Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for March 23rd-29th, 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
It’s officially spring, but the snow continues to linger… The good news is that while kids might not be able to ride their trikes in the snow, the sledding hills are still a ton of fun!
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
To discover Easter Events happening this weekend and next, check out our post: Easter Events in Western MA, 2013
This weekend, Saturday & Sunday, March 23rd & 24th from 9:30am-5pm – GEOLOGY: The Western Mass Mineral, Jewelry, and Fossil Show takes place this weekend at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center! The show features the collections of numerous geologists, collectors, and dealers, and offers families an opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal look at gemstones, fossils, petrified wood, crystals, mineral specimens, and more. There will be demonstrations throughout the day, as well as opportunities to see and learn about equipment used to cut and polish stones. Budding geologists will be in heaven while surrounded by the museum-quality displays and the vast wealth of knowledge held by presenters. 1 Atwood Drive. Northampton, MA. (<$)
Saturday, March 23rd from 10am-2pm – SUSTAINABILITY: A Community Resiliency Summit at the Cummington Community House. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to network and find opportunities to get engaged in the community. Open to all, regardless of geography. Panels are planned on the topics “Food, Farm & Local Economy” and “Strengthening Local Institutions & Planning for Emergencies.” Lunch will be provided by the Village Church, followed by networking and discussions about steps we can take as a community to strengthen resiliency. Child-care will be provided. Pre-register if possible. 413-634-5005. 33 Main Street. Cummington, MA (FREE)
Saturday, March 23rd from 1:30-3pm – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Build a home for cave-nesting birds at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary! Bluebirds in particular will love nesting in these wooden nest boxes, made using white pine. Other species of birds to particularly enjoy nest boxes include tree swallows, tufted titmice, and white-breasted nuthatches. Families will also learn about good places to mount their boxes – if you have a good place within viewing distance of your home, use it as a way to learn about the habits of whichever bird species moves in! Registration required. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. ($)
BULLETIN BOARD
March 22
ArtSpark, dance party and auction to benefit the Hilltown Cooperative Charter Public School, Friday March 22nd, 7 to 11 p.m. at Look Park’s Garden House in Florence, MA. Music by the O-Tones, food, cash bar, silent and live auction with eclectic mix of handcrafted furniture, art, local business gift certificates, travel, and one-of-a-kind events up for bid. Tickets $20, available at Cooper’s Corner, State Street Fruit Store, the Creamery and at the door. For more information, 413-268-3421.
Apr 4 & 6
Parent Workshops with Aletha Solter, Ph.D. (Aware Parenting, author of 5 books) Cradle, Northampton. Why Babies Cry: Some Unrecognized Reasons Thurs Apr 4, 6-8pm, $35. Did you know that babies cry not just for immediate needs, but to release and heal stress? Recognize sources of stress, improve sleep, and help your baby release tension through therapeutic holding/listening. Discipline Without Punishments and Rewards Sat Apr 6, 9-1, $70 Raise cooperative, responsible, self-disciplined children. Pitfalls of punishments and rewards, basic techniques of democratic discipline, reasons for inappropriate behavior, how children’s behavior changes when their needs are met. Eliza 720-252-9982 Contact@InspiritAlive.com Register at cradlefamily.com
Jul & Aug
Journey Camp is a nurturing program where children can be themselves and make new friends. Each day offers creative play, walks in the woods and choices of workshops in art, music and drama. Hilltown session for boys and girls, ages 7-13, July 15-19, Taproot Commons Farm, Cummington. Session One for boys and girls, 7-12, July 1-5, at Woolman Hill, Deerfield, Girls Weeks, 7-12, Aug. 5-9 and Aug. 12-16, Woolman Hill, and Moonseed Teen Leadership for Girls, 11-18, July 29- August 1, Woolman Hill. Contact: Marsha Lieberman, 413-588-6399, marsha.journey@gmail.com; www.sarahpirtle.com
Accepting applications for fall 2013. The Bement School founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield is a co-educational junior boarding and day school serving 220 students in kindergarten through grade 9. Bement’s rich, traditional curriculum motivates and challenges students with strong academics, a renowned fine arts program, and a diverse athletic program. Students participate in athletics and fine arts every day. The pervasive atmosphere at Bement is that of a family, learning and living together. Bement actively seeks an academically diverse, international, and multi-cultural student body. For information on how to apply, financial aid, or to arrange a visit to campus, call 413-774-7061 www.bement.org.
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 HERE.
ADVERTISE HERE: 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.
Maria Curtin-McKenna is a Smith College Social Work student looking for mothers who have an ADD or ADHD diagnosis to join her research study about challenges, coping strategies and support experienced during the first year after the baby’s birth. The interview is audio-taped and confidential. It lasts about 1 hour and is held at a time and place convenient to the mom. A $15 thank you gift card to Target is provided. To participate, the mother must be 18 years or older, have and ADD or ADHD diagnosis, and have given birth to a child who is age 2-60 months. Contact Maria at 413-362-4053 or mcurtinm@smith.edu
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENTS
On Friday, April 5th from 4-7pm: ACT OF KINDNESS: Flowers for Friends: A Free Family Friday Night Event at The Art Garden with Hilltown Families. Sign up to bring your kids and come join your neighbors in a free community art event, painting terracotta flower pots to plant with pansies and then pass along to those in your community. With the idea of spreading kindness and beauty, families are encouraged to pass their posies along to an elder in their neighborhood, or their librarian, classroom teacher, receptionist at the hospital or animal shelter, or other community space of their choice. Space is limited. Must pre-register. Shelburne Falls, MA (FREE)
On Saturday, May 4th from 10am-1pm: FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT: Join Hilltown Families for a Saturday morning of volunteering together with your family during our spring Family Community Service Event to be held at Leeds Elementary School. We will be offering seven volunteer stations for families to participate in hands-on service projects for ALL AGES that support animal welfare organizations, conservation efforts and food security. Find out more and preregister here: Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event: May 4th! Northampton, MA (FREE)
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
March 23rd-29th, 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, March 23rd, 2013
To discover Easter Events happening this weekend, check out our post: Easter Events in Western MA, 2013
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. – This week guest DJs Bill Harley and Keith Munslow teamed up and selected a bunch of their favorite songs; some from their childhood, recent discoveries, and a couple of ditties from their new CD as well! While not expressly “kids songs”, these are songs that Bill and Keith love. They love them for their humor, wit, silliness and musical wizardry. – Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast anytime. Click here to see over 5 years of archived shows.
9am-3:30pm – RESKILLING: The Berkshire Botanical Garden is hosting a full day’s worth of workshops on homesteading, and the skills necessary to grow and raise your own food. Topics covered include backyard chickens and other fowl, sheep as lawn mowers (and sources of wool and milk, too!), and raising cows or goats for milk. Whether you’re in the throes of beginning a homestead or are just looking to learn more about the process to see if it’s right for your family, this event is a great opportunity to gather knowledge and to connect with other community members pursuing a homesteading lifestyle. Registration required. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road. Stockbridge, MA. ($$$)
9:30am-5pm – GEOLOGY: The Western Mass Mineral, Jewelry, and Fossil Show takes place this weekend at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center! The show features the collections of numerous geologists, collectors, and dealers, and offers families an opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal look at gemstones, fossils, petrified wood, crystals, mineral specimens, and more. There will be demonstrations throughout the day, as well as opportunities to see and learn about equipment used to cut and polish stones. Budding geologists will be in heaven while surrounded by the museum-quality displays and the vast wealth of knowledge held by presenters. 1 Atwood Drive. Northampton, MA. (<$)
10am – COOKING: The Berkshire Coop is hosting another Kids Can Cook event – today’s recipe is a special April Fool’s Day surprise! Kids will get to practice basic kitchen skills while learning all about the special recipe. You won’t believe your taste buds! Registration required. 413-528-9697. 42 Bridge Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
10am-12noon – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Explore the diverse habitats found at Mittineague Park this morning with naturalist and environmental historian Dietrich Schlobohm! Families can learn about the many different plants and animals that the park is home to, and will get to explore some of the most interesting parts of the 330 acres of field and forest. All ages welcomed. Meet at Santa’s House. 413-788-4125. Fife Lane. West Springfield, MA. (FREE)
10:30am – FILM: Images Cinema will be screening “Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and the Farm Midwives.” 413-458-5612. 50 Spring St. Williamstown, MA ($)
10:30 and 11am – MARIONETTES: The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School presents a puppet play at Matrushka Toys and Gifts! The early childhood program’s marionettes will be used to share the story The Straw Broom, about little gnomes who learn how to care for their home. The show features handmade puppets, paired with a beautiful telling of the story. 818-287-1237. 309 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
To discover Easter Events happening this weekend, check out our post: Easter Events in Western MA, 2013
11am – MARIONETTES: The Family Resource Center hosts an under-the-sea themed marionette show this morning at Williamstown Youth Center! Featuring delightful marionettes, the show is sure to please kids of all ages. Meet the puppets after the show to examine how they work! 413-664-4615. School Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
11:30am-12noon – LEGOS: Bring your imagination to the Ramsdell Library for LEGO Club – kids can build with regular sized LEGO blocks or Duplos. LEGO play is great for budding engineers and designers – they can experiment with basic principles of physics and architecture. 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street. Housatonic, MA. (FREE)
12noon-4pm – SPRING CELEBRATION: The Lenox Library hosts their 3rd annual Spring Tonic: Celebrating All Things Locally Grown. In the Youth Dept there will be a fun hands-on craft activity for children to decorate their own peat pot container and plant seeds to be transplanted to their own gardens at home. Adults can shop at their indoor farmers’ market, try free samples, sign up for CSA shares of the upcoming season’s harvest, and speak with local farmers. Live Bluegrass music too! 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA (FREE)
1pm – MYO EASTER EGGS: Marion Abrams will be leading a Family Batik Ukrainian Egg Workshop at the Forbes Library. Marion will teach basic skills for beautiful traditional Ukrainian Pysanky. Children ages 8yo+ are welcomed. 413-247-9807. Northampton, MA. (Free/>$)
1-2pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: As technology has advanced, the number of substances used to create materials has increased greatly, and has at the same time become a little bit scarier – the massive amount of goods that we consume guarantees that many things are made inexpensively out of materials containing toxic (yet easy to obtain or create) chemicals. Cradle hosts a workshop for parents today with Laila Tomsovic on ways to help identify sources of toxic chemicals and minimize the amount of interactions that your family has with them in a workshop titled, “Living Clean in a Toxic World.” Registration required, infants in arms welcome. 413-341-5282. Main Street (Thornes Marketplace, 3rd floor). Northampton, MA. (FREE)
1:30-3pm – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Build a home for cave-nesting birds at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary! Bluebirds in particular will love nesting in these wooden nest boxes, made using white pine. Other species of birds to particularly enjoy nest boxes include tree swallows, tufted titmice, and white-breasted nuthatches. Families will also learn about good places to mount their boxes – if you have a good place within viewing distance of your home, use it as a way to learn about the habits of whichever bird species moves in! Registration required. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. ($)
1:30-3:20pm – ICE SKATING: Fitzpatrick Arena is holding a DJ skate this afternoon – featuring live DJ music, along with all of the fun that an afternoon on the ice brings. Practice skating skills on an indoor surface, now that outside ice is melting! 413-532-2929. 575 Maple Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$, skate rental extra)
2pm – FILM/ASIAN STUDIES: The Clark screens Bernardo Bertolucci’s The Last Emperor, a 1987 film about the Chinese Communists’ abduction of the country’s infant emperor. Great for students interested in Asian history, or older students examining the role that Communism has played in the modern world. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
2-4pm – MUSICAL: Feed me, Seymour! Franklin County Technical High School presents, Little Shop of Horrors at the Shea Theater this afternoon – the hilarious musical features a crazed dentist, a carnivorous plant, and an unlikely love pursuit, and is best for slightly older students. 413-863-2281. 71 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA.
6:30pm – THEATER: Mount Everett Regional High School presents Steven Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd tonight at the Consolati Performing Arts Center! The suspenseful musical follows a 19th century London exile in his quest for revenge against the judge who framed him. 413-229-8778. 491 Berkshire School Road. Sheffield, MA. ($)
7pm – MUSICAL: Ja’Duke productions presents, “My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto’s Musical Tale,” at Greenfield High School. 1 Lenox Ave. Greenfield, MA ($)
7pm – FAMILY PERFORMANCE: Enjoy a fun and entertaining family night out – Funktionlust and The Unusuals host the Charlie Brown Show at Smith College’s Flanigan Theater! The show features a performance from Whole Children’s hip-hop dance group, as well as their Joyful Chorus. Northampton High School’s improv troupes will perform, and there will of course be some Charlie Brown, too! The event celebrates and supports Northampton High School’s Best Buddies Club, a group that is part of a global volunteer effort to help create friendships for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Elm Street. Northampton, MA. (<$)
7-10pm – ART: It’s not every day that families get the chance to decorate walls. Art Party’s Halfway There Celebration takes place tonight, and the walls and tables of the studio will be covered with paper for creative minds and artists of all ages to make beautiful! There will be music and food, too, to make the celebration complete. 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 249. Easthampton, MA. (>$)
7:30pm – THEATER: Taconic High School presents, “City of Angels,” a show that follows a disillusioned crime novelist through the development of one of his books into a screenplay. Unfortunately for the writer, his stories are not particularly fantastic and his efforts are misguided – which the audience learns by watching the screenplay develop alongside the show’s main storyline. Takes place in the high school’s auditorium. 413-448-9634. 96 Valentine Road. Pittsfield, MA. ($)
Sunday, March 24th, 2013
To discover Easter Events happening this weekend, check out our post: Easter Events in Western MA, 2013
9:30am-5pm – GEOLOGY: The Western Mass Mineral, Jewelry, and Fossil Show takes place this weekend at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center! The show features the collections of numerous geologists, collectors, and dealers, and offers families an opportunity to get an up-close-and-personal look at gemstones, fossils, petrified wood, crystals, mineral specimens, and more. There will be demonstrations throughout the day, as well as opportunities to see and learn about equipment used to cut and polish stones. Budding geologists will be in heaven while surrounded by the museum-quality displays and the vast wealth of knowledge held by presenters. 1 Atwood Drive. Northampton, MA. (<$)
12noon-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: It’s Free Family Day at The Clark! Take advantage of not only free admission, but also the special programs and demonstrations that will be taking place throughout the day. The theme for the event is decorative arts, and families will be able to learn about everything from glass blowing to silversmithing! There will also be a gallery talk with the museum’s curatorial staff, a workshop on decorative food, live music, and hands-on art making for all! 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
7pm – MUSICAL: Ja’Duke productions presents, “My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto’s Musical Tale,” at Greenfield High School. 1 Lenox Ave. Greenfield, MA ($)
2pm – SPORTS GEAR SWAP: Has your family accumulated extra sports gear over the years as your kids have grown? Cup and Top Cafe is hosting a soccer cleat exchange! Cleats can be dropped off at the cafe anytime before Saturday, 3/23 in order to be sorted before the event (can’t make it before then? Arrive early for the swap to add your cleats), and families can come to the event to view the complete array, try some on, and leave with new and better fitting cleats! Using new-to-you gear is a great way to avoid spending lots of money on sports equipment, and is way more environmentally friendly than getting new ones every season. 413-=585-0445. 1 North Main Street, Suite 2. Florence, MA. (FREE)
2pm – STORYTIME: At the Eric Carle Museum, with children’s illustrator Melissa Sweet. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
2pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema is hosting a Miyazaki film festival throughout the early spring! This week’s film is Princess Mononoke, a 1997 release that chronicles the journey of young warrior Ashitaka into the depths of the Great Forest as he tries to defend his village against a monster. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. ($)
6:30pm – THEATER: Mount Everett Regional High School presents Steven Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd tonight at the Consolati Performing Arts Center! The suspenseful musical follows a 19th century London exile in his quest for revenge against the judge who framed him. 413-229-8778. 491 Berkshire School Road. Sheffield, MA. ($)
2-3:40pm – ICE SKATING: Spend the afternoon on the ice at Smead Arena Forest Park! The rink is hosting a special public skating session featuring a live DJ – fun for the whole family. 413-781-2599. 1780 Roosevelt Avenue. Springfield, MA. (<$, skate rental extra)
2-5pm – TEEN/TWEEN: Young writers are invited to a workshop with Berkshire Magazine editor Anastasia Stanmeyer at the Otis Library! Stanmeyer will guide participants through exercises useful for crafting new stories, and will help budding authors work on their creative process, too! Participants are encouraged to bring writing samples. Not only is the workshop a chance to grow as a writer, but it’s also a chance to connect with other creative minds! 413-269-0109. 48 North Main Road. Otis, MA. (FREE)
2:15-3:15pm – OPEN GYM: The Community Network for Children hosts an open gym event for families at the Greenfield YMCA! Use up the rest of that extra weekend energy by running and playing indoors at the Y. 413-773-3646. 451 Main Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
4pm – PASSOVER CONCERT: The Academy of Music hosts Let My People Go: Songs of Freedom, a performance by Mak’hela, the Jewish Chorus of Western Massachusetts. Acclaimed vocalist Evelyn Harris will join the chorus in a celebration of Pesach (Passover) and the coming of spring – celebrate and/or learn about Jewish traditions and history while enjoying beautiful seasonal music. 413-584-9032. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
PARENTS NIGHT OUT
7pm – CONCERT: World renowned fiddlers Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy perform at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center tonight! The duo will play traditional Celtic music, along with French, Canadian, and Cajun tunes as well. 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street. Great Barrington, MA. ($$$)
Monday, March 25th, 2013
4pm – EDUCATOR WORKSHOP: Science education is often carried out with the intention of helping learners make connections between what they’ve learned and their own concrete experiences in the world. However, whether in a formal or informal context, such experiences are not always designed based on what we know about how people learn (and in particular, how they learn and make meaning from scientific concepts). This afternoon, Hampshire College hosts a lecture with Timothy David Zimmerman, PhD, assistant professor of science education at Rutgers University. Zimmerman will speak about his own research into learning and learning experiences and relating knowledge to current science-related issues (like fisheries decline, habitat destruction, climate change, etc.). Takes place in the auditorium at Adele Simmons Hall (ASH). 893 West Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
ONGOING FOR MONDAYS (As always, please confirm before heading out to these suggestions.)
- 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. (<$) ♦
- 2:30-4pm – PLAYGROUP: Toddler group (siblings welcomed) at Shima Boutique. 413-346-1055. 65 Main St. North Adams, MA (FREE)
- 3:30-4:30pm – BREAK DANCE: Learn to break like a b-boy! The Lichtenstein Center for the Arts offers a weekly break dance class, taught by Joshua McHugh, accomplished dancer and dance teacher. 413-499-9348. 28 Renne Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. ($) ♦
- 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. ($) ♦
- 6-8pm – BIRTH CIRCLE: Gathered Resources of Women (GROW) offers a drop in support group for pregnant women and their support team to explore the different aspects of pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Hosted at Shima Boutique. 413-346-1055. 65 Main St. North Adams, MA (FREE)
- 7pm – MOTHER SUPPORT: MotherWoman bi-monthly meetings at Cradle, 3rd floor of Thornes Marketplace. 413-341-5282. Main Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
- 7-8:30pm – TEEN: Visit Longmeadow High School for open gym time! Basketball equipment will be provided by Longmeadow Rec Dept, and the event is open to anyone ages 13-20. Runs through 11/12. 413-565-4163. 95 Grassy Gutter Road. Longmeadow, MA. ($) ♦
Tuesday, March 26th, 2013
4pm – LIBRARY ADVENTURE: Share your favorite books with other library-visiting families at the Forest Park Branch Library! Families can read new books (or chapters of longer books), then rate the books with a star-sticker system and add an original review to help others choose good reads! There will be games and snacks, too. 413-263-6843. 380 Belmont Avenue. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
6:15-8:15pm – CULINARY ARTS: Learn how to make tasty and beautiful vegetarian sushi (maki rolls) at Berkshire South Regional Community Center. Older students and their parents can join Susan in the kitchen for this hands on cooking workshop as we make our own rolls and have lots of fun! Instructor Susan Higa has studied and taught cooking for over 20 years. She currently teaches natural foods and macrobiotic cooking classes. 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. Great Barrington, MA ($)
ONGOING FOR TUESDAYS (As always, please confirm before heading out to these suggestions.)
- 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 – NEW MOMS: Tea time for new moms at the CHP Family Services Building. Chat with other new moms, gain reassurance and resources while making new friends. A facilitated support group. 413-528-0721. 442 Stockbridge Rd. Great Barrington, MA (FREE) ♦
- 11am – STORYTIME: The Goodwin Memorial Library hosts a preschool story time. 413-584-7451. 50 Middle Street. Hadley, 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) ♦
- 3:30-5pm – 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)
- 4pm – READING: Do you ever wish that you could recommend your favorite books to other library visitors? The Forest Park Branch Library invites Forest Park Reads, a special series where families can read new books (or chapters of books) and then rate them using a star system so that other library visitors can choose great new things to read! Takes place on the fourth Tuesday of each month. 413-263-6843. 380 Belmont Avnue. Springfield, 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) ♦
Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
1-5pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Visit the Crane Museum of Papermaking to learn about the history of papermaking at Crane since the early 1800’s. Located on the banks of the Housatonic River, the building itself is a museum! This is a great opportunity to learn about local history. If you can’t make it today, the museum is open all weekdays during the same hours. 413-684-2600. 30 South Street. Dalton, MA. (FREE)
3-5pm – BREAD: Celebrate spring with the Pioneer Valley Bread House! Located at Hampshire College’s Farm Center, the house is hosting their annual Spring Hearth-Warming with some community bread-making. Visitors can help knead, share stories, and enjoy the bread baking process. Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
3:30-4:30pm – SPANISH: Learn some basic Spanish at the Ramsdell Library! The class is designed for kids, and families should call to find out more about space and fees. 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street. Housatonic, MA. (<$)
7pm – ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE: Older students and parents can learn about the intersection between the economy, energy, and ecology tonight with Crash Course’s Chris Martenson at the Sunderland Library. The talk will examine the role that each plays within our modern society, and the ways in which it will affect our future. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)
2pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema is hosting a Miyazaki film festival throughout the early spring! This week’s film is Princess Mononoke, a 1997 release that chronicles the journey of young warrior Ashitaka into the depths of the Great Forest as he tries to defend his village against a monster. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. ($)
ONGOING FOR WEDNESDAYS (As always, please confirm before heading out to these suggestions.)
- 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) ♦
- 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. (<$) ♦
- 1-3pm – CHESS: Drop-in chess games in the mezzanine at Forbes Library. All ages, BYO chess set or borrow one. Playing chess can help kids develop logic and analytical skills. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 2:30-4pm – PLAYGROUP: Toddler group (siblings welcomed) at Shima Boutique. 413-346-1055. 65 Main St. North Adams, MA (FREE)
- 2:30-6pm – TEEN: The Belchertown Teen Center is open this afternoon, offering a safe, drug-free, semi-supervised environment where kids can play games, socialize, watch movies, etc. 413-323-8728. 66 State Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 3:30pm – LEGOS: The Berkshire Athenaeum hosts LEGO Club on the third Wednesday of each month. Kids can use LEGOs to experiment with basic principles of architecture, physics, and design. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. ♦ (FREE)
- 3-5pm – MOVIE: The Mason Library screens classic films every Wednesday afternoon! The “Mason Matinee” is best for tweens/teens and adults – call to find out what’s playing. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 3:30-4:30pm – STORYTIME: The Ramsdell Library hosts Time for Tots, and special story, craft, etc. time for littlest kiddos. 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street. Housatonic, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 3:50-4:30pm – ICE SKATING: Visit Fitzpatrick Arena for an afternoon of skating! The rink offers daily public skating sessions at the same time, Monday-Friday. 413-532-2929. 575 Maple Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$) ♦
- 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. ($) ♦
Thursday, March 28th, 2013
4pm – LECTURE: Judith Crowell, MD presents findings from a long-term longitudinal study on the effects of childhood adversity on health during middle age. Crowell’s work examines the nature of relationship’s in a child’s life alongside their health and emotional success as adults. The presentation will take place in UMass’ Campus Center, room 904-8. Campus Center Drive. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
6-8pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Learn strategies for successful budgeting tonight at Good Cents Budget Basics, a workshop hosted by the Community Network for Children and Community Action. Taking place at Erving Elementary School, the workshop will teach parents of young children (ages 0-8) some basic skills for managing the financial aspects of parenting. Free dinner begins at 5:30pm. Registration required, childcare available. 978-544-5157. 28 Northfield Road. Erving, MA. (FREE)
6:30-8pm – CULINARY ARTS: Whole Foods Market hosts an evening of sushi! Teens and adults can learn to make their own sushi rolls and leave with new skills and a belly full of delicious hand-rolled sushi. 413-586-9932. 327 Russell Street. Hadley, MA. ($)
7pm – APIOLOGY: Bees are facing worldwide habitat loss and population decline – but it turns out that western Massachusetts is one of the few remaining areas that is perfect for bee keeping! Tonight, the Greenfield Historical Society hosts Warm Colors Apiary’s Dan Conlon for a talk on modern beekeeping and the environment necessary for successful beekeeping. Conlon, known nationally and internationally for his beekeeping, will speak about the history of the apiary, as well as his own work with bees. 413-369-4170. 43 Church Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
7:30pm – CONCERT/AFRICAN MUSIC: Mt. Holyoke College hosts a concert with the West African Highlife Band, featuring Baba Ken Okulolo – the band’s Nigerian (but San Francisco-based) leader. Great opportunity for kids with audience skills to learn about world music and African cultures. Takes place in Chapin auditorium. 413-538-2306. College Street. South Hadley, MA.
ONGOING FOR THURSDAYS (As always, please confirm before heading out to these suggestions.)
12noon-1pm: PILATES: BYOBaby! A Pilates Mat Class for Moms and Babies – modified to accommodate for fussiness! Drop-in class with Anneliese Mordhorst at The Pilates Studio. 104 Russell St. 413-586-3504. Hadley, MA ($15/class)
- 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) ♦
- 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)
- 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) ♦
- 10:30-11:30am – TALES AND TUNES: At the New Salem Public Library, sponsored by the Community Network for Children through June 2013! 978-544-5157. 23 South Main Street. New Salem, 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) ♦
- 11am – STORYTIME: At the Hatfield Library, just for preschoolers! 413-547-9237. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 11am-12:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Baby group (siblings welcomed) at Shima Boutique. 413-346-1055. 65 Main St. North Adams, 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) ♦
- 12noon-1pm: PILATES: BYOBaby! A Pilates Mat Class for Moms and Babies – modified to accommodate for fussiness! Drop-in class with Anneliese Mordhorst at The Pilates Studio. 104 Russell St. 413-586-3504. Hadley, MA ($15/class)
- 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) ♦
Friday, March 29th, 2013
8:30am-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Join the Hitchcock Center for a day of spring-themed explorations! Curriculum Day brings searches for amphibians (like salamanders and frogs), a look around the woods for changes in plants, a meet-and-greet with the center’s reptile residents, and games and other fun activities. Celebrate the coming of a new season, and learn about all of the ways that we can tell it’s here! Registration required. 413-256-6006. 525 South Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA.
10am-5pm – SCIENCE/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: The Springfield Museum hosts The Science of Magic, a magical day of family-friendly activities, including Super Scientific Circus. The secrets of magic are revealed in this lively, interactive, and educational performance! 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards St. Springfield, MA (FREE w/admission)
10am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: The Eric Carle Museum’s newest exhibit, Latino Folktales: Cuentos Populares – Art by Latino Artists, opened this week! Visit the museum to see illustration of folktales that combine magic and symbolism, and see how ritually repeated stories cross cultural boundaries – some of what you’ll see will seem very similar to the folktales from other cultural traditions. 413-685-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (FREE with museum admission)
ONGOING FOR FRIDAYS (As always, please confirm before heading out to these suggestions.)
- 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 (>$)
- 2:30-4pm – PLAYGROUP: Toddler group (siblings welcomed) at Shima Boutique. 413-346-1055. 65 Main St. North Adams, MA (FREE)
- 7-10pm – TWEEN: Kids in grades 6-8 can enjoy a fun night out with friends at the Greenwood Center! Hosted by Longmeadow Rec Dept, the event features DJ dance music, and will be supervised by adults. Dress code is the same as school, and students must sign in before entering. Takes place on the second and fourth Friday of each month. 413-565-4163. 231 Maple Road. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 7:30pm – ASTRONOMY: Williams College’s Milham Planetarium offers free shows on Friday evenings! Using the planetarium’s Zeiss Skymaster, Williams students will teach visitors about all sorts of astronomical phenomena, including phases of the moon, retrograde planetary motion, varying colors/temperatures of stars, constellations and zodiac signs, and more! Reservations recommended but not required. 413-597-2188. 829 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE) ♦
- 8:30pm-12:30am – DANCE: Dance the night away at Dance Spree, a family-friendly, substance free, barefoot community night of dancing! Kids of all ages are welcome, but young children must be accompanied by adults. Takes place on the 4th floor of the Fitzwilly’s building. 25 Main Street. Northampton, MA. (<$) ♦
Living Clean in a Toxic World by Laila Tomsovic, ND has been cancelled due to low enrollment. Please email me if you are interested in this information and would like to be notified when it is offered again. drlaila@cradlefamily.com