Hilltown Families 
Berkshire Family Fun: May 2014
Berkshire County Highlights for Families:
May 2014
Find out about community events and learning opportunities happening throughout Berkshire County for the month of May. We’ll be adding to this list as the month progresses, so be sure to check back each week. Do you have an event you’d like to include in this list? Email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
To find out what’s happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, check our comprehensive list of Weekly Suggested Events, published every Thursday! There you will also find our list of ongoing weekday playgroups, storyhours and events both in Berkshire County and throughout the region.
North Berkshire
Adams | Cheshire | Florida | Hancock | Lanesborough | Monterey | North Adams | Williamstown | Windsor
Central Berkshire | South Berkshire
Tuesday, May 20, 3:30pm-5pm – STEM: Kids ages 2 ½ to 5 years can explore simple tools and shapes at the STEM Sprouts Explorers event at the Adams Library, held by Child Care of the Berkshires. Learning about shapes and magnets can help kids learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math. Please register. 413-664-4821. Park Street. Adams, MA.
Wednesday, May 7, 5:30pm-6:30pm – LITERACY: Encourage literacy and a love of books in your young children (ages 2-5) with Child Care of the Berkshires‘ Raising a Reader Program. Borrow bags of books for ten weeks, read them, then return them so another family can enjoy them. There will be free family fun gatherings that introduce you to special ways to share reading with your family. Dinner, activities, and transportation included. Program also meets May 7 and June 18. Takes place at Cheshire Elementary School Cafeteria. Call to join the program. 413-664-4821 x16. Cheshire, MA.
Abbot School — 56 North Country Road.
Saturday, May 17th – BEE KEEPING: Backyard Beekeeping Workshop atHancock Shaker Village. 1843 W Housatonic St. 413-443-0188 ($)
Saturday, May 31, 12noon-4pm – CELEBRATION: Celebrate opening day at Bascom Lodge with a Native American teepee raising, drumming, mountain blessing, and music. This family-friendly event is a great way to kick off summer! 413-743-1591. 30 Rockwell Road. Lanesborough, MA.
Lanesborough Library — 413-499-5981. 83 North Main Street.
Mt. Greylock — 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road.
Ashintully — 413-298-3239. Sodom Road
Tuesday, May 13, 3:30pm-4:30pm – LEGOS: Kids can have fun with LEGOs and practice their building skills at the Haskins Center with Child Care of the Berkshires, Inc.! 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA.
Wednesday, May 21, 10am-11am – PARENT-CHILD WORKSHOP: Toddlers 14-30 months old and their parents are invited to “Look What I Can Do – A Toddler Ages and Stages Play and Learn Event” at the Family Resource Center. Parents can complete a questionnaire while toddlers play with blocks, balls, beads, and more in order to determine results. Parents who want to know more about their toddler’s mental development will benefit from this event. Space is limited; registration is required. 413-664-4821. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
Friday, May 23, 6pm – LAWN CONCERT: Kick off the summer season of lawn concerts at the North Adams Public Library with a performance by the J.P. Murphy Band! Bring a chair and blanket, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy this fun live show. 413-662-3133. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, May 28, 10am-2pm – HIKING: Join the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for a hike at the Hoosac Range. BNRC President Ted Ames will lead this hike, which offers great views of the Berkshires. Best for older students and adults. 413-499-0596. Route 2. North Adams, MA.
Natural Bridge State Park — 413-663-6392. McCauley Road..
Western Gateway Heritage State Park — 115 State Street, Building 4.
Sunday, May 4, 1pm-3pm – PLANT STUDIES: Discover Spring wildflowers at Field Farm with The Trustees of Reservations and naturalist Pam Weatherbee. Learn about many of the interesting Spring wildflowers that can be found at Field Farm on this family-friendly walk. 413-532-1631 x10. 554 Sloan Road. Williamstown, MA. >$
Saturday, May 10, 2pm – PERFORMANCE: Community members are invited to a free live performance of The Brain Show at Images Cinema. This comedic one-woman show, starring Suzy Polucci, is all about the brain and how it develops, and the negative lasting impacts of drugs, alcohol, and trauma. This show could act as a useful platform for teens and parents to have a meaningful discussion about drugs and alcohol. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
Friday, May 16, 7:45am – BIRD STUDIES: Discover the birds of Williamstown with the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation and Leslie Reed-Evans at the Mt. Greylock Trails. This walk will teach bird identification, wildflower identification, and general ecology. People of all ages and skill levels who want to learn about birds and nature are welcome to attend this walk. 413-458-2494. Hopper Road. Williamstown, MA.
Wednesday, May 21, 3:30pm-5:30pm – STEM: Kids in grades 6 and up who are interested in technology and engineering can attend “Robots on the Run!” at the David and Joyce Milne Public Library. Staff from the Rhode Island Computer Museum will be at the library to teach kids about robots, circuits, interactive software, and more. Kids can even bring their own broken electronics to take apart in order to learn more about circuits. Registration is required. 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. Williamstown, MA
Friday, May 23, 7:45am – BIRD STUDIES: Discover the birds of Williamstown with the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation and Leslie Reed-Evans at Sheep Hill. This walk will teach bird identification, wildflower identification, and general ecology. People of all ages and skill levels who want to learn about birds and nature are welcome to attend this walk. 413-458-2494. 671 Cold Spring Road. Williamstown, MA.
Saturday, May 31, 10am-2pm – HISTORY: The Trustees of the Reservations present, “Home Sweet Home: Open House Day at Our Historic Homes.” On May 31, you can tour many of the Trustees’ historic homes, including Naumkeag, Ashley House, Mission House, the Folly at Field Farm, William Cullen Bryant Homestead, the Old Manse, Stevens Coolidge Place, the Paine House at Greenwood Farm, and the Great House at Castle Hill. This is a great chance to explore Trustees properties and discover these unique historic homes. All ages will enjoy this free event, which takes place all over Massachusetts. More information can be found on the Trustees website. 978-356-4351 x4049. Massachusetts
The Clark — 413-458-2303. 225 South Street.
Milne Library — 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street.
Sweet Brook Farm — 413-884-4246. 580 Oblong Road.
Williams College Museum of Art — 413-597-2376. 15 Lawrence Hall Drive.
Williamstown Youth Center — 413-458-5925. 270 Cole Avenue.
Central Berkshire
Becket | Dalton | Hinsdale | Lee | Lenox | Pittsfield | Richmond | Stockbridge | Tyringham | Washington | West Stockbridge
North Berkshire | South Berkshire
Saturday, May 10, 9am – COMMUNITY SERVICE/NATURE STUDIES: Learn how you can help protect your local watershed and become a steward for the Westfield River at “Walkin’ the Watershed,” an event that is part of Wild and Scenic Westfield River’s Wild and Scenic Saturdays programs. Students can learn how to help care for sections of the River and how to conduct a visual survey. Meet at Buckley Dunton Lake. Call to register. 413-623-2070. Becket, MA.
Crane Museum of Papermaking — Visit the Crane Museum of Papermaking to learn about the history of papermaking at Crane since the early 1800’s. Located on the banks of the Housatonic River, the building itself is a museum! This is a great opportunity to learn about local history. The museum is open weekdays from 1-5pm. — 413-684-2600. 30 South Street. (FREE)
Saturday, May 3, 7pm – CONCERT: Trio Candela, Tamarack Hollow Nature and Cultural Center, and the Lee Cultural Council present a Spicy Cinco de Mayo Latin Concert with Trio Candela and guests at the Spectrum Playhouse. Come hear rhythmic, folkloric Latin music from Cuba, the Caribbean, Mexico, and South and Central America, as well as original songs. This concert is fun for all ages. Lee residents get in free. 413-394-5023. 20 Franklin Street. Lee, MA. (SUGGESTED DONATION >$)
Saturday, May 3, 9am-1pm – COMMUNITY SERVICE: Older students and adults can help prepare Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for summer at Cleanup Day on May 3. There will be a variety of projects for volunteers to help out with. Call for more information. Registration is required. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, May 3, 10am-5pm – HISTORY: The Mount’s 2014 Opening Day is May 3! Come enjoy all The Mount has to offer, including building tours, beautiful historic gardens, exhibits, and more. There is something for all ages at The Mount! 413-551-5100. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. $
Saturday, May 10, 3:30pm-5:30pm – MOTHER’S DAY/DANCE: Mothers, grandmothers, children, and grandchildren are invited to Ventfort Hall for a special Mother’s Day Pink Tea and Ballet event. The American Dance Institute Ensemble of Pittsfield, the Albany Berkshire Junior Ballet Company, and the Cantarella School of Dance will perform excerpts from classical ballet. In addition to the ballet and pink tea, Ventfort Hall’s exhibits and gift shop will be open. This event is a lovely way for mothers or grandmothers to celebrate this important holiday with their children or grandchildren. Please make reservations in advance. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. $$
Wednesday, May 21, 10am-12noon – HIKING: Join the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for a hike at North Yokun Ridge. This moderate hike will take you from Olivia’s Overlook along the Burbank Trail, where you can see lovely views, old cellar holes, and Monks Pond. 413-499-0596. Lenox Road. Lenox, MA.
Sunday, May 25, 10am-12noon – HISTORY: Learn about the roles, relationships, living conditions, and working expectations of the 20 servants who staffed The Mount and its property each summer on a Backstairs Tour. Those who are interested in history and want to know more about class dynamics in the late 1800s and early 1900s will enjoy this tour. 413-551-5111. 2 Plunkett Street. Lenox, MA. $$
Monday, May 26, 8am – PARADE: The annual Lenox Dale Memorial Day Parade is on May 26, and begins at Veterans Memorial Park (Walker Street) and proceeds to St. Vincent dePaul Church, where there will be a service to commemorate and thank our veterans. The parade then continues back to Veterans Memorial Park, where concluding services will be held. Lenox, MA. (FREE)
eduKaytion Golf – Junior K-Kamps ♦ eduKaytion golf Junior K-Kamps, under the direction of Kay McMahon, LPGA Hall of Fame, are designed for juniors of all levels wishing to learn the game of golf or improve his or her skills through games, drills, on-course play, and lots of fun. “Developing life skills by developing a game of a lifetime!” Nine K-Kamps are offered weekly M-Th through the summer of 2014.
Dates: Jun 30-Aug 28; Age/Grade Range: 6-16yo
Contact: 518-669-1551 ♦ kay@edukaytiongolf.com ♦ www.edukaytiongolf.com
Berkshire Montessori Summer Wonder ♦ Explore the wonder of summer! Building on Montessori methods, the summer programs inspire joyful learning and exploration. The 40-acre campus is home to a variety of natural habitats waiting to be discovered. The summer program encompasses art, movement, music, and science through exploration of the natural world. Create culinary delights from the organic gardens and make masterpieces using nature’s palette. The Montessori School of the Berkshire’s summer program features two-week sessions for Children’s House ages 3-6, and one-week sessions for Elementary ages 6-12. Session themes include: Fantastic Flora & Fauna, Digging the Great Outdoors, Passport Around the World, The Stories Within Us, Wellness Warriors, Camp Zig Zag, and more.
Dates: Jun 23-Aug 15; Age/Grade Range: 3-12yo
Contact: 413-637-3662 ♦ kehr@berkshiremontessori.org ♦ berkshiremontessori.org/summerLenox Library — 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street.
Lenox Historical Society — Main Street.
Monday, May 5, 10am – LITERACY: The Berkshire Athenaeum presents “Fun With Words,” an event for children and their parents that is part of the Every Child Ready to Read series of programs. This event will teach parents how to help their children develop early literacy skills and foster in them a love of reading. 413-499-4809. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA.
Thursday, May 8, 7pm-8:30pm – POETRY: The Berkshire Humane Society is hosting a talk by Stacey Carver and Melissa Tharion from Berkshire Animal DREAMS as part of their Coffee Hour Speaking Series – “Advocating for Berkshire County’s Feral and Community Cats.” Carver and Tharion will discuss their organization’s mission to help these cats and ways in which the community can help curb cat overpopulation in the area, like Trap Neuter Return practices. Cat-lovers who are interested in helping their community’s many stray cats will enjoy this talk. 413-447-7878. 214 Barker Road. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
Friday, May 9 & 16, and Saturday, May 10 & 17, 8pm; Sunday, May 11 & 18, 2pm – THEATER: The Berkshire Community College Players present a performance of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. Based on the comedy film of the same name, this play is about Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania and brings a creature back to life. Teens and adults will love this hilarious performance, and fans of the movie will enjoy seeing it brought to life on stage. Takes place in Boland Theatre. Tickets are available in advance. 413-499-0886. 1350 West Street. Pittsfield, MA. $$
Saturday, May 10, 9am-1pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: After a successful first season in 2013, the Downtown Pittsfield Farmers’ Market kicks off again on May 10! Come by for local veggies, fruits, eggs, meat, dairy, breads, flowers, and other goods, as well as live music, activities, and more. First Street. Pittsfield, MA.
Monday, May 12, 10am – LITERACY: The Berkshire Athenaeum presents “Fun With Math and Science,” an event for children and their parents that is part of the Every Child Ready to Read series of programs. This event will teach parents how to help their children develop early literacy skills and foster in them a love of reading. 413-499-4809. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA.
Tuesday, May 13, 7pm-8:30pm – DANCE: The Funk Box Studio and Gaia Roots World Music present an Afro-Cuban Dance Class with Miguel Periche from Holguin, Cuba, with live folkloric drumming by Aimee Gelinas. Periche will teach dances like the social rumba, sacred Orisa, and hip hop. This program would be best for older students. Email aimee@gaiaroots.com to register. 137 North Street. Pittsfield, MA. $$
Saturday, May 17, 10:30am-12noon – STORYTIME/ARTS & CRAFTS: The Berkshire Athenaeum is holding a Spring Fling for toddlers and preschoolers. Come for stories, crafts, and a snack, all to get kids excited for Spring! 413-499-4809. 1 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, May 17, 1pm-5pm – REPAIR CAFE: Do you want to learn more about fixing things? Or do you have a broken item that you would like someone else to fix? Then come to the Pittsfield Repair Cafe, which takes place in the basement of St. Stephen’s Church. Repair Cafes encourage people to repair what they already own, instead of tossing it in the trash and buying a new one, therefore supporting sustainability. They also encourage collaborative consumption, in which people share their skills and services with one another to teach, help, etc. 67 East Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
Thursday, May 22, 7pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: The Jazz Bones will perform a live concert of jazz, blues, swing, rock, funk, and Latin music at Herman Melville’s Arrowhead on May 22. 413-442-1793. 780 Holmes Road. Pittsfield, MA.
Wednesday, May 28, 10:30am-11:30am – STEM: Kids ages 2-4 can explore science, technology, engineering, and math at the Berkshire Museum! “Who Will Huff and Puff and Blow My House Down?” is a parent-child STEM event where parents and their kids can build houses and see if they can stand up to the Big Bad Wolf wind test! Space is limited; registration is required. 413-443-7171 x21. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, May 28 – Friday, May 30, 7:30pm – THEATER: The Pittsfield High School drama department, Proteus, presents a production of Cats, based on the Broadway play of the same name and T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The musical is about a tribe of cats called the Jellicles. This play is the second longest-running show in Broadway history, and audience members will enjoy seeing it performed by talented local students. Ticket reservations can be made in advance. 413-499-9535 x1102. 300 East Street. Pittsfield, MA. $
Barrington Stage Company’s KidsAct! Summer Theatre Camps ♦ KidsAct! gives kids, ages 7-14, the opportunity to work with experienced theatre instructors as they write, rehearse and perform in their own original plays & musicals. NEW this summer KidsAct! is offering a special two-week program, DramaKids! (7/7-18), which will focus on building acting and improv skills through fun theatre games as well as the creation of original plays. The second session, BroadwayKids! (7/21-8/8) will add the elements of music and movement as students work with professional theatre artists to learn music and choreography to Broadway songs, which they will perform as a part of their original musical. Register for both sessions and save $100! Classes meet M-F, 9 AM-3PM at: Zion Church, 74 First Street, Pittsfield.
Dates: Jul 7-Aug 8; Age/Grade Range: 7-14yo
Contact: 413-499-5446 ♦ education@barringtonstageco.org ♦ barringtonstageco.org/education/kidsact
Berkshire Museum Summer Camps ♦ The Berkshire Museum has something for every child this summer. The exciting array of camps allow kids to express their creative sides, to explore and innovate, and to discover their inner superstar. Each camp runs for one week in either full or half day sessions and focuses on one exciting theme. The 2014 Camp themes are: Animation; Butterflies; On Stage with Berkshire Theatre Group; CSI: Ancient Crimes; Icky, Messy, and Gooey; Movies; Pond; Junior Naturalist; Robot Olympics; and Kitchen Ka-Boom. Camps are designed for children in kindergarten through grade 6.
Dates: Jun 30-Aug 22; Age/Grade Range: K-6th
Contact: 413-443-7171 ♦ frontdesk@berkshiremuseum.org ♦ berkshiremuseum.org
Rock On ♦ All levels and all instruments. Performance. Music. Production. Technology. Music Video Production. To compliment their Performance and Songwriting components, Rock On is expanding its workshops in Music Production Technology for live and digital recording. Students will work in the music computer lab to learn the use of industry standard recording software. They will gain hands on experience using such programs as Pro Tools, Logic, and Reason to create their own electronic music compositions. They will also set up a live recording studio in which students will alternate in the role of music producer, engineer, and performer.
Dates: Jul 14-Jul 25; Age/Grade Range: 8-21yo
Contact: 413-499-1733 ♦ rockonworkshopma@gmail.com ♦ rockonworkshop.orgArrowhead — 413-442-1793. 780 Holmes Road.
Berkshire Music School — 413-442-1411. 30 Wendell Ave.
Colonial Theatre — 413-298-5576. 111 South Street.
First Friday Artswalk — Downtown.
Saturday, May 31, ALL DAY – BIRDING: Join the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for a relaxed day of birding at Hollow Fields. Celebrate summer and look for interesting birds while relaxing with friends. Best for teens and adults. 413-499-0596. Perry’s Peak Road. Richmond, MA.
Hilltop Orchard — Route 295.
Saturday, May 3, 4pm-5pm – LOCAL HISTORY: Discover some fascinating Stockbridge residents of the past at the Stockbridge Library’s first Cemetery Tour of the season – “Talented People You’ve Never Heard Of.” Come to Stockbridge Cemetery to “meet” and learn about some of these artists, musicians, inventors, and athletes who almost became famous. These cemetery tours are a fun way to learn about the history of Stockbridge and some of the town’s more prominent residents of the past. 413-298-5501. Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. >$
Saturday, May 3, 5pm-7pm – FILM/ART: Come to the Norman Rockwell Museum to enjoy a screening of a classic monster movie and see the art of Murray Tinkelman, who illustrated monster movie stars like Frankenstein, Dracula, King Kong, and Godzilla. This is a fun chance to see interesting art up close and enjoy a related film. Free with museum admission. 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA. $
Friday, May 9, 11am-5pm; Saturday, May 10, 9am-5pm – PLANT SALE: The Berkshire Botanical Garden is holding their 37th Annual Plant Sale on May 9th and 10th. Come by to check out their amazing selection of plants for sale, shop from vendors, participate in a silent auction, and go to the container design station. Plant-lovers of all ages will enjoy this event, which is a fun way to find interesting plants for your garden. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road. Stockbridge, MA
Sunday, May 11, 10am-5pm – MOTHER’S DAY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Moms and kids can spend the day together at the Norman Rockwell Museum! The Museum is offering free admission to moms (with one paying ticket) on this special day, so bring the kids and discover all this great museum has to offer. There will also be gallery talks about family themes in art. 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA. $
Saturday, May 17, 7pm; Sunday, May 18, 2pm – THEATER: The Great Barrington Waldorf High School presents a performance of Audience, a one-act comedy about audiences. The play will be performed by the school’s ninth graders as part of their English curriculum. There is a performance on May 17 at 7pm and May 18 at 2pm at the Berkshire Theatre Group’s Unicorn Theatre. 413-298-3800. 6 East Street. Stockbridge, MA. (SUGGESTED DONATION $)
Saturday, May 17, 5pm – 6pm – SPORTS/HISTORY: Meet Jackie Robinson, the first African-American to play Major League Baseball in the United States, at a special first-person performance at the Norman Rockwell Museum. View Murray Tinkelman’s player-signed artworks, then enjoy this educational and fascinating performance all about the life of Jackie Robinson. Older students who are interested in baseball and history will enjoy this program. Free with museum admission. 413-298-4100. 9 Route 183. Stockbridge, MA. $
Saturday, May 31, 10am-2pm – HISTORY: The Trustees of the Reservations present, “Home Sweet Home: Open House Day at Our Historic Homes.” On May 31, you can tour many of the Trustees’ historic homes, including Naumkeag, Ashley House, Mission House, the Folly at Field Farm, William Cullen Bryant Homestead, the Old Manse, Stevens Coolidge Place, the Paine House at Greenwood Farm, and the Great House at Castle Hill. This is a great chance to explore Trustees properties and discover these unique historic homes. All ages will enjoy this free event, which takes place all over Massachusetts. More information can be found on the Trustees website. 978-356-4351 x4049. Massachusetts
Chesterwood — 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road
Thursday, May 22, 3pm-7pm – FARMERS’ MARKET: Celebrate and support local agriculture at the West Stockbridge Farmers’ Market, which opens for the season on May 22. Here you can find local fruits, veggies, crafts, and other goods, and there will be live music and activities for kids. Harris Street. West Stockbridge, MA.
South Berkshire
Alford | Great Barrington | Housatonic | Monterey | New Marlborough | Sheffield
North Berkshire | Central Berkshire
Saturday, May 10, 10am-1pm – HIKING: Come see the location of the Berkshire Natural Resources Council‘s newest trail at Alford Springs! A new trail will be built on the property this summer, and you can learn about the process of trail planning, mapping, and building while on this hike. This moderate hike is off-trail and would therefore be best for older teens and adults. 413-499-0596. Mountain Road. Alford, MA.
Saturday, May 3, 1:30pm-2:30pm – OCCUPATION/ANIMAL STUDIES: Meet Jori, the Great Barrington police dog, and his officer, Tim Ullrich, at the Mason Library! Jori will demonstrate sniffing and show his knowledge of signals and commands. Anyone interested in dogs and how they can help people and communities will love seeing Jori share his knowledge and skills. 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA.
Saturday, May 10th, 3:30pm – DIY CRAFTS: DIY Kids: Plastic Bottle Flowers at Berkshire Co-op. Learn how to make flowers that mom can keep forever! In this workshop, we will be cutting up plastic bottles, making them into flowers and then painting them. It’s a great way to upcycle old soda bottles and make a gift for mothers day. Dress to get messy! 413-528-9697. 42 Bridge Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, May 17, 8am-10am – BIRD STUDIES: Join the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for “Birding Beyond Your Backyard” at Housatonic Flats. This walk is great for beginners who want to learn how to identify birds of field and forest. Housatonic Flats is a great birding site with flat, level ground, right along the Housatonic River. Older students who want to learn more about birds will enjoy this fun stroll. 413-499-0596. Route 7. Great Barrington, MA.
Saturday, May 17, 11am-3pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: The fifth annual Mud Day is on May 17 at Muddy Brook Elementary School! Celebrate the Berkshires and your community at this super fun event for families. There will be tons of outdoor activities for kids, including tug of war, a treasure hunt, mud pie-making, face painting, jump rope, tie dying, and more. There will also be live music, food from local vendors, and representatives from local organizations. This event is open to the public and is a fundraiser for the school. 318 Monument Valley Road. Great Barrington, MA. >$
Sunday, May 18, 11am-3pm – CELEBRATION/FUNDRAISER: The Great Barrington Cooperative Preschool‘s 7th annual Truck Day takes place May 18 at Ski Butternut. Kids can “operate” a backhoe, bulldozer, cherry picker, log truck, and more; decorate their very own model cars; and enjoy face painting, refreshments, and a petting zoo. There will also be a silent auction for adults. All proceeds benefit the Preschool. 413-528-2127. 380 State Road. Great Barrington, MA. >$
Saturday, May 24th, 10am – KIDS COOKING: Kids Can Cook! Asparagus & Israeli Couscous Salad at Berkshire Co-op. May is asparagus season and the Co-op will be celebrating by making a delicious asparagus and Israeli Cous Cous salad complete with a zesty dressing. Learn how to cook and with this delicious spring vegetable! Please sign up at the front desk to attend or call. 413-528-9697. 42 Bridge Street. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, May 28, 6:30pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: South Berkshire Kids is offering a workshop for parents entitled, “Calming the Storm” with Jeanine Fitzgerald. This workshop focuses on anger issues and what steps can be taken to understand them and change the cycle of anger. Takes place at Community Health Programs, Inc. campus. Please pre-register; childcare is available. 413-464-5095. 444 Stockbridge Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)
Action Adventures Day Camp ♦ Join Action Adventures Day Camp this summer for a fun-filled recreational day camp with a different theme each week! For children entering 1st grade to age 12. Each week has its own unique theme that drives the week’s activities. A typical day includes crafts, projects, games, group activities, swimming, sports and outdoor experiences. Their focus is on activities that foster critical thinking and development of self awareness, respect, tolerance, empathy, honesty and kindness. Financial assistance available. Camp runs all summer, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.. Price per week: $225 Members, $299 Guests. State vouchers accepted.
Dates: Jun 25-Aug 29; Age/Grade Range: 1st grade-12yo
Contact: 413-528-2810 ♦ rmanning@berkshiresouth.org ♦ berkshiresouth.orgBerkshire South Regional Community Center — 413-528-2810. 15 Crissey Road.
Great Barrington Historical Society — South Main Street.
The Guthrie Center — 413-644-9288. 2 Van Deusenville Road.
Great Barrington Riverwalk — Church and River Streets.
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center — 413-528-0100. 14 Castle Street.
Mason Library — 413-528-2403. 231 Main Street.
Ramsdell Library 413-274-3738. 1087 Main Street.
Project Native — 413-274-3433. 342 North Plain Road.
Bidwell House Museum — 413-528-6888. 100 Art School Road.
Sunday, May 4, 7:30am-11:30am – BIRD STUDIES: Join the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for an easy bird walk at their Steepletop Preserve. The walk will take you through wetlands, mature forests, fields, field edges, woodland clearings, and more, in search of unique bird species. This hike is easy and roughly two miles, making it appropriate for older students interested in birds and hiking. 413-499-0596. New Marlborough-Monterey Road. New Marlborough, MA.
Wednesday, May 7, 10am-12noon – HIKING: Join the Berkshire Natural Resources Council for a dog-friendly hike at Steepletop! This easy, three-mile hike is great for families and their well-behaved dogs. Explore the outdoors with the whole family on this fun hike. 413-499-0596. New Marlborough-Monterey Road. New Marlborough, MA.
Cookson State Forest — Hotchkiss Road.
New Marlborough Library — 413-664-0104. 1 Mill River-Great Barrington Road.
Friday, May 9, 7:30pm: HISTORY/MUSIC STUDIES: Ever wonder how families entertained themselves before television and the internet? Music and singing played an important role in entertainment. The Sheffield Historical Society will host an interactive media presentation showing clips of the performers who kept America strong with song through the dark days of 1939 to 1945 on the radio, in movies, and on stage. This multimedia presentation by John Arthur Miller, “Keep Smiling Through, Songs That Won World War II,” takes place at Dewey Hall. Learn about the history of WWII through performance and song. 413-229-2694. 91 Main St, Sheffield, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, May 11, 10am-12noon – MOTHER’S DAY/PLANT STUDIES: Celebrate Mother’s Day with a guided wildflower walk at Bartholomew’s Cobble. All ages can stroll around the grounds looking for wild columbine and other native wildflowers. Families can even learn about how to grow these flowers at home to attract butterflies and other creatures! Please register in advance. 413-229-8600. 105 Weatogue Road. Sheffield, MA. $
Wednesday, May 21, 10am-12noon – VOLUNTEER: Community members can come together on May 21 to help The Trustees of Reservations prep the Ashley House property for the busy Spring and Summer seasons. Volunteers will work to clean Ashley House, the Elizabeth Freeman Interpretive Center, and the kitchen gardens. Older students can get their hands dirty helping out and gain experiencing volunteering for this regional organization. Registration is required. 413-298-3239 x3020. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, May 31, 10am-2pm – HISTORY: The Trustees of the Reservations present, “Home Sweet Home: Open House Day at Our Historic Homes.” On May 31, you can tour many of the Trustees’ historic homes, including Naumkeag, Ashley House, Mission House, the Folly at Field Farm, William Cullen Bryant Homestead, the Old Manse, Stevens Coolidge Place, the Paine House at Greenwood Farm, and the Great House at Castle Hill. This is a great chance to explore Trustees properties and discover these unique historic homes. All ages will enjoy this free event, which takes place all over Massachusetts. More information can be found on the Trustees website. 978-356-4351 x4049. Massachusetts
