Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 08/21/10-08/27/10
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
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: The 142nd Cummington Fair is August 26th-August 29th in the heart of the Hilltowns! The Biggest and Best Little Fair in the Country! (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.
BEST BET
NEW EXHIBIT: Dinner is Served!: Dining and the Decorative Arts in Early America will be on display at Historic Deerfield beginning Saturday, August 21st and running through November 28th. Families and students can enjoy a multisite exploration of the social, cultural, and artistic importance of dining in early America. Learn about the ordinary as well as the exotic accoutrements of dining-from cutlery and mustard pots to argyles and toasted cheese dishes. Then experience recreations of period dinners-complete with faux food-in the dining rooms of three historic houses. For more information visit www.historic-deerfield.org.
LOCAL FOOD: Sixth Annual Free Harvest Supper of Local Food will be on Sunday, August 22nd from 4:30 to 6:30 pm on the Greenfield Town Common/Court Square. All are welcome to join in sharing this truly community celebration event, which features a bountiful meal of locally grown food prepared by local chefs, live music, children’s activities, educational displays and a Really, Really Free Market. Read more here.
BULLETIN BOARD
ADVERTISING & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Deliver your message to a large family based audience while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Advertise your event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement here in the Bulletin Board section of our List of Weekly Suggested Events. Email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com for more information.
IRISH DANCE LESSONS: Celtic Heels School of Irish Dance in Greenfield is offering Irish Dance Lessons classes for children ages 4 and older, as well as adult classes, this Fall. Sign up now and join in the fun of the Jigs and Reels. Registration is going on now and classes begin in September. Space is limited so call today! – In addition to Irish Dance Lessons, Celtic Heels School of Irish Dance also offers Celtic Music Lessons and Celtic Concerts the first Friday of each month. These concerts are open to the public and all are invited! – For additional information, please contact Cara at (413) 475-3353, or email celticheels@gmail.com. Celtic Heels is located at 267 Main Street, Greenfield, MA. Visit online at www.CelticHeelsDance.com.
NANNY POSITION WANTED: Sandy Shapiro of Cummington, MA writes: Need a great nanny? I’ve been working as a nanny and a preschool teacher for nearly 25 years. For the past 13 years I’ve been the nanny for one family, and as the kids got older I served several families part time. I’m reliable, an expert problem solver, and have wonderful references. I also cook, mend, shop, organize, run errands, etc. Available Tues-Thurs, preferably in the Hilltowns, but willing to travel. I’m very flexible and willing to combine families/children, work morning and/or afternoon hours, and can serve different families with variable needs. For more information, call me at (413) 634-5068.
Deadline to enter to win: August 25th.
Rachel Stoler of Community Coalition for Teens in Greenfield, MA writes: The Community Coalition for Teens invites West County residents who are parents of middle/high school children to participate in a focus group to give input into a campaign we’re developing to support healthy development for young people. Focus group will be on Monday, August 23rd from 5:30-6:30pm at the Shelburne Falls Senior Center. We may be scheduling more focus groups in the future. Pizza and soda will be provided for dinner. Participants will be given a $20 Big Y gift certificate AND will be providing a valuable service to their community! The group will be limited to ten parents. Please call Davette at 774-3167 x 101 to sign up. Space is limited and will be first-come-first-served
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Lezlie Densmore writes: I’m organizing the La Leche League Nursing Mothers’ Booth at the Big E again this year and I’m starting to line up volunteers. La Leche League has been sponsoring the Nursing Mother’s Booth for a few years now and we reach well over 1000 people each year. I need volunteers to sit at the table and keep an eye on the booth. All volunteers that help for 4 hours or more receive a free entrance pass and a free parking pass for the day. The dates this year are Sept 17 – Oct 3. We need at least 3 people per day but can have as many as 6, so invite a friend or spouse to come along! If you think you might be interested, email me (LezlieDen@gmail.com) and I’ll add you to our list.
Deadline to enter to win: September 22nd..
PIE & TOMATO CONTEST: As part of Community Spirit Day, Four Winds Farm and CHP-South Berkshire Community Coalition will sponsor at Pie & Tomato contest at the Great Barrington VFW on Sunday, August 22nd. Enter your home-baked pie(s), made with LOCAL fruits. Also bring your best, ugliest, biggest tomato from your garden for an entry into our tomato contest. No preregistration, just bring by 12:15pm for entry. This is a FREE community event (12 noon to 5 p.m.) with a potluck (bring a dish to share along with your own plates and utensils), games, magic, music, kid’s activities, Farmer’s Market and a ‘meet-your-local non-profit organizations’ venue. For more info contact SBCC at 413-528-1919 x14.
WEEKLY LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Suggest an Event | Local Forecast | Free Museum Passes | Playgroups & Family Centers | Movies in the Valley | Movies in the Berkshires | Farmers’ Markets | Listen Here
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
Saturday – 8/21
6-10am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 4-hours of commercial-free family programing every Saturday, including the Hilltown Family Variety Show and Spare the Rock. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.
9am-5pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: The Berkshire County 4-H Youth fair is celebrating its 70th year, the oldes continually run youth fair in the country! 448-8285 Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
9:30am-4:30pm – AIR SHOW: Westfield International Air Show at Barnes Air National Guard Base, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. www.westfieldairshow.net Westfield, MA (FREE)
11am – FAMILY THEATER: Nutshell Playhouse will be at Main Street Stage, where “Pirates” will swash their buckles once again. 637-1245 www.nutshellplayhouse.org North Adams, MA ($)
11am & 2pm – FAMILY THEATER: The Bremen Town Musicians presented by Castle Hill Theatre at the Berkshire Museum. This funny and imaginative tale of a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster who are forced to leave their homes and make their way in the world. Along the way, they confront robbers and become a jug band. Don’t miss this heartwarming story about self-discovery and friendship. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA ($)
11am-8pm – GREEK CULTURE: Celebrate Greek Tradition at St. George Greek Orthodox Church (73 Bradford St.) for Greek traditions, music, dances and food. 442-8113 Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
12Noon – 5pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: 3rd Annual Chilifest at Stone Soup Farm (275 Jackson St.) Family-friendly farm festival with chili, salsa tasting, hayrides, tours, music and more. Rain date: 8/22. Belchertown, MA (FREE)
12Noon-3pm – COMMUNITY MEAL: Montague Farm Zen House presents the weekly Montague Farm Cafe -a free, weekly family oriented meal and gathering, with healthy food, art activities, live music, and games. 367-5275 Montague, MA (FREE)
1pm & 3pm – FAMILY THEATER: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and PuppeTree present Caps for Sale. Based on the classic book by Esphyr Slobodkina, this simple folk tale of a hat seller whose inventory of hats is lost to mischievous monkeys while he is napping is told around the world in every culture that has monkeys. The PuppeTree tells this exciting story through the eyes of 7 different cultures, using an engaging variety of puppetry styles to celebrate diversity. 658-1105 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
1:30-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Ponding for Kids: For ages 5-10. Come explore the pond life with hands on activities. Catch and learn about all types of pond creatures. At Holyoke Range State Park. 253-2883 Holyoke, MA (FREE)
1:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Inside Pahat at the Berkshire Museum. Take a guided 3-D virtual tour through our 2,300-year-old mummy, Pahat. Learn how cutting-edge technology is being used to decipher the mysteries of mummification. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA (FREE w/admission)
2-7pm – SUSTAINABILITY: Celebrating Resilient Community with Transition Northampton and concert featuring Sarah Stockwell-Arthen. Workshops focusing on practical skills and community building tools. Concert & potluck follow. http://www.laurelparkassociation.org Northampton, MA (>$)
2:30pm – TANGLEWOOD FOR KIDS: Family Concert at Tanglewood, designed to engage and inspire new generations of children. In the Ozawa hall. Check out the Instrument Playground too, a chance for kids to sample instruments. Lenox, MA (FREE FOR KIDS 18yo & YOUNGER)
7pm – MOVIE: Screening of The Breakfast Club (R). Greenagers invite you to watch an ’80s classic revived on the big screen of the beautiful Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center and support a good, local initiative. Greenages is local youth working to strengthen the environment and our community. 644-0000 www.greenagers.org Great Barrington, MA ($)
8:45pm – DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Northfield Drive-In movie theater call or visit online for Films. (603) 239-4054 www.northfielddrivein.com Northfield, MA ($)
Sunday – 8/22
8am-5pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: 93rd Heath Fair. Sweetback Sisters at 2pm. www.heathfair.orgHeath, MA (>$)
9:30am-4:30pm – AIR SHOW: Westfield International Air Show at Barnes Air National Guard Base, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. www.westfieldairshow.net Westfield, MA (FREE)
11am-2pm – LGBT PICNIC: 3rd Annual LGBT family potluck at Look Park. Organized by LGBT Parents in Pioneer Valley. Florence, MA
12Noon-5pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Stone Soup – Community Spirit Day at the VFW outdoor pavilion. Old-fashioned games, pie contest, best home-grown tomato contest, Farmer’s Market, music. Bring a dish to share and your own plates, cups and utensils. Call CHP-South Berkshire Community Coalition for more info. 528-1919 x 14 Great Barrington, MA (Suggested admission – non-perishable food items)
1 & 3pm – FAMILY THEATER: The Bremen Town Musicians presented by Castle Hill Theatre at the Berkshire Museum. This funny and imaginative tale of a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster who are forced to leave their homes and make their way in the world. Along the way, they confront robbers and become a jug band. Don’t miss this heartwarming story about self-discovery and friendship. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA ($)
1pm & 3pm – FAMILY THEATER: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and PuppeTree present Caps for Sale. Based on the classic book by Esphyr Slobodkina, this simple folk tale of a hat seller whose inventory of hats is lost to mischievous monkeys while he is napping is told around the world in every culture that has monkeys. The PuppeTree tells this exciting story through the eyes of 7 different cultures, using an engaging variety of puppetry styles to celebrate diversity. 658-1105 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
3-5pm – PLAYGROUP: Join parents from the Northampton Parent Center at the Easthampton Community Gardens with Kate. 582.2636 Easthampton, MA (FREE)
3-5pm – PLAYGROUP: Join parents from the Northampton Parent Center at the Easthampton Community Gardens with Kate. 582.2636 Easthampton, MA (FREE)
4:30-630pm – COMMUNITY DINNER: Sixth Annual Free Harvest Supper of Local Food on the Greenfield Town Common/Court Square. Greenfield, MA (FREE)
8:45pm – DRIVE-IN MOVIE: Northfield Drive-In movie theater call or visit online for Films. (603) 239-4054 www.northfielddrivein.com Northfield, MA ($)
ONGOING
10:30am & 1:30pm in Pittsfield: A Young Shaker’s Tour at the Hancock Shaker Village (for kids only!). Runs daily through September 3rd. Children can now see the Village through the eyes of a Shaker child – how they lived and played to where they went to school. This kids-only tour includes a make-and-take craft, visits to areas of the Village that show how Shaker children lived, including the Dwelling, Schoolhouse, and Barn Complex. Children will be returned to their parents with a framed photo of them in Shaker costume. Ages 6-17. 800.817.1137 http://www.hancockshakervillage.org ($)
Monday – 8/23
10-11am in Holyoke: Kidleidoscope. Ages 3-6. Come explore nature with a craft, investigation, and discussion about a different aspect of nature each week. Learn about ladybugs, toads, fish, and lots more. At Holyoke Range State Park. 253-2883 (FREE)
9:30-11:30am in Northampton – NPC Playgroups: Northampton Skate Board Park with Carrie (FREE)
10am in Easthampton: Playgroup with families from the Easthampton Family Center at Nonotuck Park Upper Playground. Snacks will be available, parents are encouraged to bring their own drinks. Parents who attend will rotate bringing fruit or veggies to share. (FREE)
12Noon – 1:30pm in Northampton: Mother-Mother Breastfeeding group hosted by a certified lactation consultant every Monday at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. 582-2096 [FREE]
1-5pm in Shelburne Falls: Trolley Museum is open for a fun day of trolley car rides, pump car rides and more for the entire family. http://www.sftm.org
2:15-3:15pm in Dalton: The Dalton Community Recreation Department is bringing back the PLUNGE for the summer. The PLUNGE will be offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:15-3:15p.m. Children 8 and under must bring an adult with them. Children 9 and up may come with their friends (no adult necessary). Cost: $2 per person. Call 684-0260 for more information. (>$)
4:30-5:30pm in Northampton: The Forbes Library hosts a Manga/Anime Club. Drop-ins welcomed. In the children’s department. [FREE]
5:30pm in Amherst: Cruise Nights at Atkins Farms. Weather permitting.
6:30pm in Montague: Evening Sing-Along at the Montague Center Library. Children of all ages and their families are invited to join Children’s Librarian Linda Hickman for a fun informal live music. Linda plays a variety of children’s music on the guitar and banjo, and there are bells and shakers for the children to play. For more information, call the Carnegie Library- 863-3214.
Tuesday – 8/24
9:30-11:30am in Easthampton: Parent-child gardening days with the Easthampton Family Center at the Easthampton Community Garden. (FREE)
9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Parent-child gardening days with the NPC at the Northampton Community Garden. (FREE)
10am in Stockbridge: Summer Sketch Club at the Norman Rockwell Museum. Enjoy on-location drawing and painting classes which encourage self-expression and experimentation. Participants should bring a sketchbook or drawing pad; other art supplies will be provided. Summer Sketch Club is held outdoors- weather permitting; bring bottled water, insect repellent, hats, and sunscreen. For ages seven and up. Take one class or take them all. http://www.nrm.org (>$)
10am in Greenfield: Sunshine Story Time for kids 5yo and under at the Greenfield Public Library. A weekly hour of stories, songs, puppets,and movement games with Kay Lyons. 772-1544 ext.5 [FREE]
12:30pm in Pittsfield: Chow Time in the aquarium at 12:30pm, and the Battle-Ready! Discovery Program (last day) at 1pm. At the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 http://www.berkshiremuseum.org (FREE w/museum admission)
1:30pm in Northampton: Tuesday Farmers’ Market in Downtown Northampton, behind Thornes Marketplace! Food, plants, baby animals, live music, family-friendly from 1:30-6:30pm. 586-7586
2:15pm in Amherst: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Amherst Cinema. ($)
6:15pm in Greenfield: Learn to Hula Hoop with Alotta Hoopla at Greenfield Energy Park. [FREE]
6:30pm in Westfield: Amelia Park Ice Arena is proud to present “Musical Moments In Amelia’s Garden” every Tuesday this summer. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the beautiful flowers, sunset, and music!
7-9pm in Easthampton: Katydids and Other Night Insects at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Summer evenings are filled with the mechanical sounds of katydids (“long-horned grasshoppers”), other grasshoppers, and crickets. View a slide show and then go outside to listen to familiar songs. Preregistration is required 584-3009 (>$)
Wednesday – 8/25
5:30-7pm in Holyoke: Family BBQ followed by a 30-minute nature walk at Mt. Tom State Reservation. Discover the sights and sounds of Mt. Tom at dusk. Park will provide grills and charcoal. Bring your own Hamburgers, Hot dogs, Veggie burgers, etc. for the grill. Make new friends and learn about the nature that surrounds us. Park Gates close at 8:00pm. 534-1186 (FREE)
6:30-8pm in Plainfield: Community Sing with Penny Schultz, an opportunity for any and all ages to come together to learn part songs from around the world. You don’t need to read music to participate. Songs, which will be taught by rote, include music from South Africa, gospel songs, English country songs, unusual rounds, and other songs that celebrate the earth, peace, and well-being. The sings are child-friendly events. Though the music is geared towards adults, adolescents and younger children are encouraged to participate. Restless children can go with an adult to the adjacent dance barn to run around. Also, the grounds are fun and safe places for children to play. Sing is followed by a potluck. http://www.earthdance.net (>$)
7-9pm in Williamsburg: Bailly Morse, 18-year-old local author of two popular self- published novels, Fortune’s Flight, and Renegade Ransom, will read from Renegade Ransom, the second book of her historical trilogy, at the Meekins Library. More info HERE.
8pm in Ashfield: The Firebird at Double Edge Theatre. 628-0277 http://www.doubleedgetheatre.org ($$)
All Day in Florence: Half-price at Look Park.
9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Toddler Time at the Forbes Library.
10:30am in Williamsburg: Preschool Storytime at the Meekins Library with Children’s Librarian Rochelle Wildfong. (FREE)
10:30-11:45am in Amherst: Momma and Baby Yoga (Start after 7 weeks postpartum) at the CDH outpatient offices at 170 University Drive. Pre-registration is required: 582-2736, press “3” for Yoga
1pm in Northampton: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Pleasant Street Theater. ($)
1pm in Lenox: Terry a la Berry and Friends at the Lenox Library. Beloved local musical performers, Terry a la Berry and Friends, perform interactive popular children’s songs in our Roche Reading Park. Bring a blanket, picnic and get ready for some fun! 637-0197 ext 105
12:30pm in Pittsfield: Berkshire Museum Discovery Program: What’s the Buzz? In Berkshire Backyard. Why do bees buzz, dance and wiggle? Find out in this gallery drop-in. 443-7171 (FREE w/museum admission)
2pm in Florence: Wednesday Farmers’ Market on the lawn at the Florence Civic Center (Route 9) from 2-6pm
2-6pm in Turners Falls: Great Falls Farmers Market. Located on the corner of 2nd Street and Avenue A. in Turners Falls, right next to the Great Falls Discovery Center.
2:15-3:15pm in Dalton: The Dalton Community Recreation Department is bringing back the PLUNGE for the summer. The PLUNGE will be offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:15-3:15p.m. Children 8 and under must bring an adult with them. Children 9 and up may come with their friends (no adult necessary). Cost: $2 per person. Call 684-0260 for more information. (>$)
3-6pm in Greenfield: Guiding Star Grange Farmer’s Market (401 Chapman Street)
4:30pm in Northampton: Yo-Yo School at A2Z. Come visit yo-yo school and learn to yo-yo for free with A2Z. (FREE)
Thursday – 8/26
4-9:30pm in Cummington: 142nd Cummington Fair. Night for Trucks. http://www.cummingtonfair.org ($)
9:30-11:30am in Northampton: NPC Playgroup at Bridge Street School playground with Rania.
10:30am-12:30pm in Greenfield : Meme and Pepe supports grandparents (55+ primary caregivers of children). 475-1553 (FREE)
10am in Stockbridge: Creating Together: A Parent-Child Experience. Children and their parents are invited to explore Norman Rockwell Museum’s galleries together during this series of interactive art experiences. Get inspired by the works on view to create your own personal artwork with a variety of materials and techniques. For parents and children ages four and up. Take one class or take them all. http://www.nrm.org (>$)
11am in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) until 1pm. Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
1:30pm in Pittsfield: Gallery Cart Program at the Berkshire Museum: Animal Mummification. Pharaohs and priests of ancient Egypt weren’t the only mummies. Learn how and why animals were mummified alongside their human counterparts. 443-7171 (FREE w/museum admission)
6-9pm in South Deerfield: Chandler’s Summer Concert Series & BBQ On the Chandler’s Patio (25 Greenfield Road). 665-1277 ($$)
Friday – 8/27
10am-4pm in Springfield: The Buzz About Bees Family FunFest at the Springfield Museum. http://www.springfieldmuseums.org or call 413-263-6800, ext. 488. (>$)
1pm in Pittsfield: Sing Like a Shaker at the Hancock Shaker Village. Shaker worship has always intrigued the world’s people, since it incorporated not only praying, speaking, and singing, but also dancing – called “exercises” and “laboring” by the believers themselves. Through motions and movements, such as bowing, bending, turning, marching, and shaking, the believers would “labor before the Lord.” This enthusiastic and energetic worship is what earned them the name Shaker. This program, great for all ages, will be held in the Meeting House, the authentic Shaker Sunday worship location during the warmer months. Led by Hancock Shaker Village staff dressed in Shaker costume, you’ll learn Shaker songs with accompanying motions, and be invited to sing-a-long with some Shaker tunes, including the well-known “Simple Gifts.” http://www.hancockshakervillage.org (FREE w/ HSV Admission)
3-6pm in Westfield: Medieval Mania Day at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 572-4014 http://www.ameliaparkmuseum.org (FREE w/ Museum Admission)
4-9:30pm in Cummington: 142nd Cummington Fair. Childrens Night. http://www.cummingtonfair.org ($)
7:30am in Lanesboro: Guided hikes on Mount Greylock, followed by an optional breakfast at historic Bascom Lodge. Meet at the Visitors Center (30 Rockwell Rd.) Steve Linscott will lead a moderate to strenuous hike. 499-4262 (FREE HIKE; $ FOOD)
8:30am-11am in Lenox: Friday Mornings at Tanglewood. A closed rehearsal of upcoming performances by the Boston Symphony Orchestra is open to students in 3rd grade and older. This Education Program will be held in the shed. Call Darlene White at 637-5274 to reserve a seat. Younger kids and their families can sit on the lawn. [FREE]
10am & 11am in Pittsfield: Aquarium Adventures. Each week children ages 2-4 meet a different animal from Berkshire Museum’s aquarium and watch as their new friend enjoys a meal. Story time is included. Free with Museum admission.
11am in Greenfield: Mother Goose on the Loose for Toddlers at the Greenfield Public Library. 772-1544 ext.5 (FREE)
2:15-3:15pm in Dalton: The Dalton Community Recreation Department is bringing back the PLUNGE for the summer. The PLUNGE will be offered every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 2:15-3:15p.m. Children 8 and under must bring an adult with them. Children 9 and up may come with their friends (no adult necessary). Cost: $2 per person. Call 684-0260 for more information. (>$)
5:30pm in Holyoke: Pavillion Summer Concert Series at the Summit View House. http://www.summitviewbanquethouse.com 538-7431 (FREE)
5:30pm in South Hadley: Cruise Nights at Butter Brook Park. Plan to join friends for supper—proceeds from food sales help to support park improvements, such as the new playground area now under development. Stroll through the park and enjoy classic cars, DJ music, refreshments, the company of neighbors and friends, and just being outdoors on a nice summer evening. Cruise nights are free and open to the public. friendsofbutterybrook@yahoo.com (FREE)