I'm looking for recommendations for a landscaper who could be contracted to mow/use a brush hog on my property. It's an open, level building lot, almost 3 acres. I would prefer to have someone in Leverett do the work before inquiring out of town. I already tried Grassroots, but they cannot do it.
Thank you for your time and help. It is greatly appreciated!
This coming Thursday, 6:30 at the Leverett Library members of the Friends of Leverett Pond will be giving a presentation describing all sorts of activities in and around the pond. We will be talking about the new dam, our weed Integrated Pest Management Plan, the new Boat Loan Program and some new ideas. Please plan to join us. There will be refreshments that may remind you, of all things, the Leverett Transfer Station!
Announcement to All Members of the Leverett Village Co-op
PLEASE COME TO AN IMPORTANT BOARD MEETING OPEN TO MEMBERS
TUESDAY OCTOBER 29TH FROM 7:30-9:30 PM (Place to be announced, probably the Leverett Town Hall)
Recently it has become clear that the Leverett Co-op is in a severe financial crisis, since we now owe nearly $200,000 to our vendors, our bank and for other services. This has meant that we have a serious cash flow crisis and cannot pay our vendors on time. A number of them will no longer deliver products to us without cash on delivery. Since we do not have the money to pay them in cash, we have had to negotiate with some for extended payment options and others are no longer delivering us products, which explains our reduced level of stock in the store. Loyal members have been helping out by purchasing pre-paid cards to help with our cash flow problem but we don’t have enough products on the shelves for them to buy! As a result, we simply do not have enough people shopping at the store or the restaurant to solve the problem without an extra infusion of capital. And unfortunately the bank and other lending groups that we have been working from to re-mortgage the store have recently turned us down in our requests for loans.
At the emergency Board meeting last Tuesday October 15, Board member Jono Neiger put forward the sketch of an interim plan to cut costs by various means, including volunteers to purchase stocks directly from BJs or Restaurant Depot or other alternatives. His plan also suggests a re-assessment of staff and professional consultant costs, increasing the use of volunteers, and expanding the Co-op Board. Other options unfortunately may include selling the building (our only asset) in order to keep the Coop in business as a renter, or going into bankruptcy and trying to re-organize the business after paying off some of our debts. Some of these options will be discussed further at this upcoming Board meeting.
Most of these choices are difficult ones and should include as many members as possible since this is a democratically-owned business! In a Co-op, member-owners should have regular input and the final say over such tough choices. At the upcoming meeting we will discussing new candidates who have applied to join the Board, will hear from the President of the Board about her recommended options, and will have a report from the accountant about the financial situation of the Co-op.
Please make your voices heard and try to come to this meeting!! Spread the word! We need your help and input in order to have this valuable community center and service survive.
From Ann Ferguson, chair, Membership Committee
Leverett Village Co-operative Board
PS Spread the word about the date and I will send another message confirming the place of the meeting, either at the Leverett Town Hall or at the Co-op store. You can contact me at: ferguson3638[at]gmail.com
Here’s a a plea from Jono Niger alerting us all to the need for help to save the Village Co-Op in Leverett as a market as well as a cafe/restaurant.
Jono Niger is on the co-op’s board.
> Help!
>
> The Leverett Village Co-op is a special place for many of you and it needs your love now more than ever.
>
> The Co-op is in a severe financial crisis. If you want to see the co-op survive we need all hands on-deck. Our little neighborhood grocery and hang-out space will be gone in months or even weeks if the community doesn't step up.
>
> We know that the many changes at the co-op have been challenging; lunch menu, bakery, layout of store, new management after a long-serving manager. The changes have been intended to attract as many people as possible and to reach out to those who not only have shopped there for years, but to those who have not, and are looking for a local place to eat and shop. The food store retail and co-op culture has been changing rapidly these last years. It has become harder to maintain a small grocery without expanding the food service. Most co-ops (especially our style of small rural ones) have needed to do this kind of food service to stay afloat. But we know that maintaining the grocery aspect is essential for local needs.
>
> We attempted to get loans from lenders and have been turned down.
>
> But…We have begun a Capital Campaign and already gotten almost $30,000 in loans and donations; but we’ll need more. Right now the store is in debt over $200k to vendors. We are in active negotiation with them in order to restock the shelves so we have a good selection for people to buy from again. We need to pay down that debt to get inventory flowing again and raise more funds to improve the store with new refrigerators (to lower the electric bill), an espresso machine, expanded kitchen menu, patio, solar panels for energy, and much more.
>
> What You Can Do:
> •TELL your friends, family and local network what's happening and ask people to support the Co-op
> •SHOP at the store. Even if inventory is low, the store cannot stay open without business
> •GIVE. Buy pre-pay cards, give a donation or loan
> •VOLUNTEER. We are in need of people to step up in many ways. Can you help in some way to reduce an expense at the co-op or help raise funds? Can you organize volunteers to take on some tasks at the store?
> •MAKE SUGGESTIONS: Let us know what you see could help make the Leverett Village Co-op succeed
>
> There is a board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, October 15th at 7:00pm at the Co-op. Come participate. Give us your feedback and hear more about plans we are developing.
>
> This community has stepped up and done so much for this store over the last bunch of years; new roof, fixed the ice damming and leaks, schmooze space flooring, venting, painting, and more. And now our co-op needs some more help.
>
> Please Help in any way you can. We are all very busy—there is so much happening in each of our lives. But our little neighborhood grocery needs the community to survive.
>
> (feel free to forward this to your friends)
> (I can send loan or donation materials-please ask)
>
> Jono Neiger
> 163 Rattlesnake Gutter Rd
> Co-op Board member
> 413-658-7048
If you would like to join the Youth Climate Strike this Friday in Leverett the Leverett Energy Committee and Climate Action Group of the Leverett Alliance is planning to to support our children at the following places this Friday. Town Hall, Cave Hill & Montague and Route 63 & Montague. We will gather at the three places with posters as the school buses go by from 7:30-9:00 am and at Town Hall 4-6. At the LES at 1:00 pm the students will march from the school to the library. This has been organized by the students, with permission from the staff, and we will be at the library to greet them. Please join us: there will be extra posters but your own posters are welcome.
Organizing Team Leverett
Author Talk Book Signing: Deb Habib Ricky Baruch "making Love While Farming"
At Leverett Library on Tuesday, July 9, 6:30pm-7:30pm
With Seeds of Solidarity's Ricky Baruch and Deb Habib. https://seedsofsolidarity.org/
Ricky and Deb run Seeds of Solidarity Farm and Education Center. They are part of the group that founded the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival.
Making Love While Farming is their new memoir, released in March by work-owned Levellers Press in Amherst, MA.
Join us for their talk!
Come enjoy free live, local music under warm summer skies at Leverett Library!
Thursdays, 7-8pm (no music on July 4th), rain or shine (music moves indoors in the event of rain)
06/27: Bruce Colegrove
07/11: Beth Logan Raffeld & Jazz Trio
07/18: Little House Blues
07/25: Danse Cafe
08/01: Masala Jazz
08/08: Box Shop Blues
08/15: Same Old Blues
08/22: Machine Shop
08/29: Juggler Meadow String Band
Learn something new! At Leverett Library:
06/22: Cloud-based computing demystified: what it is, its limitations and benefits.
06/29: Android smartphone 101
Workshops run 1pm-2pm, including 40 minutes of presentation followed by Q&A.
These free workshops are introductory in nature, and assume no previous knowledge or familiarity with technology. Underwritten by OTELCO.
Instructor Jeoffrey Pooser is a recent transplant to Leverett from Wendell, where he served on the Selectboard for nine years, and continues his commitment to community involvement by offering several technology skills workshops through the Leverett Library this June.
His background is in the arts, and he has been professionally involved in the technology sector for 25 years, primarily as a Unix Systems Engineer, and currently works at Umass as an Information Risk and Compliance Analyst.
Happier Valley Comedy Show, Thursday 5/30, 7pm, Leverett Library
Happier Valley Comedy will present their short form improv show "The Fast & the Funniest" on Thursday, May 30, 7pm at Leverett Library! This show is free. Doors open 6:45pm. Expect content "rated" PG-13!
This program is supported in part by a grant from the Leverett Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
Leverett Town Meeting April 27th 9:00 Please Vote! Article
Leverett Town Meeting April 27th 9:00 AM Please Vote!
I am writing to urge Leverett Citizens to partake in our 'little d' democracy this coming Saturday at the Town Meeting, Leverett Elementary School, 9AM
My environmental group CLEAN! (Citizens for Landfill Environmental Action Now!) has been working with the town for the past year to get an article on the Warrant to address the five homes in E. Leverett whose water has been contaminated by the chemical plume coming from the unlined landfill.
We believe it truly is time for the Town to take positive action and relieve the daily suffering, inconvenience, and property devaluation that the contamination has caused. There are some families who have been mandated by the Department of Environmental Protection to get bottled water for 10 years. Others have tried to sell due to illness but were unable to because of the water. We cannot access the nest egg we thought our homes would provide us.
We are urging people to vote YES to all 3 options on Article 16.
1) Appropriate funds to connect a water line to Amherst ($2 million plus; possible grant
money)
2) Fund a hydrogeologist study of local water sources ($150,000)
3) Appropriate $20,000 to hire an appraiser to assess fair market value and have the
town purchase homes as they come up for sale.
We are urging yes votes so that as the best possible solution presents itself, the town can then act. We need the numbers to get 2/3 majority votes. Every vote counts.
Please understand that the implications of hidden poisons in our water are far reaching and affect out daily lives and our future. The bottled water jugs weigh 40 lbs and handling them is getting too cumbersome for people as they age. As things deteriorate we are less or unable to access the equity in our homes that we have carefully built.
This is certainly not an exciting or fun expenditure such as broadband or funds for a library but we all need to realize that trash doesn't just disappear once it is thrown away.
Thank you and I hope to see you at Town Meeting!
Hi. I am looking for an electrician who does side jobs. I will also need a plumber for a small job. Please share any recommendations with Rae Gould (text 860-287-7957). Thank you!
Hi folks ... I'm looking for a licensed plumber who would be interested in helping me with a composting toilet installation. Any recommendations, or is that you? Please get in touch. Thanks ... Ben - 413-237-7060 Ph/Txt.
Magical Shutesbury Holiday Shop returns for its 7th year!
December 7, 6-9 pm; December 8, 10-8:30; December 19 11-6
Shutesbury Athletic Club Function Room
282 Wendell Rd., Shutesbury, MA
his fabulously magical three-day event transforms the Shutesbury Athletic Club Function Room into a veritable wonderland of handcrafted gift-giving options! This year the shop features an affordable array of work from 40 local artisans, artists, crafters, authors and musicians. An amazing selection of options for all celebration!.
Now in its 7th year, the Shutesbury Holiday Shop is known for its incredible inventory of extraordinary and affordable handmade gifts. There will be beautiful jewelry, quilts, ornaments, food (fudge, jam, maple syrup, honey), soap, handmade bags, tie dyes, wind chimes, baskets, books by local authors, health and wellness products, music & storytelling CDs, woodcrafts, mushtache cups, fiber art (knit, crochet, woven, sewn, organic, plant-dyed), therapy pillows, photography, fine art cards & prints, tea, stuffed animals, and more to come! Something for everyone! The artisans, artists, authors, musicians, and cooks are all from Shutesbury or one of its bordering towns.
Opening night on Friday 12/7 features a Shop & Dine option with a dinner of Soups & Stews to benefit the Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library.
From 4-6 pm on Saturday 12/8 there will be a book signing by local authors who work is included in the shop. See FB page and website (listed below) for details.
The Shutesbury Holiday Shop was founded in 2011 to provide a welcoming venue for talented local artists, artisans, crafters, authors and musicians of all ages to show and sell their work and to create a one-stop shopping experience for people who enjoy buying handmade for the holidays. Started by Melinda LeLacheur of Dragonfly Designs it is now run by a volunteer committee of local artisans who work hard to create a warm, wonderful gift shop for the community to enjoy.
Five College Early Music Program Painless Auditions
The Five College Early Music Program will be holding its patented Painless Auditions the first week of classes. These are open to students, faculty and members of the community. The relevant information follows. We would be grateful for any publicity you can provide.
The Five College Early Music Program welcomes students, faculty, and community members interested in auditioning to SING or PLAY in one or more ensembles, including the COLLEGIUM choir, BAROQUE ORCHESTRA (modern string players and adventurous pianists are encouraged to try this!) and chamber music, MEDIEVAL and RENAISSANCE ensembles and VOCES FEMINAE. The auditions are "painless" experiences, held at all the campuses. Performances sponsored by the program feature baroque and Renaissance music played on modern and period instruments and sung in historically-informed style. Consider beginning RECORDER, VIOLA DA GAMBA, LUTE or RENAISSANCE TROMBONE! We also offer instruction on period instruments (recorders, sackbut, viol, lute, etc.) for modern players, in beginning ensembles and lessons. Credit is available for ensembles and lessons for MHC, UMass and HC.
Tuesday, September 4:
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 – 4:30 PM: Room 170 Fine Arts Center, UMass
5:00 – 6:30 PM: Room 7 Music Center, Amherst College
Wednesday, September 5:
1:00 – 4:00 PM: Room 210 Pratt Hall, Mount Holyoke College
Thursday, September 6:
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Music Lounge, Hampshire College
Friday, September 7:
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM: Room 170 Fine Arts Center, UMass
4:00 – 5:30 PM, Room 103, Sage Hall, Smith College
You are invited to my
Spring Pottery Sale!
Sat. May 5 th 10-5pm
Joy Friedman's studio at
Leverett Crafts & Arts
13 Montague Rd. Leverett, Ma. 01054
413-548-9673
Micro-wave and dishwasher safe pottery!
Good low studio prices!
Refreshments and drinks will be served.
Come by and see my latest pottery with lots of colorful glazes!
Lots of 2nds!
Shop locally!!
There will be lots of mugs, bowls of all sizes, lace bowls,
garlic graters, berry bowls, dip and chip platters, yarn bowls, vases, sponge holders,
pie plates, and lots more!!
It would be wonderful to see you!
Blessings of spring,
Joy
The Village Co-op Board has launched the Village Co-op Community Survey- Take 2! via Survey Monkey. Please take a moment to answer this brief survey about the store; it’s offerings, and the general vibe of our great collective resource. We are seeking everyone’s feedback and ideas as users of the Co-op. Thanks! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SFDNTPV
PS- Please come to our ALL-Community meeting 2/24/18 at the Leverett Library 12:30-3 to share your thoughts in person! Let’s Grow the Community TOGETHER at the Village Coop.
Dear Village Cooperative Community and Membership,
The Board of Directors is currently planning an opportunity to meet with all of you. We hope to build a stronger collective future, together, with you, going forward. We will invite you to share, bring your ideas, and your energy to make the Village Cooperative a TRUE community resource!
February 24th 12:30-3 Leverett Library Community Room.
Dear Village Cooperative Community and Membership,
Hello my friends, neighbors and members! I’d like to share that Paul Rosenberg, our committed General Manager of over 18 years, has decided to step down from the general manager position of the Village Cooperative this April. He has provided many years of dedicated service to the community through his loyal commitment to the operations of this wonderful community supported store. He is a community organizer and has been involved in many, many member appreciation days, early Spring Flings and other community outreach initiatives. You could find him sharing a story, a smile, or some positive words with YOU all, as you stood at the check-out over the years. While his gift for creating a welcoming atmosphere was phenomenal, his management ability to maintain a lean organization through trying economic times is also commendable! We wish to thank him for his years of dedicated service and hope you share your appreciation with him.
The Board of Directors is currently planning an opportunity to meet with all of you. We hope to build a stronger collective future, together, with you, going forward. We will invite you to share, bring your ideas, and your energy to make the Village Cooperative a TRUE community resource! February 24th 12:30-3 Leverett Library Community Room. Please feel free to get in touch with me.
Kenmore Washer/Dryer~Heavy Duty~Super Capacity Plus - $195 for both
They work great, but I’m changing to a front loader.
Here’s the Craig’s list link with the model #’s and photos.
Private message me at: joypots@gmail.com
Joy
During the weekend of Oct. 27-29, a small group of concerned citizens in Leverett are welcoming 15 Kentuckians from Appalachian coal country into our homes — and we hope into our hearts.
Their two vans will arrive in the dark after a 15-hour journey. We think they are brave to come into our homes and community, and we will be there to welcome them. Their culture and politics vary vastly from ours — yet both groups are committed to discovering our common dreams and ways to realize them that serves all of us.
How did this weekend come about? When the Leverett Alliance formed out of the despair over the 2016 election, one subgroup, the Bridging Committee was determined “to bridge” with Americans whose histories and perceptions are different from our own. We found a remarkable partner in Appalshop, a nonprofit community and cultural organization in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Eighteen of us in Leverett and 15 in Kentucky have been planning ever since and have named our endeavor “Hands Across the Hills.”
We plan to enhance our understanding of each other in a series of structured dialogues, as well as share activities that include participatory theater, an art project on ancestry, music jams, meals, sightseeing in the Pioneer Valley, and home stays.
On Oct. 28, a full day of events is open to the public, including a morning community forum where our guests will first present their history, culture, and challenges, and then engage with the audience in small groups. In the evening, everyone is invited to a contra dance.
For details, see the Leverett town website at http://leverett.ma.us/
and click on “Hands Across the Hills.”
Next spring, our Leverett group will make a reciprocal visit to Whitesburg.
We began this effort hoping for camaraderie and connection for all 33 participants over the weekend, as well as increased awareness and learning for the public that participates on Oct. 28. Over the months, however, this project has unexpectedly grown in dimension. Now some of us ask if our coming together, our exploration, and our documentation of the project can be a model for dissemination and encouragement for others to try a similar experiment in their own communities.
For decades, I have worked with people in war-torn countries who afterward learn to interact effectively and rebuild their communal lives. If it can happen in those circumstances, I believe people-to-people programs here in our own fragmented country can do the same, using this model or one like it.
We understand the vast gaps in our lives and views. We do not expect to agree with our guests and we will not avoid the difficult topics, but we expect to listen and be listened to. We seek a way to find common purpose before we fracture even further, and that is what we hope our project will accomplish.
This bridging project offers an alternative to the despair and disempowerment we have been feeling — that we are helpless in the onslaught of history rolling over us. So often it seems like there is nothing we can do. But here is something we can do. The process and the growing connections feel right, healthy, and empowering. We now live in anticipation of their arrival, our dialogues and our shared three days of activities.
Transformation? Do I expect others may change? First of all, I’ve changed. For the first time in my life I’ve read a half dozen books about Appalachia and watched relevant videos. I’ve also had many conversations with my Kentucky counterpart Ben Fink and become sensitized to their issues and concerns. I am in deep transformation and I believe our Bridging Committee is too. This transformation gives me hope that we can move from demonization to humanization, first with our fellow citizens from Trump country, and later with others.
The Leverett Alliance welcomes your participation at the public events on Oct. 28. This is a great opportunity for you to share in a meaningful grassroots learning experience with some people from a different part of the country who are taking a risk for understanding and connection.
Paula Green, of Leverett, is founder of the Karuna Center for Peacebuilding in Amherst and professor emerita of the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont. She has worked extensively in conflict transformation in Asia, Africa, the Mideast and Eastern Europe.
A very happy, young female cat, striped tiger with a long tail has been hanging out with us for 3 days. She is friendly. She must belong to someone? Our own kitty is almost out of spit with all the hissing. She's having an unhappy time.
Friday, August 25, 2017 6:30 pm, The Center at Eagle Hill School, Hardwick, MA
Tickets: Dinner + Concert=$50 :: Concert Only=$30
To purchase: http://www.thecenterateaglehill.org/ or 413-477-6746
HARDWICK, MA—On Friday, August 25 at 6:30 pm, the Friends of the Mathieson School will present Give Them Music, a concert in memory of baritone Donald Lee Boothman, to benefit the Mathieson Music School (MMS) of Kolkata, India. International cellist and music educator Anup Kumar Biswas, founder and director of the Mathieson Music School, will lead a broad range of professional musicians through an eclectic program including Western classical music, Broadway show tunes, jazz, Indian classical and folk music, rock n’ roll and even a little country music.
The concert will commemorate baritone and long-time MMS supporter Donald Lee Boothman, who died of cancer on July 6, 2016. Boothman was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. Following formal education at Princeton University and Oberlin College, he joined the United States Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants as soloist and announcer. A singer, teacher, and musical commentator, he performed opera, oratorio and concerts throughout the United States Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. He moved to Hardwick, Massachusetts in 1983 and married his wife Kaye in 1987. He met Biswas 17 years ago, when the cellist came to the U.S. to prepare for a concert at Carnegie Hall. The two began performing together, and for many years, Don and Kaye traveled to England and Wales annually to raise funds for MMS. He became a patron “uncle” to the school and its very special students.
Each August, Boothman would bring together talented musicians from Western Massachusetts to give fundraising concerts for MMS. Dr. Peter J. (PJ) McDonald, headmaster of Eagle Hill School (EHS), has long supported these fundraising efforts by sponsoring concerts on the school’s Hardwick campus. This year, Eagle Hill School is entering into a partnership with the Mathieson Music School, bringing together students from these two unique centers of learning, in a musical and cultural exchange that will offer unprecedented educational opportunities to both institutions. Eagle Hill School is sponsoring this concert as a first step in this exchange, reaching out to help MMS raise funds to build new classroom and dormitory buildings at its Kolkata campus.
The performance will feature Anup Kumar Biswas (cello) and his two children, Geetanjali (vocals, cello) and Satyajit (cello, mridangam), along with seven U.S. musicians who are donating their talents: Clifton “Jerry” Noble, Jr. (piano & guitar), Kara Noble (bass), Bob Sparkman (clarinet), Peter Shea (baritone), Jennifer Fijal (mezzo-soprano), Danny Brevik (baritone), and Ben Peterson (cello). They will present a diverse program including classic Broadway love songs such as Some Enchanted Evening and If I Loved You; traditional jazz standards like Honeysuckle Rose and Night and Day; original compositions including Biswas’s rock-and-raga inspired improvisation, Celebration; showstoppers by Sousa and Paganini and a country tribute to our Friends with Tractors.
Tickets are available through the box office of The Center at Eagle Hill School beginning on August 1, 2017. They can be purchased online at The Center’s website at http://www.thecenterateaglehill.org/ or by calling 413-477-6746. Tickets including the dinner must be purchased no later than Friday, August 18, 2017.
Long-awaited Breast Documentary Comes The Academy Music
Easthampton, MA (date): For the past four years, Easthampton resident and documentary filmmaker Meagan Murphy and her team have worked to create The Breast Archives, a groundbreaking documentary about women and their breasts. The film features nine women, most of whom were filmed with their breasts exposed. In a series of interviews, they explore, critique and celebrate the complex role of the breasts and their role in body image, health and social identity.
The screening will take place at The Academy of Music in Northampton, MA at 274 Main St, Northampton, MA 01060 on Sunday September 17th. Tickets are available at https://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/1521137. The film will begin at 5pm.
Private screenings of the film have been met with inspired and thoughtful dialogue. When the lights come up, audiences are moved to share how the internalization of media images, religion and cultural contexts have influenced their relationships with their bodies and one another. The enthusiastic testimony isn’t limited to breast-havers: men often rave that The Breast Archives has connected them more deeply with the experiences and feelings of their partners.
Murphy is hopeful that the local community will support the film and its aim of engaging all people in a liberating, compassionate and expanded relationship with breasts. The honesty and generosity of the nine women in the film empowers all women to resist and rise above the media’s demands that our womanhood be conformist and that our breasts be perfectly formed, exclusively sexual or solely nurturing.
As the project plans for its first public showing, Murphy is launching an ambitious IndieGoGo fundraising campaign on September 14th in order to raise funds to market the film internationally.
Every Thursday during July at Leverett Crafts and Arts from 2-5 PM, the Barnes Gallery becomes a pop-up fiber studio. children with Adults are welcomed to weave, spin and make rope. No money, but smiles and some know-how are exchanged.
Call me with questions, at 413 409-1609. Leonore
Exhibit at LCA: Crafted Cloth tells stories about cloth for every day use, and about the people who grow fibers, weave, make felt, surface-design and sew cloth. They follow their vocation in New England and distant lands, making yardage, garments, shoes, chair covers, blankets, rugs, accessories, even masks.
Conceived and curated by Leonore Alaniz, this exhibit traverses segments of global textile history and fiber-scapes. While indigenous
textile arts are endangered, re-generative practices implemented by members of the “fibershed” movement for example, steady this decline and foster the emergence of modern fiber economies. Members subscribe to permaculture practices, cooperative product development and dialogue with consumers. Cloth as metaphor teaches that the regard a society affords to artful cloth making, is a reflection of that society’s stability and potency.
Through July 31st 2017.
OPEN Thursday - Sunday from 1:00 - 6 PM and by appointment.
The POP-UP classroom is open Thursdays 2 - 5 PM for children and adults wanting to try their hands at spinning, weaving and rope making.
Hi Neighbors,
Just want to let you know that I’m offering pottery classes at LCA that start next week.
If you’re interested please let me know. They are a lot of fun and you will bring home your own beautiful pottery! I'm teaching Tues. afternoons from 3-5:30 and Wed. evenings from 6-8:30. I hope you can join!
JOy
Thanks, Don. Yes, it takes a village, and a certain amount of intention and follow-through, to untangle yourself from corporate ... anything. Though I am a frequent user of Facebook (I'll be the first one to admit it's a far easier platform to use) I still view it as the Wallmart of social media.
Back in 2009, when MontagueMA.net was in its hey day, that website was getting over 2000 page views a day, and at least 20 or more posts a day. The community was very involved in it, and I was told that pretty much everyone in Town Hall and the FD and PD would pull it up to read while they drank their morning coffee. It was responsible for the ouster of two selectboard members, and the surfacing of several issues that had been hiding below the surface in town.
It would be difficult to get that site back up to those numbers, but it's certainly worth trying, and the impact can still be the same. It all depends on whether people want to give it a go.
In February we will give this website its first facelift in a very long time. At that point we will have a meeting to show everyone what the site can do, and how it can be used. It really has a lot of capabilities.
Thanks for all you do, Mik and you're right, I've been distracted by the larger world. Facebook hasn't gone micro local yet, though the Village Co-op FB page used to get a little traffic.
I'm going to make an effort to post area events once again. We'd all do well to remember LeverettMA.net now, given the growing need to go local in a world gone mad. :/
It's been a while since anyone posted here. Facebook has pretty much crushed any local community websites, including this one and the others like it.
However, we are committed to improving the interface of our community websites over the next six months. Please stick around and check out the changes as they happen.
And please use this community website. POST SOME STUFF! You have a corkboard, and a calendar. Go for it.
You're invited to my Open Studio Sale
Sat. Nov. 12th 10-5
at Leverett Crafts and Arts.
Come browse the large variety of pots. There will be 2nds too, food and drink!
Enter to win a free bowl!!
Good low studio prices!
There are lots of mugs, bowls of all sizes, garlic graters, garlic jars, pie plates, sponge holders, berry bowls, dip and chip platters, yarn bowls, ikebana, creamers/sugars and lots more!!
It would be wonderful to see you!
I am so grateful to be able to do the work I love!
Blessings, Joy
Fall Studio Sale!
Sat. Nov. 12th 10-4pm
Joy's studio at
Leverett Crafts & Arts
13 Montague Rd. Leverett, Ma. 01054
413-548-9673
Enter to win a free Bowl!
Micro-wave and dishwasher safe pottery!
Refreshments and drinks will be served.
Hi Folks … Please come to my give-away this weekend. I’m downsizing my shop and have an array of shop items, material, and supplies to give away.
Location: 177 Cave Hill Rd in Leverett - on the corner of North Leverett Rd.
Time: 10 - 3 each day
There will also be a few larger shop tools for sale.
Donations will be gratefully accepted with all proceeds going to benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, sustainable initiatives and organic farming organizations.
Hi Folks … For my birthday this year I’m hosting a giveaway on November 12 and 13th at my shop. I simply have too much stuff and I would be happy if you could make use of it. It should all probably get thrown away, but of course there is no “away”, so, you, my friends, are the closest thing I’ve got.
But ... if you are a homesteader, sculptor-of-found-objects, vintage hardware aficionado, or can use random piles of lumber, plywood, fasteners, paints, solvents, adhesives, painting supplies, and a variety of random shop supplies and gizmos, then this event is for you.
Everything offered is free except for a few power tools and a few select objects which I would like to sell.
On the other hand, contributions of any amount will be happily accepted, with proceeds being donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, sustainable initiatives, and organic farming organizations.
The shop is located at 177 Cave Hill Road, Leverett, Mass. Keep in mind that GPS takes you about a quarter mile up the hill beyond the actual address. !77 is actually on the corner of North Leverett Road and Cave Hill Road,. The Driveway is about a foot past the Mill River bridge on the right. My shop is the front section of the red barn.
Hope you can make it …
Ben
October 29th Come and see us for our member appreciation Day! We will have music and tastings and all sorts of fun stuff!
Members get a discount at the reg for qualifying items! See you there!
What better way to spend a rainy Sunday afternoon? Come down to the Unitarian Church in Amherst Centre for some Irish dancing. No previous experience necessary! A professional dance expert, Rebecca McGowan, will be there to help out!
2:00pm, Unitarian Universalist Church, Amherst Centre
Hi Neighbors,
I'm excited to start teaching again!
Come get your hands into some clay and create colorful and useful pots!
Let me know if you have any questions or are interested in signing up!
Taught by Joy Friedman
Wed. Evening Mixed Level Class
Adults and Teens
6:00-8:30pm
Sept. 14th- Nov. 9th
(no class of Nov. 2nd)
$340 includes all materials and firings.
At the Leverett Crafts and Arts joypots@gmail.com
Hi everyone! Tomorrow on the Wendell Town Common from 10-1pm:
Sugarbush Farm will have maple syrup and cookbooks.
Joyfarm will have organic, free-range fertile pastured eggs, fruit-infused
maple syrup and assorted plants.
Laughing Dog Farm will have collards, kale, chard, beet greens, lettuce,
beets, garlic, shallots, snow and snap peas, cut flowers + (lil' white
bunny holding) ...and more!
New Wendell Farm will have, in addition to CSA distribution, the following
extras to sell:
bunched greens, hukurei turnips, snow and snap peas, culinary sage bunches,
and head lettuce. *Head lettuce will be on sale this weekend, 2 for $4*!
Don't forget to eat your veggies this weekend, folks! The romaine is huge--
make some big, crunchy caesar salads to go along with your BBQ. Romaine
also gives the perfect crunch to fresh-grilled burgers.
In addition: Shelley Hines here, of Wellness Shines. This Saturday, July 2nd, I shall be offering Asian Bodywork (Shiatsu) and Energy Healing for the Body, Mind & Spirit. I'm available from 10am-1pm and shall be booking onsite, as well as ahead of time with a call from you, to me, at 508-631-6376. If anyone who has already experienced my healing work and feels inclined to share some feedback, that would be awesome.
Looking forward to our time together!
The Wendell Farmers Market (Saturday mornings, Wendell Common, 10-1:00) is a unique, weekly offering of high-quality, home-grown produce, plants, flowers, herbs, syrup and more, conceived in Wendell's inimitable spirit of diversity, generosity, creativity and mutual support. The vendors and practitioners of the Wendell Farmers Market aim to provide healthy, fresh and locally-grown sustenance (and services) to our friends and neighbors as well as other regional visitors to Wendell, especially those who value and are otherwise isolated from other good food sources. As well as fine produce, the Wendell Farmers Market often includes an on site healer/bodyworker, drummers and/or other minstrel musicians. Patrons include food lovers, friends, as well as local neighbors who come not only for the incredible, fresh, (largely organic!) produce, but as well to barter, kibbitz and talk gardening/food with the passionate farmer-teachers, onsite.
The Wendell Farmers Market welcomes other local growers, crafters, musicians and healers to participate, whether as "vendors", consumers, barterers or just to enjoy fellowship and a lovely view from the historic Wendell Common. Stop by and see us, Saturdays 10:00-1:00!
Sugarbush Farm features premium maple syrup crafted by Wendell farmer Bill Facey (who built a post-and-beam sugarhouse in Wendell. Laurel markets his syrup and can usually be seen on Saturdays at the Wendell Farmers Market as well as at the house at 47 Davis Road, off Mormon Hollow Road.
Laughing Dog Farm (of nearby Gill), run by Wendell "ex-pats" Divya Shinn and Dan Botkin, is a five acre, permaculture-inspired market farm, sanctuary and learning site, producing a wide variety of heirloom, seasonal and storage produce (plus herbs, flowers and garlic) to share with neighbors and friends... (CSA shares still available for summer.) 413-863-8696
Sarah Kohler of Joyfarm in New Salem and Caro Rozwell's new CSA will be there too!
Seeking one person for a 2 bdrm house share in a unique and beautiful home. Looking for someone interested in participating and collaborating in making the household work. A great fit is a person who enjoys connecting and communicating, and who also loves cats! Please view my ad on Craigslist for all the details: https://westernmass..../roo/5610593844.html
Looking for one or two individuals to share 3 BR, energy efficient house on large property on Rt 63. Land / garden / attached green house, common spaces indoors are ideal for practicing healing arts and/or permaculture. Parent and child are welcomed. Reasonable rent plus utilties; first and last mo plus security. Share with mature woman who values neatness and good communications. Available now. Eight month lease requested. Leave message at 860 605 6705.
Hi,
I’m a production potter in Leverett and I’m seeking a part-time apprentice.
For the right person, this is a great experience!
Flexible hours. Approximately 8-10 hours/week.
Preferably to work 2-3 days/week (not weekends) but hours are flexible.
You’ll receive free studio space, equipment to use, glazes and firings,
as well as 50% discount for pottery classes.
You will have the opportunity to learn about wheel-throwing,
hand-building, glazes, kilns, firing, and running and marketing your
own business.
Some of the work that you would be doing include: Making Glaze, Clay Preparation, Kiln preparation,
Kiln loading and unloading, Cleaning the studio, Packing and shipping the pottery,
Preparing for shows, Putting handles on pots and more.
If you are not interested but know someone who might be interested in
this, I'd really appreciate it if you could pass this email along to
them!!
Get your hands into some clay!
Wheel Throwing and Hand-Building Instruction
*Weekly Demonstrations and Projects
*Beginners and all levels of experience welcome
*Lots of individual attention- Class limited to 8 people
1) Evening Mixed Level Class
Adults and Teens
Tues. Evenings Sept. 15th- Nov. 3rd
6:00-8:30pm
2) Daytime Mixed Level Class
Adults and Teens
Thurs. Mornings 10:30am -1:00pm
Sept. 17th- Nov. 5th
$300 includes all materials and firings
At the Leverett Crafts and Arts
There will be Open Studio Time available on Sat.'s 10:00-12:00am
Call Joy at 413-548-9673 or email: joypots@gmail.com
CHARLIE KING - Saturday - September 19 - 7:30 pm
The Peace & Social Concerns Committee of Mount Toby Meeting presents Charlie King in concert on Saturday, September 19 at 7:30 pm. We are located at 194 Long Plain Rd. (Route 63), Leverett, MA.
Charlie King is a musical storyteller and political satirist. He has been at the heart of American folk music for half a century. He
sings and writes passionately about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. In addition to a full time career of concert touring, Charlie has sung in support of numerous groups working for peace, human rights, economic justice and environmental sustainability.
“With encouraging regularity, Charlie King emerges from his self-reflection to remind us of the happy resilience of the human spirit. His message songs vary between the funny and the frightening, but he pulls them off with unvarying taste, musical skill, and charm.” – Billboard
“One of the finest singers and songwriters of our time.” – Pete Seeger
**** Seeking 1 more housemate for a group in spacious 3500 sq ft beautifully updated 1700’s Leverett house! ****
THE AVAILABLE ROOM - Very large first floor room with working fireplace, white painted paneling, beautiful afternoon light, built in cabinet, many windows (4), cedar closet/storage just off room. Share full bath with one other person on this floor.
Rent $650 + utilities - or are you seeking studio space? If so, there is an adjacent large room you could choose to also use for a total of $750 + utilities.
Common Space / just some of the many Amenities - roomy, lovely, spectacular! -
Wood floors throughout [except where tiled]
SKYLIGHTS - sunny vaulted ceilings with loads of skylights - 2 in kitchen, 3 in living area
Kitchen = Beautiful, gourmet kitchen with blue & white painted tiles, large 6 burner Viking gas range, many cabinets, and a breakfast table area.
Living room = Open design area with wood stove, lots of quality windows.
Wood stove plus working fireplaces - plus Zoned oil heat !
Washer & Dryer on first floor - behind bathroom, but with outdoor separate entrance. Laundry line right next to it for nice weather use.
OUTDOORS -
Large, sunny beautiful backyard with big shade trees & mature ornamental plantings, possible garden space.
PLENTY OF SPACE to relax. Open pasture / 5 acres for hiking or to walk out.
* [There is also a HOT TUB which can be used if any or us/ or collectively decide to take care of this and pay for the expense of using it.]
LOCATION - very close to Leverett center - can bike to library - a beautiful resource, hiking trails behind. Also right near Leverett Pond, if you like to kayak or canoe.
the group = We are mature, respectful, quiet, peaceful, environmentally minded people - (into recycling, green unscented cleaning soaps, etc). NO SMOKING
A gardener, a carpenter, an artist/dancer/teacher. We seek joyous, mellow times together, respect privacy.
This is not an owner occupied house, but there is a restriction of no dogs…
<
that Eversource has scheduled an herbicide application demonstration
for Thursday, July 30th at 9:00am at the pull off on Shutesbury Rd. in Leverett where the
power lines crosses the road. The location is just a little way up
Shutesbury Road towards Shutesbury from the Shutesbury and Cushman roads
intersection. This demonstration is the result of some resident concerns
about the herbicide application that were expressed at a recent Selectboard
meeting. All residents are welcome. Again the date is July 30 at 9:00 am.
on Shutesbury Road. >>
I'm bringing my "Say it: Don't Spray it Sign". You? Please pass it on!
This is a reply to the couple looking for an apartment. We have a ground floor 1BR apartmt available, located on Rt 63 near the Quaker Meeting House. It has Kit, Sm LR, BR, bath with tub. Its part of a larger house five people share. Surrounded by Nature / woods. It is warm in the winter. Carport. Lots of garden area avail. to be cultivated. Rent is $ 800. Utilities included. Owner occupied. Call Llan Starkweather at 413 548 9434.
Share a quiet household with common space that is enjoyed for healing, yoga and meditation. Ideal for vegetarian who values neatness, sounds of surrounding nature, hikes in adjoining woods, uplifting music, and mutual growth through harmonious exchanges. There is much opportunity to garden outdooors and in the adjoining greenhouse. You'd share this unique house with one mature woman. Owner lives in the nearby mainhouse. The available room is small and empty, furnished common areas are ample. The kitchen is equipped. Utilities included. First and last month rent, $ 525/mo. Available now. Call 413 548 9434.
I want to let you know about my pottery classes that are starting up in June.
It is a fun and creative class where you can learn to throw pots on the wheel or hand-build beautiful pieces.
Make mugs, plates, bowls, night-lights, pitchers, butter dishes and casseroles. Learn surface decoration, altering, and glazing.
I hope you can join in this class or can pass it along to someone you think might enjoy it.
1) Tues. Mornings 10:30am-1:00pm
June 2nd- July 21st
2) Wed. Evenings 6:00-8:30
June 3rd - July 22nd
Anyone know of an apartment for rent in So. Leverett or North Amherst? Young, working couple looking for a 1 bedroom to rent, long term, starting this summer. Close to nature is ideal~
Hi,
We are looking to split a Riverland Farmshare in Sunderland with someone or with a family. The shares are plenty big to split. It's a wonderful organic farm with produce, berries, herbs and flowers.
Here is their website: http://www.riverlandfarm.com/
Let me know know if you are interested.
Thanks,
Joy
What Does Mean Have Fracked Gas Pipeline The Neighborhood
Sunday, April 12, 4 to 5:30pm. What Does it Mean to Have a Fracked Gas Pipeline in the Neighborhood. A discussion led by Jim Cutler of MassPlan and an Ashfield landowner impacted by the proposed Kinder Morgan pipeline. Leverett Town Hall, Leverett, MA
Hi All,
I know so many of you are creative and artsy, so if you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make pottery or continue learning about it, this is a really fun class.
I'm offering 2 spring pottery classes. Learn how to throw pots on the wheel and/or hand-build, or improve your existing clay skills!! We will make bowls, mugs, covered jars, masks, butter dishes, plates and more. The glazes are colorful and food safe.
1) Tues. mornings March 31st-May 19th from 10:30-1pm,
2) Wed. nights starting on April 1st- May 20th from 6-8:30pm.
Please call or email Joy for more info-413-548-9673
Thanks,
Joy
Hi All,
Happy Spring! I am a production potter in Leverett and I'm seeking a part-time apprentice.
For the right person, this is a great experience!
Flexible hours. Approximately 8-10 hours/week (not evenings).
Preferably to work 2-3 days/week. Hours are flexible.
You’ll receive free studio space, equipment to use, glazes and firings, as well as 50% discount for pottery classes.
You will have the opportunity to learn about wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazes, kilns, firing, and running and marketing your own business.
If you are not interested, but you know someone who might be interested, please pass this along to them.
Thanks,
Joy Friedman
548-9673 joypots@gmail.com
I want to remind you that our 6th annual 108 Days of Meditation is beginning this week. The opening ceremony is this evening. I hope you already knew of this from my previous announcements through various means such my meditation email list, the 108 Days Facebook page, the Green River Zen Center Newsletter, and so forth. But the it occurred to me that I had not sent out a notice on this list. So if you are hearing of this for the first time, I apologize for the short notice!
The 108 Days officially begins today -- Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2015, with an opening practice and ceremony at the Green River Zen Center, 7--9 pm, Dixon House, Leverett Congregational Church, Leverett, MA.
The official end is Apr. 24, with a closing ceremony, on Apr. 28.
If you are just hearing of this, and need a little more time to take the plunge, it would be fine to begin a few days later. For example, if you started this Sat. Jan. 10, the closing ceremony would be 108 days. So no problem starting any time this week.
Of course it is not mandatory to attend the ceremonies to take part. But if you can join us on tonight, that would be great. In any case, if you are planning to take part, please let me know so I can include your name. Here is a description with all the relevant information:
TURNING THE LIGHT AROUND:
108 DAYS OF MEDITATION
Jan. 6 – Apr. 24, 2015
Led by John Genyo Sprague
In his teachings on meditation, Dogen urges us to take the backward step, and turn the light around to shine within. This is a central teaching in Zen, the thread of which goes back to much earlier times in China and India.
So much of our attention and life energy is spent attending to the “external” world and to our many thoughts and ideas about it. Zen meditation offers an opportunity to turn the light of our energy and attention inward – to let go of our external fixations and illuminate and nourish our inner being. Consistent and long practice strengthens both our spiritual and physical energies, and provides a foundation for insight and awakened compassionate living.
Join the Green River Zen Center for our 6th annual 108 Days of Meditation – a commitment to meditate every day for 108 days, building our practice, nourishing our inner spirit, and supporting the realization of our own enlightened nature. The 108 Days begins with an opening practice and ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 6, 7–9pm, at our zendo at the Dixon House of the Leverett (MA) Congregational Church. It officially ends on Friday, Apr. 24, with a closing ceremony at the zendo on Tuesday, Apr. 28.
Even if you cannot make the ceremonies, please join us in this practice, which is facilitated by John Genyo Sprague. Genyo has opened a Facebook page, 108 Days of Meditation, in which people can post to support each other. For more information please contact him at sunyajohn@gmail.com or 413-259-1304. Everyone is welcome to take part.
Guidelines:
The goal is primarily to strengthen our meditation practice, and build our concentration-power (samadhi, joriki).
The basic agreement is to meditate everyday for 108 days. The traditional practice is one hour per day. If you can do this, that’s great, but if that is not possible, commit to what you can do. The key is consistency, and to build one's practice.
You can break your daily meditation into two or more periods.
Walking meditation can be included.
A couple missed days are acceptable, although it is preferable to squeeze in at least some minutes of practice on those days.
If for some reason you are not able to succeed fully with these commitments, I encourage you to keep going nonetheless and do your best for the entire 108 says, since the main goal is to support one’s practice and build concentration. At the end we will honor everyone who has undertaken the journey.
Ongoing support is available. Consider joining us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/groups/108Days
Contact: John Genyo Sprague,
413-259-1304, or sunyajohn@gmail.com.
Please join us on Friday December 19 at the Wendell Town Hall from for a Medieval Yule Celebration to benefit the Wendell Meetinghouse from 6pm to 9pm. The celebration will include a feast, caroling and music by traditional duo Lady Moon featuring Kellianna and harpist Jenna MacDonald.
The feast will feature simple hearty local foods including Diemand Turkey legs, Kathleen's venison stew, Eric Newman's Vegan stew and more. Dessert is potluck. After dinner join in on the caroling, featuring local pianist Adam Bergeron and enjoy the enchanting harp and vocal duo lady Moon performing seasonal, Traditional, and Celtic music to end the evening. Please feel free to wear your finery! Costumes, including medieval wear or any theme are welcome but not required.
Tickets are $15-$20 sliding scale at the door. Advanced tickets for $13-$20 sliding scale will soon be available at the Wendell Country Store & the Wendell Holiday Craft Fair. Concert only at 8pm $8-$10. $5 Kids under twelve/infants free.
Marianne Sundell for Friends of the Wendell Meetinghouse
Joy Friedman Pottery
Fall Studio Sale!
Sat. Nov. 15th 10-4pm
Joy's studio at
Leverett Crafts & Arts
13 Montague Rd. Leverett, Ma. 01054
413-548-9673
Micro-wave and dishwasher safe pottery!
Good low studio prices!
Refreshments and drinks will be served.
Basic Dowsing with Steve Herbert.
May 10th, 9am to 4pm
Brooks Bend Farm, 119 Old Sunderland Rd, Montague, MA
Rain or shine - fee - 60.00 Includes local foods lunch
We will cover • Introduction to dowsing • Dowsing tools and methods
Experiencing the dowsing reaction • Determining personal codes
• Learning proper phrasing of requests • Applications of dowsing
The workshop will follow American Society of Dowsers founder and Master Dowser Terry Ross's Seven Levels Of The Development Of The Dowser and offer advice for each stage of progression. Advanced topics will include dowsing theory, programming, increasing accuracy and the dowser's sense. Guidance will be offered on all aspects of the dowsing quest or search. The focus will be on water dowsing as the topics are explained, and a field demonstration and practice will be included. We will extend out to personal dowsing, earth energies, auras, agricultural dowsing, and other specialties as time permits. Handouts provided. Dowsing tools will be available for practice and for sale.
Steve Herbert lives in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and holds degrees in Geology and Anthropology. He has been an ASD member since 1985. He has also served in the Peace Corps in Africa and Latin America, where he has worked as an agro-forester and in developing water resources and sanitation systems. He is presently Secretary of the ASD Water for Humanity Fund. Steve was named 2002 Dowser of the Year by the ASD.
For additional information, or to RSVP
Please call 413-237-7060
Our first Horsemanship Yoga Clinic of the season will be on May 4th from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. At Sky High Farm in Leverett. The clinic is a combination of traditional yoga, mounted yoga and riding. It will be taught by Jennifer McNary and Colleen Campbell. $85 per person. Details about the class are on my website www.campbellequinetraining.com or email me for more details and to reserve a place!
Sunny, fully furnished room with a large closet available May 1st in
Leverett. $550 everything included (heat, electric, limited internet,
laundry). 15 min from the UMASS campus. Quiet and respectful home with
plenty of space, two well behaved dogs, 2 acres and miles of hiking
trails to enjoy! Sorry no other pets or smoking.
I’m a production potter in Leverett seeking a part-time apprentice.
Flexible hours. Approximately 10 hours/week.
Preferably to work 2-3 days/week but hours are flexible.
You’ll receive free studio space, equipment to use, glazes and firings, as well as 25% discount for pottery classes.
You will have the opportunity to learn about wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazes, kilns, firing, and running and marketing your own business.
Some of the work that you would be doing include:
· Making Glazes
* Clay Preparation
· Kiln preparation
· Kiln loading and unloading
· Cleaning the studio
· Packing and shipping the pottery
· Preparing for shows
· Putting handles on pots
If you know someone who might be interested in this I'd really appreciate it if you could pass it along to them!!
For more information call Joy Friedman at 548-9673
e-mail - joypots@gmail.com
Spring Pottery Classes
ADULTS AND TEENS
1) Beginners Class- Tuesday Evenings
April 15th - June 3rd
6:00 am-8:30 pm 8 Weeks
2) Intermediate Class- Thursday Evenings
April. 17th – June 5th
6:00 pm-8:30 pm 8 Weeks
AT THE LEVERETT CRAFTS AND ARTS
LEARN WHEEL THROWING AND HAND-BUILDING
LEARN DECORATION AND GLAZING
LOTS OF INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION
ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE WELCOME
BRING HOME YOUR FINISHED PIECES
TAUGHT BY JOY FRIEDMAN
CLASS FEE: $285 Includes 25 Lbs. of Clay & all glazes & firings
Contact Joy-413-548-9673 Joypots@gmail.com
JOY FRIEDMAN IS A PROFESSIONAL POTTER WITH 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE WHO HAS BEEN TEACHING STUDENTS FOR THE PAST 18 YEARS. HER APPROACH TO TEACHING IS ONE OF GENTLE ENCOURAGEMENT WITH A FOCUS ON INDIVIDUAL CREATIVITY AND SELF-EXPRESSION.
Wednesday, March 5, 7pm. Valley organizing meeting on resistance to the proposed Kinder Morgan/TPG Fracked Gas Pipeline slated for the Berks & Franklin County. The meeting will be at Co-op Power, 15A West St. (Rt. 5-10), West Hatfield, MA.
Food For Change: Documentary Film, With Steve Alves, Filmmaker
Food For Change: Documentary Film, with Steve Alves, filmmaker
at the Wendell Free Library
Friday, February 28, 2014
7:00 pm
New Film Food For Change Examines Food Co-ops as Political & Economic Movement
Food For Change, a feature-length (84 min.) documentary from Home Planet Pictures, tells the story of the co-op movement in the U.S. through a combination of interviews, rare archival footage, and commentary by co-op leaders and historians. No other film has examined the key role played by consumer-led food co-ops during the decades-long debate over profit-driven capitalism vs. locally-controlled economic enterprises. Born in the heartland, cooperatives were seen as the middle path between Wall Street and socialism.
Filmmaker Steve Alves describes his documentary as “one part food, to two parts politics, to three parts economics.” Alves tracks the co-op movement’s quest for whole and organic foods, and the dream of sustainable food systems. The film profiles several current food co-ops that have revived neighborhoods and entire communities---right in the shadow of corporate agribusiness and national supermarket chain stores.
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Daniel Greenberg"
Date: Jan 24, 2014 5:29 PM
Subject: Leverett Community Chorus Concert this Sunday Afternoon
Hi Everyone,
FYI, there will be a Leverett Community Chorus concert this Sunday afternoon at 4pm. Info below. Pema and I are in it! Some good songs including Shed a Little Light and Mrs. Murphy's Chowder! I hope to see some of you there.
In community,
- Daniel
“Music for a Winter Afternoon”
On Sunday, January 26th
at 4 pm
at the Leverett Congregational Church
Located at the center of Leverett, across from the Town Hall
Suggested Donation: $5 per person
For more information, call: 367-9761
Daniel Greenberg
CEO, Earth Deeds
daniel at earthdeeds dot com
Get ready to race in the Montague Soapbox Derby on Sunday, September 22nd, 2013!
Visit our website www.MontagueSoapboxDerby.com to sign up for one of the 100 available racing slots. We've kept the advance racer fees at the same rate to make it affordable. Sign up right now! As an incentive, the first 25 racers will get some free derby shwag.
We are also looking for race day volunteers; please let us know if you can help. We've got t-shirts and other collectibles for volunteers, and will provide refreshments.
Good News For Local Businesses
We are working with many local public access TV stations so we can air the race live on more area cable access stations this year in addition to Montague, including Greenfield, Shelburne, and very likely Bernardston / Northfield and the Deerfield area as well. We can offer some great publicity to the fine local businesses who have sponsored the Derby as well as some new ones. Space is limited, so if you know of a business that would like to be a sponsor, please let us know. All sponsors will not only have a hay-bale banner at the race, but will be mentioned on the air by the announcer, as well as showing up in print on the screen. Don't miss it.
We will also be listing sponsors on our Facebook page as they come aboard. Please check it out, like it, and pass it on.
For those of you who participated last year, note that we will have 2 reliable back-up generators to avoid any electrical interruptions. We apologize for last year's long interruption and will conduct intensive public relations to boost attendance.
If you have questions, please visit the website. All will be answered there.
My name is Devin Hickman. I live in Montague center and am thinking about starting a micro-dairy selling 100% grass-fed organic raw cows milk here in Montague. I am trying to gauge community interest in raw milk by conducting a small survey.
If you are interested in healthy, great tasting, raw milk from grass-fed pastured cows being available right here in Montague, please take this small survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MTGQSMM
The survey is short, you don't need to register to take the survey, its free, and no demographic or personal information is required. The information will help me to figure is a micro dairy is a good fit here in Montague.
Montague WebWorks will be moving its servers to a cloud environment in March
After five years of hosting our websites on a single server (or even a shared server, back in the old days) Mik Muller of Montague WebWorks decided it was time to take the next step in the evolution of Montague WebWorks -- to move up to the cloud.
The big move will start Friday morning, March 15th, and continue through Sunday evening, March 17th. Every website and email we host will move from our existing servers to our new Cloud Servers. There should be no interruption of service, though we ask you to bear with us.
What are Cloud Servers?
Cloud Servers are the same as regular servers, except that a very large number of them are tied together through networking and software to act as a larger, faster single server, that you can then take a "slice" of as a virtual single server.
The main benefit of this is that upgrading to more processing power and storage is literally a mouse-click away, rather than physically cracking a server case open and adding resources to a single box.
This means that, for Montague WebWorks, we will be moving from ONE server that hosts all our websites, our databases, our email server, to TWO cloud servers that will each actually be multiple processors spread across many machines. One of the servers will now be dedicated to only hosting the websites, and the other server will host the databases and the email server.
The plan is to further expand, by the end of the year, to a third cloud server so we can split our databases and email server onto separate machines.
And while we're moving up to two cloud servers, we're also upgrading all the software. Our web hosting server software will get a double upgrade -- from IIS 7 to IIS 8, and from ColdFusion 8 to ColdFusion 10 -- and our email server software will upgrade from SmarterMail 8 to Smartermail 11, which has major improvements for mobile devices.
What's the Bottom Line
The bottom line is that everything will become faster. This website will load faster, and if we also host your email, your email will send and arrive faster, and the webmail interface will run faster, and on all your mobile devices.
Montague WebWorks is moving up, and expanding. By the end of April we should have around 150 RocketFusion websites, with a goal of 200 by the end of the year.
If you're ready to switch your website over to Montague WebWorks, please call Mik at (413) 320-5336. We can get started early next week.
Hey there... make sure to come out to see Welcome Yule at the Shea Theater in Turners Falls. It's a wonderful show of music, dance, songs and stories to chase away the cold and dark of winter. Definitely worth the cheap ticket price of only $10. http://welcomeyule.org/
The Daniel Shays Non-violent Bioregional Liberation Front (!) affinity group has been active lately as part of the SAGE Alliance in the struggle to shutdown the Vermont Yankee nuke. In the past the group was involved in war tax resistance in Franklin County and we may broaden our efforts once again with regard to the Climate Crisis and perhaps other issues BUT we need new members from Leverett who are like minded and committed. Would you be interested in coming to our next meeting on December 1st during a break in the "From the Soil to the Sky" conference at Hampshire College? Call 367-9352 or email: lionoak@gmail.com
20 hours a week
$12 hr Independent contract with room to grow.
Must commit for 1 yr minimum
Skills Required
Experience designing for the web, including websites and social media
Photoshop
knowledge of HTML5 and CSS3 best practices
designing email newsletters
Social Media in your personal life.
Solid grammar and ability to communicate with clients
Skills that are helpful, but not necessary
PHP knowledge
Facebook iframe & app building experience
Experience designing for print
Video editing
Leverett Congregational Church Hosts Peter Lindsay, PhD
Leverett Congregational Church (LCC), Sunday, September 30, 10:00 to 11:00 a. m. For the first in its series of guest speakers, Peter Lindsay, Ph.D., will take the pulpit to present a thought-provoking talk, “Is There Meaning Without God.” Lindsay is an associate professor of political science and philosophy at Georgia State University. He is author of Creative Individualism (SUNY Press, 1995) and many other shorter publications. In addition to Georgia State he has taught at Harvard University, UNH, and the University of Toronto. Lindsay has won numerous teaching awards. The LCC is located across from the Leverett Post Office. For more information, call Claudia Gere 259-1741.
GREAT NEWS: Starting on Monday, September 17 D & D DRYWALL will be at work in the Monks Residence at the New Temple – taping and spackling all the remaining walls and ceilings in the residence! We are grateful to D&D Drywall for making time in their busy schedule to accommodate our pressing need. David, of D & D, has estimated that the work will be finished by the end of the week! This will also include some skim coat plastering that is necessary for certain interior walls. Once the walls and ceilings are prepared , we are definitely on our way. The painting marathons can begin as early as September 22, and with the painting started, other finish work can commence: crown moldings installed, doors installed, flooring begun. We’re on our way to the” finish.”!
Please know that because of these offerings , we have been able to engage in this major process of finishing the walls. As more offerings continue to come in, we stand ready to activate many other similar projects. The continuance of these offerings have been a great encouragement to the work at hand.
We are deeply grateful to all who are helping in this huge challenge.
WORKDAY AT THE NEW TEMPLE RESIDENCE, SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16th
HELP IS NEEDED! In order to prepare for next week’s “taping and spackling,” Towbee Shonin and helpers have been very busy preparing the site for the arrival of the taping crew on Monday morning. It’s a challenging punch list – and more help is needed!
> YOU CAN HELP –There is something for everyone!
> Ø There are still small patches of sheet rock that need to be put up – like in closet ceilings and small corners.
> Ø Drop ceilings are ready to be installed.
> Ø Doors are ready to be hung.
> Ø Some clearing of rooms from storage against the walls that need to be taped.
> Ø Cleaning and tidying up, sweeping floors, clearing windows.
> Ø Continual pick-up inside and outside the New Residence.
Come for an hour, a half day, or a full day - there is something for everybody!
Join us and celebrate this milestone in the construction process,
which brings us closer to the goal of occupancy for our monks and nuns!
A nutritious lunch and snacks provided!
ASSISTANT FOR A DAY (or HALF A DAY)
During the weeks ahead, volunteers are needed to stand in as assistants to Towbee Shonin. A person in the role of assistant, is just that – whatever Towbee Shonin needs help with, the assistant is on standby to help – get a tool, hold the end of a board, steady a ladder, gather necessary equipment, etc. Every time someone comes to offer such help as an assistant, it allows Towbee Shonin to get that much more done.
If you have a morning or an afternoon or a full day to give as an assistant to give Towbee Shonin a call and tell him when you could come: 413-367-2202 (Pagoda) or (860) 759-5594 (cell)
HI, I"m offering 2 Pottery Classes!! It starts next week, so if you're interested in getting creative and
making something that you can use and enjoy for years, here's your chance!
JOy
LEARN WHEEL THROWING AND HAND-BUILDING
LEARN DECORATION AND GLAZING
ADULTS AND TEENS
1 ) INTERMEDIATE CLASS- Wednesday Evenings
Sept. 17Th–Nov. 7th 6:30pm-9:00 pm
2 ) BEGINNER CLASS- Monday Evenings
Sept. 17TH-Nov. 5TH 6:00-8:30pm
LOTS OF INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION
ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE WELCOME
BRING HOME YOUR FINISHED PIECES
AT THE LEVERETT CRAFTS AND ARTS
CLASS FEE: $275 (INCLUDES ALL MATERIALS)
JOY FRIEDMAN IS A PROFESSIONAL POTTER WITH 25 YEARS EXPERIENCE WHO HAS BEEN TEACHING STUDENTS FOR THE PAST 18 YEARS. HER APPROACH TO TEACHING IS ONE OF GENTLE ENCOURAGEMENT WITH A FOCUS ON INDIVIDUAL CREATIVITY AND SELF-EXPRESSION.
Leverett Congregational Church (LCC), Sunday, September 9, 10:00 to 11:00 a. m., join us for a Taize service of short readings and simple repetitive songs, for a reflective, meditative service. All are welcome to this free, child-friendly event. The Taize community was founded in 1940 France and embraces a tradition of peace and justice while seeking to include people, traditions, and languages worldwide. The LCC is located across from the Leverett Post Office. For more information, call Claudia Gere 259-1741.
Leverett Congregational Church Hosts Mary Ellen Miller, Playing the Shakuhachi
Leverett Congregational Church, Sunday, July 15, 10 a.m. welcomes the community to hear Mary Ellen Miller, clarinet faculty and faculty chair at the Community Music School in Springfield, faculty at the Northampton Community Music Center and the Smith College Campus School, play the shakuhachi, a Japanese bamboo flute. The traditional improvisatory, often haunting, music of the shakuhachi can be a restorative and meditative experience. Leverett Congregational Church, 4 Montague Road, Leverett (across from the Leverett Town Hall/Post Office). (For more info: Claudia Gere, 413-259-1741or http://www.macucc.org/churches/detail/167).
Community Network for Children and the Friends of the MN Spear Memorial Library
are collaborating to fund the Summer Reading Kick-Off Party on Friday, June 22 at 6pm behind the Shutesbury Town Hall.
"Star Wars Symposium" for all ages. Come dressed as a character for the costume
contest, bring your show-and-tell items, learn about the history of Star Wars,
join in a trivia contest, sign up for the summer reading program and more! For
more information call the library at 259-1213.
Here's a great community event coming up this weekend, just a few minutes south of Leverett:
21st Annual Puffer’s Pond Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, June 9
8:30 – 11 AM, rain or shine (although the forecast is for shine)
Mill River Recreation Area, Route 63, Amherst
This year with multigrain pancakes, made from local ingredients!
The annual breakfast pay for the stewardship of this swimming, picnicking, skating, and fishing heart of our community. Come enjoy delicious food with your neighbors to the south!
As usual, we'll have all-you can eat pancakes and coffee, real maple syrup, live music, and raffle with tons of prizes from local businesses.
The Leverett Historical Society is having its annual fundraiser Plant and Garden Book Sale
on Sat. May 26 9-Noon
BUT we still NEED plants and garden books to be donated!
Labelled Plants can be dropped off behind the Lev. Town Hall anytime this week.
Garden books can be dropped off at the Lev. Libary entryway anytime also. (there is a box labelled "Book Sale").
Then put the date on your calendar and stop by to support the Historic Society and this year the LES greenhouse project!
For more info., contact Dawn 367-9562 or Julie 367-2656
HYMN SING, Sunday April 29, 10-11 a.m. Leverett Congregational Church
Whenever there’s a fifth Sunday in the month, like this Sunday, the Leverett Congregational Church joins together to sing our favorite hymns (with a sprinkling of favorite psalms), replacing the traditional service. We welcome all (children too!) to join us in raising our voices with the joy of singing. Leverett Congregational Church, 4 Montague Road, Leverett (across from the Leverett Town Hall/Post Office).
Local Political Communes of the 1960s: a multimedia talk by Dan & Nina Keller
Friday April 20, 7pm (followed by Q&A, refreshments and social)
at the Wendell Free Library
The Sixties, remembered as a decade of social change and turmoil (the Civil Rights Movement, assassinations of national leaders, the Vietnam War,) also saw widespread experiments in “back to the land” communal living. Many such communes or “intentional communities” existed in our local area.
Dan and Nina Keller will discuss the history and influence of such local communities with a focus on two where they were members: the Montague Farm, from which the alternative media Liberation News Service operated and Jimmy's Popcorn, which Dan founded in Wendell. Using a selection of books about the Montague Farm and documentary film footage taken by Dan and others, they will reflect upon how these communities extend a long utopian tradition in Massachusetts. In discussion afterwards we can compare this history to current local agricultural and protest movements.
Refreshments will be served after the program to continue the discussion and reminiscence.
Dan Keller, documentary film maker and organic farmer, is also a long-time member of the Wendell Selectboard.
Nina Keller, educator, organic farmer, writer, political and NO NUKES activist, has been farming in Montague and Wendell for 43 years.
Craigieburn Alpaca Farm Field Trip - INSTEAD OF the Shutesbury playgroup on Friday, April 27 we will head over to the Alpaca Farm in Shutesbury, 243 West Pelham Road. 9:30-11am. We will get up close and personal and learn about the alpacas from Susan and Steve Rice, owners. Wear mud boots and farm clothes to explore the pastures. CNC will provide a light snack. Enjoy a simple craft with farm materials. For more information and to register contact Gillian Budine, CNC Coordinator, at 978-544-5157. This program is sponsored by Union #28 Community Network for Children.
~Parent Support Group for Parents of Children with Special Needs (Erving, Leverett, New Salem, Shutesbury and Wendell families) - Wednesday, April 4 at Leverett Elementary School, 85 Montague Road from 6-7:30. Free child care and potluck dinner. Registration required.
~Noticing Nature with Young Children in Your Own Backyard - Parent / Caregiver workshop to be held at the Erving Elementary School, 28 Northfield Road, Erving on Thursday, April 12 from 6-8pm. Free child care and dinner. Registration required.
~Birds, Beasts, and Bugs - series for children preK-3rd grade to be held at the Leverett Library, 75 Montague Road on Saturdays, April 14, 21 and 28 from 10:30-11:30am. Registration appreciated.
~4-H Babysitting Workshop - Shutesbury Elementary School, 23 West Pelham Road on Friday, April 20 from 9:30-4pm. For ages 12-18 years of age. Registration required.
In order to register for any of our programs or to be put on our mailing list, please contact Gillian Budine, CNC Coordinator, at 978-544-5157. We look forward to hearing from you!
Franklin County Area Early Education and Care Family Resource Fair
Co-Sponsored by the Gill-Montague, Mohawk, Greenfield, Pioneer, Union #28, and Union #38 Coordinated Family and Community Engagement programs, PCHP and First Church in Greenfield.
Come learn about options for preschool, Head Start, family childcare, out-or-school time programs, playgroups, story hours, and other community resources in the Franklin County Area. Each family will receive a FREE book. Refreshments available. A special visit with Tom Ricardi and his Birds of Prey!
This is a FREE event. To be held on Saturday, March 24 at the First Church in Greenfield, 43 Silver Street from 12:30-2:30pm. For more information, contact Deb Wood, Pioneer Valley Schools CFCE Coordinator, 413-498-2660
Mutton & Mead, the Medieval Festival in Montague, MA, to be held on Saturday and Sunday, June 23rd and 24th, 2012, is looking for Day, and Pre-Faire Volunteers.
Day Volunteers will work a four-hour shift within the festival, on either day (or both) and then have four hours access as a guest on that day.
Pre-Faire Volunteers will assist with the creation and set-up of the festival on weekends and some evenings leadig up to the Festival weekend, at their availability, on tasks such as set design, construction, materials transport and management, or committee work. All pre-faire volunteers who put in at least eight hours of volunteer time will gain access to the festival for one day. Those who put in at least 16 hours of volunteer time will gain access to both days of the festival.
All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and a certificate of appreciation from the festival.
Everyone wishing to register as a volunteer for the Mutton & Mead Medieval Festival should go to the online application form, located on the Festival's official website.
Our playgroups and story hours are happening regularly in all 5 towns in our school union nearly every day of the week! Check out the Shutesbury Story Hour (Mondays 10-11am) at the MN Spear Library and the Shutesbury Playgroup (Fridays 9-10:30am) in the Elementary School Gym.
Also this month, Happiest Baby on the Block parent/caregiver workshop - Tuesday, March 6 from 6-8 at the Erving Elementary School. Free dinner and child care provided with registration. Call Gillian, CNC Coordinator, at 978-544-5157 to register.
Toileting Tips parent/caregiver workshop - Tuesday, March 20 from 6-8 at the Swift River School, New Salem. Free dinner and child care provided with registration. Call Gillian, CNC Coordinator, at 978-544-5157 to register.
"Things That Go!" Pajama Story Time with Shutesbury's own Jennifer Swender - Sunday, March 25 from 5-6pm at the Erving Public Library. No registration required.
Franklin County Area Early Education and Care Family Resource Fair - Saturday, March 24 from 12:30-2:30 at First Church, 43 Silver Street in Greenfield. Tom Ricardi and his Birds of Prey will be there to entertain!
Any questions or to be on our mailing list, please call 978-544-5157 and speak to Jessica or Gillian!
The Barnes Gallery @ Leverett Crafts and Arts Center
A benefit for Kiran.
Friday, January 20, 6 pm to midnight.
Music by Rebelle, Gaia Roots, Iriko Nuevo, and Omulu Guanabara.
Silent auction, the proceeds to benefit Kiran.
To donate an auction item, call Shanti Stark at 413-367-9491.
Come and show your support.
Any donation is welcome; $10 and up encouraged.
All proceeds go to the family.
Free weekly programs for families with young children (birth to age 5)!
MONDAYS: Shutesbury Story Hour at MN Spear Library from 10-11am
WEDNESDAYS:
Erving Playgroup at the Erving Elementary School, 10-11:30am
Leverett Story Hour at the Leverett Public Library, 10:30-11:30am
Wendell Playgroup at the Wendell Free Library, 10-11:30am
THURSDAYS: Tales and Tunes with Happy Dan at the New Salem Library, 10:30-11:30
FRIDAY: Shutesbury Playgroup at the Shutesbury Elementary School, 9-10:30am
YMCA Open Gym Time at the YMCA in Greenfield (for families with children birth
to third grade):
Certain Sundays from 2:15-3:15
Jan. 22, Feb. 26, March 11 and April 1
Coming soon: "Toileting Tips" parent workshop, "Happiest Baby on the Block"
parent workshop
If you would like more info or would like to be on our mailing list, please
contact Gillian Budine, program coordinator, at 978-544-5157.
Pajama Story Time at the Wendell Free Library, "Just One of Those Days!" for children 3rd grade and younger and their adult caregiver/s
Wednesday, November 30, 6:30-7:30 pm
Wear your PJ's, bring a pillow or cozy teddy bear. Hear some stories and enjoy a cozy night out with family and friends. Small snack and take home activity provided too!
Sponsored by Union #28 Community Network for Children. Questions? Contact Gillian Budine, CNC Coordinator, at 978-544-5157 or budine@erving.com.
Wendell Free Library
7 Wendell Depot Road, Wendell
FREE! http://sites.google....ynetworkforchildren/
wanted: Person to share studio at Leverett Crafts and Arts
Wanted: Person To Share Studio
Starting December 1, 2011
Spacious and bright Studio at Leverett Crafts and Arts to share with a pottery teacher. The studio is aprox. 400 sq. ft. so the space for rent is 200 sq. ft. There could also be a common area if that would be beneficial for both of us. I teach a few nights a week so the space is available a lot. The rent is $200 a month inclusive. This space would be ideal for any artist or teacher compatible with a pottery studio.
Call Joy at 413-548-9673 Email-joypots@gmail.com
When: December 1, 2011, 9:00 pm Where: Helen Hills Hills Chapel, Smith College, Northampton, MA. Tickets: Free and open to the public.
The Smith College Festival of Sound and Space focuses on improvisation through the fusion of live electronics and violin to create a new and unique “sonic stew” in the work of Sam Pluta and Jim Altieri’s “sum and difference”.
Northampton, MA. The Smith College Festival of Sound and Space presents an evening of improvised music with Sam Pluta and Jim Altieri. "Sum and Difference" fuses live electronics and violin into an hour-long performance featuring microtonal drones, noise, custom electronic interfaces, and more.
Sam Pluta and Jim Altieri have been improvising together in various formations for the past six years. As founding members of the improv quintet GBL, Pluta and Altieri merged microtonal violin drones with electronic noise to create a new and unique sonic stew. In 2011 they combined with trumpeter Peter Evans to create the album sum and difference, released on Carrier Records.
Sam Pluta is a New York City-based composer and improviser working in the fields of acoustic and electronic music. He is Technical Director for the Wet Ink Ensemble, a new music group dedicated to the performance of new works by young composers as well as the best works of the American and European avant-garde. He has been commissioned and premiered by Wet Ink Ensemble, Yarn/Wire, ICE, Timetable Percussion, RIOT Trio, So Percussion, Dave Eggar, and Prism Saxophone Quartet and has performed internationally as a laptop soloist and chamber musician. As a founding member of the improvising quartet GBL and performing with groups like the Peter Evans Quintet, he has focused in recent years on fusing the worlds of acoustic and electronic instruments through improvisation. A devoted pedagogue, aside from his teaching duties as faculty fellow at Columbia University, he holds the John Plude Faculty Chair in Computer Musicianship at the Walden School. His music is released on quiet design and Carrier Records, a label he runs with Jeff Snyder and David Franzson.
Jim Altieri loves listening. Through his music and software, he tries to share this love with other listeners. Based in New York City, Jim is an active composer, violinist, and accordionist. His own music often uses the harmonies and rhythms of the harmonic series and explores the relationship between attention and awareness. He is a founding member of GBL and plays violin and accordion in the folk-rock band Tatters and Rags.
The Smith College Festival of Sound & Space: four shows featuring artists who explore space and sound through their innovative performances. The concerts will all take place in Helen Hills Hills Chapel on the campus of Smith College.
The 2011–12 series has a special focus on improvisation, the practice of which — particularly when presented within a space designed for liturgy and ritual — speaks directly to our notions of space in a figurative sense through our perception of emotional space, metaphorical space, and musical/dramatic structure. The process of creating music in real time creates an experience of exploration that is shared by the performers and the audience, with the physical space acting as an additional collaborator.
The artists on this series approach concepts of space and collaboration in a variety of ways, with two shows dedicated entirely to improvisatory practices (sum and difference & Curiosity is Gravity), and with aspects of the other two shows ( (( ( PHONATION ) )) and Greg Brown) incorporating improvistory practices as well.
Greg Brown of the Smith College Music Dept. serves as founding artistic director and organizer. This festival is produced in collaboration with the Smith College Office of Religious and Spiritual Life, Jennifer Walters, Dean.
For more information on the Smith College Festival of Sound and Space got to:
The Echo Lake Coffeehouse presents: WOOL&GRANT with special guest, Arjuna Greist
Friday, October 28, 7:30 pm
at the Town Hall, 9 Montague Rd., Leverett, MA
Impossible to predict. Impossible to resist. Very possibly the most exciting musical fusion you will hear this season.
Wool&Grant is the brand new combustible combination of Ina May Wool and Bev Grant, two veteran singer/songwriters with a passion for songs, stories, harmonies and guitars. As solo artists, they have won the hearts of audiences all over the country and abroad. Together, Wool&Grant create a musical alchemy of fire and feistiness, smarts and smiles, rocking clear-eyed political songs and a sampling of their road-tested wisdom of the heart.
Share the joy of discovery with these two standout artist at the Echo Lake Coffeehouse in the Town Hall, 9 Montague Rd., Leverett, MA, on Friday, October 28, 7:30 pm. Opening the show will be local poet and singer/songwriter, Arjuna Greist. Tickets are $12/$10. For more info, call 413-548-9394 and go to: www.echolakecoffeehouse.org
Bev Grant is a veteran social activist, feminist, labor singer/songwriter, "cultural worker" from Park Slope Brooklyn, where she has lived for over 30 years. She is the co-creator of a women's labor history multi-media presentation entitled "We Were There!" and has recorded five albums, including a companion cd and songbook for the show, called "We Were There!", a solo cd entitled "IN TUNE", a 7-song ep with her current group, Bev Grant & the Dissident Daughters, called “CHEEKY WOMAN”, and two albums with her former band, "Human Condition". She has appeared on numerous compilation recordings, including the recently released Grammy-nominated Smithsonian/Folkways "Best of Broadside" album. www.bevgrant.com
With intimate lyrics and captivating melodies crafted with delicacy and care, Ina May Wool sings songs of survival, rebirth and renewal featuring vocals that are both elegant and edgy. But the New England native has also spent years on the road with bands at smoky bar gigs and jazz clubs, and in studios doing session work, steadily honing her musical chops and proving she is in the music scene for the long haul. Now she serves up an eclectic mix of the jazz, blues and country influences with a wry, unmistakably urban sensibility, combined with a comfortable, down-home connection to her audience. www.inamaywool.com
Arjuna Greist is an artist for the people. Her music has a folky tone but a punk sensibility, blending progressive politics with witty observations on life. Combining performance poetry with songs both poignant and droll, Arjuna leaves her audiences uplifted. She is a poet and has a show on Valley Free Radio in Northampton, MA. www.facebook.com/arjunamusic
- Thu, Jun 30, 2022, 5:06 P
Get ready to race in the Montague Soapbox Derby on Sunday, September 22nd, 2013!