Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for February 8th-14th, 2014
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in western Massachusetts, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
“We have found fun things to do to lift the winter blues on this web site…Fire and Ice arts walk in Easthampton and the Holyoke Winter Carnival are just two of our recent winter-blues-busting outings. There’s really no need to look further than Hilltown Families for fun events during the week and on the weekends!” – Sandra Dias of Holyoke, MA
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, self-post your event at any time on our “Suggest An Event” bulletin board. 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… help us help you! Click HERE to find out more.
HILLTOWN FAMILIES
VOTE FOR HILLTOWN FAMILIES! As Hilltown Families enters its ninth year, celebrate the past eight with us by voting for Hilltown Families as Best Blog in the Valley Advocate’s Best of the Valley Readers’ Poll for 2014! Best Blog is listed under the “Information Age” category Deadline to cast your votes is Noon, Feb 12th. Participants must vote for a total of 10 local favorites… how about some of our sponsors (listed in the left-hand column)? Spread the word & share the ❤ love! Click here to cast your votes: www.valleyadvocate.com/ballot
BULLETIN BOARD
Feb 8
Meet Oliver Jeffers, author/illustrator of Stuck, and see the United Kingdom’s Big Wooden Horse Theatre Company bring it to life on stage at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst on Saturday, Feb. 8 at 11am & 2pm. It all begins when Floyd gets his kite stuck in a tree. He throws up his shoe to move it, but his shoe also gets stuck. One by one Floyd throws other things up in the tree to get his kite unstuck. Jeffers is the author/illustrator of Lost and Found and The Incredible Book Eating Boy, and illustrator of The Day the Crayons Quit. Limited seating. Pre-purchase tickets in advance at museum or call 413-658-1126. Tickets: $12/$10 members. Museum admission included. www.carlemuseum.org
Open House Feb 13
Sunnyside Child Care Center in Northampton is hosting an open house on
Thursday, February 13Thursday, February 20 from 6-8pm. Interested parents and other community members are invited to join the school for a tour through their toddler and preschool classrooms. The Director, teaching staff, and Center parents will be available to answer questions about the program. Sunnyside Child Care Center is located at 557 Easthampton Rd. Serving children 18 months to five years old their mission is to provide an early care and education program of the highest quality. For more info call 413-727-3665. www.sunnysidekids.org. [RESCHEDULED DUE TO WEATHER: FEB 20]Feb 17-21
This school vacation, join the Springfield Museums for their “Sights and Sounds of the Rainforest” programs, February 17 – 21. Enjoy live animal demonstrations by Teaching Creatures and Rainforest Reptiles, shows by top family performers like Jungle Jim and Roger Tincknell, and a host of family activities. All this, plus the new Rainforest Adventure exhibit at the Springfield Science Museum, where kids can learn about the amazing diversity of life in rainforests, one of our planet’s most delicate resources (Recommended for ages 3-9; $5 special exhibit fee to see both Rainforest Adventure and Intent to Deceive.). For more information, visit www.springfieldmuseums.org.
Feb 17-21
KidsBestFest 2014, the annual children’s film festival, runs Monday, 2/17 through Friday, 2/21. Every day at 1 pm at Northampton’s Academy of Music Theatre, there will be YouthFilm screenings—shorts produced and directed by local youth at the beginning of their budding careers—followed by feature films, from Matilda and a selection of Mo Willems’ animated shorts to a coming-of-age story from Germany and an award-winning documentary about a 14-year-old who sails around the world alone. All seats $3 cash only at the door. northamptonartscouncil.org. Amherst Cinema hosts Family Week featuring The ZigZag Kid from the Netherlands, and the Miyazaki Children’s Festival, screening Porco Rosso and Kiki’s Delivery Service. amherstcinema.org.
Feb 19-22
The Williston Northampton School Children’s Theatre is proud to present the classic tale of Cinderella, with a dose of pop glam thanks to songs by Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift. The play features an all-female cast and will be performed in the British pantomime style, which encourages audience participation—cheer, boo, even sing—with the actors. The production runs from February 19 through February 22 at 3:30pm in the Williston Theatre. Tickets are $5 and are available at snsboxoffice.tixato.com/buy. The Williston Theatre is located in Scott Hall at 18 Payson Avenue in Easthampton. Parking is available and free of charge behind the building.
Feb 22, Mar 8, Apr 12, May 31
“Stepping into the Creative Flow” is a personalized retreat that will support all of its participants to open up to a deeper sense of creative passion and life purpose. On this retreat participants will take time from their busy and hectic lives to make an internal shift: from pushing to allowing…The Retreat will be offered on four Saturdays from 10am-5pm: February 22, March 8, April 12, May 31. Choose the day that works best for you. Takes place in the DeCice Room at the Marian Center in Holyoke, MA. For more info and pre-registration, visit www.jessicafeldheim.com or call 413-250-6111.
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 16th, 2014, Hilltown Families will be featuring camps in the region on Hilltown Families with a special post titled: 2014 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA. Find out more about our marketing package and early bird discounts HERE.
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your winter vacation program, afterschool class, community event, open house, audition, homeschool program, workshop, wellness program or business featured here in the Bulletin Board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and in our weekly eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
HILLTOWN FAMILIES’ EVENTS
Make Your Own Handmade Valentines with Hilltown Families at The Art Garden in Shelburne Falls during a free family workshop: Friday, February 7th, from 4-7pm. Handmade valentines are wonderful expressions of thoughtfulness that can be shared with neighbors and friends, or with people you might not know. Join us to make many! Think about making a valentine for your librarian, postal worker, or teacher. Make several and deliver them to a nearby homeless shelter, nursing home, or an elderly neighbor in your community. Send them in the mail to long lost friends or relatives you have never met! Sign up to join us at the free family workshop!
Kicking off the Easthampton Fire & Ice Festival, Hilltown Families & Flywheel Arts Collective will host a ‘Saturday Morning Music Party’ with performances by Shiprock and Anchordog and the Eddie Forman Orchestra on Saturday, February 8th at 10am in Easthampton, MA! Following a free breakfast of pancakes, juice, and fruit, the party will feature performances by the storytelling band Shiprock and Anchordog and the legendary western Mass polka band the Eddie Forman Orchestra. Tickets are $12/family; $6/individual. Flywheel Arts Collective located at 43 Main Street in the old town hall in Easthmapton.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
February 8th-14th, 2014
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | School Closings
Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events
Saturday, February 8th, 2014
9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. Chicago’s pop-sweetheart for kids Laura Doherty guests hosts this week’s show with a Songs to Warm Your Heart Episode–just in time for Valentine’s Day. She includes songs of friendship, love, family and more, and includes a couple of tunes from her upcoming release “In a Heartbeat.” 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 show.
Show your support! Vote for Hilltown Families! Deadline to cast your votes is Noon, Feb 12th.
Saturday, February 8, 10am & 2pm – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Children love to volunteer and to feel like they are making a difference in the world and the lives of others… especially in the lives of the animals. Volunteering with a local animal shelter offers children the chance to bring about support to the welfare of animals right in their own community. On Saturday, February 8th, the Berkshire Humane Society will host an orientation for their “Humane Hero” program, for kids and parents. This is a new volunteer program just for kids. Families can learn about this new program at one of two different orientations: Berkshire Humane Society in Pittsfield at 10am; Berkshire South Community Center in Great Barrington at 2pm. Pittsfield & Great Barrington, MA (VOLUNTEER)
Saturday, February 8, TBA – THEATER: Enjoy a performance of Crimes of the Heart, a play about family, that is a tragedy and comedy, by the Northampton High School Theater. Takes place in the Black Box Theater. Best for older students. 380 Elm Street. Northampton, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 8:30am-5pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: The Westfield Athenaeum will have a craft table at the library today, open to kids of all ages. Come make a craft at the library or to take home and complete. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 9am-1pm – SPORTS: Girls in grades K-6 are invited to Springfield College for National Girls and Women and Sports Day. The event includes soccer, volleyball, tennis, and gymnastics clinics, lunch with the college’s mascot, and a Springfield College vs. Wellesley College women’s basketball game. Girls can try out a variety of sports, make new friends, and celebrate the importance of girls and women in sports. Registration required. 263 Alden Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, February 8, 9am-2pm – LOCAL FOOD: CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) will be at the Northampton Winter Farmers’ Market for a special Winter Fare! There will be workshops, children’s activities, a barter market, and more, in addition to all the regular market activities. Takes place at Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School. 413-665-7100. 80 Locust Street. Northampton, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 9:30am-4pm – HISTORY/VALENTINE’S DAY: Learn about the historic roots of two Valentine’s Day traditions, chocolate and valentines, at Old Sturbridge Village! Historians will demonstrate how to process chocolate by hand, and then children will get a chance to make their own valentines. “Meet” Esther Howland, the woman responsible for the popularity of valentines in the United States. Discover the local history behind his mid-winter holiday. Kids under 17 get in free with a paying adult. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. $$
Saturday, February 8, 10am-11am – PARENT-CHILD WORKSHOP/ART: You and your children are invited to “Parents and Kids: Making Messy Art Together,” a workshop offered by the Collaborative for Educational Services, as part of their Puzzle of Parenting series. Come be creative and explore artistic possibilities with paints, doughs, crayons, chalk, and collage. Registration is required. Takes place at the Hatfield American Legion. 413-570-3061. Prospect Street. Hatfield, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 10am-12noon – SNOWSHOEING: The Trustees of Reservations at Bartholomew’s Cobble is hosting a Snowshoe Trek! Explore the reservation’s forests, fields, hills, and river, as well as wildlife tracks and signs, on this easy-to-moderate trek. Snowshoes available in kid and adult sizes. Please RSVP. 413-229-8600. 105 Weatogue Road. Sheffield, MA. $
Saturday, February 8, 10am-12noon – BIRD STUDIES: Observe birds and learn about bird banding at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. Sanctuary volunteers will demonstrate how to use mist nets and what information can be gathered through bird banding. Visitors can come and go from the program as they wish. Free with Sanctuary admission. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. >$
Saturday, February 8, 10am-11:30am – SPORTS: The University of Massachusetts Athletic Department will host the annual National Girls and Women In Sports Day. A free clinic open to kids ages 12 and younger will run at the Boyden Gymnasium featuring instructional stations run by UMass women’s sports programs including field hockey, rowing, soccer and cheerleading. The clinic is being held prior to the women’s basketball game against St. Bonaventure, which tips off at Noon in the Mullins Center. To register call 413-577-0340. Amherst, MA (FREE)
Saturday, February 8, 10:30am-12noon – CRAFTS/VALENTINE’S DAY: Celebrate Valentine’s Day today at the Carnegie Library! Kids of all ages and their families are invited to the library for valentine-inspired crafts, cards, and other heart-themed projects. 413-863-3214. 201 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 10am-2pm – LOCAL FOOD: CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture) will be at the Springfield Winter Farmers’ Market for a special Winter Fare! There will be workshops, children’s activities, tastings, and more, in addition to all the regular market activities. Takes place at the Old Monkey House at Forest Park. 413-665-7100. Trafton Road Entrance. Springfield, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 10am-8pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Easthampton WinterFest is today, with loads of great events for community members of all ages! Start off the day at the Saturday Morning Music Party, hosted by Hilltown Families and Flywheel Arts Collective, explore Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, try out rock climbing, attend the Winter Film Festival, participate in a chili cook-off, go on a horse-drawn wagon ride, see an ice harvest and ice carving, enjoy the Fire and Ice Art Walk, and much more. This event gives people of all ages a chance to participate in fun winter activities while discovering some of the wonderful things their community has to offer. More information can be found on the WinterFest website. Downtown. Easthampton, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 10:30am – STORYTIME: The Gaylord Memorial Library is holding a Spectacular Saturday Story and Craft today for kids ages 5 and up. Come hear Jan Brett’s Beauty and the Beast and make a Valentine’s Day card. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 10:30am, 12:30pm, & 2:30pm – FILM: Images Cinema is screening Oscar-nominated shorts programs today. The Cinema will screen the animation nominees (10:30am), live action nominees (12:30pm), and documentary nominees (2:30pm). Don’t miss your chance to see these great short films before the Oscars! Best for older students and adults interested in film. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street. Williamstown, MA. $
Saturday, February 8, 10:30am-12noon – CULINARY ARTS: Chandler’s Restaurant offers a Kids Cooking class for families to explore the art of cooking, proper use of kitchen tools, and raw ingredients that go into delicious dishes! A brief tour of their professional kitchen follows the class. Great way to introduce children to the world of culinary arts! Space is limited, reservations are required 413-665-1277. 25 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA ($$)
Saturday, February 8, 11am – CHILDREN’S PERFORMANCE: Nutshell Playhouse will perform their play Mamboo and Nemonee’s World Wide Adventure at the Wheeler Memorial Library. This performance incorporates masks, live music, dance, and puppets to tell a fun story that kids of all ages will enjoy. 978-544-2495. 49 East Main Street. Orange, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, February 8, 11am – FAMILY MOVIE: The Lee Library is screening a FamiLEE Movie! Come see Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013; rated PG) at the library today with friends and family! 413-243-0385. 100 Main Street. Lee, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 11am – STORYTIME/MUSIC: Come to the Holyoke Public Library for Stories and Songs with Mary Jo Maichack! Kids will love this fun musical storytelling event. 413-420-8105. 250 Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 11am-12noon – STORYTIME/VALENTINE’S DAY: Forbes Library will have a special Valentine’s Day storytime and craft party today. Read Michael Hall’s My Heart is Like a Zoo, have a snack, and make animal heart crafts. Registration is encouraged. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 11am-7pm – INDOOR PLAY: Sick of winter and want to have some summer fun? The Eastfield Mall will have a giant sandbox for kids to play in from 2/8 to 2/23! This is a great place for kids to have fun and enjoy creative free play. 1655 Boston Road. Springfield, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 12noon – KNITTING: Kids can come to the Monson Free Library to learn how to knit or improve their knitting skills! Library staff will be there to teach the basics, including casting-on, knitting, purling, and binding off. This is a great way to learn how to knit! If possible, please bring US size #8 straight needles. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 12noon-2pm – ARTS & CRAFTS/VALENTINE’S DAY: Kids can come to Amherst’s new co-op, All Things Local Cooperative Market, to make a valentine and decorate chocolates. A fun Valentine’s Day activity for all ages! 413-253-2667. 104 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, February 8, 1pm-2:30pm – ART: Parents and children (ages 6-11) are invited to Art-Always for an afternoon of art making with Jane Morrison. Experiment with watercolors, oil pastels, glitter, paint, and more to create landscapes, starry nighttime scenes, and other pieces. This is a great chance to try out different mediums and create beautiful art together! Pre-registration is required; call ASAP. 413-584-3050. 221 Pine Street, Studio 314. Florence, MA. $$
Saturday, February 8, 1pm-3pm – CULINARY ARTS: The Friends of the East Longmeadow Public Library are hosting a chocolate sampling event at the library. Come enjoy some tasty chocolate treats. Call the library if you would like to provide a dessert. 413-525-5400 x1511. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. >$
Saturday, February 8, 1pm-3pm – LOCAL HISTORY: There will be a free community reception for the Great Falls Discovery Center‘s newest exhibit, Children of the Swift River Valley: 19th and Early 20th Century Images. The show consists of photographs reproduced from the Swift River Historical Society’s collection and offers a peek into the lives of Swift River Valley residents before their towns were flooded to create the Quabbin Reservoir. These images act as powerful reminders of the residents that were displaced to build the Quabbin. Students from the Hallmark Institute of Photography will take vintage-style portraits of reception guests, set in front of backdrops made by Northfield Elementary School students. The exhibit will remain on view until March 29th. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, February 8, 1pm-4pm – CHILDREN’S PERFORMANCE: Come to the Wild Life Sanctuary (in Arts and Industry Building) for a “Movin’ and Groovin’ Participatory Concert” with Su Eaton, a.k.a. the Valentine Fairy! There will be time for play, songs, movement, and a a valentine making activity. Register ASAP by emailing sunsupeace@gmail.com. 221 Pine Street. Florence, MA. $
Saturday, February 8, 1pm-6pm – WINTER CELEBRATION: Today is Amherst’s Winterfest! Enjoy a chili cook-off, snow sculpture contest, doughnut eating contest, dog show, winter activities, and more. This is a fun way to get outdoors in the winter and spend time with community members of all ages. 413-256-4071. 323 Montague Road. North Amherst, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 2pm – MOVIE: The Westfield Athenaeum is screening a movie for teens today at the library. Come enjoy snacks and an entertaining movie (rated PG-13). Registration is reguired. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 2pm-3:45pm – ICE SKATING: The City of Pittsfield Recreation Program and the Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield have teamed up to offer a free public skate and free skate rentals at the Boys and Girls Club rink! This offer only applies to the first 100 people to arrive, so get there early! 413-448-8258. 16 Melville Street. Pittsfield, MA.
Saturday, February 8, 2pm-4pm – CHILDREN’S CONCERT: The South Hadley Children’s Chorus, in collaboration with the Larch Hill Collaborative, presents The Insect World Concert. The concert celebrates bees and pollinators through displays and singing. 413-256-6006. 525 South Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, February 8, 2pm-4pm – ART SHOW: The 28th Annual Berkshire County High School Art Show opens today at the Norman Rockwell Museum! Come see the art created by local high schoolers, meet the artists, and hear illustrator John Roman discuss professional opportunities for artists (2:30pm). This is a great way to get kids interested in art! 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, February 8, 5pm-8pm – ARTS & CRAFTS/VALENTINE’S DAY: Stop by Knack to make some fun and unique bookmarks for Valentine’s Day! This free activity is part of Easthampton’s Art Walk. 413-529-0126. 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 126. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, February 8, 7pm – THEATER: Ja’Duke Productions presents a performance of Peter Pan at the Shea Theater! All ages will enjoy seeing this classic story come to life onstage. Don’t miss your chance to see it live! 413-863-0001. 81 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. $$
Saturday, February 8, 7pm – DANCE: The Academy of Music presents a performance by Pioneer Valley Performing Arts School’s pre-professional dance company, Catalyst. Kids and adults can learn about and appreciate dance by watching this talented group perform. Tickets can be purchased in advance. 413-584-9032 x105. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. $
Saturday, February 8, 6pm-8pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: There will be a double fundraising event tonight at the Shutesbury Athletic Club. From 6pm-8pm, there will be a lasagna dinner to benefit the Friends of the M.N. Spear Memorial Library ($). After that, starting at 8pm, there will be trivia to benefit the Shutesbury Education Foundation (>$). Come have fun and raise money for two great local resources. 413-259-1213. 282 Wendell Road. Shutesbury, MA. $$
Saturday, February 8, 6pm-11pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Community Resources for People with Autism’s fifth annual Stepping Out fundraiser is tonight at the Log Cabin. This year’s theme is “25 Years: Working Towards a Better World for People with Autism.” There will be live music, fine dining, dancing, and auctions. Gather together at this fun event to support people with autism and their families. 413-529-2428 x116. 500 Easthampton Street. Holyoke, MA. $$$
Saturday, February 8, 7-9pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: The Friends of the Clapp Memorial Library are holding their annual Wine, Cheese, and Chocolate event tonight. The Friends will supply wines to taste, and guests should bring chocolates, cheese and crackers, or hors d’oeuvres to share. There will be live music and a raffle. This event is 21+. 413-323-0417. 19 South Main Street. Belchertown, MA.
Sunday, February 9th, 2014
Sunday, February 9, 6am-2pm – ICE FISHING: Today is Berkshire County Jimmy Fund’s 28th Annual Ice Fishing Derby at Onota Lake! Adults, young adults, and children can compete for trophies and prizes in different age categories. There will also be food, coffee, and hot chocolate. Pittsfield, MA. $
Show your support! Vote for Hilltown Families! Deadline to cast your votes is Noon, Feb 12th.
Sunday, February 9, ALL DAY – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Tubing is a great activity for the winter months – it is fun for all ages and it gives you a chance to spend time with family and friends in the outdoors. In addition to the many sledding hills in Western Massachusetts, there are three ski resorts that offer tubing on their slopes: Ski Butternut in Great Barrington, Berkshire East in Charlemont, and Bousquet in Pittsfield. Rates and hours for each resort can be found at the links above.
Sunday, February 9, 8:30am-4pm – PLANT STUDIES: Warm up at the Smith College’s Lyman Conservatory & Plant House! Not only is it a warm destination on a cold day, but there are loads of learning opportunities awaiting you! They offer an audio tour for both kids and adults, and a “Woods of the World” display that features panels of wood from over 170 trees from all around the world! With ten different indoor exhibits to explore, the learning possibilities offered by the conservatory are endless. 413-585-2740. 16 College Lane on the Smith College campus. Northampton, MA (FREE/Donations)
Sunday, February 9, 9:30am-4pm – HISTORY/VALENTINE’S DAY: Learn about the historic roots of two Valentine’s Day traditions, chocolate and valentines, at Old Sturbridge Village! Historians will demonstrate how to process chocolate by hand, and then children will get a chance to make their own valentines. “Meet” Esther Howland, the woman responsible for the popularity of valentines in the United States. Learn about the local history behind his mid-winter holiday. Kids under 17 get in free with a paying adult. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. $$
Sunday, February 9, 11am-1pm – ICE SKATING: Fitzpatrick Skating Rink and the Department of Conservation and Recreation are hosting an adaptive skating event for people of all ages and abilities. You can use your wheelchair, an ice sled, or conventional skates and have fun playing games on ice with others. Get out on the rink and make new friends! Please sign up in advance. 413-545-5758. 575 Maple Street. Holyoke, MA.
Sunday, February 9, 11:30am-3pm – ANIMALS: The 13th Annual “Not Your Average Dog Show” takes place today at Berkshire Community College’s Paterson Field House. The show is open to all dogs, not just purebreds, and dogs can be awarded in categories like best trick, best dressed, mystery mutt, best smile, and others. This dog show is unique in that it is open to ALL dogs, not just purebreds. The event is co-sponsored by BCC and the Berkshire Humane Society. If you would like to register your dog to be in the show, please call by 2/5 ($). Humans and dogs are welcome to come and watch the dog show. Show benefits the BCC Foundation. 1350 West Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)/DONATIONS ACCEPTED
Sunday, February 9, 1pm – CULTURAL STUDIES: The Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History is offering a docent-led “mini-tour” of their exhibit “One Hundred Years of Jewish Life in the Valley: From Shtetl to Suburb.” Learn about the lives of Jewish immigrants in the Pioneer Valley during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Free with museum admission. 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. $$
Sunday, February 9, 1pm-2pm – NATURE STUDIES: Families can get outdoors at Mt. Tom State Reservation on a “Noticing Nature” guided family hike. Explore the grounds and learn how animals and plants get through the winter. A great nature walk for family members of all ages! Meet at the Stone House Visitor Center. 413-534-1186. 125 Reservation Road. Holyoke, MA.
Sunday, February 9, 1pm-3pm – HISTORY/VALENTINE’S DAY: Come to the Wistariahurst Museum to get ready for Valentine’s Day by making Victorian valentines. Make valentines for friends and family that have a Victorian flair, like lace and ribbons. This is a fun chance to make unique valentines and exercise creativity. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. $
Sunday, February 9, 1pm-3pm – HISTORY/VALENTINE’S DAY: The Palmer Historical and Cultural Center is hosting a hands-on workshop for families, “Vintage Valentines – Then and Now.” You will learn about the local historical roots of the valentine and you will also get to make your own. This is a great opportunity to have some family fun while getting ready for Valentine’s Day! Please register in advance. 413-289-9295. 2072 Main Street. Three Rivers, MA. >$
Sunday, February 9, 1pm-4pm – TEEN GROUP: Jewish teens are invited to “Teen Life DIY: Then and Now” at Temple Israel of Greenfield. What do you like best about being a teenager today? Ask and answer questions like this and compare your responses with those of Jewish teens 100 years ago. This is an interesting lesson in history and how teenagers, despite being the same age, have changed over time. The second part of this program features a workshop on a DIY skill like cooking or sewing. Please RSVP. 413-624-3204. 27 Pierce Street. Greenfield, MA. >$
Sunday, February 9, 2pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Dana, MA, was one of the four communities disincorporated in 1938 as part of the Quabbin Reservoir Project. Of its two town centers, North Dana and Dana Center, the latter stood entirely above the reservoir shoreline on watershed land taken for the protection of the drinking water quality. While all of the buildings were relocated or removed, Dana Center remains intact with its town common and the foundations of former structures. In 2013, Dana Common was added to the National Register of Historic Places following a lengthy application process. Come by the Quabbin Visitor Center for the program, “The Continuing Evolution of Dana Common: A National Register Story,” presented by DCR archeologist, Ellen Berkland, MA, RPA. The Visitor Center is located in Belchertown at the west end of Winsor Dam in the DCR Quabbin Administration Building. Access is through the West Entrance to Quabbin on Route 9, three miles west of the Route 9 and Route 202 intersection in Belchertown. For additional information please call the Quabbin Visitor Center at 413-323-7221. Belchertown, MA (FREE)
Sunday, February 9, 2pm – THEATER: Ja’Duke Productions presents a performance of Peter Pan at the Shea Theater! All ages will enjoy seeing this classic story come to life onstage. Don’t miss your chance to see it live! 413-863-0001. 81 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. $$
Sunday, February 9, 2pm – FILM/RELIGION: The Sunderland Public Library is hosting a screening of “Bonnet Strings: An Amish Woman’s Ties to Two Worlds,” a film about a woman’s life and struggles with her Amish community. Saloma Miller Furlong, who the film is based on, will be at the library for the screening. Registration is required. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA.
Sunday, February 9, 2pm – CHILDREN’S BOOKS: Join the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art for a Secret Pizza Party with Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri. The author and illustrator will be at the Carle to discuss their latest book, Secret Pizza Party, and to talk about their creative process and collaboration. Today is also National Pizza Pie Day, so come down to the Carle and enjoy some pizza! Book signing will follow discussion. Free with museum admission. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. $
Sunday, February 9, 2pm – MAGIC/FILM: The Academy of Music is screening Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay today. The film is about world-renowned magician Ricky Jay and his experiences and influences. This film takes you into the secretive world of magic and will be a treat to magic-lovers of all ages. Tickets can be purchased in advance. 413-584-9032 x105. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. $
Sunday, February 9, 2pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema’s Miyazaki Festival celebrates film director, writer, and animator Hayao Miyazaki. Today, the Cinema is screening Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984; rated PG), which tells the story of a young princess in a post-apocalyptic world. The film is in Japanese with English subtitles. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. $
Sunday, February 9, 2pm-4pm – DANCE/VALENTINE’S DAY: The Greenwood Children’s Center is holding a Father Daughter Valentine’s Ball. Dress up and enjoy an afternoon of dancing, music, and refreshments with your daughter or granddaughter. This is a fun bonding activity for fathers and daughters and a good way to show how much you care about one another. 413-565-4163. 231 Maple Road. Longmeadow, MA. $
Sunday, February 9, 2:30pm-4:20pm – ICE SKATING/FUNDRAISER: There will be a Fundraising Public Skate to benefit Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation Inc. at the UMass Mullins Center rink. Urban Wildlife Rehabilitation Inc. focuses on rehabilitating injured, ill, or orphaned small mammals in Western Massachusetts. This fundraiser will help the organization be able to afford food, supplies, and medications for these mammals. Cost includes skate rentals. 200 Commonwealth Avenue. Amherst, MA. $
Sunday, February 9, 6:30pm-8pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Dr. Jonathan Schwab (pediatrician) and Sharon Saline, Psy.D (clinical psychologist) will present a workshop for parents, “Sleep Matters: Practicing Good Sleep Hygiene in Your Home,” at Northampton Area Pediatrics. Please RSVP. 413-584-8700. 193 Locust Street. Northampton, MA.
Monday, February 10th, 2014
Show your support! Vote for Hilltown Families! Deadline to cast your votes is Noon, Feb 12th.
Monday, February 10, 10am-11am – LITERACY: You and your child can work together to develop pre-reading skills at the Berkshire Athenaeum’s “Every Child Ready to Read” workshop. The workshop is for preschoolers and their parents/caregivers. It focuses on the five early literacy practices – talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing along with activities. This is a great chance to introduce your young child to the world of reading! 413-499-4809. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA.
Monday, February 10, 12:30-1:30pm – AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY: Westfield State University presents “Complementary Lives: The Common Thread Between Booker T. Washington and Samuel E. Courtney,” a talk by Holly Robbins, administrative assistant of human resources, as part of their Black History Month celebration. She will lead the discussion on the parallel lives of Booker T. Washington and his friend Samuel E. Courtney, whom the residence hall Courtney Hall is named after. This event will be held in Loughman Living Room in Scanlon Hall. 577 Western Avenue. Westfield, MA.
Monday, February 10, 3pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Come to the Westfield Athenaeum‘s Teen Loft for a drop-in DIY craft activity. For grades 6-12. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA.
Monday, February 10, 6pm – STORYTIME: The Westfield Athenaeum is hosting a pajama storytime for kids ages 2-4. Kids should come dressed in pajamas and can even bring along a favorite stuffed animal. Please register in advance. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street. Westfield, MA. (FREE)
Monday, February 10, 7pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Celebrate Valentine’s Day early at a special Valentine’s Week Concert at the Majestic Theater, with Freddie Marion, Dan Kane, and friends. They will perform love songs to celebrate romance and Valentine’s Day. Call for tickets. 413-747-7797. 131 Elm Street. West Springfield, MA. $$
ONGOING FOR MONDAYS (Always double check events before heading out. To add your ongoing event/activity here, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com)
- 9am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Amherst Family Center has drop-in playgroup every Monday, including snacks, circle time, activities, and more. 413-256-1145. 1200 North Pleasant Street. North Amherst, MA
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: CHP Family Network offers a “gym fun” playgroup at West Stockbridge Town Hall. 413-464-5095. 21 State Line Road. West Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Northampton Parents Center is open every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am-11:30am for playgroup, stories, snacks, and circle time. For pre-K children and their siblings. 413-582-2636. 297 Main Street, lower level. Northampton, MA.
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The South Hadley Family Center offers playgroups every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am-11:30am at All Saints Episcopal Church. Stop by for open play, crafts, stories, music, and more. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Stop by Otis Town Hall for playgroup every Monday! 413-464-5095. 1 North Main Road. Otis, MA. (FREE)
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Play and Learn Group at the Williamstown Youth Center for kids walking-age up to age five. Includes puzzles, play dough, riding toys, balls, books, and more. 413-663-6593. 66 School Street. Williamstown, MA.
- 10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The Easthampton Family Center is open every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10am-12noon. 413-527-5496. 43 Main Street. Easthampton, MA.
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Storytime for babies 2 and under and their parents at the East Longmeadow Library. 413-525-5400 x1506. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
- 10:30am – MOVEMENT: “Music for Little Ones” at the Pelham Library features a half hour of music and movement for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. 413-253-0657. 2 South Valley Road. Pelham, MA. (FREE)
- 3:15pm-4:15pm – CHESS: Kids in grade 2 and up are invited to the Storrs Library for their weekly drop-in chess program. Come play with other kids and improve your chess skills! 413-565-4182. 693 Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
Tuesday, February 11th, 2014
Show your support! Vote for Hilltown Families! Deadline to cast your votes is Noon, Feb 12th.
Tuesday, February 11, 4pm-5pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Kids can come learn about and make origami at the Emily Williston Memorial Library today! Kids will enjoy this fun hands-on, creative activity. Please sign up in advance. 413-529-1605. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA.
Tuesday, February 11, 4pm-6pm – CULINARY ARTS: Pioneer Valley Bread House is holding a bread-baking event thats’s open to everyone! Come learn how to bake bread from scratch and share, learn, and create with community members. Baking bread is a fun and useful skill and this is a perfect event to help you get started! Takes place at Five College Women’s Studies Research Center. 83 College Street. South Hadley, MA.
Tuesday, February 11, 6pm-8pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: The Hitchcock Center is offering a discussion on Parenting and Climate Change. Come learn about climate change and how to help children navigate this issue. The goal of this workshop is to help parents learn the best and most appropriate ways to keep their children informed about climate change so they can help our planet. 413-256-6006. 525 South Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA.
Tuesday, February 11, 6:30pm-8pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Dr. Rob Robinson will be at the Agawam Public Library to present a workshop for parents titled, “Who’s Influencing Your Child?” The workshop is about balancing the things that influence your family. 413-789-1550. 750 Cooper Street. Agawam, MA.
Tuesday, February 11, 7pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Celebrate Valentine’s Day early at a special Valentine’s Week Concert at the Majestic Theater, with Freddie Marion, Dan Kane, and friends. They will perform love songs to celebrate romance and Valentine’s Day. Call for tickets. 413-747-7797. 131 Elm Street. West Springfield, MA. $$
ONGOING FOR TUESDAYS (Always double check events before heading out. To add your ongoing event/activity here, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com)
10am-7pm – PIANO LESSONS: Simply Music Piano with Barbara Goodchild, 7yrs-adult. Mon-Thurs., 25-55 min. lessons. Free introductory session. 413-625-8203. Cooper Lane. Shelburne, MA ($20/lesson)
- 9am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Amherst Family Center has drop-in playgroup every Monday, including snacks, circle time, activities, and more. 413-256-1145. 1200 North Pleasant Street. North Amherst, MA
- 9:30am-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: The CHP Family Center is holding a “Toddler Steps” playgroup for kids 18 months to three years. Takes place at CHP Family Services Building every Tuesday and Thursday. 413-464-5095. Great Barrington, MA (FREE)
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Northampton Parents Center is open every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am-11:30am for playgroup, stories, snacks, and circle time. For pre-K children and their siblings. 413-582-2636. 297 Main Street, lower level. Northampton, MA.
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The South Hadley Family Center offers playgroups every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am-11:30am at All Saints Episcopal Church. Stop by for open play, crafts, stories, music, and more. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)
- 9:30am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The Belchertown Family Center is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am-12noon for drop-in playgroup. 413-283-7594. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA.
- 9:30am-12noon – PARENT/CHILD GROUP: Gateway Family Center offers a parent-child school readiness group every Tuesday from until June. 413-667-2203. 9 Russell Road. Huntington, MA. (FREE)
- 10am – STORYTIME: Come by the Goodwin Memorial Library for “Lunatunes!” a dynamic storytime with songs, movement, stories, and original art. For babies through age 5. 413-584-7451. Route 47 & Route 9. Hadley, MA.
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Palmer Monson Family Network’s drop-in playgroup runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and is open to families with young children. Creative play, snack time, and circle time. 413-283-6246. 4 Springfield Street. Three Rivers, MA. (FREE)
- 10am – STORYTIME: Storytime for toddlers at the Berkshire Athenaeum. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Weekly playgroup at Sunderland Elementary School for kids 5 and under. Every Tuesday and Friday. Old Amherst Road. Sunderland, MA.
- 10am-11am – STORYTIME: Join the Greenfield Public Library for a weekly storytime! This event includes stories, songs, fingerplays, and crafts for kids age five and under. 413-772-1544 x5. 402 Main Street. Greenfield, MA.
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Playgroup for pre-K kids with educational games and hands-on activities. Takes place at Haskins Center. 413-663-6593. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA.
- 10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The Easthampton Family Center is open every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10am-12noon. 413-527-5496. 43 Main Street. Easthampton, MA.
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: The Great Barrington Rudolf Steiner School hosts Rhyme Time, a song and story circle for young children with a parent or caregiver, at Matrushka Toys and Gifts. All are welcome to this weekly drop-in event. Led by Waldorf parent-child teacher Trice Atchison, Rhyme Time engages babies and young children in seasonal songs, nursery rhymes and simple puppetry. 413-528-6911. 309 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA (FREE)
- 11am-12noon – CULINARY ARTS: Community Health Programs is offering “Kids’ Kitchen,” a cooking class for kids ages 2.5-5 that focuses on healthy food choices. This class teaches kids the importance of healthy eating at an early age and gets them interested in cooking. 413-528-0457 x1154. 442 Stockbridge Road. Great Barrington, MA.
- 11am-11:30am – STORYTIME: Every Tuesday is toddler storytime at the Lenox Library! Come by for interactive board books, stories, songs, and fingerplays. For kids 18 months to 3 years. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE)
- 11am-12:30pm – STORYTIME: Weekly story time, snack and get-together for preK kids and their caregivers. Becket-Washington Library. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main Street. Becket, MA (FREE)
- 2pm-4:30pm – LIBRARY: Kids ages 10 and up are invited to the Hatfield Public Library for Teen Tuesdays. Each meeting features a fun activity. Takes place the first and third Tuesdays of each month. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA.
- 3-5pm – TEENS: The Lilly Library hosts a weekly, drop in teen program for ages 12-17yo. Activities include games, crafts, book chat, movies, snacks. 413-587-1500. 19 Meadow Street. Florence, MA (FREE)
- 3pm – LEGOS: Lego Club is every Tuesday at the Bushnell-Sage Library! Come to the library and make new friends while creating Lego masterpieces. 413-229-7004. 48 Main Street. Sheffield, MA.
- 3:30pm-4:30pm – LEGOS: Lego Club meets at the Adams Library the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. For kids 4-8. Please call to sign up. 413-664-4821. 92 Park Street. Adams, MA.
- 3:30pm-4:30pm – LIBRARY TIME: Kids of all ages can come to the Millers Falls Library for Library Club! This includes games, activities, crafts, and snacks. 413-659-3801. 23 Bridge Street. Millers Falls, MA.
- 5:30pm-6:30pm – PLAYGROUP: Come to Gabriel Abbott Memorial School Gym for a gym group for kids up to age 8. The group is all about indoor active play, but also includes an art project, circle time, and a snack. Siblings welcome. 413-663-6593. 56 N Country Road. Florida, MA.
- 6:30pm – STORYTIME: It’s Pajama Storytime at the Monson Free Library! Wear your pajamas and enjoy stories and fun. Happens the second Tuesday of each month. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA.
- 7:30pm – MUSIC: The M.N. Spear Memorial Library is holding a Ukulele Sing Along the first Tuesday of each month. Come to the library with your ukulele (or other instruments) and have fun playing music with community members of all ages. Ukuleles available at the library. 413-259-1213. 10 Cooleyville Road. Shutesbury, MA.
Wednesday, February 12th, 2014
Show your support! Vote for Hilltown Families! Deadline to cast your votes is Noon, Feb 12th.
Wednesday, February 12, 10am-1pm – HIKING: Join the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for an easy hike at Steepletop Reserve. Explore this 1,200-acre reserve’s woods and wetlands on this fun hike. Park in church lot and carpool to Reserve. 413-499-0596. New Marlborough-Monterey Road. New Marlborough, MA.
Wednesday, February 12, 3-5pm – AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES: As part of the Black History Month celebration, Westfield State University presents “From History to New Success,” a cross-cultural, inter-generational workshop experience about the intersections of history, career success and life in a diverse, digital world. This event will be held in Ely Television Studio, room 324 and is open to the campus community. 577 Western Avenue. Westfield, MA.
Wednesday, February 12, 3:30pm-5pm – VALENTINES/ARTS & CRAFTS: Kids ages 7 and up (9 and up do not require parent supervision) can come to the Mason Library for Valentine Card Making & Craft. Make Valentine’s Day cards and a wool heart garland. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA.
Wednesday, February 12, 4pm-5pm – STORYTIME/MUSIC: Families can come to the Holyoke Public Library for a special performance by Tim Van Egmond. He weaves together stories, music, and song to tell exciting tales that everyone will enjoy. 413-420-8101. 150 Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA.
Wednesday, February 12, 4pm-5pm – BOOK GROUP: Read the book Wonder and come to Forbes Library to discuss it at their Young Adult Book Group! A great chance to do some out-of-school reading and to discuss books with your peers. 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA.
Wednesday, February 12, 6pm-8pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Collaborative for Educational Services is offering a workshop for parents titled, “Who’s In Charge Here?” as part of their Puzzle of Parenting lecture series. The workshop will review different parenting styles and the challenges that can arise when a child’s caregivers have different approaches to discipline. Participants will learn how to implement consistent routines and limit-setting as a way to reduce difficult behaviors. Childcare is available. Registration is required. Takes place at Cold Spring School. 413-570-3061. 57 South Main Street. Belchertown, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, February 12, 6pm-8pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Stop by Knack for a demo (6pm, 6:30pm & 7pm) on making paper flowers, then stay and make your own! Paper flowers are a fun and one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day gift that people of all ages will enjoy! For ages 8 and up. 413-529-0126. 116 Pleasant Street, Suite 126. Easthampton, MA. $$
Wednesday, February 12, 6:30pm-8pm – GAMES: Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Bushnell-Sage Library by learning how to play the ancient Chinese game of Mahjong. The first session is on 2/5 and it recommended that you attend both in order to get a fuller understanding of the game. Please sign up in advance. 413-229-7004. 48 Main Street. Sheffield, MA.
Wednesday, February 12, 6:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Community Health Programs, Inc. is offering a workshop with Scott Noyes, titled “Fatherhood Today.” Noyes will go over the history of a father’s roles and discuss the ways these roles have changed, and what that means for 21st-century dads.. Some questions that will be addressed are: do dads parent differently? Is a father’s involvement important? What do studies on fatherhood suggest? This workshop is great for parents who want to learn more about what it means to be a father today. Childcare (space limited) is available. Pre-registration is required. Takes place on CHP Campus in Administrative Offices Building. 413-464-5095. 444 Stockbridge Road. Great Barrington, MA.
Wednesday, February 12, 7pm – FILM: Amherst Cinema’s Miyazaki Festival celebrates film director, writer, and animator Hayao Miyazaki. Today, the Cinema is screening Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984; rated PG), which tells the story of a young princess in a post-apocalyptic world. The film is in Japanese with English subtitles. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. $
ONGOING FOR WEDNESDAYS (Always double check events before heading out. To add your ongoing event/activity here, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com)
- 9am-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Palmer Monson Family Network’s infant/toddler group runs every Wednesday. Kids age 2 and under can explore age-appropriate toys and the playroom, and enjoy a snack and circle time. Please no children or siblings over age 2. 413-283-6246. 4 Springfield Street. Three Rivers, MA. (FREE)
- 9am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Amherst Family Center has drop-in playgroup every Monday, including snacks, circle time, activities, and more. 413-256-1145. 1200 North Pleasant Street. North Amherst, MA
- 9am-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: Kids from birth to age five and their caregivers can come to the First Congregational Church of Hatfield for playgroup, including snacks, stories, and songs. 413-586-4998 x102. 41 Main Street. Hatfield, MA.
- 9:30am-11am – PLAYGROUP: There will be a loosely structured playgroup at the Clapp Memorial Library every Wednesday for kids from birth to age five. 413-323-0417. 19 South Main Street. Belchertown, MA.
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: There will be playgroup every Wednesday at the Lenox Community Center. 413-464-5095. 65 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE)
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Northampton Parents Center is open every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am-11:30am for playgroup, stories, snacks, and circle time. For pre-K children and their siblings. 413-582-2636. 297 Main Street, lower level. Northampton, MA.
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The South Hadley Family Center offers playgroups every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am-11:30am at All Saints Episcopal Church. Stop by for open play, crafts, stories, music, and more. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)
- 9:30am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The Belchertown Family Center is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am-12noon for drop-in playgroup. 413-283-7594. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA.
- 10am – STORYTIME: Weekly storytime at the Holyoke Public Library. 413-322-5640. 335 Maple Street. Holyoke, MA.
- 10:15am-11:15am – STORYTIME: Kids of all ages and their families are invited to the Carnegie Public Library for a weekly storytime, complete with crafts, stories, activities, and snacks. 413-863-3214. 201 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA.
- 10:30am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Stop by the Edwards Library on the first and third Wednesday of each month for playgroup. Storytime, games, and arts and crafts are featured. For kids 8 and under. 30 East Street. Southampton, MA
- 10am-11:30am – STORYTIME: Weekly storytime at the New Marlborough Library. 413-464-5095. 1 Mill River-Great Barrington Road. New Marlborough, MA. (FREE)
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Weekly playgroup at Erving Elementary School for kids 5 and under. Sponsored by Community Network for Children. 978-544-5157. Northfield Road. Erving, MA.
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Weekly playgroup at Wendell Free Library for kids 5 and under. Sponsored by Community Network for Children. 978-544-5157. 7 Wendell Depot Road. Wendell, MA.
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Weekly Tales and Tunes playgroup at the Leverett Library for kids 5 and under. Sponsored by Community Network for Children. 978-544-5157. 75 Montague Road. Leverett, MA.
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: It’s storytime at the Monson Free Library for kids ages 2-5! Come by for stories, snacks, crafts, and fun. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA.
- 10:30am-11:30am – STORYTIME: Come to the Mason Square Branch Library for storytime, songs, and crafts. For ages 3-8. 413-263-6853. 765 State Street. Springfield, MA.
- 11am – STORYTIME: Weekly story hour at the Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
- 11am – STORYTIME: Join the Dickinson Memorial Library for storytime every Wednesday. There will be movement, stories, music, crafts, and a snack. 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, MA.
- 11am – STORYTIME: Preschoolers and their caregivers can come to storytime at the Dickinson Memorial Library every Wednesday for stories, music, movement, and crafts. 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, MA.
- 1pm-2:30pm – PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: Every Wednesday, the Salasin Center is holding a “Parents Supporting Parents” support group. Parents and grandparents can come connect and discuss parenting in this safe environment. Free childcare is available. Please call for more info or to sign up for childcare. 413-774-4307. 474 Main Street. Greenfield, MA.
- 3pm – CHESS: Chess Club is every Wednesday at the Bushnell-Sage Library! Come to the library and make new friends while improving your chess skills. 413-229-7004. 48 Main Street. Sheffield, MA.
- 4pm-5pm – 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)
- 4pm – CHESS: Kids from kindergarten to 8th grade can drop by the East Longmeadow Public Library for chess! This weekly program is open to kids of all skill levels, from beginner to chess pro. Come make new friends and improve your chess skills. 413-525-5400 x4. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
- 6:30pm – STORYTIME: Pajama storytime for kids ages 3-6 at the East Longmeadow Library. 413-525-5400 x1506. 60 Center Square. East Longmeadow, MA.
- 7:30pm-10:30pm – DANCE: Beginners and people of all skill levels can come dance the night away at Downtown Amherst Contra! This is a great way to have fun and meet new people in a low-pressure environment. Beginners can show up at 7 for a learning session. Best for older students and adults. Every Wednesday except the second Wednesday of each month. 99 Main Street. Amherst, MA. $
Thursday, February 13th, 2014
Today is a snow day and most (if not, then all) events have been cancelled or postponed. Double check with the venue for details.
Thursday, February 13, ALL DAY – CLOTHING DRIVE: Today is the last day you can bring your gently used jeans to the Athol Public Library to donate to their “Teens for Jeans” campaign. Donated jeans will be distributed to teens in area homeless shelters. This is a great opportunity to help out, so please consider donating your used jeans at the library. 978-249-9515. 568 Main Street. Athol, MA.
Thursday, February 13, 12:15pm – HISTORY: This week’s Museums a la Carte lecture at the Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts is, “Sweethearts at Sea: Love and Marriage in the Nineteenth Century New England Whaling Industry,” presented by Amanda L. Goodheart. In whaling communities, women were expected to stay home while men were out at sea, however, some couples defied the industry’s traditions and went out to sea together. Goodheart will talk about these rebel whalers and examine their histories through journals and letters they left behind. 800-625-7738. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. >$
Open House from 6-8pm today. (Rescheduled for Thursday, Feb 20, 6-8pm)
Thursday, February 13, 4-5pm – AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES: Westfield State University presents a Library Poetry Walk as part of their Black History Month celebration. At this event, poetry and spoken word pieces related to Black History Month will be read throughout the library. The library is located in the Ely Campus Center. 577 Western Avenue. Westfield, MA.
Thursday, February 13, 4:30pm – SCIENCE: Kids in grades 4-6 are welcome to attend the Monson Free Library’s “Fizz Boom Splat Science Club.” Learn about rocks and minerals and do hands-on activities. Registration is required. 413-267-3866. 2 High Street. Monson, MA.
Thursday, February 13, 5:30pm – BOOK PARTY/VALENTINE’S DAY: Do something nice for your community this Valentine’s Day and donate a book to the Stockbridge Library! The library is holding its 24th Annual Valentine Book Party tonight, where community members can come to the library and browse for books to donate. Those who donate books will get a special bookplate to honor their donation. Drinks and snacks will be available. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. [RESCHEDULED: Thursday, February 20]
Thursday, February 13, 6:30pm – POETRY: The Gaylord Memorial Library is holding a Poetry Circle where people can come and share their favorite poetry or listen to others read. Older students interested in poetry would enjoy this intergenerational event. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA.
Thursday, February 13, 7pm – STEM: The UMass Department of Chemistry and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education Institute are holding a chemistry demonstration night to display the wonders of chemistry and chemical reactions. There will be exciting explosions, colorful reactions, and much more! Come see how cool chemistry is at this fun event! Takes place in the Integrated Science Building, Room 135. Email rkittilstved@chem.umass.edu to sign up. 661 North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA. [RESCHEDULED: Thursday, February 20]
Thursday, February 13, 7pm – THEATER: The Great Barrington Waldorf High School presents a production of Harvey, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play written by Mary Chase in 1944. It is a comedy that tells the story of a man with an unseen/imaginary friend in the form of an anthropomorphic rabbit named Harvey. Tickets available at the door. 413-298-3800. 6 East Street. Stockbridge, MA. $$
Thursday, February 13, 7pm – LITERACY: The Lenox Library is holding a community-wide reading event during the month of February, which includes relevant programs at the library each week. The book being read is The Celestials by Berkshire author Karen Shepard. The book is about the hiring of Chinese immigrants in North Adams in the 1870s. Tonight’s event is a lecture entitled, “North Adams at the Time of the Celestials” by Paul W. Marino. This book and the discussions held at the library will help teach about immigration, assimilation, and acceptance in America. Community reading events help encourage reading and discussion among all community members. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA.
Thursday, February 13, 7pm – SCIENCE: Join students from the Rudolf Steiner School for their annual Science Fair and Open House, held in the school auditorium. Roughly 50 7th and 8th grade students will present their projects, which they carried out with the help of a mentor. Topics are in the fields of biology, physics, chemistry, or earth science, and projects include pendulums, electric cars, model ecosystems, and more. This is a good way to learn about how the Rudolf Steiner School works and how students at the school learn. 413-528-4015. 35 West Plain Road. Great Barrington, MA. [RESCHEDULED: Wednesday, February 26]
Thursday, February 13, 7pm-9pm – AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDIES/ART STUDIES: The W.E.B. DuBois Afro-American Studies Department at UMass Amherst presents “Black Women and the Arts in the 21st Century,” with Toni Morrison, Sonia Sanchez, and Bernice Johnson Reagon. These three highly acclaimed artists will discuss a variety of topics, including: the importance of the artist in society, the changing role of the black female artist, and the contribution of the artist in defining what it means to be human in the 21st Century. There will also be music by the New Africa House Ensemble, the Voices of New Africa Choir, and Frederick Tillis. Takes place in the Mullins Center. 413-545-2751. 200 Commonwealth Avenue. Amherst, MA. (FREE) [POSTPONED. WILL BE RESCHEDULED]
ONGOING FOR THURSDAYS (To add your ongoing event/activity here, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com)
- 9am-12:30pm – PLAYGROUP: The Amherst Family Center has drop-in playgroup every Monday, including snacks, circle time, activities, and more. 413-256-1145. 1200 North Pleasant Street. North Amherst, MA
- 9:30am-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: The CHP Family Center is holding a “Toddler Steps” playgroup for kids 18 months to three years. Takes place at CHP Family Services Building every Tuesday and Thursday. 413-464-5095. Great Barrington, MA (FREE)
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Northampton Parents Center is open every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am-11:30am for playgroup, stories, snacks, and circle time. For pre-K children and their siblings. 413-582-2636. 297 Main Street, lower level. Northampton, MA.
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The South Hadley Family Center offers playgroups every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am-11:30am at All Saints Episcopal Church. Stop by for open play, crafts, stories, music, and more. 413-533-7096. 7 Woodbridge Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)
- 9:30am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The Belchertown Family Center is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30am-12noon for drop-in playgroup. 413-283-7594. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA.
- 9:30am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The Belchertown Family Center is open every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9:30am-12noon for drop-in playgroup. 413-283-7594. 720 Franklin Street. Belchertown, MA.
- 9:45am-10:45am – ARTS & CRAFTS: The Amelia Park Children’s Museum offers weekly arts and crafts activities for kids. The theme changes each week, but the activity is always fun, educational, and often connected to other things at the museum. 413-572-4014. 29 South Broad Street. Westfield, MA.
- 10am – MOVEMENT: The Music and Movement program with Laurie and Tom will be at the Carnegie Library every Thursday. Young children and their caregivers are invited to this fun, free program. 413-863-3214. 201 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA.
- 10am-11am – PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: New parents and their infants from birth to one year are invited to a support group at the Greenwood Children’s Center. Come share stories about the new little one in your life. 413-565-4163. 231 Maple Road. Longmeadow, MA.
- 10am-11:30am – ROLLERSKATING: Kids age 6 and under can come to Interskate 91 North for skating, roller racers, games, music, and more! Admission for kids includes snack and skate rental. More info here. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street. Hadley, MA. >$
- 10am-12noon – STORYTIME: The Dalton Free Public Library offers a weekly storytime, which includes stories, short films, and crafts, all designed to help kids with social and literacy skills. 413-684-6112. 462 Main Street. Dalton, MA.
- 10am – PLAYGROUP: Play and Learn group at the Berkshire Athenaeum every Thursday includes stories, songs, and games. 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
- 10am-11am – STORYTIME: Stop by the New Salem Library every Thursday for nursery rhymes, tales, and tunes. 978-544-6334. 23 S Main Street. New Salem, MA.
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Sponsored by the Community Health Program (CHP), Bushnell-Sage Library is hosting a Sing-A-Song playgroup for kids 0-5 and their caregivers. Runs every Thursday. 413-229-7004. 48 Main Street. Sheffield, MA.
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Palmer Monson Family Network’s drop-in playgroup runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and is open to families with young children. Creative play, snack time, and circle time. 413-283-6246. 4 Springfield Street. Three Rivers, MA. (FREE)
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: The Hatfield Public Library holds a storytime for kids 5 and under every Thursday! Come to the library for stories and fun. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA.
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Story hour: stories, songs, finger plays, crafts and more for preschool-age children; siblings welcome. Hatfield Library. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA (FREE)
- 10:30am-11:30am – STORYTIME: Join the Emily Williston Memorial Library for storytime every Thursday! There will be snacks, stories, and crafts. 413-529-1605. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA.
- 11am-11:45am – STORYTIME: Come by the Lenox Library for preschool storycraft. Kids ages 3-5 can hear stories, sing songs, and do a related craft activity. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE)
- 3:30pm-5pm – CHESS: Every second and fourth Thursday, kids are invited to the Mason Library for chess. There will no instruction provided, so this event is best for kids who already have an understanding of the game. This is a great place to come play with peers, make new friends, and improve your chess skills in a relaxed and supportive environment. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA.
- 3:30pm-6:30pm – FAMILY FUN: The Salasin Center will be open for family time every Thursday. Come by for activities to do with the whole family. 413-774-4307 x4. 474 Main Street. Greenfield, MA.
Friday, February 14th, 2014
Friday, February 14, TBA – FILM: Amherst Cinema’s Family Week kicks off today with a screening of The Zigzag Kid (2012; not rated), a Dutch film about a young boy who goes on a fun-filled mystery-solving adventure less than 24 hours before his Bar Mitzvah! This is a fun detective movie that kids and adults will enjoy. Dubbed in English. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity Street. Amherst, MA.
Friday, February 14, 10am-8pm – WINTER CELEBRATION: Today is Northampton’s 4th Annual Ice Art Festival. Ice artists will be carving beautiful works of art all day, so take a stroll through town and enjoy these unique sculptures while you can! Downtown. Northampton, MA.
Friday, February 14, 11am-3pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES/CREATIVE FREE PLAY: The Berkshire Museum is creating a kid’s playspace in their Crane Room from 2/14-2/23. The room will be full of cardboard, fabric, tape, and more to get kids using their imaginations and being creative with a variety of different materials. “WeeMuse: 10 Days of Play” aims to give kids an opportunity to experience creative free play and have fun making, building, and playing with other museum visitors. Free with museum admission. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. $
Friday, February 14, 4pm-8pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES/ARTS & CRAFTS: Tonight is Free Second Friday at the Smith College Museum of Art! Stop by for hands-on art-making and an informal guided gallery presentation. A great way to help kids experience a local museum! 413-585-2760. Elm Street & Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
Friday, February 14, 5pm-6pm – TEENS/VALENTINE’S DAY: The Sunderland Public Libraryis holding an Anti-Valentine’s Party for teens and tweens. Not interested in romance? Come spend time with friends at the library decorating cookies, playing games, and hanging out. Registration is required. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA.
Friday, February 14, 6pm-8:30pm – HIKING: Mass Audubon is holding a family-friendly Full Moon Snowshoe Hike at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary today. This program is a fundraiser and gives you a chance to explore Pleasant Valley’s trails by moonlight with family and friends. Registration begins at 6pm. Kids under 18 get in free. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. $$
Friday, February 14, 6:30pm-9pm – DATE NIGHT: Do you have a special date planned for Valentine’s Day and need something for your kids to do? Mount Holyoke College’s field hockey team is holding a Kids’ Night Out tonight, with games, arts and crafts, a movie, and snacks for kids in K-8. Proceeds go towards the field hockey team’s trip to Beijing, China. For more information, please email mhcfh.chinatrip@gmail.com. Takes place at the Kendall Athletic Center on the Mt. Holyoke campus. 50 College Street. South Hadley, MA. $$
Friday, February 14, 8pm – THEATER: The Great Barrington Waldorf High School presents a production of Harvey, a Pulitzer Prize-winning play written by Mary Chase in 1944. It is a comedy that tells the story of a man with an unseen/imaginary friend in the form of an anthropomorphic rabbit named Harvey. Tickets available at the door. 413-298-3800. 6 East Street. Stockbridge, MA. $$
Friday, February 14, 8pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Soweto Gospel Choir is a singing group comprised of church and community members from in and around Soweto (Johannesburg, South Africa). They began in Soweto and now travel the world singing their beautiful music. They have won two Grammy Awards and have been nominated for both an Emmy Award and an Oscar. They will be performing a special Valentine’s Day concert in honor of Nelson Mandela tonight at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. Do something exciting this Valentine’s Day, and see this wonderful group perform right here in Western Massachusetts. Tickets can be purchased in advance. 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street. Great Barrington, MA. $$$
ONGOING FOR FRIDAYS (To add your ongoing event/activity here, email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com)
- 9am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Amherst Family Center has drop-in playgroup every Monday, including snacks, circle time, activities, and more. 413-256-1145. 1200 North Pleasant Street. North Amherst, MA
- 9am-10:30am – PLAYGROUP: Weekly playgroup at Shutesbury Elementary School for kids 5 and under. Sponsored by Community Network for Children. 978-544-5157. 23 West Pelham Road. Shutesbury, MA.
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Play and Learn group for young kids at Sunderland Elementary. 1 Swampfield Drive. Sunderland, MA.
- 9:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Kids ages 0-5 and their caregivers can stop by Whole Children for playgroup, featuring snacks and playtime. 37 Russell Street. Hadley, MA.
- 10am – PLAYGROUP: Come watch preschool videos at the Berkshire Athenaeum every Friday! 413-499-9480. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Palmer Monson Family Network’s drop-in playgroup runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, and is open to families with young children. Creative play, snack time, and circle time. 413-283-6246. 4 Springfield Street. Three Rivers, MA. (FREE)
- 10am – STORYTIME: Preschool-aged kids can come to the Stockbridge Library for StoryCraft, a storytime and craft time with Miss Vicky! Siblings are welcome. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA.
- 10am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Weekly playgroup at Sunderland Elementary School for kids 5 and under. Every Tuesday and Friday. Old Amherst Road. Sunderland, MA.
- 10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: The Easthampton Family Center is open every Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10am-12noon. 413-527-5496. 43 Main Street. Easthampton, MA.
- 10am-12noon – PARENT WORKSHOP: The Gateway Family Center is offering a weekly workshop for parents and infants 0-12 months titled “Nurturing Your Baby.” Learn infant massage, learn about infant development, meet other parents and babies, and more. This is a great workshop for parents and their young children to do together. Childcare for older children is available. Please register. 413-667-2203. 9 Russell Road. Huntington, MA.
- 10am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Weekly “Skip and Dip” playgroup at Berkshire South RCC. 413-464-5095. 15 Crissey Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
- 10:30am – STORYTIME: Storytime for little ones at the Pelham Library! 413-253-0657. 2 South Valley Road. Pelham, MA. (FREE)
- 10:30am-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Weekly fitWIC playgroup at CHP Family Services Building. 413-464-5095. 442 Stockbridge Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
- 11am – STORYTIME: Weekly storytime for preschoolers at the Sunderland Public Library. Features stories, songs, and crafts. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA.
- 11am-11:30am – STORYTIME: The Berkshire Museum’s weekly Museum Adventures program features stories, songs, dancing, play time, scavenger hunts, and more, and is open to kids 18 months to 3 years. It’s a great way for young kids to explore some of what the museum has to offer! Free with museum admission. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. $
- 11am-12noon – PLAYGROUP: Play and Learn Group at Lanesborough Town Hall, featuring educational playthings, snack, art project, and circle time. For kids walking-age to five years. 413-663-6593. 83 N Main Street. Lanesborough, MA.
- 12:30pm-2pm – PARENT/CHILD WORKSHOP: The Storrs Library‘s Pathway for Parents is a program for families with their first baby (0-15 months). Learn about the importance of reading, music, and interactive play, and how these can benefit your new baby. Please call to sign up. 413-565-4182. 693 Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA.
- 2:15pm-4pm – LEGOS: The Dickinson Memorial Library’s LEGO Club meets the second Friday of each month. Come make friends and build with LEGOs. Best for kids in grade 3 and up. 413-498-2455. 115 Main Street. Northfield, MA.
- 5:30pm – BOOK CLUB: Kids in grades 2-4 can come to the Hatfield Public Library for book club! Book clubs are a great way for kids to read for fun and then discuss books with their peers. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street. Hatfield, MA.
- 8pm – ASTRONOMY: The Milham Planetarium at Williams College will be open to the public for a planetarium every Friday evening (except 3/24 and 4/4). You can learn about the motions of the planets, the phases of the moon, comets, and much more! Reservations recommended. 413-597-2188. 829 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
Hilltown Families’ list of Weekly Suggested Events is supported in part by a grant from the Agawam, Buckland, Cummington, Deerfield Goshen, Plainfield, Shelburne and Westhampton Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
