Discover fun and educational events happening this weekend in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

Hillside Agricultural Tractor & Engine Club had a great float in the Town of Chesterfield 63rd Annual Independence Day Parade this past Sunday. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)

If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

DINNER IN THE HILLTOWNS

Thursday & Friday, July 8th & 9th at Elmer’s Store in Ashfield: On Thursday: Middle Eastern Platter w/Lamb meatballs on couscous with vegetables. Hummus, Tabouleh, Green Salad, pita. – On Friday: Steak Tips.  Mushroom Stromboli with goat cheese mashed potatoes and local vegetables. Mixed greens salad. – BYOB. Children aged 6 and under eat free from 5:00 to 6:30! 628-4003

Friday & Saturday, July 9th & 10th at Bread Euphoria in Haydenville: Menu TBD. Also available: Sandwiches, salads, soups and pizza (including Gluten-Free pizza!).  Beer & wine available. 268-7757

Friday & Saturday, July 9th & 10th at Blue House Cafe in Haydenville: Thai Peanut Noodles: Rice noodles with our homemade peanut coconut sauce, served cold with fresh vegetables (Gluten-free and vegan). Carrot Ginger Soup (served hot or cold, all organic.) Open mic on Saturday this week. BYOB. 268-7441

BULLETIN BOARD

ADVERTISING & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Deliver your message to a large local family based audience while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Advertise your event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement here in the Bulletin Board section of our List of Weekly Suggested Events.

CHP-South Berkshire Community Coalition writes: We are looking for 10 eager players that would like to join our SBCC Kickball Team. This fun (one-time) event will take place Saturday, July 31 at the Little League Field in Great Barrington. The day will begin at 10 a.m. and wrap up around 6 p.m. All ages (and abilities) are encouraged to join!  This is a family event – there will be food (for purchase), kid’s activities, fun for all. This is a Community Health Programs fundraiser – join us for a great cause! To join us, call 413-528-1919 x 14  Or email: sbcc@chpberkshires.org

Deadline to enter to win: July 14th.

LEARN TO CAMP: If your family  has always wanted to learn how to camp, a fun-filled Becoming an Outdoors Family Camping Weekend is planned for novice campers at Harold Parker State Forest in Andover, MA on August 7-8, 2010.  Organized by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Becoming an Outdoorswoman Program, families new to camping will have the option of learning some basic camping skills and as well as other outdoor recreational skills such as archery, fishing, canoeing and hiking. Registration materials and more details about the weekend will be posted soon at the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s Becoming an Outdoorswoman Calendar.

FARM TO SCHOOL: Grant money for Farm to School available through Community Facilities Program. Funds must be awarded by August 2010. Since time is short, the proposals most likely to be accepted are very simple applications for the purchase of equipment (for example, kitchen equipment or salad bars). Funds can also be used for other innovative regional food system projects like slaughter facilities, community kitchens, and regional food hub buildings. Please note that the project must not be a commercial endeavor and must serve the community as a whole. For more information about this program, or to apply, first contact the local Rural Development office in your area. For detailed questions about the program, please contact Chad Parker, 202-720-1500 or Beth Jones, 202-720-149. If you have recommendations for programs that should be funded, please contact Debra Eschmeyer.

DONATIONS WANTED: July 24th, 11 – 3 PM. Children’s Tag Sale, Chester Parent Center, Town Center Playgrounds (across from Town Hall). (Rain date July 31) to benefit Chester Elementary School PTO. Gently used childrens items (toys, clothing, winter gear, baby items, etc.) are now being collected for the tag sale. Drop locations for items in good condition at the following locations: at the home of Nikki Barsalou, 3 Birch Hill Rd. in Blandford; at the home of Kara Engwer, 14 Olin Avenue in Chester; and at the home of Aimee Gagliardi, 195 Town Hill Rd. in Middlefield. For more information, please contact Aimee Gagliardi @ 623-0111 or Kate Forgue @ 667-3176.

Deadline to enter to win: July 11th

ADVOCATING FOR YOUR CHILD(REN) IN SCHOOL: Georgia Douillet, Associate Editor for The Women’s Times, has posted a request for feedback from parents of Hilltown Families who have found themselves in a position of advocacy for their child(ren) in a school setting – whether the advocacy involved getting a learning disability acknowledged, getting enrichment for a bored or gifted student, tackling a bullying issue the school wasn’t recognizing, etc.  They’re interested in feedback about how to go about it, when to recognize the need for it, and why it is important.  Read her post HERE for more info and contact.

MUSIC DOWNLOAD: The singers and musicians of the children’s group Treehouse 10 invites you to a free download of their song “The Man with 29 Cats” on www.wigglenation.com (left side link). A family of 29 cats are waiting for you to join them as they have the run of the house, the roof and the piano!

HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW

This week on the HFVS we will be playing an encore of last years Summer Essential episode. Tune in on Saturdays from 9-10am, or listen to our podcasts HERE. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am. Families have several ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:

Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday & Sunday mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio.

On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA.

PODCAST: Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too!

WEEKLY LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS

Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday

Suggest an Event | Local Forecast | Free Museum Passes | Family Centers (Ages 0-4) | Movies in the Valley | Movies in the Berkshires | Farmers’ Markets | Listen Here

Events Happening in the Hilltowns

Saturday – 7/10/10

6-10am – FAMILY RADIO:  Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 4-hours of commercial-free family programing every Saturday, including the Hilltown Family Variety Show and Spare the Rock. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.

8:30am-12:30pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: On the town green. Ashfield, MA (MARKET)

FESTIVAL: Hoop City Jazz & Art Festival all weekend long.  The festival is free to all and offers a stellar line up of entertainment, including many Grammy Award winners on stage along with Springfield’s own Greg Caputo’s Big Band. This year’s performers include: Terence Blanchard, Average White Band, Elan Trotman, Zoe with Cindy Bradley, Kashif, Ken Navarro, Greg Caputo’s Big Band, Ed Fast & Conga Bop, Soul Source, Modern Riffs, and the Springfield Youth Chorus.  Springfield, MA (FREE)

4H FAIR: Hampshire County 4-H Fair, Cummington Fairgrounds Cummington, MA

9am-2pm – TAG SALE: Northampton Council on Aging’s annual Ceil Goral Tag Sale at the Northampton Senior Center (67 Conz St.) Northampton, MA (SALE)

9am-12Noon – NATURE STUDIES: Join botanist Connie Parks at the Marion Sherman Lynes sanctuary for a summer wildflower walk.  Call to reg. 584-3009 Westhampton, MA (>$)

9am-5pm – CRAFT FAIR:  Big Brothers Big Sisters 30th Annual Amherst Crafts on the Common Fair.  439-2107 Amherst, MA (Sale)

9:30am-4:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Open Hearth Cooking Demo at Historic Deerfield.  During the hot summer months, come learn how people in early New England kept cool, and preserved summer produce.  Open hearth cooks will demonstrate how to make cooling beverages including lemonade and switchel (a drink made with molasses, ginger, sugar and water).  See how people preserved summer vegetables like cucumbers or beets.  Drop in anytime. 775-7175 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (FREE w/admission)

10am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: A Wheelie Good Time on the Manhan Rail Trail – Bring Strollers, wagon, bikes, trikes or just your feet for a child friendly stroll along the Manhan Rail Trail with the Easthampton Family Center.  Meet on Payson Ave at the Easthampton Safety Complex. Picnic Snack provided after the stroll. 563-7672 Easthampton, MA (FREE)

10am-3:30pm – COUNTRY FAIR: Otis Library Country Fair on the green (Route 8).  269-0109 Otis, MA

10am – BOOK SALE: Stock up on summer reading at the Stockbridge Library Book Sale. Stockbridge, MA (Sale)

10am-5pm – ARTISAN SHOW: The Hilltown Artisans Guild is having their Summer Show at the Town Hall. www.hilltownarts.com Worthington, MA

10am-6pm – MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL: Third Annual Peskeomskut Park Music & Arts Festival, feature a full schedule of live bands, the Peske Park Craft Fair (with 30 + artisans from all over New England), the “Re-Cycle” bike sale, a book and plant sale, performances by The New England Center for Circus Arts, performances by the Shea Theater Resident Companies & Valley Idol Winners, interactive art installations as part of the Shea Theater’s “Art In The Park”, a beverage garden from Berkshire Brewing Company, food from area restaurants as well as Texas BBQ and vegetarian offerings. www.peskeparkfest.com Turners Falls, MA ($)

10:30am – FAMILY THEATER: PaintBox Theater presents: Peter Rabbit.  At Theater 14 on the Smith College Campus. 587-3220 Northampton, MA ($)

10:30-11:15am – PUPPET SHOW: Caravan Puppets and Timeless Tales perform as part of the Village Commons’ Summer Children’s Entertainment Series in fron of the Odyssey Bookshop. Outdoors. South Hadley, MA (FREE)

10:30 & 11:30am – FAMILY SHOW:  Goowin’s Balloowins in the Center Court at the Eastfield Mall.  www.eastfieldmall.com 543-8000 Springfield, MA (FREE)

11am – PARADE: Celebebrate local agriculture with the Szawlowski Potato Farms Centennial Tractor Parade will be on Main Street.  703-298-4374 Hatfield, MA (FREE)

11am – THEATER: “The Mummy’s Tale and Other Stories from the Great Beyond” at the Berkshire Museum. This family-friendly journey explores the ultimate mystery: the afterlife as viewed across centuries and cultures. www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA ($)

11am-3pm – HORSE RIDES: Horse Drawn Carriage Rides through Scenic downtown Lee.  243-0852 Lee, MA ($)

12Noon-1:30pm – FATHER’S GROUP: Father’s support group at Cradle. Facilitated by David Ettleman.  Babies welcomed. Northampton, MA (FREE)

12Noon-3pm – COMMUNITY MEAL: Montague Farm Zen House presents the weekly Montague Farm Cafe -a free, weekly family oriented meal and gathering, with healthy food, art activities, live music, and games. 367-5275 Montague, MA (FREE)

12:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Chow Time in the aquarium at 12:30pm, and the Battle-Ready! Discovery Program (last day) at 1pm.  At the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA (FREE w/museum admission)

1pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Gallery hunt at MASS MoCA.  Kids and their families will explore the wide variety of materials artists use through projects and activities. www.massmoca.org North Adams, MA ($)

1pm – SCIENCE STUDIES: Amherst Solar will be set up with their telescopes on the Amherst Town Common all summer.  Stop by with the kids and see Sunspots, Prominences, Limb Darkening and more.  256-6234  amastro.org Amherst, MA (FREE)

1 & 3pm – THEATER: Castle Hill Theatre presents Bremen Town Musicians in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 658-1126 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (>$)

1-4pm – CHILDREN’S CIRCUS: “Creatures of Bliss and Mystery”:  A Nineteenth-century Children’s Circus at the Emily Dickinson Museum.  Entertainment by Henry the Juggler and by folksinger and storyteller Tim Van Egmond.  (Rain date: July 11th) 542-816 www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org Amherst, MA (FREE)

1-5pm – HISTORIC ADVENTURES: Tour the William Cullen Bryant Homestead. Explore the ancestral home of the great 19th-century poet, newspaperman, and essayist, and wander the grounds above the Westfield River. Try the “I Spy” family activity using a hands-on spy pack to discover the Homestead’s secrets. 634-2244 Cummington, MA (>$)

5-8pm – ART WALK: Art Walk Easthampton is held the “Second Saturday” of the month. Locations across the city showcase visual, music and performance art in an energetic sampling of local, regional and national talent. All events are free. Parking is free. Art Walk Easthampton is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Easthampton Cultural Council and the support of Mantis Graphics which makes our large, yellow banners. Easthampton, MA (FREE)

6:15pm – DANCE: At Jacob’s Pillow, “First Lady of Tap” Dianne Walker, with the legendary Harold Cromer, director/choreographer Ray Hesselink, and music director Paul Arslanian, showcases dancers of The School in a range of tap styles to conclude their two weeks of intensive study at the Pillow. 243-0745 www.jacobspillow.org Becket, MA (FREE)

7:30pm – MOVIES: Pothole Pictures Film Series presents: National Velvet. A young girl (Elizabeth Taylor) with a passion for horses enlists drifter trainer Mickey Rooney to teach her to ride steeplechase. The connection between them and their wild horse becomes a life-affirming bond that leads to England’s most prestigious riding event, the Grand National. A sweet tender film about coming of age and breaking of barriers. Directed by Clarence Brown. 1945. Color. G. 123 min. (51 Bridge Street) 625-2896 Shelburne Falls, MA (>$)

8:50pm – DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Northfield Drive-In movie theater is featuring The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG-13) as their first show, and The A-Team (PG-13) as their second show this weekend. (603) 239-4054 www.northfielddrivein.com Northfield, MA ($)

9pm – ASTRONOMY ADVENTURES: Mt. Greylock Star Parties  The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Amherst Area Amateur Astronomy Association are co-sponsoring star parties on the summit of Mt. Greylock. 499-4262 Lanesborough, MA (FREE)

9pm – FIREWORKS: Fireworks at Tolland State Beach at dusk. (Rain Date: July 11th) Otis, MA (FREE)

9:30pm – FIREWORKS: Fireworks at Pelham Lake Park at 9:30pm. (Rain date: July 11th) Rowe, MA (FREE)

Sunday – 7/11/10

7-8am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) airs encores the Hilltown Family Variety Show every Sunday morning. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.

8am – WOMEN’S TRAIL RUN: Women of all levels are welcomed to a casual weekly trail run at the Chesterfield Gorge.   All distances/All levels welcome. Organized by Leslie Charles and Tanya Rapinchuk.  West Chesterfield, MA

9am-2pm – AGRICULTURE FESTIVAL: Cherry Festival at Outlook Farm.  Music, tag sale, family fun, BBQ, and of course, cherries! 529-9388 www.outlookfarm.com Westhampton, MA (FREE)

FESTIVAL: Hoop City Jazz & Art Festival all weekend long.  The festival is free to all and offers a stellar line up of entertainment, including many Grammy Award winners on stage along with Springfield’s own Greg Caputo’s Big Band. This year’s performers include: Terence Blanchard, Average White Band, Elan Trotman, Zoe with Cindy Bradley, Kashif, Ken Navarro, Greg Caputo’s Big Band, Ed Fast & Conga Bop, Soul Source, Modern Riffs, and the Springfield Youth Chorus.  Springfield, MA (FREE)

9:30am – NATURE STUDIES: Bill Benner of the MA Butterfly Club is leading a walk at Graves Farm.  Williamsburg, MA

10am-12Noon – NATURE STUDIES: At an elevation of 1,800 feet, Hawley Bog resembles the cold bogs of Canada. Come visit this pristine peatland.  See orchids and native insectivorous plants.  Call to reg. 584-3009. Hawley, MA ($)

10am-5pm – ARTISAN SHOW: The Hilltown Artisans Guild is having their Summer Show at the Town Hall. www.hilltownarts.com Worthington, MA

11am – THEATER: “The Mummy’s Tale and Other Stories from the Great Beyond” at the Berkshire Museum. This family-friendly journey explores the ultimate mystery: the afterlife as viewed across centuries and cultures. www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA ($)

1pm & 6pm – YOUTH CIRCUS: Circus Smirkus performs at Mount Greylock Regional High School. 802-533-7443 www.smirkus.org Williamstown, MA ($)

1-5pm – HISTORIC ADVENTURES: Tour the William Cullen Bryant Homestead. Explore the ancestral home of the great 19th-century poet, newspaperman, and essayist, and wander the grounds above the Westfield River. Try the “I Spy” family activity using a hands-on spy pack to discover the Homestead’s secrets. 634-2244 Cummington, MA (>$)

3-5pm – SEWING: Ashfield Needles and Threads meets at Elmer’s. Get together and sew, knit, crochet, chat, hook rugs… ibranson@crocker.com Ashfield, MA (FREE)

3-5pm – PLAYGROUP: Join parents from the Northampton Parent Center at the Easthampton Community Gardens with Kate. 582.2636  Easthampton, MA (FREE) 3-5pm – PLAYGROUP: Join parents from the Northampton Parent Center at the Easthampton Community Gardens with Kate. 582.2636  Easthampton, MA (FREE)

4pm – CONCERT: Misty Blues Featuring Gina Coleman at the Ashfield Community Hall.  Blues music of bold and brassy women.  Ashfield, MA ($)

7-9:30pm – ASTRONOMY: Walk the Galaxy at Arcadia Wildlife Sancturay.  Galaxies are the star-cities of the universe, and they are amazing places to explore. We’ll take a look at galaxies, what they are, how they form, and how they impact the stars within them. We’ll also take a special look at our home galaxy, the Milky Way, and some of the theories about how the galaxy functions.  Call to reg. 584-3009 Easthampton, MA (>$)

Sundown – OUTDOOR FILM: Family Flicks Under the Stars with Images Cinema on the Chapin Lawn.  See Babe under the stars with your family. 458-5612 Williamstown, MA (FREE)

8:50pm – DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Northfield Drive-In movie theater is featuring The Twilight Saga: Eclipse (PG-13) as their first show, and The A-Team (PG-13) as their second show this weekend. (603) 239-4054 www.northfielddrivein.com Northfield, MA ($)