Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for Nov 19th-25th, 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
Many of the holiday fairs that happen over the holiday season host craft making for families too! Great opportunity to make your own holiday gifts while getting out into the community and being creative with your kids! (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 partner with 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, Nov. 19th from 10am-3pm – HOLIDAY FAIR/CRAFT MAKING: Ride a pony, dip candles, see a marionette show, enjoy delicious food, and more at the Hartsbrook School’s Holiday Fair! The Pocket Lady and King Winter might even pay a visit. 413-586-1908. 193 Bay Road. Hadley, MA. (FREE ENTRANCE, >$)
On Sunday, Nov. 20th at 2pm – FAMILY THEATER: Nutshell Playhouse performs their swashbuckling adventure, “Pirates!” this afternoon at the New State Performing Arts Center! The show is a fun adventure involving ships, eye patches, and a magical journey to the bottom of the sea! 413-212-1416. 55 North Street. Pittsfield, MA. (DONATION)
Scroll down to see our complete list of Weekly Suggested Events for the entire week!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
On Saturday, December 3rd from 9:30-10:30am, Hilltown Families is hosting a Board Game Swap in the Meekins Library community room in Williamsburg, MA. Bring in board games you would like to swap with other families. Kindly make sure the games have all their pieces before bringing in. A fun way to recycle old board games and to discover new ones. Board games make excellent holiday gifts for the children in your life too! Surprise them with a new recycled game. This community swap is free and open to all families. RSVP here, or just drop in. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)
BULLETIN BOARD
Kurt Heidinger of Biocitizen writes, “Biocitizen is offering a course that reveals how the natural philosophy of Transcendentalism got its start here in the Northampton area. Participants in this class (limit of 6, w/4 seats still open) read key works of local Transcendentalists; keep a journal; & practice environmental philosophy at places that inspired them: in our area, Walden Pond, & NYC’s Central Park & the Met. Our goal is this: we need to change our way of life if we’re to live in harmony with the designs of nature, but this change will not be brought to us by the government or corps—it happens 1st on the personal level. To fuel & encourage this transformation, our course empowers you with a deep historical and ecological understanding of our “native” natural philosophy.” www.biocitizen.org
Win tix for a parents' night out in Northampton, MA. Deadline to enter to win: 12/1/11
CRAFT FAIR: The Little Drummer Craft Fair will be held on Saturday, Nov 19th, 9am-4pm, at Franklin County Technical School, 82 Industrial Blvd, Turners Falls. Proceeds from the show benefit the Franklin County Technical School music department and award winning drumline! This juried craft fair features craftspeople from throughout the Pioneer Valley selling unique handcrafted products, including knits, woodworking, pioneer chairs, oil paintings, hook rugs, lotions, salves & lavender, soaps, candles, dried floral, fudge, jams & condiments, handbags, jewelry, cards, soft toys, and quilts! Fair held indoors, plenty of free parking. Free admission. Raffles, refreshments and bake sale items! Find them on Facebook!
Enter to win eco-friendly, locally-made, free-play toys & music from Easy Keepers. Deadline to enter to win: 12/5/11
Legos are great for creative free play! Stay tuned to the Hilltown Families Facebook page to find out how you can win tixs to KidsFest!
SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. See your event, camp, workshop, business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter! Find out more about our Enhanced Publicity options and how we can help with your marketing.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS:
Nov 19th-25th, 2011
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter
Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events
Saturday, Nov 19th, 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.
9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: The Hilltown Families Variety Show presents Guest DJ Ted Jacobs this weekend! Jacobs will share songs from his album, “A Child’s Garden of Songs” (musical adaptations of selections from Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses), as well as his love of all things Celtic, with listeners. Jacobs’ music features traditional Celtic instruments such as fiddles, bag pipes, and pennywhistles, and the show will feature a kid-friendly discussion of the history of Celtic culture and the Gaelic language. Also, accompanying his poetry-inspired work, Jacobs will explain how he works to pair music to verses! Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. – Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you want. Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast too.
9am-2pm – HOLIDAY FAIR: The Westhampton Congregational Church’s Holiday House Fair is today! There will be a silent auction, along with handmade arts and crafts, plants and arrangements, homemade food, herbs and spices, and more! 1 Tob Hill Road. Westhampton, MA. (MARKET)
9am-4pm – CRAFT FAIR: The Little Drummer Craft Fair takes place today! This is an opportunity to shop locally and handmade for the holidays, as well as to help raise money for the music department at Franklin County Tech (home of an award winning drum line!). There will be tons of locally made art, crafts, and products on sale, as well as delicious treats from the school’s culinary students! 82 Industrial Boulevard. Turners Falls, MA. (MARKET)
10am – AUTHOR TALK: Kathryn Lasky, the best-selling and multi-award winning author of the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series will come to speak at Berkshire Country Day School. 55 Interlaken Road (Route 183). Lenox, MA.
10am – FILM: Images Cinema screens a showcase of the best short film and animation for kids from all over the world! 413-458-1039. 50 Spring Street. Williamstown, MA. ($)
10am-11:30am – TEA/STORY TIME: The Family Literacy Collaborative sponsors an author’s tea today to celebrate reading and local authors! Marie Betts Bartlett will read The Little Yellow Trolley Car, and there will be educational activities for kids, snacks, and a free book for each family! Takes place at the Federal Street School. 413-665-8928. 125 Federal Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
10am-12noon – COLOR PLAY/PLAYGROUP: Forbes Library hosts a special playgroup for multicultural families! It’s a chance for kids to meet and bond with other kids whose families look like theirs and for parents to discuss the rewards and challenges of their diverse homes. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
10am-12noon – ANIMAL STUDIES: Visit the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about bird banding and to help with data collection! 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA (<$)
10am-12Noon – STEM PLAYGROUP: Join The Greenfield Family Center for a playgroup with a STEM focus. Kids 6yo and younger and participate in interactive activities around science, technology, engineering and math. 413-475-1553. 90 Federal St. Greenfield, MA (FREE)
10am-2pm – HOLIDAY FAIR: Easthampton High School’s Key Club hosts a holiday fun fair today! There will be lots of activities, including games, a cookie walk, and face painting! Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with some helpful elves, will be in attendance for photos. 70 Williston Avenue. Easthampton, MA. (<$)
10am-3pm – CRAFT MAKING: Hand make your gifts this holiday season! Four Rivers Charter School is hosting a make-your-own craft event today that includes activities appropriate for every single age and ability. Homemade gifts are full of love! 248 Colrain Road. Greenfield, MA. (<$)
10am-3pm – HOLIDAY FAIR/CRAFT MAKING: Ride a pony, dip candles, see a marionette show, enjoy delicious food, and more at the Hartsbrook School’s Holiday Fair! The Pocket Lady and King Winter might even pay a visit. 413-586-1908. 193 Bay Road. Hadley, MA. (FREE ENTRANCE, >$)
10am-4pm – FLOWER SHOW: The Smith College Botanic Garden’s Fall Chrysanthemum Bulb Show runs through November 20th! Stop by to see a huge variety of gorgeous mums, along with the many other exotic plants that call the gardens home. 413-585-2740. College Lane. Northampton, MA. (<$)
10am-5pm – HISTORY/WALK: Visit historic homes on Stage Road in Cummington today! Two art studios, a handcycle shop, a music studio, and a cattle farm will all offer visitors a chance to explore the interesting architecture of their old homes. There will be a bonfire accompanied by delicious soup and bread, too. 413-664-5391. Stage Road. Cummington, MA. (FREE)
10:30-11:30am – CRAFT MAKING/DADS: Dads and kids are invited to Dads and Donuts at the Storrs library- the event features crafts for kids and, of course, delicious donuts! 413-565-4182. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
11am – STORY WALK: There’s a story walk today for the book Hibernation Station on the East Longmeadow rail trail. The library invites patron to walk the trail and then at 11am, stop into the library for some hot cocoa and see the book featured in the story walk read in sign language.. 413-525-5400 X1506. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA (FREE)
11am-12noon – GRAPHIC NOVELS: Visit the Central Library for Graphic Novel Club! Kids in grades 1-5 can stop by to practice drawing comic strips, work on a craft, do a graphic novel-themed scavenger hunt, and have a snack! 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
11am-2pm – CIRCUS WORKSHOP: Show Circus Studios hosts aerial circus workshops at the Berkshire Museum for kids ages 8-16yo. Registration required. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA
12noon and 2pm – MAGIC: Magician and Comedian Justin “Kredible” Willman will be performing at City Stage this afternoon, and if you have tickets to the matinee at 2pm, you can participate in a free magic class at noon! You might even learn how some of his tricks work… 413-788-7646. 1 Columbus Center. Springfield, MA. ($$)
12:30-4:30pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: One of the perks of fall hiking is the beautiful foliage. Once the leaves have fallen, hikes can still be stunning! Trails offer new unobscured views, and the landscape is totally different. Hike at Northfield Mountain and enjoy the scenery! Registration required. 800-859-2960. Route 63. Northfield, MA. (FREE)
1pm – KIDS’ PERFORMANCE: Nutshell Playhouse presents, “Pirates!” at the Milne Library! Bring little pirates for an afternoon of fun and adventure. 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
2pm – THEATER: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts presents the Tony Award-winning “Urinetown: The Musical” on the Mainstage theater in Venable Hall on the MCLA campus. 413-662-5123. North Adams, MA. ($)
2-4pm – ASPERGER SUPPORT: Meetup at the Westfield Athenaeum 3rd Sat. of every month with members of the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership. Anyone on the spectrum, parents of children with asperger and folks in support roles are welcomed. Meet downstairs in the committee room. Contact Michael Reinhagen at mreinhagen@gmail.com for more info. 6 Elm St. Westfield, MA (FREE)
2pm & 3pm – PUPPET SHOW: Picture Book Theater performs Eric Carle titles in the auditorium. 413-658-1126. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA (>$)
7pm – TELLABRATION: Tellabration is a celebration of stories and storytelling, and how sharing stories helps communities to bond. Tonight’s tellebration takes place at the Eliot House at Mt. Holyoke. College Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
7:30-10:30pm – DANCING: Swing the night away to benefit the MN Spear Memorial Library! A night of swing dancing will take place at the Shutesbury Athletic Club, with a lesson at 7:30, and dancing and dessert beginning at 8:30. 282 Wendell Road. Shutesbury, MA. (FUNDRAISER)
8pm – CONCERT: The Colonial Theater welcomes the Guthrie Family, the musical clan headed by the famous Arlo! Don’t miss this opportunity to hear some great music. 413-997-4444. 111 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)
Sunday, Nov 20th, 2011
10am-3pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Celebrate “The Phantom Tollbooth,” a classic kids’ book. There will be a special tollbooth-themed activity in the studio, multiple chances to see the trailer for the new documentary on the book, and more! Dress as your favorite character. 413-685-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (<$)
10am-4pm – FLOWER SHOW: The Smith College Botanic Garden’s Fall Chrysanthemum Bulb Show runs through November 20th! Stop by to see a huge variety of gorgeous mums, along with the many other exotic plants that call the gardens home. 413-585-2740. College Lane. Northampton, MA. (<$)
12Noon-5pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Shelburne Falls Autumn Farmers Market at the Shelburne/Buckland Community Center with 30 farmers, artisans and crafters. Shop local for your Thanksgiving dinner! 53 Main St. Shelburne Falls, MA (MARKET)
1-4pm – ART: The Carle hosts a special art activity for kids in the studio- it’s Special Sunday! Might be messy, so don’t forget to bring a smock. 413-685-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (<$)
2pm – FAMILY THEATER: Nutshell Playhouse performs their swashbuckling adventure, “Pirates!” this afternoon at the New State Performing Arts Center! The show is a fun adventure involving ships, eye patches, and a magical journey to the bottom of the sea! 413-212-1416. 55 North Street. Pittsfield, MA. (DONATION)
3pm – THEATER: Students at the MacDuffie School present, “Our Town,” a show about life in New Hampshire at the beginning of the 1900’s. 413-467-1601. 66 School Street. Granby, MA. ($)
3pm – FAMILY CONCERT: The Springfield Symphony Youth Orchestra’s season premier is this afternoon at Belchertown High School! Hear challenging orchestral pieces performed by dedicated kids! 413-733-2291. 142 Springfield Road. ($)
3-5pm – FAMILY DANCE: Families are invited to Laurel Park for live music, traditional country dancing, singing and some games, all led by an experienced caller, for families with little ones. 413-230-7037. 2 Laurel Park. Northampton, MA (>$)
4:30pm – TELLABRATION: Tellabration is a celebration of stories and storytelling, and how sharing stories helps communities to bond. This afternoon, there will be a tellabration in the Cassani Room in Shattuck Hall at Mt. Holyoke College. College Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)
DUSK – TREE LIGHTING: Yankee Candle’s holiday tree lighting is today! The grounds will be lit up with lights, there will be free hot chocolate, and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be visiting! 800-243-1776. 25 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA. (FREE)
Monday, Nov 21st, 2011
10am-1pm – CHILDBIRTH CLASS: The Hilltown Health Center is offering a free childbirth education class today! Soon-to-be-mothers can learn what to expect during labor and delicery, as well as relaxation and breathing techniques. 413-238-5511 ex. 155. 387 Main Road. Chesterfield, MA. (FREE)
6-8pm – BIRTH CIRCLE: GROW (Gathered Resources of Women) hosts a drop-in monthly support group for pregnant women. Partners and new babies welcome. 305 North Street. Pittsfield, MA. (DONATION)
6-8pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Sarah Patton, LICSW, will lead a workshop for parents called, “Positive Solutions: Parenting Just Got Easier” tonight at Erving Elementary School. The workshop will help parents learn about positive techniques for helping your child control their emotions, follow directions, and communicate successfully. 978-544-5157. 288 Northfield Road. Erving, MA. (FREE)
7pm – STORYTIME: Hop into your pajamas and head over to the Goshen Library for bedtime stories! 413-268-7033. 42 Main Street. Goshen, MA. (FREE)
7pm – TEEN SEX: Student News, an independent TV show produced by 15-18yos will take a look at Teen Sex this month, talking with teens and experts on the topic. It will be aired on ACTV Amherst Media Channel 12 and there will be a simulcast on the internet for those out of range at www.riverwolfproductions.org/studentnews. Amherst, MA (FREE)
EVERY MONDAY
- 9:30-11am: PLAYGROUP – Drop-in playgroups for preK kids at the South Hadley Family Center, located in the All Saints’ Episcopal Church. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge St. South Hadley, MA (FREE) ♦
- 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parents Center. Basement of Edwards Church. Snack time at 10:15am. Circle time at 11:20am. 413-582-2636 297 Main St. Northampton, MA (Donation)
- 10am – PLAYGROUP: Play and learn this morning at Broad Brook Playground, hosted by the Family Resource Center. Williamstown, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10am-12Noon – PLAYGROUP: Easthampton Family Center, located at Flywheel Arts in the Old Town Hall. 43 Main Street. Easthampton, MA (FREE) ♦
- 10am- STORYTIME: The Shutesbury Library’s story hour is this morning. Enjoy an hour of stories, songs, games and crafts. 413-259-1213. 10 Cooleyville Road. Shutesbury, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10-11am – STORYTIME: The Community Network for Children hosts story hour at the MN Spear Memorial Library- kids 0-5 (with caregivers) can enjoy stories, songs, and craft activities! 413-259-1213. 10 Cooleyville Road. Shutesbury, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Bring babies ages 12-14 months to Wee Ones Storytime at the Indian Orchard Branch Library! 413-263-6846. 44 Oak Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Mother Goose on the Loose at the Orange Library! Rhymes, songs, finger play, stories, and more! 978-544-2495. 49 East Main Street. Orange, MA. (FREE)
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Forbes Library hosts Storytime with Ellie this morning. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 3pm – LEGOS: Does your kid love LEGOS? Try out LEGO BrikWars, a wargaming system that takes ordinary building blocks and turns them into a game of strategy and destruction. Takes place at Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 5:30-6:30pm – LEGOS: The Central Library hosts LEGO Club tonight! Kids in grades 1-5 are invited to experiment with architecture and create a masterpiece. 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 6:30pm – SING-A-LONG: Families are invited to the Montague Center Library for a community sing-a-long with librarian/musician Linda Hickman. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street. Montague, MA (FREE)
Tuesday, Nov 22nd, 2011
4pm – FAMILY CONCERT: Local musician Kit Langdon presents, “Spirit Songs for Children,” a sing-along concert for families. Enjoy a delicious latte (and perhaps hot chocolate for the little ones) while you sing! 413-585-0445. 1 North Main Street, Suite 2. Florence, MA. (<$)
4-7pm – THANKSGIVING DINNER: Berkshire South Regional Community Center will be serving up a free Thanksgiving feast for the community. Reserve a seat: 413-528-2810. Great Barrington, MA (FREE)
7:30pm – CHORUS: The Amherst Regional High School Chorus will perform in the auditorium at the high school. Amherst, MA (FREE)
EVERY TUESDAY
- 9am-1pm – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse. Use rear entrance. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 9:30-11am: PLAYGROUP – Drop-in playgroups for preK kids at the South Hadley Family Center, located in the All Saints’ Episcopal Church. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge St. South Hadley, MA (FREE) ♦
- 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parents Center. Basement of Edwards Church. Snack time at 10:15am. Circle time at 11:20am. 413-582-2636 297 Main St. Northampton, MA (Donation)♦
- 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Interactive Literacy and playtime at the Sunderland Elementary School for preK kids. All welcomed. 413-475-1553. 28 Old Amherst Rd. Sunderland, MA (FREE) ♦
- 10-11am – PLAYGROUP: Childcare of the Berkshires hosts a pre-school play-and-learn group in the after school room at the Haskins Center for kids ages 2.5-5! 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10am-12Noon – PLAYGROUP: Easthampton Family Center, located at Flywheel Arts in the Old Town Hall. 43 Main Street. Easthampton, MA (FREE)♦
- 5:30-6:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Childcare of the Berkshires hosts a gym group at Florida Elementary School! There will be free play, circle time, and a snack. 413-664-4821. 56 North Country Road. Florida, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10am – STORYTIME: Lilly Library hosts Kulp Memorial Storytime- it’s a lap sitting hour for kids newborn-18 months old. 413-587-1500. 19 Meadow Street. Florence, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10am – STORYTIME: Berkshire Athenaeum. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA (FREE) ♦
- 10-11am – STORYTIME: The Greenfield Public Library hosts Pre-School Story Hour. There will be stories, songs, and fingerplay for little ones and they caregivers. 413-587-1011. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Pre-school storytime at the Milne Library! 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Kids ages 3-5 are invited to storytime at the Central Library! There will be stories, songs, and a craft. 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Toddler storytime takes place at the North Adams Library this morning! 413-662-3133. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – SINGING: Wendy will lead “Sing with Your Baby” at the Jones Library (large meeting room). 413-259-3090. 43 Amity Street. Amherst, MA (FREE) ♦
- 11am – TODDLER TIME: Lilly Library hosts Toddler Time in the Kids’ Room. Little ones can hear stories, do crafts, sing, and play games. 413-587-1500. 19 Meadow Street. Florence, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 3:30-4:45pm – LIBRARY CLUB: The Millers Falls Library offers a weekly drop-in club for kids of all ages with stories, art and crafts. 413-659-3801. 23 Bridge Street. Millers Falls, MA (FREE) ♦
- 1-2:30pm – NEW MOTHERS CIRCLE: Cradle hosts a gathering of moms and babies in a comfortable and supportive environment. Share your experiences with other moms and bond over the transformations that come with motherhood. 413-341-5282. Thornes Marketplace, 3rd Floor. Main Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 6:30pm – BINGO: The Hinsdale Lions Club hosts Bingo every Tuesday evening. Though it’s generally an adult game, your kids can come too for a fun intergenerational evening. If they’re learning to count, they can get some great practice matching numbers on your card. Doors open at 5, and dinner is available inexpensively beforehand. 413-655-2973. Maple Street (Route 143). Hinsdale, MA. (<$) ♦
Wednesday, Nov 23rd, 2011
6-8pm – COMMUNITY TREE LIGHTING: Join the city of North Adams in celebrating the start of the holiday season at their annual tree lighting ceremony. A treasure hunt, marshmallow roast, and live music will follow. 413-664-6180. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
As always we ask you to double check all events to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, many of the ongoing events listed below may not be occurring – so confirm before heading out!
EVERY WEDNESDAY
- 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)
- 9:30-11am: PLAYGROUP – Drop-in playgroups for preK kids at the South Hadley Family Center, located in the All Saints’ Episcopal Church. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge St. South Hadley, MA (FREE) ♦
- 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parents Center. Basement of Edwards Church. Snack time at 10:15am. Circle time at 11:20am. 413-582-2636 297 Main St. Northampton, MA (Donation)
- 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Community Network for Children holds playgroup for kids ages 0-5 at Erving Elementary School! There will be activities for gross motor skills, stories, and art activities. 978-544-5157. 28 Northfield Road. Erving, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Wendell Free Library hosts the Community Network for Children’s playgroup for kids ages 0-5. There will be activities for gross motor skills, stories, and art activities. 978-544-5157. 7 Wendell Depot Road. Wendell, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 11am-12Noon: PLAYGROUP – Baby Hour at the South Hadley Family Center, located in the All Saints’ Episcopal Church. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge St. South Hadley, 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)
- 10am – STORYTIME: The Mason Square Library hosts pre-school storytime! 413-263-6853. 765 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:15am – STORYTIME: Stories, activities, crafts and music at Carnegie Library. 413-863-3214. 201 Avenue “A” Turners Falls, MA (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Pre-school storytime at the Milne Library! 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Pre-school storytime is this morning at the North Adams Library! 413-662-3133. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Kids ages 2-5 can attend storytime at the Monson Library this morning! 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)
- 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: Visit the Leverett Public Library for the Community Network for Children’s story hour! Kids ages 0-5 can enjoy stories, hands-on science activities, and art projects! 413-548-9220. 75 Montague Road. Leverett, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 4pm – STORYTIME: Visit the Pine Point Library for Martha Speaks storytime for kids ages 5-8! 413-263-6855. 204 Boston Road. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 6:30pm – STORYTIME: Hop into your pajamas and visit the East Longmeadow Library for Pajama Night Storytime before bed. For kids ages 3-6. 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square #2. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 1:15pm – HOMESCHOOL: The Carnegie Library offers a weekly homeschool program series called Powerful Earth (through 11/16). All ages welcomed. 413-863-3214. 201 Avenue “A” Turners Falls, MA (FREE)
- 4:45-6pm – KNITTING: Is your yarn all knotted? Do your needles refuse to behave? Get some help (or, if you’re a skilled knitter, offer support) at Forbes Library’s Knitting Clinic. Knitters of all ages and abilities are welcome- no pattern problem is too big or small. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 6pm – SUPPORT GROUP: Treehouse hosts a New Moms Group where new mothers can connect with other moms and babies can spend time with other babies. Intended for moms with babies 6mos and under. 413-344-4435. 305 North Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
Thursday, Nov 24th, 2011
Happy Thanksgiving!
1pm – THANKSGIVING DINNER: Are you lacking an exciting Thanksgiving plan? The Guthrie Center is offering its 6th annual dinner this year! Enjoy delicious food and fun as a community. Reservations required. 413-528-1955. 4 Van Deusenville Road. Great Barrington, MA.
Friday, Nov 25th , 2011
9am-4pm – HISTORY: The first Thanksgiving, and those in the years following, was much different from today’s Thanksgiving. Discover the roots of the holiday at Old Sturbridge Village! You can learn about it from both the settlers’ and the natives’ perspectives. There will be a special 19th century shooting match today, too! 800-SEE-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
11am-2pm – PARADE: Couldn’t make it to New York for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? You haven’t missed your chance to get a healthy dose of giant balloons! Springfield’s Big Balloon Parade takes place today! There will be lots of balloons, including the Cat in the Hat and Paddington Bear! 413-733-8300. Main, Lyman, and Locust Streets. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
11am-4pm – MERRY-GO-ROUND: The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round is open today for Black Friday! Luckily, there won’t be an early-hours scramble for cheap tickets- it’s always affordable. 413-538-9838. 221 Appleton Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)
1-4pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURE: Ever wonder who (or what!) has been lurking around your backyard and on the forest trails where you take walks? Find out this afternoon at an animal tracking event! You’ll learn the basics of animal tracking- great for all ages. 413-522-0338. Conway, MA. ($$)
2pm & 3pm – PUPPET SHOW: Picture Book Theater performs Eric Carle titles in the auditorium. 413-658-1126. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA (>$)
4-9pm – HOLIDAYS: Look Park’s holiday light display opens for the season today! The park is lit up with tons of holiday displays, and there will be hayrides through the lights and the park’s zoo! 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (DONATION)
4:30-10pm – HOLIDAYS: Moonlight Magic happens in the village. 1,200 luminary candles line the streets. A parade begings at 5:15pm following the “Lighting of the Village.” Ride the trolley at the trolley museum, stop into the stores and galleries and shop local this holiday season. Enjoy street performances, cartoons at Memoral Hall, Santa at the senior center and bring non-perishable food for the West County Emergency Food Pantry. Shelburne Falls, MA (FREE)
5-7pm – HOLIDAYS: Springfield Museums light up the quadrangle tonight! The museums and the Dr. Seuss sculpture garden will be beautifully lit for the holidays. There will be horse-drawn wagon rides, caroling, holiday crafts, and more! 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
6-8pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Practice spelling at the word wall, test your memory with a series of lights, exercise your imagination using a virtual zoetrope, and bike as fast as your can to win a ball race at the grand opening of the new Hasbro GameLand at the Springfield Museums! As the name implies, the exhibit is all about games- you can explore and experiment with tons of different elements from many different games! 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA.
As always we ask you to double check all events to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, many of the ongoing events listed below may not be occurring – so confirm before heading out!
EVERY FRIDAY
- 9-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: Visit Shutesbury Elementary School for the Community Network for Children’s playgroup! Kids ages 0-5 can take part in stories, motor skills play, and art activities! 413-259-1212. 23 West Pelham Road. Shutesbury, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 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: Gross motor activities at the Sunderland Elementary School gym for preK kids. All welcomed. 413-475-1553. 28 Old Amherst Rd. Sunderland, MA (FREE) ♦
- 10am – PLAYGROUP: Infants, toddlers, and their caregivers are invited to Crawl Talk at the East Longmeadow Library. 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square #2. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10am-12Noon – PLAYGROUP: Easthampton Family Center, located at Flywheel Arts in the Old Town Hall. 43 Main Street. Easthampton, MA (FREE)♦
- 10-11am – PLAYGROUP: Visit Lanesborough Elementary School for gym group! 413-443-0027. Summer Street. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10am – STORY/CRAFT: Stories, songs and crafts for preK kids and their guardians. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA (FREE) ♦
- 10-10:45am – SIGN LANGUAGE STORYTIME: The Westfield Athenaeum hosts sign language storytime this morning. Kids 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) ♦
- 10:15am – STORYTIME: Kids 2-3.5 years old can go to storytime at the East Forest Park Branch Library! 413-263-6836. 122 Island Pond Road. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Brightwood Branch Library hosts storytime for kids ages 2-3.5. 413-23-6805. 359 Plainfield Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 10:30 – STORYTIME: Bring littlest ones to the Monson Library for stories, songs, and fun! 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)
- 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: Great Falls Discover Center hosts a story hour for kids 3-6yo. Held the 4th Friday of every month. 413-863-3221 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, 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) ♦
- 11am – STORYTIME: PreK story hour with snack and crafts at the Griswold Memorial Library. 413-624-3619. 12 Main Road. Colrain, MA (FREE) ♦
- 11am – STORYTIME: Lap-sit story hour for kids 3yo and younger at the Greenfield Public Library for Mother Goose on the Loose. Kay Lyons leads a half hour of structured story time, followed by 15 mins of visiting time. Kids will enjoy movement games, rhythm and song as Kay reads and leads the group with puppets and hand rhymes. Lower Level in the LeVanway Meeting Room. 413-772-1544 x5. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, 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) ♦
- 7:30pm – ASTRONOMY: Milham Planetarium at Williams College hosts an observatory show tonight! The planetarium’s Zeiss Skymaster can show phases of the moon, retrograde motions of planets, temperatures of planets and stars, the location of nearby galaxies, and more! The show is entertaining and also a great learning opportunity. 413-597-2188. 829 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 8:30pm-12:30am – COMMUNITY DANCE: Dance Spree is a community family-friendly (and barefoot!) dance event – kids of all ages are welcome to attend with guardians. Great way to get moving! 25 Main Street, 4th Floor (above Fitzwilly’s). Northampton, MA. (<$) ♦
Any information on parking for the Hartsbrook Winter Fair? It was off-site last year, I think because of grass-seeding, and very confusing!