Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 01/15/11-01/21/11
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
With the fresh snow fall, outdoor adventures this weekend will take you outside to explore and enjoy, including a moonlight snowshoe hike in Northfield on Saturday and Winter Tracking with Earthworks in Conway on Sunday. (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.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
On Saturday, January 22nd at 11am – WINTER FEST: Blue Star’s 2nd Annual Sleigh Rally and Winter Fun Fest, hosted by Blue Star Equiculture at Burgundy Brook Farm (3090 Palmer St., Rt. 181). 289-9787 http://www.equiculture.org Palmer, MA (>$)
On Sunday, January 23rd at 1:30pm – FAMILY CONCERT: Hilltown Families & Spare the Rock present 2 time Grammy Award winning artist, Bill Harley in his triumphant return to the Pioneer Valley as part of the fantastic No Nap Happy Hour Series at Flywheel Arts Collective in the old Town Hall. Families are invited to come sit and listen to Bill’s funny and engaging stories and songs. Tickets can be purchased in advanced at Brown Paper Tickets. Easthampton, MA ($)
BEST BETS THIS WEEKEND
On Saturday, January 15th from 10am-2pm – WINTER FARE: Northampton Winter Fare at Smith Vocational and Technical High School, a one-day winter farmers’ market. Locally-grown foods, workshops, barter fair, and more. 665-7100 http://www.buyocalfood.org Northampton, MA (MARKET)
Saturday evening, January 15th at 8pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Concert & Dinner in the Hilltowns. Chris Smither will be performing at the Ashfield Town Hall. Pre-concert dinner at Elmer’s from 5-7:15pm. For dinner reservations and concert info call 628-4003. http://www.elmersstore.com Ashfield, MA ($$)
On Sunday, January 16th at 1pm – THEATER: Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Bowker Auditorium. www.alsct.org Amherst, MA ($)
Sunday evening, January 16th from 3-5pm – FAMILY DANCE: Community Family Dance at First Churches (enter across from the Iron Horse). There will be live music and dances will be taught to families. All ages 3yo & up. 230-7037 Northampton, MA (>$)
BULLETIN BOARD
NEW MUSIC SERIES: New 5-Week Music Series with Mister G on Mondays in Northampton beginning Jan. 17th: Mister G’s Community Chorus for kids 6-10yo (3:30-4:15pm). Imagine the Young at Heart Chorus for kids! Join the coolest chorus for kids singing classic rock, folk, soul & Mister G’s irresistible originals. – Mister G’s Jamboree for kids 0-5yo (10:15-11am or 4:30-5:15pm). While teaching at the Smith College Campus School, Mister G developed an innovative approach to early childhood music immersion. Music and movement have never been so much fun (& educational). – All classes at Cradle in Thornes Marketplace. Cost is $75 ($55 for each additional child) & includes Mister G’s CD, Pizza for Breakfast. Mention “Hilltown Families” when you register through mistergsongs.com, and get a free Mister G T-shirt.
BEST BLOG: As Hilltown Families enters its sixth year, acknowledge the past 5 by voting for Hilltown Families as best local blog in the Valley Advocate Best of the Valley Readers’ Poll for 2011! It’s listed under “Media Mavens.” Deadline to vote is Noon, Feb 9th. Must vote for a total of 10 local favorites… how about some of our sponsors? – Spread the word! www.valleyadvocate.com/ballot
Hilltown Families is giving away a family 4-pack of free tickets to see Grammy award winning artist Bill Harley, along with 2 copies of Bill Harley’s newest CD release,"The Best Candy in the Whole World." Deadline to enter to win is 01/19/11.
Leslie Lucio writes: International Adoption Family Playgroup – A new playgroup for families with children who have been adopted internationally will be meeting in Northampton on January 15 at 3:30. This will be our first get together and we would love to have interested families join us. Most children are five and under, but we welcome families with children of all ages. Please email us if you are interested : LeslieLLucio@gmail.com
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.
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!
FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER: Is your family preparing to buy your first home? Taking a free First Time Homebuyer workshop will introduce you to the “team members” you will assemble during your home purchase. Participants will learn how to select a team of professionals to help with the purchase of a home, which mortgage products are available to first time homebuyers, how to prioritize housing wants/needs, what happens in a home inspection, how to make an offer on a house, what happens at the purchase and sale signing and the closing,and more. This workshop is FREE. Saturday, Jan. 22th, 29th and Feb 5th from 9am –12:30pm at the Hilltown CDC office in Chesterfield. Pre-registration is required. Contact Bea at 296-4536 x115 or beavh@hilltowncdc.org.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Eastern States Exposition’s Storrowton Village Museum in West Springfield, MA is seeking volunteers interested in discovering the rich heritage of New England and sharing that knowledge during school programs held throughout the year. Dressed in Early American-inspired apparel , volunteers will guide and help children learn what life was like for youngsters in the 19th century. Volunteers will gain a wealth of knowledge about crafts, food and daily life of the era and will dress in a provided period costume to authenticate the experience. Prospective volunteers must be available weekdays and training sessions begin January 24. More info call 205-5051 or email storrow@TheBigE.com
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW
Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am.
Don’t miss Bill Harley on the Hilltown Family Variety Show this weekend! On WXOJ 103.3FM (Northampton, MA) on Saturday, January 15th at 9am and Sunday, January 16th at 7am We are re-broadcasting Bill’s visit where he told an early version of “The Best Candy in the Whole World” and his song “Everybody’s a Baby ‘Bout Something”.
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
Suggest an Event | Local Forecast | Free Museum Passes | Playgroups & Family Centers | Movies in the Valley | Movies in the Berkshires | Listen Here
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events
Saturday, January 15th, 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 – FILM: Images Cinema (50 Spring St.) will screen Party Mix, a collection of shorts compiled by the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Party Mix is a collection of funny shorts for kids ages 6yo+. 72mins. 458-1039 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-2pm – WINTER FARE: Northampton Winter Fare at Smith Vocational and Technical High School, a one-day winter farmers’ market. Locally-grown foods, workshops, barter fair, and more. 665-7100 http://www.buylocalfood.org Northampton, MA (MARKET)
1pm – THEATER: Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Bowker Auditorium. www.alsct.org Amherst, MA ($)
1pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURES: The Springfield Museums will host a Premium Live Reptile Show, present by Animal Adventures, an expert “adventue guide” to introduce & educate families to a variety of exotic creatures. 263-6800 http://www.springfieldmuseums.org Springfield, MA (FREE w/MUSEUM ADMISSION)
1-3pm – NATURE STUDIES: Feed Your Bird Buddies at the Berkshire Botanical Garden, a workshop for children 5yo+ . Hands-on class that introduces recipes using fruit, nuts, seeds, and other natural materials. Families will make and take home their own creations to feed wintering birds. Pre-registration required: 298-3926. Stockbridge, MA ($)
3:30pm – INTERNATIONAL ADOPTION FAMILY PLAYGROUP: A new playgroup for families with children who have been adopted internationally for kids up through 5yo. Email LeslieLLucio@gmail.com if interested. Northampton, MA
4-6pm – HIP HOP SHOW: Youth Hip-Hop Show to honor local community leaders for MLK weekend at Berkshire Community College (1350 West St.). Dance party follows frm 7-11pm. 446-6261 Pittsfield, MA ($)
6:30-9pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Snowshoeing in the moonlight at Northfield Mountain Education Center (99 Millers Falls Rd.). . No previous snowshoeing experience is necessary. Rentals available. For ages 12+. Pre-reg 800-859-2960 Northfield, MA ($)
7:30pm – THEATER: Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Bowker Auditorium. www.alsct.org Amherst, MA ($)
8pm-Midnight: DANCE PARTY: 3rd Annual Full Belly Dance Party For Local Food Security at the Hampshire College Red Barn. A fundraiser for the Kestrel Trust and the Amherst & Northampton Survival Centers. Love band (The No-No’s), cash bar. 259-1695 Amherst, MA (FUNDRAISER)
Sunday, January 16th, 2011
1pm – THEATER: Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Bowker Auditorium. www.alsct.org Amherst, MA ($)
3-5pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Lassone Ice Rink. No rentals, so bring your own skates. Sharpening is available. Refreshments for sale. 529-3000 Easthampton, MA (>$)
2pm – WEST AFRICAN DANCE/MUSIC: Sunday Come Dance Senegalese Sabar at Community Yoga Center (16 Federal St.). Learn this graceful and energetic style danced to Senegalese music. All ages welcomed. Greenfield, MA ($)
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 (>$)
6:30-8:30pm – PARENTS OF TEENS SUPPORT GROUP: New parents of teens group forming, facilitated by Abriete Medore, M.Ed. If interested, email abriete@hearts-journey.com Leverett, MA (FREE)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
9am-2pm in Greenfield: MLK Day Celebration. Join Community Action Youth Programs for the MLK Day Family Event at the 2nd Congregational Church (43 Silver St.). This event has been organized by Shout Out! Greenfield. The day will include: Conflict Resolution Workshops focusing on race, facilitated by Sasha Alexander Goldberg and Sheila Petingy; Full family style luncheon (vegan friendly); Local performers including the Franklin County Technical School’s Drum and Bugle Squad; Youth Speakers focusing on the powerful messages of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. RSVP 774-7028 x655 (FREE)
9:30-4pm in Sturbridge: Old Sturbridge Village presents “Honoring a Slave Heroine: The Mumbet Story” as part of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day activities at 1pm. The performance is based on the true story of Elizabeth “Mumbet” Freeman, a young slave woman who won her freedom in court in 1781, citing language in the Massachusetts constitution: “all men are born free and equal.”All MLK Jr. Day programs at Old Sturbridge Village are included in the cost of admission to the museum. For more information: 800-SEE-1830; http://www.osv.org (FREE child admission when accompanied by an adult)
10am-12Noon in Florence: MLK Jr Children’s Celebration at the Florence Community Center (140 Pine St.) for kids 2-6yo. Dancing, drumming, arts & crafts and singing.
11am-1pm in Pittsfield: Drop off camp at Bique, Beads & Beyond.
1pm in Springfield: Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Springfield Museum with Black History Laser Tribute by Prismatic Magic – Celebrate the contributions of African-Americans in this musical retrospective that features toe-tapping songs from legends such as Louie Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Chuck Berry, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin. The show evolves into a tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., with his powerful “I Have a Dream” address. The performance ends with a medley of current pop artists of various ethnicities who have been inspired by the musical legends featured earlier in the program. 263-6800 http://www.springfieldmuseums.org (FREE W/MUSEUM ADMISSION)
3:30-5:30pm in Hadley: Kids’ cooking class at Whole Foods Market (327 Russell St.). Sign up in advance. 586-9932
Tuesday is a snow day for many schools. As always, be sure to call to confirm before heading out to attend any suggested event.
10:30am in Northampton: The Lisa Leizman Dance Comany for Little Ones (2-5yo) at the Northampton Center for the Arts (3rd Floor, 17 New South St.). Colorful costumes and lively music for 45-minute interactive session of movement and rhythm. 584.7327 www.nohoarts.org (KIDS FREE, ADULTS >$)
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)
5-7:15pm in Chicopee: Grandparents as Parents at the Chicopee Senior Center (7 Valley View Ct.). Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month. 534-3698 (FREE)
6-8pm in Florence: “Developing Community Connections in our Neighborhoods,” an informal discussion group open to all at the Lilly Library Community Room. Refreshments provided. Sponsored by Transition Northampton. (FREE)
6-8pm in Whately: Craft Night at the Whately Library (202 Chestnut Plain Rd.). Bring unfinished craft projects and a friend to the library. Knitting, quilting, scrap-booking, beadwork, mending, anything you can carry. Tea and cookies. 665-2170 www.whately.org/library (FREE)
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 ($)
4pm in Florence: Concert and storytelling with Brendan Taaffee at Cup & Top Cafe (1 North Main St.). (FREE)
5:30-8pm in Hadley: A 5-session interactive worksop for families with kids ages 9-14 titled, “Guiding Good Choices” will take place at the Hadley Elementary School (21 River Dr.). Learn how to teach your kids to “Just Say No.” provide family involvement, recognize strengths and communicate healthy beliefs & behavior standards. For more info & to register call Berkshire Children & Families at 584-5690 x140. Funded by SPIFFY at the Collaborative for Educational Services through a grant by the Women’s Missionary Fund. Click here to view the official event flyer. (FREE)
6pm in Northampton: Montessori School of Northampton open house. 586-4538
6-7pm in North Adams: Parent Discussion Group for parents who are actively parenting kids ages 0-8yo at the Family Resource Center’s Play Space. Free transportation and child care available. Pre-reg y 1/18 by calling 664-4821 (FREE)
6:30-8:30pm in Hadley: Hadley Mothers’ Club will host a Q&A session with a local vet in the teachers room at the Hadley Elementary School. Bring your pet questions.On site child care provided. Refreshments. 584-1859 (FREE)
7pm in Northampton: Knitting Clinic at the Forbes Library. Knitters of all experience levels are welcome to attend. (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. ($)
- Northampton ♦ 4:15pm: Family Yoga for ages 3yo and up at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. 584-7086 (MEMBERS)
- Northampton ♦ 4:30pm: Yo-Yo School at A2Z. Come visit yo-yo school and learn to yo-yo for free with A2Z. (FREE)
- Springfield ♦ 10:30am-12:20pm: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
3:30pm in Williamstown: Images Cinema (50 Spring St.) will screen Party Mix, a collection of shorts compiled by the New York International Children’s Film Festival. Party Mix is a collection of funny shorts for kids ages 6yo+. 72mins. 458-1039 www.imagescinema.org (>$)
6:30pm in Huntington: Penguin Awareness Day. The Huntington Library will host a story hour and craft making on penguins. 667-3506 www.thehuntingtonpubliclibrary.org Huntington, MA (FREE)
7-8pm in Sunderland: Polka lessons for families with Tom & Deb Zimnowski in the Cafe Sun at the Sunderland Elementary School (Swampfield Dr.). Free babysitting services available. 665-1151 www.cafesun.org – And mark your calendars for the Sweetheart Family Polka Night at the Sun Cafe on 2/5! (FREE)
6:30-8pm in Springfield: “Everyone Can Make Art!” at the Forest Park Library (380 Belmont St.), offered by the Springfield Parent Academy. Try some fun projects and then do them at home with your children. No prior experiences with art materials, talent or skills are necessary. Register at www.springfieldparentacademy.com (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 ($)
- North Adams ♦ 11:30am: Teen to 23 Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
- Springfield ♦ 10:45am-12:35pm: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.). Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
6:30-9pm in Florence: Friday Film Night for adults with Adoption Journeys (28 North Maple St.). There will be a screening of “Off and Running: An American Coming of Age Story.” Bring a sack dinner. Discussion and sharing of ideas follow movie. RSVP required by calling 320-4680 (FREE)
7:30pm in Amherst: Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Bowker Auditorium. www.alsct.org ($)
5:30-7pm in Northampton: Family Fun Fridays at the Northampton YMCA in the gym. Free for members. 584.7086 www.hrymca.org (>$)
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(>$)
Hatfield is home to the only preserved 17th century English village site ever discoverd in Southern New England. Visit the site and learn how its settlers once lived…
the above was in the newsletter but find nothing on the website. puzzling and frustrating.