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.

WEEKEND BEST BETS

Saturday, Nov. 24th from 1-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE/COMICS: The Norman Rockwell Museum is hosting an afternoon full of superhero-themed fun, to accompany an exhibit of comic book art. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superhero (from a comic book or their imagination!), and can explore the museum, do art activities, listen to storytellers, and more. 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

Saturday, Nov. 24th at 2pm and 3pm – 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 collaged illustrations. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (<$)

Sunday, Nov. 25th at 11am – COMMUNITY WALK: The annual Gorge Apres Gorge, a sweet post-Thanksgiving community tradition in the heart of the Hilltowns, takes place on Sunday at the Chesterfield Gorge. Bring your family and friends and stroll along the Westfield River in a post-Thanksgiving community walk (you can run too). A 5K run happens earlier at 9am to benefit the Trustees of Reservations ($). BYO potluck items to share with other participants after the walk. Chesterfield Gorge. Ireland Street. West Chesterfield, MA. (FREE)

HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENTS

Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Night: Join Hilltown Families for an evening of volunteering together with your family during our first ever Family Community Service Night! On Friday, November 30th from 4:30-7:30pm in Northampton, families can come together for a fun evening visiting five different volunteer stations, each offering a simple, hands-on service project for all ages. Volunteering as a family helps children learn values like kindness, respect and friendliness, and on this evening you can volunteer with five different local non-profits in a single evening! Space is limited so reserve a spot for your family today!

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)

BULLETIN BOARD

Dec. 1st

On Sat. Dec. 1st, Greenfield Center School will again host a Crafty Rumpus Open House. This is a creative, free holiday gift making event for children ages 3-12. New this year they will have a Middle School Melee—a party celebrating 5th-8th graders with an indoor bounce house, dance party, henna tattoos and even a chocolate fountain. In addition: savory and sweet foods available for purchase, free pony rides, and admissions information available. Come, meet the teachers and families of the Center School. Enjoy a day of fun and creativity. All are welcome! For directions: www.centerschool.net and check out the Rumpus website: www.craftyrumpus.com. Crafty Rumpus and Middle School Melee. Sat. Dec. 1st, 10am-2pm. Greenfield, MA.

Dec. 7th-9th

Pioneer Valley Ballet is proud to present its 34th annual production of the Nutcracker, an enchanting, classic ballet production at the landmark Academy of Music Theatre: Fri, Dec. 7 at 4pm & 7:30pm, and Sat, Dec. 8 & Sun, Dec. 9. at 1pm & 4:30pm. All tickets are reserved seating and available online and in person at the Academy of Music in Northampton. Senior discounts available in person only. To purchase tickets, call the Pioneer Valley Ballet at 413-527-6363, or the Academy of Music box at 413-584-9032 x105, or visit www.academyofmusictheatre.com. All shows have discounted high school & college student RUSH seats available 1/2 hour prior each performance at box office window. RUSH seats are restricted to upper balcony only.

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.

For November we are pleased to offer a chance to win one of two pairs of tickets to see Jake Shimabukuro at the Calvin Theater in Northampton, MA at 8pm on Saturday, De. 1st, 2012. Deadline to enter: Tues., 11/27.

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

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LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
November 24th-30th 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 24th, 2012

“The best list of local events each weekend (and vacation weeks, holiday events, etc.) and a great website to browse and get inspiration. A terrific and fun resource all the way around.” – Karin Perlman (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. – Thanksgiving Day Episode with Charity Kahn. This special Thanksgiving episode by Charity Kahn from Charity and the JAMband explores, through music and story, some of the many, many things we have to be grateful for in our lives — like the sun, rain, friends and family – – culminating in a vision for world peace where everyone finally has enough food, shelter, community and love. Incorporating songs by Snatam Kaur, Los Lobos, the Moody Blues, the Rolling Stones, and Nat King Cole, among others, the music and commentary weave a gentle yet thought-provoking meditation on gratitude, generosity, love and compassion to inspire folks of all ages this holiday season. – Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast anytime. Click here to see over 5 years of archived shows.

9:30am-4pm – HISTORY: Celebrate Thanksgiving 1830’s style at Old Sturbridge Village! This weekend, there will be lots of special activities and demonstrations taking place throughout the village, offering visitors a chance to learn about early New Englanders’ Thanksgiving traditions. (Such as, for example, holding weddings around Thanksgiving-time!) See demonstrations of tin-oven cooking, watch a shooting match, try your hand at colonial crafts, and learn about the many Thanksgivings celebrated throughout the year in early New England. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbride Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)

10am – HOLIDAY PARADE: The annual Florence Holiday Parade takes place today – and Santa will be there! Parade begins at Trinity Park and will end at the Civic Center, where kids can meet Santa. Main Street. Florence, MA. (FREE)

10am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE/HIKE: Explore the out-of-doors near the Housatonic with the Trustees of Reservations today! The adventure will take participants to Laura’s tower, along the river, and through the Ice Glen – all beautiful and interesting areas. Park Street. Stockbridge, MA.

10am-2pm – POTLACH: Take part in a unique form of gift giving and sharing at Hilltown Sustainability’s Community Potlach! The event takes place at the Cummington Village Congregational Church, and is an opportunity for families to trade gift-quality items in order to prepare for the holidays! Families are asked to bring new quality items (doesn’t have to have tags or packaging, but shouldn’t be something with wear and tear) to the event – items like books, toys, music, games, and gadgets are particularly useful! No money will be involved at all, and it is a great way for kids to do Christmas “shopping” and to learn about the importance of reusing items. 32 Main Street. Cummington, MA. (FREE)

10am-4pm – HISTORY: Apples were important in the diet of early Deerfield settlers- many homes even had their own orchards! Learn about the varieties of apples grown and the dishes created with them today at Historic Deerfield! Visitors can also learn about the history and culture of Native Americans who lived in and around the Pioneer Valley – there will even be basket-making demonstrations. There will also be a craft activity (from 12noon-4:30) where visitors can make their own apple pomander ornaments to take home. 413-775-7216. 84B Old Main Street. Deerfield, MA. ($)

11am – FAMILY MOVIE: The Lee Library screens recent blockbuster, “Brave,” this morning – the movie is about a fiery, feisty girl out to prove herself, and offers a refreshing change to the Disney female protagonist line-up. 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA. (FREE)

11am-12noon – STORYTIME: Celebrate the harvest at a special harvest storytime at the Huntington Library! There will be a basket craft and a tasty snack, too. 413-667-3506. 7 East Main Street. Huntington, MA. (FREE)

11am-4pm – HOLIDAY FAIR: A&M presents the annual, “Homemade for the Holidays,” craft fair today at Spice Dragon. The event showcases a wide variety of work from the best of the Berkshires’ artists and artisans. Get a head start on your holiday shopping, and buy locally handmade gifts! 297 North Street. Pittsfield, MA. (<$)

1-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: The Norman Rockwell Museum is hosting an afternoon full of superhero-themed fun, to accompany an exhibit of comic book art. Kids are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite superhero (from a comic book or their imagination!), and can explore the museum, do art activities, listen to storytellers, and more. 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE with museum admission)

2pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Images Cinema screens holiday classic, “Home Alone!” The movie features young Macauley Culkin and is directed by Chris Columbus (who directed a Harry Potter movie!) – find out what happens when an 8-year-old boy gets left at home while the rest of the family vacations for the holidays! Sponsored by Burnham Gold Real Estate. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)

2pm and 3pm – 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 collaged illustrations. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (<$)

2-3:30pm – TEEN/TWEEN: The Westfield Athenaeum is hosting a Steampunk workshop, followed by an authentic Victorian Tea! Students in grades 6-12 can learn about this pseudo-Victorian fashion and create their own Steampunk accessory. Registration required. 413-568-78336. Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE)

4pm – SING-IN: The Berkshire Bach Society presents a, “Handel’s Messiah Sing-In,” at the First Congregational Church. Community members can buy or borrow a score (or bring their own) at the show in order to participate in the performance! 413-528-9277. 251 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (DONATION)

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

4 and 7pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center is offering special screenings of”The Wizard of Oz” today! It’s a classic film, and this is a rare opportunity to see it on the big screen. 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street. Great Barrington, MA. ($)

4-9pm – HOLIDAY DISPLAY: Lights adorn trees, bushes, and buildings at Look Park for the holiday seasons! Visit the park’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Display to see the unique light displays – maybe even take a train ride through the park! The display is ongoing through January 1st. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (DONATION)

5-9pm – HOLIDAY DISPLAY: Forest Park is lit up for the Holidays! Springfield’s annual Bright Nights display features intricate, sparkly scenes throughout the park – there are elaborate displays, as well as decorative lights everywhere. Celebrate the holidays with a drive through the park to enjoy the festive displays! Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA. ($)

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

4-7pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT – The Bidwell House Museum is hosting a Colonial Thanksgiving Party! It’s a benefit for the museum and will have live music, refreshments, and silent auction. For reservations and more information, please contact the museum. 413-528-6888. Art School Road. Monterey, MA.

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Sunday, November 25th, 2012

“What would we do without all the valuable information and sense of community that Hilltown Families promotes?! You’re hard work has paid off, you are well loved and such an important resource in this area, THANKS!” – Tina Cornell (West Chesterfield, MA)

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 or 11am – RUN/WALK: The annual Gorge Apres Gorge, a sweet post-Thanksgiving community tradition, takes place today at the Chesterfield Gorge -run or walk a 5k route along the Westfield River, then munch on holiday leftovers and enjoy a delicious hot drink, too! The run will take place at 9am, and the walk takes place at 11. BYO potluck items (Thanksgiving leftovers perfectly acceptable!) to share with other participants after the race, and help to raise money for the Trustees of Reservations! River Road. Chesterfield, MA. (FREE/Walk, $/5K)

9:30am-4pm – HISTORY: Celebrate Thanksgiving 1830’s style at Old Sturbridge Village! This weekend, there will be lots of special activities and demonstrations taking place throughout the village, offering visitors a chance to learn about early New Englanders’ Thanksgiving traditions. (Such as, for example, holding weddings around Thanksgiving-time!) See demonstrations of tin-oven cooking, watch a shooting match, try your hand at colonial crafts, and learn about the many Thanksgivings celebrated throughout the year in early New England. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbride Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)

11:15am-2pm – HOLIDAY MARKET: Visit Edwards Church for an alternative gift market – filled with handmade items, homegoods, musical instruments, jewelry, and more, the market offers a variety of items to fit all budgets and please all friends and family! 297 Main Street. Northampton, MA. (SALE)

2pm – ART WORKSHOP: Artist April Woodard-McNiff is offering a printmaking workshop for kids at the Shutesbury Town Hall! Today’s event is the first in a two-part series on prints, and participants are asked to attend both sessions. Registration (through the library) is required. Second session will take place on Sunday, December 2nd. 413-259-1213. Cooleyville Road. Shutesbury, MA. (FREE)

-9pm – HOLIDAY DISPLAY: Lights adorn trees, bushes, and buildings at Look Park for the holiday seasons! Visit the park’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Display to see the unique light displays – maybe even take a train ride throught the park! The display is ongoing through January 1st. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (DONATION)

5-9pm – HOLIDAY DISPLAY: Forest Park is lit up for the Holidays! Springfield’s annual Bright Nights display features intricate, sparkly scenes throughout the park – there are elaborate displays, as well as decorative lights everywhere. Celebrate the holidays with drive through the park to enjoy the festive displays! Sumner Avenue. Springfield, MA. ($)

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Monday, November 26th, 2012

6pm – HISTORY: The Wistariahurst Museum presents, “Decoding the 12 Days of Christmas,” with Dr. Tom Bernard. The presentation will look at the historic roots of the lyrics of the classic Christmas carol, and will provide cultural context for each line, as well as basic history of the pilgrimages that took place during the Middle Ages. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)

6-8pm – HOLIDAYS: Westfield lights up tonight at the annual Lanternlight Parade and Greenlighting – marking the beginning of the city’s holiday celebrations! Hear live music from Westfield High School students, and enjoy cookies and cocoa at a reception hosted by the Westfield Athenaeum Children’s Department. Broad and Court Streets. Westfield, MA. (FREE)

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. (<$) ♦
• 2:30-5pm – TEEN/TWEEN: Meekins Library’s Teen/Preteen Time takes place this afternoon! Teens can visit the library to hang out with friends, work on homework, play games, use computers, and check out awesome new books, movies, and music. 413-268-7473. 2 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 3:30-4:30pm – BREAK DANCE: Learn to break like a b-boy! The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts offers a weekly break dance class, taught by Joshua McHugh, accomplished dancer and dance teacher. 413-499-9348. 28 Renne Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. ($) ♦
• 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 27th, 2012

6pm – SCRABBLE: Practice (and hone) your spelling and vocabulary skills at the Monson’s Library’s Scrabble night! The event is for adults, but older students who are familiar with the game are welcome, too. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)

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 28th, 2012

SIGN UP: Last day to sign up for SPLASH. – Amherst College is offering a unique workshop program for middle and high school students! Splash! takes place on Saturday, December 1st, 2012, and is a day of classes where kids can learn about all sorts of topics (everything from Film Appreciation to Nihongo, Fractal Snowflakes to Rubiks Cube ) that are not part of a traditional school curriculum but are beneficial to learn about. Amherst, MA

3:30pm – EDUCATOR WORKSHOP: UMass hosts, “Standardization and Conformity: A Critique of New Zealand’s Early Childhood Neoliberal Politics,” a lecture with Judith Duncan, PhD. Duncan, a professor of social and cultural studies in education, uses postmodern childhood studies and socio-cultural theories to critique current assumptions underlying early childhood education. Takes place in the Campus Center, room 917. Campus Center Drive. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

6-7:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Greenfield Family Wellness is hosting a workshop tonight at the library at Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School – and it’s coming just in time, since it’s about parenting during the holidays! “Simplicity Parenting for the Holidays,” will offer parents suggestions, strategies, and support for creating a plan for effective, simplifying parenting plans for the holiday season. Pre-registration requested. 413-362-9122. 75 Mechanic Street. Shelburne Falls, MA. (FREE)

8pm – DRUMMING: Gaia Roots is offering a drumming workshop and performance at the Garage tonight! Participants can learn drum and percussion rhythms on traditional instruments, then see the group play the same instruments in concert, sharing music rooted in West African, Caribbean, and numerous other world cultures. Tickets available for workshop only, concert only, or both. 413-997-4444. South Street. Pittsfield, 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) ♦
• 9:45-11:15am – 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 29th, 2012

10am – STORYTIME: At New Hingham Elementary School! Stories, crafts, and games. 413-230-8552. 30 Smith Road. Chesterfield, MA. (FREE)

4:30pm – KNITTING FOR KIDS: The Monson Library hosts Knitting for Kids this afternoon – get your needles ready and learn very basic knitting skills. Kids can use what they learn to make scarves, head wraps, leg and arm warmers, potholders, and more – perhaps as a holiday gift! BYO size 8 knitting needles, if possible. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)

4:30-6pm – BINGO: Test out your Bingo skills tonight at the Palmer Library for a chance to pick out a new book to take home! There will be pizza from 4:30-5pm, and games of Bingo continuing for at least an hour afterwards. Win a game? Choose a book! 413-787-7345. 1455 North Main Street. Palmer, MA. (FREE)

5-8pm – HOLIDAY: The city of North Adams celebrates the first of the season’s Hometown Holidays events, a special community celebration featuring holiday crafts, face painting, carriage rides, ice art, live music, and more! Downtown businesses will be open, too, for early holiday shopping. 413-664-6180. North Adams, MA. (FREE)

5:30-7:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Childcare of the Berkshires’ Parent Cafe takes place tonight! The monthly event includes a free catered dinner, and loosely structured time to talk with other parents about parenting strategies, challenges faced while parenting, etc. RSVP requested – takes place at the Family Resource Center. 413-664-4821. 210 State 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)

6:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: The Federation for Children with Special Needs is offering a parent workshop in the rights of parents of children who are on IEP’s. The seminar will be conducted in Spanish, and will take place at the Care Center. 413-244-6766. 247 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

5:30-7:30pm – NIGHT OUT: Have some evening drinks at Taylor’s Sports Bar tonight in celebration of the Artspace Community Arts Center’s programs – and help to raise money to support the center, too! There will be “celebrity” bartenders, live music, a raffle, and more – and all bar tips will go to support Artspace. 238 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FUNDRAISER)

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 30th, 2012

4pm – HOLIDAY CELEBRATION: Light the Merry Maple with the Amherst Chamber of Commerce! The Amherst Regional Middle School chorus will perform, along with the UMass marching band, and there will be food, hayrides, and crafts, too! Takes place on the common. North Pleasant and Main Streets. Amherst, MA. (FREE)

4-9pm – HOLIDAY DISPLAY: Lights adorn trees, bushes, and buildings at Look Park for the holiday seasons! Visit the park’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Light Display to see the unique light displays – maybe even take a train ride throught the park! The display is ongoing through January 1st. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (DONATION)

Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Night: Join Hilltown Families for an evening of volunteering together with your family during our first ever Family Community Service Night! On Friday, November 30th from 4:30-7:30pm in Northampton, families can come together for a fun evening visiting five different volunteer stations, each offering a simple, hands-on service project for all ages. Volunteering as a family helps children learn values like kindness, respect and friendliness, and on this evening you can volunteer with five different local non-profits in a single evening! Space is limited so reserve a spot for your family today! Northampton, MA (FREE)

5-8pm – TREE LIGHTING: Begin your holiday season at the annual treelighting in Pittsfield tonight! The ceremony, which will take place at Park Square, will feature the Taconic High School Chorus, a visit from Santa, and warm drinks for all. Bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the Christian Center’s food pantry! The Berkshire Museum will be offering half-price admission during the tree lighting, too – visit to see this year’s Festival of Trees display! North, South, East, and West Streets. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)

5:30-6:30pm – HOLIDAY READING: The Stockbridge Library hosts Readings Around the Hearth, the first of the town’s holiday events! Families can gather around the library’s warm hearth and hear classic holiday tales. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)

5:30-6:30pm – SCREENING: Just in time for the holidays, the Norman Rockwell Museum is offering a special screening of, “Heirloom Meals: Savor the Holidays,” a PBS production that focuses on the connections between food, family, and heritage. The production includes traditional recipes and stories of families’ handed-down ties to foods. Great for older students with an interest in anthropology! 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA. ($$)

7:30pm – THEATER: See the play, “Our Town,” at the Northampton Center for the Arts tonight! The show, written by Thornton Wilder, is a classic – and tells the tale of life in rural New England! It’s also the last show to be performed at the center’s current space. 413-584-7327. 17 New South Street. Northampton, MA. ($$)

8pm – THEATER: Mass College of Liberal Arts presents, “America’s Next Hit Broadway Musical,” at the Church Street Center. The show is a totally-improvised, audience-driven theatrical awards show, where the audience will vote for their favorite original improvised song. 413-662-5204. Church Street. North Adams, MA.

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

8pm – CONCERT: Enjoy an evening of jazz and holiday classics at, “A Rita Coolidge Christmas.” Hosted by The Clark as part of Williamstown’s Holiday Walk weekend, the event is a rare opportunity to hear the two-time Grammy award winning artist perform live! 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, 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) ♦
• F9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At Whole Children, for little ones up to age five. 37 Russell Street. Hadley, 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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