In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive—which they don't have to be. We rely too much on routine and the conventions of gatherings when we should focus on distinctiveness and the people involved. At a time when coming together is more important than ever, Parker sets forth a human-centered approach to gathering that will help everyone create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play.

Drawing on her expertise as a facilitator of high-powered gatherings around the world, Parker takes us inside events of all kinds to show what works, what doesn't, and why. She investigates a wide array of gatherings—conferences, meetings, a courtroom, a flash-mob party, an Arab-Israeli summer camp—and explains how simple, specific changes can invigorate any group experience.

The result is a book that's both journey and guide, full of exciting ideas with real-world applications. The Art of Gathering will forever alter the way you look at your next meeting, industry conference, dinner party, and backyard barbecue—and how you host and attend them.

Join us for a virtual, agenda-based gathering on Zoom!
Share your ideas and hear updates about our ongoing projects and events.
Zoom link HERE , Meeting ID: 741 485 3703

email info@hilltowns-care.org for troubleshooting or accessibility needs

Learn about a space saving method of growing food with Marcia Hendrick.
All ages welcome.

Gather with us for a discussion of Rebecca Solnit's Book: The Beginning Comes After the End: Notes on a World of Change. Rebecca Solnit offers a thrilling account of the sheer breadth and scale of social, political, scientific, and cultural change over the past three quarters of a century. In this sequel to her enduring bestseller Hope in the Dark, Solnit surveys a world that has changed dramatically since the year 1960. Despite the forces seeking to turn back the clock on history, change is not a possibility; it is an inevitability.

This venue is not ADA compliant and requires a short walk on uneven ground. Masking will be optional.

Join our Community Planting Day on Sunday, May 17th at 2pm to celebrate with us and do some spring planting.

Join Hilltowns CARE, The CARE Garden Committee, and Community Partners for a fun, family-friendly gathering outdoors. Lend a hand planting, play yard games, make a donation at the bake sale, or just come chat with neighbors. All ages welcome.

Plants or starts gratefully accepted!

This venue is not ADA compliant, masking will be optional.

Join us for a discussion of Let This Radicalize You, by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba.

Accessibility info: This venue is a short walk on an uneven and potentially soft surface. The indoor space available is not ADA compliant, and necessitates several stairs. There may be cold food available at this event. Masking is optional.

Join us on Zoom for an agenda focused discussion. Bring your topics to share!
Any accommodations or questions, please contact info@hilltowns-care.org‍ ‍

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414853703?omn=83642359733 Meeting ID: 741 485 3703

Our Book Club pick for March is The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again by Robert Putnam.

This venue requires several steps. Please reach out to info@hilltowns-care.org for any accessibility accommodations.

Join us for our second annual Seed Swap event as part of our monthly community gathering. Bring seeds you have saved to trade, take home seeds to plant, or just come and learn from your fellow gardeners! All ages are welcome.

This venue is ADA compliant and low fragrance. Snacks may be served, please reach out for any accessibility needs to info@hilltowns-care.org

Our Garden committee will help to plan and maintain the CARE garden throughout the growing season. If you would like to participate in any capacity, please email info@hilltowns-care.org with subject line “garden”.

Join us for a discussion of Patty Krawec’s Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future

This event will be held in a space that requires several steps. Masking is optional.

Join us for an agenda-based virtual gathering on zoom! All are welcome to bring new topics to the table.

For troubleshooting help, email info@hilltowns-care.org

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414853703?omn=82123680177 Meeting ID: 741 485 3703

Join us for an in person community gathering to share space and learn about some of our upcoming projects!
Bring a cold snack to share, or bring a friend.

This venue is ADA compliant and low-fragrance. Masking optional.

Join us for a discussion of Mutual Aid by Dean Spade.

This venue is ADA compliant and low-fragrance. Masking optional.

Join us to work on building our resource and food access map!

This venue is ADA compliant and low-fragrance. Masking optional.

Bring your unused clothing, outerwear, shoes, and textiles to swap for something new. Help save waste and money with your neighbors. Fun for all ages!

See description for more location info and swap guidelines.

Join us for some winter decorating in the Community Garden. All ages welcome!

Join us on Zoom to share ideas, meet new people, and build community.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414853703?omn=85677409595
Meeting ID: 741 485 3703

We are building a functional list of food access points in the Hilltowns. We will produce a vetted, comprehensive list and calendar to be distributed across the region, as well as discussing mutual aid efforts addressing food insecurity.

Bring a laptop or internet-capable device if you have one.

Join us for a discussion of Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights.

Join us for our next IN PERSON gathering! This event will take place outdoors, weather permitting, and indoors if necessary.

Accessibility info: The venue is outdoors, and requires a short walk on potentially uneven ground or grass. Outdoor bathrooms available. Cold snacks encouraged, please label allergens carefully. Reach out for any accommodations you may need, and we will do our best!

[Image description: A pink and yellow flyer that reads "You're invited! Community Gathering November 2nd, 3pm, Fare Thee Well, 153 Pond Brook Rd, Rt 66, Huntington, MA, 01050. Meet your neighbors! Share resources! Build community! All People and all ages welcome. This event will be outdoors, weather permitting. Please see accessibility info and reach out for accommodations. email Hilltowns.care@gmail.com" A White, blue, and red graphic of two hands and a heart reads Community, Action, Respect, Empathy. Hilltowns CARE]

Join us in the Community Garden for a presentation and Q+A from Dr. Kim Skyrm, PhD. Chief Apiary Inspector for the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) and East Director of the Apiary Inspectors of America (AIA).

All ages welcome, with a children’s activity provided.

Join us on zoom to help plan our upcoming event! RSVP to Hilltowns.care@gmail.com for link to attend.

Join us for a virtual gathering to share our community updates and meet new friends!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7414853703?omn=85687522117
Meeting ID: 741 485 3703

Join us for a discussion of Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights.

Join our next “working meeting” to plan our event on October 18th!
RSVP for zoom link.

Join us on Zoom to discuss planning our upcoming Skill Share event. RSVP to Hilltowns.care@gmail.com for link access.

We are living in a time of deep divisions. Americans are sorting themselves along racial, religious, and cultural lines, leading to a level of polarization that the country hasn’t seen since the Civil War. Pundits and politicians are calling for us to come together and find common purpose. But how, exactly, can this be done?

In Palaces for the People, Eric Klinenberg suggests a way forward. He believes that the future of democratic societies rests not simply on shared values but on shared spaces: the libraries, childcare centers, churches, and parks where crucial connections are formed. Interweaving his own research with examples from around the globe, Klinenberg shows how “social infrastructure” is helping to solve some of our most pressing societal challenges. Richly reported and ultimately uplifting, Palaces for the People offers a blueprint for bridging our seemingly unbridgeable divides.

Join us to share space and hear community updates!

Hilltowns CARE and the Hampshire County Food Policy Council are collaborating to bring a skill share series to the Hilltowns this Fall. Join us for an hour long zoom meeting to generate ideas and plan forward! RSVP to Hilltowns.care@gmail.com for link.