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.

BEST BETS

In the morning on Saturday, January 22nd from 10am-3pm – WINTER TRAILS DAY: Activities at Notchview Reservation for annual Winter Trails Day. Cross-country ski lessons for all levels, clinics, snowshoe hike. Bring skis or rent in advance from your local ski shop. Snowshoes available on site. 684-0148www.ttor.orgWindsor, MA (FREE)

Later in the day on Saturday, January 22nd from 1-7:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Opening Day Celebration for MC Escher: Seeing the Unseen at the Berkshire Museum (39 South St). Hands-on fun with drawing activities, the art of printmaking, Escher’s Animals, multimedia presentation and opening reception (5-7pm). 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)

In the evening on Saturday, January 22nd at 7:30pm – THEATER: Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Bowker Auditorium. www.alsct.org Amherst, MA ($)

And not to be missed 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, or at the door. Easthampton, MA ($)

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

On Saturday, January 29th from 10am-5:30pm – GIRLS IN SPORTS: National Girls & Women in Sports Day for girls in grades 3-8 at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (375 Church St.). Must pre-reg 662-5000 Williamstown, MA (FREE)

On Sunday, January 30th from 10am-5pm – TRAINS: The Amherst Railroad Hobby Show will take place at the Better Living Center at the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds (1305 Memorial Ave.). Over 50 model railroad displays in varying scales, vendors, crafts, clinics, and more. If you have kids crazy over trains, here’s 7 acres of railroad mania! 267-4555 www.railroadhobbyshow.com West Springfield, MA (>$)

BULLETIN BOARD

PARENT/DAUGHTER WORKSHOP: Empower your daughter to make real friends, communicate assertively and be true to herself. The Real Parents, Real Daughters workshop, taught by bestselling author & educator Rachel Simmons, will introduce 4th & 5th grade girls to the skills to speak & listen with courage, improve parent-daughter communication patterns, & establish healthy friendship habits. Your daughter will get personal attention in our small group & take home fun memories and life-changing skills. Workshops are 2 hours long, once a week, for four consecutive weeks: January 24, 31, Feb 7 & 14 at LGA Schechter in Northampton, MA. Note: new Parents of Girls workshop starts Feb 28. Register for both HERE.

Advocate for Hilltown Families! Invite your family, friends and neighbors to Vote for Us: Best Local Blog! - Deadline: Feb. 6th by 12Noon

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

Arianna Grindod writes: NESEA (Northeast Sustainable Energy Association) is offering free teacher training workshops that focus on Solar Sense. Learn about solar energy science and its technological applications; how to integrate concepts of renewable energy into your STEM curricular activities; and how students can earn the Clean Green Power Champion Patch for participating in the pr…ogram. Contact NESEA to request a free educator workshop in your area agrindrod@nesea.org. See More K-12 Education K-12 EDUCATORS HOME http://www.nesea.org

Hilltown Families 3rd Annual Handmade Valentine Swap. Deadline to sign up: January 30th. Open to all Western MA families.

RECYCLING FUNDRAISER: The Littleville Elementary School PTO in Huntington, MA is conducting a recycling fundraiser. Protect the environment by donated used items (cell phones, digital cameras, laptops, digital video cameras, ink jet cartridges, MP3 players and more). Items may be dropped off at the school on Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays and this will be an ongoing fundraiser.

FREE RELAXATION WORKSHOP: The Hilltown Community Health Center is offering a free workshop designed for anyone wanting to learn relaxation skills to help with stress, fear, and anxiety. The workshop will be 10am-12Noon on Saturday, January 29th at the Gateway Family Center (9 Russell Rd.) in Huntington. “Mind-body techniques”, focused breathing, and using your imagination are becoming more and more understood and welcomed as a compliment to traditional medical practices. Presenter, Ann Buscemi, who is certified in Therapeutic Hypnosis and Emotional Healing, will teach some very simple techniques that can be used anywhere, anytime. Call Lee at the Worthington Health Center for info and registration: 238-5511 x155.

Win a pair of tickets! Deadline to enter: 1/25/11 @ 7pm (EST).

COMMUNITY CHORUS: Do you like to sing? Do you like other people? Come sing with other people! Minerva Voices, The Minerva Arts Center’s premiere choral group, is looking to expand its enterprise by adding talented voices of all ages and ranges. Come to Minerva Voices’ first meeting and rehearsal of the New Year on Thursday, January 27th from 6:30 to 8:30 at 1288 Massachusetts Avenue in North Adams, MA. No audition required, just a pleasant demeanor and a willingness to sing. Meetings and rehearsals will be held on Thursday evenings this season, culminating in a final performance this Spring: “The Best of Broadway.” For more information, visit www.MinervaArtsCenter.org, e-mail MinervaArtsCenter@gmail.com or call (413) 346-4502.

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!

HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW

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

This week Keller Williams guest DJs HFVS. He’s put a great show together, playing some of his favorite family friendly music, including past and current hits, along with music from his new family album, Kids.

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

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 22nd, 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.

♦ 9am-2pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Winter Farmers’ Market in the basement of Thornes through April 30th. Food, live music and art. Northampton, MA (MARKET)

9:30am-4pm – NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES: The Indian Doctress Molly Geet will be returning to Old Sturbridge Village to share information about how Native Americans of the northeast handled the hardships of winter at Old Sturbridge Village. Learn what they wore and stories they shared. 800-733-1830 Sturbridge, MA ($)

10am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Winter Nature Walk at the Bullitt Reservation. Presentation on why we need winter first and then a guide walk to follow at 11am. Call 413-532-1631 x13 or email westregion@ttor.org Ashfield, MA (FREE)

10am-12Noon – ANIMAL STUDIES: Animal observation and tracking with Molly Hale at the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area (North Farms Road entrance). Sponsored by Broad Brook Coalition (BBC) 584-4176 Florence, MA (FREE)

10am-12Noon – ANIMAL STUDIES: Berkshire Sanctuaries presents Watching Wildlife for Juniors at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (472 West Mountain Rd.). Learn about winter adaptations, signs of wildlife, snowshoeing (provided). Call to register 637-0320. Lenox, MA (>$)

10am-12Noon – OPEN HOUSE: The Hartsbrook School offers opportunities for pre-school through high school students to meet teachers, check out classrooms, visit animals, and learn about the Waldorf education that Hartsbrook provides. 584-3198. www.hartsbrook.org Hadley, MA. (FREE)

10am-2pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: Tracks and Signs at Hopkins Forest. Identify tracks and explore winter ecology with Drew Jones and Leslie Reed-Evans. Dress for the weather. Pre-reg: 458-2494 www.wrlf.org Williamstown, MA (>$)

♦ 10am-2pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Folk band Bumblebee in Jug will be at the 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-3pm – WINTER TRAILS DAY: Activities at Notchview Reservation for annual Winter Trails Day. Cross-country ski lessons for all levels, clinics, snowshoe hike. Bring skis or rent in advance from your local ski shop. Snowshoes available on site. 684-0148www.ttor.orgWindsor, MA (FREE)

10:30am-1pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Springfield Winter Market happens at Forest Park. 2nd 7 4th Saturday of each month. http://www.buylocalfood.org Springfield, MA (MARKET)

11am – STORY & CRAFTS: Penguin Awareness Day. The Huntington Library will host a story hour and craft making on penguins. 667-3506 www.thehuntingtonpubliclibrary.org Huntington, MA (FREE)

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 (>$)

11:30am-1pm – SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS: Find out what the Springfield Public Schools have to offer at the Sixteen Acres Library (1187 Parker St.), Everything You Wanted to Know But Are Afraid to Ask. Register at www.springfieldparentacademy.comSpringfield, MA (FREE)

♦ 12:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Chow Time in the aquarium at the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.orgPittsfield, MA (FREE w/museum admission)

1pm – FAMILY CONCERT: The Eric Carle Museum will host The Royal Order of Chords and Keys (R.O.C.K.) in their auditorium. Amherst, MA ($)

1-7:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Opening Day Celebration for MC Escher: Seeing the Unseen at the Berkshire Museum (39 South St). Hands-on fun with drawing activities, the art of printmaking, Escher’s Animals, multimedia presentation and opening reception (5-7pm). 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.orgPittsfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)

1pm – THEATER: Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Bowker Auditorium. www.alsct.orgAmherst, MA ($)

♦ 1:30pm – KNITTING GROUP: Get-Together Knitting Bees at Norton Inn (across street from Elmer’s). Get cozy with other knitters next to a warm fire and enjoy 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 ($)

2pm – CULTURAL STUDIES: Music, Dance & Masks of Bali at the Berkshire Athenaeum. Bring the family to learn more about this exotic culture. 499-9480 www.pittsfieldlibrary.org Pittsfield, MA (FREE)

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

5-7pm – NATURE STUDIES: Owl Moon at Arcadia Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary (127 Combs Rd.). Shadow puppet presentation of Owl Moon by local author/illustrator, Jane Yolen. Walks at dark to look for owls follows. Hot cocoa. 584-3009 Easthampton, MA ($)

6pm – FAMILY DANCE: Ballet Soleil hosting their first ever Family Dance Night at 35 Main St. Get out of the house and have some family fun on a cold winter night. http://www.balletsoleil.com Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

7pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Boxcar Lillies performs at Elmer’s (396 Main St.). Dinner at 5pm. 628-4003 www.ElmersStore.comAshfield, MA ($$)

7pm – CONCERT – The Worthington Library’s “On the Same Page” program presents Sarah Stockwell-Arthen in concert Come to the heart of Worthington for a free winter evening of music and community! Refreshments will be served. Worthington Historical Society. Worthington, MA (FREE)

7-9:30pm – SING-A-LONG: Rise Up Singing Sing-a-long at Food for Thought Books Collective (106 North Pleasant St.). Join authors Peter Blook and Annie Patterson for this fundraiser for the collective. www.foodforthoughtbooks.com Amherst, MA (FUNDRAISER)

7:30pm – THEATER: Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Bowker Auditorium. www.alsct.orgAmherst, MA ($)

7:30-11:30pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Celebrate “The Aging of Aquarius” at the Northampton Center for the Arts. Retro food, cocktails, music, and attire. Cash bar. More info at www.nohoarts.org Northampton, MA (FUNDRAISER)

Sunday, January 23rd, 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 at www.valleyfreeradio.org.

1pm – THEATER: Amherst Leisure Services Community Theater presents The Wizard of Oz at the Bowker Auditorium. www.alsct.orgAmherst, MA ($)

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

1-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES:Winter Wildlife Day at Field Farm. Families are invited to enjoy the winter trails at Field Farm (554 Sloan Rd.), a historic and conservation property of The Trustees of Reservations. Toast marshmallows, enjoy warm beverages, build snow animals, track wildlife and identify plants in the winter. 298-3239 x3003 http://www.wrlf.org Williamstown, MA (FREE)

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 ($)

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 ($)

2-3:30pm – AFRICAN DANCE: Free Capoeira demonstration and workshop in the UMass Fine Arts Center Lobby. Omulu Guanabara Capoeira will demonstrate and conduct a workshop for kids 12yo+. Amherst, MA (FREE)

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

2:30pm – SUPPORT GROUP: Queer Non-Gestational Parent Group at Cradle. For new parents (w/kids 2yo & younger). Children welcome. 341-5282 www.cradlefamily.com Northampton, MA (FREE)

3pm – CONCERT: A House for the Homeless benefit concert at Edwards Church with music by Evelyn Harris, Art Steele Blues Band, David Kidwell and Mary Annarella, Delores Thayer, Pioneer Valley Gay Man’s Chorus. Northampton, MA (FUNDRAISER)

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 (>$)

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Monday, January 24th, 2011

(Register by today) On Saturday, January 29th from 10:30-11:30am – PLAY TIME: The Family Resource Center will offer a Cabin Fever Festival at the Haskins Center Gym. Many snow themed activities, including: build a bear cave; make an indoor snowball; decorate snowflakes; make hot cocoa mix; listen to winter songs and stories. Must register at 664-4821 by 1/24. North Adams, MA (FREE)

4-6pm in Charlemont: Senator Benjamin B. Dowing will be at the Charlemont Inn (107 Main St., Route2) for his first Coffee & Conversation event of the year. Parents are invited to participate in an open public forumn. www.senatordowning.com (FREE)

5:30pm in North Adams: Scott Noyes presents: Your Terrific Toddler. Discuss the complex development of toddlers and learn how to toilet train and diffuse temper tantrums. Child care available. Transportation available. Call to register: 664-4821. At the Haskins Center (210 State St.) (FREE)

5:30pm in Westhampton: Storytime at the library. (FREE)

6:30-8pm in Springfield: Springfield Parent Academy is offering the course, Every Child Ready to Read at Your Library. This course will focus on early literacy and parents will take home 6 skills every child needs to be ready to read and how the Springfield City Library can support their success. At the Springfield City Library Community Room (220 State St.). Register at www.springfieldparentacademy.com (FREE)

6:30 – 8:30pm in Westhampton: Grown in Westhampton. Westhampton is abundant with land for growing food. Come see a screening of Food, Inc. with Grown in Westhampton and participate in a discussion to follow. (FREE)

7pm in Northampton: Take your old kids and head to the Forbes Library for some laughter therapy! Laugh for the Health of It is a 60 minute program of laughter and fun, facilitated by certified Laughter Leaders, Trevor Smith and Mark Sherry. Open to all. 374-7671 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)

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 ($)

 

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Tuesday, January 25th, 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)

7-8pm in Williamsburg: A free discussion of the Nurtured Heart Approach to raising and teaching children with Gabrielli LaChiara, L.S.W. at the Anne T. Dunphy School.  All are welcomed. Free childcare provided on site. (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 ($)

 

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Wednesday, January 26th, 2011

9:30-10:30am in Cummington: Printmaking for kids 3-5yo at the Cummington Families Center (33 Main St.). Northampton artist Chaldea Emerson will guide children to learn basic relief printmaking techniques while safely “carving” a drawing into a piece of styrofoam, inking the image, and printing it onto colorful paper. No sharp objects will be used other than a pencil. For more info email: smackowiak@yahoo.com (FREE)

10:30am in Stockbridge: Kids Creat Preschool Art Program at the Norman Rockwell Museum. An interactive, hands-on experience for kids 2-5yo. 298-4100 www.nrm.org (>$)

5:30-8pm in Hadley: “Guiding Good Choices” parenting workshop to be held at the Hadley Elementary School (21 River Dr.). A 5-session, interactive workshop for families with kids 9-14yo. Childcare and transporation available. For more information, contact Berkshire Children & Families at 584-5690 x140. (FREE)

7pm in Northampton: “In Transition” will be screened at the Forbes Library Community Room. (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

• Chesterfield ♦ 10:15am: : Children’s story hour at the Chesterfield Public Library. 296-4735 (FREE)
• 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 ($)

 

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Thursday, January 27th, 2011

4pm in Stockbridge: Educators of grades K-12 are invited to an Open House and Reception hosted by the Garden’s Youth Education office at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. Educators are invited to visit the education building and new classroom, engage in an indoor garden-related activity, and become acquainted with the 2011 school programs and workshops offered at Berkshire Botanical Garden. 298-3926. (FREE)

NEXT THURSDAY (2/3): 6-7:30pm in Northampton: Join the Mountain Goat for the Winter Wonders Workshop, an information session on outdoor winter family fun. Learn what to do, where to go, what to bring… and how to have an adventure! Refreshments from River Valley Market provided. 586-0803. www.mountaingoatnorthampton.com.  (FREE)

6-8pm in Huntington: Teen Scrapbooking with Laurie Mikalunas at the Huntington Library. Bring in holiday photos and keepsakes and use free materials to put together your own scrapbook. Sign up: 667-3506 www.thehuntingtonpubliclibrary.org Huntington, MA (FREE)

7pm in Northampton: Attend the first of Northampton Recreation’s Youth Hoops Nights at Northampton High School. Watch the Northampton Blue Devils take on Longmeadow High School. Free for athletes who wear their Northampton Hoops t-shirts! 587-1040. http://www.northamptonma.gov. (>$)

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)

7pm in Ashfield: Franklin Hampshire PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) meet at the Congregational Church (Main St.). Open to all. 625-6636

7:30pm in Amherst: The 38-member troupe of dancers, musicians and singers performs “Bahian” folkloric dances of African origin that feature slave dances, capoeira, samba and carnival dances at the UMass Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. ($$)

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 ($)

 

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Friday, January 28th, 2011

8:30am-4:30pm in Northampton: Northampton schools are out for the day.  Join the Northampton Recreation at JFK Middle School’s aquatic and family centers for a day of fun! Special activities, games, arts and crafts, and swimming. Pre-registration required, grades 1-5. 587-1040. http://www.northamptonma.gov  ($$)

10-11:30am in Stockbridge: PreK craft time. Take part in an art-themed playgroup at IS183 (Art School of the Berkshires). Projects are open-ended and many fun and stimulating materials are provided! Playgroup is for Pre-K and K students and their caregivers. 298-5252. www.is183.org ($$$)

10am-12Noon in Huntington: Baby/Toddler Group at the Gateway Family Center. Assistance with transportation is available. Call Lee at the Worthington Health Center, 238-5511 x155, or Kim at the Gateway Family Center, 667-2203, for more information. (FREE)

4-4:45pm in Buckland: Animal adventures. Come meet the animals of Red Gate Farm and help the farmers with afternoon chores! Learn how to check for eggs and feed the animals, along with the other exciting activities that are part of farm life. 625-9503. www.redgatefarm.org (FREE)

5:30-9:30pm in Northampton: Family Fun Nights every Friday at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. Enjoy your favorite family Y activities, along with extended teen lounge hours, along with more open gym and pool time. Non-members welcome! 584-7086. http://www.hrymca.org  ($)

7pm in Hadley: Kim Payne presents work from his book, “Simplicity Parenting” at the Hartsbrook School. A workshop to accompany the lecture will take place on Saturday the 29th. 584-3198. www.hartsbrook.org Hadley, MA. ($)

7-9pm in Windsor: Moonlight skiing at Notchview Reservation. Call the Trustees of Reservations at 413-532-1631 x13 or email westregion@ttor.org for more information. ($)

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(>$)