Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS: May 25th & 26th

Saturday & Sunday, May 25th & 26th from 9am-4pm – FIBER/FESTIVAL: The  39th Annual Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair happens at the Cummington Fairgrounds.  Loads of learning opportunities for the kids. Fiber and woolcraft vendors, sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dog trials, fiber and woolcraft workshops for adults and children, sheep shows, fleece show and sale, fleece to shawl competition, and food booths. 413-238-5902. Fairgrounds Road. Cummington, MA (>$)

Saturday, May 25th at 11am and 1pm – KIDS’ CONCERT: Mister G rocks the Eric Carle Museum today!  The acclaimed children’s musician presents Bailamos!, a bilingual dance party featuring songs from his incredibly popular albums Chocolala and Bugs.  413-658-1126.  125 West Bay Road.  Amherst, MA.  ($)

Sunday, May 26th from 10am-4pm – TRANSPORTATION/HISTORY: Chesterwood, a National Trust Historic Site, host their Vintage Motorcar Festival.  Families can get a glimpse into history by viewing vintage vehicles on display. Kids can join in a car scavenger hunt and put their STEM skills to practice in LEGO car racing.  Youth ages 15yo+ can also participate as judges of displayed vehicles.  There will be live music, local foods and a nice afternoon at this national treasure! 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road. Stockbridge, MA ($)

BULLETIN BOARD

May 31 – Jun 2

FREE Event: Experience the World of Art, Music, and Culture on the Amherst Common, May 31st (12-6), June 1st and 2nd (10-6) at the Cultural Survival Bazaar. A FREE Festival of Native Arts & Cultures from around the world. Shop handmade, fairly traded art, jewelry, clothing, crafts, decor, tribal rugs & more. Featuring guest artisans from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, music of Ecuador and Mali. Enjoy FREE music performances, craft-making demos and Tibetan cuisine. Proceeds support Native artisans, fair trade & Cultural Survival’s nonprofit work worldwide. For special features, artisan profiles, performance schedule, and other dates & locations visit their website at http://www.bazaar.cs.org Amherst Common on Boltwood Ave. Click Here for Preview

Jun 8 & Jun 15

Coming soon: Hilltown Idols! An adult & child karaoke competition/fundraiser for the Williamsburg Elementary School. Auditions are Sat., 6/8, with the Final Performance on Sat., 6/15 at 7pm at the Williamsburg Grange in Williamsburg. The competition is open to children & adults from near and far! There are four competition groups: Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, & Adults. Prizes will be awarded to winners. Entry fee for contestants in Grades 3-12 is $5.00 & $25.00 for adults. Register by 6/1! Tickets for audience members on 6/8 are $2/individual or $5/family for the day. Tickets for the Final Performance on 6/15 are $5(Ages 3-18), $10(Adults), or $20 per family. See https://sites.google.com/site/hilltownidols for details.

Jun 24 – Aug 16

The Bement School offers a wide variety of summer programs for students from 15 months to 15 years. Located on a beautiful campus in historic Deerfield, Bement’s programs combine the summer fun of a traditional day camp with field trips and enrichment programs. The Preschool Program provides a safe, nurturing camp experience for the youngest campers. Adventures in Chinese is a full-day Chinese language and culture program. The Adventure Camp offers games, crafts, swimming, and field trips. The Junior Counselor Program gives teens experience working with children, developing valuable job skills, and enjoying summer fun. Summer programs run from June 24 to August 16. Call 413-774-7061 or visit bement.org/summer for more information.

Cooley Dickinson Childbirth Center: Voted “Best” Again in the Valley Advocate’s Readers Poll. For Granby residents Alyssa and Philip LaFlamme, Cooley Dickinson’s Childbirth Center was the comfortable choice. “From the moment I called to say I was on my way, I felt reassured and well taken care of,” said Alyssa, who praises labor and delivery nurse Terri Jay who “helped keep me calm when I had a few moments of panic.” Alyssa consistently received personalized care. “My friends have gone other places and they say they feel like a number at other hospitals.” The LaFlammes are not alone in their choice. For the third consecutive year, families have voted the Childbirth Center the Best Birthing Center in the Valley Advocate’s Readers’ Poll.

ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your April vacation event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, 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.

Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities featured range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!

Host Families Needed for Spanish Teens. Expand your family’s horizons this summer by welcoming a student from Spain into your home through the STEP-to-U.S.A. program. These boys and girls, who range in age from 14 to 17, arrive Wednesday, June 26, for a 3 ½ week home stay. They are eager to be part of your family and to practice their English. You and your children can also practice your Spanish and make a lifelong friend from another country. Host siblings are welcome to join the students in a variety of weekly activities, including day trips to Boston and Six Flags. Apply early to select just the right student for your family. To learn more, contact Ann Newsmith at 802-257-4710, exchangevt@gmail.com and visit www.step-to-usa.com.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS: June 1st & 2nd

Saturday, June 1st – Hilltown Spring Festival: The Hilltown CDC’s Hilltown Spring Festival on June 1st at the Cummington Fairgrounds will be a combined music festival, food festival, children’s festival, craft festival, and alternative energy exposition! Music for children of all ages will be performed by Mister G, David Grover and Terry A La Berry. Other musical performers include percussionist Tony Vacca, acoustic string band Appalachian Still, singer-songwriter Heather Maloney, the Lonesome Brothers, Hot Day at the Zoo, the Walkin’ Blues Band, & Dan Hales and the Frost Heaves. There will be children’s activities all day long, music workshops for families, dancing around the Maypole, children selling hand-made crafts at the Kids-Made Crafts Bazaar, 8 foot tall puppets, Morris dancers, & much more. Cummington Fairgrounds. Cummington, MA (>$)

Sunday, June 2nd – WGBY Asparagus Festival: WGBY celebrates all All Things Local at Seven Sisters Market Bistro and Long Hollow Bison Farm at their Asparagus Festival. The kids can meet baby bison, enjoy asparagus-themed activities, and entertainment from Paintbox Theater.  There will be live music and an old fashioned outdoor luncheon too.  Local brews for the adults in the late afternoon. Route 9. Hadley, MA (FREE)

---

LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
May 25th-31st, 2013

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

Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets

Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events

Saturday, May 25th, 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. David Grover is our Guest DJ with a History through Stories & Songs Episode. David puts together an eclectic mix of favorite folk songwriters and singers that highlights the history of our country. – Encore of Saturday’s broadcast airs Sunday morning from 7-8am and podcast is posted here on Hilltown Families immediately following Sunday’s broadcast. Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcasts anytime. Click here to choose from 6 years of archived shows!

7am – ORNITHOLOGY: Join the Hoffman Bird Club for a morning of birding at the base of Mt. Greylock!  Families can participate in a 4-mile walk along a marsh to limestone cliffs – the variety of habitat seen will mean a wide variety of bird species will be seen!  413-458-3290.  271 Route 7.  New Ashford, MA.  (FREE)

8am-3pm – FISHING DERBY: Fishing Derby for youth 14 and under takes place at Wild Acres (rain or shine).  Volunteer support will be provided by the Onota Fishing Club to assist with dressing fish, providing fishing tips and techniques, baiting, etc. Trophies will be awarded to those who catch a tagged fish.  Bait will be provided, and a limited amount of fishing poles will be available for use on a first come, first serve basis to those who do not own one. Grab a fishing pole and head on up to Wild Acres.  South Mountain Rd. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)

9am – ROAD RACE: The town of Lenox hosts the annual Memorial Day Marathon this weekend!  The event consists of numerous races, including Berkshire Bank’s Kids Run, a .25 or .5 mile race for kids 10 and under.  Other events include the marathon, half marathon, trail race, 10k, and 5k, which are open to runners of all ages.  Everyone participating in the Kids Run will get a medal – it’s a great way to introduce kids to the fun of participating in road races!  Lenox, MA.  ($)

9am-4pm – FIBER/FESTIVAL: The  39th Annual Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair happens at the Cummington Fairgrounds.  Loads of learning opportunities for the kids. Fiber and woolcraft vendors, sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dog trials, fiber and woolcraft workshops for adults and children, sheep shows, fleece show and sale, fleece to shawl competition, and food booths. 413-238-5902. Fairgrounds Road. Cummington, MA (>$)

9am-5pm – PERMACULTURE: Permaculture Site Tour. Spend a day touring the valley and visit a variety of permaculture hot spots! Begin at the Edible Forest Garden featured in the book Edible Forest Gardens before traveling to the Wildside Gardens for the Homestead Design Project. Get a first hand look at the UMass Franklin Garden, recognized by the White House for providing college students with fresh produce and mentoring in gardening design. Site visites range from Holyoke to Amherst. ($$)

10am – BIKE RIDE: The Pittsfield Department of Community Development Recreation Program host their annual Community Bike Ride event.  The ride will take place  at the Controy Pavilion on Onota Lake at Burbank Park. The ride begins at 10am, with rider registration from 9-9:45am.  The route will begin at the Controy Pavilion, head up to Pittsfield State Forest and back to the Pavilion making the ride just under 6 miles round trip; younger riders are encouraged to ride the trail along Onota Lake at Burbank Park.  Bring the family and join in a leisurely, scenic bike ride! Pittsfield, MA (FREE)

9:30am-5pm – HISTORY: Springtime brings many things to New England, and during the 19th century, sheep shearing was one of the most important of all springtime chores!  Shearing sheep meant warm wooly clothes for all.  Learn about wool (from sheep to mittens!) this weekend at Old Sturbridge Village!  Wool Days brings demonstrations of sheep herding and shearing, as well as spinning, carding, and weaving, to the village.  Families can learn while being immersed in 1800’s culture and participating in hands=on activities!  800-733-1830.  1 Old Sturbridge Village Road.  Sturbridge, MA ($$) 

10-11am – COOKING: The Berkshire Co-op hosts Kids Cook, a hands-on cooking class designed just for budding chefs!  This month’s recipe is far pizza pockets using spring veggies – kids will get to make the pockets themselves, and will get to practice basic cooking and math skills.  Registration required, space is limited.  413-528-967 ex 10.  42 Bridge Street.  Great Barrington, MA.  (FREE)

10am-1pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURE: It’s all turtles, all day long today at Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary!  Visit to meet a real, live turtle and to learn about the species of turtles native to Massachusetts.  Then, visitors will be able to go on a natural history walk of the sanctuary’s grounds to learn about how the landscape was formed and to learn about turtle habitat.  413-584-3009.  Hampden, MA.  (FREE)

10am-3pm – FOOD FESTIVAL: Rhubarb Festival happens at Library Reading Park.  There will be Rhubarb themed games, food, and special events.  All things Rhubarb, one of the first perennial crops of the spring! 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA (FREE)

10am-6pm – ART FESTIVAL: The spring installation of this year’s Paradise City Arts Festivals takes place this weekend at the Three County Fairgrounds.  The festival showcases hundreds of artists and a wide variety of unique work in many different forms.  800-511-9725.  Bridge Street.  Northampton, MA.  ($)

10am-10pm – TOWN FAIR: The Amherst Town Fair takes place this week on the Town Common.  Sponsored by the Rotary Club, the event includes rides, games, food, and more!  Main Street.  Amherst, MA.  ($)

10:15-11:15am – GARDENING: The Ramsdell Library hosts a gardening club just for kids!  Spend some time getting dirt on your hands while potting plants and planting seeds.  413-274-3738.  1087 Main Street.  Houstonic, MA.  (FREE)

11am – CRAFT FAIR/CONCERT: Check out locally made arts and crafts at the Haydenville Craft Fair – and see a concert with Roger Ticknell, too!  Ticknell will play lots of children’s songs, as well as some fun musical games.  3 Grove Street.  Haydenville, MA.  

11am – BOOKS: Odyssey Bookshop draws with Harold and the Purple Crayon this morning!  Make your own crayon drawings with purple chalk after being inspired by a reading of the classic tale.  9 College Street.  South Hadley, MA.  (FREE)

11am – SCIENCE: The Berkshire Museum hosts Kitchen Ka-Boom, a fun hands-on science event for families!  This monthly event features a different activity each month, and kids will get to play with everyday materials in order to learn about basic principles of biology, physics, and/or chemistry.  413-339-7171.  39 South Street.  Pittsfield, MA.  (FREE with museum admission)

11am and 1pm – KIDS’ CONCERT: Mister G rocks the Eric Carle Museum today!  The acclaimed children’s musician presents Bailamos!, a bilingual dance party featuring songs from his incredibly popular albums Chocolala and Bugs.  413-658-1126.  125 West Bay Road.  Amherst, MA.  ($)

11am-3pm – ACTIVISIM: March Against Monsanto Event. Activists around the world will unite to March Against Monsanto. Join protesters to advocate for food by promoting GMO labeling, buying local and organic, and ultimately hold Monsanto executives accountable for their unjust corporate greed. Park Square. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)

11am-4pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: HoorWA’s annual Riverfest takes place today!  The event celebrates the Hoosic River watershed, and takes place at Williams College’s Cole Field.  Families will be able to learn about and celebrate their surroundings through Native American games and drumming performances, live music from Mass MoCA Jam, nature walks, informational exhibits, and kids’ activities.  Stetson Road.  Williamstown, MA.  ($)

11am-5pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE/ENTOMOLOGY: The Springfield Museums’ newest exhibit, “Amazing Butterflies,” opens today!  Fun and engaging for all ages, the exhibit teaches visitors about the life cycle of butterflies and even includes a Butterfly House, filled with live specimens of native species.  413-263-6800.  21 Edwards Street.  Springfield, MA.  ($)

4pm – ETIQUETTE/CULTURE: Learn about the history of the art of table setting at Ventfort Hall Guilded Age Museum!  Older students and parents can attend a tea and talk lead by Tjasa Sprague.  Titled, “Splendid Tables,” the talk will discuss types of table settings, and the ways in which they have evolved throughout changes in American culture.  Registration required.  413-637-3206.  104 Walker Street.  Lenox, MA.  ($$)

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

7pm – RADIO THEATER: New Century Theatre presents “Life in the (413)” at Smith College. Toast life inside the 413 area code with six original tales by local authors presented as old-time radio theatre.  Hosted by Monte Belmonte form WRSI with stories by Hilary Price, Kelsey Flynn, Danny Eaton, Jaz Tupelo, Tom McCabe, Phil O’Donoghue, Jaris Hanso and Frank Aronson.  Best for children with audience skills or a parents’ night out. Theatre 14, Mendenhall Center. 413-587-3933. Northampton, MA ($$)

7:30pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Enjoy a night under the stars at Hilltop Orchards!  The orchard and winery will take guests on a 1-1.5 hour hike under the full moon.  A bonfire, wine tasting, and live entertainment will follow the hike – making for a fun and exciting evening outdoors!  Visitors are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to register.  800-833-6274.  508 Canaan Road.  Richmond, MA.  ($)

7:30pm – THEATER: Ashfield Community Theater presents, “Dead Man’s Cell Phone,” an eccentric satire set in the midst of our technologically advanced age.  Takes place at Ashfield Town Hall.  412 Main Street.  Ashfield, MA.  ($$)

• Return to Top

---

Sunday, May 26th, 2013

7-8am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) airs encores the Hilltown Family Variety Show every Sunday morning. commercial-free family radio. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast anytime. Click here to see 6 years of archived shows.

7am – ORNITHOLOGY: Join the Hoffman Bird Club for a morning of birding in the Tyringham Valley.  Participants will get to explore several sites, and will learn to identify common Berkshires birds.  Meet at McDonald’s.  413-884-4961.  Route 20.  Lee, MA.  (FREE)

9am-4pm – FIBER/FESTIVAL: The  39th Annual Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair happens at the Cummington Fairgrounds.  Loads of learning opportunities for the kids. Fiber and woolcraft vendors, sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dog trials, fiber and woolcraft workshops for adults and children, sheep shows, fleece show and sale, fleece to shawl competition, and food booths. 413-238-5902. Fairgrounds Road. Cummington, MA (>$)

9am-5pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: The Hadley Falls Fish Lift, a specially designed way to help fish move over a dam, is open for visitors!  Families can visit the lift to learn about how it works, and to learn about the species of fish that make their way upstream in order to spawn in the place where they were born.  Older students can use the visit as a way to examine the affects of humans on natural populations.  The lift is open Wednesday-Sunday.  413-548-9628.  Main Street.  Holyoke, MA.  (FREE)

9:30am-5pm – HISTORY: Springtime brings many things to New England, and during the 19th century, sheep shearing was one of the most important of all springtime chores!  Shearing sheep meant warm wooly clothes for all.  Learn about wool (from sheep to mittens!) this weekend at Old Sturbridge Village!  Wool Days brings demonstrations of sheep herding and shearing, as well as spinning, carding, and weaving, to the village.  Families can learn while being immersed in 1800’s culture and participating in hands=on activities!  800-733-1830.  1 Old Sturbridge Village Road.  Sturbridge, MA ($$) 

10am-12noon – MEMORIAL DAY: Celebrate Memorial Day at the Quabbin Reservoir.  The celebration will also include remembering the four towns disincorporated in order to build the reservoir.  413-323-7221.  485 Ware Road.  Belchertown, MA.  (FREE)

10am-4pm – TRANSPORTATION/HISTORY: Chesterwood, a National Trust Historic Site, host their Vintage Motorcar Festival.  Families can get a glimpse into history by viewing vintage vehicles on display. Kids can join in a car scavenger hunt and put their STEM skills to practice in LEGO car racing.  Youth ages 15yo+ can also participate as judges of displayed vehicles.  There will be live music, local foods and a nice afternoon at this national treasure! 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road. Stockbridge, MA ($)

10am-6pm – ART FESTIVAL: The spring installation of this year’s Paradise City Arts Festivals takes place this weekend at the Three County Fairgrounds.  The festival showcases hundreds of artists and a wide variety of unique work in many different forms.  800-511-9725.  Bridge Street.  Northampton, MA.  ($)

12noon-4pm – COMMUNITY COOKOUT: Monument Mountain’s Project Sprout Cookout takes place today!  The event features food prepared by students participating in the program, and includes lots of locally grown and produced items.  Proceeds from the event benefit Project Sprout’s programs, which support students’ efforts to produce food on their school campuses to be included in school lunches.  Such programs help to ensure that students get to eat fresh, healthy food, and help students to develop useful gardening skills – the acquisition of which supports studies of many different topics.  Takes place at the Route 7 Grill.  999 Main Street.  Great Barrington, MA.  (FUNDRAISER)

2pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Celebrate Sojourner Truth and the important role that Northampton played in the Underground Railroad this afternoon – the Sojourner Truth Statue Committee and Enchanted Circle Theater bring a special presentation to Florence!  The program will include music, song, and dance, and an optional walking tour will take place at 12:30pm.  Park and Pine Streets.  Florence, MA.  (FREE)

2-3pm – LOCAL HISTORY: While the communities in the Swift River Valley were being dismantled in order to make way for the Quabbin Reservoir (Boston’s source of clean water), the state hired photographers to document the process.  Today, families can visit the Quabbin Visitors Center to see a selection of these photographs.  An important part of local history, the history of Quabbin opens the door for many important family discussions about fairness, ownership, and natural resources.  413-323-7221.  485 Ware Road.  Belchertown, MA.  (FREE)

3-5:15pm – GEOLOGY: Visit Mt. Tom State Reservation for Mt. Tom Rocks: Bedrock, Rock Quarry, Stone Structures, a program all about the geologic history of the park.  Visitors will learn about the rocks that form the mountain, as well as the stone structures (standing and not standing) that have been created in the park over the years.  413-584-6788.  125 Reservation Road.  Holyoke, MA.  (FREE, fee for parking)

• Return to Top

---

Monday, May 27th, 2013

MEMORIAL DAY

SAMPLE OF MEMORIAL DAY PARADES IN WESTERN MA

• 10:30am – AGAWAM: Begins at the Town Hall to the green in front of Phelps School.
• 10am – BELCHERTOWN: On the common.
• 10am – CHESTER: Through the center of town!
• 10am – CHICOPEE: Memorial Day parade in Chicopee.  Begins on Newbury Street, and follows Fairview Avenue to Bonneville, ending at the Veterans Memorial Plaza.
• 10am – FLORENCE: Through Florence Center, beginning at Trinity Row Park and following Main Street to the Park Street Cemetery.
• 9:30am – GREENFIELD: Begins at the Greenfield Middle School. 195 Federal St.
• 9am – PITTSFIELD: Through Pittsfield, beginning on Fenn Street, and following North Street to Wahconah.  Ends with a ceremony at 10am in the Pittsfield Cemetery.
• SOUTHHAMPTON
• 9am – WESTFIELD: Begins at Westfield State University.
• WESTHAMPTON
• 9am – WEST SPRINGFIELD: In West Springfield, ending with a patriotic ceremony on the Town Common.  Park Avenue.
• WILLIAMSBURG
• 10am – WILLIAMSTOWN: Begins at American Legion Post on Latham St and marches to Field Park where there will be speeches and a 21 gun salute.

All Day – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Natural Bridge State Park opens for the season today!  Families can visit daily through Columbus Day weekend to see the only natural white marble arch and man-made marble dam in North America.  Trails take visitors past a former marble quarry, too – it’s a beautiful park, and a visit can help support studies of local history, too!  413-663-6392.  McCauley Road.  North Adams, MA.  (FEE FOR PARKING, <$)

8:30am – ROAD RACE:  The Dorothy Finnegan 5K Race for education takes place at the Lee Middle and High School to raise funds for students entering the field of education. Greylock Street. Lee, MA (FUNDRAISER)

9:30am-5pm – HISTORY: Springtime brings many things to New England, and during the 19th century, sheep shearing was one of the most important of all springtime chores!  Shearing sheep meant warm wooly clothes for all.  Learn about wool (from sheep to mittens!) this weekend at Old Sturbridge Village!  Wool Days brings demonstrations of sheep herding and shearing, as well as spinning, carding, and weaving, to the village.  Families can learn while being immersed in 1800’s culture and participating in hands=on activities!  800-733-1830.  1 Old Sturbridge Village Road.  Sturbridge, MA ($$)

10am-4pm – ART FESTIVAL: The spring installation of this year’s Paradise City Arts Festivals takes place this weekend at the Three County Fairgrounds.  The festival showcases hundreds of artists and a wide variety of unique work in many different forms.  800-511-9725.  Bridge Street.  Northampton, MA.  ($)

11am-5pm – LOCAL HISTORY/TRANSPORTATION: The Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum is now open for the season!  Visit to learn about the historic vehicles once used to transport people up and over the hills surrounding the village.  Depot Street.  Shelburne Falls, MA.  (<$)

12:30-3pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Visit the Westhampton Historical Commission’s Blacksmith Shop Museum to celebrate the opening of a new exhibit on the Loudville Lead Mine, an important part of local history.  Visitors can see old maps, mining tools, photographs, and other artifacts.  413-527-3209.  5 Stage Road.  Westhampton, MA.  (FREE)

2pm – LOCAL HISTORY/ANTHROPOLOGY: The Amherst Historical Society invites families to learn about Amherst past at the historic West Cemetery, final resting place of Emily Dickinson and other notable locals, lead by Bob Drinkwater, past president of the Association for Gravestone Studies.  This family-friendly tour is a great opportunity to learn more about the history of the place you live in!  Meet at the gate behind Toy Box.  North Pleasant Street.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE) 

3:30-5:30pm – PARADE PLAYSHOP: Shelburne Falls’ Riverfest Frog n’ Flower Parade happens in two weeks on Saturday, June 8th. Parade Playshops are happen leading up to June 8th, including one on Memorial Day. Come make your own Frog, Flower or Fish costumes and plan on joining in the grassroots in the parade! Greenfield, MA (FREE)

• Return to Top

---

Tuesday, May 28th, 2013

10:30-11:30am – NATURE STUDIES: Visit the Great Falls Discovery Center for Kidleidescope, a science learning program for kids ages 3-6 and their parents.  The center will offer stories, hands-on activities, and games focused on a common theme – kids will learn about their environment while having lots of fun!  413-863-3221.  2 Avenue A.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

4pm – LITERATURE: Visit the Forest Park Library to review your favorite books!  Families can use the library’s star system to rate their reads – pick out a new book, or just rate some that you already know.  The system is a great way for patrons to share information with each other, and makes choosing new books much easier!  413-263-6843.  380 Belmont Avenue.  Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

6-8pm – HISTORY: Learn about how the Civil War affected New England communities tonight at Storrowton Village!  Interpreters host, “Storrowton and the Civil War,” a tour that highlights the changes that took place in small villages while the men were away fighting.  413-737-2443.  1305 Memorial Avenue.  West Springfield, MA.  ($)

7-8:30pm – SUSTAINABILITY: Grown in Westhampton Discussion. Ever wondered what energy independence means? Learn about how you can “grow your own” power from two “energy independence” entrepreneurs – Sam Taylor of Dog Bar Solar and Paul Vesel of Poderco, Inc. Both speakers will present homeowners with various possibilities for creating and distributing electricity on a local level. The meeting will be organized in a round-table to give participants a friendly and informal introduction to the energy independence movement on local, regional, and global levels. 413-527-5386. Westhampton Library, 1 North Road, Westhampton, MA (FREE)

ONGOING FOR TUESDAYS (The season is changing! 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) ♦

• Return to Top

---

Wednesday, May 29th, 2013

9am-5pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: The Hadley Falls Fish Lift, a specially designed way to help fish move over a dam, is open for visitors!  Families can visit the lift to learn about how it works, and to learn about the species of fish that make their way upstream in order to spawn in the place where they were born.  Older students can use the visit as a way to examine the affects of humans on natural populations.  The lift is open Wednesday-Sunday.  413-548-9628.  Main Street.  Holyoke, MA.  (FREE)

9am-5pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: During the spring, anadromous fish (those who live in the ocean but spawn in freshwater) make their way to their breeding grounds – watch them make their way down the Connecticut River at the Turners Falls Fishway!  The fishway offers kids a chance to see directly into the river through a special viewing window, an experience that can serve as the foundation for building an understanding of the life cycle of fish and/or river ecosystems.  Open Wed-Sun through June 16th.  800-859-2960.  1 Avenue A.  Turners Falls, MA.  (FREE)

6:30pm – BEES: The Sunderland Library hosts A History of Honeybees in the US with Warm Colors Apiary’s Dan Conlon.  Learn about the history of beekeeping and its changing role within American society.  20 School Street.  Sunderland, MA.  (FREE)

6:30-8:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: How does technology use align with child development?  Are children’s motor and thinking skills affected by use of technology while they are young?  The Collaborative for Educational Services is offering a workshop titled, “Tech for Tots,” tonight at the Ware Family Center.  Parents can learn about appropriate use of technology with children, as well as the effects of technology on child development!  Registration required, childcare available with RSVP.  413-570-3061.  49 Church Street.  Ware, MA.  (FREE)

ONGOING FOR WEDNESDAYS (The season’s changing! 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) ♦
• 10am – STORYTIME: Preschool storytime at the Westhampton Library! 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – PARENT GROUP: Enjoy coffee and a chat with other parents at the Westhampton Library – stop in after dropping kids off at school through the end of Sept.! 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11:30am – 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. ($) ♦
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: In the gym at Erving Elementary School, hosted by the Community Network for Children through June 2013. 413- 423-3326. 18 Northfield Road. Erving, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:15-11am – STORYTIME: Hosted by the Mason Library – also includes stories, songs, and crafts. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
• 10-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: At the New Marlborough Library, sponsored by Community Health Programs. 413-644-0104. 1 New Marlborough-Great Barrington Road. New Marlborough, MA. (FREE)
• 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: At the Leverett Library, sponsored by the Community Network for Children through June 2013. 413-548-9220. 75 Montague Road. Leverett, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30: SINGING: Sing with Your Baby with Wendy happens at the Jones Library. For preK kids and younger, and their parents/caretakers. Takes place in the Woodbury Room. Runs through Dec. 18. 413-259-3090. 43 Amity St. Amherst, MA (FREE)
• 11-11:30am – STORYTIME: Toddler Time with Stephanie at the Forbes Library! 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am-12noon – STORY/MUSIC TIME: Northfield Library hosts Story and Music Time. 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street, Northfield, MA. (FREE)
• 11am-12noon – GYMNASTICS: Whip City Gym hosts homeschool open gymnastics! The event is not a formal class, but offers kids unstructured play time physical activity amongst true gymnastics equipment. Great for kids interested in gymnastics, dance, or cheerleading, and gym playtime can also help kids work on balance and coordination. Takes place through the school year. 413-569-3231. 320 College Highway. Southwick, MA. (<$) ♦
• 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. (<$) ♦
• 4pm – CHESS: Visit the East Longmeadow Library for some afternoon chess! Playing chess can help kids develop analytical skills and logic. 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 4-5pm – STORYTIME: At the Cushman Library! 413-648-5402. 28 Church Street. Bernardston, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 5:30-7:30pm – KNITTING: The Wednesday Night Knitters meet tonight at the Cushman Library! Knitters with any level of experience are welcome to join – bring a project to work on! No formal instruction is offered, but if help is needed, there will be many experienced knitters on hand. Great intergenerational opportunity for kids learning how to knit. 413-648-5402. 28 Church Street. Bernardston, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 7-8:30pm – TEEN: Sing your heart out with Berkshire Sings!, a community singing group at the Berkshire South Regional Community Center. Singers of all abilities welcome (adults, too) to sing pop, jazz, folk, showtunes, and more. Sponsored by Bobbie Hallig and Jenny and Adam Hersch. 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 7-8:30pm – TEEN: Visit Longmeadow High School for open gym time! Basketball equipment will be provided by the Longmeadow Rec Dept, and the event is open to anyone ages 13-20. 413-565-4163. 95 Grassy Gutter Road. Longmeadow, MA. ($) ♦

• Return to Top

---

Thursday, May 30th, 2013

9am-5pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: The Hadley Falls Fish Lift, a specially designed way to help fish move over a dam, is open for visitors!  Families can visit the lift to learn about how it works, and to learn about the species of fish that make their way upstream in order to spawn in the place where they were born.  Older students can use the visit as a way to examine the affects of humans on natural populations.  The lift is open Wednesday-Sunday.  413-548-9628.  Main Street.  Holyoke, MA.  (FREE)

2pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Take a tour of Naumkeag to learn all about its history!  The Trustees of Reservations are offering a kid-friendly tour of the historic location.  413-298-3239.  5 Prospect Hill Road.  Stockbridge, MA.  (FREE)

3pm – CROQUET: Learn to play croquet on the lawn at Naumkeag!  Kid-friendly and lots of fun.  413-298-3239.  5 Prospect Hill Road.  Stockbridge, MA.  (FREE)

4-5pm – FELTING: Visit the Ramsdell Library for an afternoon of hand felting for kids!  It’s a great, easy project for kids that involves using only natural materials.  413-274-3738.  1087 Main Street.  Housatonic, MA.  (FREE)

6:30-8pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Low-Impact Cloth Diapering Workshop. WORKSHOP: Want an alternative to disposable diapers but don’t know where to begin? Protect your budget and your baby’s bottom with cloth diapers. Join Jessica Montagna from Simple Diaper & Linen for a hands-on interactive workshop on low-impact diapering. She will cover all the ins and outs of cloth diapering, discuss the eco-costs and benefits, and help you find a system that works for your family. It’s the smarter, planet-friendly way to care for your newborn! 413 584-2665. 330 N King St Northampton, MA (FREE)

7pm – CONCERT: Students from PVPA’s many different musical ensembles present. “A Hot Time in the City,” the school’s spring music showcase!  Held at the Academy of Music, the show features everything from classical vocals to recent rock hits.  413-584-9032.  274 Main Street.  Northampton, MA.  ($)

ONGOING FOR THURSDAYS (The season’s changing! As always, please confirm before heading out to these suggestions.)

12noon – BYOBABY! PILATES: A breast & bottle feeding friendly Pilates Mat Class modified to accommodate for fussiness. Best for babies up to 6mos old, however any age is welcome. 413-586-3504. The Pilates Studio. 104 Russell St (Route 9). Hadley, MA ($15 Drop-in)

1pm – INFANT MOVEMENT: Learn touch and movement based practices & tactical with Lenore Grubinger, tried & true principles to help support your child’s comfort & development. The Pilates Studio. 104 Russell St (Route 9). Hadley, MA ($15 Drop-in)

• 9am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center. 413-545-0865. 428 Student Union Building (Campus Center Way). Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 9am-12noon – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Bartholomew’s Cobble is a valuable community resource – it provides a beautiful, scenic, and life-filled space for exploration and education. Help to maintain the preserve’s trails today with the Trustees of Reservations! The Cobble’s Eco-Volunteers meet every Thursday morning through November in order to help maintain the area for visitors’ use. 413-229-8600. Weatogue Road. Sheffield, 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) ♦
• 8pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Sing some chanteys and bar songs at the Brewmaster’s Tavern– and order some food and drinks while you sing! Takes place on the first and third Thursdays of each month. 4 Main Street. 413-268-7741. Williamsburg, MA. (FREE) ♦

• Return to Top

---

Friday, May 31st, 2013

4-7pm – PICNIC: Celebrate the end of the Easthampton Family Center’s schoolyear playgroups!  Families are invited to the annual family picnic at Nonotuck Park – pavillion four, rain or shine.  BYO picnic as well as a potluck item to share!  413-527-5496.  Williston and Lownds Avenues.  Easthampton, MA  (FREE)

6pm – HISTORY/TRANSPORTATION: Take a step back in time with the Wistariahurst Museum and Holyoke Parks and Recreation.  Classic Cars and Classic Music brings vintage automobiles, 50 cent root beer floats, live music from The Memories and The Dreamtones to the lawn at Wistariahurst.  Car enthusiasts can see 40+ antique cars!  238 Cabot Street.  Holyoke, MA.  (FREE)

6:15pm – FAMILY MOVIE: The Mason Library screens a family movie on the last Friday of each month – spend a night out watching a movie, without spending any money!  413-528-2403.  231 Main Street.  Great Barrington, MA.  (FREE)

7pm – CONCERT: Students from PVPA’s many different musical ensembles present. “A Hot Time in the City,” the school’s spring music showcase!  Held at the Academy of Music, the show features everything from classical vocals to recent rock hits.  413-584-9032.  274 Main Street.  Northampton, MA.  ($)

ONGOING FOR FRIDAYS (The season’s changing! 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) ♦
• 9:30-11:30am – 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) ♦
• 11am-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. (<$) ♦

• Return to Top