Hilltown Families 
Spring Festivals
It’s that time of year for plant sales and spring festivals. There are a couple spring festivals happening this weekend. One in the Hilltowns and the other in the Valley, and in a couple weeks is RiverFest in Shelburne Falls.
There are several plant sales this weekend too. If you have a plant sale you’d like to share, click here to post it.If you have a family friendly event or educational program 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. Comments are warmly welcomed! Read More
Springfest Celebrates Building Community Through Music
On May 19th from 11am-4pm the Northampton Community Music Center will host its annual citywide celebration of building community music in Northampton, MA. More than 200 children, adults, and faculty will play live music at various locations throughout downtown.
RiverFest 2007
Celebrating Energy That’s Clean & Green
As spring turns to summer, the village of Shelburne Falls is once again preparing for its annual educational celebration of the Deerfield River and the surrounding countryside … RiverFest 2007!
RiverFest 2007 will take place, rain or shine, on Saturday, June 9. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Energy That’s Clean & Green,” and event organizers are making sure that visitors will have plenty of opportunities to go with the flow. Read More
Listen to Podcast:
PET EPISODE
Hilltown Family Variety Show
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM
Northampton, MA
May 15th, 2007 @ 7pm
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Playlist
- Free to Be You & Me – “My Dog is a Plumber”
- David Weinstone – “Big Old Dog”
- Ernie & Neal – “My Cat”
- Lunch Money – “I Want A Dog”
- Recess Monkey – “Fred (the Tabby Cat)”
- Recess Monkey – “Pet Shark”
- Steve Weeks – “Billy Bob’s Breakfast”
- Frances England – “Blueberry Pancakes”
- Bill Staines – “Little Brown Dog”
- Gustafer Yellowgold – “Your Eel”
The Price of Missing Marbles
On Sunday we hosted our 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Pancake Breakfast and spent a beautiful spring morning with other Hilltown families. The pancake breakfast is one of our signature community celebrations, and for several families this was their first pancake breakfast encounter. I’d say we’ve hosted around 20 community pancake breakfasts over the past several years, and between the changing seasons, growing kids and new families joining us, each one has offered its own unique experience.
While each breakfast might be unique, there remain a few constants. The smoke detectors go off, the floor in the living room becomes a sea of toys, Jim juices the oranges and some things inevitably break. Coffee mugs and old china have hit the floor. Art work has come crashing off the walls. Favorite toys have been dismembered. And somehow the preschoolers end up stripping down and running around in their underwear. Read More
“Night of Music” Scholarship Fundraiser on May 25th
The Fifth Annual “Night of Music” fundraiser for the Crane Memorial Scholarship will be held on Friday, May 25th at 7 p.m. in the Gateway Performing Arts Center in Huntington, MA. Students, faculty, alumni and staff will perform a variety of music including blues, folk and rock and roll. Read More
Concert & Jazz Bands, and Concert & Show Choirs Perform at Spring Concert
The Gateway Regional High School Music Department will hold their annual Spring Concert on Thursday, May 17th at 7 p.m. in Huntington, and will feature the concert band, concert choir, show choir, and jazz band.
This concert marks the unveiling of a newly commissioned piece “The Dam”, composed by Allen Bonde of Mount Holyoke College. Bonde will accompany the chorus and student fiddler Leland Martin for this piece. Read More
HOW CAN YOU BE INVITED?
Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield
The Nields will be performing a special, private kids show in Northampton on June 10th. The performance is by invitation only. Now I know some of you are thinking, “How can I get on THAT guest list?” It’s easy. All it requires is a little creativity by your kids and a donation to Safe Passage. Read More
MOTHER’S DAY SITES TO PERUSE
A Mother’s Day Tribute
Several articles describe how Mother’s Day (the second Sunday in May) was founded by Anna Jarvis in tribute to her mother, Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis, for her tireless accomplishments and selfless humanitarian services as a mother. The articles include portraits, photos, the Birthplace Museum, the International Mother’s Day Shrine, the meaning of carnation symbols, and genealogical data of the Jarvis family. [LII 03]Julia Ward Howe: The Woman Behind Mother’s Day
Video and transcript about Julia Ward Howe, “the author of the ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic,’ [who] began advocating for a mother’s day for peace in 1870.” Features an interview with an author of a Howe biography, and Julia Ward Howe’s 1870 Mother’s Day proclamation. From Democracy Now!, a daily radio and TV news program. [LII 06]
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND
There are two types of folks that live in the Hilltowns, people that get little tiny red spots when bitten by a black fly, and folks that swell up with angry red welts. Actually, there’s a third type, folks that swell up and itch like crazy. No, make that four types. Add those that swell up, itch like crazy, AND are mosquito magnets. — Hmmm, now that I’m thinking about it, make that five. Those that swell up, itch like crazy, have mosquito magnetism PLUS a mental block on what poison ivy looks like. I’m the fifth type of Hilltowner, currently sporting welts from black flies, mosquitos and poison ivy, and will continue the fashion throughout most of the early summer.
The question is, “Is it worth it?” A resounding you bet! This morning I woke up to what I thought was a radio playing off in the distance. Upon closer attunement, I assessed it was a blend of the river and birds singing, giving rise to a lovely harmony. Spring in the Hilltowns can be a land of make believe, with little “fierce creatures” and all.
This coming week there are a number of opportunities to get outside and enjoy Spring, including a wildflower walk, a fly fishing clinic, ponding, plant sales… and opportunities to discover more about wildlife in the area, including black bears and falcons. Read on to discover more …
HILLTOWN SPRING FESTIVAL 2007
Illustration credit: Sienna Wildfield
The Hilltown Spring Festival is a free event and will be happening on May 19th, 2007 in Cummington, MA. The festival’s roster is packed with non-stop entertainment, and will have a variety of arts & crafts and good food!
MUSIC
Among the musical groups to perform on two stages are Shakuzoba, a nine-member band with an “Afro-pop” influence; Old Folks at Home, a perennial crowd-pleasing duo; Radio Free Earth, specializing in cross-over “roots” music, and Malachite, a youthful Celtic rock band. Members of the Hilltown Alliance of Musicians (HAMS) will be on hand to play, the Select Chorus from Hampshire Regional High School will be among the school groups slated to perform and there will be plenty of surprises as well.
Listen to Podcast:
MOTHER’S DAY EPISODE 2007
Hilltown Family Variety Show
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM
Northampton, MA
May 8th, 2007 @ 7pm
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Playlist
- Tom Paxton – “It’s Arithmetic, Baby”
- AudraRox – “Moms & Dads”
- Ben Rudnick & Friends – “Mama Don’t ‘Low”
- Steve Weeks – “Someday”
- AudraRox – Hope My Mama Says YES!”
- Laurie Berkner – “Down Down Baby”
- David Weinstone – “Girl Power”
- Sweet Honey in the Rock – “On Children”
- Ginger Hendrix – “Mommy, She Loves Me
Self-Defense & Martial Arts for Hilltown Girls
A free self-defense & martial arts class for girls ages 5-12 is being offered by Sisters Ink and the Worthington Health Center. This free class is being offered to all hilltown residents and will be held at the Cummington Community House on Friday, May 11th from 4-5:30pm.
CFC Silent Auction Fundraiser in Cummington
The Cummington Family Center will be having their 2nd Annual Silent Auction this Saturday, May 12th, at the Cummington Community House on Main Street in Cummington. Bidding begins at 5:30pm and goes to 7:30pm.
There will be live music by pianist David Bartley, wine, hors d’oeuvres, and free childcare. Tickets are $10 and are available at Elmer’s, Bread Euphoria and the Old Creamery Grocery. RSVP for childcare in advance by call Amy at 413.634.5362.
AUCTION BLOCK
What’s on the auction block? Many generous hilltown artisans and businesses have made donations for this fundraiser, including:
National Pet Week (May 6th – 12th)
For over 25 year our family pets have been celebrated with a national week of observation, instituted with three goals in mind:
- Promote responsible pet ownership
- Celebrate our connections with our pets
- Bring awareness of veterinarian practices
To follow are several on-line resources for families that offer lesson plans, curricula, activity sheets, information on pet health, and interactive games.
Sassy Mamas & Papas Sing Out
at HF Spring Social & House Concert
Seeing Marla BB perform at the Iron Horse last year in Northampton was great. Having her perform in her hometown of West Chesterfield, at the base of Smith Mountain with the Westfield River rushing by … now that rocked! Performing with the talented accoustic Jazz bass player, Michael Dunning, this Blues & Jazz duo brought style and class to an intimate family community social.
Families gathered for home cooked food & dessert beforehand, cooking salmon on the grill, sampling one another’s potluck dishes and sharing organic gourmet pizza donated by Bread Euphoria.
As the music began, children snuggled up under wool blankets, joining their parents on the lawn for a sunset performance. The sky turned pink and orange as the sun set behind Smith Mountain on a cool spring evening, and Marla called out to all the “Sassy Mamas” and “Sassy Papas” to join in and sing. Click here to see video.
Look for Flying Carp on Boy’s Day
Introduction to this Japanese holiday celebrated on May 5, known as Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day). “To call it ‘Children’s Day’ is a modern attempt to be inclusive, but most Japanese still consider it Boy’s Day.” Includes a description about how this day is celebrated, such as the hoisting of large paper koi (carp) with one koi for each son in the family. From the Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon. [LII] www.japanesegarden.com
A Saturday Early Evening
Blues & Jazz House Concert & Potluck Social
for Hilltown Families & Friends
Hilltown Families are invited to join Blues Singer, Marla BB & acoustic Jazz Bass Player, Michael Dunning for a House Concert and potluck social in West Chesterfield on Saturday, May 5th @ 5:30pm. Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo & get to know other HF families & friends.
- Potluck social @ 5:30pm.
- Live music @ 7pm.
- Coffee, tea & dessert will be offered. BYOB.
- The hat will be passed for donations to the musicians.
- To RSVP, email Sienna at swildfield@juno.com, or call 413-296-0187 for directions.
- Presented by Hilltown Families & eAglebird Records.
Cinco de Mayo
Resources for party and activity ideas for celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Includes crafts (maracas and Mexican flag), recipes (guacamole and tortilla soup), and activity pages. Also includes quick facts and history about this holiday that “is the anniversary of a battle that took place between the Mexicans and the French in 1862” and is “mainly observed in the state capital of Puebla” and in the U.S. From the Kaboose Family Network. [LII] www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/cinco
May Flowers
We are very excited to announce the launch of the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast this week. There are four shows available for download, and well worth a listen. New shows are uploaded every Tuesday evening. Tie it all together with our weekly HFVS post here on Hilltown Families for links, resources and commentary. If you have a favorite song or band you’d like to share with us, post it below in our comment box.
And now for a look ahead … there are a gazillion things happening over the weekend, including a May Day celebration. You’ll wish there were two or three of you so you could attend several with your family. During the week are a couple of workshops worth checking out too.
Shelburne Fall’s Trolley Museum
The Shelburne Fall’s Trolley Museum 2007 season is underway – with rides, attractions and fun for the entire family. And as a special thank you to Mom’s, Mother’s can ride for free on Mother’s Day, May 13th !
Wesak (Buddha Day) – First Full Moon in May
“Wesak or Vesak, also known as Buddha Day, celebrates the Buddha’s birthday, enlightenment and death. It is the most important day in the Buddhist calendar. In Japanese Buddhism, 8th April marks the birth of the Buddha, 8th December his enlightenment and 15th February his death.”
Discusses Wesak traditions and activities, Buddhist beliefs, suggested classroom activities, and links to related sites. From the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) site with learning resources for home and school. (LII) www.bbc.co.uk/schools/religion/buddhism/buddha_day.shtml
Listen to Podcast:
DIGGING IN THE DIRT EPISODE
Hilltown Family Variety Show
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM
Northampton, MA
May 1st, 2007 @ 7pm
New Podcasts ♦ Archived Podcasts ♦ Subscribe to Podcast
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Playlist
- Gunnar Madsen – “Tiny Mosquito (reprise)”
- Randy Kaplan – “Mosquito Song”
- Randy Kaplan – “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
- David Weinstone – “Dirt”
- Courtney Kaiser & Benjamin Cartel – “The Season Song”
- Frances England – “Digging in the Dirt”
- Chick Webb – “A-Tisket, A-Tasket” (1938)
- Sunshine Doray – “Digging”
DIRT
Raise your hand if you’ve discovered the natural phenomenon of attraction between kids and mud… Read More
Hilltown Talent Show in Huntington
Gateway Middle School students are presenting a talent show entitled “Talent Rocks” on Saturday, May 12 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
The Blue and Gold Committee is organizing this event as a community service fundraiser. All proceeds will be donated to the afterschool program, which is facing declining funding under next year’s grant. All community members are invited to attend.
Performance Review: Princess Katie & Racer Steve
Princess Katie and Racer Steve performed this past Saturday (04/28/07) at Cup & Top in Florence, presented by Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child. Their high energy performance had kids up on their feet, dancing and twirling, and parents in their chairs smiling at the total cuteness of it all.
It’s here! The HFVS podcast is now up and running. Listeners outside the area can tune in by subscribing to the HFVS podcast, or download an archived show. Each episode also has a corresponding post here on Hilltown Families with playlist, links, commentary and other goodies.
A Saturday Early Evening
Blues & Jazz House Concert & Potluck Social
for Hilltown Families & Friends
Hilltown Families are invited to join Blues Singer, Marla BB & acoustic Jazz Bass Player, Michael Dunning for a House Concert and potluck social in West Chesterfield on Saturday, May 5th @ 5:30pm. Come celebrate Cinco de Mayo & get to know other HF families & friends.
- Potluck social @ 5:30pm.
- Live music @ 7pm.
- Coffee, tea & dessert will be offered. BYOB.
- The hat will be passed for donations to the musicians.
- To RSVP, email Sienna at swildfield@juno.com, or call 413-296-0187 for directions.
- Presented by Hilltown Families & eAglebird Records.
Happy May Day!
If you have a family friendly event or educational program 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.
Comments are warmly welcomed!
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Add an event | Free Museum Passes
Friday – 04/27
5pm – COMMUNITY DINNER – Elmer’s in Ashfield, MA, invites community members to come together to share dinner and conversation every Friday evening. Menu TBA. 413.628.4003 [Families] ($)
