Second* Saturday Projects

1. Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary
   Visit the home of beloved children’s book author Thornton Burgess (1874-1965) who wrote over 170 books with such characters as Old Mother West Wind and Peter Rabbit.  Renowned for his dedication to conservation and wildlife, the sanctuary was established after his death.  The area comprised of 356 acres has been closed since 2005 due to a fire and flood.  Join MHC’s Dr John Body in the restoration efforts to bring the trails back to life by clearing non-native plants.  You will be helping the Audubon Society prepare to re-dedicate the sanctuary on September 27th.
2. Holyoke Soldiers Home
   The Holyoke Soldiers Home is a 290-unit facility for veterans from all wars.  The facility is also home to 18 female veterans.  You will have a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with these veterans who are a living piece of history.  The women residents would really appreciate a “spa day” complete with manicures.  
3. Quilting
   You'll travel to Ashfield, a Berkshires hilltown, where expert quilter Patricia Spees (FP) will direct the making of individual baby quilts to be donated to AIDS/HIV newborns. No previous quilting experience necessary.
4. Not Bread Alone
   At this popular area soup kitchen, your group will sort produce, prepare the noon meal, eat with clients, distribute bagged groceries, and clean up. There may also be time for a walk in downtown Amherst and a side trip to Bart's Homemade Ice Cream!
5. Garlic and Arts Festival
   “Be a part of the festival that stinks!” Farmers, artisans and musicians (bluegrass, soul folk) sponsor a rain-or-shine celebration of North Quabbin agriculture and art. Food vendors sell garlic infused creations using organic and local ingredients.  Biodegradable utensils and plates are composted at Seeds of Solidarity farm after the festival.  You might direct parking, collect admissions, oversee recycling projects, help vendors, serve as stagehands or just spend the time enjoying the festival! 
6. The Sycamores
   Built in 1788 this stately home has seen many reincarnations.  Located on Woodbridge St, the Sycamores is an historical home now owned by the South Hadley Historical Society.  From 1915-1971 it served as dormitory for the college.  In the process of being restored, there are many projects to be accomplished.  Your group will assist by washing windows, general housekeeping and landscaping.
7. Berkshire Hills Music Academy
   Berkshire Hills is a unique residential school for students with learning disabilities on an estate formerly owned by Mount Holyoke College, just a few minutes walk from campus. The Academy provides young adults who might not have been able to attend a traditional college the opportunity to live in a collegiate setting and acquire independent living skills while developing their musical potential. You’ll work alongside the students to help get the school ready for a new year.
8. Habitat for Humanity
   Habitiat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry whose goal is to make home ownership possible for low-income citizens through land purchase, new construction and renovation of older properties. Supervised by building professionals, your group will work approximately 5 hours at a variety of tasks: simple carpentry, painting, and grounds work.
9. All Out Adventures
   All out Adventure (AOA) makes outdoor recreational activities accessible to people with disabilities, so that an inclusive recreation experience may be enjoyed by all who are interested in their outdoor programs.  This year’s program will take place in the beautiful Blackstone Valley, assisting with a hike encompassing letterboxing and geocaching.
10. Five-College Bus Tour & Scavenger Hunt
    As a member of the Mount Holyoke community you have the opportunity to take full advantage of the 5 College consortium. Taking a class at Umass?  Lecture at Smith? Party at Hampshire?  Now the question is “How do you get there?”  Hop on this bus and check out all 4 campuses. Along the way, discover some hidden treasures and learn to navigate your way on the PVTA!  If time permits you’ll be able to explore downtown Amherst.
11. StonyBrook Children’s Center
    StonyBrook, adjacent to campus, a handsome full-service community childcare center for infants to eight-year-olds at all income levels, offering state-assisted and United Way scholarships.  An expanded Second* Saturday crew will accomplish much needed maintenance and clean-up.
12. Westfield River Watershed
    The WRWA was established in 1953 to protect the natural resources of the Westfield River and provide additional recreational activities for people throughout the area. You will have an opportunity to either canoe, hike or work on a service project.
13. Quabbin Reservoir 
    At exactly 12:01 a.m on April 28, 1938 5 towns in Massachusetts ceased to exist.  Taken by eminent domain the land these towns sat on would eventually become flooded to create the reservoir and principal water supply for 40 % of the state’s population including Boston and half of South Hadley.  In addition to providing valuable drinking water, the protected area also serves as important habitat for wildlife and offers passive recreational activities for visitors.  After an orientation to Quabbin’s history and visitng various departments  your group will participate in a trail maintenance project, working on some sections of the watershed trail system.  You may even see deer, eagles and bear tracks!
14. The Old Firehouse Museum
    The museum houses not only historic fire fighting memorabilia but also collections of the town of South Hadley founded in 1753.  Your group will reorganize and refresh exhibits throughout the museum.  You’ll be welcomed warmly by Museum board members who will share their knowledge of our town and provide ice cream floats just for fun!
15. Food Bank Farm 
    Mountain View Farm is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project serving Western Massachusetts and the Pioneer Valley.  Located in Easthampton, it contributes fresh produce to more than 395 programs which feed more than 77,500 people annually. Your group will help with the fall harvest.  Think pumpkins and fresh flowers!
16. Apple Fest
    Sponsored by South Hadley's Stony Brook Church, you'll join other community members in a day of apple picking and baking, their fifth annual Apple Fest. After harvesting apples from trees at nearby Olesiuk Orchards, you'll be divided into small groups and invited into several local homes and kitchens to create traditional apple pies and/or invent other apple-based concoctions, with prizes awarded at day's end.
17. Emily Dickinson Museum
    Visit the homestead of Mount Holyoke Colleges’ most illustrious alum.  Upon arriving at the museum you will be greeted by staff members who will give you a guided tour of both the Dickinson homes.  You will have an opportunity to view the many beautiful artifacts and artwork housed there.  The guides will give you a behind the scenes tour of the history of museum.  You will also have an audio tour of the grounds which includes selected poetry readings.  Bring a blanket and enjoy your picnic lunch on the beautiful landscaped property.
18. Dakin Animal Shelter
    Your participation in this project will ensure this popular animal shelter in Leverett can continue to provide care and support to the animals house there.  The shelter is known throughout western mass for their mission of placing animals for adoption.  Stationing yourselves outside a local shopping area, your mission will be to collect donations of pet food and supplies for this hugely popular drive campaign.
19. Self Defense Workshop
    Kellie Cournoyer-Cronk, Senior Officer of Public Safety will lead a fairly rigorous introduction to women’s self defense, including aspects of the Rape Aggression Defense program.
20. Field Trip to Eric Carle Museum
    You’ll join your group leader to the Eric Carle (author of The Very Hungry Caterpillar) Museum of Picture Book Art on the Hampshire College campus. You'll visit the gallery of original children’s book illustrations and read stories, stopping for ice cream cones--if time permits.
21. Gaylord Library
    Built in 1904 by the Gaylords, this beautiful building was the first public library in South Hadley. Still in operation today the library has a vibrant volunteer program and runs some wonderful events such as “Fantastic Adventures” for grades K-3, knitting groups, afternoon tea and memoir writing workshops.  Your group will participate in a children’s’ storybook and craft time for children of Mount Holyoke faculty and staff.  This event will be open to children ages one to six years.
22. Temenos
    Temenos is a rustic and remote retreat center--lodge, cabins, mineral spring, trails--founded by Quakers and nestled in 78 acres of forest on a small mountain about 50 minutes from campus. Your volunteer labor, such as painting, or hauling and stacking wood (rain or shine), will help keep Temenos accessible to all who seek a place of quiet and beauty.
23. Daisy Troop
    These little 1st graders will join you on campus where you will give them a campus tour with highlights such as the equestrian center and the art museum.  Then you will head to Kendall Sports Center where you will help them earn their sports badge by playing catch, and other games.  Later on you will all picnic together by the lake. You will be instrumental in making a memorable experience for these very young girls.
24. Wistariahurst Historic Garden
    Now owned by the city of Holyoke, the Wistariahurst Museum is the opulent former home of the Skinner family, renowned silk manufacturers in the late nineteenth century. Museum Director (and MHC alum) Carol Constant will provide an introduction to this fascinating historic property and, guided by the original blueprints, you will work to restore the surrounding gardens.
25. Zoo in Forest Park
    Located in downtown Springfield in a 750-acre municipal park with lovely gardens, small lakes, and trails, an independent nonprofit organization that maintains an Ecology Center and exhibits animals both indoors and in their natural habitat . Under the supervision of zoo personnel, you will (for example) prepare food and feed the animals, clean and change exhibits, or bathe and exercise animals.
26. MHC Outing Club Cabin
    Located midway up the trail to the summit of Mount Holyoke, the MHC Outing Club cabin is in need of repair.  The cabin has a long history starting in 1928. Rebuilt after a fire in 1960, the cabin and equipment are available for rental. Many hands working together on Second* Saturday should have the cabin ready to receive hikers on Mountain Day.  Members of the Outing Club will also arrange a hike this day for participants.
27. Mt. Toby Hike
    With alumna Judy Gatland you’ll hike through red and white pine, shagbark hickories, sugar maples, birches and ferns galore. You’ll pass along Roaring Brook (it only gurgles in the fall) and climb to the summit where a fire tower awaits to lift you above the clearing at the summit. On a clear day you’ll see Mount Monadnock, Mount Graylock and up and down the Connecticut River Valley.
28. Doctors’ Day Off
    Especially for pre-meds! Spend a morning with internist and pediatrician Dr. Anne Weaver on her day off. Learn to look in ears, take a pulse, and listen to hearts and lungs. Find out about medical training and what it is like to be in private practice. Help out with office projects/cleaning. If there is time you'll be able to tour an ambulance at the fire station.
29. Knitting
    Popular in the 1960’s, is making a comeback at Mount Holyoke today. With the help of the staff at the wonderful Northampton Wools store and a few upper-class knitting enthusiasts (as well as experienced new students), beginners will learn the basics and all will contribute to an afghan or other group project to be donated to a local charity. (Beginners and experienced knitters welcome!)