Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
The 15th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count takes place from February 17th-20th this year! If your kids have off for winter vacation week, this is a fun way to keep them learning and unplugged while out of school. Click on photo for more info. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
BEST BETS
In the morning on Saturday, February 18th at 10am or 12noon in Berkshire Co. – FAMILY FILM: Share with your kids international films today at Images Cinema! The cinema is screening, “Lotte from Gadgetville,” an animated children’s movie from Estonia. The movie tells the story of Lotte, and the adventures she has learning about the many inventions created in her village. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street. Williamstown, MA. ($)
In the afternoon on Saturday, February 18th at 2pm in Franklin Co. – FAMILY THEATER: The New Renaissance Players perform Treasure Island at the Shea Theater! The show is a high-energy pirate adventure appropriate for families with slightly older kids (some parts are scary!). 413-863-2281. 71 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. ($)
In the evening on Saturday, February 18th at 7:30pm in Hampshire Co. – THEATER/HISTORY: Old Deerfield Productions is presenting the premier of the new folk opera, “Truth,” which tells the story of former slave, abolitionist, and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth. Kids with audience skills can supplement studies of American History by seeing the show. Seeing the show could be a great way to start a family dialogue about abolition and how it fits into the larger topic of human rights. Takes place at the Academy of Music. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
All day on Sunday, February 19th from 9am-5pm in Hampden Co. – HISTORY: The Springfield Armory is a National Historic Site where visitors can learn about the role of the armory within American history. This week beginning today there are special programs for families for school vacation! Along with the regular exhibits and learning opportunities, there will be a firearms scavenger hunt, an outdoor tour to look at architecture and building markings, and more! 413-734-8551. 1 Armory Square. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Family concert with UNCLE ROCK at Flywheel in Easthampton on Saturday, March 10th at 10am. Presented by Hilltown Families, No Nap Happy Hour Series and Flywheel.
Saturday, February 25 from 10-11am in the Pioneer Valley – PUPPETS: Tom Knight is performing a puppet show at Hatfield Elementary School this morning! The show is designed for pre-school aged kids and their families and is sponsored by the Collaborative for Educational Services. 413-586-4998. 33 Main Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, February 25 from 10:30am-12:30pm in the Berkshires – STORYWALK: The North Adams Public Library has arranged a storywalk through downtown North Adams! It will be around until March 3rd for families to visit anytime, but this particular Sunday morning there will be a special craft at the library accompanying the story Annie and the Wild Animals by Western MA author, Jan Brett. 413-662-3133. 74 Church Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, February 26 from 1:30-4:30pm – FAMILY FUN: Northampton Recreation is hosting a fun family afternoon as part of Fabulous February! There will be ice cream and games of bingo beginning at 1:30, then open swim time beginning at 2:30. Younger kids can practice matching and identifying numbers by playing bingo, and kids of all ages (and adults!) can get some great exercise and swimming practice for summer during pool time. 413-587-1040. 100 Bridge Road. Florence, MA. (<$)
BULLETIN BOARD
CHILDCARE OPENINGS: Little Bear Learn & Care, a high quality childcare program serving the Greater Easthampton Area, has limited openings available in their infant and two year classrooms. Offering childcare for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, Little Bear’s welcoming family atmosphere and creative free play environment supports the critical brain-building development of a child’s first five years of life, building a foundation of valuable social/emotional adeptness for later learning. Through basic sign language, modeling and role playing, Little Bear encourages the development of healthy communication skills. To schedule a visit or to find out more about current openings, call 413-203-1776, or visit online at www.littlebearlearnandcare.com.
FAMILY CONCERT: Sunnyside Children’s Center Presents… R.O.C.K…Paper…Blizzard! Rock those winter blues away, eat pizza with your pals, make art, and try to win our Rock Paper Scissors Championship! Come spend the morning with the Valley’s own rockin’ family music band, The Royal Order of Chords & Keys (R.O.C.K.), with Aric Bieganek on vocals and guitar, Hans Dalhaus on drums and David Picchi on bass. Featured on the Meltdown Stage at the 2011 Green River Festival, together they form the hardest rocking band for families in the world. Sunday, February 19th from 10:30am-12noon at the Florence Community Center. Tickets just $5 per person ($25 maximum per family). All proceeds fund the Sunnyside financial aid fund for families in need. www.sunnysidekids.org
SCHOOL VACATION WEEK: This February vacation join The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA for live performances, art making, gallery exhibitions, scavenger hunts, and story times! There will be live performances of The Ugly Ducking in the auditorium by the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts School, Feb. 21 – 24 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. $6 ($5 members). And while school might be out for some, kids can still learn about history through a new art exhibition, We Are The Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, paintings by Kadir Nelson, and by creating timelines in the art studio, highlighting significant events and journeys from the past. The museum will be open on President’s Day! For more information please visit: www.carlemuseum.org or call 413-658-1100.
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: Accepting applications for fall 2012. The Bement School founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield is a co-educational junior boarding and day school serving 245 students in kindergarten through grade 9. Bement’s rich, traditional curriculum motivates and challenges students with strong academics, a renowned fine arts program, and a diverse athletic program. Students participate in athletics and fine arts daily. The pervasive atmosphere at Bement is that of a family, learning and living together. Bement actively seeks an academically diverse, international, and multi-cultural student body. For information on how to apply, financial aid, or to arrange a visit to campus, call 413-774-7061 www.bement.org.
HILLTOWN IDOLS: Coming soon: Hilltown Idols! An adult & child karaoke competition/fundraiser for the Cultural Arts Committee (CAC) of the Williamsburg Schools. Auditions are Sat., 3/3, with the Final Performance on Sat., 3/10 at 7pm at the Dunphy School in Williamsburg. The competition is open to children & adults from near and far! There are four competition groups: Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, & Adults. Prizes will be awarded to winners. Entry fee for contestants in Grades 3-12 is $5.00 & $25.00 for adults. Register by 3/2! Tickets for audience members on 3/3 are $2/individual or $5/family for the day. Tickets for the Final Performance on 3/10 are $5(Ages 3-18), $10(Adults), or $20 per family. See sites.google.com/site/hilltownidols for details.
SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. See your event, camp, workshop, business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter! Find out more about our Enhanced Publicity options and how we can help with your marketing.
ADOPTIVE PARENTS: Berkshire Children and Families (BCF) is hosting a workshop for families interested in learning more about adopting a child. Prospective adoptive parents can learn about available children, as well as the process of applying to adopt. The process includes undergoing MAPP (Model Approach to Partnership in Parenting) Training, as well as a homestudy. If approved after applying, adoptive parents are able to adopt children from within the state’s DCF system. There are many children in need of families- if you’re interested in considering adoption, feel free to attend! The workshop will take place on Tuesday, Feburary 21st from 5:30-7pm at the BCF office (200 Russell Street) in Hadley. Questions can be directed to Linda Dugas at 413-584-5690.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS:
Feb 18th—Feb 24th, 2012
Lucy Kaplansky
Iron Horse Music Hall ♦ Northampton, MA
Sunday, Feb 26th, 2012 @ 7pm
Win a pair of tickets to see Lucy Kaplansky at the Iron Horse in Northampton on Sunday, Feb 26th at 7pm. Deadline to enter to win: 2/22 @ 7pm (EST).
Hilltown Families and Iron Horse Entertainment Group have partnered up to offer a chance to win free tickets to see adult venues in the Pioneer Valley for a PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT! You pay for the sitter, we’ll pay for the tickets!
For the end of February we have a pair of tickets to giveaway to see Lucy Kaplansky at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA on Sunday, Feb 26th at 7pm with opening act, Sandy Bailey. Win a pair of tickets and take your spouse, partner or good friend for a night out. Deadline to enter to win: 2/22 @ 7pm (EST). Details below.
ABOUT LUCY KAPLANSKY
She started out singing in Chicago bars. Then, barely out of high school, Lucy Kaplansky took off for New York City. There she found a fertile community of songwriters and performers – Suzanne Vega, John Gorka, Bill Morrissey, Cliff Eberhardt. Lucy was everyone’s favorite singing partner, but most often she found herself singing as a duo with Shawn Colvin. Lucy temporarily left the musical fast track to pursue a doctorate in Psychology and open her own private practice, although she continues to tour extensively across North America, reminding audiences why she has been hailed as “a truly gifted performer…full of enchanting songs” (The New Yorker). www.lucykaplansky.com
HOW TO WIN
Your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Lucy Kaplansky at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA on Sunday, Feb 26th at 7pm with opening act, Sandy Bailey, is easy & simple! To enter to win simply:
CONSIDER SHARING ON FACEBOOK by selecting the Facebook icon below
TELL US HOW HILLTOWN FAMILIES KEEPS YOUR FAMILY ENGAGED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY DURING SCHOOL VACATION WEEK below (one entry per household) and be sure to tell us your
FULL NAME (first/last) and where you
LIVE (TOWN/STATE) must include your town to be eligible.
ACCURATE EMAIL (we never share your email address).
We’ll randomly draw a winner and will share the results below.
IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline is Wednesday, 02/22/12 @ 7pm (EST)
If you don’t win you should still go. Tickets are available at the Northampton Box office, online at IHEG.com, or by calling 413-586-8686.
Listen to a Life
An Intergenerational Writing/Interviewing Project
Participating in the Listen to a Life project affords students the opportunity to learn to appreciate experiences of elders in their community and the value of their advice and guidance, something that is too often missing within American communities.
A loss of information and experiences between generations is accepted as relatively normal within American culture- but as each generation misses out on learning about those before them, valuable lessons and stories are lost. In order to encourage learning from older community members, kids can participate in a unique intergenerational interview and writing project, the Listen to a Life Contest!
The Listen to a Life Contest calls for students ages 8-18 to interview a community member over the age of 50 (who is not their parent) about their hopes and goals over the course of their life, the ways in which they achieved their goals or overcame obstacles, and how their goals may have changed or evolved over the course of time. Students are then asked to write an essay (up to 300 words) on the information that they’ve learned. There are great prizes available to winners (including a computer, EdOptions products for the student’s school, and more!), but the more valuable parts of the contest aren’t prizes.
By conducting interviews and writing the essay, students will learn about and reflect on the changes that take place throughout life and the process of becoming older and wiser as a result of experience. Students will learn to appreciate the experiences of their elders and will hopefully also learn to value the advice and guidance of older community members- something that is too often missing within American communities. To learn more about the contest, visit www.tcpnow.com.
Get out your bird books- this year’s 2012 Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) takes place from February 17th-20th!
The GBBC helps researchers gather an accurate count of bird populations, as well as determine the location of bird species. Sponsored by Audubon and Cornell University, the event requires citizen scientists to watch and count birds in their backyard for at least 15 minutes on at least one of the days during the bird count.
After you’ve collected your data, you can submit your information online. Tallies on the data site will grow as the count continues- check back to see how populations in your area look and to see how many other people are participating!
Although it’s called the Great “Backyard” Bird Count, the count extends well beyond backyards. Lots of participants choose to head for national parks, nature centers, urban parks, nature trails, or nearby sanctuaries. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
The GBBC is essential to ornithology research because without the help of volunteer citizen scientists, researchers wouldn’t be able to gather accurate data about populations and locations of birds. The event is incredibly easy for families to take part in, and also offers ample learning opportunities!
While counting birds, families can practice identifying the different species they see, discussing with your kids why each bird looks (color, shape, and size) the way that it does, and talk about what the bird’s natural food sources are during winter. Kids can also learn about habitat by thinking about where they saw each bird and what kinds of birds they didn’t see because they’ve migrated south. For more information on the event, visit www.birdsource.org. Happy counting!
Creative Free Play in a Commercialized World
A Community Conversation
On Tuesday, February 7th, a group of parents, grandparents and childcare professionals came together for Hilltown Families’ Roundtable Discussion: Creative Free Play in a Commercialized World to discuss a variety of subjects related to the theme of creative free play in a commercialized world, a continuation of the presentation Hilltown Families hosted before the holidays with Dr. Susan Linn, author of The Case for Make Believe and Consuming Kids.
COMMUNICATION
The roundtable was a lively discussion with a variety of perspectives and ideas for empowerment. One point reiterated several times during the conversation was the importance of communication. Caring about the impact of media on our kids and their growing minds, we need to talk to them about commercialization, helping them navigate our media saturated world by pointing out advertising and marketing strategies geared toward children. Proactive ways parents can communicate with their kids include watching the same TV shows/movies their children are watching, or exploring the internet with them, giving parents opportunities to find teachable moments and openings for engagement in dialog.
TEACHING
One idea that came out of our discussion on how parents can make their kids savvy to the marketing strategies of corporate marketers was to take a walk with them through a big box grocery store in search of movie or television characters on products placed at their eye level, then talk about why these characters are on these products in these locations. Another idea was to choose non-commercial educational videos and apps for children when consuming media. Video series like the Liberty Kids to supplement Colonial Studies, or Bill Nye the Science guy to supplement science studies were suggested.
CREATIVE FREE PLAY
As always, the notion of involving children in real world activities as much as possible is the antidote to too much media consumption, and Hilltown Families provides a comprehensive list of events each week for families that supports this practice. Providing opportunities for creative free play that enhances imagination is essential. A recent event at a local family center utilizing empty boxes for play was a perfect example. Ironically, allowing children to be bored can often lead to creative solutions. Several parents related stories of the most creative play originating out of moments of boredom resulting in toilet paper roll towers or made up stories exercising the imagination.
OTHER TOPICS
Related subjects discussed included:
violence and inappropriate language in media
sexualization in media and the impact on girls
children who are not exposed to certain media feeling left out among peers
over-scheduling of childhood
older teens/young adults and the over-use of Facebook
tensions from protecting our children from the impacts of commercialization in a media saturated world versus creating opportunities for dialog and critical thinking
The discussion was concluded with an invitation to parents and professionals who have ideas/thoughts on how to empower our community and children on these topics to work with Hilltown Families to share and grow these ideas. Drop us an email at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com anytime. And please continue to be part of the ongoing dialog about the importance of creative free play and helping our children navigate a commercialized world. To receive updates and notices on events and opportunities on this topic, share with us your email and we will keep you posted:
Big thank you to Northampton Public Schools for co-sponsoring this month’s discussion, and to Cup & Top Cafe for hosting.
In Honor of Black History Month, 5 Award Winning Books
Every January the American Library Association announces the much-anticipated Youth Media Awards, some of the highest honors given to books for children and young adults in this country. The Coretta Scott King Book Award is one of those awards. It commemorates the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and honors Mrs. Coretta Scott King for her courage and continuing work for peace. The annual award recognizes outstanding books for children by African-American authors and illustrators that reflect the African-American experience.
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans
The 2012 Coretta Scott King author winner isHeart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans, written by Kadir Nelson. This epic work, told by a nameless grandmother narrator, who interweaves her family’s trials and tribulations with the history of America, sheds light on how African Americans helped shape our country’s history. From colonial times and abolition, through several wars, Reconstruction, and the Great Migration, to the Civil Rights Era and a 21st century presidential election, the narrator takes listeners on a perilous journey, that in the end, leads to freedom and equal rights. The book comes to a close as the narrator proudly tells how she cast her vote for the first African-American president, Barack Obama.
The storytelling voice is direct, no-nonsense, unflinching in its truth telling. But the narrator’s tone and warmth, her endearments of “honey” and “chile,” which are sprinkled throughout, add a sweetness that makes this difficult period in American history a bit easier for children to swallow. This intimacy pulls the listener right in, you want to listen, even though what she’s saying is often hard to hear. There’s a sense that receiving her story is a gift, and a responsibility, to remember the past and to always be moving toward equal rights and justice.
Heart and Soul was also awarded the 2012 Coretta Scott King honor award for illustration. Kadir Neslon’s lush oil paintings are rendered in deep, colorful tones that shine with an inner brilliance. Their impact is enormous, powerful, arriving with every turn of the page, some spreading across two pages at once. These portraitures of history tell a story of their own.
Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans, written and illustrated by Kadir Nelson, published by Balzer & Bray of HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 2011. 108 pg. ISBN: 978-0-06-173074-0
The Great Migration: Journey to the North
Two books received Coretta Scott King honorable mentions for authorship. One is The Great Migration: Journey to the North, written by Eloise Greenfield and illustrated by Jan Spivey Gilchrist, a picture book about a transformational time in American history.
More than a million African-Americans left the south and moved north between the years of 1915 and 1930. They left behind all they had known to escape the brutalities of the Ku Klux Klan, a dire economic situation, and the harsh realities of segregation.
If you’re watching someone “rock out” in the USA, chances are they are playing a guitar. It might be a bass guitar, an electric guitar, an acoustic guitar or maybe even a 12 string guitar, but it probably is some kind of guitar. Along with the banjo and the fiddle, it’s one of our country’s “stringed instruments of choice.” Now if you were to travel almost halfway around the world to countries like Russia or the Ukraine, you’d also see some pretty amazing musicians and musical groups. But instead of the familiar guitar, they might be making their own musical magic with a triangular-shaped instrument called a balalaika.
Unlike the guitar, the balalaika is actually a family of instruments with a variety of sizes from the smaller, mandolin-sized prima balalaika to a huge contrabass balalaika which is so large that it needs wooden legs to support it as it stands on the floor. And the contra bass is so large that it is played with a pick made from a large piece of leather or even a boot heel – wow!
If you’d like to see a balalaika, check out this video in Yiddish and English called Tum Balalaika:
This folksong from Eastern Europe is actually a riddle song. In the original Yiddish, a boy is seeking a lovely girl who is as pretty as she is smart. So he stays up all night and devises a series of riddles that are questions for her. The chorus of the song: “tum bala, tum bala, tum, balalaika” imitates the strum of the balalaika. If you’d like to see some of the riddles he poses, there’s an English translation below.
Because I often sing for audiences that speak mainly English, I sing the original verse in Yiddish and then add new verses in English that tell the story. The girl is as clever (or more clever) then the boy. She answers all his questions then asks him to be her beau. It’s a perfect ending since the young lady also wanted a boyfriend as clever as he might be handsome!
If you’d like to see and hear an actual balalaika, check out this balalaika orchestra:
You’ll see a group of boys and men of various ages playing the Beatles Song “Yesterday” on their balalaikas. Notice the different sizes and shapes working together to create the beautiful melody.
John Hodgman at the Amherst Cinema on March 11th, 2012. (Courtesy Photo)
There’s little question that Rachel Maddow’s rise is something many Valley folk feel a kind of personal cheerlead-y excitement over. I mean, she’s smart and funny and we loved her first. She brings some of our real politics into the mainstream (by real, let’s say progressive and a little wonky, the National Priorities Project and Free Press angles of seeing the issues writ less about political parties and more about issues of access and spending and information sharing). Her love story is pretty quintessentially a Valley one; she met Susan when she knocked on the door to fix something and you know, lesbians in love, happens all the time (around here).
She’s even been Tumblr’ed to better that oft-memed Ryan Gosling—what’s not to like?
Part of what makes it that much more fun to live here is that the people who somehow collide with fame and Paradise or its environs, before, after or during really do give back.
Case in point: Rachel Maddow helped raise money this summer for the Cummington Creamery (also, she and her partner are generous more generally around here).
❥ Next month, John Hodgman will offer his witty brand o’expertise to a Movie Trivia Bee for our (fabulous) independent movie theaters, Pleasant Street Cinema and Amherst Cinema. The event will be at Smith College (Weinstein Auditorium) on Sunday, March 11th at 3 PM. Bill Dwight, formerly the world’s oldest video clerk and now City Council President in Northampton (that’s how Northampton rolls) is emcee. Rather than glitz, we have cool, sharp and funny going—and gracious and loyal. Love of place and community, baby, that’s the bomb diggity.
Sarah is a writer, who lives in Northampton with her husband and four children. She contributes to Preview Massachusetts Magazine, as well as other publications and writes a parenting blog Standing in the Shadows at the Valley Advocate. She moved to the Valley to attend Hampshire College—and found the Valley such a nice place, she stayed!
Readers have recommended family-friendly restaurants in Western MA for Valentine's Day. Do you have a restaurant you'd like to recommend? Post in the comment field below. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Erin Burke Murphy writes, “Can anyone recommend some restaurants my Husband and I could go to with our 20 month old for an early delicious Valentine’s Day dinner?”
Matt Grillo recommends: “Bertucci’s (Amherst, Longmeadow & West Springfield) is very family-friendly, inexpensive and tasty. ♥”
Lori Shine recommends: “The Apollo Grill in Easthampton! Especially on the early side (5:30pm) they are usually not that busy, staff is super kid-friendly, their menu has a luxurious side and less expensive options too. Not to mention if the 20-month-old needs a break from her seat, one of the parents can let her run in Eastworks‘ long hallways for a few minutes! Hands down our favorite restaurant for family dining! p.s. the food is fantastic.”
Ron Frost Wright recommends: “There’s always Four Main Street Bar and Grill in Huntington if your looking for a quiet atmosphere or the Russell Inn in Russell, MA.”
Kathy McDonnell Elsea recommends: “I’m with Lori… Apollo Grill… Roberto’s Restaurant (Northampton) is yummy too.”
Kara Kitchen recommends: “Pizzeria Paradisio in Northampton, The Brewmaster’s Tavern in Williamsburg, Hope and Olive in Greenfield… I heard Chandler’s Restaurant (South Deerfield) is very nice for Valentine’s Day…and the little one would love a trip through Yankee Candle. Maybe Magic Wings before hand to really make it special-butterflies+flowers are a perfect celebration of love!”
Judy Bennett recommends: “People’s Pint in Greenfield is kid friendly with great food & beer.”
Sandra Dias recommends: “Roberto’s Restaurant in Northampton is very family-friendly.”
Rebecca Trow Addison recommends: “I will add that while it’s not romantic at all .. the Route 9 Diner in Hadley is family friendly and on Tuesdays kids eat free. Valentines’ Day happens to fall on a Tuesday so… if kids ask nicely the cashier will let them pick a toy out from a bin tucked under the cashier’s desk when the family leaves. Plus of course the kids menus are made for coloring and doing activities etc… On nights other than Tuesdays the prices are reasonable. Kid’s pancake is about $2, burgers and other items a few bucks more. Great place!”
Erin Burke Murphy writes, “Great suggestions! Thanks everyone, I’ll let you know where we end up.”
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Northampton's 2nd Annual Ice Art Festival happens this Friday, Feb. 10th as part of Northampton Arts Night Out. See sculptures being made during the day on Friday and enjoy them Friday night and throughout the weekend. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
BEST BETS
On Saturday, February 11th from 10am – MUSIC/PANCAKES – The first in a series of Saturday Morning Music Party events kicks of at Flywheel with a pancake breakfast, screening of Pancake Mountain, and DJ Youthelectronix for a family dance party. This series is presented by Flywheel, Hilltown Families and The No Nap Happy Hour. 413-527-9800. 43 Main St. (Old Town Hall). Easthampton, MA (FREE)
Then later on Saturday, February 11th from 12:30-3:30pm – VALENTINES/HISTORY: Create your own Victorian-inspired valentines today at the Wistariahurst Museum! The museum will have antique valentines on display for participants to view and gain inspiration from. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)
In the evening on Saturday, February 11th from 5-8pm - COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Easthampton’s annual Fire and Ice celebration takes place tonight! It’s during the town’s monthly Art Walk event, and along with galleries being open across town, there will be ice sculptures all over town, street performances, and live music! Families can see art created by local artists and enjoy the pop-up winter street art. Easthampton, MA. (FREE)
Parents' Night Out ticket giveaway for Valentine's Day to see Ruth Moody at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA! Deadline to enter to win: 02/10/12 by 7pm (EST)
On Sunday, February 12th from 10am-12noon – CREATIVE FREE PLAY: The Cummington Family Center is hosting a valentine-themed potluck and box play event for families today! Bring a dish to share, and then enjoy creative free play using a collection of boxes big and small. Kids can exercise their creativity by building and creating- boxes are great for free play, and it’s a totally non-commercial activity! 33 Main Street. Cummington, MA. (FREE)
On Sunday, February 12th from 2-5pm – FATHER/DAUGHTER VALENTINE BALL: Dads and granddads can take the special daughters and/or granddaughters in their lives to Longmeadow Parks and Recreation’s annual Father-Daughter Valentine’s Ball! Dress up in your fanciest clothes and enjoy a fun afternoon of holiday-themed music, dancing, decorations, and treats! Perhaps dads and daughters can learn a few dances together before the event. Takes place at the Community House. 413-565-4160. 735 Londmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. ($)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Enter to win tix to the Winklepicker Festival's Mardi Gras Ball with Buckwheat Zydeco at the Ashfield Town Hall followed by an after-party with The Primate Fiasco. Deadline to enter to win: 02/15/12 by 7pm (EST)
On Saturday, February 18th from 9am-1pm – ANIMAL ADVENTURE: Spend the day outside learning about animal tracking, botany, and how animals adapt for survival during the winter today at the Guyette Farm with the Franklin Land Trust! Naturalist John Foster will lead the exploration. Registration required. 413-625-9151. Gloyd Street. Plainfield, MA. (FREE)
On Sunday, February 19th from 3-5pm – FAMILY DANCE: Families are invited to Laurel Park for live music, traditional country dancing, singing and some games, all led by an experienced caller, for families with little ones. 413-230-7037. 2 Laurel Park. Northampton, MA (>$)
BULLETIN BOARD
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS: Accepting applications for fall 2012. The Bement School founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield is a co-educational junior boarding and day school serving 245 students in kindergarten through grade 9. Bement’s rich, traditional curriculum motivates and challenges students with strong academics, a renowned fine arts program, and a diverse athletic program. Students participate in athletics and fine arts daily. The pervasive atmosphere at Bement is that of a family, learning and living together. Bement actively seeks an academically diverse, international, and multi-cultural student body. For information on how to apply, financial aid, or to arrange a visit to campus, call 413-774-7061 www.bement.org.
Jennifer Van Beckum writes, “There are currently 2-3 openings in my home-based Waldorf Childcare Program in Florence, ½ or full day options. The program is based on rhythm, a love of nature, the protection of childhood, and the belief that the caregiver should surround the children with the love and happiness which will help their capacities unfold and flourish. Our days include creative play, crafts, painting, baking, and gardening, circle time, story time, outdoor play and rest time. Warm, home-made, nutritious snacks and lunch are served. I have 20 years experience as an Early Childhood Teacher and am also a Certified Simplicity Parenting Group Leader. For more information call Jennifer Van Beckum: 413-586-0596 or email: javanbeckum@iglide.net.”
SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. See your event, camp, workshop, business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter! Find out more about our Enhanced Publicity options and how we can help with your marketing.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS:
Feb 11th—Feb 17th, 2012
Norman Rockwell: Pictures for the American People
A Family Guide
Designed specifically for families interested in extending art studies past a museum trip, the Norman Rockwell Family Guide is full of Rockwell’s work and includes information and questions to keep in mind while examining the images.
The month of February is artist Norman Rockwell’s birthday month! His birthday was on the 3rd, and to celebrate, the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, MA continues to offer resources for families to learn about his art. In addition to the works available in the museum’s galleries, families can take an even greater in-depth look at Rockwell’s art using information available on the museum’s website. There is a biography page, which includes a timeline of Rockwell’s life and work. Another page offers information on exhibits past and present of Rockwell’s work, as well as a slideshow of the collection. There is accompanying information for many of the images- it’s a great way to prepare for a visit to the museum or to get a glimpse in to his artwork if you’re not able to go.
Also, newly added to the site is a specialFamily Guide you can download. Designed specifically for families interested in extending art studies past a museum trip, the guide is full of Rockwell’s work and includes information and questions to keep in mind while examining the images. Questions range from plain observations to more critical questions about what you can deduce about the inspiration for the painting, the creation process, or the cultural context of an image’s creation just by looking at a piece of art. The available resources can supplement learning done while visiting the museum or be used at home along with studies of other artists. Rockwell’s work is particularly useful for teaching kids to look critically at images because most of his paintings are depictions of everyday events. The images that kids will be considering are similar to the types of illustrations that they see in picture books- it’s a logical place to begin!
Norman Rockwell Museum is located on 36 park-like acres in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, Rockwell’s hometown for the last 25 years of his life. The Museum is open year-round; closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For more information visit the Museum online at www.nrm.org.
2nd Annual Northampton Ice Art Festival
Friday, Feb. 10th, 2012
For the second year in a row the streets of Northampton will be filled with ice shavings and the sound of chisels & chain saws while sculptors and ice carvers create magnificent works out of ice. This year’s Northampton Ice Art Festival will take place on Friday, February 10th. Artists will begin working at 10am on Friday, and will have completed their works by evening- spectators can check out the process throughout the day, then check back later on to see the finished product.
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The event is part of February’s Arts Night Out Northampton event, sponsored by the Northampton Center for the Arts. Ice sculptures will be at many locations throughout town, and many galleries and businesses will be open and displaying work as part of the event as well. Weather permitting, the sculptures will remain in town throughout the weekend! This year’s ice sculptors are coming to the project from a variety of backgrounds- there are sculptors of all types (snow included), installation artists, carvers, and even a painter! For more information on the event, visit nohoarts.org. The Ice Art Festival showcases art in an infrequently utilized medium- don’t miss this opportunity to see the beautiful, unique, and ephemeral works of art!
Williams College Invites Community to Experience the Human Library on February 10th & 11th
Williams College invites all members of the community to experience the Human Library, Friday, Feb. 10, from 11am-3pm. and Saturday, Feb. 11, from 1-3pm. at Paresky Center on the Williams College campus. This is a free, interactive event and reservations are not required. The Human Library at Williams contains 35 to 40 books: living people who have volunteered to be "checked out" for 25 to 30 minutes each. As a reader, a visitor will be able to start a one-on-one conversation with any book in the Library. This is an opportunity to borrow another person for a given time and ask them what you want to know. The goal is for members of our community—both on campus and off—to learn more about each other, to explore and move beyond stereotypes, and to develop a greater understanding of each person's unique story.
The idea of checking a person out from a library sounds like it came out of a futuristic science fiction novel. In reality, it’s actually part of Williams College’s Human Library event in Williamstown, MA! Instead of a traditional library where books and checked out and read, the human library is full of people who can be “checked out” and asked questions! The human books will answer questions and help explain to their “readers” everything there is to know about their topic. The goal of the event is to build community, encourage community members to learn more about each others’ life experiences, and to help the community begin to move beyond stereotypes.
Human books are available on topics like evangelical Christianity, feminism, Olympic athletics, Iraq War veterans, and more. Each topic is something that the human book has experienced in their own lives, and the information provided is firsthand. The event is appropriate for teens and parents- older kids can learn about acceptance and reducing prejudice, and can use the event to supplement cultural studies and/or studies of race, gender, and privilege. The Human Library will be open at the college’s Paresky Center on February 10th from 11am-3pm and February 11th from 1-3pm. For more information, call 413-527-9277. The event is free and open to all.
Mardi Gras Costume Exhibit
During Winklepicker Festival in Ashfield
Feb. 17-18, 2012
Mardi Gras is incredibly rich in culture, a fact that sets it apart from the majority of other American celebrations; a visit Winklepicker Festival's Mardi Gras Costume Exhibit can supplement studies of American culture, fashion, costume design, sewing, or art. Opening night: Friday, Feb. 16th at 7pm.
In New England, costumes are generally reserved for Halloween (and maybe the occasional themed party). In New Orleans, however, costumes play an incredibly important role in the celebration of Mardi Gras. Families can learn about costume culture and creation at the Winklepicker Festival’s costume exhibit coming to Ashfield, MA on February 17th-19th, 2012!
The festival’s theme is Mardi Gras, as both events happen on the same weekend this year, and there will be Mardi Gras-style events taking place all weekend. Included in the events is the opportunity to visit an exhibit about the serious art of Mardi Gras costuming. The pieces created and worn vary greatly- as there is never one theme for the festival (outfits can be as outlandish as a wearable clawfoot tub!). Costumes are worn throughout Mardi Gras for parades and balls (held by groups called krewes). But it’s not just the wearing of the costume that is significant. Participants spend all year making their outfits and will pay hundreds of dollars for materials- costumes are incredibly intricate, elaborate, and are seeped creativity.
On display during the costume exhibit will be handmade costumes worn by members of a few different Mardi Gras krewes, and many handmade masks, as well as photos and videos of costumes and traditional Mardi Gras celebrations.
Opening night is Friday, Feb. 16th where there will be a presentation on costuming with Nancy Werner. Beginning at 7pm, the opening will include an informal discussion of costuming techniques and costume culture- attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and will learn from firsthand experiences.
Mardi Gras is incredibly rich in culture, a fact that sets it apart from the majority of other American celebrations; a visit to the exhibit can supplement studies of American culture, fashion, costume design, sewing, or art. In addition to opening night, the gallery will be open on Saturday, Feb 17th from 10am-5pm and Sunday, Feb 18th from 1-5pm. For more information call Nan at 413-628-4003
Free Day at MASS MoCA
Saturday, February 11th, 2012
Along with the museum’s exhibits will be special events just for FREE Day, including an elevator music festival, mermaid parade, art making, tours, and a dance party!
Have you been wondering what’s inside the tall, 19th century industrial buildings at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA? Now’s your chance! The museum’s annual FREE Day takes place on Saturday, February 11th from 11am-8pm. Visitors will be able to view the museum in its entirety- no exhibits will be excluded! Along with the museum’s exhibits will be special events just for FREE Day, including an elevator music festival, mermaid parade, art making, tours, and a dance party!
The elevator music festival takes place (where else!) inside an oversized elevator, where musicians will play short, intimate concerts for the elevator travelers, bringing new meaning and purpose to elevator music.
Inspired by James Grashow’s colorful sea creatures, Under the Sea is featured as the current KidSpace exhibit, where the mermaid parade will have visitors parading through the museum while decked out in mermaid garb and/or sporting cardboard fish created at the museum! There will be prizes for creativity (BYO flippers, triton, and seaweed). Along with the opportunity to create ocean-inspired art, there will be activities inspired by other exhibits, as well.
Kids can make bridges from toothpicks and clay, as inspired by the film work of Oded Hirsch (it’s a study in architecture and design!). Another project asks visitors to create works in the style of Sol Lewitt, and another will create a community installation inspired by Mary Lum’s “Tinker Tailor Soldier Sailor.”
Tours of the museum will leave the lobby every 30 minutes. There are many of activities, but there is ample time to fit in everything! A visit to the museum this Saturday (or any day, really!) will teach kids about contemporary art and will allow kids to practice working with different mediums and learning to use artists’ work as inspiration. Perhaps they’ll learn to see connections between artists, too! For more information, call 800-662-2111 or visit www.massmoca.org.
Be Mine: Chocolate & Valentines
Non-Commercial Way to Celebrate Valentine’s Day
February 11th & 12th at Old Sturbridge Village
Discover the history of chocolate and Valentine cards at OSV this weekend. A visit to the village during the special Valentine weekend is a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day non-commercially, and is also a great way to teach kids about life in early America!
Even when you’re immersed in the 19th century at Old Sturbridge Village, Valentine’s Day is still about sharing cards and eating chocolate. OSV’s “Be Mine: Chocolate and Valentines” takes place from 9:30am to 4pm this coming weekend, February 11th and 12th. Visitors to the village will learn about the history of chocolate in the United States, as well as how Valentine cards became an important part of celebrating Valentine’s Day. Historians at the village will show visitors the process of grinding roasted cacao beans to use in making chocolate cake and a spicy hot chocolate drink (not like the hot chocolate we have today!). Kids can create their own Valentines, an activity that they may be eager to take part in after learning where the tradition comes from (Hint: it involves a stationery maker, his young daughter, and an English tradition!)! A visit to the village during the special Valentine weekend is a way to celebrate Valentine’s Day non-commercially, and is also a great way to teach kids about life in early America! Learning about early customs and traditions can spark a discussion on the evolution of culture, and can supplement learning about customs and traditions for many different holidays in a variety of cultures. For more information, visit www.osv.org or call OSV at 800-733-1830.
If you are an entertainment junkie as I am, you might have seen or heard about Demi Moore’s fateful night a few weeks ago. According to a released 911 call and several reports, the gorgeous movie star allegedly smoked an unknown “but legal” substance that caused her to go into convulsions. When asked about the report on a red carpet somewhere where I was not and probably will never be (but I digress), George Clooney chastised the media release of the 911 tapes for going too far and prying into a human’s private life. But I disagree with him. (Yes Mr. Clooney even with all your suave, debonair, handsomeness I won’t be swayed when it comes to this. But I could be swayed in other ways………….) Um…WHERE was I? OH Demi! Yes.
Apparently the substance that Demi was smoking at a party (that her daughter was also attending I might add), was called “POSH.” When Giuliana Rancic, E’s reporter, uttered this word my husband, who usually is uber bored with my E Entertainment News obsession, sat straight up and began shaking his head in a disgusted way vigorously. The attention to the story puzzled me and I assumed it was because, well, Demi Moore in all her brunetty-rockin-body way is EXACTLY his type. But it wasn’t that at all…it was that he somehow agreed with me in my disagreement with Clooney’s protestation.
“I am glad that they released the tapes.” He uttered.
“You are?” I asked incredulously.
“Yes, it is about time that Posh gets some kind of media attention. You have no idea how rampant it is at school and since it is legal there isn’t really anything administrators can do about it.”
My husband is currently interning as a vice principal in a local middle school. Recently a student was caught smoking this “Posh” substance in the bathroom. When he was confronted about it in the main office, the red-eyed student was higher than a kite. He couldn’t contain his laughing, nor was he able to make eye contact with anyone or any object. Being as high as he was actually turned out to be an advantage to my husband and the other administrators because the boy was willing to say whatever and willingly give them the contents of his pockets. Here is what he handed over to the principal. Be sure to study it because what you are looking upon is quickly becoming an epidemic amongst teens for several reasons:
French Onion Soup, a delicious dish to bring warmth and richness to your family dinner on a cold February night!
CBS SOUP
Winter is finally upon us (where is the snow?!?), and it’s time for some hearty, warming, comforting foods. I enjoy cooking soups when it’s cold outside because they often take quite a while to cook (helping to heat our house!). I often bake bread to accompany the soup (helping to heat our house!) and they usually don’t require a lot of attention so I can tend to chores like carrying in firewood (actually heating our house!). I could make a different soup every day of the year and still not run out of ideas for variations. I can match a soup to virtually any ethnic cuisine, to any combination of ingredients that I have on hand, and to suit any taste preference.
This month’s soup recipe is Corn, Bean and Winter Squash Soup, better know by its’ fans as CBS Soup. This soup is hearty enough to serve as a lunch or dinner main course, but versatile enough to serve as a side dish with a wide variety of entrees. Try substitutions if you don’t have all the ingredients, or add other vegetables that you have on hand. We make this soup entirely from our own preserved garden vegetables: the root vegetables and squash are in storage; the tomatoes are canned; the black beans are dried; the white beans are frozen. Now, if Amy could just grow us some olives, we could press our own olive oil! Well, we can’t grow everything here in our Hilltowns, but in this bitter cold it’s nice to raid the pantry and freezer and remember the bounty of summer. Enjoy, and stay warm!
Amy and I have used the last of our stored garden onions. I tracked down some local onions for us to sell at the Old Creamery from Wendolowski Farm in Hatfield, MA and I bought about 25 pounds to bring home to get us through the next couple of months. Aahhh … the onions! I’ve been looking for inspiration to pull me from dreary February days. I know the perfect thing to bring warmth and richness to February … French Onion Soup. This is my vegetarian version of the classic recipe. Even without the beef broth, this is a deeply satisfying, soulful dish. I tucked away some of the local mesclun and arugula from Equinox Farm that we had for sale at the Old Creamery over the weekend, so we’ll have a fresh salad to add to our meal. When Amy and I are finished stacking wood, the warm hearth will beckon us, the steaming soup will nourish us, the crisp salad will lift us, a candle will offer light, and flowers will remind us of the ever-present joys.
Amy and I love our Hilltown winter lifestyle. We love cutting firewood, splitting wood, stacking and moving and re-stacking logs. We love shoveling snow. We love snowshoeing and sitting inside watching the snow fall and watching the icicles grow and morph before our eyes. We love building blazing fires and huddling up to our hearth. We even love walking from the car to the house late at night after a long day’s work, plowing our way through thigh-deep drifts that have blown onto our carefully shoveled path. The snow and ice that cling to our boots and pants is like a badge of honor…we may be getting older but we’re still tough!
And when we are ready for dinner after our winter work-outs, we yearn for hearty food to satisfy a bold hunger. Our plates and bowls will be filled with rich and substantial vegetarian fare, but I offer you omnivores a robust recipe for Chili con Carne. I’ve used my mom’s recipe as a starting point, but I’ve included a few ingredients and techniques to offer more depth and flavor complexity. Enjoy the challenging chores of winter in the Hilltowns, and treat yourself to a great meal after the work-out.
Alice has been co-owner of The Old Creamery since 2000. She and her partner and spouse, Amy, have lived in Cummington since they built their home in 1986. Alice and Amy are very deeply connected to their land; they grow a lot of their own food, eat well (especially during the growing season), feed many friends and loved ones and preserve as much food as possible. Rarely a day goes by that they don’t say “Aren’t we blessed to live here?” Feeding people feels like a calling to Alice. She was brought up with her Italian Gram and her Dad putting something wonderful to eat in her mouth and saying “Here, eat this.” Nothing brings her greater joy than feeding people that she cares about or people that are in need of kindness and nurturing.
Shelly Bathe Lenn writes, “ALL of those are WONDERFUL. Must make a point to check them out. I want to see more of Wisteriahurst, and take a boat tour/ride on the CT river (Quinnetukut II Riverboat in Northfield).”
Susan Lillie Robert writes, “Tons of things, need to start making a list.”
Meagheanne Donahue writes, “The Titanic Museum, 208 Main Street, Indian Orchard. My son is all about the old ships & liners. I’m taking him & a friend there over February break.”
Cassandra Van Wagner writes, “Haven’t been to the Springfield Museums in a long while. Would love to go back.”
Follow the links above to listen to our archived podcasts and to see playlists, video and resources.
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD QUIZ
Our friends, The Deedle Deedle Dees, an educational rock band based in Brooklyn, NY, are currently a doing a quiz for students ages 9 and older based on our Underground Railroad Episode. They are inviting families to listen carefully to our podcast and then to take their 8 question quiz. Listeners are asked to supplement their listening with songbooks, history and scholarly books found on their shelves at home or at the library to come up with your answers. Everyone who tries to answer all 8 questions will receive a free copy of a Deedle Deedle Dees CD of their choice! Wow! That’s generous! They are giving you one week to complete the quiz with the deadline being Friday, Feb. 10th by 11:59pm (EST). This is a fun way to get your kids to learn more about the history of the Underground Railroad along with discovering the meaning of the symbols and metaphors found in these songs about freedom. Read the quiz and find out how to participate at Dee-Mocracy.
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Have you seen the exhibit, "Hilltown Families: A Traveling Photography Exhibit of Life and Landscape in Western MA?" Check it out at the Worthington Library this month, moving to the Cummington Community House in March. (Photo Credit: Sienna Wildfield, Farm Truck in Ashfield)
If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families throughsponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
BEST BETS
There's still time so show your support of Hilltown Families by voting us as Best Local Blog in the Valley Advocate's Best of the Valley Readers' Poll for 2012! Best Local Blog is listed under the "Media Mavens" category. Deadline to vote is Wed., Feb. 8th by 12Noon. Click on the banner to cast your vote! Must vote for at least 10 of your local favorites... how about some of our sponsor?
Saturday, February 4th in Hampden Co. from 12noon-3pm – ICE HARVESTING: Join the town of Granville for their annual ice harvest! Visitors can see the process of harvesting ice and learn about what it was used for. Storrowton Village historian Dennis Picard will demonstrate ice cutting techniques- spectators may even get to try their hand at using the ice saw, pike pole, or ice tongs! Ice harvesting was once a very profitable industry in New England, and ice from the area was shipped all over the world. Learning more about ice harvesting fits into studies of American History, local history, American culture, and technology development. Takes place on the pond at the Noble Drum Factory. 42 Water Street. Granville, MA. (FREE)
Also on Saturday, February 4th in Franklin Co. at 10am – FAMILY FUN: It’s Family Fun Day today at the Greenfield Youth Center! There will be fun activities, including a magic show, crafts, face painting, and a movie! 413-772-1553. 20 Sanderson Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, February 5th in Hampshire Co. from 2-6pm - ANIMAL ADVENTURE: Learn about the natural history of the crow, a very common and very interesting bird! The event begins with a presentation on crows, then a field trip to Springfield- watch the skies for crows, then follow them to a place where they congregate in a large group. Kids can learn about the behavior of and habitat needed by these birds- it’s a great supplement to studies of the local environment. Registration required. 413-584-3009. 127 Coombs Road. Easthampton, MA. (<$)
Also on Sunday, February 5th in Berkshire Co. from 12noon-4pm - OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Snowfest is today! Kids can enjoy snow-related outdoor activities like an obstacle course, skating, winter games, and more! The event is a fundraiser for the Williamstown Youth Center and is hosted by Williams College. 413-458-5925. 829 Main Street. Williamstown, MA. ($$)
Later in the week on Tuesday, February 7th from 6pm-7:30pm – ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION: CREATIVE FREE PLAY IN A COMMERCIALIZED WORLD: Hilltown Families is hosting a community roundtable discussion on supporting creative free play within our commercialized world. The event, which is open to parents, educators, and community members, will take place at Cup and Top Cafe and is co-sponsored by the Northampton Public Schools. Participants are invited to informally discuss the challenges of supporting free play and strategies for allowing children the opportunity for non-commercialized play. Attendees will be able to engage in discussion, seek and offer advice, and develop ideas or plans for dealing with commercialism targeted at kids. The event is a follow up to a presentation with Dr. Susan Linn (author of The Case for Make Believe and Consuming Kids) hosted by Hilltown Families before the holiday season. Dinner is available for purchase from the cafe until 6:30pm (gluten-, dairy-, and nut-free options available), and FREE childcare is available in the cafe’s playspace (e-mail hilltownfamilies@gmail.com to sign up for childcare). 1 North Main Street. Florence, MA (FREE)
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Enter to win a family 4-pack of tix!
On Saturday, February 11th from 10am-12Noon: FAMILY DANCE PARTY – There will be a family dance party with DJ Joan Holliday from 93.9 FM The River at the Northampton Center for the Arts. Families from throughout the Pioneer Valley will don their dancing shoes at this benefit for Nonotuck Community School. Come join kids of all ages under the disco ball and groove to a mix of classics, new tunes, and kids favorites at this all-for-the-family dance party! 413-586-5996. 17 New South Street, 3rd Floor. Northampton, MA ($)
On Sunday, February 12th from 2-5pm – FATHER/DAUGHTER VALENTINE BALL: Dads and granddads can take the special daughters and/or granddaughters in their lives to Longmeadow Parks and Recreation’s annual Father-Daughter Valentine’s Ball! Dress up in your fanciest clothes and enjoy a fun afternoon of holiday-themed music, dancing, decorations, and treats! Perhaps dads and daughters can learn a few dances together before the event. Takes place at the Community House. 413-565-4160. 735 Londmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. ($)
BULLETIN BOARD
OPEN HOUSE: Amherst Montessori School will hold an Admissions Open House for Parents, Saturday, February 4, 10AM-12noon. Learn what a Montessori education is all about, and if it is the right choice for your child. By following true Montessori principles, Amherst Montessori School nurtures each child’s spirit by demonstrating respect for others and a celebration of diversity, while offering a competitive academic curriculum. To register for the Open House, please call 413-253-3101. Amherst Montessori School, 27 Pomeroy Lane, Amherst. www.amherstmontessori.org.
OPEN HOUSE: On Sunday, Feb 5th Greenfield Center School will host a Birds of Prey Open House from 1-4pm. Come from 1-2pm to hear Tom Ricardi, Raptor Rehabilitator, talk about his work. See several majestic live birds of prey. From 2-4pm enjoy light snacks and bird-related activities and projects. Dissect an owl pellet, make masks and more. Kindergarten through 5th grade classes will be open for touring. All activities are free. www.centerschool.net. Birds of Prey Open House, K-5th, Sun. Feb. 5, 1-4pm.
KIDS MUSIC CAMP: WinklePicker Mardi Gras Kids Music Camp (for kids age 10-15), Sat. Feb. 18 from 10:30am-2:30 pm at Ashfield Preschool, Ashfield. Fiddle players, accordion aces & guitar players - learn Cajun technique from Stuart Kenney (Dewey Balfa’s band) and friends. Intermediate-level players, bring your fiddle, accordion or guitar, attend the workshops, then rehearse as “The WinklePickers” and perform at the Mardi Gras Ball with Buckwheat Zydeco (7:00 PM, Ashfield Town Hall)! Pack a bag lunch, WinklePicker will supply beverages. Fee is $25/Student and includes 1 adult ticket admission to the Chris Smither concert and the Buckwheat Zydeco concert and after-party. Tickets at Elmer’s Store & www.WinklePickerFest.com or call 413-230-0237 to register.
COOKING WORKSHOPS: Three WinklePicker Cajun & Creole Cooking Workshops Feb. 17, 18, 19 at Elmer’s Store, Ashfield. New Orleans chef and Food Director at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage FestivalMichelle Nugent will demonstrate Cajun & Creole cuisine in 3 demo & tasting classes over 3 days. Learn to make Duck Gumbo, Crawfish Etouffée & Gateau de Sirop; Oysters Rockefeller, Seafood Gumbo, Pecan Fish Muniere & Bananas Foster; or Crabmeat Ravigote, Shrimp Creole, Grillades & Grits & Brandy Milk Punch. Classes/tastings run 3 hours per session; see website for daily schedule & menu. Capacity is limited; advance registration is strongly recommended. $65/class; $175 3-classes advance price only. Tickets at Elmer’s Store and www.WinklePickerFest.com.
SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. See your event, camp, workshop, business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter! Find out more about our Enhanced Publicity options and how we can help with your marketing.
Shelly Bathe Lenn writes:“The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens offers a safe and welcoming setting to process the many feelings associated with grief and loss. Any family with a child ages 5-18 years who has experienced the death of a close family member is invited to participate in our Sunday afternoon groups. New groups will be forming late February, and will meet at the Hampshire Regional YMCA in Northampton. Pre-registration is required. For more information, please call 413-584-7086 x124 or email at shelly.thegarden@gmail.com.” www.garden-cgc.org
COMPOSTING: The Center for EcoTechnology will be offering three free workshops on home composting throughout February! The workshops, which will take place in the Berkshires and Pioneer Valley, will teach attendees about how to compost effectively at home as well as the year-round benefits of doing so and each workshop will include a hands-on compost pile creation. Compost is healthy for lawns, gardens, and houseplants, and helps the environment by reducing the amount of waste put in landfills. The workshops will take place on February 4th at the First Congregational Church in Williamstown, February 11th at Ward’s Nursery in Great Barrington, and February 25th at the Hadley Garden Center. Registration is required for the workshops- call 413-445-4556 x30 to sign up.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS:
Feb 4th—Feb 10th, 2012
5th Annual Winter Fare in Greenfield
Kicks off on Saturday, Feb 4th for a Weeklong Celebration
There will be four local food community potlucks scheduled throughout the week, including the towns of Greenfield, Gill, Ashfield and Conway. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Greenfield’s annual Winter Fare will take place on Saturday, February 4th! Along with the farmers’ market, workshops, and barter market that Winter Fare offers, there will be several events happening across Franklin County to celebrate local food, too!
Greenfield’s first Winter Fare took place five years ago, spearheaded by Juanita Nelson, and was designed as a celebration of local food during the season when local farms are least visible. However, despite the cold, ice, and snow, there’s still an abundance of local food available during the winter!
At the Greenfield’s Winter Fare, community members can come together to enjoy local foods, share their own home-preserved foods, and learn more about growing, preserving, composting, etc. at the many workshops offered. The main Winter Fare event will take the place of the Greenfield Winter Farmers’ Market at the Second Congregational Church (Main Street) from 10am-1pm. Other events include a local foods brunch spotlighting local honey and a new show from Piti Theater Company on Feb 5th., a screening of the documentary, “King Corn” on Feb. 8th, a seed swap and composting workshop on Feb. 12th, and four different local food potlucks throughout the week.
Greenfield’s Winter Fare celebrates delicious locally grown and produced foods, and provides numerous learning opportunities to the community. Visit the farmers’ market and explain to your kids how it’s possible to buy local greens, squash, carrots, and apples during the winter when nothing grows outside, or teach them some kitchen skills and create a local dish to contribute to a potluck. You could even do some canning with your kids to trade at the barter market! The possibilities are endless. To learn more about the many events taking place all over Franklin Count, visit www.winterfare.org.
Storrowton Village Museum Offers Unique Historic Programs During Winter School Vacation Week
Storrowton Village Museum, an educational arm of Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA, presents hands-on school programs and guided tours of its historic buildings throughout the year as well as seasonal 19th century-themed events.
This year, in order to accommodate the changes made to public school vacation schedules, Storrowton Village’s February break programming will take place alongside special programs designed for students who do not have vacation during the week of February 21st-24th.
The historic village, located in West Springfield at the Big E, hosts four different classes, each of which offers hands-on learning experiences. In “Little Red Schoolhouse,” kids will learn what a day at school during the 19th century would have been like (think quill pens!). The, “Look Back” program teaches about the different roles for girls and boys in daily tasks like cooking and blacksmithing. There is also a Storrowton sampler program that offers a look into many different aspects of 19th century living. The village’s normal vacation program, “A Day Away in the Past,” will be available for students as it normally is during school vacation. This program gives kids the chance to dress in period clothing and to do early American crafts such as candle dipping, 19th century games, and blacksmithing. For prices and more information, or to register for the programs, call 413-205-5051 or TheBigE.com/sv.
We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball
At the Eric Carle Museum on Feb 7th – June 10th, 2012
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art is opening its latest exhibit,“We Are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball,” on Feb 7th and running through June 10th, 2012. The exhibit features oil paintings by Kadir Nelson, which were created to illustrate a book of the same name. The intention of the book is to preserve the history of the Negro League and to offer information in a format that is easily accessible. Nelson conducted huge amounts of research while creating his paintings- he interviewed former Negro League players, searched through old photographs, collected memorabilia, and even tried on and took photographs in old league uniforms. His images accurately capture the spirit of the league. The players faced intense racial discrimination and social inequalities, and were forced to take lower salaries than their white equivalents. Despite this, they played on, and the determination and dedication that created the spirit of the league is conveyed by the paintings.
A visit to the exhibit can be not only a study of art but a study of American cultural history- it would fit well with a look at the civil rights movement or a discussion or unit on racial inequality. For more information, call the Eric Carle Museum at 413-658-1100 or visit carlemuseum.org.
Last month, I wrote about the Hebrew calendar and the lunar months that make up the Jewish year. The month of Shevat began with the last crescent moon, and features one of my favorite holidays of the entire year – Tu B’Shevat (which means, literally, the 15th of Shevat.)
Tu B’shevat is best known as the New Year of the Trees, or the Birthday of the Trees. Why, you might ask, do trees need their own New Year, and why would all trees celebrate one birthday no matter when they were planted? The primary reason is that there are several Biblical commandments that require knowing a tree’s age. The ancient law of Orlah prohibits eating any tree-grown fruit until it hits the ripe old age of four; agricultural tithes also depend on the age of a tree. Rather than expect people to keep track of each individual tree’s birthday, the Rabbis determined that all trees would share one birthday – the 15th of Shevat – for the purpose of these calculations.
In Medieval Times, Jewish mystics, knows as the Kabbalists, recognized Tu B’Shevat as an opportunity not just for running the numbers, but for honoring and celebrating trees (and by extension, all of creation.) They developed a Tu B’Shevat seder, not unlike the Passover seder, in which participants would eat and drink a variety of symbolic foods that grow on trees while reciting prayers and studying ancient texts. In recent years, the Tu B’shevat seder has become a popular and eclectic tradition. Some seders still delve into the complex and esoteric themes of the ancient kabbalists. Many seders focus instead on the theme of environmental stewardship, while others are more simple affairs – a chance to eat, sing and tell stories while celebrating a love of trees. There are many seders for all ages taking place in the area this month. If you would rather try your own, there are some wonderful resources are compiled at the website of Hazon, a Jewish organization dedicated to sustainability. I especially loved this animated version of a traditional story about Honi the Circle Maker and the the importance of planting for future generations:
If you are looking for other ideas for how to honor the birthday of the trees, I’ve offered 15 suggestions over at Homeshuling.
In Israel, Tu B’shevat falls just as the rainy season is coming to an end and the almond trees begin to bloom. In New England, Tu B’Shevat falls in the dead of winter. Nevertheless, it is a great opportunity to start keeping an eye open for one of our most beloved gifts from trees – the maple sap which will soon be rising and boiling up at sugar shacks all over Western Massachusetts. When I write next month’s post, I hope to be baking up treats for the holiday of Purim with fresh maple syrup!
Here’s the round up of events for families interested in learning more about Jewish culture in Western MA. Hope to see you at one of these great programs!
Friday, Feb. 3rd at 5:30pm is an intergenerational family service and concurrent Tot Shabbat. Followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner. (Bring a nut free, vegetarian dish to feed 10-15 people). For more info contact Jody Rosenbloom at 413-256-0160 x203. Jewish Community of Amherst. 742 Main Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, Feb. 4th at 11am is Tot Shabbat with Peggy Walker, a fun, active event celebrating Shabbat for ages 5 and under. Contact CBI religious school for more info: 413-584-3593 x203. Congregation B’nai Israel. 253 Prospect St. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, Feb. 4th at 10:45am is Shabbat B’Yachad/Shabbat Together, an ecclectic morning for all ages. Choose from a range of activities. At 9am is Shabbat yoga with Corinne Andrews. Services begin at 10am with lively song on this “Shabbat Shira.” At 10:45am is a traditional Torah service and hevruta study as well as a choice of artistic and movement choices for Torah expression. By noon we are back together finishing services by 12:30pm. Followed by a potluck Shabbat meal – bring a vegetarian, nut-free dish to feed 10-15 people. For more info contact Jody Rosenbloom at 413-256-0160 x203. Jewish Community of Amherst. 742 Main Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, Feb. 5th from 10am-12noon is Hand in Hand Family Education Program for children in Pre-K and Kindergarten. This month celebrate Tu BiShvat, the New Year of the Trees. 413-663-5830. Congregation Beth Israel. 53 Lois Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, Feb. 5th from 10:30am-12noon are Tu B’Shevat activities, songs and crafts in ‘stations.’ Grades k-6 and Parents.events are geared towards family participation. You do not have to be part of our religious school to attend. 413-584-3593 x203. Congregation B’nai Israel. 253 Prospect St. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
Winklepicker Festival
Mardi Gras Ball w/ Buckwheat Zydeco
& After-Party w/ The Primate Fiasco
Saturday, Feb 18th @ 7pm in Ashfield, MA
Winklepicker Festival's Mardi Gras Ball with Buckwheat Zydeco at the Ashfield Town Hall (412 Main Street), followed by an after-party with The Primate Fiasco, happens on Feb 18th! Deadline to enter to win: 2/15. Details below.
Continuing our Parents’ Night Out promotions, Hilltown Families has a pair of tickets to giveaway to one very lucky couple to the Winklepicker Festival Mardi Gras Ball with Buckwheat Zydeco at the Ashfield Town Hall (412 Main Street), followed by an after-party with The Primate Fiasco next door at Elmer’s, in Ashfield, MA on Saturday, February 18th at 7pm. Deadline to enter to win: 2/15. Details below.
WHAT IS WINKLEPICKER?
Italy has Carnivale, Brazil has the same. Germany has Fasching, New Orleans has Mardi Gras… Ashfield has Winklepicker! – And while those other festivals are all tied to the last possible blow-out moments before the contemplative days of Lent, out here in the Protestant hinterlands, Winklepicker is tied to the hardest part of the year – when the novelty of winter has worn off, warmth is still half a globe-turn away and you’d like something to do besides plow snow and rake roofs.
Winklepicker stirs all the warmth of music, dancing, community, eating and drinking up together in one big, roiling pot. Winklepicker celebrates warmth and fun in the coldest, plainest days of the year. This inaugural year, the third weekend of February also turned out to be the weekend that precedes the above celebrated festivals, and the theme of Mardi Gras in New Orleans was picked as the inaugural theme for the weekend.
This year’s festival includes: Creole Cooking Workshop; Exhibit of Mardi Gras costumes; Mardi Gras Kids Music Camp; Concert with Chris Smither; Gospel Brunch; and a Mardi Gras Ball with Buckwheat Zydeco (after-party with The Primate Fiasco). Find out more at www.winklepickerfest.com.
MARDI GRAS BALL WITH BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO
Grammy Award-winning American musical legend, Louisiana vocalist, and accordion and organ master Buckwheat Zydeco is the preeminent ambassador of Louisiana zydeco music. The New York Times says, “Stanley ‘Buckwheat’ Dural leads one of the best bands in America. A down-home and high-powered celebration, meaty and muscular with a fine-tuned sense of dynamics…propulsive rhythms, incendiary performances.” This high-energy band will lead a night of dancing and Mardi Gras revelry that you won’t want to miss, so put on your dancing shoes and join Buckwheat Zydeco as he heats up Ashfield Town Hall. Then stay for the After Party with The Primate Fiasco. The Ball begins at 7pm; after party at 9:30pm. – Not familiar with Buckwheat Zydeco, sample his music here… but be sure to put on your dancing shoes first!
HOW TO ENTER WIN
Your chance to win a pair of tickets to the WinklePicker Festival Mardi Gras Ball with Buckwheat Zydeco at the Ashfield Town Hall (412 Main Street), followed by an after-party with The Primate Fiasco next door in Ashfield, MA, on Saturday, February 18th at 7pm is easy & simple! To enter to win simply:
CONSIDER SHARING ON FACEBOOK by selecting “Like” below
TELL US HOW HILLTOWN FAMILIES HELPS YOUR FAMILY SHAKE OFF THE WINTER BLUES below (one entry per household) and be sure to tell us your
FULL NAME (first/last) and where you
LIVE (TOWN/STATE) must include your town to be eligible.
ACCURATE EMAIL (we never share your email address).
We’ll randomly draw a winner and will share the results below.
IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline to enter to win is Wednesday, 02/15/12 @ 7pm (EST)
Tickets at Turn It Up!, World Eye Books, Boswell’s Books, Elmer’s Store & online at mightyalbert.com. For more info call 413-628-4003.
Saturday Morning Music Party Series in Easthampton
Free Pancakes, Live Music, Dancing & Crafts
Known to its neighbors and fans for boisterous concerts and a DIY aesthetic, the Flywheel Arts Collective of Easthampton may not immediately spring to mind when considering a venue for a family-friendly activity for the kids. But with the announcement of the ‘Saturday Morning Music Party,’ a free monthly breakfast bash featuring a variety of activities, performances and diversions for kids (to run from February through May, initially), Flywheel becomes just that.
WHAT: Monthly Saturday Morning Music Party Series for Families
WHERE: Flywheel Arts Collective, 43 Main Street (Old Town Hall), Easthampton, MA
WHEN: Saturdays, Feb 11, Mar 10, Apr 7 & May 12, 10am
COST: Free. Suggested Donation $5 ($10 per family) for Mar 10 & Apr 7 concerts.
CONTACT: 413-527-9800
Partnering with Hilltown Families and The No-Nap Happy Hour, the first of four installments of the Saturday Morning Music Party series kicks off on February 11 at 10am at Flywheel’s Easthampton location in the town hall building at 43 Main St. in Easthampton. Subsequent events take place on March 10, April 7 and May 12. Each month’s bash features a pancake breakfast followed by musical performances, various activities and guided arts and crafts.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH:
On Saturday, February 11th, following a free pancake breakfast which begins at 10am, the first installment of the series features a screening of an episode of Pancake Mountain, a Washington D.C.-based, public-access, Saturday morning TV show hosted by a goat puppet who often features indie rock bands as guests. After the show, kids join DJ Youthelectronix for the “best ever dance party before noon.”
Dj Youthelectronix, a.k.a. Jeremy Smith, a veteran Flywheel volunteer, led the effort to organize the Saturday Morning Music Party series. Driven to recreate the success of similar Saturday morning activities at Flywheel’s previous location, Smith says, “Offering unique and creative activities for families and kids while providing an outlet for artists to connect with the community falls exactly in step with Flywheel’s mission.” He’s particularly proud of the “diverse programming” to be offered, which is anything but the rote kids’ fare.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Subsequent month’s events will include live family concerts with award-winning musicians, Uncle Rock on March 10th, and R.O.C.K. on April 7th, along with a pancake breakfast and artist-led arts and crafts, and other fun activities. Then on May 12th the series will close out just as the Easthampton Bear Fest kicks off with the Little Bear Craft & Dance Party!
“Saturday Morning Music Party!” is supported by a grant from the Easthampton, MA local Cultural Council — a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Ruth Moody Band
Iron Horse Music Hall ♦ Northampton
Wednesday, Feb 14th, 2012 @ 7pm
Parents' Night Out ticket giveaway for Valentine's Day to see Ruth Moody at the Iron Horse in Northampton, MA! Deadline to enter to win: 02/10/12 by 7pm (EST)
Hilltown Families and Iron Horse Entertainment Group have partnered up to offer a chance to win free tickets to see adult venues in the Pioneer Valley for a PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT! You pay for the sitter, we’ll pay for the tickets!
For Valentine’s Day we are pleased to offer a chance to win a pairs of tickets to see Ruth Moody Band on Valentine’s Day, Wed., February 14th, 7pm at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA.
Win the tickets and take your sweetheart or BFF out for Valentine’s Day. Deadline to enter to win is Friday, 02/10/12 @ 7pm (EST). More details below.
ABOUT RUTH MOODY BAND
Although best known for her work with The Wailin’ Jennys, Ruth Moody is a Juno Award winning songwriter who’s made numerous critically-acclaimed albums and appeared more than a dozen times on A Prairie Home Companion. She’s also the former lead singer of The Duhks. She plays guitar, banjo, accordion, piano, and bodhrán and is a gifted songwriter. Writing with a maturity and wisdom that belies her age, her songs are timeless, universal, and exceptionally well-crafted, all sung with an intimacy and honesty that is unmistakably hers. Ruth released her highly-anticipated solo album The Garden in Spring 2010 features with an all-star cast including Crooked Still, Kevin Breit (Norah Jones, k.d. lang), Luke Doucet, and a guest appearance by The Wailin’ Jennys. The Ruth Moody Band, is Adam Dobres (electric guitar), Adrian Dolan (strings, mandolin, accordion) and Sam Howard (bass, vocals). www.ruthmoody.com
HOW TO WIN
Your chance to win a pair of tickets to see Ruth Moody Band on Valentine’s Day, Wed., February 14th, 7pm at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, MA. is easy & simple! To enter to win simply:
CONSIDER SHARING ON FACEBOOK by selecting “Like” below
TELL US HOW HILLTOWN FAMILIES KEEPS YOU CONNECTED WITH DATE NIGHT OPPORTUNITIES below (one entry per household) and be sure to tell us your
FULL NAME (first/last) and where you
LIVE (TOWN/STATE) must include your town to be eligible.
ACCURATE EMAIL (we never share your email address).
We’ll randomly draw a winner and will share the results below.
IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline is Tuesday, 02/10/12 @ 7pm (EST)
If you don’t win you should still go. Tickets are available at the Northampton Box office, online at IHEG.com, or by calling 413-586-8686.
Family Dance Party with Joan Holliday
Saturday, February 11th, 2012 @ 10am-12Noon
at Northampton Center for the Arts
On Saturday, February 11th, Northampton Center for the Arts (17 New South Street, 3rd Floor) will host a FAMILY DANCE PARTY from 10am-12Noon with DJ Joan Holliday from 93.9 FM The River, co-sponsored by Hilltown Families… and we have a family 4-pack of tickets to giveaway to one lucky family! Deadline to enter to win is 02/08/12. Find out how to enter to win below.
Families from throughout the Pioneer Valley will don their dancing shoes at this benefit for Nonotuck Community School. Come join kids of all ages under the disco ball and groove to a mix of classics, new tunes, and kids favorites at this all-for-the-family dance party!
“I’ve loved music since I was an infant (a peace and love British invasion child of the 60s!),” says Joan Holliday. “As a radio DJ at 93.9 WRSI The River, and an events DJ for almost ten years, I am especially excited to get the kids dancing to benefit Nonotuck! It’s fun for a great cause, and we’re gonna fill that dance floor!
ABOUT THE NCS 2012 WINTER FAMILY CONCERT SERIES
Hilltown Families is a proud sponsor of the NCS Winter Family Concert Series, an annual three-part Winter Family Concert Series hosted by Nonotuck Community School. The 2012 season started off with The Nieldsin January, followed by A Family Dance Party with DJ Joan Holliday this month, and Rani Arbo and daisy mayhem will conclude the series in March. Proceeds from this concert series will go to benefit Nonotuck Community School, a nonprofit parent cooperative that provides early education and care for children aged 15 months to 5 years old, and is located in Florence, Massachusetts (221 Riverside Drive, 586-5996). For more information visit: www.nonotuck.org or call 413-586-5996.
HOW TO WIN
Your chance to win a family 4-pack of tickets to Joan Holliday’s Family Dance Party at Northampton Center for the Arts on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 from 10am-12Noon, is as easy as 1-2-3 (4)! To win simply:
CONSIDER SHARING ON FACEBOOK by selecting “Like” below
TELL US YOUR FAMILY’S FAVORITE SONG (NAME OF SONG/ARTIST) FOR SHAKING AWAY THE WINTER BLUES FOR OUR COMMUNITY PLAYLIST below (one entry per household) and be sure to tell us your
FULL NAME (first/last) and where you
LIVE (TOWN/STATE) must include your town to be eligible.
ACCURATE EMAIL (we never share your email address).
We’ll randomly draw a winner and will share the results below
IT’S THAT SIMPLE! — Deadline is Wednesday, 02/08/12 @ 7pm (EST).
Welcome to Hilltown Families, a grassroots communication network for families living in Western Mass, established in 2005 by hilltown mother and long time activist Sienna Wildfield.
"We have found fun things to do to lift the winter blues on this Web site, including Fire and Ice arts walk the other night 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
Exhibit currently on display at the Worthington Library through February, moving to the Cummington Community House in March. - All images in the exhibit are for sale and proceeds benefit Hilltown Families.- Currently booking shows for 2013. Each exhibit is a unique showcase of images that correspond with the season and venue. Contact us to inquire about hosting this fundraising exhibit for Hilltown Families in your town/venue.
Are you a local writer, artist or non-profit resource? Want to support the work of Hilltown Families? Add a link to your web site here. Find out how: hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Posting a comment to Hilltown Famiies will automatically add you to the Hilltown Families mailing list to receive our weekly update. Email address are never rented or sold. To be removed from our mailing list, email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com to be removed.
disclaimer
Information provided on Hilltown Families (HF) is for informational and entertainment purposes only. Reasonable efforts are made to provide the most accurate information, but no guarantees of any kind can be made. Information can be changed without prior notice. Please check with 3rd parties to confirm all listings for date/time, cost, location and age appropriateness before attending. Opinions expressed on HF are that of the writer and not necessarily that of HF. In no event shall HF be liable (directly or indirectly) for any losses or damages causes (or allegedly caused) in connection with HF. All health and wellness related information is for entertainment purposes only and should not be used to substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. All provided links are provided as a courtesy and not as an endorsement.
If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.In the morning on Saturday, February 18th at 10am or 12noon in Berkshire Co. – FAMILY FILM: Share with your kids international films today at Images Cinema! The cinema is screening, “Lotte from Gadgetville,” an animated children’s movie from Estonia. The movie tells the story of Lotte, and the adventures she has learning about the many inventions created in her village. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street. Williamstown, MA. ($)
In the evening on Saturday, February 18th at 7:30pm in Hampshire Co. – THEATER/HISTORY: Old Deerfield Productions is presenting the premier of the new folk opera, “Truth,” which tells the story of former slave, abolitionist, and women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth. Kids with audience skills can supplement studies of American History by seeing the show. Seeing the show could be a great way to start a family dialogue about abolition and how it fits into the larger topic of human rights. Takes place at the Academy of Music. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
CHILDCARE OPENINGS: Little Bear Learn & Care, a high quality childcare program serving the Greater Easthampton Area, has limited openings available in their infant and two year classrooms. Offering childcare for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, Little Bear’s welcoming family atmosphere and creative free play environment supports the critical brain-building development of a child’s first five years of life, building a foundation of valuable social/emotional adeptness for later learning. Through basic sign language, modeling and role playing, Little Bear encourages the development of healthy communication skills. To schedule a visit or to find out more about current openings, call 413-203-1776, or visit online at www.littlebearlearnandcare.com.
FAMILY CONCERT: Sunnyside Children’s Center Presents… R.O.C.K…Paper…Blizzard! Rock those winter blues away, eat pizza with your pals, make art, and try to win our Rock Paper Scissors Championship! Come spend the morning with the Valley’s own rockin’ family music band, The Royal Order of Chords & Keys (R.O.C.K.), with Aric Bieganek on vocals and guitar, Hans Dalhaus on drums and David Picchi on bass. Featured on the Meltdown Stage at the 2011 Green River Festival, together they form the hardest rocking band for families in the world. Sunday, February 19th from 10:30am-12noon at the Florence Community Center. Tickets just $5 per person ($25 maximum per family). All proceeds fund the Sunnyside financial aid fund for families in need. www.sunnysidekids.org
SCHOOL VACATION WEEK: This February vacation join The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, MA for live performances, art making, gallery exhibitions, scavenger hunts, and story times! There will be live performances of The Ugly Ducking in the auditorium by the Pioneer Valley Performing Arts School, Feb. 21 – 24 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. $6 ($5 members). And while school might be out for some, kids can still learn about history through a new art exhibition, We Are The Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball, paintings by Kadir Nelson, and by creating timelines in the art studio, highlighting significant events and journeys from the past. The museum will be open on President’s Day! For more information please visit: www.carlemuseum.org or call 413-658-1100.
SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. See your event, camp, workshop, business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter! Find out more about our Enhanced Publicity options and how we can help with your marketing.
On Tuesday, February 7th, a group of parents, grandparents and childcare professionals came together for Hilltown Families’ 
The 2012 Coretta Scott King author winner is
Two books received Coretta Scott King honorable mentions for authorship. One is 
On Sunday, February 12th from 10am-12noon – CREATIVE FREE PLAY: The Cummington Family Center is hosting a valentine-themed potluck and box play event for families today! Bring a dish to share, and then enjoy creative free play using a collection of boxes big and small. Kids can exercise their creativity by building and creating- boxes are great for free play, and it’s a totally non-commercial activity! 33 Main Street. Cummington, MA. (FREE)
Jennifer Van Beckum writes, “There are currently 2-3 openings in my home-based Waldorf Childcare Program in Florence, ½ or full day options. The program is based on rhythm, a love of nature, the protection of childhood, and the belief that the caregiver should surround the children with the love and happiness which will help their capacities unfold and flourish. Our days include creative play, crafts, painting, baking, and gardening, circle time, story time, outdoor play and rest time. Warm, home-made, nutritious snacks and lunch are served. I have 20 years experience as an Early Childhood Teacher and am also a Certified Simplicity Parenting Group Leader. For more information call Jennifer Van Beckum: 413-586-0596 or email: 
Alice Cozzolino
The last two installments of the Hilltown Family Variety Show have been re-broadcasts of two very popular episodes:
KIDS MUSIC CAMP:
COOKING WORKSHOPS: 
Partnering with 
“Saturday Morning Music Party!” is supported by a grant from the Easthampton, MA local Cultural Council — a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
