HillTowns Online Business Directory, Activities, Events & News for the Berkshire HillTowns

 

We are always looking for HillTown News and Businesses for our online Business & Events & News Directory. If you would like to advertise your Business with us Contact us for getting your announcements out to the Hilltowns thru the web.

Hilltowns Online
594 Main Street
Becket, MA. 01223
Email:
HilltownsOnline

We are looking for News for our online paper. Contact us for getting your announcements out to the Hilltowns thru the web.

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DCR ACCESS NEWS - Winter Schedule

Universal Access Program
January – March 2010

PDF Printable Program Click Here

Before You Go:

1. Pre-register!
Get onto the snow sooner when you arrive at the park! Come with your waiver filled out! (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/universal_access/docs/waiver.pdf)

2. In the event of poor weather:
Call the following numbers for recorded messages as to program status-
Eastern Massachusetts:  617-626-1294
Western Massachusetts: 413-545-5758 

3. Need to cancel?  Running late? Please call the registration number and leave a message so we know!

Outdoor Programs

Explore winter outdoors with instruction, adaptive equipment and assistance provided free of charge. Programs take place from 11am – 3pm. 

Mt. Tom State Reservation:  Snowshoeing, kicksledding, cross-country skiing and ice skating and winter exporations as conditions permit in Holyoke. Call All Out Adventures at 413-527-8980 to sign up. Two Saturdays and a Wednesday:

 Mar 13 

Indoor Opportunities on Ice

Ice Skating at the Asiaf Rink in Brockton: Assisted skating during public skating time on a separate section of the rink using ice sleds and skate walkers. 

Sundays 2:40 -4:40pm. Call All Out Adventures at 413-527-8980 to sign up.
Feb 28 

Power Chairs on Ice:  Help us develop a new recreation activity and try out spinning, sliding and obstacle course challenges at the Cronin Rink in Revere. Call Universal Access at 413-545-5353 to get involved. 

Sled Skate on Your Own:  Use ice sleds on your own during public skating hours at state rinks in the following cities and towns:

Auburn, Boston, Brighton, Brockton, Cambridge, Franklin, Greenfield, Holyoke, Hyde Park, Medford, Milton, Newburyport, North Adams, Plymouth, Quincy, Revere, Springfield, Taunton and Worcester.

Call Universal Access at 413-545-5758 for information about rink locations or visit www.mass.gov/dcr/skating

Notes from the Director 

I'm happy to announce the Universal Access Program is the recipient of a United States Department of Education grant that will focus on developing new opportunities for accessible programming and recreation in Massachusetts Parks.  This funding comes at a critical time as we see state revenues shrinking.  Although the UAP is feeling the crunch along with everyone else, we are optimistic that we will be able to continue offering enriching outdoor experiences for people with disabilities and their friends and families.  The new grant project, Rec Connect, will add more urban sites and provide the opportunity to explore new activities for people with the most severe disabilities.  Be sure to check our events calendar online or call for more information about new programs.  I look forward to seeing you this winter, out in the parks. Tom McCarthy 

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Summer Recreation Fair: Kick off next summer at Artesani Park in Brighton (Boston) on Saturday, June 5 from 10am – 3pm. Meet recreation organizations serving people with disabilities in a variety of recreation activities and sign up for summer fun! Adaptive cycling, equipment demos, refreshments and festivities. 617-626-1294.

Stress Reduction 101 At The YMCA

Come learn ways of coping with day to day and situational stressors. This simple 4-week course will help you identify what stresses you and help you learn tools and techniques to manage or conquer stress.  Chronic stress is the leading cause of many illnesses both physical and mental. Don't let stress take over or control your life! Identify what is causing stress in your life, determine which ones can be eliminated with practical solutions, manage the situations or events that can't be changed, learn simple techniques that can help you cope, explore healthy options i.e. diet, exercise, meditation, relaxation and more! Classes meet on Tuesdays, March 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Westfield YMCA. Member cost is $44 and non-member is $54.
Facilitated by Janice L. Pagano, Holistic Counselor~Educator Call 413-568-8631 or visit www.westfieldymca.org for more info and registration.

The Trustees of Reservations Events and Programs for Notchview, the Highlands, and the Pioneer Valley 2010

March Madness: Spring Stewardship
Saturday, March 13
| 1-3pm (Rain cancels)
Dinosaur Footprints Reservation, Route 5, Holyoke

Help prepare the site of the ancient tracks to welcome thousands of visitors this season. Cleaning the footprints and clearing the trails will be fun for all ages.  Call the Trustees of Reservations at 413-532-1631 x13 or email pvregion@ttor.org to pre-register or for more information. 

Peaked Mt. Workday
Saturday, April 24
| 9am-1pm
Peaked Mountain Reservation, Butler Road, Monson

Help tackle the monster invasive shrubs across from the Harrington’s just north of the Main Peaked Mountain Tract parking lot. Call the Trustees of Reservations at 413-532-1631 x13 or email pvregion@ttor.org to pre-register or for more information. 

David Sigelman Memorial Workdays
Little Tom Reservation, Mountain Park Access Road, Holyoke
Sunday, April 25 and Saturday, May 15
(Rain date, Saturday May 22) | 9am-1pm

Help staff and volunteers continue to develop and improve the visitor trail in preparation for the opening of Little Tom in 2012.  Call the Trustees of Reservations at 413-532-1631 x13 or email pvregion@ttor.org to pre-register or for more information. 

Introduction to Conservation Restriction Stewardship
Thursday, March 25th,
7-9 PM  (snow date April 1)
Monterey Congregational Church, Monterey, MA

What does it mean to hold a Conservation Restriction (CR) in perpetuity?  This workshop for small land trusts and municipal conservation commissions will provide an introduction to holding restrictions, and describe practical approaches starting or improving CR stewardship. The approaches include preparing baseline documentation, monitoring and enforcement, improving landowner relations, and developing information systems and reports. Specific case studies and sample materials will be provided. Call the Highland Communities Initiative at 413-268-8219 to pre-register or for more information.

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VALLEY YOGA
82 Broad Street (Lower Level)
Westfield MA 01085
See Our Ad Here
Ph: 413-562-1140
Email: info@valley-yoga.com
Website: www.valley-yoga.com

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Valley Yoga Class Fees, membership options & other Information

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THERAPEUTIC YOGA FOR BEGINNERS

Wednesdays, March 3 to April 7; 6:00pm-7:15pm
Taught by: Roger Lagasse, RYT and Karla Geoffroy, certified structural yoga therapist and back care specialist
6-week class series. $72 for 6 weeks; $13 for Drop In
Pre-registration is requested.
Therapeutic Yoga for Beginners is for anyone just starting out with yoga or for those who have ongoing muscular pain or tension requiring special attention. It's also appropriate for those who like a gentle to moderate class. The class is taught by instructors versed in Structural Yoga, which is a style of yoga focused on adapting yoga to an individual's body and specific needs. The theme of the class often focuses around strengthening the back, and releasing tension in the neck and shoulders.
Pre registration can be done online at  www.valley-yoga.com.
The complete Valley Yoga class schedule is available online at
www.valley-yoga.com, offering a wide range of drop in classes during morning hours, evenings and on each weekend day.
Valley Yoga is located at 82 Broad Street (lower level) in Westfield, MA. For more information contact us at 413-562-1140 or info@valley-yoga.com Or visit us on the web at
www.valley-yoga.com.
 

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Jewish Life Enrichment Schedule

Jewish Family Jam

Wednesdays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, April 7, 14, 21, 28, May 5, 12, and 26, 2010, 10:30-11:15 a.m.

Jewish Jam is for infants, toddlers and their caregivers. Appropriate for ages 0-3.  Together we will sing, drum and dance our way through the Jewish cycles and explore musical play and rituals that your family can enjoy together.  No class on March 31st or May 19th.

Leader: Felicia Sloin                  

Cost: Free

Location: Lander Grinspoon Academy, 257 Prospect Street, Northampton, MA

Jewish Women’s Song Circle

Sundays:  March 14, April TBA, May 16 and June 13, 2010, 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Song circles offer a place to experience joy, healing, self-expression, community and inspiration.  Join us each month as we explore our Jewish connections through song, chant, and meditation.  Singing experience and knowledge of Hebrew are not necessary. 

Leader: Felicia Sloin

Cost: Free

NEW Location: Cradle, Thornes Marketplace, 3rd Floor, Northampton, MA

Registration: Pre-registration is required. To register by e-mail, contact JewishLife@jfswm.org; to register by telephone, please call (413) 737-2601. Please visit our website at www.jfswm.org.

Passover Cooking for Parents and Teens

Thursday, March 11, 2010, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Rain date: Thursday, March 11, 2010, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Get inspired for the holiday! Learn to prepare simple, delicious recipes for Passover with chefs Dawn LaRochelle and Jim Lambert of Apogee Catering and Perigee Restaurant. Deepen your knowledge of Passover with Jewish educator Shoshana Zonderman. Cook, nosh and learn in the beautiful, professional kitchen at Whole Foods Market. All adults are welcome, with or without a teen.  Limited enrollment so register now!

Instructors: Shoshana Zonderman, Dawn LaRochelle and Jim Lambert

Cost: $10 per adult or $15 for parent and teen (13 years or older)

Location: Whole Foods, 327 Russell Street (Route 9), Hadley, MA

Registration: Pre-registration is required by March 8. To register by e-mail, contact JewishLife@jfswm.org; to register by telephone, please call (413) 737-2601. Please visit our website at www.jfswm.org.