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

Start the year off right and get the family outside! Take the kids sledding or on a New Year's Day hike! Several free First Day Hikes are featured for Saturday. Pick one in the Pioneer Valley, Hilltowns or Berkshires and set tracks for a great new year! (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

Sunday, January 2nd at 4pm – MARIONETTE SHOW: The Cummington Family Center and the Tanglewood Marionettes present Cinderella at the Community House (33 Main St.) Cummington, MA (FREE)

Friday, January 7th at 6:30pm – MOVIE: Northampton Community Music Center hosts a movie/sing-along for kids of all ages to “The Wizard of Oz.” Bring blankets and get cozy.www.ncmc.net Northampton, MA (FREE)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Hilltown Families presents: "Do I Have To?: How Chores Empower Families" on Jan. 12th @ 6:30pm. Free & open to the public.

On Saturday, January 8th at 10am – FAMILY CONCERT: Mister G kicks off the Nonotuck Community School Winter Concert Series with a family concert at First Churches of Northampton (129 Main St.) More info here. 586-5996 Northampton, MA (>$)

On Wednesday, January 12th at 6:30pm, Hilltown Families presents ... Do I Have To?: How Chores Empower Families, an interactive and fun presentation for adults with author Susan Tordella at 6:30pm on Wednesday, January 12th at Cup & Top Cafe (1 North Main St.). Learn how cleaning toilets, washing dishes and raking leaves empower families. Florence, MA (FREE)

BULLETIN BOARD

Pioneer Valley Local First writes: In the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts we are blessed with natural beauty and a vibrant local living economy made up of independent businesses, family farms, educational institutions and active community organizations. It’s a rich and diverse culture and one that Pioneer Valley Local First is dedicated to protect and strengthen. Our mission is to encourage people to Think Local First so that they Buy Local First.  We also encourage and support companies to be socially, locally and environmentally responsible. In addition we educate Pioneer Valley citizens, community organizations, businesses and local governments about the benefits of doing business with locally owned, independent businesses. Help the Pioneer Valley to continue to be its unique, wonderful self; so that our place, doesn’t look like every place, by using your Pioneer Valley Local Business Guide.

Deadline to enter to win: Jan. 4th

CIRCUS ARTS CLASSES: A new session of week day kid’s circus classes will begin on January 10th at SHOW Circus Studio in Easthampton, MA. We will work on trapeze, fabric, juggling, tumbling and acrobatics, human pyramids, balancing, strength and flexibility. Circus is a great way to increase self esteem, have fun, get in shape, improve focus and learn new skills. Classes for students new to circus will be held on Tuesday and Thursday. Ages 5-7 will run from 3:30-4:30pm and ages 8+ will be from 4:30-5:30pm. Continuing circus students are able to choose from Level 2 classes on Monday (ages 5-7 from 3:30-4:30pm and ages 8+  from 4:30-5:30pm) or the SHOW Stars Performance Troupe on Wednesdays (All ages, 4-5:15). Registration is available online.

Hilltown Families has been serving & supporting our local community for 5 years! Help HF continue to serve our community by supporting the work we do! Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to support Hilltown Families through sponsorship and/or enhanced publicity. Email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com for details.

NATURE GAMES: Check out Mass Audubon’s Winter Walk Bingo cards.  Print out these cards and head out into the snow with your kids.  Try to find five in a row!

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. Emailhilltownfamilies@gmail.com for more information. — Help us help you!

ENERGY ASSISTANCE: The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance.  Income eligibility guidelines for 2010-2011 can be found HERE.  Emergency Grant Applications are already being accepted with all other grant applications being accepted starting on Monday, January 3rd, 2011.  For more info visit www.magoodneighbor.org or call 1-800-262-1320

Deadline to enter to win 5 annual family memberships is Jan. 3rd.

DONATIONS OF ITEMS WANTED: The Franklin County 4-H Community Service Project for 2011 is providing “comfort care bags” to the Department of Children and Families in Greenfield. Items needed: Stuffed animals (new or gently used) for ages newborn to 8 years old; Toothbrushes and tooth paste for children – teens; Baby bottles, baby lotion, wet wipes, diapers and onesies; Pajamas for 1 – 8 year olds; Underwear for 3 – 8 year olds; Socks for 3 year olds – teens; Books (new or gently used) for 1 – 8 year olds; Crayons, pens, pencils, drawing books; Playing cards.  If you have any questions, please contact the Franklin County 4-H Community Service Coordinator, Ellen White at white246@verizon.net

HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW

Tune in to 103.3FM WXOJ (Northampton) every Sat. from 9-10am & Sun. from 7-8am - or anytime to our podcast.

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

This week on the HFVS is our New Year’s Day Peace Episode. 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, JANUARY 1st, 2011

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.

10am-5pm – MASS MOCA: Explore MASS MoCA as they open their doors on New Year’s Day.  Kidspace open 11am-4pm. New Katharine Grosse installation on view. 662-2111 www.massmoca.org North Adams, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)

All Day – ICE SKATING: New Year’s Day activities all day at Amelia Park Ice Arena (21 South Broad St.). Big Screen broadcast of NHL’s Winter Classic, BBQ & of course, ice skating! 562-2277 Westfield, MA

10am – HIKE: First Day Hike at D.A.R. State Forest.  Meet in the Day Use Area off Route 112, main parking lot. Goshen, MA (FREE)

10am – HIKE: First Day 2011 Hike with Williamsburg Woodland Trails at Bradley Sanctuary.  Directions here. 268-7523 Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

1pm – HIKE: First Day Hike at Mount Greylock State Reservation.  For families with kids 7yo+. An easy 1.8 mile hike on the Bradley Farm Trail, followed by hot cocoa by the fireplace.  Bring shoshoes & poles. Leashed dogs welcomed. Meet at the visitors center (30 Rockwell Rd.) 499-4262 Lanesborough, MA (FREE)

1pm – HIKE: First Day Hike at the Chesterfield Gorge for families.  Casual community meet-up. Walk along the Westfield River. West Chesterfield, MA (FREE)

1-2:30pm – HIKE:  First Day Hike through the Holyoke Heritage State Park and along the canalwalk in the historic district of Holyoke.  Learn about the city’s past and future possibilities. Hot cocoa. 534-1723 Holyoke, MA (FREE)

6:30-8:30pm – ICE SKATING: 2nd Annual Snowflake Skate at the Mullins Center Ice Rink to benefit the Sunderland 6th Grade Class. Amherst, MA ($)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 2nd, 2011

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 atwww.valleyfreeradio.org.

♦ 1-2:50pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891Greenfield, MA ($)

♦ 2-3:50pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.)  Skate rentals available. 781-2599Springfield, MA ($)

2pm – WEST AFRICAN DANCE/MUSIC:  Sunday Come Dance Senegalese Sabar at Community Yoga Center (16 Federal St.).  Learn this graceful and energetic style danced to Senegalese music. All ages welcomed. Greenfield, MA ($)

4pm – MARIONETTE SHOW: The Cummington Family Center and the Tanglewood Marionettes present Cinderella at the Community House (33 Main St.) Cummington, MA (FREE)

MONDAY, JANUARY 3rd, 2011

MONDAY PLAYGROUPS

• Northampton ♦ 9:30-11:30am : Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
• 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

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

MONDAY PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS

• 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

• Greenfield ♦ 2-3:50pm: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
• Holyoke ♦ 12-2:20pm: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
• 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 ($)

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4th, 2011

4pm in Florence: Talking Hands Theatre presents a Puppet Show Sing-along Time with puppeteer Anna Sobel for kids up to 5yo at Cup & Top Cafe (1 North Main St.). (FREE)

4-7:30pm in Ashfield: Annual ‘Renewal’ Winter Concert at Ricki & Jamie’s (292 Main St.). Singing workshop from 4-6pm and house concert at 7:30pm. Must RSVP 628-4568 Potluck dinner. ($$)

TUESDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 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)
• 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

• 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 GROUPS

• Amherst ♦ 9am-12Noon: Grandparent support group at the Unitarian Meeting House (121 North Pleasant St.) Amherst Family Center with Ann Marie Meltzer. (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

• 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 & 1-2:50pm: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
• Huntington ♦ 9:30-11:30am: School Readiness Program at the Gateway Family Center. 667.2203 www.hchcweb.org (FREE)
• Leverett ♦ 10-11am:Happy Dan the Music Man: Sing With Your Baby Music, Movement, Instruments, and Fun for 0-2 year olds at the Leverett Crafts and Arts building (13 Montague Rd.). 259-1808 (>$ DONATION)
• 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 ($)

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5th, 2011

6:30pm in Huntington: Teen Reading Group at the Huntington Library.  Will discus “Go Ask Alice.” 667-3506 www.thehuntingtonpubliclibrary.org Huntington, MA (FREE)

WEDNESDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 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)
• 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

• Leverett ♦ 10:30am: Children’s story hour at the Leverett Library. www.leverettlibrary.org
• New Marlborough ♦ 10am: Library Story hour. 644-0104 (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

• 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

• 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 ♦ 12Noon-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 ♦ 12:30-2:20pm: 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 ($)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6th, 2011

10am & 12Noon in Great Barrington: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents Tomie dePaola’s Strega Nona: The Musical. 528-0100 www.mahaiwe.org($$)

6pm in Northampton: Single Parent Support Group at Cradle. 341-5282 (FREE)

THURSDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 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)
• 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

• 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

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

OTHER THURSDAY ONGOING

• 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 ($)
• Holyoke ♦ 12:30-2:20pm: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
• North Adams ♦ 11:30am: Teen to 23 Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
• Springfield ♦ 10:45am-12:35pm: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.). Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7th, 2011

9:30-11am in Northampton: La Leche League of Northampton meets at Cradle (3rd Floor in Thornes). 586-5627 (FREE)

10am in Westhampton: Storytime at the library. (FREE)

6:30pm in Northampton: Northampton Community Music Center hosts a movie/sing-along for kids of all ages to “The Wizard of Oz.” Bring blankets and get cozy. http://www.ncmc.net (FREE)

7:30pm in Springfield: The Springfield Science Museum’s large rooftop telescope will be open for public sky-gazing.  The program will be held rain or shine. If it is overcast, a planetarium show will be presented in place of telescope viewing. The program features an introductory slide show on topics such as space exploration, seasonal sights of the night sky, current astronomical research, or an explanation of events such as an eclipse or the appearance of a comet. After the presentation, participants can use the museum telescope to view sights in the night sky, which may include objects such as the moon, a planet, star clusters, a nebula or a galaxy, depending on their visibility. Springfield Stars Club members also set up telescopes outside the museum, weather permitting. The programs are best suited for families with children ages 8 and older, however younger children are also welcome. 263-6800, ext. 318 www.springfieldmuseums.org (>$)

FRIDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 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 ♦ 10-11am: 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)
• Colrain ♦ 9:30-11:30am: Drop-in playgroup at the Colrain Community Church (306 Main Rd.). 475-1553 (FREE)
• 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)
• Easthampton ♦ 10-11:30am: Drop-in playgroup at the Easthampton Family Center (43 Main St.). www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org (FREE)
• Huntington ♦ 2pm:  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 www.thehuntingtonpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
• Huntington ♦ 3pm: Drop in playgroup at the Gateway Family Center. 667.2203 www.hchcweb.org (FREE)
• North Adams ♦ 10am: Baby Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
• Stockbridge ♦ 9am : The Berkshire Day School (Route 183) welcomes all to a Music & Me playgroup for kids 2-4yo.  This is an hour long circle time with sing-alongs, story and crafts. 637-0755 www.berkshirecountryday.org (FREE)
• Turners Falls ♦ 9:30am-12Noon: Drop-in playgroup at the Gill-Montague Family Center (78 Avenue A). 863-4805 (FREE)

FRIDAY STORY TIME

• Colrain ♦ 11am: Preschool story hour at the Griswold Memorial Library. 624-3619 (FREE)
• Florence ♦ 10am: Mother Goose: Music, Stories and Movement – at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
• Greenfield ♦ 11am: 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. www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)

FRIDAY PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS

• Greenfield ♦ 10-11:30am: Franklin County Postpartum Support Group: This is Harder Than I Thought.  At the Community Action Family Center (90 Federal St.). Drop-in for mothers of infants and babies experiencing postpartum.  Expecting mothers welcomed. 774-1000 x2015

OTHER FRIDAY ONGOING

• Amherst ♦ 9:30am: Pre-school Spanish immersion program for kids under 6yo at the First Baptist Church. (954) 829-5233 (FREE)
• Greenfield ♦ 2-3:50pm: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
• Holyoke ♦ 9:30-10:30am:Read to Grow preschool program at the Children’s Museum (444 Dwight St.). 536-5437 (>$)
• Holyoke ♦ 1-2:50pm: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
• Pittsfield ♦ 10am & 11am: Aquarium Adventures. Each week children ages 2-4 meet a different animal from Berkshire Museum’s aquarium and watch as their new friend enjoys a meal. Story time is included. Free with Museum admission.
• Springfield ♦ 10:30am-12:20pm: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.). Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
• Springfield ♦ 2pm: Planetarium show at the Springfield Museum. 263-6800 www.springfieldmuseums.org(>$)