need a facebook account to see these pages)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/GMOAwarenessWMA
https://www.facebook.com/MARightToKnowGMOs
https://www.facebook.com/justlabelit
Our co-sponsors: https://www.facebook.com/wheatberry
http://www.simplegiftsfarmcsa.com/
http://www.brookfieldfarm.org/
* * * * *
Massachusetts Right to Know GMOs is a statewide network of safe food advocates working together to reach a critical mass of awareness and support for legislation mandating adequate labeling of Genetically Modified (GM) foods in Massachusetts.
MARightToKnow.org facebook.com/MARightToKnowGMOs
* * * * * * * *
Who is Ed Stockman? And why will it be so cool to meet him March 3?
Ed has been researching Genetically Modified Foods and Agriculture for over a decade. He has dedicated his Winter Season this year to educating and presenting this research to the public as well as working with “MA Right to Know” on labeling laws. He runs and owns “Summit Farm,” a high elevation Berry Farm in Pittsfield.
http://www.zoominfo.com/#!search/profile/person?personId=144988877&targetid=profile
Lilly Lombard said,
February 14, 2013 at 8:04 am
Five buses from western MA with citizens, students & families are headed to Wash DC this weekend to join the National Climate Rally on Sunday Feb. 17th.
Many western MA families with kids (including mine!) are going. Why? Because we’re fighting for a habitable planet for our children!
You can learn about the rally at forwardonclimate.org and find transport options from western MA at climatewma.org.
This will be a most amazing, memorable experience for your kids.
Hilltown Families said,
February 4, 2013 at 7:59 pm
Repair Cafe to be held February 16 in Pittsfield
Do you have a broken lamp? Or a bike that needs maintenance? A computer that has issues? Knives that won’t cut? Take them to the Repair Cafe in Pittsfield February 16 and get them fixed for free!
The Berkshires’ first ever Repair Cafe, held January 19th in Pittsfield, was a huge success, so the Pittsfield Resilience Circle aims to repeat the event on a monthly basis. The next Repair Cafe will be held on Saturday, February 16 from 1 to 5 p.m. in the St. Stephen’s Church basement at 67 East St. in Pittsfield. The event is entirely free.
“At the last Repair Cafe, our 18 volunteer repair persons fixed six lamps, one vacuum cleaner, two radios, and numerous articles of clothing, replaced a zipper on a sofa cushion, attached chair legs on two chairs, sharpened nine knives, and did many other repairs,” said Tom Harter, one of the organizers. “Anyone with any type of small repairable broken item (other than CRT monitors, TVs, watches, and shoes) may bring it to the Repair Cafe between 1 and 5 p.m. on Saturday, February 16. Volunteers will fix as many articles as possible. If your broken item needs a part, and you know what it needs, it will save you time if you bring the part with you. You can watch your item being repaired and learn a little about how repairs are done.”
“One of the innovations for the February Repair Cafe is mini-workshops,” said Janet Henderson, another Repair Cafe organizer. “This month, we’re holding two mini-workshops. If you’d like to know the proper way to sew on a button, come to the Cafe at 2:00 and bring an item missing a button, as well as a matching button and thread, if you can. (We’ll have some buttons and thread on hand, but can’t guarantee a match.) If your vacuum cleaner needs the belt replaced and you’d like to be able to replace it yourself next time, bring the vacuum and the replacement belt at 4:00, to learn that skill. And, while you’re at the Repair Cafe, help yourself to some free refreshments and sit awhile, visiting with the other guests or browsing the information on the literature table.”
To make a donation or to volunteer for the Repair Cafe, call Tom Harter at 413-212-8589 or email Janet Henderson at jmh227@hotmail.com.
The Repair Cafe is a project of the Pittsfield Resilience Circle, which began in August, 2012 based on information available at localcircles.org. By holding the Repair Cafe, the Pittsfield Resilience Circle wants to help reduce waste, promote repair skills, teach us all to be more self-sufficient, have fun, come together in a non-consumerist way, forge bonds of friendship through mutual dependency, and make Pittsfield a better place to live.”
The Repair Cafe concept originated in the Netherlands. The Repair Cafe Foundation now provides support to local groups around the world wishing to start their own Repair Cafe – http://www/repaircafe.org
Alan Surprenant said,
November 27, 2012 at 3:40 am
Small-scale Orcharding for the Homeowner 2013
4 seasonal workshops on tree fruit growing at Brook Farm Orchard in Ashfield, MA. Taught by orchardist Alan Surprenant
Workshop#1 Feb.9,2013 variety and site selection and hands on pruning od differnt age trees
Workshop#2 April 20,2013 tree planting, spraying for disease and pests, and grafting (you will bring home a tree you grafted)
Workshop#3 Aug.25,2013 fruit harvest, varietal tasting, storing fruit and fresh cider making.
Workshop#4 Nov.9,2013 composting, mowing,fertilizing, rodent control and local hard cider tasting!
Each workshop is $85 and includes a delicious lunch. 12 persom limit
Contact- alansurpenant@hotmail.com or 413 625 9615
Mary Vogel said,
November 12, 2012 at 6:53 pm
GreenWork Roundtable on Creating a Sustainable Transportation System for Western Massachusetts
Wednesday, November 28, Noon – 1:30 pm, Pioneer Valley Central Labor Council, 640 Page Blvd., Springfield, MA
Please join us on Wednesday, November 28th at noon at the Pioneer Valley Central Labor Council for a GreenWork Roundtable brown bag lunch on Creating a Sustainable Transportation System for Western Massachusetts. Speakers include:
Dana Roscoe, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission – New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) Commuter Rail Project
Zip Car – Pedal People – Mass Bike – Earn a Bike
For more information email Mary Vogel at maryvogel@builtbest.org.
felix lufkin said,
October 25, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Hi folks,
Please support the Northampton MA based group ‘ HelpYourself’ and their efforts to plant dozens of fruit trees and install veggie and herb gardens in public places around town this Fall! By coming together as a larger, committed community to support this project, we can manifest an ‘incredible edible’ Northampton in the next few years. This is the first step, and its success could easily inspire other communities, bringing us all closer to the future we are working towards. The money we raise will be primarily for plants, ordered from local nurseries, as well as printing signs, buying salvaged lumber, compost, gardening tools, and doing soil tests.
THE KICKSTARTER PAGE: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/290256474/helpyourself-public-gardens-and-fruit-trees-in-nor
HELP YOURSELF PROJECT WEBSITE: http://www.helpyourselfnoho.tk
Thanks for your support! Please forward this widely!
This project will…
* create an edible, delicious and nutritious public landscape bursting with free food
* build and remediate tired city soil
* increase biodiversity and pollinator habitat
* create community through design, maintenance, and harvest
* work with local youth and elders throughout the process
* and educate and empower folks along the way!
Beyond transforming our common spaces, we’re hoping to start discussions about local food and economies.
Having dozens of demonstration forest gardens around town will bring awareness, energy and enthusiasm about permaculture, community gardens and food systems out of folk’s private backyards, and into the spaces we share. It will also showcase and popularize many common guilds and remediation methods that are applicable to common urban and suburban settings.
Supporting and participating in this project is easy… just get out your small cloth or animal skin pouch, find the necessary shiny rectangular dingus, look at a series of symbols, recognize them and press the corresponding button on your crystal ball! Thanks in advance for your support!
Hilltown Families said,
August 20, 2012 at 7:31 pm
Greenfield’s 2.0 MW Solar Farm has been producing electricity since 6/19/12. Residents can now go to the town web site and view the production statistics for the facility and monitor real time generation. Go to the Town web site http://www.greenfield-ma.gov . On the main page scroll down to “Useful Links” and click on “Solar Farm Production Information.” Once at the site you will be able to see production by the day, week, month or year (lower left hand corner). You will also see a running total of kwh produced and the environmental offsets associated with that production.
The facility, which contains 8736 solar panels and is located on the town’s closed landfill off of Wisdom Way, has generated 594,000 kwh of electricity since its 6/19/12 start date through 8/15/12. This is enough electricity to power the Town Hall, Library, Fire Station and Police Station for a whole year. The town will realize the benefits of the farm by being credited significant savings, approximately $235,000 per year, on its electric bills. The developer of the project, SunEdison, bore the cost of design, permitting and construction of the project and is responsible for the operation and maintenance, including mowing, of the facility. The only direct cost born by the town for this entire project was $4000 for independent technical and legal review of various documents.
emma stamas said,
August 17, 2012 at 4:50 pm
WEST COUNTY RESILIENCY COMMITTEE
Instead of having meetings this fall, the West County Resiliency Committee is supporting the Ashfield Community Committee’s effort to teach some valuable food processing and storage skills. Contact Sue Craft at 628-0289 for more information about the following classses that will be held at Ashfield’s First Congregational Church on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30pm:
August 21 – Canning Tomatoes
Sept.18 – Dehydrating and Making Fruit Leather
Oct.16 – Nourishing Vinegar & Healing Honey
Nov. 20 – Dehydrating and Making Jerky
Dec. 18 – Canning Meat
These progrms are sponsored by Share the Warmth and are free although donations are welcome. This is an opportunity to learn new skills and try samples of home processed foods as well as to become more resilient and make new friends.
Call Emma at 413-624-3240 at least four days ahead if you want to carpool from the Colrain, Charlemont, or Shelburne areas.
Also coming soon in August at Katywil Farm Community there will be two workshops to teach scything skills presented by Shelby Howland. It costs $20, but if you choose to purchase scything tools from Shelby the fee will be deducted from the price of the tools you purchase. Scything allows you to clear meadows or brushy or steep areas without using any fossil fuels and it is relatively easy to learn and do. You do need to register at http://www.katywil.com or by emailing Nancy@katywil.com because space is limited. The dates are:
Sat. August 19 Scything Workshop from 2 to4pm
Sun. August 25 Scything Workshop from 2 to 4pm
Hilltown Families said,
August 6, 2012 at 1:52 pm
Paint and Waste Oil Collection for Southern Berkshires
On Saturday, August 18th, the South Berkshire Household Hazardous Waste Collaborative will hold a paint and oil collection for the 16 participating towns. The Center for EcoTechnology (CET) will coordinate these collections.
The towns in the South Berkshire Household Hazardous Waste Collaborative sponsor this program. The participating towns are Alford, Becket, Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Richmond, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham and West Stockbridge.
Saturday, August 18th, 9 AM – 11:30 AM | Great Barrington Recycling Center (601 Stockbridge Road, Across from Monument Mountain High School)
Acceptable materials are oil-based paint, stains, paint thinners, spray paint and turpentine, as well as waste motor oil.
Latex paint will not be accepted at this event. Empty cans can be recycled with scrap metal. Dried-up cans of latex paint can be disposed with the regular trash. Empty cans of oil-based paint, stains and solvents can be disposed with the regular trash as well. Usable paint can be given away through freecycle.org or some non-profits.
To register online or for information about what can be brought to these collections, visit http://cetonline.org/Events/events.php?id=97 or email Aric.Brown@cetonline.org. Or call CET at 888-577-8448 ext. 10 or 30. Residents from communities that are not participating should call their City or Town Hall for information about hazardous household product collections.
Leah Booker said,
May 10, 2012 at 11:43 am
Event title: Advanced Green Building Workshop
Date(s): 5/22 & 5/29
Time: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Community event
Contact: Nancy Bair (GCC), 413-775-1607, bair@gcc.mass.edu
Location: Greenfield Community College Downtown Center, 270 Main St, Greenfield, 01301
Cost: $295
A 2-day workshop, “Advancing Green Building – the Keys to Managing Moisture” will be held on both Tuesday, May 22 and Tuesday, May 29 from 9:00am to 5:00pm, led by Peter Yost, Director of Residential Services for BuildingGreen Inc. This is a great local training opportunity for new employees of green building firms, and for experienced builders looking to increase building science knowledge for deep energy retrofit work and new construction in green building. (Homeowners managing their own energy retrofit projects can also benefit from this training.) Peter Yost brings 25 years of experience to this workshop as a green builder and instructor.
The workshop will be held at the Greenfield Community College (GCC) Downtown Center, 270 Main Street in Greenfield. Workshop registration is coordinated by GCC’s Workforce Development Department.
Full details and registration form: http://tinyurl.com/87q23ae
The workshop cost is $295 for the two days – it includes advanced green building instruction, 2 lunches, workshop materials and a 2-month subscription to GreenBuildingAdvisor.com. (There are scholarship opportunities for eligible NTESP participants.) Participants can bring a retrofit or green building project to workshop with others on the second day. This is a hands-on opportunity to network and learn together with up to 25 fellow builders. (Click into the flyer above for the full 2-day course outline.)
NTESP, Greenfield Community College (GCC), Co-op Power and the Western Mass Green Consortium are jointly co-sponsoring this training. Please spread the word about this exciting 2-day training opportunity on May 22 & 29, right here in the Pioneer Valley, for builders, contractors and green-oriented homeowners interested in advancing their green building techniques and building science knowledge. Consider attending yourself!
Seating is limited to 25 so sign up today with GCC.
Hilltown Families said,
April 15, 2012 at 7:48 am
Farm and Garden Tool Workshop
Location: Wilder Homestead on Rt 112, Buckland, MA
Date: April 28th
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Learn how to use and maintain traditional hand tools for farm and garden. Demonstrations and hands-on with shovels, hoes, forks, cultivators, spades, and more. There will be plenty of hand crafted traditional style tools for you to try. Plus, we’ll fire up the open hearth and bake oven and provide wholesome snacks.
Cost: $30.00 (limited to 10 participants)
A portion of the proceeds will go to support the Wilder Homestead and the Buckland Historical Society.
3 easy ways to sign up:
Online at http://www.howlandtools.com
Call 413-824-0204
Hilltown Families said,
April 4, 2012 at 10:38 am
On Wednesday, April 11, 2011 at 7:00PM, Chris Cappello and Lance Hodes of Comfort Zone Homes will present a one hour talk about the construction of energy independent homes (also termed “net-zero”), in the Hawks~Hayden Community Room at the Meekins Library in Williamsburg, MA (Route 9).
Cappello and Hodes specialize in designing and building energy independent homes which are specifically designed to have estimated annual energy costs of $0 for heat, hot water, appliances and lighting. These structures rely on super-insulation and solar energy. The solar energy is generally harnessed on site with the use of photovoltaic panels. For more information: http://www.netzerobuilder.com
413-268-7472
Hilltown Families said,
January 3, 2012 at 1:16 pm
West County Resilience Committee
Next Program: January 10, 2012, 7:00pm
Alternative Local Money Systems
On Tuesday, January 10th at 7 to 8:30pm at the Shelburne Senior Center, the West County Resiliency Committee will host a presentation about alternative local money systems and “R”credits.
William Spademan will present his ideas followed by questions and further discussion about ways that we can support our local economy. These issues are so timely with loans so difficult to get, interest rates so variable, and the Occupy Wall Street movement and recession reminding us to examine our personal and community finances and resiliency.
Please feel free to pass on this announcement to friends or newsletters so that others can attend this free event that is designed to help us understand ways we can each make changes that could allow us to become more resilient financially. I would love to give a ride to anyone in the Colrain area who would like to attend. Call me, Emma Stamas, at 413-624-3240 if you want to carpool or need further information.
Local Family 01339/01370 said,
December 11, 2011 at 2:44 pm
If interested in the idea/possibility of a community-supported cow, email localfamily@yahoo.com. Thanks!
Hilltown Families said,
November 18, 2011 at 6:33 am
Grow Food Northampton uses cutting-edge method to improve soil of future
garden
Grow Food Northampton (GFN), owner of the new Northampton Community Farm in Florence, MA, is preparing the site of its future organic community garden by applying 80,000 pounds of finely ground rock dust over 12 acres of soil.
We are committed to researching and employing practices that maximize the health of our soil, plants, and gardeners, and minimize energy inputs,˛ says Lilly Lombard, GFNąs Executive Director. łApplying rock dust is a great foundation to a vibrant and sustainable community garden.” The Florence Organic Community Garden, expected to launch in Spring 2012, will provide over 400 garden plots to resident gardeners when fully developed. łAdding rock dust to soils is a way to increase the yield, flavor and shelf life of vegetables and grow nutrient dense food,˛ said Joanna Campe, Executive Director of Remineralize the Earth, an international non-profit based in Northampton that is partnering with GFN in the project.
The remineralization of the Florence Organic Community Garden is one of the first of its kind in the US,˛ said Tom Vanacore, a regional farmer who also owns a company that supplies farms with locally quarried rock dust. łIt shows a public awareness of the connection between the nutritional value of food and the quality of the soil on which it grows.˛ Vanacore delivered GFNąs rock dust from a quarry in Westfield, MA According to Campe, finely ground rock dust has many beneficial properties. “It causes a phenomenal growth of the microorganisms in the soil and increases the nutrient intake of plants,” said Campe. “It also counters the effects of soil acidity, prevents soil erosion, increases storage capacity of the soil, has anti-fungal properties, and when you spray it on plants it repels insects as well, eliminating the need for harmful pesticides. It also makes plants drought and cold resistant.” Quarries produce enormous quantities of rock dust as a waste product that is readily available. The Pioneer Valley is rich in sources of basalt rock dust and glacial gravel, with a rich array of minerals and trace elements needed for healthy soils and plants. łThe nutritional value of commercial, chemically grown food is steadily in decline,˛ said Vanacore. łThis trend is in sharp contrast to nutrient dense production methods incorporating good organic practices and remineralization as a foundation.˛ Campe added, łRestaurant owners like Alice Waters of Chez Panisse in Berkeley, Dan Barber of Blue Hill Restaurant in New York City, and Mr. Chang of Amherst Chinese in Amherst insist on remineralized produce whenever possible for their restaurants because of the increased flavor, shelf life, and nutrients,˛
Grow Food Northampton promotes food security by advancing sustainable agriculture in the Northampton area. Visit: growfoodnorthampton.com
Jim Lobley said,
October 10, 2011 at 6:37 am
“Prepping Your Home for Winter”
a free presentation / Q & A session
by Jim Lobley, Owner of New England Home Remedy
@ Meekins Library, Wiliamsburg
This Thursday, October 13th 7-8:30pm
(other dates to follow)
I’ll be giving a number of free presentations in the coming weeks at local libraries on “Prepping Your Home for Winter.” These will be engaging, informative talks on practical things you can do this winter to conserve heat and keep the weather out. We’ll cover basic principles of building shell or “envelope” construction, including roofs – why they leak, and what to do about them, how to minimize ice dams, how to make your own “winserts” (low-cost, reusable thermal panes for your windows), and a simple way to spot and seal air leaks around your home. My presentation will run about 45 minutes, with another 45 minutes devoted to questions about your home and particular set of circumstances. I’ll be handing out a list of local and online resources, as well as a coupon for 15% off a new service we’ll be offering this winter called “Pinpoint Air-Sealing and Insulation.”
Here are the dates and times:
Meekins Library, Williamsburg
This Thursday, October 13th, 7-8:30pm
Forbes Library, Northampton
Sat., October 22nd, 10-11:30am
Belding Library, Ashfield
Wed., October 26th, 7-8:30pm
Hope to see you there!
Hilltown Families said,
October 3, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Free Solar Energy Workshop
MA State has one of the most lucrative solar programs in the country! Representatives from a local solar energy company (based in Ludlow) will show you how to get started with solar electric (PV). They will explain how the technology works, how much it costs, what incentiv…es and rebates are available to you from State and Federal governments, and all about Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). Come to this free presentation to learn how you can start turning the sun into money today!
Where: Leverett Library, 75 Montague Road, Leverett, MA
When: Saturday, October 8
1:30 – 2:30 PM
More information: 1-866-312-7673
Hilltown Families said,
September 26, 2011 at 3:42 pm
Presentation on green home construction to be held at Lenox Town Hall on October 5
On the morning of October 5 the Lenox Town Hall at 6 Walker Street will be the site for a public presentation on the LEED for Homes rating system given by Beth Paulson from the Center for EcoTechnology (CET) of Pittsfield, Northampton, and Springfield. The educational event is appropriate for building contractors, architects, individuals, non-profit developers, and others interested in the residential rating system developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system incorporates high performance and green features into residential projects to create healthier, more comfortable, and more durable and resource- efficient homes. LEED certified homes require third-party oversight and technical assistance through a LEED for Homes Provider such as CET who conducts inspections and performance-testing for each home. The widely respected yet rigorous program allows homebuilders and developers using LEED standards to differentiate their homes as representative of green building best practices.
“Following the Green Building Open House tour by the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association scheduled for October 1,” explained Peggy MacLeod, Green Building marketing rep for the Center for EcoTechnology, “CET is pleased to provide thought-provoking education for the public, home builders, and architects about the features and collaborative process of building green-certified homes.” Peggy continued.
Of the three dozen single- and multi-family LEED certified homes in the four counties of western Massachusetts, Ms. Paulson stated that, “No two LEED certified residential projects are alike. The scoring system offers a variety of ways to earn points for green features,” she said, “but the individual points selected and the techniques used by homeowners and project teams make each project really interesting and unique.”
In addition to being a certified Home Energy (HERS) Rater at CET and working with a wide variety of both LEED for Homes and ENERGY STAR projects, Beth teaches home-performance contractor trainings for CET and the MassGreen Initiative. After 20 years of serving in various building-science based programs at CET, Ms. Paulson has a broad knowledge of green building principles and practice. In addition, Ms. Paulson received her M.A. in Landscape Architecture and a B.S. in Environmental Design from University of Massachusetts.
LEED® for Homes is a third-party certification system for high-performance green homes. Developed and administered by USGBC, LEED for Homes awards points to projects in seven categories of environmental performance: Location & Linkages, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality, Energy & Atmosphere, Homeowner Awareness, and Innovation and Design. For more information about LEED for Homes, visit http://www.thegreenhomeguide.org.
The Lenox presentation begins at 9:00 A.M with registration and a continental breakfast and continues until 11:00 A.M. There is a suggested donation of $10-$20 for the presentation and if interested, architects may receive 1 CEU HW AIA credit for attending the session.
For more information about the program, contact Peggy MacLeod at peggym@cetonline.org / 413-586-7350 x226.
The Center for EcoTechnology helps people carry out their daily activities with less environmental impact. We provide practical solutions that save energy, materials and money and have a positive impact on our environment and commu nity. We serve residents, business and communities in the areas of Energy Efficiency and Green Building, Green Com munities and Businesses, and through our retail store – EcoBuilding Bargains.
We’re a 35-year-old non-profit organization with offices in Pittsfield, Northampton and Springfield. Visit http://www.cetonline.org to learn more.
The Center for EcoTechnology – we make green make sense.
Free Solar Energy Workshop said,
September 23, 2011 at 11:08 am
MA State has one of the most lucrative solar programs in the country! Representatives from a local solar energy company (based in Ludlow) will explain how you can get started with solar electric (PV). They will explain how the technology works, how much it costs, what incentives and rebates are available to you from State and Federal governments, and all about Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs). Come to this presentation to learn how you can start turning the sun into money today!
Where: Amherst Jones Library
43 Amity Street, Amherst, MA
When: Tuesday, September 27
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
More information: 1-866-312-7673
Hilltown Families said,
September 19, 2011 at 12:04 pm
Creating Greenfield’s Future: Our Food, Economy, and Community
Sat, Nov 5, 8:30a-4:30p
Greenfield Community College, Main Campus
Greening Greenfield Energy Committee presents a day-long forum for citizens, students and business leaders to discuss:
How do we make good local food affordable?
How do we develop a sustainable local economy?
How do we enhance our health and well-being?
Keynote: BEN HEWETT, author “The Town that Food Saved”
Free childcare at the YMCA Lunch and refreshments included
$25 Early reg fee (by Oct 14). $10 Scholarships (Students and others). $30 Reg fee Oct 14-Oct 28. $35 On-site Reg fee
More info: http://greeninggreenfield.org/
Hilltown Families said,
September 19, 2011 at 6:40 am
Green Building Tour & Open House
Saturday, October 1, 2011 | 10am-4pm | Free
Bullitt Reservation, 332 Bullitt Rd. Ashfield, MA 413.628.4485
With it’s deep energy retrofit, the old farmhouse at the Bullitt Reservation will be part of the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association’s Green Building Tour. Come see how energy-efficient and sustainable technologies can lessen your impact on the world while helping save money. It’s free to all. Contact 413-628-4485 x102 or email mwamsley@ttor.org
Out with the Cold: Choosing the Right Insulation for your house
Tuesday, October 18, 2011 | 6:30pm-8:30pm
Bullitt Reservation, 332 Bullitt Rd. Ashfield, MA 413.628.4485
Without proper insulation, four walls and a roof don’t mean much against a New England winter. Our panel of experts will help you sort through options, from the cutting-edge to the tried-and-true, when it comes to making old homes both comfortable and energy-efficient. Free to Members of the Trustees, non-members $5 call 413-628-4485 x102 or email mwamsley@ttor.org
Hilltown Families said,
September 19, 2011 at 4:44 am
Worm Composting Workshop
With Ben Goldberg
River Valley Market
October 6th, 6:30 – 8
At this interactive session, you will learn how to set up and manage
various kinds of worm bins, care and feeding of the worms, a little
worm ecology, and separating and using castings. The workshop is for
all levels of interest. Bring your questions and experiences to share.
Free & open to the public
Please register in advance
betsy@rivervalleymarket.coop OR
413-584-2665 x328
River Valley Market is located at
330 North King Street in Northampton, Massachusetts
http://wehaveworms.com
Hilltown Families said,
September 3, 2011 at 5:43 am
West County Resilience Committee
Next Program: September 6, 2011, 7:00pm
Reducing Winter Heating Costs
September 6 Meeting:
Are you worried about winter heating costs? Do you want to increase the energy efficiency of your home or apartment for your own comfort or so that you can be less wasteful or reduce global warming? Come to the Tuesday, Sept. 6 West County Resiliency Committee Meeting at 7pm to 8:30pm at Shelburne Senior Center where Cynthia Fand will present an overview of the projects that Coop Power and the local SWEET group are offering for free or low cost. Energy Benefits Counselor, Emma Stamas, will also answer your questions. Snacks will be provided form local gardens.
Upcoming October 4 Meeting:
On Tuesday, October 4, 2011 the topic will be similar but include more information about other energy efficiency organizations such as CET (Center for Ecological Technology) and MassSAVE which offer energy efficiency solutions and programs to help you cope with rising heating and electricity costs. This discussion will also take place at Shelburne Senior Center at 7pm and everyone is welcome to come and bring friends. The West County Resiliency Committee feels that this topic is so important and vast that we will devote two meetings to answer your questions and help our community become more energy resilient as we prepare for cold weather and possible power outages.
Alee said,
August 26, 2011 at 8:13 am
As part of Berkshire Grown’s Preserving the Bounty, these two canning classes are taught by nationally touring cookbook author Sherri Brooks Vinton, author of Storey’s bestselling preserving book, Put ‘em Up! Sherri will teach canning newbies how easy it is to preserve the fresh flavors of the summer to feed your families with local foods throughout the winter. Take home a jar of blueberry jam and spicy carrot pickles, and learn the techniques to preserve your garden harvest and the farmers’ market bounties.
Apartment Therapy’s The Kitchn says, “Ever since laying my eyes on this book months ago, this has been my go-to canning resource. It’s not only informative–it’s inspiring. And sometimes when we’re looking down a huge bag of green beans or zucchini from the farmers market and not sure what to do with it, inspiration is welcome.”
Saturday, August 27th (8:30 – 10:30 am)
Put ‘Em Up Canning Workshop: Quick Blueberry Jam and Spicy Carrot Pickles
Gramercy Bistro (@MASS MoCA), North Adams, MA
Fee: $30, or special $45 includes a copy of the author’s book Put ‘Em Up
Led by Sherri Brooks Vinton, author of Put ‘Em Up
RSVP at sarah@gramercybistro.com or 413.663.5300
Saturday, August 27th (4 – 6 pm)
Put ‘Em Up Canning Workshop: Quick Blueberry Jam and Spicy Carrot Pickles
The Nutrition Center, Great Barrington, MA
Fee: $30, or special $45 includes a copy of the author’s book Put ‘Em Up
Led by Sherri Brooks Vinton, author of Put ‘Em Up
RSVP at info@thenutritioncenter.org or 413.429.8110
Visit http://berkshiregrown.org/preserving-the-bounty-2011/ for a complete listing of Preserving the Bounty events.
Hilltown Families said,
August 23, 2011 at 12:26 pm
West County Resilience Committee
Next Program: September 6, 2011, 7:00pm
Reducing Winter Heating Costs
September 6 Meeting:
Are you worried about winter heating costs? Do you want to increase the energy efficiency of your home or apartment for your own comfort or so that you can be less wasteful or reduce global warming? Come to the Tuesday, Sept. 6 West County Resiliency Committee Meeting at 7pm to 8:30pm at Shelburne Senior Center where Cynthia Fand will present an overview of the projects that Coop Power and the local SWEET group are offering for free or low cost. Energy Benefits Counselor, Emma Stamas, will also answer your questions. Snacks will be provided form local gardens.
Upcoming October 4 Meeting:
On Tuesday, October 4, 2011 the topic will be similar but include more information about other energy efficiency organizations such as CET (Center for Ecological Technology) and MassSAVE which offer energy efficiency solutions and programs to help you cope with rising heating and electricity costs. This discussion will also take place at Shelburne Senior Center at 7pm and everyone is welcome to come and bring friends. The West County Resiliency Committee feels that this topic is so important and vast that we will devote two meetings to answer your questions and help our community become more energy resilient as we prepare for cold weather and possible power outages.
Leslie Edwards said,
August 15, 2011 at 1:16 pm
Last week to register for…
Learn the Art of Canning: Low-Cost “Preserving the Harvest” Class Offered at Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center
On Monday August 22 & 29, 6-8 pm, Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center will offer a class on hot-water bath canning at the Middlefield Town Hall kitchen. The class will be instructed by local food enthusiast Molly Merrett and participants will learn how to can tomatoes, peaches, jams and salsas and will be able to take home one jar of each item. The class will review safety precautions and equipment as well as other preservation methods. Materials fee: $15 per person. Please register in advance by calling (413) 685-1052.
The Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center is located at 12 Littleville Rd. in Huntington. The SHAEC is a program of the U. Mass Labor/Management Workplace Education Program and is funded by a Community Development Block Grant from the Mass Dept. of Housing and Community Development through the lead town of Russell, in partnership with Chester, Huntington, and Middlefield.
Layla Hazen said,
August 12, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Come join expert gardener Hope Guardenier at the Bullitt Reservation’s garden classroom for a discussion and demonstration of a variety of food storage techniques, from root cellars and freezing to dry beans and dehydrators. You’ll get information on which crops store best, the conditions they need, and how to make sure your harvest is available to you even in the dark months of winter. New and experienced gardener’s welcome– bring your questions or share your successful strategies and tips.
Wednesday, August 17th, 6 PM
Bullitt Reservation, 332 Bullitt Rd. , Ashfield 01330,
Free, but please register in advance by calling 413.628.4485 x 4 or emailing lhazen@ttor.org
Thank you!
Michelle Parrish said,
August 8, 2011 at 9:01 am
North Amherst Community Farm presents “Building Sustainability Together–Skills for Kids and Families.”
Wed. Aug. 10th 10am-noon Have You Any Wool? Meet the sheep and make some felt.
Wed. Aug. 17th 10am-noon Worm Bin Composting. Make a worm bin and bring home red worms.
Sat. Aug. 20th 2-4pm Seed Saving–Plant the Future. Collect and bring home herb, flower, and vegetable seeds.
Wed. Aug. 24th 10am-noon Harvest the Sun. Make your own solar oven.
Workshops will be held rain or shine at North Amherst Community Farm 1089 North Pleasant St. Amherst, MA. For kids ages 5 and up accompanied by a caretaker. $10 caretaker and child together, $3 each additional child. To register contact Michelle at programs@nacfonline.org or call 413-624-6223. For more info go to http://www.nacfonline.org
Hilltown Families said,
August 5, 2011 at 4:37 pm
Solar Thermal Workshop from CISA and MA Farm Energy Program
Monday, August 22nd, 6:00-8:00pm, CISA and the MA Farm Energy Program will team up to offer a workshop on Solar Thermal energy for farmers.
Come learn the basics of energy efficient solar hot water systems with the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program and system installers, including The Solar Store and Coop Power. We will discuss system and equipment options, best management practices for different farm sectors, how to work with an installer, funding opportunities, and take a look at an on-site system. Find out how the MA Farm Energy Program can be a resource for your farm energy project from planning to implementation.
The workshop will be held at Crossroads Farm, 1231 West Road, Ashfield. Snacks will be served, suggested donation $5. Please RSVP by Friday, August 19th to Devon Whitney-Deal at 413-665-7100 x22 or devon@buylocalfood.org.
The Massachusetts Farm Energy Program (MFEP) is a program of Berkshire-Pioneer RC&D, with support from MDAR and USDA-NRCS. This energy efficiency workshop is supported in part by USDA/Risk Management Agency and by individual contributors and Local Hero members.
Founded in 1993, CISA is a nationally recognized community organization comprised of farmers, consumers, and professionals working together to sustain agriculture, strengthen the local economy, preserve the unique rural character of our communities, and enhance the well-being of western Massachusetts. Located in South Deerfield, CISA is the creator of numerous innovative programs, including Senior FarmShare, the Pioneer Valley Women in Agriculture Network, and the Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown® public awareness campaign. Learn more about CISA at http://www.buylocalfood.org or call (413) 665-7100.
Rebecca Fletcher said,
August 2, 2011 at 11:32 am
Sunday, September 11, 2011 8:30am-5pm
TOGETHER ON THE LAND TOUR: Register today for this multi-site guided tour of options for affordable, ecological, community living in the Pioneer Valley. Visit co-ops, co-housing, community land trusts, farms and more! Co-sponsored by the Cooperative Development Institute, Co-op Power, Equity Trust, Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust & Valley Community Land Trust. Pre-Registration Required. $20 per ticket, discounts & scholarships available. FIND OUT MORE & REGISTER ONLINE AT VCLT.ORG/TOUR
http://VCLT.ORG/TOUR
Jamie said,
June 29, 2011 at 9:00 am
FREE “In Transition” Film Showing TONIGHT @ 7:15PM, Forbes Library, Northampton
Want to learn more about the Transition Town Movement? Worried about peak oil? Want to get involved in the transition from oil dependence to local resilience in your community? Considering registering for the official Training for Transition in Northampon on July 9th and 10th, but want to learn more first?
Then Transition Northampton welcomes you to attend a FREE screening of “In Transition,” a documentary about the global Transition Town Movement, TONIGHT @ 7:15PM in the Forbes Library Community Room. Come meet some of the Transition Northampton Initiating Committee members, as well as other members of your community! Movie runs for 50 minutes, with an informal discussion to follow. Light refreshments will be provided!
–
Please also do not forget to register for our upcoming training. I would like to remind everyone that we are very fortunate to be offering this training at a VERY low cost (sliding scale $85-$165 [$165 is the normal cost of the training]), and to encourage those who are interested in taking the training to register as soon as possible. The minimum cost of the training will bump up from $85 to $100 at the end of June, and since we are all aware that money is tight these days, please do not hesitate to sign up ASAP. Any amount that you are able to pay over the minimum will go to support the attendance of low-income individuals, so please be as generous as you can.
TRAINING for TRANSITION July 9-10, 2011 Northampton, Massachusetts
This participatory two-day workshop is for anyone wishing to explore the many dimensions of “transitioning” and “resilience”, & to support local action & collaboration in their community.
The Training for Transition course helps you:
- Explore ways of increasing community resilience
- Learn to describe the challenges of Peak Oil and resource depletion, climate change, and economic instability in ways
that bring people together and inspire action
- Receive tools for community outreach, education and creating shared vision
- Learn how to facilitate community collaboration — supporting existing leadership and expanding the number and
diversity of people involved
- Meet others in your region who share your concerns and want to transition to greater stability and security
Become a part of a rapidly growing positive, inspirational, global movement!
Who should attend: People interested in learning ways to transition their community, and people already creating a Transition Initiative who want to network and deepen their work.
Instructors: Tina Clarke & Alistair Lough, certified Transition Trainers
Cost: Western MA Sliding Scale: $85 student/low-income – $165 (full cost). If you hail from outside Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden or Berkshire counties (western MA): please pay $165 (full cost). Contributions beyond your fee helps folks with low incomes to attend! After June 30th, sliding scale starts at $100. Cost includes materials, breakfast & lunch.
To Register:
Send a note and your registration fee ($165 if outside of western MA, sliding scale if from WMA) plus scholarship donations (if you can) to: Catherine Ratte, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), 60 Congress Street, Springfield, MA, 01104-3419.
Make check out to: Pioneer Valley Regional Ventures Center. Contact Catherine at:cratte@pvpc.org Phone: 413-781-6045, x311
Schedule: Saturday 9:00 a.m. Registration & Meeting Each Other. Workshop both days: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Questions? Contact Organizers:
Bethany Webster webster.bethany08@gmail.com, 401-330-6288 (cell) and
Jamie Pottern: jpottern@gmail.com, 301-943-2570 (cell)
(Workshop limited to 45 people. More workshops coming. Info: http://www.TransitionUS.org or TinaClarke@TransitionNetwork.org, 413-658-8165)
Jamie said,
June 22, 2011 at 11:11 am
TRAINING for TRANSITION
July 9-10, 2011
Northampton, Massachusetts
The Transition movement in the U.K. ignited a global conversation and sharing about positive, creative actions to build community resilience in the face of economic instability, energy cost increases, worsening social inequity, and environmental crisis. Transition U.S. (www.TransitionUS.org) is offering the Training for Transition course developed by the Transition Network (www.TransitionNetwork.org) and taught in over 30 countries. The course is an in-depth experiential introduction to the ideas, process and practices that have inspired tens of thousands of people in hundreds of communities, and catalyzed a rapidly-growing global network. This participatory two-day workshop is for anyone wishing to explore the many dimensions of “transitioning” and “resilience”, and to support local action and collaboration in their community.
At the Training for Transition course, you will:
_ Explore ways of increasing community resilience
_ Learn to describe the challenges of Peak Oil and resource depletion, climate change, and economic instability in ways that bring people together and inspire action
_ Receive tools for community outreach, education and creating shared vision
_ Learn how to facilitate community collaboration — supporting existing leadership and expanding the number and diversity of people involved
_ Meet others in your region who share your concerns and want to transition to greater stability and security
_ Become a part of a rapidly growing positive, inspirational, global movement!
Who should attend: People interested in learning ways to transition their community, and people already creating a Transition Initiative who want to network and deepen their work.
Instructors: Tina Clarke & Alistair Lough, certified Transition Trainers
Cost: Western MA Sliding Scale: $85 student/low-income – $165 (full cost). If you hail from outside Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden or Berkshire counties (western MA): please pay $165 (full cost). Contributions beyond your fee helps folks with low incomes to attend! After June 30th, sliding scale starts at $100. Cost includes materials, breakfast & lunch.
To Register: Send a note and your registration fee ($165 if outside of western MA, sliding scale if from WMA) plus scholarship donations (if you can) to: Catherine Ratte, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC), 60 Congress Street, Springfield, MA, 011043419. Make check out to: Pioneer Valley Regional Ventures Center. Contact Catherine at: cratte@pvpc.org Phone: 413-781-6045, x311
Schedule: Saturday 9:00 a.m. Registration & Meeting Each Other. Workshop both days: 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Questions? Contact Organizers Bethany Webster and Jamie Pottern
Bethany Webster: webster.bethany08@gmail.com, 401-330-6288 (cell) Jamie Pottern: jpottern@gmail.com, 301-943-2570 (cell)
[Workshop limited to 45 people. More workshops coming.
Info: http://www.TransitionUS.org or TinaClarke@TransitionNetwork.org, 413-658-8165]
Hilltown Families said,
June 16, 2011 at 12:10 pm
June 2011
Imagine a summer without watermelons, a Halloween without pumpkins, or a Thanksgiving without cranberries. These and over 100 other fruits and vegetables can only grow with the help of native bees and other pollinators. Yet bees are in trouble. Along with honeybees, many native bee populations are on the decline here in Massachusetts and worldwide, from loss of habitat, gardening and landscaping practices, pesticide and herbicide use, and disease. They might not be as easy as songbirds and turtles to like, but native bees need our help now.
To help people understand our native bees and make better choices about our lawn and garden care, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other bee advocates are celebrating National Pollinator Week June 20-26, 2011.
“Bees of the Montague Plains: Some of Our Native Pollinators” will be held Tuesday June 21, 2011 at 7 PM at the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office at 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, Massachusetts.
Come hear native bee biologist Joan Milam explore the world of native bees on the Montague Plains. Visitors to the event will also be able to enjoy hands-on microscope exhibits of bees, information about landscaping suggestions, information on U.S. Department of Agriculture funding and technical support for larger pollinator habitat projects by farmers and landowners, and directions for building simple bee houses.
Other events during the week at the USFWS Hadley Regional Office Center include ongoing showing of the short native bee domestication video “Honey For The Maya” and a showing of “Queen of the Sun” on the global honeybee crisis. Visitors to the Hadley USFWS Regional Office can also see the Pollinator Garden, which will be expanded this summer.
Calendar of Pollinator Events
Tuesday June 21 “Bees of the Montague Plains: Some of Our Native Pollinators” – Presentation by native bee biologist Joan Milam, hands-on microscope exhibits, information about native pollinator conservation, 7 PM at U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA
Wednesday June 22 Pollinator Garden Expansion ceremony, 12 noon at back plaza, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office, 300 Westgate Center Drive, Hadley, MA
Thursday June 23 “Queen of The Sun”-film on the global honeybee crisis, 7 PM, seating is first come, first served-auditorium at US Fish and Wildlife Service Regional Office, 300 Westgate Center Drive Hadley, MA.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/northeast. Connect with our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/usfwsnortheast, follow our tweets at http://www.twitter.com/usfwsnortheast, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwsnortheast.
Hilltown Families said,
June 4, 2011 at 7:25 am
Creating Jobs in Our Local Community West County Resilience Committee Meeting
June 7, 2011, 7:00 – 9:00pm
Shelburne Senior Center
5 Main Street, Shelburne Falls, MA
Shelburne Falls, MA
At 7pm on Tuesday, June 7, the West County Resiliency Committee will have a free and open discussion about how each of us can help to create jobs in our local community. Emma Stamas will lead the discussion based on the recent book by Ben Hewitt entitled,” The Town That Food Saved”.
In addition there will be time to add your own ideas and learn about other projects that are helping to move money into our local economy and keep it here instead of sending it to off to far away places or into the bank accounts of huge corporations. The free meeting will be at the Shelburne Senior Center and all are welcome to attend.
Our July meeting is tentatively set for 6 to 8:30pm on Tuesday, July 12, and will be a locavore potluck picnic supper, more details to follow. We hope that families with children will attend so save the date and start thinking about what you could make with some of the wonderful local produce we will have available in July!
Hilltown Families said,
May 28, 2011 at 5:07 am
Composting at Home Workshop
Saturday, June 25th, 9:30 am-12:30pm
Land Of Providence, Route 5, Holyoke
Compost can’t be beat as a means to enrich your soil and keep your garden or farms healthy and productive. Maintaining compost systems reduces the amount of trash produced in your home. You don’t need to be a green-thumb, or even have a yard or garden to benefit from composting. Many people keep small compost systems, maintained by earthworms, beneath their sinks. Composting, indoors or out, is a very clean, efficient way to turn food waste into lovely, nutrient-rich soil. If you have never tried composting and would like help setting up a system that works for you, join us for this fun workshop. Register at 413-532-1631 x14 or email westregion@ttor.org
Hilltown Families said,
April 17, 2011 at 7:23 am
Green Action In Northampton Schools (GAINS) Program
The Green Action in Northampton Schools (GAINS) Program is an innovative environmental program that brings real world problems into Northampton’s schools and engages students and other members of our school community in critical and creative thinking to address those problems. The focus is on education about sustainability and on organizing students to learn about and take action towards sustainability. Green teams are organized in each school to lead the school in identifying projects to work on. These initiatives will then be used to develop cross-disciplinary learning experiences in the classroom. GAINS is a collaboration between concerned citizens, the Northampton Energy and Sustainability Officer, the Waste Management Supervisor of Northampton’s DPW, The Hitchcock Center for the Environment, the Center for Ecological Technology and the Principals, Teachers, Staff and Students of the Northampton Public Schools. The project will receive $15,000 for one year. [Source: Northampton Education Foundation]
Hilltown Families said,
April 5, 2011 at 4:37 am
Saturday, April 9th in Florence, MA
Register NOW for the “Organic Lawns for Homeowners” workshop on Saturday, April 9 from 1-4 pm at the Look Memorial Park, 300 No. Main St., Florence, taught by NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professional Bernadette Giblin of Safeground Organic Landcare. This workshop is part of “NOFA/Mass Statewide Organic Lawn Days,” to educate homeowners in all aspects of organic lawn installation, maintenance and best cultural practices. Funded by the Toxics Use Reduction Institute of UMass Lowell.
Workshop fee: $25. For more information or to register contact Kathy Litchfield at (413) 773-3830 or Kathy@nofamass.org
For details on this workshop and others across MA,
see: http://www.nofamass.org/programs/landcare/index.php
Hilltown Families said,
April 1, 2011 at 4:42 pm
Pickling workshop Sat. 4/9 in West Cummington
Preserve vegetables the old-fashioned no-vinegar, no-heat way with friendly bacteria cultures.
Saturday, April 9 from 2:30 to 5:00 pm
West Cummington Parish House
27 W. Main St. West Cummington
$20 (Pre-registration hoped)
Pre-register at http://www.sarahstockwell.com
(PayPal accepted) or call 634-8062
Some pre-registrations needed by 4/5 to ensure the workshop runs.
Meg Taylor said,
April 1, 2011 at 4:06 pm
The 4th annual Valley Coop Tour
Sponsored by the Pioneer Valley Backyard Chicken Association
April 10, 2011
12 noon to 6 pm
Nine innovative coops featured in Holyoke, Pelham, Amherst, Northampton, Florence, Haydenville, and Williamsburg. Topics discussed to include coop requirements, zoning regulations, breeds, egg production, predator control, hen nutrition and health, and much more! More details and tour map can be found at pioneervalleybackyardchickenassociation.weebly.com This is a FREE event. Beginners and children welcome. Car pooling and biking encouraged (but please leave canine friends at home).
Hilltown Families said,
April 1, 2011 at 11:27 am
Home composting workshop scheduled
On Saturday, April 9, the Center for EcoTechnology will offer a free home composting workshop at the First Congregational Church at 906 Main Street in Williamstown from 10 a.m. to 11: 30 a.m.
“Composting is easy and there are year round benefits,” says Jamie Cahillane, Recycling Services and Waste Reduction Program Manager at the Center for EcoTechnology.
Attendees will participate in a hands-on demonstration of how to build an efficient and active compost pile. A good home compost system can improve lawns, gardens and houseplants; help the planet by reducing household waste volume; and save money by reducing waste costs and saving the expense of having to purchase topsoil or compost in bags.
Support for this workshop comes from the USDA, Rural Development. This workshop is co-sponsored by the Williamstown COOL committee. Registration is required and will be capped at no more than 30 participants. For more information or to register, contact Avie Maloney at aviem@cetonline.org or call 413-445-4556 ext. 30.
The Center for EcoTechnology is an equal opportunity service provider and employer.
Hilltown Families said,
March 24, 2011 at 4:49 am
Tuesday, April 5th in Shelburne Falls, MA (FREE)
Climate Resilient Farms and Gardens
West County Resiliency Group Meeting
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 7:00-8:30pm
We welcome the community to join us on Tuesday April 5, from 7 – 8:30 p.m. at the West County Resiliency Group meeting at the Shelburne Senior Center (7 Main St., Shelburne Falls) to discuss how each of us can develop Climate Resilient Farms and Gardens. The session will be led by Eli Rogosa of the Heritage Grain Conservancy based in Colrain. We will discuss how to implement water catchment systems for rainwater harvesting and how to enhance agrobiodiversity with both drought hardy and rain tolerant world grains and vegetables. Seed samples will be available for participants.
Eli and her husband Cr Lawn manage the Colrain Seed Farm, a center for biodiversity. Eli worked for 10 years in the Mideast implementing dryland water catchment and ecological wastewater treatment systems on traditional organic farms, and coordinated biodivesity cooperation involving the Israel, Palestine and Jordan genebanks, with traditional farmers. She is the coordinator of the USDA-funded program Northeast Organic Wheat based at UMass to restore grain biodiversity to New England farms and gardens. See: growseed.org for further information.
Hilltown Families said,
March 21, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Looking for a place to bring used and/or old electronics? Jennifer Meighan found a Western MA resource: ‘Gold Circuit E-Cycling’ in Ludlow. Phone is (413) 328-3187. Thanks for sharing this local resource, Jennifer!
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=10150165358771418&id=1314182075
Hilltown Families said,
March 18, 2011 at 7:39 am
Building Your Backyard Garden
Saturday, April 9th| 10AM
Bullitt Reservation, Ashfield, MA | Free
Join us at the Bullitt Reservation on April 9th at 10am for a garden building workshop featuring sheet mulching techniques, raised bed building, and garden soil composition. Participants will learn methods for easily creating a garden with no digging or rototilling. Concurrent children’s activities will be offered. Free. Space is limited, so please register in advance with Layla at 413.628.4485 or lhazen@ttor.org.
Hilltown Families said,
March 18, 2011 at 4:52 am
Friday & Saturday, April 15th & 16th, 2011 in Sheblurne Falls, MA (>$)
Pothole Pictures screens “Vanishing of the Bees” documentary on April 15 – 16
Panel of local bee experts to discuss film, local writers contribute to support local farms
(Shelburne Falls, Mass.) On Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16 at 7:30 pm, Pothole Pictures will present two screenings of the documentary film “Vanishing of the Bees” in the historic 400-seat Memorial Hall Theater, located at 51 Bridge Street in downtown Shelburne Falls. Each showing is preceded by a half hour of “music at the movies” donated by local musicians. On Friday, April 15 at 7:00 pm, the Back Porch Pickers play old timey music. On Saturday, April 16 at 7:00 pm, Zadjedno presents men’s acappella songs from the Dalmation coast of Croatia. And on both evenings, Shelburne Falls poet John Berkowitz will read his short poem on the subject prior to the film. A discussion panel with local beekeepers will take place only on Saturday, April 15 following the film. Movies are $6 adults and $4 for children.
Since 2006, honeybees have been disappearing from their hives in an alarming and perplexing crisis called “colony collapse disorder” (CCD) which threatens as much as 1/3 of the food we eat, including most fruits & vegetables. This compelling documentary investigates CCD with a scientific slant that also emphasizes the mythic and spiritual sense of the bee, resulting in a film with all the suspense of the best mysteries and dramas and the hard information of serious investigative pieces, and a wide perspective that expands into more sustainable approaches to living, organic farming, and alternative beekeeping methods. The 86-minute documentary, made in 2009, is narrated by actress, Ellen Page (“Juno”) and directed by George Langworthy and Maryam Henein.
On Saturday, April 15, the audience is invited to discuss the film with a panel of local experts. Dan Conlon, president of the Mass. Beekeepers Association and owner of Warm Colors Apiary in Deerfield, will join Dr. Rick Intres of Bear Meadow Apiary in Ashfield to present their perspective on the film and answer questions. Dr. Intres is president of the Franklin County Beekeepers. The film’s executive producer, Peter Heller will round out the panel.
“We decided to show ‘Vanishing of the Bees’ at the start of the spring planting season, to bring a fascinating topic to our occasional community film discussions, and to remind ourselves how connected we all are to the web of life and food that bees help create,” said Pothole Pictures volunteer, Andrew Baker. “We live in an agricultural region filled with orchards, dairies and organic farms that we all value and try hard to support with local purchasing. Those farms depend on bees for pollination and we, in turn, rely on these small buzzing helpers for the food we eat. The film helps show us how fragile and interconnected our world is.”
The Shelburne Falls Area Business Association (SFABA) and Communities Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) are two area organizations working to support local agriculture that are co-sponsoring this presentation of “Vanishing of the Bees.” SFABA includes 21 farms and agricultural businesses among its members and has organized an innovative partnership between six Shelburne Falls restaurants and groceries to compost their food waste at a local farm, diverting it from landfills to productive use. CISA coordinates the now-famous “Local Hero” campaign supporting purchase of local farm products. It has recently helped launch Pioneer Valley GROW, a collaborative effort to provide financing for local post-harvest value-added food production.
Bear Mountain Apiary and Warm Colors Apiary will have honey available for purchase in the lobby before or after the movie. Local authors, Anne Woodhull and Shelley Rotner, will also have their children’s book “The Buzz on Bees” available in the lobby. The Northampton area authors were motivated by the film and their concern about colony collapse disorder to write a book about the subject that is accessible to elementary school age children. It was published in May, 2010 by Holiday House.
Pothole Pictures is a volunteer-run community movie theater that has been showing classic, independent and locally made films on the big screen in a historic theater since 1995. A special feature of its film series are “meet the director” presentations which engage the audience with people involved in the making of the movies it shows. Movie tickets can be purchased in advance (Five tickets for $20) or at the door ($6 adults, $4 children). For more information, contact Fred DeVecca at (413) 625-2896 or visit the web site at http://www.shelburnefallsmemorialhall.org.
Hilltown Families said,
February 23, 2011 at 5:38 am
Workshops at River Valley Market (Northampton, MA)
Seed Starting Workshop
Saturday, March 5, 2011 from 10-11:30 am
Join co-op workshop favorites Billie and Sandy to learn how to start seeds for your summer garden. The workshop is free, but space is limited. To reserve your place, contact Member Services Manager Betsy Powell: betsy@rivervalleymarket.com
Green Burial Forum
Tuesday, March 29, 2011 from 6:30-7:30 pm
Come learn about the green burial movement, which strives to provide a beautiful, natural environment for those who wish to go back to a simple and ecological way of restoring death to its rightful place in the life cycle.The workshop is free, but space is limited. To reserve your place, contact Betsy: betsy@rivervalleymarket.com
Leslie Edwards said,
February 16, 2011 at 1:10 pm
Introducing the Self-Sufficiency Series at SHAEC
Southern Hilltowns Adult Education Center (SHAEC) brings inspiring “do it yourself” workshops to the hilltowns with:
“Preparing for your Spring Garden,” with instructor Molly Merrett, Mondays, Feb 21 & 28, 6-8 pm
and “Raising Backyard Chickens,” with Alicia & Ross Hackerson of Gray Dog’s Farm, Sat, Feb 26, 9-12 (call for class site)
Workshops occur in Huntington, MA and are free; preference for space goes to those who live in the towns our grant serves (Huntington, Russell, Middlefield and Chester)
To register, please contact SHAEC at 413-667-0217.
Cherylann Richards said,
February 15, 2011 at 1:03 pm
Co-op Conversations
We Want to Hear From You! Please join us at one of four small group conversations to share ideas with each other about the progress that has been made in the last year and the work still to be accomplished to transition the Old Creamery into a community owned co-op. Attendance is limited to 15. Advanced sign-up is required.
Tuesday March 1 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Thursday March 3 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Saturday March 5 1:30 – 3:30 pm (to be held at the Cummington
Community House with Childcare available)
Monday March 7 7:00 – 9:00 pm
The conversations will be held at the Old Creamery Sustainability Library on the second floor of the Old Creamery (except March 5)
RSVP Required
Please contact the Outreach Coordinator Outreach@oldcreamery.coop or leave a message for Alice or Amy at the Old Creamery 634-5560 to sign up for a conversation.
Hilltown Families said,
January 3, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Saturday, January 8th in Greefield, MA (FREE)
GREEN FIELDS MARKET IS HOSTING A FREE WORM COMPOSTING WORKSHOP
JANUARY 8TH – 2 – 4 PM.
LOCATION: GREEN FIELDS MARKET, 144 MAIN STREET, GREENFIELD, MA
* Why compost with worms anyway?
* Types of worms and why it’s important to know the difference
* Basic worm anatomy and reproduction
* Worm bin ecology
* Care and feeding
* Separating castings
* Uses for the castings
WORM BINS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE AT THE WORKSHOP BY PREORDER.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFO, TO PREORDER, OR TO RSVP, PLEASE CONTACT:
Green Fields Market 413-773-9567 or email@greenfieldsmarket.coop
Ben Goldberg 413-586-3699 or bins@wehaveworms.com
Directions from I-91 or Rt 2
Take I-91 or Rte. 2 (they run together for a while) to the Exit 26
rotary. Head into town on 2A east (Main St.) Go up the hill to the
top, then look for us a couple of blocks ahead on the left. Look for
the long green awning. Free parking in back. Turn onto Wells
Street on the left before reaching the store.
http://www.greenfieldsmarket.com/ for map.
Hilltown Families said,
October 28, 2010 at 12:16 pm
CLIMATE DISRUPTION: A DISCUSSION LED BY DAVID HAM
On Wednesday, November 17th, Meekins Library will host a discussion of climate change and disruption. The discussion will be held in the Hawks~Hayden Community Room.
According to the discussion leader David ham, “Our climate is changing in ways that can be disastrous for our civilization. Governments’ actions, especially ours, are not seriously addressing our use of fossil fuels that is leading to the disasters. Achieving necessary actions requires understanding in many areas related to the climate disruptions: including science, technologies, economics, politics, governance, philosophy, and religion.”
David Ham encourages anyone interested in discussing questions or concerns about these topics to come and contribute to the discussion. Many recent sources are available to inform us about these issues.
For some of Ham’s suggested sources of mostly accurate information please go to the Williamsburg Library web page: http://www.meekins-library.org and click on the icon of the world and Climate Disruption Reading List
For more information please contact Lisa Wenner at the library at 268-7472 or go to the webpage: http://www.meekins-library.org
Sources of mostly accurate information suggested by David Ham
Books:
Archer, David; “The Long Thaw” (Princeton, 2009)
thorough discussion of the carbon cycle and effects of oceans, mostly science
Cullen, Heidi; “The Weather of the Future” (Harper, 2010)
easy reading, what to expect
Hansen, James; “Storms Of My Grandchildren” (Bloomsbury, 2009)
the best overall explanation of the science by the expert who tells it like it is
Kolbert, Elizabeth; “Field Notes from a Catastrophe” (Bloomsbury, 2006)
on the scene reportage by a journalist who writes very well and accurately
McKibben, Bill; “eaarth” (Times Books, 2010)
mostly a rant, by the Earth Day organizer, suggestions for rural New England
Oreskes, Naomi and Conway, Eric M.; “Merchants of Doubt” (Bloomsbury, 2010)
science historian shows how public is misled about scientific issues
Orr, David W.: “Down to the Wire” (Oxford, 2009)
emphasis on politics, philosophy etc., very good but not easy reading
Pooley, Eric; “The Climate War” Hyperion, 2010)
a journalist covers recent U.S. political (lack of) action on climate change
Romm, Joseph J.; “Hell and High Water” (William Morrow, 2007) and
“Straight Up” (Island Press, 2010)
scientist/administrator gives good overview of most issues, popular blogger
Most of these are available through the CW/MARS catalog and the Meekins Library.
Many other media sources, books, and internet sites and blogs are helpful for learning about this complex and important issue.
Hilltown Families said,
October 28, 2010 at 9:37 am
Jane Andresen, Energy Coach Co-op Power writes:
Co-op Power can perform free energy audits on homes that are serviced by WMECO. If you all have friends in any of the following towns, and would like to invite them to contact me for a free audit (which will be much more comprehensive than the ones offered by the utility companies), that would be wonderful.
The towns that use WMECO as their electric provider are:
Agawam Amherst Ashfield Becket Granville Deerfield Bernardston Blandford Longmeadow Easthampton Buckland Cheshire Ludlow Hadley Chesterfield Dalton Southwick Hatfield Chester Hancock Springfield Huntington Colrain Hinsdale West Springfield Leverett Conway Lanesboro Montgomery Cummington Lee Pelham Deerfield Lenox Russell Erving Middlefield Southampton Gill New Ashford Sunderland Greenfield Otis Westhampton Leyden Peru Whately Montague Pittsfield Northfield Richmond Plainfield Sandisfield Shelburne Savoy Worthington Tolland Tyringham Washington Windsor
In addition, there are a few audits available through this same program for households that heat with gas and use Berkshire Gas. (Some of the towns that Berkshire Gas services are: Most towns in the northwest corner, and those in a straight line down to Great Barrington, plus Greenfield, Montague, Deerfield, Whately, Hatfield, Sunderland, Hadley and Amherst.
Jane
–
Jane Andresen, Energy Coach
Co-op Power
324 Wells Street
Greenfield, MA 01302
(413) 695-6430
jane@cooppower.coop
http://www.cooppower.coop
Leslie Chaison said,
October 19, 2010 at 4:47 pm
A Public Forum
Just Roots, a local citizens’ group, will host a Public Forum in the Town of Greenfield on Sunday, November 7th at 2pm at the Greenfield High School. This forum will be a conversation to help define, as a Greenfield area
community, the best use of the Greenfield Town Farm, which includes 31 acres of prime farmland. This conversation will include decision makers, working farmers, community gardeners, social service networks, educators, permaculturists, and you. The forum will be held in the Greenfield High School Cafeteria. The high school is located off Silver Street in Greenfield. Please come and be part of the vision! For more information, contact jaylordjr@gmail.com.
Note: This event itself is not for families, but a community farm in Greenfield will greatly benefit our community for years to come. Come make your voice heard!
Hilltown Families said,
October 15, 2010 at 12:07 pm
November 6th in Northampton, MA
We Are Wild Foods is putting on another seasonal feast featuring wild and local delights from the Pioneer Valley.
The Acorn Awakening will be a celebration of the abundance of autumn in New England. After mingling with appetizers and drinks, guests can expect a delicious, three course dinner featuring wild, local and organic delicacies prepared with care, love and traditional methods – such as: Jerusalem artichokes, acorn bread, raccoon, persimmons, venison, and other roots, fruits and shoots available this season. Meet some of our plant relatives in person, learn about their lives and how to harvest and prepare them, and join a thoughtful discussion concerning food, humans, and what it means to be wild. Home-brews, harp music, and herbal teas, coffees and smoking blends will round out the evening.
In this silly reality that we call “2010″, our food comes from across the country if not the world. It lives indoors, under plastic, and in rows. It’s poisoned, irradiated, sliced, boxed, chilled and schlepped, stocked, shelved, purchased, schlepped, chilled, nuked then scarfed down in front of the boob tube. It is nutritionally dead, depleted, processed, abused, stale… a shadow of its wild origins. But, as in any year, animals are what they eat. By engaging our wild neighbors and relatives we penetrate the wallpaper that otherwise prevents us from experiencing life on this planet as an animal, a macrobe, a part of a larger whole. Come join us in creating a new culture.
WHEN & WHERE:
November 6th, 2010 7pm-10ish
Location TBA (in the Northampton area)
There is a suggested donation of 15-30$ for the event. If you would like to reserve a place at the table, please RSVP to this email address. Be sure to include the number of seats reserved, and any food allergies or restrictions. Note that tree nuts, roadside beasts and dairy may be in some dishes, while cane sugar, wheat, preservatives and pesticides won’t!
This is a first come, first serve event, and space requires we limit seating to 20 spaces.
We Are Wild Food is:
Carly Leusner, Felix Lufkin, Devin Roark, Mike Nord, Eli Stark, Claudia Coleman, Dean Colpack
We are a collective of wild folks, aiming to create awareness about food that hangs outside our windows, creeps into our lawns, and runs through our streets; to help us all become more sustainable inhabitants of this floating sphere…
Hilltown Families said,
October 14, 2010 at 11:03 am
Saturday, November 6th | 9AM -12:30PM
Bryant Homestead, Cummington, MA | Trustees Members $5, Non-members $10
The charm of old buildings should come from their history and unique designs, not from their draftiness. But what can a homeowner, town or organization do when a complete renovation isn’t possible? Join The Trustees of Reservations on Saturday, November 6th from 9AM to 12:30PM, for a day of talks, tours and demonstrations geared toward making your everyday spaces more efficient and cozy. The backdrop will be the historic William Cullen Bryant Homestead, where visitors can see many of the available options in use helping to protect this local treasure. Please R.S.V.P. to 413.268.8219 or mwamsley@ttor.org.
Hilltown Families said,
October 8, 2010 at 11:53 am
Saturday, October 30th from 2:00 to 4:30 pm
Cummington Community House kitchen, 33 Main Street, Cummington.
Preserve vegetables the old-fashioned no-vinegar, no-heat way with
friendly bacteria cultures $20. Pre-registration by 10/27 is required (Pre-payment is encouraged, but not required. The class will run if ten people pre-pay by 10/22.
Please email me at music@sarahstockwell.com to register or make payment
arrangements. You may use PayPal to pre-pay at http://www.sarahstockwell.com
Camilla Hansen said,
October 4, 2010 at 11:06 am
Clean Energy Connections – Business Growth for a Carbon-Neutral Future is the region’s premier forum for green career- and business-development information and networking. The event convenes business owners, entrepreneurs, financiers, educators, career seekers, community leaders, and public agencies.
Join the hundreds of other individuals, like you, who want to see the promise of the green economy turn into reality. Register NOW!
On Wednesday, October 20, you will:
ACCESS resources to build your green business.
MEET entrepreneurs and clean energy experts contributing to the green economy.
LEARN about clean energy trends to grow your green business.
Check out the program online for a full listing of who is speaking, who is exhibiting at the Opportunity Fair, and REGISTER TODAY! Registration fees increase after Oct 15 so don’t wait.
For more information visit http://www.umass.edu/green/conference and CLEAN ENERGY CONNECTIONS on the web.
Hilltown Families said,
October 3, 2010 at 6:55 am
Eat the Sky: The Climate Crisis and the Future of Food with Anna Lappe’
Wednesday, October 6 at 7:30pm
Location: Gamble Auditorium at Mount Holyoke College
http://www.mtholyoke.edu/wcl/25237.shtml
Anna Lappe will be speaking at Mt. Holyoke on Wednesday:
Wednesday October 6
ANNA LAPPÉ: DIET FOR A HOT PLANET
7:30pm, Gamble Auditorium, Mount Holyoke College, Rt 116, S Hadley. Anna Lappé will read from and sign Diet for a Hot Planet: The Climate Crisis at the End of Your Fork and What You Can Do About It. Beyond what we already know about “food miles” and eating locally, the global food system is a major contributor to climate change, producing as much as one-third of greenhouse gas emissions. How we farm, what we eat, and how our food gets to the table all have an impact. Our government and the food industry are willfully ignoring the issue rather than addressing it. In Anna Lappé’s controversial new book, she predicts that unless we radically shift the trends of what food we’re eating and how we’re producing it, food system-related greenhouse gas emissions will continue to go up. She exposes the interests that will resist the change and the spin food companies will generate to avoid system-wide reform. Lappé helps readers understand that food can be a powerful starting point for solutions to global environmental problems.
Info: James Harold, Weissman Center for Leadership and the Liberal Arts, (413) 538-3071, wcl@mtholyoke.edu.
Additional information on this and other WCL food events can be found at http://www.mtholyoke.edu/go/wcl_food. For food-related events at Mount Holyoke College, please visit http://www.mtholyoke.edu/go/food.
Hilltown Families said,
September 14, 2010 at 1:26 pm
Friday, October 1st in Pittsfield, MA (>$)
Solar energy seminar scheduled
A solar energy for your home or business seminar will be offered by the Center for Ecological Technology (CET) on Friday, October 1, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Berkshire Museum, 39 South Street, Pittsfield. Chris Vreeland, a registered professional engineer, is the featured speaker. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required and a donation of $10 per person is suggested. Please register online at http://www.cetonline.org/Events/events.php. Voluntary donations can be made online or at the door.
With volatile fuel prices and concern about the effects of increased consumption of fossil fuels on our health and environment, many businesses and homeowners are trying to conserve and seek local, clean sources of energy. Interest in solar hot water and solar electric (photovoltaic) systems for homes, farms, schools and businesses in western Massachusetts continues to grow. Grants and tax incentives are available to help offset the cost of investing in energy efficiency, solar energy and other renewable technologies.
At the seminar, Vreeland will help attendees determine if a solar installation would be a good fit for their situation by introducing the basics of solar hot water and solar photovoltaic systems, system components, determining sizing and siting of systems and reducing existing power loads through energy efficient improvements. Massachusetts is in transition from a rebate program into a new program that uses Solar Renewable Energy Credits as an incentive for solar photovoltaics projects. Vreeland will provide detailed information on financial incentives currently available for energy efficiency improvements and renewable energy from Massachusetts and the federal government.
Solar energy and more are highlighted in the annual Green Buildings Open House Tour the following day, Saturday, October 2. Homes and businesses old and new throughout the region will showcase features such as solar PV and hot water systems, passive solar design, geothermal systems, reclaimed building materials, straw-bale construction, small-scale hydro power and a Zero Net Energy home. Hours vary and the properties are located throughout the area. Check locations near you at http://www.nesea.org/greenbuildings.
In addition to the seminar and tour, to learn more aboutGreen Building in western Massachusetts, contact Megan at meganm@cetonline.org to receive CET’s EcoBuilder Newsletter. To stay in the loop on these and other CET events, sign up for EcoBytes or EcoUpdates by visiting http://www.cetonline.org or contact Susan at susans@cetonline.org.
For more information or to register for this seminar, contact CET at 413-445-4556 ext. 10, or cynthiag@cetonline.org.
CET is a non-profit energy and resource conservation organization that has served western Massachusetts since 1976. CET is supported in part by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency. CET is an equal opportunity service provider. This seminar is made possible through grant funding from Western Massachusetts Electric Company (WMECO), the Sohn Foundation and the Energy Federation Inc.
Hilltown Families said,
September 9, 2010 at 8:21 am
COMMUNITY CANNING FOR THE BERKSHIRE FOOD PROJECT
AT CARETAKER FARM THIS FRIDAY
On Friday, September 10 starting at 9 am, Caretaker Farm will host a community canning project to preserve tomatoes for the Berkshire Food Project.
Volunteers will be directed through this large-scale production by a farm member’s parents Emilio and Anna Cardinali, who have more than 100 years of canning experience combined.
Some of the completed tomato sauce will be delivered fresh to the Berkshire Food Project for meals over the next week. Additional tomatoes will be preserved for use at a later time. A great opportunity to learn how to can tomatoes, Caretaker Farm is seeking volunteers (of all ages) to help with various elements of the sauce-making project. No experience necessary.
This community production for the Berkshire Food Project is the second such venture for Caretaker Farm. The last community canning event took place in 2007, an abundant year for the tomato harvest. For details and photos of the 2007 event, visit farm member Ali Benjamin’s food blog at http://cleanerplateclub.wordpress.com/2007/09/25/tomatoes-hunger-and-community/.
On behalf of the Berkshire Food Project, Caretaker Farm will be accepting donations of quart-size canning jars and lids/rims. Jars will need to be delivered by 10 am Friday morning. To volunteer for the largest sauce-making production of the year, contact don@caretakerfarm.org or call (413) 458-9691.
Located in South Williamstown, Caretaker Farm has been operating as an organic vegetable farm for more than 40 years. The 35-acre family farm has 16-24 acres in pasture and seven acres in planned stages of vegetable production. Caretaker Farm is a Community Supported Agriculture Farm (CSA) with more than 250 CSA members who purchase a share in the annual harvest of mostly vegetables, with some small fruits and flowers. For more information, visit http://www.caretakerfarm.org.
Hilltown Families said,
September 7, 2010 at 10:43 am
Wednesday, September 29th in Northampton, MA (FREE)
Environmental Toxins and Your Health at the Forbes Library
6:30 p.m. in the Community Room
Please join local expert Dr. Jeffrey Soley for this important presentation regarding the presence of toxins in our environment and food supply. Atendees will learn the most common sources of toxicity, how current research has linked their presence to diabetes, autism, Alzheimers, and cardiovascular disease among others, and what practical strategies can be taken to protect your health.
Please call to reserve (413)977-6680. This workshop is free and open to all.
Hilltown Families said,
September 5, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Saturday, September 18th in Athol, MA
Fourth Annual Fungus Fair from 10:00am-5:00pm
Interested in mushrooms? The Millers River Environmental Center , 100 Main St. Athol , Massachusetts is putting the fun into fungus again with its Fourth Annual Fungus Fair.
Respected mycologists from throughout the United States will be on hand to share their knowledge. There will be morning and afternoon expeditions into the local woods to identify and collect mushrooms. Authorities will give talks throughout the day on topics that include a general overview of fungi, beginner’s mushroom identification, the ever changing state of mushroom taxonomy, and easily identified edibles. At lunch time, enjoy a wild mushroom cook-up. The inclusive cost for the day is $5; admission is free to members of Monadnock Mushroomers.
For more info email Noah Siegel at nsiegel1@yahoo.com
The schedule is as follows:
10:00 am Welcome
10:15 Morning Forays leave
10:30 Fantastic Fungi I Have Loved and Known with Rick Van de Poll
11:30 Beginners’ Mushroom Identification with Erin Page Blanchard
12:30 Get a taste of some wild fungi at the Mushroom Cook-up
1:00 pm Afternoon Forays leave
1:30 It’s Called What Now? Name changes in the DNA age with Noah Siegel
2:30 Common Edible & Poisonous Mushrooms: East vs. West with Debbie Viess
4:00 Table walk through, discussing the day’s finds with Noah Siegel.
Speakers this year are:
Dr. Rick Van de Poll is the principal of Ecosystem Management Consultants (EMC) of Sandwich , New Hampshire , which has conducted natural resource inventories for the public and private sector of New England since 1985. Dr. Van de Poll has completed biological inventories on over 150,000 acres of land, and has recorded over 1200 mushrooms in New Hampshire , including a number of undescribed species. With a Masters in Mycology and Environmental Communications, he has taught Mycology at Antioch University New England for many years, and currently teaches Mycology as an adjunct faculty at Plymouth State University . He co-founded the Monadnock Mushroom Club in 1988, and founded the local Sandwich Area Mushroom (SAM) Club in 2001.
Erin Page Blanchard is studying the taxonomy and identification of fungi. She is an active member of the Mycological Society of San Francisco (MSSF) and Bay Area Mycological Society (BAMS), and has been involved with other California Mycology Clubs in organizing and setting up events. Erin has identified fungi for the annual MSSF Fungus Fair, SDMS Fungus Fair, FFSC fungus Fair, Point Reyes Fungus Fair, Marin Mushroom Mania, Point Reyes MycoBlitz, and the UCB Fungal Survey of Yosemite. On the internet she moderates a message board for Mushroom Hunting and Identification. She consults wild crafted food businesses on mushroom identification, and has helped to organize and lead mushroom forays in the California Bay Area. She has worked with Dr. Else C. Vellinga doing DNA sequencing, and co-authored a poster presentation for the Mycological Society of America conference in 2009. Erin is currently part of a research effort directed by the UC Berkeley Mycology Department to identify and document species of fungi in Yosemite National Park .
Noah Siegel is a nationally known award-winning photographer and mushroom identifier. He is drawn to fungi by its wide variety and unsung nature. He is co-president and a walk leader for the Monadnock Mushroomers Unlimited in Keene , New Hampshire , and a trustee for the North East Mycological Federation. While mostly based in the northeastern U.S. , he has also sought mushrooms out throughout the United States and Canada as well as New Zealand and Australia .
Debbie Viess is a California naturalist, writer, artist and obsessive mushroom hunter who enjoys sharing her love of mushrooms. She writes extensively about mushrooms, both online and in print, and gives humor-laced, beautifully illustrated, mushroom-flavored talks across the country. She is also the CoFounder of the Bay Area Mycological Society, http://www.bayareamushrooms.org, an art and science-centric mushroom club based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Hilltown Families said,
September 4, 2010 at 3:16 pm
Saturday, September 18th in Northampton, MA
Are you afraid of your pressure canner? Are you unsure about what needs water bathing and what needs to be pressure canned? Would you like to learn more about using a root cellar or a dehydrator? NOFA’s 2nd annual Food Preservation Day is scheduled from 9:00 to 3:00 on September 18th at St. John’s Church in Northampton. Call Kathy Harrison for registration and information.