Never a shortage of activities for our hilltown families.  This week’s suggested events include dances, music, crafts, chocolate and more!  While a chock-full weekend of activities sure makes it hard to choose, the family Valentine Contra Dance in Ashfield is not to be missed.  Sure to be a swinging time! 

Certainly we’ve missed a Valentine event or two, so please share your special event in the comment box.

During the week are two parent a.m. socials suggested by Hilltown Families.  The first is at Elmer’s where they serve up a delicious breakfast made with many local ingredients!  The other is a new gathering suggestion at Bread Euphoria where you can treat yourself to organic pastries and the best fair trade coffee around.

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Friday – 02/09

10am – PARENTING WORKSHOP – A free parent education workshop titled, Siblings: Will They Ever Leave Each Other Alone?, will be held at the Lilly Library in Florence, MA, from 10-11:30am.  Free childcare is available.  RSVP is requested: 582-2636.  This workshop will be led by Sarah Patton, a licensed early childhood mental health consultant. [Parents] (Free)

4pm – BEYOND GREEN – Beginning at 4pm at the Smith College Museum of Art in Northampton, MA, is the Beyond Green Opening Celebration.  The evening’s festivities include a family music workshop with the “Junkman” from 4:30-5:15pm in the atrium and a “Junkman” musical performance from 7-8pm in the museum atrium . [Families] (Free)

5pm – COMMUNITY DINNER – Elmer’s in Ashfield, MA, invites community members to come together to share dinner and conversation this Friday evening. Menu TBA. [Families] ($)

6:30PM – RADIO FREE EARTH PERFORMANCE – Radio Free Earth will be performing at the Williamsburg Grange as part of a fundraiser for Williamsburg Public Elementary Schools.  [Families] ($)

Saturday – 02/09

All Day – VALENTINE EVENTS – Check out our special Valentine’s Day event posting where you will find more information on a wide assortment of events happening today, including Valentine Gift Making at the Children’s Art Museum in Shelburne Falls, Chocolate Festival in Historic Deerfield, and a Valentine Contra Dance in Ashfield. 

10am – POP ROCKETS! – The Pop Rockets! will be giving a free performance at Cup & Top in Florence, MA.  Rockin’ music for kids and their far-out parents! This performance by a local band should be super fun for all. Before the show, listen to their live interview on the Valley Free Radio, show Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child at 103.3FM. [Families] (Free/$)

Sunday – 02/11

9am – WINTER TRAIL DAY – The Trustees of Reservations will be having their annual Winter Trails Day at Notchview in Windsor, MA, from 9am – 3pm.  Free clinics, snowshoe rentals, trail passes and expert advise will be available. [Families] (Free)

1pm – VALENTINE MAKING SOCIAL – A free event in West Chesterfield, MA, for all members of Hilltown Families.  Space is limited and RSVP is requested. [Families] (Free)

2pm – MOUNTAIN MUSIC – Musica Jibara will be performing mountain music of Puerto Rico at the Northampton Academy of Arts. [Families] ($)

Monday – 02/12

5:30pm – MY FUNNY VALENTINE – Kids cooking class at Whole Foods in Hadley, MA.  Decorate cookies and make valentines.  Registration is required. [preK & up] ($)

Wednesday – 02/14

Happy Valentine’s Day

9am – PARENT’S BREAKFAST AT ELMER’S -After dropping your children off at school, Hilltown Families invites you to head on over to Elmer’s in Ashfield, MA, for coffee, tea and crumpets. [Parents] (Free/$)

Thursday – 02/15

9am – TAKE A COFFEE BREAK -On your way down from the hills into the valley, Hilltown Families invites you to drop in to Bread Euphoria in Haydenville for an a.m. social with other hilltown parents.  Treat yourself to a cup of fair trade coffee or tea, an organic pastry, chat a bit, and be on your way with your day…  Make your day a little merrier! [Parents] (Free/$)

3:30pm – STORIES, CRITTERS & CRAFTS –  At the Forbes Library in Northampton, MA, Eden Schurlknight and her dog Diamond present afternoons of animals stories, info on pet care and special crafts for you to make and take home for your special furry friends. All invited. [Families] (Free)

Friday – 02/16

10am – JAPANESE TAIKO DRUMS – Taikoza: Japanese Taiko Drums and Dance, will be performing at UMass in Amherst, MA, at the Concert Hall.  A phenomenal group of musicians and dancers, Taikoza have dazzled audiences worldwide with their electrifying performances. [Families] ($)

5pm – COMMUNITY DINNER – Elmer’s in Ashfield, MA, invites community members to come together to share dinner and conversation this Friday evening. Menu TBA. [Families] ($) 

7pm – IT’S CARNIVAL TIME – Elmer’s presents The first known Ashfield Mardi Gras Ball from 7-11pm at the Ashfield Town Hall.    Jambalaya, drinks and desserts will be served, along with dancing to the Dixieland Sounds of The Hot Pepper Band.  Costumes are encouraged but not required. [Parents/Families with night owls] ($$)

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