Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 10/03/09-10/09/09
SUGGEST AN EVENT
North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. (Photo Credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Click here to suggest an event.
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, location, age appropriateness and costs before attending
- FEATURED EVENT: North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival happens all weekend in Orange, MA. Kids under 12 get in free. Visit www.garlicandarts.org for more info.
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW
Subscribe to the HFVS Podcast
The HFVS Podcast is back in action! Technical difficulties blah blah blah blah … but that’s all fixed now and our podcast is back! So now our listeners have three ways to tune in:
- HFVS Podcast: Listen to our most recent episodes anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too!
- Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio from 9-10am.
- On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA from 9-10am.
BULLETIN BOARD
- Victoria Worth of Ashfield, MA writes: The Smith soccer team will be holding 30-minute clinics for children after games on Oct 3 and Oct 10th. The kids will get to play in some fun activities and interact with the College varsity players. The games are held on the athletic fields at the college. Check the website for game times.
- Frank Grindrod of Ashfield, MA writes: I just started a blog and we have our first post with a guided tracking walk in Alaska! Please share with the community. Thanks. The link is here.
- Katarina Noyes of Hadley, MA writes: Volunteer Parent Aides reach out to Hampshire County parents looking for support. 3-5 hrs/wk makes a difference in the life of a family. If you are caring, non-judgmental and a good listener, then you can be a Parent Aide. Fall training now! Call Katarina at Berkshire Children and Families in Hadley, at (413) 584-5690 ext. 140 or email knoyes@bcfcma.org
- OPEN HOUSE: Amy’s House Childcare will be hosting an open house both this Saturday and on Tuesday from 9am-Noon on Main Street in Cummington, MA. Come explore a new option to childcare in the hilltowns.
Conway Festival of the Hills this Sunday, October 4th, 2009.
- Kim Edgar writes: Please plan to join us and invite others to attend the Northeastern Girls Collaborative (NEGC) Western MA Fall Forum being held at the brand new Engineering and Nanotechnology Ford Hall at Smith College, Northampton, MA on Thursday, November 19, 2009 from 4:00pm. to 6:00pm. Click here for more info.
- FREE MUSIC: Two time- Grammy Award winning songster/storyteller Bill Harley’s newest song “Wash Your Hands,” can be downloaded for free on his website.
- AVAILABLE GRANTS: The Chesterfield Cultural Council seeks proposals from schools & youth groups. Click here for more info.
- Claire Morenon writes: CISA is working on organizing a Winter Fare market this year in Northampton, and we need help! Click here for more info.
- CALL TO ARTISTS: Submit your photo or kids art work. Do you have a great photo of life in Western Mass, or a fabulous work of art your kids have created that you’d like to submit to Hilltown Families? Send your jpg or link to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
- CLASSES FOR KIDS: Don’t forget to check out our Suggest an Afterschool or Homeschool Class bulletin board. Lots of great classes have been shared so far. Share with us a class you’d like to suggest to local families too!
- SPONSORSHIP, 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 on our Weekly List of Suggested Events. Serious inquiries can email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com for details.
WEEKLY LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS
Suggest an Event | Local Forecast | Get Directions | Free Museum Passes | Farmer’s Market | Family Centers (Ages 0-4)|Facebook
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival (October 3-4th, 2009)
Saturday 10/03
- 6-10am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 4-hours of commercial-free family programing every Saturday, including Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child from 7-9am, and the Hilltown Family Variety Show from 9-10am. Listen via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.
- OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: BikeFest starts and ends at the Dow Pavilion at Look Park. Food,music, activities for kids, and bike rides that tour the valley and hilltowns. Click here for details. Florence, MA. (FREE, $ TO RIDE)
- 8am-1pm – SALE: 7th Annual Fall/Winter All-4-Kids Consignment Sale at the Philip’s Episcopal Church and Parish Hall. 527-9949. Easthampton, MA. (FUNDRAISER)
- 9am-1pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Hands-On Agricultural Arts at the Hartsbrook School. 584-3598. Hadley, MA.
- 9am-7pm – FARM FESTIVAL: Celebrate and support Amherst farms at the Town of Amherst Farm Festival on the town common. Live music, local food. farm tours, hay maze, activities for kids. Amherst, MA.
- 9:30-11:30am – BOTANY: Explore mushrooms with Pat McDonagh at Fitzgerald lake Conservation. 584-4176 Florence, MA (FREE)
- 10am-5pm – HARVEST FESTIVAL: Bring the whole family to the phenomenal North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. The ‘Festival that Stinks’ is a fabulous, affordable, inspiring celebration of the harvest season. Orange, MA.
- 10am-2pm – HARVEST FESTIVAL: Little Red Schoolhouse will hold it’s annual Applefest. Country fair with autumn activities for the whole family. The Little Red Schoolhouse is located just south of the intersection of routes 43 and 7 in South Williamstown. For more information, call 413-458-8668. Williamstown, MA.
- 10am – HIKE/GEOLOGY/PALENTOLOGY: Exploring Little Tom: Dikes, Sills, and Lava Flows at the Little Tom Reservation. Join geologists Richard Little and Steve Winters in exploring this little-known geologic wonder of the Mt. Tom Range. It will be an easy, one-hour hike as we explore dramatic exposures of lava, volcanic ash, and possible igneous sills and dikes that fed the volcanism that built the Holyoke Range over 200 million years ago. After Little Tom, the group will proceed to Dinosaur Footprints and perhaps Mt. Tom State Reservation for further geo- and paleontological study. 413.532.1631×13 or e-mail pvregion@ttor.org. Holyoke, MA
- 10am – ROAD RACE: “Book it to the Library” Road Race at the regional library. Sponsored by the Friends of the Western Mass Regional Library System. Whatley, MA.
- 10am – ROAD RACE: Hatfield Harvest 5K Road Race. Third annual road race to kick off the Hatfield Harvest Celebration of Agriculture. Parking, bathrooms, registration and race information will be at the Hatfield Elementary School, Main St., Hatfield, MA, beginning at 9 am. Hatfield, MA.
- 10am-5pm – HARVEST FESTIVAL: Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival. 298-3926. Stockbridge, MA.
- 11am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: You Art What You Eat, opening October 3, 2009, is Mass MoCA’s Kidspace’s largest group show to date and will involve five artists whose primary art material is food. These artists have been selected for the exhibition because they capitalize on specific properties of food and its ability to appeal to our senses. North Adams, MA.
- 12Noon-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Historic Deerfield Museum features The Seed of Seeds: The Story of Corn and its Many Uses. Often called the “seed of seeds,” corn (or maize as it is properly named), is an ancient crop that was a staple of life in the Americas, both as a food source and as a fiber useful for many purposes. Learn about the history of corn in Native America, and how European colonists incorporated corn into their lives. Find out what makes popcorn pop and try your hand at grinding corn and make your own corn husk figure to take home. Included with general admission. Deerfield, MA.
- 1pm – 3:30pm – BIODIVERSITY MEETS ART: Giant Nest Building at Red Gate Farm. Join RGF as they build a giant bird nest together. Local sculptor, Joe Landry, will construct and weave a GIANT bird nest at the edge of a meadow. This nest will serve as a place on the farm to gather and learn about our wild community that is an integral part of life at Red Gate Farm. All ages welcome. 625-9503 Buckland, MA. (FREE)
- 1:30pm – THEATER: The Piti Theatre Company presents “Salmon Falls” – an interactive outdoor theatrical event where audience members ages 5 and up are invited to help us tell the story of the Deerfield River with movement, song and storytelling. 625-6569 Shelburne Falls, MA
- 3:55 pm, 5:45pm, 7:35pm – FILM: Academy of Music Theatre will have a special screening of Ponyo. Northampton, MA
- 8pm – RECITAL: Faculty Recital at Smith College. Northampton, MA (FREE)
Sunday 10/04
- 10am – HIKE: Hike to Spruce Hill in the Savoy State Forest using the Busby trail. 625-6628. East Charlemont, MA. (FREE)
- 10am-4pm – FALL FESTIVAL: The 48th Annual Conway, Massachusetts’ Festival of the Hills. Conway, MA
- 10am-5pm – HARVEST FESTIVAL: Bring the whole family to the phenomenal North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival. The ‘Festival that Stinks’ is a fabulous, affordable, inspiring celebration of the harvest season. Orange, MA.
- 10am-5pm – HARVEST FESTIVAL: Berkshire Botanical Garden Harvest Festival. 298-3926. Stockbridge, MA.
- 10:30am-12Noon – BOTANY: Lichen and Moss Walk at Bartholomew’s Cobble. 229.8600. Pittsfield, MA.
- 11am-4pm – MEDIEVAL FAIRE: Ventfort Hall mansion and Guilded Age Museum will host a medieval faire at the Eliabethan-revival mansion. (413) 637-3206. Lenox, MA
- 11am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: You Art What You Eat, opening October 3, 2009, is Mass MoCA’s Kidspace’s largest group show to date and will involve five artists whose primary art material is food. These artists have been selected for the exhibition because they capitalize on specific properties of food and its ability to appeal to our senses. North Adams, MA.
- 12:55pm, 2:45pm, 4:35pm – FILM: Academy of Music Theatre will have a special screening of Ponyo. Northampton, MA
- 1pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Z’ Puppets Rosenschnoz in the auditorium with an interactive comedy at the Eric Carle Museum. 658-1100. Amherst, MA. (FREE w/ADMISSION)
- 2-4pm – ART: Susan Tilton Pecora will paint the Chesterfield Public Library in watercolors at the Chesterfield Senior Center. 296-8058. Chesterfield, MA.
- 3pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Leeds Bike Trail Celebration. Meet at the bike path crossroads, just over Leeds School hill. Kids festivities, family fun, contests, riddles, prizes and refreshments. Bring your wheels. 586-3759 Florence, MA.
SATURDAY
The 8th annual Green Buildings Open House Tour
Saturday, October 3
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Don’t miss the 2009 Green Buildings Open House Tour! From roof-integrated solar PV to pole-mounted PV, evacuated tube solar hot water, passive solar design, and extreme energy efficiency, there will be much to see and learn this year. After you’ve canvassed Berkshire county from North to South, relax at the Barrington Brewery with a solar-brewed beer and conversation with renewable energy expert Chris Vreeland, PE, of Precision Decisions at 2 p.m. This event is part of the American Solar Energy Society’s National Solar Tour. For more information contact Cynthia Grippaldi at 413-445-4556 ext. 25.
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ALL WEEK
Spinning and Weaving Week
October 4-10, 2009
As part of National Spinning and Weaving Week, Hancock Shaker Village highlights Shaker textiles. Vistors will see historic demonstrations and have opportunities to try a hand at tasks that would have been accomplished by Shaker Sisters at Hancock. Fiber artists from the Village and local guilds will bring traditional cloth-making to life—flax processing, spinning, dying, and weaving. Shaker textiles from the Village collection will also be on display. This event is free with regular admission.
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MONDAY
Mondays in Northampton (FREE)
Knitting & Crochet Circle
Forbes Library
Mondays from 10 to noon
Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, or some other type of yarn craft or
would you like to start or improve on a yarn craft? You are invited to
the Forbes Library’s Knitting & Crochet circle. This group is a casual
place to meet other yarn crafters of all kinds and experience levels and
share crafting tips and pleasant conversation. Bring your projects in
progress or ideas for new ones.
This group is starting up again for the fall and will meet weekly on
Monday mornings from 10-12 in the cozy Arts & Music magazine lounge.
This circle is facilitated by Nancy Pulley who has experience in
knitting, crocheting, sewing and numerous varieties of crafts, both
personal and for shows. In Nancy’s own words, “I started when I was 12,
so I have been doing these hobbies for 52 years now. WOW, am I old. I am
extremely active, walk everyday, play tennis, bike ride, line dance,
zumba, yoga, watercolor, colored pencil and an avid reader and love
being in a library environment. Can never stop learning!”
Location: A&M Magazine Lounge
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TUESDAY
Hello, everyone!
For the last two years, there has been a vibrant, diverse, and very crowded farmers’ market in Greenfield on the first Saturday in February. A dedicated group of volunteers, including CISA staff, organizes this annual event, which includes workshops on eating and growing locally, a barter fair, and educational displays. The market kicks off a week of local food potlucks, film screenings, and skill-sharing workshopsall in the darkest days of winter. CISA is working on organizing a Winter Fare market this year in Northampton, and we need help!
We will be holding a meeting on Tuesday, October 6th at 6:30pm in the second-floor meeting room at River Valley Market. My goal is to form a volunteer committee to help with planning the market, but coming to the meeting doesn’t commit you to anything. Anyone with an interest in the market or ideas for making it great is welcome to attend- please tell your friends and spread the word! If you can’t attend the meeting but would like to stay in the loop, please let me know.
If you’re interested in supporting the effort in Greenfield, you can email me and I’ll add you to that list as well- there’s an established committee there that could definitely use some more help. For more information about the Greenfield market, visit http://www.winterfare.org.
Thanks!
Claire
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TUESDAY
Tuesday, October 6th from 7-9pm
Please Join us for an evening of Social Stitching at ArtStar in Williamsburg, MA.
“Upcycle” and refresh children’s clothing with an iron on applique….
Click here for the E-vite:
http://www.evite.com/app/publicUrl/OTOZMNWHWSYZJFGWZNYC/socialstitch
or to be sent an E-vite please email: socialstitch@me.com
Space is limited to 15 participants.
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TUESDAY
Tuesdays in Hadley, MA
Cricket on the Hearth at The Hartsbrook School in Hadley.
The Cricket on the Hearth Program creates a place for children to play and form relationships in an environment that also fosters support and inspiration for parents.
Parent Toddler/Parent Infant Programs, 9-11:30 am, Monday through Friday
The fall session is 12-14 classes beginning the week of September 14. Parent/ Infant Class is available on Tuesday mornings beginning September 15 from 9:30-11am. Please go to http://www.hartsbrook.org for more information or to register for Cricket, or call 413-584-3198.
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TUESDAY-FRIDAY
Tues-Fri, Oct 6-9th in Hadley, MA
Hello Everyone,
I have a last minute opportunity to offer a Roman Archaeological dig with working archaeologist Geof Purcell, at my home in Hadley the week of Oct 6 – 9, 2009.
If interested please contact me off list to get more details and application packet.
Thanks,
Miranda
mirandashannon@gmail.com
(413)387-0150
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THURSDAY
At Cup & Top
Thursday Oct 8th @ 4pm
MISTER G
http://www.mistergsongs.com/
Come celebrate local singer/songwriter Mister G’s debut album, “Pizza for Breakfast.”
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FRIDAY
Friday, October 9th in Hancock, MA (FREE)
Zephyr Wind Turbine Tour Field Trip
October 9th 10:00AM till Noon
Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in the Berkshires
http://www.jiminypeak.com
Cost: FREE!!!! (Normally $9 pp)
Limited to 60 people.
The tour begins with a 13 minute video on how the Turbine windmill works. After the video, participants take the Grand Slam Chair Lift to view the turbines. The tour involves a strenuous hike back down, approximately 1/4 mile.
Wear appropriate footwear for the hike back down.
Bring a picnic lunch.
RSVP Terry Brayton for more infomation
@ 568-8619.
You can check it out by googling zephyr wind turbine.
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FRIDAY
Help Us Celebrate!
October 9, 2009
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Free
Join us and over a million children and adults across the country as we read a book very close to our hearts – Eric Carle’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar, in a record-breaking celebration of reading and service. This special event is part of Jumpstart’s Read for the Record. Presented in partnership with Pearson, Jumpstart’s Read for the Record is your chance to experience the important work Jumpstart undertakes every day in preschools across the United States.
The Carle is pulling out all the stops for an unforgettable evening. Our guests will participate in Caterpillar -themed activities created by our co-hosts, the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson; see the original artwork Eric Carle created for his much-loved book; enjoy The Very Hungry Caterpillar film in our Auditorium; and best of all, join special guests as they read The Very Hungry Caterpillar. There will be visits from the Caterpillar and free cake and pizza, too!
Free Admission thanks to the generosity of Pearson Foundation.
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FRIDAY
A downtown gallery walk on the second Friday of every month. Explore Northampton and be inspired! For more information visit http://www.valleyartshare.com
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FRIDAY
Mural Unveiling and Celebration as Part of the Kirkland Ave. Project
Time: October 9, 2009 from 5pm to 8pm
Location: Kirland Avenue
Organized By: Commonwealth Center for Change
On Friday October 9th from 5-8pm, during Arts Night Out, Commonwealth Center for Change (C3) and Joe Blumenthal, owner of Downtown Sounds, will host a mural unveiling and celebration in Kirkland Avenue. Live music, food and friends will mark the culmination of the first in a series of murals designed to re-imagine and revitalize Kirkland Ave as a site for contemporary art and performance.
Ebenezer Archer Kling, a recent Northampton transplant and part of the team who organized the successful Papergirl Project Northampton has designed an outrageous and dynamic mural, drawing on the architecture and urban legends of the alley and inspiration from Joe Blumenthal’s love of music. Haley Morgan, C3 Board member and community-organizer-extraordinaire has worked tirelessly to make this project a reality.
The mural and celebration are made possible with the enthusiasm and support of Joe and Barbara Blumenthal. This program is supported in part by The Northampton Arts Council, Inc. For a full list of supporters and updates on the project visit the Kirkland Ave Project blog at: kirklandave.blogspot.com