Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 12/19/09-12/25/09
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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
Hilltown Families and Iron Horse Entertainment Group have partnered up to offer one family a chance to win a family 4-pack of free tickets to a New Year’s Eve family matinée concert to see Grammy Award Winner They Might Be Giants at the Calvin Theater in Northampton, MA on Thursday, December 31st at 3pm. Deadline to enter to win is 12/24/09.
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 NIGHT IN THE HILLTOWNS
- Ashfield: Dinner at Elmer’s starting at 5pm. 628-4003 ($)
- Haydenville: Stephen Katz will be performing cello music at the Blue House Cafe from 6:30-7:30pm. 268-7441. (Free/Donation)
- Russell: Nighttime hike at Noble View. Learn about owls, star-gaze, enjoy hot cocoa. Dress for weather and bring flashlight & mug. Call to reg. 564-0895 (Free/Donation)
- West Cummington: Dinner at Remmington Lodge. Call to confirm 634-5493. ($)
- Worthington: Holiday caroling (5pm) and potluck dinner (6:30pm) at the town hall. Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. 238-0296 (Free)
BULLETIN BOARD
SUSTAINING AND IMPROVING READING AT HOME: Parents can do so much at home to help their child educationally. As you prepare for the holiday break, consider both gifts (books, journals, “special” pens and pencils) and activities (courtesy of Education World) to help your child have fun while they continue to build their reading and writing skills!
CALL FOR ART: The Wendell Free Library invites families to send a postcard size art work for their mail art exhibit, GREEN SEEN. All techniques and media welcome. Participants’ mail art works will be displayed as soon as they are received at the library. Mail art will be documented at the library website and contributors will receive a printed documentation. Ongoing exhibit will end in June and works will become part of a permanent art collection at the Wendell Free Library. Contact: Christine Tarantino, tarantinochristine@yahoo.com (FREE)
Sunday (12/20/09) - 4pm - CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Meet in front of the Williamsburg Market to sing winter songs and Christmas carols. Cookies and hot cocoa. Williamsburg, MA (Free)
UPCOMING EXHIBIT: Harry Potter’s World Exhibition at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA Harry Potter’s World, which runs January 28-February 26, will focus on Harry’s magical world and its connections to Renaissance thinkers, lore, and practices.
WINTER FARE: Northampton Winter Fare: Eat Locally Year Round. Most farmers’ markets, farmstands, and CSAs have closed for the season, but locally grown food can still be found in the Valley. On January 9th from 10am-2pm, a vibrant, diverse farmers’ market and community event is coming to Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School in Northampton, MA. CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) is organizing the first Northampton Winter Fare based on Greenfield’s very successful Winter Fare celebration, which is held in February. In addition to perusing an amazing array of local foods, shoppers can mingle over hot soup, attend one of the educational workshops scheduled during the market, and barter home-preserved local food with their neighbors. Winter Fare is a mid-winter celebration of local agriculture, and it promises to be one of the warmest community events of the season.
SUPPORT THE REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM: Springfield Falcons VS Hartford Wolfpack. An action packed Hockey Game on January 23rd, 2010 at 7:30 MassMutual Center Arena. Come out and meet Wally the Green Monster along with a night of action packed hockey to benefit the Regional Library System that faces deep state budget cuts! Tickets $17 $10 this game only. Ticket order forms available at the Meekins Library in Williamsburg, MA, or call Julia Kincade at (413) 739-3344 x 105. The offer is NOT valid at the box office. Tickets will be mailed up to January 18th.
LIBRARY FINES: Forbes Library will be holding a “Food for Fines” program from Monday, January 4th through Saturday, January 16th, 2010. Support your local community, clear your library account and return our books to circulate to others! During this time, patrons may pay any Forbes Library overdue fines on their account with a donation of canned goods (please check your expiration dates) or healthy non-perishable food items. This applies to late fines only and not to lost or damaged fees. All food collected will be given to the Northampton Survival Center for distribution to those in need in Northampton. High demand food items are non-dairy milk, cereal, crackers, canned fruit, peanut butter, tuna fish, hearty winter canned soup, macaroni and cheese, pasta and sauce, beans, and rice. Suggested donation is one item for each $1 waived in fines.
HOMESCHOOLING: Advocates for Home Education in Massachusetts is planning a visit to the American Textile Museum and programs for grades 3-12 on Friday, February 5th, 2010. The museum is located at 491 Dutton Street, Lowell, MA. (Meet at 10:15 am in the main lobby.) More info here.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Hampshire County seeks volunteers to help children in Hampshire County. Three to five hours per week. Staff will provide training, support and activity ideas. Call (413) 253-2591.
SUPPORT SERVICE: Parents Helping Parents is a weekly confidential and anonymous support groups for parents who want a better relationship with their children. (800) 882-1250, ext. 101.
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.
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW
Our Holiday Podcast of the HFVS is up, along with one from our archives, which aired on Christmas Day ’07 back when we use to do our show on Tuesday nights. Click HERE to check out both podcasts and to listen now.
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.
WEEKLY LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS
Santa in Peru, MA in 2006 (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Suggest an Event | Local Forecast | School Closings and Delays | Free Museum Passes | Family Centers (Ages 0-4)
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
SATURDAY (12/19/09)
10am – FOOD DRIVE | CHRISTMAS MOVIE: Showcase Cinemas is having a food drive. Bring in a canned good and get in free to see It’s a Wonderful Life. 733-5134 West Springfield, MA (Food Donation)
2-3:45pm – ICE SKATING: Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield. (413)448-8258 Pittsfield, MA ($)
2-3:50pm – ICE SKATING: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink. (1267 South Church Street) Skate rentals available. (413) 664-8185 North Adams, MA ($)
3-5pm – SANTA IN THE HILLTOWNS: Santa will be at Stanton Hall, arriving by fire truck. Huntington, MA (FREE)
4-6:50pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
5pm – FAMILY CONCERT: School for the Dead will play a show on First Churches’ front lawn. Northampton, MA (Free)
SUNDAY (12/20/09)
9am- – SANTA IN THE HILLTOWNS: Join Santa at Corners Grocery. Worthington, MA
1:30-3:30pm – ICE SKATING : Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena. Skate rentals available. (5 Barr Avenue) (413) 772-6891 Every Sunday. Greenfield, MA ($)
2-3:45pm – ICE SKATING: Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield. (413)448-8258 Pittsfield, MA ($)
2-3:50pm – ICE SKATING: Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink. (1267 South Church Street) Skate rentals available. (413) 664-8185 North Adams, MA ($)
2:30-4:20pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
2:40-4:40pm – ICE SKATING: At Smead Arena. Skate rentals available. Every Sunday. (1780 Roosevelt Ave) (413) 781-2599 Springfield, MA ($)
3-5pm – FAMILY DANCE: American to international folk dances for the whole family at First Churches. (413) 256-2613 Northampton, MA (>$)
4pm – CHRISTMAS CAROLING: Meet in front of the Williamsburg Market to sing winter songs and Christmas carols. Cookies and hot cocoa. Williamsburg, MA (Free)
MONDAY
Monday, December 21st in Ashfield, MA
Solstice!
As it happens, Time acts right for no man nor woman nor celebration, so it turns out that Solstice this year is on a Monday! But we will be celebrating as they have done for millennia, as well. The annual Ashfield return-to-light celebration will begin about 5:00 pm at Elmer’s where we’ll have hearty stews and soups and good, stout bread to sustain you until the light comes back. Then you’ll want to go outside to the Common where they’ll have a bonfire, songs, stories and Morris Dancers in gorgeous, ancient traditions. No hankies this time—THIS is the dance you want to see the dancers perform! Dressed in black, they wear real caribou horns on their heads and perform a quiet ritual that is as solemn and as old as time itself. Then the dancers come back to Elmer’s where they sing, eat and drink, and at some point we hang high the lanterns ho and they jump up and perform a variety of rowdy songs and dances, ending up with the marvelous and miraculous sword dance. THIS is the Morris dance you want to see! And it’s the celebration of all celebrations in Ashfield! Very worth seeing!
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MONDAY
Monday, December 21st in Plainfield, MA
Creative Dance for Children at Earthdance (252 Prospect Street in Plainfield)!!!!
You are WARMLY welcome to join us for OPEN CLASSES
December 21, 2009
4:15-5pm (3-5 year olds)
5:15-6:15pm (6-9 year olds)
Parents, Grandparents, friends and neighbors are all invited to dance with us!
For more information, please call Maureen at 634-5431
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MONDAY
Monday December 21st in Easthampton, MA (FREE)
Throughout time, people have come together to celebrate the shortest day of the year and welcome the lengthening days ahead. At Arcadia, we also have this tradition: we gather at sundown for natural history readings, music, and community unity. Ward off the cold with the warmth of the bonfire, sip hot cider, and listen to music. This year’s music will feature Gaia Roots, thanks to a generous donation by the Easthampton Cultural Council. We make every attempt not to cancel this event due to inclement weather, but call Arcadia if a blizzard is brewing. This is a free event, however, please bring a nonperishable food item for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Arcadia/listing.php?program_code=122-AR09FA1
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MONDAY
Saturdays & Mondays in Ashfield, MA
Ongoing yoga classes are offered at the Belding Memorial Library Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. The use of props enables students of all ages and physical capabilities to access the benefits of yoga practice, which include increased strength and flexibility, stress reduction and improved overall health.
Please go to http://www.ashfieldyoga.com for class and schedule information, email miriamzoll@mac.com or call 413-268-3053 for more information.
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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
Tuesday, December 22nd in Great Barrington, MA
6pm @ the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center:
“The Polar Express”
Family Favorite Holiday Movie
$6
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
14 Castle Street. Great Barrington. MA 01230
Box Office: 413-528-0100
http://www.mahaiwe.org
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THURSDAY
Thursday, December 24th in Chesterfield, MA
Christmas Eve Service for Children
The Chesterfield Congregational Church, at the corner of Main Street and North Road in the center of Chesterfield, is offering a children’s Christmas Eve service on Thursday, December 24th at 4:00 P.M.
The service will include a reading of the Christmas story, carols, and will conclude with candle lighting. You don’t need to be a member of the church. Everyone is welcome. The service is for both the young and young at heart.
For more information about the children’s service, contact Paul Catanzaro 296-0303 or catanzaropaul@gmail.com.