Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 04/05/08-04/11/08
TIN-CAN ICE CREAM SOCIAL
This past Monday was the last day of the Outdoor Adventure Program winter session in Chesterfield (see photos). We ended the program with a tin-can ice cream social. Kids got to make their very own ice cream concoctions by adding ingredients to a small coffee can, nestling it into a larger can, surrounded by rock salt and ice, and rolling the cans (both duct-taped shut) around for about twenty minutes. And in the end we all had ice cream!
The recipe we were given was good for packing in your backpack when camping or hiking. It included evaporated milk, instant pudding and any additional goodies (M&M’s, chocolate chips, etc.). But after reading the ingredients on the back of the Jell-O Instant Pudding box, I picked up a box of instant tapioca instead. Equally easy to transport. And it turned out pretty well too.
That evening, I did a little poking around on the internet looking for other recipes people have used. The one I think I’ll try next with my daughter is a little more “gourmet,” using fresh ingredients. It calls for 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of whipping cream, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and any additional ingredients (peppermint candies, candied ginger, raspberries). Not so easy for transporting when camping or hiking, but fun to do at home with the kids, and delicious sounding too! Espcially this summer when those raspberries are fresh picked!
This Monday (04/07/08) the spring session of the Outdoor Adventure Program begins. Last I heard there was still room. So if you’re thinking of participating in the next session (which includes canoeing, fishing, hiking and more!) give a call: 413.296.4249.
If you have a family-friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our community bulletin board.
Local forecast | Get directions | Free Museum Passes | Family Centers (Ages 0-4)
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
The following key represents the sum cost of one adult and one child:(>$) Under $10; ($) Between $10-$19; ($$) Between $20-$44; ($$$) Over $45
Saturday – 04/05
11am-2pm – KIDS CRAFT PROJECT – (Easthampton) Bring the kids to come make decorative flower pots at Create Art Studio. One hour session. RSVP 413.455.4707 [Ages 5-13] ($$)
5pm-8pm – SCHOOL FUNDRAISER – (Williamsburg) Silent Auction for Bonnie’s Program to benefit the after school programs at New Hingham, Westhampton and Anne T. Dunphy Elementary Schools. 413.296.0182 [All Ages] (Free, >$-$$$)
6pm – SCHOOL FUNDRAISER – (Hadley) Spring Auction World Fusion/Carnivale at the Hartsbrook School. Live music, food from many ethnic traditions, performances and auction items. 413.584.3198 [All Ages] (>$-$$$)
6:30pm – SCHOOL FUNDRAISER – (Northampton) Green Gala 2008, sponsored by the Budget Crisis Response Committee of the Jackson Street School PTO. This event will include a silent auction, desserts, cash bar and live music and dancing with DJ Tom McCusker. At 7 p.m., Appalachian Still will perform. Proceed go to supporting Jackson Street School. 413.584.7327 [All Ages] (Donation >$-$$$)
Sunday – 04/06
NEW MOON
Noon-3pm – KIDS CRAFT PROJECT – (Easthampton) Bring the kids to come make decorative flower pots at Create Art Studio. One hour session. RSVP 413.455.4707 [Ages 5-13] ($$)
2:30pm-5:30pm – BAG SEW – (Cummington) Make cloth sewing bags for the Old Creamery as they will be going paper-bag free on Earth Day. Cummington Community House. [Families] (Free)
Monday – 04/07
Tuesday – 04/08
10am-11:30am – FATHERS GROUP – (Amherst) Please come to talk about fathers’ issues, meet other dads and have coffee with us at this drop-in fathers group. You will be able to find out any common issues you face and just talk with other dads. Held at the Amherst Family Center in the basement of the Unitarian Church at 121 North Pleasant St. in the center of Amherst, entrance is at the back of the building. Childcare provided. [Free] (Father’s)
10:15am-12:15pm – POSTPARTUM STRESS SUPPORT GROUP – (Northampton) Every Tuesday there is a drop-in support group at 56 Vernon Street. Free child care and snacks. A welcoming group for all mothers to share the adjustment to motherhood, especially those experiencing postpartum stress, anxiety or depression. Find support, connection with other women. 413.253.8990 [Mothers & their children] (Free)
6pm-9pm – PARENT WORKSHOP – (Northampton) For the Children is a supportive parent education program that focuses on the needs of children of never married parents. Through videos, discussions and presentations, topics include: vital role of parents, cooperative parenting, pitfalls to avoid, understanding your childs needs, supporting children. Parents with children in common are required to attend separate sessions. Pre-reg is required. 413.586.4597 [Parents] ($$)
Wednesday – 04/09
7pm – EYE CARE – (Northampton) A lecture, Natural Vision Improvement, will be offered at the Forbes Library. Learn how to improve and care for the eyesight of your family. [Parents] (Free)
Thursday – 04/10
2pm – READING MAGIC – (Chester) Join Ed the Wizard at the Chester Elementary School for a magic perormance. [Families] (Free)
3pm – YOGA – (Northampton) Hey parents, did you know that the Forbes Library has yoga classes every Thursday afternoon? Go check it out and get in the zen-zone before picking the kids up. [Adults] (Free)
Friday – 04/11
6:00pm – LIVE MUSIC – (Haydenville) Blue House Cafe. [All Ages] ($)
Saturday – 04/12
- Saturday, April 12th, 2008
- 6:30pm Social; 7:30pm Performance
- House Concert in West Chesterfield, MA
- $10 each. All proceeds go to the artist. Seating is limited.
All the way from Minneapolis, fingerstyle guitarist Michael Young (www.michaelyoungmusic.com) plays both the six and twelve-string guitar with driving rhythm and groove and will be performing a house concert in West Chesterfield, MA, on Saturday, April 12th starting at 7:30pm. This concert is part of the Hilltown Families House Concert Guitar Series and is open to adults and children with audience skills. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds go to the artist. Seating is limited. RSVP email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
“Minnesota-bred Young is a world-class picker who shines on 6 and 12-string guitar. There’s something of the Leo Kottke style in Young’s playing, but he also has his own sound, which draws from folk, rock, blues, country and classical. Young knows his way around the guitar classics but also has a bag full of originals that jump. Listen for songs such as Plinko and Indio.” – San Antonio Express News
While in his mid-twenties, Michael has an ageless stage presence, and he displays his technically proficient fretwork by carrying his bouncy and energetic groove from powerful and compelling compositions to soulful ballads. Moving from daunting and alarming to lighthearted and idiosyncratic instrumentals, Michael takes advantage of the guitar’s possibilities by combining standard and alternate tunings with a mix of slide guitar into his playing. He has impressed audiences all over the country including appearances at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, the legendary CBGB 313 Gallery in New York City, and the illustrious Knitting Factory also in New York City. While primarily an instrumentalist, Michael also incorporates his warm singing voice into his sets.
“Michael’s dexterity, depth and tone will fool you into thinking you’re hearing an entire string section instead of just one dude with a 12 string. He channels real emotion and range in his songs, evoking dozens of moods and sounds out of his instrument.” – Arizona Daily Sun
“Impressive . . . fascinating stage presence.” – The Observer (NJ)
Learn more about Michael Young at his official website: www.michaelyoungmusic.com
Arts Night Out in Northampton
Coming up on April 11, 2008
Visit 16 galleries and shops between 5 and 8 p.m.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Participating arts venues are: Artisan Gallery; Basha Oriental Rugs; Claytopia; Don Muller Gallery; Guild Art Supply; R. Michelson Galleries; Northampton Center for the Arts; Old Court House Gallery; Oxbow Gallery; Pinch; Scandihoovians. com; Silverscape Designs; Smith College Museum of Art; Ten Thousand Villages; The Naked Art Gallery; and William Baczek Fine Arts, (and A.P.E., when it reopens in May).