The 3/50 Project
What three independently-owned businesses would you miss if they disappeared? Stop in. Say hello. Pick up something that brings a smile. Your purchases are what keeps those businesses around.

If half the employed population spent $50 each month in locally-owned independent businesses, it would generate more than $42.6 billion in revenue. Imagine the positive impact if 3/4 of the employed population did that.

For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expeditures. If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here. Spend it online, and nothing comes home.

How many people does it take to start this trend? Just one - you. To learn more about this, click here.

Gill Historical Commission is located in the former Riverside School on Route 2. Consisting of two rooms, it features many reminders of the town's history, including photographs, ice cutting implements, farm implements, and old newspapers. Among the photographs is the famous shot of the science building burning at Mt. Hermon School while a football game is being played. There are plans to convert one of the rooms into a replica of a schoolroom from the 1930's and 40's. Open by appointment. 

Barton Cove Boat Ramp provides access to the Connecticut River on Route 2 less than a mile east of the Gill-Montague Bridge. The ramp is operated by the state Department of Environmental Management. Closed during the winter. Northeast Utilities operates a private camping, picnic and canoe launching area several hundred yards to the east.
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/crgw.htm 

Barton Cove Camping Campground operated by Northeast Utilities
http://www.firstlightpower.com/northfield/camping.asp

Barton Cove Canoeing and Kayaking
http://www.firstlightpower.com/northfield/canoe.asp

Welcome Aboard - The Quinnetukut II, a 60-seat riverboat cruising the Connecticut River for nearly a quarter of a century.  
http://www.firstlightpower.com/northfield/riverboat.asp 

The French King Bridge, on Route 2, spans the Connecticut River between Gill and Erving, providing scenic views to the north and south, where the Millers River empties into the Connecticut. The iron bridge was built in 1932 and was recently renovated. It's a popular tourist stop during foliage season.

French King Gorge, Erving and Gill
The French King Gorge is an ecological, scenic and agricultural gem. The gorge was formed thousands of years ago by glacial melt waters. Looking out from the Route 2 bridge that connects Gill to Erving, you will experience one of the most distinctive views in Massachusetts. 

Stacy Mountain Preserve, one mile off of the French King Highway is a scenic mountain preserve of rich forest, cliffs, and vernal pools in the Connecticut River's French King Gorge. It provides habitat for the rare Jefferson salamander, the rare spotted turtle and five state-threatened plant species. The site is accessible by automobile and visitors are welcome.  There is a marked trail, which is steep in places.  For further information see the Nature Conservatory website.  

Oak Ridge Golf Course, on West Gill Road, about three miles north of Route 2, is a nine-hole course. Call 863-9693 for further information.
http://www.newphotographix.com/oakridge.html

Businesses

Janet Masucci, Hypnotherapy and Acupressure Massage
Janet Masucci has had a private practice in Hypnotherapy since 1980. She added Integrative Acupressure to her practice in 1991 and received her Professional Certification from the New England Institute of Integrative Acupressure. She also has a BA in Art Education and brings a diverse collection of skills and experiences to her work. Her varied interests include co-producing and co-hosting a program on health and wellness on radio and local cable TV and a variety of independent video productions.

In all the work she does, the focus is on cooperation, creativity and empowerment, seeing all things as part of a greater whole.

Phone: 413-863-8694
Address: 64 French King Hwy, Gill, MA 01354
website: www.JanetMasucci.com 

Just Things Antiques & Lamp Repairs
Proprietor: Arthur Cohen
Phone: 413-498-5043
Business address: #9 Mt Hermon Station Rd, Gill
Mailing address: #9 Mt Hermon Station Rd, Northfield, MA 01360

Songline Emu Farm
Songline Emu Farm is open to the public from 12 noon -6 pm , Thursday, Friday and Saturday each week from April 1st to December 15th. There is a self-guided tour ($3.00 charge) of the breeding, incubation, hatching and grow-out facilities; and a fully-stocked store with Emu oil products, leather items and meat. Chick hatching occurs in April and May
www.allaboutemu.com or email deedee@allaboutemu.com.

The Gill Tavern
326 Main Road, Gill, 413-863-9006.  
For over 200 years the Gill Store- now newly renovated as the Gill Tavern- has served as a gathering place for the community. They serve meals made with locally grown produce and have a fully stocked bar featuring beer from the People's Pint. According to their website: "In the spirit that good food makes good company, The Gill Tavern aims to nourish the dining and gathering needs of Gill and its neighboring towns. The Tavern serves fare made from fresh, locally produced ingredients whenever possible in an atmosphere that fosters friendship, community, and respect for our environment."

Upinngil
411 Main Road, Gill, 413-863-2297
Organically grown asparagus, melons, sweet corn, potatoes (many varieties), pumpkins, winter squash, honey, hay, maple products, straw and grain. Strawberries picked and you-pick. Open year-round.

Wagon Wheel Restaurant
Route 2, Gill, 413-863-8210
Open 7 days a week for Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner. Beer & Wine is available.
"ROADFOOD THE WAY IT SHOULD BE!"

Events

18th Annual Fall Festival Craft Fair
Sponsored by the Friends of Gill and the Gill Agricultural Commission
Old Riverside School, Route 2, Gill, Massachusetts
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Daily, Rain or Shine

Participating artists in this juried show exhibit a wide variety of work including pottery, woodworking, fine and folk art, jewelry, photography, fabric art and more!

We look forward to welcoming artisans from around the area to display handiwork and art in a number of media. For the second year, there will be a Farmers' Market with local produce and food products available. Plus, the Friends of Gill will be selling their delicious homemade apple pies. Please write the Gill Art and Craft Festival, c/o Friends of Gill, PO Box 287, Turners Falls, MA 01376 for information.

Email: Claire Chang for more information.