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

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.

FEATURED EVENT

On Saturday, Dec. 18th from 9-10am – BOARD GAME SWAP: Hilltown Families is hosting a Board Game Swap in the Meekins Library community room in Williamsburg, MA. Bring in board games you would like to swap with other families. Kindly make sure the games have all their pieces before bringing in. A fun way to recycle old board games and to discover new ones. Board games make excellent holiday gifts for the children in your life too! Surprise them with a new recycled game. This community swap is free and open to all families. RSVP here, or just drop in. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

BEST BETS

On Saturday, Dec. 18th from 1-3pm – VICTORIAN CRAFTS: Victorian Crafts for the Holidays at the Wistariahurst Museum. Make orange pomanders, embellished gift boxes, paper lanters. (238 Cabot St.) 322-5660 www.wistariahurst.org Holyoke, MA (>$)

Later on Saturday, Dec. 18th at 6:30pm – SOLSTICE EVENT: 29th Annual Winter Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration at the Roundhouse. Bring canned goods. Stories, songs, juggling and mime artistry. 624-5140 www.roundhouseculture.com Colrain, MA (DONATION)

On Sunday, Dec. 19th from 12Noon-2pm – SANTA: Santa Claus will make an appearance at the Springfield Science Musuem. Check out the special exhibit, “Sugar and Spice: The Land of Gingerbread” while visiting the old guy! 263-6800 www.springfieldmuseums.org Springfield, MA (FREE W/ADMISSION)

Later in the afternoon on Sunday, Dec. 19th 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 (>$)

BULLETIN BOARD

We are continuing our 5 year celebration with the Berkshire Museum, The Eric Carle Museum, Historic Deerfield, MASS MoCA and Springfield Museums! These 5 Western Massachusetts Museums have joined our party and are offering our readers an annual family membership! One very, very lucky family will win a family membership to all five of these local cultural gems! How wicked awesome is that!? It’s our birthday, but you get the presents! Deadline to enter to win: January 3rd, 2011.

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: Is everyone done with their holiday shopping yet? (Ha!) There are a couple of great places to get toys for the kids in the Pioneer Valley. One of them is Hilltown Families sponsor, The Toy Stop. Been yet? It’s on Pleasant St. down by the Oxbow Gallery. Owners Susan and Mary have all kinds of sledding toys in stock right now, including sleds, saucers and baby pull sleighs. They also have trucks, trains, dolls, kitchens, play food, magic sets, art projects, easels, games, stuffed life sized plush animals, 6 month and up toys … you name it! Stop in, check out what they have, tell them your a Hilltown Families family, and support this new toy store (just opened 4 months ago) with your holiday season. — Speaking of gifts this holiday season, gift certificates from Hilltown Families sponsors Bread Euphoria, Cup & Top Café, Birdie Bunny Photography, Blazing Star Herbal School and Show Circus Studio would make lovely gifts too!

WINTER CAMP: SHOW Circus Studio in Easthampton, MA will be holding a winter circus camp for ages 5-7 on December 29 and 8-12 on December 30. This day camp will run from 9am – 3pm and it will cover all aspects of circus including trapeze, fabric, juggling, balancing, acrobatics, partnering, human pyramids, stretching, strength, and circus games. Our 10% discount for more than one child signing up from the same family applies to our camps as well as our classes. Sign up today before the camps fill up! Each camp is limited to 15 students. Register online at www.showcircusstudio.com or call us at 203-4282.

TAKE ACTION: MomsRising.org is up to GOOD again! They are inviting you to take action by telling the IRS to allow breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies to be eligible for their tax-sheltered health spending accounts. Find out more at www.momsrising.org. And stay tuned in to breastfeeding issues with MomsRising Pioneer Valley and Motherwear’s Breastfeeding Blog.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: The Northampton Senior Center is seeking volunteers to shovel snow (great for teens!) for seniors and people with disabilities. All public sidewalks that are along the side of a property are the responsibility of the owner for keeping clear of snow, and many seniors and community members with disabilities need help clearing snow within 24 hours of a snowstorm. Call the Noho Senior Center to connect with a senior in the community to assist: 587-1231.

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!

HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW

This holiday season we will have several Holiday Podcasts available to download, including Charity Kahn’s archived holiday show.  Click on the banner to see which ones are available, and check back on Christmas Day.

Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am. 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!

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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, December 18th, 2010

Springfield Area Christmas Bird Count

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.

9-10am – BOARD GAME SWAP: Hilltown Families is hosting a Board Game Swap in the Meekins Library community room. Bring in board games you would like to swap with other families. Kindly make sure the games have all their pieces before bringing in. A fun way to recycle old board games and to discover new ones. Board games make excellent holiday gifts for the children in your life too! Surprise them with a new recycled game. This community swap is free and open to all families. RSVP here, or just drop in.Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

9-10:30am – ARTS & CRAFTS: Handmade Holiday class at MASS MoCA: Paint Decorations. 664-4481 x8131 http://www.massmoca.org North Adams, MA (>$)

9am-1pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Berkshire Grown will host a holiday farmers’ market at the old railroad station on Castle Street in Great Barrington. 528-0041 www.berkshiregrown.org Great Barrington, MA (MARKET)

9:30-11:30am – SANTA: Santa will be at the Main Street Gazebo, arriving by fire truck. Hot drinks and donuts. Bring your cameras. Cummington, MA (FREE)

♦ 10am-2pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Winter Farmers’ Market at Amherst Middle School (170 Chestnut St.). Amherst, MA (MARKET)

♦ 10am-2pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: North Amherst Farmers’ Market happens a the Big Blue Barn at SwartzFamiy Farm (11 Meadow St.). www.northamherstmarket.com Amherst, MA (MARKET)

10am – CHRISTMAS EVENT: Boys’ and Girls; Library will host a Snoopy Christmas, including dance, craft and hanging out with Snoopy. For kids 3-7yo. Must register. 568-7833 www.westath.org Westfield, MA (FREE)

10am-12Noon – SUPPORT GROUP: Mothers of Color Awareness Initiative MOCAI meet at the Forbes Library for a social and crafts for families raising children of color. Northampton, MA (FREE)

10am-2pm – WINTER FARE: Springfield Winter Fare, a diverse one-day farmers’ market, will be held at Springfield Technical Community College. 665-7100 Springfield, MA (MARKET)

10:15am-1:30pm – SANTA: Santa is coming to town: 10:00 Corner of Shattuck & Gooseberry Lane; 10:15 Corner of Shattuck and Bayberry Lane; 10:25 North Hadley Sugar Shack; 10:40 Corner of Meadowbrook Drive & Mt. Warner Rd; 10:55 Sunrise Drive; 11:15 Corner of Spruce Hill and Arrowhead; 11:30 Corner of Chmura Road & Laurel Drive; 11:45 Burke Way; 12Noon-1:30pm Hadley Elementary School. Fire truck will be carrying the Claus’s for all Hadley kids to meet & greet (preK-3rd) Hadley, MA (FREE)

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)

11am – STORY HOUR: Winter Power Story Hour at the Huntington Public Library. The LeBarron Family is hosting this month’s story hour. They will be sharing some great stories, fun crafts, and a special snack to share with all. 667-3506 Huntington, MA (FREE)

12Noon-2pm – SANTA: Santa Claus will make an appearance at the Springfield Science Musuem. Check out the special exhibit, “Sugar and Spice: The Land of Gingerbread” while visiting the old guy! 263-6800 www.springfieldmuseums.org Springfield, MA (FREE W/ADMISSION)

12:30-3:30pm – SANTA: Santa will be at the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round at Heritage State Park. www.holyokemerrygoround.org Holyoke, MA (FREE)

1-3pm – VICTORIAN CRAFTS: Victorian Crafts for the Holidays at the Wistariahurst Museum. Make orange pomanders, embellished gift boxes, paper lanters. (238 Cabot St.) 322-5660 www.wistariahurst.org Holyoke, MA (>$)

1pm & 4pm – BALLET: The Nutcracker presented by The Academy of Ballet Arts at the Amherst HS Auditorium. Amherst, MA ($)

♦ 1:30pm – KNITTING GROUP: Get-Together Knitting Bees at Elmer’s. Get cozy with other knitters, enjoy a hot cup of joe,  and the company and help of other knitters (all skill levels). Ashfield, 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 ($)

♦ 2-3:50pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 Holyoke, MA ($)

3pm – HISTORY: Author talk with Dr. Thomas L. Bernard about the meaning of the song, “Twelve Days of Christmas” at the Forbes Library. Older students and hear Dr. Bernard’s hypothesis about the cartographic code of an esoteric route map journeyed by pilgrims of the Middle Ages from England to Jerusalem. www.forbeslibrary.org Northampton, MA (FREE)

4pm – SANTA: The Huntington Fire Department & Santa will be around town. First stop is Stanton Hall with holiday crafts and refreshments. Huntington, MA (FREE)

4pm & 7:30pm – THEATER: The Drama Studio presents a production of Peter Pan at St. Barnabas Church (41 Oakland St.). For kids 5yo & older. Seating is limited. RSVP 739-1983 Springfield, MA ($$)

4-9pm – CHRISTMAS EVENT: Old Sturbridge Village hosts Christmas by Candlelight, a nostalgic look at holiday traditions, music & food. www.osv.org Sturbridge, MA ($)

4:30-7pm – SANTA & PARADE: Santa and Mrs. Clause will be at the Russell Town Hall for photo opportunities, then Parade of Lights happens at 6pm (Main St.). Caroling and refreshments follow parade at the Community Church. Russell, MA (FREE)

5-8pm – SANTA: At Buttery Brook Park (123 Willimansett St., Rt. 33). Ride holiday train through a land of holiday lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there. South Hadley, MA (FREE, >$)

5-8pm – HAYRIDE: Hayrides through Look Park Winter Wonderland light display. www.lookpark.org Florence, MA (>$)

6pm – LUMINARIES: The village of Florence will have a dessert social and gathering at the Civic Center (next to Lilly Library) for their annual luminary display. Horse drawn hayrides, bonfire, caroling, live music. 320-2306 Florence, MA (FREE)

6:30pm – SOLSTICE EVENT: 29th Annual Winter Solstice Storytelling and Songfest Celebration at the Roundhouse. Bring canned goods. Stories, songs, juggling and mime artistry. 624-5140 www.roundhouseculture.com Colrain, MA (DONATION)

7-7:50pm – ICE SKATING: Holiday public skate party at Amelia Park Ice Arena (21 South Borad St.). Westfield, MA (FREE)

Sunday, December 19th, 2010

Northampton Christmas Bird Count

7-8am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) airs encores the Hilltown Family Variety Show every Sunday morning. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.

9-10:30am – SANTA: The Dalton CRA (400 Main St.) will host Santa for kids 3yo & older. Crafts and music too. www.daltoncra.org 684-0260 Dalton, MA (FREE)

9am-1pm – SANTA: At Corners Grocery. Bring your cameras. Worthington, MA (FREE)

12Noon-2pm – SANTA: Santa Claus will make an appearance at the Springfield Science Musuem. Check out the special exhibit, “Sugar and Spice: The Land of Gingerbread” while visiting the old guy! 263-6800 www.springfieldmuseums.org Springfield, MA (FREE W/ADMISSION)

12Noon-2pm – CHRISTMAS EVENT: Fireside with Santa at Amelia Park Ice Arena (21 South Broad St.) 562-2277 Westfield, MA ($)

1:30pm – FAMILY SHOW: A Riot in the Garden: A Show for the Entire Family, about gardens – with stand-up comedian, Jackson Gillman, at the Rock Hill Co-Housing Common House (Black Birch Trail). Benefit for Grow Food Northampton. 586-3699 Florence, MA (>$)

2-4pm – SANTA: The Southampton Historical Society hosts the Holiday Parade of Trees at the Clark Chapman House Museum (234 College Highway). Come see Santa and see their 20 themed Christmas trees. Southampton, 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 (>$)

3pm & 6:30pm – THEATER: The Drama Studio presents a production of Peter Pan at St. Barnabas Church (41 Oakland St.). For kids 5yo & older. Seating is limited. RSVP 739-1983 Springfield, MA ($$)

4-9pm – CHRISTMAS EVENT: Old Sturbridge Village hosts Christmas by Candlelight, a nostalgic look at holiday traditions, music & food. www.osv.org Sturbridge, MA ($)

4-8PM – SANTA: Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Garden House at Look Park (300 North Main St.).www.lookpark.org Florence, MA (FREE)

5-8pm – SANTA: At Buttery Brook Park (123 Willimansett St., Rt. 33). Ride holiday train through a land of holiday lights. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be there. South Hadley, MA (FREE, >$)

7:30pm – SONGS & STORIES: Songs & Stories for a Small Planet with Jackson Gillman at the Northampton Community Music Center (139 South St.). An evening show for the slightly more mature. A fundraiser for Grow Food Northampton. 586-3699 Northampton, MA (>$)

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Monday, December 20th, 2010

4-5pm in Hadley: Winter Kid Fest at Whole Foods (327 Russell St.). Decorate cookies and create edible winter treats, perfect for giving. Sign up in advance: 586-9932 (FREE)

4pm & 6pm in Whatley: The Whately Library (202 Chestnut Plain Rd.) will be screening the movie “Elf.” 665-2170 (FREE)

Plainfield ♦ 4:15-5pm: Creative Dance for Children ages 3-5yo at Earthdance with Maureen Shea. Drop-ins welcomed. 634-5431 ($)

Plainfield ♦ 5:15-6:15pm: Creative Dance for Children ages 6-9yo (a.k.a. The Dolphin Dancers) at Earthdance with Maureen Shea. Drop-ins welcomed. 634-5431 ($)

4-8pm in Florence: Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Garden House at Look Park (300 North Main St.). www.lookpark.org (FREE)

5:30-8:30pm in Northampton: Fundraiser for Northampton Community Farm at Karma’s Restaurant. info@grownfoodnorthampton.com ($$)

7pm in Great Barrington: It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) will be shown at he Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. 528-0100 www.mahaiwe.org (>$)

7pm in Northampton: Older students will enjoy discovering history through bellydancing. The Forbes Library (20 West St.) will host a lecture with Jerica Senyak on the long history and tradition of the Bellydancing from Egyptian to Turkish to modern American interpretations. (Free)

MONDAY PLAYGROUPS (double check all listings before attending)

 
• Northampton ♦ 9:30-11:30am : Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION) Closed for the holidays
• Northampton ♦ 11:00am: Tummy Time at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
• South Hadley ♦ 9:30-11am: 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 www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE) (mid Sept-May)
• Williamstown ♦ 10am: Play and Learn Group at the Williamstown Youth Center. www.williamstownyouthcenter.org (FREE)

MONDAY STORY TIMES (double check all listings before attending)

• Northampton ♦ 10:30am: Storytime with Ellie at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)

MONDAY PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS (double check all listings before attending)

• Northampton ♦ 12Noon – 1pm: Mother-Mother Breastfeeding group hosted by a certified lactation consultant every Monday at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. 582-2096 (FREE)

MONDAY OTHER ONGOING (double check all listings before attending)

• Greenfield ♦ 2-3:50pm: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
• Holyoke ♦ 3-4:50pm: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
• Montague ♦ 6:30pm: 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.
• North Adams ♦ 5:30pm: Haskins Gym Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
• Springfield ♦ 11am-12:50pm: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)

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Tuesday, December 21st, 2010

HAPPY WINTER SOLSTICE!

4-8pm in Florence: Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Garden House at Look Park (300 North Main St.).www.lookpark.org (FREE)

5:30-8:30pm in Easthampton: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary will be celebrating the Winter Solstice with a community social, music, hot drinks and bonfire. 584-3009 (FREE)

6:30-8pm in Westfield: Snowfire at Amelia Park (21 South Broad St.) 562-2277 (FREE)

7pm in Ashfield: Winter Solstice Celebration on the town common. Bring your stories, songs, poems and share at the community-led event about a bonfire on the longest night of the year. 628-4503 (FREE)

TUESDAY PLAYGROUPS (double check all listings before attending)

• Amherst ♦ 9am-1pm: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
• Belchertown ♦ 9:30am-12:30pm: The Belchertown Family Center (720 Franklin St.) is open for drop-in playgroups for families with children 0-5yo. 283-7594 www.belchertownfamilycenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
• Easthampton ♦ 10-11:30am: Drop-in playgroup at the Easthampton Family Center (43 Main St.). www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org (FREE)
• Greenfield ♦ 10am-12Noon: Drop-in playgroups at the Greenfield Family Center (90 Federal St.). 475-1553 (FREE)
• North Adams ♦ 10am: Preschool Play and Learn Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
• Northampton ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION) Closed for the Holidays
• Sandisfield ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Playgroup at Sandisfield Old Town Hall. 644-0104 (FREE)
• South Hadley ♦ 9:30-11am: 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 www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
• Sunderland ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Drop-in playgroup at the Sunderland Elementary School (27 Old Amherst Rd.) 475-1553 (FREE)
• West Springfield ♦ 10am-12Noon: Drop-in playgroup at the First Congregational Church (20 Lathrop St.) for all parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. 734-7667 (FREE)
• West Stockbridge ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Playgroup at W. Stockbridge Town Hall. Gym Fun. 644-0104 (FREE)

TUESDAY STORY TIMES (double check all listings before attending)

• Florence ♦ 10am: Kulp Memorial Lap Sitting at the Lilly Library for youngest ones 587-1500 www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
• Florence ♦ 11am: Toddler Time at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
• Greenfield ♦ 10-11am: 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 www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
• Hatfield ♦ 11:00am: 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)
• Lenox ♦ 11am: 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)

TUESDAY PARENT SUPPORT GROUP (double check all listings before attending)

• Amherst ♦ 9am-12Noon: Grandparent support group at the Unitarian Meeting House (121 North Pleasant St.) Amherst Family Center with Ann Marie Meltzer. (FREE)
• Chicopee ♦ 5-7:15pm: Grandparents as Parents at the Chicopee Senior Center (7 Valley View Ct.). Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month. 534-3698 (FREE)
• Leverett ♦ 7:30-9pm: MOCAI’s Women’s Circle at the Quaker Meeting House (Long Plain Rd.) Weekly drop-in circle for women of color. Circles host a range of activities to suport and build community, with monthly guest facilitators. Babies in arms welcomed. No childcare. http://www.mocai.org (FREE)
• North Adams ♦ 10am: Berkshire Nursing Families at the Haskin Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
• Northampton ♦ 10:15-12:15am: 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)
• Northampton ♦ 1-3pm: New Mothers Circle at Cradle. 341-5282 www.cradlefamily.com (FREE)

OTHER TUESDAY ONGOING (double check all listings before attending)

• Amherst ♦ 2:15pm: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Amherst Cinema. ($)
• Florence ♦ 4:30pm: I Can Read Book Club at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
• Greenfield ♦ 2-3:50pm: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
• Holyoke ♦ 11am-12:50pm & 3-4:50pm: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
• Huntington ♦ 9:30-11:30am: School Readiness Program at the Gateway Family Center. 667.2203 www.hchcweb.org (FREE)
• Lee ♦ 3:30pm: Tail Waggin’ Tutors program at the Lee Library with Addie. Addie is a “Tail Waggin’ Tutor” certified by Therapy Dogs International as a trained therapy dog. The Tail Waggin’ Tutors program encourages children to read by providing a non-judgmental listener and furry friend to read to. All ages. 243-0385 (FREE)
• Leverett ♦ 10-11am:Happy Dan the Music Man: Sing With Your Baby Music, Movement, Instruments, and Fun for 0-2 year olds at the Leverett Crafts and Arts building (13 Montague Rd.). 259-1808 (>$ DONATION)
• Millers Falls ♦ 3:30-4:45pm: 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 www.montaguepubliclibraries.org (FREE)
• Pittsfield ♦ 12:30pm: Chow Time in the aquarium at 12:30pm at the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org (FREE w/museum admission)
• Springfield ♦ 10:45am-12:35pm: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)

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Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010

Deadline for the Cobble Mountain Christmas Bird Count

♦ 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 (>$)

2:30-4pm in Stockbridge: Norman Rockwell Museum Celebrates Award-Winning Illustrator Jerry Pinkney’s Birthday. come for cake, meet the author, create a miniature picture book or pop-up card for the holidays (3:30pm). www.nrm.org 931-2221. (FREE W/ADMISSION)

4-8pm in Florence: Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Garden House at Look Park (300 North Main St.).www.lookpark.org (FREE)

6pm in Great Barrington: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone will be shown at he Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. 528-0100 www.mahaiwe.org (FREE)

6:30pm in Northampton: Northampton Community Music Center hosts a Winter Solstice Celebration, featuring the NCMC Brass Ensemble & Friends. http://www.ncmc.net (FREE)

7pm in Northampton: History of Bellydance, from Egyptian to Turkish to modern American interpretations. Educational opportunity for older students. Forbes Library. (Free)

7pm in Northampton: Knitting Clinic at the Forbes Library. Knitters of all experience levels are welcome to attend. (FREE)

WEDNESDAY PLAYGROUPS (double check all listings before attending)

• Amherst ♦ 9am-12Noon: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
• Belchertown ♦ 9:30am-12:30pm: The Belchertown Family Center (720 Franklin St.) is open for drop-in playgroups for families with children 0-5yo. 283-7594 www.belchertownfamilycenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
• Cummington ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Drop-in playgroup at the Cummington Family Center, located in the rear of the Cummington Community House on Main St. www.cummingtonfamilycenter.org (FREE)
• Greenfield ♦ 10am-12Noon: Drop-in playgroups at the Greenfield Family Center (90 Federal St.). 475-1553 (FREE)
• Huntington ♦ 10am-12Noon: Drop in playgroup at the Gateway Family Center. 667.2203 www.hchcweb.org (FREE)
• Lenox ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Playgroup at Lenox Community Center. 644-0104 (FREE)
• North Adams ♦ 10am: Toddler Play and Learn Group at the Haskin Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
• Northampton ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION) Closed for the Holidays
• South Hadley ♦ 11am-12Noon: 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 www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
• Turners Falls ♦ 9:30am-12Noon: Drop-in playgroup at the Gill-Montague Family Center (78 Avenue A). 863-4805 (FREE)
• Ware ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Drop-in playgroups at the Ware Family Center in the United Church of Ware building (49 Church St.). 967-8127 (FREE)

WEDNESDAY STORY TIME (double check all listings before attending)

• Leverett ♦ 10:30am: Children’s story hour at the Leverett Library. www.leverettlibrary.org
• New Marlborough ♦ 10am: Library Story hour. 644-0104 (FREE)
• Montague♦ 10:30am: 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)
• Northampton ♦ 11am: Toddler Time at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
• Northampton ♦ 4pm:Parenting/Baby Group at the Forbes Library. Call to pre-register. 587-1011 www.forbeslibrary.org(FREE)
• Northfield ♦ 10am: Story time at the Northfield Public Library. with stories, crafts and snacks. 498-2455 www.northfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
• Stockbridge ♦ 10am: Stores and crafts led by Vicky Cooper at the Stockbridge Library. (FREE)
• Williamsburg ♦ 10:30am: Preschool Storytime at the Meekins Library with Children’s Librarian Rochelle Wildfong. (FREE)

WEDNESDAY PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS (double check all listings before attending)

• Amherst ♦ 9:45-11:15am: MotherWoman Group: Getting Real About Motherhood. Expectant mothers welcomed. The are snacks and childcare for kids 4yo & younger. MotherWoman trained facilitator in the basement of the Unitarian Church (Amherst Family Center). Run by a MotherWoman trained facilitator. 253-8990 www.motherwoman.org (FREE)
• Holyoke ♦ 1pm: MotherWoman Postpartum Support Group at Midwifery Care of Holyoke (230 Maple St.). 534-2700 (FREE)

OTHER WEDNESDAY ONGOING (double check all listings before attending)

• Amherst ♦ 10:30-11:45am: 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
• Greenfield ♦ 12-1:40pm: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
• Hadley ♦ 10-11:30am: Rollerskate with Tiny Tot Romp, Stop, ‘n’ Roll Skate and Play at Interskate 91 North (Hampshire Mall). Strollers welcome. Parent’s don’t have to wear skates. For Ages 6 & under. 586-2737 www.interskate91.com(>$)
• Holyoke ♦ 3-4:50pm: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
• Northampton ♦ 1pm: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Pleasant Street Theater. ($)
• Northampton ♦ 4:15pm: Family Yoga for ages 3yo and up at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. 584-7086 (MEMBERS)
• Northampton ♦ 4:30pm: Yo-Yo School at A2Z. Come visit yo-yo school and learn to yo-yo for free with A2Z. (FREE)
• Springfield ♦ 10:30am-12:20pm: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)

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Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

3pm in Northampton: Family caroling with The Neilds at Smith Vocational Agricultural School.  Come carol to the animals with their family and yours. (FREE)

4-8pm in Florence: Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Garden House at Look Park (300 North Main St.).www.lookpark.org (FREE)

6pm in Great Barrington: Annie (1982) will be shown at he Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. 528-0100 www.mahaiwe.org (FREE)

THURSDAY PLAYGROUPS (double check all listings before attending)

• Amherst ♦ 9am-1pm: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
• Belchertown ♦ 9:30am-12:30pm: The Belchertown Family Center (720 Franklin St.) is open for drop-in playgroups for families with children 0-5yo. 283-7594 www.belchertownfamilycenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
• Cummington ♦ 10am-12Noon: Babygroup for newborn to walking at the Cummington Family Center, located in the rear of the Cummington Community House on Main St. www.cummingtonfamilycenter.org (FREE)
• Great Barrington ♦ 1-3pm: Infant/Toddler Playgroup Group at the CHP Family Services Building (442 Stockbridge Rd.) 644-0104 www.communityhealthprograms.org (FREE)
• Northampton ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Music class at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)Closed for the holidays
• Northampton ♦ 1pm: Baby playgroup at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
• South Hadley ♦ 9:30-11am: 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 www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
• Sunderland ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Drop-in playgroup at the Sunderland Elementary School (27 Old Amherst Rd.) 475-1553 (FREE)
• Ware ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Drop-in playgroups at the Ware Family Center in the United Church of Ware building (49 Church St.). 967-8127 (FREE)

THURSDAY STORY TIME (double check all listings before attending)

• Amherst ♦ 10:30am: Preschool Story Time at the Jones Library in the Children’s Room. www.joneslibrary.org (FREE)
• Dalton ♦ 10am: Story time at the Dalton Free Public Library (462 Main St.) for preschool kids. 684-6112 (FREE)
• Florence ♦ 10am: Pre-school Story Time at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
• Lee ♦ 10:30-11am: Story time at the Lee Library (100 Main St.) for kids 2.5-5yo and their caregivers. 243-0385 (FREE)
• Lenox ♦ 11-11:45am: 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)

THURSDAY PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS (double check all listings before attending)

• Greenfield ♦ 10am-12Noon: Grandparent Support Group at the Greenfield Family Center (90 Federal St.). 475-1553 (FREE)

OTHER THURSDAY ONGOING (double check all listings before attending)

• Great Barrington ♦ 9am: 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. www.communityhealthprograms.org 644-0104 (FREE)
• Greenfield ♦ 2-3:50pm: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
• Holyoke ♦ 3-4:50pm: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
• North Adams ♦ 11:30am: Teen to 23 Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
• Millers Falls♦ 10am: 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)
• Springfield ♦ 10:45am-12:35pm: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.). Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)

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Friday, December 24th, 2010

4pm in Chesterfield: Children’s Christmas Eve Service at the First Congregational Church of Chesterfield (Route 143, Town Center). Reading of the Christmas story, carols and candle lighting ceremony. Refreshments. All welcomed. 296-0303 (FREE)