Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 11/20/10-11/26/10
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Happy Thanksgiving! If you're enjoying turkey this holiday season, there are a few local farms that raise free-ranged turkeys. This handsome heritage breed turkey is from EarthFire Farm in Ashfield, MA. (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
On Saturday, November 20th from 10am-3pm – WINTER FAIR: Holiday Fair at the Hartsbrook School (193 Bay Rd.). King Winter, Gingerbread houses, craft activities, pony rides, Marionette Show, and the Pocket Person. Jump Rope Making, Candle Dipping, Games, Fabulous Gifts, and Marionette Shows. 584-3198 Hadley, MA (FREE ENTRANCE)
Also on Saturday, November 20th at 10am – FAMILY FILM: Kids Flix Mix will be at the International Family Film series at Images Cinema (50 Spring St.). Kids Flix Mix is a collection of international animated shorts assembled by the New York International Children’s Film Festival, targeted at ages 3-8, but fun for all ages. www.imagescinema.org Williamstown, MA (>$)
Then on Sunday, November 21st from 3-5pm – FAMILY DANCE: Community Family Dance at First Churches (enter across from the Iron Horse). There will be live music and dances will be taught to families. All ages 3yo & up. 230-7037 Northampton, MA (>$)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Friday, November 26th at 11am – THANKSGIVING PARADE: Springfield’s Big Balloon Parade is a Pioneer Valley tradition for the day after Thanksgiving. Bring the family to see larger than life balloons parade down Main Street. After the parade, enjoy refreshments and a marionette show at Tower Square. 733-3800 (FREE)
In the evening on Friday, November 26th from 4:30-10pm – MOONLIGHT MAGIC: An annual village tradition to kick-off the holiday season. Stores, galleries and restaurants are open. Luminaries line the streets. Parade at 5pm. This year look for Santa, the Grinch, Shriners Clowns and a Snow Princess. Music inside and out. Trolley rides with the SF Trolley Museum. And more! Shelburne Falls, MA (FREE)
On Saturday, November 27th at 1pm & 4pm – MOVIE SCREENING: The Wizard of Oz (1946) starring Judy Garland will be shown at he Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. 528-0100 www.mahaiwe.org Great Barrington, MA (>$)
BULLETIN BOARD
CHILDCARE SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE: For income eligible families with children ages 0-5 residing in the towns of Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Peru, Plainfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg, and Worthington. Adult(s) must be working, or in a vocational or educational program during childcare hours to qualify for assistance. If your gross household annual income is below the limits listed, you may be eligible: Household of 2 ($50,050), Household of 3 ($56,300), Household of 4 ($62,550), Household of 5 ($67,600), Household of 6 ($72,600). Contact Jennifer Reagan for application: 230-8552 conreag@comcast.net. This Program is funded by a Community Development Block Grant from the MA Dept. of Housing and Community Development and the Towns of Chesterfield & Cummington.
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!
TEEN SUPPORT: Donate to “Gifts for Teens.” This program provides area gift certificates and gifts to teens ages 13 to 18 who do not traditionally qualify for local programs providing gifts for low-income families. Names of youths who qualify are acquired from several local non-profit agencies, schools, and churches. This year a much larger number of names is anticipated due to the weak economy. Please donate money or local gift certificates, so that no one has to be turned away. Checks can be made out to CHP-SBCC, with “Gifts for Teens” in the memo line. Checks and gift certificates can be mailed to 343 Main Street, P.O. Box 30 Great Barrington, MA 01230. Contact Shelley Brooks for more info or to volunteer 528-1919 x14
NEW EXHIBIT: Nov 20 – Feb 13, Robots: The Interactive Exhibition, Springfield Museums. The wit, excitement and imagination of 20th Century Fox’s animated film Robots combine for a fun, educational experience that the whole family will enjoy. The exhibition features more than 15 interactive areas on the world of robotics. In Robot Explorers, visitors can use a robotic probe to explore underwater, deep space or the surface of Mars. Families can take a spin on the Crosstown Express, exploring robotic vehicles both real and fictional. Industrial Robots allows visitors to program an actual Ford robotic arm, and Robot Round Up explores robots in daily life. Visit www.springfieldmuseums.org for more info.
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: THANKSGIVING EPISODE
Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am.
This week on the HFVS is our Thanksgiving Episode, featuring music by Keller Williams, Cab Calloway, Caspar Babypants, The Missoula Coyote Choir, Fats Waller, Patty Griffin, The Verve Pipe, Forest Sun, Sweet Honey in the Rock and many 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 – 11/20
9am-1pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Berkshire Grown will host a holiday farmers’ market at the Searles School Gymnasium on Bridge Street. 528-0041 www.berkshiregrown.org Great Barrington, MA (MARKET)
9am-2pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Winter Farmers’ Market in the basement of Thornes through April 30th. Food, live music and art. Northampton, MA (MARKET)
10am – FAMILY FILM: Kids Flix Mix will be at the International Family Film series at Images Cinema (50 Spring St.). Kids Flix Mix is a collection of international animated shorts assembled by the New York International Children’s Film Festival, targeted at ages 3-8, but fun for all ages. www.imagescinema.org Williamstown, MA (>$)
10am-12Noon – PARENTING SOCIAL: Color Play is a monthly social and craft for families parenting children of color, supporting parents by addressing the cultural imbalances on their children’s community, encouraging self-acceptance and identity awareness. Providing parents with the opportunity to have open dialogue around the many concerns of parenting children of color, it will include a story hour, healthy snack and seasonal craft; as well as, fun interactive parent-child connecting in a diverse setting. Northampton, MA (FREE)
10am-12Noon – BREASTFEEDING WORKSHOP: There will be a breastfeeding workshop at CHP (442 Stockbridge Rd.) with a certified lactation counselor. Call to RSVP 528-0457 www.communityhealthprograms.org Great Barrington, MA (FREE)
10am-2pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Winter Farmers’ Market at Amherst Middle School (170 Chestnut St.). Amherst, MA (MARKET)
10am-2pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Berkshire Grown will host a holiday farmers’ market at the Williams College Field House on Latham Street. 528-0041 www.berkshiregrown.org Williamstown, MA (MARKET)
10am-3pm – WINTER FAIR: Holiday Fair at the Hartsbrook School (193 Bay Rd.). 584-3198 Amherst, MA (FREE ENTRANCE)
10am-4pm – 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)
10:30am – NATURE STUDIES: Animal ABC’s: Curious Cunning Cats. Kids 6yo and younger can learn about the curiosity that cats possess and hear about one cat adventure and his “9 Lives.” Bring a stuffed “pet” for their petting zoo. At the M.M. Spear Memorial Library. (978) 544-5157 www.mnspear.org Shutesbury, MA (FREE)
10:30am – PUPPET SHOW: Otter & Moo Puppet Theatre at the Jones Library. www.joneslibrary.org Amherst, MA (FREE)
11am-1pm – SONGWRITING FOR TEENS: Singer-songwriter Bernice Lewis will lead a songwriting workshop for teens to discuss songs they have written and share their music. Register by calling 458-5366. At the Milne Public Library. 458-5369 www.milnelibrary.org Williamstown, MA (FREE)
11am – FAMILY THEATER: Lenox Library Association will present a family theatrical performance by Nutshell Playhouse: Dance with a Clown. There will be clowns, puppets, music and more. 637-0197 www.lenoxlib.org Lenox, 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)
12Noon – 4:30pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Holiday gift making at Historic Deerfield. With thread and a needle museum educators will help visitors embroider a small design or initials on a cloth napkin. Make a unique napkin ring to go along with the napkin, and tie it up with a ribbon. Then decorate a card, and put it a gift bag. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.orgDeerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
♦ 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 – WELLNESS WORKSHOP: A nutrition and pregnancy workshop will be held at the CHP WIC office (442 Stockbridge Rd.) with a registered dietitian. Learn about the nutritional needs during the different stages of pregnancy and postpartum. 528-0457 www.communityhealthprograms.orgGreat Barrington, MA (FREE)
1pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: CandyCraft. The Berkshire Museum invites families to build a candy craft with Sharon Bowers (author of Candy Construction). Must RSVP 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
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.orgSpringfield, MA (FREE)
1:30pm – READING: Read to Rover at the Westfield Athenaeum for kids 5-8yo. Reg. 562-6158 x5 Westfield, MA (FREE)
♦ 1:30-3:20pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 Greenfield, MA ($)
♦ 2-4pm – CHESS: At the Forbes Library. Casual meets every Saturday the library is open. All competition levels are welcome. Drop in for part or all of the session. Bring your own set if you have one or use one of the library’s. 587-1011 www.forbeslibrary.org Northampton, MA (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 Holyoke, MA ($)
2pm & 3pm – 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 ($)
4-5:30pm – BASEBALL EXHIBIT: Opening reception for Play Ball! at Artspace. A fundraiser for Artspace and the Greenfield Minor League Baseball. More info here. Greenfield, MA (FREE)
7pm – STORYTELLING: Tellabration. A storytelling program for teens and adults. Dickinson Memorial Library (115 Main St.). -498-2455 www.northfieldpubliclibrary.org Northfield, MA (FREE)
♦ 9pm – ASTRONOMY: View the Moon, Planets, Satellites, Multiple Stars, Star Clusters, Galaxies, Nebulas and more through the 6 ton, 25 foot long, 18 inch F/17, World Class Clark Refractor at the Wilder Observatory at the Amherst College. Set up a telescope on the lawn, view through public use telescopes. www.amherstastronomy.org Amherst, MA (FREE)
Sunday – 11/21
10am-4pm – 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. Last day! 585-2740 Northampton, MA (FREE, DONATION)
12Noon – 4:30pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Holiday gift making at Historic Deerfield. With thread and a needle museum educators will help visitors embroider a small design or initials on a cloth napkin. Make a unique napkin ring to go along with the napkin, and tie it up with a ribbon. Then decorate a card, and put it a gift bag. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
12:45-3:30pm – MOVIE & POTTER: Bisque, Beads & Beyond and the Beacon Theatre will host a Harry Potter & Pottery Event for kids 7yo and older. See movie, make pottery. 442-9300 Pittsfield, MA ($$)
1-3pm – THANKSGIVING POTLUCK: Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition will host its annual Thanksgiving Potluck Dinner at St. Stephen’s Parish (67 East St.). Come together in a celebration of community family and friends. Turkey provided. Guests bring sides, beverages & dessert. Call Karla to sign up your dish: (518) 392-4905 Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 Springfield, MA ($)
3-5pm – FAMILY DANCE: Community Family Dance at First Churches (enter across from the Iron Horse). There will be live music and dances will be taught to families. All ages 3yo & up. 230-7037 Northampton, MA (>$)
Dusk – CHRISTMAS EVENT: Hot chocolate and caroling with the Mrs. & Santa Claus at Yankee Candle as they kick off their holiday season with a tree lighting. 877-803-6890 South Deerfield, MA (FREE)
Monday – 11/22
4-5pm in Lee: The Lee Library Association will host a Native American Cultural Program, “Konkopot, Waubeeka and the White Eagle Sanctuary.” Drumming & storytelling. 243-0385 (FREE)
7pm in Springfield: Join other Jewish grandparents at “Grandparenting in the Age of Intermarriage.” At the Jewish Comunity Center. 737-2601 (FREE)
Ongoing
♦ 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)
♦ 10am in Williamstown: Play and Learn Group at the Williamstown Youth Center. http://www.williamstownyouthcenter.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 – 1pm 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 ($)
♦ 4:30pm in Northampton: Family Karate for kids ages 6-12 with an adult at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. 584-7086 (MEMBERS)
♦ 5:30pm in North Adams: Haskins Gym Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
♦ 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 – 11/23
10am in Leverett: Music Together teacher, Heleen Cardinaux (Music Together for Valley Families) will lead Music and Movement at the Leverett Elementary School Music Room every Tuesda in November. Register by calling (978) 544-5157
11:30am-1pm in Stockbridge: Thanksgiving Soup 2010 at the Berkshire County Day School (Route 183) 637.0755 http://www.berkshirecountryday.org
4pm in Florence: Puppet Show-Sing along Time with Anna Sobel of Talking Hands Theatre at Cup & Top Cafe (1 N Main St.). 585-9565 http://www.cupandtop.com (FREE)
6pm in Huntington: Third and fourth grade students attending Gateway elementary schools will hold a holiday concert in the Gateway Performing Arts Center. Students will serve as the warmup act for Charles Neville and the Skeletones big band, performing that night at 6:30 p.m. in the Gateway Performing Arts Center. Students will join Neville for a couple of numbers with his band. “It will be a night to remember,” said music teacher Paul Sawyer, who is working with Neville on this event. “A great educational opportunity for our whole community to come out and hear our hometown jazz legend as well as performers of the future.” (FREE)
Ongoing
♦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 Sunderland: Drop-in playgroup at the Sunderland Elementary School (27 Old Amherst Rd.) 475-1553 (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 North Adams: Berkshire Nursing Families at the Haskin Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
♦ 10am in North Adams: Preschool Play and Learn Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
♦ 10am in Florence: Kulp Memorial Lap Sitting at the Lilly Library for youngest 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)
♦ 10-11:30am in Easthampton: Drop-in playgroup at the Easthampton Family Center (43 Main St.). http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org (FREE)
♦ 10am-12Noon in Greenfield: Drop-in playgroups at the Greenfield Family Center (90 Federal St.). 475-1553 (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)
♦ 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)
♦ 1-3pm in Northampton: New Mothers Circle at Cradle. 341-5282 http://www.cradlefamily.com (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)
♦ 4:30pm in Florence: I Can Read Book Club at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
Wednesday – 11/24
10:30am in Stockbridge: Kids Creat Preschool Art Program at the Norman Rockwell Museum. An interactive, hands-on experience for kids 2-5yo. 298-4100 http://www.nrm.org (>$)
Ongoing
Because today is the day before Thanksgiving, please be extra sure to double check the following events before attending:
♦ 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-12Noon in Turners Falls: Drop-in playgroup at the Gill-Montague Family Center (78 Avenue A). 863-4805 (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 Stockbridge: Stores and crafts led by Vicky Cooper at the Stockbridge Library. (FREE)
♦ 10am in New Marlborough: Library Story hour. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 10am in North Adams: Toddler Play and Learn Group at the Haskin Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
♦ 10am-12Noon in Greenfield: Drop-in playgroups at the Greenfield Family Center (90 Federal St.). 475-1553 (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)
♦ 4:15pm in Northampton: Family Yoga for ages 3yo and up at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. 584-7086 (MEMBERS)
♦ 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 – 11/25
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday – 11/26
10am in Westfield: Santa arrives by helicopter at Ameila Park (21 Broad St.) 562-2277 (FREE)
10am-1pm in Conway: Wildlife Wanderings with Earthwork Programs. 522-0338 http://www.earthworkprograms.com ($$)
10am-2pm in Westfield: Fireside with Santa at Amelia Park Ice Arena (21 South Broad St.) 562-2277 ($)
10am-5pm in Springfield: Holiday Hoopla at the Springfield Museum. “Holiday Hula Hoop Jam” by Hooping Harmony at 12:30pm. “Winter Variety Show” by the Toe Jam Puppet Band at 2pm. 263-6800 or visit http://www.springfieldmuseums.org. (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
11am in Springfield: Springfield’s Big Balloon Parade is a Pioneer Valley tradition for the day after Thanksgiving. Bring the family to see larger than life balloons parade down Main Street. After the parade, enjoy refreshments and a marionette show at Tower Square. 733-3800 (FREE)
11am-4pm in Deerfield: Native American studies at Historic Deerfield: Algonkian Life. Meet Jennifer Lee, Algonkian descendant, artist and re-enactor. Lee will be at Historic Deerfield to share material culture and customs as a historical Algonkian woman. Through basket-making demonstrations and conversation, she will help visitors understand the persistence of Native American life and culture into the present. 775-7127 http://www.historic-deerfield.org (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
12Noon in Westfield: Screening of How to Train Your Dragon at the Westfield Atheneum. Pizza. Movie rated PG. Runs 98 min. Reg. 562-6158. http://www.westath.org (FREE)
2pm & 3pm in Amherst: Picture Book Theatre Presents Tico and The Golden Wings and Geraldine, The Music Mouse in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. 658-1100 http://www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
4:30-10pm in Shelburne Falls: Moonlight Magic, a village tradition to kick-off the holiday season. Stores, galleries and restaurants are open. Luminaries line the streets. Parade at 5pm. This year look for Santa, the Grinch, Shriners Clowns and a Snow Princess. Music inside and out. Trolley rides with the SF Trolley Museum. And more! Shelburne Falls, MA (FREE)
5-7pm in Springfield: Lighting of the Springfield Quadrangle Celebration. Horse-drawn wagon rides (horse from Blue Star Equiculture Draft Horse Sanctuary). Meet Santa and the Grinch. See “The Land of Gingerbread” exhibit. Hot drinks and holiday treats. 263-6800 or visit http://www.springfieldmuseums.org (FREE)