A fashionable new address for the birds

WITH A FEW basic tools, some paint and a little effort, do-it-yourselfers can add a fresh touch-up to the yard or garden while giving the neighborhood birds a fashionable new address.

Both the country birdhouse (left) and Victorian birdhouse (right) feature charming details such as stenciled flowers and vines, doors that open (good for seasonal cleaning), shutters, chimneys, perches and bright color schemes. A great family project, they’re especially fun, easy and inexpensive to make. Materials include plywood, dowels, hinges, nails and glue, as well as stencils and paint.

The required cuts are mostly straight cuts, and all curved cuts are traced from full-size patterns.

Assembly calls only for gluing and nailing the pieces together.

Once the houses are assembled, builders can follow the suggested painting schemes or create their own. composting? Why compost? What are the benefits? Indoor vs. outdoors? This program is free and open to the public.

The Victorian birdhouse is about 18 inches tall by 12 inches wide by 10 inches deep.

The country birdhouse is about 10 inches tall by 9 inches wide by 12 inches deep.

The plan for the two Birdhouses, No. 859, is $9.95 and includes stepby-step instructions with 17 photos, full-size traceable patterns, painting charts, construction diagrams and a complete shopping list and cutting schedule.

Please include $3.95 for postage and handling and allow about two weeks for delivery.

To order by mail, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Republican, 741B Olive Ave., Vista CA 92083. To order by credit card, visit U-Bild on the web at u-bild. com.

HAMPDEN Club meeting

The Hampden Garden Club’s next meeting will take place April 20 at 7 p.m. at Academy Hall, 616 Main St., across from the Town House. Guest speaker Robin Desrochers will present a slide presentation on bluebirds. For more information, call Lil Fedora at 413-566-1137.

MONSON Student scholarship

The Monson Garden Club is offering two $500 scholarships to high school seniors who reside in Monson and plan to continue school at a