Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 08/28/10-09/03/10
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
142nd Cummington Fair starts this Thursday and runs through the weekend. (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
CUMMINGTON FAIR: The Biggest and Best Little Fair in the Country Right in the Heart of the Hilltowns! The 142nd Cummington Fair, a four-day agricultural celebration right in the heart of Western MA, is this weekend! The fair starts Thursday night (4-9pm) when families can buy a $10 wrist band for the kids to ride the midway unlimited all night long (or until they’re too dizzy to stand). Read more at the Cummington Fair HERE.
BULLETIN BOARD
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.
PARENTING WORKSHOP: Shana Hiranandani, M.A. will be offering a series of three group workshops for Parents and Caregivers titled,“Put the Oxygen Mask On Yourself First!” *Create a life that nourishes your own needs as Parents. Discover useful tools and new ideas to create balance, enjoyment and meaning in our roles as Parents.* The cost of the series is $75 for all three meetings and will be offered in Easthampton on Wednesdays, September 22nd, 29th, and October 6th from 12Noon-1:30pm OR 5:30-7pm. Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information visit online at www.UniquePeople.net or call (413) 341-3158. Shana is a Personal Life and Career Coach and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.
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.
FREE COOKIES: Hilltown Families sponsor, Bread Euphoria, is be having a Back-to-School Special: FREE COOKIES! They will be giving out free cookies to kids from September 1st-3rd. They’ll have 100 chocolate chip and snicker doodle cookies each day and will be passing them out to kids at the cafe. Limit one per child while supplies last. Bread Euphoria is located at 206 Main Street (Route 9) in Haydenville, MA. www.breadeuphoria.org
Deadline to enter to win: September 22nd.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Andrew Baker of Shelburne Falls, MA writes: Families at the Solar Circle affordable condominium community in Haydenville are hosting a “Vote NO on 2” potluck picnic on Sunday, September 19th from 12:30-3:30pm to showcase their affordable housing community in order to highlight the importance of voting no on Question #2 on the ballot in November. The event is open to the public. Solar Circle is a housing development for first time home buyers built using the affordable housing law, otherwise known as Chapter 40B. This November, Massachusetts voters will weigh in on Question 2, which asks voters to repeal Chapter 40B, a law that has created 80% of the affordable housing built in Massachusetts, outside of the major cities, over the last decade. More info on this topic HERE.
CHORUS AUDITIONS: Auditions for the South Hadley Children’s Chorus, between 4-6 pm, Wednesday September 1st. Informal, nothing to prepare ahead. Chorus enrolls kids 7-14 from many Valley towns (currently including Leyden, Shutesbury and Sunderland), rehearsing Wednesday afternoons 4:30-5:45 pm in South Hadley. Annual tuition discounts for siblings. 2010-11 season includes concerts in Amherst, Northampton, Belchertown, South Hadley, Chicopee, and Holyoke; a children’s choir festival and collaboration with Greenfield’s Celtic Heels. Older children especially welcome. Contact director Cathy Melhorn, 413-548-1098 or email:cmelhorn@mtholyoke.edu.
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.
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW
Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am.
This week on the HFVS our playlist includes new music by The Okee Dokee Brothers, Fannery Brothers, The Bazilions, Capar Babypants, and story time with a new tale off of Bill Harley’s new CD, The Best Candy in the Whole World.
Families have several ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:
Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday & Sunday mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio. On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA.
PODCAST: Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too!
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 – 8/28
9am-4pm – TAG SALE – To benefit the Berkshire Environmental Action Team at the United Methodist Church (6 Holmes Rd.) Lenox, MA (FUNDRAISER)
DOG SHOW: At the Better Living Center at the Eastern States Exposition. 787-0127, (203) 266-5496 www.thebige.com West Springfield, MA
11am-3pm – LOCAL FOOD: New England Food Sampling Fair at Atkins Farm with over 30 New England vendor sampling thier foods. www.atkinsfarms.com Amherst, MA (FREE)
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 ($)
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)
12Noon-5pm – FOOD FESTIVAL: Tomato Festival at Red Fire Farm. Live music, chef demos and seasonal fare. Kids activities, wagon rides, workshops, PYO, artisans, The Nields, Eva Cappelli, Salvation Alley String Band and Carrie Ferguson. http://www.redfirefarm.com Granby, MA (>$)
12:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Chow Time in the aquarium at the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA (FREE w/museum admission)
1pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Gallery Quest: Stomping Grounds at MASS MoCA. Kids and their families can discover the many different environments on view at MASS MoCA including the upside down house from Gravity is a Force to be Reckoned With and the installations of Material World as well as the campus’s historic architecture. The event wraps up with a snack. www.massmoca.org North Adams, MA ($)
1pm – SCIENCE STUDIES: Amherst Solar will be set up with their telescopes on the Amherst Town Common all summer. Stop by with the kids and see Sunspots, Prominences, Limb Darkening and more. 256-6234 amastro.org Amherst, MA (FREE)
1pm & 3pm – BALLET: Audiences of all ages will delight in Amherst Ballet’s Hansel and Gretel, based upon the Grimm Brothers’ tale as illustrated by artist Lizbeth Zwerger, presented at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Twenty-four dancers between the ages of 7 – 17 years old are featured in the ballet, set to the music of a variety of composers. 658-1105 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (FREE w/Museum Admission)
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)
Dusk – FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: UP will be screened outdoors at Energy Park. www.ma-greenfield.gov Greenfield, MA (FREE)
Sunday – 8/29
11am – FAMILY MOVIE: “Sensory Friendly” Screening of Despicable Me at Cinemark Theatre. Hadley, MA (>$)
11am-2pm – FAMILY PICNIC: Join the LGBT Parents Pioneer Valley group for our 3rd annual LGBTQ family picnic at Look Park at table #11A. Florence, MA ($ PARK ENTRANCE)
1pm & 2pm – BALLET: Audiences of all ages will delight in Amherst Ballet’s Hansel and Gretel, based upon the Grimm Brothers’ tale as illustrated by artist Lizbeth Zwerger, presented at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Twenty-four dancers between the ages of 7 – 17 years old are featured in the ballet, set to the music of a variety of composers. 658-1105 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (FREE w/Museum Admission)
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 ($)
3-5pm – PLAYGROUP: Join parents from the Northampton Parent Center at the Easthampton Community Gardens with Kate. 582.2636 Easthampton, MA (FREE)
3-6pm – NATURE STUDIES: The Art of Tracking Insects with Noah Charney and Charley Eiseman, authors of Tracks and Sign of Insects and Other Invertebrates: A Guide to North American Species. Call to reg. 522-0338 Montague, 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 ($)
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 – 8/30
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)
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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 – 8/31
National Eat Outdoors Day: Celebrate with a cookout, picnic, BBQ or bag lunch on the lawn.
4-9:30pm in Florence: Northampton Arts Council Transperformance, an all-day rock concert to benefit Northampton Schools. Pines Theatre, Look Park. Many of the area’s finest bands will come together to celebrate our bodies and our selves. Come hear bands you know and love become other bands you know and love! King Radio as the Flaming Lips, Ed Vadas as Lead Belly, Young@Heart with Lux Deluxe as the Talking Heads, our very own Mayor Clare Higgins as Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and many more. Local restaurants will provide food that is good and good for you. Of course, there will be dancing. 587-1269 (FUNDRAISER)
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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)
11am in Lenox: Toddler Story Time at the Lenox Library (18 Main Street). Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children & their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays & listen to a story. Following the structured program, participants are invited to stay so that the children can play together & their caregivers can visit. (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]
Wednesday – 9/1
7am in Haydenville: Hilltown Families sponsor, Bread Euphoria, is be having a Back-to-School Special: FREE COOKIES. http://www.breadeuphoria.org Limit one per child while supplies last. 206 Main Street (Route 9). (FREE)
4-6pm in South Hadley: Auditions for the South Hadley Children’s Chorus for the ’10–11 season for kids ages 7-14. To schedule an audition or for more info, call Cathy at 548-1098. ($$$)
6-7:30pm in Amherst: Back-to-School celebration for Amherst Regional Public School students on the Amherst Town Common. Bring a picnic dinner or snack and enjoy free activities (choir, pony rides, etc.). In the case of rain, event will be at the Amherst Regional High School Cafeteria. (FREE)
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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. ($)
2pm in Florence: Wednesday Farmers’ Market on the lawn at the Florence Civic Center (Route 9) from 2-6pm
2-6pm in Turners Falls: Great Falls Farmers Market. Located on the corner of 2nd Street and Avenue A. in Turners Falls, right next to the Great Falls Discovery Center.
3-6pm in Greenfield: Guiding Star Grange Farmer’s Market (401 Chapman Street)
4-6pm in Conway: Conway Farmers Market. Main Street (Rte. 116) in front of the Filed Memorial Library.
4:30pm in Northampton: Yo-Yo School at A2Z. Come visit yo-yo school and learn to yo-yo for free with A2Z. (FREE)
Thursday – 9/2
7am in Haydenville: Hilltown Families sponsor, Bread Euphoria, is be having a Back-to-School Special: FREE COOKIES. http://www.breadeuphoria.org Limit one per child while supplies last. 206 Main Street (Route 9). (FREE)
10:30am-12:30pm in Greenfield : Meme and Pepe supports grandparents (55+ primary caregivers of children). 475-1553 (FREE)
11am in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) until 1pm. Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
6-9pm in South Deerfield: Chandler’s Summer Concert Series & BBQ On the Chandler’s Patio (25 Greenfield Road). 665-1277 ($$)
Friday – 9/3
7am in Haydenville: Hilltown Families sponsor, Bread Euphoria, is be having a Back-to-School Special: FREE COOKIES. http://www.breadeuphoria.org Limit one per child while supplies last. 206 Main Street (Route 9). (FREE)
11am-10pm in Northamtpon: 193rd Three County Fair (54 Fair St.) 584-2237 http://www.3countyfair.com Northampton, MA ($)
3-10pm in Blandford: Keep on Truckin’ Day at the 143rd Blandford Fair (10 North Street). 848-0995 http://www.blanfordfair.com Blandford, MA ($)
3pm in Pittsfield: Take the family out to the ballpark to see a Pittsfield Colonials baseball home game at Wahconah Park. http://www.pittsfieldcolonials.com ($)
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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)
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)
5:30pm in Holyoke: Pavillion Summer Concert Series at the Summit View House. http://www.summitviewbanquethouse.com 538-7431 (FREE)
5:30pm in South Haldey: 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)
7-11pm in Cummington: Arunah Hill Days begins at Arunah Hill Natural Science Center (218 Trouble St.). Jim Zebrowski, a NASA Solar System Ambassador, will be talking in the pavilion at 7:30pm. Night sky observing/star gazing will begin at 9pm. 569.6336 (FREE)
7:30pm in Springfield: The Springfield Science Museum’s large rooftop telescope will be open for public sky-gazing. The program will be held rain or shine. If it is overcast, a planetarium show will be presented in place of telescope viewing. The program features an introductory slide show on topics such as space exploration, seasonal sights of the night sky, current astronomical research, or an explanation of events such as an eclipse or the appearance of a comet. After the presentation, participants can use the museum telescope to view sights in the night sky, which may include objects such as the moon, a planet, star clusters, a nebula or a galaxy, depending on their visibility. Springfield Stars Club members also set up telescopes outside the museum, weather permitting. The programs are best suited for families with children ages 8 and older, however younger children are also welcome. 263-6800, ext. 318 http://www.springfieldmuseums.org (>$)