Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 10/30/10-11/05/10
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
The 3rd Annual Surrealist Cabaret and Pumpkin Walk, hosted by the Royal Frog Ballet on Bramble Hill in Amherst, MA last 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 BETS
There are so many terrific community events and activities happening this weekend for Halloween scroll down and peruse the list, and don’t for get to check our list of Rag Shag parades too!
On Saturday, October 30th at 1pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Kids Gallery Halloween Quest at MASS MoCA. For kids ages 6-12 and their adult companions. Costumes encouraged. RSVP 664-4481 x8112 www.massmoca.org North Adams, MA ($, FREE FOR MEMBERS)
In the evening on Saturday, October 30th from 5-9pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Things That Go Bump in the Night at Old Sturbridge Village. Includes The Trail of Terror (ages 11yo & up), haunted pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, puppet show with Caravan Puppets, and more. 800-733-1830 www.osv.org Sturbridge, MA ($)
On Sunday, October 31st from 11am-4pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Supernatural Sunday: Halloween in at Historic Deerfield. Enjoy the fun of Halloween and the beauty of harvest during the fall season with seasonal hearth cooking, pumpkin decorating, wagon rides, mask-making, and face painting. Wear a costume and enjoy some early trick-or-treating at select historic houses. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Next weekend: CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW: The Botanic Garden Lyman Conservatory of Smith College (15 College Lane) will host a Fall Chrysanthemum Show. A sweet event to take the family to. 585-2740 Northampton, MA (FREE, DONATION)
And, CIDER DAYS: An annual celebration of hard and sweet cider. www.ciderday.org Franklin County, MA
BULLETIN BOARD
SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Let us help get the word out about your event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement. Email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com for more information. — Help us help you!
FREE AFTERNOON PROGRAM: Every Tuesday in November, Hilltown Families sponsor, Cup and Top Cafe (1 N Main St.) in Florence, will host a free Puppet Show – Sing Along Time with Anna Sobel of Talking Hands Theatre for families with kids up to 5yo! Meet different puppets every week. Learn hand motions to classic kids’ songs and pick up some catchy new tunes. Anna is a former preschool music teacher and led sing-alongs at Brooklyn cafes for five years. She makes her own puppets and has a magical way of making everything fun and interactive for young children. Donations welcomed. 585-9565 www.cupandtop.com
(Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Biocitizen is seeking volunteers to begin a long-term stream monitoring project in collaboration w/MA DEP. We use the rapid biotic assessment technique, which involves collecting and inventorying benthic invertebrates (water bugs); the type of bugs we find give us a gauge of the stream’s health. We’re scheduling 4 assessments for these 4 weekend days from 1-3 pm: Oct. 30 & 31, Nov. 6 & 7. Children and families are invited to be trained for free. It’s great for those interested in biology, ecology, environmental protection. It is possible, since this is a long-term project, for families, and their schools, to adopt a stream and watch over it. Contact Kurt Heidinger at bioticitizen@gmail.com.
Leslie Chaison of Greenfield, MA writes: Just Roots, a local citizens’ group, will host a Public Forum in the Town of Greenfield on Sunday, November 7th at 2pm at the Greenfield High School. This forum will be a conversation to help define, as a Greenfield area community, the best use of the Greenfield Town Farm, which includes 31 acres of prime farmland. This conversation will include decision makers, working farmers, community gardeners, social service networks, educators, permaculturists, and you. The forum will be held in the Greenfield High School Cafeteria. The high school is located off Silver Street in Greenfield. Please come and be part of the vision! For more information, contact jaylordjr@gmail.com.
(Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
ENERGY AUDITS: Free energy audits for WMECO homes, performed by Co-op Power. If your electric provider is WMECO, or if your gas heat is provided by Berkshire Gas, call to set up ap free audit, which is much more comprehensive than those offered by utility companies. Contact Jane Anderson, (413) 695-6430, jane@cooppower.coop, www.cooppower.coop
READING MENTOR PROGRAM: The Forbes Library Teen Department in Northampton, MA is looking for tween/teen volunteers to read to younger children once a week or about an hour for their Reading and Mentoring Program. Younger children who may not have older brothers/sisters who would like to spend time with an older friend are wanted too. Call to sign up: 587-1010.
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW
Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am.
This week is our Halloween Episode, with music by Justin Roberts, Jamie Broza, Recess Monkey, The Hobo Nickels, Rosemary Clooney, Caspar Babypants, Mister G and many others!
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 | Listen Here
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
♦ On-going Events
Saturday – 10/30
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.
9:30am-4:30pm – FOOD HISTORY: What’s cooking? Open hearth cooking at the Historic Deerfield. Open hearth cooks will prepare select dishes that are on display as part of the exhibition Dinner is Served!: Dining and the Decorative Arts. Come see “what’s cooking” and learn how these dishes were prepared in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The history workshop: Pots, Pans and Porridge: Children in the Colonial Kitchen, will be offered too starting at 12Noon. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
10:30am-4pm – HISTORIC TRADE: Made By Hand: Trades-by-Hand-Trades of the Past: Letterpress Printing & Gravestone Carving demonstrations at Historic Deerfield. See historic trades demonstrations of letterpress printing with Carl Darrow, and gravestone carving with Karin Sprague. www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
11am-12Noon – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Halloween stories and craft with Robin Foley at the Whatley Library. Children ages 3 and up are invited to come in costume (or not) and share some stories and a craft – decorate a trick-or-treat tote bag! Please call to register 665-2170. Whatley, MA (FREE)
11am – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Lenox Library Association Youth Department presents haunted, but not too haunting, tales for the young and young-at-heart, told with puppets, props and audience participation. Families will be treated to ghoulish goodies and boo brew. Come dressed in costume (optional) for a howling good time. This program is appropriate for ages 4 to 10. 637-0197 x105 Lenox, MA (FREE)
12Noon-Dusk – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Halloween Carnival at Burgundy Brook Farm 3090 Palmer St. (Rt 181). Halloween Egg Hunt (3pm), horse-drawn hay rides and pumpkin picking. Show your Halloween spirit! Come in costume! Games and Prizes! All proceeds benefit the horses at Blue Star Equiculture. http://www.equiculture.org Palmer, MA (>$)
12:15pm & 2:20pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Halloween Express at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. Kid-friendly Halloween train rides with fun decorations, treats for the kids, and free pumpkins to all children 12 and under while supplies last. Come in costume. www.berkshirescenicrailroad.org Lenox, MA ($)
1pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Kids Gallery Halloween Quest at MASS MoCA. For kids ages 6-12 and their adult companions. Costumes encouraged. RSVP 664-4481 x8112 www.massmoca.org North Adams, MA ($, FREE FOR MEMBERS)
1-2:30pm – READING ADVENTURES: Family Adventures in Reading (FAIR) will be offered at the Indian Orchard Branch Library (44 Oak St.) with professional storyteller John Porcino lerading families and children 6 and older in discussions about children’s stories on topics such as fairness, courage, and dreams. Snacks will be provided. Register at 263-6846 www.springfieldlibrary.org Springfield, MA (FREE)
1:30pm – FAMILY CONCERT: No Nap Happy Hour continues with Billy Kelly and the Blah Blah Blahs, along with local band School for the Dead, performing a family concert at Flywheel (43 Main St.). Costumes are encouraged. www.flywheelarts.org Easthampton, MA (>$)
2pm – THEATER: Picture Book Theatre Presents Tico and The Golden Wings and Geraldine, The Music Mouse in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
2pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Hokey Halloween with Susie Magoozy. Silly scary stories for all. Reg. 562-6158 x5 Westfield, MA (FREE)
2-3pm – RESKILLING: Food Preservation 101 at the Hancock Shaker Village. 443-0188 http://www.hancockshakervillage.org Pittsfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
5-6:45pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Munchkin Haunted Hay Rides at McCray’s Farm (55 Alvord St.). Gentle, exciting ride for families with children 7yo and younger. 533-0775 www.mccrays-farm.com South Hadley, MA ($)
5-9pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Things That Go Bump in the Night at Old Sturbridge Village. Includes The Trail of Terror (ages 11yo & up), haunted pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, puppet show with Caravan Puppets, and more. 800-733-1830 www.osv.org Sturbridge, MA ($)
5:30-8:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Haunted Train and Lights Display at Look Park. Train ride for 5yo+. 584-5457 www.lookpark.org Northampton, MA (FREE ENTRANCE, >$)
6-9:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Skeleton Crew Theater (SCT) at Camp Kee-Wanee. SCT is a theatrical attraction with a Halloween twist. Think of it as a treasure/scavenger hunt you’ll solve in one evening. Shows are 45/65 minutes long. Dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight. Not scary or gory, just spooky in a tasteful way. Bad weather cancels. www.skeletoncrewtheater.com Greenfield, MA ($)
6:30-8:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Halloween dance and party at Whole Childen (41 Russell St.). 585-8010 www.wholechildren.org Hadley, MA (>$)
6:30-7:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Halloween Celebration around the Campfire with Roger Tincknell through songs, stories and dance. Dress warmly and bring flashlights and blankets or chairs for seating. Program meets behind Visitor Center at the Northfield Mountain Recreation & Environmental Center. Pre-registration required (800) 859-2960 Northfield, MA (FREE)
7-9pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Halloween Animals and Night Hike at Arcadia. Learn the truth about animals we associate with Halloween through games and crafts, indoors and outdoors. 584-3009 www.massaudubon.org Easthampton, MA (>$)
7pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Family Friendly Haunted Hayrides at Echo Hill Orchards. 267-3303 Monson, MA
7pm – 10pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: 8th annual 3D Haunted Trail at The Panek’s Woods (17 Cedar Glen). Belchertown, MA (DONATIONS)
Sunday – 10/31
HALLOWEEN – CLICK HERE TO CHECK FOR LOCAL RAG SHAG PARADES
9:30am-4:30pm – FOOD HISTORY: What’s cooking? Open hearth cooking at the Historic Deerfield. Open hearth cooks will prepare select dishes that are on display as part of the exhibition Dinner is Served!: Dining and the Decorative Arts. Come see “what’s cooking” and learn how these dishes were prepared in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
11am-4pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Supernatural Sunday: Halloween in at Historic Deerfield. Enjoy the fun of Halloween and the beauty of harvest during the fall season with seasonal hearth cooking, pumpkin decorating, wagon rides, mask-making, and face painting. Wear a costume and enjoy some early trick-or-treating at select historic houses. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
12:15pm & 2:20pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Halloween Express at the Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. Kid-friendly Halloween train rides with fun decorations, treats for the kids, and free pumpkins to all children 12 and under while supplies last. Come in costume. www.berkshirescenicrailroad.org Lenox, MA ($)
1-4pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Boo Bash at Pine Knoll with a costume parade, pumpkin painting, spooking stations, and children’s entertainer Jon O’Neil. www.elmfor.com East Longmeadow, MA (>$)
2-4pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Celebrate illustrator/Shrek creator William Steig’s colorful cast of characters during Norman Rockwell Museum’s Halloween Bash. Storyteller Mary Jo Maichack will be on hand to share spooky tales, with Halloween art activities and seasonal treats offered throughout the afternoon. www.nrm.org 931-2221 Stockbridge, MA (>$)
2-5pm – OPEN HOUSE: Imagine (70 Main St.) will host an open house with Halloween fun for families. Northampton, MA (FREE)
5-6:45pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Munchkin Haunted Hay Rides at McCray’s Farm (55 Alvord St.). Gentle, exciting ride for families with children 7yo and younger. 533-0775 www.mccrays-farm.com South Hadley, MA ($)
6-8pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Haunted House at the Montague Grange. Two different set-ups for different ages. Montague, MA (>$)
7pm – 10pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: 8th annual 3D Haunted Trail at The Panek’s Woods (17 Cedar Glen). Belchertown, MA (DONATIONS)
8pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Halloween with The Primate Fiasco and Bread & Puppet at the Northampton Center for the Arts. All ages, but not intended for small kids. www.theprimatefiasco.com Northampton, MA ($)
Monday – 11/01
On-going
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 9:30-11am in South Hadley: Drop-in playgroups at the South Hadley Family Center at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on Route 116, across from the Post Office in South Hadley Center (7 Woodbridge St.). 533-7096 http://www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Northampton: Storytime with Ellie at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11:00am in Northampton: Tummy Time at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11am-12:50pm in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 12Noon – 1:30pm in Northampton: Mother-Mother Breastfeeding group hosted by a certified lactation consultant every Monday at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. 582-2096 (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
♦ 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 – 11/2
4pm in Florence: Every Tuesday in November, Hilltown Families sponsor, Cup and Top Cafe (1 N Main St.) in Florence, will host a free Puppet Show – Sing Along Time with Anna Sobel of Talking Hands Theatre for families with kids up to 5yo! Meet different puppets every week. Learn hand motions to classic kids’ songs and pick up some catchy new tunes. Anna is a former preschool music teacher and led sing-alongs at Brooklyn cafes for five years. She makes her own puppets and has a magical way of making everything fun and interactive for young children. Donations welcomed. 585-9565 http://www.cupandtop.com
6:30-8:30pm in Springfield: The Springfield Parent Academy presents, “No I Won’t and You Can’t Make Me!… Handling Children’s Power Struggles with Success.” Parents and professionals attending this session will learn powerful techniques for handling power struggles, tantrums, and other challenging behavior situations with children from 18 months to 13 years of age. Will be at Van Sickle Middle School Auditorium (1170 Carew St.). (FREE)
On-going
♦9am-1pm in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11am in South Hadley: Drop-in playgroups at the South Hadley Family Center at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on Route 116, across from the Post Office in South Hadley Center (7 Woodbridge St.). 533-7096 http://www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11am in Amherst: Parents Together Support Group at the Amherst Family Center. An alternative support group for parents who learn best in non-traditional ways and have kids 5yo or under. Come play games, learn parenting skills, create art, go on field trips/picnics and discuss ways to keep your family happy and healthy. Transportation, childcare, games, prizes, food and coffee will be provided. To learn more about this program and register, call Kris Larson at 834-3344 or email krislarson@unitedarc.org (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Sandisfield: Playgroup at Sandisfield Old Town Hall. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in West Stockbridge: Playgroup at W. Stockbridge Town Hall. Gym Fun. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 9:30am-12:30pm in Belchertown: The Belchertown Family Center (720 Franklin St.) is open for drop-in playgroups for families with children 0-5yo. 283-7594 http://www.belchertownfamilycenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 10am in Florence: Kulp Memorial Lap Sitting at the Lilly Library for yougest ones 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10-11am in Leverett: Happy Dan the Music Man: Sing With Your Baby Music, Movement, Instruments, and Fun for 0-2 year olds at the Leverett Crafts and Arts building (13 Montague Rd.). 259-1808 (>$ DONATION)
♦ 10-11am in Greenfield: Pre-School Storyhour at the Greenfield Public Library (402 Main Street). Mrs. Sally Ahearn leads this story time for children ages 5 and under. 772-1544 http://www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10:15-12:15am in Northampton: MotherWoman Postpartum Support Group at the Community Action Building (56 Vernon St.). Confidential drop-in group for mothers of infants and babies up to one year old who are experiencing a challenging postpartum time. Expectant mothers welcome. Free childcare up to four years old. 253-8990 wwwmotherwoman.org (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Springfield: Preschool Storytime at the Springfield Central Library. Stories, songs, and a craft. Perfect for ages 3-5 years, with siblings welcome. Pre-registration required if you’ll be bringing more than 4 children . 263-6828, x201. http://www.springfieldlibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Amherst: Sing with your Baby at the Jones Library in the large room. http://www.joneslibrary.org (FREE )
♦ 10am-12Noon in West Springfield: Drop-in playgroup at the First Congregational Church (20 Lathrop St.) for all parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. 734-7667 (FREE)
♦ 10:45am-12:35pm in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 11:00am in Hatfield: Preschool story hour lead by Carolyn Mazel at the Hatfield Library (39 Main St.). Geared to ages 3-5, each story hour includes books, songs, finger plays, a play along with musical instruments, and a simple craft. 247-9097 (FREE)
♦ 11am in Florence: Toddler Time at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11am in Lenox: Toddler Story Time at the Lenox Library (18 Main Street). Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children & their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays & listen to a story. Following the structured program, participants are invited to stay so that the children can play together & their caregivers can visit. (FREE)
♦ 11am-12:50pm & 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
♦ 12:30pm in Pittsfield: Chow Time in the aquarium at 12:30pm at the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 http://www.berkshiremuseum.org (FREE w/museum admission)
♦ 1:30-6:30pm in Northampton: Tuesday Farmers’ Market in Downtown Northampton, behind Thornes Marketplace! Food, plants, baby animals, live music, family-friendly. 586-7586 (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 2:15pm in Amherst: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Amherst Cinema. ($)
♦ 3:30-4:45pm in Millers Falls: Millers Falls Library Club (23 Bridge St.). An afterschool program with drop-in sessions for children of all ages. Activities include arts and crafts, snacks and homework help. 659-3801 http://www.montaguepubliclibraries.org (FREE)
♦3:30pm in Lee: Tail Waggin’ Tutors program at the Lee Library with Addie. Addie is a “Tail Waggin’ Tutor” certified by Therapy Dogs International as a trained therapy dog. The Tail Waggin’ Tutors program encourages children to read by providing a non-judgmental listener and furry friend to read to. All ages. 243-0385 (FREE) (check after Dec, rborsody@cwmars.org)
♦ 4-5pm in Northampton: Girls Circle Yoga at Embodiment Studio (94 King St., 2nd floor), an ongoing weekly group for like-hearted, mind, and spirited girls. This class is created for reducing anxiety, digestive stress, emotional stress and overwhelming emotions. 695-6950 ($)
♦ 4:30pm in Florence: I Can Read Book Club at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
Wednesday – 11/3
4:30pm in Northfield: Afterschool concert with Mister G and the Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd graders who will receive a lesson in singing and dancing before the event. At the Dickinson Memorial Library (115 Main St.). 498-2455 http://www.northfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
6:30pm in Huntington: Teen Reading Group at the Huntington Library. This month’s selection is “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams. 667-3506 http://www.thehuntingtonpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
7-9pm in Northampton: Transition Northampton is having a social at the Media Education Foundation (60 Masonic St.). Join them for food, fun and games. Get involved! (FREE)
On-going
♦ 9am-12Noon in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Ware: Drop-in playgroups at the Ware Family Center in the United Church of Ware building (49 Church St.). 967-8127 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Lenox: Playgroup at Lenox Community Center. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 9:30am-12:30pm in Belchertown: The Belchertown Family Center (720 Franklin St.) is open for drop-in playgroups for families with children 0-5yo. 283-7594 http://www.belchertownfamilycenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 10am in New Marlborough: Library Story hour. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 10am in Greenfield: Sunshine Story Time, an all-ages story hour – During the school year, this story time will take place, weather permitting, on the library’s back lawn. 772-1544 http://www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10am in Northfield: Story time at the Northfield Public Library. with stories, crafts and snacks. 498-2455 http://www.northfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10-11:30am in Hadley: Rollerskate with Tiny Tot Romp, Stop, ‘n’ Roll Skate and Play at Interskate 91 North (Hampshire Mall). Strollers welcome. Parent’s don’t have to wear skates. For Ages 6 & under. 586-2737 http://www.interskate91.com (>$)
♦ 10:30am-12:20pm in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 10:30am in Montague: Children and their families are invited to come and enjoy stories, crafts, music, activities and snacks with Ruth O’Mara at the Carnegie Library. For kids under age 5. 863-3214. (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Leverett: Children’s story hour at the Leverett Library. http://www.leverettlibrary.org
♦ 10:30-11:45 am in Northampton: Jewish Family Jam for infants, toddlers and their caregivers. Sing, drum and dance. Led by Felicia Sloin at Lander Grinspoon Academy (257 Prospect St.). 737-2601 http://www.jfswm.org (>$)
♦ 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
♦ 11am in Northampton: Toddler Time at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11am-12Noon in South Hadley: Parent with infant group at the South Hadley Family Center at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on Route 116, across from the Post Office in South Hadley Center (7 Woodbridge St.). 533-7096 http://www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
♦ 12-1:40pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 1pm in Northampton: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Pleasant Street Theater. ($)
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
♦ 4pm in Northampton:Parenting/Baby Group at the Forbes Library. Call to pre-register. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 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 – 11/04
On-going
♦ 9am in Great Barrington: Kids’ Kitchen with Melanie Seserman at the CHP Family Services Building (442 Stockbridge Rd.). A cooking class for kids 2.5-5yo to learn about healthy food choices. http://www.communityhealthprograms.org 644-0104 (FREE)
♦9am-1pm in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Ware: Drop-in playgroups at the Ware Family Center in the United Church of Ware building (49 Church St.). 967-8127 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11am in South Hadley: Drop-in playgroups at the South Hadley Family Center at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on Route 116, across from the Post Office in South Hadley Center (7 Woodbridge St.). 533-7096 http://www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Music class at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 9:30am-12:30pm in Belchertown: The Belchertown Family Center (720 Franklin St.) is open for drop-in playgroups for families with children 0-5yo. 283-7594 http://www.belchertownfamilycenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 10am in Millers Falls: Music and Movement series with Tom Carroll and Laurie Davidson at the Millers Falls Library 23 Bridge St.). Young children of all ages and their parents or caregivers. 863-3214 (FREE)
♦ 10am in Dalton: Story time at the Dalton Free Public Library (462 Main St.) for preschool kids. 684-6112 (FREE)
♦ 10am in Florence: Pre-school Story Time at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Easthampton: Story hour at the Emily Williston Memorial Library (9 Park St.). http://www.ewmlibrary.org 527-1031
♦ 10:30am in Springfield: Preschool Storytime at the Springfield Central Library. Stories, songs, and a craft. Perfect for ages 3-5 years, with siblings welcome. Pre-registration required if you’ll be bringing more than 4 children . 263-6828, x201. http://www.springfieldlibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Amherst: Preschool Story Time at the Jones Library in the Children’s Room. http://www.joneslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10:45am-12:35pm in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.). Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 11-11:45am in Lenox: Preschool Story-Craft for children ages three to five at the Lenox Library Association featuring stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to the story. 637-0197 x105 (FREE)
♦ 1pm in Northampton: Baby playgroup at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 1-3pm in Great Barrington: Infant/Toddler Playgroup Group at the CHP Family Services Building (442 Stockbridge Rd.) 644-0104 http://www.communityhealthprograms.org (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
6pm in Northampton: Single Parent Support Group at Cradle. 341-5282 (FREE)
Friday – 11/5
9:30-11am in Hadley: Felting Fridays at the Hartsbrook School (94 Bay Rd.). 584-3198 (FREE)
6-9pm in Pittsfield: Bisque, Beads & Beyond will host a kids night out. There will be painting potter, pizza and a screening of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. This coincides with Pittsfield’s “Downtown Dine Around” night, a perfect opportunity for Parents’ Night Out! For kid ages 7-12. RSVP. See flyer. ($$)
7pm in Northampton: Local premiere of the award-winning documentary, FRESH to benefit the Northampton Community Farm at the Academy of Music. Click here to read more. (>$)
7:30pm in Springfield: Stars Over Springfield at the Springfield Science Museum. The Springfield Science Museum’s large rooftop telescope will be open for public sky-gazing. The program will be held rain or shine. If it is overcast, a planetarium show will be presented in place of telescope viewing. Best suited for kids 8yo and older. 263-6800 http://www.springfieldmuseums.org (>$)
On-going
♦ 9am-12Noon in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
♦ 9:30am in Amherst: Pre-school Spanish immersion program for kids under 6yo at the First Baptist Church. (954) 829-5233 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-10:30am in Holyoke: Read to Grow preschool program at the Children’s Museum (444 Dwight St.). 536-5437 (>$)
9:30-11am in Northampton: La Leche League of Northampton meets at Cradle (3rd Floor in Thornes). 586-5627 (FREE)
♦ 10-11am in Belchertown: Happy Dan the Music Man: Sing With Your Baby Music, Movement, Instruments, and Fun for 0-2 year olds at the Clapp Memorial Library. 259-1808 (>$ DONATION)
♦ 10am in Florence: Mother Goose: Music, Stories and Movement – at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (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.
♦ 10:30am-12:20pm in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.). Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 11am in Sunderland: Story/craft time for kids ages 3-5yo and their families at the Sunderland Pulic Library (20 School St.). Each storytime is approximately 45 minutes in length for theme-related stories, songs, finger plays and crafts! 665-2642 sunderlandpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11am in Greenfield: Mother Goose on the Loose makes early learning lots of hands-on fun with songs, rhymes, and activities geared for the 3 and under audience. http://www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 2pm in Springfield: Planetarium show at the Springfield Museum. 263-6800 http://www.springfieldmuseums.org (>$)
♦ 2pm in Huntington: Baby-Time Meet & Greet at the Huntington Library. Feel like you haven’t spoken a complete sentence to another adult during the day..then this is the group for you. Parents or caregivers of infants and toddlers are invited to the Library for a short singing/story session with the children, and then a chance to make new friends. 667-3506 http://www.thehuntingtonpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
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 (>$)