barn bissell goshen ma

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going
win,over
and the fence
will
isn’tto
going
exceltoare
help.—H
the things
ANK that
AARON
endure. These qualities are so much
more important than the events
that occur. —VINCE LOMBARDI
Vol. III No. 24
00 • Issue No. 74
00
Bringing
in the berries
Creating
community
Strawberry legend, lore and recipes
from our hilltown cooks
³Hilltown Life, page 9
The Lamson complex holds potential
for reimagining Shelburne Falls
³Independent Thinking, page 4
www.sfindependent.net
Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts
THRILL OF VICTORY
Glass
studio
will
reopen
$1.00
$1.0
Fire department
gets a good deal
Snorkel expands capabilities
as firefighters seek new recruits
By Jeff Potter
jeff@sfindependent.net
—————
By Katie Sosin
katie@sfindependent.net
—————
SHELBURNE FALLS—Visitors to the Young-Constantin
Gallery on Deerfield Avenue will
be disappointed no longer when
they venture to the village hoping to see master glassblowers
at work.
That’s because in September
North River Glass will unbolt its
overhead doors and fire up the
furnace again. Gabriel ColwellLaFluer is returning to North
River Glass to re-open the studio
that gave him his start, and he’s
making some changes.
It’s been a year and a half
since North River Glass has
shown any sign of life. The studio
closed in January of last year
when Kathy Young, owner of the
Young-Constantin Gallery, demolished and rebuilt the gallery
part of the building, creating the
building’s upstairs offices. Since
then, the studio has remained
dormant, much to the displeasure of local fans and tourists.
“Everyone was so invested in
the business that they took it
very personally when it was no
longer,” says Young.
North River Glass has been
a Shelburne Falls staple since
Young and Chris Constantin,
Young’s late business partner
and husband, moved from their
North River home to Shelburne
20 years ago. While Young and
Constanstin did not initially intend to open the shop to public
viewing, they quickly found that
Shelburne residents would peek
curiously regardless.
SFI photo/Jeff Potter
“We figured if we moved down Shortstop Chester Hardina-Blanchette is elated after his Rookie League team, the Pirates, won the
here, we might as well open it to league championship in an agonizingly tight 1–0 game against the Twins from Heath. More photos,
the public because there was no page 3.
continued on page 6
Museums shine light on Heath’s past
By Katie Sosin
admits, could have attended
the Center schoolhouse had he
grown up in Heath. It closed just
over 50 years ago. In its prime,
the Center Schoolhouse functioned as one of eight primary
schools in town. The schoolhouse
opened, closed and re-opened as
continued on page 7
katie@sfindependent.net
—————
HEATH—When Heath residents talk about why their town
is the best kept secret in Massachusetts, they usually refer to
two things: the town’s modest
population and its stunning landscape, still unscathed by haphazard commercial development.
Eric Grinnell and Dave Howland, however, talk about three
humble buildings scattered along
Heath’s curling, tree-lined roads
which comprise the architectural
elements of the Heath Historical
Society.
Since 1900 the Society has
painstakingly attempted to dig
up and uncover the forgotten artifacts and narratives of the tranquil hill town it serves. And while
few more than 800 residents
wake to its grassy hills, Heath
accommodates a history to rival
any bustling New England city
in its depth and uniqueness.
It is for precisely this reason
that Grinnell, Howland and other
members of the Society are making every effort to maintain and
expand the second-oldest historical society in the state.
Four different holdings form
June 21-July 4, 2007
SHELBURNE FALLS—The
buildings on Bridge Street and
the surrounding village area
recede as Shelburne Falls Fire
Dept. Captain William “B.J.”
Schuetze and firefighter Harry
Dunning smoothly lift a guest
85 feet in the air in the bucket
of the department’s latest emergency vehicle: a 1973 Pitman
Snorkel with Maxim chassis.
Easily topping the height of
the multi-story Victorian commercial buildings, the ladder
truck will allow the department
to fight fires from a commanding
overhead view. Although it carries no water, firefighters can
pump it from a hydrant, pond
or other source through the
truck and up to a nozzle in the
bucket.
The West Springfield Fire Department sold the snorkel, which
had been in service there as a
reserve vehicle, for $8,000. A new
apparatus with similar capabilities can cost more than $750,000,
Fire Chief Rick Bardwell said.
“It’s very analog, being the vintage it is, but how could you ask
2,500 people to foot a $750,000
bill?” Bardwell said, referring to
the number of village residents
who live in the Shelburne Falls
Fire District.
When firefighters heard that
the truck was available, they
wasted no time negotiating a
deal.
A “very generous anonymous
gift” made the donation possible,
continued on page 2
Mohawk budget
still on the edge
By Don Stewart
don@sfindependent.net
—————
BUCKLAND—Buckland voters will consider a $109,843
override Wednesday, June 20 to
meet their operating assessment
by the Mohawk Trail Regional
School District (MTRSD) for
fiscal year 2008.
If passed, the budget, representing a 4.5 percent increase in
operating costs from the previous
year, hinges upon a special town
meeting in Plainfield scheduled
for Thursday, June 28.
During annual town meeting
earlier this month, in an affirmative 37-26 vote, Plainfield voters
did not rally a necessary twothirds majority to move $18,066
from their stabilization account
to pay the remainder of their
assessment. A recent petition to
selectmen signed by 10 residents,
however, asks for a reconsideration of the financial article. Town
Counsel has assured selectmen
that rescheduling the article is
legal.
“The budget remains alive,”
MTRSD Superintendent Michael
Buoniconti said during the district’s June 13 school committee
meeting. “The
Buckland vote is the next gating item.”
Although budget approval at
SHELBURNE FALLS INDEPENDENT
8 Deerfield Ave., Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
www.sfindependent.net
town meeting was forthcoming
from voters in Ashfield, Heath
and Shelburne, Charlemont,
Colrain and Hawley voters shot
it down. Due to a unit system of
calculation, both Buckland and
Plainfield must agree to next
year’s school assessments for the
entire $17.6 million operating
budget to be fully funded.
If either town rejects the financing, the school system will
likely be launched into “1/12
budgeting” until a financial
agreement is reached.
As a fallback, on June 12
Buoniconti wrote to Education
Commissioner David Driscoll
noting that the fractional, monthby-month funding may be necessary if the full budget doesn’t
fly.
In that event, the schools
would ask for a 2.5 percent increase and this measure would
require special town meetings
in those towns that defeated the
existing 4.5 percent budget.
“The reason for the letter,”
Buoniconti told school committee members, “is because June
28 [Plainfield’s special town
meeting] is not far from July
1 [the start of the new fiscal
year].”
The superintendent noted that
if the budget is to be further recontinued on page 7
PRSRT STD
US POSTAGE
PAID
Permit #183
Greenfield, MA
SFI photo/Katie Sosin
The former Heath Center School is one of several buildings used
by the town’s historical society for its holdings.
the architectural basis of the
society: the Center Schoolhouse,
the Old Town House, the Solomon Temple Barn Museum and
the site of French and Indian
War stronghold, Fort Shirley.
Each location contains its own
set of treasures and challenges.
Grinnell has become acquainted
with them all in his decades of
work with the Society.
He walks the length of the
schoolhouse, eyeing the shelved
rows of jugs, lanterns and
candlesticks.
“I hate to admit it,” he says
with a grin as he points to a
wood and iron desk, “but I went
to school in one of those.”
Grinnell, aging himself he
DAT E D M AT E R I A L — P L E A S E D E L I V E R P RO M P T LY
page 2 • Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
Shelburne Falls
Independent
Published every other week
by Dialogos Media, Inc.
Member, New England Press Association
Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . (413) 625-8297
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Fire dept.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _from front page
Fewer firefighters,
more diverse crew
Finding value in usable old
equipment is one example of
the economics of firefighting in
the hills and Bardwell suspects
that people moving into town
might not realize that firefighters serve their communities as
volunteers.
The Shelburne Falls Fire Department operates as a branch
of the Shelburne Falls Fire District, a special municipal entity
that assesses property taxes and
fees for use of the town water
system. The District pumps water
through almost 19 miles of pipes
to 2,200 citizens and 765 households on both the Buckland and
Shelburne sides of the Deerfield
River in the village.
The District’s annual report
lists the fire/rescue operations’
budget as $52,556. It covers
small stipends for the chief, officers and firefighters; supplies,
repair, maintenance; new equipment; fire alarm maintenance;
and firefighter training/public
education.
“We might have the appearance of having tons of people on
shifts here,” Bardwell said.
But that’s not the case. Although firefighters train at least
twice a month as a team -- a
strategy in effective firefighting
that’s as obvious as it is essential
-- chances are good that most of
the 19 fire and rescue personnel
will be working at full-time jobs
when a call comes in.
Bardwell and Deputy Chief
Steve Hall said the situation has
worsened as the town’s major
industrial employers, Lamson
& Goodnow and Mayhew Steel,
have scaled back operations.
When those factories employed
hundreds of men the Department enjoyed both a constant
stream of recruits and companies
that were tolerant of employees
bolting off the job at a moment’s
notice.
“The majority of those firefighters came out of those shops,”
said Bardwell, whose day job is
in Shelburne as an assistant to
glass artist Josh Simpson. “There
was a continuum of local people
who worked in town and lived in
town. Obviously, that’s not the
way life is anymore.”
“Getting four people is a good
day,” said Hall, who works fulltime as a paramedic in Greenfield and followed in the footsteps of his father, a volunteer
firefighter in Buckland.
“Today, we have the biggest
cross section of people we’ve
ever had,” said Bardwell, noting
the five women among the ranks.
“Thirty years ago, that would be
unheard of.”
But the recruitment problem is
shared by volunteer fire departments “countywide, statewide
and I’d probably say nationwide,”
Bardwell said, and while Shelburne Falls can and does rely
on mutual aid -- the assistance
of neighboring departments -those calls stress the resources
of those communities who share
the same problem.
leagues to be positive and encouraging without underplaying
the reality of the commitment.
Firefighters need certification
from the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services through
its Massachusetts Firefighting
Academy program, which culminates in trainees being evaluated
in a real firefighting situation
in the form of a controlled-burn
building.
The Firefighting Academy was
established in 1971 to provide
free training to municipal firefighters and represented a major
shift in bringing professional and
consistent standards to town fire
departments.
“You used to just sort of learn
from hanging around,” Bardwell
said. Potential firefighters must
have “a broad commitment to
gathering all the knowledge.”
That knowledge extends beyond combustion by including
basic first aid, CPR and training
to operate a defibrillator.
Volunteers and career firefighters alike are held to the
same standards, and the Academy offers its program at different locations throughout
the state with a flexibility that
can accommodate a volunteer’s
lifestyle.
Shelburne Falls firefighters
meet twice a month and run
through drills or Firefighting
Academy “little tidbit courses”
taught within the department.
Requiring 30 pounds of gear, the
job is as physically demanding as
it is risky.
Bardwell pointed out that some
firefighters are not comfortable
with heights, while others have
surmounted their fears through
practice and familiarity.
“No one is made to do anything they’re not capable of or
trained to do,” he said.
Some recruits come to the
department full of bravado, Hall
said.
“They say, ‘I can do this, this,
this and this’,” he said, “and it’s
just the opposite. They’re scared
to death.”
SFI photos/Jeff Potter
Conversely, he’s seen people
who are apprehensive and who Firefighter Harry Dunning checks out the demonstration of the Shelburne Falls Fire Department’s
learn and excel at new skills that new Pitman Snorkel apparatus. Captain B.J. Schuetze is in the bucket.
are critically important to the
community.
Both men say many recruits
have always been curious about
firefighting and they urge other
curious citizens to stop by to
find out more and to check out
the firehouse. As much as the
Department needs more hands,
Bardwell said everyone knows
soon enough whether someone
is up to the task.
“If it doesn’t fit into someone’s
life, we’re very honest about it,”
he said.
On the road soon
With the level of commitment
that the job requires, firefighters take professional pride in
their work. At Riverfest June 10
members got used to handling
the new apparatus as they demonstrated the new acquisition
and water glinted in the sun as
it shot from the bucket at 1,000
gallons per minute and rained
The few, the proud
into the Deerfield River.
A stream of people came to
Recruitment for such a deMalley
Park to see the snorkel
manding volunteer job requires
Bardwell, Hall and their col- — an opportunity for firefighters
and emergency management personnel to meet community members under better circumstances
than during the 72 fire calls they
responded to in 2006.
Bardwell said he’s now await- Firefighter Theresa Schuetze at the controls on ground. The snorkel can be operated either from
ing receipt of certain mandated the bucket or the vehicle.
safety equipment and tools
before the truck officially goes
POLICE PATROL LOG
(413) 625-8420
into service.
“We’re hoping for sometime
Shelburne
investigation.
All your lawn care needs
in July,” he said.
June 9, 4:30 p.m.: Erratic opJune 5, 9:15 p.m.: Alarm sound• Weekly Mowing
ing, Mohawk Trail, officer inves- erator reported on Mohawk Trail
• Spring & Fall Clean-up
tigated and met keyholder on westbound. Vehicle located. Of• Fertilizer Programs
ficer reports all okay; operator
For more information, visit www.
• Shrub Maintenance
scene. Alarm reset.
shelburnefallsfiredistrict.org.
• Weed & Pest Control
June 6, 3:15 p.m.: One-car mo- was lost. Officer assisted with
A• Mulching
tor vehicle crash investigated, directions.
Serving West County from
June 9, 5:55 p.m.: Assisted
Mohawk Trail. No injury, operaour Charlemont Farm
Shelburne Center EMTs with
Mark Amstein
tor cited for lane violation.
A.S Turf Grass Management
June 7, 7:17 p.m.: Assisted medical call on Brook Rd.
June 10, 11:24 a.m.: Alarm
B.S Plant & Soil Science
Shelburne Falls ambulance with
Fully Insured
sounding,
Mohawk Trail. Found
medical call on Bridge St.
June 7, 8:05 p.m.: Assist State to be employee; accidental.
June 12, 9:35 a.m.: Report of
and Greenfield police with arrest
increase
of traffic/speeding veof subject who violated a re 70 Acre Nursery
hicles in area of High St. due to
straining
order.
Subject
arrested
Landscape Construction
Finished
Beams, Boards &
and transported to Greenfield paving on Mohawk Trail. Cruiser
Walls, Walks, Patios
sent to monitor area.
Wide Pine &
Building Materials
PD.
June 12, 9:59 a.m.: Assisted
Lawn Sprinklers
Hardwood
Bark Mulch
June 9, 11:05 a.m.: Erratic opShelburne
Falls a.m.bulance
Hydroseeding
Flooring
Dry Hardwood &
erator reported driving west on
with medical call, Highland
Estate Caretaking
Custom Sawing
Softwood Slabs
Mohawk Trail.
June 9, 11:45 a.m.: Found prop- Village.
June 12, 10 p.m.: Stolen property report taken on Bridge St.
June 9, 1:20 p.m.: Assisted erty report taken on Water St.
motorist locked out of vehicle Under investigation.
June 14, 10:15 p.m.: Noise comin back of Keystone Market.
RFD Mohawk Trail, Shelburne Falls
plaint, barking dog on Main St.
June
9,
1:40
p.m.:
Report
of
sto413-549-8873
Jay Healy (413) 625-9008
Jared Bellows (413) 834-1736
len bicycle from area of Glacial Report taken.
June 15, 10:15 a.m.: Found
Potholes. Report taken. Under
property at Buckland-Shelburne
Elementary School. Officer investigated, tracked owner, property
OWE LEMENTARY CHOOL
returned.
June 15, 10:25 a.m.: Assisted
Limited School Choice Openings in K/1
Shelburne Falls ambulance with
Children from any town are welcome to become
medical call. Patient transported
part of an exceptional school dedicated to
to BFMC.
June 15, 2:40 p.m.: Assisted
excellence in elementary education.
State Police with two-car motor
th
Applications are due by Monday, June 25
vehicle crash, Mohawk Trail.
June 15, 8:19 p.m.: Suspicious
For information to apply, or to schedule a visit, please
activity reported on Mechanic
call the Rowe School at 339-8381, thank you.
St. Officer investigated.
AMSTEIN
LAWN CARE
?
We Grow It
We Know It
HALL TAVERN FARM
R
E
S
Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 3
G’game
Scenes from the Rookie League’s
playoff game between the Twins and
the Pirates. The Pirates won, 1–0.
Photos by Jeff Potter
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page 4 • Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
Jeff Potter, Editor and Publisher . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Virginia Ray, Managing Editor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Linda Rollins, Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
Janet Lowry, Calendar and Production . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [email protected]
I NDEPENDENT T HINKING
Opinion and Commentary • Memoirs • Essays • Dispatches • Letters from Readers
The Independent is committed to free exchange of ideas from the community. No matter what your politics,
we welcome thoughtful contributions, and we encourage further discussion on anything you read on these pages.
THOUGHTS ON CREATING COMMUNITY
Rethinking Lamson
If the numbers can
work for its prospective
buyers, a ‘village within
a village’ could provide
a new economic spark
HEATH
amson & Goodnow’s departure from Shelburne
Falls could be the best
thing to happen to the village
in a long while.
The manufacturer’s intention to sell its land and buildings and find more modern
facilities elsewhere, after 173
years in Shelburne Falls, cannot be acknowledged without a
certain melancholy, of course.
But some of the site’s historic
buildings have been suffering from minimal upkeep, and
some will not long survive
without greater investment.
And the water power that
made the site a natural for
industry in the 19th century is
no longer necessary for manufacturing, while the riverfront
location, in the midst of the
village, now makes the site
ripe for uses that draw beauty
rather than power from the
river and contribute to the area’s vitality through a diverse
collection of enterprises rather
than one large business.
With 18 acres and 63,000
square feet of enclosed space
in nine buildings, along with a
prime location, the site is without peer in West County’s real
estate portfolio. The post-andbeam construction of its substantial brick structures makes
them tremendously flexible
in internal layout. The steep
wooded area along the river —
already popular with dog walkers — could be developed into
valuable recreational land, and
the formless space between
buildings could be again, as it
was shown to be in 19th century illustrations, the connective tissue of a lively campus of
buildings. The raw material of
the Lamson complex is rich in
potential that could be used in
any number of ways.
Happily, a group of local
people are working to bring
about a rebirth. Bill Austin,
Joan Rockwell, and Caleb
Kissling are currently hammering out a purchase and sale
agreement, negotiating with
Lamson about such complexities as cost, cleanup, and power
rights. If these issues can be
worked out, they will undertake a thorough study of the
buildings and their mechanical systems and commission a
marketing study to assess what
uses of the property are viable.
A number of other investors,
all local, have been in discussion with the principals.
A 1999 report on proposed
redevelopment of the Lamson
site, produced for the Shelburne Falls Village Partnership, painted a vision of a
diverse mixture of uses of the
complex. Austin, Rockwell
and Kissling agree that mixed
use is the way to go. Now is
the time to consider just what
combination of elements can
bring the buildings and the
open space new vitality and
offer the village and the region
a new economic spark.
L
A NUMBER
OF INDUSTRIAL
in our region that
have found new uses and offer
indications of what might be
possible in Shelburne Falls.
The Arts and Industry Building in Florence houses artists’
studios, a fitness center with
yoga and Pilates programs, a
karate school, the offices of
therapists, graphic designers,
and nonprofit organizations.
Tenants of the Eastworks
building in Easthampton
include artists, a Buddhist
mediation organization, the
Registry of Motor Vehicles,
a restaurant, a grocery store
and the offices of the Valley
Advocate.
In Holyoke, Open Square
is home to a growing “neighborhood” of offices (many in
high-tech fields), studio space,
a café, a ballet school, and
residences. Brattleboro’s Cotton Mill houses commercial
BUILDINGS
V I E W P OINT
By Michael Wilmeth
kitchens, artists and artisans,
a jazz conservatory, and much
else.
Each of these places exploits
its respective sturdy, flexibly
dividable, formerly industrial
space and seeks to capitalize
on synergy among the diverse
enterprises it includes. All
are now far more lively and
interesting contributors to
their neighborhoods than the
factories that preceded them.
What combination of uses
would work in Shelburne Falls?
Offices? Shops? A museum of
industry? A restaurant or brew
pub? A business incubator
under the aegis of an entity
like the Franklin County Community Development Corporation? Performance space?
Redeveloping the site with
a focus on the arts would build
on the growing reputation of
Shelburne Falls as a center of
creative activity — perhaps tipping the town into the category
of “cultural destination” rather
than just a “pass-through traffic” attraction — while not precluding other uses within the
complex. Studio space could be
created with a minimum of refurbishment, generating rents
for the developers even while
the buildings remain rough in
finish.
New galleries and other
enterprises that rely on visitors
could be added to the town
without occupying more space
on Bridge and State streets —
space that is arguably better
used for more basic needs of
residents — while the concentration of artistic attractions in
a densely developed site would
magnify the appeal of each.
The opportunity to cluster in a stimulating nexus of
creative activity might draw
artists already in the region
but working in isolated studios
to benefit from the marketing advantages of proximity to others, and to find new
inspiration and opportunities
for collaboration. Classes — in
drawing, printmaking, textile
arts, ceramics, photography
and like — could involve more
of the community, enriching
the general cultural landscape,
while bringing in another
source of income for those
doing the teaching. Occasional
open studios could add a commercial component to creative
spaces without dedicating too
much real estate to retail uses,
which in our area tend to be
seasonal.
THE RECENT UrbanRivers
charrette, which drew about
100 people to discuss how the
riverfront areas of Shelburne
Falls could be enhanced,
showed that the fate of the
Lamson complex is important
to the people of the area, many
of whom were clearly excited
by the prospect of its renewal.
One of the charrette’s leaders said revitalization of the
property, which could include
riverfront development, brownfields restoration, historic
preservation, and affordable
housing, could not be more in
accord with the state’s priorities, which makes it an excellent candidate for public help.
Meanwhile, the Buckland
selectmen, after eyeing a spot
at Lamson as a possible site
for a new highway department
garage, decided not to consider
taking it by eminent domain
because they see the promise
the property’s redevelopment
could hold for their town.
Whatever shape that redevelopment takes, the site’s
future is too important to the
area for local people and local
governments to watch it unfold
passively. The possible buyers
have invited (and have begun
to receive) suggestions, and
they emphasize that nothing
is nailed down at this point.
Those with ideas for the property should let them be known,
and when it comes time for
public hearings, citizens who
are enthusiastic about the project should attend and let their
voices be heard.
A reborn Lamson complex
could be a “village within a
village” — a vital and interesting focus for locals and
visitors alike. The developers’
confidence that the community
supports their project will help
propel it forward, and public
input will help ensure that it is
a project worth supporting.
Michael Wilmeth reports for the
Independent and periodically
contributes viewpoints and essays to Independent Thinking.
SFI file photos/Jeff Potter
New town, old town
The context might change, but the need for community remains
HEATH
have never lived in a
new town or new development. The only new
house I’ve ever lived in was
the scandalously expensive
one my parents built in 1953
for about $30,000.
For nearly three decades
now my husband, Henry, and
I have lived in an old house
(of no great distinction) in
our old town of Heath (which
has great distinction). So it
was with great curiosity in
2004 that we went to visit our
daughter Kate, her husband,
and two sons in the new town
of Rancho Santa Margarita in
Orange County, Calif.
When we pulled off The
Strip and into the residential
area, a large plaque proudly
announced the town’s founding — in the year 2000.
Almost instantly housing for
50,000 people went up on
what had been an old ranch.
And other new towns for
50,000 residents had gone
up, or were going up, in the
immediate area. Soon a new
highway would be completed,
and it would be as easy to
commute to San Diego as Los
Angeles..
There were several styles
of houses and condominiums
on very, very small lots, but
my general impression was of
narrow streets and an endless maze of adobe-ish stucco
walls baking in the California
sun. It was just another iteration of the cartoon of suburbia with identical houses,
driveways, cars, and briefcasecarrying men trudging home.
But all that is about aesthetics. The benefits of this
development included beautiful and excellent schools for
children situated so that no
one would have to walk more
than a mile. Kate admitted
while there was no need for
school buses, the modern
mothers still drove their
children to school every day.
The developer also provided
amenities like a clubhouse adjacent to a a swimming pool
and a small man-made lake
I
VI EWPO I N T
By Pat Leuchtman
with little boats.
Kate took us to one of the
shopping plazas which included the town hall, fire department, and library, as well
as supermarkets and an array
of takeout food restaurants.
Here at home, we worry about
“the death of downtown”; in
Rancho, there was no “downtown.” There never had been
a downtown.
ment in Missouri City seems
very distant. As the parents of
young children, she and her
husband spend most of their
energy and volunteer time on
school responsibilities and activities, and Scouting events.
I have always felt that having children makes it easy
to meet people and become
involved in a community. Kate
agrees; she says that when
she lived in a suburb outside
LAST SUMMER Kate and her
Boston, she found it very difficult to meet people because
family moved to Missouri
her children were preschoolCity, a suburb of Houston,
ers. In Rancho and Sienna it
Texas. They bought a large
has been much easier to meet
condominium in a division
called Sienna Plantation, one congenial people because of
connections made through the
of several large and similar
children and school.
developments strung along
She has found her Sienna
Route 6.
The aesthetics of this devel- neighbors much friendlier
than at Rancho, although
opment for several thousand
she said it isn’t a particularly
families, which was has been
Texan neighborliness. Sienna
under construction for about
eight years, are different from is an extremely diverse community. Everyone is from
Rancho. In Sienna the roads
somewhere else and those
are broad, crisscrossed with
managed waterways, and lots somewhere elses include
scores of other countries, as
of trees and shrubs. House
well as different areas of the
styles vary, although nothing
U.S.
resembles a Texas or Mexico
vernacular, and the yards are
I WAS ALARMED at the new
larger and all fenced.
In Sienna the construction
face of neighborliness when
of schools is not the responKate told me that a new
sibility of the developers,
neighbor had knocked at her
and Missouri City officials
door to get her e-mail adhave not been able to keep
dress and invite her to join a
up with the planned growth
neighborhood Yahoo Group.
of this area. The brand new
I thought with horror of
school my grandsons attend
neighbors who communicated
is already using six mobile
only through e-mail instead of
classrooms with more needed over the backyard fence. She
in the fall. School buses trans- assured me that this wasn’t
port the children.
so, that that the Yahoo Group
As in Rancho, the Sienna
was already planning a block
developers have included a
party — something that had
community center with room
never happened in California.
for classes, a fitness gym,
One of the differences
swimming pools, a pavilion
between these new developfor barbecues and private par- ments and any of our New
ties, and even a golf course.
England small towns is that
Kate says that the governwhile the new developments
are racially diverse, the
residents tend to be families
with children living at home.
I looked at Kate’s community
and thought it was segregated by age almost much as
developments for the “active
retired,” where residents must
be older than 50 or 55. Our
towns lack that racial and
ethnic diversity, but do offer
a diversity of age groups. Different drawbacks. Different
benefits.
WHEN KATE AND I compare
our lives in these very different landscapes we still find
many similarities. The first
is that we are both happy
where we are – in large part
because where we are is not
the foundation of our happiness. At the same time we
realize that many people
react very strongly, negatively
or positively, to their physical
landscape.
Secondly, she is caught up
with the demands of child
care and the schools, and I am
caught up with the demands
of paid employment, but we
both must drive our cars to
do anything. New town. Old
town. Both require cars and
lots of driving.
Thirdly, it is also clear that
in both our communities there
is an acknowledged need for
community, although neither
one of ours has a downtown.
She has the community
center, volunteer activities at
school, and her Yahoo Group. I
have the Community Hall, the
library, and the Heath Fair.
At least for Kate and me,
there isn’t that much difference between the old and the
new. Happiness comes from
family, from good friends and
satisfying work, volunteer or
paid — not the landscape and
age of the town.
Pat Leuchtman grows roses (of
great distinction) and works as
the librarian for the Buckland
Public Library. This essay is reprinted from the Heath Herald
with the author’s permission.
Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 5
Avoiding a new Cold War?
It’s not too late to bring Russia to the table
L E T T E R S F RO M R E A D E R S
MMA needs your help
To the Editor of the Independent:
Over the past few years, the
HEATH
Mohawk Athletic Association
N 1991, A FEW YEARS
(MAA) has been collecting reVIE W PO I N T
after the fall of the Soviet
deemable bottles, cans, and
Union and the disintegraplastic containers at the Ashtion of its empire, I was invited
By Bernard Den Ouden
field, Buckland, and Charlemont
to a prolonged conference or
recycling centers to raise funds
mini think tank in Budapest.
for the many programs the asThe topic for discussion and
sociation supports at Mohawk
debate was the future of NATO.
Trail Regional High School.
Soviet Republics. Many former
Since this alliance was put toThis effort has grown steadily
gether to deal with the threat
Republics have expressed
through the years to the point
of the Soviet Union in general
interest in joining NATO. This
where almost $10,000 was raised
and in particular the prospect
makes Russia very uneasy and
in 2006. All this money goes
a further conquest or occupaleads to the perception from
right to supporting school athtion of Europe, the release of
within its military establishletic programs that would not
Eastern European Countries
ment and a significant segment
have been supported due to
to self-rule was a formidable
of its populace that the coundecreasing funding through the
change for the region if not the try is once again surrounded
annual school budget. Recent
world.
by enemies.
items funded have included
Many of the newly liberated
team uniforms, bathrooms at
countries wanted to join NATO. President Bush early in his
the Kiwanis Pavilion, sport field
Some members of the conferadministration in a one-on-one
renovations, utility golf cart for
ence wanted NATO disbanded
encounter claimed that he
outdoor sports, rebuilt sports
and viewed it as unnecessary.
looked into Russian President
equipment storage areas, skiI had just been in the former
Vladimir Putin’s soul and pering team equipment, and tennis
Soviet Union for two extended ceived a virtuous person and
court renovation. The list goes
lecture tours during which I
a reliable counterpart. Now
on, and the requests for assisspent most of my time asking
Putin is described by the prestance keep coming.
questions. One of the concluent administration as a bully to
The problem is the few MAA
sions that I had come to was
his neighbors and a repressor
volunteers who have been doing
that many of the Russian intel- of his people. Missile defense
White House photo by Eric Draper the recycling, sorting, and cleanligentsia wanted their country systems are planned for place- Presidents Putin and Bush.
ing are getting tired and worn
to be culturally and politically ment in Poland and the Czech
out. They need your help! If only
more closely tied to Europe.
Republic to defend the U.S.
for an hour or two on Saturday
My proposal — a position that
and Europe from regimes
constructive potential than
ers will resist and regress in a
mornings or at a prearranged
I defended over many days in
that harbor terrorists in the
creating the conditions for
hyper-nationalism. The Rustime during the week, this would
Budapest against almost uniMiddle East. Russia perceives
another Cold War. We should
sians are a proud people, and
go a long way toward keeping
versal skepticism — was that
these systems to be positioned be working with Russia in a
they can determine their own
this valuable service alive and
Russia should be invited into
against its territories and is
worldwide fight against terror- destiny.
saving all of us money. Without
NATO. I reasoned that it would threatening to retarget its
ism. Perhaps it is not too late
this program, much of these
be more constructive to have
missiles on Europe. We appear to invite Russia into NATO and MOST OF THE WORLD was eager recycling items would left to
the former foe sitting at the
to be sliding backward into
let that nation share a missile
to be our ally in confrontthe town to process and pay for,
table with European nations
another cold war. George Bush, defense system with Europe
ing terrorism after 9-11. The
and Mohawk Athletic Director
and the U.S. rather than have
in his ill-conceived attempts at and the U.S. if it is deemed
solidarity and support that we John Hickey would not be able to
providing safety against terror- effective and necessary. Putin’s have squandered since then
the country be the perpetual
fund needed items for his many
outsider, thereby continuing to ists, may indeed once again be recent proposal to share the
is an occasion for sorrow and
programs. It’s a win-win when
play the role of a real or imag- making the world less secure.
control and operation of the
complex reflection. A more
everyone helps a little.
ined threat.
antimissile defense systems
respectful relationship with
Please contact the following
IN MY JUDGMENT we would do
and place them in Azerbaijan
Europe and thoughtfully trans- MAA members who head up the
OVER THE LAST MONTHS, peror Turkey is worth considering. parent cooperation with Russia various town redemption efforts
well to let the Europeans take
could be a step in the direction if you can help — they’ll be glad
the lead in dealing with Rushaps extending to the last few
Putin is not promoting and
of regaining that support and
years, the relationship between sia. If they want the defense
to hear from you.
sustaining democracy in Russia much-needed solidarity.
systems, then let’s share the
Russia and the U.S. has deteand views the disintegration of
The European press claims
costs and put them in place
riorated. Some of the reasons
the USSR as one of the greatthat its governments have
include the presence of U.S.
together. A Europe that is getest tragedies of the 20th Cengiven up on President Bush
forces and bases in former Soting on well with Russia is not
tury. Clearly I disagree with
and are waiting to work with
viet countries such as Uzbekia Europe that is necessarily
directions in international
him. I have not looked into his his successor. Many polls that
stan. In addition, the Orange
hostile to the U.S.
relations which could begin to
soul but I do not find him to be cut across party lines show the create conditions for peace and
Revolution in the Ukraine
We do not need another
an ideal leader for Russia. The vast majority of the American
and attempt by former KGB
arms race or another era in
security.
Russian people will have to re- populace wish the present
operatives to poison their prowhich other countries are
claim their democracy, but the administration were over, but
Western leader has generated
caught in a standoff between
Bernard “Buck” den Ouden is
more the U.S. tries to change
hopefully we will not have
ill will and deep suspicion con- superpowers, and working
professor of philosophy at the
that nation to our values on
to wait a year and a half for
cerning Russia’s intentions in
with Russia to ward off the
University of Connecticut when
movement in more positive
its relationship with its former effects of terrorism has greater our terms, the more its leadhe’s not farming in North Heath.
I
• Buckland: Dave Parsons,
625-9272 or Jeanne Turner, 6259595.
• Ashfield: Beth Martin, 6250012.
• Shelburne/Charlemont: Jill
Wyman, 625-0104.
Specials thanks go to Dave
Wallace and Bittersweet Herb
Farm for his donated time and
vehicle that allows us to transport these redemption items to
facilities that take large shipments. Without Dave and those
who assist him, the entire program would not exist.
Please call us today to help
keep this great program alive
and benefiting all.
DAVID ALVORD
Plainfield, June 8
The writer is president of the
MAA.
“Painting with
an artist’s touch”
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page 6 • Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
B U S I N E S S N E W S C O V E R A G E U N D E RW R I T T E N B Y
B USINESS AND E CONOMY
Glassblowing
SFI photo/Katie Sosil
Gabriel Colwell-LaFluer discusses his vision of glass art in the dormant North River Glass studio.
the public because there was no
way of keeping them out,” Young
says with a laugh. And she found
that the pair made far fewer mistakes with the glass as everyone
watched.
Young’s and Constantin’s business took off immediately with
Young working the gallery shop
and Constantin leading a team
of blowers in the adjacent shop
studio.
But the business was dealt a
serious blow when Constantin
died suddenly in 2001. Responsibility to maintain the glassblowing studio fell to younger team
members. One who responded
was Colwell-LaFleur whose two
years working under Constantin
gave him the skills and experience take up the reins.
Colwell-LaFleur stayed on
the North River Glass team for
six months before returning to
Snow Farm in Williamsburg,
where he had learned to blow
glass as a teenager. There he
began teaching class and eventually worked his way up to the
position of director of the high
school program.
Now, six years later, ColwellLaFleur is ready to come back
to North River Glass.
Colwell-LaFleur’s wish to
produce and sell his own work
coincides with Young’s desire to
see the shop functioning again,
and Young will lease the space
to LaFleur so that he can start
his business.
Additionally, renovations to
the space will make North River
Glass “green.” Colwell-LaFleur is
updating the equipment to cut
down on energy consumption
and is looking into using solar
energy for the shop.
The enterprise represents
a significant opportunity for
LaFleur, who will showcase his
skills regularly once the new
glassworks opens. He will sell
commissioned work to Young for
the gallery.
Colwell-LaFleur will also welcome visitors by offering regular
PEOPLE IN
BUSINESS
SHELBURNE FALLS—Richard Dils of R.C. Dils Real Estate
in Shelburne Falls lead a team
of 19 members of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors
(MAR) in Mobile, Alabama in
April to mhelp rebuild the Gulf
Coast as part of the National Association of Realtors-Habitat for
Humanity Partnership for Gulf
Coast Recovery.
The Massachusetts Realtors
spent five days working with
future homeowners and local
Habitat for Humanity crews
to frame exterior and interior
house walls, install windows and
doors, hang drywall, roof and
paint. By the end of the week
Dils and his crew completed four
homes.
Dils spent a week in November working on Habitat rebuilding efforts in New Orleans. He is
a trained Habitat for Humanity
Global Village Team leader.
Jeanne M.
Lightfoot,LICSW
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _from front page
classes, inviting other glass
artists to exhibit their skills on
weekends and designating days
for the public to come and learn
to make paperweights for free.
La Fleur is unique as a glassblower in his insistence on experimentation. He regularly
incorporates industrial glass
into his work, pulling scraps and
melting glass considered unusable to reuse. That means that
Colwell-LaFleur can cut down
on production cost and sell his
work at prices that are friendly
to the public. It also means that
he is consistently innovating his
craft.
Typically glassblowers will
trash products containing even
the smallest bubble in the glass,
considering these items imperfect and unworthy of sale. Colwell-LaFleur, however, likes to
offer them for cheaper prices to
shoppers who wouldn’t normally
spend a lot but would still enjoy
owning some original work.
“This is not monkey-see, monkey-do glass,” he says. “I’m not
interested in the right or wrong
way to blow glass.”
Colwell-LaFleur says he is
excited to share that philosophy with the community. He
has just two rules for people
working in his shop: “don’t burn
yourself, and don’t abuse the
equipment.”
The rest, he says, is up to the
artist.
Academy
buys
property
CHARLEMONT—The Academy at Charlemont bought 40
acres of fields and woodlands
near the school’s Mohawk Trail
campus from local farmers Richard and Walter Hicks on May 25
for $550,000.
“The Academy just celebrated
its twenty-fifth anniversary,
but this investment is about
the hundred-year needs of the
school; we want to be sure we’ve
got the resources we need to
thrive in Charlemont over the
long term,” said Robert Jaros,
chairman of the school’s board
of trustees.
“Having some more land available for future program growth
is crucial, and this purchase
meets that institutional need.
The purchase was made possible
through generous donations for
land acquisition, support from a
national foundation, local partnerships, and a favorable loan
agreement.”
According to documents filed
at the Registry of Deeds, The
Conservation Fund, a Virginiabased nonprofit, holds a one-year,
$450,000 mortgage for the three
parcels of land.
J H SHERBURNE
FINE ART
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Potter Publishing Studio file photo /Soren Johnson
Chris Constantin at work in 2000, less than a year before his sudden death.
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ship
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32 Bridge Street • Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
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Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 7
current location of the central
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ from front page office as “tiny, cramped and
unpleasant,” while
Shelburne representative SuJoanne Blier noted that four of $3,000 in annual heating costs
the five items were corrected in have been cut.
san Flaccus pondered whether
“The number wasn’t really as a return to the original building
the fiscal year just ending and
a remaining issue, regarding high as I was hoping it would “might be worth two thousand a
trust funds, is currently being be,” he said, while adding that year in mental health.”
researched.
savings may reach within the
“ I d o n ’t t h i n k i t ’s i n h u “ballpark” of $5,000 per year. At mane,” Buoniconti said of the
Central Office
the time of the move, the central situation.
The now vacant central office office budget was also cut by
“We’re making adjustments...I
building, adjacent to the high $10,000 annually.
don’t think we should go back
school, had housed the district’s
Noting “a health issue,” the at this point.” He added that he
administrative personnel. In a superintendent requested an felt “much more connected” to
cost-cutting measure, the su- expenditure of $15,000 from the activities and business of the
perintendent and staff moved the building and maintenance high school due to the proximity
to available rooms in the high fund for the purchase of three of the offices.
school. Although a complete air-conditioning units. FollowThere have been suggestions
audit as to savings created by ing discussion the committee of new tenancy for the for the
the move has not, as yet, been approved the purchase.
former central office building,
completed, Buoniconti noted
Charlemont representative ranging from the Community
that early figures indicate that Marguerite Willis described the Health Center to having it serve
Mohawk budget
duced to a 2.5 percent increase,
art and music offerings will remain at the same level. He also
noted that this year’s budget is
currently “on balance.”
Independent CPA Bruce Nordling of Sudbury has recently
completed an audit of the district’s finances ending on June
30, 2006 and has provided a
three-page summary of five issues to be corrected.
This is in contrast to a 23-page
audit report produced by the
Greenfield firm of Melanson
Heath & Co in 2004.
“We’re down to five items,”
Buoniconti told the committee,
“so we’re getting better.”
MTRSD Business Manager
as a new highway garage location “trials and tribulations” of past
for Buckland. Discussions, how- budget processes.
ever, are in extremely tentative
“As ‘Joe New Guy’ when I first
stages.
came in, it was so important to
find trust,” the superintendent
Kudos
said, adding that he appreciated
In the opening minutes of “the passion that Mary put into
the school committee meeting the job.”
In a narrow margin, Link was
former Ashfield representative
Mary Link, who also served as defeated for reelection to the
chairwoman of the Budget Sub- post by Jennifer Williams in
committee, was honored for her May.
one term of service. Buckland
In reorganizing the school
representative Peggy Hart ap- committee, following six years
plauded Link’s “tireless efforts” of tenure, Hart stepped down as
and noted that she had “accom- chairwoman and Plainfield repplished an incredible amount in resentative Bob Aeschback was
three years.”
unanimously voted in to replace
Saying that “it just doesn’t her. Buckland representative Jon
seen right to send you off into Wyman also received a unanimthe sunset without some form of ity to serve as vice-chairman.
recognition” Buoniconti spoke
highly of Link’s work during the
Historical Society
SFI photos/Katie Sosin
Eric Grinnell (left) and Dave Howland (right).
the town population fluctuated.
But unlike the present, the fickleness of town head counts never
threatened to end Heath’s ability to educate its young people.
Today, the scarcity of students
means pressure on educators to
close Heath’s only school and
send students beyond town limits
to other schools in the Mohawk
Trail Regional School District.
For Grinnell and Howland this
two-room schoolhouse, filled with
worn wooden desks, yellowing
books and blinding sunlight,
speaks of a time when Heath
schools opened and closed at the
will of its residents.
Of course, maintaining the
schoolhouse does have its
trials.
“Along with our joy of having
it is our worry over properly storing it,” says Grinnell.
The building is unheated and
its contents almost freeze and
melt with the changing seasons.
Concurrently, the roof is in need
of repair. Paint chips flake from
the white walls in patches.
And yet the buildings are
nothing short of remarkable. The
Society’s 170 volunteers have collected and identified countless
pieces of house furniture, farm
tools, century-old clothing, war
memorabilia, hand-written archives, clunky instruments, kitchenware and weaponry. They have
hunted down and documented
the sites of historical homes,
schools, churches and wars. And
they continue to maintain all
three buildings.
“We’re a poor organization,”
speaks Eric of the Society’s slim
budget. “But we get an awful lot
done with what we have.”
Grinnell and Howland are
keenly aware of the importance
of sustaining historical awareness for Heath.
“We’re doing what no one
else will do,” he says. “We’re
receiving what no one else will
receive.”
Giving back to the now, now,
now
And they’re giving those
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ from front page
contributions back to Heath as
often as possible. The Society
welcomes students from Heath
Elementary School for educational field trips and opens to the
public by appointment. The Town
House and Center Schoolhouse
now also welcome visitors on
the first Saturday of each month
from May through October.
While the only store in town
is still the general store, a lot
in Heath has changed since its
incorporation in 1785. When
Grinnell came to Heath, 16
farms draped its vibrant green
hills. Five decades later not one
remains. Carpenters, masons, hat
makers and tanners once plied
their crafts from home.Now most
residents work out of town and
the population has dwindled
to half of what it was 150 years
ago.
Still, undeniable is the fact
that Heath residents are committed to preserving their history.
In 1994, the town raised enough
money to renovate the Solomon
Temple Barn Museum, working
collectively to find original materials and then fill the space
with historical relics. Everything
inside the barn museum has
come from local farms.
The museum, well lit and
sturdy, hunches beside the Heath
Fairgrounds, where residents
hold oxen pulls, horse pulls, country food-tasting, craft booths, fair
rides, round dancing and square
dancing each year. It’s Howland’s
favorite weekend of the year,
he says, because everyone steps
back into the past.
“We tend to forget history,”
he says. “Everything is now, now,
now.”
In many ways Heath’s history
is the history of the U.S. French
and Indian War battles took
place here as did those in the
War of 1812. Heath played a
stronghold for famous abolitionists such as Joshua Hooke Levitt.
And the town once housed the
country’s most prominent theologians. Heath was founded by
independence when U.S. revolutionary war heroes settled and
named the town after William
Heath, a general under George
Washington himself.
Grinnell and Howland stress
that the same autonomous spirit
lives on here as residents campaign to keep Heath’s only school
open and discuss the possibility
of removing it from the Mohawk
District altogether. There is an
expectation of citizenship and
civic responsibility in Heath.
“‘Live and let live’ doesn’t
mean any way you want,” Grinnell says.
Instead, Grinnell and Howland
agree, it means living with the
well being of your neighbors in
mind.
LLC
The inside of the Center Schoolhouse.
• Mini hydraulic excavators • Multi-terrain loaders • Genie boom lifts
• Challenger tractor backhoes • Skid steer loaders • Telehandlers
Many attachments available • Hydraulic hose repairs
SUMMER HOURS
10 a.m. –5 p.m.
Seven days a week beginning June 1
Shelburne Falls, MA
Overlooking the Glacial Potholes
413-625-6789
SHELBURNE FALLS
413-834-1671
413-625-6463 cell
residence 413-625-6387
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email: [email protected]
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Ldg`h]deh
1000 Mohawk Trail, Shelburne MA 01370
(413) 625-6527
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A respected, full-service agency providing workers’
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Serving "West County" & beyond since 1934
page 8 • Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
CROSSING CULTURES
Heath continues
town meeting
Messages to the delegates from Shelburne Falls’ “Sister Village” of Mutianyu, halfway around the
world in China.
HEATH—The continuation of the May 12 annual
town meeting will be held
Saturday, June 23, at 9 a.m.
at the HeathElementary
School.
Articles to be voted on
include whether to spend
$1,500 to restore Whittemore Spring, addressing
the citizens petition for
proposed changes to the
Mohawk Trail Regional
School District’s regional
agreement and financing
the town’s fiscal year 2008
operating budget.
The continuation of the
May 12 special town meeting will be on the same day,
starting at 8:30 a.m. The
only article to be voted on
is whether to
authorize the treasurer
to borrow money for emergency road repairs due to
the Patriots’ Day storm. That
meeting will be followed at
8:45 a.m. by another special town meeting to address three housekeeping
matters.
Friends of the Heath
School Library will offer
breakfast and coffee.
GCC graduates
Photos/Jackie Cooper
State Rep. Denis Guyer visits with Julie Upton-Wang, who instigated the sister-village relationship,
as two of the visitors from Mutianyu look on.
Camp hosts New Orleans youth
DEERFIELD—Harmony Camp
in Deerfield held at Woolman
Hill Conference Center will
host six young people from New
Orleans who are members of the
group, “Kids Rethinking New
Orleans Schools.”
Harmony Camp from July
2-4 is a new session of Journey
Camp, which is now celebrating
its 14th summer. Director Sarah
Pirtle from Shelburne Falls is
bringing together local young
people along with the New Orleans Rethinkers to create a
Youth Summit focusing upon
leadership skills and respect for
diversity.
Harmony Camp will have
international staff members
from Vietnam, the Ivory Coast
and Pakistan. They will help
connect middle schoolers from
the Pioneer Valley and those
from New Orleans using the
expressive arts. The idea for
the camp began after Hurricane
Katrina when a 7th-grader Journey camper, Joshua Wolfsun from
Amherst, helped raise $10,000
for the Rethinkers through a
benefit concert led by middle
school students held in Amherst
in September 2006. The concert
was organized by a youth-led program called Building Harmonies,
launched by Joshua, his friend
Tess Domb-Sadoff, and their
families.
The New Orleans Rethinkers
group is a collaboration of New
Orleans artists, architects, community organizers and schools
that are working together to
ensure that New Orleans youth
have a voice in envisioning and
rebuilding the schools of the
ninth ward.
“It is a rare and wonderful
opportunity to connect young
people who care about making
the world a better place,” said
Pirtle.
Harmony Staff member
Freddy Kouihongbe from the
Ivory Coast was trained in his
village in wilderness skills as
a potential successor for his
grandfather, a tribal chief. He
will teach songs and share stories
of learning how to vanish in the
wilderness in case of danger as
well as his experiences meeting
animals. He will also be on staff
during the two-week day camp
session of Journey Camp from
July 9-20 for boys and girls going into grades 2-7 in the fall.
Journey Camp hosts three camp
sessions including a Girls’ Week
August 13-17 for girls grades 3-7
who receive support for building
friendships and self-esteem from
teen leaders and an experienced
adult staff.
For more information visit
www.sarahpirtle.com, call her
at (413) 625-2355 or e-mail [email protected].
Arms launches summer reading program
SHELBURNE FALLS—In
celebration of the statewide
summer reading theme, “Catch
the Beat at your Library,” the
Arms Library invites the Shelburne Falls community to join
an exciting series of programs
suitable for all ages with music
as its theme.
Performer and composer
Bruce Adolphe headlines the
first program, Saturday, July 7 at
10 a.m.at the library with “Your
Mind’s Ear: a composer helps
you discover the music in your
head.”
Adolphe, who is also scheduled
to appear that weekend as one of
Mohawk Trail Concert’s summer
visiting artists, is the comic keyboard Quiz Master on National
Public Radio’s “Piano Puzzlers”
and will be offering a program
of both discussion and music:
word improvisation, composing,
rhythm games, expression games
and making up a short story for
which he will improvise music.
Whether it is about a fugitive
turkey, a mysterious message
from the moon or a teenage T.
Rex, Adolphe’s music captures
the hearts and minds of audiences of all ages. His original
compositions for young people
have been performed by orchestras and ensembles for audiences
around the world. This intimate,
interactive family program is a
rare opportunity.
The library is excited about
the return of the Mettawee River
Theatre Company July 20 at 8
p.m. for its13th appearance in
Shelburne Falls with its version
of Aristophanes’ play, “Peace.”
The comedy was written to
celebrate a brief respite from
the war that plagued Greece
throughout Aristophanes’ lifetime in the 4th century BC. It is
about a feisty man who flies to
Mount Olympus to complain to
the gods about the situation on
earth. Unfortunately the only
way to get to there is to venture
on the back of a monstrous
dung beetle. When he arrives,
he learns from Hermes that
the gods have fled, leaving War
and Greed in charge and Peace
buried under a trash heap. With
much hullabaloo and the help
of a chorus of farmers, Peace is
rescued and an extended celebration begins.
The acclaimed company, in its
only Franklin County area appearance, will again bring handand life-sized puppets to the
lawn of the Buckland-Shelburne
Elementary School in a performance suitable for families with
children older than four years of
age and will be held inside the
school in case of rain. People are
encouraged to come early and
picnic and bring blankets and
low chairs. There will be time
after the show to meet with the
actors and the puppet figures.
Philippe Simon, area musician
and drum teacher, will organize
the return of the Eco Drum
Corps, which, for a number of
years, led the Shelburne Falls’s
Riverfest parade. A series of
workshops on the Thursday evenings of July 19, 26, and Aug. 2
will be held to design and make
drums from recyclable materials; to learn rhythms, beats, and
steps and to rehearse for public
performances.
Programs conclude Thursday,
Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. with an evening
of listening and sipping and a
little slurping on the library lawn
when Director Louis Battalen
leads “Three Tall Tales From
the Musical Imagination: Two
Tall Cold Drinks From the Berry
Patch.”
Attendees are invited to bring
their favorite tall glasses, spoons
to reach to the bottom and straws
just as long. Battalen will supply
the folklore drinks, fresh organic
berries and ice cream.
As part of the summer program, youngsters are encouraged
to keep a log of summer reading
to receive discount coupons and
free passes from participating
Massachusetts cultural and recreational institutions.
All programs are free. For
more information call (413) 6250306 or email [email protected].
Library hours are Monday and
Thursday, 1-8 p.m. and Saturday
11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Greenfield Community College hosted its 44th annual commencement June 3, graduating
281 students with Associate
of Art or Science degrees and
certificates. Ninety-five graduated with honors. Nicholas Ojala
of Shelburne Falls received a
special award in liberal arts/
science.
Other West County graduates
are:
Ashfield: Elizabeth A. Fuller,
Seth P. Martin, Dawn A. Roske,
Kachina Yuryan
Buckland: Megan M. Cross,
Tina M. Peters, Dylan Michael
Vight
Charlemont: Maureen A. Humphrey, Carey M. Kelleher, Kathleen M. Prusick, Anna P. Schechterle, Lindsey J. VanIderstine
Colrain: Demetre E. Lavigne,
Ashley R. Niles, Dianne PK
Thane
Conway: Teresa A. Berra,
Casey Goddard, Christopher P.
Herrmann
Rowe: Jamie M. O’Dea
S h e l b u r n e : T i m o t h y P.
Caplice
Shelburne Falls: Laura L.
Churchill, Tracey A. Cormier,
Christina L. Dean, Naira Francis, Jennifer G. Jarvis, Cortney
A. McDaniel, Nicholas P. Ojala,
Stacey M. Stewart
Library concert
HEATH—The Heath Free Public Library will hold free family
concert with Shelburne Falls
musician Sarah Pirtle to kick
off our Catch The Beat Summer
Reading program. The concert
will take place Friday, June 22 at
6:00 on the Heath Center Town
Common. Families can bring
a picnic supper, lawn chairs or
a blanket and the library will
provide the lemonade.
Pirtle will play a variety of
percussion instruments and invite children to dance and sing
along.
The concert will be held in the
Community Hall in Heath Center
if it rains. It is funded by state
aid to public libraries.
For more information about
the concert, call the library at
337-4934. For more information
on Sarah Pirtle visit www.sarahpirtle.com.
Two from Buckland plan
return visit to Cuba
BUCKLAND—Liz Kelner and
Pam Walker, both from Buckland
and both seasoned travelers to
Cuba, will join the 18th Pastors for Peace Friendshipment
Caravan to Cuba this summer
with more than 130 volunteers
from all over the United States
in a “direct challenge to the legitimacy and morality of the US
embargo and travel ban against
Cuba,” Kelner writes.
Sponsored by the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization in NYC, a
40 year old ecumenical agency,
the Caravan will traverse fourteen separate routes across the
U.S. stopping in 47 states and
6 Canadian provinces. Caravan
members will be hosted in 125
communities where they will
have an opportunity to speak
about the impact of the embargo
and travel ban on Cubans and
Americans and urge support for
a new US – Cuba policy based on
non-aggression and respect. They
will also collect over 100 tons
of urgently needed humanitarian aid including school buses,
educational supplies, medicines and medical and athletic
equipment.
Despite calls for an end to the
blockade and travel ban from
the UN and the overwhelming
majority of nations around the
world, and despite growing opposition in Congress to current US
policies towards Cuba, the Bush
administration has continued to
tighten restrictions against Cuba
and is using homeland security
funds to harass those suspected
of travel to the island including
those who participated in the
last three caravans. Walker and
Kelner, who were on the Caravan
in 2005, say that as our government becomes increasingly
proactive in interfering in the
autonomy of Cuba and the constitutional rights of US citizens
to travel to Cuba, it becomes
increasingly important for US
citizens to take direct action in
challenging what they say is an
immoral policy.
On June 30 the Caravan will
arrive in Northampton on its
route down the East Coast on its
way to Cuba and be hosted by
the Pioneer Valley Cuba Solidarity Committee at a send-off event
at First Churches on Main Street
in Northampton from 12-2 p.m.
This event will include the music
of folk singers Charlie King and
Karen Brandow and the Raging
Grannies and a Cuban lunch of
rice, beans and salad. There will
be an opportunity to hear from
local folks who have joined the
Caravan in past years and from
those joining the Caravan this
year including 7 others from the
Pioneer Valley. There will also be
an expert speaker on the impact
of the embargo and the travel
ban with salsa music and dancing
to follow. Admission is by donation and all are welcome.
Donations of medical equipment, medicines, athletic, and
educational materials are now
being collected to be put on the
Caravan bus on June 30th. Medicines and medical supplies need
an expiration date of Feb. 2008
or later. Financial donations will
be used to purchase supplies and
help pay for the cost of shipping
the aid to Cuba.
Call Liz Kelner at 625-9543
or Pam Walker at 625-9671 for
information about where to leave
donations, how to make a financial contribution or to arrange
for a donation pick up.
Rally for communities
BOSTON—Citizens for Public
Schools (CPS) are organizing a
rally Thursday, June 21 at 1 p.m.
on the grand staircase at the
State House.
“Revenue for local communities is essential if our schools
are going to be funded at the
level they need to educate our
children,” writes CPS Director
Marilyn Segal. “CPS is supporting the Municipal Partnership
Act to increase revenues for
our municipalities. We need a
large grassroots turnout so that
our legislators will understand
that we support the Governor’s
initiative. If you can’t make the
rally call your Representative
and Senator and express your
support for the Municipal Partnership Act.”
For more information contact
marilyn@citizensforpublicschools.
org.
Outdoor film series set
CHARLEMONT—Zoar Outdoor will again host summer
films at the Zoar Pavilion on
Saturday evenings throughout
the summer. These programs are
free and open to the public. The
series features prominent outdoor enthusiasts who have documented on film their adventures
as a way to share their passions
with the local community.
The first film will be shown
Saturday, June 23 as part of the
Zoar Outdoor Annual DemoFest
and will present the latest LVM
video and Team Z’s new teaser
DVD. On Saturday, June 30, Risa
Shimoda of the Shimoda Group
will present “Wild and Scenic
Rivers – Getting Ready to Turn
40. What does this mean for you
and me?” a look at the last 40
years of the national Wildlife and
Scenic Rivers Act. Shimoda will
give a second presentation on
“Team River Runner,” an effort
by Washington, D.C.paddlers to
take recent veterans of the Gulf
war out on the river.
The schedules continues
with:
* Saturday, July 7 - Dan and
Tom Harrison of Harrison Anglers, a local fly-fishing guide
service on the Deerfield River
- fishing in southern Chile.
* Saturday, Aug. 11 - Jay Gump,
founder of Incline Training
and national biking coach - the
physical demands of road rac-
On
The House
Builders
ing, mountain biking and hill
climbing.
* Saturday, Aug. 25 - Larry
Lorusso of Cytafex Photography
- “The Grand Canyon: 6 trips of
a Lifetime” - photographic culmination of rafting on the Grand
Canyon spanning over 10 years.
A simple summer barbecue
starts at 5:30 p.m. for $7.50/
person and shows begin at 6:30
p.m.
Share a tale
SHELBURNE—If you have
a favorite children’s story and
are willing to give a copy of that
book to a child members of The
First Congregational Church,
UCC, in partnership with Good
Shepherd Church, UCC of Metairie, Louisiana, will see that it
gets to newly opened libraries
in Louisiana.
New and lightly used books
for children of all ages are being
collected now until Saturday,
June 30 to replace those lost
during Hurricane Katrina. Books
(placed in weather-proof bags or
boxes) may be left in the parsonage garage next to the church,
22 Common Road or brought to
the variety show “A Tale to Tell”,
Saturday, June 30 at 7 p.m. in
Fellowship Hall, Little Mohawk
Road.
625-9914
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Shelburne Falls Independent
TRANSITIONS
page 9 • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
CALENDAR
to the
Strawberry
Celebrating
the flavor of
summer
By Jeff Potter
HA
HAWLEY—We
AWLEY W all
ll have
h
our
own personal benchmarks to
defin
ne the threshold when life
slips from spring into summer.
For ssome, it’s an equinox; for
others, it’s Memorial Day; for
othe
others, it’s the Ashfield annual
other
town meeting.
A n d f o r m a n y, i t ’s
strawberries.
straw
The sweet red berry is the first
Th
of a sseries of berries available
to co
consumers and commercial
customers in the hills and the
custo
valley. The berries are generally
valley
ready locally as Father’s Day
read
approaches.
appro
“If we’re lucky, and some years
we’re not, we’ll see strawberries,
blueberries and raspberries
blue
available at the same time,” said
availa
Mark Lattanzi, member services
manager of Community Involved
mana
in Su
Sustaining Agriculture (CISA)
and described by one of his
colleagues as the nonprofit’s
colle
“strawberry expert.”
“stra
Lattanzi believes 2007 will
La
be a good year for the crop, saying, “
“it’s not scandalously hot,
and we’ve
w
had rain, but not too
much.”
h
Strawberries are grown mostly
in the farmlands along the Connecticut River, though Dancing
Bear Farm in Leyden and Uppingil Farm in Gill offer pick-yourown operations closer to home.
“It’s more a factor of broad,
flat farmland that’s advantageous to berries,” particularly
those grown in large, commercial quantities, Lattanzi says.
“And the Valley has that more
commonly.”
Local flavor
Lattanzi described the ease
with which CISA helps match
restaurants with local farmers,
saying the demand for strawberries in cooking has been
strong.
Shelburne Falls chef Margaret Fitzpatrick, former owner
of Margo’s Bistro and the Tusk
’n’ Rattle, agrees. The best part
about working with strawberries? “You get to put the most
perfect one in the basket
in your own mouth,” she
says.
Fitzpatrick also has had fun
working with the remaining
berries.
“Strawberries are so versatile,” she says. “They can be
both sweet and savory. They can
be soup, salad, sauce or dessert
— they are local for such a short
time and so fabulous when they
are here.”
As an example, Fitzpatrick offers a recipe from her files. The
vinaigrette will last for weeks in
the refrigerator, she notes.
k
if to remove the
h pith
ih
knife
• 1 bunch of watercress, washed
and stems cut short
• 1/2 cup walnuts, sprinkled
with cumin and salt and roasted
in the oven until golden brown
On a small platter or large
plate, arrange the endive with
the points out around the rim,
leaving the center of the platter
open. Place the washed watercress there. Section the orange
with a knife and place the orange pieces over the watercress.
Sprinkle with walnuts.
• 1 cup chopped,
h
d ffresh
h strawberb
ries (use a few more if you like!)
• c o n f e c t i o n e r ’s s u g a r
(optional)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream the butter until
light; then the add the sugar and
mix well. Beat in the eggs, 1 at a
time, and add the vanilla. Combine the dry ingredients and add
them to the batter alternately
with the milk. Fold in the berries.
Bake in a greased 10-inch bundt
pan for about 1 hour, or until a
toothpick inserted into the cake
comes out clean. Cool the cake
Strawberry Vinaigrette
in its pan for 25 minutes; then
• 1 cup strawberries cut into remove it and sprinkle it with
halves with the stems removed
confectioner’s sugar if you want
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
extra sweetness and a bit of de• 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil cor. Serves 10 to 12.
• 1 tsp honey or mirin
• juice of 1/2 a lime
• 1/2 tsp + salt
• fresh ground black bepper
Place ingredients in a blender
or food processor and blend until
smooth. Taste. If the vinaigrette
seems too vinegary, add some
more salt to balance the acid. If
you prefer a sweeter dressing,
add more honey or sugar.
Pour some of the Strawberry
Vinaigrette over the composed
salad just before serving.
•
Although there are a number
of different berry varieties,
Tinky Weisblat of Hawley, author
and publisher of The Merry Lion
Cookbook, doesn’t make much of
a distinction.
“I feel comfortable buying (or
picking if I have time) anything
that’s truly local,” she says, adding that working with berries in
the kitchen can be a challenge.
“Ripeness is tricky,” she says.
“You definitely want them to be
fully red. But if they’re a little
soft when you first encounter
them, they’re only going to go
bad.”
Weisblat sorts the berries
“the minute they get home,”
and “anything that’s mushy goes
in the compost. Very ripe and a
little soft goes into a pot for jam
— or easier yet gets covered with
vinegar.” Berries that are very
ripe but firm are eaten within
two days.
She offers a cake recipe
adapted from one distributed
by Nourse Farms of Whately.
“This member of the poundcake family tastes lusciously of
butter and berries,” she says.
“One warning: Do not overbeat this cake or it will become
crumbly.”
•
Strawberry Cake
• 1 cup (2 sticks) sweet butter,
at room temperature
• 1-1/2 cups sugar
Endive, Orange and
• 4 eggs
Watercress Salad with
• 2 Tbsp. vanilla
Toasted Walnuts and
• 3 cups flour
Strawberry Vinaigrette
• 1 Tbsp. baking powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1 head of endive
• 2/3 cup milk
• 1 navel orange, peeled with a
•
Strawberry
trivia
and lore
HAWLEY—Chef Margaret Fitzpatrick offers strawberry trivia:
• Strawberries are a member of the rose family and
were cultivated by the Romans as early as 200 B.C.E.
They believed them to be
the cure for inflammation,
gout, kidney stones and
bad breath, among other
ailments.
• S t raw b e r r i e s l a c e
through the folklore of many
cultures. Cherokee Native
Americans believe that
strawberries, when eaten,
calmed the anger of the
First Woman and brought
her back to the First Man
after they had their First
Argument in Paradise.
• Strawberries are the
only fruit that bears its
seeds on the outside rather
than the inside.
• The name “strawberry”
comes from the straw mulch
used when planting them.
Children in London would
harvest the berries and
string them on a strand
of straw then sell them
at market as a “Straws of
Berries.”
• Strawberries are high
in fiber and full of folic acid
and vitamin C.
• They have long been
considered an aphrodisiac.
• In medieval times a soup
of strawberries, borage (an
herb with hairy leaves that
taste somewhat like cucumber) and cream was often
served to a couple for their
wedding day breakfast.
page 10 • Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
RiverFest 2007
A Brush
with Fate
A small Gallery filled
with large dreams!
FEATURING
Spirit Castings…
Dreamscapes…Jewelry
Wrapsures…silk art to wear
accessories ... Glass and
unusual giftwares…
All art should have a great
story… Come hear ours!
Hours: Thurs – Sun 12 to 5ish
20 State Street Shelburne Falls
413.625.2256
Lisa Miller FNP
is joining our practice. She will be happy to see
patients with Dr. Topolski at the Arrowhead
Shops, conveniently located on Rt 2 just 4 miles
from Shelburne Falls, Colrain, and Greenfield.
OBITUARY
• Neuromuscular therapy
• Craniosacral therapy
• Therapeutic massage
Harry D. Guyette, 94
STEFAN TOPOLSKI, M.D.
0 CARING IN COMMUNITY
Call 625-6240
for an appointment at
The Arrowhead Shops in Shelburne Center.
Clare Pearson
Herbalist and Plant Spirit Medicine Practitioner
and
Kathy Dean
Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist
Announce the new location
of their health care practices
Beginning July 1, 2007
Salmon Falls Artisans Showroom Building
1 Ashfield Street, Suite 1
Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts 01370
For information or to schedule an appointment,
please call
Kathy at 413-774-7333 (625-2550 after 7/1)
Clare at 413-625-6295
5 State Street, Office #7
(Above McCusker’s Market)
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
(413) 625-2648
[email protected]
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P L A I N F I E L D — H a r ry D.
Guyette, 94, died June 7 at
Cooley Dickinson Hospital in
Northampton.
Born April 18, 1913 in Westfield; he was the son of Arthur
and Elbertine (Cudworth) Guyette, and was the last surviving
of their eight children.
Growing up in Westfield, he
attended local schools and as a
young man moved to Plainfield
where he worked on the family
farm. In his younger years he also
worked as a carpenter.
On January 24, 1957 he married the former Evelyn L. Taylor
in Williamsburg. He and his
wife ran the family farm and
were especially known for their
The locally owned
drugstore where life is
simpler, they know you
by name, and there’s
still a soda fountain
cauliflower; often referred to as
“the cauliflower man.” He loved
his garden and farmed right up
until the time of his death.
He was known for his perfectly
stacked woodpiles, which had
been photographed by the National Geographic.
In addition to his wife of 50
years, he is survived by several
nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was held
June 16 at Village Hill Cemetery
in Williamsburg.
Donations in Harry Guyette’s
memory may be made in his
memory to Hilltown Ambulance
Service, Goshen, MA 01032 or
the Plainfield Fire Department,
Plainfield, MA 01070.
Johnson Funeral Home
The
BAKER
Pharmacy
Mondays–Fridays 8:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturdays 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Closed Sundays
52 BRIDGE ST., SHELBURNE FALLS • (413) 625-6324
The Bridal Barn Too!
Bridal Outlet
3UITE.ORTH(ILLSIDE2D
3OUTH$EERlELD
By appointment only
4UESDAYAND7EDNESDAY
AMnPM
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413-522-2348
If you forgot it, lost it, need it, or just want it...Avery’s probably has it
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General Merchants since 
Groceries • Meats • Plumbing
Electrical • Hardware • Sundries
Clothing • Tools • Gardening Supplies
Seasonal Goods • Automotive Supplies
Pet Food • Toys and more
127 Main St., Mohawk Trail • Charlemont
413-339-4915
Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 11
O UTDOORS AND N ATURE
Renewing a commitment
at the end of the turkey season
SHELBURNE
S I STOOD high above
this pasture waiting for
the first rays of sunlight
to begin dancing through the
hardwoods, I couldn’t help but
think back to a time, almost 30
years ago, when I was standing
almost in this same exact spot
waiting for the same sunlight
to appear. On that May morning so long ago, I was waiting
for the opening of Massachusetts’ first-ever turkey hunting
season to begin. And on this
morning in April I was still
doing pretty much the same
thing.
It was the first day of the
2007 season, and my love for
this bird and the sport that revolves around it still keeps me
coming back to this spot, and
many more just like it, year
after year, and I will return to
these places until the day I die.
Today I was again on high...in
this wonderfully special place
in anticipation of what was
about to begin.
And as dawn appeared in
the eastern sky the gobbling
of this great bird began to rain
down on me from every area
imaginable. I was among them.
And as I eased downward, moving to another familiar location
between the birds and the top
of this ridge, I was content in
knowing that all seemed to be
well with my “Big Bird” friends
that reside on these ridgelines.
I was on fire with excitement
of the “chess match” that was
about to begin.
A
Thomas A. Wilson, D.D.S.
Shelburne Falls’ Dentist since 1961
Handcrafted full dentures for 45 years
Northeast, as long as there are
hardwoods to move through, a
ridge to climb, and a sunrise to
greet those willing to come to
these high places and wait for
the dawning of another New
England springtime morning.
Good hunting.
O N T H E R I D GE
By Joe Judd
joe@sfindependent.net
Joe Judd is a regular contributor
to the Independent.
we were all on the same ridge,
even though we really didn’t
know it at the time. Gobbling
was scarce but both Bob and
Guy scored. I’ll always remember how shocked I was to hear
those first shots ring out on
that beautiful morning in May.
We met up later on the road
and they shared their story
with me. Man, I was so keyed
up I could hardly contain
myself — youth will do that to
you.
The season was less than a
week back then; today, it goes
on for a month. The bag limit
was one bird; today’s limit is
two birds total, and you can
fill your tags during a spring
and/or fall hunting season.
The state hands out more than
12,000 permits today, and you
can hunt just about anywhere
throughout the entire state.
The season begins in late April
now, and you can hear, read,
watch, or buy just about anything having to do with wild
turkeys or wild turkey hunting
anywhere in New England.
YEP, THE SPORT has come a
long way, and as I think about
my experiences, both sucSTILL, IT AMAZES ME to think
cesses and failures, of the justthat we’re approaching 30
years of turkey hunting in Mas- completed 2007 season I feel
sachusetts. It is a conservation extremely thankful for those
early days of my turkey-huntsuccess story for the ages, as
the Bay State has now become ing career. It’s been a great seaa model for turkeys and turkey son and a great year for many.
And there’s a lot more to come
hunting throughout New
for those looking with anticipaEngland.
tion towards the opening day
For me it all began around
of the 2008 season.
1978, before Massachusetts
But as we work our way
opened its woodlands to turkey
through a long year of sumhunting. I’d been chasing the
mer dog days, fall hunting, and
old Monarchs around Vermont
winter doldrums before we can
with some minor success, so I
begin gearing up again for anwas looking forward in being
other season of spring turkey
able to expand my horizons,
hunting, I hope our beloved
as well as my knowledge of
the bird, here in my own state. wild turkeys will remain a part
Little did I know then how the of our landscape, “forever and
wild turkey would consume me a day.” I renew my commitment
to the sport, and trust that
and basically change my life
others will follow, in hopes that
forever. And I’ll never forget
that first Massachusetts season we’ll always be able to enjoy to
the fullest this wonderful adwhen only 67 permits were
venture of wild turkey hunting.
handed out, and the counties
And I pray that generayou could hunt in were very
tions to come will appreciate
limited.
the contentment of knowing
I remember the only other
that the gobble of this maghunters I saw that entire
season were Bob Pike and Guy nificent creature will ring out
Silvester. On that first morning, through the woodlands of the
Get them while I last!
Phone 834-5683
Welcome, Joe Judd,
to the pages of the Independent
Arrowhead Barber Shop
Duane Graves
In the Arrowhead shops on the Trail
Usually open Tuesday-Saturday, but if in doubt,
call ahead 625-6900 (I might be hunting or fishing!)
Respect, Integrity, Compassion . . .
40 Church Street, Shelburne Falls
(413) 625-2121
Pamela J. Kelleher
———
87 Franklin Street, Greenfield
(413) 773-8853
Timothy P. Kelleher
SK
You, and 4,000 other readers, are looking at
the best advertising value in West County.
To place your ad in the next issue, contact us
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page 12 • Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
A RTS AND L ETTERS
Spare and eloquent
‘autobiographical novel’
Paris Press carves national publishing niche
Tell Me Another Morning: An
Autobiographical Novel
Zdena Berger
Paris Press
288 pages, Softcover, $15.95
ISBN: 9781930464100
Publishes ‘daring and beautiful’ works by women authors
By Nikki Widner
Special to the Independent
—————
ASHFIELD—When Jan Freeman walked out of a New York
City bookshop with a $45 book
in her hand, little did she know
that one purchase would lead to
the creation of Paris Press.
“I’d worked in publishing long
enough to know that running a
small press was not one of my
fantasy professions,” said Freeman. “However, after reading
Muriel Rukeyser’s The Life of Poetry I felt strongly that it needed
to be in print and available to as
wide an audience as possible, so
the nonprofit Press was founded
with that one goal – and then
it took on a life of its own (and
mine along with it).”
Paris Press reissued the updated 1974 edition of the book
through a contract with Rukeyer’s son.
Since its republication, The
Life of Poetry has been so influential to the outlook of the Press
that it has become the very spine
upon which all succeeding titles
have been built. During the past
12 years, the Press has stuck to
its mission to publish “daring
and beautiful” literature by
women writers who have been
“neglected or misrepresented
by the commercial publishing
world,” Freeman said.
“But [the manuscripts] are
brilliant. We only publish work
of the highest literary merit,”
said Press Executive Assistaant
Emily Wojcik, who balances
her schedule between working
at the press and as a fulltime
Ph.D. student at the University
of Connecticut.
Paris Press books are daring in
style and represent writers who
speak truthfully about society,
culture, history and the human
heart. While the Press itself has
remained small, its name has
not. With more than 200 reviews
on its books and authors, Paris
Press operates with a staff of
two (Freeman and Wojcik) on a
tight budget and publishes one
to three books per year. In the
course of bringing a manuscript
to print, Freeman reads the book
many times.
“I have to feel very passionate
about every title. Every book has
to improve the quality of life
for every reader. As idealistic
as that sounds,” said Freeman,
“it’s real.”
So are the results.
The Press, along with its books
and authors, has been reviewed
by national print media including The New York Times Book Review, The New Yorker, The Nation,
The Los Angeles Times, Publisher’s
Weekly and The Boston Globe, as
well as by trade journals, national book reviews and literary
journals. They have also received
recognition on National Public
Radio.
Paris Press books are highly
respected, and this shows in
the hundreds of unsolicited
manuscripts that come over the
transom.
“I feel like Paris Press is
the last stop for books we publish. They’ve [either] made the
rounds among publishers or
they’ve made the list for out of
print titles,” said Freeman.
Often the manuscripts Paris
Press considers have been turned
down by other publishers whose
editors may have overlooked
them.
In the case of their single
title for the year, Tell Me Another
Morning: An Autobiographical
Novel by Zdena Berger, a new
book project was discovered.
Berger’s novel recounting
her experiences as a teenage
girl living in World War II German concentration camps was
submitted by a friend of the
author’s. Originally published
in the U.S. in 1961 by Harper
& Brothers, Tell Me Another
Morning was listed as a Bookof-the-Month Club title, yet it
completely disappeared within
two years around the time when
another Holocaust memoir, Elie
Wiesel’s Night, was released. After Berger’s friend read a review
of Paris Press release On Being
Ill by Virginia Woolf, he felt the
Press would appreciate the literary significance of republishing
a woman’s story told inside the
concentration camps.
Other book projects have resulted from reading and research
on behalf of the Press. According to Freeman, the challenge
ASHFIELD
ecently reissued by
Paris Press, Tell Me
Another Morning:
An Autobiographical Novel
details Czech-born writer
Zdena Berger’s experiences in the concentration
camps of Terezin, Auschwitz
and Bergen-Belsen. Berger
writes an honest and heartbreaking coming of age story
rarely heard in Holocaust
literature. Narrated through
14-year-old Tania Andresova,
the book opens with Tania
and her family living an ordinary life in Prague before
the Nazi army enters the
city. After the onset of the
Nazi invasion, when most
Jews living in the city were
either killed or driven into
exile, the Andresova family is forced to wear yellow
stars and carry green tickets
marking them for deportation to concentration camps.
Berger’s voice is spare and
eloquent.
“After a couple of weeks
I don’t even know I have
it. But it is still there, sewn
on my chest. Only it looks
so shabby now. The black
trimming is coming off in
threads. Mother washes
and irons the star and sews
it back. We are issued two
more stars. But they are not
enough. Now, with summer
coming, with each dress or
blouse I have to change the
star. ‘Mother,’ I say, ‘why
don’t they give us more?’
‘They will, dear,’ she says.
‘They will give us more.’”
Tania’s family is torn apart
early on by her brother’s
murder and her mother’s
choice to stay with her father
and face sure death rather
than be transported to another camp. Her story is one
R
SFI file photo/Laurie Wheeler
Paris Press Director Jan Freeman holds her 2004 reissue of Bryher’s
Visa for Avalon.
is to find the appropriate book
to publish at a particular time.
Visa for Avalon, republished by
Paris in 2004, sat on the shelves
until Bryher’s book about the
dangers of apathy became especially relevant to the political
climate. One title tends to act as
precursor for the next. Visa for
Avalon led to the publication of
other Bryher titles, including
last year’s releases, The Heart of
Artemis: A Writer’s Memoirs and
The Player’s Boy.
Educational outreach
Paris Press, named by Freeman in memory of a close friend’s
mother, Roma Florence Paris,
dedicates its effort to not only
publishing unique and luxurious
books but also working to create
educational outreach programs
for students and adults in the
U.S.
Most recently, the Press participated in celebrations honoring Elizabeth Cady Stanton and
her Solitude of Self, featuring
acclaimed author Vivian Gornick and Freeman reading from
Stanton’s work and discussing
her life. Press books adopted for
courses are taught in secondary
schools, colleges and universities
throughout the U.S. including at
Deerfield Academy, Bennington
College and Stanford University.
Making books available as course
adoptions has been financially
sustaining for Freeman’s press.
Paris Press relies on grants,
contributions from individuals
and the sale of books for financial support. Freeman has always
had the support of interns from
local colleges and universities,
as well as that from volunteers
in the community as additional
staff support. For several years,
the Press received a grant from
the University of Massachusetts to fund paid internships
to English and creative writing
graduate students who sought
publishing experience. The Press
has also received funding from
the National Endowment for
the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Massachusetts
Foundation for the Humanities
and the Academy of American
Poets.
While Freeman has succeeded
in publishing 15 titles of prose
and poetry, she has considered
publishing other literary genres,
such as more poetry titles along
with children’s books, in the
future but would need more
financial and staff support to
accomplish such growth.
What Paris Press offers is a
unique literary collection of
women writers whose works endure – from cover to cover – in
the beauty of the mind and the
printed text.
“I think there is a false sense
that a press specializing in women writers is not a necessity,” said
Freeman. “It should be a priority
for other presses as well. Look at
the major book lists, such as the
New York Times Book Review. We
haven’t evolved beyond the time
for the need for Paris Press to not
exist. My dream is that everyone
B O OK
R EV I EW
By Nikki Widman
of friendship that saves the
lives of three neighborhood
girls when it proves to be
stronger than the real terror
and violence of the genocide.
Tell Me Another Morning is
written with emotional truth
that crosses barriers between fiction and nonfiction
(Paris Press calls the new
edition “an autobiographical
novel”).
“All the events written in
the book are on facts,” said
Berger in an interview with
Paris Press, “some that I
experienced and some that I
witnessed. I did not make up
anything.”
Holocaust stories by teenage girls have rarely been
told. By bringing Berger’s
Tell Me Another Morning
back into print, Paris Press
hopes to share the story of a
teenage girl whose perspective will enrich the literary
canon as well as our human
experience.
loves the books that Paris Press
publishes.”
Distributed by Consortium Book
Sales and Distribution, Paris Press
books are available online and
in bookstores nationally and in
Canada and directly through the
Paris Press office and Web site,
www.parispress.org.
Amble the RIVERWALK
and Saunter the BRIDGES
of SHELBURNE FALLS
with a Bart’s Homemade Ice Cream cone
following an overstuffed most excellent
McCusker’s Luncheon Deli sandwich.
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Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 13
C ALENDAR
TUESDAY,
JUNE
26
als through the use of graphics,
text boxes, line drawings, color,
and fonts. While this course is
taught on a PC, the skills are
transferable to Mac.6-9 p.m. $35,
with tuition waivers available for
low and moderate income hilltown
residents. Hilltown Community
Development Corporation, 387
Main Rd. Information: (413) 2964536; www.hilltowncdc.org.
Workshop: Financial checkup: Tim Clegg, an experienced
financial planner and founder
of Community Based Financial
Planners,you gain a much better understanding of where
you stand financially, and what
you can do to make it better.
Designed for homeowners and
FRIDAY,
prospective homeowners who
JUNE
are not self-employed.6-9 p.m.
$25, and tuition waivers are available for low and moderate income
hilltown residents. Hilltown Com- SHELBURNE FALLS Film: Free
Spirits:
munity Development Corporation,
387 Main Rd. Information: (413) Bruce Geisler will return with
his documentary about the
296-4536; www.hilltowncdc.org.
Renaissance Community. Many
Financial make- former community members will
CHESTERFIELD
over: A “Per- be on hand along with Geisler
sonal Money Makeover” will to discuss the film. The Illiterati
be available by appointment will perform jazz. Music at 7,
following the Financial Checkup film at 7:30 p.m. $6 at the door or
workshop. This is private, con- one prepurchased ticket. Pothole
fidential, one-to-one financial Pictures, 51 Bridge St. (Memorial
planning with a Certified Financial Planner. It includes two
separate meetings of at least
one hour each. 9 p.m. Free for
low and moderate income people;
there is a sliding scale for others
up to $120. Hilltown Community
Development Corporation, 387
Main Rd. Information: (413) 2964536; www.hilltowncdc.org.
CHESTERFIELD
29
WEDNESDAY,
JUNE
27
Pat Beck, D.C.
Poetry: Open
mic: Open mic
for the spoken word.6:30-8:30
p.m. Free. Equinox, Poetry Center
at Smith College. Information:
(413) 625-6728; gingercatbooks@
aol.com.
NORTHAMPTON
THURSDAY,
JUNE
28
Wo r k s h o p :
Creating marketing materials in Microsoft
Word: Participants will learn
how to create marketing materiCHESTERFIELD
Independence Day info
5 State Street
Shelburne Falls, MA
01370
413-625-8494
25 Main Street
Northampton, MA
01060
413-585-5969
Visit www.sfindependent.net for a schedule of Independence Day parades, not yet available at press time. Above: Miyaca Dawn Coyote
pedals forward in last year’s Shelburne Falls parade.
21
THURSDAY ,
JUNE
case: Ja”Duke Center for the
Performing Arts (JCPA), Kimberly Waynelovich and Lisa McCarthy are proud to present this
theatrical extravaganza which
combines the talents of over
200 singers, actors and dancers
who will entertain you in grand
style.7 p.m. $12/adults; $10/under
12 and over 65. Ja’Duke Center for
the Performing Arts, Shea Theatre,
71 Avenue A. Information: ; www.
jaduke.com.
Magic: Fran
Ferry will
perform his comedy magic
for all ages. Optional roasted
chicken lunch to follow. Lunch
reservations by June 18th.10:30
Music: Summer Readp.m. Free; $2 donation for lunch. HEATH ing Concert: Local muShelburne Senior Center, 7 Main sician Sarah Pirtle will kick off
St. Information: (413) 625-2502. the Catch the Beat Summer
Reading Program on the Heath
Field trip: Center Common. Bring a picnic
SHELBURNE FALLS
U n d e r - supper and lawn chairs--we
standing the river: We will will provide lemonade. Rain
tour the facilities from the Mas- or shine.6 p.m. Free. Heath Free
sachusetts line to the number Public Library, 1 East Main Street.
two power station. Pre-register: Information: (413) 337-4934;
limit 12 participants in the van; www.townofheath.org/library.html.
others may drive their own cars.
Free. Deerfield River Watershed
Music: The Kin:
Association. Information: (413) GREENFIELD Come relax after
625-6628; www.deerfieldriver.org.
the American Cancer Society
7th Annual Relay for Life and
Open mic: enjoy The Kin perform!. AmeriSHELBURNE FALLS
C o m e o n can Cancer Society’s Relay for Life,
out and listen or play. Leo Bald- Franklin County Fairgrounds.
win will host.7:30 p.m. Free; tips Information: (413) 734-6000;
appreciated. Mocha Maya’s, 47 www.acsevents.org/relay/MAFranklinBridge St. Information: (413) County.
625-6292; www.myspace.com/
mochamayas.
Green River FesGREENFIELD
t i va l : B a l l o o n
launch.6 a.m. Free. Green River
Festival, Greenfield Energy Park,
FRIDAY,
50 Miles St. Information: (413)
JUNE
665-4036; www.greenriverfestival.
com.
SHELBURNE FALLS
22
Live Music: Swing
Caravan: Acoustic Gypsy jazz
group. The band plays tunes
mainly from the brilliant Django
Reinhardt’s (Quintette of the
Hot Club of France) repertoire
of the 1930s-1950s. 8 p.m. Free;
tips appreciated. Mocha Maya’s,
47 Bridge St. Information: (413)
625-6292; www.myspace.com/
mochamayas.
SHELBURNE FALLS
SATURDAY,
JUNE
23
3rd Annual
JCPA Showcase: Ja”Duke Center for the
Performing Arts (JCPA), Kimberly Waynelovich and Lisa McCarthy are proud to present this
theatrical extravaganza which
combines the talents of over
200 singers, actors and dancers
who will entertain you in grand
style.7 p.m. $12/adults; $10/under
12 and over 65. Ja’Duke Center for
the Performing Arts, Shea Theatre,
71 Avenue A. Information: ; www.
jaduke.com.
TURNERS FALLS
Shakespeare Under
the Stars: King Lear
under the direction of Sheila
Siragusa. Previews for the show
are June 20 AND 21.Wednesday
through Sunday at 7:30. Through
Sunday, July 08. $15; $10/students
& seniors;$6/ children under 18.
Preview night $10; $5 students &
seniors. Hampshire Shakespeare
Educational
Company, Hartsbrook School, CHARLEMONT Workshop Se193 Bay Rd. Information: (413) ries: Conquering garden pests
548-8118; www.hampshireshake- naturally. How to make and use
speare.org.
organic pesticide and other bug
and animal deterrents.10 a.m.
3 r d A n n u a l Free. Catamount Farmers Market,
TURNERS FALLS
JCPA ShowHADLEY
all day.9 a.m.-6 p.m. $10/Adults
Mohawk Trail. Information: (413) ($8 advance); $8/kids 7-12; free/6
625-8174.
and under. Western Massachusetts
Highland Games, Franklin County
Trolleyfest: Fairgrounds, 89 Wisdom Way. InSHELBURNE FALLS
A celebra- formation: (413) 584-9182; www.
tion of the restoration of No. 10. wmhg.org.
This year the 10th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Militia
Co. C Civil War re-enactors will
SUNDAY,
be encamped at the Buckland
Rail yard for the entire weekJUNE
end. 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. $2.50/
adults; $1.25/12 and under; 5
and under free. Ticket is good for FLORENCE Music: Wilco with
special guest Low
the day. Members always ride.
Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum, Live: Featuring the band that
14 Depot St. (at the freightyard). was assembled after the release
Information: (413) 625-9443; of A Ghost Is Born.7 p.m. Tickets
are on sale 4/11/07. Pines Theater,
www.sftm.org.
300 North Main Street. InformaLavender Festival: tion: (413) 584.5457; www.lookBUCKLAND
Walk the lavender park.org; www.iheg.com.
labyrinth, wander the old cemetery, bring a picnic lunch; SHELBURNE FALLS Music: Debbie Deane:
lavender oil distilling demonstrations, workshops, classic A musical world without boundcar display, crafts, dove release aries, where rock-oriented singat 4:30 p.m., quilt raffle, vendor er-songwriters and top-tier jazz
tents.10 a.m.-5 p.m. Through musicians breathe the same
Sunday, June 24. Free admission; creative air.12:30 p.m. Free; tips
workshops $7-$25. Johnson Hill appreciated. Mocha Maya’s, 47
Farm, 51 Hog Hollow Road. In- Bridge St. Information: (413)
formation: (413) 625-6439; www. 625-6292; www.myspace.com/
mochamayas.
lavenderland.com/.
24
The Changing Elements of our Lives::
MONDAY,
A Shamanic dance seekend for
JUNE
self and earth healing.. Through
Sunday, June 24. $200. Some
scholarships may be available.
Visionary Healing Arts Sanctu- GREENFIELD Art Intensive:
Exploring Artists
ary. Information: (413) 624-5501;
and Materials: Rhonda Wainwww.vhasanctuary.com.
shilbaum Students will work
Music:Frank with a variety of media includSHELBURNE FALLS
Critelli with ing clay, paint, collage, drawing,
special guest Angela Easterling: printing, and mixed media to
Original acoustic songs.7 p.m. create 2 and 3D art inspired
Free; tips appreciated. Mocha by a particular artist each day.
Maya’s, 47 Bridge St. Information: Students will be inspired by
(413) 625-6292; www.myspace.com/ the landscapes of Van Gogh, the
masks of Picasso, portraits by
mochamayas.
Mary Cassatt and daVinci and
K i w a n i s paper cutouts by Matisse. One
SHELBURNE FALLS
Club straw- week course. Ages 6-9.9 a.m.-12
berry supper: Menu will in- p.m. $160. Artspace, 15 Mill St.
c l u d e : r o a s t b e e f , b a ke d Information: (413) 772-6811;
potatoes,veggies and salad, www.franklyarts.org.
with rolls, butter and beverages.
Dessert: strawberry shortcake GREENFIELD ”Biggest Loser”
Team Competiwith real whipped cream. There
will be two sittings. 5:15 p.m. tion: Teams of three will comand 7 p.m. $10.00/adults; $5.00/ pete to see which team can acchildren under 12. Reservations cumulate the most team points,
suggested. Shelburne Falls Kiwanis and lose the greatest percentage
Club, Shelburne/Buckland Com- of body weight. Each team
munity Center, Main St. Informa- will have one of our motivattion: (413) 625-9751; lwgrwg@ ing Exercise Trainers as Team
Coach.. Through Monday, August
rcn.com.
20. $40 for Y members, $99.00
Celtic Festival: for non members which includes
GREENFIELD
Featuring athletic two months of use of the YMCA.
competitions, children’s events, YMCA Greenfield, 451 Main St.
dancing, music, entertainment, Information: (413) 773-3646;
living history and more. Ceilidh www.ymcaingreenfield.org.
COLRAIN
25
Serving Your Community with
Deliciously Healthy Foods
for over 30 Years!
Full Sit Down Deli UArtisan Bakery
Complete Vitamin and Supplement Dept.
Organic Produce UNatural Groceries ULocal Cheeses
144 MaiO4U(SFFOmFMEt
Monday–Friday,ot4BUVSEBZo4VOEBZo
page 14 • Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
Hall). Information: (413) 625- ers both renowned and emerg2896; www.shelburnefalls.com.
ing screened outside in the
courtyard cinema on our giant
Live music: screen. Part of NL: A Season of
SHELBURNE FALLS
Rob Fletch- Dutch Arts in the Berkshires.9
er: With special guest Chris p.m. $10; Members 10% Discount.
Koza. Acoustic music from all of MassMOCA, 87 Marshall St. Inthe genres.9 p.m. Free; tips appre- formation: (413) 662-2111; www.
ciated. Mocha Maya’s, 47 Bridge massmoca.org.
St. Information: (413) 625-6292;
www.myspace.com/mochamayas.
Music: Moonlight
GREENFIELD
and Morning Star
S h o r t K o r t e with Miro Sprague: Jazz and
NORTH ADAMS
Film: A festive gospel. 12 -1 p.m. Free. Baystate
celebration of Holland”s vibrant Franklin Medical Center, 164 High
film industry, with a selection St. Information: (413) 773-8557;
of shorts from Dutch filmmak- baystatehealth.com/fmc.
Uncommon handcrafted jewelry
Diverse New Books
Objets d’Art
30
SATURDAY,
JUNE
Film: Silkwood: This
1983 film, starring Meryl Streep
and Cher concerns the truestory of a whistle-blowing nuclear worker who died under
suspicious circumstances while
attempting to deliver incriminating documents to the New
York Times. After the film, local
anti-nuke group the Citizen’s
Awareness Network will lead
a discussion on nuclear issues.
Abdul Baki & Band will perform
reggaeMusic at 7, film at 7:30
p.m. $6 at the door or one prepurSHELBURNE FALLS
WANDERING
MOON
Wednesday–Saturday 10:30–5
Sunday 11–4
Tuesday by chance / Closed Monday
59 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls
(413) 625-9667
DR. ROBERT SIDORSKY
VETERINARIAN
Treating your pet’s needs with
dignity and compassion —
through all stages of their lives.
568267
413-625-9353
Specializing in cabinetry
built for a healthy lifestyle
Minimizing the use of toxic materials and finishes
• Kitchen cabinets • Media cabinets • Built-ins • Furniture
27 Rand Rd., Shelburne Falls
(413) 625-6063
www.jimpicardi.com
M u s i c :
chased ticket. Pothole Pictures, SOUTH DEERFIELD E s p r e s s o
51 Bridge St. (Memorial Hall). Jazz: Jazz, standards, blues. 6
Information: (413) 625-2896; p.m. Chandler’s Tavern, 25 Greenwww.shelburnefalls.com.
field Rd. Information: (413) 6651277; www.yankeecandle.com.
Music: Tony
SHELBURNE FALLS
Lechner
and Kevin Griffin: Lechner,
SATURDAY,
guitarist and leader of the band
Wild-Wood, will be performing
JULY
a solo set. Griffin will offer honest lyrics and a simple style.7
p.m. Free; tips appreciated. Mocha
19th AnSHELBURNE FALLS
Maya’s, 47 Bridge St. Information:
nual Farm
(413) 625-6292; www.myspace.com/ and Garden Tour: This year
mochamayas.
the tour will be centered in the
Village of Shelburne Falls and
A Tale to Tell: An west into Buckland. 10 a.m. - 4
SHELBURNE
evening of stories p.m. Through Sunday, July 08.
told through songs, skits, jokes, Franklin Land Trust, 36 State
dance, poetry and prose. Re- St. Information: (413) 625-9152;
freshments provided at minimal www.franklinlandtrust.org.
cost. 7 p.m. Adults $10, children
5-12 $5, and under 5 free. First
Music: Ralph
NORTH ADAMS
Congregational Church, U.C.C., 22
Stanley: The
Church Common Rd. Information: bluegrass elder statesman has
(413) 625-9654.
won multiple Grammys as well
as many other awards; and was
Catch the Beat @ the cornerstone of the soundSHELBURNE
the library this track to the film O Brother,
summer!: Annual summer read- Where Art Thou?8:00 p.m. $22 in
ing program will continue for advance/$26 day of Members 10%
6 weeks. Musically themed Discount. MassMOCA, 87 Marshall
activities for kids will keep the St. Information: (413) 662-2111;
library lively all summer. . Free. www.massmoca.org.
Shelburne Free Public Library, 233
Shelburne Center Rd. Information:
Historic site:
HEATH
(413) 625-0307; www.shelburnefreeO l d To w n
publiclibrary.blogspot.com.
House and Center Schoolhouse
Museums will be open.11 a.m.-2
E d u c a t i o n a l p.m. Heath Historical Society,
CHARLEMONT
Workshop Se- Heath Elementary School. Inforries: Edible Flowers. How to mation: (413) 337-8594.
plant yourself a flower garden
that the kids can nibble on
Art: OpenNORTHAMPTON
safely.10 a.m. Free. Catamount
ing recepFarmers Market, Mohawk Trail. tion: Yulin San: New Work and
Information: (413) 625-8174.
Corinne Chandless: Still Life will
be on display until July 30.2-4
Ulrike Quaade: p.m. Forbes Library, 20 West St.
NORTHAMPTON
The Wall: The Information: (413) 587-1011;
Wall is a series of portraits of www.forbeslibrary.org.
individuals living in a claustrophobic contemporary space.
The characters are the outline
SUNDAY,
of a dream of the musician Erik
Sanko. Part of NL: A Season of
JULY
Dutch Arts in the Berkshires. 8
p.m. $10 Member; 10% Discount.
Making
Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center WILLIAMSTOWN
It New:
St. Information: (413) 584-0610;
The Art and Style of Sara and
www.iheg.com.
Gerald Murphy: Explore the
Class: Herbs couple”s extraordinary lives
SHELBURNE FALLS
and reme- and influence on a remarkable
dies: Hands-on learning, iden- constellation of creative artists
tifying and harvesting herbs in in the 1920s and 1930s. Friends
the field; indoors, learn to pre- of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott
pare remedies to take home.Last Fitzgerald, Pablo Picasso, Igor
class this year. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $45. Stravinsky, Cole Porter, Dorothy
Kathleen O’Rourke, Location to Parker, Alfred Hitchcock, and
be determined. Information and Fernand Léger, the Murphys
registration (requested by June strove to make something fine
24): (413) 625-9426; kathyo18@ and beautiful of their lives
through “living well”.Tuesday
crocker.com.
through Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Psychic Fair: Sunday 1-5 p.m. Through Sunday,
LAKE PLEASANT
Astrology, I- November 11. Free. Williams ColChing, hand reading, vibration lege Museum of Art, Main Street.
connection, tarot cards. Con- Information: (413) 597-2429;
sultation with medium. Reiki www.wcma.org.
healing also available. 11 a.m.
to 4 p.m. Free. National Spitual
Alliance, Thompson Temple (across
from post office). Information:
(413) 774-4705; www.thenationalspiritualallianceinc.org.
7
8
SUNDAY,
JULY
MONDAY,
JULY
9
The College
Challenge:
Intensive five-day programwith an evening workshop for
parents-that will give rising high
school sophomores and juniors
the knowledge, strategies and
skills necessary to master the
college admissions process. 9
a.m.-4 p.m. Through Friday, July
13. Williston Northampton School,
Williston Northampton School,
19 Payson Avenue. Information:
[email protected];
[email protected].
FRIDAY,
JULY
13
Art Intensive:
Cirque du Illusion: Professional performance
artists Jody and Linda Scalise,
a.k.a. Double Vision, will lead
a week long intensive in circus arts that will culminate
with a public performance on
Friday. Cirque du Illusion, will
incorporate circus skills, mime
technique, European clown
characters, juggling, balancing,
slack rope walking and comic
music. Ages 8-12. One week
course.9 a.m.-12 p.m. $180; space
is limited; so don’t hesitate to
Summer Inten- register early. Artspace, 15 Mill
GREENFIELD
sive: Silk Paint- St. Information: (413) 772-6811;
ing Techniques: Among the www.franklyarts.org.
techniques will be stamping,
stenciling, and gutta resist.
Shakespeare Under
HADLEY
Each student will complete the
the Stars: Comedy of
painting of several scarves.6:30- Errors, Steve Henderson direct8:30 p.m. Through Friday, July 13. ing. Previews are July 11 and
$150. Artspace, 15 Mill St. Infor- 12.Wednesday through Sunday
mation: (413) 772-6811; www. at 7:30. Through Sunday, July 29.
franklyarts.org.
$15; $10/students & seniors;$6/
children under 18. Preview night
Music: Espres- $10; $5 students & seniors. HampTURNERS FALLS
so Jazz: Jazz, shire Shakespeare Company,
standards and blues. 6 p.m. Hartsbrook School, 193 Bay Rd.
Ristorante DiPaolo, 166 Avenue Information: (413) 548-8118;
A. Information: (413) 863-4441; www.hampshireshakespeare.org.
www.ristorantedipaolo.com.
EASTHAMPTON
WEDNESDAY,
JULY
11
Theater: Villa
WILLIAMSTOWN
Americana:
World premiere of Villa America,
an original play commissioned
by the Festival about Sara and
Gerald Murphy, written and
directed by Crispin Whittell.
Companion piece to exhibit at
Williams College Museum of
Art.. Through Sunday, July 22.
Williamstown Theater Festival, PO
Box 517. Information: (413) 4583200; [email protected].
Adult book discussion
group: Timequake by
Kurt Vonnegut. Copies of books
available.8 p.m. Free. Griswold
Memorial Library, 12 Main Rd.
Information: (413) 624-3680;
[email protected].
COLRAIN
Music: Chiara
String Quartet: Neoclassical, classical, modern,
experimental. 7:30 p.m. $12.
Watermelon Wednesdays at West
Whately Congregational Church,
Corner, Williamsburg and Conway
roads. Information: (413) 6653741; www.watermelonwednesdays.
com.
WHATELY
GREENFIELD
SATURDAY,
JULY
14
Film: Dr
Jekyll & Mr
Hyde: 1920 John Barrymore silent classic with a live original
score to be performed by the
multi-instrument trio the Devil
Music Ensemble. Music at 7,
film at 7:30 p.m. $6 at the door or
one prepurchased ticket. Pothole
Pictures, 51 Bridge St. (Memorial
Hall). Information: (413) 6252896; www.shelburnefalls.com.
SHELBURNE FALLS
Family Festival: Bon Voyage! Travel with the Murphys:
Celebrate the opening of the
exhibition Making It New: The
Art and Style of Sara and Gerald Murphy. Discover how the
Murphys inspired modern artists and writers such as Picasso
and Hemingway as they traveled
from America to France. Enjoy
French crepes, ice cream, and
other treats; make art in Paris;
and learn to dance the Charleston on Broadway. An all-day
outdoor concert by the Kwajmal
Jazz Band showcases music from
the 1920s to 1940s. 1:00-4:00
p.m.; 3:00 p.m. gallery tour. Free.
Williams College Museum of Art,
Main Street. Information: (413)
597-2429; www.wcma.org.
WILLIAMSTOWN
1
' * / & ' 0 0 % * 4 0 6 3 " ' '" * 3
Music: Nicole Collins:
An anti-cliché mélange of rock/
pop, soul and folk.1 p.m. Free;
tips appreciated. Mocha Maya’s,
47 Bridge St. Information: (413)
625-6292; www.myspace.com/
mochamayas.
SHELBURNE FALLS
MIRICK
INSURANCE AGENCY
Serving the community for over 26 years.
Insurance Made Easy!
AUTOMOBILE
HOMEOWNERS
CONTRACTORS
BUSINESSOWNERS
WEDNESDAY,
JULY
4
4th of July community flea market: Join
the “Greening Ashfield” event
that will highlight recycling and
reuse of all sorts of items, as
well as collectibles and crafts..
Free. First Congregational Church,
U.C.C., Main Street. Information:
(413) 628-4470; www.members.
tripod.com/~skreynolds/church/.
ASHFIELD
28 BRIDGE ST., SHELBURNE FALLS, MA
413-625-9437
WWW.MIRICKINS.COM
5
$
Our Thursday Special
is Back!
FRIDAY,
JULY
5
$
$
5 Greens Fees
6
Live Music: Swing
Caravan: Acoustic Gypsy jazz
group. The band plays tunes
mainly from the brilliant Django
Reinhardt’s (Quintette of the
Hot Club of France) repertoire
of the 1930s-1950s. 8 p.m. Free;
tips appreciated. Mocha Maya’s,
47 Bridge St. Information: (413)
625-6292; www.myspace.com/
mochamayas.
SHELBURNE FALLS
Music: Electra
and film: Four
women, four nationalities, and
four instruments. A thrilling
evening of live music, film,
and other media. Part of NL:
A Season of Dutch Arts in the
Berkshires.9 p.m. $14 adv/$18
day of show. Members 10% Discount. MassMOCA, 87 Marshall
St. Information: (413) 662-2111;
www.massmoca.org.
NORTH ADAMS
298 Barnes Road, Ashfield, MA 01330
597093
(413) 625-6018
The documentary “Howard Zinn: You Can’t be Neutral on a Moving Train” will have its Franklin
County debut 7 p.m. June 23 at Memorial Hall in Shelburne Falls. The film looks at the life of Howard
Zinn, renowned historian, activist, author and “inspiration to new generations in these turbulent
times,” writes Ellen Kaufmann. Featuring rare archival materials and interviews with Zinn and colleagues such as Noam Chomsky, this film captures the essence of this extraordinary man who has
been a catalyst for progressive change for more than 60 years. The film is narrated by Matt Damon
and features music by Pearl Jam, Woody Guthrie and Billy Bragg. Director Deb Ellis will be present
to discuss the making of the film. The evening, labeled “A Tribute to Howard Zinn,” will benefit the
Reel World Collective — a local group that has shown more than 70 documentary films in Shelburne
Falls to local audiences in recent years — and for the Zinn Theater Works Project. Siggested donatiomn $8; student and child discount available. Information: 625-9959
Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net • page 15
tips appreciated. Mocha Maya’s,
Musical: FootTURNERS FALLS
47 Bridge St. Information: (413)
loose: Broad625-6292; www.myspace.com/ way smash hit.8 p.m. $12; $10,
mochamayas.
under 12 or over 65. Tickets available online and at World Eye
Musical: Foot- Bookstore. Ja’Duke Productions,
TURNERS FALLS
loose: Broad- Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue A. Inway smash hit.8 p.m. $12; $10, formation: (413) 863-2281; www.
under 12 or over 65. Tickets avail- jaduke.com.
able online and at World Eye
Bookstore. Ja’Duke Productions,
Espresso Jazz:
CHARLEMONT
Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue A. InJazz, standards,
formation: (413) 863-2281; www. blues.7 p.m. Charlemont Inn,
jaduke.com.
Route 2. Information: (413) 3395796; www.charlemontinn.com.
SATURDAY,
JULY
21
Gallery Talk:
American
Dreams: Nancy Matthews, Eugénie Prendergast Senior Curator of 19th and 20th Century Art
and Lecturer in Art.2 p.m. Free.
Williams College Museum of Art,
Main Street. Information: (413)
597-2429; www.wcma.org.
WILLIAMSTOWN
SUNDAY,
JULY
22
Musical: Footloose: Broadway smash hit.2 p.m. $12; $10,
under 12 or over 65. Tickets available online and at World Eye
Bookstore. Ja’Duke Productions,
Shea Theatre, 71 Avenue A. Information: (413) 863-2281; www.
jaduke.com.
TURNERS FALLS
Healing Tools, Books and CDs • Quartz Crystal “Singing Bowls”
Gems & Minerals • Angel Paintings & Cards
Ask for a Free Taste of Himalayan Goji Juice!
A Healing Oasis
Silkwood plays June 30 at Pothole Pictures in Shelburne Falls. The 1983 film features Meryl Streep, Kurt Russell and Cher.
Come in and feel the energy!
20 Bridge St.
Art: Karin
Stack: Idylls:
In Stack’s photography all is
not what it appears. Stack photographs are elaborate tableaux
that combine models, paintings,
and both real and photographed
landscapes.. Through Sunday,
September 16. Free. Williams College Museum of Art, Main Street.
Information: (413) 597-2429;
www.wcma.org.
WILLIAMSTOWN
standards and blues. 6 p.m.
Ristorante DiPaolo, 166 Avenue
A. Information: (413) 863-4441;
www.ristorantedipaolo.com.
TUESDAY,
JULY
17
Art: Gallery
talk: Making
It New: The Art and Style of
Sara and Gerald Murphy. DeboSUNDAY,
rah Rothschild, Senior Curator
of Modern and Contemporary
JULY
Art.2 p.m. Free. Williams College
Museum of Art, Main Street. InMusic: Randy formation: (413) 597-2429; www.
NORTHAMPTON
Newman live: wcma.org.
One of America’s greatest singer-songwriters and film composers, among our sharpest and
WEDNESDAY ,
most caustic wits.Doors open 7
JULY
p.m. Calvin Theater, 19 King St.
Information: (413) 584-1444;
www.iheg.com.
Where We Live:
NORTHAMPTON
Films and Talk
Music: HarSHELBURNE FALLS
r y M a n x : by Filmmaker Steve Alves: The
Blending Indian folk melodies award-winning documentary
with blues, a sprinkle of gospel, filmmaker will show excerpts of
and compelling grooves, Manx”s his recently released collection
“mysticssippi” flavour is hard to of films about western Massaresist.7:30 p.m. $17/advance; $20/ chusetts, entitled “Where We
door; $10/under 18. Hilltown Folk, Live.”7 p.m. Free. Forbes Library,
51 Bridge St. (Memorial Hall). In- 20 West St. Information: (413)
formation: (413) 625-6878; www. 587-1011; www.forbeslibrary.org.
hilltownfolk.com.
Music: Winterpills:
WHATELY
Indie-folk-pop heartWILLIAMSTOWN
15
18
MONDAY,
JULY
16 GFK?FC<
Art Intensive:
GREENFIELD
Summer Strings:
Anna Wetherby and Cecilia
Berger. Violin, viola and cello
students are invited to participate. Students must have
3 months study experience
with private teacher or 1 year
of group lessons. Participants
will play in parts in large and
small ensembles. Students will
improve their sight-reading,
rhythm and listening skills. Posture and holding the instrument
correctly will be stressed. Will
have a break for snack each day.
Concert performance on Friday.
One week course. Ages 6-14.9
a.m.-12 p.m. $160. Artspace, 15
Mill St. Information: (413) 7726811; www.franklyarts.org.
Vacation Bible
School: Lift Off!:
All children will be invited to
become Sky Scouts. Fun, interactive activities that combine
the world of hot air ballooning
with the discovery of how to
reach new heights with God.8:45
a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Through Friday,
July 20. First Congregational
Church, U.C.C., 22 Church Common Rd. Information: Sherry Taylor 625-8172 or Barbara Goodchild
625-8203.
G@:KLI<J
On the big screen
in beautiful
Shelburne Falls
at the historic
MEMORIAL
HALL
T H E AT E R
51 Bridge St.
(above town hall)
——
$6 at the door
or 1 prepurchased ticket
rending songs/melodies. 7:30
p.m. $12. Watermelon Wednesdays
at West Whately Congregational
Church, Corner, Williamsburg and
Conway roads. Information: (413)
665-3741; www.watermelonwednesdays.com.
THURSDAY,
JULY
Jonny Lang on
stage: Called a
blues guitar prodigy, a virtuoso
and a once-in-a-generation blues
artist, Lang’s debut solo album
was recorded when he was 15
years old. It went platinum, as
did the next one.Doors open 7
p.m. Calvin Theater, 19 King St.
Information: (413) 584-1444;
www.iheg.com.
NORTHAMPTON
Music: Espresso Jazz: Jazz,
Live Music: Swing
Caravan: Acoustic Gypsy jazz
group. The band plays tunes
mainly from the brilliant Django
Reinhardt’s (Quintette of the
Hot Club of France) repertoire
of the 1930s-1950s. 8 p.m. Free;
Knitting Classes
at
SHELBURNE FALLS
Beginner instruction available
and private lessons by appointment.
At 5 State Street in the McCusker building.
Call 625-9191
for information and registration.
20
SH ELBU RN E FALLS • BRATTLEBO RO • N O RTH AM PTO N
21st annual Green
River Festival:
Music on two stages, food, crafts,
dancing, children’s activities,
entertainment, hot air balloons,
rides. Greenfield Community
College. Information/calendar
of events online.. Through SaturGREENFIELD
Harry Manx
~ Western Blues meets East Indian Ragas
Creating musical short stories that wed the tradition of
the Blues with the depth of classical Indian ragas, he has
created a unique sound that is hard to forget and deliciously addictive to listen to. Blending Indian folk melodies with blues, a sprinkle of gospel, and compelling
grooves, Manx’s “mysticssippi” flavour is hard to resist.
Friday, June 29 • 7:30 p.m.
Free Spirits
Documentary about the Renaissance Community and its charismatic, ill-fated leader Michael
Metelica Rapunzel chronicles the “birth, life,
and loss of a New-Age dream.” 2006. NR. 96
min. color & b&w. Q The Community is having a
reunion this weekend. Writer/director Geisler will be on
hand for this show.
Saturday, June 30 • 7:30 p.m.
Silkwood
Vivid and passionate dramatization of the true
story of nuclear-parts-plant worker, whistleblower, and activist Karen Silkwood. Meryl
Streep, Cher, Kurt Russell. Directed by Mike
Nichols. 1983. R. 128 min. color.
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Sunday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m.
MEMORIAL HALL, Shelburne Falls
Box Office: (413) 625-6878 • $17 advance / $20 door / $10 under 18
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COLRAIN
TURNERS FALLS
Third Friday Reading: This evening will be an
open reading.7 p.m. Free. Arms
Library, Bridge and Main streets.
Information: (413) 625-0306;
[email protected].
SHELBURNE FALLS
413-625-0144
FRIDAY,
JULY
SHELBURNE
Summer reading program for young readers: What are you curious about?
Special story hour will feature
a reading of a Curious George
adventure, games, and even a
monkey craft. Who knows, Curious George himself may join us
too!10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free. Griswold Memorial Library, 12 Main
Rd. Information: (413) 624-3680;
[email protected].
19
day, July 21. Green River Festival,
Greenfield Energy Park, 50 Miles
St. Information: (413) 665-4036;
www.greenriverfestival.com; fccc@
crocker.com.
Shelburne Falls, MA
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413-743-5430  413-743-7110
www.potterhomebuilders.com
page 16 • Shelburne Falls Independent • June 21-July 4, 2007 • www.sfindependent.net
SPORTS
Wildhawks 16U AAU
girls’ basketball goes 2 for 4
The Western Mass Wildhawks
16U AAU girls team played their
last game of the spring season at
the Lady Gator College Showcase at Westfield State College
on June 16 and 17, where the
team went 2 for 4.
The first game, Wildhawks beat
the Lady Hoopsters, 46-45, with
high scorers Megan Denison (9),
Megan Healey (7 and 7 blocks),
April Sheldon (6) and Johanna
Miner (6).
In the second game, the Wildhawks were defeated by the Connecticut Fire, 41-25. High scorers
for that game were Johanna
Miner (8), Kelsey Schmidt (5).
Everyone got on the score
sheet with a basket, and everyone played well defensively. MePhoto/Wendy Miner gan Healey again made 7 blocks
The team from left to right: Ashley O’birne, Lauren Halla, Lindsey Duclos, Megan Denison, Megan Healey, Johanna Miner, Virginia and Ashley O’Brien, 7 steals.
Bromberg, Kelsey Schmidt, Catherine Moore, April Sheldon. Not Pictured: Coach Larissa Miner, and players, Maddie Hoeppner, Kelly
“It was a defensive game but
Johansmeyer and Khrystina Mitchell.
our shots were just not going in,”
Wendy Miner reports.
In game three, the Wildhawks
triumphed over the Connecticut
Spirit, 37-28, in “another great
defensive game,” Miner said.
“Lindsey Duclos nailed 3 threes
the second quarter that brought
us in the lead, and we never lost
the lead,” she added. High Scorers for that game: Lindsey Duclos
(11), Kelsey Schmidt (10), April
Sheldon (7).
In game four, the Bay State
Blizzards beat the Wildhawks,
52-49, where the team made a
comeback, scrapping its way
back to a two-point deficit.
“This game was neck to neck
the entire game up 5 , down 5
first half,” Miner says. “The second half we stayed tied up until
the last 5 minutes we trailed by
12 after getting in foul trouble.
We brought ourselves back up
within 2 points with 3 point shots
the last minute of the game by
bringing them to the foul line,
rebounding and shooting 3’s
by Virginia Bromberg, Johanna
Miner and Megan Denison.”
High scorers for game four:
Johanna Miner (13), Virginia
Bromberg (9), April Sheldon
(8).
Classified Ads • $5 per issue prepaid!
X FOR RENT
SPACE FOR RENT.
Up to
1500 sq ft of unheated
storage at the Shelburne
Falls Trolley Museum.
$300/mo. 413-624-0192.
ARTIST’S STUDIOS
Beautiful, spacious, sunlit
studios in a great location. Near the Shelburne/
Greenfield town line in a
peaceful forested enclave
by a rushing stream. Only 4
miles from Greenfield and
7 miles from Shelburne
Falls. $350-$400/month
includes all utilities. 500
- 800 sq feet. For information call 413-625-2724
X FOR SALE
CANOES, KAYAKS!
Top
brands, new, some used,
mountain bikes too. Since
1973. Berkshire Outfitters,
Route 8, Adams. 45 min.
to Shelburne Falls. 413743-5900.
STEVE, YOU’RE ABSOLUTELY
RIGHT. That did look stupid.
X FOR SALE
X INSTRUCTION
ROBERTS BROTHERS LUMBER.
SHELBURNE FALLS YOGA
Logging, lumber, bark mulch,
cordwood. 628-3333.
Class Schedule
Mon. 8:30 am / Gentle
Tues. 6 pm / Beginner
Wed. 8:30 / Vinyasa
Thur. 8 am / Fitness
Thur. 4 pm / Gentle
Thur. 6 pm / Level 2
Fri. 9 am / Gentle
Sat. 8 am / Yoga-Pilates
Sat. 10 am / Vinyasa
Sun. 9 am / All Level
INFO: (413) 625-2580
www.shelburnefallsyoga.com
KOI POND.
Used as makeshift bathtub in construction
project; we’re pretty sure
fish won’t be grossed out,
though. Was $70; $40 or
best offer. 625-8646.
X HELP WANTED
X SERVICES
RN/LPN/
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
PUBLIC RELATIONS CONSULTANT offers clients a
Family Practice
Immunizations, Lab
draws are helpful.
Will train right candidate
Please send Resume to:
Stacy Bissell, RN
Caring in Community
1105 Mohawk Trail
Shelburne Falls,
MA 01370
full range of marketing
and professional writing
services. Special emphasis placed on identifying
and promoting uniqueness in institutions and
individuals.
Grace Friary
Public Relations
10 Bridge Street,
Shelburne Falls.
413-625-9100
gracefriary@comcast.
net
X SERVICES
PIANO TUNING AND REPAIRS.
Dave Locke, 413-634-0130,
[email protected].
WISDOM WAY SELF STORAGE. Safe, clean, secure.
We’ll keep your stuff buff!
Greenfield, 775-9333.
ACUPUNCTURE
—House
calls throughout Hilltowns.
Licensed/Board Certified.
First appointment $75,
then sliding scale depending on location. Call Kelly,
(413) 634-5630.
X SERVICES
GREEN SHEEN CLEANING
COMPANY. Environment-
and people-friendly, nontoxic housecleaning. Call
Meredith, 413-625-2252
DEVOTED TO ANIMALS. TLC
for a variety of companions, multiple visits, good
walks, play, feeding, meds,
special needs. In-home
dog boarding, housesitting,
trips to vet, grooming, etc.
Vet tech experience. Call
Cheryl, 624-3616.
X SERVICES
LAWN MOWING
& garden
service. Raised beds. Steep
or damp a specialty. (413)
834-3429.
X TAG SALE
55 SHEARER RD., (OFF
SMEAD HILL RD.),.COLRAIN.
Sat. July 7, 9-3, Packrat/
Potter moving: household,
garden and vintage items,
bldg. supplies, pottery
supplies, sm. gas kiln, tile
setter shelves. Absolutely
no early birds!
Artist Studio or
Office Space For Rent!
A room of one’s own
-BSHF8JOEPXTt(SFBU-JHIU
4R'U
High speed Internet connection available
*ODMVEFTIFBUBOEFMFDUSJD
$300– & $500–
Art Bank
Sorry about that.
#SJEHF4USFFU4IFMCVSOF'BMMT
413-625-6177
To place your ad:
Mail check with ad copy to:
Shelburne Falls Independent
8 Deerfield Ave
Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
Coming soon! Place your ads online.
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For listing information & visual tours check out
www.cbupton-massamont.com
7 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls • 625-6366
So. Deerfield- 665-3771 • Florence • 586-8355
Independently Owned and Operated
Charming
Farmhouse
NEW
Charming and delightful, well maintained
Shelburne Falls Farmhouse set back from the
road on 2.5 picturesque acres. Neat as a pin with
3 bedrooms, open floor plan, enclosed porch,
small barn, separate building perfect for artist
studio or home office. Call Wanda $249,000
NEW
Shelburne Falls Two-Family
Meticulously maintained, attractive 2-family
perfectly sited in a great location with a
picturesque yard and pleasant views. Charming
details, natural woodwork, built-ins, wood
floors, wainscoting & 3-porches. The oversized
yard is perfect for those who love to Garden
and it comes with a 20 x 20 Barn.
Call Wanda $349,000
Post & Beam Country Home
NEW
Attractive Post & Beam surrounded by 20 acres
of privacy and beautiful gardens. The antique
frame were removed from a 200 year old Barn
creating an warm and inviting atmosphere.
Features include open kitchen, dining & living
area w/ stone Fireplace, wood & tile floors,
spacious master bedroom with Cathedral
ceilings. Great escape for all seasons.
Call Wanda $299,000
Visit us on the Web: www.sfindependent.net
X WANTED
SEEKING GROUND-FLOOR
commercially zoned space
in Shelburne Falls for knitting shop. Can be house,
office building or store.
Contact Metaphor Yarns
at 413-625-9191 ext 112
or [email protected]