Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 10/24/09-10/30/09
CLICK HERE FOR HALLOWEEN 2009 EVENTS
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Halloween prank spotted in the parking lot outside the Old Creamery in Cummington, MA. (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.
If you’re looking for events happening the day/night of Halloween, visit our Suggest An Eventpage for posts.
FEATURED EVENTS
- HAUNTED HOUSE IN THE HILLTOWNS: On Saturday, Red Gate Farm in Buckland, MA will have a Haunted House with “not-so-scary” attractions, hay ride, games and treats. Come in costume. More info at www.redgatefarm.org.
- SUNDAY IN WILLIAMSBURG: Williamsburg will have their fall festival on Sunday. Festivities include music, animals, crafts, food, kid games, and more. Also in Williamsburg is a hike up Petticoat Hill Reservation. Details below.
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW
This weeks episode of the HFVS is our HALLOWEEN Episode which features music by Barenaked Ladies, The Who, Ella Fitzgerald, Oingo Boingo, Justin Roberts, Steve Weeks, and many many more. Our EXTENDED PODCAST is over an hour of great tunes for the Halloween season.
Families have three ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:
- 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
Climate Action Carnival in Greenfield, MA.
- Amy Coyne of Goshen, MA writes: The New Hingham School in Chesterfield, MA is starting a ski club this year! Skiing or snowboarding at Berkshire East. If any families are interested, there is still space–in fact we need more participants to make this happen! It will be one day a week–after school. A bus will leave from the school on Smith Road in Chesterfield @ 3:30–you will have to be there at that time to board bus, you don’t have to attend the school to join this fun activity! It looks like Thursday or Friday will be the day, I think, but it is yet to be determined. Joan Griswald is the person to contact. joan@bybhealth.com or 413-268-7482. She’ll need to know ages of the children–if equipment will need to be rented-for child/ and or parent–if lessons are needed etc.
- Jason Trotta, Executive Director of the Northampton Community Music Center in Northampton, MA writes: Dear Home-Schooling Parents of Western Massachusetts; As Director of the Northampton Community Music Center, I wanted to bring to your attention the many opportunities for music education that are available at our Center. You can visit our web site at http://www.ncmc.net for more information. I am also open to creating specially-designed, affordable music classes for groups of home-schooled students, and invite parents who are interested to contact me directly to discuss the possibilities. — I also wanted to invite any families with children in grades 3-8 to attend a free open rehearsal of our Community Children’s Choir directed by Joan Cornachio – Tuesday, October 27, 5:00-6:30 PM. This wonderful chorus sings in several wonderful community concerts each year, and has been featured at the opening ceremonies for the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and in Commonwealth Opera’s productions of “La Boheme” and “Brundibar.” Call me if you have further questions. Otherwise, just come on over and check us out next Tuesday evening. (413) 585-0001 jason@ncmc.net
- WINNERS OF DAN ZANES TICKETS: Congratulations to Jessica Day of Leyden, Deborah Doulette of Whately, Julie Russell of Granby, and Minuet Fusto of Greenfield. They are the lucky winners of 4-tickets to see Dan Zanes and Friends this Friday night at the Fine Arts Center at UMass in Amherst, selected by random.org.
- WINNER OF AUTUMNAL TITLES FROM STOREY: Congratulations to Lilly Lombard of Northampton, MA. Using random.org she was randomly selected to receive these three seasonal titles by Storey Publishing.
- HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION THIS SATURDAY: Regional Household Hazardous Waste Collection for area hilltowns is on Saturday, October 24th, 2009 from 9am-12Noon at the RH Conwell School in Worthington, MA. Pre-register to dispose of your families hazardous waste. More info here.
- CLIMATE DAY: Saturday is the 350.org International Climate Action Day. Click here to find out what’s happening to mark this day in Cummington, Ashfield, Williamstown, Northampton & Greenfield. Other town events will be added here when submitted.
- FREE MUSIC DOWNLOAD: Charity and the JAMband is offering a free music download of a new song, “Rockstar.” This month’s song is a rallying cry to dance your dance, sing your song, shine your light, stay grounded and keep loving all along the way. Grab your kids, pick up a hairbrush or your air guitar, and call upon the music within you. You Know What To Do: SING, DANCE, LOVE, ROCK, SHINE. Click here to find this free download.
- 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 | School Closings and Delays | Free Museum Passes | Family Centers (Ages 0-4)
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
SATURDAY – 10/24
Compost 350 in Ashfield, MA.
- 11am – PUPPET SHOW: Marmalade Productions is pleased to present Michael’s Surprise Show at the Stockbridge Library. Michael’s Surprise Show is an unpredictable and inspiring journey into the world of puppets. The walls of Michael’s workshop are full of surprises and all things possible – shoes speak, tennis balls demand their right, even his broom has an attititude. Throughout Michael’s surprise show he shares his secrets of creation with his audience, inviting them to explore the world around them with the eyes and hands of a puppeteer. This program is recommended for kids of all ages and their grown-up friends. For further information, please call the Stockbridge Library at 413-298-5501. Stockbridge, MA
SUNDAY – 10/25
- 12Noon-5pm – FALL FESTIVAL: There will be a Fall Festival in the center town with bands, petting zoo, craft fair, food vendors, children’s games, scarecrow contest, raffle, etc. More info call 268-7741. Williamsburg, MA
- 1-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: The Fall Colors of Petticoat Hill at Petticoat Hill Reservation. Hike a 3-mile moderate loop trail with naturalist Aimee Gelinas of http://www.tamarackhollow.com. Learn how to identify plants, trees and shrubs cloaked in their fall colors. Trustees members free, Nonmembers $5. Call The Trustees of Reservations at 413.532.1631 x13 or e-mail pvregion@ttor.org to pre-register or for more information. Williamsburg, MA
LAST WEEK TO SEE:
Frogs: A Chorus of Color at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, MA
Click here to read our review
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TUESDAY
Does your child have impressive intellectual abilities but seem puzzled by ordinary interactions with other children? Do they prefer to spend time with adults or alone rather than with other kids? If you answered “yes” to these questions, you may be raising a left-brain child. Chapters Bookstore on North Street hosts the author of the new book Raising a Left-Brain Child in a Right-Brain World, Katherine Beals, PhD, who will talka nd sign copies. She says a left-brain child is bright, quirky, and socially awkward, with talents & inclinations that lean heavily toward the logical, linear, analytical, and introverted side of the human psyche.
Tuesday October 27 | 7pm | Chapters Bookstore, Inc. | 78 North Street, Pittsfield, MA | 443-BOOK | Free
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WEDNESDAY
Helen says, “Come jam with Marcy Gregoire Wednesday @ 4pm @ the cafe!”.
Event: Marcy Gregoire
“Halloweeeen Music Mayhem!”
What: Jam Session
Start Time: Tomorrow, October 28 at 4:00pm
End Time: Tomorrow, October 28 at 5:00pm
Where: Cup and Top Cafe in Florence, MA
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=167442242365&mid=150f157G4e54d3bbG1118185G7
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THURSDAY
Rag Shag Tailgaiting Party Thursday Nite in Easthampton
Do you have Little ones who cant walk the whole Rag Shag Parade route? Join the Easthampton Family Center’s RAG SHAG TAILGAITING PARTY on Thur. Oct 29 5:30 PM in the Parking Lot of St. Phillips Church, Main St. Easthampton (Half way point of the Parade to Williston for Candy). Snacks, warm drinks and Not -so-spooky Halloween Fun Provided. Bring a treat to share! For More Information call EFC at 413 563-7672
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THURSDAY
M.N. Spear Memorial Library (Shutesbury, MA)
Three Artists for Three Cups
A benefit concert for the Central Asia Institute, a foundation that promotes peace by building schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Featuring Tracy Grammer, Jim Henry and Brooks Williams.
Thursday, October 29th, 7 pm, at Shutesbury Elementary School.
Tickets are $12 in advance (available at the Library) or $15 at the door.
Copies of Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson are available at the Library and will be available to borrow at the concert.
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THURSDAY
Halloween Triple Treat Ticket Offer in Pittsfield, MA
The Berkshire Museum is celebrating Halloween by bringing the original vampire film, Nosferatu , to the Berkshires on Thursday, October 29 at 8 p.m. Released in 1922, this silent German film shook the world with its use of technically brilliant camera angles, on-site filming, and the grotesque and shocking Graf Orlok (played by Max Schreck), whose vampire took on a rodent-like appearance compared to today’s sexually ambiguous vampire. The triple treat ticket is available at the Berkshire Museum for $25. This ticket gives discounted admission to the Berkshire Stonewall Halloween Party, on Oct. 24, at the Elks Club, 27 Union St., Pittsfield from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., movie admission to Nosferatu, on Oct. 29 at 8 p.m., and a discounted admission to Berkshire Shenanigans Dark and Stormy Halloween Party at Jae’s Spice, on Oct. 31 at 8 p.m.
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THURSDAY – MOM’S NIGHT OUT
SOUP AND SASS COMEDY FOR WOMEN–OCTOBER 29 5:30 P.M.
Soup and Sass, an evening of comedy for women, will be held at Artspace Community Arts Center, 15 Mill St., Greenfield, on Thursday, October 29, from 5:30 to 7:30. Comedienne Ellen Villani of Greenfield will dish out the soup and laughter. Admission is $20, and there will be a donation wine bar. Ellen began her comedy career at Artspace, and now performs regularly in the area. Call for reservations since there is limited seating. 413-772-6811 or info@franklyarts.com
“Right now, we all need something to laugh about,” says Ellen. “I see the funny side of everything. What can I say? It’s a gift!”
Proceeds from Soup and Sass, comedy and a light supper, will benefit Artspace programs.
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FRIDAY
HALLOWEEN EVENT – Friday, October 30th in Northampton, MA
The Hampshire Regional YMCA Gymnastics Team is putting on a Nightmare of a Halloween Show!
When: Friday, October 30th
Time: 6:00PM
Where: The YMCA Gymnasium
How much: $2 per person, $5 per family
Come in costume!
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FRIDAY
HALLOWEEN EVENT – Friday, October 30th in Holyoke, MA
Halloween Malloween at the Holyoke Mall 10/30/2009, –all day–
Bring your little ghosts and goblins under the age of 12 to “Trick or Treat”
at participating store locations from 4-6pm. Promptly at 5:30pm a Costume
Contest will be held in Café Square. Contestants must be registered before
5:30pm.
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FRIDAY
HALLOWEEN EVENTS – Friday, October 30th in Amherst, MA
(Thanks Julie!)
HALLOWEEN FEST 2009
http://www.amherstarea.com/specialevent/index.cfm
OCTOBER 30
Trick or Treat the Town
4:15-5:30 pm
Trick or Treat at Downtown Merchants
Show off your best costumes while collecting treats from our generous Downtown businesses. (Businesses on North and South Pleasant Streets and Main Street)
Halloween Parade
5:45 pm gather, 6:00 pm Parade
Sweetser Park
Gather at Sweetser Park (across from the Black Sheep)
Parade route is up Main St., down N. Pleasant to Kellogg and on to the parking garage plaza. There will be a performance on the plaza. Come in costume, with instruments, noise-makers and a sense of play!
Halloween Carnival and Haunted House
6:30-8 pm
Bangs Community Center
Students from the Isenberg School of Management and Amherst Regional High School staff the games and Haunted House. All the traditional games and prizes with some modern day twists for all you magical beings!
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FRIDAY
Amherst, MA Gather at 5:45pm. Parade Kicks off at 6pm. Gather at Sweetser Park (across from the Black Sheep). Parade route is up Main St., down N. Pleasant to Kellogg and on to the parking garage plaza. There will be a performance on the plaza. Come in costume, with instruments, noise-makers and a sense of play!
4:15-5:30pm- TRICK OR TREAT: Downtown Amherst, MA
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FRIDAY
HALLOWEEN EVENT – Friday, October 30th in Pittsfield
City of Pittsfield Halloween Parade will be Friday, October 30 beginning at 7:00pm.
Every ‘unit’ will need to complete a General Entry Form, and those entering a float must also complete the Float Entry Form.
Here more info: http://www.pittsfield-ma.org/subpage.asp?ID=448
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FRIDAY
HALLOWEEN EVENT – in Northampton, MA at the Academy Haunted Theater
The Academy of Music presents A Haunted Theater, a Smoke & Meers Production. Visitors, if they dare, will be guided through rarely seen, labyrinthine parts of the building, including under the stage that hosted many renowned performers, including the late Harry Houdini. See the secret places where many stage stars of the past linger, and discover a new ghost or two. Check out the ballerina, sitting in a dressing room, gravely injured as she applies the finishing touches on her makeup. The Wicked Witch of the West may make an appearance, along with the Phantom of the Opera, of course, a circus performer or two.
Part of the event’s proceeds will be benefiting the Northampton Education Foundation. Scenes may be too frightening for children under 8 years of age
Show Date/Times: Wednesday October 28th – Saturday October 31st; 5pm-8pm Oct 28 & 29, 5pm-9pm Oct 30, 31
Ticket Price: $10 general admission; $7 18 yrs and under Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult
Where/How Tickets can be purchased: Night of event at the door
For More Information: Call 413.584.9032
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FRIDAY
McCray’s Farm and Country Creamery
55 Alvord Street
South Hadley, MA 01075
When/$: Friday, Oct 30, 2009 $15 for adults, $12 for under 52 inches.
Zombies are on the prowl for the 19th “Anniverscary” of the Monster Mash Haunted Hayride at McCray’s Farm. Rides start at 7 p.m. and end when the last rider runs screaming.
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FRIDAY
5:30-8:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Take a haunted train ride at Look Park. The event features a night ride through the spookily decorated Look Park train tracks. Throughout the ride riders are spooked by ghouls and goblins amidst the trees and creatures chasing the train as it goes by. Witches greet the young riders with treat bags filled with goodies! Not recommended for children under 4. Florence, MA http://www.lookpark.org
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FRIDAY
Halloween Hoot!
Friday, October 30th, 1 pm, at Shutesbury Elementary School
Tom Riccardi, of the Massachusetts Bird of Prey Rehabilitation Facility will visit us with a selection of Birds of Prey
Free!
More information about these and other Spear Library programs is available on our website, http://www.mnspear.org