Join Hilltown Families for an intimate performance with Uncle Rock in the beautiful Hilltown of Shelburne Falls, MA, on Saturday, July 28th at 10am at the Children’s Art Museum (same building at the Trolley Museum). Click here to get directions.
My daughre & I met Uncle Rock last year while sailing aboard the Sloop Clearwater on the Hudson River. We’ve been smitten ever since! Our well loved copy of Plays Well with Others has been played at pancake breakfasts, community dances and on the HFVS. It’s always a big hit! Your kids will love him too. See you on Saturday in Shelburne Falls!
SUGGESTED EVENTS THIS WEEK (Next two weeks)
If you have a family-friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, or would like to submit your event to the Hilltown Families calendar of Suggested Events
4:30pm – COMMUNITY BBQ – After a day in Shelburne Falls, scoot over to Buckland for their 12th Annual Community Chicken BBQ. 413.625.9772 [Families] ($)
Sunday – 07/29
3pm – CHILDREN’S THEATER – In West Springfield, MA at the Majestic Theater will be a performance of Goldilocks and the Three Bears by the Majestic Theater Summer Children’s Theater group. 413.747.7797 [Families] ($)
3pm – CONCERT ON THE LAWN – The Greenwood Music Camp will be doing an outdoor concert on the lawn at the Bryant Homestead in Cummington, MA. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Rain location: Inside Homestead barn. Refreshments available. 413.634.2244 [Families] (Free)
8pm – PUPPET THEATER – The Mettawee River Theater Company will be doing an evening performance in Cummington, MA at Pettingill Field. [Families with night owls] (Free)
6:30pm – OUTDOOR MUSIC – Every Thursday in July & August there will be a free summer music series in Huntington, MA. Bring lawn chairs and join the community at the gazebo. Rain location: Stanton Hall. [Families] (Free)
Friday – 08/03
10am – PLAYDATE – Bridge Street School playground in Northampton, MA. 10am-Noon. [Families] (Free)
5pm – COMMUNITY DINNER – Elmer’s in Ashfield, MA, invites community members to come together to share dinner and conversation every Friday evening. Menu TBA. 413.628.4003 [Families] ($)
10am – FAMILY FUN DAY – The Bonny Rigg Campground in Becket, MA, will be holding its 30th Anniversary Fun Day. A number of fun activities for kids and families. 413.623.5366. [Families] ($)
10am – EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM – There will be a special tour of William Cullen Bryant’s library in Cummington and of Dr. Samuel Shaw’s intact doctor’s office in Plainfield. A great opportunity for the kids to see and learn about their local history. Organized by the Trustees of Reservations. [Ages 6 & older] ($)
6pm – COMMUNITY PICNIC – Join other Hilltown Families for a community picnic happening on Main Street [St. John’s Corner] in Ashfield, MA. Potluck. Hot dogs, burgers and beverages provided. Bring a lawn chair and a game if you wish. [Families] (Free)
16 Comments on “Suggested Events 07/27/07 – 08/10/07”
August 11 – 12 in South Deerfield
THE POP ROCKETS at Yankee Candle Flagship Store (Routes 5/10) in South Deerfield, MA, on Saturday and Sunday, August 11-12 from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (two 45-minute sets each day).
If the weather is nice, they will be playing in the Picnic Area by Chandler’s Restaurant (complete with picnic tables). In case of rain, sleet or snowthey have asked Yankee Candle if they can play in the Yankee Candle Village Cafe, so that folks can sit down and relax, OR in front of the Teddy Bear Tugboat in the Toy Store. If they’re not there, they’ll be playing in the Home Store.
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August 11th in Ashfield
Katie Clark & the Green River Band outside of Elmer’s.
Fun, fun, fun kind of blue-grassy, folky – Weather permitting, we’ll be outside (on the other side of Elmer’s). Bring your kids and your lawnchairs!
Elmer’s Store
396 Main Street
Ashfield, MA 01330
(413) 628-4003
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Got a calendar? Circle this date: Sunday, August 12th. Next to the circle write “all night” and “Meteors!” Attach the above to your refrigerator in plain view so you won’t miss the 2007 Perseid meteor shower.
Local performer and teacher, Penny Schultz will be with us on August 16 from 10:30 – 11:30 am. Her “Songs to Sing at Home” will have you singing every day.
At 4pm for the teens, we will have Andy Fish from the Worcester Art Museum to get you drawing on your hidden talents. True believers, this is comics time and the Art of the Graphic Novel is not to be missed.
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August 9th at the Worthington Library
On August 9, come to the Musical Petting Zoo from 10:30 – 11:30 am. Try out various instruments to see what they are like.
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Dance Class Starts this Thursday August 9th from10-10:45 at Earthdance in Plainfield, MA.
Drop in class for the month of august for 3-5 year olds, fee $8-10 per class.
Teacher Lani Nahele is excited about starting dance class for kids at Earthdance. If you have any questions about the class you can contact Maureen Shea 634-5431 . The class is not intended as a parent child class. It will run as a drop in class for the rest of August at which point a convenient fall schedule will start.
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July 29th at 1pm in Sandisfield, MA
Free Traditional Japanese Drumming Concert
Sunday, July 29th
Workshop at 1PM; Performance 3PM
Looking Glass Gardens, Sandisfield, MA
On Sunday, July 29th at 3P.M., 11th Generation Grand Master Tsuji’s
Samurai Taiko (a.k.a. Tsuji Daiko) troup will perform again at the Looking Glass Gardens, Sandisfield, MA. The performance will be held, rain or shine. Grounds will open at 2P.M. Admission is free. Open lawn seating. No pets, please.
A pre-show drumming workshop will be held at 1P.M. This is an unique opportunity to try the traditional Japanese drums with your own hands. The workshop is $10/person or $15/2 people. To register, call (413)258-3375.
Samurai Taiko (a.k.a. Tsuji Daiko) is a traditional Japanese taiko drumming troupe, which upholds the Samurai warrior tradition directed by 11th Generation Grand Master Tsuji Chuemon. His prestigious title originated with Grand Master Lord Oda Nobunaga. Highly recognized as a multitalented educator, composer, master martial artist, professional musician and multi-instrumentalist, Grand Master Tsuji has created a most exciting high energy, mesmerizing samurai style drumming performance that merges his
soulful musical talents, extraordinary martial arts skills and deep cultural knowledge carried through generations of his family for 500 years.
Grand master Tsuji has presented over 4,000 performances and demonstrations internationally, as well as for many well-known figures such as U.S. President Bill Clinton, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the late Arthur Ash, and South African President Mandela. He has appeared with numerous artists in many genres including Alan Dawson, Tommy Campbell, Maynard Ferguson, Roberta Flack, Stanley Turrentine, Smokey Robinson, Lou Rawles, Jon Hendricks, Little Richard and `N Sync. He was selected Outstanding Asian-American along with Seiji Ozawa and Yo-Yo Ma. Grand Master Tsuji has been featured on various media numerous times including
NBC special edition, ABC special, Fox-TV network, CBS news, Standard Times, the Boston Globe, the Providence Journal, the Newport Daily, the Boston Herald, the Patriot Ledger, and MC magazine.
The show contains various styles of original compositions and traditional Japanese music, based on historical events and nature. It’s extremely powerful, very spiritual, and great fun for all ages. More information about 11th Generation Grand Master Tsuji and Samurai Taiko, visit http://www.PassionEast.com and http://www.SamuraiTaiko.com
A free outdoor theatre performance with the Mettawee River Theatre Company. They will be performing PEACE, by Aristophanes.
“The play tells the story of how a feisty man manages to rescue Peace after the flight of the Gods from Mount Olympus. Incorporating such unusual props as masks, giant figures or puppets and combining them with live music, movement and text, the Mettawee Theater Company’s plays are works of art for the whole family.”
413.499.9348
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July 28th at 11am
Nutshell Playhouse’s Pirates will be presented by the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield.
“A sea-faring tale with mime, music, masks, puppets…and of course, a parrot! This swashbuckling adventure features three bold buccaneers, a mysterious map with a riddle, a visit to an island that you can’t see, and a magical journey to the bottom of the sea.”
413.236.8888
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July 28th from 1-8pm
The Gather-in Neighborhood Festival at Pitt Park!
For close to thirty years, the Gather-in has been the Berkshires’ largest traditionally African-American summer festival in the Berkshires. Come enjoy great food, great music and dance, including Youth Alive dancers, Ras Moon’s Cape Verdean reggae, and more, a basketball tournament, and lots of activities for kids and families. FREE
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August 12th at 10am
Nature Walk at Jug End with the Berkshire Museum in Great Barrington
Join naturalist Kate Edwards at Jug End in Great Barrington for a walk through the forest to see some of the Berkshires’ natural wonders.
Toytastic! Family Day at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA.
Fun and games for all ages. Get silly at Mr. Twisty’s magic show or marvel at YoYo people’s fabulous tricks with yo-yos and hula hoops. Catch some juggling or get your face painted, and be sure to make a toy to take home with you too!
Paul Helou to perform at
Stanley PARK’S Friday Mornings for Children in Westfield, MA
Stanley Park’s Friday Mornings for Children will feature Paul Helou on Friday, August 17th in the Beveridge pavilion from 10:00 am to 10:45 am. Using a spontaneous mix of song, story, sound and movement, Paul works in depth with children of all ages and whoever else wants to play or engage in improve musical storytelling- a fun effective way to free the body, voice and imagination.
For further information on the Friday Mornings for Children Series please call the park office at 413-568-9312.
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Headed out to see Uncle Rock at the Children’s Art Museum?
Here’s the address:
14 Depot Street, Shelburne Falls, MA
Here’s the directions:
From Greenfield:
Take Route 2 West to Shelburne. Bear left on Rt 2A and follow signs/curves into Shelburne Falls. Come down through town and continue across the iron bridge to the Buckland side and follow directions below.
From North Adams, Charlemont, etc.:
Take Route 2 East, take FIRST exit into Shelburne Falls, on State Street, Route 2A East. And follow directions below from State Street on.
From downtown Shelburne Falls/Buckland Via Depot Street:
From the bridge in downtown Shelburne Falls, cross to the Buckland side. Turn left on State Street and pass McCusker’s Market. Continue straight up the hill; State Street turns into Ashfield Street. Almost immediately, bear left on Depot Street, passing the lower level of the Shelburne Falls Artisan’s Showroom and Crystal. At the top of the hill cross the small railroad tracks and continue into the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum parking lot and on to the museum building. Park in the Trolley Museum lot. The Children’s Art Museum is in the back part of the Trolley Museum building. Entrance is on left side of building.
Note:
If the front road is blocked (sometimes in winter they close it off), please turn around, go back down Depot Street to State Street and turn sharp right onto Conway Road, hugging the river. Then follow directions below from that point on.
From Conway on Shelburne Falls Road (Conway Road in S.F.):
As you are coming into the more settled part of town, you?ll make a sharp left near the police station. After that turn, Elm Street is your first left. Go up the road until you come to the old Agway building on your right (just before the tracks). Park in the lot and come up the ramp/steps to the CAM entrance. Come on in!
If you get lost and ask for directions in town, mention the Trolley Museum, as that has been there for years, while the Children’s Art Museum is brand new.
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Hilltown CDC to Convene a Hilltown Broadband Forum
Cummington Community House in Cummington, MA
August 2nd, 2007 from 7-9pm
(Hilltowns) Are you wondering what is happening with the effort to bring high-speed internet service to the Hilltowns? Come to the Hilltown Broadband Forum on Thursday, August 2 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Community House in Cummington. Hilltown CDC is convening this region-wide Forum to facilitate information sharing between Hilltown residents and Broadband Committees in the various towns working on broadband access. Admission to the Forum is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to staff@hilltowncdc.org or 296-4536 if you plan to attend.
The first half of the Forum will provide opportunities to hear brief updates on the local and regional efforts to bring broadband services to the Hilltowns. State Senator Ben Downing and State Representative Steve Kulik will open the Forum with introductory remarks. Kimberly Longey, managing director of Free Press – a national media reform organization based in Northampton – will present a brief overview of national broadband policy issues. Ms. Longey is also a former Plainfield select board member and chair of the Plainfield Broadband Committee. Staff members from Pioneer Valley Connect and Berkshire Connect, (the “Connects”) – the regional initiatives to bring broadband services to all communities in Western Massachusetts – will then present brief updates on the Western Massachusetts broadband solutions proposal they have researched for the Legislature and the Patrick administration, and on the “broadband toolkit” they are developing to assist town governments and municipal Broadband Committees.
The second half of the Forum will provide opportunities for members of the public and of the various Hilltown Broadband Committees to ask questions of the presenters, share information between towns, discuss interim solutions and identify next steps to make towns better prepared to facilitate broadband solutions.
Hilltown Families 
Printable Format
Events Happening in the Hilltowns7pm – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW – Tune-in between bath and bed time to the Hilltown Families very own radio show on WXOJ LP 103.3 FM, Valley Free Radio, out of Northampton, MA. www.valleyfreeradio.org This weeks show is hosted by Guest DJ Uncle Rock. (Free)
August 11 – 12 in South Deerfield
THE POP ROCKETS at Yankee Candle Flagship Store (Routes 5/10) in South Deerfield, MA, on Saturday and Sunday, August 11-12 from 1 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. (two 45-minute sets each day).
If the weather is nice, they will be playing in the Picnic Area by Chandler’s Restaurant (complete with picnic tables). In case of rain, sleet or snowthey have asked Yankee Candle if they can play in the Yankee Candle Village Cafe, so that folks can sit down and relax, OR in front of the Teddy Bear Tugboat in the Toy Store. If they’re not there, they’ll be playing in the Home Store.
August 11th in Ashfield
Katie Clark & the Green River Band outside of Elmer’s.
Fun, fun, fun kind of blue-grassy, folky – Weather permitting, we’ll be outside (on the other side of Elmer’s). Bring your kids and your lawnchairs!
Elmer’s Store
396 Main Street
Ashfield, MA 01330
(413) 628-4003
Got a calendar? Circle this date: Sunday, August 12th. Next to the circle write “all night” and “Meteors!” Attach the above to your refrigerator in plain view so you won’t miss the 2007 Perseid meteor shower.
http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2007/11jul_greatperseids.htm?list892953
August 16th at the Worthington Library
Local performer and teacher, Penny Schultz will be with us on August 16 from 10:30 – 11:30 am. Her “Songs to Sing at Home” will have you singing every day.
At 4pm for the teens, we will have Andy Fish from the Worcester Art Museum to get you drawing on your hidden talents. True believers, this is comics time and the Art of the Graphic Novel is not to be missed.
August 9th at the Worthington Library
On August 9, come to the Musical Petting Zoo from 10:30 – 11:30 am. Try out various instruments to see what they are like.
Dance Class Starts this Thursday August 9th from10-10:45 at Earthdance in Plainfield, MA.
Drop in class for the month of august for 3-5 year olds, fee $8-10 per class.
Teacher Lani Nahele is excited about starting dance class for kids at Earthdance. If you have any questions about the class you can contact Maureen Shea 634-5431 . The class is not intended as a parent child class. It will run as a drop in class for the rest of August at which point a convenient fall schedule will start.
July 29th at 1pm in Sandisfield, MA
Free Traditional Japanese Drumming Concert
Sunday, July 29th
Workshop at 1PM; Performance 3PM
Looking Glass Gardens, Sandisfield, MA
On Sunday, July 29th at 3P.M., 11th Generation Grand Master Tsuji’s
Samurai Taiko (a.k.a. Tsuji Daiko) troup will perform again at the Looking Glass Gardens, Sandisfield, MA. The performance will be held, rain or shine. Grounds will open at 2P.M. Admission is free. Open lawn seating. No pets, please.
A pre-show drumming workshop will be held at 1P.M. This is an unique opportunity to try the traditional Japanese drums with your own hands. The workshop is $10/person or $15/2 people. To register, call (413)258-3375.
Samurai Taiko (a.k.a. Tsuji Daiko) is a traditional Japanese taiko drumming troupe, which upholds the Samurai warrior tradition directed by 11th Generation Grand Master Tsuji Chuemon. His prestigious title originated with Grand Master Lord Oda Nobunaga. Highly recognized as a multitalented educator, composer, master martial artist, professional musician and multi-instrumentalist, Grand Master Tsuji has created a most exciting high energy, mesmerizing samurai style drumming performance that merges his
soulful musical talents, extraordinary martial arts skills and deep cultural knowledge carried through generations of his family for 500 years.
Grand master Tsuji has presented over 4,000 performances and demonstrations internationally, as well as for many well-known figures such as U.S. President Bill Clinton, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the late Arthur Ash, and South African President Mandela. He has appeared with numerous artists in many genres including Alan Dawson, Tommy Campbell, Maynard Ferguson, Roberta Flack, Stanley Turrentine, Smokey Robinson, Lou Rawles, Jon Hendricks, Little Richard and `N Sync. He was selected Outstanding Asian-American along with Seiji Ozawa and Yo-Yo Ma. Grand Master Tsuji has been featured on various media numerous times including
NBC special edition, ABC special, Fox-TV network, CBS news, Standard Times, the Boston Globe, the Providence Journal, the Newport Daily, the Boston Herald, the Patriot Ledger, and MC magazine.
The show contains various styles of original compositions and traditional Japanese music, based on historical events and nature. It’s extremely powerful, very spiritual, and great fun for all ages. More information about 11th Generation Grand Master Tsuji and Samurai Taiko, visit http://www.PassionEast.com and http://www.SamuraiTaiko.com
For more information, visit:
http://www.LookingGlassGardens.com
or call (413)258-3375
July 29th at 8pm
At Springside Park in Pittsfield
A free outdoor theatre performance with the Mettawee River Theatre Company. They will be performing PEACE, by Aristophanes.
“The play tells the story of how a feisty man manages to rescue Peace after the flight of the Gods from Mount Olympus. Incorporating such unusual props as masks, giant figures or puppets and combining them with live music, movement and text, the Mettawee Theater Company’s plays are works of art for the whole family.”
413.499.9348
July 28th at 11am
Nutshell Playhouse’s Pirates will be presented by the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield.
“A sea-faring tale with mime, music, masks, puppets…and of course, a parrot! This swashbuckling adventure features three bold buccaneers, a mysterious map with a riddle, a visit to an island that you can’t see, and a magical journey to the bottom of the sea.”
413.236.8888
July 28th from 1-8pm
The Gather-in Neighborhood Festival at Pitt Park!
For close to thirty years, the Gather-in has been the Berkshires’ largest traditionally African-American summer festival in the Berkshires. Come enjoy great food, great music and dance, including Youth Alive dancers, Ras Moon’s Cape Verdean reggae, and more, a basketball tournament, and lots of activities for kids and families. FREE
August 12th at 10am
Nature Walk at Jug End with the Berkshire Museum in Great Barrington
Join naturalist Kate Edwards at Jug End in Great Barrington for a walk through the forest to see some of the Berkshires’ natural wonders.
413.443.7171
http://www.berkshiremuseum.org
August 11th at 11am & 2pm and
August 12th at 2pm & 4pm
Berkshire Theatre Festival presents Hey, Ho, Pinnocchio at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA.
The classic story of a wooden puppet full of tricks and mischief, but wants more than anything to become a boy.
413.443.7171
http://www.berkshiremuseum.org
August 4th from 10am-5pm
Toytastic! Family Day at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA.
Fun and games for all ages. Get silly at Mr. Twisty’s magic show or marvel at YoYo people’s fabulous tricks with yo-yos and hula hoops. Catch some juggling or get your face painted, and be sure to make a toy to take home with you too!
413.443.7171
http://www.berkshiremuseum.org
August 17th – 10am
Paul Helou to perform at
Stanley PARK’S Friday Mornings for Children in Westfield, MA
Stanley Park’s Friday Mornings for Children will feature Paul Helou on Friday, August 17th in the Beveridge pavilion from 10:00 am to 10:45 am. Using a spontaneous mix of song, story, sound and movement, Paul works in depth with children of all ages and whoever else wants to play or engage in improve musical storytelling- a fun effective way to free the body, voice and imagination.
For further information on the Friday Mornings for Children Series please call the park office at 413-568-9312.
Headed out to see Uncle Rock at the Children’s Art Museum?
Here’s the address:
14 Depot Street, Shelburne Falls, MA
Here’s the directions:
From Greenfield:
Take Route 2 West to Shelburne. Bear left on Rt 2A and follow signs/curves into Shelburne Falls. Come down through town and continue across the iron bridge to the Buckland side and follow directions below.
From North Adams, Charlemont, etc.:
Take Route 2 East, take FIRST exit into Shelburne Falls, on State Street, Route 2A East. And follow directions below from State Street on.
From downtown Shelburne Falls/Buckland Via Depot Street:
From the bridge in downtown Shelburne Falls, cross to the Buckland side. Turn left on State Street and pass McCusker’s Market. Continue straight up the hill; State Street turns into Ashfield Street. Almost immediately, bear left on Depot Street, passing the lower level of the Shelburne Falls Artisan’s Showroom and Crystal. At the top of the hill cross the small railroad tracks and continue into the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum parking lot and on to the museum building. Park in the Trolley Museum lot. The Children’s Art Museum is in the back part of the Trolley Museum building. Entrance is on left side of building.
Note:
If the front road is blocked (sometimes in winter they close it off), please turn around, go back down Depot Street to State Street and turn sharp right onto Conway Road, hugging the river. Then follow directions below from that point on.
From Conway on Shelburne Falls Road (Conway Road in S.F.):
As you are coming into the more settled part of town, you?ll make a sharp left near the police station. After that turn, Elm Street is your first left. Go up the road until you come to the old Agway building on your right (just before the tracks). Park in the lot and come up the ramp/steps to the CAM entrance. Come on in!
If you get lost and ask for directions in town, mention the Trolley Museum, as that has been there for years, while the Children’s Art Museum is brand new.
Hilltown CDC to Convene a Hilltown Broadband Forum
Cummington Community House in Cummington, MA
August 2nd, 2007 from 7-9pm
(Hilltowns) Are you wondering what is happening with the effort to bring high-speed internet service to the Hilltowns? Come to the Hilltown Broadband Forum on Thursday, August 2 from 7:00 – 9:00 pm at the Community House in Cummington. Hilltown CDC is convening this region-wide Forum to facilitate information sharing between Hilltown residents and Broadband Committees in the various towns working on broadband access. Admission to the Forum is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to staff@hilltowncdc.org or 296-4536 if you plan to attend.
The first half of the Forum will provide opportunities to hear brief updates on the local and regional efforts to bring broadband services to the Hilltowns. State Senator Ben Downing and State Representative Steve Kulik will open the Forum with introductory remarks. Kimberly Longey, managing director of Free Press – a national media reform organization based in Northampton – will present a brief overview of national broadband policy issues. Ms. Longey is also a former Plainfield select board member and chair of the Plainfield Broadband Committee. Staff members from Pioneer Valley Connect and Berkshire Connect, (the “Connects”) – the regional initiatives to bring broadband services to all communities in Western Massachusetts – will then present brief updates on the Western Massachusetts broadband solutions proposal they have researched for the Legislature and the Patrick administration, and on the “broadband toolkit” they are developing to assist town governments and municipal Broadband Committees.
The second half of the Forum will provide opportunities for members of the public and of the various Hilltown Broadband Committees to ask questions of the presenters, share information between towns, discuss interim solutions and identify next steps to make towns better prepared to facilitate broadband solutions.
To participate in the forum, please RSVP to Hilltown CDC at (413) 296-4536 or staff@hilltowncdc.org. For more information about the Connects, visit http://www.pioneervalleyconnect.org.