Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 03/22/08 – 03/28/08
Spring is here, officially arriving early Thursday morning. My daughter asked me if this meant that the sun would be coming home now … how can I tell her not to hold her breath (remember last year in April when it snowed and schools were closed)? Yesterday when we were down in Hadley in the rain, I could see in her face the gloom of these past few cold and gray days gnawing at her. As I helped her zip up her winter jacket and tucked in her hair under her winter cap, I got an earful on how she wants the rain and snow to just go away so she could just run around outside, “.. run around, Mommy, without my boots on! They don’t smell like new anymore.” I have to admit that they are smelling a little funky after a full winter’s worth of wetness and muck.
While we still have nearly a foot of snow on the ground outside our door here in West Chesterfield, a few people chimed in last week with signs of spring their families have spotted, including skunks, puddles and plumes of steam rising from local sugar shacks. I’d like to add another sign of spring: when you can see the patch of lawn above your septic tank; that little oasis of lawn surrounded by snow that’s slowly, ever so slowly, melting away.
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 community bulletin board.
Local forecast | Get directions | Free Museum Passes | Family Centers (Ages 0-4)
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
The following key represents the sum cost of one adult and one child:(>$) Under $10; ($) Between $10-$19; ($$) Between $20-$44; ($$$) Over $45
Saturday – 03/22
9am, 10:15am & 11:30am – BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY – (Florence) At Look Park. [Families] ($)
10am-Noon – EASTER EGG HUNT – (Montgomery) The Montgomery library will be sponsoring an Easter egg hunt, provide games and offer cupcake decorating. [Ages 10 & under] (Free)
10:30am – EASTER EGG HUNT – (Pittsfield) 64th Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Reid Middle School. Bring your own baskets. 413.499.9370 [Ages 9 & under] (Free)
11am-12:30pm – CSI FOR KIDS – (South Hadley) Crime Scene Investigation for Kids will be at the South Hadley Public Library. Learn about forensic science through pH testing, finger printing and more. Preregistration required. 413.538.5045 [Ages 9-12] (Free)
1pm – EASTER EGG HUNT – (Northampton) Easter Egg Hunt at Look Park. 413.587.1040 [Ages 10 & under] (Free with entrance fee)
1pm – TEA PARTY – (Florence) The Lilly Library will be hosting it’s third annual Doll Tea Party. This years guest doll maker/speaker will be Heidi Stevens of Leeds who stitches “Somali Dolly’s” with a group of Somali Bantu women. Participants are asked to bring their own favorite doll or stuffed toy. Tea and cakes will be served. For more information or to register for this event please call Lilly Library at 413.587.1500. [Families] (Free)
Sunday -03/23
EASTER
Monday – 03/24
Tuesday – 03/25
10am – Noon – HOMESCHOOL PROGRAM – (Springfield) Join the Springfield Museum in an adventure discovering the myths and legends of these captivating creatures! This special exhibition features nine dinosaur groups, including Triceratops, Stegosaurus, a Pteranodon, and more. Designed for scientific accuracy, they look, sound and move ust like the real thing. Hands-on activities, interactive presentations, games and much more are all included in this two-hour educational program. The program follows the Massachusetts Science and Technology/Engineering Curriculum Framework for students studying Life Science. Groups and individual families are welcome. Bring a brown bag lunch and tour the museums on your own following the program. or more information or to register, call 413.263.6800, ext. 322 [Ages 6-12] ($)
10am-11:30am – FATHERS GROUP – (Amherst) Please come to talk about fathers’ issues, meet other dads and have coffee with us at this drop-in fathers group. You will be able to find out any common issues you face and just talk with other dads. Held at the Amherst Family Center in the basement of the Unitarian Church at 121 North Pleasant St. in the center of Amherst, entrance is at the back of the building. Childcare provided. [Free] (Father’s)
10:15am-12:15pm – POSTPARTUM STRESS SUPPORT GROUP – (Northampton) Every Tuesday there is a drop-in support group at 56 Vernon Street. Free child care and snacks. A welcoming group for all mothers to share the adjustment to motherhood, especially those experiencing postpartum stress, anxiety or depression. Find support, connection with other women. 413.253.8990 [Mothers & their children] (Free)
3:30pm-5pm – THEATER FOR KIDS – (Florence) Theater Classes for Kids begins this week at the Florence Civic Center. For more info call 413.584.5562 [Ages 8-11] ($$)
7pm – BIOLOGY – (Plainfield) Hilltown Amphibians and Their Amazing Migrations will be presented by Dr. Tom Tyning, along with slides and a talk at the Plainfield Library. Learn about these beloved but endangered creatures and how to help save them. [Ages 10 & older] (Free)
Wednesday – 03/26
Thursday – 03/27
3:30pm-5pm – THEATER FOR KIDS – (Florence) Theater Classes for Kids begins this week at the Florence Civic Center. For more info call 413.584.5562 [Ages 6-8] ($$)
6:30pm-9:30pm – SCHOOL FUNDRAISER – (Northampton) The Montessori School of Northampton presents Springtime in Paradise, an adult night of fun, food and bidding to raise funds for the school 413.586.4538 [Adults] ($, Fundraiser)
Friday – 03/28
6:00pm – LIVE MUSIC – (Haydenville) Blue House Cafe will host The Philbillies for some Western Mass Country-Western Rhythm & Blues. [All Ages] ($)
