Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for February 16th-22nd, 2013
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
School playgrounds might be quiet next week, but there’s still a whole lotta fun going on during school Winter Vacation Week! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
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 community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
BEST BETS
Children’s Theater at Williston Northampton performs “Wondrous Tales of Old Japan,” and Hilltown Families has a family 4-pack of tickets to giveaway for the opening day!
Saturday, February 16th from 9am-1pm in Hampden County – SPORTS: Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Springfield College! Girls will be able to try out and learn about new sports, and will learn about playing higher level sports from some dedicated female college athletes. After the event, participants can cheer on the Springfield College women’s basketball team as they take on MIT. Registration required. Open to girls in grades K-6. 413-748-3000. Alden Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, February 16th at 12noon in Berkshire County – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Show off your snow-building talents at the Lee Cabin Fever Festival’s Children’s Snow Sculpting Competition! Build, stack, and scrape away until you’ve created a beautiful, icy masterpiece. Takes place on the Town Green at 1:30pm, participate in (or watch!) the annual Strut Your Stuff Stroll down Main Street, where participants bare their skin in the cold – the event features swimsuit-clad walkers and runners! Main Street. Lee, MA (FREE)
Saturday, February 16th at 2-3:30pm in Franklin County – MARDI GRAS: Celebrate Mardi Gras as a family at the Winklepicker Ball! The family-friendly event will feature live music from the Primate Fiasco, the valley’s own New Orleans-style street band. Takes place upstairs at Ashfield Town Hall. 413-628-4003. 412 Main Street. Ashfield, MA. ($)
Saturday, February 16th at 2pm in Hampshire County – THEATER: Piti Theater Company – just back from a tour in Switzerland – brings their popular show To Bee or Not to Bee to the Northampton Center for the Arts! Their original show teachers audiences about the important role that bees play in the production of food. Beekeepers worldwide have been experiencing trouble maintaining bee populations in recent years – the show’s topic is timely and important. Kids will learn positive ways to support bees while enjoying the show! 413-625-6569. South Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Saturday, February 23rd at 11am & 1pm in Hampden County – FAMILY CONCERT: SteveSongs is coming to the Springfield Museum for a family concert sure to get the kids dancing way! A “meet and greet” will follow each concert. Check out these videos to get ready for next weekend. Springfield, MA ($)
Saturday, February 23rd from 10am-4pm in Berkshire County – WINTERFEST: City of North Adams’ 16th Annual WinterFest will have your family shaking of cabin fever! All of downtown will turn into a winter fun-land with activities happening all day, including horse-drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures, culinary delights, ice skating and many performances. 413-664-6180. Downtown. North Adams, MA (FREE)
Sunday, February 24th at 2pm in Hampshire County – VARIETY SHOW: The Really Big Show, the Pioneer Valley’s very own Ed Sullivan show, takes place at the Academy of Music Theatre. Monte from The River will MC and the show will include a variety of talent, including s contortionists, poets, jugglers, opera stars, comedians, child prodigies, animal acts and many other forms of entertainment. 1-800-838-3006. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA ($)
BULLETIN BOARD
Feb 16
Sunnyside Child Care Presents: “Hot Choco LA LA LA.” Spend the morning singing and dancing with the Valley’s own Mister G! “Kid-friendly, bilingual rockstar…Mister G and his guitar will surely make you feel like bailando!” – The Washington Post. “Mister G is the musical equivalent of a tasty chocolate bar infused with a spicy chili kick!” -Scholastic Family and Children. Warm up with yummy hot chocolate, coffee, and pizza. Chill out by doing art with your friends. Join Sunnyside on Saturday February 16th from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm at the Florence Community Center (140 Pine St. Florence MA). Tickets just $5 per person ($20 maximum per family). All proceeds fund the Sunnyside Scholarship Fund. www.sunnysidekids.org
Feb 18-22
February vacation at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art! Open Monday, Feb 18! Join the museum for storytimes, art making, scavenger hunts & live performances! See your friends, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Madeline, Babar, Shrek, and many others in their galleries. Plus, The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School presents, Goldilocks & the Three Bears: An Epic, Feb 19-22 at 11am, 1pm & 3pm [$6 (Members $5). Museum admission extra.]. So you think you know this tale? Think again! In this epic adaptation, there’s a lot more in store for Goldy than three bears, some chairs, and bowls of breakfast food. Fun for the whole family! Tickets may be purchased in advance at the Museum Admissions Desk. 413-658-1126. www.carlemuseum.org
Feb 23 & 24
Beginning beekeepers will learn everything they need to know to keep bees in natural top bar hives when they attend a Gold Star Honeybees Weekend Intensive. The class is two full days, and packed with information! The class covers hive inspections, bee biology, wax and honey harvesting, problems like CCD, and why bees matter so much! Give your honey the sweet gift of beekeeping for Valentine’s Day! Location: Berkshire Community College, 1350 West Street, Pittsfield, MA in the Cafe. Dates: Feb 23 & 24. Times: 8:30am – 4:00pm. Local/organic meals are included. Register online at www.goldstarhoneybees.com or call 207-449-1121. Instructor: Christy Hemenway, author of “The Thinking Beekeeper.” For more info: classes@goldstarhoneybees.com
March
Snow Farm: The New England Craft Program in Williamsburg, MA is offering half-day Saturday workshops in March for students ages 13+. Try flameworking (glass beads and small sculpture), ceramics, digital printing on alternative surfaces, or stained glass with upcycled materials. A great parent/teen opportunity – or some creative alone time for mom or dad. Our instructors are fun, encouraging, and wildly talented. Our studios in a historic New England farm setting are comfortable and professionally equipped. Treat yourself! www.snowfarm.org/intergenerational-workshops.html. 413-268-3101. info@snowfarm-art.org.
Guess what’s growing in Pelham? A Preschool! One of the Valley’s pre-eminent elementary schools is growing to include a preschool in the fall of 2013! Pelham Elementary is renowned for its MCAS scores, respected for its staff, and revered for its reputation of being a caring, nurturing place for our youth. Open to residents of all towns, with a number of slots reserved for Pelham residents. Full day program, hours and prices competitive. Options for before and after school care. Make your child’s first experience in the world of education one to grow on. For details call 413-362-1101 or email Principal Lisa Desjarlais at desjarlaisl@arps.org.
ADVERTISE YOUR EVENT OR OPEN HOUSE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your community event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, workshop, school, wellness program 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.
MARKET YOUR SUMMER CAMP: In an effort to connect families with summer camps & programs in the region, Hilltown Families is offering camps and programs a chance to partner with us in their online marketing with a special enhanced publicity offer. On Sunday, March 24th, Hilltown Families will be featuring camps in the region on Hilltown Families with a special post titled: 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA. Find out more about our marketing package and early bird discounts HERE.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
February 16th-22nd, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter
Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events
Saturday, February 16th, 2013
“There are so many great winter activities in Western MA to choose from! Here a few of my favorites: Indoor: escaping to Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory (South Deerfield, MA) and sampling first run of the year maple syrup at a sugar shack. Outdoor: hiking at Mount Tom State Reservation (Holyoke, MA) or cross-country skiing a trail in the woods.” – Susan VanPelt (Holyoke, MA)
6-10am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 4-hours of commercial-free family programing every Saturday, including the Hilltown Family Variety Show and Spare the Rock. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.
9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. – Love & Social Consciousness Episode with Guest DJ, Lisa Mathews from Milkshake. -Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast anytime. Click here to see over 5 years of archived shows.
9-10:30am or 11am-12:30pm – LEGOS: Northampton Recreation is offering a special workshop for kids who love LEGOS! The Play-Well LEGO team will be at JFK Middle School for a workshop where kids can solve challenges using electronic LEGO Technic components! It’s a great activity for older students who are interested in learning how to expand their LEGO building hobby. The first workshop is open to grades K-2, the second grades 3-5. 100 Bridge Road. Florence, MA. ($)
9am-1pm – CRAFTS: Glitter and glitz abound today at the Hatfield Library! Glimmer and Shine Day brings fun glamorous crafts like DIY charms, hair clips, zipper pulls, and more to the library – there will even be special hair-wrap demonstrations and a nail painting workshop, too! 413-247-9237. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE)
9am-1pm – SPORTS: Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Springfield College! Girls will be able to try out and learn about new sports, and will learn about playing higher level sports from some dedicated female college athletes. After the event, participants can cheer on the Springfield College women’s basketball team as they take on MIT. Registration required. Open to girls in grades K-6. 413-748-3000. Alden Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
9:30am-4pm – HISTORY: Celebrate George Washington’s birthday at Old Sturbridge Village! Along with the usual opportunities to learn about early New England history and culture (as well as winter traditions), there will be special toasts, presidential games, and performances of “I Cannot Tell a Lie: Celebrating the Accomplishments of George Washington in Story and Song.” Families will learn about the life and accomplishments (ones we all know and ones we don’t!) of our country’s first president. It’s a great opportunity for younger students who are just beginning to learn about American history to learn some fun facts about George Washington. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
9:30am-12:30pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Snowshoe your way up and around Threemile Hill with the Berkshire Natural Resources Council! If there isn’t much snow, the event will be a regular hike instead – either way, enjoy the beautiful winter landscape and search for winter wildlife. Hike up and shuttle back, or do the entire round-trip adventure (3 miles total). BYO snowshoes. Registration requested. 413-528-2810. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
10-11:30am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Reading tracks used to be essential for human survival long ago – now, it’s less essential for survival (unless you’re lost in the woods!), but is still fascinating! Visit Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary for a morning adventure and learn about the basics of animal tracking, and ways to search for tracks and signs of animals during the winter. Pair the event with a study of local biodiversity and/or a look at how animals adapt to their environments. Registration required. 413-584-3009. Hampden, MA. (<$)
10:30 and 11:30am – MARIONETTES: The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School’s marionettes will be at Matrushka Toys and Gifts this morning, performing two shows just for kids! The beautiful handmade puppets will share a special story, best appreciated by preschool age children – but the marionettes are interesting enough to be loved by all children. 413-528-4015. 309 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
10:30am and 1pm – FILM: Images Cinema screens this year’s crop of Oscar-nominated animated shorts – a group of five interesting and funny family-friendly short films. Kids will love the collection, and the films are short enough to hold antsy kids’ attention (though they are recommended for ages 8+). Older students interested in animation and film studies can learn about the art of film by seeing the shorts – designated as the year’s best. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street. Williamstown, MA. ($)
10:30-11:30am – FAMILY CONCERT: The Jones Library comes alive this morning with the sounds of Markamusic, a high energy band playing South American and Latin American influenced folkloric music. 413-259-3091. 43 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
10:30am-12noon – KIDS’ CONCERT: Local children’s musician (who is nationally known and loved!) Sunnyside presents “Hot Chocolalala” concert with Mister G this morning at the Florence Community Center! The concert is a fundraiser for Smith College’s Sunnyside Child Care Center. Along with music, there will be pizza and hot chocolate, as well as art projects to do! 140 Pine Street. Florence, MA. (<$)
11am – KIDS’ CONCERT: Smith College presents Johnny Appleseed, a children’s concert featuring Jane Yolen reading from her book The Legend and the Truth, and music by Clifton Noble performed by a group of local musicians. Takes place in Sweeney Concert Hall. Green Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
11am – MOVIE: The Lee Library’s FamiLEE movie screening was snowed out last weekend – but not today! The library will screen Babar – the film version of everyone’s favorite elephant’s adventures. 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA. (FREE)
11am-3pm – CREATIVE FREE PLAY: The Berkshire Museum and Pop-up Adventure Play offer families a special opportunity for creative free-play throughout (and just before) school vacation week! 10 Days of Play brings a roomful (literally!) of materials to build anything a child’s heart desires – cardboard boxes abound, along with necessary items like scissors and duct tape. Families can build castles, mazes, space ships, and other fantastic creations together, allowing kids to exercise their creativity, take part in non-commercialized educational play, and work on skills for cooperation and collaboration. Kids can play at the museum multiple times, too- every day brings a new adventure. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
12noon – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Show off your snow-building talents at the Lee Cabin Fever Festival’s Children’s Snow Sculpting Competition! Build, stack, and scrape away until you’ve created a beautiful, icy masterpiece. Takes place on the Town Green at 1:30pm, participate in (or watch!) the annual Strut Your Stuff Stroll down Main Street, where participants bare their skin in the cold – the event features swimsuit-clad walkers and runners! Main Street. Lee, MA
1-3:15pm – MOVIE: Enjoy a cup of hot chocolate and some hockey – the Storrs Library screens Miracle, an exciting film about the 1980 US Olympic men’s hockey team and their epic battle to the gold medal game against the Soviet Union. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
1-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: The Norman Rockwell Museum’s newest exhibit is filled exclusively with locally made art – and it’s all from high school-aged artists! The annual Berkshire County High School Art Show is returning for its 27th year at the museum, and features work from local students in a variety of media, including paint, sculpture, and drawing. Families can meet the artists whose work is being shown, and budding artists are invited to a lecture by James Warhol (nephew of pop artist Andy Warhol). 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA.
12noon-3pm – HISTORY: How did New Englanders keep their food cold and enjoy cool drinks during the summertime, before the invention of refrigerators? With ice, harvested from local lakes and ponds! Watch (and help with, if you choose!) a traditional ice harvest on Nashawannuck Pond today – the event will allow visitors to learn about the annual harvests that were once an important winter activity in New England, and will teach them about the many different instruments used to cut the ice and how they were transported. Perfect for families interested in local history, or as a supplement to studies of life and culture in early America. Observe from the ice, or from the observation deck. Parking is available in the muicipal lot. 50 Park Street. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)
1pm – EDUCATOR WORKSHOP: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art hosts, “Behind the Scenes with Batman: Having Fun with the Common Core,” a workshop for educators featuring author Marc Tyler Nobelman presenting his book, Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman. The book tells the story of one of the never credited creators of the Dark Knight! 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
1-4pm – COMICS: The Norman Rockwell Museum hosts Careers in Comics, a workshop with comic artist Daniel Cooney! Cooney will share information on how to develop the skills necessary to become a comic artist, and the process of writing, illustrating, and publishing comic. Pre-registration required. s 413-931-2221. 9 Route 183 Stockbridge, MA. ($$)
1-5pm – COMMUNITY RESILIENCE: The Pittsfield Resilience Circle is hosting a Repair Cafe today – bring things that you need fixed and leave with them working like new, for free! Volunteer repair-people will help to fix everything from lamps to knives, radios to chairs – small items of all sorts (except TV’s, watches, or CRT monitors) can be brought to the event for some TLC. Fix what you’ve got instead of buying something new! Takes place in the basement of St. Stephen’s Church. 413-212-8589. 67 East Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
2pm – THEATER: Piti Theater Company – just back from a tour in Switzerland – brings their popular show To Bee or Not to Bee to the Northampton Center for the Arts! Their original show teachers audiences about the important role that bees play in the production of food. Beekeepers worldwide have been experiencing trouble maintaining bee populations in recent years – the show’s topic is timely and important. Kids will learn positive ways to support bees while enjoying the show! 413-625-6569. South Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
3pm – THEATER: The Shea Theater presents Alice in Wonderland, performed by the New Renaissance Players. 413-863-2281. 71 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. ($)
3pm – CULTURAL STUDIES: The Pan African Historical Museum USA is celebrating Black History Month with Tower Square all month long. Learn about the history of gospel music today at a Gospel Cafe! 1500 Main Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
5-8pm – ART WALK: Easthampton’s 5th annual Fire and Ice Art Walk takes place tonight! The event features, of course, beautiful and interesting artwork by local artists and locations throughout town, and will also offer exciting wintery activities for families. There will be a bonfire at Nashawannuck Pond from 5-6:30pm, luminaries, live music, poetry readings from 6:30-7:30 at participating Art Walk locations, and a collaborative community art project titled, “For the Love of Easthampton, Valentines for the City,” will be taking place at city hall for families to participate in! 413-527-8278. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)
8pm – THEATER: The Academy of Music hosts a performance of “Truth,” a new American folk-opera about Sojourner Truth, a legendary (and historically quite significant!) African-American heroine. The musical will teach students not only about the history of the abolition movement, but will introduce them to a different style of musical – one that is not pop or classical opera, but that draws from traditional folk music in order to tell a story. 413-584-9032. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. ($$)
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
7:30-10:30pm – VALENTINE DANCE: Dance the night away at Ventfort Hall! Dancin’ at the Mansion – the museum’s special Valentine’s Day event – will feature several different live bands playing dancing standards all night long. Hors d’ourves will be provided, and there will be a cash bar. Dress elegantly to match the splendor of the location! 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. ($$)
Sunday, February 17th, 2013
“Sledding at the Worthington Golf Club hill — and after that if you’re still ready for more winter fun — across the street is ice skating on the pond – maybe a pick up ice hockey game for little ones … Being a thermos of hot cocoa to keep toasty!” – Amy Kane Coyne (Hinsdale MA)
9:30am-4pm – HISTORY: Celebrate George Washington’s birthday at Old Sturbridge Village! Along with the usual opportunities to learn about early New England history and culture (as well as winter traditions), there will be special toasts, presidential games, and performances of “I Cannot Tell a Lie: Celebrating the Accomplishments of George Washington in Story and Song.” Families will learn about the life and accomplishments (ones we all know and ones we don’t!) of our country’s first president. It’s a great opportunity for younger students who are just beginning to learn about American history to learn some fun facts about George Washington. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
11am – BRUNCH: Enjoy a delicious and musical brunch at the Starving Artist Creperie as part of the Cabin Fever Festival! 40 Main Street #2. Lee, MA. ($)
12noon-3pm –OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: The Bernardston Kiwanis club is hosting a Winter Fun Day! There will be sledding, hot cocoa, hot dogs, doughnuts. Stony “B” Hill. Shaw Road. Bernardston, MA (FREE)
12noon-3pm – CREATIVE FREE PLAY: The Berkshire Museum and Pop-up Adventure Play offer families a special opportunity for creative free-play throughout (and just before) school vacation week! 10 Days of Play brings a roomful (literally!) of materials to build anything a child’s heart desires – cardboard boxes abound, along with necessary items like scissors and duct tape. Families can build castles, mazes, space ships, and other fantastic creations together, allowing kids to exercise their creativity, take part in non-commercialized educational play, and work on skills for cooperation and collaboration. Kids can play at the museum multiple times, too- every day brings a new adventure. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
1-3pm – DANCE: Learn about the roots of (and connections between) American blues music and jazz tap dancing with Robin O’Herin and Stefanie Weber at Spectrum Playhouse! Best for older students, the workshop will include lots of fun music and dancing, and requires no prior experience! Dancers of all abilities are welcome. Part of the Cabin Fever Festival! 20 Franklin Street. Lee, MA. ($$)
1-3:30pm – CULTURAL STUDIES: Celebrate the Lunar New Year, as celebrated in China, Korea, and Vietnam! The Asian Cultural Center of Vermont is celebrating the holiday at the River Garden in Brattleboro. There will be a wide variety of crafts and other activities from which to learn about cultural traditions, and families can bring an item to share at a potluck (try cooking a new Asian recipe for some kitchen skills practice!). At 3pm, the festival will be visited by a 30-foot dragon – the most exciting part of the event by far! No knowledge of Asian cultures is necessary – it’s an event for fun and learning. 157 Main Street. Brattleboro, VT. (FREE)
2pm – CONCERT: Northampton’s much loved Young at Heart Chorus joins Staten Island’s PS22 chorus (made up of dedicated, music-loving 5th graders) and Springfield’s Sci Tech Band (the Pride of Springfield!) for an intergenerational music mash up! The concert is this week’s installment of the Northampton Arts Council’s Four Sundays in February series and takes place at Smith College’s JMG Hall. 800-838-3006. Elm Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
2pm – KIDS’ PERFORMANCE: Musician and storyteller John Porcino performs at the Visitors Center at Heritage State Park today! Kids love his original performances, which celebrate the beauty of the natural world. 413-534-1723. 221 Appleton Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)
2-4pm – HISTORY: The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum is having a celebration of her birthday today! Hosted in conjunction with the Adams Historical Society, the event will feature a historical presentation on the Anthony family’s tradition of reform, as well as a musical performance that explores women’s history through folk songs. Best for older students. Birthday cake included! Takes place at the Adams Free Library. 92 Park Street. Adams, MA. (FREE)
2:15-3:15pm – PLAYGROUP: The Community Network for Children is offering open gym time at the YMCA in Greenfield! Families with kids up through third grade can visit to play on mats, crawl through tunnels, and play on the balance beam, rings, and trampoline. 413-773-3646. 451 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
3pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: The Clark’s newest exhibit – Art in the City of Lights – opens today! The exhibit explores the changes that artists experienced as electricity – and thus, a new form of lighting – came to the city. View the exhibit to learn about the artists’ techniques and inspiration, as well as the pivotal moment in history when everything became electrified. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA.
3pm – THEATER: The Shea Theater presents Alice in Wonderland, performed by the New Renaissance Players. 413-863-2281. 71 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. ($)
3:30pm – MAGIC: Ventfort Hall is hosting magician Jeff Pyzocha this afternoon for an exciting show! Pyzocha has performed all over the country – even on television! – and is the area’s best up-and-coming illusionist. His performance is great for all ages! A kids’ Victorian Tea will follow – including hot chocolate for kids who prefer it to tea. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
4pm – CONCERT: Help to raise money for the South Hadley Food Pantry and listen to some beautiful classical music! The concert takes place at Pratt Hall at Mt. Holyoke College. Audience members are asked to bring donations, either of canned goods or money. College Street. South Hadley, MA. (DONATION)
4pm – FAMILY MOVIE/MUSICAL: Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center will screen Mary Poppins on the big screen! Mary Poppins (1964, G) is a musical film starring Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke. Andrews won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance and the film also won Oscars for Best Film Editing, Best Visual Effects, Original Music Score, and Best Song (for “Chim Chim Cher-ee”). 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street. Great Barrington, MA ($)
Monday, February 18th, 2013
Check out our bi-monthly column, Berkshire Family Fun for winter camp and drop-in sessions. Also check our Suggest A Camp bulletin board to see what our readers have recommended throughout Western MA for school vacation week.
9:30am-4pm – HISTORY: Celebrate George Washington’s birthday at Old Sturbridge Village! Along with the usual opportunities to learn about early New England history and culture (as well as winter traditions), there will be special toasts, presidential games, and performances of “I Cannot Tell a Lie: Celebrating the Accomplishments of George Washington in Story and Song.” Families will learn about the life and accomplishments (ones we all know and ones we don’t!) of our country’s first president. It’s a great opportunity for younger students who are just beginning to learn about American history to learn some fun facts about George Washington. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)
10am – COOKING: Learn to make some simple treats for a tea party at the Berkshire Co-op! This special event is just for kids – they’ll learn to make blood orange curd, a delicious spread best enjoyed on top of scones (some of which will be provided) and with tea! Registration required. 413-528-9697. 42 Bridge Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
10am-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: The Springfield Museums celebrate Feel the Beat Week this week, filling the museums with exciting music-related performances, activities, and more. Today, families can explore the GUITAR exhibit and learn about the more than 60 instruments displayed. At 1pm, the Okra Dance Company presents American Dance from Africa to Broadway, an exploration of the African and European roots of stage dance performance. 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. ($)
11am – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Berkshire Theater Group presents Pinnochio at the Berkshire Museum! There will be performances every morning throughout the week, allowing families lots of opportunities to see a theatrical version of the classic children’s story. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
11am-12noon – CRAFTS: The Wistariahurst Museum is hosting Victorian crafts all week! Today’s activity – in keeping with the Skinner family’s tradition of journaling – is decorating diaries! Participants will learn to bind their own books and can use a variety of materials to make their books unique. Registration required. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)
2pm – PUPPETS: Ana Sobel of Talking Hands Theater presents, “Little Superheroes” at the Holyoke Chidlren’s Museum! The fun performance follows Ruby Raccoon and Benny Bunny as they set out to save the world! 413-536-5437. 444 Dwight Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
1-5pm – TEEN: Teens interested in learning to use digital media for artistic expression (for film, photo, or audio) can take part in the Springfield Library’s Teen Technology Minicamp this week! Running Monday-Wednesday, the camp partners the library with WGBY to bring participants a wealth of technological knowledge. Teens will learn to use programs such as iMovie, Audacity, and Photoshop, and will be able to complete at least one finished project. Pieces can even be entered into the Central Library’s Creative Arts Festival in June. Takes place at the Mason Square Library. Registration required. 413-263-6828. 765 State Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
2pm – FILM: The Northampton Arts Council’s KidsBestFest brings great kid-friendly cinema to the Academy of Music all week long! Each screening will include a showing of The Circus (featuring Charlie Chaplan) and Wallave and Grommet in the Wrong Trousers. 413-584-9032. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. (<$)
2pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema is hosting special afternoon screenings of classic Bugs Bunny cartoons during school vacation week! Each screening will include a dozen different shorts. Sponsored by the Northampton Arts Council, the screenings are part of the KidsBestFest. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (<$)
3:30pm – CHILDREN’S THEATER: Wondrous Tales of Old Japan – a collection of four short Japanese Kabuki-style folktales – takes the stage at the Williston Northampton School this week! Students will perform the kid-friendly show every afternoon this week, in special arrangement with Plays for Young Children. Takes place in the Williston Theater. 413-529-3207. 18 Payson Avenue. Easthampton, MA. ($)
Tuesday, February 19th, 2013
10am – SUPPORT GROUP: Nursing mothers and their little ones are invited to join the La Leche League for a meeting at the Amherst Family Center. Mothers can bond over their mutual experiences, and give and receive nursing support. 413-341-3233. 121 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
10am-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Visit the Springfield Museums for a day filled with musical exploration and learning! The GUITAR exhibit is open (extra fee on top of museum admission), featuring over 60 stringed instruments to learn about, along with some crazy guitars (one is 40+ feet long and still play-able!). Then, The Toe Jam Puppet Band will perform The Pirate Show at 1pm, combining dancing sharks and square-dancing for a fun and exciting show. There will be art activities throughout the day as well. 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. ($)
11am – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Berkshire Theater Group presents Pinnochio at the Berkshire Museum! There will be performances every morning throughout the week, allowing families lots of opportunities to see a theatrical version of the classic children’s story. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
11am, 1pm, and 3pm – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School presents, Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art! And it’s not the usual Goldilocks either – there are some extra characters whose roles and identities will be quite a surprise! 413-658-1126. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. ($)
11am-12noon – CRAFTS: The Wistariahurst Museum is hosting Victorian crafts all week! Today’s activity – in keeping with the Skinner family’s tradition of journaling – is decorating diaries! Participants will learn to bind their own books and can use a variety of materials to make their books unique. Registration required. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)
11am-4pm – CRAFTS: Take a ride on the Holyoke Merry-Go-Round, and then do crafts! The carousel is open for the week just for school vacation. 413-538-9838. 221 Appleton Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)
12noon-3pm – LEGOS: The East Longmeadow Library is hosting LEGO playtime today, where kids can use a variety of blocks to create masterpieces inspired by Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are! 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
12:15-1:15pm – PERFORMANCE: The Youth Alive step team – made up of Pittsfield area teens – performs today at Berkshire Community College! The group performs steps and dances with military-like precision and lots of enthusiasm! Takes place in Room 111 of the Koussevitsky Arts Center. 413-236-4576. 1350 West Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
1pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURE: Meet a wolf up close and personal at the Berkshire Museum! The Wolf Conservation Center brings their 10-year-old Arctic Gray Wolf, Atka, to the museum for visitors to greet and learn about. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
1pm – PERFORMANCE: The Berkshire Athenaeum presents a performance from Brian Gillie with his interactive library program that will get families dancing! Join Brian’s dance safari where you first learn some dance history and what it takes to create a dance. Then help Brian complete a musical phrase or funky dance, sometimes to the monster rhythms from Brian’s newly acclaimed CD, Different Drummer. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
1-3pm – ART: Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center to draw ducks, using inspiration from ducks found in artwork worldwide. Kids will learn about the characteristics that make each species unique, and will get to make their own creative or realistic images. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
2pm – FILM: The Northampton Arts Council’s KidsBestFest brings great kid-friendly cinema to the Academy of Music all week long! Each screening will include a showing of The Circus (featuring Charlie Chaplan) and Wallave and Grommet in the Wrong Trousers. 413-584-9032. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. (<$)
2pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema is hosting special afternoon screenings of classic Bugs Bunny cartoons during school vacation week! Each screening will include a dozen different shorts. Sponsored by the Northampton Arts Council, the screenings are part of the KidsBestFest. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (<$)
2pm – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: The Popovich Comedy Pet Theater comes to the Colonial Theater! Made up entirely of rescued animals, the group performs a wide array of circus tricks, accompanied by human clowns and jugglers. The animals are all found in shelters, and have been incredibly well trained (and well loved!) in order to prepare for the performances – families will love the animals’ tricks! 413-298-5536. South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($$)
7pm – PECHA KUCHA: The Berkshire Museum is hosting a 5th night of Pecha Kucha presentations! Known globally as 20×20, the presentations are just over 6.5 minutes each and include 20 slides that progress automatically after 20 seconds each. Presenters at this event will be sharing information on community organizations, movements, and individual ideas that are geared towards changing the world! Best for parents and teens, the presentations will share important, empowering, and uplifting ideas and information. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (<$)
Wednesday, February 20th, 2013
9am-1pm – EDUCATORS WORKSHOP/STEM: In preparation for the Science and Sustainability Expo happening on April 13, there will be a Green Dollhouse Workshop for parents, educators and youth accompanied by a parent. In this workshop, you will get started on building your own Green Dollhouse to enter in the Green Dollhouse Challenge at the Science and Sustainability Expo. You will exchange ideas, make plans, and explore materials. Share knowledge and learn about green building features and sustainable landscapes. See EnergyTeachers.org for more information about the project. Registration is required and space is limited. To register for the FREE workshop, email the following information to sreyes7@mac.com: your name, position, school or organization, youth ages/grades served, address, email, and phone numbers. Note age if bringing a child. A confirmation with site location will be emailed to you. Greenfield, MA (FREE)
10am-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: The Springfield Museums celebrate Feel the Beat Week this week, filling the museums with exciting music-related performances, activities, and more. Today, families can explore the GUITAR exhibit and learn about the more than 60 instruments displayed. At 1pm, the Okra Dance Company presents American Dance from Africa to Broadway, an exploration of the African and European roots of stage dance performance. 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. ($)
11am – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Berkshire Theater Group presents Pinnochio at the Berkshire Museum! There will be performances every morning throughout the week, allowing families lots of opportunities to see a theatrical version of the classic children’s story. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
11am, 1pm, and 3pm – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School presents, Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art! And it’s not the usual Goldilocks either – there are some extra characters whose roles and identities will be quite a surprise! 413-658-1126. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. ($)
11am-12noon – CRAFTS: The Wistariahurst Museum is hosting Victorian crafts all week! Today’s activity – in keeping with the Skinner family’s tradition of journaling – is decorating diaries! Participants will learn to bind their own books and can use a variety of materials to make their books unique. Registration required. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)
1:30-2:30pm – HARRY POTTER: Wishing your family could attend Hogwarts together? Just because it’s not real doesn’t mean you can’t pretend! The Mason Library’s Harry Potter Hogwarts Training will include storytelling, balloon sculptures, magic, balloon quidditch, and more! 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
1-3pm – ART: Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center to draw ducks, using inspiration from ducks found in artwork worldwide. Kids will learn about the characteristics that make each species unique, and will get to make their own creative or realistic images. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
1:30-3pm – SPORTS FANS – HOCKEY: Meet the Springfield Falcons hockey team this afternoon, and take a shot on their goalie! Tower Square is hosting this special off-ice event, where kids can take part in stickhandling games, get autographs from the players, and do other fun hockey-related activities. 1500 Main Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
2pm – FILM: The Northampton Arts Council’s KidsBestFest brings great kid-friendly cinema to the Academy of Music all week long! Each screening will include a showing of The Circus (featuring Charlie Chaplan) and Wallave and Grommet in the Wrong Trousers. 413-584-9032. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. (<$)
2pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema is hosting special afternoon screenings of classic Bugs Bunny cartoons during school vacation week! Each screening will include a dozen different shorts. Sponsored by the Northampton Arts Council, the screenings are part of the KidsBestFest. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (<$)
2-4pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Explore the Leeds parcel of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council’s Alford Springs Reserve! Bring snowshoes of crampons if you want to, and spend the trek searching for signs of winter wildlife. There are deer, bobcats, and other creatures living in the area, so spotting signs of wildlife is likely! 413-499-0596. Mountain Road. Alford, MA. (FREE)
3pm – MOVIE: The Monson Library screens “Hotel Transylvania,” this afternoon – it’s rated PG and is 91 minutes long. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)
3:30-4:30pm – LEGOS: The Berkshire Athenaeum invites any school aged LEGO enthusiast to share ideas and creative energy during monthly meetings of the new LEGO Club. This month, the theme will be “Zoo & Farm Animals”. Enjoy an hour of socializing with other LEGO fanatics, listening to music, using your imagination and sharing your ideas with your peers. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
4pm – WRITING: Use the power of words to save the fictional village of Gladville from being taken over by monsters at Pen Quest! The East Forest Park Branch Library hosts this writing event for 3rd-5th graders, where kids can practice creative writing and enjoy a monster-themed snack and craft. 413-263-6836. 122 Island Pond Road. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
5-9pm – HISTORY – CULINARY ARTS: Homemade dinner is always delicious – but it’s even better when you cook it over an open hearth! Old Sturbridge Village is hosting a special open hearth cooking event for families, where kids ages 8+ and their accompanying adults can work together to prepare and eat their own 1830’s-style dinner. Traditional recipes will be used to make delicious food including mulled cider, stuffed roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, biscuits, and more. The workshop will be lead by costumed historians, and will be a collaborative effort. Great for families learning about American history and culture. Registration required. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($$$)
6pm – STORYTIME: At the East Longmeadow Library! Pick out some new books to read before bedtime while you’re there. 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
Thursday, February 21st, 2013
10am-12noon – BASKETBALL: Northampton Recreation is offering supervised open basketball in the gym at JFK Middle School. Stop by to shoot some baskets! 100 Bridge Road. Northampton, MA. (<$)
10am-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: The Springfield Museums celebrate Feel the Beat Week this week, filling the museums with exciting music-related performances, activities, and more. Today, families can explore the GUITAR exhibit and learn about the more than 60 instruments displayed. At 1pm, the Okra Dance Company presents American Dance from Africa to Broadway, an exploration of the African and European roots of stage dance performance. 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. ($)
11am – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Berkshire Theater Group presents Pinnochio at the Berkshire Museum! There will be performances every morning throughout the week, allowing families lots of opportunities to see a theatrical version of the classic children’s story. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
11am, 1pm, and 3pm – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School presents, Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art! And it’s not the usual Goldilocks either – there are some extra characters whose roles and identities will be quite a surprise! 413-658-1126. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. ($)
11am-12noon – CRAFTS: What can you say with a fan? Waving one at yourself signals that it’s hot outside, but other motions can say a lot more! Visitors to the Wistariahurst Museum this morning will be able to see and learn about a variety of antique fans, and then decorate their own. You’ll learn some basic fan language, too! 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)
11am-3pm – CREATIVE FREE PLAY: The Berkshire Museum and Pop-up Adventure Play offer families a special opportunity for creative free-play throughout (and just before) school vacation week! 10 Days of Play brings a roomful (literally!) of materials to build anything a child’s heart desires – cardboard boxes abound, along with necessary items like scissors and duct tape. Families can build castles, mazes, space ships, and other fantastic creations together, allowing kids to exercise their creativity, take part in non-commercialized educational play, and work on skills for cooperation and collaboration. Kids can play at the museum multiple times, too- every day brings a new adventure. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
1-3pm – ART: Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center to draw ducks, using inspiration from ducks found in artwork worldwide. Kids will learn about the characteristics that make each species unique, and will get to make their own creative or realistic images. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
1:30-3:30pm – ADAPTIVE ICE SKATING: Enjoy an afternoon of adaptive skating and ice games today at Fitzpatick Arena! The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation is sponsoring the event, where ice sleds and walkers will be available, as well as regular skates, and wheelchairs can be brought right onto the ice. There will be low-key games of broomball, races, and other fun skating games. 413-545-5758. 575 Maple Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)
2pm – FILM: The Northampton Arts Council’s KidsBestFest brings great kid-friendly cinema to the Academy of Music all week long! Each screening will include a showing of The Circus (featuring Charlie Chaplan) and Wallave and Grommet in the Wrong Trousers. 413-584-9032. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. (<$)
2pm – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Award-winning children’s musician Roger Ticknell performs at the visitors center at Holyoke Heritage State Park today! 413-534-1723. 221 Appleton Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)
2pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema is hosting special afternoon screenings of classic Bugs Bunny cartoons during school vacation week! Each screening will include a dozen different shorts. Sponsored by the Northampton Arts Council, the screenings are part of the KidsBestFest. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (<$)
2pm – FILM/SING-ALONG: Dress as your favorite character from The Wizard of Oz and visit The Clark for an afternoon of singing along to Sing-Along Wizard of Oz, a combination of theater and film remastered for the big screen. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA.
2-4pm – TEEN/TWEEN: Make your own birdhouse and help to provide shelter for birds in your backyard! Call the Forest Park Branch Library to sign up. Making a birdhouse is a great way to practice basic carpentry skills and applied geometry! 413-263-6843. 380 Belmont Avenue. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
3-4pm – LEGOS: It’ LEGO time at the Monson Library! Kids can experiment with the blocks to make architectural masterpieces. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA. (FREE)
6pm – KIDS’ PERFORMANCE: Terry a la Berry comes to the Spectrum Playhouse tonight for a special kids’ show! Part of the Cabin Fever Festival, the performance will be filled with fun, catchy tunes with silly lyrics that kids will love. 20 Franklin Street. Lee, MA.
6:30-7:30pm – STORYTIME: Get dressed for bed and let the stories take place at the Haskins Center! There will be free books for everyone who visits, along with games to play and a snack. Registration required. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
Friday, February 22nd, 2013
10-11am – CULTURAL STUDIES: Visit Treehouse for some old fashioned Shaker song and dance! Families can learn some traditional Shaker music, lyrics, and movements, and can see the exhibition of photographs of Shaker life on display in the store as part of the 10×10 festival. 305 North Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
10am-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: The Springfield Museums celebrate Feel the Beat Week this week, filling the museums with exciting music-related performances, activities, and more. Today, families can explore the GUITAR exhibit and learn about the more than 60 instruments displayed. At 1pm, local musician Mister G will be performing a family concert. 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. ($)
10:30-11:30am – ANIMAL STUDIES: Kids can learn about the tracks left by lots of local animals this morning at the Great Falls Discovery Center! 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
11am – CRAFTS: During Purim, it is a tradition to send gifts and food to neighbors! Learn about this tradition – called mishloach manot – with Lander Grinspoon Academy kindergarten teacher Amy Meltzer, while playing Purim games, singing songs, and doing crafts! 257 Prospect Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
11am – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Berkshire Theater Group presents Pinnochio at the Berkshire Museum! There will be performances every morning throughout the week, allowing families lots of opportunities to see a theatrical version of the classic children’s story. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
11am, 1pm, and 3pm – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter School presents, Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art! And it’s not the usual Goldilocks either – there are some extra characters whose roles and identities will be quite a surprise! 413-658-1126. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. ($)
11am-3pm – CREATIVE FREE PLAY: The Berkshire Museum and Pop-up Adventure Play offer families a special opportunity for creative free-play throughout (and just before) school vacation week! 10 Days of Play brings a roomful (literally!) of materials to build anything a child’s heart desires – cardboard boxes abound, along with necessary items like scissors and duct tape. Families can build castles, mazes, space ships, and other fantastic creations together, allowing kids to exercise their creativity, take part in non-commercialized educational play, and work on skills for cooperation and collaboration. Kids can play at the museum multiple times, too- every day brings a new adventure. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
12noon-4:30pm – VOLLEYBALL: The game of volleyball has local roots! Learn about how it was developed, as well as the evolution of the sport, by visiting the Volleyball Hall of Fame. Free admission today! 413-536-0926. 444 Dwight Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)
2pm – FILM: The Northampton Arts Council’s KidsBestFest brings great kid-friendly cinema to the Academy of Music all week long! Each screening will include a showing of The Circus (featuring Charlie Chaplan) and Wallave and Grommet in the Wrong Trousers. 413-584-9032. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. (<$)
2pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema is hosting special afternoon screenings of classic Bugs Bunny cartoons during school vacation week! Each screening will include a dozen different shorts. Sponsored by the Northampton Arts Council, the screenings are part of the KidsBestFest. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (<$)
2-4pm – TEEN/TWEEN: Make your own birdhouse and help to provide shelter for birds in your backyard! Call the East Forest Park Branch Library to sign up. Making a birdhouse is a great way to practice basic carpentry skills and applied geometry! 413-263-6836. 122 Island Pond Road. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
3:30pm – CHILDREN’S THEATER: Wondrous Tales of Old Japan – a collection of four short Japanese Kabuki-style folktales – takes the stage at the Williston Northampton School this week! Students will perform the kid-friendly show every afternoon this week, in special arrangement with Plays for Young Children. Takes place in the Williston Theater. 413-529-3207. 18 Payson Avenue. Easthampton, MA. ($)
6:15pm – MOVIE: It’s Movie Night at the Mason Library! Pajamas welcomed, as well as your own blankets and pillows. Call the library to find out what’s being shown! Drinks and popcorn will be provided. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
7-8:30pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: View the night sky without light pollution on a hike in the Hoosac Range! Join the Berkshire Natural Resource Council for this wonderful, naturally lit trek. The hike will take participants to Sunset Rock and back. Meet just after the Wigwam Cabins (extra parking available there is necessary). 413-499-0596. Savoy, MA. (FREE)
7-9pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: Older students (16+) can learn all about the history of mountain lion tracking in North America tonight at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary! Tracker and photographer Sue Morse will share a presentation on her experiences searching for (and finding!) one of the most beautiful and rare North American mammals. Registration required. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Road. Easthampton, MA. ($)
