Archives

Local Literary Musings: A Winter Piece

Poet and Cummington native, William Cullen Bryant, was very much influenced by the landscape of the Western Massachusetts Hilltowns of his youth. In fact, Bryant’s “A Winter Piece” is a reflection on this time of year. The poem is a meditation on this season, and one to read on a quiet winter’s day or perhaps before a winter walk in the woods. Here we share a link to the poem, inviting you to read the poem and then visit the very location that inspired this great poet.

Category: Hilltown Families, Reading Lists, Supplement Tags: Language Arts, Learning Ahead 26, Learning Ahead Seasons Jan Feb, literary symbolism, Mass Humanities, Poetry

Behind the 12 Days of Christmas

After all of the partridges in trees have been delivered and the lords have ceased their leaping, the lucky gift recipient in the carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas” has received nearly 400 gifts – and for what? The silly-sounding collection of items might be more meaningful than the song’s cheery tune might suggest – and local author Thomas Bernard is an expert on the song’s symbolism! Visit the Jones Library next weekend to learn more about the historic (and fascinating!) roots of this classic carol. — Remember to mark your calendars and get ready to support Hilltown Families on Valley Gives Day THIS Wednesday, December 10th!