Livin' in the Belch

Madley Hadley

2011-02-11T13:25:00.001-05:00

Remember -- Livin' in the Belch isn't blogging anymore. You can catch up with us at
Madley Hadley.

Fall Festivals & Fairs & Other Events

2010-08-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

See the post for autumn activities at the new blog: Fall Festivals & Fairs & Other Events

Dear Belchertown

2010-06-23T12:04:00.000-04:00

Dear Belchertown~

Nearly two months ago my husband and I signed the papers for our new house -- our new house that is not in Belchertown. After that evening, we were a frenzy of activity, and I have not yet had time to write this letter of farewell. However, now I sit and wait for a dishwasher delivery and find I have the time.

So, thank you, Belchertown, for a fine year and a half. We enjoyed our time there. The location is wonderful, and so are the people. We loved being so close to the Quabbin and convenient to Amherst. The birds delighted me, and the Belchertown fair was always a good time.

Our time in Belchertown led us to finally settling in The Valley -- so I'm still here, and you can continue to follow local interest at the new blog: Madley Hadley.

Town Election Tomorrow!

2010-05-16T09:23:00.002-04:00

I haven't posted in a while, and there is good reason for it. But before I get into explaining it all, there's an announcement to make -- there is a town election TOMORROW! Be sure to vote! Voting will be at the high school from 8am-8pm. For details, read this article in MassLive.

Dear Loyal Belch Readers~

2010-04-19T09:52:00.003-04:00

You may have noticed that in recent months, posts have tapered off considerably. The cause for this is a good one -- these Belchertown residents have been working very hard to buy a house, and all of my energies lately have been going into that.
As hard as we tried to find a place to continue livin' in the Belch, as of the end of this week, we will be residents of the grand old town of Hadley. I'm not quite sure what that means for this blog, but keep your eyes on it and we'll see what happens.

In the meantime, I'd like to post a few shout-outs from things we've been doing these last few months:

The birds are back in force -- all those birds that left for the winter are back and happily eating all the food I've left in the bird feeders.
If you're looking for something fun to do, take a look at the Cultural Center at Eagle Hill -- they run concerts, theatre, dances, workshops, and just a great variety of interesting activities. It's a lovely center and there are always art exhibits up in the galleries and hallways. We went this last Saturday (for the second time) and enjoyed a live swing band, dinner, and dancing; met some lovely people. Such fun.
We have enjoyed eating at Amanouz (delectable baklava) and the Korean Restaurant. Rediscovered Amherst Chinese.
Have been enjoying the calls of the owls at night -- have you heard them?

There may be more yet to come -- depending on how much I feel the need to procrastinate my packing in the next few days....

And those of you with the week off -- enjoy!

Signs of Spring~

2010-04-02T07:55:00.002-04:00

Cindy's Drive-in is open! It opened yesterday and I'm already excited to stop by for some ice cream. (And they have a new website.) Definitely worth a visit -- or two or three or four.... On Rt 202 in Granby.

PSA: The Deer are Here

2010-03-28T17:57:00.003-04:00

This is a public service announcement to remind you that the deer are out and about, crossing roads and wreaking havoc to drivers. Out this morning, driving Rt 9 up into Amherst, one deer crossed the road ahead of me and at least two deer were at the side it had just crossed from. So keep your eyes open when on the road -- the deer are here!

Song for the Chickadee -- Guest Post

2010-03-22T19:56:00.003-04:00

here's a song for the chickadee

my favorite bird on the deck

he's small and he's cute

in his formal black suit

in which he comes calling to peck

the cardinal is regal, the blackbird sublime

the finches are golden when in their prime

but the chickadee's faithful, handsome and plucky

those that receive him should count themselves lucky

he's here in the winter, here in the spring

yes a chickadee's truly a heart-lifting thing

(Written by today's guest-poster, the Velosopher.)

Sugaring Season

2010-03-13T10:57:00.004-05:00

Perhaps you've seen them -- the metal buckets hanging off the sides of trees, little spouts stuck into the wood -- it's maple sugar season in Western MA. I've seen signs at garden & supply stores advertising sugaring supplies, and someday I hope to have a sugar maple of my own to tap. But for now, the best I can do is enjoy the sights and flavours of local maple sugaring.

The River radio station has a Sugarhouse Directory on their website. It pretty much focuses on sugar shacks around the Northampton area -- doesn't get into shacks around Belchertown, but if you're in the Northampton area or Amherst, take a look. If you're a little south and east, like in B'town, take a look at last year's post -- it's worth it for the links to the two local sugar shacks. There are still some good weeks left in the season -- enjoy!

House Fire at 71 Hamilton Street

2010-03-06T15:46:00.005-05:00

A multi-family house went up in flames this afternoon at 71 Hamilton Street. Police and fire were on the scene and set up a roadblock to any would-be passers-by. Unfortunately, the house, from what I could see, could not be saved and is little more than a shell at this point with the back of the house completely destroyed. I do not know the cause of the fire or if anything can be salvaged, but WGGB was there with cameras, and I'm sure it will show up in the news.
Be careful in your houses -- turn off the stove, blow out the candles, check the smoke alarms, look for grey streaks around your outlets, run fire-escape drills, and completely crush your cigarettes (if you smoke) in an ashtray.

From Our Most Recent Snow Storm

2010-03-06T07:52:00.001-05:00

Brillaint Red and Lacy White

2010-02-14T07:25:00.002-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day.

(This picture was taken during the snows of January; the cardinal is at quite a distance away, but such a beauty among the snow-covered branches.)

Snow Day!

2010-02-10T06:34:00.004-05:00

Snow Day!
I'll try to keep you updated, if the snow really comes as predicted (check the twitter feed at the right).
Drive safely.
Build a snowman.

(A Christmas snowman in Ohio.)

Happy (Mid) February

2010-02-09T18:54:00.005-05:00

My, oh my. It sure has been a while since I've posted. And it's not entirely because I haven't had things to post.

I had a lovely early dinner at Judie's, ate another delicious popover, had soup and salad -- all for only $11;
I witnessed a flood on Hamilton Street during all those meltings and rains;
I've been driving around the area looking at countryside and visiting open houses;
I've been feeding birds, and generally keeping myself busy supporting the local library system.

This message is mostly just to encourage you to check the links on the right for local events and for school cancellations -- there's supposedly a storm coming -- be prepared -- get up early to see if you can sleep in.... And when the storm disappears, treat yourself to a popover!

Don't Forget to Vote -- Tomorrow! (Tuesday)

2010-01-18T09:45:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow is election day for the state of Massachusetts. The polls are split between State Senator Scott Brown and Attorney General Martha Coakley. Visit their websites to find out more about them and their stances on the issues, and see the multitude of news articles for info on their sentate race, debates, and other such election-type information.
(You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter and YouTube.)

Be sure to make time on Tuesday to get out and vote! Polls are open from 7am-8pm.
Find your polling location here.

Captain Candy Strikes Sugar into the Heart of Amherst

2010-01-03T12:48:00.004-05:00

Perhaps you have heard of Captain Video in North Amherst -- where you get free popcorn while you search for a movie and where there are large bins with candy to buy. Well, Captain Video has expanded their candy selection into Captain Candy, a new sister-store at 103 North Pleasant Street between Bart's Homemade and Panda East Restaurant. We discovered the sugary delight on New Year's Eve and stopped in after dinner to peruse their selection of sweets.

And what a *selection there was to peruse! Bins and bins of bulk candy (150+ reportedly) -- gummies, licorices, jellies, chocolates, taffies, and sugar-frees; nostalgic candies like Bit 'o Honeys, Mary Janes, Now & Laters, Sky Bars; and novelty candies like gummy snakes, licorice pipettes, extra-large lollipops, and jawbreakers bigger than my fist. They also have a chocolate case with hand-made chocolates (chocolate covered cherries, truffles with sea salt, chocolate brandies, etcetera) for the more discriminating candy lovers.

The large selection, very reasonable prices (many of the bulk candies come in at $1.99/quarter-pound, packaged candies are individually priced), great location, and enthusiastic and friendly staff (we had an entertaining time talking to the manager/owner/employee) make this a perfect place to find the treats that will satisfy your sweet-tooth -- or sweet-teeth, as the case may be. Just be sure to brush & floss after your visit.

*A listing of candies I remember from my first visit: swirly gummy bears, large sour gummy bears, gummy sharks, gummy peach penguins, gummy cola panda bears, gummy brains, gummy fried eggs, fruit gels, realistic gummy worms, gummy worms, gummy dinosaurs, bit 'o honeys, mary janes, black taffy, licorice scotty dogs, nerds, now&laters, licorice pipettes, cotton candy, smooth&melty mints, lollipops, mint nonpareils, squeezable liquid candy, yard-long gummy snakes, sky bars, french chew taffies in a variety of flavours, jelly belly jellybeans, gummy raspberries, gummy fruit salad, peach slices, mexican hats, jawbreakers, sour patch kids, sour gummy worms, fruit slices, chocolate covered coffee beans, chocolate-covered cherries, truffles, swedish fish, spice drops, red licorice laces, licorice wheels, salt water taffy, laffy taffy, cowtails, giant sweet tarts (or giant smarties)... and there were many many more. (I can't wait to go back again!)

3 Seasonal Treats

2009-12-22T16:35:00.003-05:00

The season has come for treats and goodies, and though I'm not typically a chocolate person (ice cream is usually my sweet of choice), this winter I am craving dark chocolate delicacies -- and more. Here is my top 3 list this season:

Sipping Chocolate from Trader Joe's
This rich chocolate drink is amazingly better than any hot chocolate I have ever had. Most hot chocolate is too sweet and too thin. But this chocolate is deep, dark, and lightly sweet. Add it to hot whole milk, and you have the perfect winter drink.

Atkins Vanilla Caramel in Dark Chocolate
Something happens in the holiday season, and I invariably start craving caramels. I tried making them once, but I didn't pay enough attention to them and they didn't quite work out the way I had hoped. This year I found my happiness at Atkins Farms in their candy department in the form of vanilla caramels wrapped in dark chocolate. One of these satisfies a caramel/chocolate craving. Two of these brings a smile to my face.

Fresh Gingerbread with Hot Orange Sauce
This can't be purchased -- it must be made from scratch and eaten warm. Don't skimp on the spices in the gingerbread, and definitely don't skimp on the orange sauce -- smother the gingerbread with it and you won't be sorry. Delightful.

Treats for the season. Comfort foods for the darkness and cold. Enjoy!
Happy holidays!

Milk: Fresh, Local, and ... Raw

2009-12-15T17:53:00.003-05:00

Raw milk first caught my attention when it was recommended to me in mid-May of 2009. A mother was explaining to me, in response to learning that my husband is lactose intolerant, that raw milk can often be drunk by those who are lactose intolerant -- that the pasteurization process kills important enzymes and bacteria that are actually beneficial to the processing power of the digestive system. She went on to tell me about her children and how much they love raw milk and how raw milk is the only milk they will drink.

I did a little research on the topic and then filed the information away for future reference.

That future came a few weeks ago when my husband came home from a farmer's market and started telling me about how raw milk had been recommended to him by someone else who was lactose intolerant but had no problems drinking raw milk. We did a little more research, had a bit of discussion, and decided we needed to try it.

There are a number of small dairies in Massachusetts that sell raw milk, and one of them, Flayvors of Cook Farm, happens to be right on my shopping route. So I made a visit to Cook Farms to put my name on the raw milk list (it is only available by pre-order), and I waited just under a week before picking up my first fresh gallon. We went through that gallon (just the two of us) in about 4 days -- and that was holding back; we've had to order more for subsequent weeks. I find it delicious, my husband can drink it without consequence, and it works wonderfully in recipes. (I'm looking forward to making authentic buttermilk with it one of these days.)

Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized -- milk that has not been heated to 160+ degrees in order to kill bacteria that can be found in the milk. The lack of heating helps it retain its natural vitamin content, enzymes, and amino acids. It is whole milk, and therefore higher in fat content (4.0% butterfat at Cook), which in my opinion just makes it taste better (I love a little cream, don't you?).

Raw milk is available at Flayvors of Cook Farm for $5/gallon or $2.75/half-gallon, day-of fresh on Mondays & Fridays.
More information about raw milk and where you can buy it in Massachusetts can be found on the NOFA (Northeast Farming Assocation) website.

Milk -- it does a body good! -- and this stuff is SO good, it does a body even better!

School Closings, Take 2

2009-12-13T14:24:00.003-05:00

Just a repost from last year around this time:

Where to Find School Closings for Belchertown, Amherst, Hadley, Ware, Palmer, Granby, and other local areas.

The links on this post are especially useful if you don't have cable access or if you don't want to wait while the cancellations scroll on and on and on.

Enjoy the winter!

PS -- I've added bunches of new events to the calendar. See below.

Winter Cardinal

2009-12-13T10:40:00.006-05:00

I just can't help myself. Winter comes, the feeders go out, and all of a sudden I'm obsessed with birds. It's a hereditary obsession... my grandmother was also obsessed with birds and feeders, and my mother has quite a few birdfeeders in view of the windows of her house. We've added a few of new birds to the list since my last post: blue jays, a goldfinch, and a carolina wren -- a lovely little bird with a large voice -- the first wren I've seen!

Today's winter picture: one of our male cardinals. I love when the male and female come together, which they sometimes do in the evenings. I like to think they're on a date, trying out the new cuisine at The Deck Feeder, the new hotspot in town....

All for the Birds

2009-12-05T11:06:00.004-05:00

It must be a cold day in December -- the birds are out in full force at the feeders:

Cardinals
Sparrows
Chickadees
Juncos
Titmice
Hairy Woodpeckers
Red-bellied Woodpeckers
Downy Woodpeckers

Haven't seen the parakeet in a while, though my husband says it came by for a visit earlier this week.

And as I write this, a wintry mix has started falling from the grey sky. Time to curl up with a good book.

(Bird pictures coming later.)

Eating the Plates: Pumpkin & Apples

2009-11-25T18:54:00.005-05:00

In honor of the great Thanksgiving holiday, I thought I would share a recipe from a book I found in my library -- a very interesting book about the food and manners of the pilgrims (citation information below). There were a number of tasty recipes included, but this one seemed particularly pleasant and appropriate for the season. I'm looking forward to trying it someday.

Whole Baked Pumpkin Stuffed with Apples
1 medium pumpkin
6 small red apples
vegetable oil
maple syrup

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil.
Wash and dry the pumpkin. Carve a circle around the stem and open the pumpkin. Remove the seeds and pulp (roasted seeds are awfully good!). Brush the outside of the pumpkin with vegetable oil.
Wash and dry the apples. Core them. Spoon a teaspoon of maple syrup into each apple, then place the apples upright inside the pumpkin. Spoon two teaspoons of maple syrup over the apples. Replace the pumpkin top.
Put the pumpkin on the prepared cookie sheet and put it in the oven. Bake until the pumpkin and the apples are tender (1.5-2 hours).
When the pumpkin is done, remove from the oven. Remove the top and take out the apples. Slice the pumpkin into 6 slices. Serve the pumpkin with a baked apple and maple syrup.

If you get around to trying this recipe, let me know -- I'd love to know how it turns out.

Penner, Lucille Recht. Eating the Plates: a Pilgrim Book of Food and Manners. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1991.

Thanksgiving Guest

2009-11-25T14:42:00.002-05:00

I was busy preparing my homemade cranberry relish and talking to my mom on the phone while she baked cranberry bread, when I looked out my kitchen window and saw a brilliant splash of yellow and chartreuse on my clothesline -- a parakeet! And a hungry one, at that. When he figured out how to manage the birdfeeder, he sat there for 5 minutes eating and eating and eating. I hadn't the heart to tell him that Thanksgiving isn't until tomorrow. He's been back 3 times since then, and is a joy to watch. While the chickadees, titmice, and woodpeckers all flit and scurry, he sits calmly -- except while he's eating.

Do you know anyone who has lost a parakeet recently?

Restaurant Review: Baku's African Restaurant

2009-11-16T15:34:00.000-05:00

After more than a year of going out to local restaurants and mentioning them here and there on the blog, I have finally decided that it is time to start reviewing them -- at least some of them. First up -- Baku's of Amherst.

Baku's African Restaurant is on North Pleasant Street in Amherst. A small restaurant featuring no more than five tables and seventeen chairs. We had passed it by many times on our to and from the Toy Box, frequently commenting that we should actually stop and try it -- one of these days. "One of these days" finally arrived a few weekends ago, on a warm and damp Halloween night.

Baku's features southern Nigerian cuisine, and its small menu lists appetizers and meals in variations of rice, beans, meats, and vegetables. The menu is gluten, dairy, and dessert free, representing the traditional diet of the African region. The owner and head chef is also authentically Nigerian, a great cook, and quite a character.

When we arrived at Baku's, a group from Connecticut was just finishing, leaving the restaurant all to us. We took the menus from the counter, consulted with each other on our meals, and ordered back at the counter, paying when the order was complete. Water was served, our drinks were delivered, and small salads presented to occupy us while our food was being prepared. Our meals arrived quickly: the Flavorful Lamb entree -- stewed lamb in a rich curry tomato sauce over jollof rice -- and the house special Curry Chicken. Delicious. The lamb was succulent and tender and the sauce was just as not-spicy as I had asked. The curry chicken was also good, but a touch dry. After eating ourselves full, there was still plenty to take home -- which I packaged up to take to work.

The meals at Baku's are simple but savory and range from $10.95-$13.95 for a dinner entree, with appetizers and small plates starting at $3.95. The kids menu stands at $5.95 and family meals begin at $29.95 for 3 people. Baku's also caters events and delivers through Delivery Express.

Baku's has been open since 2005 and attracts customers from all over -- and when you try their home-cooked food, you'll understand why.

Definitely recommended.

The Library Vote: I Voted

2009-11-11T08:58:00.002-05:00

Yes. I voted YES for the Library, and before I get into a description of the goings-on at the Special Town Meeting, I would like to thank those who came out to vote. As my husband likes to remind me, democracy in action is a great, invigorating thing, even when it doesn't go the way you'd like. More than 1000 people showed up last night to debate and vote.

My condolences to the Director and Staff of the Library, the Friends, the Trustees, and all those who volunteered time and money toward the Clapp for Community Campaign -- and also to the entire town -- half of which does not even recognize the importance and worth of what they lost last night in failing to invest in the future of the town.

The meeting began with general articles about roads and budgets; they were all approved with fairly limited discussion. The article on the library was introduced around 7:50pm by the Moderator. Selectman Reardon presented the article and spoke for it. It was then spoken against by the majority of the Town Finance Committee, spoken for by the minority of the Finance Committee. The head of the Clapp for Community Campaign gave details and answers to questions that had been asked in previous weeks. The floor was opened for the townspeople to speak. A motion to make the vote a secret ballot was declined. A few members of the community spoke for and against the article. Selectman Aponte spoke against.

At about 8:40 a motion was made that further discussion end and the vote be taken. This motion passed, and the vote was made; a 2/3 vote was required to pass. The vote was vocal, and the Moderator declared that the Nos won, but a recount was demanded, and this time the vote was made and counted by raised ballot. The Nos carried the win with ~480 votes; the Yeses had just over 400. More than 100 people in the gymnasium did not vote.

Emotions were high, and there were more than a few tears at the close of the evening. However, according to the Clapp for Community website, the campaign for an upgraded and expanded building will continue, and I can only hope that success is found. Having a strong library is a powerful benefit to the community -- it supports education, finance, business, growth, recreation, families, individuals, adults, children, and more. I'm saddened and sorry that more of the residents of Belchertown could not see their way to improving their town by supporting the expanded library, and I wish luck and hope to the Clapp Memorial Library as it seeks alternatives.

A Reposting

2009-11-10T06:43:00.002-05:00

Tonight is the special town meeting for the Library. Details at the link:
http://livininthebelch.blogspot.com/2009/10/special-town-meeting.html

Seasonal Craft Fairs

2009-11-08T19:36:00.000-05:00

I'm putting the call out -- if you know of a local seasonal craft fair coming up in Nov or Dec, drop a comment here. I'll take a look and hopefully get it on the events calendar.

Library News Update

2009-11-02T19:54:00.000-05:00

Don't forget that tomorrow night at Town Hall is an information session about the proposed library renovations.
Next Tuesday evening (no school the following day) is a Special Town Meeting for the vote on the project. Educate yourself about the project at the forum tomorrow night and/or by visiting the Clapp for Community website.
The November newsletter from CfC related information about the combining of two Town Meeting Articles into one. Read this to see what you'll be voting on next week.

On This Last Day of October

2009-10-31T09:02:00.000-04:00

A few reminders for you on this Last Day of October.

Be on the lookout tonight, if you're out and about. There will be haunts, and ghouls, and trick-or-treaters in the streets.

Dickinson Farms, Sapowsky's Farm Stand, and King Creek Farm all close this weekend. Dickinson's will reopen in November for the holidays and King Creek will reopen in December when their next batch of grass-fed beef comes in.

Don't forget to change your clocks tonight -- we end daylight savings time and "gain" an hour!

FYI -- if you have questions about the library project, there will be a public forum on Tuesday evening in the auditorium at Town Hall at 7pm. The special town meeting and vote will be on Nov 10 at the high school.

Autumnal Sunset

2009-10-28T21:51:00.001-04:00

Leaves in Late Autumn

2009-10-26T16:42:00.002-04:00

Photos taken Sunday afternoon after a long walk down Shay Street in Amherst.
View from the Grass photo taken by my wonderful husband.

A Visit to King Creek Farm

2009-10-24T09:58:00.010-04:00

My new route to work takes me past Sapowsky's Farm Stand (become a fan on Facebook) and Dickinson Farms, and I enjoy popping in on my way home to pick up apples, squash, flowers, pastries, bread, tomatoes, and other such fresh & local items. And so it saddens me that this is the final week for them to be open (they both close Oct 31, though Dickinson Farms does reopen for the holiday season). However, it seems that there is one farm stand that will remain open for a bit longer (I'm hoping), and it is the newest farm stand of my local experience -- King Creek Farm.

King Creek Farm (also on Facebook) is located on Rt 9 in Ware on the Belchertown side and is open Friday through Sunday. Their featured product is their beef, which is 100% grass-fed -- not finished with corn. They also carry pastured pork, eggs, and a variety of seasonal vegetables, flowers, cider, cheeses, sauces, salsas, honey, syrup, Pierce Brothers coffee, and home-baked bread. My husband has been the go-to guy for that farm, stopping in on his way to work and picking up beef, squash, donuts, and even our holiday pumpkin; my first visit didn't happen until 2 weeks ago, on Columbus Day weekend.

The first striking thing about KCF is the setting. Located at the top of a hill, it overlooks fields, pastures, wooded areas, and more hills. A spectacular view -- especially in the autumn. The farm itself has been around since the 1800's, and was purchased by the current owners in 2004. Since then the farm has been completely renovated, and it is now clean, bright, and welcoming (be sure to check out the pictures at the farm stand about the renovations).

We went on a Saturday morning when the barn was also going to be open for their barn sale. Our first stop was at the farm stand itself to see the vegetables, meat, and other available products. They were colourful, bright, well-arranged, and plentiful -- I would have happily walked out with a car-ful.
The day was nice, so we took a few minutes to enjoy the rocking chairs on the farmer porch before heading off to check out the chickens.
After our chicken visit we went to the barn -- I'm a sucker for barn sales, antique sales, tag sales. The barn was stocked from floor to ceiling with everything imaginable -- coats, dishes, games, toys, antique stoves, armoires, kitchen gadgets, liniments, clothes, books, decorations, windows, buttons, milk bottles, pewter pieces, suitcases, jewelry -- and even a string bass.
We had a delightful visit, and I highly recommend the farm and its goods.

The King Creek Farm website offers information about the farm, current produce available, barn sale dates, info on raw milk, and even tips on how to cook grass-fed beef. If you get on their e-mailing list, you will be privy to updated food availabilities and recipes (see below for this week's recipe).

KCF is located at 337 Belchertown Rd, Route 9, Ware, Massachusetts 01082

**Pictures in this post are courtesy of our Columbus Day Arizona guest, who remembered her camera when I forgot mine.**

Sausage, Kale, and Bean Stew

Ingredients:

1 pound bulk mild sausage

12 ounces kale

2 tablespoons water

1 cup mushroom caps, sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

3 cups white beans

1 14 1/2-ounce can vegetable broth

Directions:
Shape sausage into 1-inch balls. Arrange sausage balls in a single layer in a 12-inch nonstick skillet. Cook over medium heat until brown on all sides. Remove sausage from skillet and drain. Remove any fat left in skillet.

Meanwhile, remove center stalks from kale; discard stalks. Coarsely chop kale (should have about 16 cups). Add kale and water to skillet; cook, covered, for 10 minutes or until kale is just tender, stirring occasionally. Add mushrooms, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper. Cook, uncovered, over medium heat for 5 minutes more. Add sausage, beans, and vegetable broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until kale is very tender.

Special Town Meeting

2009-10-15T20:20:00.004-04:00

The time has come!
November 10 is the date of the special town meeting for Clapp Memorial Library expansion project. This meeting that will help decide the future of the Clapp Library, so it is vitally important that Belchertown residents take the opportunity to participate in this meeting. The Library is a fundamental part of the Belchertown community -- its history and its future -- and this is a significant moment for both the Library and the town. The two main issues for the special town meeting are the transfer of ownership of the library to the town and the possibility of the town issuing bonds to help pay for the expansion. Come, listen, ask questions, learn about the project, and cast your vote.

Tuesday, November 10, 7:00pm
Belchertown High School
Baby-sitting available

For more information about the special town meeting or about the expansion project, visit Clapp for Community FAQs.

See also this article from the Republican on MassLive: Clapp Library Meeting Booked

The Red Red Oak

2009-10-15T06:35:00.001-04:00

Going on This Week

2009-10-14T07:09:00.000-04:00

What's going on this week? Columbus Day Weekend is generally the final hurrah of the season in Western Massachusetts -- town fairs, art & craft fairs, leaf walks, and lots of visitors to the area for leaf-peeping. And now that all the excitement is seemingly over, you may wonder "What's going on this week?"

On the calendar for the week is the Belchertown Library Book Sale -- 50,000 books for sale, with videos, comics, and more -- with most items costing only a dollar. That $1!
This weekend there is the Fall Foliage Walk starting from the Amherst Town Common.
The farmers markets in Belchertown and Amherst are both still on this week.

If you're looking for more to do, check out some of the following links:
Five College Events Calendar: http://calendar.fivecolleges.edu/FiveCol/calendrome.cgi
Pioneer Valley Entertainment Links: http://www.filbert.com/PVFS/events.htm
Valley Advocate Music Listings: http://www.valleyadvocate.com/events.cfm?uid=59

There's always a lot to do -- don't despair just because the majority of the fairs and festivals have been put away for another year. Find something fun -- and do it!

Autumn Visions

2009-10-13T18:27:00.002-04:00

Western Massachusetts is truly in its glory in autumn.

The Beauty of the Quabbin in Early Autumn

2009-10-06T19:55:00.004-04:00

With thanks to our supporting photographer for the photo in the middle.

Eagle Hill Cultural Center Season Opener

2009-10-01T06:37:00.002-04:00

Last winter we discovered a great little cultural center in Hardwick at the Eagle Hill School and enjoyed there a lively presentation from Northern Lights. The Eagle Hill Cultural Center is about to open its new season with The Rivalry -- a drama of the Lincoln-Douglas debates. There appears to be a mess of tickets still available ($25 for adults) and the show runs this weekend. If you have an interest, take a look. (We recently had the audio version in the house, and it received rave reviews.)

"Direct from a triumphant off-Broadway run at the Irish Repertory Theater: don't miss this rare opportunity to see fine actors perform this riveting drama directed by Vincent Dowling, former Artistic Director of Ireland's National Theater, the Abbey Theatre of Dublin!" (from the EHSCC website)

Seaonal Calendar

2009-09-30T12:14:00.000-04:00

Just another reminder that there is a calendar at the bottom of this page with Belchertown events and events in the Pioneer Valley. Each entry has information or a link to the event webpage, when available. It's updated regularly and has fairs, festivals, parades, and more! Check back often!

Saturday at the Fair

2009-09-28T15:44:00.004-04:00

If you missed the Belchertown Fair this year (or even if you didn't), here are some scenes -- see someone or something you recognize? Perfect weather, fun day, good food. Already looking forward to next year!

Scene Around Town: 2

2009-09-26T08:09:00.001-04:00

Scene Around Town: 1

2009-09-24T16:14:00.001-04:00

The view of town hall from 202 at the lights.

Belchertown Fair

2009-09-24T06:42:00.006-04:00

The Fair starts today! Tents have been set up, rides are ready to go... yesterday afternoon the ground looked like this:

Music begins tonight at Chestnut Hill School at 5pm, to be followed by fireworks at 7:30. And don't forget the parade on Saturday that runs through the center of town!
For more info, see the Fair insert in this week's paper.

Catch & Release

2009-09-20T12:43:00.004-04:00

Yesterday, at the Quabbin -- Swift River. It was a beautiful day, and the perfect day to be out and about. We took the short drive to the Quabbin, where we saw a number of fellows enjoying the cool waters and the rainbow trout. We even saw a catch.
Catch & release fly fishing is allowed year round. Visit this link for more information.

Where to Buy Corn...?

2009-09-08T19:30:00.003-04:00

I love corn on the cob -- and so does just about everyone I know. My current favourite place to buy it is at a little stand on the corner of South Maple Street & Mill Valley Road in Hadley -- the farmer parks a cart and fills it with corn for the taking (and paying). Fresh and sweet and delicious. When I don't have time to get there, I pick up local corn at Atkins (Amherst) or at Sapowskis (Granby).

Where do you buy the best local corn of the season? Let us know in the comments below!

Name That Spider

2009-09-02T18:46:00.003-04:00

I love my well-used copy of The Natural History of Western Massachusetts, but unfortunately it does not help me identify this spider (unless it's a shamrock spider, which are really creepy because they kind of look like ticks, but it doesn't really look like the pic in the book). Do you know what it is?

From the Sentinel...

2009-08-30T13:00:00.004-04:00

Every once in a while, I post things of interest that I find in the Sentinel. For this week:

The Pioneer Valley Therapeutic Riding Association is continually looking for volunteers, and are currently looking for volunteers for their fall season. Horse knowledge is useful, but not necessary. Visit http://www.pvtra.com for a volunteer form. For more information and contact info, visit http://pioneervalleytra.org/. This is a great opportunity to volunteer a few hours of your time to make somebody's life a little better!

The Trustees of the Clapp Memorial Library are seeking citizens interested in serving on the Building Committee for the proposed library expansion plan. Send a letter with a brief statement identifying your expertise and interest by September 4 to:
Clapp Memorial Library
PO Box 627
Belchertown, MA 01007

You can read the full announcements in this week's paper -- at home or online.

Hickories

2009-08-27T15:21:00.004-04:00

The local shagbark hickory trees have been dropping nuts for a few weeks now. I thought I'd take this opportunity to identify the tree for you. I love their bark!

Mushroom Walk #2

2009-08-27T15:06:00.003-04:00

On Sunday, warm and humid, we decided to hike a trail in the woods. It seemed like a pleasant idea at the time, except that we forgot the bug spray and were immediately set upon by voracious mosquitoes. The hike didn't last long, but I did snap a few photos of amazingly colored mushrooms before being eaten alive.

These were even brighter in person -- the orange ones were flourescent! Bright spots in a dark wood.

New! Event Calendar!

2009-08-22T12:53:00.001-04:00

If you haven't been to the blog in a few days, but you read the posts through Facebook or some other aggregator, you may have missed the most recent addition -- the new local events calendar! The calendar hangs out at the bottom of the page and includes websites and details when available. There's even a handy dandy link to the calendar at the top of the page so you don't have to scroll all the way down each time you want to look at the calendar updates.

The calendar covers selected events in Belchertown, the Pioneer Valley, and Western Massachusetts -- and I'm open to suggestions for other events, as well. Hope it's useful to you!

Where to Eat What: a Shortlist

2009-08-20T09:09:00.003-04:00

We are weekend regulars in the Rt 9 corridor between Amherst and Northampton, wherein lie some of our favourite food locations. I don't regularly review restaurants because there are so many, there is so much to say about each one, and that isn't really where I try to focus the majority of my comments. Nevertheless, there comes a time when it seems appropriate to share. So without further ado, a few of my restaurant recommendations, in no particular order:

Korean: Korean Restaurant, Rt 9, Hadley
Mexican: Mi Tierra, Rt 9, Hadley
Chinese: Panda East Chinese, N Pleasant St, Amherst; or Teapot Restaurant, Main St, Northampton
Thai: Thai Garden, Bridge St, Northampton
Steak: Union Station, Pleasant Street, Northampton
BBQ: Bub's BBQ, Rt 116, Sunderland
Coffee: Amherst Coffee, Amity St, Amherst; Northampton Coffee, Pleasant St, Northampton
Sandwiches: Black Sheep, Main St, Amherst
Mediterranean (and baklava): Amanouz, Main St, Northampton
Vietnamese: Miss Saigon, N Pleasant St, Amherst
Diner: Rt 9 Diner, Rt 9, Hadley
Eclectic American: Judie's Restaurant, N Pleasant St, Amherst
Breakfast: The Lone Wolf, Main Street, Amherst
Donuts: Atkins Farms Bakery

There are still plenty of restaurants in that Rt 9 region I have yet to try -- some Nigerian, more Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, and more -- I haven't nearly eaten at every restaurant around, but these tend to be our regular picks.

*Almost all of these restaurants serve gluten-free and/or dairy-free dishes.

Fall Fairs & Festivals, 2009

2009-08-18T08:40:00.007-04:00

It's nearly late summer already, and with the turning of the season comes a plethora of fall fairs and festivals celebrating harvests and farms and the domestication of the natural world.

Wilbraham Peach Festival, Aug 21-23 (Wilbraham): http://www.peachfestival.org/

Red Fire Farm Tomato Festival, Aug 22 (Granby): http://www.redfirefarm.com/news/tomatofestival.html

Smolak Farms Peach Festival, Aug 22&23 (North Andover): http://www.smolakfarms.com

Chilifest, Aug 29 (Belchertown): http://stonesoupfarm.googlepages.com/chilifest

3 County Fair, Sept 4-7 (Northampton): http://www.3countyfair.com/

Franklin County Fair, Sept 10-13 (Greenfield): http://www.fcas.com/

Annual Honeybee Festival, Sept 12 (South Deerfield): http://www.warmcolorsapiary.com/SpecialEvents.asp

Big E, Sept 18-Oct 4 (Springfield): http://www.thebige.com/

North Amherst Harvest Festival, Sept 20 (Amherst): http://www.simplegiftsfarmcsa.com/index.php?page=10

Belchertown Town Fair, Sept 24-27 (Belchertown): http://www.belchertownfair.com/

Fiber Twist, Sept 26 (Greenfield): http://www.fibertwist.com/

Eat the View, Oct 2 (Northampton): http://www.buylocalfood.com/ETV2009.htm

Garlic & Arts Festival, Oct 3&4 (Orange): http://www.garlicandarts.org/

Franklin County Cider Days, Nov 7&8 (Shelburne Falls): http://www.ciderday.org/

There are, of course, others -- this is just a sampling. I found more listings that I wanted to include, but I didn't include events with out-of-date event information on their webpages (like the Llama Photo Event at Hickory Dell Farm or the Fall Shearing, Felting, and Fiber Day at Winterberry Farm). However, you can find many more events with details at the CISA Events Webpage. I'll try to fill in more date as I discover more festivals/fairs in the Valley.
Seems to me there should be a local corn and/or cow festival -- don't you think so?

9/3/09: For more than what's posted here, see MDAR and the Community Events Calendar

Report: Lake Wyola

2009-08-17T18:13:00.003-04:00

Today the temperature hit the low- to mid-90s. Warm. Very warm. And as I have the week off in preparation for my new job, and as the husband took the week off, too, we decided a trip to the lake was in order. We prepared our things, stopped at the store for some food, and off we went to Lake Wyola.

Lake Wyola State Park is a DCR Park in Shutesbury, also known as the Carroll A Holmes Recreation Area. It has 40 acres of property on the shores of Lake Wyola that include a small guarded beach and swimming area, picnic areas, bathrooms, nature trails, playing fields, and more -- there's even an ice cream & french fry stand. It's a wonderful place to spend a summer day -- and very family friendly.

Our main purpose today was to swim -- to be by the water and enjoy it. And so we did. Despite the fact that there was a good number of people there, the lake itself (the swimming section) was relatively uncrowded -- especially toward the deeper end. The water was cool but not frigid, clear, and large enough for playing or for swimming laps. It was easy to find an open space on the beach for our towels and stuff, and there was also available space on the grass. An easy day trip to make a hot day an enjoyable day.

The park is open from 9am-7:30pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Parking in the lot is a mere $5 (cash or check). For more information, call 413.367.0317 or visit the website.

Oh -- leave the flotation toys at home (except for life jackets) -- you can't use them here.

Notices: Pavings

2009-08-12T17:56:00.003-04:00

I have discovered, to my delight, that two heavily pot-holed and crumbling streets have been repaved in the last couple of weeks: George Hannum Street (past Dana Woods, the playing field, and under the railroad bridge) and Warren Wright Road. Those two roads have desperately needed work, and I'm glad to see it done -- happier cars, happier bicycles....

Have you seen recent community (Belchertown) improvements on roads, buildings, etc? Add a comment!

The Summer Blues

2009-08-10T19:39:00.004-04:00

Every summer around late July or early August, I try to get some blueberry picking done. I used to drive from metro-Boston to Tougas Family Farm, a wonderful full-service farm in Northboro. I would go there to pick blueberries and apples, purchase pumpkins and goodies from their kitchen, and to talk to the goats. But now I live in Western Mass., and there are farms around every corner. So I decided to check out the local picking -- at Dickinson Farm in Granby.

The day I designated as my blueberry picking day happened to be a Friday, in the morning. And it just happened to be raining, quite hard. But I didn't let that deter me. I was happy to be on my way to pick my berries. I anticipated a full flat (14-20 pounds) by the time I finished.

The rain had almost convinced the woman running the farmstand to close, but she cheerfully offered to remain open until I finished picking, amused at my determination. I grabbed a large white bucket which she said would hold 16 pounds and was on my way. Needless to say, I was the only one crazy enough to be there in such weather. The bushes were loaded. Berries hung from branches in bunches like grapes. Easy easy picking. It took me barely an hour to fill the bucket with the sweet, plump berries.

So if you're still longing for the taste of summer and you have an hour or so on your hands, make your way to your local pick-your-own blueberry patch, and get your fill of the summer blues. Eat them straight, freeze them, jam them, can them, buckle them, pie them.

For Dickinson Farms picking, head to the corner of New Ludlow Road and South Street in Granby. Try them -- you won't be disappointed.

Delays to Date

2009-08-10T08:30:00.002-04:00

It has been quite a while since the last post on this blog -- an embarrassingly long time, in fact. But there is good reason! My computer has been sick and has spent some of the last 3 weeks at the doctor's. Hopefully, it will be better soon and I can get back to posting.
In the meantime, enjoy the middlings of August!

Going on a Mushroom Walk

2009-07-17T14:23:00.007-04:00

Last autumn I posted some pictures from a short walk I took amongst the trees on part of the M&M Trail off Gulf Road. Last weekend I returned to the spot with my husband and parents, and it was wooded, lovely, and cool on a warm summer day -- a perfect location for a short walk (mind the mosquitoese). But with all the rain this season, mushrooms are springing up all over the place. Some are just beautiful; others remind me of alien life forms.

Very Hungry Caterpillar Birthday Cake

2009-07-17T14:16:00.002-04:00

This isn't necessarily local, but since we are so close to the Eric Carle Museum, and since the VHC is one of my favourite books of all time, I thought I would share this link that my sister sent me yesterday -- the Very Hungry Caterpillar Cupcake Train. If you have a youngster with a birthday coming up, you may want to consider trying this beauty!

There's a Reason They Call Them Hummingbirds

2009-07-11T13:13:00.003-04:00

If you have been a reader of this blog, you will know the joy that watching the birds has brought me (especially during those dark days of winter) -- setting out food for them at the feeder and watching them enjoy. I have marked the numbers and varieties of birds, and only removed our main feeder late this spring when the grackles and starlings became too rowdy. After the feeder was put away, I missed my birds. The cardinal would often, in the morning, come to our deck and scold us for taking the food away, so I started throwing out handfuls of food onto the deck or laying some across the railing.

And then I received a hummingbird feeder for my birthday. It took some time to get it set up, and then it took some time to actually attract the birds, but now we have regular summer visitors -- a pair who feed many times a day. They are skittish, but allowed me to capture a photo this morning while I was enjoying the growing warmth of the day, reading a book, and listening to wind and frogs and birds.

(The picture gets bigger if you click on it.)

Belchertown Car Show

2009-07-08T14:46:00.004-04:00

I've been seeing signs for it on the Common and it's almost here -- the Belchertown Car Show! Presented by the Belchertown Cruisers, the show will be held at Chestnut Hill Community School on Sunday July 12 from 11-4.
There will be a DJ, cars of all makes & models, food & drink, and a raffle -- plus community!
The show will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

For more information, visit the OldRide.com website, or contact Rob at 687-5251 or email belchertowncarshow@yahoo.com.

The Skies

2009-07-05T14:41:00.002-04:00

I know we're all tired of clouds by now -- at least we got some sun this weekend -- but last week's weekend clouds were spectacular. I couldn't help but snap a few photos. Amazing what some droplets and crystals in the sky can look like (even from a moving car).

Taken on Bay Road in Hadley.

From the Sentinal...

2009-07-04T11:40:00.003-04:00

A couple of things caught my eye today while I was perusing the Sentinal. First of all (on page 4), the Book Camp being organized by Girl Scout Troop #20434 and run in the basement of the Clapp Memorial Library. The book camp runs on individual days in July and August for youth ages 6-12 and includes a lot of great series of books, including Harry Potter, Maximum Ride, and Alex Rider. No contact information was included in the article, but I would assume that someone at the library would have information about it (probably the Children's Librarian).

On page 14, there is an event listing for a swing dance and concert with a live 8-piece band at the Belchertown Senior Center. There will be a free swing dance lesson at 5.30 and the concert & dance will go from 6-8. It's free and the public is welcome! Sounds like a great way to get the week started.

There are so many great things listed in the local paper each week -- and now you can download the whole paper online and read it as a .pdf wherever you are! It's one way of staying in touch with the community and making sure you don't miss any of those great events taking place!

Happy Fourth of July! Hope you're enjoying this beautiful day!

Leafy Greens

2009-07-03T14:11:00.003-04:00

The first crop of lettuce from my (community) garden plot, picked a few weeks ago. A mesclun mix from seed and romaine from a start -- with all the rain, the lettuce has been growing like a weed!

Belchertown's NESFI is on Jackson Street, sharing property with Stone Soup Farm. I had planned on putting up more and earlier photos of the gardening site, which is a great place to try community gardening, but I've been terribly blog-lazy. The garden is inexpensive and organic, and I'm appreciating have a space in which to grow tasty red, yellow, orange, green, and purply things -- I have brussel sprouts*, eggplant*, four kinds of tomatoes, romaine lettuce, mesclun mix*, beets*, very large yellow marigolds (to keep the bugs away), zucchini, yellow summer squash, sugar snap peas, green beans, basil*, and nasturtiums*. It's all very exciting to me -- I love watching the seeds sprout and pop up through the ground and grow and eventually bear fruit. It's an amazing process, and very rewarding. Especially when you can pluck off a pea or a tomato and eat it on the spot.

I hope you have a garden this year and are enjoying it despite all the rain. At the moment I see some sun, and I'm hoping the warmth and light are reaching all my tender young plants.

*Things I've never grown before.

Attack of the Local Author

2009-06-25T21:17:00.006-04:00

Continuing from the topic of kids in the valley (from the previous post), I am now going to mention moms in the valley by way of Samantha Wilde's new book This Little Mommy Stayed Home. A friend of mine (and hers) took me to the book launch this evening at Odyssey Books in South Hadley. We arrived a little late (thanks my work schedule and my persistent need to eat), but still we were able to hear two or three readings from the book and a bit of humourous commentary to go along with it. And it was laugh-out-loud funny. Now, I haven't actually read the book, so I can't recommend the whole thing, but those few passages I heard -- those I can recommend. And having briefly met the author, I can say that she, too, is quite funny. And nice, quite nice. But definitely funny, and that's important, because it's supposed to be a funny book -- a book about a new mother discovering the joys and terrors of motherhood and learning how to cope with her new life. Pick it up at local bookstores, online, or try a library (if there's an available copy). You can even preview some pages here and listen to a reading here.

I don't go to many book signings or readings or releases, despite being a librarian (or maybe that's the reason). But that one was worth it. Maybe I'll even go to another sometime.

Valley Kid Stuff: Blog

2009-06-24T16:23:00.004-04:00

Periodically I find a site/blog that I feel is worth more than just a link on the sidebar. I found this gem this afternoon. Valley Kid Stuff is a local blog with great ideas and activities for kids. Full of pictures and commentary, VKS is good for people new to the area, people who have been here a while, people with kids, and even people without kids! There are also links to posts about upcoming events (including fireworks and summer concert series) and places to visit. It's worth taking a gander -- especially if you have kids and/or need to get out and explore the Valley.

Belchertown Showcase, Take 2

2009-06-20T12:31:00.007-04:00

Belchertown CAN and participants of showcase are feeling grateful today -- the weather cooperated for their first annual Belchertown Showcase on Saturday, despite all indications to the contrary.

Yesterday I took the opportunity (twice) to get out to the Belchertown Showcase on the Common (see the previous post). There was a great turnout of vendors and providers, including Mandala Massage (from whom I received a free chair massage), Rippa Chiropractic, PVTRA, Luca's K9 Playhouse (and Shepherd Rescue), Teaching Creatures, the Boy Scout Troop & Cub Scouts, Oak Specialists Inc, Mountain Women Goods, Portraits by Neill, Summersault Soaps, Belchertown Conservation Commission, and so many more -- probably close to 40 (I didn't take paper, so this all from memory and photographs). There was music to listen to, a quiz about Belchertown, contests and raffles, face painting, toys and games, and other entertainment. It was a great place to be.
Here are a few pics from the show:

Vendor Tents

Wagon Rides

Corn Snake (from Teaching Creatures)
Crafted Wares (from Mountain Women Goods)Summersault Soaps Display

Town events like this that bring the community together and show off where we live are part of what I love about this area and part of what makes me glad I moved here. Look forward to next year's Showcase.

(The past week's Sentinel lists out other vendors planning to be in attendance -- I just finally had time to open the paper.)

Showcase Belchertown

2009-06-19T20:20:00.003-04:00

Tomorrow (Saturday) on the Common from 10-4: Showcase Belchertown.

I've been meaning to post this for a while now, having passed by the sandwich board on the Common a number of times in the past week, but I haven't taken the opportunity to look up the information until tonight. My apologies. This is what I'm gleaning from a few websites:

Showcase Belchertown is a free event sponsored by Belchertown CAN with the goal to boost the local economy and educate the citizens on services, agencies, and merchants available for them. It will feature local arts, crafts, and foods, restaurants, information, local businesses, and more. It's a family affair and will include pony rides, a sidewalk sale, and the Belchertown Twirlers. Bring the whole family! Rain date: June 21.

This is supposed to be the first annual Showcase Belchertown, and I think it sounds like a great idea. I hope the weather lets it be successful and that it grows in the years to come. Enjoy!

Tasty, Tasty, Mmmm...

2009-06-14T19:47:00.004-04:00

Coming this weekend, and starting on Thursday (for a long weekend), is the annual Taste of Amherst. This is not an event I have attended before, still being new to the Valley, but it certainly sounds good. Food, entertainment, people, and fun -- what more could you ask for on the Amherst Town Common in the middle of June? More than 20 restaurants will be represented with tasty vittles to tempt the palate -- and menus to take home. Entertainment in the form of music will include Unit 7, Swing Caravan, Client 9, Rusty Belle, and Wild Wood -- the full music schedule can be found on The River website. And there are fun things for the kids, too! The Kids Carnival will be in full swing with pony rides, face painting, and more. It sounds like a great time -- and four days of fun leave plenty of time for even busy folks to get out and enjoy it.
FOOD! (I love food!)

Eric Carle Birthday Bash

2009-06-12T14:34:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow at the Eric Carle Museum there will be a birthday bash (for EC's 80th) and a children's picture book festival. I was at the museum today, enjoying the new Winnie-the-Pooh exhibit, and was able to catch a preview of what tomorrow will bring as the artists and illustrators were setting up their booths -- such beautiful work by very talented artists. It will be a wonderful time with book signings, demonstrations, craft activities, music performances, and a silent auction. All this on top of the beautiful exhibits of Eric Carle, EH Shepard, and Virginia Lee Burton. Don't miss this opportunity!

The Old Sentinal

2009-06-05T07:27:00.005-04:00

The following are pictures from the old Belchertown Sentinal Press -- which now resides on the Stone House property. If you take any interest in printing, newspapers, local history, antique machinery, or anything of the like, this building is a treasure.

Wee Baby Crickets

2009-06-03T12:47:00.000-04:00

I went out to our deck the other day to sit and read and enjoy the lovely weather. On the back of my chair were these two little creatures, which I assume are wee baby crickets -- or something related. They were no larger than 1/2 inch long.

Earlier Signs of Spring

2009-05-31T12:41:00.002-04:00

Some snaps from earlier signs of spring (from May 8). (Click on the pic for a larger version.)

Tag Sale

2009-05-29T19:46:00.003-04:00

Just a reminder that tomorrow is the Friends of the Clapp Library Community Tag Sale.
On a related note, the Friends have raised mucho dollares for the library and will be presenting a donation on Tuesday night.

Meanwhile, I took a trip to Shelburne Falls on Monday. Took a few good pictures, and I hope to stick a review up soon -- as soon as I can convince myself to sit in front of the computer long enough. I tell you, it's awfully tempting to leave the computer off all weekend; it's nice to be separated from the screen -- there's a sense of freedom that comes with turning off the computer for a whole weekend....

Pictures from the Carriage House

2009-05-22T17:37:00.005-04:00

Two weekends ago I took the opportunity to visit the Stone House during its seasonal grand opening. There were vendors of soaps and linens and other such things that I passed by on my way to the Carriage House. Here are a few of the things you will find if you take the time and opportunity to make a visit.

The central figure on the main floor of the carriage house -- this lovely gilded carriage that used to take people to and from the train.

And a beautiful hearse with hand-carved wood and exquisite detailing.

A high-wheeler, or penny farthing, or ordinary. The pedals don't turn in a circle as our bicycles today, but instead work by a pumping motion. See here for more.

Upstairs there are sleighs and baby carriages and tools and this assortment of old looms.

I also have a selection of pictures from inside the old newspaper press building, but those will have to wait until later. If you just can't wait, make a visit to the Stone House Museum on 202, just outside Belchertown center. I haven't made it inside yet, but it's on my list of things to do soon!

Clapp Library Tag Sale

2009-05-20T19:30:00.003-04:00

The Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library are hosting a community tag sale on Saturday May 30, from 8-2. Spaces can be rented for $25.
More information can be found at the Friends' of the Clapp Memorial Library website or at the Circulation Desk at the Library. This is a great way to support the library and make a few bucks on the side for yourself after finishing up the spring cleaning.

(PS -- have you been to the library website recently? It's changed!)

Local Election Results

2009-05-19T10:17:00.003-04:00

Here's the article from MassLive about the Belchertown election results.
Elstein picked up a selectman's seat; Aponte kept his. It was a three-way race for two seats.
Only a 16% turnout in registered voters.

Get Out the Vote

2009-05-18T05:35:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to vote at the town-wide election today! All day, at the Belchertown High School. I've been seeing all kinds of things for folks running for Selectman. Take a few minutes and vote!

Speakeasy Music for the 21st Century

2009-05-17T15:58:00.004-04:00

That's how Unit 7 defines itself on its website. Last night I made my first excursion out to the Iron Horse (which was a little loud). Yes, my first. The initial reason for going was to hear Roger Salloom, who, after living in Northampton for 29 years, was finally making his debut headlining at the Iron Horse. And he and his band were fun listening -- nice singer songwriter music, with some truly lovely pieces. He has a great history, and I encourage you to check out his website to read it and to hear some of his songs.

But the intro band. Wow -- did I enjoy them! I have been a fan of swing and related genres for ages and ages, having grown up with grandparents who played jazz piano and listened to the greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, and the like. I used to dance East Coast Swing and Balboa and anything else that came around at the swing clubs in Boston when I lived there. And I guess I didn't truly realize how much I missed the music and dancing of jazz, funk, and blues until Unit 7 started playing last night. Loads of fun, and I recommend getting out to see them -- and maybe dancing a few steps if there's space to do it. A great dance band.

More New Birds at the Feeder

2009-05-08T19:34:00.003-04:00

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
I saw this one for the first time today -- absolutely stunning. Mottled black and white wings and back, white underside, red throat, thick yellow beak. What a beauty!
(And this is the page that helped me identify it; thanks, Ray!)

Red-Bellied Woodpecker
I've seen this one now three or four times -- and, surprise!, he doesn't have a red belly. He is a larger woodpecker with black and white body markings and a bright red mullet on his head.

Baltimore Oriole
I've only seen this one in the trees, though I've heard rumours that it has visited the feeder. Early this morning and again this afternoon it was a brilliant orange amidst the white blossoms and fresh green leaves of one of the trees out back. He's a chatty chap.

As our list of avian visitors increases, and as the weather warms enough for us to open our doors and windows to hear their songs, I become more and more appreciative of and fascinated by the wonders of nature. The songs and squawks are magnificent -- for example, the cowbird (who sometimes bathes in my bird bath) has a high-pitched shrill whistle, but also has a song that sounds like a synthesizer glugging water. The description doesn't seem all that attractive, but it's an incredible sound; those cowbirds are very talkative.

Stone House Opening

2009-05-08T12:51:00.003-04:00

The Stone House Museum is having it's opening day event tomorrow, May 9, and will be open for the season from May 10-October. Included in the event is a plant sale and an "old" bag sale. The event starts at 10am at the Stone House Museum.

There will also be a plant sale tomorrow at one of the churches on the Common, and I hear rumours that there may be even more. So be sure to get down into the center of Belchertown tomorrow to check out the Stone House and all the plant sales going on.

It's spring! Time to plant!

Cardinal in Flowering Tree

2009-05-07T07:10:00.004-04:00

On a cloudy day, a cardinal in a flowering tree.
I find cardinals difficult to photograph -- at least the ones at our house -- they tend to be very skittish. I finally tried the zoom feature on my camera to capture the bird in a tree. Not too bad... We have at least two cardinal couples who visit our deck regularly for a meal or snack. Very handsome birds.

PVTRA

2009-05-03T15:48:00.007-04:00

I have had the opportunity in recent Saturday mornings to volunteer with the Pioneer Valley Therapeutic Riding Association (PVTRA), a non-profit with the purpose of teaching horsemanship skills to individuals -- children and adults -- with various disabilities, including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, autism, amputations, and more.

PVTRA has been offering lessons to children and adults with disabilities since 1984 -- that's 25 years! Certified instructors and trained volunteers work with individuals and the horses provided by PVTRA to help them build confidence, self-esteem, patience, and independence through the challenges and rewards of therapeutic riding.

I found PVTRA through a web search when I was looking for someplace to volunteer a few hours a week. Specifically, I wanted to work with animals and meet new people and actually be of use to someone. This week was my second week with PVTRA, and all three of my requirements for my volunteer service have been filled. I have already learned to love the horses, having had the opportunity to curry them and brush them, talk to them, and walk with them. I have met an incredible set of supportive volunteers, an endearing group of kids, and wonderful families taking advantage of the services offered.

I'm sure that as time progresses, I will learn more about the organization, but in accordance with what I know now, the PVTRA offers great opportunities for the following:

People who suffer from physical, emotional, or cognitive disabilities.
People who want to volunteer their time and skills to a non-profit organization.
People who are looking for a worthy association to donate to.

PVTRA can be contacted from the website.

On Saturday, May 9, there will be a horse show to benefit the Pioneer Valley Therapeutic Riding Association. Information can be found on Craigslist or on the PVTRA website under "Horse Show" (see the poster).

PSA: USPS

2009-04-29T21:31:00.001-04:00

This is another public service announcement:
Just reminding you that starting May 11, first-class mail stamps will increase from 42¢ to 44¢. Be sure to stock up on your Forever Stamps or 2¢ stamps.
For more information, visit USPS.

Spring in the Valley

2009-04-26T14:41:00.002-04:00

A few shots of the arrival of spring in the Pioneer Valley:

New Camera

2009-04-24T17:23:00.005-04:00

I know that many times in past posts I have commented on my old digital camera. I don't think I've ever said what its specs are, but needless to say, they weren't great (2.0mp... 'nuff said). Well, today I made a purchase that should greatly improve the picture quality on this blog -- and my enjoyment of photography.
And for my first photopost with my new maquina, the woodpecker at the suet. [drumroll, please]

What a beauty! 3x zoom right into the sun.
Remember when I couldn't do any kind of close-up without fuzzing out the whole picture into grainy pixelation...? Sharper, brighter images, better close-ups -- what a joy!

Goodnough Dike

2009-04-24T11:01:00.006-04:00

It was a grey and cloudy Saturday when I made my first visit to the Goodnough Dike, part of the Quabbin on the south end. But the greyness did nothing to diminish the beauty of the water and the sky and the bare trees.

The Dike is accessible on foot or bicycle -- no motor vehicles. It was built in 1938 and is named after X Henry Goodnough, who, among other things, made contributions to the Quabbin Reservoir Projects.

So, next time you're at the Quabbin, do yourself a favour and make the trek to the Goodnough -- maybe even take one of the hiking trails through the woods to get there.

Winged Visitors

2009-04-22T08:34:00.002-04:00

Our selection of winged visitors at the feeder and bath has greatly increased over the last couple of weeks.

House finch
Brown-headed cowbird (a pair, m/f)
European starling
Song sparrow (or house sparrow?)
Blue jay
Mourning dove
Hairy Woodpecker
Goldfinch
Cardinal (m/f)
White-breasted nuthatch
Tufted titmouse
Downy woodpecker
Chickadee
Dark-eyed junco

We have also had a single (as far as we can tell) visit from a red-winged blackbird and have seen several robins in the yard, along with the gray squirrels and red squirrels, who continue their busy work on the deck.

Alert: Cindy's is Open

2009-04-20T19:51:00.002-04:00

Saturday I made the trip to Atkins to enjoy a nice tall cone of Orchard Run soft serve (twist, always). Well, today while driving down 202, I noticed that Cindy's Drive In is also open for the season. How exciting!
Spring is here -- and with it, one of the greatest pleasures of life!

Gravestones from the Quabbin

2009-04-20T08:22:00.005-04:00

A few of the stones from the Quabbin Park Cemetery. Click on the pictures for a larger view.

Dana Remembers

1775 Revolutionary War 1783
[list of names]
1812 War With England 1815
[list of names]
1861 Civil War 1865
[list of names]
1917 World War 1919
[list of names]

Mr
Edward Babbitt
died
6 June 1815 AE
43

GEO M GAMWELL

1847-19??
His Wife
Lottie A Hanks
1855-192?
Their Son
Robert E
1888-1900

I love gravestones -- I am a fan of family history and genealogy, and I find that gravestones are a beautiful piece of the story. Many stones are difficult to read, since weather and elements and wildlife all take their toll. But when I post a stone from a cemetery, I like to try to preserve the names and dates and words, if possible.

Quabbin Park Cemetery

2009-04-19T14:51:00.004-04:00

Remember when those four towns were disincorporated to construct the Quabbin Reservoir? The entire population of those towns needed to be relocated, along with businesses and homes -- and the cemeteries. Thirty-four cemeteries in all, according to mass.gov, and more than 6000 graves were moved. Many of those graves were moved to the Quabbin Park Cemetery, which I visited yesterday.

The Quabbin Park Cemetery was a peaceful place on a Saturday morning; peaceful and maybe just a tiny bit disheveled. Unlike the highly manicured cemeteries in eastern MA, this one had a bit of wildness in -- and more than just from the turkey I caught trotting amidst the graves, scratching at the dirt. I enjoyed the serenity of the cemetery in mid-April.

If you're in a cemetery or historical state of mind, it's worth a visit. Take a little time to read from the stones, when the words can be read. There are always stories living in a cemetery.

A general view of the cemetery.

Can you see the turkey?

A plaque on cannon moved from the town of Dana when the reservoir was built.

More cemetery pictures will come later, with a few gravestones and such.

Starlings Dark and Speckled

2009-04-15T19:11:00.005-04:00

New birds at our suet cage this afternoon and evening -- European Starlings -- three or four of them, squabbling over the suet, swinging back and forth on the wire cage.
European Starlings are an invasive species -- 100 of them were introduced into Central Park in New York in the 1890s by a group of people who wanted to introduce North America to all the birds mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. All the starlings found in North America are believed to be descended from those first 100. The birds can be fierce and quite competitive, and it has been suggested that they may be the reason, in part, for the diminishing numbers of native birds.

For more info on starlings or other birds, visit All About Birds (I love this site).

And we're also getting blue jays -- they sure look huge compared to our tiny songbirds.

A Touch of Heaven

2009-04-14T20:50:00.004-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to meet and talk with one of our local massage therapists -- Karen Weber of A Touch of Heaven in the Avon/Collective Copies building at the corner of Main Street and Jackson.

I visited Karen's plum and sage office to scope it out and to purchase a gift certificate. We spent a little time introducing ourselves and conversing, and by the end of our short meeting, I was definitely glad to have met her -- and happy to be able to put in a little plug for her here.

My husband, who received the gift certificate, contacted Karen to schedule an appointment. His post-massage report? Quite positive. Karen went through a thorough intake interview with him so that he would have the best and most comfortable massage experience he could. He enjoyed the massage, felt better after, and gives recommendations.

Massage is good for decreasing stress and anxiety, improving posture, bettering illness and injury, focusing the mind, and other healing things. If you have the chance, meet Karen Weber and maybe take advantage of one of those coupons you may occasionally see in the newspaper or downstairs from her office. Treat yourself.

New Spring Banner

2009-04-11T09:24:00.003-04:00

I've been looking and waiting and hoping to find a good picture for my spring banner, but beautiful signs of spring in my little neck of the woods have been slow in coming. S0 yesterday I ventured out on my first bicycle ride of the season, which was not a glaring success, but I was able to find a solitary lovely space with some bright daffodils and an old rusty plow, and spring was in view. Hope you like the new banner -- it will be here for a while.
(This is my 100th post! Thanks for reading.)

Signs of Spring, Part 3 (or 4)

2009-04-07T08:47:00.006-04:00

Spring Peepers!

The peepers have been out for weeks now, making a racket in the local wooded wetlands -- singing the coming spring in their loud chirping voices.
I had heard of peepers before but hadn't experienced them until last August when we arrived in Belchertown and were amazed at the night sounds that filled the quiet air of the country. Then the peepers went into hibernation for the winter -- and now they have returned. I hold little hope for actually being able to spot one in the near future (and even less for snapping a picture), but I did find a photo, film, and informational website that were all very interesting and increased my peeper knowledge just enough.

Information from Watersheds.org
Film from Midwestfrogs.com.

Enjoy the peepers!

Orchard Run & Local Ice Cream

2009-04-06T13:07:00.001-04:00

I saw at Atkins Farms the other day while shopping (I'm there pretty regularly these days -- good winter/spring produce) an announcement that Orchard Run Ice Cream Shop at Atkins will be opening for the season on April 18. This is good news for the ice cream lovers among us, since they have some of the biggest soft-serve cones around, as well as a tasty variety of hard ice cream and treats.
And on April 20, Monday night Cruise Nights return. For more information, contact Atkins or read their newsletter.
I haven't heard any news about Cindy's Drive-in yet, but I do know that Janine's Frostee on Rt 9 in Ware has been open since the middle of February for their 53rd season. They have a great looking menu and are currently on my way home from work -- I can't wait to visit! (And if you visit their website, be sure to listen to the "Frostee Jingle.")
It's ice cream time!

Just Kidding...

2009-04-05T09:38:00.009-04:00

It must be spring -- it's baby goat season!

On Friday I had the opportunity to visit a goat farm on the other side of the Quabbin -- I met the new arrivals (from 1 day-2 weeks old), bottlefed the newborns, watched the milking of the mothers, and helped feed them grain and bread and hay. I was even on hand for the birth of twins (see above) and was able to help bring the little beauties to life. What a great time I had!

Have you ever seen anything quite so cute?

Clapp Library News

2009-03-31T10:18:00.003-04:00

There are perhaps two things of importance which I wish to mention:

1. The Spring Book Sale is on at the Clapp Memorial Library! It opened yesterday (March 30) and will continue on until Saturday (April 4). There are thousands and thousands of items for sale, and most books are about $1. Be sure to stop in and find that book you've been looking for!

2. Also, there has been a reduction in the cost of the renovation and expansion project -- a reduction of $1.3 million! This is great news, and news that I hope will encourage the town to continue moving forward on this project.

Spring in Bloom

2009-03-27T04:42:00.009-04:00

Last weekend, my SF visitor and I went to the Smith College Bulb & Flower Show. It was a delight of spring flowers (and more), blooming in a vast array of brilliant colour and lightly sweet scent. Here are a few pictures from that show, taken by my visitor and used with permission, of course. (Click on the image to enlarge.)

March Visitor Budget Itinerary

2009-03-22T07:39:00.008-04:00

What to do when you have a houseguest for 2 days in the middle of March? Try the following:
Friday:

Pick up from airport/bus station/train station
Take pseudo-scenic route home, passing through the Quabbin for pictures, history, and sightings of deer
Get home, unpack, shower, grab a snack, catch up
Visit the Clapp Library to pick up movies and (hopefully) museum passes; look at the beautiful building and make introductions to the library
Stop off at Rannsaka for a bit of local shopping
Head over to the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art; see the great exhibits, learn about the building of the museum, and definitely visit the gift shop
Go next door to Atkins Farms to pick up dinner makings and a pie
Run up to Trader Joe's and Target in Hadley to run those errands you didn't get to run during the week and to get the things your houseguest couldn't take on the plane
Come back home because everyone is exhausted; fix dinner; watch a movie; eat pie.

Saturday:

Sleep in; get up and watch the birds; eat breakfast
Make a quick trip to Rannsaka with cash to purchase what there wasn't enough cash to purchase the day before
Wheel on up to Amherst, where there are plenty of parking places
Visit the Amherst College Museum of Natural History (which is free) to see skeletons of long-extinct animals, locally-discovered dinosaur prints, and a sparkling mineral collection
Meander around Amherst; grab a tasty lunch at The Black Sheep and relax
Walk by a few shops on your way to the car
Drive to Northampton and Smith College, where the Spring Bulb and Flower Show is on display at the Lyman Conservatory -- make sure you don't miss it
Explore the college some, finally wending your way to Rt 9 where there are plenty of shops to visit on a sunny Saturday afternoon
Finally make your way to Amanouz Cafe for tasty baklava; stick around for an early dinner, if you wish
If you didn't eat Mediterranean at Amanouz, eat BiBimBop at the Korean Restaurnt on Rt 9 in Hadley
On the way back home, take one more quick pass at Atkins to buy some of their killer cider donuts for an easy Sunday morning breakfast
Take a short drive around the Holyoke Mountains to show off a bit more of that March beauty that's around
Back at home, download all the pictures you've taken all day long, eat more pie, and watch a movie before crashing in bed.

There are a few things I would have liked to include in all our travelings around, and we might have been able to if not for extenuating circumstances. If you can, get ice cream at Bart's Homemade Cafe, have breakfast at either Kristina's or Roadhouse, take a hike around the Quabbin, take a little more time to visit some of the shops in Amherst (like the bookstore and the scandinavian store), stop off at Nash's, and maybe even catch a film at one of the local independent theatres. There is plenty to do, and two days is just enough time to get a taste of some of the great things the Valley has to offer. I'm looking forward to planning more quick itinerary's for the spring and summer when the weather warms and the options drastically increase.

So there you have it -- two days of fun in the Belchertown sun for pretty much anyone. If you add another day, there's time to see the Berkshires, visit Springfield or Brattleboro, trek around the Holyokes..., but I won't get into those possibilities now.

My sister came in this weekend (Friday morning to Sunday morning), and we had a great time following that itinerary from above. It was a super short visit, but loads of fun.
My camera was off in Utah somewhere, so pictures will come later (she took some fantastic pictures, and I need to get linked to them so I can sort through them and pick some winners) -- be looking for them!

Welcome Spring!

2009-03-20T11:37:00.000-04:00

It must be the first day of spring -- I just spotted a robin in my yard!