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 community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families 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/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Hilltown Families Co-Sponsors

Saturday, October 20th from 12noon-7pm – FALL FESTIVAL: The Franklin Land Trust invites the community to a Fall Festival at Guyette Farm! Highlights of the event include a scarecrow making workshop with artist Michael Melle (takes place from 12noon-4pm), hayrides, an evening bonfire, and lots of fun fall-themed activities for the whole family. BYO instrument for a jam around the fire! Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families. 413-625-9151. Gloyd Street. Plainfield, MA. (FREE)

Saturday, October 20th from 5:30-8pm – HAUNTED FARM: The animals at Red Gate Farm are getting excited for Halloween – so excited, in fact, that they’ve decorated their barn! Visit the farm for a Halloween party and check out the Haunted Barn (not-so-scary), go for a hay ride, and enjoy Halloween treats and games. 413-625-9503. 4 Norman Road. Buckland, MA. ($)

Western MA Premiere List of Halloween Events & Activities for Families!

Saturday, October 20th from 3-9pm – PUMPKINFEST: Pumpkins galore! The annual Franklin County Pumpkinfest fills Turners Falls’ Avenue A with more pumpkins than you’ve ever seen before! Costumes are encouraged, and families can bring their own painted or carved pumpkins to add to the display beginning at 10am. Along with the pumpkin display will be lots of fun family activities, beer for big people, and games and crafts for little people. Pair a visit to the event with a study of local agriculture – where do the pumpkins come from? How do they grow? When were they planted? It’s a great way to learn about the full season of farming that it takes to produce a pumpkin. Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

Deadline to enter: 10/23

Saturday, October 20th from 6:30-8:30pm – DRUM FEST: The third annual Berkshire Drum Fest takes place tonight at Berkshire Community College! The event features professional drummers, percussionists, and drum ensembles performing drumming of all different types. Kids can hear and learn about drumming from multiple world cultures, and learn about different types of drums and their unique sounds. The event benefits BCC’s music program and Tamarack Hollow, an educational organization focusing on environmental and cultural awareness. Takes place in the Boland Theater at the school’s arts center. West Street. Pittsfield, MA. (DONATION)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, October 27th at 7pm – CULINARY ARTS: The 9th Annual Williamstown Pie Contest will be held at the WRLF Sheep Hill Headquarters. This is intergenerational event allows adults, youth (16yo and younger) and professional bakers to participate together in their own categories. This is a great opportunity for kids, parents and grandparents to work side by side in the kitchen, making a traditional family favorite pie, sharing family stories and learning culinary skills at the same time. Sweet and savory pies made with local ingredients are welcomed. Pie tasting is at 7pm, followed by a full moon hike (weather permitting). Pies must be delivered to Sheep Hill on Oct 27 between 5-6pm. Entry forms can be downloaded at www.wrlf.org or requested by emailing lre@wrlf.org. 671 Cold Spring Road. Williamstown, MA (>$)

Deadline to enter: 10/25

Sunday, October 28th at 11am – HALLOWEEN FIESTA: Halloween Costume Party with Mister G! Popular, international children’s music artist & local hero Mister G will be hosting a one-of-a-kind Halloween costume party at the Academy of Music Theatre. The event will double as a CD release concert for his Parents’ Choice Gold Award-winning album, Chocolalala. The bilingual (Spanish/English) CD blends Latin rhythms, traditional instruments and uniquely catchy songwriting. Mister G will also perform songs from his 2011 Grammy-nominated CD BUGS, called “irresistible” by People Magazine. Eat Pizza for Breakfast, wear your funkiest, scariest costume & come ready rock. Northampton, MA ($$)

BULLETIN BOARD

Oct 18-20 & 25-27

Where is Myra and who shot Charley? Find out at The Williston Northampton School’s fall theater production of Neil Simon’s classic farce, Rumors. Opening night is Thursday, October 18th running October 18th-20th & 25th-27th. All performances begin at 7:30pm, with the Saturday, October 26th performance beginning at 8pm. The Williston Theatre is located at 18 Payson Avenue in Easthampton. Seats can be reserved in advance at www.williston.com/theaterproductions or by calling the Williston box office at 413-529-3434. Tickets are $7 students/seniors and $10 adults.

Oct 19-20

Westfield Theatre Group presents The Odd Couple – Female Version on Oct. 12, 13, 19 & 20 at 8pm, & Oct. 20 at 2pm in Westfield for a fun parents’ night out. Recently divorced Olive Madison and friends play a friendly game of Trivial Pursuit. Then arrives Florence Unger, whose husband just left her. Thinking she is on the verge of suicide, she is barely able to go to the bathroom alone. Olive the slob and Florence the neat freak decide to live together with hilarious results. Directed by Theresa Allie. Produced by Linda Buzzee. Come see Linda Slozak, Nancy Colby, Winnie Legere, Kathy Leary, Kate Hebert, Larry Chiz, Paul Rothenberg & Sue Davis in Neil Simon’s hilarious contemporary classic. Tix: $10-$12. 413-572-6838. westfieldtheatregroup.com.

Oct 20

Paint & Pixel Festival showcases Western New England’s amazing comic artists, book illustrators, and cartoonists! This year features 60+ artists, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle co-creator Peter Laird, Vertigo Comics Fables artist Shawn McManus, DC Comics Batman inker Jack Purcell, Conan the Barbarian and Goosebumps artist Greg Ruth, and underground cartoonist Gary Hallgren. Saturday, October 20, at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 10AM to 6PM. Paint & Pixel offers a free Children’s Comics Workshop every Thursday in October, 4-5PM at Modern Myths, and is looking for a few schools who would like a comic book artist to visit their students. For details on the festival, comics workshop, and school outreach, visit www.paintandpixelfestival.com.

Oct 26

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the Eric Carle Museum, the Academy of Music in Northampton is presenting Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s much anticipated new production of Eric Carle stories on October 26, 2012 at 6:30pm. Featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects, innovative puppetry, the triple bill shares Eric Carle’s most beloved stories: A Hungry Caterpillar, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, and Papa, Please Get The Moon For Me. Immediately following the performance will be a question & answer period focused on how special effects were accomplished. Running time is sixty minutes. For ticket information please visit the AOM website, www.academyofmusictheatre.com, or phone the Box Office at 413-584-9032 x105.

Oct 27

The Montessori School of Northampton’s annual Children’s Fall Fair and Open House will be held on Saturday, October 27 from 11am-3pm on the school’s campus at 51 Bates Street, Northampton. The full day of fun for families will include children’s games, arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house, and more. Entertainment will be provided by percussionist Tony Vacca, and singer-songwriters Chris Scanlon and Burchie Green & Tom Knight. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. General admission is free; participation in some activities requires purchase of activity tickets at a minimal charge. Admissions information and tours of the school will also be available. 413-586-4538 or www.northamptonmontessori.org.

Oct 28

Family Felting for all ages on Sunday, Oct 28 from 1-3pm at Crimson & Clover Farm (part of Northampton Community Farm) in Florence, MA. Come explore the world of fiber craft and learn about the animals that provide us with fiber. There will be an Angora rabbit and Shetland sheep for participants to meet, and learning stations for wet and needle felting. Create and take home a woolcraft. All levels welcome. $20-25/family (sliding scale). Spaces are limited! Financial Aid is available for all programs. Email farmeducationcollaborative@gmail.com for scholarship application. For more info & to register online, visit www.thefarmeducationcollaborative.org.

Oct 31

Chandler’s Restaurant in South Deerfield is hosting their annual Witches Ball on Halloween Night, Wednesday, Oct. 31st! Come dressed in your Halloween costumes and enjoy a buffet including oozing zombie zits, lumberjack fingers, shredded mummy guts, vampire eyeballs and more. The fun doesn’t end with the food- Cloud 9 Productions will be at the Witches Ball for kid’s karaoke, there will be pumpkin decorating, and Teaching Creatures will be bringing some creepy crawly creatures to learn about, some of them you can even touch! Seatings for this event, are at 4pm and 5:30pm. Be sure to make your reservations soon by calling 413-665-1277. For more information visit chandlers.yankeecandle.com.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your fall festival, holiday event, afterschool class, homeschool program, community celebration, workshop, school, or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com

COATS FOR KIDS: Did you recently drag out your family’s winter gear, only to discover that your kids have outgrown most of it? Once your kids have been outfitted with new warm coats, donate your old ones to the Salvation Army’s Coats for Kids drive! Sponsored by Berkshire Bank, the drive collects new and gently-used kid-sized winter jackets in order to distribute them to local kids who might otherwise find themselves without proper outerwear for the cold, windy New England winter. Each jacket is cleaned before it is distributed, but families are asked to please only donate items that are without many obvious signs of wear and tear. There are donation sites all over western Massachusetts, including at any Berkshire Bank branch. Coats can be donated through October 26th. For more information, visit www.salvationarmycoatsforkids.com

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LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS:
October 20th – 26th , 2012

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

Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter

Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events

Saturday, October 20th, 2012

“Hilltown Families always has great ideas for things to do with the family and has a strong grasp on the needs of those in our community.” – Sharon Keye (Northampton, MA)

7-10am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 3-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: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. – Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast anytime. Click here to see over 5 years of archived shows.

8am – MOVIE FUNDRAISER: Start the weekend off with a bang – fill your belly with delicious breakfast, then watch a newly released film! Breakfast and a Movie takes place at Entertainment Cinemas, where families (with older kids – films are PG 13) can choose from watching Alex Cross or Taken II. Breakfast will be served from 8:30-9:30, and the movie will begin at 10. Doors open at 8. The event is a fundraiser for the CHAIN Fund, which provides support and and assistance for families affected by breast cancer. 413-858-8800. 1250 Saint James Street. Springfield, MA. (FUNDRAISER)

8am-12noon – FAMILY VOLUNTEERING: Volunteers are needed to help prepare the Greenfield Community Farm, Just Roots, for winter. Bring the family this Saturday, Oct. 20th from 8am-12noon. A variety of tasks are available including picking rocks, planting garlic, clearing beds, and cleaning up the margins. Come when you can and stay as long as you can. Email info@justroots.com or call 413.376.8333 for more information. Greenfield, MA (FREE)

9am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/HIKING: Hike from the Berkshire South Community Center to Fountain Pond! The hike will take roughly two hours, and is just under 3 miles. There will be a shuttle available for those interested in only doing a one-way trip. Meet at BSCC. 15 Crissey Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

9-11am – FAMILY VOLUNTEERING: Volunteer to help glean leftover unharvested produce from local farms! All harvested food will be donated to a local food pantry – Not Bread Alone. By participating, kids can learn how to harvest foods, and will be contributing to the survival of their community! Location TBA – call for more information. 413-259-3149. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

9am-1pm – FAMILY VOLUNTEERING: West Springfield Friends of Parks and Recreation (FOPAR) are working to clean up the Rotary Pavillion at Mittineague Park today – volunteer your time to help maintain the park, a valuable community resource! If you have tools (rakes, shovels, gloves – even a wheel barrow or leaf blower is useful!) bring them to use. Helpers of all ages are welcome – there are tasks both big and small. 413-736-3878. Park Drive. West Springfield, MA. (FREE)

9:30am-5pm – FALL FESTIVAL/HISTORY: Old Sturbridge Village’s Fall Harvest Days take place this weekend! Visit the village to celebrate fall – 1800’s style! Visitors can help out with the village’s harvest of potatoes, corn, and root veggies; tour orchards, taste numerous varieties of heirloom apples, and watch an ox-powered cider press in operation; and learn skills for preserving the harvest, like bean shelling and corn shucking, learning about root cellar storage, churning butter, and more! 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA ($$)

10-11:30am – NATURE STUDIES: Have you ever seen a Witch’s Hat growing in the ground? They can be found in the woods all over Western MA! Visit Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary to learn where to find these interesting plants, then see how many you can spot! Kids will also learn about (and look for) migratory birds, water beetles, and more! Registration required. 413-584-3009. 127 Coombs Road. Easthampton, MA. (<$)

10am-1pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/HIKE: Explore the High Ledges Wildlife Sanctuary – hike the Wolf Den Trail, and experience the sanctuary’s 400+ species of hardwood plants, and the many diverse habitats that it encompasses. Be prepared for moderate uphill hiking, and bring lunch and water! Registration required. 413-584-3009. Patten Road. Shelburne, MA. ($)

10am-2pm – LOCAL FOOD/CIDER: Visit Smith College’s Chapin House to see how a cider press works! Help out with the process, enjoy a cider donut, and and enjoy the delicious New England tradition. College Lane. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

10am-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/HIKE: Explore historic Catamount Hill in Colrain, and learn about the fascinating history of the forest and the hill’s “ghost town.” The five-mile hike will follow an old wagon road, and will include stops at cellar holes, once part of homes built by early settlers. Registration required. Meet at parking area just after Deerfield River Bridge. 413-584-3009. Route 2. Colrain, MA. ($$)

10am-4pm – HISTORY: Historic Deerfield’s fall Open Hearth Cooking series will focus on foods harvested by early New Englanders and the ways in which they were preserved in order to be enjoyed through the winter. Visitors will learn about traditional recipes and unique methods of preservation! 413-774-5581. 84B Old Main Street. Deerfield, MA. ($)

10am-5pm – SPORTS/VOLLEYBALL: Mt. Holyoke College hosts the Volleyball Hall of Fame Women’s Invitational today! The event takes place at the school’s Kendall Sports Complex and will feature matches between teams from many other schools, all made up of female powerhouse players. Kids can learn about the game of volleyball, sportsmanship, and, for girls, the event can serve as a counter to the images of women presented in the media – female athletes are strong, powerful, and their bodies rarely emulate those coveted in magazines, movies, etc. Dunlap Street. South Hadley, MA.

10:30am-12:30pm – COMIC ART: The Milne Library hosts George O’Connor who will be sharing with youth patrons how to create graphic-style stories using events from their own experiences. 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. (FREE)

10:30am-12:30pm – SCHOOL FAIR: Pioneer Valley Independent School Fair will be held at The Bement School in the Kittredge Building. 21 participating school will represent pre-school – 12th grade & post graduate. 413-774-7061. 94 Old Main Street. Deerfield, MA (FREE)

11am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/HISTORY: Explore North Adams from a different perspective – the riverbank! The Hoosic River Revival Coalition is offering a guided riverwalk through town, stopping to observe and learn about historic locations, as well as the natural history of the river. Meet at the City Hall parking lot. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

11am – HALLOWEEN/MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Dress in costume and visit Mass MoCA for a Halloween gallery tour and some hands-on artmaking! Kids will learn about the work being shown in the museum’s KidSpace, and then will get to try out interesting materials for themselves. 413-662-2111. 87 Marshall Street. North Adams, MA. ($)

11-11:30am – HALLOWEEN CRAFTS: Ramsdell Library will host a Halloween craft, making Halloween Shadow Puppets! 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street. Housatonic, MA (FREE)

11am-12noon – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Tour the Mt. Holyoke Art Museum’s permanent collection! Best for older students, the tour is lead by a student docent and is a part of the school’s Family and Friends Weekend. Lower Lake Road. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)

11am-9pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/GREEK: Fest upon traditional (and delicious!) Greek food at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke’s Taste of Greece! The event includes performances of traditional dance and a Greek market, as well. Families can celebrate Mediterranean heritage, or just learn more about Greek culture and traditions. 413-525-4551. 400 Prospect Street. East Longmeadow, MA. ($)

11:30am-5pm – HISTORY: Visit Historic Deerfield today for sewing and shoe-making demonstrations! Linda Oakley, skilled at sewing, will show visitors useful types of stitches and will demonstrate sewing projects that would have been done by early residents of Deerfield, while Peter Oakley will demonstrate shoemaking, creating the style of shoe worn by New England settlers. 413-774-5581. 84B Old Main Street. Deerfield, MA. ($)

Co-sponsored by Hilltown Families.

12noon-7pm – FALL FESTIVAL: The Franklin Land Trust invites the community to celebrate fall at Guyette Farm for a fall festival, co-sponsored by Hilltown Families. Highlights of the event include a scarecrow making workshop with artist Michael Melle (takes place from 12noon-4pm), hayrides, an evening bonfire, and lots of fun fall-themed activities for the whole family. BYO instrument for a jam around the fire! 413-625-9151. Gloyd Street. Plainfield, MA. (FREE)

12:30-1:15pm OR 1:45-2:30pm – ANIMAL STUDIES/ORNITHOLOGY: Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center to learn all about raptors! Representatives from the Vermont Institute of Natural Science will share a live raptor specimen with visitors, and discuss where they live, what they eat, and more. This information will be used to help kids grasp the basic concepts of food chains, predator-prey relationships, and the interdependence of nature. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

1pm – KIDS’ CONCERT: Children’s musician Jay Mankita brings his rockin’ songs to the Meekins Library this afternoon! Mankita’s music has been featured on Putamayo albums and is Grammy-nominated – see what the hype is all about! 413-268-7472. 2 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE)

1pm – MOVIE: The East Longmeadow Library is screening Bedknobs and Broomsticks (Rated G) this afternoon! 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)

1-4pm – HALLOWEEN PARTY: Wild Oats Market is having a Halloween party this afternoon! Stop by to carve a pumpkin, make a special mask, get your face painted (it’s like a temporary mask!), bob for apples, and more! 320 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

1-5pm – MASK MAKING: The Royal Frog Ballet Performance Collective will hold a Mask-Making Workshop for all ages. Sign up by emailing theroyalfrogball@gmail.com. Montague, MA

1:30pm – READING TO DOGS: Kids can practice reading skills this afternoon with the most attentive and least judgemental listeners ever – dogs! Specially trained therapy dogs will be at the Westfield Athenaeum to spend time with kids who are working on reading aloud. Registration required – space limited. For kids in grades K-2. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE)

2pm – STORYTIME: Visit the Eric Carle Museum for a special storytime with Iza Trapani, whose books transform traditional Mother Goose nursery rhymes into beautifully illustrated, full-length children’s books. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

2 or 8pm – THEATER: The Westfield Theater Group presents, “The Odd Couple” – but with a twist! In this production, the well-known roles of Oscar and Felix have become Olive and Florence. 413-572-6838. 28 Court Street. Westfield, MA. ($)

3pm – FAMILY CONCERT: Mass MoCA hosts The Loser’s Lounge, play a Muppet Extravaganza! The group will play a show entirely of Muppet classics – minus the puppets. It’s a Muppets tribute! Fun for all ages – with or without kids. 413-662-2111. 1040 Mass MoCA Way. North Adams, MA. ($)

3-9pm – PUMPKINFEST: Pumpkins galore! The annual Franklin County Pumpkinfest fills Turners Falls’ Avenue A with more pumpkins than you’ve ever seen before! Costumes are encouraged, and families can bring their own painted or carved pumpkins to add to the display beginning at 10am. Along with the pumpkin display will be lots of fun family activities, beer for big people, and games and crafts for little people. Pair a visit to the event with a study of local agriculture – where do the pumpkins come from? How do they grow? When were they planted? It’s a great way to learn about the full season of farming that it takes to produce a pumpkin. Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

5-6:45pm or 7pm – HALLOWEEN HAYRIDES: McCray’s Farm hayrides continue! Munchkin Rides (for kids) take place earlier in the evening – best for kids 7 and under (and their grown-ups), the ride is slow but exciting! Rides for big kids begin at 7pm and run until the line is gone. Runs Friday-Sunday through Halloween. The farm also features homemade ice cream, animals, and mini golf. 413-533-0775. 33 Alvord Street. South Hadley, MA. ($)

5-8pm – SPOOKY SAFARI – The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center will have a Spooky Safari Oct 20/21. Come in costume for a fund and safe night of trick or treat. Meet the animals of the zoo and participate in games and costume contests. 413-733-2251. 302 Sumner Ave. Springfield, MA ($)

5-8:30pm – ENCHANTED FOREST: The forest at the Hitchcock Center is lighting up and coming alive with creatures who would love to share their stories with you! Visit the Enchanted Forest to navigate along the pumpkin-lit paths and learn about various animals and their unique characteristics as you journey! The theme this year is “50-Something” (in celebration of the center’s 50th anniversary) – forest animals include a salamander with 50+ spots and a 50-year-old turtle. Advance tickets not required, but are strongly suggested. 413-256-6006. 525 South Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. ($)

5:30-8pm – HAUNTED FARM: The animals at Red Gate Farm are getting excited for Halloween – so excited, in fact, that they’ve decorated their barn! Visit the farm for a Halloween party and check out the Haunted Barn (not-so-scary), go for a hay ride, and enjoy Halloween treats and games. 413-625-9503. 4 Norman Road. Buckland, MA. ($)

5:30-8:30pm – HAUNTED TRAIN RIDES: Ride the haunted train at Look Park! Recommended for kids ages 4+, the train ride includes monsters and surprises, but is not terrifying for elementary-aged kids. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (<$)

6:30-8:30pm – DRUM FEST: The third annual Berkshire Drum Fest takes place tonight at Berkshire Community College! The event features professional drummers, percussionists, and drum ensembles performing drumming of all different types. Kids can hear and learn about drumming from multiple world cultures, and learn about different types of drums and their unique sounds. The event benefits BCC’s music program and Tamarack Hollow, an educational organization focusing on environmental and cultural awareness. Takes place in the Boland Theater at the school’s arts center. West Street. Pittsfield, MA. (DONATION)

6:30-10:30pm – HALLOWEEN: Visit 13 Nights at Jiminy for a scary tour – that’s based a little bit on legend, and mostly in some spooky local history. There are special tours of the location (which depart every 15 minutes), as well as a haunted mountain roller coaster and a scary tree-top zipline. Open to families with older kids (minimum age is 10, but it’s pretty creepy!), the tour explores the former hillside Plantation of Jericho – settled by sheep farmers to avoid a sickness believed to exist in the valley – and explores the 13 Nights legend, in which sheep at the plantation disappear overnight for thirteen nights out of the year. Open Friday and Saturday evenings through Halloween. 413-738-5500. 37 Corey Road. Hancock, MA. ($$)

DUSK: Stargaze tonight with Arunah Hill at Notchview! As long as the skies are clear, it will be beautiful – all nearby lights will be turned off so as to maximize the number of stars, etc. to be seen. Families can learn to identify stars and constellations, locate planets, etc. Route 9. Windsor, MA. (FREE)

7pm – FILM/MUSICAL: Memorial Hall screens Lerner and Loewe’s My Fair Lady on the big screen (Rated G)! Starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison, the show is full of classic sing-a-long songs. There will be live music before the show (performed by students at the Academy at Charlemont), and the screening will begin at 7:30. 413-625-2896. 51 Bridge Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. ($)

8pm – THEATER: Barrington Stage Company presents a theatrical version of William Golding’s, “Lord of the Flies.” The classic young adult novel, adapted for the stage, tells the story of a group of schoolboys stranded on an island and the struggles for power and control that ensue. Best for older students with audience skills, the show addresses topics of basic sociology and psychology, and can help kids begin thinking about the role that power and influence play in society. 413-236-8888. 30 Union Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

7:30-11pm – HALLOWEEN PUB TOUR: Dress as your favorite movie star and spend the night out in downtown Westfield for the second annual Haunted Harvest Halloween Restaurant and Pub Tour! Parents can meander through town to numerous locations, each decked out in Halloween decorations and filled with other costumed stars. Westfield, MA. ($$)

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Sunday, October 21st, 2012

“Having moved our family to the Berkshires from Cincinnati area a year ago, we didn’t know where to start to connect our homeschooled children with all the events and activities available in the area. Hilltown Families gives us more than enough choices to get involved and make new friends!” – Caitlin Porter Loverin (Pittsfield, MA)

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. Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast anytime. Click here to see over 5 years of archived shows.

7:30-11:30am – COMMUNITY BREAKFAST: Fill your hungry belly full of pancakes (topped with local syrup, of course) and support the Amherst Fire SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) Program. Takes place at the town’s North Fire Station. 603 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FUNDRAISER)

9am – FAMILY VOLUNTEERING: Stanley Park hosts the first ever WGBY Community Champions 5k Race/Walk! Participants can choose to do either a race, or to walk the course as a family. The race is a benefit for the station and its valuable programming! Plus, it’s an opportunity for families to spend time outside before the weather becomes colder. Registration begins at 9am day-of-race, and can be done online beforehand. Western Avenue. Westfield, MA. (FUNDRAISER)

9:30am-5pm – FALL FESTIVAL/HISTORY: Old Sturbridge Village’s Fall Harvest Days take place this weekend! Visit the village to celebrate fall – 1800’s style! Visitors can help out with the village’s harvest of potatoes, corn, and root veggies; tour orchards, taste numerous varieties of heirloom apples, and watch an ox-powered cider press in operation; and learn skills for preserving the harvest, like bean shelling and corn shucking, learning about root cellar storage, churning butter, and more! 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA ($$)

10am-4pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/JEWISH: The Yiddish Book Center is having a community open house today! The event offers visitors a chance to explore the center and learn about its archives and community programs. There will also be fun family activities, including a storyteller at 11:30am (Mark Binder, who will present, “Tales of Food and Fools”) and a concert with Eleanor Reissa at 2pm. Families will be able to learn about Jewish culture and traditions, as well as Yiddish language and its unique characters. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

10am-5pm – FARM ADVENTURE: Get lost in the corn maze at Warner Farm! Mike’s maze offers a fun and challenging outdoor adventure (of the best kind!) for families of all ages. The maze is open every weekend and on Monday holidays. Pair a visit to the farm with studies of local agriculture. 23 South Main Street. Sunderland, MA. ($) ♦

11am, 1:15 or 3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/BOAT RIDE: Take a ride on the Quinnetukut II, an open-air riverboat, along the Connecticut River! The boat makes a 12-mile loop through French King Gorge to Barton’s Cove, home to nesting bald eagles and a dinosaur track quarry. The boat docks at the Riverview Picnic Area, and sails every Friday-Sunday. Call ahead for reservations. 800-859-2960. Millers Falls Road. Northfield, MA. ($)

11am-4pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/GREEK: Fest upon traditional (and delicious!) Greek food at the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke’s Taste of Greece! The event includes performances of traditional dance and a Greek market, as well. Families can celebrate Mediterranean heritage, or just learn more about Greek culture and traditions. 413-525-4551. 400 Prospect Street. East Longmeadow, MA. ($)

12noon-4pm – ART HISTORY: Visit Historic Deerfield to learn about the history of stencil artists who, during New England’s early days, traveled from town to town painting building interiors on commission! There is a special exhibit of stenciled furniture, and families can create their own stenciled masterpieces to take home. Takes place every Saturday and Sunday afternoon through October 28th. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main Street. Deerfield, MA. ($)

1pm – KIDS’ PERFORMANCE: Elska performs at the Eric Carle Museum today! The show features Shelley Wollart as Elska, an Icelandic girl who discovers a newly-formed volcanic island where she lives alongside Icelandic creatures and a colony of lost socks. The show includes music and storytelling. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. ($)

1-4pm – FAMILY VOLUNTEERING: The Greenfield Energy Park serves as concert venue, meeting place, and green space for the community – volunteer your afternoon to clean up the park before winter comes! Bring gloves, rakes, shovels, buckets, and/or pruning shears if you have them. Jobs both big and small for people of all ages, sizes, and abilities. Miles Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)

1-6pm – FALL FESTIVAL: Celebrate the many uses of barley (and the process of growing and harvesting it) at Barleyfest! The event features live music, opportunities to learn about farming and harvesting barley crops, pizza (and local beer for the biggest kids), home brew demonstrations for adventurous parents, an antique tractor show, and more! Events take place at multiple locations. Hadley, MA. (FREE)

2-4pm – ANIMAL STUDIES/BEARS: After long periods of declining populations, bears are back in Massachusetts – and in large numbers! The statewide population of bears is estimated at over 2,000. Visit Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary to learn about the last 30 years’ worth of bear research in the state, as well as strategies for handling human-bear interactions as safely as possible. Best for older students. Registration requested. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Road. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)

3pm – THEATER: Last show! – Barrington Stage Company presents a theatrical version of William Golding’s, “Lord of the Flies.” The classic young adult novel, adapted for the stage, tells the story of a group of schoolboys stranded on an island and the struggles for power and control that ensue. Best for older students with audience skills, the show addresses topics of basic sociology and psychology, and can help kids begin thinking about the role that power and influence play in society. 413-236-8888. 30 Union Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)

5-6:45pm or 7pm – HALLOWEEN HAYRIDES: McCray’s Farm hayrides continue! Munchkin Rides (for kids) take place earlier in the evening – best for kids 7 and under (and their grown-ups), the ride is slow but exciting! Rides for big kids begin at 7pm and run until the line is gone. Runs Friday-Sunday through Halloween. The farm also features homemade ice cream, animals, and mini golf. 413-533-0775. 33 Alvord Street. South Hadley, MA. ($)

5-8pm – SPOOKY SAFARI – The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center will have a Spooky Safari. Come in costume for a fund and safe night of trick or treat. Meet the animals of the zoo and participate in games and costume contests. 413-733-2251. 302 Sumner Ave. Springfield, MA ($)

5:30-8:30pm – HALLOWEEN TRAIN RIDE: Ride the haunted train at Look Park! Recommended for kids ages 4+, the train ride includes monsters and surprises, but is not terrifying for elementary-aged kids. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (<$)

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Monday, October 22nd, 2012

10:45-11:30am – KIDS’ PERFORMANCE: The Northampton Parents Center hosts Jay and Moti for songs and improvisational movement! The two play guitar, banjo, and ukelele, and lead kids in fun, playful dancing right along with the songs. Takes place in the basement of Edwards Church. 297 Main Street. Northampton, MA. (DONATION)

5:30-7:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: The Amherst Family Center and UMass Amherst host Dinner On Us, an ongoing parent workshop series that includes family dinner (from 5:30-6), childcare and fun activities for kids, and a chance for parents to learn about and discuss parenting strategies and ways to deal with difficult developmental periods, positive and constructive discipline, etc. This week’s topic is creating a household environment with mutual respect. Pre-registration required. Takes place in room 428 of the Student Union. 413-545-0865. University Drive. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

6-7pm – HISTORY: Franklin County has produced lots of important inventions and innovations, including the tap-and-die and some of the top-secret technology that helped to win World War II! Wistariahurst Museum hosts a lecture tonight on inventions and innovations that have come from the area. Albert Shane, curator of the Museum of Our Industrial Heritage, will share lots of interesting information about the industrial history of Franklin County. Older students can put studies of American history and engineering into a local context by learning about local big ideas! 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)

ONGOING FOR MONDAYS

• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parent Center is a drop-in Center for children (birth-K) and their caregivers. Everyone is welcome. Located in the lower level of Edwards Church at the corner of State and Main Streets in Northampton. Please use the back door and public parking. Northampton, MA (FREE)
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the South Hadley Family Center. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11am – STORYTIME: At the MN Spear Memorial Library, sponsored by the Community Network for Children through June 2013! 413-259-1213. 10 Cooleyville Road. Shutesbury, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the Williamstown Youth Center! Sponsored by Childcare of the Berkshires. 413-458-5925. 270 Cole Avenue. Williamstown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Hosted by the Easthampton Family Center at the Flywheel space in the Old Town Hall building. 413-527-5496. Main Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am-12:20pm – ICE SKATING: Smead Arena offers a public skating session this morning – great for families with kids who are still learning to skate, daytime skating sessions offer low-key and less crowded ice time. Open ice times take place at the same time Monday-Friday. 413-781-2599. 1780 Roosevelt Avenue. Springfield, MA. (<$) ♦
  
• 12noon-4pm – LOCAL HISTORY: The Shelburne Falls Historical Society has open hours today! Visit the museum, located in a former school building, to peruse numerous displays of artifacts, memorabilia, and other important items, books, and documents pertaining to local history. Learning about local history and the evolution of the community can help kids put studies of American history into context! 413-625-6150. Church and Maple Streets. Shelburne Falls, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 2:30-5pm – TEEN/TWEEN: Meekins Library’s Teen/Preteen Time takes place this afternoon! Teens can visit the library to hang out with friends, work on homework, play games, use computers, and check out awesome new books, movies, and music. 413-268-7473. 2 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3pm – STORYTIME: Mountain View Farm hosts storytime! Farm-themed stories galore. Runs until their shares end. 413-329-0211. 393 East Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30-4:30pm – BREAK DANCE: Learn to break like a b-boy! The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts offers a weekly break dance class, taught by Joshua McHugh, accomplished dancer and dance teacher. 413-499-9348. 28 Renne Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. ($) ♦
• 3:30-5pm – ANIME: The Springfield Central Library hosts Anime and Manga Club on Monday afternoons! Kids enthusiastic about the popular Japanese style of animation and cartooning can visit the library to read new manga and watch great anime! 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 5:30-7pm – SCRABBLE: Enjoy an evening of friendly Scrabble at the Berkshire South Regional Community Center! Open to anyone ages 8+, the game night offers families an opportunity to practice fair play and basic sportsmanship while allowing kids to expand their spelling, vocabulary, and basic practical math skills. Sponsored by Bobbie Halig and Jenny and Adam Hersch. 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 5:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Childcare of the Berkshires holds gym group at the Haskins Center! 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 6-7pm – MUSIC: Learn to drum, Afro-Carribbean style! The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts offers a weekly drum class, lead by Aimee Gelinas of Gaia Roots. Drums available to borrow. 28 Renne Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. ($) ♦
• 7-8:30pm – TEEN: Visit Longmeadow High School for open gym time! Basketball equipment will be provided by Longmeadow Rec Dept, and the event is open to anyone ages 13-20. Runs through 11/12. 413-565-4163. 95 Grassy Gutter Road. Longmeadow, MA. ($) ♦

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Tuesday, October 23rd, 2012

ONGOING FOR TUESDAYS

• 9am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center. 413-545-0865. 428 Student Union Building (Campus Center Way). Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Community Health Coalition hosts Toddler Steps Playgroup at the CHP building. 413-644-0104. 442 Stockbridge Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
• 9:30-11am – PLAYGROUP: At Farmington River Preschool for kids 5 and under, sponsored by the Community Health Coalition. 413-664-0104. 555 North Main Road. Otis, MA. (FREE)
• 9:30 or 11am – STORYTIME: The Westfield Library hosts storytime for kids 6 months – 3 years today. Registration required. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parent Center is a drop-in Center for children (birth-K) and their caregivers. Everyone is welcome. Located in the lower level of Edwards Church at the corner of State and Main Streets in Northampton. Please use the back door and public parking. Northampton, MA (FREE)
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the Belchertown Family Center! 413-283-7594. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30 – PLAYGROUP: It’s Baby Day at the South Hadley Family Center! 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: At the Berkshire Athenaeum! 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11am – PARENT GROUP: MotherWoman hosts a mother’s group for Spanish-speaking moms at Brightwood Health Center. 413-796-8365. 380 Plainfield Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Preschool playgroup learning experiences at the Haskins Center! Takes place on the lower level. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11am – STORYTIME: At the Greenfield Library. 413-772-1544. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Sponsored by the Palmer-Monson Family Network. 413-283-6246. 4 Springfield Street. Three Rivers, MA. (FREE) ♦
  10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Hosted by the Easthampton Family Center at the Flywheel space in the Old Town Hall building. 413-527-5496. Main Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:15am – STORYTIME: At the Lanesborough Library! Stories, crafts, and music for all ages. 413-499-5981. 83 North Main Street. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:15am-12:15pm – SUPPORT GROUP: MotherWoman hosts a Postpartum Support Group for mothers. The group is a safe space for those adjusting to motherhood and is lead by trained facilitators. Takes place at Berkshire Children and Families. Childcare available. 413-253-8990. 220 Russell Street. Hadley, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30-11:30am – ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center for Kidleidescope, an environment-themed program for kids! Interactive learning opportunities and crafts always included. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Springfield Central Library’s preschool storytime takes place this morning. 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am – STORYTIME: The Lenox Library offers storytime for kids 18 months-3 years. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 2:30-6pm – TEEN: The Belchertown Teen Center is open this afternoon, offering a safe, drug-free, semi-supervised environment where kids can play games, socialize, watch movies, etc. 413-323-8728. 66 State Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3-5pm – TEEN: It’s Teen Tuesday at the Chicopee Library – visit for a new activity every week. 413-594-1800. 449 Front Street. Chicopee, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30-5pm – PARENT GROUP: MotherWoman hosts a support group for young mothers and expecting women between the ages of 13 and 19. Group meetings are held bi-weekly and are drop-in. Babies welcome! Takes place at Mercy Care Holyoke. 413-886-0410. 306 Race Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)
• 5:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Sponsored by Childcare of the Berkshires in the gym at the Abbot School. 56 North Country Road. Florida, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 6:30pm – BREASTFEEDING: The La Leche League of North/Central Berkshires meets every third Tuesday at The Montessori School of the Berkshires. 21 Patterson Road. Lenox Dale, MA. (FREE)
• 6:30-8pm – MUSIC: The Berkshire South Regional Community Center hosts a free ukulele group tonight! Beginners and kids without any knowledge of music reading can join in – the class will teach basic chord progressions and styles of playing from around the world. Registration requested but drop-in is OK. Sponsored by Bobbie Hallig and Jenny and Adam Hersch. 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE) ♦

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Wednesday, October 24th, 2012

9am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/HIKE: What better way to spend a crisp Wednesday morning than to hike the Hoosac Range after dropping the kids off at school, or with your older homeschool kids! Enjoy beautiful views overlooking North Adams, and hike 6 miles through the range (some elevation changes, but nothing drastic). Meet at the parking lot just past Wigwam Cabins. Route 2. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

1-5pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Visit the Crane Museum of Papermaking to learn about the history of papermaking at Crane since the early 1800’s. Located on the banks of the Housatonic River, the building itself is a museum! This is a great opportunity to learn about local history. If you can’t make it today, the museum is open all weekdays during the same hours. 413-684-2600. 30 South Street. Dalton, MA. (FREE)

2-4pm – FASHION: Celebrate women of all ethnicities, sizes, and ages at, “The Skin She’s In,” an annual fashion show celebrating diverse feminine beauty and featuring non-models from ages 2 to 86. The event raises money for Gray House, a small community human service agency in Springfield. The show will take place at Chez Josef – and will include hors d’oeuvres. 413-222-4763. 176 Shoemaker Lane. Agawam, MA. (FUNDRAISER)

4:15pm – THEATER STUDIES: How are gory costumes made for stage productions? Find out with Williams College’s costume director, Deb Brothers! Held in the directing studio in the ‘62 Center. Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

6:30pm – RAG SHAG PARADE: Easthampton Halloween Rag Shag parade begins at Maple Street School. Volunteers are needed to help stuff goody bags for the parade before had from 10am-12noon at the Safety Complex. Easthampton, MA (FREE)

6:30-8pm – FAMILY MOVIE: The Ramsdell Library screens film classic, Planet of the Apes tonight (Rated G)! Perhaps it will inspire a Halloween costume? Rated G. 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street. Housatonic, MA. (FREE)

7:30pm – THEATER: UMass’s Fine Arts Center hosts Dan Kwong, presenting, “It’s Great 2B American,” a funny yet political show inspired by travels in Asia. The production is part dance, part documentary, part storytelling, and part history lesson – and brings together topics from Japanese internment camps during WWII to tourist markets in Bali to creatively express our country’s place in the world. For kids 12+. 413-545-2511. President’s Drive. Amherst, MA. ($$)

ONGOING FOR WEDNESDAYS

• 9am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center. 413-545-0865. 428 Student Union Building (Campus Center Way). Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Palmer-Monson Family Network hosts infant and toddler play group! 413-283-6246. 4 Springfield Street. Three Rivers, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Bi-weekly in the community room at Becket Town Hall, sponsored by Community Health Programs. 413-664-0104. 65 Walker Street. Becket, MA. (FREE)
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the Lenox Community Center, sponsored by Community Health Programs. 413-644-0104. 65 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE)
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parent Center is a drop-in Center for children (birth-K) and their caregivers. Everyone is welcome. Located in the lower level of Edwards Church at the corner of State and Main Streets in Northampton. Please use the back door and public parking. Northampton, MA (FREE)
• 9:30am or 1:30pm – STORYTIME: Fantastic Fours and Fives takes place today at the Westfield Library! Registration is required for storytime. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the Belchertown Family Center! 413-283-7594. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30 – PLAYGROUP: At the South Hadley Family Center. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30am-12noon – FARM ADVENTURE: Visit Red Gate Farm for a Homeschool Half Day! Students ages 6-12 will all explore the farm and do activities centered around a common theme. Each meeting includes free play time! Call to register. (No program November 21st.) 413-625-9503. 4 Norman Road. Buckland, MA. (<$)
• 9:45-11:15am – SUPPORT GROUP: MotherWoman hosts, “Getting Real about Motherhood,” a support group designed to help mothers share the stress and adjustments of motherhood and work to find ways to feel renewed, valued, and energized. Takes place at the Amherst Family Center, in the basement of the Unitarian Society. Childcare available. 413-256-1145. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the Wendell Free Library hosted by the Community Network for Children through June 2013. 978.544.5157. 7 Wendell Depot Road. Wendell, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: Preschool storytime at the Westhampton Library! 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – PARENT GROUP: Enjoy coffee and a chat with other parents at the Westhampton Library – stop in after dropping kids off at school through the end of Sept.! 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11am – STORYTIME: The Greenfield Library hosts Sunshine Storytime! 413-772-1544. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Sponsored by the Palmer-Monson Family Network. 413-283-6246. 4 Springfield Street. Three Rivers, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Hike at Mt. Greylock! Every Wednesday through Oct 24th, there’s a “Nice and Easy” family-friendly hike – it’s about two hours long and will cover 1-2 miles of trail. Call to find out meeting place. 413-499-4262. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – ART: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts, “Creating Together: A Parent-Child Experience,” an art workshop featuring a gallery tour and hands-on art making. Each week brings a new theme and art style to explore. 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183 Stockbridge, MA. ($) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: In the gym at Erving Elementary School, hosted by the Community Network for Children through June 2013. 413- 423-3326. 18 Northfield Road. Erving, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:15-11am – STORYTIME: Hosted by the Mason Library – also includes stories, songs, and crafts. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the New Marlborough Library, sponsored by Community Health Programs. 413-644-0104. 1 New Marlborough-Great Barrington Road. New Marlborough, MA. (FREE)
• 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: At the Leverett Library, sponsored by the Community Network for Children through June 2013. 413-548-9220. 75 Montague Road. Leverett, MA. (FREE) ♦
  11-11:30am – STORYTIME: Toddler Time with Stephanie at the Forbes Library! 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am-12noon – GYMNASTICS: Whip City Gym hosts homeschool open gymnastics! The event is not a formal class, but offers kids unstructured play time physical activity amongst true gymnastics equipment. Great for kids interested in gymnastics, dance, or cheerleading, and gym playtime can also help kids work on balance and coordination. Takes place through the school year. 413-569-3231. 320 College Highway. Southwick, MA. (<$) ♦
• 1pm – STORYTIME: At the Dickinson Library! 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 1-3pm – CHESS: Drop-in chess games in the mezzanine at Forbes Library. All ages, BYO chess set or borrow one. Playing chess can help kids develop logic and analytical skills. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 1-5pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Explore Ashintully’s beautifully landscaped grounds, gardens, and water features! Families can hike to the ruins of the mansion once located on the site, as well. Runs weekly through Oct. 10th. 413-298-3239. Sodom Road. Monterey, MA. (DONATION) ♦
• 2:30-6pm – TEEN: The Belchertown Teen Center is open this afternoon, offering a safe, drug-free, semi-supervised environment where kids can play games, socialize, watch movies, etc. 413-323-8728. 66 State Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3pm – FARM ADVENTURE: Visit Mountain View Farm for a farm activity for pre-school kids though the harvest! 413-329-0211. 393 East Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30pm – LEGOS: The Berkshire Athenaeum hosts LEGO Club on the third Wednesday of each month. Kids can use LEGOs to experiment with basic principles of architecture, physics, and design. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. ♦ (FREE)
• 3-5pm – MOVIE: The Mason Library screens classic films every Wednesday afternoon! The “Mason Matinee” is best for tweens/teens and adults – call to find out what’s playing. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30-4:30pm – STORYTIME: The Ramsdell Library hosts Time for Tots, and special story, craft, etc. time for littlest kiddos. 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street. Housatonic, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:50-4:30pm – ICE SKATING: Visit Fitzpatrick Arena for an afternoon of skating! The rink offers daily public skating sessions at the same time, Monday-Friday. 413-532-2929. 575 Maple Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$) ♦
• 4pm – CHESS: Visit the East Longmeadow Library for some afternoon chess! Playing chess can help kids develop analytical skills and logic. 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 4-5pm – STORYTIME: At the Cushman Library! 413-648-5402. 28 Church Street. Bernardston, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 5:30-7:30pm – KNITTING: The Wednesday Night Knitters meet tonight at the Cushman Library! Knitters with any level of experience are welcome to join – bring a project to work on! No formal instruction is offered, but if help is needed, there will be many experienced knitters on hand. Great intergenerational opportunity for kids learning how to knit. 413-648-5402. 28 Church Street. Bernardston, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 7-8:30pm – TEEN: Sing your heart out with Berkshire Sings!, a community singing group at the Berkshire South Regional Community Center. Singers of all abilities welcome (adults, too) to sing pop, jazz, folk, showtunes, and more. Sponsored by Bobbie Hallig and Jenny and Adam Hersch. 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 7-8:30pm – TEEN: Visit Longmeadow High School for open gym time! Basketball equipment will be provided by the Longmeadow Rec Dept, and the event is open to anyone ages 13-20. 413-565-4163. 95 Grassy Gutter Road. Longmeadow, MA. ($) ♦

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Thursday, October 25th, 2012

4pm – HISTORY/BASEBALL: UMass’ Du Bois Library is currently hosting an exhibit from the Baseball Hall of Fame on the Negro League of Baseball, Pride and Passion: The African-American Baseball Experience. Tonight, history professor Rob Ruck will speak about how the American League “colonized” black and latino baseball during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Best for older students, the lecture supports studies of American history, as well as civil and human rights, and can help students put a face and/or context to post-Civil War race conflict. 413-545-6888. 154 Hicks Way. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

4-5pm – COMICS: Modern Myths comic book store is hosting a series of comic-making parties for kids – every Thursday afternoon in October. The workshops, offered to accompany the Paint and Pixel Festival (which takes place on Saturday, October 20th), present an opportunity for kids to learn about the language of comics and to learn how to express themselves through comic drawings and storylines. 34 Bridge Street #4. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

4-6pm – HALLOWEEN PARTY : Overlook at Northampton is hosting an intergenerational Halloween party with trick or treating, pumpkin decorating and more. Bring kids in costume and come interact with their elders. 413-584-8457. River Road. Leeds, MA (FREE)

4:30pm – GHOULS IN THE GALLERIES: Williams College Museum of Art hosts “Ghouls in the Galleries: Exploring the Monsters of WCMA’s Collection.” Monsters in the museum will be rooted out by Deena Bak (’13) and she will aid participants in understanding what these monsters reveal about the nature of fear from a variety of cultural perspectives. Best for older students interested in art and cultural studies. 413-597-2376. 15 Lawrence Hall Drive. Williamstown, MA

5pm – HISTORY: Tour the Stockbridge Cemetery to see the graves of notable former residents (like Norman Rockwell and the Sedgwick family) at Luminaries: Exploring Stockbridge Cemetery! It’s a great warm-up for Halloween – cemeteries are spooky in the evening! Families can learn about the history of many famous and prolific people whose final resting place is the cemetery. Enjoy cider and donuts afterwards. 413-931-2221. Stockbridge, MA. (<$)

6-8pm – BOO BASH: Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will host their 18th annual “Boo Bash” for children and families. Come in costume to the Berkshire Towers dormitory building for a costume party & trick or treating. Best for children ages 6-11yo. 413-662-5249. 375 Church Street. North Adams, MA (FREE)

6-8:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Gateway Middle School hosts, “Guiding Good Choices,” a workshop series for parents on helping teens to develop strategies for keeping drugs and alcohol out of their lives, encouraging family involvement, and helping youth recognize and utilize their own strengths. Sponsored by Berkshire Children and Families, the event is part of a 5-part series on the topic. Parents can share experiences with others, and use to event to piece together a plan for guiding preteens and teens to make healthy, informed choices. 413-584-5960 ex 102. Littleville Road. Huntington, MA. (FREE)

6-9pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Celebrate the United Nations’ International year of Cooperatives with Food for Thought Books and Co-opoly! The event also celebrates local co-operatives like Collective Copies, Valley Green Feast, and Green Fields Market, and is a fundraiser for the second printing of the game Co-opoly, a tool for teaching about cooperatives. Learn about and support local coops! 106 N. Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (DONATION)

7-9pm – FILM STUDIES: The Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema is screening portions of, “The Story of Film: An Odyssey,” throughout the fall. Tonight, see parts 3+4 of the series, which will look at expression, surrealism, and impressionism, as well as the arrival of sound in cinema. Great for cinephiles of all ages! 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (<$)

7-9pm – ANIMAL STUDIES/BATS: Bats rely on their echolocation in order to navigate the air and find food during the nighttime. Developed areas create a lot of white noise – which interferes with the bats’ echolocation. Learn about how the phenomenon is affecting bat populations across the US, and learn about efforts that are being made to help preserve bat populations at Arcadia. Best for older students, this event supports studies of the effects of humans on the environment. Registration required. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Road. Easthampton, MA. (<$)

ONGOING FOR THURSDAYS

• 9am – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer to help maintain the healthy landscape and walking trails at Bartholomew’s Cobble through November 2012. Named a National Natural Landmark because of its unique biodiversity and abundance of rare species, the Cobble is a valuable local resource. By volunteering time to help preserve the area, families help to ensure that the area will be available to them for years to come. Great project for homeschool groups. 413-229-8600. Weatogue Road. Sheffield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center. 413-545-0865. 428 Student Union Building (Campus Center Way). Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Community Health Coalition hosts Toddler Steps Playgroup at the CHP building. 413-644-0104. 442 Stockbridge Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
• 9:30 or 11am – STORYTIME: Westfield Athenaeum hosts Terrific Twos and Threes – storytime for kids ages 2 and 3! Registration required. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11am – PLAYGROUP: The Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys and Girls Club hosts playgroup this morning, including snack, stories, playtime, music, and crafts. 413-583-3527. 488 Chapin Street. Ludlow, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the Belchertown Family Center! 413-283-7594. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP/MUSIC CLASS: The Northampton Parents Center is open this morning! Thursday mornings feature music class at 11a with Felicia Sloin or Tom Knight (alternating weeks). Located in the basement of Edwards Church. 413-582-2636. Main and State Streets. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – PLAYGROUP: Music and Movement Group meets at the Millers Falls Library! 413-863-3214. 23 Bridge Street. Montague, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: Springfield Central Library hosts storytime for kiddos 6 months-3 years. 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11am – SUPPORT GROUP: Longmeadow Rec Dept hosts a New Moms Group at the Greenwood Center! 413-794-5515. 231 Maple Road. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Sponsored by the Palmer-Monson Family Network. 413-283-6246. 4 Springfield Street. Three Rivers, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: At the Williston Memorial Library! Stories, snacks, and more. 413-529-1605. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am – STORYTIME: Lenox Library offers storytime and crafts for kids 3-5 years old. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP/MUSIC CLASS: Northampton Parent Center is a drop-in Center for children (birth-K) and their caregivers. Thursday morning music classes will be from 11 to 11:30 am with Felicia Sloin and Tom Knight alternating weeks. Everyone is welcome. Located in the lower level of Edwards Church at the corner of State and Main Streets in Northampton. Please use the back door and public parking. Northampton, MA (FREE)
• 11am – STORYTIME: At the Hatfield Library, just for preschoolers! 413-547-9237. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am-3:30pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: The High Street Market is open today! Stop by for fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and more! High Street. Holyoke, MA. (MARKET) ♦
• 11:30am-12:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Childcare of the Berkshires holds gym group at the Haskins Center! 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 1-3pm – PLAYGROUP: Baby playgroup at the Forbes Library! In the children’s room with Judy. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 1-2:30pm – SUPPORT GROUP: MotherWoman hosts a post-partum support group for mothers with babies up to a year old. Childcare available. Takes place at Midwifery Care of Holyoke. 413-534-2700. 230 Maple Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 2:30-6pm – TEEN: The Belchertown Teen Center is open this afternoon, offering a safe, drug-free, semi-supervised environment where kids can play games, socialize, watch movies, etc. 413-323-8728. 66 State Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 2:30-7pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Visit the Burgy Thursday Market for local produce, locally made goods, and delicious treats! Takes place on the lawn at Meekins Library. Williams Street. Williamsburg, MA. (MARKET) ♦
• 5-8pm – ART WALK: On the first Thursday of every month, the Amherst Art Walk takes place. Families can enjoy arts and culture, entertainment, shopping and dining. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA (FREE)
• 6-10pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Visit the Beneski Museum of Natural History at Amherst College! It’s home to a large variety of natural wonders, including the world’s largest collection of dinosaur tracks and lots of exhibits on local natural history. 413-542-2165. 11 Barrett Hill Road. Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 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! Takes place on the first and third Thursdays of each month. 4 Main Street. 413-268-7741. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦

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Friday, October 26th, 2012

10am-4pm – HISTORY: Historic Deerfield’s fall Open Hearth Cooking series will focus on foods harvested by early New Englanders and the ways in which they were preserved in order to be enjoyed through the winter. Visitors will learn about traditional recipes and unique methods of preservation! 413-774-5581. 84B Old Main Street. Deerfield, MA. ($)

10:30-11:30am – ANIMAL STUDIES/CAMOUFLAGED: Creatures can be hard to find sometimes, since they’re so well camouflaged! Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center today for, “Where in the Wild?” – a program where kids will be able to learn about the animals who are the best at hiding, and why! 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)

1pm – HALLOWEEN MADNESS: School is out in Shutesbury! Halloween Madness Balloon Show with Jungle Jim happens at the Shutesbury Elementary School Gym. A Halloween treat for the entire family, presented by the Friends of the MN Spear Library. Shutesbury, MA (FREE)

4pm – SHAKER SUPPER: Hancock Shaker Village will host their popular family supper with locally-source ingredients, Shaker music, costumed interpreters, and guided tours. Meals will take place in the Village’s 1830 Brick Dwelling. Reservation required. 413-443-0188. 1843 W. Housatonic St. Pittsfield, MA ($$$)

5-6:45pm or 7pm – HALLOWEEN HAYRIDES: McCray’s Farm hayrides continue! Munchkin Rides (for kids) take place earlier in the evening – best for kids 7 and under (and their grown-ups), the ride is slow but exciting! Rides for big kids begin at 7pm and run until the line is gone. Runs Friday-Sunday through Halloween. The farm also features homemade ice cream, animals, and mini golf. 413-533-0775. 33 Alvord Street. South Hadley, MA. ($)

5-8pm – HALLOWEEN COSTUME PARTY: Celebrate Halloween with the South Hadley Family Center at a costume party! Takes place at St. Theresa’s Church. 413-533-7096. 9 East Parkview Drive. South Hadley, MA. (<$)

5:30-8:30pm – HALLOWEEN TRAIN RIDE: Ride the haunted train at Look Park! Recommended for kids ages 4yo+, the train ride includes monsters and surprises, but is not terrifying for elementary-aged kids. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (<$)

5:45-8:45pm – HALLOWEEN PARTY: The Longmeadow Parks & Rec Dept. will host a Kids’ Nite Out Halloween Party for children ages 4-11yo. Drop the kids off for a safe and supervised party while adults enjoy a night out! 413-565-4160. Longmeadow, MA ($)

6pm – PUMPKIN CARVING: Bring your very own home-carved jack-o-lantern to the Stockbridge Library to be showcased in the Pumpkin Walk-About! Visit the library to view pumpkins made by other community members, then come inside for a Halloween story and a treat. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

6-9pm – PUMPKIN WALK: Pumpkins, pumpkins, and more pumpkins! The Washington Pumpkin Walk takes place tonight – venture through the town park and check out all of the pumpkins. There will be a special performance from Ed the Wizard, and trick-or-treating (both from 6-7:30). Route 8. Washington, MA. (FREE)

6:30pm – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: In celebration of the Eric Carle Museum’s 10th anniversary, the Academy of Music presents Mermaid Theater’s production of A Brown Bear, A Moon, A Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle. The show features spectacular puppets, visual effects, and catchy music and tell three of Carle’s classic and beloved children’s stories. 413-584-9032. Main Street. Northampton, MA. ($)

6:30-10:30pm – HALLOWEEN: Visit 13 Nights at Jiminy for a scary tour – that’s based a little bit on legend, and mostly in some spooky local history. There are special tours of the location (which depart every 15 minutes), as well as a haunted mountain roller coaster and a scary tree-top zipline. Open to families with older kids (minimum age is 10, but it’s pretty creepy!), the tour explores the former hillside Plantation of Jericho – settled by sheep farmers to avoid a sickness believed to exist in the valley – and explores the 13 Nights legend, in which sheep at the plantation disappear overnight for thirteen nights out of the year. Open Friday and Saturday evenings through Halloween. 413-738-5500. 37 Corey Road. Hancock, MA. ($$)

6:45-7:30pm – HALLOWEEN/SING-A-LONG: It’s Halloween Night at Mitteneague Park! Roger Ticknell will lead a family sing-a-long full of fun, silly holiday songs. After the show, kids will all get a special treat! In case of bad weather, even will take place at the middle school. 413-781-3020. Cowles Lane. West Springfield, MA. (FREE)

7pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/HIKE: Hike under the stars at the Alford Springs Reserve with your teens! The hike will explore the preserve’s logging roads, and will cover just over 3 miles of ground. Be sure to bring a flashlight and/or head lamp, as well as snacks and water. Mountain Road. Alford, MA. (FREE)

7pm – HALLOWEEN PARADE: Pittsfield will come alive tonight with all sorts of Halloween excitement! The super fun, annual Halloween Parade takes place – featuring spooky, scary, and exciting floats. Tyler Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

7-9pm – SCAVENGER HUNT: Creep through the Skinner Mansion at the Wistariahurst Museum! Tonight there will be a special scavenger hunt – be prepared to look very closely around each corner. The event will take place in teams of 4 – individuals will be placed into teams if necessary. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)

7:30pm – THEATER: What lies behind the hedges? Find out at the Monson Arts Council’s production of, The Secret Garden. Enjoy the classic story, paired with a beautiful score – presented at Memorial Hall. Main Street. Monson, MA. ($$)

8pm – THEATER: Bay Path College presents, The Pirates of Penzance! The musical is a comedy, and tells the story of a young apprentice – to PIRATES! – and a woman named Mabel, with whom he is quite smitten. Takes place in the Mills Theater in the school’s Carr Hall. 413-535-1307. Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. ($)

8-11pm – HAUNTED HOUSE: The YMCA of Greater Westfield will host their 25th annual Haunted House, boasted as being their spookiest ever! Not recommended for kids ages 7 & under. 67 Court St. Westfield, MA ($)

ONGOING FOR FRIDAYS

• 9-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: In the gym at Shutesbury Elementary School, sponsored by the Community Network for Children through June 2013. 413-259-1212. 23 West Pelham Road. Shutesbury, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center. 413-545-0865. 428 Student Union Building (Campus Center Way). Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Northampton Parent Center is a drop-in Center for children (birth-K) and their caregivers. Everyone is welcome. Located in the lower level of Edwards Church at the corner of State and Main Streets in Northampton. Please use the back door and public parking. Northampton, MA (FREE)
• 10am – MOVIE: The Berkshire Athenaeum shows short kids’ movies every Friday morning. Call to check what’s playing! 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Hosted by the Easthampton Family Center at the Flywheel space in the Old Town Hall building. 413-527-5496. Main Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
  10-11:30am – SUPPORT GROUP: MotherWoman hosts a postpartum support group for mothers with babies up to a year old at the Community Action Family Center. Childcare available. 413-475-1566. 90 Federal Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am-5pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Visit Naumkeag, a historic home in the Berkshires, to tour the house and grounds. Visitors can learn about the home’s interesting history and tour the many beautiful gardens! 413-298-3239. Prospect Hill Road. Stockbridge, MA. ($) ♦
• 10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: On the first and third Fridays of each month, the YMCA of Greenfield hosts Jump Into Fitness playgroup! Lots of fun physical activity. Snack provided. 413-475-1543. 451 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:15-11am – STORYTIME: The Mason Library hosts Young Children’s Storytime this morning! 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: For little ones at the Pelham Library! 413-253-0657. 2 South Valley Road. Pelham, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: The Monson Library’s baby group takes place this morning – kiddos ages 0-2 and their caregivers can visit for stories, songs, and playtime. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: The Heath Library offers bi-weekly storytime throughout the fall. 413-337-4934. 1 East Main Street. Heath, MA. (FREE) ♦
  11am – STORYTIME: Pre-school storytime at the Griswold Memorial Library! 413-624-3619. 12 Main Road. Colrain, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am – PLAYGROUP: The Haskins Center hosts baby group! 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Sponsored by Childcare of the Berkshires in the community room at the Lanesborough Town Hall. 413-664-4821. 83 North Main Street. Lanesborough, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am – AQUARIUM ADVENTURE: Meet an animal at the Berkshire Museum! Friends from the aquarium will be shared, and kids can learn all about them through stories and activities. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (<$) ♦
• 11-11:40am – STORYTIME: The Greenfield Library hosts Mother Goose on the Loose, a special lap-sit story hour for kids under the age of 3. 413-772-1544. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11-12:50: ICE SKATING: There will be an ice skating session at the Mullins Center for homeschoolers through June ’13. Some skate sessions can be bumped due to UMass ice hockey, so call to confirm before heading out. 413-230-6516. UMass Mullins Center. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA (>$)
• 5:45 and 7pm – HISTORY/MYSTERY TOUR: Take a spooky mystery tour of The Mount every Friday night through Oct. 26th… beware – you never know what you might encounter! Visitors will not only be thoroughly creeped out, but will learn some of the building’s interesting history. 413-997-4444. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. ($$)
• 7-10pm – TWEEN: Kids in grades 6-8 can enjoy a fun night out with friends at the Greenwood Center! Hosted by Longmeadow Rec Dept, the event features DJ dance music, and will be supervised by adults. Dress code is the same as school, and students must sign in before entering. Takes place on the second and fourth Friday of each month. 413-565-4163. 231 Maple Road. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 7:30pm – ASTRONOMY: Williams College’s Milham Planetarium offers free shows on Friday evenings! Using the planetarium’s Zeiss Skymaster, Williams students will teach visitors about all sorts of astronomical phenomena, including phases of the moon, retrograde planetary motion, varying colors/temperatures of stars, constellations and zodiac signs, and more! Reservations recommended but not required. 413-597-2188. 829 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 8:30pm-12:30am – DANCE: Dance the night away at Dance Spree, a family-friendly, substance free, barefoot community night of dancing! Kids of all ages are welcome, but young children must be accompanied by adults. Takes place on the 4th floor of the Fitzwilly’s building. 25 Main Street. Northampton, MA. (<$) ♦

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