Suggested Events 02/13/10-02/19/10
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

Plenty of Valentine activities happening this weekend for families, including opportunities to learn about the history of Valentine's. See your list of Weekly Suggested Events below. - Click on the image above to learn about the history of Valentine's over at History.com. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
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, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending
FRIDAY NIGHT IN THE HILLTOWNS
Nan Parati writes: Local Food Potluck at the Congregational Church in Ashfield this Friday, February 12th @ 6:00pm. Will and I finally attended a Winter Farmer’s Market in Greenfield last Saturday and were delighted! The High School was teaming with customers eager to buy local products from the 30 farms that were selling their carrots, potatoes, apples, greens, meats, jams, juices, pickles, yogurt, and more! We heard a rumor that the next Winter Farmer’s Market will be in Turners Falls, so keep on the lookout for the time and place. This Friday night there is another opportunity to be involved in a locavore activity. The Ashfield Congregational Church is hosting a Local Food Potluck, February 12th at 6:00 pm. The idea is to gather together with other people to share food that was grown locally. So use as many local ingredients as possible in your potluck dish and come and enjoy to flavors of Ashfield!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
FAMILY CONTRA DANCE WITH WILD ASPARAGUS: On Sunday, February 28th, from 2:30-5:30pm, bring the family to the Guiding Star Grange (401 Chapman Street) in Greenfield, home to some of the best contra musicians in the country, for contras, squares & singing! Are you wondering what Contra dancing is? Contra dancing is New England Folk Dancing with lines and reels, and a caller of course! Fiddles, guitars, keyboards, base, bombarde and singing. What’s a bombarde? You’ll have to come and find out. – A family dance is a great way for people of all ages and abilities to learn. $8 adults, $6 students & seniors, $4 kids, under 5 free All proceeds benefit the Greenfield Center School. For more information please call the Center School at 773-1700.
FEATURED CAMP
FEBRUARY FARM CAMP IN THE HILLTOWNS: Winter is always a special time at Red Gate Farm in Buckland, MA. Whether exploring animal tracks in the snow, feeding hay to hungry sheep or warming up inside in a cozy circle to listen to a story after lunch, there is always lots of fun! The farm offers two programs this coming week: Sprouts Vacation Days for kids 4-6yo, and Winter Farm Fun for kids 7-10yo. Both will be held 02/16-02/18 from 9am-3pm. Help them care for the animals, go snowshoeing, sledding learn fire building and play great games. Each day will be unique, so come for one day, or all three. Cost is $55 per day or $140 for all three. Discount for members. Deadline to register is Friday, 02/15. Call to reg. 625-9503. www.redgatefarm.org
- Check out other camps happening in the area on the Hilltown Families Suggest a Camp Bulletin Board.
BULLETIN BOARD
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.
HERBAL APPRENTICESHIP IN THE HILLTOWNS: Blazing Star Herbal School in Ashfield, MA is now taking applicants for their Tuesday Apprenticeship for Beginner and Intermediate Students. This innovative program based on becoming a community herbalist by weaving experiential learning about healing herbs with seasonal rhythms and timeless elements of traditional healing. Program begins 04/20/10 from 10am-4pm and ends 02/11. Total Tuition is $1750. Options for a payment plan are available. For more information contact Tony(a) Lemos at (413) 625-6875, tlemos@noho.com. – Blazing Star Herbal School is located in the heart of Western Mass and is dedicated to teaching traditional herbal medicine in a way that supports a more sustainable future for all members of the green world and shows respect for the integrity of nature.
CELEBRATING LOCAL FARM HEROES THROUGH MUSIC AND SONGWRITING: Three days of music fun, free for children during the February school break. At the Arms Library in Shelburne Falls from 10am-3pm, Mon (2/15), Wed (2/17) & Thurs (2/18). Children ages 7 to 13 who like singing are welcomed. There will be games, lots of laughter, and we will meet local farmers and write songs about them. Led by Sarah Pirtle, who has directed the Discovery Center for Peace Education since 1992. To sign up contact Sarah at 625-2355 or email pirtle22@hotmail.com, or sign up at Arms Library at 625-0306. The children will write songs about them to be presented at the public concert on Thurs at 2pm.
VALENTINE BAKE SALE – The Hilltown Birdbrains 4-H Club will be setting up a Valentine Bake Sale on Saturday, February 13th from 10am-2pm in front of the Tractor Supply (2 College Highway) in Southampton, MA. Drop by and support the kids of 4-H with a purchase of a sweet for your sweetie. They will also have handmade Valentine Cards available to go with your sweets.
Jim Lobley of Ashfield, MA writes: The Ashfield Community Theater is holding open auditions for this season’s production of The Cripple of Inishmaan, a wicked, dark Irish comedy set in 1934 on a remote isle off Ireland’s west coast. Auditions will be held: 02/21 from 1-4 & 02/23 from 6-9 at the Belding Memorial Library. Performances will be in Ashfield Town Hall on May 28 & 29, and June 4 & 5. All are wheelchair accessible. – There are roles for 4 woman and 5 men, ages 15-80. Previous acting experience is not necessary. The auditions will involve reading scenes from the play in an Irish dialect; dialect coaching will be part of the rehearsal process. We’re also looking for sound crew, a stage manager, etc. For more info email info@acth.org, or call 628.4574 or 628.0084.
SUPPORT THE WORTHINGTON LIBRARY: Friends of the Worthington Library book sale happens at the town hall from 10-2pm. Donations are welcomed at the town hall leading up to the sale. Profits support the library.
MEDIA LITERACY FOR PARENTS AND KIDS: If you watched last weekend’s Superbowl with your kids, you saw a lot of beer commercials. For parents who are trying to delay the age at which their child starts drinking, take a look at the SAMHSA Website on Media Literacy. Parents are children’s most effective teachers on drugs, alcohol and other high-risk behaviors. Doing the 5 simple media literacy steps with your child can help you challenge some of the messages you DON’T want children to take in just yet.
SUMMER VACATION AT FARM CAMPS: With the annual February school vacation just days away, many parents are starting to plan summer activities for their children. Several of our local farms are putting together summer day camp opportunities for kids young and old. The CISA has put together a listing on their web site and will update the information throughout the spring as we learn about different options.
KIDS ICE FISHING DERBY IN THE HILLTOWNS: Ashfield Rod & Gun Club’s annual children’s ice fishing derby. This year’s annual children’s ice fishing derby will be held on Saturday, February 13th on Ashfield Lake, from 8am to 12Noon. All school age children are invited to attend and take part in this fun event. Prizes will be awarded. After the fishing derby there will be a spaghetti dinner held at Sanderson Academy ($5 for adults). Following the dinner a presentation will be given by Native American Chief Leroy Truehart at the School cafeteria. for more info call Joe Miraglia at 828-4400 or Ken Magdycz at 634-5585.
WEEKLY LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS
Suggest an Event | Rain or Shine? | School Closings and Delays | Free Museum Passes | Family Centers (Ages 0-4) | Movies in the Valley | Movies in the Berkshires
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
Saturday – 02/13
5-8pm – ART WALK: Art Walk Easthampton is held the “Second Saturday” of the month. Locations across the city showcase visual, music and performance art in an energetic sampling of local, regional and national talent. All events are free. Parking is free. Art Walk Easthampton is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Easthampton Cultural Council and the support of Mantis Graphics which makes our large, yellow banners. Easthampton, MA (FREE)
Sunday – 02/14
EVENTS HAPPENING DURING FEBRUARY SCHOOL VACATION WEEK 2010
Monday – 02/15
9am-12Noon – ARTS & CRAFTS: Silkscreening for kids ages 10 & up at ArtStar. www.artstarlounge.com 896-3709 Williamsburg, MA ($)
- 9:30am-1:30pm – TEXTILE ARTS: Sponsored by the Bagshare Project, scouts and youths will learn how to make a pattern, cut out and sew an Earth-friendly “green” shopping bag at the Wistariahurst Museum. RSVP required. www.wistariahurst.org.org 322-5660 Holyoke, MA (>$)
- 9:30am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Honoring George Washington at the Old Sturbridge Village. 1-800-SEE-1830 www.osv.org Sturbridge, MA ($)
- 10am-1pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Animal Tracking and Wildlife Wanderings with Earthwork Programs. Introduction to the art and science of tracking; learn how to read tracks and signs to tell the “stories” of the landscape. This activity involves easy to moderate hiking. www.earthworkprograms.com 522-0338 Amherst, MA ($)
- 11am – MOVIE: So You Want to be President? will be showing at the Eric Carle Museum as part of their Black History Month Film Series. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (FREE W/ADMISSION)
- 11am – THEATER: BTF Plays! presents the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel’s Grimm Tale at the Berkshire Museum. www.berkshiremuseum.org 443-7171 Pittsfield, MA ($)
- 1pm – MOVIE: Picture Writer will be showing at the Eric Carle Museum as part of their Black History Month Film Series. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (FREE W/ADMISSION)
- 1-3pm – ART WORKSHOP: Jewish Art Workshops for Parents and Children at Art Always. Pre-registration is requested. 584-3050 www.art-always.com Florence, MA ($)
- 2pm – MOVIE: KidsBestFest2010 will screen the movie, The Wizard of Oz, at the Academy of Music Theatre. Come dressed like an Oz character and a donation will made to the Hampshire County Cares. Doors open at 1:30pm www.northamptonartscouncil.org Northampton, MA ($3 cash)
- 2-3pm – OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: Winter Wonderland Family Fun at Mt. Tom State Reservation. Join the DCR regional educator to discover what makes winter special through outdoor and indoor explorations. Dress for the weather. Meet at the warming hut. www.mass.gov/dcr 584-6788 Holyoke, MA (FREE)
- 2-4pm – ICE SKATING: Public skate at the Collins/Moylan Arena. Skate rentals available. 772-6891 Greenfield, MA (>$)
- 3:30pm – THEATER: The Williston Northampton Theatre will persent, Anne of Green Gables, at the Williston Theatre. Call to RSVP. www.williston.com 529-3434 Easthampton, MA ($)
- 3:30-5:30pm – COOKING: Kids’ Passport Cooking Class at Whole Foods visits Morocco. Make harissa and couscous. Pre-registration is required. 586-9932 www.wholefoods.com Hadley, MA (FREE)
- 4pm – KIDS CONCERT: Seattle’s Board of Education will play aN acoustic afternoon show at Cup & Top Cafe. www.cupandtop.com Florence, MA (FREE)
- 4-5:50pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
Tuesday – 02/16
9am-12Noon – ARTS & CRAFTS: Felting for kids ages 7-10 at ArtStar. www.artstarlounge.com 896-3709 Williamsburg, MA ($)
- 9am-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Arcadia Winter Vacation Days. Explore the natural world and play games. Pre-registration is required. 584-3009 x810 www.massaudubon.org (ages 6-12) Easthampton, MA ($$)
- 10:30-11:15am – THEATER: Salmon Falls will be presented by the Northampton Center for the Art’s Young People’s Performing Arts with an appearance by the Piti Theatre Co.584-7327 www.nohoarts.org Northampton, MA (>$)
- 11am – THEATER: BTF Plays! presents the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel’s Grimm Tale at the Berkshire Museum. www.berkshiremuseum.org 443-7171 Pittsfield, MA ($)
- 12Noon-2pm – SWIMMING: Open swim at the Aquatic and Family Center at JFK Middle School. Open diving board. Northampton, MA (>$)
- 12-1:50pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
- 1pm & 3pm – THEATER: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Presents Charlotte’s Web in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. 658.1126 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
- 2pm – MOVIE: KidsBestFest2010 will have their Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art Day at the Academy of Music Theatre. “Big Screen” story time of The Poky Little Puppy and James Marshall’s Favorite Fairy Tales. Doors open at 1:30pm www.northamptonartscouncil.org Northampton, MA ($3 cash)
- 2-4pm – ICE SKATING: Public skate at the Collins/Moylan Arena. Skate rentals available. 772-6891 Greenfield, MA (>$)
- 3:30pm – THEATER: The Williston Northampton Theatre will persent, Anne of Green Gables, at the Williston Theatre. Call to RSVP. www.williston.com 529-3434 Easthampton, MA ($)
Wednesday – 02/17
9am-12Noon – ARTS & CRAFTS: Sewing and Applique for kids ages 8 & up at ArtStar. www.artstarlounge.com 896-3709 Williamsburg, MA ($)
- 9am-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Arcadia Winter Vacation Days. Explore the natural world and play games. Pre-registration is required. 584-3009 x810 www.massaudubon.org (ages 6-12) Easthampton, MA ($$)
- 10:30am – MOVIE: Shrinking Violet will be showing at the Eric Carle Museum as part of their Black History Month Film Series. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (FREE W/ADMISSION)
- 11am – THEATER: BTF Plays! presents the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel’s Grimm Tale at the Berkshire Museum. www.berkshiremuseum.org 443-7171 Pittsfield, MA ($)
- 12Noon-2pm – SWIMMING: Open swim at the Aquatic and Family Center at JFK Middle School. Open diving board. Northampton, MA (>$)
- 12-2pm – ICE SKATING: Public skate at the Collins/Moylan Arena. Skate rentals available. 772-6891 Greenfield, MA (>$)
- 12-1:50pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
- 1pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Natural-Born Predators at the Berkshire Museum. In the first half of this special hour-long program, the Wolf Conservation Center will guide guests through the history of wolves in North America, their biology, their role in the ecosystem, and the mythology that surrounds them. The second part of the program belongs to Atka, a male Arctic Wolf, who will greet our visitors and stroll through the auditorium under the supervision of one of WCC’s expert wolf handlers. www.berkshiremuseum.org 443-7171 Pittsfield, MA (FREE w/Admission)
- 1pm & 3pm – THEATER: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Presents Charlotte’s Web in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. 658.1126 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
- 2pm – MOVIE: KidsBestFest2010 will screen the movie, Winky’s Horse (subtitled & 35mm) at the Academy of Music Theatre. Doors open at 1:30pm www.northamptonartscouncil.org Northampton, MA ($3 cash)
- 3:30pm – THEATER: The Williston Northampton Theatre will persent, Anne of Green Gables, at the Williston Theatre. Call to RSVP. www.williston.com 529-3434 Easthampton, MA ($)
- 7pm – SPORTS: Harlem Globetrotters at the MassMutual Center. 787-6610 www.massmutualcenter.com Springfield, MA ($$)
- 7pm – CONCERT: Jazz concert at the Forbes Library with Too Human. 587-1013 www.forbeslibrary.org Northampton, MA (FREE)
Thursday – 02/18
9am-12Noon – ARTS & CRAFTS: Bookbinding for kids ages 7-10 at ArtStar. www.artstarlounge.com 896-3709 Williamsburg, MA ($)
- 9am-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Arcadia Winter Vacation Days. Explore the natural world and play games. Pre-registration is required. 584-3009 x810 www.massaudubon.org (ages 6-12) Easthampton, MA ($$)
- 10:30am – MOVIE: Shrinking Violet will be showing at the Eric Carle Museum as part of their Black History Month Film Series. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (FREE W/ADMISSION)
- 11am – THEATER: BTF Plays! presents the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel’s Grimm Tale at the Berkshire Museum. www.berkshiremuseum.org 443-7171 Pittsfield, MA ($)
- 12-1:50pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
- 12Noon-2pm – SWIMMING: Open swim at the Aquatic and Family Center at JFK Middle School. Open diving board. Northampton, MA (>$)
- 1pm & 3pm – THEATER: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Presents Charlotte’s Web in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. 658.1126 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
- 2pm – MOVIE: KidsBestFest2010 will screen the movie, Benji, at the Academy of Music Theatre. This is a special screening to benefit the Dakin Pioneer Valley Humane Society, so bring a can of dog or cat food to donate. Doors open at 1:30pm www.northamptonartscouncil.org Northampton, MA ($3 cash)
- 2-4pm – ICE SKATING: Public skate at the Collins/Moylan Arena. Skate rentals available. 772-6891 Greenfield, MA (>$)
- 3:30pm – THEATER: The Williston Northampton Theatre will persent, Anne of Green Gables, at the Williston Theatre. Call to RSVP. www.williston.com 529-3434 Easthampton, MA ($)
- 6-8pm – SUPPORT GROUP: Adoptive Parents Support Group. 320-4680 Hadley, MA (FREE)
- 7-8:30pm – PARENTING WORKSHOP: Positive Discipline at the YMCA. 584.7086 www.hrymca.org Northampton, MA (FREE)
- 7pm – SPORTS: Harlem Globetrotters at the MassMutual Center. 787-6610 www.massmutualcenter.com Springfield, MA ($$)
Friday – 02/19
9am-12Noon – ARTS & CRAFTS: Family Keepsake Workshop for ages 5 & up with one adult at ArtStar. www.artstarlounge.com 896-3709 Williamsburg, MA ($)
- 9am-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Arcadia Winter Vacation Days. Explore the natural world and play games. Pre-registration is required. 584-3009 x810 www.massaudubon.org (ages 6-12) Easthampton, MA ($$)
- 11am – THEATER: BTF Plays! presents the classic tale of Hansel and Gretel’s Grimm Tale at the Berkshire Museum. www.berkshiremuseum.org 443-7171 Pittsfield, MA ($)
- 12Noon-2pm – SWIMMING: Open swim at the Aquatic and Family Center at JFK Middle School. Open diving board. Northampton, MA (>$)
- 12-2pm – ICE SKATING: Amelia Park Ice Arena. Rentals available. 568-2503 Westfield, MA (>$)
- 1pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Art of the Samurai at the Berkshire Museum: Finely crafted Japanese swords are coveted throughout the world. The Samurai warriors who wielded them formed an elite class in Japanese society: respected, revered, and feared. Museum visitors can experience first-hand the elaborate combat ritual and discipline of Edo-period Samurai, learn about their weapons and armor, and discover what made these warriors so efficient on the battlefield. www.berkshiremuseum.org 443-7171 Pittsfield, MA (FREE w/Admission)
- 1pm & 3pm – THEATER: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Presents Charlotte’s Web in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. 658.1126 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
- 1-4pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Porcupine Tracking for Families at Northfield Mountain. Ages 8 & older. Pre-reg. www.firstlightpower.com/northfield 800-859-2960 Northfield, MA ($)
- 2pm – MOVIE: KidsBestFest2010 will screen the movie, Stella Star of the Orient (subtitled and 35mm), the Academy of Music Theatre. Doors open at 1:30pm www.northamptonartscouncil.org Northampton, MA ($3 cash)
- 3:30pm – THEATER: The Williston Northampton Theatre will persent, Anne of Green Gables, at the Williston Theatre. Call to RSVP. www.williston.com 529-3434 Easthampton, MA ($)
- 4-5:50pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
Friday-Saturday: Pirates & Kids Theatre Classes
Bring the whole family to a lively performance by the Nutshell Playhouse as they bring back the ever popular Pirates! to the Berkshire Athenaeum. A swashbuckling adventure featuring bold buccaneers, a mysterious map with a riddle, cursed treasure, a visit to an island you can’t see, a pirate ghost, and a magical journey.
And if your kids are interested in being onstage themselves, the Spring Session of the Saturday Morning KidsAct! Theatre Program kicks off this Saturday and runs through April 10th. The workshops are for youth ages 8 to 15 and the program provides comprehensive performance training in basic performance and improvisation techniques while also exploring the process of playwrighting. Participants work together to write, rehearse and perform their own original play for an audience of family and friends.
Pirates!|Friday @ 11am, Saturday @ 1pm| Berkshire Athenaeum Auditorium| 1 Wendell Ave | 499-9480 | FREE
Kids Act! | Begins Saturday, February 20 | 10am-noon| BSC Stage 2 | 36 Linden St. | 499-5446 x 118 | $200 for ten week program (need-based scholarships available)
FOOD FIGHT Screening at Amherst College
Thursday, February 18, 2010
4:30pm – 6:30pm
Amherst, MA
Screening the movie FOOD FIGHT at Amherst College on Thursday, Feb. 18th. The screening will be held in the Pruyne Room in Fayerweather Hall, and will begin at 4:30pm. There will be a panel discussion after the film including the director, Chris Taylor, and Co-Producer (and organic farmer) Thetis Sammons. The event is open to the public.
Norman Rockwell Museum will be open the entire school vacation week of
February 15 through 19 (including Tuesday, February 16), from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m., offering the following activities:
Paint Up a Storm!
School Vacation Week Workshops
Monday, February 15, through Friday, February 19
1 to 4 p.m.
Experiment with a variety of painting media and techniques to create
colorful, memorable works of art. Ages 7 and up. $6, $5 Museum members.
Sunday, February 21st in Williamsburg, MA
Calling all RESIDENTS of WILLIAMSBURG!
“Come to a meeting about Time Banking in Williamsburg”
Sunday Feb. 21st at The Williamsburg Grange
A Speaker from the Commonwealth Center for Change will come talk to us about The Valley TIme Trade and how we can become part of their program in burgy. Please come from 4-5. Doors open 3:45. Donations of $1 to pay for rental fee for the space are gladly accepted.
Not a resident of burgy?
To arrange a meeting for your community contact Jenn Ladd at
http://www.commonwealthcenter.org
http://www.valleytimetrade.org – Building community through reciprocity.
Facilitating a network of mutual support and collaboration that sustains and strengthens a resilient, dynamic and creative community.
For more info.about this event contact Marie Westburg @amwestburg@verizon.net