Heirloom house Wild about Buckland’s Wilder Homestead is Harry a homage to American history and a gift to the community Kids and adults alike welcome the Hilltown Life, page 11 fi nal Harry Potter volume page 14
The spirit,diligent the farmer will to plants win, and trees, the of which he willhimself to excel will arenever the see things the fruit. that —CICERO endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur. —VINCE LOMBARDI www.sfi ndependent.net
Vol. IIIIV No. 002 • •Issue Issue No. No. 77 00 Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts August 2–15, 2007 $1.00 West County dairies to see some money Emergency funding of $3.6 million still won’t get farms out of woods
By Virginia Ray we didn’t replace equipment, ginny@sfi ndependent.net we didn’t do maintenance. And ————— that $3 was to get us back to the West County dairy farmers are break-even point — that’s not grateful for some fi nancial help talking profi t. This money we got from the Emergency from the state was a Dairy Relief Program The dairy farm- great help but was but the money doesn’t ers’ original peti- [equivalent to] $1.32 make up for the loss. tion to the state a hundredweight.” “I’ll tell you, we lost appears in Inde- In January, cit- — every dairy farm in pendent Thinking, ing heavy rains that New England lost — at page 5. plagued spring 2006 least $3 a hundred- cultivation, low milk weight (100 pounds or prices and rising energy and feed 11.6 gallons) and that is money costs, 165 farmers petitioned the that we just ate out of our eq- state to declare an emergency SFI fi le photos/Jeff Potter uity,” says Colrain dairy farmer in the dairy industry, which was Horse pull at the 2007 Yankee Doodle Days. The event drew a smaller crowd than in years past. Albert “Chip” Hager, who is done May 10. also vice-president of the Mas- Farmers were eligible for sachusetts Association of Dairy grants if they produced milk Farmers, of the situation in during 2006 and held proper Challenging times for fairs 2007. “We didn’t pay ourselves, continued on page 9 Yankee Doodle looks at declining attendance Chinese students as Heath Fair hopes for a strong 2007 come to Shelburne Falls
By Katie Sosin demolition derby to get a A week’s notice for 24 students katie@sfi ndependent.net grinder or cotton candy, they puts the heat on for organizers ————— all went home,” says event co- CHARLEMONT—No one chairwoman Shirley Rouleau. SHELBURNE FALLS can remember the first fair Many families came with HINESE AND ENGLISH attended by Charlemont farm- picnic lunches and left without REPORTER’S are near opposite poles ers. After all, it took place two spending more money than the centuries ago. But most who C on the spectrum of NOTEBOOK $2.50 entrance fee. living languages. For instance, manage the hilltown fair tradi- Yankee Doodle Days plan- spoken Chinese is tonal. This tion are old enough to recall ners decided against increasing means that the intonation By Max Breiteneicher the fi rst Yankee Doodle Days. the fair’s gate price, hoping to given to a word determines The annual fair fi rst celebrated draw bigger crowds this year. its meaning. A classic ex- Charlemont life in 1954. While a But attendance fell short of ample is the Chinese word speakers know Chinese. The large hiccup in operations and expectations, a phenomenon for ma, which when said with a high, converse is also true, though slim funds have threatened to which the event’s tight budget level tone means “mother” it may not be for long. This is extinguish the tradition, Yankee did not account. It means that and with a low, falling tone, because Chinese students now Doodle Days lives on. next year’s fair will need large “horse”; with a high, falling start English classes around July 13 marked another year sponsorship. for the Charlemont town fair, tone “scold” and with a high, age 8 and continue through which hosted a fi reworks show, Thinning crowds, rising tone, “hemp.” One can high school, at least. It’s part demolition derby and a variety fattening paperwork see how this could create some of the national curriculum. It’s problems for native English also strongly encouraged as a of other time-honored events. Far beyond simple operat- speakers. course of study in college, and, But while performances were ing costs, Massachusetts’ law Likewise, English is no in part, considered a wise ca- well attended the fair itself increasingly demands legal peach for Chinese speakers: reer choice. Indeed, English is ushered in fewer fairgoers than precaution before community nearly a million words, with it has in past years. And visitors events like Yankee Doodle Days. encouraged in China ostensibly 25,000 or so added each year, shied away from patronizing Vendors must be heavily insured for economic reasons, as China rife with idiom and metaphor. local vendors. and planners are hit with strict moves toward becoming a fully “Instead of them coming Uncle Sam exhorts volunteers for next year’s Yankee Doodle Perhaps because of the dis- developed country and the back to the grounds after the continued on page 8 Days. tance between these two lan- people move increasingly into guages, relatively few English- continued on page 7
SHELBURNE FALLS INDEPENDENT PRSRT STD 8 Deerfi eld Ave., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 US POSTAGE www.sfi ndependent.net PAID Annual road race set for Aug. 11 Permit #183 ——— Greenfi eld, MA Address Service Requested At 29, the Bridge of Flowers 10K is still running strong
By Max Breiteneicher various levels, to Shelburne Falls bends in the course and making max@sfi ndependent.net and its environs each year. sure runners have access to free ————— Other than the town accom- massages after the race. Such SHELBURNE FALLS—The modating one-and-a-half times requisite preparation before Bridge of Flowers Road Race its population for a few days, the starting gun is even loaded will be off and running on the the race requires marketing, explains why the committee that morning of Saturday, Aug. 11. sponsors, donors, volunteers manages this 10k will start its This annual 10k is in its 29th and arrangements for course meetings for the next race soon year and has become a rather safety and accessibility. Then after the last person crosses the remarkable event in town. there’s the spaghetti diner the fi nish line this year. First of all, the race is nation- night before the race, to which Michael Hoberman is race ally recognized and draws inter- all runners, their families and director this year. nationally competitive runners, community members are invited, “We start meeting basically as well as anywhere from 650 to as well as fi nding musicians to within two weeks of the race, more than 1,000 other runners of play while stationed at crucial continued on page 9 DATED MATERIAL — PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY page 2 • Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
Shelburne Falls Independent Published every other week MMAC back on track by Dialogos Media, Inc. Member, New England Press Association Phone ...... (413) 625-8297 Fax ...... (866) 858-0388 E-mail: . . . . .news@sfi ndependent.net Town officials, school administration back at table Web: . . .http://www.sfi ndependent.net Mail: ...... 8 Deerfi eld Ave., to take another whack at Mohawk budget Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
News By Don Stewart In order to drive down town as- the fi rst in years that “our town don@sfi ndependent.net sessments, the revised budget is could afford without going to If you have an idea for a story or a ————— photograph, we want to hear from you. drawing an additional $242,000 stabilization and ‘free’ cash.” BUCKLAND—Meeting with Please call our offi ce or e-mail us. from District revolving accounts, Charlemont Selectman Win a dozen town officials from a fi nancial amalgam of income Healy said he’d be in favor of the If you want to write for the paper the communities served by the regularly: We are always interested to hear ranging from tuitions to state re- budget and that 65 percent of his Mohawk Trail Regional School from writers and photographers. Please serve fund or “pothole” money. town’s fi nances were directed to send a letter of interest and some writing District (MTRSD) July 25, Su- This adds to a total with- the school system. samples to the address above. perintendent Michael Buoniconti drawal of $1,035,340, leaving “Obviously, what we’re doing received majority support for a To submit an item for the Calendar: We approximately $190,000 in the to accommodate this is, we’re prefer e-mail to news@sfi ndependent.net, proposed net operating budget account. taking from other areas to man- but items may be mailed to us or phoned in. of $16,472,101 for fiscal year If you get our answering machine, please “We proposed this [using ad- age. The question is, can we go 2008. dictate clearly and leave us your name ditional funds] instead of just to 70 percent?” he asked. and number so we can call with questions. In a token gesture, residents of making [staffing] cuts,” the In discussions with the School Deadline for next issue’s Calendar is 5 Hawley alone may vote down the p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10. Superintendent said. “We felt Committee earlier this month revised budget, which increases the educational price was too Buoniconti said that reducing If you are seeking publicity for your their operating assessment high.” the revolving fund to $190,000 business: Our Business and Economy $15,845 from the previous year. section accommodates news of employees, Colrain Finance Committee was “a risk.” SFI photo/Jeff Potter Meeting with the MTRSD products, services, awards. Beyond these Chairman Bob Rottenberg noted “There’s no question that we items, news of commerce is most often School Committee earlier this that most District towns are also don’t have a ‘rainy day fund’ advertising — and we want to be fair to month, Buoniconti explained First day on the job the advertisers who already pay to be in our drawing heavily upon surplus that would withstand a major that $13,000 of that amount was pages. Please do be in touch, and we’ll do “free” cash and stabilization ac- problem,” he told MMAC mem- Colrain Town Coordinator Fred Rees was sworn in July 30 as the what’s in everybody’s best interests. mandated by the state and stood counts to balance their books. bers, adding that he believed apart from the town’s school fi rst employee to fi ll the newly created town position, which adds Artists and entertainers: We will con- “We’re all on the same sinking that the fi nal tally for fi scal year assessment. supervisory and human resource duties to the workload previously sider longer articles about artists who will ship here,” he quipped. 2007 would end “better than fi lled by the town administrative assistant. Rees, of Ashfi eld, comes perform or exhibit their work locally. Send Hawley Finance Committee The revised school operating expected.” press kits and information to us at least a member Charlie Stetson, noting to town with many years of experience in development, fundrais- month in advance of the show’s opening. budget fi gure will be revisited by The Superintendent also that the state’s mandate is also ing and management consulting for nonprofi t organizations and residents of Charlemont, Hawley, noted that in previous adminis- some municipalities. Locally he worked on the Bridge of Flowers Announcements of weddings, engage- raising the town’s levy limit by Buckland and Colrain — com- trations there had been a pattern ments, anniversaries, births, or deaths: $13,000, said that he would not restoration project in the early 1980s and with the Ashfi eld Com- Our Transitions section is intended to be munities where voters shot down of balancing the books in June recommend passage. munity Preschool and the Village Information Center. “I’m honored a snapshot of the passages of life in the the original proposed budget. by drawing on the revolving to accept the position, and I hope to live up to the confi dence the hills; we accept notices for West County “The rest of the town has to According to Buoniconti, since account. When fi scal year 2006 residents and their relatives. Photos are survive,” he said. selectmen have shown in me,” Rees says. welcome. School Committee certifi cation ended last summer, he said, A “price too high” July 11, the four towns have 45 the District had spent $450,000 If we got something wrong, please tell days from that date to hold spe- more than was budgeted, relying us. The Independent strives to set new Stetson and town offi cials from standards in responsible and accurate local cial town meetings. Regarding upon the revolving account for seven other District communities reporting. If we made an error or you think Driscoll’s setting of the assess- balancing. we missed a point — or the point — we met that evening as members of ment fi gure, the Superintendent “What I’d say to you is that want to hear from you so we can make the Mohawk Municipal Advisory Drink the water Cooking demonstration it right. Each of our regular writers can said that “there are no restric- is no longer happening,” Buoni- Committee (MMAC), an organi- be contacted through e-mail under their tions on that point, that’s the conti said. “While I had my nose SHELBURNE FALLS—Shel- byline, and we welcome a note to editor@ zation formed in the late 1980s and tasting bottom line.” in a lot of stuff [in the fi rst year] I burne Falls Water District Super- sfindependent.net or a direct call to to serve as a liaison between the (413) 625-2818. He added that the Commis- was looking at the whole picture. intendent Guy Wheeler reports SHELBURNE FALLS—Kate schools and the towns. Although sioner was infl uenced by the sig- I wasn’t managing the lines.” that PH levels in the water sup- Stevens and John Hoffman of it has no administrative author- Letters and opinions nifi cance that four of eight towns “I think this is another series ply have been corrected. Wilder Brook Farm in Charlem- ity, it has provided significant favored the original fi nancing. of steps towards transparen- June testing revealed a list ont will give a cooking demon- The Independent Thinking section, for political and fi nancial advice to opinion and commentary, is open to points “That was very important to cy,” Healy told the Superinten- of possible contaminants in the stration at the Shelburne Senior school offi cials, playing a pivotal of view from all sides of the political him,” Buoniconti said. “He want- dent. “I’m glad you’re willing drinking water, which posed Center Thursday, Aug. 9 from spectrum. We want an open, civil, and lively role during the District’s build- ed to get a sense of how much to say what you said tonight a potential threat to immune- 10:30-11 a.m. debate, and we want you to be part of it! ing and renovation planning in town support was out there.” although it reflects on prior compromised people who were The couple provides fresh the mid-1990s. Shelburne Select- If you’d like to write a “viewpoint” administrations.” encouraged to seek medical vegetables, herbs and flowers essay: We routinely invite people to write man Joe Judd currently serves as Only so deep “This is not all to be blamed advice in a written notice issued from their farm to locals seniors “Viewpoint” pieces. If you would like chairman. to write about your passion and share During discussions as to how on prior administrations,” Fox to residents. through a program sponsored by Key to the evening’s discussion thoughtful opinions with our readers, we’d the four remaining towns would countered. He said that for a The Shelburne Falls water CISA (Community Involved in love to hear from you. E-mail editor@ at the high school was the pro- consider the budget, Buckland period of nine years, the School supply serves 2,200 people in Sustaining Agriculture). They sfindependent.net or call (413) 625- posed District budget. Having no 2818 to discuss longer pieces with the Selectman Kevin Fox said, “We Committee had often approved Shelburne, Buckland and parts will use these fresh products in approved budget to date, since editor before you start writing. don’t really have a choice, except this form of budgetary maneuver- of Colrain. The water is tested their demonstration and to cre- July 1 the school system has been to pass it. . . we have no choice; ing and should be accountable. three times monthly. The recent ate appetizers. Those attending Letters welcome: Our letters to the editor fi nanced on a “one-twelve” bud- section, for shorter comments responding we have to vote approval. We’ll contamination marks the first this free program will be able to get at the order of Department to something that’s been published in the have to make the cuts [in town Markings time in more than 12 years, taste samples. Please call (413) paper, is open to all. We avoid editing let- of Education (DOE) Commis- service-related areas].” Discussions also ranged to im- when the system was updated. 625-2502 for more information ters, doing so only with a light touch so we sioner David Driscoll. The order can keep as much of the writer’s original Fox asked Buoniconti whether proving communication between The cause of the contamination and to pre-register. has set a 4.16 percent increase voice as possible. Letters will be edited for Driscoll could explain how he’d District and town offi cials and is unknown. grammar, style, and issues of libel. E-mail in the District budget from the arrived at the mandated one- the issue of school closure. Wheeler said that he is is editor@sfi ndependent.net or send to the past school year. Assessments to address below. twelve assessment fi gure. Buoni- Buoniconti said that he optimistic that efforts to chlo- towns are primarily based upon conti suggested that Fox invite thought he’d “unwittingly” cre- rinate and fl ush the water have Advertising Plainfi eld’s June approval of the him to a meeting. ated diffi culties in communica- resolved the problem. The supply budget. Display advertising: We welcome new “It would be helpful,” Fox said, tion by responding to questions will be tested again Aug. 1. “Plainfi eld’s number was so advertisers and will be delighted to work “because he’s dictating it.” from town offi cials directly. He with you to create an advertising program close,” Buoniconti said, “it just Stetson told Buoniconti that suggested that School Commit- that invests in your business’s future. We made sense to make that the provide creative services as part of the ad using so much of the revolving tee representatives should prob- driver.” Housing rehab program cost. Our open advertising rate is $8.25 per fund “was a foolish way to run a ably engage in that role. column inch with discounts for prepayment and frequency. Contact our advertising staff budget. . . It’s going to bite you Ashfi eld Selectman Tom Ul- presentation at ads@sfi ndependent.net or call us at a year or two down the road.” rich, who served several terms School Street (413) 625-8297. Advertising for the Ted Willard, a member of the on the school panel, disagreed. SHELBURNE FALLS—Char- next issue of the Independent is due ity Day of the Franklin County at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 10. Charlemont Finance Committee, “The school committee is a reconstruction to begin BdXXVh^ch noted that towns were restricted lot like a board of directors,” he Housing Redevelopment Au- If you want to send us a graphic fi le of CVi^kZ6bZg^XVc to annual budget increases of 2½ said. BUCKLAND—Freitas Con- thority (FCHRA) will offer your ad or for your ad: We accept ads as 6gih8gV[ih PDFs, TIFFs, or as clean laser printouts. Ijgfjd^hZ
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601682 page 4 • Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net INDEPENDENT THINKING
Jeff Potter, Editor and Publisher ...... [email protected] Opinion and Commentary • Memoirs • Essays • Dispatches • Letters from Readers Virginia Ray, Managing Editor ...... [email protected] Linda Rollins, Advertising ...... [email protected] The Independent is committed to free exchange of ideas from the community. No matter what your politics, Janet Lowry, Production ...... [email protected] Nate Bartlett, Production Apprentice ...... [email protected] we welcome thoughtful contributions, and we encourage further discussion on anything you read on these pages. A smoker’s journey A meditation course gives a struggling student more than he bargained for
COLRAIN A young lad named John an- N N OV. 22, 1990 I swered my queries and quelled showed up at Vipassana some fears. With confi dence O Meditation Center in and verve, he showed me to Shelburne as a groveling pack- modest accommodations in and-a-half-per-day smoker — sack #14, all the while gush- with no intentions of quitting. ing praises for the Vipassana Yeah, sure, this wretched, technique. Both he and his fi lthy habit was seemingly father had done eight courses insurmountable, but bigger that year, he said, and both had miseries were depleting my benefi tted immensely. morale: a suicide in the family You could see it on their and its attendant fallout, the faces. lingering recession, and near- “This isn’t like any other loss of my bootstrap business. meditation out there that I This latter point was almost a know of,” he asserted. “This relief: workaholism — accom- technique is totally ‘right panied by a daily quart or so of on’.” Boy, that was rare indeed coffee — was clearly unsustain- — such emphatic conviction able. Yoga classes four times a embodied in a 19-year-old week had helped, but it wasn’t dude. And this much is nearly going deep enough; tension, certain: had he not been there, angst and depression had be- I wouldn’t have stayed. come unbearable. Another fellow from New Back in spring of 1987, a York state chuckled at my friend had taken a course at admission to being a smoker. VMC and came home shining “You’re going to have a real like a 1,000-watt light bulb. good time,” he said, drip- Funny — he actually seemed ping sarcasm. “This is very taller; there was newfound rigorous!” spring in his step. I couldn’t “Wonderful,” I groaned, put a fi nger on what had “Just what I needed to hear, changed about him, but it sure guy. Gee, thanks.” At that, I SFI fi le photos/Jeff Potter was dramatic. And if it had headed out with a resolute Students arrive at the Vipassana Meditation Center in Shelburne in the spring of 2005. worked for him, why not me? harrumph for the fi nal smoke, It took three years to clue wanting to shag out of there, to that, but I signed up for a yet knowing full well that leav- call expressing intense despon- Not surprisingly, the snor- 10-day course in this medita- ing wasn’t an option, especially MEMOIR dency as the assistant teacher, ing up to this point had been tion technique — whose name with an unproductive 335-mile- pointing to the entrance of the absolutely abominable, with I could barely pronounce but drive staring me in the face. nostrils, asked: “Are you able perhaps a half-dozen saw- had heard so much about — By David Hopkins to keep your awareness here mills vying for their share of which originated in ancient A FTER A delicious and simple for just one minute?” decibels. Hey, put 36 men — India and Burma. How could meal, the course orientation Enraged, I blurted, “When I meditators or otherwise — in a a place like this exist without ensued, during which the and enveloping us in a fatherly ing it made when he nodded. can stay awake, then yeah, but room, and that is what you get. charging any fees, I wondered? narrator mentioned morning embrace. Some students later asked not nearly for that long.” Miffed, I rolled up my musty I found the Center tucked in chanting in the hall. Hopes I didn’t yet grasp the if I’d heard him hit the fl oor Sitting in front of the assis- sleeping bag and headed into the hills of Shelburne Falls and ascended. Would we meet a purpose of this chanting, but when he fell over on day 6 tant teachers, I recall wanting the dining hall, but still no pulled into the spacious grass real live guru? Of course, I had people sure were listening. You from dire fatigue. I hadn’t — I to smash things; tear up things, sleep came. parking lot with some trepi- no clue. could hear a pin drop during was sound asleep, too! And so go down and slam that bath- So the days ticked by, made dation, all the while sneakily This Vipassana tradition those pauses; it wasn’t a sing- it went, a swirling, squirming, house door just one more time, snail-slow by incessant long- puffi ng away on what would be expressly does not revolve along. painful mess. Man, where was hopefully breaking it. Maybe ings for nicotine. Of course, the last smoke indulgence for around a guru, but rather the And then came our instruc- all this fatigue coming from all that would vent the severe an- this also played into eager nine days. I left those nicotine technique, which was the sole tions, which seemed easy of a sudden? ger and defeat rising fast and distraction; a restless, craving soldiers on the seat of that focus of any given student’s enough: “Keep your attention Those instructions had made furious. mind that now had something trusty rusty pickup with a sol- stay at the center. (Boy, would focused on the area around the this observation-of-respiration The teacher’s reply to this to do as well as something to emn vow to return once again I ever fi nd that out!) Moreover, nostrils....watch each breath stuff sound so easy! Curi- candid admission of sleepiness look forward to. Oh, good! Three — soon — and suck in their large numbers of people were as it passes in, out.” The fi rst ous, I wondered how others and frustration fl oored me: more days until that smoke! ... bitter, tar-laden haze. catching on to Vipassana, so it night session ended by 9 p.m. were doing, and so couldn’t “Good! This shows that you are Two more days. ... Hah! I headed for the registration was no longer possible to have and I was glad to hit the sack. help looking around. A gentle working properly!” Yet when The storm broke on Day 10, area and was greeted by a gent S. N. Goenka (the main teacher Cambodian monk — highly they queried others on this, I’d and I grabbed those keys and about my age — though with in this tradition) in attendance; T HE NEXT DAY , the “peck- noticeable — sat up next to the hear things like, “oh, things are jogged to the truck, fumbled a few more gray hairs — and he was being stretched mighty ing order” came into sharper teachers, and students in the going very smoothly.” So my nervously for that fi rst, much handed a form to fi ll out. Just thin. So the means of handling focus. My seat was way in the front row didn’t move at all. In fellow students were having anticipated cigarette, and lit like those Navy days, I thought. this ever-increasing student back, a detail which didn’t go fact, they seemed to resemble no trouble? I began to resent up. Ouch! I remember how Paperwork. Well, at least they base was met with volunteer unnoticed by my internal “al- rocks with hair and blankets. them, especially that motion- bad that fi rst one tasted. This didn’t ask for a Social Security assistant teachers and by Mr. pha-dog.” After all, I thought Amazed, I often found myself less front row. Rather than craved-for-nine-days smoke was number or inquire after past Goenka on audio and video several months of semi-inten- staring dumbfounded at the focusing on my own practice, like placing my face at the tail- criminal activity, though the tape. sive yoga practice would have backs of those heads, wonder- though, I’d look around, wish- pipe of an idling diesel school form asked about drugs. What As the hour approached, we precluded my back row status, ing what, if anything, was go- ing for somebody to hate. bus and inhaling vigorously. about nicotine? were ushered in to the softly lit but noooo. Thus began a toss ing on inside them. Heck, what And there they were again, I had never fully realized Suddenly this process hall, where a modestly dressed into a realm of unsurpassed else was there to do? those glaring mental defi le- how much of an insult to the seemed intimidating. Those couple sat on an equally mod- mental chaos for the smoker. Practicing as instructed was ments, well-honed and mine body smoking was until that absurd applications. The ten- est dais. Conspicuously absent For starters, I was slammed way too diffi cult, even futile. alone: gleaned from years of moment, though I had tried, day period of who-knows-what were previously familiar trap- by jet-lag-like fatigue, barely Certainly I had no awareness tossing aroung the good old and of course failed, to quit at was to come. A self-imposed, pings: candles, statues, crosses, able to keep chin off my chest, of my own respiration. In fact, miserable American blue- least fi ve times before. So this cigarette-less imprisonment, incense, silver cups. No altars, it seemed — and was cer- I thought it was clogged nasal collar workplace, where, if bit, was real schooling — getting the mere thought of which was shrines, glitz — no wet bar and tainly not alone in that respect. passages — not cluelessness — you bit back, or got pecked to to the root of craving — that sheer torture. no dance fl oor. There was a Nearby were similarly affl icted that precluded snagging pass- death. These taints were not will never be taught in any Ten days? Was there an blue 3’ x 3’ cushion on the fl oor new students, some pretty ing snippets of mindfulness. put there by any outside entity conventional school! When I lit option of shorter duration? instead of a pew. memorable. It was all quite disconcerting, or “demons.” I had created that cigarette, it seemed more And what of this seemingly Lights dimmed, and I was There was “Terry-the- and I began to get fl ustered. them; I had fed, watered, and like a refl ex than urgent need, ascetic routine? I pored over still woozy with anticipation. I breather,” who would inhale in Thoughts became a toxic churn stored them unwittingly in the and adversely affected medita- the easy-to-read pamphlet that had absolutely no idea what to long, loud gasps several times of jealousy, anger, regrets, all deep unconscious mind, where tion, but that was ok for the described the regimen. Whoa expect. The lady on the phone each hour. His hissing and air swarming in a fog of delirium. they stayed until given an evic- time being: some mighty fi erce — up early! Lots of medita- had said no mantras were in- sucking seemed to speak for This was my fi rst taste of the tion notice. mental and emotional enemies tion. Well, it looked like my volved. What, then, was there? the rest of us in our collective “purge” aspect — which this had been expunged in those bachelor-pad existence had A super-mantra? exasperation. One guy seemed unique technique fosters — A LL THAT AGITATION began to nine days; smoking paled in come to a screeching halt. No Some melodious chanting to get up a lot and huff out of following on the coattails of its make sense after the evening comparison. movies, books, tapes of favorite started. The windows seemed the hall, fl inging the door open natural precedent, “binge.” discourses, and some bumps Better yet, I now had 35 new tunes, take-out pizza, baklava, to rattle. Never had I heard with a gusto that punctured Smoking was only the latest smoothed slightly. Process friends — human ones. raiding the fridge whenever such sound from human vocal the quiet sessions. of a long line of scourges in and practice were so clearly By the time day 10 arrived, I the urge struck. In other words, chords. Goenka’s was a deep, Then there was that retire- this life; one vice begat anoth- presented, in such simple lan- had a new-found set of broth- I couldn’t feed my own head — resonant baritone that wavered ment-age reverend from a local er, then another. The resultant guage, that there was no doubt ers, and all of a sudden, to my they would. at each verse’s end to a drone church who wore his sleeping “Gordian knots” of craving I had found a true teacher relief, I didn’t hate anybody. This was, no doubt, an organ- resembling an idling chainsaw. bag of a coat into the hall for and aversion tied to those and a prize in Vipassana. I was Everybody seemed so interest- ic crowd. Not too many smok- The sound drenched the room, some time, but was asked not escapist behaviors had grown being shown a viable solution, ing, and had a similarly en- ers showed up here, I reckoned. seeming to fall from the ceiling to wear it because of the swish- deep roots. Now they were not mere theories. thralling life-tale to tell. I felt being axed — and it damn But the ride could still be so light — like a major monkey sure wasn’t pleasant! And then turbulent. Nighttime Q&A had been lifted off my back. there were those sudden, mys- sessions brought out some And that guy who had terious aches and pains: knees interesting characters, like the seemed so calm and collected? that burned with a savagery New York dude who had chided I stumbled into a typically that made me wonder about me for being a smoker. He lively end-of-course conversa- possible injury there — say, the went up to the dais, bragging tion in which he was telling of midnight bicycle accident 20 that he was “really getting it.” several times he’d ventured out years before. (If that was so, then why did of bounds and across the creek, Of course, I had come into he need that teetering throne because, as he said, “I just had this with blissful high ex- of cushions against the wall to scream!” pectations, going so far as to to sit on?) Another guy always Oh, and that former Dela- purchase a fancy-ass kneeling had a polished self-assessment ware smoker? Two days later bench that was purported to for the teachers, such as: “Oh, I extinguished the last ciggie. be something easier to sit on, everything’s going very well,” Haven’t lit up since. but wasn’t helping much, all of or “I’m calm.” a sudden. Worse, it had cost 85 Day 4 came along, and we David Hopkins now lives in bucks. began to practice Vipassana, Colrain and travels to India So what, pray tell, is one the namesake of this tech- when circumstances permit. “As supposed to think when this nique. We were instructed for the center itself, things have happens for the fi rst time, not to observe bodily sensations, come a long way since then, with understanding that, however which certainly seemed easier sumptuous individual accom- perverse it may seem, it’s ac- than focusing on respiration. modations for all students,” he tually good? If this “purge” This process opened up a writes. “Snoring is no longer an wasn’t manifesting itself, new inner world, as well as a issue! And what an incredible it wouldn’t be coming out. proverbial can of worms, com- resource — in Shelburne Falls — Strange but true. ing in the form of movie-like right in our backyard! You owe Vicious cravings for a smoke, dreams and sleepless nights. it to yourself to go and see.” some sweets, or anything (as Initially, I had thought the long as it was easy) fl owed in snoring in the dorm to be the a gush, peppered by slaps of sole contributing factor of this bone-wrenching fatigue. I re- sudden, uninvited insomnia. Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 5
Making the case for the dairy farmers LETTERS FROM READERS Harry Potter: SHEFFIELD etitioners, certain Mas- sachusetts Dairy Farm- party a success P ers, respectfully allege: To the Editor of the Independent: for the loan of the Hogwarts I would like to express my Express; Yanina Vargas of the Introduction deep gratitude to everyone Tusk ’n’ Rattle for feeding who made our recent Harry me (and my son Nick for the 1. An economic emergency Potter party so successful. actual cooking); and my son exists in the Massachusetts Jackie Walsh and her daugh- Ben for the loan of his chess dairy production sector. Low ter Molly, who organized the set (too bad the pieces can’t prices and skyrocketing input activities; Cathy Livingstone move on their own); everyone costs threaten the supply of and her daughter, Megan, for who contributed food and fresh, pure milk in the Com- helping to organize and deal drink. monwealth, because many of with all the food and store And last but certainly not our 189 licensed dairy farms setup; Michelle Olanyk, of least — for where would we may leave the business in Mo’s Fudge Factor, for candy be without you? — the com- 2007 and 2008. Massachusetts support; Chief Steve Walker munity of the hilltowns for dairy farmers are receiving and Patrolman Greg Bardwell coming and looking fantastic a lesser portion of the retail of the Shelburne Police De- and having a great time and milk dollar than at any time partment for preventing any supporting local businesses in history. Petitioners are not guests from being hit by cars instead of going to the big making a living wage, indeed (a.k.a. The Car That Would Not chains. I really hope I didn’t they are paid zero dollars for Leave); and my husband Dan leave anyone out, because I’ll their labor, and lose $35 per for all his behind-the-scenes be really embarrassed if I did! one hundred gallons of milk at help and his nice, big, loud Happy reading! recent price levels. announcer’s voice. RACHEL POPOWICH 2. The dairy farmers signing Dairy farmers Ken Shearer of Colrain and Warren Fahey of Leyden listen as their diffi culties are discussed. Governor Patrick attended the recent forum at Hager Bros. Farm in Colrain. Also, Susanne Barkan, Craig Shelburne Falls, July 23 this petition ask the Depart- Miller and their son Ben for ment of Agricultural Re- leaping into action at the last sources to declare an economic The writer is the owner of Bo- minute; Joe Kurland, Peggy swell’s Books. emergency and take effective Davis and their son Aaron remedial action as allowed by Commissioner without dire G.L. c. 94A, §12. PRIMARY SOURCE consequences. 21. A regular, continuous and adequate supply of fresh, pure Parties By Michael C. Stumo and Harry Conklin milk suffi cient to meet the Litter refl ects poorly requirements of the Common- 3. Petitioners are individu- wealth is in jeopardy without als and business entities that on community Commissioner action. produce milk in Massachusetts. sumes 30 pounds of cheese, to dairy producers, control 22. The public health is To the Editor of the Independent: an empty plastic bag, which They feed and care for dairy and 23 pounds of ice cream more land than the Com- threatened by these dire eco- What a wonderful town you my husband, two boys, and cattle for this purpose. More each year [USDA, Economic monwealth’s Department of nomic circumstances. The eco- have there! My family and I I filled to overflowing with than twenty fi ve percent (25%) Research Service].) Milk may Conservation and Recreation. nomic failure of Massachusetts were in the area recently with litter. What a shame it was of Massachusetts licensed be the most healthful drink Farmers maintain soil fertil- farmers will lessen the supply an afternoon to kill, and we to leave feeling disappointed dairy farmers have signed this for children and adults. It is ity, water purity, and pasture of fresh, pure milk within a decided to spend some of it and angry that people are so petition. The Massachusetts the most natural and basic viability year after year to reasonable transportation in Shelburne Falls. Our high- thoughtless. I have to wonder Association of Dairy Farmers, of beverages, and supportive produce crops and graze cattle. distance, increase prices due to lights included the delightful why people taint their beauti- Inc. fi les this petition for the of healthy growth and health Petitioners do not grow four stable or increasing consumer Bridge of Flowers; a wonder- ful places with their refuse benefi t of Petitioners. maintenance. lane highways, concrete park- demand, and restrict the abil- ful lunch at Café Martin and and why they think it’s okay 4. Respondent, Commis- 9. Dairy producers in the ing lots, high-rise apartment ity of low income consumers to dessert at McCusker’s Market to leave their mess for others sioner of the Massachusetts New England and New York buildings, or shopping centers. purchase milk for themselves (those cowboy cookies are to to clean up (or not). And why Department of Agricultural region do not produce enough 14. Open space preserva- and their children. The public die for!); and browsing through do cigarette smokers think Resources (MDAR), presides fresh milk and milk products tion is another important state health is also threatened in Boswell’s Books while chatting it’s okay to leave their butts over the oldest state agricul- to meet demand in these public interest. Massachusetts terms of the environment and with the amiable owner on the everywhere? They’re litter just ture department in America. states. Transportation of fresh dairy farmers could choose to open space. day of the new Harry Potter the same. MDAR’s reason for existence milk from other major dairy sell their land for a substan- 23. Protection of the environ- book release. I hope that your Board of is to support, promote and en- producing regions is expensive tial profi t for development, ment, open space and working We were attracted to the Selectmen considers erecting hance the long-term viability and quality may suffer with but they do not unless they landscapes by dairy farmers, area by a writeup in a guide- signs forbidding littering and of Massachusetts agriculture distance. are economically forced out and preservation of the rural book that made mention of the begins enforcing serious fi nes so the industry may become as 10. The economic benefi t of business. Their land is also and agrarian character of the Glacial Potholes, so we ended on those who ignore them. You economically and environmen- provided by Massachusetts used and enjoyed by sports- Commonwealth, are important our day with a stroll down to have a fabulous town, residents tally sound as possible. dairy farmers is substantial, men, recreationalists, natural- though the dairy economy ists, and tourists. The value of local interests that cannot be the falls. Well, what a treasure! of Shelburne Falls. Please take does not receive the media land for dairy farming is far effectively advanced without A swimming hole, interesting care of it! I look forward to Facts attention of, for example, the less than its value as a retail providing a reasonable return geology, and a great place just visiting again someday. I hope high tech industry. Each cow or residential development. An on the labor, management and to relax. to fi nd it a little tidier than I 5. Massachusetts dairy farm- produces approximately 2,200 open and attractive rural land- capital to dairy producers. But how quickly we became left it. ers work every day. They do not gallons of milk per year. The scape is maintained, benefi t- There is no other reasonable sad and disgusted by the litter SANDRA LHERON get weekends off. The biologi- average Massachusetts dairy ing neighboring families, the option to protect these local that sullied our view. Wrappers Fairfi eld, Conn., July 30 cal mechanism that produces farm produces enough milk for Commonwealth’s citizens, and interests over the long term. of all kinds (including a full milk in bovine females does 5,000 consumers. The cumu- out-of-state travelers. 24. Any order issued by the package of American cheese Editor’s note: By way of clarify- not halt on weekends. Dairy lative value of all the milk 15. The landscape of New Commissioner to address these singles wrappers strewn and ing, and at the risk of oversim- cows must be milked two or produced by all the cows on England is world-recognized problems will not burden out- windblown about the lower plifying a long and convoluted three times each day. all the Commonwealth’s farms and renowned. Dairy farmers of-state economic interests or rocks), cans and bottles, many issue, ownership of the Glacial 6. The vast majority of our every year is tens of millions provide working landscapes alter the market share among of which were stuffed down Potholes area has been in dispute Commonwealth’s dairy farms of dollars. This money is spent across the region. The cultural producers or states. Massachu- into the famous Potholes, and for years; the Town of Shelburne are owned and operated by in Massachusetts towns and identity provided by dairy pro- setts producers do not compete more cigarette butts that I owns the stairway access to the families who are not achieving cities. duction is over 300 years old. with producers in other states could count. area, which has been closed of- a living wage. Publicly traded 11. Dairy production is a This combination of working because they are merely price The kind visitors who left ficially since 2002. corporations, with duties owed linchpin in a very broad and landscapes and culture are a takers, delivering their product the cheese wrappers also left to distant shareholders, tend deep economic chain. Dairy major interest of the Common- into a regulatorily controlled not to engage in dairy farming. producer gross revenue multi- wealth and drive tourism. pricing market. Out-of-state Massachusetts dairy farm- plies and reverberates several 16. Massachusetts dairy producers neither benefi t by ers are accountable to them- times through the economy. farmers are good and solid Massachusetts dairy produc- An update on Rosie selves, their families, and their Many Massachusetts busi- business people. They are inno- ers exiting the business, nor community. nesses are impacted by dairy vative, and adapt to a changing are they harmed by Massachu- SHELBURNE FALLS 7. The supply of milk is very revenue, including animal feed economic environment. The setts dairy farmers staying in osie the rescue dog, inelastic. Farmers cannot store dealers, lumber and building dairy industry is an important business. whose serious leg milk and negotiate for a good materials, equipment dealers, economic engine for the Com- 25. Any order issued by the R injury we described price. They must take the price energy suppliers, veterinar- monwealth. Massachusetts Commissioner will not prohibit in these pages last month, the market offers that day. ians, transportation companies, dairy farmers are as effi cient interstate competition on price is shown here with Dr. Da- Farmers are price takers, with and banks. as any producers in the United or non-price factors. Market vid Thompson of Riverbend almost no negotiating strength. 12. Dairy processing com- States given the available re- diversity will be fostered. No Animal Hospital in Hadley. Milk does not store well. It panies, and their employees, sources. But the low prices and legitimate competitive advan- Dr. Thompson, one of the best is generally not canned and in Massachusetts depend skyrocketing costs are causing tage held by any fi rm or entity surgeons in the Pioneer Valley, placed on an unrefrigerated upon our farmers’ existence. an economic emergency. will be affected by Commis- generously donated a surgical shelf like commercial soups. Examples include: Friendly’s, sioner action. consultation to Rosie and her Milk cannot be transported Columbo, Good Humor, Hood, new owners, David and Mary from, for example, California, Garelick, West Lynn, Breyers, Statutory allegations Ann Durant of North Adams. without great cost. Most milk Agri-Mark/Cabot, Our Fam- Request for relief After careful review of her produced by Massachusetts ily Farms of Western Mas- 17. Low milk prices received x-rays, Dr. Thompson decided dairy cows is therefore deliv- sachusetts, High Lawn Farm, by dairy farmers threaten the 26. Petitioners therefore to send them around to some ered to in-state processors. A Snows, Bliss Brothers, Flayvors continued viability of Petition- respectfully request the fol- of his peers for their opinions way. He feels that she is pain- substantial portion of milk of Cook Farm, Cooper Hill ers’ dairy businesses. The risk lowing relief from the Commis- on Rosie’s case. We are waiting free, and encouraged her new consumed by families in Bos- Dairy, Granville Scoop, Whit- of a crash in local milk sup- sioner pursuant to G.L. c. 94A, for their collective thoughts family to maintain her active ton, Worcester, Pittsfi eld and tier Farms, Shaw Farm, and ply availability is great, not § 12: before going forward with any lifestyle. We will update you on the remainder of our Common- many others. These companies merely incremental. These low a. A public hearing be con- surgery, as the doctor wants her progress, and many thanks wealth comes from Massachu- process Massachusetts fresh prices have been below the vened to receive facts and to be certain that the surgery to those who have inquired and setts farmers. fl uid milk, ice cream, stan- cost of production for more make conclusions; will improve Rosie’s quality of donated to the Rosie Fund.— 8. The demand for milk is dard cheeses, artisan cheeses, than one year. New or renewed b. A declarations of the exis- life and not hamper her in any Linda Rollins very inelastic. Milk is a food yogurt, powdered milk, con- bank loans to fi nance the next tence of an emergency in the staple. “Demand inelastic- densed milk and butter. production year are becom- Massachusetts dairy sector; ity” means many consumers 13. Environmental steward- ing very hard to obtain. Loans c. A determination of minimum Come See for Yourself will buy the milk no matter A College Preparatory ship is a major concern of the previously disbursed may not prices for dairy producers at a how much the price rises. The Commonwealth. Petitioners be paid back. Vendor invoices level suffi cient to remedy the Day School for Grades The Academy average American drinks 23 provide this public good to our have not been paid for increas- harm and/or compensate for gallons of milk per year. (The citizens. Massachusetts farm- ing lengths of time. The threat the public benefi ts provided by 7 – 12 and Postgraduate average American also con- at Charlemont ers, including but not limited of bankruptcy grows strong, producers; and the attraction of sell- d. A system of payments be ing land to local developers established to compensate Since 1981 increases. producers for environmental , The Academy has 18. Retail milk prices have stewardship, open space pres- provided a rigorous, classical risen during the past several ervation, or increased produc- education in a supportive and years above the rate of general tion costs; creative environment. Our small infl ation, and despite lower e. Increased fees for milk han- prices for milk at the farm dlers at the retail or wholesale size allows personal attention and gate. But Massachusetts dairy levels; a strong school community. producers have seen their f. Any other relief authorized share of the retain milk dollar and appropriate. The Academy experience provides shrink to record lows. As the a foundation for life-long learning, retail milk price increases, Michael C. Stumo and Harry consumer access to milk at a Conklin are lawyers representing involvement, independence reasonable price is reduced. the Massachusetts Association of and friendships. 19. The relevant market, for Dairy Farmers, Inc. This petition purposes of these proceedings, fi led in January resulted in Act- is the Commonwealth of Mas- ing Commissioner of Agriculture Contact BrettSandy Carey Warren in the in the sachusetts. Some milk is im- Scott Soares declaring a state of admissions officeof ce forfor information. information. ported from other states, and emergency, the legislature releas- FinancialFinancial aidaid isis available.available. some milk is delivered to other ing $3.6 million in emergency states. But the majority of milk relief, an average of $19,565 produced here is consumed per farm. Another result of the 1359 Mohawk Trail here. petition is an 11-member Dairy Charlemont, MA 01339 20. The price to producers Farm Revitalization Task Force, tel: 413.339.4912 established by the market, or which began meeting in July to fax: 413.339.4324 SFI fi le photos/Jeff Potter under federal law and regula- develop proposals for strength- www.charlemont.org Chip and Sherry Hager look over some points during the forum. tions, cannot be maintained ening the Massachusetts dairy [email protected] without intervention by the industry. page 6 • Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
BUSINESS NEWS COVERAGE UNDERWRITTEN BY BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Broadband forum Aug. 2 NEW BUSINESSES CUMMINGTON—Are you The fi rst half of the Forum will to bring broadband services to wondering what is happening provide opportunities to hear all communities in western Mas- with the effort to bring high- brief updates on the local and re- sachusetts – will then present speed internet service to the gional efforts to bring broadband brief updates on the broadband hilltowns? Come to the Hilltown services here. State Sen. Ben solutions proposal they have Broadband Forum on Thursday, Downing and State Rep. Steve researched for the legislature Aug. 2 from 7-9 p.m. at the Com- Kulik will offer opening remarks. and the Patrick administration munity House in Cummington. Kimberly Longey, managing di- and on the “broadband toolkit” Hilltown CDC is convening the rector of Free Press, a national they are developing to assist regional forum to facilitate infor- media reform organization based town governments and municipal mation sharing among hilltown in Northampton, present a brief Broadband Committees. residents and Broadband Com- overview of national broadband The second half of the forum mittees in the various towns policy issues. will provide opportunities for working on broadband access. Longey is also a former Plain- the public and members of the Admission to the forum is free fi eld selectman and member of various Hilltown Broadband and open to the public. Light the Plainfi eld Broadband Com- Committees to ask questions of refreshments will be served. mittee. Staff members from the presenters, share information Please RSVP to staff@hilltowncdc. Pioneer Valley Connect and among towns, discuss interim so- org or call (413) 296-4536 if you Berkshire Connect, (the “Con- lutions and identify next steps to plan to attend. nects”) – the regional initiatives make towns better-prepared to facilitate broadband solutions.
BUSINESS NEWS AND NOTES
the MassPike runs through, or products that emanate from the Tourism industry gets communities that border those Shelburne Falls area. SFI phtoo/Linda Rollins cities and towns. Tourism grants Organizers in Mutianyu are Margaret Fitzpatrick, behind the bar, and customers of the West End Pub on State Street in Shel- state boost are awarded annually and this moving forward to create a per- burne Falls. year 29 projects were awarded manent display of items from PITTSFIELD—The Massa- a total of $500,000. the Shelburne Falls area in an chusetts Turnpike Authority has The Turnpike Authority is cur- exhibition room in Mutianyu. West End Pub opens awarded nearly 70,000 in tourism rently accepting grant proposals This will provide a highly vi- grants to popular western Mas- for tourism projects. The dead- sual and tangible display depict- SHELBURNE FALLS—The foot of the Bridge of Flowers, Tuesday and Wednesday. The sachusetts destinations, includ- line for submission is Sept. 14. ing a little bit about the village West End Pub is open. they realized that they liked Pub is also integrating green ing Community Involved with To obtain an application for the and its residents. The new venture of Paul Cafe Martin where it was. They practices to reduce waste. The Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) next funding round, call (617) Approximately 1.6 million St. Martin and Martin Dudek, also heard from residents that West End Pub does not accept in Franklin County. 722-1625. visitors a year pass through the owners of Café Martin on the there was a need for a pub. Since reservations but does offer “to The Deerfi eld-based organiza- Mutianyu village to visit the Shelburne side of the Deerfi eld Bottle of Bread on Water Street go” orders. Call (413) 625-6216 tion received $10,000 to continue Great Wall. It’s anticipated that River, opened July 27 on the has re-opened in Greenfield, for more information. its work linking farmers with many of these tourists will also Buckland side of the river in the nothing quite fi t the bill of a pub communities to strengthen and stop to see the exhibit and learn space that formerly housed the in the village until now. support agriculture in Franklin, Local goods sought for about Shelburne Falls. Riverside, the Copper Angel and The West End Pub serves New business coverage Hampden and Hampshire coun- The Shelburne Falls Area the Shire. “light, pub-ish, American fare,” ties. The award will help CISA sister village display Business Association is helping St. Martin said he was origi- said St. Martin, adding that there The Independent publishes produce a map and guide to to gather items to be delivered nally looking for a permanent is seating for 40. Sixteen seats small profiles and/or profiles promote farmer’s markets, farm SHELBURNE FALLS—Shel- to China. Examples of items home for Cafe Martin because it overlook the river outdoors. of new businesses on this page. stands, pick-your-own, and other burne Falls, Massachusetts and already being provided are a is leased in its current location. The Pub has a full liquor Let us know about your new agri-tourism venues in western Mutianyu, China are now of- woven shawl from Tregellys But as the restaurateurs began license and is open Thursday- enterprise at (413) 625-8297 or Massachusetts. ficially sister villages. Thanks Fiber Farm, an original artwork work on the new space at the Monday, 3-11 p.m. It’s closed [email protected]. The Turnpike Tourism Grant to the generous efforts of town from A Brush With Fate Gal- Program was established by the officials, businesses and local lery, copies of the Shelburne Massachusetts legislature and volunteers here, a visit by the Falls Independent and the West expanded in 1997 to include com- Chinese officials earlier this County News, a custom-made fl y munities along the Massachu- month was highly successful. rod from Brandin Splitcane and setts Turnpike east of Route 128. There is still time to donate maple syrup jugs. The grants support local tourism an item for the collection of Items selected for inclusion in projects in cities and towns that local handicrafts, artifacts and the exhibit must be nonperish- able. All items will be reviewed by a committee to ensure their Jonathan F. George Sr., CPA, CFP variety, quality and feasibil- ity for delivery and display. If you have an item you wish to contribute, please contact art@ 89 Main Street shelburnefalls.com. Shelburne Falls, MA Ph: 625-9593 Expert Village.com Taxes • Accounting • Financial Planning chooses Zoar for videos CHARLEMONT—Outdoor has been selected by ExpertVillage. com, the world’s largest how-to video site, to fi lm instructional videos on outdoor skills. The mis- sion of Expert Village is to build a world-class repository of how- to videos and articles featuring advice from recognized experts in their fi elds. SFI phtoo/Linda Rollins Categories include automo- Jeff Skibik recently set up shop in the garage next to Neighbors (107 State St.) in Shelburne Falls. tive, beauty, crafts, food, fi nance, Skibik specializes in VW/Audi repairs and can be reached at 625-0330. fi tness, hobbies, home, garden, money, music, parenting, pets, sports, travel and many oth- During that weekend the 5 Valley CDC has the assistance, on the history of automobile training and access to capital to ers. ExpertVillage.com is one maintenance when all you need percent sales tax will be repealed of the fastest growing content on purchases of personal items use technology to build and grow to know is how to change your community businesses. Web sites on the Internet today spark plug. The one- to two- valued less than $2,500. Some and was recently named one of products that are not exempt Valley CDC has helped hun- minute format of each video clip dreds of low and moderate in- the top 50 sites of 2007 by Time (60 clips to a subject) not only include motor vehicles, boats, Magazine. meals, telecommunications ser- come entrepreneurs start and 0. &)0& allows users to jump straight to grow their own micro-businesses 5 , Zoar Outdoor, a leader in the content that most interests vices, gas, steam, electricity and human-powered outdoor adven- tobacco. in Northampton, asthampton, 800%803,*/($0/4536$5*0/ them, but is also well-suited to Amherst and Hadley for nearly ture, has been teaching people transmission over the Internet. For a full explanation of the how to kayak, canoe, rock climb tax free weekend and the ap- two decades. Valley CDC has also helped many small businesses t3&.0%&-*/(t,*5$)&/#"5)t'*/&'*/*4)803, and raft for more than18 years. plicable restrictions visit the Many of Zoar Outdoor’s staff Massachusetts’ Department of with five or fewer employees to succeed and, in some cases, 2VBMJUZ8PSL members are recognized for Presentation and Revenue’s Web site, www.mass. their achievements in racing, gov/dor/. survive. During the past five freestyle, river event planning, years Valley CDC has helped river stewardship and instruc- discussion on the many clients obtain a cumulative ."-*$$4 )*$ tor training. In conjunction with $525,000 in fi nancing for their local fi lmmakers from Equilibro creative economy micro-businesses. Films Ltd., Zoar Outdoor has GREENFIELD—The Green- As a result, Valley CDC has already produced how-to videos field Department of Planning Technology grant helped create new jobs, and on camping, fl y fi shing, hiking and Community Development helped small businesses retain and rock climbing. These can be will host a presentation and to improve economic existing jobs and add new jobs viewed at www.expertvillage.com/ discussion about the creative development in the communities the agency Come see our search.htm?tag=outdoors. economy Thursday, Aug. 2 at 6 serves. Zoar Outdoor plans to com- p.m. at the Greenfield Youth GREENFIELD—Valley Com- Valley CDC was one of 40 re- beautiful, fun, and exotic plete videos in the following Center, 20 Sanderson St. munity Development Corpo- cipients of HP’s Microenterprise categories over the remainder of Guest speakers include Meri ration (Valley CDC), a local Development Program grants, the summer – Basic Whitewater Jenkins of the state cultural nonprofit microenterprise de- which provide microenterprise t5FYUJMFTt+FXFMSZ Kayaking, Freestyle Kayaking, council, Jason Schupach of Ar- velopment organization, is the agencies with technology equip- Steep Creeking Technique, Solo tistLink, Richard Graf of 4 Point recipient of the HP microenter- ment, services and cash to spur t(JGUTt)PNF'VSOJTIJOHT Whitewater Canoeing, Basic Consulting, Leo Hwang-Carlos, prise development grant worth entrepreneurship and economic River Safety and Rescue and Greenfi eld Community College more than $57,000 in technology growth in low-income communi- Basic Paddle Rafting. associate dean of Humanities equipment and cash. The HP ties. HP’s philanthropic commu- ... and come learn about the artists Other videos in the outdoor and Fostering the Arts and Cul- technology combined with sup- nity investments combine the category include How to Catch ture Partnership. port services, business training power of information technol- who make them a Football, Backward Swizzles: RSVP to Eric Twarog, Green- courses and technical assistance ogy with creative and effective Advanced Ice Skating Tips, and fi eld Department of Planning, at will provide new and established partnerships to create economic How to Identify Birds by Ear. In (413) 772-1548 or erict@townof- small businesses in the commu- and social value for underserved addition, how-to videos on the greenfield.org. nity with much needed resources communities around the world. site cover such eclectic topics as and training. HP engages in public/private How to Childproof your Home, A microenterprise is a busi- partnerships to invest in under- What is a Bonsai Tree and How ness with fi ve or fewer employ- served communities and help is it Formed and Egyptian Belly ees, $35,000 or less in start-up bridge the digital divide. Dancing. Taxes take a holiday capital that does not have access More information about HP’s WORLD The goal of Expert Village is BOSTON—The fourth tax holi- to the traditional banking sector. Microenterprise Development '"*353"%&(*'54 to provide very targeted how-to day in as many years will occur For 19 years, Valley CDC has pro- Program is available online at content that answers a specifi c Saturday, Aug. 11 and Sunday, vided local entrepreneurs with grants.hp.com/us/programs/micro_in- 4UBUF4U 4IFMCVSOF'BMMTt question. No one wants to sit Aug. 12, following approval by business training and support dex.html. through a half-hour broadcast the state legislature. to improve economic develop- Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 7
Exchange ______from front page the global business world. students have regular English The government’s push for classes and also attend talks, English education has opened activities and trips. The group the door to a legion of foreign has been to Boston, Springfi eld English teachers working in and will be leaving in a week Chinese schools, which has for New York City, then for led to educational exchange Washington, D.C. They have programs of all sorts. Regard- heard a lecture on Boston less of its aim, the increased history by Jackie’s husband, traffi c will ultimately increase Graham, an American history the understanding between the professor, and one on New two countries. We get to know England literature, given by them, they get to know us. Michael Hoberman. Shelburne Falls has recently “Their English is really included itself in this cultural good, and they’re very hungry exchange. It seems to be going for intellectual stimulation, pretty well. they’re really good students,” Walsh says. JACKIE WALSH is away for the As to hosting them, she says, weekend but her house is full “It’s been great. They’ve been of people. Five 16-year-old cooking a lot of Chinese food Chinese students, a chemis- for us. It’s like Chinese food try teacher and an English here, but better, it’s just really teacher, all from Guangzhou, a good food.” city of about 9 million on the southernmost coast of China, T HINGS COULDN ’T have worked move in and out of the kitchen out so well without so much preparing breakfast. They’re help, Walsh says. getting ready for a boat trip on “The community has been the Connecticut River, with a amazing, because there was stop in Turners Falls. such little notice we really had Bai Li Jun is the English to scramble for families, and teacher. He goes by the English the people who signed up to name Matthew. He’s jovial, be a family were very helpful,” SFI photos/Max Breiteneicher round and seems quite at ease she says. “Also, a teacher at Bai Li Jun (Matthew) dines at the home of his host, Jackie Walsh, and her family. speaking English. Over a fried Heath has been really phenom- egg and toast he introduces his enal, organizing all the fi eld school. trips, and then the Federated “Our school is an English Church of Charlemont gave school attached to Guangdong us this big donation and the Buckland church University of Foreign Studies,” Academy at Charlemont let Jun says. “Our school is very us use its vans during these names new pastor nice, there are 5,000 students. three weeks. Without this help, We have elementary school, the students would have been BUCKLAND—The congre- middle school and high school. hanging out in Shelburne Falls gation of the First Congrega- Every year our school organiz- as their fi eld trip every week. tional Church of Buckland, es some students to go to dif- Also, a local woman, Barbra, commonly known as The Mary ferent countries, like America, has driven us around in her Lyon Church, welcomed the England, Canada, Australia, van wherever we wanted.” Reverend Richard T. Fournier to make the students know Jun says that last year a as their new settled pastor ef- more about the culture and group from their school stayed fective Aug. 1. His fi rst Sunday to make their English better. in Northampton and really worship service at the church This year we have more than enjoyed it. It was far cry from will be Aug. 5 at 10:30 a.m. 100 students who came to the Guangzhou, and Shelburne Fournier attended Boston U.S.A. but we divided in differ- Falls is farther. He says that Latin High School and earned ent groups. Here, we have 24 they had no idea they’d be his B.A. at Colby College in students staying in Shelburne staying in such a small town. Waterville, Maine. He was Falls.” “At the beginning we don’t ordained in 1982 after gradu- The students are placed with know it is a small town. They ating magna cum laude from host families in Shelburne just arranged for us to come the Boston University School Falls for three weeks, through here, so we didn’t know that of Theology with a Masters the nonprofi t educational this is Shelburne Falls. At the of Divinity Degree. In the 25 organization PeopleLink. The beginning maybe we are not years that have followed his organization called Walsh used to it here, but after few ordination, Fournier has been fi ve days before the students days we found this is a re- the faith leader of small and Richard Fournier arrived, she says, because she ally nice place. Especially the large churches in both rural and her husband had hosted scenery is really beautiful, and and city settings. In Cum- sons. More than 30 years ago a Japanese student through all the people here are very mington he served as pastor — and, he adds, more than 30 PeopleLink last year. They friendly, very nice. of Village Church and West pounds ago — Fournier ran the asked if she would host some “My students told me that Cummington Congregational Boston Marathon. students, teach English and their host families treat them Zhang Jian Jun (Allison). and he was senior pastor at In 1997 he became involved plan activities. She’s a certi- very well. Also I found that the Old First Church in Spring- with international program- fi ed teacher, and works as people here have good behav- fi eld. Fournier has served as ming to help people with a teacher’s aide in Colrain, ior. No one ever locks their Protestant Chaplain at Mount disabilities through the Polus she says, but, “I haven’t done doors when they leave and no but also come to know some the immersion. “I think maybe Holyoke College and was the Center for Social and Eco- anything like this before,” she one locks their cars when they customs of Americans. It’s re- I can listen more, can hear founder and director of Tap- nomic Development. He has says. “It’s been very intense, leave them, but this is impos- ally a good experience.” much more clearly what people root Center in Northampton traveled to Central America since I had so little prep time. sible in Guangzhou. It is a big The class has had similar but said.” where he worked to establish more than 20 times, and to The week before they arrived city. Here, every family has a limited experiences at their As to English’s relevance a Spiritual Life Resource and Ethiopia and Zambia in Africa. I spent calling like 300 people very beautiful house. It’s quite school in Guangzhou. in their future careers, the Education Center, led retreats He continues to be involved in trying to get host families.” different from China. I think “We have lots of foreign students seem appropriately and hosted interfaith dia- this ongoing mission work. They eventually found space people here are very polite to teachers in our school and ambivalent for their age. logues. For the past three years Fournier led this year’s re- for them all. Walsh has four each other, and especially they most of them come from Tommy wants to fl y planes. he has been the interim senior membrance ceremonies at the students staying with her. The respect each other very much. England but some come from About a job, Kelvin speaks for pastor at United Congrega- cemeteries in Buckland Center Everyone is equal, it seems to Canada or Australia, New the rest: “I don’t think about tional Church of Holyoke. as part of the annual Hat ‘n me, everyone is equal. It’s very Zealand,” Jun says. “We have this problem. I have no idea.” Before entering seminary, Sock Memorial Day Parade. good.” more than 10 foreign teachers. Fournier worked in several A resident of Northampton, When they have their oral Eng- A N OLDER MAN enters into the programs to help troubled Fournier said he hopes to ‘Dog Days’ S OME OF the students have lish class, one foreign teacher room with an egg on toast. This youth in the eastern part of move closer to Buckland in the arranged themselves around is in charge of 20 students. is Jong Zheng Yun, the chemis- the state and in Springfi eld. near future. He says when he’s the table, and one of them, He That is to give the students try teacher. Jun explains that Youth ministry has remained not involved with his pastoral to honor Mei Yi, or Melanie, gives her more chance to practice their he speaks only a little English, a particular interest and work for the church, he’ll be impression of America through English.” a few words, but still he wants strength. The pastor said he looking for opportunities to area canines her time here. Trips to the U.S. are not to express some things, and has recently played basketball lead and teach small groups “I think the people here common and also somewhat does, in Chinese. Matthew with Holyoke teens and didn’t on a variety of secular and SHELBURNE FALLS—Dog are very friendly, and I like recent. translates for him as best he get laughed off the court. He spiritual subjects. lover Leslie DeGraff Grinnell America very much,” she says. “Our school is a private can, in what seems to be far remains interested in sports Rev. Ken Downes of Shel- is organizing an event to honor “It’s different here than in school, most of the parents are fewer words. and coached his daughter’s burne Falls served as the dogs and their human friends. China; it’s multicultural.” businessmen now, they’re rich, “He just said, ‘Thanks very soccer team for several sea- church’s interim pastor. The co-owner of Eddie’s Pan Han Xian, or Kelvin, and their parents want their much to Jackie’s family for Wheels for Pets, a company that says emphatically, “I fi nd I can children to receive the best their hospitality and thanks to manufactures mobility devices learn more English in America education,” Jun says. all the host families for giving for quadrupeds, is spearheading and here the air’s so clean The school’s goal aside, us such help. Americans are Dog Days of Summer Saturday, and the forest is so beautiful! though, Melanie says she didn’t very nice and friendly. The Aug. 4, featuring an 11 a.m. dog It’s better than China, I think. come here primarily to prac- environment is very nice, very parade on State Street from America is beautiful.” tice English, “We just wanted clean. The people here have the Riverwalk to her company’s Wang Kuk, or Tommy, has to come here. The purpose given us a deep impression. A LLC headquarters at the intersection also enjoyed his time here. is only to know more about very deep impression. We’ve of Route 2 in Buckland. “After school I really talk America, but not English, I learned so much about them Prizes will be awarded for best with my host family,” he says. think, for me.” and from them.’” 4 costume and for “best look-alike “If I am talking, I can not only Zhang Jian Jun, feels that between you and your dog.” practice my English speaking her listening is benefi ting from The day will feature dog agil- ity demonstrations, a “special olympics” for dogs with disabili- ties, a showcase of alternative healing methods for pets and information on healthy foods for pets. Hot dogs and tofu pups will be sold. The event is sponsored by the Shelburne Falls Area Business Association. For more informa- tion, call DeGraff-Grinnell at (888) 211-2700.
Route 112 panel to meet SHELBURNE—The Route 112 Regional Byway Advisory Committee will meet Wednesday, Aug. 15 from 7-9 p.m. at Shel- burne Town Hall. The agenda includes review and discussion of the second draft natural resources inventory and the draft scenic resources chapters, as well as the same for the preliminary draft of historic and cultural resources and out- door recreational resources, led by Franklin Regional Council of Governments Land Use Program Manager Bill Labich. Wang Bing Kuk (Tommy), left, and Pan Han Xian (Kelvin). page 8 • Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
Fairs ______from front page heath and fi re regulations. tors of the Massachusetts State If she is right, it could mean “Each and every year there is Fair Association. She says this challenges for upcoming fairs some new rule, new guideline, year will be especially diffi cult in Ashfi eld, Heath, Adams and new regulation that emerges,” for small fairs. Cummington. says Rouleau. “I think it’s a true sign of our Still, Gloria Fisher, who co- Ever-changing state law has economy right now,” she says, chairs the Heath Fair, expects meant unprecedented time com- citing high gas prices among a large turnout this year. Heath mitments from unpaid volunteers expenses deterring potential has registered more vendors than and most of those volunteers are fairgoers. ever and coordinated a variety older than age 50. Few younger of musical acts. Organizers are residents have shown interest in Anachronism? also reviving an antique tractor taking over the administration of But also on Rouleau’s mind is pull, a popular amusement that Charlemont’s only fair. the possibility that tractor pulls disappeared for eight years. Friends of the Charlemont and oxen draws, cookouts and pie A low budget threatened to Fairgrounds, the group that hosts tastings might be things of the squash plans for the Heath Fair the fair, met Thursday to discuss past. in March but local businesses the challenges facing next year’s While out-of-towners drive and summer homeowners added event. from large cities to enjoy the to the bank. Among those obstacles is low quaintness of a small town fair, “It should be an absolutely vendor turnout. Of 45 businesses Charlemont’s youth are another great fair,” says Fisher. invited to participate, just 11 thing. Just more than half of the Meanwhile, Yankee Doodle attended. Thin crowds and fat- 132 students provided with free Days planners brainstorm on how tening paperwork from the state bracelets to the fair attended at to revitalize their celebration. has scared many off and outside all this year. And Rouleau is not giving up. amusement companies often “Maybe our young people are “We have very few community monopolize food sales. so used to what their backyard events left,” she says. “Yankee SFI fi le photo/Laurie Wheeler “It’s what all small fairs are looks like that they don’t have Doodle Days is one of them.” Local organizations, like the Heath Library, shown here in 2004, must now deal with with stricter fi re- worried about,” says Rouleau, the same love affair with it,” says proofi ng regulations, an expense that has required many to buy expensive new tents that comply. who is also on the board of direc- Rouleau. SPORTS AND RECREATION
Tour of the Hilltowns Bicycle Race on Aug. 18
WINDSOR—Saturday, Aug. fuel for the finish. This spot 18 at Notchview Reservation on is an ideal place to watch the Rte. 9 the Northampton Cycling race, but there are several other Kevin Baumann Club will host the 9th Annual fi rst-rate locations to watch the throws the ball at Tour of the Hilltowns Bicycle racers, including at the infamous the ball toss. dur- Race. and steep climb up East Hawley ing the third meet The Tour of The Hilltowns is Road in Charlemont and Hawley of the Bridge of a highly challenging and com- and the long, uphill grind on Flowers Summer petitive 90- to 155-kilometer loop Route 9 from Cummington to the Track Series at bicycle race that weaves its way fi nish at Notchview in Windsor. Mohawk. through some of the most beau- You can also look at the course tiful and exciting terrain New map on our Web site to find a England has to offer, including spot. West County. The race attracts local and The race begins at 10 a.m. riders from afar as well. There and continues on Routes 9, 8A, are eight racing fi elds total, in- 116 and 112 through the towns cluding elite men and women’s of Windsor, Savoy, Plainfield, classes with prizes up to $800 Hawley, Charlemont, Ashfi eld, shared among the top six riders. Goshen, Cummington and then Medals and merchandise will be back into Windsor for an approxi- on hand for other triumphant mate 2 p.m. fi nish at Notchview cyclists, including bike gear and Reservation. other prizes from race sponsors. The course is full of hills To register for the race: www. and fast descents, with one feed bikereg.com . To volunteer, or for zone by Sanderson Academy in more information, visit www. Ashfi eld for some much-needed nohobikeclub.org .
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Dairy payments ______from front page
registration and certification. setts and New England. In recent Grant application required years, huge dairy operations with farmers to provide milk produc- more than 1,000 cows each in tion data and authorization to New Mexico, Texas, Idaho and release information relating to California have driven up supply that data so that the U.S. Dept. while significantly decreasing of Agriculture could verify milk prices. production. The price paid by the con- Hager Brothers Farm is among sumer, however, is unregulated, about 20 western Franklin Coun- ensuring that retailers will con- ty farms granted emergency tinue to collect a profi t on the funds this summer from the $3.6 sale of milk. million in Governor Patrick’s In addition to providing some supplemental budget for fi scal financial relief, a Dairy Farm year 2007. The amount received Revitalization Task Force to was predicated on the amount study and recommend long-term of milk a farm produces. The solutions to sustain the dairy Hager farm, where the current industry in Massachusetts has generation of farmers includes been established. Hager’s daughter, Kim, received North Adams Democrat Rep. $39,909.04. They milk 120 cows Daniel Bosley and Worthington on the farm that dates back in Democrat Rep. Stephen Kulik their family to the 1700s. have been appointed to the 11- member panel that’s charged Still a shortfall with investigating the impact “The price is better now, it’s of increased fixed costs borne up, about $5 a hundredweight by the dairy farming community more than it was last year, but including fuel prices, health care our grain expense — not fuel, and insurance costs, promoting insurance, taxes, increases in locally produced milk, promot- anything else —just our grain ing alternative and renewable to make the same amount of energy uses for farmers. milk, has gone up $5 per hun- The task force will report its dredweight,” Hager explains. fi ndings and any accompanying “So we haven’t gained anything legislation to the clerks of the really. So we really are trying Senate and House of Represen- to be cautious about anybody tatives, the Chairs of the Joint saying, ‘oh the price of milk is Committee on Environment, up.’ It is up, but the increase in Natural Resources and Agricul- SFI fi le photo/Jeff Potter production cost has more than ture and the Senate and House Bridge of Flowers Road Race Coordinator Michael Hoberman crosses the fi nish line in the 2005 competition. matched it.” Committees on Ways and Means Buckland dairyman Paul Willis no later than Oct. 1. milks about 60 cows and has 50 “They’re supposed to have Road race ______from front page younger animals. His daughter, a finding by October, but of Melissa, is the fi fth-generation course anything they come up fi rst to review that year’s race, farmer in the family. with will have to go through and then to begin planning Willis received $14,571 in the legislature, so it’s not going ahead toward the next year’s emergency funds according to to be a snap-your-fingers kind race,” he says. “The committee the offi cial listing from the state, of thing,” Hager says. “Our big meets through the whole year. but hasn’t heard so offi cially. problem is that the milk price, This year, there’s about fi ve of “You know more than I do,” which is federally regulated, us. I should say, also, that some he said by phone Monday. “ It’s goes up and down. It’s peaks of the people who work on the all direct deposit, but we haven’t and valleys, peaks and valleys, race don’t even necessarily come heard anything, had no state- peaks and valleys; and so if the to those meetings. For instance, ment. I haven’t called the bank price drops again to the level it I’m thinking about sponsorships, every day, but let’s hope you’re was this year, like back down to which are a major source of right. That would certainly be a $1.15 per gallon, it’ll just about income for the race; Mike Mc- helpful. be impossible to stay in business. Cusker, who used to direct the “I borrowed $12,000 to stay in We’re at $1.75 a gallon now and race, is in charge of the sponsor- business last year — not to do that doesn’t really leave anything ship, so he’s working on that all something frivolous; I’m talking for profi t margin.” year. about staying in business.” Hager says that the state Asso- “Others are taking care of li- Willis says this year is a little ciation is “trying to be proactive censing for the race, liaison with better. and come up with something that the town police, board meetings, “This year the price of milk will prevent us from having to go volunteer crews and we have has naturally gone up a little, back for an emergency deal.” people doing promotion, adver- but everything tied to oil has “We can’t just keep going back tising. Some of this you really skyrocketed and the weather to the state looking for more have to be working on as early hasn’t been great all summer, so but what we’re looking for is as the winter, particularly the we’re still battling,” he says. something on the state level to promotion, and the guy who does In 2006, dairy prices for farm- supplement the federal pricing that is Dave Reading. T-shirts, ers fell by $0.19 -$1.14 per gal- situation,” he says. that’s another big thing.” lon, which equals prices that The T-shirts are new this were paid to farmers in 1981. year, he says, and the music has For the typical 100-cow family A Brush changed a bit. farm in Massachusetts produc- “We’ll have more drummers ing 233,000 gallons of milk per with Fate this year, two separate groups year, this price decline equates of drummers,” Hoberman says. to a loss of income of $44,270. “The musicians are posted at On top of the decreased prices, AUGUST 8-30 different points, like at the top production costs have risen. The Featured artist of Chittenden Hill there’s a guy price that dairy farmers receive who plays guitar. Down at the is determined by the federal gov- Jim Murphy bottom of the hill, under a huge ernment and based on national Regional landscapes in maple tree, we have a string supply-and-demand conditions impressionistic style trio that plays, and we have a to price milk throughout the bagpiper that plays on Main country, including in Massachu- Reception Aug. 11 5-7 p.m. Street.” Refreshments and hors d’ouerves Other than new shirts and t more drummers, the race is mostly the same as it was last volunteers,” Hoberman says. “We A small Gallery filled with large dreams! year, and the course mostly always get lots of people volun- Hours: Thurs – Mon. 12 to 5ish the same as it was its fi rst year, teering on race day, hundreds, 20 State Street Shelburne Falls 1979, when it was conceived at water stops, monitoring the 413.625.2256 and founded by McCusker, who course and doing all kinds of directed the race through most things, but in addition to those of its following years. volunteers we really could use Ten kilometers is about 6.2 more volunteers who want to • Neuromuscular therapy miles. This course consists of two be involved in the race through • Craniosacral therapy loops that make an approximate Runners take off at the start of the 2005 race. the year, keeping it going form figure eight. The first loop is an organizational standpoint. • Therapeutic massage two miles, starting on the Iron the open category, which is typi- “I think it’s a wonderful event blower,” Hoberman says. “He We’re always looking for those Bridge that spans the Deerfi eld cal of a lot of races, and includes for the town,” Hoberman says. donates these beautiful glass people. We want new people; the River, then going along Bridge people from the age of 18-29. “I don’t know for sure, but it’s globes, these incredible works race needs to always be renewing Street, hanging a left on Maple That’s the most competitive always been my impression of art that we use as prizes as itself, and new energy is sort of and eventually returning to the category, not always, but very that this is one of the biggest well.” the key to that.” bridge via Water Street and often. We also have teen and days in the year for the town, The race starts at 9 a.m. Sat- crossing the river. youth categories, and then from in terms of the infl ux of people. urday and anyone can register Once on the other side, run- the age of 30 on, we group people It’s wonderful to show our town, through the night before at the For registration, contact informa- ners take a left and head up in 5-year increments, which our village, off to the rest of the spaghetti dinner. Before the big tion, and more visit www.bridgeof- Crittenden Hill. This is a hill makes us a little bit different world. I think also — and this race there is a 2-mile ‘fun run’ flowers10K.com . that’s not easily surmounted in from some other races, that we is important — it promotes ath- for kids and adults that starts 5 State Street, Office #7 an older car, much less while set- actually discriminate between leticism, running in particular. at 8:20 a.m. and covers only the (Above McCusker’s Market) tling into your third six-minute the ages 30-35 and 36-39, up to One of the main mission goals fi rst, relatively fl at, two miles of Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 mile. age 70.” After that comes 70-79, of the race is to promote ath- the course. It’s called the Nathan (413) 625-2648 “That’s the thing that the race and then 80-plus. The record for leticism, particularly for West Hale race, after an inspirational [email protected] is famous for, going up that hill, the 80-plus group is 1 hour, 6 County youth. It also builds up former running coach and teach- because it’s an extremely steep minutes, 6 seconds, set by Carl- businesses, because all of those er at the high school. hill,” says Hoberman. “Last year, ton Mendell. people come into our stores and If you enjoy race day, whether New England Runner magazine There’s also a category exclu- restaurants.” you run in it, or walk, or just The locally owned The had a sort of a fun contest to sively for West County residents. The race is also a source of watch from a lawn chair and defi ne which is the ‘Toughest 10k Hilltown runners include both money for under-funded orga- cheer for your friends, or for drugstore where life is in New England’, and our race young and older competitors, nizations that apply to the race complete strangers, consider BAKER was one of three races that they Hoberman says, “Dave Burnham committee for grants. getting involved in the process simpler, they know you included in that match-up, and will be in the top 5 overall from “When all is said and done and of making it happen. Next year, Pharmacy the reason is Chittenden hill.” year to year,” he says of the Shel- the race is over, we make money,” the race’s 30th anniversary, will The race then continues all the burne resident and Mohawk Trail Hoberman explains. “We don’t be what is called a Grand Prix by name, and there’s Mondays–Fridays 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m. way along Crittenden Hill Road, Regional School graduate.”There make a lot of money but we make event, which means the results Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. loops back via North Street to defi nitely are some very strong some, usually it’s a few thousand are entered in the offi cial stand- still a soda fountain Closed Sundays State, and then back over the hilltown runners. I run with a dollars, and we give all of it away ings of New England runners. bridge to fi nish in front of Town group of guys my age, actually a to small organizations that apply This sort of event attracts a great 52 BRIDGE ST ., SHELBURNE FALLS • (413) 625-6324 Hall. little bit older than me, there’s for grants from us. Mostly these many high-level and aspiring The record for this course is a group of about six of us from organizations will be things like runners. Directors have tried to 30 minutes and 10 seconds, set our early 40s to late 50s, and they programs for teenage art work- make the Bridge of Flowers Road Jeff Skibik, Proprietor by Daniel Kihara, a Kenyan and are all really competitive runners shops, senior citizens centers, Race a Grand Prix event every a professional runner. If that’s for their age group. There some dance classes, science classes five years. Last time, in 2003, 8–5:30 Monday–Friday not exactly your speed, but you very strong hilltown runners in for home-schoolers, things like more than 1,200 runners came are really counting on some prize the slightly older age groups, 40s that.” to town and more are expected money, don’t worry. Hoberman and 50s.” So, your $20 registration fee is in 2008. JEFF’S says there are many categories refunded with interest, in a way, That’s going to take a lot of for runners, and winners of each ‘Wonderful event for our town’ after the race. In addition to pro- planning to pull off, Hoberman FOREIGN CAR SERVICE category get cash prizes and The West County category is ceeds from entry fees, the race is says. medallions after the race. a nod to the fact that though the funded by sponsors, mostly local “The main thing is that it’s Specializing in VW Audi “There are certain people that race is a popular destination on businesses that donate money a community event. It’s been All Repairs Large and Small come back year after year in the the running circuit, a major goal and prizes. going on for many years now, so-called ‘elite runner’ category,” of the race is to be of benefi t to “We always get a donation and in order to keep it going we 107 State St., Buckland 413-625-0330 Hoberman says. “Then there’s the town. from Josh Simpson, the glass- always need and welcome more page 10 • Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net 'SJEBZ4BUVSEBZ4VOEBZt"VHVTU
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4QM`T ZQc_ is welcome in the pages of your -ATT #LARK -AIN 3T -ONDAY &RIDAY AM¯ PM #HARLEMONT locally owned . . community contribute advertise subscribe newspaper nnn%jÔe[\g\e[\ek%e\ks 625-8297 ACTIVITIES SPORTS & RECREATION ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT HILLTOWN BOOKS & WRITERS FOOD & DRINK SCIENCE & NATURE Shelburne Falls Independent TRANSITIONS page 11 • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net lifelife CALENDAR Eight generations of Wilders owned the family homestead until one of them made a decision that would let the property stay true to its Buckland roots
Heirloom HOUSE
Inset: Thankful and Ed Wilder, in the doorway, pose with immediate family and visiting relatives circa 1889. Above, the Wilder Homestead as it stands today, now the property of the Buckland Historical Society.
BUCKLAND—In the late practical to keep it and live in “I went through the whole 1960s, Loren Griswold Wilder Jr. Texas, so, in December 1981, complete house doing over each By Jeff Potter came to Buckland from his ranch Wilder and his wife, Madeline, room,” he says about a process in Bandera, Texas in search of gave the house and its 58.5 that took place over a span of his family history and, possibly, acres to the Buckland Historical about fi ve years. “I started with some relatives. As the story goes, Society. the two bedrooms upstairs, the Wilder was returning from the Now, several decades later, main rooms downstairs, the en- graveyard in Buckland Center the historic house sits not as a try room and the kitchen, which to Shelburne Falls when he museum packed with holdings required quite a bit of work.” drove by a sign at a house on and artifacts — the Historical Route 112 that read, “Wilder Society already has one of those Buckland people, Homestead.” in the former Buckland Center Buckland antiques When he stopped at the Colo- School in Upper Buckland — but Buckland Historical Society nial saltbox Wilder introduced as an unusually well preserved President Polly Anderson moves himself to Charles Taylor, a man and authentic example of early from room to room and points he’d later learn was his cousin. American architecture and life. out glimmers of the life of the Wilder discovered more than Over time, Historical Society Wilder family that have survived a branch of his family on his ge- volunteers have painstakingly with the house. nealogical quest; he also visited taken the homestead back in A faded needlework tapestry the homestead that had been time by removing the modern hangs from the wall. Along with in the family since Gardner and replacing appliances and a sample alphabet, the fabric Wilder built it in 1775, several other items with tools and house- conveys a simple message from years after he had become one hold items that would have been a child through generations: of the fi rst property owners and found in centuries past. “Verona Wilder is my name, and several years before the settle- The kitchen is now shadowed with needle and thread I write ment known as “No Name” was by the main fi replace — one of the same.” incorporated as Buckland. five in the structure — which One antique photo shows When Charles Taylor died in originally served both as a means Joseph Griswold Wilder in Civil 1977, he left the Wilder Home- for the labor-intensive hearth War uniform, a haunted gaze on stead to his cousin. This act cooking and the homestead’s his face. once again kept the property heating source. “He died in New Orleans,” in the family but it presented a Modern appliances have been Anderson says. dilemma to Loren Wilder. consigned to the former “borning Another photograph shows “His roots were in Texas,” room,” a concession to the need Wilder relative Hiram Davis. explains longtime Buckland His- for refrigeration for events at “He was luckier: he just got torical Society member Ernest the homestead and to visitors’ wounded by a sharpshooter,” Pike. “And none of his children preference for modern restroom Anderson says. wanted to come here.” facilities. Anderson, a primary school art SFI fi le photo/Laurie Wheeler Wilder didn’t want to see the Pike chuckles when asked if teacher in the Mohawk Trail Re- property leave the family after the homestead required signifi - gional School system, makes the Nancy Parland, in period costume, demonstrates hearth cooking during the eight generations. Nor was it cant work. continued on page 12 2004 Wilder Homestead Sampler. page 12 • Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
Wilder Homestead _ _ _from front page same point she emphasizes with to compress it — is parked near Buckland-Shelburne Elementary where animals were once housed. students who have been coming Nearby sits a sleigh. Other, more to the homestead to study local specialized, farm equipment is history for more than 10 years. stored there, sometime dusted “They went through all of our off and used during the annual country’s history in here,” she Wilder Homestead Sampler in says of the Wilders who lived in October by citizens in period the homestead. costumes who demonstrate the As students try to guess the workaday items of a bygone era. functions of alien-looking house- There’s even a treadmill used to hold objects like bed warmers leverage power from goats. and yarn spinners, they can see “It’s all from olden times American history framed in the and most of it is from people context of one family in one in Buckland,” Pike says of the place over time, Anderson says. equipment. “Of course, it’s Other families are represented all hand-drawn or ox-drawn in the present-day homestead. equipment.” Margaret Merwin Patch of Shel- In addition to the farming burne Falls, an economist, world equipment, a number of looms traveler and a founder of the are stored in the barn, many used World Crafts Council, died in in the 1940s and 1950s by Elinor 1987 and left all her household Clark, who lived in the house furnishings, including an exten- with her widowed aunt, Bertha sive collection of antiques, to Wilder. She created somewhat of the Buckland Historical Society. a local pastime, teaching weav- Pike says an auctioneer was re- ing to more than 20 Buckland tained to clear out the modern women. furnishings from both sites and Other looms were donated the antiques were consolidated as well, including one from Col. into the Wilder Homestead. Carroll E. Adams of Charlemont. Photos and other ephemera Pike remembers assembling the from Patch’s ancestors decorate loom and fi nding parts missing; the homestead and a framed Adams looked again. 18th-century family birth record “He found the two pieces that SFI photo/Jeff Potter of Mr. Samuel Hitchcock and were missing had been used to The view from the parlor window of the Wilder Homestead looks onto the fi elds. Walnut Hill Farm rents the use of the farmland for Mrs. Thankful Hitchcock hangs jack up his roof,” he says with a corn. on the wall of one of the down- laugh. stairs rooms. A grandfather clock, Buckland resident Peggy Hart manufactured in Plainfi eld, will often demonstrates how to use soon be replaced by one made the looms during the Wilder in Buckland, manufactured in Homestead Sampler and when “Clock Hollow,” an enclave off students visit the homestead. Avery Road that once was home Hart shows the students, who to a clockmaker. come through the barn in smaller One upstairs bedroom, the Nil- groups, how to weave a rag rug, man Room, contains a number of once the final destination for items from the family who goes clothing made by hand from back far enough to be the name cloth woven by hand, used and of a road in town. Framed diplo- re-used and re-re-used. mas hang from the walls and one Ashfield metalsmith Steve antique table shows an image Smithers similarly demonstrates of “Charlie Nilman’s group at metalworking for the school pro- Lamson and Goodnow.” gram, which is funded by local Pike remembers getting the cultural councils. bed in the room — a cannonball Another outbuilding is not four-poster — from Carl Nilman, original to the homestead. Not who owned and operated several far away, in the 1800s, Samuel drive-in movie theaters, includ- Townsley operated a cobbler’s ing the former Mohawk Drive-In shop in a building that was later on Route 2. moved from its original site to “Carl Nilman said we would make way for improvements to have to take it down as a whole what is now Route 112. The small unit, because he couldn’t get it building went through a series of apart,” Pike says. “Well, I got local owners. Nate Hale with his truck and Finally, Imogene Litchfield, we went up to get [the bed] and the cobbler shop’s last owner, put it in the barn where we could gave the historic building to the work on it. Historical Society and, in 1991, “We found that on one side the shop made its way along there were left-turn wooden Route 112 to the Wilder Home- threads, and on the other side stead, where it now rests. there were right-turn wooden Pike says that he found among threads,” Pike says. “When we his belongings a ledger book that got that figured out, we could had been recycled as a scrapbook get it apart.” for clippings of poetry from newspapers. He hired conserva- Courtesy Buckland Historical Society Farming and weaving tors from the Sterling and Fran- This 1894 Howes Brothers photo shows a Mr. James in the door of the cobbler shop, now on the Wilder Homestead property. Outside the homestead An- cine Clark Art Institute in Wil- derson pulls open the doors of liamstown to remove the news the barn, which a consultant clippings, revealing the fi nancial has dated prior to 1798. A small records to be Townsley’s. Maintaining a legacy a reminder that although the outer room — a later addition “It listed all the jobs they Years have passed and the property was a gift to the His- — opens into a cavernous, multi- did, repairing shoes, and they Historical Society has settled torical Society, it comes with story original structure that now did leatherwork as well as shoe into comfortable rhythms with some strings attached — like shelters a varied collection of work,” Pike says of the ledger the Homestead, which is open maintaining it. antique equipment. book. “By today’s standards, they to the public every summer and The Historical Society is an- An antique snow roller — de- got nothing.” for the Homestead Sampler in ticipating some major repairs in signed not to remove snow but the fall. The property stands as the basement of the homestead an authentic homage to Buck- and the barn needs some work on land as a farming community; a rotting rafter before winter. corn stalks still grow in Wilder “We’re looking at some major John W. Richardson Homestead’s fields, thanks to fundraising,” Anderson says. the Schmidt family’s Walnut Hill This comes at a time when attorney Farm, which pays the Historical Pike, now in his 80s, is phas- 32 Bridge Street • Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 Society to let them grow there. ing out of his role tending the upkeep of the property and 413-625-6637 • fax: 413-625-6286 • [email protected] But the house is by no means frozen in time. Anderson says her husband, 25-plus years of experience Standing by the front step Mike McCusker, is spearheading efforts to build a maintenance House calls for the elderly and homebound of the Wilder Homestead, near the shade of a majestic maple in committee. He’s looking to re- cruit as many as four people to • Real Estate • Elder Issues • Estate Settlement the front yard, Anderson points out a deteriorating transom, assume Pike’s duties. • Wills and General Consultations On Jan. 3, Loren G. Wilder, the last Wilder to own the Home- stead, died in Texas — another reminder of the passing of time and generations. Time and life still move forward inexorably, and the unassuming saltbox still stands as a monument to the past, the present and the future.
The Wilder Homestead will be open from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12 and Sunday, Aug. 26; the Buck- land Historical Museum on Upper Street will be open those same days and those same hours. The annual Wilder Homestead Sampler will SFI fi le photo/Laurie Wheeler take place Sunday, Oct. 7. For Buckland weaver Peggy Hart demonstrates her craft on one of more information, call Anderson the looms at the homestead during the 2004 Wilder Homestead at (413) 625-9763. Sampler. Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 13 OUTDOORS AND NATURE
Requiem for a sportsman
SHELBURNE remember sitting down and For instance, just to mention as I sit here thinking about T WAS SAD DAY, to be sure. sharing a meal with Edgar a few: the tradition and ritual my chum Edgar, of James The First Congregational ON THE RIDGE Gould except for maybe once of meeting at Edgar’s house be- Fenimore Cooper, who wrote so I Church of Shelburne has at his sugarhouse. But we sat at fore the season was a big deal many great stories about the seldom, if ever, seen a day that his kitchen table many, many for him and for all those who woods and woodsmen. would come close to July 2, By Joe Judd times discussing the ways walked in his special circle James Fenimore Cooper was with so many entering through joe@sfi ndependent.net of the whitetail deer along of trust. Mapping out where greatly concerned about the its historic doors to say good- with town politics, state and everyone would go and sharing clash he was observing in his bye to a true son of Shelburne, national politics, and anything the great stories of past deer day between wilderness and Edgar Gould. else we could come up with hunts. Looking over the Bel- civilization. He observed in As I sat in the balcony of during our chats. gium Browning shotguns and his writings that the wilder- this 230-year-old beacon of We never socialized much the Leopold scopes that were ness had one set of values that light with its white steeple that this day no wanted to leave! Shelburne. together unless we happened so near and dear to him. should be preserved. while has for so many years graced As I watched from above I saw It was a bitter cold day, as I to show up at some event at And the taboo of hanging civilization had certain values travelers on the Mohawk Trail, many who knew him much recall, and Edgar had that look the same time. Yet I would stop your hunting clothes inside that might be introduced into I worried about the stability of longer than the 30 years that of a deer hunter who’d been in at the sugarhouse during the the house! Only outside on the wilderness but would most the old balcony. In my 33 years he and I were friends. Many of this area for a while; I was only sugaring season and he would the porch would be suitable, likely bring destruction with it. of attending this church I have those friendships were built 24 years old at the time. So I always have time for long chats and that was serious business Cooper wrote that this may be never seen so many people in in different ways under totally approached him with an ex- or to gladly offer up a piece when it came to those hunting the greatest single challenge to the balcony at one time. But different circumstances; some cited, youthful exuberance as of advice I might have been clothes! And I would be watch- modern America: to preserve the old structure was up to the knew Edgar for much longer I anticipated, as only a young seeking, or just have another ing for them, as seeing those the intrinsic values of wild- task as the people kept pour- than I knew him. Some twice hunter could, this chance meet- discussion about hunting. red jackets and orange vests lands while understanding the ing in, young and old alike, as long. ing of another hunter in the And even though we shared hanging outside Edgar’s porch benefi ts of urban society. for what was truly a gesture of But our friendship was built area. this bond because of our always signifi ed, for me any- “The genuine deer hunter love, respect, and complete car- around the sport of hunting. However, it became appar- mutual love of deer hunting I way, the “offi cial” beginning of is among the best equipped to ing for an individual who gave That’s how it started ... and the ent very quickly that Edgar’s never once remember actu- another deer hunting season understand the merits of this so much to Shelburne over the last time I sat with him in his presence here had a purpose. ally hunting deer with Edgar in Massachusetts. I started this and to fi nd the proper bal- period of his life. kitchen, about three months There was a “deer drive” going Gould. Oh, we always seemed myself because of Edgar Gould ance,” Cooper wrote, “for he Well over 300 were in atten- before he left us, our conversa- on, and I’d happened into the to know what each of us was some years ago now, and I will has one foot in the woods and dance — the largest number I tion eventually drifted around picture at the wrong time. He up to during the season, as keep doing this for as long as one foot in the town. More than can ever remember. And they to deer and deer hunting. And was pleasant enough about it, we would usually be running I continue to hunt whitetail most men, and certainly more came from all over New Eng- his eyes lit when we spoke no doubt, but I knew I needed the same ridges and we would deer! than almost all of his critics, he land, from all walks of life, to and the old familiar smile that to be getting along ... and so I often speak at night about how Such simple things are understands the value of both spend one last cherished mo- was known to so many began did. the day went, but that was the important to people who hunt. places.” ment with their great friend. to dance across his weathered Interestingly enough, a few extent of it. We never actually And such meaningful things Over a century ago, with They reveled in the stories face, as this was a topic that days later we met again in hunted together — not even are important when you look these words, Cooper lamented that were told and the memo- he loved and a sport he will be almost the exact same spot. once. You see, Edgar had his for ways to honor the memory the impact between wilderness ries that were shared by the known for as long as hunters And this time the greeting, and own crew he hunted with, and of people who hunted ... people and civilization. But without family. The calming voice of run ridges and chase whitetail the conversation, was totally their bond was cemented fi rm! who mean something to you knowing it he was writing Rev. Bricker Gibson fi lled the deer. different. He asked me who I That was simply the way of it ... people who infl uenced your about a breed of man who church as he weaved through During the service this part was and how I came to be here. and I respected it completely. life ... people you love. I will would someday help cushion the eulogies and the many of Edgar’s life was touched After a rather lengthy discus- He and I never spoke about never again be able to see a the impact of this coming heartfelt memories that both on briefl y, but I guarantee sion on that topic he began to hunting together, ever; we only whitetail deer in the Patten clash. Historians call this fi g- he, Rev. Phyllis Evelyn, and the there wasn’t a person sitting in tell me what happened after spoke about hunting during District of Shelburne without ure the. “ideal man in the state entire Gould family so thought- that church who didn’t know I’d left on the day we fi rst met. these periods, and that was thinking of Edgar Gould. He of nature.” fully structured, which allowed of Edgar’s exploits as a deer He then went on to tell me fi ne with both of us. infl uenced my life as a hunter Without knowing it, James us all the opportunity to hear, hunter. Yes, the man accom- about his farm, and his land, But I learned something more than I could ever explain. Fenimore Cooper was writing enjoy, and feel some sense plished many things in his life, and how long he’d hunted it. about Edgar Gould during From a distance, in his guard- about men like Edgar Gould. of ease in the grief of their no doubt about it. As a stew- He explained a bit about his these deer hunting seasons ed, quiet way, he was a mentor. Good hunting. moment. ard of the land he was second philosophy regarding hunting that would trickle along from Everyone listened atten- to none. His years as a dairy and hunters, and he shared year to year. T HERE ’ S SO MUCH more that Joe Judd is a regular contributor tively, while at the same time, farmer and maple producer with me his thoughts about I learned that Edgar loved could be said about Edgar to the Independent. I’m certain, their minds drifted are documented well within posting property and what deer hunting beyond descrip- Gould’s life as a sportsman: through their own memo- the history of agriculture in he expected from people who tion, and that he was an thousands of memories that ries and thoughts of Edgar. Massachusetts. He served Shel- hunted his land. And then I exceptional woodsman and could be shared by so many, so And Rev. Gibson eloquently burne as an assessor for over recall we just talked about hunter. But I also learned that many meaningful moments of brought the house down when 20 years. A loving husband, fa- things pertaining to life, land, to him the companionship was a much loved man and a life he said, “It took Edgar Gould ther, and a friend to all, Edgar more hunting, and whatever absolutely as important as the lived well. But I’m reminded, to fi ll this church to its capac- Gould was defi nitely “a man else came up during the better hunt itself. ity ... something I could never for all seasons.” part of that fi rst hour when And isn’t that so true for so do while ministering here for But I knew him best as a we shared our thoughts with many of us. Companionship is six years.” Another great trib- hunter ... and thus begins my each other on a cold December a strong element in the deer ute done with perfect timing tribute to Edgar Gould as a afternoon so many years ago. hunting world. And if you’ve Welcome, Joe Judd, while setting the proper mode sportsmen and one of the best, When we parted ways I never experienced it in its for the remaining moments if not the best, deer hunter felt certain that we would truest form then you may not to the pages of the Independent that we all had left on this day ever to come out of West meet again. And meet again understand it, but believe me with Edgar. County. we did, as it seemed like that when I tell you that it’s very Arrowhead Barber Shop Of course, whenever you fi rst conversation just never real and for Edgar it was huge! were with Edgar you never I T WAS IN the woods, during really ended — it was just a I mean for as long as men and Duane Graves wanted to leave him. He had deer season, where Edgar series of conversations and women have hunted they have that way that just enticed you Gould and I fi rst met. He was visits that regenerated itself done so in organized packs In the Arrowhead shops on the Trail to stay for one more story, perched on the fringe of a every time we saw each other with special taboos, traditions Usually open Tuesday-Saturday, but if in doubt, one more discussion, and one large stand of evergreen trees over the next 32 years that we and rituals, and Edgar, I’m more word of wisdom. And on that still exist in an area of were friends. Yet I don’t ever sure, had all of those. call ahead 625-6900 (I might be hunting or fi shing!)
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By Janet Lowry Special to the Independent ————— HELBURNE FALLS—— Along with countlesss others around the globe,, SBoswell’s Books cele-- brated Saturday, Julyy Jaden LeBreux, 6 21 with a release party for thee (Pavarti Patil) final book of the Harry Potterr series. As one participant said,, “How remarkable that all overr the world there are parties justt like this one. Right at the samee moment!” Despite the lateness of thee hour (the witching hour of mid-- night was when sales were of-- fi cially permitted), partygoerss were high-spirited and merryy while eating Pumpkin Pastiess and Harry Potter cake, drinkingg butterbeer and playing a varietyy of Wizarding games. In one corner of the storee players were sorted into the fourr houses of Hogwarts—Raven-- claw, Slytherin, Huffl epuff andd Gryffi ndor—to play Harry Potterr Jeopardy. The biggest challengee was to find questions difficultt enough, since the players, whoo ranged in age from 5 to 14, weree experts on the text. In other ar-- eas of the store, jigsaw puzzless and trivia games were playedd continuously. When the interiorr of Boswell’s grew too crowded,, the party spilled out into the cooll air of the sidewalk café, wheree Mo’s Fudge Factor was servingg chocolate frogs and Bertie Botts’’ Every Flavor Beans. Many readers attended in fulll costume and a contest was heldd at 11 p.m. Judges Winnie Leee and Ewing Huang both visitingg from Canton, China, and Emilyy Silvia Cabre, 6, Sodosky from Shelburne had thee (Gabrielle Delacour) diffi cult task of choosing a win-- ner in three age categories. Thee fi eld of characters was extensive,, consisting of: Albus Dumbledore;; Voldemort; best friends Laven-- der Brown and Pavarti Patil;; a Dementor; Ginny Weasley;; Bellatrix Lestrange; a Muggle;; Cho Chang; two Hermiones;; two Professor McGonagalls andd Harry Potter in sizes small (22 months), medium (10 years) andd large (13 years). Silvia Cabre, 6,, from Ashfield, won the underr 9 division dressed as Gabriellee Delacour; Margaret Bemet, 10, Margot Bemet, 10 won the over 9 division dressed (Sybill Trelawney) as Sybil Trelawney and Liz Cas- tro of Ashfi eld won the grown- up division dressed as Dolores Umbridge. Although we now know the ending, Saturday by the time of the countdown at 11:59:50 p.m. prophesies as to the denoue- ment of the last Potter book abounded. Many were eerily accurate, although we won’t say which, just in case you’re not fi nished reading. • Anna Cabre, 10, had a theory that “one horcrux [a device that ensured Voldemort’s immortal- ity] is Rowena Ravenclaw’s Alice Monroe, 10 turquoise pendant and is prob- ably in the Ravenclaw common (Bellatrix Lestrange) room.” • “I’m hoping Dumbledore will rise from the ashes like Fawkes [the Phoenix],” said Kim Erslev of Shelburne Falls. “Harry will not die, but something will happen. But he will not commit murder.” • Theodore Gabriel, 12, guessed that, “Snape has done big and important evil, but he turns out to be really good. Harry contin- ues to miss Dumbledore.” • Kai Delorenzo, 8, agreed, “Snape is good,” she said. • “The wording of [Sybill Trelawney’s] prophecy is key,” said Julia Denig of Colrain. “Both will die, but Harry will live. Voldemort’s own evil will kill him. I’ll read it until I fall asleep.” Oleander Brenizer, • Oliver Diamond, 7, although 2 months he dressed as the venerable (Baby Harry Potter) headmaster, said, “Dumble- dore is not coming back, but Harry will contact him, like in dreams.” • Renna Earp, 9, said, “Neville [Longbottom] is going to be a big hero, and Snape is going to be good.” • Julian Diamond, 10, was “pretty sure that Harry will live.” A little ordinary magic hap- pened there at midnight at Boswell’s Books. In this age of Oliver Diamond, 7 Internet and gaming consoles, (Albus Dumbledore) books — 759-page books — fl ew into the eager hands of readers, hungry to know how this story ends. Readers, in turn, rushed out to the street and seemed to disappear into the dark. Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 15 Sanderson alumni revive dance tradition Colrain poet issues new tanka collection Ashfield dance, in Town Hall, COLRAIN—Author Carol honors golden anniversaries Purington has published a new poetry book, Gathering Peace. By Nikki Widner one was helping each other re- The 100-page book is produced Special to the Independent gardless of their experience.” by Black Cat Press and self- ————— Cranson hopes to see the published by Winfred Press of ASHFIELD—For the same dances return to the Town Hall Colrain. admission price of a movie ticket, on a regular basis. In her preface, Purington de- you can dance the night away “I think there is a younger scribes the book as a “memoir of in circles, lines and squares, group of people, other than our- my inner life,” with the poems New England style. Traditional selves, who would like to sponsor describing her journey as some- folk dances, such as the square square dances,” he said. “That one who has lived with polio dance, contra dance and English would be nice if they kept the since her childhood years. The country dance are a long-lived dances going. If there’s a will, book is divided into sections by tradition in this region. While there’s a way.” decade, with her poems refl ect- each dance has developed a Proof that the dance tradi- ing her childhood on the family unique form over time, they all tion is vibrant, square dancing farm, her illness and rehabilita- use live music, dance calls and was named the offi cial state folk tion, and her return to the farm a social exchange of partners. dance by the Commonwealth to a life where the written word Country and urban dance April 8, 1990. transports her to the places she styles from England and France “We had more than 200 peo- cannot physically go. SFI fi le photo/Laura Rodley infl uenced the country dances ple,” said Lesure of the Ashfi eld “With acceptance came Carol Purington that spread through New Eng- event. “[And] every single one of peace,” she writes in her intro- land in the 19th century. Square them was smiling.” duction to the “Fifth Decade” physical Creation — a school bus, dance, contradance (also known Based on the success of the section. “In this world I will daylilies, a pheasant.” as traditional New England folk recent Sanderson Alumnae never walk a trail up a moun- Gathering Peace costs $15 post- dance) and English country dance at the Ashfi eld Town Hall, tainside, but I can sail with the paid and can ordered by sending dance all grew into a regional New England folk dances are clouds that visit the highest a check, made payable to Carol pastime that is still alive today. here to stay. peaks.” Purington, to her at 152 Wilson Dance communities continue to Purington writes poetry pri- Hill Road, Colrain, MA 01340. attract a local following each Summer dance schedule, marily in the forms of haiku and For more information, contact week in various barns, town July-September tanka, which she describes as Purington at carpur@localnet. halls, churches, schools, and • Guiding Star Grange #1, 401 “a very short verse that links a com . fairs. Chapman Street, Greenfi eld, MA, fl ash of mood or a movement of No matter what your level of (413) 772-0501. Contra dances awareness with an image of the experience is these social gather- are held every Friday and Sat- ings bring renowned musicians, urday night of the month, year- provide exercise and create round. Visit www.guidingstargrange. enduring communities. While org . the number of dances may not • Montague Grange #141, 34 be what they once were, there Main Street, Montague. Thurs- is still a thriving community of day, Aug. 2, 8-10:30 p.m. First dances held locally. Thursdays in Montague! with At a recent Saturday night Lissa Schneckenburger, Corey square dance in Ashfi eld, history Dimario and calling by Rebecca was recreated. Lay. Admission $8. Saturday, Aug. On July 7 during the Sander- 26, 4-10 p.m. Balkan Dance Party son Academy alumni weekend, with three bands – Xopo, Trei four couples threw a celebration Arcusi and Brass Band. Thurs- at the Town Hall, where they day, Sept. 6, 7:30-10:30 p.m. First danced more than 50 years ago. Thursdays in Montague! with The four couples, including Geor- Mary Cay Brass, Roger Kahle, gia and Bill Wiles (Greenfi eld), Jessie Gagne-Hall and calling by Nancy and Lester Garvin (Ash- Jesse Edgerton, Admission $8. fi eld), Muriel and Doug Cranson Second and Fourth Saturdays, (Ashfield) and Grace and Don July-October, 7 p.m. Square Lesure (Ashfield) have a long dances with caller Ted Hughes. history of square dancing at the • Monday, July-August, 7 p.m. Town Hall. Many of the dancers English Country Dance, Whately not only formed lasting friend- Dance Barn, 35 Westbrook Road, ships but also met their spouses Whately. Bring clean, non-street, at the square dances. Cranson soft shoes. met his wife at one of the regular Saturday night dances where he Fairs danced from age 11-18. Saturday, Aug. 18, 8 p.m. at the Before Cranson, his grandfa- Heath Fair, Hosmer Road, Heath. ther danced there in the 1930s. Free parking, General admission The Town Hall was the Saturday $6; $3/seniors. night place to be and the dances Saturday, Aug. 25, 7-11 p.m at continued through the 1960s, the Cummington Fair, 97 Fair- until the American Legion took grounds Road, Cummington. over. General admission/$7, ages 10- The recent celebration was 16/$3 and under 10/free. threefold; it honored, fi rst, the dances the couples attended every Saturday night during the 1950s, second, the anniversa- ries of couples married over 50 years, and third, the graduates of Ashfi eld’s Sanderson Academy. So when the long-time friends Amandla seeks decided to bring back the dances of yesteryear, they knew they had members some fundraising to do. GREENFIELD—Amandla They formed committee and Community Chorus, which per- spent six months planning for forms “songs of justice, peace the event. More than $6,000 was and celebration from around the raised to restore the upstairs world,” is looking for a few new Town Hall fl oor. Organizers even members for the choral group’s chose a caller and orchestra to 20th anniversary season, which resemble previous dances. starts soon. With 11-12 squares on the “We’d love more members fl oor throughout the night, all from the hilltowns,” says Direc- ages listened as caller Doug tor Eveline MacDougall, who More than 250 people attended the July 20 performance of the Mettawee River Theatre Company’s production of Aristophanes’ Wilkins announced the next describes the audition process Peace held on the Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School lawn. Arms Library hosted the company’s 13th summer visit (made possible with move. as “short and painless.” fi nancial support from the Friends of the Arms Library and nine area cultural councils) to the village. “It was a really neat expe- Ability to read music is a defi - rience to see all the genera- nite plus, although an excellent tions having a really good time,” ability to learn by ear may suf- said Maryellen Cranston, “[The fi ce, she says. J H SHERBURNE Uncommon handcrafted jewelry dance] was recreating history. Rehearsals are Tuesdays from F I N E A R T Diverse New Books You could just imagine 50 years 6:45-8:45 p.m. in Greenfi eld from PORTRAI TS ago [having] that same experi- September through May. People FRAMING Objets d’Art ence upstairs [in the hall].” “of all cultures, colors, sizes, & Cranston, a novice to the New shapes and ages (starting at England tradition of square and teens)” may apply, MacDougall round dancing, also said, “every- says. For more information, call her at (413) 773-8655. WANDERING Gaslight-era MOON music on tap Wednesday–Saturday 10:30–5 Award Winning Sunday 11–4 COLRAIN—Musician and naturalist John Root will per- Picture Framing Tuesday by chance / Closed Monday form and discuss music of the on pre m ises by A rtis t / Own e r gaslight era Thursday, Aug. 9 & PPFA Ce rti fied Pictu re Fra m e r 59 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls (413) 625-9667 Lisa Miller FNP after a joint meeting of the Col- &ROM THE 4ACK 3HOP Heirloom Portraits rain and Shelburne Historical Societies at the Brick Meeting "EAT THE "5'3 40 State St. Shelburne Falls, MA House in Colrain. 413 625 8306 is joining our practice. She will be happy to see -ASKS w ww. jh sh e rb u r n ef i n e a rt .com Root presents musical pro- grams, performing on the piano, 3PRAYS patients with Dr. Topolski at the Arrowhead at many venues, the most popu- lar being music from the turn of 7IPES the last century: ragtime, blues, Shops, conveniently located on Rt 2 just 4 miles marches, gospel and waltzes. 2OLL ONS He is also leader of the group from Shelburne Falls, Colrain, and Greenfield. wingtimer. For more information 3ALVES about him, visit www.johnroot. net. 3TRIPS The evening will begin with a business meeting at 7 p.m. %VERYTHING FOR THE STEFAN TOPOLSKI, M.D. followed at 7:30 p.m. by the CARE AND ENJOYMENT free program. Refreshments will be served, and the public is OF HORSES ALL PETS CARING IN COMMUNITY welcome. The Colrain Cultural (IGH 3T 'REENFIELD -! 0 Council and the Mass. Cultural Council support the program. WWWGREENFIELDFARMERSCOOPCOM Call 625-6240 for an appointment page 16 • Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net OBITUARIES
Falls. pels, in North Adams, followed one son, Ronald A. Atwood and from lighting Poet Seat Tower William Alden, 85 He was a veteran of World War Donald J. Atwood, 76 by a funeral Mass at 11 at St. his wife, Kathy, of North Adams; in Greenfield at Christmas to SHELBURNE—William D. II in the Pacifi c Theater serving ROWE—Donald Jewett At- Anthony of Padua Church. Burial and two grandchildren, Thomas providing electricity for the Alden, 85, formerly of Greenfi eld with the U.S. Army from 1942- wood, 76, of 48 Pond Rd. died July followed Southview Cemetery. C. and Timothy J. Atwood, of American Cancer Society’s an- and Buckland, died July 28 at the 1945. at Williamstown Commons. Donations in Donald Jewett’s North Adams. She also leaves nual Relay for Life. He was Anchorage Nursing Home. On April 19, 1942 he married He was born in North Adams memory may be made to the cousins, nieces and nephews. also active in many commu- He was born in Conway on Lesley J. Wilson of Charlemont. on April 16, 1931, a son of the American Cancer Society in A brother and a sister, Anthony nity organizations, including Dec. 17, 1921, the son of William After a brief employment at late Russell E. Atwood and Della care of the funeral home, 521 Scarpitto and Louise Cardimino, the Mohawk Regional Athletic M. and Alice (Flagg) Alden. He the Greenfi eld Tap and Die, he Mae (Daniels) Atwood. He at- West Main St., North Adams, MA died previously. Association and the YMCA. He was a 1939 graduate of the for- became a civil engineer for the tended schools in North Adams, 01247. Services for Donald and Jean was a member of Trinity Church mer Arms Academy in Shelburne Commonwealth of Massachu- including Drury High School. Atwood were July 28 from the in Shelburne Falls. setts. He retired in 1983 after He served in the Massachu- Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna He was seated on the board of 38 years. setts Army National Guard. Home for Funerals, West Chapels directors of the Bank of Western In high school, he was an He worked for the Cariddi Jean A. Atwood, 75 in North Adams, followed by a Massachusetts at the time of his UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP outstanding athlete, excelling Sales Co. in North Adams for ROWE—Jean Ann (Scarpit- funeral Mass at St. Anthony of death.”” WITH EXTENDED HOURS in basketball and baseball, and more than 30 years until his re- to) Atwood, 75, of 48 Pond Rd. Padua Church. Burial followed Ed Martin leaves his wife Monday–Saturday, 7–7 while raising a family in Shel- tirement in 1983. Following his died July 24 at Williamstown in Southview Cemetery. of 31 years, the former Beth Sunday, 10–5 burne Falls. he was very active retirement, he moved to Naples, Commons. Contributions in Jean Atwood’s Burrows. in coaching youth sports teams. Fla., where he worked at TA She was born in North Adams memory may be made to the He also leaves his daughter, Survivors include his wife Miami Ford until 1998. At that on March 9, 1932, a daughter of American Cancer Society in Brianna, of Boston; his son, of 65 years; a daughter, Donna time, he returned to his home the late James Scarpitto and care of the funeral home, 521 Walter, 21, serving in the U.S. Shepherd and her husband, Lee, in Rowe. Wanda (Sudacki) Scarpitto. West Main St., North Adams, Marine Corps, and a son Barrett, of Heath; a son, James Alden and He enjoyed hunting and fi sh- She attended schools in North MA 01247. at home. He leaves two sisters, his wife, Candace, of Auburn, ing. He also enjoyed carpentry. Adams and was graduated from Vicki Martin of Shelburne and Maine; three grandchildren and His wife, the former Jean Ann the Drury High School. She Jill Wyman of Buckland and two two great grandchildren. Scarpitto, died on July 24. They also graduated from the Naples Calvin P. Call, 96 brothers, Ty Martin of Florida A private graveside service were married on April 26, 1952 in Vocational Technical School in and Troy (Chip) Martin of Deer- SHELBURNE FALLS SHELBURNE—Calvin Patter- will take place in Leavitt Cem- St. Anthony of Padua Church. Naples, Fla., with a degree in field. Other survivors include son Call, 96, of 966 Mohawk Trail SUPERMARKET, Inc. etery, Charlemont, at the conve- Survivors include one daugh- cosmetology. six nieces and nephews, Joseph died July 19 at Baystate Franklin formerly Keystone Market nience of the family. ter, Dona A. Wilson and her hus- She lived in North Adams until and Ryan Martin, Nicholas and Medical Center in Greenfi eld. In lieu of flowers, contribu- band, Dennis G., of Avon, Conn.; 1983, when she moved to Naples. Mikayla Wyman, and Stephen 42-44 Bridge Street He was born in Colrain, Nov. tions in William Alden’s mem- one son, Ronald A. Atwood and She returned to Rowe following and Susan Burrows, all of whom Shelburne Falls 18, 1910, the son of Byron and ory may be made to Hospice of his wife, Kathy, of North Adams; her retirement. reside in the Franklin County 625-8400 Alice (Mather) Call. Franklin County, 329 Conway St., two grandchildren, Thomas C. She worked as a hairdresser area. He was a 1929 graduate of Greenfi eld, MA 01301. and Timothy J. Atwood, of North in Naples until her retirement in “We remember Edgar not for Arms Academy in Shelburne Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home Adams; three sisters, Jean Water- 1999. She was also a professional his selfl ess dedication and the Falls and attended Massachu- man and her husband, Wallace, cake decorator. famous annual Martin pig roast, setts State Agricultural College of Williamstown; Irene Wojcik Jean Atwood was active but for his humor, leadership in Amherst for two years. and her husband, Joseph, of in town politics in Rowe and and endless commitment to his During World War II he worked Adams; and Madeline Dougherty served on the town Finance family and friends,” his family Respect, Integrity, Compassion . . . for the former Greenfield Tap of Williamstown. He also leaves Committee. writes. “To many, he was known and Die Co., and he worked for nieces and nephews. She enjoyed walking and as just plain Ed. Kendall Mills in Colrain for sev- 40 Church Street, Shelburne Falls Five siblings died previously, gardening. “Those who knew him felt eral years. S (413) 625-2121 including Russell Atwood Jr., Her husband, Donald Jewett fortunate enough to have been K For 35 years, he was an auc- Pamela J. Kelleher Charlotte Rooney Gillooly, Mar- Atwood, died July 20. They were touched by his gratuity and tioneer in the Pioneer Valley and garet Gyurasz, Susan Heisler. His married April 26, 1952 in St. kindness. Ed was known to most ——— the southern Vermont area, the sister Katherine in infancy. Anthony of Padua Church. people as a hard-working man, 87 Franklin Street, Greenfi eld fi rst in the area to take consign- Services for Donald and Jean Survivors include one daugh- eager to lend a hand to anyone (413) 773-8853 ments for the auctions. Atwood were held July 28 from ter, Dona A. Wilson and her hus- and everyone. He lived every Timothy P. Kelleher In 1972 he opened the Shel- the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna band, Dennis G., of Avon, Conn.; day to the fullest. His choice of Home for Funerals, West Cha- burne Country Shop on the profession was perfect: he fairly Mohawk Trail; he retired in 1989 glowed with a warm, constant and sold the shop to his son, glow.” Donald. Funeral services were July 25 He was a member of the at Trinity Church in Shelburne Mountain Lodge of Masons in Falls, with Rev. David Neil, pas- Shelburne Falls. He was also a tor, offi ciating. Burial will be in member of the Shelburne Senior Arms Cemetery at the conve- Center, where he enjoyed the nience of the family. writing group. Contributions in Ed Martin’s He and his wife, the former name may be made to the Marine O T E N O U G H A R T I N O U R Marion Galvin, had wintered in Corps Scholarship Foundation, E’S N S C H O Florida from 1972 until last year. H E R O L S P.O. Box 3008, Princeton, N.J. T . They would have been married 08543. for 75 years on Aug. 6. Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home In addition to his wife, he leaves his son Donald and his wife, Anne Bolles, of Shelburne and his daughter, Lois C. Stearns and her husband, John, of Wil- Phyllis D. braham. He leaves two grand- Wissmann, 82 children, John W. Stearns Jr. NO WONDER PEOPLE THINK and his wife, Marianne, of East BUCKLAND—Phyllis D. Longmeadow and Judithanne (Descoteaux) Wissmann, 82, of Stearns of Agawam. He also 146 East Buckland Road, for- leaves fi ve great-grandchildren. merly of Turners Falls, died July A memorial service took place 23 at Baystate Franklin Medical Aug. 1 at the Colrain Baptist Center in Greenfi eld. LOUIS ARMSTRONG Church. Burial will be in West She was born in Montague on Branch Cemetery in Colrain at Oct. 30, 1924, the daughter of a later date. Joseph O. and Lillian M. (Vin- Donations in Calvin Call’s nicomb) Descoteaux. She gradu- WAS THE FIRST MAN TO name may be made either to the ated from Turners Falls High Colrain Historical Society, Main School and had been a lifelong Road, Colrain, MA 01340, or to resident of Turners Falls prior to the Shelburne Volunteer Fire De- moving to Buckland in 2005. WALK ON THE MOON. partment, c/o Jim Burnham, 64 She was a waitress for the Little Mohawk Rd., Shelburne, former Turnbull’s Restaurant MA 01370. in Greenfi eld for several years. Previously, she was employed by Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home Snow’s Dairy for many years. She enjoyed bowling and reading. It’s a long way from the Apollo the trumpet was as a guest in a Her husband, William J. Wiss- Edgar W. Martin, 51 mann, died in 1984. Survivors include a son, Jack Theatre to the Apollo program. correctional home for wayward ASHFIELD—Edgar Walter Wissmann of Reston, Va.; a Martin II, 51, of 421 Beldingville daughter, Colleen Barrows and And while his playing may have boys. If only today’s schools were Rd., an electrician and longtime her husband Harry, with whom community volunteer, died at she resided, and several nieces been “as lofty as a moon flight,” as enlightened and informed as home July 20. and nephews. Born Aug. 4, 1955, he was the A sister, Jean McDonough, died son of Noreen (Duprey) of Shel- as Time magazine once suggested, that reformatory was. in 2005. burne Falls and the late Walter A graveside service was held Edgar Martin. that would be as close as Louis Alas, the arts are dismissed as in Springdale Cemetery, Turners He was a 1973 graduate of Mo- Falls. hawk Trail Regional High School. Daniel Armstrong would ever get extravagant in today’s schools. In lieu of flowers, contribu- He owned and operated E.W. tions in Phyllis Wissman’s mem- Martin Electrical Contractor in to taking “one small step for man.” This, despite all the studies that ory may be made to the charity Greenfi eld, which he founded in of the donor’s choice. 1979. But as the jazz musician of the show parents believe music and Kostanski Funeral Home Instead of a giant leap, Louis Armstrong delivered He gave generously to the 20th century, giant one giant free-form crazy jazz groove for mankind. dance and art and drama make community in numerous ways, leaps were simply a matter of course for their children much better students and better people.
Satchmo. For no one has ever embodied If you feel like your kids aren’t READIN’ Your news and
Armstrong left his the art form the way he did. It was he getting their fair share, make ART photos are welcomeA ‘drastic move,’ a looming vote footprints on the jazz world, Mohawk School Committee faces closing three schools, a measure that will bring only temporary relief to financially stressed district towns Independent By Don Stewart t holiday don@sfi ndepen ing a single regional elementary wearing lace-up oxfords. dent.net publishing schedule who helped make virtuoso solos a part some noise. To find out how, — ———— school at the Buckland-She incre BUCKLAND—Th ases will creep back to SHELBURNE FALLS—As has been the c Trail District Regionale Mohawk School burne Elementary l- current levels and beyond. Any ‘savings.’” newspaper began operations several years ago, the Committee wi School would save the district approxi- ‘savings’ as a result of “You can see th will not publish the ustom since the question ofll voteclosing, Jan. over 10 on a Q The interim at school clo- the mately $4.6 million committee’s con- school closures would sures are not going to answer the appear on Thursday,fi Jan. rst issue 4. of the new year. No Independen issue will three-year period, the Heath, be real question,” Superintendent Mi- t Colrain Central and Sanderson over fi ve years. clusions appear ized primarily Publication of the newspaper will resume because of chael Buoniconti issue. Deadline for news and advertising is Friday, Jan Academy elementary schools. A three-page sum- in Independent reduction said at the Dec. in staff, and would 13 School Committee The with the Jan. 18 As estimated by an interim mary statement pre- Thinking, page 5. office necessarily be used to The co meeting. and by appointment;at 8 Deer ficustomers eld Ave. will are be advised staffed intermittentlyto call ahead bu pared by interim committee ntinuing question is . 12. dget subcommitt hold assessments at how to maintain a quality of (413-625-8297) to ensure the of by Colrain School Committeeee chaired members, however, co ‘reasonable’ levels of increase in the pages of yourthat “this drastic move willncludes only educati be dro member David Purington, crea -- that on in the state’s poor- pped in a box in the foyer.fice will be open. Items may ‘buy’ us perhap is to say we may not be est county with an ag The Web site, t- s two to three in the position to implement increase in the districtgregate budg www.sfindependent.net, years before long cally during the hiatus. ’RITING town assessment -term school enhancements of appro et On be will be updated periodi- of the vocabulary. It was he who was honored with or for more information about or improvements through these ximately $1 million half of ou annually. Last year the budget readers for a safe andr staff happy and holidaycontributors, season best wishes to our To repeat what others have to the new year. See you in 2007. said requires education; to continued on page 6 and a great sta rt challenge it requires brains. —Jeff Potter, editor —M ARY PETTIBONE POOLE ’RITHMETIC www.sfi ndependent.net the title “American goodwill ambassador” by the State the benefits of arts education, locally owned community ndependent.net There’s plenty of brain to go Vol. III No. 12 • Issue No. 62 around. Give more to art. Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts Department. It was he who was the last jazz musician please visit us on the web at ‘No, December 21, 2006–January 17, 2007 no, no’ $1.00 Heath library scrambles newspaper Ashfield committee wants current to match $1.8m grant village zoning By Nate Walsh nate@sfi ndepen members dent.net have been charged with By Don Stewart ————— the task of raising the money to Special to the Independent HEATH—A $1.18 million grant from th match the grant for the ne to hit #1 on the Billboard pop chart. AmericansForTheArts.org. Just like the great Louis — ———— e Massachusetts Board library’s construction. Trustee ASHFIELD—Following two Librar w y Commissioners to helpof Deb Porter said the trustees are months of study and suggested build a new library, potentially scheduled to meet in January to alternatives on Bray Road, is challenging determine t sity of Massachusfrometts, the Amherst Univer- Heath Library Trustees to deter- he next steps. Porter said they have wo gradu mine h ate students, ow to match those funds a long time to get the grant -- citizens’ an Ash before a July 12 deadline. rked committee has voicedfield having started the process eight a strong pref The board made the award in years ago -- and it has been an zoning of itserence histor to keep the November, w ith the condition honor to receive it, but matching uncha ic village that the town must match the nged. the funds is going to take a lot “What I got from the commit- $1,184,568. Library Director of work. tee is that a commercial zone Don Purington sa Purington said and extensive is a no, no,no,” Planning Board trustees id that library and a fundraising com- site search was c Chairman M mittee comprised of community a location for theon newducted library. to Not bad for a kid whose first experience with Armstrong, all you need is a little brass. said during theichael committee’s Fitzgerald last find formal meeting continued A Dec. 6. on page 1 In early fall board organized, thea 10-member, planning ad hoc Ash fi eld Village Center Museum piece Vision Committee, made up of residents, village homeowners and Main Street businesspeople. or living history? At that time several planning board members spoke in favor of rezoning the village as commer- Burkeville Bridge saga illustrates cial to help encourage b contradictions of the repair process growth. usiness Fitzgerald, who also served on By Michael Wilmeth the committee, joined residents michael@sfi eight tons — the bridge is open in meeting with graduat ndependent.net ———— only to pedestrians, in an area dents of the UMass department CONWAY—“The —aim of the e stu- where p of landscape archi [Conway Historical] Commission edestrians are few. While the town initi ll gional plplanning i tecturecture andand r r is notnot ju just t to ] Commissio e the town e- repair the brid n to take on the initially trie discussions. Un in three separat and ma needed d der the guidance ke it use ge its ow repairs of professor Gl but to restore ful once again, n, the job was too big.on enn Garber, thee a bit of the be federal grant go A students, in a and tranquility auty t the ball rolli pro bono study, it recalls of ng, outlined the fe Conway’s past,” continued on page 2 town’s historic atures of the wrote in 1994, the Commission d in “T develvel istrict,ct, possible Covered BridgeBridge. Thehe Conway ART. ASK FOR MORE. For more information about the importance of art education and how you can help, please contact Americans for the Arts opment ririsks and potenpotentia Bucklandand PoliPolice dge.” zonzoninging c tia Sergeantrgeant Steve Thehe bobookbooklet co g c al ono Jan. 1. eant Ste n klett co DeDes agee Walkerr wilwill b and anecdoteanecdotesanecdo llectsllellectsts historhistory spp . eginn hisis dutiesdutidu SFI c ab by dialing 800-654-7654, 800 543-8907 or visit us on the web at americansforthearts.org. ored m as Shelburne’s photo/Virginiahooto/Vito/Virginiao/Virgirgini illele covered br outut tthehe Burkev- They mmaa cooll- lburne’srne newew police chichc Ray ere idge, built iin ’vevee streetstreetssc ntentedd olice eef too replaceplace a inn 1871 c n earlierrlier bbribrid the grgraadd edd byby constructedstructed aro idgedge ald sa undd 18501850.850. At th ggot wasnn’t’t rereal impimp saidaid, “I“I timetimee the booklebo . At the ot mmailail ressed.ed F WaW thhe bridge hadt wass publishedpublished ! we wwereeree hhelping ranklyank , lk e bridge had , thee students in been ccloclos theirr homework. d g trtrafaffic for almost a losedsed to homeworkomm o th almostmo ShelburnS ” e deca helburn The presentatipresenta ttaa Today thethe br brid adede.e e FallFalFa e prpr llk F ons, which a ge has b ls timesmes sparked d a SSteventeven repaired,aired, aand i s beebeeenen ppooos sspp ebate amon t WalkeWalkWal n beauty it canc st officcee also ommimmiitteetttee membemember ngg r, SShe be calleded a sucsu n als s, also provi SheSh lburnelbu cescesss. Tranquili kkekeepseeps Sa edd the studstudentsstudentudenents vid- ppoliceoliceoli urnern ’s new has been harderharharder tyy eps Santata bbusbub off AshAshAs with “an eyefu chiefchie s new usefulness hashas to ccome by, an usy fi eld polipoliticlitics,” l , stre ness has provproven elusive,d sasaid. Fitzgeraldd BMiBy Michael Wilm ssesses cc despite ththe f e By Virginiainia RRay ommommuni fforts of histori ginny @ The graduate s michael@ eth commission membe sfindepend graduate sessions, h @ssfi n was familiafamiliar early on with the on members and otherscal ent.net essi h dependependent.net cation rs d — —— er, consolidated opinion amongowev- —— chatter of radios land life inter- siince 1989, when 3 SHELBURNE—— FALLS—Ac- SHELBURNE—Newly——— ap- learned that Walker would be 0 Poland Road committee members and attend- rupted by the need to respond residents presented the Conway cording to the U.S. Postal Ser- poin studying criminal justice at ees that a removal of the existing ted Chief of Police Steven to emergencies. The Buckland Selectmen with vice, Monday, Dec. 18, Walker is only 35, Greenfield Community Col- a petition asking townwide special permitting native was not s that the bridge be repa of the busiest mailing wasdays one o start h but an early lege. Basile encouraged Walker ired and Photo used with permission, Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation. process for village business ap- as given him a great deal a career in publicet safety, on pursuing but he opened to auto traffic, saying the year, with more than 280 mil- plicants could alter the character of experience. to work for the Buckland Police “opening this bridge would not f caught the attention of then- Department. lion cards, letters and packages of Main Street. The community His father was Buckl only be a personal c — nearly three times the traf of 1,800 is zoned entirely as ag- in Shelburne Fallsfir whene chief he and Police Chief James Walker started part-time in to us, but would also onveniencepreserve an d entirely as ag- Basile when Basile stopped of an average day — processedfic irely as ag- was growing up, so Walker July and went full-time in the important continued on page 6 by Walker’s house after his fall. In March, just as Walker historical treas through post of high school graduation and Despite the project’s cost ofure well.” country. fices around the completed his training at the over $1.5 million, and the bridge’s The Shelburne Falls Post Of- GINGERBREAD ARCHITECTS continued on page 1 rating of 15 tons fi ce was no except a substantial safety— posted, marginmargin, fwith for . . nor was our local ionSanta. to the buz Bailey Davenport of Shelburne, Tori z, Futrell of Sh SHELBURNE continued on page contribute elburnadvertisee, Christopher F ALLS subscribe Benz of Greenfield and Lindsay INDEPE 8 Deerfi eld Ave., Shelburne Falls,NDENT MA 01370 7 Warger of Buckland admire the www.s gingerbread houses they, fi ndependent.net school mates, made with their fami- and other PRSRT STD lies. From shredded whea US POSTAGE to lollipop rooftops, the housest hay bales are PAID meant to be entirely edible.Buck- Permit #183 Greenfi eld, M land-Shelburne Elementary School A For more information about the importance of arts education, please contact ‘s Before and After School Program Director Deb annual project, Lane for which organizes all entries the receive blue ribbons. “We do it so that people just slow down a littl and do things as a family; it’s a familye www.AmericansForTheArts.org. thing,” Lane said. www.sfi ndependent.netSFI photo/Virginia Ray • 625-8297 DATED MATERIAL — PLEASE DELIVER PROMPTLY Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 17
• Mini hydraulic excavators • Multi-terrain loaders • Genie boom lifts CALENDAR • Challenger tractor backhoes • Skid steer loaders • Telehandlers Many attachments available • Hydraulic hose repairs
THURSDAY, AUGUST 2 SHELBURNE FALLS cell 413-834-1671 413-625-6463 residence 413-625-6387
CONCORD Art unfolding: new works by New Hampshire furniture masters: Previewing of 2007 auction pieces. Exhibition will open Healing Tools, Books and CDs • Quartz Crystal “Singing Bowls” with a silent auction and recep- Gems & Minerals • Angel Paintings & Cards tion. 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Thursday, August 30. Free. New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association, New Hampshire His- Ask for a Free Taste of Himalayan Goji Juice! torical Society, 30 Park Street. In- formation: (603) 898-0242; www. furnituremasters.org . A Healing Oasis Come in and feel the energy! TURNERS FALLS Nature @ 8: An early morning 20 Bridge St. Shelburne Falls, MA 413-625-0144 nature walk over paved bike trails and village sidewalks. Walks are designed to be short but interesting, never lasting more than about 60 minutes, never more than about 2 miles over level pavement. 8 a.m. Free. Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A. Information: (413) 863- 3221; www.greatfallsma.org . ROBIN BROOKS DESIGN graphic design in print & on the web FRIDAY, 3 Vision for a Way of Life AUGUST logos, ads, brochures, newsletters
magazines, books, websites
SHELBURNE FALLS Film: the 400 Blows: First www.RobinBrooksDesign.com 413.624.5540 in Truffaut”s autobiographical series. This captivating, ground- breaking, intensely touching study of a misunderstood 12 year-old Parisian youth who turns to crime as a reaction to derelict parents catapulted Truf- faut to international acclaim. Doug Creighton will perform Knitting Classes traditional accordion tunes. M usic at 7, film at 7:30 p.m. $6 at at the door or one prepurchased ticket. Pothole Pictures, 51 Bridge St. (Memorial Hall). Information: (413) 625-2896; www.shelburnefalls. com .
SFI fi le photo/Jeff Potter SHELBURNE FALLS Live Mu- Beginner instruction available sic: Swing Caravan: Acoustic Gypsy jazz and private lessons by appointment. group. The band plays tunes mainly from the brilliant Django Bridge of Flowers Road Race Reinhardt’s (Quintette of the At 5 State Street in the McCusker building. Hot Club of France) repertoire It’s race time again! Some 650 to 750 runners are expected to line up on Saturday, Aug. 11 on the of the 1930s-1950s. 8 p.m. Free; Iron Bridge in Shelburne Falls. The 2K race starts at 8:30 a.m..; the 10K race, 9 a.m. See story this Call 625-9191 tips appreciated. Mocha Maya’s, issue, or visit www.bridgeoffl owers10K.com for more information or for entry information. (Runners 47 Bridge St. Information: (413) must register by Aug. 6.) Pictured above: Tatyana Pozdnyakova, 49, of Gainesville, Fla., crossing the for information and registration. 625-6292; www.myspace.com/ fi nish line of the 2004 race, the fi rst female runner to do so that year. mochamayas .
HADLEY Shakespeare Under the Stars: Hampshire 625-6292; www.myspace.com/ tions, Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue Shakespeare Young Company mochamayas . A. Information: (413) 863-2281; presents their own production of SATURDAY, www.jaduke.com . Sense of won- The Comedy of Errors under the AUGUST 4 TURNERS FALLS MIRICK direction of Barry Magnani. 7:30 der: summer: DEERFIELD Sunday Afternoon p.m. Through Sunday, August 05. Learn about flowers to seeds Concert Series: by observation and sketching. Jeanne Farewell, Piano. 3 p.m. INSURANCE AGENCY $5. Hampshire Shakespeare Com- SHELBURNE FALLS Film: the 400 pany, Hartsbrook School, 193 Bay Blows: First Hand lenses and binoculars will $5. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Rd. Information: (413) 548-8118; in Truffaut”s autobiographical be available to share and will Association, 10 Memorial St. In- Serving the community for over 26 years. www.hampshireshakespeare.org . series. This captivating, ground- make some observations clearer formation: (413) 774-7476; www. breaking, intensely touching to the eyes. 10-11 a.m. Free. Great old-deerfield.org . Insurance Made Easy! Musical: West study of a misunderstood 12 Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue TURNERS FALLS Live music- Side Story: year-old Parisian youth who A. Information: (413) 863-3221; SHELBURNE FALLS AUTOMOBILE One of the most famous musi- turns to crime as a reaction www.greatfallsma.org . Kristina cals ever written. 8 p.m. $12; to derelict parents catapulted Kentigian: 12:30 p.m. Free; tips HOMEOWNERS $10, under 12 or over 65. Tickets Truffaut to international ac- GREENFIELD Dog show and appreciated. Mocha Maya’s, 47 available online and at World claim. Carrie Ferguson & the obedience/rally Bridge St. Information: (413) CONTRACTORS Eye Bookstore. Ja’Duke Produc- Cherry Street Band will perform trial: More than 100 breeds 625-6292; www.myspace.com/ will be judged. Part of proceeds mochamayas tions, Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue soaring acoustic pop. Music at 7, . BUSINESSOWNERS donated to Dakin-Pioneer Valley A. Information: (413) 863-2281; film at 7:30 p.m. $6 at the door or Humane Society and American GeoWalk: A www.jaduke.com . one prepurchased ticket. Pothole TURNERS FALLS 28 BRIDGE ST., SHELBURNE FALLS, MA Dog Owners Association. leisurely 90- Pictures, 51 Bridge St. (Memorial 8:30 minute stroll back in time to Canoe trip to discover Hall). Information: (413) 625- a.m. Admission $3; $1, seniors and 413-625-9437 HADLEY rocks that formed in Mesozoic puritan tiger beetles: 2896; www.shelburnefalls.com . children ages 3-10; free, children Paddle along the Connecticut younger than 3. Lunch, dog toys Era—between 65 to 250 million WWW.MIRICKINS.COM River to Rainbow Beach to learn and. Pioneer Valley Kennel Club, years ago. About 3 miles. 1- 3:30 WILLIAMSTOWN Art: Gallery about the Ct River Watershed. talk: High- Show at Greenfield Community p.m. Free. Great Falls Discovery Canoe experience preferred; lights of the Collection. Eliz- College, 1 College Dr. Information: Center, 2 Avenue A. Information: ages 10 & up. Children must abeth E. Gallerani, Mellon (413) 498-2609; www.pioneerval- (413) 863-3221; www.greatfallsma. be accompanied by an adult. Foundation Academic Programs leykennelclub.com . org . To be announced. Free, but please Assistant. 2 p.m. Free. Williams Live music- Art Openings: An- preregister. Great Falls Discovery College Museum of Art, Main SHELBURNE FALLS ASHFIELD Congratulations, Chris Eng- nette Rubino Buck- Center, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Ser- Street. Information: (413) 597- lish: ley and Dorothy Osterman. vice; event at U.S. Fish & Wildlife 2429; www.wcma.org . 3 p.m. Free; tips appreciated. 7-9 Service Re, 300 Westgate Center Mocha Maya’s, 47 Bridge St. In- p.m. Elmer’s General Store, 396 Runners formation: (413) 625-6292; www. Main St. Information: (413) 628- Dr. Information: (413) 863-3221; TURNERS FALLS Musical: West www.greatfallsma.org . Side Story: myspace.com/mochamayas . 4403; [email protected] . One of the most famous musi- TURNERS FALLS Burgess story cals ever written. 8 p.m. $12; Now, run, jog or hour: Stories $10, under 12 or over 65. Tickets about local wildlife by Burgess available online and at World SUNDAY, MONDAY, that chronicle the tales of Peter Eye Bookstore. Ja’Duke Produc- 5 6 saunter on over to have Rabbit and his animal friends, tions, Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue AUGUST AUGUST including Jimmy Skunk, Grand- A. Information: (413) 863-2281; father Frog, Johnny Chuck, www.jaduke.com . a fantabulously Sammy Jay, Reddy Fox, Hooty SHELBURNE FALLS Live music: WILLIAMSTOWN Summer Owl and many others. 10-11 a.m. Patti DeRo- Camp: Moving HEATH 6th annual wild blue- delicious Deli Free. Great Falls Discovery Center, sa: Looking for contemporary Through Visual Art: Explore the berry jubilee: Art; sto- acoustic folk music peppered connections between visual art 2 Avenue A. Information: (413) rytelling; music & open mike. with rhythm and spice? Patti and movement in this intensive 863-3221; www.greatfallsma.org . Great company, light entree, DeRosa is a folk alchemist con- art camp for young people ages Sandwich yummy desserts. Learn about juring up an eclectic mix of 11 to 14. This program includes Charlie our farm transfer process. BYO SHELBURNE FALLS musical magic… …it”s a soft a field trip and workshop at Chaplin’s blankets, instruments. Pets if after the race! The Great Dictator : Chaplin fi nger-picking ballad and a jazzy Jacob”s Pillow. In a tour of Mak- leashed. Arrive 9 a.m.-noon to groove, an island rhythm and an ing It New: The Art and Style of succeeds in being at his comic pick your own fruit and use our edgy rocker, a political commen- Sara and Gerald Murphy, par- best while shedding important sorting machines. Come anytime light on the totalitarian Nazi tary and a humorous rhyme… ticipants will enter the world of to PYO without sorting. Rain or You never know what you”re modern art, where the inspiring German government. The cour- shine 2-8 p.m. $3.50 advance des- going to get and DeRosa likes it couple, Sara and Gerald Murphy, age he had in making this fi lm sert tickets at Green Fields Market. in 1939 provides inspiration for that way. 8 p.m. Free; tips appre- were friends with such artists $4.50 at the Jubilee. Benson Place, ciated. Mocha Maya’s, 47 Bridge as Pablo Picasso and Fernand us today. 7 p.m. Free. Reel World 182 Flagg Hill Road. Information: St. Information: (413) 625-6292; Leger, writers F. Scott Fitzgerald Documentary Film Series, Arms ; www.gis.net/~benplace . Library, Bridge/Main streets. www.myspace.com/mochamayas . and Ernest Hemingway, as well as singers and dancers. Just as Information: (413) 625-9708; Live Mu- SHELBURNE FALLS Musical: West the Murphys created art out of [email protected] . sic- Susan TURNERS FALLS Side Story: their life, participants will ex- Open 7 a.m.–7 p.m. seven days Levine: With special guest One of the most famous musi- plore and experience visual art Tara Greenblatt. 7 p.m. Free; cals ever written. 2 p.m. $12; through looking, making, and 4UBUF4U 4IFMCVSOF'BMMTt tips appreciated. Mocha Maya’s, $10, under 12 or over 65. Tickets performing. Visiting artist, Julia 47 Bridge St. Information: (413) available online and at World Morgan Leamon 10:30 a.m.-2 www.mccuskersmarket.com Eye Bookstore. Ja’Duke Produc- p.m. Through Friday, August 10. page 18 • Shelburne Falls Independent • August 2–15, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
DR. ROBERT SIDORSKY VETERINARIAN Treating your pet’s needs with Limited enrollment. Williams Col- lege Museum of Art, Main Street. dignity and compassion — Reservations: www.wcma.org; through all stages of their lives. (413) 597-2038.
GREENFIELD Art Intensive: Journey to the Corners of the Galaxy:Join Karen Gaudette for this week- long art workshop in which you will invent and create an 413-625-9353 568267 unknown galaxy! Build a papier- mache planet that glows in the dark. Make a mask of an alien creature. Design and construct Friday, August 17 & Saturday, August 18 a space vehicle. Create a hel- met that you would wear while 7:30 p.m. piloting this speed of light fly- GFK?FC< ing machine! The sky...no the School of Rock UNIVERSE is the limit during this week! Dress for a mess and G@:KLI SHELBURNE FALLS Children’s Literature Festival: Multicultural Magic: An opportunity for children grades preschool - 6 to experi- ence art, music, dance, theater, experiential activities and es- pecially great literature. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Through Friday, August 10. Small fee, scholarships available. Mary Lyon Foundation, Buckland Shelburne Elementary School, 75 Mechanic Street. In- formation: (413) 625-2555;www. mlef.org . TUESDAY, AUGUST 7 '*/&'00%*4063"''"*3 WILLIAMSTOWN Gallery Talk for Educa- tors: Making It New:Cynthia Our Thursday Special Way, Director of Education and $ is Back! $ Visitor Experience, and Em- $ ily Schreiner, Coordinator of 5 5 Greens Fees 5 Education Programs. 2 p.m. Free. Williams College Museum of Art, Main Street. Information: (413) 597-2429;www.wcma.org . SFI fi le photos/Jeff Potter COLRAIN Explore the Stars: StarLab, an amazing inflatable planetarium. Bring a picnic supper and eat on the available online and at World One of the most famous musi- lawn at the Colrain Central Eye Bookstore. Ja’Duke Produc-cals ever written. 8 p.m. $12; School before the show. 6:30 THURSDAY, tions, Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue $10, under 12 or over 65. Tickets p.m. Free, but preregistration 9 A. Information: (413) 863-2281;available online and at World required. Griswold Memorial Li- AUGUST www.jaduke.com . Eye Bookstore. Ja’Duke Produc- brary, 12 Main Rd. Information: tions, Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue [email protected] (413) 624-3680; . AMHERST NOFA 33rd annual A. Information: (413) 863-2281; TURNERS FALLS Book discus- sion: Last summer conference: www.jaduke.com . Plant swap:Recycle ASHFIELD Child in the Woods: Saving Our A celebration of sutainable your extra peren- Children from Nature-Deficit living. Keynote speakers Bill NORTH ADAMS Dance: Cry nials and get them into new McKibben and Hazel Hender- Love: As part Disorder. 7-8 p.m. Free. Great gardens. Take some and leave son. of the summer-long showcase Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue . Through Sunday, August 12. some, but please be sure to label celebrating the arts and culture A. Information: (413) 863-3221;NOFA, 893 West St. Information: the ones you leave. 6 p.m. $2 to www.nofa.org of The Netherlands, coreog- 298 Barnes Road, Ashfield, MA 01330 www.greatfallsma.org . ; . defray advertising costs. Plant rapher Nanine Linning will (413) 625-6018 Swappers, 204 Spruce Corner 597093 Reading group: SHELBURNE FALLS Live music- present her most recent work. 8 Road. Information: (413) 628- TURNERS FALLS Nature in dan- Ray Mason: p.m. $18. MassMOCA, 87 Marshall 3949; [email protected] . ger: To celebrate the centennial 8 p.m. Free; tips appreciated. St. Information: (413) 662-2111; of Rachel Carson’s birth we will Mocha Maya’s, 47 Bridge St. In- www.massmoca.org . Nature @ 8:An TURNERS FALLS read and discuss Ms Carson’s formation: (413) 625-6292;www. MkZ]bmbhgZe early morning publications and how they re- myspace.com/mochamayas . SHELBURNE FALLS Live music- nature walk over paved bike late to current environmental Josh Brooks: M bf[^k?kZf^ trails and village sidewalks. Life of a tree: With special guest Fat Hands. issues. 7-8 p.m. Free. Great Falls TURNERS FALLS 7 Walks are designed to be short The life cycle Memorial St. Information: (413) 774-7476; www.old-deerfield.org . Live Music- SHELBURNE FALLS HIMALAYA Chris Jami- son: 12 p.m. Free; tips appreci- STONECRAFT LANDSCAPING ated. Mocha Maya’s, 47 Bridge HIGHLY SKILLED CRAFTSMAN FREE ESTIMATES St. Information: (413) 625-6292; www.myspace.com/mochamayas . TURNERS FALLS GeoWalk: A leisurely 90- minute stroll back in time to rocks that formed in Mesozoic Era—between 65 to 250 million , years ago. About 3 miles. 1- 3:30 Thinley Dhargay 15 Dodge Branch Road Hawley, MA 01339 p.m. Free. Great Falls Discovery Phone: (413) 625-6448 Cell: (413) 834-0498 Center, 2 Avenue A. Information: (413) 863-3221; www.greatfallsma. org . WWW.HIMALAYASTONECRAFT.COM BUCKLAND Open house: The Wilder Homestead, on Rte. 112, is a 1775 furnished saltbox with 5 fi replaces, a barn fi lled with antique farm equip- ment, a weaving shed, and a On shoemaker’s shop. 2-4 p.m. Free; School of Rock 625-9914 donations appreciated. Buckland The House Historical Society/Wilder Home- Jack Black stars as a rocker turned substitute teacher who subverts the impressionable minds of Builders stead, Route 112. Information: children in an elite private school in the 2003 movie that will come to Pothole Pictures at Memorial 413-625-9763; pollyanderson@ Hall in Shelburne Falls on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 17 and 18. Special $4 admission for anyone comcast.net . under age 20. Renovating West County since the last century HAWLEY Hawley 215th an- niversary: Coffee door or one prepurchased ticket; or one prepurchased ticket; $4 for $5. Pocumtuck Valley Memorial What would you like to do? and homemade cakes, music, $4 for anyone under 20. Pothole anyone under 20. Pothole Pictures, Association, 10 Memorial St. In- “bring-your-own picnic,” raffl e Pictures, 51 Bridge St. (Memorial 51 Bridge St. (Memorial Hall). In- formation: (413) 774-7476; www. • Family room addition • Garage studio building and “Zucchinipalooza.” 10 a.m. Hall). Information: (413) 625- formation: (413) 625-2896; www. old-deerfield.org . • Home office rooms • Kitchen and baths Sons and Daughters of Hawley. 2896; www.shelburnefalls.com . shelburnefalls.com . • Attic dormer • Finished basement Information: (413) 339-0124; 7th Annual SHELBURNE FALLS 5 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls • FHA financing available [email protected] . SHELBURNE FALLS Live Mu- WILLIAMSTOWN Art: Gallery Bridge Din- sic: Swing talk: High- ner: Eleven local restaurateurs Lic. 76208 • Experienced • Insured BUCKLAND Museum open.: The Caravan: Acoustic Gypsy jazz lights of the Collection. Cait- prepare this elegant outdoor former Buckland group. The band plays tunes lin Higgins, Williams College meal. Modeled after a similar Center Schoolhouse, on Upper mainly from the brilliant Django Museum Associate and Intern, outdoor community dinner St., has 3 fl oors of artifacts. 2-4 Reinhardt’s (Quintette of the Class of 2008. 2 p.m. Free. Wil- in France, this unique event p.m. Free (donations appreciated). Hot Club of France) repertoire liams College Museum of Art, features a single table set with Buckland Historical Museum, Up- of the 1930s-1950s. 8 p.m. Free; Main Street. Information: (413) linens and china for 400 people per Street. Information: (413) 625- tips appreciated. Mocha Maya’s, 597-2429; www.wcma.org . along the entire span of the 9763; [email protected] . 47 Bridge St. Information: (413) Iron Bridge over the Deerfi eld Serving Your Community with 625-6292; www.myspace.com/ STOCKBRIDGE Art of 9-11: Be River that connects the towns of mochamayas . inspired by the Buckland and Shelburne. Diners Deliciously Healthy Foods work of young artists who have have a wonderful view of the for over 30 Years! CANAAN, N.H. Cancer Support been profoundly affected by the famous Bridge of Flowers. 5:30 MONDAY, Program: 2nd events of September 11, 2001. p.m. $28. Shelburne Falls Area AUGUST 13 Annual Renewing the Spirit 1 p.m. Adults, free with museum Business Association, 73 Bridge Overnight Retreat: Learn strat- admission; children, free. Norman St. Information: (413) 625-2526; egies to improve your healing Rockwell Museum, 9 Glendale www.sfaba.org . GREENFIELD Art Intensive: in a serene setting. Activities Road, Route 183. Information: Mythical Crea- offered include: yoga, writing, (413) 298-4100; www.nrm.org . HEATH 90th Annual Heath tures and Magical Beings: Dur- art, mindfulness meditation, Fair: Great music, food, ing this week, students will hiking, canoeing, and swimming. FLORENCE Music: Saw Doctors: lots of agricultural events and learn about fanciful beings and Available to individuals with Ireland’s folk-rock exhibits, “sustainability” theme. Full Sit Down Deli U Artisan Bakery mystical creatures from around cancer and their loved ones. super group is on tour. 7 p.m. Blueberry pancake breakfast. Complete Vitamin and Supplement Dept. the world. We will design and Cardigan Mountain School. 5 $27.50. Pines Theater, 300 North Live music: Hunger Mountain Organic Produce U Natural Groceries U Local Cheeses build papier-mache dragons in- p.m. Friday - 1 p.m. Sunday. Main Street. Information: (413) Boys. 8 a.m. $6; $3/seniors. Heath spired by dragons from various Through Sunday, August 19. $25. 584.5457; www.lookpark.org; www. Agricultural Society. Information: 144 MaiO4U (SFFOmFMEt cultures. We will make delicate Forest Moon, P.O. Box 164. Infor- iheg.com . (413) 337-8425. Monday–Friday,ot4BUVSEBZo 4VOEBZo ink illustrations of fairies, trolls mation: (802) 380-4238; www. and other woodland people. forestmoon.org . NORTH ADAMS Laurel & Hardy SHELBURNE FALLS Live music- Students will have the chance to with live music: The Kin: build shadow and rod puppets. STOCKBRIDGE Linwood Living Composer extraordinaire Steven The Kin blends the atmospheric They will also have the opportu- History: Meet Bernstein has created these musical wave of old school U2 nity to invent a mystical, magi- Mr. Butler: Meet historic fi gure incendiary musical scores to and groove pop sensibilities of cal being of their own! Dress for Charles Butler, New York City accompany a selection of Laurel Duran Duran with the vocal soul a mess and pack a snack! Ages attorney and owner of Linwood & Hardy fi lms as a special com- of Jeff Buckley. 9 p.m. $10; $12 at 7-10. One week course. 9 a.m.- House, the gracious 1859 Berk- mission for MASS MoCA. . $18; the door. Mocha Maya’s, 47 Bridge 12 p.m. $160. Artspace, 15 Mill shire “cottage” overlooking $14 in advance. MassMOCA, 87 St. Information: (413) 625-6292; St. Information: (413) 772-6811; the Housatonic River. 2:30 p.m. Marshall St. Information: (413) www.myspace.com/mochamayas . www.franklyarts.org . Adults, free with museum admis- 662-2111; www.massmoca.org . sion; children, free. Norman Rock- Art Intensive: In- GREENFIELD well Museum, 9 Glendale Road, HEATH 90th Annual Heath termediate Gui- Route 183. Information: (413) Fair: Great music, food, tar: Brooks Williams will help 298-4100; www.nrm.org . lots of agricultural events and you learn new songs and play exhibits, “sustainability” theme. with other guitarists! Learn how email: [email protected] HEATH 90th Annual Heath Live music: Mary Maguire Band, to read guitar tablature! Players Fair: Great music, food, Moonshine Holler and Girl 1000 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne MA 01370 should be able to strum or pick lots of agricultural events and Howdy. Dancing. Fireworks 9:30 the basic chords (D, G, A, E, C, exhibits, “sustainability” theme. p.m. 8 a.m. $6; $3/seniors. Heath (413) 625-6527 Am, Em). Concert on Friday. Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem to- Agricultural Society. Information: Ages 9-15. One week course. 9 night. 5 p.m. $6; $3/seniors. Heath (413) 337-8425. a.m.-12 p.m. $160. Artspace, 15 Agricultural Society. Information: A respected, full-service agency providing workers’ Mill St. Information: (413) 772- (413) 337-8425. compensation, business packages, personal and 6811; www.franklyarts.org . SUNDAY, commercial auto, homeowners, group life & health, 19 professional liability and more. SATURDAY, AUGUST FRIDAY, 17 AUGUST 18 Serving "West County" & beyond since 1934 AUGUST GREENFIELD Third annual free harvest supper of SHELBURNE FALLS Film: School local food: A great community SHELBURNE FALLS Film: School of Rock: event which will feature a free of Rock: Loser Jack Black gets job in bountiful meal of locally grown Loser Jack Black gets job in a fancy private school, and food prepared by local chefs, a fancy private school, and secretly teaches students to live music, children”s activities, secretly teaches students to be be a rock band in this charm- educational displays and a Re- a rock band in this charming, ing, uplifting, yet rebellious ally, Really Free Market. 5-7 p.m. SUMMER HOURS uplifting, yet rebellious comedy comedy that works for all ages. Free Harvest Supper, Greenfield 10 a.m. –5 p.m. that works for all ages. Joan Joan Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Town Commons. Information: Cusack, Mike White, Sarah Sil- Silverman, and a bunch of tal- (413) 773-5029; www.freeharvest- Seven days a week beginning June 1 verman, and a bunch of talented ented kids who REALLY play supper.org . Shelburne Falls, MA kids who REALLY play their their own instruments. Dutchie own instruments. Dutchie Rides Overlooking the Glacial Potholes Rides Again will perform rock. DEERFIELD Sunday Afternoon Again will perform rock. Music Music to be announced Music at Concert Series: 413-625-6789 at 7, film at 7:30 p.m. $6 at the 7, film at 7:30 p.m. $6 at the door Gregory Valtchev, violin, Lora Techekoratova, piano. 3 p.m. Clockwise from top: Kathleen Grandison, M.D., D. HT.; Gordon DUMPSTERS Gieg, M.D.; Jane Willis, M.D.; Shirin Morris, R.N. Physicals for all your needs. Acute & Chronic Care for Adults & Children !CUPUNCTURE . .UTRITIONAL #OUNSELING . (OMEOPATHY Big or small — we’ve got them all N Classifi ed Ads • ads@sfi ndependent.net FOR RENT INSTRUCTION HELP WANTED SERVICES SPACE FOR RENT. Up to SHELBURNE FALLS YOGA ORGANIC SNACK COMPANY WISDOM WAY SELF STORAGE. NEW! REDUCED! 1500 sq ft of unheated Class Schedule seeks Marketing Asst. to Safe, clean, secure. We’ll storage at the Shelburne Mon. 8:30 am / Gentle service new & existing keep your stuff buff! Falls Trolley Museum. Wed. 8:30 / Vinyasa accts. Communication Greenfield, 775-9333. $300/mo. 413-624-0192. Thur. 8 am / Fitness skills a must; graphic Thur. 6 pm / Level 2 design experience a plus. DEVOTED TO ANIMALS. TLC ARTIST’S STUDIOS Fri. 9 am / Gentle Somewhat flexible hours, for a variety of companions, Beautiful, spacious, sunlit Sat. 8 am / Yoga-Pilates approx 12/week starting multiple visits, good walks, studios in a great location. Sat. 10 am / Vinyasa late August. Summers & play, feeding, meds, Near the Shelburne/ special needs. In-home Sun. 9 am / All Level winter holiday off. Salary Each Of ce is Independently Owned and Operated Greenfield town line in a dog boarding, housesitting, CHARLEMONT SHELBURNE FALLS INFO: (413) 625-2580 negotiable. Contact Secluded picturesque setting with Walk to town from this 4BR, 2BA peaceful forested enclave www.shelburnefallsyoga. -ONDAYn&RIDAY Ground pickup at noon 10 Maple St., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370 Express pickup at 3 p.m. ——— +(* -),$)*/*kfcc]i\\ /.. FB$?FD<$( fax (413) 502-3502 `e]f7[`Zb$[`cj%Zfd Eddie’s Wheels for Pets 140 State Street at Route 2 nnn%_fd\j$\kZ%e\k 3HELBURNE &ALLS s :-7,5)%.5))5))',)'.-1+:-7,-5)'7)326-7 %1(%&81(/)2* 5):%5(6 -1'/8(-1+ Round Up $50 &62/87)/; 2" ))6 856251;&2(;/6)<6-1'/8(-1+685',%5+)6= 20217,/;6)59-')',%5+):-7,(-5)'7()326-7 =5)))%1.-1+ =5))17)51)7-// %;= in Cash & Savings with 5))67%7)0)176 =5))-567 5()52* ,)'.6 = 2%118%/*)) %67)5%5()&-7%5(= a Great CD Rate... 5))81/-0-7)(',)'.:5-7-1+ = 20-1-080&%/%1')5)48-5)0)176 =1( 25) Hurry. 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