Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 11/28/09-12/04/09
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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
Bittersweet growing in Western Massachusetts. (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.
FRIDAY AFTER THANKSGIVING
Many activities happening on Friday, including the Old Deerfield Christmas Sampler, outdoor explorations in Ashfield, theater for kids in Amherst, glassblowing in Williamsburg and Moonlight Magic in Shelburne Falls. Click HERE for details.
Click here to see our playlist and to listen to the HFVS podcast.
BULLETIN BOARD
- Jason Trotta, Executive Director of Northampton Community Music Center writes: “Dear Parents, After several weeks of discussion and planning, I am pleased to announce that the Northampton Community Music Center will be offering a “Fundamentals of Music” class designed specifically for home-schooled students in the early afternoon on Fridays beginning January 22, 2010. Class size will be 10-15 students, and we will offer two different classes for two different age groups. It will also be very affordable – only $100 for a 15-week course. If you have any questions, so not hesitate to e-mail or call. (413) 585-0001 jason@ncmc.net”
Friday night in Shelburne Falls
- SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, December 5th from 9-11am is the Easthampton Family Center‘s Pancake BRRRReakfast with Santa at the Pulaski Club Hall in Easthampton, MA. For more info call Mindy at 563-7672.
- TURKEY DINNER ALTERNATIVE: Families can Adopt a Turkey for Thanksgiving at http://www.adoptaturkey.org
- VOLUNTEERS WANTED: 4H Youth Program seeks adult volunteers with skills in science, environment, arts, food, sewing & working with animals. 545-0611 mass4h.org
- CALL FOR YOUTH PARTICIPATION: Seventh Annual Young Composers Festival on Saturday, January 30th , 2010. Click here for more info.
HILLTOWN SKIING FOR KIDS: Register by December 15th for Bill Koch Youth Ski League, held on Sundays, 2-4 pm, Notchview Reservation, Windsor, MA. This cross-country ski program introduces young people to the lifelong sport of cross-country skiing. Have a winter of fun with relays, games on skis, and age-appropriate races to develop cross-country ski skills for ages 5 to 13. Parents and children participate in league activities. Contact cdefrancis@MassMutual.com or call Notchview at 413-684-0148 for information.
Sunday morning in West Chesterfield
- HOMESCHOOL SKI PROGRAM: Otis Ridge Ski Area is offering a program for home schooled kids. 413-269-4444
- R. H. CONWELL FOOD DRIVE: Students at R. H. Conwell in Huntington, MA are collecting food for the Gateway Hilltown Food Pantry, as part of a larger community effort to collect 1000 food items for the pantry. These donations help local families who are currently struggling to provide adequate food to their children. Please be as generous as possible. The food drive will run from November 23 to December 21. Items may be brought to the school.
- VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: 2009 Pioneer Valley Fleece Fiesta on Saturday, December 5th from 1-5pm. Share in cocoa and holiday music as volunteers help Pioneer Valley homeless families with the 2nd annual Fleece Fiesta at First Churches in Northampton, MA. Volunteers will create warm, durable fleece no-sew blankets, and collect non-perishable food. Help do your part to make sure our neighbors don’t go cold or hungry this winter. No talent necessary. Anyone can help. All proceeds will go to benefit Servicenet, Inc., Western Mass’ largest mental health and human service provider. For more information on how you can help by donating fleece, food or time, contact Michael Busack at (508) 641-1546 miacahe.a.busack@gmail.com
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 – 11/28/09
- 9am-2pm – HOLIDAY EVENT | SANTA: Santa arrives at Yankee Candle Village. Be there to help welcome him and Mrs. Claus. Live music and activities through out the day. Santa arrives @ 10am. Music and activities. (877) 636-7707 South Deerfield, MA [FREE]
Deadline to enter to win: December 6th, 2009
- 9am-3pm – FOOD | WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET: Winter Farmer’s Market at the Dynamite Space at Thornes Marketplace. From honey to hamburger, kale to apples, you’ll have access to the best in local produce, brought to you by the best in local farmers. Plus, live music, art, and a warm space to get out of the cold and into the community. andrewhuckins@gmail.com Northampton, MA
- 9:30am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES | HISTORIC LIVING: Kids free at Old Sturbridge Village on Thanksgiving Day and weekend Nov. 26-29. . As a special thank-you, OSV is offering free admission for children in November. All kids under 17 get free admission when accompanied by an adult. (800) 733-1830 http://www.osv.org Sturbridge, MA [KIDS FREE]
- 10am-3pm – HOLIDAY EVENT | POTLACH: 3rd Annual Community Potlatch at the Village Congregational Church. Discover a fun way to give and receive gifts with your community while be sustainable and thrifty! Click here to discover more. Cummington, MA
Deadline to enter to win: December 9th, 2009
- 11am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES | HISTORIC REENACTMENT: At the Historic Deerfield Museum, members of the Society of the 17th Century offer a taste of what English life was like at the time of the first Thanksgiving. Meet reenactors dressed in period clothes as they demonstrate a range of traditional crafts. See the fruits of the fall harvest prepared in an open hearth cooking demonstration. 775-7214 http://www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA [FREE w/admission. Ask your local librarian about free museum passes.]
- 12Noon-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES | HOLIDAY CRAFTS: Handmade Gifts at the Historic Deerfield Museum. Get started on your holiday gift list and exercise your creativity at the same time. Learn to craft some simple, beautiful handmade gifts and wrapping that friends and family will treasure. The gift this year will be a decorative bandbox for keepsakes, historically used to store fashion accessories in the 19th century. 775-7214 http://www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA
- 2pm & 3pm – PERFORMANCE: Picture Book Theatre presents Mr. Seahorse and A House For Hermit Crab in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. See Eric Carle’s stories come to life with puppets and young dancers. (413) 658-1126 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA
- 4-9pm –HOLIDAY EVENT: Look Park’s Winter Wonderland is a series of Holiday Events that combine the long standing tradition of “Santa’s Workshop” with the Look Park “Holiday Light Displays”, Hayrides around the park and our Look Park Zoo. Florence, MA
- 4:30pm – FAMILY CONCERT: Primate Fiasco brings their psychedelic Dixieland to the front lawn of First Churches. Northampton, MA [FREE]
SUNDAY – 11/29/09
- 9:30am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES | HISTORIC LIVING: Kids free at Old Sturbridge Village on Thanksgiving Day and weekend Nov. 26-29. . As a special thank-you, OSV is offering free admission for children in November. All kids under 17 get free admission when accompanied by an adult. (800) 733-1830 http://www.osv.org Sturbridge, MA [KIDS FREE]
- 10am – COMMUNITY EVENT | WALK/RUN: 6th annual Gorge aprés Gorge run/walk at the Chesterfield Gorge. Get the family and join your neighbors for a three mile out & back walk/run/bike along the Westfield River. Click here for more info. leslie@lacdesign.com West Chesterfield, MA [FREE]
- 12Noon – 7pm – COMMUNITY EVENT | ART WALK: Conway artists and galleries open their studios for a holiday celebration and sale for the Conway Village Holiday Arts Walk and Open Studio Tour. Additional artists will be located at the Town Hall along with children’s activities. Tour maps will be available the day of the event at The Conwaynian Artist Gallery, Town Hall and the Conway Historical Society. 369-0163 Conway, MA
- 9am-2pm – HOLIDAY EVENT | SANTA: Santa parade in front of Yankee Candle Village @ 10am. Carolers strolling the grounds until 2pm. (877) 636-7707 South Deerfield, MA [FREE]
- 10am-4pm – TRADITIONAL TRADES: Blacksmithing demonstration at Snow Farm. Bring your family and enjoy watching a traditional blacksmith working. 268-3101 http://www.snowfarm.org Williamsburg, MA
- 12Noon-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES | HOLIDAY CRAFTS: Handmade Gifts at the Historic Deerfield Museum. Get started on your holiday gift list and exercise your creativity at the same time. Learn to craft some simple, beautiful handmade gifts and wrapping that friends and family will treasure. The gift this year will be a decorative bandbox for keepsakes, historically used to store fashion accessories in the 19th century. 775-7214 http://www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA
- 3:30-5:30pm – FAMILY DANCE: Family Dance at the Montague Grange. Cindy Green calls; music by Shingle The Roof. 367-9608 Montague, MA
- 4-9pm –HOLIDAY EVENT: Look Park’s Winter Wonderland is a series of Holiday Events that combine the long standing tradition of “Santa’s Workshop” with the Look Park “Holiday Light Displays”, Hayrides around the park and our Look Park Zoo. Florence, MA
SATURDAY
Saturday: Celtic Bluegrass McKrells @ Berkshire Museum
The acclaimed Celtic bluegrass band The McKrells return to Pittsfield with traditional and original holiday songs in their distinctive folk/bluegrass newgrass hybrid sound. Metroland named The McKrells “Acoustic Band of the Year” for three consecutive years, and Bluegrass Now describes The McKrells as having “a sound that can best be described as Irish bluegrass. Yes, it’s bluegrass, mostly, but there’s a lilt to the tunes, a bouncing drive to the melodies, the trace of an accent in Kevin’s vocals, and here and there a touch of melancholy that seems to go hand in hand with the Irish persona.”
Saturday | 7pm | The Berkshire Museum | 39 South St | 443-7171 ext. 10 | $20/$15 for members
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MONDAY
Homeschool mornings at Serious Fun in South Deerfield has changed times. It will now take place from 12 to 2:30pm on Mondays and Fridays.
http://seriousfunclc.com and/or contact Gaby : gaby@seriousfunclc.com (413) 665-7186
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MONDAY
Twelve Days of Christmas
Monday, November 30, 2009, 7 P.M.
Forbes Library in Northampton
The Twelve Days of Christmas is a popular Christmas song which people generally sing with great gusto but with almost no understanding. The basic premise of Dr. Bernard’s book is that there is a logic to the twelve sequences. His hypothesis is that the lyrics reveal a cartographic code of an esoteric route map by which pilgrims in the Middle Ages could make the long journey from England to Jerusalem.
Dr. Thomas L. Bernard was born and raised in Scotland, and received his education in Wales, and in the USA where he earned a doctorate from the University of Massachusetts and a postgraduate certificate from Harvard University. His professional career as an educator, professor, administrator and lecturer has spanned over 50 years with service on five continents. He has authored or co-authored over a hundred books or articles, and takes particular pride in The Twelve Days of Christmas: The Mystery and the Meaning, which he feels is the first significant attempt to explain by translation the underlying message of the twelve
parts of this popular Christmas song.
This lecture is free and open to the public.
Forbes Library, 20 West Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Phone 413-587-1017 http://www.forbeslibrary.org
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TUESDAY
Men’s Groups – The Men’s Resource Center holds a facilitated drop-in support group for men every Tuesday from 7-9 p.m. at North Star in Hadley, located at routes 9 and 47. A support group is also held every Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. at Network Chiropractic, 21 Mohawk Trail, Greenfield. At the Synthesis Center, 274 N. Pleasant St., Amherst, a group for gay-bisexual-questioning men meets Mondays from 7-9 p.m. and a group for men who have experienced childhood abuse, trauma, or neglect meets Fridays from 7-9 p.m. Participants in the Amherst groups are requested to park on the side of the lot closest to the Synthesis Center or at the parking meters on the street (free after 6 p.m.). All groups are led by trained volunteer facilitators; $5-10 donation suggested. Call 253-9887, ext. 10, or email support.groups@mrcforchange.org or go to http://www.mrcforchange.org.
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TUESDAY
Mom’s Group – The Mothers of Color Awareness Initiative (MOCAI) holds a free weekly drop-in group for mothers of color on Tuesdays from 7:30-9:30 p.m., at 96 N. Pleasant St., Amherst. Babies in arms and expectant mothers are welcome. For more information, email PVWCMG@gmail.com.
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TUESDAY
Worthington Health Center will be offering free infant massage classes at the Worthington Library. Open to all families with babies under 1yo. Free childcare for older kids. And transportation assistance is available. 413-238-5511 x155
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TUESDAY
Valley Time Trade Begins! Building community in the greater Northampton area through reciprocity. C3, The Pedal People and Community Action, Women Building Bridges and Class Action invite you to become a member of the new Valley Time Trade, a local TimeBank.
Tuesday December 1st, 5:30-8:30pm
at A.P.E. Window Gallery, 126 Main St. Northampton, Ma 01060
Come to this event to learn more about how the Valley Time Trade works and sign up to become a member and start trading time with your community. PLEASE RSVP to: jladd@commonwealthcenter.org
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TUESDAY
Amherst Family Center – A free drop-in program for parents, grandparents and their children 0 to 5 years of age meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Unitarian Church, 121 N. Pleasant St., Amherst. An English-Language Learner Parent Group meets on Fridays from 9:30-11 a.m. 256-1145.
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TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY: ADULT NIGHT OUT
Music of Josquin des Prez (c.1450 to 1521)
Tuesday Dec. 1, Bezanson Recital Hall, UMass, 8:00 PM AMHERST
Wednesday Dec. 2, St. Theresa’s Catholic Church, South Hadley 8:00 PM
Sublime motets, chansons and instrumental works by the great master of the High Renaissance, performed by the voices, viols and winds of the Collegium, directed by Robert Eisenstein.Josquin was recognized as a towering genius in his own time, beloved by Martin Luther and recognized by another contemporary as the equal of Michelangelo. In his music we find a rare combination of sheer beauty, sophisticated compositional techniques and powerful expression.
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WEDNESDAY
Meekins Library in Williamsburg, MA
Every Wednesday at 10:30 am (FREE)
Preschool Storytime
with Children’s Librarian Rochelle Wildfong
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WEDNESDAY
Literary Arts 7pm at the Forbes Library in Northampton
Northampton poet laureate Lesléa Newman issued a challenge to the poets of the Pioneer Valley: write 30 poems in 30 days to raise money for literacy.Newman got the idea from National Novel Writing month. “Fiction writers write a novel during November,” she explained. “So why not have poets do something similar and raise money for a worthy cause at the same time?”
On Wednesday, December 2nd there will be a public reading and celebration at Forbes Library and all poets who participated in the project are invited to come read a poem that came out of the project.”It’s a lot of fun,” says Newman, who has written 30 poems in 30 days before. “Remember, they don’t have to be great poems. They just have to be poems. But you may very well surprise yourself.” This reading is free and open to the public.
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WEDNESDAY
The Gateway Regional School District extends a warm invitation to area senior citizens for the Annual Holiday Luncheon and Concert at the Gateway Regional Middle/High School complex, 12 Littleville Rd. in Huntington. This event will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2009 with a student concert in the performing arts center at 11:30 a.m. A holiday luncheon will follow at approximately1:15 p.m. in the cafeteria. This event is free of charge to all hilltown seniors.
Parking will be available at the complex on Littleville Rd. Each town has a luncheon volunteer, who will keep count of the number of people who plan on attending. Those planning to attend should contact one of the following to r.s.v.p: Jo Taudell, 848-2235 (Blandford); Barbara Sanderson, 354-9655 (Chester); Winnie Smith, 667-5213 (Huntington); Susan Baker Donnelly, 623-6080 (Middlefield); Jane Thielen, 862-4482 (Montgomery); Sandy Epperly, 238-5584 (Worthington); or the Council on Aging Reservation Line, 862-6205 (Russell).
Anyone planning to attend should call their town contact person by November 23rd. Please note that auditorium doors will not be open before 11:00 a.m. In case of bad weather, the snow date will be Thursday, December 3.
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THURSDAY
PLAINFIELD AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION PRESENTS A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES
Thursday, December 3, 7:00 p.m. in Plainfield Town Hall
A Screening of “Food, Inc.: You’ll never look at dinner the same way again. How Industrial Food is Making us Sicker, Fatter and Poorer – And What You Can Do About It” . Food, Inc. lifts the veil on our nation’s food industry, exposing how our nation’s food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. Food, Inc. reveals surprising and often shocking truths about what we eat, how it’s produced and who we have become as a nation.
Discussion sessions featuring members of the local agricultural community will follow on December 10 at 7:00 at the town hall, and in January. People interested in participating in the follow-up discussion sessions are encouraged to read the companion book of essays, “Food Inc.: A Participant Guide.” A limited number of copies will be available at the Cummington Creamery for half the retail price and the Plainfield Library will have copies to lend.
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THURSDAY
Thursday: Pittsfield High String Orchestra @ the Athenaeum. The Friends of the Berkshire Athenaeum present a free holiday concert by the terrific and ever-popular Pittsfield High String Orchestra, directed by the renowned music teacher Alla Zernitskaya. Ms. Zernitskaya, a native of Russia, teaches at both Pittsfield High School, where students come from all over Berkshire County to study with her, and at Berkshire Music School. She also leads violin workshops internationally.
Thursday, December 3 | 7pm | Berkshire Athenaeum | 1 Wendell Ave | 499-9484 | Free
THURSDAY
Moonlight Hike in Buckland, MA at Red Gate Farm
Thursday, December 3rd, 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Come for a prowl in our moonlit woods and fields! The moon will light our way as we discover twilight and night time in the outdoors. We will listen for owls and other wildlife and use our senses to explore the natural world at this special time. Young children are welcome, but should be accompanied by an adult.
All ages welcome.
Please call the Farm Office for hike confirmation.
Free for all.
Red Gate Farm Office (413) 625-9503
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FRIDAY
Friday, December 4th in Williamstown, MA
New parents are invited to a free gallery talk at the Clark at 10:15 am. Moms and dads, along with their babies, will enjoy a relaxing hour discovering and discussing art in the Clark collection. Parents may bring strollers or carry their infants in the galleries. Backpack-style infant carriers are not permitted in the galleries. Front-hanging carriers are welcome. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. http://www.clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303.
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FRIDAY
Homeschool mornings at Serious Fun in South Deerfield has changed times. It will now take place from 12 to 2:30pm on Mondays and Fridays.
http://seriousfunclc.com and/or contact Gaby : gaby@seriousfunclc.com (413) 665-7186
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FRIDAY
Heron Cove Twilight Winter Concert Series, the Cultural Council of Northern Berkshire & Topia Arts present a performance with Trio Candela
Friday December 4th at 8pm at Topia’s Stone Soup Café on Park Street in Adams, MA. Trio Candela performs traditional, folkloric Latin music from the Caribbean (Cuba, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico), Mexico, Central & South America and original creations. The performance includes live music with Guitar, Conga, Vocals, Maraca, Guiro, Shekere, Cajon and traditional songs in Spanish/Creole. The trio features guitarist and vocalist Juan Basillio-Sanchez from Nicaragua, Congera, percussionist and vocalist Aimee Gelinas and lead guitarist and percussionist Daniel Cohen-both from Windsor, Ma. Trio Candela has performed at the opening reception for the Mexican Ballet at the Colonial Theatre, Festival Latino in Lee, the Becket Arts Center annual Summer Solstice Event and the Crowne Plaza in Pittsfield. They were formerly known as “Trio Hispanico”. Donations for the café will be accepted at the door. Visit http://www.tamarackhollow.com or http://www.myspace.com/triocandela for more information. Email aimee@gaiaroots.com to book a show.