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

Saturday, November 10th from 10am-4pm – HOLIDAY FAIR: Shop local and handmade for the holidays at the Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School’s Holiday Handcraft Fair! There will be a market of beautiful children’s games, toys, and other wares, as well as a gently-used-corner, jump rope making for kids, a performance from Roger the Jester, silent auction and raffles, food, and more. 413-528-4015. 35 West Plain Road. Great Barrington, MA. (MARKET)

Saturday, November 10th from 12noon-3pm – CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Celebrate Beatrix Potter and her classic children’s tales featuring a menagerie of woodland critters! White Square Books is hosting a special themed party, which will include a reading of some of Beatrix’s best beloved stories and a variety of treats (including currant buns, blackberries, and “rabbit food” snacks like radishes, greens, beans, and parsley). There will also be a clay table where kids can make a figurine of their favorite Beatrix Potter character! 413-203-1717. 86 Cottage Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

Saturday, November 17th at 1pm – PUPPET SHOW: Puppeteer Jonathan Keezing and his Caravan Puppets will perform Timeless Tales at the Meekins Library, Hawks~Hayden Community Room. Keezing’s delightful, multi-cultural, Timeless Tales are told through diverse puppetry styles, with original music in a traditional puppet staging. With his unique handcrafted puppets and interactive comic style Keezing will bring his puppets to life giving children the excitement and magic of a live puppet show. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams Street. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

BULLETIN BOARD

Nov 11

The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst is turning 10! Celebrate this Sunday, November 11th during their 10th Anniversary Book Signing Bash from 12-5pm. Come see the new exhibit, Iconic Images: Ten Years of Collecting for The Carle, with art from the masters of the past and present and favorite characters like Shrek and Babar on view! More than 15 artists will be there to sign books – and Eric Carle, Tony DiTerlizzi, and Peter Laird will be creating doodles! Plus, art activities, storytimes, live music, and free butterfly temporary tattoos! For schedule and information about doodles, please visit www.carlemuseum.org.

Beginning Nov 17

Lions and Tigers and Museums, Oh My!, on view beginning November 17 at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute’s Stone Hill Center in Williamstown, utilizes video, hands-on activities, taxidermy, and innovative displays to create an exciting learning environment for all ages. The exhibition includes a magnificent specimen of an adult African lion as well as a lioness’s pelt, claws, and a skull that will be available to encourage hands-on exploration. Visitors try on a gauntlet as they try to balance a wooden block that approximates the size and weight of a falcon for a first-hand experience of the difficulty and delicate balance needed in falconry. Visit clarkart.edu to learn about the exhibition and other family events and programs.

Nov 18

On Sunday November 18th at 3pm, Jane Yolen, “The Hans Christian Andersen of America,” joins folksinger-songwriter Lui Collins in An Afternoon of Poetry and Song for all ages at the Ashfield Community Hall. This family-friendly concert features Jane’s poems interspersed with Lui’s songs, including several of Jane’s poems she has set to music. All proceeds benefit Upside-Up Music’s Scholarship Fund, making family music classes accessible in the Hilltowns. Refreshments, books and CDs available for sale and autographing at intermission. Suggested donation $12; students, seniors, low income $10; <12 $5; <2 free. Family maximum $29. Reservations requested: lui@luicollins.com.

Cooley Dickinson Hospital has a lot to be proud of; voted the #1 Women’s Health and Childbirth Center again in the Advocate’s Readers poll for 2012. Want to share in the celebration? Learn more about the birthing options available at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, you will have tons of choices from OB/GYNs to certified midwives, to water births and more. Show your support for the Valley’s Best Birthing Center, “LIKE” Cooley Dickinson on Facebook and receive a FREE pair of socks for your baby. Facebook.com/cooleydickinson. For information about the Childbirth Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital visit http://www.cooley-dickinson.org. And remember, “LIKE” Cooley Dickinson on Facebook for FREE baby socks.

ADVERTISE YOUR FALL/HOLIDAY EVENT: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your holiday event, open house, 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

Call for Youth Photographers: Western MA youth photographers ages 8-18 are invited to participate in an upcoming exhibit titled, “Places We Live, Play & Learn: Narratives of Life by Western Massachusetts Youth Photographers.” Hosted by Hilltown Families with the support of the Cummington Cultural Council, the exhibit will be on display at the Cummington Community House Gallery in the rear of the Cummington Community House, originally schedule for this fall, now scheduled for the month of January 2013. Exhibit gives youth an opportunity to explore their towns and document their findings both in images and a written narrative. Participation is free and open to all youth living in Western MA. Deadline for entry has been extended to Dec 1st, 2012. An application and entry rules can be downloaded here: Places We Live, Play & Learn Application Form (pdf).

On Saturday, December 1st 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, puzzles & card games you would like to swap with other families. New this year, incomplete games are welcomed and will be donated to the Northampton Creative ReUse Committee. 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. Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

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LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
November 10th-16th, 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, November 10th, 2012

“Hilltown Families supports all of us in whatever our needs are. From informative resources to community activities, Hilltown Families gives us the knowledge!… With all the information out there, I can always count on Hilltown’s to be accurate, environmentally aware and the articles have our best interests at heart. As Hilltown Families grows, quality is never compromised! Refreshing at a time when everyone is cutting corners to save money. We don’t need to worry about that here! Hilltown Families also helps us to connect with local businesses that fit our needs and this helps us have a greater sense of community responsibility. Thank you Hilltown Families!” – Jenn Therrien (Westhampton, 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. – David Tobocman Guest DJs the Hilltown Families Variety Show this week, introducing listeners to some of his favorite jazz music. – Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast anytime. Click here to see over 5 years of archived shows.

9, 10, and 11am – CELTIC DANCE: Celtic Heels School of Irish Dance is offering free trial classes for kids and parents today! Participants will get a sense of what class is like, and learn a few basic steps as an introduction to Irish dance. 9am class is for ages 3-5, 10am is for ages 6+, and 11am class is for teens and adults. 413-475-3353. 267 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)

9:30am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/HIKE: Take a nature hike at Springside Park with naturalist Victor Capelli! Kids can learn to identify common plants and will learn about the changes that take place in the park during the fall. 413-443-5348. Springside Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

9:30 and 11am – FAMILY THEATER: Red Door Theatre presents, “Aesop’s Fables!” These classic tales feature lots of animals, and have simple, easy to understand morals. 413-789-2026. 152 South Westfield Street. Feeding Hills, MA. (<$)

9:30am-4pm – GEOLOGY: See rock specimens of all shapes and sizes at the Jewelry, Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show and Sale! Kids can see a wide variety of stone specimens, jewelry, fossils, and geology-themed art. There will be demonstrations activities for kids, and more! Takes place at the GCC Dining Commons. 413-775-1000. 1 College Drive. Greenfield, MA. (<$)

9:30am-5pm – FAMILY VOLUNTEERING: Bring the family and head to Springside Park, Pittsfield’s largest public park, and work together with your community to clean up the park. Bring gloves and park at the upper playground (near the old zoo). Rain date: 11/11. 874 North Street. Pittsfield, MA (VOLUNTEER)

10am-12noon – SKI SALE: Cross-country ski sale happens at Notchview. Cross country skis, boots and poles and clothing for adults are for sale and there is also a limited amount of equipment and clothing for kids. There are knowledgeable skiers at the sale who can also help with your questions about adult equipment and kids’ equipment. If you have some equipment you would like to donate or sell on commission, please call Peter Rayton, 413-586-9350 to make arrangements. Proceeds from the sale go to the Berkshire Trails Nordic Ski Club. Route 9. Windsor, MA (SALE)

10am-12noon – FAMILY PROGRAMMING: The Amherst Family Center hosts a morning family fun program at the UMass Student Union Craft Center & Campus Center Graduate Lounge. The first part of this 2-part program begins at 10am with “Art Cycles” Bird Feeder Project.” This will be help in the Student Union Craft Center and families with kids ages 2-6yo can make a bird feeder our or recycled materials. At 11am in the Graduate Center Lounge, there will be a family performance with Miss Leticia. 413-545-0865. UMass Campus. Amherst, MA (FREE)

10am-12noon – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Enjoy beautiful views of the Taconic Range and search for geologic and historic landmarks at the Lime Kiln Farm Sanctuary with Mass Audubon! The newest Berkshire sanctuary, the land houses a beautiful trail system. Call to register. 413-637-0320. Silver Street. Sheffield, MA. ($)

10am-4pm – ART SALE: Snow Farm’s annual seconds sale takes place on weekends throughout November – there’s new art every weekend! Stop by to see what’s there and get a jump start on holiday shopping. Shop local and handmade for the holidays! There will even be an opportunity to MYO glass ornaments ($$). 413-268-3101. 5 Clary Road. Williamsburg, MA. (SALE)

10am-4pm – BOTANY: Chrysanthemums are in bloom at the Smith College Botanic Gardens! Visit to see a wide array of colors and blooms of all sizes. Kids can learn about the growing and blooming process that the plants go through, and can learn about greenhouse gardening, too! 413-585-2742. College Lane. Northampton, MA. (<$)

10am-4pm – HOLIDAY FAIR: The Hilltown Artisans Guild Holiday Fair takes place this weekend at the Worthington Town Hall! The event showcases hundreds of unique, handcrafted items from local artists and artisans. Shop local and handmade for the holidays! Route 112. Worthington, MA. (MARKET)

10am-4pm – HOLIDAY FAIR: Shop local and handmade for the holidays at the Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School’s Holiday Handcraft Fair! There will be a market of beautiful children’s games, toys, and other wares, as well as a gently-used-corner, jump rope making for kids, a performance from Roger the Jester, silent auction and raffles, food, and more. 413-528-4015. 35 West Plain Road. Great Barrington, MA. (MARKET)

10am-7pm – ART TOUR: The annual Crafts of Colrain tour takes place this weekend! Check out studios of a variety of artists and craftspeople throughout Colrain on a self-guided tour. Some studios will have special tours and demonstrations – it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the end of the beautiful fall foliage, and to learn about what’s being made locally! Colrain, MA. (FREE)

10:30am-12noon – INTERGENERATIONAL ART: The Art Garden is hosting a workshop for grandparents and grandchildren this morning – stop by and make some art! All youth with an elder are welcomed! 413-625-2782. Depot Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (FREE)

11am – FAMILY MOVIE: The Lee Library’s monthly Saturday morning movie screening is, “Madagascar Three: Europe’s Most Wanted.” Watch the hilarious animal cast of the movie series go on yet another hilarious adventure! 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA. (FREE)

11am-12noon – STORYTIME: Read crocodile stories at the Huntington Library, in honor of National Steve Irwin Day. Kids can make a croc-themed craft and sink their teeth into a snack. 413-667-3506. 7 East Main Street. Huntington, MA. (FREE)

12noon-2pm –MYO GIFTS: Make your own stuffed critter out of felt at the Whately Library! Registration required as space is limited. 413-665-2170. Chestnut Plain Road. Whately, MA. ($)

12noon-3pm – CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Celebrate Beatrix Potter and her classic children’s tales featuring a menagerie of woodland critters! White Square Books is hosting a special themed party, which will include a reading of some of Beatrix’s best beloved stories and a variety of treats (including currant buns, blackberries, and “rabbit food” snacks like radishes, greens, beans, and parsley). There will also be a clay table where kids can make a figurine of their favorite Beatrix Potter character! 413-203-1717. 86 Cottage Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)

1pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/NATIVE AMERICAN: The Berkshire Museum hosts the Chief Konkapot Festival of Native American Culture and History this weekend, an event that features unique and exciting performances from Native American singers, musicians, songwriters, and more! This afternoon’s performance features Jerry Thundercloud Macdonald, performing Mohawk stories, songs, and dance. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)

2pm – FAMILY THEATER: Picture Book Theater presents Eric Carle’s The Very Quiet Cricket and The Very Lonely Firefly – puppet style! – at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. See these classic children’s stories come alive with all of the beauty of Carle’s signature illustrations. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (<$)

3pm – HISTORY: Western Gateway Heritage State Park hosts a workshop on Fredericksburg and its role in the Civil War as part of the Civil War 150 Years series! 413-663-6321. 115 State Street, Building 4. North Adams, MA. (<$ for parking)

3-4pm – LEGOS: It’s time for LEGO Club at the Jones Library! Kids can use the blocks to experiment with basic principles of physics and architecture… and use their imaginations to create masterpieces! 413-259-3090. 43 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

4:30-6:30pm – COMMUNITY DINNER: Fill up on pierogi, kielbasa, sauerkraut, rye bread, and other traditional Polish foods at the Monson-Glendale United Methodist Church’s Polish Dinner! 413-267-3798. 162 Main Street. Monson, MA. ($)

DUSK – ASTRONOMY: Gaze into the night sky at the stars tonight with Arunah Hill at Notchview! Learn to identify some basic constellations, planets, etc. There will be a variety of telescopes to try out. Great as an accompaniment to beginning studies of astronomy! 413-532-1631. Old Route 9. Windsor, MA. (FREE)

5pm – COMMUNITY DINNER: Support Berkshire Trail Elementary School at a community dinner featuring locally-made Ooma Tesoro’s pasta sauce and bread from Bread Euphoria! There will even be gluten-free pasta. Yum! Seatings at 5 and 6:30. 413-634-5327. Main Street. Cummington, MA. ($)

5:45-10pm – FAMILY NIGHT OUT: Dance the night away as a family at the Lander-Grinspoon Academy PTO’s Bake-and-Shake DJ Dance Party! There will be baked goods and drinks for sale, and live family-appropriate DJ dance music all night long. 257 Prospect Street. Northampton, MA.

6-7:30pm – HISTORY: Experience a darkening fall evening just as early New Englanders did at Old Sturbridge Village’s Evening of Illumination. Guided tours – lit by candles, oil lamps, and firelight – will stop by a handful of the village’s homes and shops around the common. Visitors will learn about typical evening activities, and the role that light played in 19th century life. The tour ends at the village’s tavern, where cider, treats, and a cash bar for adults await! Pre-purchase tickets. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($$$)

6:30-8:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: The Norman Rockwell Museum celebrates the opening of an exhibit titled, “Heroes and Villains: The Comic Book Art of Alex Ross,” tonight! Ross’ work provides a fresh look at classic comic book characters – his work portrays beloved heroes as powerfully empathetic. Commentary on the exhibit will take place at 7pm. Great for older students interested in comic book art and the influence that comics have on American culture. 413-931-2221. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA. ($$)

7pm – CULTURAL STUDIES: The Berkshire Museum hosts the Chief Konkapot Festival of Native American Culture and History this weekend, an event that features unique and exciting performances from Native American singers, musicians, songwriters, and more! This evenings performance will feature Joseph Firecrow, and Northern Cheyenne flautist, singer, and songwriter (Grammy-nominated!). 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)

8pm – HORSES: Equine Affair presents, “Fantasia,” a musical celebration of horses, at the Big E tonight. The show features professional equestrian performers (performing everything from choreographed dance to aerial silks) atop exceptionally well-trained horses. The show includes all types of music, and a variety of different horse breeds. 740-845-0085. 1305 Memorial Avenue. West Springfield, MA ($$)

8pm – SQUARE DANCE: The Chesterfield Grange hosts a community square dance! No experience necessary, just come ready to move! Dances will be guided by a caller, and music will be provided by a live band. Best for families with older children who can actively participate. Route 143. Chesterfield, MA.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT

6pm – ANNUAL GALA: Enjoy a night of drinks, dinner, dancing, and live performances at the Berkshire Theater Group’s annual gala event honoring and raising money for its education programs! The event begins at the Colonial Theater with cocktails, followed by dinner on the theater’s stage during which diners will be entertained by performances from children featured in BTG productions, as well as some performances by actors from the summer’s mainstage productions. Following dinner is a dance party at The Garage, featuring beats from DJ BFG. Tickets are available to all (or some) of the night’s events. Dress up and enjoy a fancy night out while supporting enriching community programs! 413-448-8084 ex 14. South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FUNDRAISER)

6:30pm-12am – BALL: Dress in your finest and dance the night away at the Bright Nights Ball, sponsored by Mercy Medical Center. Takes place in the grand ballroom at the Sheraton Springfield. 413-781-1010. 1 Monarch Place. Springfield, MA. (FUNDRAISER)

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Sunday, November 11th, 2012

“Hilltown Families is where I check (often!) for info on activities and events to do with my daughter where we can learn, enjoy, and sometimes create. Without this comprehensive weekly resource, I doubt I’d know about many of these events that keep us connected to the landscape without structured, commercialized time.” – Stacy Calabretta (Goshen, 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.

9am – CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: Meet children’s author Laurie Jacobs, and hear her book Silly Frilly Grandma Tilly as part of Literatour 2012: Springfield Jewish Book Festival! Kids can munch on bagels, do a craft, and peruse other Jewish children’s literature in the Scholastic book store. Takes place at the Springfield Jewish Community Center. 413-739-4715. 1160 Dickinson Street. Springfield, MA. (<$)

10am-4pm – HOLIDAY FAIR: The Hilltown Artisans Guild Holiday Fair takes place this weekend at the Worthington Town Hall! The event showcases hundreds of unique, handcrafted items from local artists and artisans. Shop local and handmade for the holidays! Route 112. Worthington, MA. (MARKET)

10am-4pm – ART SALE: Snow Farm’s annual seconds sale takes place on weekends throughout November – there’s new art every weekend! Stop by to see what’s there and get a jump start on holiday shopping. Shop local and handmade for the holidays! ($$). 413-268-3101. 5 Clary Road. Williamsburg, MA. (SALE)

10am-4pm – BOTANY: Chrysanthemums are in bloom at the Smith College Botanic Gardens! Visit to see a wide array of colors and blooms of all sizes. Kids can learn about the growing and blooming process that the plants go through, and can learn about greenhouse gardening, too! 413-585-2742. College Lane. Northampton, MA. (<$)

10am-7pm – ART TOUR: The annual Crafts of Colrain tour takes place this weekend! Check out studios of a variety of artists and craftspeople throughout Colrain on a self-guided tour. Some studios will have special tours and demonstrations – it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the end of the beautiful fall foliage, and to learn about what’s being made locally! Colrain, MA. (FREE)

11am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/HIKE: Explore a Bear Spring, rock ledges, and ancient shorelines and see unique plant life like witch hazel, mountain laurel, and sassafras at Pine Cobble! The Williamstown Rural Lands Trust will lead a guided hike through the cobble, during which biologist and land historian Hank Art and geoscientist David Dethier will teach hikers about the fascinating natural history of the area. Best for teens and adults, the hike is moderately strenuous and will last for roughly three hours, and the information shared will require some basic natural science background knowledge. Meet at the Chestnut Trail trailhead. Chestnut Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

1-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/HIKE: Explore the Hilltown Land Trust’s Stevens Property – a site covering over 350 acres of land skirting the Mt. Pisgah ridge line and filled with forests, streams, and boulders. The hike will be about 2 miles, and visitors can help out with trail maintenance, too! 413-628-4485. Pisgah Road. Huntington, MA. (FREE)

1pm and 3pm- CULTURAL STUDIES/NATIVE AMERICAN: The Berkshire Museum hosts the Chief Konkapot Festival of Native American Culture and History this weekend, an event that features unique and exciting performances from Native American singers, musicians, songwriters, and more! The 1pm performance features Larry Spotted Crow Mann, who will present Nipmuck stories, songs, and drumming alongside the Quabbin Lake Singers. At 3pm, Sandy Rhodes will share a presentation on traditional pow wow culture, dance, and regalia. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)

12-5pm – CHILDREN’S LITERATURE: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is celebrating their 10th birthday with a book signing bash! Authors Tony DiTerlizzi, Peter Laird, and Eric Carle himself will be signing books and drawing doodles for visitors ($10 per doodle), and the South Hadley Children’s Chorus will perform a special concert. 413-658-1105. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

2-4pm – FILM WORKSHOP: Sign up for a workshop on organizing, shooting, and editing film with mother/son team, Kate and Liam O’Shea! Part of a 3-workshop series (including workshops on November 18th and December 2nd), participants can sign up for one or all of the workshops. E-mail katepeacetraveler@gmail.com. Takes place at Ashfield Community Preschool. 103 Baptist Corner Road. Ashfield, MA. (FREE)

7pm – HISTORY/GENDER STUDIES/CIVIL RIGHTS: Older students can learn about Marion Turner, a resident of Florence from 1898-1903 – Turner was African-American, a woman, a nurse, and also an open cross-dresser. New research from the Sexual Minorities Archives will be presented on Turner’s life, and what her experience says about the culture of early 20th century Northampton. Was she accepted? Shunned? Why did she leave? And what does her experience mean to us today, in a far removed cultural context? Takes place in the Carroll Room at the Smith College Campus Center. 413-584-7616. Elm Street. Northampton, MA. ($)

7pm – FILM: Are you a witch? Find out how you can tell at the Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema screening of, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” this evening. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (<$)

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Monday, November 12th, 2012

VETERANS DAY

10am-4pm – BOTANY: Chrysanthemums are in bloom at the Smith College Botanic Gardens! Visit to see a wide array of colors and blooms of all sizes. Kids can learn about the growing and blooming process that the plants go through, and can learn about greenhouse gardening, too! 413-585-2742. College Lane. Northampton, MA. (<$)

1:30pm & 7pm – FILM: Are you a witch? Find out how you can tell – the Berkshire Museum’s Little Cinema screens, “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” this afternoon & evening. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (<$)

5:30-7:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Childcare of the Berkshires is offering a 3-week parenting workshop series for parents of children ages 5-12. Parents will learn tools for helping to develop independence, character, and responsibility in school-aged children, as well as strategies for positive discipline and effective communication. Childcare and transportation available, registration required as space is limited! 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

ONGOING FOR MONDAYS

AS ALWAYS, PLEASE DOUBLE CHECK BEFORE HEADING OUT, ESPECIALLY SINCE TODAY IS VETERANS DAY AND SOME PLACES MAY BE CLOSED.

• 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. (<$) ♦
• 2:30-5pm – TEEN/TWEEN: Meekins Library’s Teen/Preteen Time takes place this afternoon! Teens can visit the library to hang out with friends, work on homework, play games, use computers, and check out awesome new books, movies, and music. 413-268-7473. 2 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30-4:30pm – BREAK DANCE: Learn to break like a b-boy! The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts offers a weekly break dance class, taught by Joshua McHugh, accomplished dancer and dance teacher. 413-499-9348. 28 Renne Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. ($) ♦
• 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, November 13th, 2012

9am – OPEN HOUSE: The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School is offering an open house today! Parents and community members are welcome to visit the school to learn more about its programs, as well as Waldorf education in general. Visitors will be able to meet faculty, see students’ work, and tour the school. Call for more information or to register. 413-528-4015 ex 106. West Plain Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

9:30-10:30am – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Have a lazy – yet exciting! – morning at Mass MoCA with Childcare of the Berkshires! Families are invited to visit the museum (kiddos can even stay in their pajamas) where breakfast will be provided, along with storytime, art projects, and a chance to explore the galleries. Call to register! 413-664-4821. Mass MoCA Way. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

9:30am-12:30pm – NATURE STUDIES: The Hitchcock Center’s Nature Discovery Day today focuses on salmon and other anadromous fish! Participants will visit the Salmon Station in Sunderland and learn about freshwater fish’s habitats, as well as the special adaptations that allow salmon to live partly in freshwater and partly in saltwater. Kids can even see fish up close, and make their own salmon t-shirts. Registration required. 413-256-6006. 525 South Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA.

10am – FILM: The Westhampton Library screens Wes Anderson’s most recent film, Moonrise Kingdom (PG-13). The movie takes place on an island off the coast of New England during the 1960’s, and tells the story of a young boy and girl who fall in love (through their mutual angst and disdain for adults) and run away for an adventure. (Not a kid’s movie – best for teens, tweens, and parents!) 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE)

10am-4pm – BOTANY: Chrysanthemums are in bloom at the Smith College Botanic Gardens! Visit to see a wide array of colors and blooms of all sizes. Kids can learn about the growing and blooming process that the plants go through, and can learn about greenhouse gardening, too! 413-585-2742. College Lane. Northampton, MA. (<$)

12:15pm – CULTURAL STUDIES:/NATIVE AMERICAN: Berkshire Community College hosts a performance by Joseph Firecrow, a Grammy-nominated Northern Cheyenne musician and master of the traditional Native American flute. Sponsored by the BCC Committee for Diversity. 413-499-4660. 1350 West Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

4-5:15pm – YOUTH COOKING: Kids can cook at Whole Foods Market this afternoon! Participants in the cooking class will learn how to make their own delicious food, and can munch on their creation afterwards. Call to register. 413-586-9932. Russell Street. Hadley, MA. (FREE)

6:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Scott Noyes is presenting a workshop on Children’s Rivalry. Learn how to help children with rivalry, competition for parent’s attention, resentfulness, envy and conflict. Topics in this session include competition for parent’s attention, the other side of each rivalry story, the role of active listening, working with feelings, parental fairness, labeling problem children, and how to help when children are fighting. Workshop will be held in the Community Room in the Administrative Offices building on the Community Health Programs campus. Registration appreciated, childcare must be confirmed by calling 413-464-5095. 444 Stockbridge Road. Great Barrington, MA (FREE)

7-9pm – PECHA KUCHA: The Berkshire Museum is hosting yet another round of PechaKucha presentations tonight! The event is a space for community members to present a series of 20 20-second slides (20×20 is another name for the event) on any topic they choose – audience members can leave having learned about anything from candy bar shapes to native plants. Best for older students (mature tweens and teens), the event is a great way to celebrate diversity in knowledge and experience within the community! Free beer from Wandering Star for adults. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (<$)

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) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: At the Dickinson Library! 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, 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, November 14th, 2012

10am-4pm – BOTANY: Chrysanthemums are in bloom at the Smith College Botanic Gardens! Visit to see a wide array of colors and blooms of all sizes. Kids can learn about the growing and blooming process that the plants go through, and can learn about greenhouse gardening, too! 413-585-2742. College Lane. Northampton, MA. (<$)

4-4:45pm – BALLET: Dancers from the Berkshire Albany Ballet present scenes from the nutcracker this afternoon at the Mason Library! 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

6pm – TECHNOLOGY: Play with a Nook at the Westfield Athenaeum’s Nook Petting Zoo. Families can test out the devices to begin learning to use them and find out how the device can be useful to them. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE)

6:30pm – RECYCLING/CRAFTS: Make a bird feeder out of recycled materials at the Wistariahurst Museum, and learn about how the feeder will help birds who stick around through the cold be well-fed and happy all winter long. Visitors will learn what materials to use for making feeders at home, and will learn about what species benefit from porch feeders most. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)

6:30-8:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Baystate Children’s Hospital hosts a workshop for grandparents and parents-to-be! Called, “Your Baby is Having a Baby,” the workshop will share information on maximizing your role as a grandparent and ways to be supportive to new parents. Call to register. 413-794-2229. West Springfield, MA. (FREE)

7pm – GLBT LITERATURE FOR BOYS: If you thought you had a gay son, what kinds of stories would you want to read to him or have him read for himself? For a few decades now GLBT young adults have been able to see images of themselves in young adult novels from Annie on My Mind (1982) to Parrotfish (2007).But are there any books for kids younger than adolescents that have representations of gay adults or gay kids in them?Let’s talk about the barriers to getting books with gay children as characters published, and imagine what a book with gay kids as characters would look like! Join Dee Michel at the Forbes Library Community Room. 413-612-2757. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)

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) ♦
• 9:45-11:15am – 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) ♦
• 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. ($) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: In the gym at Erving Elementary School, hosted by the Community Network for Children through June 2013. 413- 423-3326. 18 Northfield Road. Erving, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:15-11am – STORYTIME: Hosted by the Mason Library – also includes stories, songs, and crafts. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the New Marlborough Library, sponsored by Community Health Programs. 413-644-0104. 1 New Marlborough-Great Barrington Road. New Marlborough, MA. (FREE)
• 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: At the Leverett Library, sponsored by the Community Network for Children through June 2013. 413-548-9220. 75 Montague Road. Leverett, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30: SINGING: Sing with Your Baby with Wendy happens at the Jones Library. For preK kids and younger, and their parents/caretakers. Takes place in the Woodbury Room. Runs through Dec. 18. 413-259-3090. 43 Amity St. Amherst, MA (FREE)
• 11-11:30am – STORYTIME: Toddler Time with Stephanie at the Forbes Library! 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am-12noon – GYMNASTICS: Whip City Gym hosts homeschool open gymnastics! The event is not a formal class, but offers kids unstructured play time physical activity amongst true gymnastics equipment. Great for kids interested in gymnastics, dance, or cheerleading, and gym playtime can also help kids work on balance and coordination. Takes place through the school year. 413-569-3231. 320 College Highway. Southwick, MA. (<$) ♦
• 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) ♦
• 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) ♦
• 3:30pm – 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, November 15th, 2012

7am-5pm – FUNDRAISER: Monte Belmonte, radio personality on local station 93.9 WRSI, is pushing a shopping cart from Amherst to Greenfield today to raise money for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Donations can be called in to the station at any time, and, if you’re driving on Route 116, you might even pass Monte during his trek! Families can listen to the broadcast of his journey and follow the total throughout the day – use the event to talk about food security, community togetherness, and the importance of investing in your community. 888-323-4673.

10am-4pm – BOTANY: Chrysanthemums are in bloom at the Smith College Botanic Gardens! Visit to see a wide array of colors and blooms of all sizes. Kids can learn about the growing and blooming process that the plants go through, and can learn about greenhouse gardening, too! 413-585-2742. College Lane. Northampton, MA. (<$)

4:30-6:30pm – COMMUNITY DINNER: Faith United Methodist Church hosts a community spaghetti dinner tonight! Let someone else do the cooking, and socialize with neighbors. 413-533-6093. 191 Montcalm Street. Chicopee, MA.

6pm – COMMUNITY DINNER: Visit the Bullitt Reservation for a community potluck and discussion on saving money and saving energy. Share ideas you have as a family and steps you’ve taken to save energy (and dollars!), and gather information from other community members. It can be a great experience for older students to practice community collaboration and group idea-building – and it’s an especially important and relevant topic! 413-628-4485. Bullitt Road. Ashfield, MA. (FREE)

6pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/HINDU: Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, with the Berkshire Community College Committee for Diversity! The celebration takes place at Bombay Bar and Grill, and will feature traditional Diwali foods, flowers, prayer, candles, and more. Tickets available through BCC Student Life. 435 Laurel Street. Lee, MA. ($$)

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)

6:30-7:30pm – STORYTIME: Get dressed for bed and head to the Leverett Library for pajama storytime! Julie Stepanek will read stories celebrating the spirit of Thanksgiving. 75 Montague Road. Leverett, MA. (FREE)

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

5-9pm – GALLERY NIGHT: Dance, munch, and view great art at the Williams College Museum of Art! The museum is launching WCMA at Night, a monthly event series featuring live music and a chance to connect and help to re-imagine the museum as more than a space to showcase art – it’s a community space! 413-597-2429. 15 Lawrence Hall Drive. Williamstown, MA.

6-9pm – GALA: Nuestras Raices, a community revitalization organization in Holyoke, is celebrating their 20th anniversary this year! The celebratory gala event includes an exhibition of local photography, authentic Puerto Rican food from a local restaurant, keynote speakers (including Jonathan Lash, President of Hampshire College and former member of the President’s Council on Sustainable Development), and more! Nuestras Raices has grown from a single community garden to ten community gardens, thirty acres of farmland, and a downtown office! Takes place at Mill 1 in Open Square. 413-535-1789. Holyoke, MA. ($$$)

ONGOING FOR THURSDAYS

• 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) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Preschool story time at the Jones Library in the Children’s Room. 413-259-3090. 43 Amity St. Amherst, 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) ♦
• 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) ♦
• 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, November 16th, 2012

10am-4pm – BOTANY: Chrysanthemums are in bloom at the Smith College Botanic Gardens! Visit to see a wide array of colors and blooms of all sizes. Kids can learn about the growing and blooming process that the plants go through, and can learn about greenhouse gardening, too! 413-585-2742. College Lane. Northampton, MA. (<$)

3:30-5pm – ANIME: The Mason Library’s Anime Club meets today! This month’s meeting features a showing of Tsuritama. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)

5:30pm – COMMUNITY DINNER/SKILLSHARE: Bring a delicious dish (incorporate local foods if you can!) to a community potluck with C3 Deerfield (Creative Community Central) at the South Deerfield Congregational Church. Following dinner (at 6:30) will be workshops on making hula hoops and earrings. 71 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA. (<$)

7-10:30pm – CONTRA DANCE: Every third Friday, the Northern Berkshire Contra Dance takes place at the First Congregational Church in Williamstown! The first half hour is a warm-up, including a lesson for beginners. Optional potluck begins at 6pm! 906 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (<$)

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

5:30-7:30pm – HOLIDAYS: Begin the holiday season tonight at the Berkshire Museum – the Festival of Trees 2012 opens tonight! The museum will be filled with beautiful trees (this year’s theme is myths and magic), and there will be delicious food and magical activities throughout the museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)

8pm – CONCERT: Celebrate what would have been Woody Guthrie’s 100th birthday at the Colonial Theater! Arlo Guthrie and family will play a tribute show in remembrance of Woody and his contributions to modern folk music. 413-997-4444. 111 South Street. Pittsfield, 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) ♦
• 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-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. (<$) ♦
• 11-11:40am – STORYTIME: The Greenfield Library hosts Mother Goose on the Loose, a special lap-sit story hour for kids under the age of 3. 413-772-1544. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11-12:50: ICE SKATING: There will be an ice skating session at the Mullins Center for homeschoolers through June ’13. Some skate sessions can be bumped due to UMass ice hockey, so call to confirm before heading out. 413-230-6516. UMass Mullins Center. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA (>$)
• 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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