Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 04/16/11-04/22/11
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
“Hilltown Families gives us lots of info about all the different happenings each week that I wouldn’t have otherwise known about. This has been an invaluable resource for us to get to cool events and to make connections with other local families. Thank you!” - Stacy Calabretta of Goshen, MA (Photo credit: Angie Gregory)
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.
SPONSORSHIP: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Hilltown Families has been serving & supporting our local community for over 5 years! Help us 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 enhanced publicity. 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
BEST BETS
On Saturday, April 16th from 1-3pm – GEOLOGY: Families are invited to take a walk at the Chesterfield Gorge , along the Westfield River, with professor Richard Little. Learn about the geology of the gorge and enjoy the outdoors! Rain date is 4/17. Meet for the walk in the Trustees of Reservations parking lot in Chesterfield. West Chesterfield, MA (FREE)
On Sunday, April 17th from 11am-4pm – EARTH FESTIVAL: Visit the Springfield Science Museum for the Earth Week Festival! Tons of special activities, including demonstrations on how to cast a fishing rod provided by the DFW Angler Education Program. There will also be giveaways and a bluegrass performance. 21 Edwards Street. 800-625-7738. Springfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Mark you calendars for the Hilltown Spring Festival on May 14th at the Cummington Fairgrounds, right in the heart of the Hilltowns!
Saturday, April 23rd at 3pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Explore Natural Glow, the Berkshire Museum’s hands-on program where kids can learn about naturally florescent minerals, lichens, and scorpions. Sponsored by the Northern Berkshire Mineral Club. 39 South Street. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
Sunday, April 24th from 2-4pm – FARM ADVENTURE: Winterberry Farm’s Lambs’ Open House. Visit newborn baby lambs, as well as (maybe) some baby rabbits, ducklings, and/or goslings. There will definitely be chicks! Donations will be collected for Right Sharing of World Resources. 21 Teawaddle Hill Road. 413-548-3940. Leverett, MA. (FUNDRAISER)
BULLETIN BOARD
MEDITATION FOR KIDS: Meditation Course for Children ages 8-12, Sun., May 8. Kids are invited to spend the day at the Vipassana Meditation Center in Shelburne attending a 1-day course. Day will start at 9am & include sessions in the meditation hall interspersed with games & activities, ending at 4:30pm. All courses at VMC are offered on a donation basis. To register/watch a video about children’s & teens’ courses: www.Dhara.Dhamma.org
PUPPET FESTIVAL: The Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton presents their 3rd annual Puppet Festival, April 18-21, 2011. The theater comes alive with story during school vacation week as puppets and marionettes take the stage all week (ages 4 and older). April 18th: The Woman Who Outshone the Sun, performed by Behind-the-Mask Puppets. April 19th: Jack and the Beanstalk performed by Spring Valley Puppet Theater. April 20th: Sleeping Beauty, performed by National Marionette Theatre. April 21st: Pinocchio, performed by the National Marionette Theatre. All shows begin at 10am and are 50 minutes long. Tickets are $5 and are available at the Academy Box Office, Tuesday-Friday from 3-6pm or by calling 584-9032 x105 or online at www.academyofmusictheatre.com.
BENEFIT CONCERT: Don’t miss Tracy Grammer & Jim Henry and The Nields, live in Shelburne Falls for The Academy at Charlemont‘s annual benefit concert! Sunday, April 17, 7 p.m. at Memorial Hall. Also featuring the debut of the astonishing student band Flapjack Overkill. Visit www.charlemont.org, or call the school at 413-339-4912. All proceeds will benefit The Academy’s scholarship fund.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Despite drought conditions last summer and early ice this winter, trout hatcheries in Massachusetts have produced enough trout to stock the state’s waters. Trout will be released throughout the beginning of April. For more information on trout stocking and a list of weekly activities, visit here or call the valley DFW office at 413-323-7632. Along with trout, the state’s waters will also be stocked with salmon this month. The salmon release process is more involved than that of trout and requires that fish be transferred by hand in buckets from trucks to waterways. For a list of dates and locations of salmon releases to volunteer at, click here or call 508-389-6331.
EARTH DAY: Celebrate Earth Day (April 22nd) with Transition Northampton by helping to create an Oil Memorial- a large structure made up of empty oil drums and covered in materials and products that oil is used to produce (glue, plastic bottles, shopping bags, candles, CDs, rope, lipstick, etc.). Families are encouraged to help out with creating the memorial– it is a great way to teach kids about what resources are used to create the products that they use on a daily basis. The Oil Memorial will be displayed at Pulaski Park in Northampton on Saturday, April 23rd, and families can bring items to contribute on that day. For more information, contact Bethany at webster.bethany08@gmail.com or Jamie at jpottern@gmail.com.
EARTH DAY: Northampton Public Schools are working together to create the world’s largest ball made from single-use shopping bags for Earth Day. The ball, which will be rolled through Northampton to Pulaski Park on April 23rd, is being created by students at all four elementary schools in Northampton, along with the high school’s Environmental Club. Students are working together to collect bags from their families, neighbors, and friends. The number of bags collected is being recorded and will be reported once the ball has been made. The goal of the project is to highlight the excessive amount of bags that shoppers use and to show how many non-biodegradable items could be saved if local shops went bag free.
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION: April’s Critter of the Month, designated by the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, is the New England Cottontail– Massachusetts’ only native rabbit! The New England Cottontail is currently a candidate to be designated as endangered, as it requires large spaces of thick underbrush in order to survive and only 5% of the state’s forested areas fit this description. The DFW is currently counting cottontail populations throughout the state, and if you are aware of cottontail populations near you, please alert the DFW by visiting here.
SCREEN FREE WEEK: Celebrate Screen Free Week from April 18th-24th. Advocated for by the Department of Public Health, Screen Free Week means exactly what its name implies- no screens for you or your kiddos for a whole week! (Except when you need to check Hilltown Families to find fun family events.) Children who spend excessive amounts of time in front of screens (television, computer, hand held game device, etc.) have higher rater of obesity, poor school performance, and attention problems- not to mention the fact that they take part in far less creative play. Find out more at www.screenfreeweek.org.
SATURDAY SPRING FARMERS’ MARKETS:
- 10am-2pm – AMHERST:Winter Farmers’ Market at Amherst Middle School (170 Chestnut St.).
- 10am-2pm – AMERHST: North Amherst Farmers’ Market happens a the Big Blue Barn at SwartzFamiy Farm (11 Meadow St.).
- 9am-2pm – NORTHAMPTON: Winter Farmers’ Market in the basement of Thornes through April 30th. Food, live music and art.
- 10:30am-1pm – SPRINGFIELD: Springfield Winter Market happens at Forest Park. 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month.
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW
Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am.
This week is a rebroadcast of David Weinstone from Music for Aardvarks and Other Mammals.
Listen Now
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, April 16th, 2011
8am-3:30pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURES: Head to Hadley for the UMass Livestock Classic! There will be petting zoos, arts and crafts, hay rides, Joshua the Camel, and raffles, as well as a chance to watch UMass students compete with their livestock. 111 North Maple Street. Hadley, MA. (FREE)
9am – WALK FOR PEACE: Take part in the Cave Hill Classic with your family. Participants can do either a five mile run or a two mile walk. The walk is a great walk to get out with the family while supporting the Leverett Peace Pagoda. Cave Hill Road. Leverett, MA. (FUNDRAISER)
10am – MOVIE: Images Cinema will screen the animated shorts nominated for Oscars this year. There are six movies contained in the hour and a quarter run time, and the collection is not rated. 50 Spring Street. 413-458-1039. Williamstown, MA. ($)
10-11:30am – PARENTING WORKSHOP: Nonotuck Community School presents a workshop lead by Sarah Getoff, MEd LMHC, entitled, “Assertiveness at All Ages: How to Teach Children Skills to Protect them for a Lifetime.” 221 Riverside Drive. 413-586-5996. Florence, MA. ($)
10-11:30am – NATURE STUDIES: Explore vernal pools at Laughing Brook with your family. Naturalist Kevin Kopchynski will lead kids in observing pools and looking for invertebrates, egg masses, amphibians, and reptiles. Pre-registration required. 739 Main Street. 413-584-3009. Hampden, MA. (>$)
10am-12noon – NATURE STUDIES: Explore vernal pools at Bartholomew’s Cobble. Learn to identify egg masses, fingernail clams, fairy shrimp, wood frogs, and salamanders. Be prepared to get wet and muddy, and please pre-register. 413-229-8600. Sheffield, MA. (>$)
10am-12noon – EGG HUNT: The Basketball Hall of Fame hosts the Easter Egg Extravaganza! Over 500 eggs will be hidden inside the Hall of Fame- come and find them. 1000 West Columbus Avenue. 413-781-6500. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
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-1pm – VOLUNTEER: Help clean up the gardens at the Great Falls Discovery Center for Massachusetts’ Park Serve Day. All ages welcome. 2 Avenue A. 413-863-3221. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
10am-2pm – TEEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Join Grow Food Northampton for the first work day at the Northampton Community Farm. The fields need to be cleared of rocks for spring plowing, so bring gloves, a spade, and a large bucket if you have any (or all) of those things! Ages 12 and older. Corner of Spring and Meadow Streets. Northampton, MA. (VOLUNTEER)
10am-2pm – EGG HUNT: Shaker Farms Country Club’s annual Easter egg hunt. Along with the egg hunt, there will be a raffle, games, and a visit from the Easter bunny (delivered by helicopter!). 866 Shaker Road. 413-568-4087. Westfield, MA. (FREE)
10am-4pm – HISTORY: Visit Historic Deerfield for a Patriots Day celebration. Learn about the history behind the holiday and “the shot heard ‘round the world.’ There will be a Revolutionary Muster and Parade, as well as other activities to keep families occupied all day. 84 Old Main Street. 413-774-5581. Deerfield, MA. (FREE)
10am-4pm – HEALTHY KIDS: The Pittsfield YMCA hosts Healthy Kids Day- there will be zumba, gymnastics, a scavenger hunt, face painting, and more! 292 North Street. 413-499-7650. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
10am-4pm – SHEEP SHEARING: Head to Hancock Shaker Village for sheep shearing demonstrations! 1843 West Housatonic Street. 413-443-0188. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
10am-5pm – ART FESTIVAL: The Paint and Pixel Festival will take place at the Northampton Center for the Arts. Meet creators of comics, graphic novels, picture books, and webcomics! 17 New South Street. 413-584-7327. Northampton, MA. (>$)
12noon-4pm – EASTER BUNNY: Meet the Easter bunny at Yankee Candle’s flagsip store! 5 North Street. 413-665-2077. Deerfield, MA. (FREE)
1pm – MEET THE AUTHOR: Children’s book author Jamie Michalak, a Springfield native, will be at the Mason Square Branch Library to read from some of her books, talk about growing up in Springfield, and share what becoming an author is like. 765 State Street. 413-263-6828. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
1pm – TEEN/TWEEN: Youth open mic at the newly opened Mason Square Branch Library. Ages 12-24 are invited to share poetry, music, comedy, stories, and dance. 765 State Street. 413-263-6828. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
11am – PUPPETS SHOW/WORKSHOP: Talking Hands Theater presents “A Surprising Helper” at ETTA Arts Studio! The show is fun and informative for kids and teaches them how to appropriately encounter service animals and those with disabilities. Puppet making workshop to follow. 534 Main Street. 413-253-0065. Amherst, MA. (>$)
1pm – FAMILY MOVIE: First Congregational Church in North Adams screens Twas the Night Before Easter. 134 Main Street. 413-663-9940. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
1:30-2:30pm – READING TO DOGS: Read to a specially trained dog! Kids in grades K-3 can work on reading and enhance their self esteem by sharing stories with pups. 6 Elm Street. 413-568-7833. Westfield, MA. (FREE)
1-4pm – TEEN/TWEEN: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts a workshop for teens on book making! Learn to design, assemble, and bind your own books using fine papers, fabrics, and other supplies. 9 Route 183. 413-298-4100. Stockbridge, MA. (>$)
♦ 2-4pm – CHESS: At the Forbes Library. Casual meets every Saturday the library is open. All competition levels are welcome. Drop in for part or all of the session. Bring your own set if you have one or use one of the library’s. 587-1011 www.forbeslibrary.orgNorthampton, MA (FREE)
4pm – LITERARY ADVENTURE: As part of Wee Read Berkshire County and the Week of the Young Child, the book SHOES will be read and distributed, followed by an art activity for kids at Morningside Elementary. 100 Burbank Street. 413-448-9690. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
5-7pm – MOVIE: Screening of Ponyo at Owl and Raven. Maplewood Shops. 413-341-3581 Northampton, MA (>$)
Sunday, April 17th, 2011
9am-1pm – FREE MARKET: 5th Annual Free Market at the Williston Northampton School. Bring unwated reusable items (at 8am) to athletic center to donate, and then shop amongst free stuff (or not). 413-529-3340 Easthampton, MA (FREE)
10am-4pm – SHEEP SHEARING: Head to Hancock Shaker Village for sheep shearing demonstrations! 1843 West Housatonic Street. 413-443-0188. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
11am-4pm – EARTH FESTIVAL: Visit the Springfield Science Museum for the Earth Week Festival! Tons of special activities, including demonstrations on how to cast a fishing rod provided by the DFW Angler Education Program. There will also be giveaways and a bluegrass performance. 21 Edwards Street. 800-625-7738. Springfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
12noon-4pm – EASTER BUNNY: Meet the Easter bunny at Yankee Candle’s flagsip store! 5 North Street. 413-665-2077. Deerfield, MA. (FREE)
1:30pm – VOLUNTEER: Volunteer to help clean up Greenfield’s Energy Park! 50 Miles Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
2-4pm – BIKE WEEK: Get free Bike Ambassador training at Studio Helix on the third floor of Thornes Marketplace. Bike Week starts April 18th, and this training will teach you how to be advocate for cycling in your community and will give opportunities for helping out with Bike Week activities. 150 Main Street. 413-584-9942. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
2-4pm – FAMILY CONCERT: Attend the Florence Community Band’s 10th anniversary concert at Northampton High School! 380 Elm Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE with donation of nonperishable food item)
5:30-7:30pm – PIZZA PARTY: Join the Springfield JCC for a pre-Passover pizza party! Aside from pizza, there will also be salad, dessert, music, and games. Tickets must be purchased in advance. 1160 Dickinson Street. 413-739-4715. Springfield, MA. ($)
Monday, April 18th, 2011
PATRIOTS’ DAY
10am – HEALTHY LIVING: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Multicultural Bridges,” a program that promotes literacy, healthy living, tolerance, and respect for the environment through reading, art, play, and storytelling. 9 Route 183. 413-298-4100. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
10am – PUPPETS: See “The Women Who Outshone the Sun” at the Academy of Music as part of the 2011 Puppet Festival! 274 Main Street. 413-584-9032. Northampton, MA. (>$)
12noon- HERITAGE: Head to the Wistariahurst Museum for a workshop on genealogy. Both kids and adults can learn from this workshop on tracing family identity. Fun games and activities! Pre-registration required. 238 Cabot Street. 413-322-5660. Holyoke, MA. (>$)
12noon-4:30pm – HISTORY: Visit Historic Deerfield to learn about the types of art created by schoolchildren 200 years ago! Try your hand at quillwork, an art form that uses curled strips of paper to create images. 84 Old Main Street. 413-774-5581. Deerfield, MA.
1pm – FAMILY THEATER: Creative Learning Programs present the “Recycle, Reduce, Reuse Magic Show” at the Springfield Museums. Learn about the importance of conservation through storytelling, music, comedy, and more! 21 Edwards Street. 413-263-6800. Springfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
1pm – PUPPETS: Just So Stories by CactusHead Puppets at the Eric Carle Museum. Three tales of mischief and magic that tell how some of your favorite animals came to be. Join us for silly adaptations of How the Camel Got His Hump, How the Rhino Got His Skin, and The Beginning of the Armadillos. 413-658-1100 Amherst, MA (>$)
1pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURE: The Berkshire Museum hosts Atka the wolf from the Wolf Conservation Center! Come see this misunderstood predator and learn all about wolves. Advance tickets recommended. 39 South Street. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA. (>$)
1-3pm – ILLUSTRATION: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Words and Pictures: Writing and Illustrating Classic Tales,” a workshop in which children 7 and up can look at illustrations in the museum galleries and then work on creating their own new illustrations for classic tales. 9 Route 183. 413-298-4100. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
Tuesday, April 19th, 2011
HAPPY PASSOVER
10am – PUPPETS: See “Jack and the Beanstalk” at the Academy of Music as part of the 2011 Puppet Festival! 274 Main Street. 413-584-9032. Northampton, MA. (>$)
10am – HEALTH: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Multicultural Bridges,” a program that promotes literacy, healthy living, tolerance, and respect for the environment through reading, art, play, and storytelling. 9 Route 183. 413-298-4100. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
11am-4pm – SPRING FUN: Head to Yankee Candle’s flagship store for special activities as part of the store’s Spring Fling week. There will be face painting, arts and crafts, magic shows, a scavenger hunt, balloon sculptures, and more! 5 North Street. 877-636-7707. Deerfield, MA. (FREE)
1pm – MUSIC: The Springfield Museums present Earth Rhythms, a program for kids by Roger Tincknell. The program teachers kids about traditional musical instruments and legends from around the world about conservation. 21 Edwards Street. 413-263-6800. Springfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
1pm – DANCE: Head to the Forest Park Branch Library for a performance from Cornell “Sugarfoot” Coley, who will provide a participatory song and dance show. 380 Belmont Avenue. 413-263-6843. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
1pm – PUPPETS: Just So Stories by CactusHead Puppets at the Eric Carle Museum. Three tales of mischief and magic that tell how some of your favorite animals came to be. Join us for silly adaptations of How the Camel Got His Hump, How the Rhino Got His Skin, and The Beginning of the Armadillos. 413-658-1100 Amherst, MA (>$)
12noon-4:30pm – HISTORY: Visit Historic Deerfield to learn about the types of art created by schoolchildren 200 years ago! Try your hand at quillwork, an art form that uses curled strips of paper to create images. 84 Old Main Street. 413-774-5581. Deerfield, MA.
1-3pm – ILLUSTRATION: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Words and Pictures: Writing and Illustrating Classic Tales,” a workshop in which children 7 and up can look at illustrations in the museum galleries and then work on creating their own new illustrations for classic tales. 9 Route 183. 413-298-4100. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
2-4pm – ORIGAMI: Learn to make origami flowers and butterflies at the Forest Park Branch Library’s drop-in afternoon activity. 380 Belmont Avenue. 413-263-6843. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
2-4pm – FAMILY GAMES: The Milne Public Library celebrates National Hanging Out Day with a family game afternoon! Bring your own games or use some of the library’s. 1095 Main Street. 413-458-5369. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
2-4:45pm – MOVIE: The Westfield Athanaeum will screen “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” as part of a three-day Narnia movie marathon. The movie is rated PG and is most likely best for older kids. 6 Elm Street. 413-568-7833. Westfield, MA. (FREE)
3pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Explore Natural Glow, the Berkshire Museum’s hands-on program where kids can learn about naturally florescent minerals, lichens, and scorpions. Sponsored by the Northern Berkshire Mineral Club. 39 South Street. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
5:30-7:30pm – PARENT SEMINAR: Attend a workshop called “Challenging Behaviors” at the Greenfield Family Center. Learn about the cognitive, social and emotional development of young childre! Free childcare, dinner, and transportation if needed. 90 Federal Street. 413-475-1554. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
6pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center screens Black Beauty! 14 Castle Street. 413-528-0100. Great Barrington, MA. ($)
6:30pm – COMMUNITY PASSOVER SEDER: Owl and Raven hosts a family friendly community seder. A welcoming space for stragglers and wanderers who don’t have Pesach plans. Maplewood Shops. 413-341-3581 Northampton, MA (>$)
Wednesday, April 20th, 2011
10am – PUPPETS: See “Sleeping Beauty” at the Academy of Music as part of the 2011 Puppet Festival! 274 Main Street. 413-584-9032. Northampton, MA. (>$)
10am – HEALTH: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Multicultural Bridges,” a program that promotes literacy, healthy living, tolerance, and respect for the environment through reading, art, play, and storytelling. 9 Route 183. 413-298-4100. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
11am- FOSSILS: Head to the Lenox Library for a workshop with fossil hunter Paulette Morin who will introduce kids to the wonders of fossils! Appropriate for kids between the ages of 4 and 12. 18 Main Street. 413-637-0197. Lenox, MA (FREE)
11am-4pm – SPRING FUN: Head to Yankee Candle’s flagship store for special activities as part of the store’s Spring Fling week. There will be face painting, arts and crafts, magic shows, a scavenger hunt, balloon sculptures, and more! 5 North Street. 877-636-7707. Deerfield, MA. (FREE)
1pm – PUPPETS: Just So Stories by CactusHead Puppets at the Eric Carle Museum. Three tales of mischief and magic that tell how some of your favorite animals came to be. Join us for silly adaptations of How the Camel Got His Hump, How the Rhino Got His Skin, and The Beginning of the Armadillos. 413-658-1100 Amherst, MA (>$)
1pm – PUPPETS: Otter and Moo Puppet Theater present Otter and Moo Save the Earth at Springfield Museums for Earth Week! 21 Edwards Court. 413-263-6800. Springfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
1-3pm – ILLUSTRATION: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Words and Pictures: Writing and Illustrating Classic Tales,” a workshop in which children 7 and up can look at illustrations in the museum galleries and then work on creating their own new illustrations for classic tales. 9 Route 183. 413-298-4100. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
1-4pm – TEEN/TWEEN: The Milne Public Library hosts a songwriting workshop called “Crank up the Volume.” Singer and songwriter Bernice Lewis will be facilitating the workshop, which is designed to help teens and tweens work on their musical talents. Bring your favorite instrument! 1095 Main Street. 413-458-5369. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
1:30pm – COMEDY: Head to the Pine Point Branch Library for “I Ate My Sister”- comedy and storytelling with Mark Binder. 204 Boston Road. 413-263-6855. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
2-5pm – LEGOS: The Dickinson Memorial Library will hold kids Lego time today! 115 Main Street. 413-498-2455. Northfield, MA. (FREE)
3pm – RHYTHM WORKSHOP: Head to the Indian Orchard Branch Library for a workshop called, “Plena Music is for Everyone” in which participants will learn basic Caribbean rhythms of bomba and plena from musician Samuel Cordero. 44 Oak Street. 413-263-6846. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
3pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Explore Natural Glow, the Berkshire Museum’s hands-on program where kids can learn about naturally florescent minerals, lichens, and scorpions. Sponsored by the Northern Berkshire Mineral Club. 39 South Street. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
3-5pm – BUTTERFLIES: Butterfly Madness at the Indian Orchard Branch Library! Stop in for crafts, door prizes, and more. 44 Oak Street. 413-263-6846. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
3:30pm – COMEDY: Head to the East Forest Park Branch Library for jokes and stories from Mark Binder. 122 Island Pond Road. 413-263-6838. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
3:45pm – AMERICAN GIRLS: American Girl Club at East Springfield Branch Library. Get together with girls aged 7-12 to discuss the American Girl books and learn about the historical events they teach about through crafts and other activities! Pre-registration required. 21 Osborne Terrace. 413-263-6840. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
5pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center screens Happy Feet! 14 Castle Street. 413-528-0100. Great Barrington, MA. ($)
6:30pm – DOCUMENTARY: Forbes Library will screen Waiting for Superman, a documentary released in 2010 about American public education. The movie has sparked a relatively large movement called Not Waiting for Superman as a response to the film’s claims. 20 West Street. 413-587-1011. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
6:30pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURE: Creature Teachers visits the Sunderland Public Library with eight exotic rainforest animals! Kids of all ages are invited to meet the creatures and learn about the habitat that they inhabit. 20 School Street. 413-665-2642. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)
Thursday, April 21st, 2011
10am – PUPPETS: See “Pinocchio” at the Academy of Music as part of the 2011 Puppet Festival! 274 Main Street. 413-584-9032. Northampton, MA. (>$)
10am – HEALTH: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Multicultural Bridges,” a program that promotes literacy, healthy living, tolerance, and respect for the environment through reading, art, play, and storytelling. 9 Route 183. 413-298-4100. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
11am – PUPPETS: Pinnochio and Friends Puppets for Preschoolers at the Sixteen Acres Branch Library! The show includes three different stories. 1187 Parker Street. 413-263-6858. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
11am – FAMILY THEATER: The Berkshire Museum hosts “Kids Love Broadway,” a show of songs and scenes from kids’ favorite musicals- everything from “The Lion King” to “Wicked.” The show will be performed by the Berkshire Children’s Theater. 39 South Street. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
1pm – PUPPETS: Just So Stories by CactusHead Puppets at the Eric Carle Museum. Three tales of mischief and magic that tell how some of your favorite animals came to be. Join us for silly adaptations of How the Camel Got His Hump, How the Rhino Got His Skin, and The Beginning of the Armadillos. 413-658-1100 Amherst, MA (>$)
12noon-4:30pm – HISTORY: Visit Historic Deerfield to learn about the types of art created by schoolchildren 200 years ago! Try your hand at quillwork, an art form that uses curled strips of paper to create images. 84 Old Main Street. 413-774-5581. Deerfield, MA.
1-3pm – ILLUSTRATION: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Words and Pictures: Writing and Illustrating Classic Tales,” a workshop in which children 7 and up can look at illustrations in the museum galleries and then work on creating their own new illustrations for classic tales. 9 Route 183. 413-298-4100. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
2:30-4pm – CRAFTS: Create your own fairy or wizard house at the Sixteen Acres Branch Library! Materials are things collected from nature, such as sticks, leaves, bark, stones, shells, etc. 1187 Parker Street. 413-263-6858. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
3pm – RHYTHM WORKSHOP: Plena Music is for Everyone at the Brightwood Branch Library! Learn the rhythms of bambo and plena music from the Caribbean with musician Samuel Cordero. 359 Plainfield Street. 413-263-6805. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
3pm – MOVIE: Images Cinema will screen the animated shorts nominated for Oscars this year! There are six movies contained in the hour and a quarter run time, and the collection is not rater. 50 Spring Street. 413-458-1039. Williamstown, MA. ($)
3:30-4:30pm – READING ADVENTURE: Head to the Greenfield Public Library for Kids’ Reading Club! Kids aged 7-9 are invited to come and enjoy books chosen by participants. At the end of the meeting, books for the next month’s meeting will be chosen! 402 Main Street. Call to confirm: 413-772-1544. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
6pm – FAMILY MOVIE: The Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center screens the Marx Brothers’ Animal Crackers! 14 Castle Street. 413-528-0100. Great Barrington, MA. ($)
Friday, April 22nd, 2011
HAPPY EARTH DAY
10am – HEALTH: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Multicultural Bridges,” a program that promotes literacy, healthy living, tolerance, and respect for the environment through reading, art, play, and storytelling. 9 Route 183. 413-298-4100. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
11am- PUPPETS: See “Father Goose’s Tales,” a shadow puppet presentation, at the Sunderland Library! The story is about a day when Mother Goose leaves Father Goose to do her work- even storytelling! Unfortunately, he can’t get any of the stories right. 20 School Street. 413-665-2642. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)
11am – FAMILY THEATER: The Berkshire Museum hosts “Kids Love Broadway,” a show of songs and scenes from kids’ favorite musicals- everything from “The Lion King” to “Wicked.” The show will be performed by the Berkshire Children’s Theater. 39 South Street. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
11am-4pm – EARTH DAY: Celebrate Earth Day at the Yankee Candle Flagship store. Activities throughout the day include face painting, arts and crafts, balloon sculptures, a scavenger hunt, and a visit from the Easter bunny! 5 North Street. 877-636-7707. Deerfield, MA. (FREE)
12noon-4:30pm – HISTORY: Visit Historic Deerfield to learn about the types of art created by schoolchildren 200 years ago! Try your hand at quillwork, an art form that uses curled strips of paper to create images. 84 Old Main Street. 413-774-5581. Deerfield, MA.
1pm – PUPPETS: Just So Stories by CactusHead Puppets at the Eric Carle Museum. Three tales of mischief and magic that tell how some of your favorite animals came to be. Join us for silly adaptations of How the Camel Got His Hump, How the Rhino Got His Skin, and The Beginning of the Armadillos. 413-658-1100 Amherst, MA (>$)
1pm – GARDENING: Head to the Berkshire Museum for Guerilla Gardening, a presentation about native plants and invasive species to celebrate Earth Day! Make a seed dumpling to plant in your garden or in the woods on your next hike. Reservations required. 39 South Street. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
1-6pm – GAMES: Dickinson Public Library hosts an afternoon of games in honor of school vacation week! 115 Main Street. 413-498-2455. Northfield, MA. (FREE)
1:30pm – STORYTELLING: Storyteller Tammy Denease will bring to life the story of Elizabeth “Mum Bett” Freeman, a courageous woman for whom freedom was everything. There is a lot to learn from this story! 21 Osborne Terrace. 413-263-6840. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
2-4pm – TEEN/TWEEN: The Milne Public Library hosts Game Day! Bring your favorite game(s) and/or your favorite friend(s), or borrow some games from the library. 1095 Main Street. 413-458-5369. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
2:30-4pm – CRAFTS: Make your own fairy or wizard house at the Pine Point Branch Library! Use materials found in nature such as bark, sticks, leaves, shells, sand, etc. 204 Boston Road. 413-263-6855. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
3pm – GARDENING: Head to the Berkshire Museum for Guerilla Gardening, a presentation about native plants and invasive species to celebrate Earth Day! Make a seed dumpling to plant in your garden or in the woods on your next hike. Reservations required. 39 South Street. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
3pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Explore Natural Glow, the Berkshire Museum’s hands-on program where kids can learn about naturally florescent minerals, lichens, and scorpions. Sponsored by the Northern Berkshire Mineral Club. 39 South Street. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
