Celebrate Japanese Girl’s Day with a Mother/Daughter Tea

  Posted on February 26, 2008 By in Afterschool Programs + CAM + Cultural Events + Girls + Hilltown Families + Mothers + Press Release + Reading Lists + Shelburne Falls + Suggested Activity

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CELEBRATE GIRLS DAY IN SHELBURNE FALLS
at the Children’s Art Museum

Kokeshi DollsHilltown Families and CAM present a special Mother/Daughter Tea this Friday, February 29th at 4pm, just prior to Japan’s National Girls Day at the Children’s Art Museum in Shelburne Falls, MA (same building as the Trolley Museum).

This Mother/Daughter Tea is a community celebration to honor happiness and health of our girls. Peach Blossom tea and symbolic snacks will be served. Participants are encouraged to dress festively and to bring a snack to share, especially snacks that are pink (implies peach flowers), white (implies snow), and green (implies new growth) foods, fruit, sweet rice cakes, and vegetable sushi.

Collectively, participants can create a display to honor girls with small objects, pictures or poems brought from home. All are welcome to add to the display and to offer a word or two about their contribution.

Japan’s National Girls Day is also know as the Japanese Doll Festival, or Hinamatsuri. Girls are welcomed to bring along their favorite doll. Our craft will be Kokeshi Dolls, traditional wooden Japanese dolls (pictured above). All ages are welcomed. Pre-registration is required ($). Click here reserve your spot, or call 413.625.2030.


Suggested Titles:

  • Japanese Celebrations: Cherry Blossoms, Lanterns And Stars!
    by Betty Reynolds
  • Tea Ceremony: Asian arts & crafts for creative kids
    by Shozo Sato, Alice Ogura Sato, Masturah Jeffrey (Illustrator)
  • Best-Loved Children’s Songs from Japan
    by Yoko Imoto
  • Girl’s Day in Hawaii with Yuki-chan
    by Tokie Ikeda Ching, Sets Arai (Illustrator)

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Discovering Our World Through Scavenger Hunts

  Posted on February 24, 2008 By in Education + Family + Games + Homeschooling + Tony(a) Lemos + Travel

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Zoe Travels the World: Scavenger Hunts
By Tony(a) Lemos, HF Contributing Writer

(c) 2008 Tony(a) Lemos

While putting together a travel journal and activity book for Zoe, I remembered all those years teaching at Summer Camp at the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA in Becket, MA, and how much fun we had planning scavenger hunts.

What’s a scavenger hunt? A scavenger hunt is a game in which individuals or teams seek to find a number of specific items, or perform tasks, as given in a list. The goal is either to complete the list first, or to achieve the highest score within a given time limit. They can be indoor our outdoor and they can be fun as well as educational. They can also be part of a larger treasure hunt. For example, riddles leading to the location of a custom made puzzle piece and then when all the pieces are found and assembled the puzzle can be a map to the “treasure.” The ideas are endless.

NATURE SCAVENGER HUNT

The scavenger hunt that I have the most experience with is the Nature Scavenger Hunt. A sample list might include:

  • Find three different tree leaves, seeds or pods
  • Find an insect
  • Find a feather
  • Find a twig shaped like a letter
  • Find a leaf that a bug has nibbled
  • Find something that has decomposed
  • Find something that is no longer living
  • Find something that was never alive
  • Find two different kinds of tree bark

THEMED SCAVENGER HUNT

There are simpler methods for younger children, such as:

  • Color Scavenger Hunt: find something red, blue, brown, etc.
  • Pattern Scavenger Hunt: find something with strips, a spiral, dots, etc.
  • ABC Scavenger Hunt: find something beginning with a letter or shaped like a letter
  • Number Scavenger Hunt: find one of something, two of something else, etc. Read More

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Hilltown Families Weekly eNewsletter (Nov 2nd-9th, 2012) – CORRECTED LINKS

  Posted on February 24, 2008 By in Afterschool Programs + Education + Family + Take Action

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Hilltown Families Weekly eNewsletter (Nov 2nd-9th, 2012) – CORRECTED LINKS

Chrysanthemums to Homemade Candles. Doghouses to Cider Donuts. Opera to Big Band Jazz…. These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Get out into your community and learn while you play!

HALLOWEEN, TAKE 2!

Halloween continues this weekend, thanks to Hurricane Sandy. On Saturday, November 3rd, Holyoke will hold trick-or-treating at City Hall all day. In the afternoon, Monson will have their rag shag parade followed by trick-or-treating, as will the town of Northfield. Later in the week on Tuesday, November 6th, the Junior Advisory Club at the East Longmeadow Library will re-host their JAC Haunted Halloween Party in the evening.

Thank you to everyone who followed and posted Halloween postponements due to Hurricane Sandy on our Facebook page. If you’re not already following us on Facebook, go on over and check out what you’ve been missing. We share daily updates, prompt conversations and announce giveaways. If you follow us on Facebook already, make sure you add us to your “Add to Interest Lists” to get all of our juicy updates!

APPLES

Franklin County celebrates its plentiful apple harvest and the delicious batches of cider that follow at the 18th annual Cider Days all weekend! The event includes fun events and activities county-wide – including an apple pancake breakfast, wagon rides and orchard explorations, cider pressing, lots of tastings (of ciders for big kids and little kids), and chances to learn about apple varieties, heirloom apples, organic orchards, and more! It’s a chance for families to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of our local apple industry..

Families can also learn about the culinary history of apples at Historic Deerfield on Saturday, November 3rd. Their open hearth cooking program continues, with a focus on apples! Families often had their own small orchards, from which to harvest crops for cider, baking, storage, cooking, etc. Learn about traditional apple dishes and preservation of apples for the winter! There will also be workshops on making apple pomanders.

CULTURAL STUDIES

Native American artist Teri Greeves will be at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield on Saturday, November 3rd at 10am to lead a hands-on beaded medallion workshop for kids to accompany the museum’s Rethink! Native American Art exhibition. Kids will learn basic beadworking skills, and will also learn about the role of beadwork in traditional Native American art. In Springfield at the Robyn Newhouse Hall, storyteller Eshu Bumpus will be telling stories from around the world on Saturday afternoon. Eshu captures his audience by telling a variety of African, African-American and World folktales leavened with music, humor and mystery.

MAKE YOUR OWN HOLIDAY GIFTS

The Fiber Festival of New England takes place this weekend in West Springfield, featuring fiber arts and crafts, demonstrations and workshops, and a sale of all things fiber! Families can attend one of their workshops held during the Fiber Festival to learn how to make your own holiday gifts. Workshops including Beginner Rug Hooking, Fancy Felted Soaps and Needle Felted Sheep.

In Cummington on Saturday, November 3rd is the 3rd annual Handmade for Kids Holiday Fair at the Berkshire Trail Elementary School. There will be a couple of felting workshops for families to make your own craft to take home or give. Also on Saturday at the Tilton Library in Deerfield and the Lilly Library in Florence, there will be two bookmaking workshops. Kids and their parents can learn how to make books together in these workshops, and then go home and make their own books as holiday gifts.

Later in the week on Friday, November 9th, kids can learn how to make homemade candles at the Berkshire Co-op in Great Barrington. Candles make great holiday gifts, and are handy all around the house (especially in the darkest months of the year!).

PLANT STUDIES

Chrysanthemums are in bloom at the Smith College Botanic Gardens in Northampton. Starting Saturday, November 3rd, visit to see a wide array of colors and blooms of all sizes. Kids can learn about the growing and blooming process that the plants go through, and can learn about greenhouse gardening, too. There will be extended evening hours on Friday, November 9th from 6-8pm.

In Northfield on Saturday, November 3rd, youth ages 12yo+ and their adults can join forester Helen Johnson at Northfield Mountain for a late fall tree ID walk. Characteristics like bark, branching patterns, buds, overall tree shape, and habitat will be used to aid in identification. There will also be discussion about impacts on the forest from insects, diseases, and invasive plants. No previous tree identification skills are required for this field walk.

FAMILY VOLUNTEERING

On Saturday, November 3rd, families can help build doghouses for Kane’s Krusade in Ludlow, an organization that helps dogs in need in the Springfield area. The organization is putting together CARE Kits (Canine Assistance Resources and Education) for families who struggle financially to care for their dogs – providing assistance in the form of insulated dog houses, leashes, collars, treats, etc. helps to keep dogs with their loving families, rather than in shelters.

On Sunday, November 4th, take part in the very first Cider Donut Run to benefit the Amherst Survival Center in Amherst. Families can choose to run a 10k, or to participate in the much less strenuous 2.4 mile run/walk, both of which begin at the Mill River Recreation Area. Enjoy the beautiful fall foliage and the crisp, clear autumn morning air while getting great exercise and helping to support a vital community resource.

STEM

This weekend there are several opportunities for kids to practice their math, science, and engineering skills. The Sunderland Library has a Lego Club on Saturday morning, November 3rd. Children ages 6yo+ and their adults can come and practice their engineering and architectural skills while getting creative and sharing their inventions. The Jones Library hosts a Chess Club for youth ages 7yo and older with Andy Morris-Friedman in the Amherst Room on Saturday afternoon. And on Sunday, November 4th, an informal Chess Club happens at the Lilly Library in Florence. Participants are encouraged to supplement existing chess boards by bringing their own too.

Later in the week, on Tuesday, November 6th, the Hatfield Library will host a science program for 8-10yo students, and on Wednesday, November 7th, visit the East Longmeadow Library for some afternoon chess!

ANIMAL & NATURE STUDIES

Country Quilt Llama Farm is paying a fur-filled visit to the Lenox Library on Saturday morning, November 3rd! Kids can learn about llama farming and the uses for llama fiber through storytime, large pictures detailing important parts of llama life and llama-raising, and many llama-products to touch and inspect. There will be a llama visiting, too for kids to meet and learn about.

Get your kids to stop and think about what adaptations nocturnal animals have that allow them to navigate the dark landscape so well. Then bring them to Mass Audubon on Saturday night to learn all about nighttime living on a family night hike. Families with kids ages 5-12yo can explore Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary by dark in Easthampton, and learn to make sparks with rocks, listen for night sounds, and learn to see without a flashlight.

Humans and other animals have very different ways of preparing for the winter. While we turn on the heat, pull out sweaters and wool socks, and freeze our favorite seasonal foods, animals have very different adaptations. Children ages 6-9 (grades 1-4) can visit the Hitchcock Center in Amherst on Tuesday, November 6th for a full day program on how the local landscape and the animals that call the valley home prepare for winter!

The Berkshire Environmental Education Network hosts the annual BEEN Conference for Environmental Educators on Tuesday, November 6th, at Berkshire Community College in Pittsfield. The conference offers workshops for educators of all types, all of which will be centered around the theme of hands-on, place-based environmental education. Attendees will get to choose from over 20 different workshops – the learning possibilities are endless.

MUSIC STUDIES

Amherst Cinema screens, “The Girls in the Band,” a film that tells the story of women in big band jazz, on Monday evening, November 5th. Female vocalists are fairly common in the jazz world, but female musicians are not – an issue examined by looking at the lives and accomplishments of notable female jazz musicians.

The Westfield State University department of music presents an opera for young audiences on Friday morning, November 9th. This year they present “Hansel and Gretel” by Engelbert Humperdinck. It tells the Brothers Grimm fairy tale story in song, of the two children lost in the woods, tempted by a house made of candy, who fall into the clutches of a child eating witch. They eventually defeat her plans to eat them and are reunited with their parents. This work is being presented in a piano/voice version on Dever Stage and runs about a half hour. Open to the public.

Matt Cusson, a locally-grown and nationally known singer/songwriter and pianist, is offering a songwriting workshop at The Garage in Pittsfield on Friday afternoon, November 9th! A self-taught musician, Cusson is a winner of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and has performed with acts such as James Taylor, Cee Lo Green, and Brian McKnight.

List of Weekly Suggested EventsFind out about these events and  other events & activities happening all next week in our List of Weekly Suggested Events.

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Who’s Elmer Cowley?

  Posted on February 22, 2008 By in Ashfield + Entertainment + Family + Food + Notes from Nan

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Notes from Nan: What we all look like over here!
BY HF Contributing Writer, Nan Parati

So I’ve been reading Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio; the book of short stories that was published in 1919 about a small, fictional town in Ohio. The people there are kind of sad and desperate to get out of their small town, not at all like what we find here in Ashfield, where people are happy and kind of desperate to keep outsiders from discovering it and moving here.  But the name of the general store in Winesburg is Cowley and Son, and the Son’s first name is Elmer! So you can see why I was excited. Here’s how it describes Elmer Cowley’s store:  Read More

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Dragonfly Races: An interview with Ellis Paul.

  Posted on February 20, 2008 By in Entertainment + Family + Hilltown Families + Hilltown Family Variety Show + Interview + music + Sienna

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The Dragonfly Races: An Interview with Ellis Paul
by Sienna Wildfield

Dragonfly Races (CD cover)

There’s a lot of great music and there are many musicians that my daughter and I have become very fond of since we started our musical exploration together. Living out in the rural hilltowns of Western Mass, we do a lot of driving around – giving music we’ve received for review our undivided attention as we travel from Chesterfield to Northampton, Hadley, Amherst and back. When we come across a song my daughter especially likes, she (being my focus group of one) clues me in with a simple request from the backseat of the car, “Mommy, can you put that on repeat?” That’s the indication from the peanut gallery that we’ve got a winner, adding it to our song list of “must play” for an upcoming episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show.

But the real litmus test of quality family music comes when we’re traveling as a family. The day we drove to Springfield and back we played The Dragonfly Races by Ellis Paul, and not once did my husband turn it down. He even made faces of agreement and pleasure while listening. But the moment of truth came when HE put on the repeat button. Ladies and gentlemen … we have a WINNER!

Ellis Paul’s newest CD, and first family album, The Dragonfly Races is an album of discoveries and adventures that lead the listener through fantasy and fun, masked in allegories with threads of social commentary. So while we listen as a family, our 5 year old is enjoying the fable of a fair maiden and a misunderstood monster in “Abioloa” while we’re reflecting on the underlying social commentary the story is revealing. As my daughter listens to the songs more and more, questions slowly arise as she searches for more of an understanding.

With The Dragonfly Races, Ellis Paul, the father of two girls, wanted to craft an album that was representative of the morals he wanted to impart to his children. Songs that might inspire getting involved and taking action while bringing about peace. To follow is an interview with Ellis that takes a look at the challengs of being a father of two young girls, including how his music becomes that vehicle that imparts the morals he looks to share with his children.

INTERVIEW

SW: Your newest album, The Dragonfly Races has become a favorite with my family. Everyone enjoys listening, and appreciates your songs on different levels. What inspired you to put together a family album and how does this differ from albums you’ve previously produced?

Ellis: I wanted a recording for my kids to grow up with that represented the kinds of things I wanted them to hear in songs. I also want them to know the difference between a trite, silly song and a thoughtful one.

SW: As they’ve been described, your songs offer a “unique sensibility about life and the possibilities of childhood.” What do you think it was about your childhood and life experience that makes your sensibility unique?

Ellis: Well, I come from a small town in Maine, and I think small towns give birth to big dreamers, and big optimism. I was around a lot of farmland and nature, and I think that’s why so much of it seeps into the songs.

SW: I understand that you have a pretty extensive performance schedule with nearly 150 shows a year in North America and Europe. How do you manage your family life while on the road?

Ellis: It’s difficult, and I am always looking for ways to do it more gracefully. Adding kids shows should help a lot, because the matinees are added without adding days away from home. Then maybe I can take some weekends completely off! The challenge is keeping everyone happy. My wife does the vast majority of the care taking. I am in lifelong debt to her for that.

(c) Ellis Paul

SW: Throughout The Dragonfly Races you joyfully take the listener on several journeys and adventures, sometimes with a destination, other times not. In “Because Its There” you sing of historic adventures: of traveling to the moon, the bottom of the sea, and mountain tops, just because they’re there. In “Pinwheel” a young boy is lifted off the ground to drift magically through the sky as he explores the world below. And in “Road Trip” you and your buddy Flynn sing about all the wonderful destinations in America that make a road trip through the U.S. so unique. What is it about the “journey” we experience in life that inspires you to celebrate it through your songs in this album?

Ellis: Exploration is how we learn. From the moment we are crawling on the floor in a bedroom looking at all the nooks and crannies a room has to offer. Exploration leads to the discovery of cool things and interesting places, but mostly, by exploring, we discover something about ourselves and our relationship to our world.

SW: Hands down, my 5-year old daughter’s favorite song on The Dragonfly Races is “Abiola.” She often asks me to explain the story following the song, which opens a dialogue between us about how she can be brave and kind to others, while exploring her own personal truth and following it through. I think you’ve down a lovely service to young girls by crafting a song of fantasy underscored with social commentary. Can you share how you developed this story and how you hope your own daughters may be influenced by its underlying message?

Ellis I wrote the song with Antje Duvekot, who brought the genesis of the idea to me. We were looking for a female heroine for the album, and the story unfolded and gave me a beautiful one. I want each of my girls to be an Abiola, to question authority, to come to their own conclusions, and then to act and participate in positive change. Read More

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Pete Seeger and the Clearwater Festival

  Posted on February 20, 2008 By in Ecology + Education + Entertainment + Film + Hilltown Family Variety Show + music + Slide Show

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Pete Seeger: The Power of Song

Long before “going green” became popular buzzwords, the Clearwater Music and Environmental Festival founder, folk singer/peace activist Pete Seeger sang and protested tirelessly in support of the environment, particularly the Hudson River in New York. His extraordinary legacy is documented in the upcoming film, American Masters Pete Seeger: The Power of Song, a new film scheduled to premier nationwide on PBS on 02/27/08 at 9pm (EST). The documentary explores how Seeger’s music inspires everyday people to get involved and make a difference. He continues to gain popularity and recognition for his achievements, with a petition recently launched to nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize.

The Hilltown Family Variety Show has featured Pete Seeger on several episodes, including: Martin Luther King, Jr. Episode (01/22/08), Peace Episode (01/01/08), and the Earth Day Episode (04/17/07). Pete Seeger understands the power of song to move people. The Clearwater Music and Environmental Festival is a celebration of the environment, recognizing all the progress we have made in cleaning up the Hudson River as a direct result of staying true to his vision. Below is a slide show from last year’s Clearwater Music Festival. Let the images of summer warm your cold New England toes! Photos (c) Hilltown Families.

Clearwater Music and Environmental Festival

[rockyou id=75203553&w=426&h=319]

Come to the Festival in June, and join the thousands of people of all ages who carry on Seeger’s legacy through art, music, dance and education.

Becoming a Volunteer at the Festival

Volunteering for the Clearwater Festival is easy, with applications available online at: www.clearwaterfestival.org. Volunteers are granted full Festival access and receive an
official volunteer T-shirt, on-site camping, and all meals and snacks from Friday evening to Sunday evening. They are also invited to the exclusive volunteer party, featuring
food, dancing and a live band.

Some of the headliners last year included the Cowboy Junkies, Buffy Sainte-Marie and Bruce Cockburn. And on the Family Stage last year was a great line-up of fine talent:

  • Bindlestick Bill
  • Steve Charney & Harry
  • Dog on Fleas
  • Spook Handy
  • Sharon Katz & The Peace Train
  • Paul Richmond
  • Roger the Jester
  • Story Laurie & Ira McIntosh
  • Storycrafters
  • Uncle Rock

    • We’ll keep you posted on this year’s line up when it’s been confirmed!

    Read More

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    HFVS Lunar Eclipse Episode (Radio Show/Podcast)

      Posted on February 19, 2008 By in Hilltown Family Variety Show + podcast + Video

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    Listen to Podcast:

    HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW
    Lunar Eclipse Episode

    WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
    Northampton, MA
    Tuesday evening @ 7pm

    02/19/08 PLAYLIST

    New Podcasts ♦ Archived Podcasts ♦ Subscribe to Podcast
    Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter

    • Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield

      Kira Willey – “Midnight Moonlight” [Dance For The Sun]

    • Dog On Fleas – “The Moon Song” [When I Get Little]
    • Brady Rymer – “Full Moon Walk” [Every Day is a Birthday]
    • Dan Zanes & Friends – “Moonlit Town” [Catch that Train!]
    • Brady Rymer – “Hey, Mr. Moonlight” [I Found It]
    • Elizabeth Mitchell & Lisa Loeb – “Catch the Moon” [For The Kids Too]
    • Uncle Rock – “Baby Loves the Moon” [Uncle Rock U]
    • Bill Harley – “Moon and Me” [Play it Again]
    • Eric Herman – “The Tale of the Sun and the Moon” [Snail’s Pace]

    FEATURED VIDEO

    This week’s featured video is an African folktale about the sun and the moon. We have a storybook of this folktale that used to be my daughter’s favorite book a few years ago. We must have read that story a gazillion times.

    CONGRATULATIONS

    THIS WEEK’S CONTEST

    This week we’re offering a choice between two different t-shirt styles submitted by Brady Rymer for the HFVS T-Shirt Review, along with Grammy Winner Bill Harley‘s album, Blah, Blah, Blah. an excellent CD of Bill’s storytelling. Read More

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    Classical Guitar in the Hilltowns

      Posted on February 18, 2008 By in Entertainment + House Concert + music + Press Release + West Chesterfield

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    House Concert in the Hilltowns
    with Classical Guitarist, Steve Lin

    Steve Lin

    Saturday, February 23rd at 6:30pm, award winning classical guitarist Steve Lin will be performing at a house concert in West Chesterfield, MA, sponsored by Hilltown Families. This intimate performance has limited seating and is open to adults and families with older children. This concert is part of the HFHC Guitar Series, with classical guitar in February and finger-picking style in April with Michael West.

    Tickets are $10 per person. In traditional house concert style, all proceeds go to the artist. Space is limited and RSVP is requested.

    Steve Lin (www.linguitar.com) has performed for audiences throughout the United States, Taiwan, Mexico, and Italy in solo and ensemble engagements. His extensive repertoire spans from the Renaissance to Latin American, and he is also an advocate of contemporary music, active in
    commissioning new works for the guitar.     He was the first prize winner at the Boston GuitarFest Solo Competition (’06) and the East Carolina University Guitar Competition (’01), and has appeared at festivals such as Yale Guitar Extravaganza, L’Accademia Musicale Chigiana, ChitarraImperia Festival, and Stetson Guitar Workshop. Read More

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    Starla and Pointy the Impaler

      Posted on February 18, 2008 By in Entertainment + Family + Guest Writer + music + Princess Katie

      2 Comments

    From the Palace: Ye and Ye Pets!
    By Princess Katie (of Princess Katie & Racer Steve), HF Guest Writer

    For the most part, Kingdom life is great. There’s not much that we don’t have here. Sure, it’s beyond damp, there’s always some kind of incurable disease going around and you can’t exactly be sure if you’re going to be sitting on the throne from one day to the next, but generally, we’ve got a pretty decent set up here and there’s little left to be desired… except for maybe one thing, a normal pet relationship.

    “A normal pet relationship?” you ask, “Why, pray tell!” Well, I bet you take it for granted that you can nuzzle your cat or dog, or that they’ll run and lovingly jump into your arms when you call them. You should know that not every owner/pet relationship is like that. The mere thought of being able to have one of my pets sleep at the foot of my bed or jump into my arms after a short sprint is both thrilling and highly unlikely. If I have my pet jump into my arms I’m at risk of having a 2-foot gold spike implanted in my forehead.

    I own a rare winged unicorn. His name is Pointy.

    Yeah, yeah, lucky me, I’ve heard it all before, but it’s not what you think. You’re thinking of the winged unicorn as a white horse with wings who flies towards rainbows and has a big beautiful glistening golden horn proudly mounted in the middle of its forehead; a mythical creature who gives off the sound of a bell tree when it opens its wings. Well, some of that is indeed true, but mainly, this creature is absolutely insane. Although Pointy has a nose and mouth, he, for whatever reason, chooses to use his incredibly sharp horn as an antenna of sorts. So, whenever he’s curious about anything, he’ll take a running start, head pointed downward, spike ready to investigate. I always know when he’s gotten out of his stable because the piercing screams of “Run! Pointy the Impaler is out!” usually give it away. Ah, yes, no one can clear a town quite like Pointy.

    I’m stating the obvious when I say that Pointy has got about as much of a chance of sleeping at the foot of my bed in this lifetime as a snowball has on a hot plate.

    My other pet’s name is Starla. She’s the “pet o’ choice” for princesses. In fact, unless you own one of these little critters, you’re not really considered to have “arrived” as a princess. Snow White has one, Cinderella has one and even cooler-than-thou Princess Fiona has one.

    Starla is what we call a “Fairy Tale Tweeter.” That’s the name of the company that every princess you’ve ever known has ordered from.

    Fairy Tale Tweeters is a company that sells those little birds that casually fly over and perch themselves on the index finger of a princess as she begins to sing. They gaze lovingly at the princess and whistle in perfect tune along with her. Read More

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    Suggested Events 02/16/08 – 02/22/08

      Posted on February 14, 2008 By in Education + Entertainment + Family + Hilltown Families + Outdoor Activities + Suggested Events

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    Red Fred in the Shed & Orienteering

    On Monday at the Hilltown Families Outdoor Adventure Program in Chesterfield, MA, participants continued their exploration and use of a compass. Learning the compass is a skill children can bring with them if they have interests in Orienteering. Williams College in Williamstown, MA, offers several on-line resources on Orienteering, including how to teach orienteering in schools:

    “Orienteering is a good way to teach children map skills, and can be integrated with units on geography, math and science. In Sweden, it is a required part of the elementary school curriculum, and in the English-speaking world, it is also an important part of the curriculum in many schools in Scotland, England, parts of Canada, as well as Westchester County and the Seattle area in the United States. In the United States, many individual teachers in other areas would like to incorporate orienteering into the curriculum, and the purpose of this page is to provide some information on resources.”*

    SUBMIT AN EVENT

    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, email Sienna at swildfield@juno.com, or post your event on our community bulletin board. Comments are warmly welcomed!

    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 – 02/16

    7am – 10am – FAMILY RADIO – (Air Waves) While traveling around town, tune-in to The River from 7-9am or 103.3 FM from 8-10am to hear fabulous family-friendly music on Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child . [All ages] (Free)

    8am & 9:15am – KIDS BASKETBALL – (Worthington) Throughout the winter months, the Worthington Recreation Department is offering co-ed basketball program for kids at the town hall. Grades 1-2 begin at 8am. Grades 3-4 begin at 9:15am. No registration is necessary. 413.238.5500 [Ages 6-9] (Free)

    10am – 1pm – MUSHING – (Goshen) Bring the family to DAR State Park for a fun hands-on afternoon demonstration. Dog sled rides will be offered. There is also ice skating on the lake, so bring your ice skates, and a warming hut! Dress for the weather. For more information call Hilltown Wilderness Adventures at 413.296.0187. [Families] ($)

    10am-4pm – WINTER FARM ACTIVITIES – (Pittsfield) Old fashioned fun at Hancock Shaker Village, Sat.-Mon (02/16-02/18)! Enjoy a long weekend of winter farm activities including ice harvesting, sleigh rides, and walks in the snow. Visitors can carry maple sap from the sugar bush to the boiling pan, help care for animals, and learn about the heirloom seed saving process. 413.443.0188 [All Ages] ($)

    11am & 1pm- THEATRE – (Pittsfield) At the Stephen’s Episcopal Church see Tatterhood, a magical tale of a free-spirited girl who combats trolls, saves a princess and enchants a prince-all in her own way! Castle Hill Theatre Company presents an adaptation of the wonderful Norse myth by the same name for children and families. 413.429.1505

    11am – FANCY NANCY LUNCHEON (South Deerfield) At Chandler’s Restaurant. Dress fancy had enjoy a fancy luncheon with other fancy girls and guys. 413.665.1277 [All Ages] ($)

    5pm-6:30pm – DINNER & ART – (Haydenville) Art Star is hosting a family Valentine’s Day Celebration. Pre-registration: 413.896.3709. [Families] ($$)

    7pm-9pm – LIVE MUSIC – (Ashfield) Live music at Elmer’s with Joanie Schwartz. Folk, bluegrass & the blues! First hour geared for kids. Dinner available. [All Ages] (Free)

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    Plug in, get involved and make a difference!

      Posted on February 13, 2008 By in Ecology + Politics

      1 Comment

    Another Way

    Many people who have seen The Story of Stuff have asked what they can do to address the problems identified in the film.

    Each of us can promote sustainability and justice at multiple levels: as an individual, as a teacher or parent, a community member, a national citizen, and as a global citizen. As Annie says in the film, “the good thing about such an all pervasive problem is that there are so many points of intervention.” That means that there are lots and lots of places to plug in, to get involved, and to make a difference. There is no single simple thing to do, because the set of problems we’re addressing just isn’t simple. But everyone can make a difference, but the bigger your action the bigger the difference you’ll make. Here are some ideas:

    10 Little and Big Things You Can Do

    1. Power down! A great deal of the resources we use and the waste we create is in the energy we consume. Look for opportunities in your life to significantly reduce energy use: drive less, fly less, turn off lights, buy local seasonal food (food takes energy to grow, package, store and transport), wear a sweater instead of turning up the heat, use a clothesline instead of a dryer, vacation closer to home, buy used or borrow things before buying new, recycle. All these things save energy and save you money. And, if you can switch to alternative energy by supporting a company that sells green energy to the grid or by installing solar panels on your home, bravo!
    2. Waste less. Per capita waste production in the U.S. just keeps growing. There are hundreds of opportunities each day to nurture a Zero Waste culture in your home, school, workplace, church, community. This takes developing new habits which soon become second nature. Use both sides of the paper, carry your own mugs and shopping bags, get printer cartridges refilled instead of replaced, compost food scraps, avoid bottled water and other over packaged products, upgrade computers rather than buying new ones, repair and mend rather than replace….the list is endless! The more we visibly engage in re-use over wasting, the more we cultivate a new cultural norm, or actually, reclaim an old one!
    3. Talk to everyone about these issues. At school, your neighbors, in line at the supermarket, on the bus…A student once asked Cesar Chavez how he organized. He said, “First, I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” “No,” said the student, “how do you organize?” Chavez answered, “First I talk to one person. Then I talk to another person.” You get the point. Talking about these issues raises awareness, builds community and can inspire others to action.
    4. Make Your Voice Heard. Write letters to the editor and submit articles to local press. In the last two years, and especially with Al Gore winning the Nobel Peace Prize, the media has been forced to write about Climate Change. As individuals, we can influence the media to better represent other important issues as well. Letters to the editor are a great way to help newspaper readers make connections they might not make without your help. Also local papers are often willing to print book and film reviews, interviews and articles by community members. Let’s get the issues we care about in the news.
    5. DeTox your body, DeTox your home, and DeTox the Economy. Many of today’s consumer products – from children’s pajamas to lipstick – contain toxic chemical additives that simply aren’t necessary. Research online (for example, http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/) before you buy to be sure you’re not inadvertently introducing toxics into your home and body. Then tell your friends about toxics in consumer products. Together, ask the businesses why they’re using toxic chemicals without any warning labels. And ask your elected officials why they are permitting this practice. The European Union has adopted strong policies that require toxics to be removed from many products. So, while our electronic gadgets and cosmetics have toxics in them, people in Europe can buy the same things toxics-free. Let’s demand the same thing here. Getting the toxics out of production at the source is the best way to ensure they don’t get into any home and body. Read More

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    HFVS Valentine’s Day Episode with Guest DJ, Uncle Rock (Radio Show/Podcast)

      Posted on February 12, 2008 By in Guest DJ + Hilltown Family Variety Show + music + podcast

      1 Comment

    Listen to Podcast:

    VALENTINE’S DAY EPISODE
    with Guest DJ, Uncle Rock

    Hilltown Family Variety Show
    WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
    Northampton, MA
    Tuesday evening @ 7pm

    Feb. 12th, 2008

    New Podcasts ♦ Archived Podcasts ♦ Subscribe to Podcast
    Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter

    Uncle Rock in Florence, MA. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

    PLAYLIST:

    • Beatles – “All You Need Is Love” [Love]
    • Art Garfunkel – “I Only Have Eyes For You” [Break Away]
    • Uncle Rock – “Everyday” (by Buddy Holly) [Live in Studio]
    • Dan Zanes and Friends – “Jump Up” [Family Dance]
    • Van Morrison – “Have I Told You Lately” [The Best of Van Morrison]
    • Woody Gutherie – “My Dolly” [Nursery Days]
    • Uncle Rock – “You Look Good in the Rain” [Live in Studio]
    • Dog on Fleas – “Honey Baby” [When I Get Little]
    • Uncle Rock – “Love in My Food” [Live in Studio]
    • Beatles – “Because” [Love]

    Following his performance last weekend at the Florence Civic Center, Uncle Rock (www.UncleRock.com) came on down to the radio station to do a Valentine’s Day Episode. Uncle Rock performed three songs live in the studio. Click here to listen to the last time he was our guest (back in July when it was 110-degrees in the production studio!).

    If you’re looking to pick up a copy of Uncle Rock U, stop by Cup & Top in Florence, MA, or click here to order a copy from CD Baby. Or you can win it …

    THIS WEEK’S CONTEST

    This week we’re offering the chance to win Uncle Rock’s newest album Uncle Rock U, along with the t-shirt he submitted to the HFVS T-shirt Review:

    “Heavy duty.” wrote Rae (mom). “Subversive & nasty. Way cool!” commented Bill (dad). Not the reaction I would assume Uncle Rock was looking for when he decided to use a drawing his son made of his daddy for a t-shirt design. But his local fans still loved it simply because it was an Uncle Rock t-shirt. “I love Uncle Rock!” beamed Persephone (age 5). “I have this shirt at home!” said Kiah (age 4) of Ashfield, MA.

    HOW TO WIN: For your chance to win, simply post us a comment below. We’ll randomly draw a winner from those who leave a comment. IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline is 02/19/08 @ 7pm (EST).

    CONGRATULATIONS TO:

    Ellen Ferris from Hadley, MA, for winning last weeks contest. She will receive Steve Week’s latest CD, Alphabet Songs Volume III (Rabbit Run), and the original, one-of-kind t-shirt SW’s submitted to the HFVS T-Shirt Review.

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    Broken (Sugar Cookie) Hearts

      Posted on February 12, 2008 By in Entertainment + Family + Food + Sienna

      2 Comments

    BROKEN (SUGAR COOKIE) HEARTS
    by Sienna Wildfield

    I took my daughter to a late afternoon cooking class at Whole Foods in Hadley for Valentine’s Day to make Valentine Cookies for her Daddy. When we arrived, the tables in the classroom were lined with butcher paper and individual decorating stations were set up for each student. Ramekins of colorful dime store candies were set out, and the temptation to stick little fingers into these bowls had all the kids on the edge of their stools while waiting for the class to begin.Once everyone arrived and settled in, heart shaped sugar cookies, the smooth blank slates for their little love creations, were passed out, and the decorating began.

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    Autism Speaks Video Fundraiser

      Posted on February 11, 2008 By in Easthampton + Family + Fundraiser + Health & Wellness + Video

      Leave a Comment

    The band Five for Fighting is generously donating $0.40 to Autism Speaks each time this video is viewed. The funds raised will go towards research studies to help find a cure for autism. When you have a moment, please watch this informative clip, featuring touching photos of a beloved daughter and her family.

    Thank you to Shelly Bathe Lenn, for bringing this video to my attention. It is a powerful, informative video that I hope you will share with as many people as you can. Autism has affected so many children in our community. I encourage you to help bring the much needed services and therapy to these children.

    Mindy Brown
    Easthampton Family Center Coordinator

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    Another ROCKIN’ Kids Concert in Northampton: Princess Katie & Racer Steve!

      Posted on February 8, 2008 By in Entertainment + Family + Hilltown Families + Hilltown Family Variety Show + music + Northampton + Press Release + Princess Katie + Spare the Rock Spoil the Child + Suggested Activity + Video

    Hilltown Families & Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child Present …

    PRINCESS KATIE & RACER STEVE!

    Saturday, March 8th @ 1:30pm in Northampton

    Princess Katie & Racer Steve, will make a triumphant return to Northampton with a rock concert for kids and their parental units at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 8 in Lyman Hall at First Churches of Northampton, 129 Main Street, Northampton, MA, co-presented by the Valley Free Radio programs, Hilltown Family Variety Show (HilltownFamilies.org) and Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child (click here to read about their performance last spring). Costumes for the kids are welcome, but optional.

    Don’t let the name fool you, this Manhattan-based musical duo (and married couple) stirs up some seriously rockin’ music, ranging from alt-pop to country to reggae, all with a positive message. – Publishers Weekly

    Kids are encouraged to join Princess Katie, Racer Steve, Judo Champ Billy, and Crash in rocking out to “music with a message that hasn’t lost its cool.” The high-energy show will feature tunes from Princess Katie & Racer Steve’s critically acclaimed 2007 album, Songs for the Coolest Kids, as well as “sneak previews” of songs from their soon-to-be-released CD, Fast & Feisty, offering contemporary takes on popular music sounds ranging from jazz and swing to neo-Latin and electric rock ‘n’ roll to rap, West Indian, folk, country, and 12-bar blues. Princess Katie & Racer Steve use cool music, hip lyrics and zany skits to bring home messages about cultural acceptance, winning, losing, sharing, bullying, making friends, kindness, fairness, sibling appreciation, world peace, and just plain having fun being a kid.

    Spontaneity and surprise are key to Princess Katie & Racer Steve’s shows. You never know what they’ll dream up. Princess Katie (aka Katie O’Sullivan) says, “I just can’t seem to do a show unless it’s spectacular for the kids!” She’s sure to bring her giant prize wheel and spin it to choose songs or activities like “Conga” or “Freeze Dance.” Princess Katie & Racer Steve might throw out inflatable soccer balls or surprise the kids with a confetti or Mylar steamer launch. Sometimes they’ll hand out mini racing flags so kids can wave them every time they hear, “Go, Go, Go” in a song about Racer Steve’s car racing. They’ll wear “funky hats” and sunglasses for their “Hey Claire” funk song, and for “Sneakers,” Katie has GIANT sneakers to wear under her princess dress.

    Alternative rock-loving parents will dig how much Katie sounds like Natalie Merchant (only much more chipper), and the high-spirited high jinks of Racer Steve will keep their tots in stitches. – FamilyFun magazine

    Says Racer Steve (aka Steve Borne), “We’re really working toward entertaining kids on every level, not only through the music, but also by making them laugh. Behind everything we create, there’s an element of humor, and we’re so happy to see that the kids, get it and laugh along with us.”

    Check out From the Palace: Day in the Life of a Medieval Princess, Princess Katie’s commentary as a contributing writer for Hilltown Families on life in the medieval ages. She’s pretty darn funny and worth the read! She’ll tickle your royal funny bone!

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    Spare the Rock on The River

      Posted on February 8, 2008 By in Family + music + Northampton + Spare the Rock Spoil the Child

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    Indie Music for Indie Kids Now on 93.9 The River
    By HF Contributing Writer, Bill Childs

    Starting this Saturday, February 9, our long-standing radio show (over 100 episodes!) “Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child,” will be airing on The River (93.9 in Northampton and most of the Valley and at least some of the Hilltowns, 101.5 in Brattleboro). We’ll be on from 7 to 9 AM every Saturday on the River; we’ll also still be aired on Valley Free Radio (103.3 in Northampton and immediate environs). Both stations stream (http://wrsi.com for the River, http://valleyfreeradio.org for VFR), and on-demand streams of the show are available at http://sparetherock.com.

    We’re very excited about the move. The folks at the River have been terrific – many of them have kids themselves – and the show will be essentially the same, though we’ll now be pre-recording. (This week’s show, which is sort of a soft launch, has a bit less conversation than usual, but that was due to nerves, not an intentional change.) We’ll keep having terrific musicians on the show, we’ll keep playing all sorts of kid-appropriate music, and we’ll keep bringing shows to the area. Just now, we can get even broader exposure for all the great artists!
    So if you’re out and about and wanting to hear some great music for kids on Saturday mornings, you’ve now got an option farther out of town.

    -Bill, Ella, & Sometimes Liam

    ABOUT THE AUTHORBill Childs & Ella Bill teaches law school by day in Springfield, MA. With his kids, he produces a radio show for kids, Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child, on Valley Free Radio (103.3FM in Northampton) on Saturday mornings from 8am to 10am and online at www.sparetherock.com. He’s also a columnist for regional parenting magazines, covers music for Parenting magazine, and is a bi-monthly contributing writer to Hilltown Families. Contact him at show@sparetherock.com.

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    Suggested Events 02/09/08 – 02/15/08

      Posted on February 7, 2008 By in Cup & Top + Entertainment + Family + Hilltown Families + Mothers + Suggested Events + Valentine's Day

      1 Comment

    LOCAL WOMEN TAKE WINTER TO THE MAT WITH FUN FAMILY EVENTS!

    Cup & Top turns 2!I don’t know about you, but for me the hardest time of the year to be living in New England is the next six weeks (which is right up there with black fly season!). Since the first snow fall in early November, winter has been a cold, dark and sometime deary companion. Fortunately there are many mothers and women in our community who are enriching our winter days with a wealth of opportunities to get out and about with our families this weekend:

    • Helen Kahn from Cup & Top is having a birthday party and everyone is invited! Cup & Top is turning two and she’s throwing a shin dig with music, art, cake and more.
    • If you’re looking to get outdoors, Lauren Abend is hosting the Path of the Otter nature program for kids right here in the hilltowns!
    • And Marla BB, from Hilltown Wilderness Adventures, is offering another outdoor opportunity with dog sled rides for families, also here in the hilltowns! It was a big hit last week.
    • Eva Christoph from the Art Bridge will be hosting their second Saturday potluck performance in Shelburne. Get creative and move your body!
    • Nan Parati from Elmer’s is throwing a concert and serving up some great Cajun food. in Ashfield. Get out and celebrate Mardi Gras!
    • Tony(a) Lemos will be offering a culture through art workshop at the Children’s Art Museum in Shelbrune Falls (co-sponsored by Hilltown Families), followed by a kids multi-language concert. Get a cultural dose of Russian and Spanish fun!
    • Laurie Broussard & Laura Cayer from the Pop Rockets will be jamming it up at the Children’s Museum in Holyoke with their band for the museum family fun night. These ladies are so fun!

    Wow! What a great list of fun events and powerhouse women! Have a wonderful weekend!

    SUBMIT AN EVENT

    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, email Sienna at swildfield@juno.com, or post your event on our community bulletin board. Comments are warmly welcomed!

    Local forecast | Get directions | Free Museum Passes | School Closings & Delays

    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 – 02/09

    8am – FAMILY RADIO – (Air Waves) While traveling around town, tune-in to WXOJ 103.3 FM in Northampton, MA, from 8-10am to hear fabulous family-friendly music on Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child . [All ages] (Free)

    8am & 9:15am – KIDS BASKETBALL – (Worthington) Throughout the winter months, the Worthington Recreation Department is offering co-ed basketball program for kids at the town hall. Grades 1-2 begin at 8am. Grades 3-4 begin at 9:15am. No registration is necessary. 413.238.5500 [Ages 6-9] (Free)

    10am – 6pm – BIRTHDAY PARTY – (Florence) Cup & Top is turning 2! Come celebrate their reaching the toddler stage with a day full of free events. At 10am, Northampton’s Elena Ciampa and Russ Neiman will perform spanish & latin music for the kids! From 1pm – 3pm: Rhymes with Orange cartoonist Hilary Price book signing! And from 4pm – 6pm: Art Opening for Cummington Artist Leni Fried with live music by Cummington’s Radio Free Earth! They will also unveil their whimsical mural that Leni painted for the cafe playspace! [Families] (Free)

    10am – Noon – VALENTINE’S DAY – (Holyoke) Join artist Marjorie Latham for a creative, hands-on workshop on the art of crafting valentines at the Wistariahurst Museum. 413.322.5660 [Families] (>$)

    10am – CHOCOLATE HISTORY – (Deerfield) Take the kids to learn about the history and making of chocolate at the Historic Deerfield Museum for their American Heritage Chocolate Celebration. Get a jump on your Valentine’s Day festivities while you join fellow “chocoholics” for a day filled with chocolate treats and historical facts. A special focus this year will be on American Heritage Chocolate, a re-creation of colonial American chocolate produced by the Historic Division of Mars, Inc. [Families] (Borrow a museum pass from your local library, $)

    10am – Noon – NATURE EXPLORATIONS – (Easthampton) Tracking at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Identifying and following an animal track can teach us a lot about the animals that live in our area and their behavior. The forest is full of signs of wildlife. We will learn to read these tracks and signs, which provide both mysteries and some answers. Dress appropriately for the weather, since we will be walking in the forest. Registration is required, unless otherwise noted. 413.584.3009 [Ages 5-12] ($)

    10am-1pm – NATURE PROGRAM – (Ashfield) The Path of the Otter, the series of three Saturday earth awareness and nature exploration classes begins. Click HERE for program details. [Ages 5-7] ($$$)

    11am-7pm – WINTER FEST – (Amherst) Indoor and outdoor activities for children, families and adults at the Cherry Hill Golf course. It’s a go snow or no snow. They will have plenty of non-snow related activities for everyone. All activities are included with your admission fee. Click here for more info. [Families] ($)

    11am – 8pm – FAMILY FREE DAY AT MASS MOCA – (North Adams) A festive family affair with projects for the kids, demos, films, tours, ice cream, and more. 413.MoCA.111

    Noon – 4pm – MUSHING – (Goshen) Bring the family to DAR State Park for a fun hands-on afternoon demonstration. Dog sled rides will be offered. There is also ice skating on the lake, so bring your ice skates. Dress for the weather. For more information call Hilltown Wilderness Adventures at 413.296.0187. [Families] ($)

    2pm – STORYTELLING – (Holyoke) Rivers, Mountains & Legends: An Afternoon of Storytelling. The Wistariahurst Museum welcomes long-time storytellers Dan Shanahan, Megan Moore and Carla Bee in the telling of stories that celebrate the earth and all of its creatures! All three are founding members of Boston’s Stone Soup Poets and Drumlin, which is a collaborative arts ensemble. 413.322.5660 [Families] ($)

    4pm-6:50pm – ICE SKATING – (Amherst) There will be a public skate at the Mullins Center Ice Rink. Skate rentals available. 413.545.3990 [Families] ($)

    4pm – 7pm – FAMILY FUN NIGHT & KIDS CONCERT – (Holyoke) The Children’s Museum at Holyoke will be hosting their 2nd annual “For the Love of the Museum” affair. There will be crafts, food, live music with live music by the Pop Rockets, A2Z Yo-yo team and kids self-defense demo, and more. 413.625.8275 [Families] ($)

    6pm – PERFORMANCE POTLUCK – (Shelburne) Art Bridge will be hosting their first Saturday Performance Potluck. Bring a dish to share and come enjoy music, dancing, performance and art. 413.625.8275 [Families] (Donation, $)

    7pm – PERFORMANCE – (Amherst) Cirque Sublime will be at the Mullins Center on the UMass Campus. Click here for more information. [Families] ($$)

    7:30pm – MARDI GRAS CONCERT – (Ashfield) Eilen Jewell concert at Ashfield’s Town Hall with cajun food by Elmer’s. Click here to read more. Costume optional. [Families] ($$)

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    Video Review: People in Order

      Posted on February 6, 2008 By in Family + Homeschooling + Video

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    Life Cycles:  Ages 1 to 100

    In three minutes watch as people from the ages of 1 to 100 share their age and beat a drum. If your kids are studying life cycles this is a interesting film for them to see.

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    I Love You! Spiderman! Rock n’ Roll!

      Posted on February 5, 2008 By in Entertainment + Hilltown Families + Hilltown Family Variety Show + music + Northampton + Performance Review + Video

      2 Comments

    Kids Rock ‘n Roll with Uncle Rock at the Florence Civic Center

    Wow! The Florence Civic Center was rockin’ on Saturday to a full house with Uncle Rock, at a mid-winter kids concert sponsored by Hilltown Families (click here to see photos). It was an excellent performance with new music from his third CD release, Uncle Rock U, plus many favorites from his past two CD’s. Thanks to all the folks that came out to celebrate Groundhogs Day with great music, and a special thanks to all the HF Volunteers for making the morning go so smoothly!

    The title of this post , “I Love You! Spiderman! Rock n’ Roll!”, is an inside joke to families that were there on Saturday. Uncle Rock had me in stitches as he explained the different ways of exclaiming this same phrase in different sequences, all with variations of the same hand gesture. You had to be there – but just in case you weren’t, this one’s for you … Here is a short low-fi music video of “It’s Hot,” one of my favorite songs off of his new album:

    UNCLE ROCK ON AIR IN WESTERN MASS

    (WXOJ) Hilltown Family Variety Show
    Tune-in next Tuesday (02/15/08) to the Hilltown Family Variety Show for our special Valentine’s Day episode with co-host Persephone and Uncle Rock as our guest DJ as he serenades us with live music.

    (WXOJ) Spare the Rock, Spoil the Rock
    Uncle Rock was live in studio Saturday morning (02/02/08) pre-concert on Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child with Bill, Ella and Liam. Click here to access the archived show.

    (WHMP) Vannah and Collins
    And on Friday morning (02/01/08) Uncle Rock did a live call in interview with Vannah and Collins on WHMP in Northampton, MA. Click here to listen to that interview.

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    New Family Music To Defrost Your Frozen Feet!

      Posted on February 2, 2008 By in Family + music + Spare the Rock Spoil the Child

      1 Comment

    Frozen February Fun
    By Bill Childs, HF Contributing Writer

    Brrrr. It’s pretty darn cold where I am when I’m writing this, and it’ll probably be pretty darn cold where you are when you read it. There’s nothing better than dancing to warm you up, so today, some almost all brand spanking new music for you and your family to boogie to.

    They Might Be Giants – Here Come the 123s
    On their third CD for kids, TMBG continues what made their first two essential listening: a combination of hook-filled music with lyrics that will get parents and kids cracking up. “High Five” celebrates the joy of palm-slapping, while “One Everything” gets metaphysical about everything’s uniqueness in a tasty pop morsel. While it’s number-themed, Here Come the 123s is not really intended as an educational CD, and that’s good – instead, it’s pure entertainment. The accompanying DVD adds energetic and hilarious animation to the tracks. www.tmbg.com

    Medeski, Martin & Wood – Let’s Go Everywhere:
    MMW has a devoted fan base from years of touring, and they’re going to add the younger set to it with this engaging and delightful mash-up of kids’ music with their trademark jazz and funk. With a mix of originals and covers (and the Johnny Cash reworking in the title track somewhere in the middle), the band has balanced the complexity of skilled jazz players with the simplicity necessary to grab kids’ attention. Recorded in just four days, the travel-themed record has a sense of improvisation and immediacy you don’t often find in music for kids. www.mmw.net

    Putumayo (Various Artists) – Hawaiian Playground:
    With ten tracks from and about Hawaii, Hawaiian Playground provides a sunny treat in the dead of winter. From The Moonlighters’ harmonies and ukelele on “Right On” to Joe McDermott pining for the islands on “Come to Hawaii” to native Hawaiians Ehukai and Imua, the CD gives a real sense for the multitude of musical styles in Hawaii while also being a cohesive – and fun! – whole. www.putumayo.com

    The Jellydots – Changing Skies:
    The Jellydots’ Hey You Kids was one of the best family CDs of 2006, and Changing Skies, while a bit of a departure, is well worth checking out too. Singer and songwriter Doug Snyder has definitely skewed a bit older – some of the songs (especially “Art School Girl” and “Remember Me”) are aimed much more at the tweener or teenage sets – but the real genius of the record is that it’s got something for every member of the family, without making any of them feel pandered to. www.thejellydots.com

    Brady Rymer – Here Comes Brady Rymer and the Little Band that Could:
    Brady Rymer (formerly of the grown-up band From Good Homes) has put together his best-yet record of friendly and loose, but never sloppy, kid roots rock. Featuring a number of performers from Bruce Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions along with Rymer’s long-standing band, it’s the perfect soundtrack to a sunny weekend, or a cold and cloudy weekend when you wish it was sunny. www.bradyrymer.com

    ABOUT THE AUTHORBill Childs & Ella

    Bill teaches law school by day in Springfield, MA. With his kids, he produces a radio show for kids, Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child, on Valley Free Radio (103.3FM in Northampton) on Saturday mornings from 8am to 10am and online at www.sparetherock.com. He’s also a columnist for regional parenting magazines, covers music for Parenting magazine, and is a bi-monthly contributing writer to Hilltown Families. Contact him at show@sparetherock.com.

    (Community) Winter Fare and Ag Education Year-Round

      Posted on February 2, 2008 By in Food + Greenfield + Local Food

      1 Comment

    (Community) Winter Fare and Ag Education Year-Round
    By CISA

    Sooner or later, everyone who is working to get more local food into school cafeterias or incorporate agricultural education into school curricula must learn to work with the fact that the school year was designed so that it wouldn’t interfere with peak harvest season. It’s true that the mad rush of fresh, local veggies and fruit into the markets has slowed by the time the school busses begin their rounds, and this does pose special challenges for food service directors and teachers. The winter months are a great time to turn to the larger community for help in continuing to educate children about agriculture and food.

    As more and more people become aware of the benefits and importance of supporting local agriculture, there have been more efforts to make local food accessible year-round.   This Saturday, February 2nd, there will be a Groundhog Day Farmers’ Market from 10am-2pm in the 2nd Congregational Church in Greenfield. Locally-produced foods, ranging from apples and carrots to bok choy and popcorn will be available. There will also be a series of workshops about topics like seed saving, bee keeping, and fruit drying. The Farmers’ Market kicks off a week of Winter Fare community events, including potluck suppers and film showings. And six Franklin County restaurants are highlighting local foods on their menus and accepting coupons that can be picked up at the Farmers’ Market. The farmers’ market and all the events following it should be great fun (and you should go, if you live nearby!), but Winter Fare also provides inspiration for teachers or parents wondering about ways to teach kids about agriculture in the dead of winter, and ways to connect that education to the larger community.

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    Suggested Events 02/02/08 – 02/08/08

      Posted on January 31, 2008 By in Entertainment + Family + Goshen + Homeschooling + music + Outdoor Activities + Suggested Events

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    IT’S THE HALF WAY POINT OF WINTER … LET’S CELEBRATE!

    We’re starting off February with several fun and exciting events to shake those winter blues away!

    On Friday (02/01) over at the Children’s Art Museum is a Sand Mandala “playshop” for families to discover Tibetan culture through art. The playshop is from 4pm-6:30pm in Shelburne Falls, MA. Give Tony(a) a call at 413.625.2030 to reserve your spot. This is the first of three in a series of cultural explorations through art. The next one is Discovering Russian Culture with Matryoshka Dolls on Feb. 10th. Be sure to sign up straight away. (Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families). (Update: Postponed until Sunday, 02/03 @ 10am due to inclement weather.)

    Then on Saturday (02/02) it’s Uncle Rock at 10:30am at the Florence Civic Center (90 Park in Florence, next to the Lilly Library) with a kid/family concert. You can hear Uncle Rock live on Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child before the concert too. Tickets are only $6 per person and infants are free. Gather up your families and friends and come celebrate the mid-point of winter with a rockin’ kids concert! For more information call 413.296.0096. (Sponsored by Hilltown Families)

    And on Sunday (02/03) join Marla BB for some dog sledding. Did you see last week’s article in the Hampshire Gazette about Marla’s adventures in Alaska, both at last year’s Iditarod and training for this year’s? She’ll be at DAR in Goshen from 10:30am-1:30pm Sunday (and from 1:30pm-4:30pm on Saturday) offering kids and their families an opportunity to mush with a full dog sled team. She’ll be MC-ing at the Uncle Rock concert on Saturday. Come by and find out more about her adventures. If you have a subscription to the Hampshire Gazette, click here to read last weeks article.

    But that’s not all …

    • Peruse our list of Suggested Events below for a load more of fun and educational things to do with the family, include events for National Girls and Women in Sports Day.
    • Click here to see photos from the Deedle Deedle Dees concert last Saturday at Lyman Hall. Check out lead singer and stand up bass player Lloyd Miller rockin’ the house with his 2-year old daughter Hazel (what a trooper!).
    • Scroll down and check out our Groundhog’s Day links in the left-hand column under “the outside world.” This list of 100 web sites is added to nearly every day, offering new places on the web worth exploring.  We add educational web sites, curriculumn ideas, fun sites for kids, craft projects, articles, blogs, recipes … you name it.  So get off your blog reader and come check it out!

    THIS WEEK’S LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS IS SPONSORED BY:

    GRENDEL BOOKS (www.GrendelBooks.com)

  • Become a Sponsor

    • To find out how you or your business can help support Hilltown Families by becoming a sponsor, drop us an email or give us a call at 413.296.0096 for more information. By having individuals in our community and area businesses become sponsors, Hilltown Families can continue to offer a weekly list of suggested events, a weekly podcast, updated resources, articles and much more.

    • Submit an Event

    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, email Sienna at swildfield@juno.com, or post your event on our community bulletin board. Comments are warmly welcomed!

    Local forecast | Get directions | Free Museum Passes | School Closings & Delays

    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 – 02/02

    Groundhogs Day

    8am – FAMILY RADIO – (Air Waves) While traveling around town, tune-in to WXOJ 103.3 FM in Northampton, MA, from 8-10am to hear fabulous family-friendly music on Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child with UNCLE ROCK live in studio! [All ages] (Free)

    Uncle Rock on Feb 2nd 2008 at Florence Civic Center

    8am & 9:15am – KIDS BASKETBALL – (Worthington) Throughout the winter months, the Worthington Recreation Department is offering co-ed basketball program for kids at the town hall. Grades 1-2 begin at 8am. Grades 3-4 begin at 9:15am. No registration is necessary. 413.238.5500 [Ages 6-9] (Free)

    10:30am – KIDS CONCERT – (Florence) Indie kids musician UNCLE ROCK will be performing a rockin’ kid’s show the whole family will enjoy at the Florence Civic Center (90 Park Street, next to the Lilly Library off Route 9). Click here to discover Uncle Rock. 413.296.0096 [Families] ($6 per person, Infants Free)

    10am-2pm – LOCAL FOOD – (Greenfield) The Winter Fare begins today at the Second Congregational Church. Click here to read more about this week long event that supports local food. 413.773.5188 [Families] (Free, $)

    10am-2pm – BOYS & READING – (Holyoke) The Dangerous Boys Club will be happening at the Holyoke Barnes & Noble Booksellers. Activities include essential hands-on-activities to keep boys engaged in reading: Worlds Best Paper Airplane, How to Make a Battery, How to Juggle, Navigation, and more. 413.532.3200 [Boys] (Free)

    1:30pm-4:30pm – DOG SLEDDING – (Goshen) Dog sled rides for families will be offered at the DAR with Marla BB from Hilltown Wilderness Adventures. For more information call 413.296.0187. [Families] ($)

    4pm-6:50pm – ICE SKATING – (Amherst) There will be a public skate at the Mullins Center Ice Rink. Skate rentals available. 413.545.3990 [Families] ($)

    5pm-7pm & 6pm-8pm – PUPPET SHOW – [Easthampton] Come see a magical shadow puppet presentation of Jane Yolen’s classic book Owl Moon and learn about the seven native owl species in Massachusetts. After the show, we’ll take a walk in the dark, brisk winter woods to call for owls. We can’t guarantee that we will see or hear owls, but we will certainly have fun trying. After the walk we will return indoors to warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and a snack. Dress warmly since we will be outdoors for about 45 minutes. [Ages 5-10] (>$)

    6:30pm-10:30pm – MARDI GRAS PARTY – (Westhampton) Come in costume and celebrate Mardi Gras at the Westhampton Town Hall. There will be finger food, desserts, maskmaking, party favors, and music by The Gypsy Wrangers. [Families] ($)

    7pm-9:30pm – MOONLIGHT SLEDDING – (Buckland) Red Gate Educational Farm will host a special sledding night at the farm. Warm your hands by the bonfire before you go sliding down the hill. Climb back up to enjoy some cocoa and company and then take another run! Bring your own sled or borrow one of ours! No registration is required, but your RSVP is appreciated. [Families] (Free)

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    The Streets of Ashfield Cheer for Change – Sacajawea Dollar Coins to be Exact (Change)

      Posted on January 30, 2008 By in Ashfield + Food + Notes from Nan

      Leave a Comment

    Notes from Nan: And the Crowd Leaps to its Feet!
    BY HF Contributing Writer, Nan Parati

    Thank you! Thank you! You have no idea how wonderful it is to be here tonight, standing on MAIN STREET! (pause for cheer.) You know, my campaign for president gained a mountain of momentum this morning, when a customer came in and paid me with TWO SACAJAWEA DOLLAR COINS! (pause for huge cheer.) If that’s not a mandate for change, I don’t know what is! (pause for wild cheering. Wait for it to calm to quiet.)

    You know, we carried Bronson Avenue, we carried Bug Hill, we’ve even carried Baptist Corner Road. (polite and patient pauses throughout while crowd applauds their street.) But to stand here tonight at the corner of Main Street and Buckland Road, knowing that you’ve heard my message for change and you support it, is just the push we need to WIN! (Hold up arms to symbolically embrace people leaping to their feet.)

    Thank you, thank you! Now, on to STEADY LANE!

    THE FARM REPORT

    I was just reading about the benefits of eating BEETS! They are particularly beneficial when we eat them raw.

    1. They contain folate and betaine which help lower the amount of homocystine in our blood stream. This is good because homocyseine is an inflammatory compound that can damage our arteries and increase our risk of heart disease.
    2. The natural pigments in beets – betacyanins –“ have proved to be potent cancer fighters in laboratory mice.”
      This information is from the following webiste: men.webmd.com/features/10-best-foods-you-arent-eating.

    The other 9 best foods are cabbage, guave, swiss chard, cinnamon, purslane, pomengranate juice, goji berries, dried plums, and pumpkin seeds. Read More

    Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

      Posted on January 30, 2008 By in Health + Health & Wellness + Mothers + Northampton

      Leave a Comment

    Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Coalition Hosts Open House and Training

    Did you know that …

    • 80% of mothers experience some symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety within the first year of motherhood
    • 10-25% of mothers (26-32% of teen mothers!) develop diagnosable postpartum depression or anxiety
    • The suicide risk for American women jumps seventy-fold in the first year after they give birth*
    • With approximately 8,000 births per year in Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden counties, it can be estimates that at any given time 6,000 mothers are experiencing significant postpartum stress, and 800-2000 mothers are experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety

    The Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Coalition of Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties will host an Open House and Training on Wednesday, February 6 from 9:30-11:30am in the Upstairs Room at Community Action (56 Vernon Street) in Northampton, MA. Refreshments and networking begin at 9:15am. This event is FREE and open to the public. If you work with pregnant women and mothers, or are a member of the public who is interested in this topic, this open house and training is where you want to be on February 6th! Read More

     Tags: ,

    Steve Weeks Guest DJ Episode (01/29/08)

      Posted on January 29, 2008 By in Contest + Entertainment + Family + Guest DJ + Hilltown Family Variety Show + music

      2 Comments

    LISTEN NOW

    Molly & Willy Weeks. (c) Steve Weeks HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW

    Steve Weeks Guest DJ Episode
    with Steve, Willy & Molly Weeks

    WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
    Northampton, MA
    Tuesday evening @ 7pm

    01/29/08 PLAYLIST

    listen now | subscribe to free podcast | archived shows | contests

    • Peter Mayer – “Peppermint Wind” [Straw House Down]
    • Sweet Honey in the Rock – “Run Molly Run”[A Child’s Celebration of Folk Music]
    • Dave Carter and Tracey Grammer – “Hey Conductor” [Tanglewood Tree]
    • Steve Weeks – “Zed & Zoey” [Alphabet Songs Vol. III (Rabbit Run)]
    • Steve, Willy & Molly Weeks – “Miss Bunny Feet and Robot Mike” [Live]
    • They Might Be Giants – “Four of Two” [No!]
    • Great Big Sea – “Lukey” [Rant and Roar]
    • Dan Reeder – “Three Chords” [Dan Reeder]

    Big thanks to Steve Weeks and his great kids, Molly & Willy, for being our guest DJs for this week’s episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, which includes a live performance of “Miss Bunny Feet and Robot Mike” by the Weeks family. Great job guys & gals!

    We’re big fans of Steve Weeks! He’s a quality songwriter, fine musician and a great guy all around. Using every letter in the alphabet as his inspiration, he was able to craft three CD’s that are full of engaging stories, fine pickin’ and funny antics. His newest album Alphabet Songs Volume III (Rabbit Run) was one of our top choices for the Fids & Kamily Awards, which includes the songs “Up” and “Someday” (his song “Up!” won first place in Childrens category of the 2007 USA Songwriting Competition, and “Someday” has reached the number one spot on the XM Kids Top 13 Under 13!). Steve also composed and performed the HFVS jingle you hear at the opening of every show. Find out more about Steve at this web site: www.steveweeksmusic.com.

    Uncle Rock on Feb 2nd 2008 at Florence Civic Center

    UPCOMING PERFORMANCE THIS SATURDAY

    FEBRUARY 2nd @ 10:30am – Uncle Rock will be at the Florence Civic Center (next to the Lilly Library off of Route 9) in Florence, MA. Presented by Hilltown Families. Uncle Rock just released his third album, Uncle Rock U. Visit Uncle Rock on-line at www.unclerock.com. Click here to print out a poster and help us spread the word!

    CONGRATULATIONS TO

    THIS WEEK’S CONTEST

    This week we’re offering the chance to win Steve’s newest album Alphabet Songs Volume III (Rabbit Run) along with the one-of-a-kind (sure to become a collector’s item) t-shirt he submitted to the HFVS T-shirt Review:

    Steve Weeks sent in the only one-of-a-kind design. Giving license (and markers) to his kids, they illustrated a fictitious shirt for the “Steve Weeks 2007 Tour of the Imagination.” And his kids got it right. They added all the elements our reviwers were attracted to on other shirts: brightly colored animals, a peace sign, a guitar, cars, aliens and other icons. And someone came up with a very funny tour schedule. According to the roster you can catch the tour at the Emerald City in Oz, Brontoburger Drive-in in Bedrock, or The Restaurant at the End of the Universe in Frogstar, among many other imaginative places. “Love the creative spirit!” commented David (dad) of Williamsburg, MA. “I love it because I love Steve Weeks,” beamed Persephone (age 5).

    • CD: Alphabet Songs Volume III (Rabbit Run) by Steve Weeks
    • T-Shirt: Adult Size S (it’s more like a medium)

    HOW TO WIN: For your chance to win, simply post us a comment below. We’ll randomly draw a winner from everyone who leaves a comment. IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline is 02/05/08 @ 7pm (EST).

     Tags:

    Mid-Winter Kids Concert this Saturday with UNCLE ROCK!

      Posted on January 29, 2008 By in Entertainment + Family + Florence + music + Suggested Activity

      Leave a Comment

    UNCLE ROCK TO PERFORM
    A MID-WINTER FAMILY CONCERT
    ON FEBRUARY 2ND @ 10:30AM
    AT THE FLORENCE CIVIC CENTER

    (c) Hilltown Families - Uncle RockReturning to the Pioneer Valley for a February Family Concert, Hilltown Families (that’s us!) is pleased to present NY based indie kids musician Uncle Rock, performing new music from his most recent release Uncle Rock U. A good time for all ages, this family concert will be held at the Florence Civic Center (at 90 Park Street, next to the Lilly Library who have posted good directions on their web site) on Saturday, February 2nd at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $6 per person, infants free. All proceeds go to the artist.

    • Family Concert (all ages)
    • Saturday, February 2nd, 2008
    • 10:30 a.m.
    • Florence Civic Center in Florence, MA (next to the Lilly Library off Route 9)
    • $6.00 per person. Infants free.
    • General admission.
    • Email with any questions

    NEW MUSIC: UNCLE ROCK U

    Uncle Rock U, a collection of 17 songs, explores the joy, excitement and imagination of childhood. The album also reflects Uncle Rock’s indie-rock background (former bassist with The Fleshtones), his theatrical gifts (the lead in the London production of Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story) and his knack for connecting with children (being a dad himself, as well as a preschool teacher).

    Read the rest of this entry »

     Tags: ,

    Suggested Events 01/26/08 – 02/01/08

      Posted on January 24, 2008 By in Cultural Events + Education + Entertainment + Family + Family Music + Florence + Hilltown Families + music + Pioneer Valley + Shelburne Falls + Suggested Events

      1 Comment

    DISCOVERING WORLD CULTURES AT CAM

    Families wanting to broaden their children’s global awareness through fun activities like traditional folks arts, folktales and ceremonies, should check out the following series of three Art & World Culture Playshops happening at the Children’s Art Museum (CAM) in Shelburne Falls, MA (next to the Trolley Museum):

      TIBET: SAND MANDALAS & PRAYER FLAGS

      This series will begin this Friday (February 1st) with Sand Mandalas & Prayer Flags of Tibet from 4pm-6:30pm. Sand Mandalas are an ancient Tibetan art form that were used to teach compassion, environmental relations and impermanency. With Tibet being one of the last ancient civilizations, teaching kids the history behind this ancient art form can supplement their global awareness of world civilizations and cultures. Making a sand mandala and prayer flags joins the art and history together into a creative and tactile experience. Click here to see a video of Tibetan Monks making a traditional sand mandala. All ages are welcomed. Pre-registration is required ($). Click here to reserve your spot, or call 413.625.2030. Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families.  (Postponed to Sunday 02/03 @ 10am)

      RUSSIA: MATRYOSHKA MADNESS

      On Sunday, February 10th at 10am, Russian traditional folk art will be discovered with Matryoshka Madness. Not only can this traditional Russian icon be used to educate your kids about fertility and motherhood, it can also be used to teach them about world culture and customs too. In this playshop, families can discover Russian culture through the traditional Russian Folk Art by painting their own heirloom Matryoshka Dolls. (Please pre-register now for this class to reserve your Matryoshka Doll). All ages are welcomed. Pre-registration is required ($). Click here to reserve your spot, or call 413.625.2030. Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families.

      JAPAN: CELEBRATING GIRLS DAY

      Then, on Friday, February 29th at 4pm, just prior to Japan’s National Girls Day, CAM and Hilltown Families will be sponsoring a Mother/Daughter Tea, serving Peach Blossom tea and symbolic snacks. National Girls Day is also know as the Japanese Doll Festival, or Hinamatsuri. Our craft will be Kokeshi Dolls. All ages are welcomed. Pre-registration is required ($). Click here reserve your spot, or call 413.625.2030. Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families.

      SATURDAY MORNING KIDS CONCERTS YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!

      • This Saturday (01/26) check out the Deedle Deedle Dees at Lyman Hall in Northampton at 10am.
      • Next Saturday (02/02) join us for a kids rockin’ concert with Uncle Rock at the Florence Civic Center at 10:30am.

      THIS WEEK’S LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS IS SPONSORED BY:

      GRENDEL BOOKS (www.GrendelBooks.com)

    • Become a Sponsor

      • To find out how you or your business can help support Hilltown Families by becoming a sponsor, drop us an email or give us a call at 413.296.0096 for more information. By having individuals in our community and area businesses become sponsors, Hilltown Families can continue to offer a weekly list of suggested events, a weekly podcast, updated resources, articles and much more.

      • Submit an Event

      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, email Sienna at swildfield@juno.com, or post your event on our community bulletin board. Comments are warmly welcomed!

      Local forecast | Get directions | Free Museum Passes | School Closings & Delays

      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 – 01/26

      8am – FAMILY RADIO – (Air Waves) While traveling around town, tune-in to WXOJ 103.3 FM in Northampton, MA, from 8-10am to hear fabulous family-friendly music on Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child with the Deedle Deedle Dees! [All ages] (Free)

      8am & 9:15am – KIDS BASKETBALL – (Worthington) Throughout the winter months, the Worthington Recreation Department is offering co-ed basketball program for kids at the town hall. Grades 1-2 begin at 8am. Grades 3-4 begin at 9:15am. No registration is necessary. 413.238.5500 [Ages 6-9] (Free)

      9am – TRAINS! – (West Springfield) The Amherst Railway Society will be holding a weekend Railroad Hobby Show at the Eastern States Exposition on Saturday & Sunday. Bring your young train enthusiasts to see over 35 operating layouts, visit with historical societies, clinics and more. www.AmherstRail.org [Families] ($)

      10am – FAMILY BOOK CLUB – (Williamsburg) Family Book Club will be at the Meekins Library.Click here for more info. [Ages 9-12] (Free)

      10am – KIDS CONCERT – (Northampton) The Deedle Deedle Dees will be performing at Lyman Hall at the First Churches in Northampton, MA. There will be pancakes, carnival games, live music and dancing! Click here for more information. [Families] ($)

      11am & 1pm – THEATER – (Amherst) In the auditorium at the Eric Carle Musem, Castle Hill Theatre Presents an original adaptation of the Norse myth, Tatterhood. 413.658.1126 [Families] ($, ticket price does not include museum admission. Borrow a museum pass from your local library)

      1pm-3pm – NATURE EXPLORATIONS – (Williamsburg) Mass Audubon will be hosting Nature in Winter at the Meekins Library (indoors/outdoors). 413.268.7472 [Ages 4-8] (Free)

      1:30pm – 3:20pm – ICE SKATING – (Greenfield) The Collins/Moylan Memorial Skating Rink will have a public skate. Skate rentals available. 413.772.6891 [Families] ($)

      2:30pm-4pm – FAMILY ART WORKSHOP – (Haydenville) Art Star invites families to come make art together with art projects that celebrate the family. Materials included. 413.896.3709 [Families] ($)

      4pm-6:50pm – ICE SKATING – (Amherst) There will be a public skate at the Mullins Center Ice Rink. Skate rentals available. 413.545.3990 [Families] ($)

      Read More

      Patty Pajama Irons … the Next Big Thing!

        Posted on January 24, 2008 By in Food + Hilltown Families + Notes from Nan

        Leave a Comment

      Notes from Nan: A Change for the Different
      BY HF Contributing Writer, Nan Parati

      Despite the fact that Rob is back on his feet, he says he’s been “too busy” to write “Grocery Talk with Rob” this week. What a CHANGE from what we saw two weeks ago!

      But to give him equal time, Rob’s brother Chip has graciously stepped in to fill Rob’s shoes. So for this week and this week only we have:

      Rob’s Grocery Talk with Rob’s Brother Chip

      This week’s Talk is brought to you by Patty’s Pajama Irons:

      Yes, folks, Nothing gets those unsightly wrinkles out of your pajamas quite like Patty’s. If you’re embarrassed to answer the door, entertain guests, change your oil or even host a charity Jousting contest simply because of those nasty, unkempt jammies, let Patty straighten you out! Patty’s Pajama Irons use toxic waste and lead components for that “Life Long” confidence! And…It’s available it three odors. Get Yours Today at Elmers!

      Well, I’m just sick. Sick, I tell you. Not just because I can’t figure you people out good enough to order what I think you’ll want and what I know you’ll need, but I really AM SICK! I’ve been in bed for two days with the flu (Bird flu, typhoid flu, Mongolian flu, One over the cookoo’s nest flu- hey, pick a flu). But Nan- Darling little Nan , has been gracious enough to sort of attempt to fill my rather gigantic shoes. Please give her a little patience, as she’s new to this sort of thing.

      We at Elmer’s are starting something new this week and we hope you’ll be as excited about it as we are. We just purchased about 400 tons of cloned horse meat that was going to be shipped to Eastern West Virginia, but through our broker/bookie/barber, Chuck Salsbury, we were able to divert the flat-bed truck in the other direction. We hope you’ll like it. Chuck says it tastes like chicken. Cloned Chicken.

      Well, I’m still waiting to hear from some of you who look longingly at our shelves, searching for that item of food that reminds you of your childhood. Just let me know if it’s Ovaltine or Dog food. No Whipples earned this week. I just don’t deserve any.

      Rob

      Thank you, Chip and I think all you readers will join me in asking Chip, What the heck is a Pajama Iron? (Chip lives in Minnesota, so it may be one of those mid-western things that we just don’t have here. Or in New Orleans. Or in North Carolina. What the heck IS a pajama iron??)

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      New Midwifery Medical Director at Cooley Dick

        Posted on January 24, 2008 By in Health + Health & Wellness + Hilltown Families + Midwifery @ Cooley + Parenting + Pioneer Valley

        1 Comment

      Tucker Kueny, MD Accepts Offer of Midwifery Medical Director Post

      Cooley’s midwifery practice to progress at quicker pace; certified nurse midwife recruitment continues with a practice opening planned for June 2008.

      Following a nationwide search to locate the medical director of Cooley Dickinson’s new midwifery program, the physician who accepted the post resides in Northampton, MA and was recommended by area women at one of the hospital’s community focus groups.  Read More

       Tags: , , ,

      What if Spring Break was Cancelled?

        Posted on January 22, 2008 By in Gateway + Huntington

        Leave a Comment

      It Could Happen to Gateway Regional Middle-High School Students!

      [Huntington, MA] – Spring Break for Gateway Regional Middle-High School students and staff is scheduled for April 21 – 25, 2008. But not if the district incurs too many more snow days.

      The 2007-08 school year calendar has school ending on June 26th if five snow days are used. Because of the way the dates fall in June, this leaves only two additional school days available (Friday June 27th and Monday June 30th) to make up for any additional snow days or days lost due to other events. Blandford Elementary School already has to make up an additional day because the school was closed due to a broken water main last fall.

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       Tags: , ,

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