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

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

CAMP HOWE AWARDED GRANT FROM THE BUBEL /AIKEN FOUNDATION TO SUPPORT INCLUSIVE RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES!

All children benefit when they learn to live, laugh and play together!

(Goshen, MA)- Camp Howe has been notified that they have been recently awarded a $20,000 grant from The Bubel/Aiken Foundation for the inclusive camping experience designed for youth with and without disabilities to be together in the same program.  Camp Howe’s inclusive summer program has had 38 years of development and this grant will assist the camp in building on this program to provide a chance for youth with disabilities to participate in activities they or their families never could have thought possible.
The Bubel/Aiken Foundation has been actively developing its Let’s ALL Play Program since it was first conceived in 2004. Today, the Foundation supports over 30 recreational programs nationally. Providing this grant to Camp Howe is another exciting step toward the Foundation’s goal of full inclusion. Through the Let’s ALL Play Program, the Foundation supports recreational programs where extra staff give the attention all children crave as their efforts to implement and encourage camps with inclusive programs by providing a model, funding, and training. Camp Howe was one of only two programs selected in New England. The South Windsor Town Recreation Department, in Connecticut was also a recipient.
“We are very excited to work with The Bubel/Aiken Foundation to open even further Camp Howe to those special children with disabilities,” said Terrie Campbell “TBAF has experience supporting inclusive program on a national level and we are very pleased to join their team to provide local youth the most successful and inclusive summer program in our area. Members from the foundation will visit our site mid-June to meet Camp Howe staff and provide training that has been presented to Let’s ALL Play camps all over the country. Building on our past successes, this new development will enable us to touch the lives of children in our area to a more profound degree.” In 2007, the American Camp Association recognized the Camp Howe program nationally with the Eleanor P. Eells Award for Program Excellence. This prestigious award is designed to honor programs that develop effective, creative responses to the needs of people through camping; to encourage creative solutions to societal problems through camping; to stimulate the exchange of creative ideas with others; to promote, in and out of camping, the positive contribution camping makes to the well-being of individuals and society; and to give recognition and honor to those whose programs exemplify these objectives. 
Camp Howe, Inc has been providing an early experience outside the family home for youth aged 7-21 for 81 years. The program encompasses all aspects of the campers experience and focuses on offering age appropriate programs aimed at increasing self esteem, leadership, independence, and education on preserving and protecting the environment. Camp Howe stands apart from most other camps by its commitment to inclusion of youth with disabilities. Camp Howe’s inclusion program, pioneering in the field over a span of 38 years, provides that 15% of participating youth be those requiring additional staff support to assist them in a successful emersion into the camp community.
Camp Howe’s strongest asset is the community that it has established, one that hold the belief in accepting differences in others. This mentality forms the basis of all that we do in camp and forms a community that truly embraces and values the integrity in others. In a community of this kind, true life lessons can be experienced, learned, practiced and understood. In this environment youth have the freedom to explore their own personal biases, self concepts and social pressures and the opportunity to make life affecting changes.
For more information about Camp Howe visit our website at www.camphowe.com or call 1-413-549-3969.
About The Bubel/Aiken Foundation: The Foundation provides services and financial assistance to promote the full integration of children with disabilities into the life environment of those without. The Foundation strives to create awareness about the diversity of individuals with disabilities and the possibilities that inclusion can bring. To learn more about The Bubel/Aiken Foundation or ways to get involved visit their Web site at www.bubelaiken.org. 

CAMP HOWE RECOGNIZED FOR EXCELLENT SAFETY RECORD

Markel Insurance Company, a pioneer in camp insurance and a leading insurer of children’s camps, has recognized Camp Howe with the “Safety 1st” designation in 2007. The Safety 1st program recognizes Markel customers who have shown an outstanding commitment to safety. It is a prestigious honor as only five camps in all of New England received this award.
According to Will Evans, Markel's Director of Safety Education, "Markel does not award this designation lightly—camps or clubs must have at least a three-year proven safety record, undergo formal assessments and inspections, and participate in continuing education and certification programs. These facilities deserve to be commended for making safety a top priority.  These camps truly understand the importance of safety, and we feel they deserve to be honored for their achievement."

Please visit our advertisers and let them know you found their ad Online at HilltownsOnline.com

Town Hall Information
P. O. Box 124
42 Main St.
Goshen, MA 01032
Ph: 413-268-8236
Fax: 413-268-8237
Hours:
Monday - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Website: www.egoshen.com

Animal Control Officer
Candy Laflam
413-268-3447 or 413-695-0427

Selectmen meet on Mondays
Town secretary: Linda Walden is available at the town hall on Mon, Tues, and Weds. from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Camp Howe
 PO Box 326
 Goshen, MA 01032-0326
 See Our Ad Here
 Tel: 413-549-3969
 Summer Fax: 413-268-8206
 Email: office@camphowe.com
 Website: www.camphowe.com
 Exciting adventures, great people and incredible friendships; that's what a Camp Howe experience is all about! A traditional camp with contemporary programs. Activities include low and high ropes courses, wall and rock climbing, archery, skeet shooting, boating, swimming, arts and crafts, farm life, leadership program and much much more.  Camp Howe stands apart from most other camps by its commitment to inclusion. All youth welcomed and valued!

George Propane, Inc.
Chris George
#3 Berkshire Trail West (Route 9)
PO Box 102
Goshen, MA 01032
See Our Ad Here
Ph: 413-268-8360 or 800-464-2053
Fax: 413-268-0206
Email: info@georgepropane.com
Website: www.georgepropane.com

Mass Call / Volunteer Firefighters Assoc.
See Our Ad Here
Website: www.mcvfaTravel.com

Out Of This Earth Pottery
Connie Baugh
178 Berkshire Trail East
Mail: P. O. Box 341
Goshen, MA 01032
See Our Ad Here
Ph: 413-268-8368
Email: revdrcon@hughes.net

Pampered Pet Sitting, LLC
2 Locations
Candy Laflam
P. O. Box 18
Goshen, MA 01032
See Our Ad Here
Ph: 413-268-3447 or
Ph: 413-695-0427
247 Northampton Street
Suite 12
Easthampton, MA 01027
Ph: 413-529-0011
Email: Candy@PamperedPetSit.net
Website: www.PamperedPetSit.net
We offer in-home pet sitting, daily walks, overnight stays, nail trims and more... all in the comfort of YOUR home!  We are bonded, insured and a member of PSI and PSA  We are an established business that started in 2002. Candy is also the Pet Sitters International Ambassador for the state of Massachusetts  Call or email today to set up your FREE consultation!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

MASSIVE HOUSE CLEANING SALE!!

$0.50 ¢ to $100 !!! Complete home furnishings!! Furniture, lamps, tables, dining room, bedrooms!! Complete room accessories!! Priced to sell! Many Items NEW!!!  594 Main Street Becket MA – fenced yard across from Becket Country Store & Café.  Every Sunday in May.