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.

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. — Help us help you!

BEST BETS

Saturday, May 28th from 1-5pm – RIVERFEST: Head to Williamstown for the 20th Annual Riverfest!  Celebrate the Hoosic River and life in its watershed.  There will be river raft rides, an art walk, crafts for kids, live music, pony rides, local food vendors, a rubber duck derby, raffles, and much more!  The festvities will take place at Cole Field.  Stetson Road.  413-458-2742.  Williamstown, MA.  (>$, FREE)

All Weekend & Memorial Day from 9am-5pm – SHEEP & WOOLCRAFT FAIR: Head to Cummington for the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair! There will be shearing demonstrations, wool spinning, sheep herding demonstrations, workshops on dying and spinning for kids, weaving, and much more! 97 Fairgrounds Road. Cummington, MA.

… and from 10am-6pm – CULTURAL BAZAAR: The Cultural Survival Bazaar, an international festival of native arts and culture, happens on the Amherst Common. Artisans, music, demos, educational displays, Native American storytelling, ethnic cuisine and much more. Amherst, M (FREE ENTRANCE)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, June 4th from in the Valley from 10am-2pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Celebrate the Fort River with a community canoe trip and a ducky race!  There will be discovery stations along the way where you can learn about the aquatic life that calls the river home.  The adventure starts at Kiwanis Field.  Stanley Street.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE)

Also on Saturday, June 4th from 10am-4pm in the Berkshires – FAMILY FUN DAY: Visit the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for Family Fun Day!  There will be live music, puppet shows, animals, crafts, nature walks, food vendors, a plant sale, and more!  472 West Mountain Road.  413-637-0320.  Lenox, MA.  (FREE)

Then on Sunday, June 5th from 9am-12noon in the Hilltowns – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Go on a community nature hike at the Bullitt Reservation.  Now that the rain has stopped, the woods and fields are busting with new life- check it out!  332 Bullitt Road.  413-531-1631.  Ashfield, MA.  (FREE)

BULLETIN BOARD

ADVENTURES IN CHINESE: June 20- July 1, 2011. New at The Bement School in Deerfield, campers ages 5-12 years can participate in activities designed to build vocabulary and confidence in speaking Mandarin Chinese. Campers will gain a better understanding of Chinese art, culture and tradition. Highlights include: Chinese food, Chinese stories and songs, brush painting and calligraphy, ancient Chinese culture and history, Chinese hand-drawing animations. For more information call 413-475-3044 www.bement.org/summer. Services include: round-trip van transportation (Hadley, Northampton, Amherst), extended day and bag lunches.

ADVENTURE CAMP: Four two-week sessions, June 20-August 12, 2011. The Bement School Summer Programs in Deerfield offer a preschool program and adventure day camp for boys and girls ages 15 months to 15 years. Adventure Camp provides a traditional day camp experience. Your child will participate in many activities to make his or her summer a memorable one. At the same time, parents can enjoy peace of mind knowing their child is in a safe and caring place. A sibling discount is available for siblings who enroll in multiple sessions. For information call 413-475-3044  www.bement.org/summer. Services include: round-trip van transportation (Hadley, Northampton, Amherst), extended day and bag lunches.
IRISH DANCE: Irish Dance Camp / Evening Lessons / Fiddle Lessons: Join in the fun of the jigs and reels this summer with The Celtic Heels School of Irish Dance in Greenfield, MA! Camp 1: 6/27-6/30 for ages 4-6 from 9-10:30am ($55); ages 7-8 from 9am-12noon ($110); and ages 9+ from 9am-2pm ($180). Camp 2: For experienced dancers. Camp 3: 7/8-7/10 for ages 7-8 from 9am-12noon ($85); and ages 9+ from 9am-2pm ($135).  There is also a 6 week evening lesson workshop beginning the end of July. Class openings still available for ages 4-Adult in both soft shoe and hard shoe. Fiddle lessons will be held on Mondays on a first come first serve basis. For more information visit http://www.CelticHeelsDance.com

Candy Bird Laflam writes, “Softball season is upon us! Goshen women’s softball team still has a few spaces left on their roster if you would like to play. Women league, plays Tuesday and Thursday nights. June 19 to August 8 is the season. If you can’t play, then come support your local team!! Ashfield, Williamsburg, Goshen, Conway & Shelburn!! Opening tournament is Sunday, June 19th at the Cummington Field (main street). Come on by!!!!”

Rochelle Wildfong writes, “The Meekins Library (2 Williams St.) in Williamsburg is hosting an exhibition from May 26 – June 18 of Peace Posters made by the present 6th  class at the Anne T. Dunphy Elementary School for the Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Competition. The local finalist chosen to represent the school was Marlena Schlerman.  Each year, Lions clubs around the world sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest in local schools and youth groups. This Contest encourages young people worldwide to artistically express their visions of peace. During the last 20 years, more than four million children from nearly 100 countries have participated in the contest. The theme of the 2011-12 Peace Poster Contest is  “Vision of Peace.””

OPEN-AIR MARKET: Every weekend through October, there is an open-air market in Easthampton. It takes place at the former Fedor Pontiac dealership- there are amazing views of Mt. Tom!  The market has everything from tag sale tables to food from local farms, and there will also always be antiques, collectibles, arts and crafts, and more.  The wide variety of offerings provides fun for the whole family. The market is an opportunity for community interaction and is a chance for local people to share their goods and services with neighbors- visit the market to find out what the community has to offer!  The market takes place from 7am-2pm.  More information is available at www.easthamptonflea.com.

TEEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Become a volunteer at the Zoo in Forest Park!  There are opportunities to do everything from caring for animals to giving tours of the zoo.  Right now, there is especially need for volunteers to help with landscaping and gardening.  There are also internships available for high school and college students that allow students to learn about animals while also conducting an independent project.  Also, teens aged 14-17 are invited to be Zoo Ambassadors!  Ambassadors will conduct hands-on animal presentations, run interactive stations, and create interpretive elements for learning about animals- in general, an ambassador’s goal is to create fun educational experiences for visitors.  For more information and an application, visit.  A volunteer application is available at www.forestparkzoo.org/volunteer.

EASTHAMPTON FAMILY CENTER: The Easthampton Family Center will be holding its June playgroups at the lower playground at Nonotuck Park in Easthampton on Tuesday and Friday mornings.  In case of rain, playgroups will take place at the center’s usual Main Street location (at Flywheel).  During July and August, parents can meet for playgroup at 10am every Tuesday at Nonotuck Park!  In case of rain, there will be no indoor location- playgroups will be rescheduled for Friday at the same time and place.  For more information about the center, visit www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org.

HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW

Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am.  Families have several ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:

• Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday & Sunday mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio.
• On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA.
• Podcast: Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too!

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WEEKLY LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS

Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday

Suggest an Event | Forecast | Free Museum Passes | Playgroups & Family Centers | Farmers’ Markets | Listen Here | Pick Your Own | Movies in the Valley | Movies in the Berkshires | Donate to HF | Weekly eNewsletter

Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events

Saturday, May 28th, 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.

8am – TAG SALE: Visit the Hardwick Winery for a gigantic community tag sale, followed by live music, food, and wine tastings!  3306 Greenwich Road.  413-967-7763.  Hardwick, MA.  (FREE)

8am-5pm – GARDENING: Help the Bullitt Reservation plant the first round of perennials.  Learn all about hardy, native plants that are great for landscaping.  332 Bullitt Road.  413-628-4485.  Ashfield, MA. (FREE)

9am-3pm – TAG SALE: Take part in the Otis Cultural Council’s annual tag sale at the Otis Ridge Ski Slope. BYO table.  159 West Otis Road.  Otis, MA.  (FREE)

9am-5pm – SHEEP: Head to Cummington for the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair!  There will be shearing demonstrations, wool spinning, sheep herding demonstrations, workshops on dying and spinning for kids, weaving, and much more!  97 Fairgrounds Road.  Cummington, MA.

9am-5pm – FISH: Visit the Turners Falls Fishway to observe migratory fish during their upstream journey for spawning through underwater viewing windows!  Located behind Town Hall. 1 Avenue A.  413-659-3714.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

9:30am-5pm – HISTORY: It’s Wool Days at Old Sturbridge Village!  Learn all about how sheep are shorn and how their fleece is turned into wool for clothes- 19th century style.  There weill also be carriage rides, angora rabbit fleece demonstrations, games of marbles, a concert or two, tours, and more!  1 Old Sturbridge Village Road.  800-SEE-1830.  Sturbridge, MA. ($)

10am-1pm – COMMUNITY BIKE RIDE: Pittsfield Parks and Recreation invites families to meet at the Controy Pavilion at Burbank Park for a community bike ride. Registration from 9-9:45am, and the a leisurely, scenic bike ride begins at 10am. Pedal with your whole family to the Pittsfield State Forest and back (or along the lake within the park). Pittsfield, MA

10am-6pm – CULTURAL BAZAAR: Head to Amherst for the Cultural Survival Bazaar!  The festival is a celebration of native arts and culture from all over the world and features international artisans, products, and performers.  Proceeds support Cultural Survival’s work worldwide.  Boltwood Avenue.  617-441-5400.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE)

10:30am & 11:30am – SCIENCE: Take part in hands-on (simple) chemistry experiments at the Westfield Athenaeum!  6 Elm Street.  413-562-6158.  Westfield, MA.  (FREE)

11am-2pm – GAMES: Celebrate National Backyard Games week at the Huntington Public Library by playing some games on the back lawn!  7 East Main Street.  413-667-3506.  Huntington, MA.  (FREE)

12noon-4:30pm – HISTORY: Visit Historic Deerfield to learn about the importance of sewing and mending in early New England times.  Make your own sewing kit, called, “A Housewife” to take home with you.  84 Old Main Street.  413-774-5581.  Deerfield, MA.  (FREE with museum admission)

1pm & 3pm- FAMILY THEATER: See Bric-A-Brac’s performance of, “Daddy, What If?”  The show is an adaptation of Shel Silverstein’s poetry.  Active audience participation will be encouraged!  125 West Bay Road.  413-658-1100.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE with museum admission)

1-5pm – RIVERFEST: Head to Williamstown for the 20th Annual Riverfest!  Celebrate the Hoosic River and life in its watershed.  There will be river raft rides, an art walk, crafts for kids, live music, pony rides, local food vendors, a rubber duck derby, raffles, and much more!  The festvities will take place at Cole Field.  Stetson Road.  413-458-2742.  Williamstown, MA.  (>$, FREE)

1:30pm – ORIGAMI: Learn basic origami techniques at the Lenox Library and help out with a paper crane folding project for Japan!  18 Main Street.  413-637-0197.  Lenox, MA.  (FREE)

4pm – FAMILY MUSICAL: Shiprock and Anchordog, an original musical collaboration between local children and artists from around the Pioneer Valley incorporating live music, dance and puppetry. Picnic dinner included.  81 Rocky Hill Rd. Hadley, MA ($, UNDER 4 FREE)

6-8pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Visit Owl and Raven for Family Movie Night!  This week’s movie is Monsters, Inc.  Popcorn, tea, and hot chocolate included!  Conz Street.  413-341-3581.  Northampton, MA.  (>$)

7pm – FAMILY THEATER: See My Fair Lady, performed by students at McCann Technical School, at the Minerva Arts Center.  1288 Massachusetts Avenue.  413-346-4502.  North Adams, MA.  ($)

7pm – THEATER: See Ashfield Community Theater’s performance of Our Town at the Ashfield Town Hall!  412 Main Street.  413-628-4574.  Ashfield, MA.  ($)

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Sunday, May 29th, 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.

8am – TAG SALE: Visit the Hardwick Winery for a gigantic community tag sale, followed by live music, food, and wine tastings!  3306 Greenwich Road.  413-967-7763.  Hardwick, MA.  (FREE)

8am-5pm – GARDENING: Help the Bullitt Reservation plant the first round of perennials!  Learn all about hardy, native plants that are great for landscaping.  332 Bullitt Road.  413-628-4485.  Ashfield, MA. (FREE)

9am-5pm – FISH: Visit the Turners Falls Fishway to observe migratory fish during their upstream journey for spawning through underwater viewing windows!  Located behind Town Hall. 1 Avenue A.  413-659-3714.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

9am-4pm – SHEEP: Head to Cummington for the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair!  There will be shearing demonstrations, wool spinning, sheep herding demonstrations, workshops on dying and spinning for kids, weaving, and much more!  97 Fairgrounds Road.  Cummington, MA.

9:30am-5pm – HISTORY: It’s Wool Days at Old Sturbridge Village!  Learn all about how sheep are shorn and how their fleece is turned into wool for clothes- 19th century style.  There weill also be carriage rides, angora rabbit fleece demonstrations, games of marbles, a concert or two, tours, and more!  1 Old Sturbridge Village Road.  800-SEE-1830.  Sturbridge, MA. ($)

10am-5pm – CLASSIC CARS: Have kids who are bonkers over anything with wheels? Take them to the annual Classic and Antique Car Show at Chesterwood!  There will be local food vendors, and attendees can tour the historic home and studio, gardens, and woods!  Kids under 18 get in for free.  4 Williamsville Road.  413-298-4579.  Stockbridge, MA  ($)

10am-6pm – CULTURAL BAZAAR: Head to Amherst for the Cultural Survival Bazaar!  The festival is a celebration of native arts and culture from all over the world and features international artisans, products, and performers.  Proceeds support Cultural Survival’s work worldwide.  Boltwood Avenue.  617-441-5400.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE)

10am-5pm – TRACTORS: Head to Hadley for the annual Antique Tractor Show!  See the area’s best antique tractors, as well as other tractors from around New England.  There will also be a farmer’s market, live music, pony rides, a petting zoo, and much more!  The event is a benefit for the Hampshire and Berkshire 4H Dairy groups.  138 East Street.  Hadley, MA.  (FREE)

12noon-4:30pm – HISTORY: Visit Historic Deerfield to learn about the importance of sewing and mending in early New England times.  Make your own sewing kit, called, “A Housewife” to take home with you.  84 Old Main Street.  413-774-5581.  Deerfield, MA.  (FREE with museum admission) 

1pm & 3pm – FAMILY THEATER: See Bric-A-Brac’s performance of, “Daddy, What If?”  The show is an adaptation of Shel Silverstein’s poetry.  Active audience participation will be encouraged!  125 West Bay Road.  413-658-1100.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE with museum admission)

1pm –  THEATER: See Ashfield Community Theater’s performance of Our Town at the Ashfield Town Hall!  412 Main Street.  413-628-4574.  Ashfield, MA.  ($)

2pm – BASEBALL: See the Pittsfield Colonials take on the Rockland Boulders at Waconah Park!  105 Wahconah Street.  413-236-2961.  Pittsfield, MA.  ($)

4pm – FAMILY MUSICAL: Shiprock and Anchordog, an original musical collaboration between local children and artists from around the Pioneer Valley incorporating live music, dance and puppetry. Picnic dinner included.  81 Rocky Hill Rd. Hadley, MA ($, UNDER 4 FREE)

8:30pm – DRIVE IN: There’s no school tomorrow!  Take the family to see Pirates of Caribbean, followed by Thor, at the Northfield Drive In!  Both movies are rated PG-13.  981 Northfield Road.  603-239-4054.  Hinsdale, NH.  ($)

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Monday, May 30th, 2011

Happy Memorial Day!

8am-3pm – TAG SALE: Big-Ass Yard Sale at The Inn at Norton Hill (across street from Elmer’s). Ashfield, MA (SALE)

8am – TAG SALE: Visit the Hardwick Winery for a gigantic community tag sale, followed by live music, food, and wine tastings!  3306 Greenwich Road.  413-967-7763.  Hardwick, MA.  (FREE)

10am: PARADE: Memorial Day Parade in Westfield, beginning on North Elm St.  Parade ends at Parker’s Memorial Park (across from South Middle School) and their will be a community BBQ to follow. Westfield, MA (FREE, FOOD >$)

10am-6pm – CULTURAL BAZAAR: Head to Amherst for the Cultural Survival Bazaar!  The festival is a celebration of native arts and culture from all over the world and features international artisans, products, and performers.  Proceeds support Cultural Survival’s work worldwide.  Boltwood Avenue.  617-441-5400.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE)

PARADE: Main Street. Ashfield, MA (FREE)

10am – PARADE: Main Street. Florence, MA (FREE)

11am-12noon – PARADE: Attend South Hadley’s Memorial Day Parade!  The festivities begin at South Hadley High School and end at Town Hall.  Following the parade is a catered reception at St. Patrick’s Church Recreation Center.  Newton Street.  South Hadley, MA.  (FREE)

12noon – PARADE: Attend the Lenox Memorial Day parade and have a free picnic afterwards at the town community center!  65 Walker Street.  Lenox, MA.  (FREE)

12noon – PICNIC: Head to Buttery Brook Park for a Memorial Day picnic following the South Hadley parade!  Celebrate the opening day of the park as well as additions to the playground with free cake!  10 Industrial Drive.  413-538-5038.  South Hadley, MA.  (FREE)

1pm – PARADE: Visit Plainfield for the annual Memorial Day parade!  The parade features the American Legion color gaurd,  town officials, veterans, and more!  Anyone is invited to participate- all you have to do is be 15 minutes early for the parade and gather at the Town Hall.  Route 116.  Plainfield, MA.  (FREE)

6-8pm – SWIMMING: Free swim time for families at the Gerena School!  Anypne under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.  200 Birnie Avenue.  413-750-2159.  Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

2pm – BASEBALL: See the Pittsfield Colonials take on the Rockland Boulders at Waconah Park!  105 Wahconah Street.  413-236-2961.  Pittsfield, MA.  ($)

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Tuesday, May 31st, 2011

EASTHAMPTON FAMILY CENTER: The Easthampton Family Center will be holding its June playgroups at the lower playground at Nonotuck Park in Easthampton on Tuesday and Friday mornings.  In case of rain, playgroups will take place at the center’s usual Main Street location (at Flywheel).  During July and August, parents can meet for playgroup at 10am every Tuesday at Nonotuck Park!  In case of rain, there will be no indoor location- playgroups will be rescheduled for Friday at the same time and place.  For more information about the center, visit www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org.

NORTHAMPTON PARENTS CENTER: The NPC will have informal playdates this summer at area parks from 9:30-11:30am.  Families from the center will be meeting at Bridge Street School playground on Tuesdays and Look Park‘s playgroupnd (next to Dow Pavillion) on Thursdays. All are welcomed. No official snack time or circle time, just casual play with other families from the NPC. .

(Now that the summer months are approaching, call to confirm ongoing activities before heading out. Have new summer hours/location you want to share? Click HERE to email updates.)

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)
• 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)
• 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)
• Goshen ♦ 10:30-11:30am: Mommy & Me yoga storytelling class at Prakasa Yoga Studio. 152 Ball Rd. 413-268-7151
• 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)
• 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)
• Chicopee ♦ 5-7:15pm: Grandparents as Parents at the Chicopee Senior Center (7 Valley View Ct.). Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month. 534-3698 (FREE)
• Leverett ♦ 7:30-9pm: MOCAI’s Women’s Circle at the Quaker Meeting House (Long Plain Rd.) Weekly drop-in circle for women of color. Circles host a range of activities to suport and build community, with monthly guest facilitators. Babies in arms welcomed. No childcare. http://www.mocai.org (FREE)
• North Adams ♦ 10am: Berkshire Nursing Families at the Haskin Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
• Northampton ♦ 10:15-12:15am: MotherWoman Postpartum Support Group at the Community Action Building (56 Vernon St.). Confidential drop-in group for mothers of infants and babies up to one year old who are experiencing a challenging postpartum time. Expectant mothers welcome. Free childcare up to four years old. 253-8990 wwwmotherwoman.org (FREE)
• Northampton ♦ 1-3pm: New Mothers Circle at Cradle. 341-5282 www.cradlefamily.com (FREE)

OTHER TUESDAY ONGOING

• 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 ($)
• Huntington ♦ 9:30-11:30am: School Readiness Program at the Gateway Family Center. 667.2203 www.hchcweb.org (FREE)
• Pittsfield ♦ 12:30pm: Chow Time in the aquarium at 12:30pm at the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org (FREE w/museum admission)
• Springfield ♦ 10:45am-12:35pm: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)

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Wednesday, June 1st, 2011

9am-5pm – FISH: Visit the Turners Falls Fishway to observe migratory fish during their upstream journey for spawning through underwater viewing windows!  Located behind Town Hall. 1 Avenue A.  413-659-3714.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

6pm – FIREFLIES: Older students are invited to learn about the “Secret Life of Fireflies” with Don Salvatore from Boston’s Museum of Science. Learn the secrets of their behavior and learn how you can be involved as a citizen scientist by participating in research with these insects. 413-743-1591 Bascom Lodge at Mt. Greylock State Reservation. Adams, MA (FREE)

6pm –PLANT SWAP: Visit the Wistariahurst Museum to swap plants with other gardeners!  Be sure to bring plants to swap and your own comfy chair.  238 Cabot Street.  413-322-5660.  Holyoke, MA.  (>$)

6-8pm – SWIMMING: Free swim time for families at the Gerena School!  Anypne under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.  200 Birnie Avenue.  413-750-2159.  Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

6pm – CARNIVAL: Dalton Carnival at the American Legion Field. Route 9. Dalton, MA (>$)

(Now that the summer months are approaching, call to confirm ongoing activities before heading out. Have new summer hours/location you want to share? Click HERE to email updates.)

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)
• 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 ♦ 4:30pm: 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, June 2nd, 2011

NORTHAMPTON PARENTS CENTER: The NPC will have informal playdates this summer at area parks from 9:30-11:30am.  Families from the center will be meeting at Bridge Street School playground on Tuesdays and Look Park‘s playgroupnd (next to Dow Pavillion) on Thursdays. All are welcomed. No official snack time or circle time, just casual play with other families from the NPC. .

9am-5pm – FISH: Visit the Turners Falls Fishway to observe migratory fish during their upstream journey for spawning through underwater viewing windows!  Located behind Town Hall. 1 Avenue A.  413-659-3714.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

9:30am – TAI’ CHI: Take part in some intergenerational tai’ chi!  Classes will be taught by Marty Phinney and will take place at the Haydenville Town Hall.  141 Main Street.  413-268-8400.  Haydenville, MA.  (FREE)

6-8pm – MUSIC ON THE LAWN: See Sue Kranz, Joe Graveline, and Boys of the Landfill live in concert at the Greenfield Energy Park!  50 Miles Street.  Greenfield, MA.  (FREE)

6pm – CARNIVAL: Dalton Carnival at the American Legion Field. Route 9. Dalton, MA (>$)

7pm – AUTHOR PANEL: Help raise money for the Spring Street Preschool by attending a panel with authors Brain Leaf, Nancy Thayer, and Samanta Wilde.  Learn all about being an author- from passion to practicality!  The event will take place at the First Congregational Church.  165 Main Street.  413-256-8442.  Amherst, MA.  ($)

8pm – THEATER: The North Star Players Present:  Persephone, an original re-telling of the Greek myth.  he North Star Players are a teen theatre ensemble of homeschooling actors from the Pioneer Valley at North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens. 135 Russell St. 413-426-6083 Hadley, MA ($)

8pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Sing some chanteys and bar songs at the Brewmaster’s Tavern- and order some delicious food and drinks while you sing!  4 Main Street.  413-268-7741.  Williamsburg, MA.  (FREE)

(Now that the summer months are approaching, call to confirm ongoing activities before heading out. Have new summer hours/location you want to share? Click HERE to email updates.)

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 ♦ 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)
• 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)
• 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: Grandparent 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)
• Northampton ♦ 3:45-4:30pm: Karma hosts a children’s yoga class for kids ages 6-10yo. Stretches, poses and yoga/theater games. Pre-register. 727-8143 http://www.bekarma.com Northampton, MA ($)
• Northampton ♦ 6pm: Community potluck dinner at Owl and Raven. Bring entree or dessert to share (include list of ingredients). Casual gathering. 2 Conz Street, Unit #42 413-341-3581 (POTLUCK)
• Springfield ♦ 10:45am-12:35pm: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.). Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)

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Friday, June 3rd, 2011

EASTHAMPTON FAMILY CENTER: The Easthampton Family Center will be holding its June playgroups at the lower playground at Nonotuck Park in Easthampton on Tuesday and Friday mornings.  In case of rain, playgroups will take place at the center’s usual Main Street location (at Flywheel).  During July and August, parents can meet for playgroup at 10am every Tuesday at Nonotuck Park!  In case of rain, there will be no indoor location- playgroups will be rescheduled for Friday at the same time and place.  For more information about the center, visit www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org.

9am-5pm – FISH: Visit the Turners Falls Fishway to observe migratory fish during their upstream journey for spawning through underwater viewing windows!  Located behind Town Hall. 1 Avenue A.  413-659-3714.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

10:30am-12noon – PICNIC: Join the Easthampton Family Center at their anual picnic at Nonotuck Park!  30 Lownds Avenue.  Easthampton, MA.  (FREE)

1-2pm – BABY YOGA: Parents and babies are invited to a baby-friendly yoga class at Forbes Library.  Babies of any age are welcome so long as they will be okay while mom practices yoga. 20 West Street.  413-587-1011.  Northampton, MA.  (FREE)

2-4pm – HOMESCHOOL PLAYGROUP: Head to the Worthington town hall for some social time with other homeschool families!  Bring an activity to share.  Route 112.  413-238-4424.  Worthington, MA.  (FREE)

3:30-4:45pm – BOOK CLUB: Students in grades 3-5 are invited to join a book group at Forbes Library!  There will be hands-on activities, a snack, and voting for next month’s book!  20 West Street.  413-587-1011.  Northampton, MA.  (FREE)

5:30pm – POTLUCK: Cummington Family Center end of the year potluck at Pettinghill Park. Bring a dish to share. Cummington, MA (FREE)

5:30pm – CRUISE NIGHT: Head to Buttery Brook park for Cruise Night!  There will be tons of old cars, DJ music, refreshments, and a kids area with coloring and animals!  Proceeds from concessions benefit park improvements.  10 Industrial Drive.  413-538-5038.  South Hadley, MA.  (FREE)

6pm – CARNIVAL: Dalton Carnival at the American Legion Field. Fireworks Friday & Saturday nights. Route 9. Dalton, MA (>$)

7pm – FAMILY THEATER: See Starlight’s Youth Theater’s performance of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Jr. at the Bowker Auditorium at UMass.  The show features a cast of local kids!  Campus Center Way.  413-559-8183.  Amherst, MA.  ($)

7pm – FAMILY THEATER: See Ashfield Community Theater’s performance of Our Town at the Ashfield Town Hall!  412 Main Street.  413-628-4574.  Ashfield, MA.  ($)

8pm – THEATER: The North Star Players Present:  Persephone, an original re-telling of the Greek myth.  he North Star Players are a teen theatre ensemble of homeschooling actors from the Pioneer Valley at North Star: Self-Directed Learning for Teens. 135 Russell St. 413-426-6083 Hadley, MA ($)

8:35pm – DRIVE IN MOVIE: See X-Men: First Class, followed by Fast Five, at the Northfield Drive In!  Both movies are rated PG-13.  981 Northfield Road.  603-239-4054.  Hinsdale, NH.  ($)

(Now that the summer months are approaching, call to confirm ongoing activities before heading out. Have new summer hours/location you want to share? Click HERE to email updates.)

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)
• 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)
• 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(>$)