HUNTINGTON – The Jacobs Ladder Business Association (JLBA) is creating a regional map to promote businesses, tourism and outdoor exploration of the hilltown region. The map, called “Hilltown Destinations” will include hiking trail heads, businesses, and other hilltown attractions.
JLBA received a grant of $2,500 towards the creation of the map from Healthy Hampshire, an initiative to promote healthy eating, active living, and promotion of healthy and safe physical environments. The initiative recently expanded to include the hilltowns that are served by the Hilltown Community Health Centers.
Another partner in the project is the Western Mass. Hilltown Hikers, who will be leading guided hikes to the Keystone Arches, Windsor Jambs and the Sanderson Hills Falls, among others.
The 70 ft. Keystone Arch Bridge, dating to 1841, as seen from the Westfield River in Chester. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Michele Kenney, president of the Jacobs Ladder Business Association, said according to research by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission, Hampden County scores 14 out of 14 for all health outcomes in Massachusetts counties.
The Hilltown Destinations map will encompass the towns of Middlefield, Becket, Chester, Huntington, Russell, Blandford, Granville, Montgomery, Worthington, Chesterfield, Cummington and Windsor, as well as areas west of the Columbia Greenway in Westfield. A listing of annual regional events will also be included, as well as links to websites with ongoing activities.
Kenney said along with the JLBA goal of expanding tourism and economic development, the project is intended to draw people out to explore the natural resources of the region.
“We decided to really encourage people who are not as familiar with our area to get out there and see what’s available,” Kenney said.
Business listings of the publication include all JLBA members. JLBA membership is $50 per year. Businesses can choose to be located “on the map”, or only in the business listings, as might be the case for some home based businesses. Additionally, there are a limited number of business-card sized coupons available for $250.
The map is scheduled to be mailed via Every Door Direct (EDD) to the twelve hilltowns in May of 2017. Additional copies will be made available to JLBA members for public offering. The new JLBA website, currently under construction, will include an electronic version of Hilltown Destinations,
The deadline for JLBA membership and submission of business information is March 15th, 2017. Coupon spaces are available on a first come first served basis.
For more information, to get a JLBA Membership form, or the Hilltown Destinations form, please contact JLBA Vice President Christina Beeke at: [email protected]. Current JLBA members may mail their 2017 membership dues to JLBA, PO Box 19, Huntington, MA 01050.
