Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for Sept 3rd-9th, 2011
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
Labor Day marks the return to school for many. We asked our readers what subjects/topics they wish schools would teach their kids. Responses ranged from cursive writing to carpentry. Share what you would like to see schools teach (or not teach) your kids by click on the photo above. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community! Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to support Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
BEST BETS
On Saturday, Sept 3rd starting at 8am – AGRICULTURAL FAIRS: Take your pick from agricultural fairs happening throughout the region in Blandford, Northampton, and Spencer. ($)
On Sunday, Sept 4th from 10am-6pm in the Pioneer Valley – CULTURAL STUDIES: Spend a day in Armenia at St. Mark Armenian Church! All day there will be food, cultural demonstrations, and a boutique of items imported from Armenia! This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in and learn about the Armenian culture. 413-783-5793. 2427 Wilbraham Road. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
Also on Sunday, Sept 4th at 1pm in the Hilltowns – COMMUNITY BARBECUE: The 41st annual Plainfield Volunteer Fire Department Firefighters’ Barbecue is this afternoon! The event takes place behind the Shaw Memorial Library- enjoy some delicious food and support an important part of the community! 312 Main Street. Plainfield, MA. ($)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
On Saturday, Sept 10th from 10:30am – 2pm in the Pioneer Valley – ANIMAL STUDIES: How do beaks help birds to snatch up worms for dinner or sip on drops of water? Are they made out of bones or cartilage? Why are they pointy? Learn all of these things and more today at the Great Falls Discovery Center! Kids can learn through crafts, games, stories, etc. all about bird beaks! 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
On Sunday, Sept 11th from 12noon-7pm – CULTURAL FESTIVAL: St. George Cathedral hosts a traditional Greek Glendi! There will be all things Greek- music, dancing, food, games, family activities, art, and more! 413-737-1496. Main, Plainfield, and Carew Streets. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
BULLETIN BOARD
CIRCUS ARTS CLASSES: A new session of weekday kid’s circus classes will begin on September 12th at SHOW Circus Studio in Easthampton. We will work on trapeze, fabric, juggling, tumbling, human pyramids, tight wire, rolla bolla, globe and more. Circus is a great way to increase self esteem, have fun, get in shape, improve focus and learn new skills. Classes for students new to circus will be held on Tuesdays (Ages 5-7, 4-5pm and ages 8+, 5-6pm). A teen class will be held on Thursdays (ages 12-15, 5-6pm). Continuing students are able to choose from classes on Thursdays (age 5-7, 4-5pm), Level 2 classes on Monday (ages 7-11, 3:30-4:30pm), or the Level 3 classes on Mondays & Wednesdays (ages 8+, 4:30-6pm). Registration is available online at www.showcircusstudio.com.
Free cookies at Bread Euphoria for kids: Sept 6-9!
COMMUNITY SERVICE: If you love books, love reading, and love the library, then the Greenfield Public Library is looking for you! The library’s Homebound Delivery Program is looking for volunteers to help deliver library materials to homebound patrons so that they too can enjoy the numerous resources that the library has to offer! Volunteers are paired individually with homebound patrons (effort is made to make a good match!) – this is an opportunity to create a relationship with a community member, as well as provide a much needed service. For more information or to sign up for the program, contact Jane Buchanan at 413-772-1544 x 110.
SOAP BOX DERBY: The Montague Soap Box Derby is coming up! The race takes place on September 17th, and there are age brackets for kids ages 8-12, 13-19, and 20+. Carts must be homemade, contain at least three wheels, and have no motors or any other means of propulsion. The race takes place on the hill at Unity Park, with older ‘kids’ (adults) beginning at the top and younger kids starting further down. For information about how to enter the derby (or just to find out where the best place to be a spectator may be!) visit the derby’s website at www.montaguesoapboxraces.com.
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Back-to-School
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!
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS:
Sept 3rd-9th, 2011
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Farmers’ Markets | Weekly eNewsletter
Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events
Saturday, Sept 3rd, 2011
“A hot summer day in Western MA begins with a fresh family breakfast loaded with local veggies and fruits. We’ll bike down the bike path and over to Stanley Street in Amherst for a dip in Kiwanis swimming hole and some romping around in the field. All that play and exercise has us famished so a stop in the town center for an Antonio’s pizza lunch is in order before we head back southward for sweet scoops of ice cream from Atkins Market. To conclude the day, we travel down Bay Road to explore Mt. Pollux, paint with watercolors, and sometimes enjoy a picnic dinner as the sun sets!” - Alisa Holm (Amherst, MA)
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
7:30am – ANIMAL ADVENTURES: Join the Hoffman Bird Club in watching for migrating songbirds and raptors! Participants will walk around a pond and on trails to observe birds, and will also get to explore caves and springs! Meet at the former Brodie Ski Touring Center. 413-458-3290. 770 Route 7. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE)
9am-1pm – GARDENING: Do your kids love gardening? Are they interested in cooking things they grow at home? Bring them to the Otis Farmers’ Market’s Growing Farmers and Kid Safety Day! Kids can learn how to start their own gardens, grow veggies, and make their own food! The local police will be on hand with safety kits, and there will be fire trucks to explore! 413-357-9919. 2000 East Otis Road. Otis, MA. (FREE)
9:30am-5pm – LIVING MUSEUM: Family Fun Days at Old Sturbridge Village take place this weekend! The village is buzzing with fun activities and learning opportunities for families, and there will be fireworks tonight! 800-SEE-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
9am – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: There are opportunities for both fun and learning galore at the Three County Fair today! The day begins with a 4-H sheep show and other events happening throughout the day include an apple pie contest, circus performances, line dancing, llama shows, and a beef show. 413-584-2237. Route 9. Northampton, MA. ($)
10am – ART FESTIVAL: Northfield’s ARTSfest, a festival of local arts and culture, happens today! Local businesses take to the streets and create a sidewalk festival celebrating Northfield! There will also be demonstrations from local artists and artisans and chances to learn about Northfield’s history. Main Street. Northfield, MA. (FREE)
10am-10pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Visit the Spencer Fair for buckets of fun and a chance to learn all about local agriculture (big and small). There will be tons of exhibits, livestock shows, animals, games, rides, food, and more! 508-885-5814. 48 Smithville Road. Spencer, MA. ($)
12noon-10pm – BLOCK PARTY: The third annual c.r.u.s.h. Great Holyoke Block Party is today! There will be live music all day and tons of delicious food from local restaurants! The event takes place at Veterans Park. Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, Sept 4th, 2011
“We love to pick a new spot (last time it was Bartholomew’s Cobble (Sheffield, MA)) and take a morning hike. Afterwards, like to have lunch in Northampton, followed by a little shopping. On our way home, we like to stop at Look Park (Florence, MA) to get out that last bit of energy.” - Caitlin Porter Loverin (Pittsfield, MA)
9:30am-5pm – LIVING MUSEUM: Family Fun Days at Old Sturbridge Village take place this weekend! The village is buzzing with fun activities and learning opportunities for families- there are tons of things to do and see! 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
10am-5pm – CORN MAZE: Visit Warner Farm’s corn maze- the one and only original! There are tons of activities at the farm besides the maze, too! 23 South Main Street. Sunderland, MA. ($$)
10am-6pm – CULTURAL STUDIES: Spend a day in Armenia at St. Mark Armenian Church! All day there will be food, cultural demonstrations, and a boutique of items imported from Armenia! This is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in and learn about the Armenian culture. 413-783-5793. 2427 Wilbraham Road. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
10am-10pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Visit the Spencer Fair for tons of fun and a chance to learn all about local agriculture (big and small). There will be tons of exhibits, livestock shows, animals, games, rides, food, and more! 508-885-5814. 48 Smithville Road. Spencer, MA. ($)
10:30am – ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES: Architectural Walking Tour at Historic Deerfield. 413-775-7214 79 Main Street. 413-774-5581. Deerfield, MA. ($)
11am – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Visit the Three County Fair today for exciting activities and performances! Highlights include tiger shows, dance performances, goat shows, craft and vendor booths, and more! 413-584-2237. Route 9. Northampton, MA. ($)
12-4:30pm – HISTORY: Learn about architectural woodworking, woven wool textiles, and English factory-made ceramics at Historic Deerfield in their Apprentice’s Workshop at Dwight House. 413-775-7214 79 Main Street. 413-774-5581. Deerfield, MA. ($)
1pm – PARADE: Celebrate Ware’s 250th birthday at the gala parade! There will be tons of fun entertainment and loads to see. South, Main, and West Streets. Ware, MA. (FREE)
2-3:30pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Learn all about the history and cultural significance of brick making in Montague at the Great Falls Discovery Center! Attendees will also learn about common architectural styles that use bricks, especially ones around town! This is a great educational opportunity for older kids interested in local history or architecture! 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
Monday, Sept 5th 2011
“We're big fans of the area wildlife sanctuaries, like Arcadia in Easthampton and Laughing Brook in Hampden. The Springfield Museums are nice in the warmer weather when the green is open and the kids can run around or enjoy a nice outdoor lunch.” -Pauline Delton
LABOR DAY
9:30am-5pm – LIVING MUSEUM: Family Fun Days at Old Sturbridge Village take place this weekend! The village is buzzing with fun activities and learning opportunities for families- there are tons of things to do and see! 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
10am-7pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Visit the Spencer Fair for tons of fun and a chance to learn all about local agriculture (big and small). There will be tons of exhibits, livestock shows, animals, games, rides, food, and more! 508-885-5814. 48 Smithville Road. Spencer, MA. ($)
10:30am – ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES: Architectural Walking Tour at Historic Deerfield. 413-775-7214 79 Main Street. 413-774-5581. Deerfield, MA. ($)
12-4:30pm – HISTORY: Learn about architectural woodworking, woven wool textiles, and English factory-made ceramics at Historic Deerfield in their Apprentice’s Workshop at Dwight House. 413-775-7214 79 Main Street. 413-774-5581. Deerfield, MA. ($)
Tuesday, Sept 6th, 2011
“We have gone to many very cool event and have explored out side our area because of Hilltown Families.” - Sebastian Chandler (Turners Falls, MA)
9am-1pm – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center- downstairs in the Unitarian Meeting house. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
10:30-11:30 – NATURE STUDIES: The Great Falls Discovery Center hosts Kidleidoscope! The program is an opportunity for kids to learn about and make sense of the world around us through fun hands-on activities and games. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
1pm – HOMESCHOOL: Join other homeschoolers in the Berkshires at the old Stockbridge Plain School Park (new town hall) for an informal afternoon at the park. BYO picnic and equipment for a game of softball and tennis. Main Street. Stockbridge, MA (FREE) (postponed due to rain)
7-8pm – WORLD MUSIC: John Root will be “A World of Music” at the Greenfield Library. Through movement and interactions, families can learn about world cultures via song. 402 Main Street. 413-772-1544 x5. Greenfield, MA (FREE)
Wednesday, Sept 7th, 2011
“What would we do without all the valuable information and sense of community that Hilltown Families promotes?! You’re hard work has paid off, you are well loved and such an important resource in this area, THANKS!” - Tina Cornell (West Chesterfield, MA)
9am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center- downstairs in the Unitarian Meeting house. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Cummington Family Center playgroup in the rear of the Cummington Community House. 33 Main St. Cummington, MA (FREE) ♦
10am – STORYTIME: Sunshine Story Time for preK kids at the Greenfield Public Library. Reading, singing and play intertwine as Kay Lyons leds a fun half hour of story time followed by play time. Lover Level in the LeVanway Meeting Room. 413-772-1544 x5. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA (FREE)
Thursday, Sept 8th, 2011
“I love the regular listing of events and activities in the region. Also, the emails introduce me to businesses and non-profits that I haven’t already heard of.” - Amy Mayer (Greenfield, MA)
9am-1pm – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center- downstairs in the Unitarian Meeting house. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
3-9:30pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: The Franklin County Fair begins today! Calling itself the “fun, family friendly fair,” the fair offers fun for the whole family! There will be agricultural exhibits, games, family activities, food, and more- all weekend! 413-774-8282. 89 Wisdom Way. Greenfield, MA. ($)
6:30-7:30pm –DANCE CLASS: Hip Hop Dance Class at the Westfield Athenaeum for kids ages 7-12yo. Limited space. Call to reg: 413-562-6158 x5. 6 Elm Stree. Westfield, MA (FREE)
6:15-8:15pm – EDUCATOR WORKSHOP: Collaborative for Educational Services is offering the workshop, “Working with Families 101” at North Quabbin Patch. Sarah Patton, LICSW, HHC, will show professionals who work with children of all ages how to communicate productively with their parents. Credit available. Contact Carolyn for more info. 800-519-1882 x102 423 Main St. Athol, MA ($)
6:30-8pm – LAWN CONCERT: The Young at Heart will perform live on the lawn at the Florence Civic Center as part of the Thursday Night Music on the Porch series! BYO picnic and blankets. Meadow and North Main Streets. 413-584-7891. Florence, MA. (FREE)
7pm – LOCAL HISTORY: VOICES Theater Company presents a ghostly reenactment of Pittsfield’s history at the Wahconah Street Cemetery! Learn all about the ghosts of Pittsfield past. 413-441-1793. Wahconah Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
Friday, Sept 9th 2011
"I love keeping up to date with activities geared toward FAMILIES! The site is easy to navigate and the blog content is fascinating." - Alisa Blanchard (Pittsfield, MA)
9am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center- downstairs in the Unitarian Meeting house. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
10-10:45am – SIGN LANGUAGE: The Westfield Athenaeum hosts sign language storytime this morning! Kids ages 3-5yo can sign, sign, and read along to stories- there will be lots of movement, music, and of course, American Sign Language! 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
10am – STORY/CRAFT: Stories, songs and crafts for preK kids and their guardians. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA (FREE) ♦
10:30am – MUSIC CLASS: Music Together classes at the Gateway Family Center for kids 5yo and younger and their caregivers. Facilitated by Music Together Teacher, Sondra Lewis. Register for all or part of the series by contacting Kim Savery ksavery@hchcweb.org. 413-667-2203 x3. Huntington, MA (FREE).
11am – STORY/CRAFT: Preschoolers can take part in story/craft time this morning at the Sunderland Public Library! 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE) ♦
12noon-9:30pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: Visit the Franklin County Fair! There are all sorts of exhibits, shows (music, horses, livestock, etc.), games (midway opens at 4pm), activities, and more! 413-774-8282. 89 Wisdom Way. Greenfield, MA. ($)
4-6pm –MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Hands-on art-making at the Smith College Museum of Art for families. 413-585-2760. Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA (FREE)
5-8pm – HOT AIR BALLOONS: The fifth annual Northampton Cooperative Bank Hot Air Balloon Festival begins tonight at Look Park! The event begins with twelve balloons taking off from the park, and then once dusk falls the balloons will be lit up! At 7:30, the balloonists will perform a light show set to music. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (>$)
5-10pm – STREET MAGIC: See the area’s newest up-and-coming magicians perform their tricks on the sidewalk in front of Faces! Great fun for both adults and kids. Main Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
5-11pm – CULTURAL FESTIVAL: St. George Cathedral hosts a traditional Greek Glendi! There will be all things Greek- music, dancing, food, games, family activities, art, and more! 413-737-1496. Main, Plainfield, and Carew Streets. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
6:30-8:30pm – SUPPORT GROUP: GROW and MotherWoman host a postpartum support group for mothers in need of a supportive space to share, receive help, and grow. The group takes place at the Community Room. 413-822-6043. 48 Elizabeth Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
6pm – HOEDOWN: Enjoy a delicious barbecue dinner and square-dance your heart out at Sheep Hill tonight! The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation hosts the Harvest Hoedown- a fundraiser to benefit the organization. There will also be live music and an auction with some great items, including a 1929 Ford Model A Coupe. Childcare is available for the evening. Tickets should be purchased in advance. 413-458-2494. 671 Cold Spring Road. Williamstown, MA. ($$$)
8pm – CONCERT: Alternative Rock legends They Might Be Giants are performing live tonight at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center! They’re back and better than ever with a brand new show! 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street. Great Barrington, MA. ($$)
Labor Day Weekend, Fall Season Back on Schedule at Historic Deerfield
Museum, Historic Houses to Reopen Sat., Sept. 3
Just in time for Labor Day Weekend, Historic Deerfield museum will again welcome visitors to its world-class collections and historic houses on Sat., Sept. 3 at 9:30 a.m. The reopening marks a return to some semblance of normalcy and a chance to refocus on the fall season at hand after seven days of forced closure to the public due to infrastructure damage caused by flooding from Hurricane Irene.
“Now that we can guarantee the safety of our visitors and our collections we will gladly reopen,” said Philip Zea, President of Historic Deerfield. “We’re very grateful for the heroic efforts of staff, volunteers, and vendors who have helped us prepare for and recover from this crisis.”
Visitors will find almost all museum offerings intact. The two exceptions will be the continued closure of the Sheldon House and the Channing Blake Meadow Walk.
This weekend offers a last-chance opportunity to explore the exhibition Educating the Mind’s Eye: The Art of Young Adults, 1790-1840, which is only on view through Monday, Sept. 5. For those interested in exploring the buildings along The Street, a new Architrectural Walking Tour will be offered each day at 10:30 a.m.
“Our Apprentice’s Workshop at Dwight House will be back on line,” said Amanda Rivera Lopez, Director of Museum Education and Interpretation. “Trained guides will offer hands-on learning about architectural woodworking, woven wool textiles, and English factory-made ceramics from 12-4:30 p.m.”
Already open is the Museum Store. Even though the building sustained excessive water in its basement, the Store reopened on Tues., Aug. 30 and has been the de facto visitor center on the street.
“Several people had made vacation plans and still came to visit the village this week,” said Tina Harding, Museum Store Manager. “They were very understanding, and still purchased souvenirs to take home.”
While the museum sustained little damage, the Deerfield Inn was not so lucky. It will remain closed indefinitely due to severe flooding.
For the most up-to-date information about Historic Deerfield, including a full schedule of Fall programs and events, please call 413-775-7214, or visit http://www.historic-deerfield.org.