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Discover fun and educational events happening this weekend in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Sledding is a ton of fun for families! But let's not forget about safety. After a recent sledding adventure landed us in the ER, I thought it wise to revisit some sledding safety advise. Click on the picture above to read sledding safety tips offered by the Cincinnati Children's Hospital. (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, location, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
OPEN HOUSE & BIRDS OF PREY: The Greenfield Center School in Greenfield, MA will be hosting an open house on Sunday, February 7th from 1-4pm. There will be a free Birds of Prey presentation with Tom Ricardi, raptor rehabilitator from 1-2pm. See live birds, including owls, hawks, eagles and more. From 2-4pm, the open house will include several free bird activities, including nest making, bird art, dissection of owl pellets, and crafting bird feeders. All are welcomed. Refreshments served. The Greenfield Center School is located at 71 Mountague City Road in Greenfield, MA. For more information call 413-773-1700, or email admissions@centerschool.net. www.centerschool.net
BULLETIN BOARD
Family Friendly Dance Party and Benefit Concert with The Bad Daddies and special guest vocalist, Eveyly Harris. Also featureing The Avalanche, The Hilltown Cooperative Charter School Chamber Singers, The Anne T. Dunphy School Chorus and DJ Eli! All happening at the Williamsburg Grange on Saturday, January 30th at 6pm. For more info email zevey@aol.com
SPONSORSHIP, ADVERTISING & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Deliver your message to a large local family based audience while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Advertise your event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement on our Weekly List of Suggested Events. Serious inquiries can email us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com for details.
HERB CLASS IN HILLTOWNS: Hand-Crafted Herbalism at Blazing Star Herbal School in Ashfield, MA. This is THE course in do-it-yourself herbalism. Class runs for four Sundays (Feb 21, March 14, March 28, April 11) from 1-5pm. Topics includes: Kitchen Medicine; The Fine Art of Tea Making; Natural Ways to Clean Your Home; Creating Your Own Body Care Products; Lost Art of Topical Applications; Herbal Garden Planning; Herbal Entertainment; Nourishing Recipes; and more! For more information contact Tony(a) Lemos at (413) 625-6875, tlemos@noho.com.
HANDMADE VALENTINE SWAP: Last year a handmade Valentine swap with friends and members of the Hilltown Families Listserv took place, and we had so much fun that we’re doing it again! Click here for more info. Deadline to sign up is Saturday by midnight.
SUPPORTING HEALTHY BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN KIDS: From the ‘What’s-Good-For-Students-is-Good-for-Parents’-Department’, here are some websites for parents about their children’s brains: one on early brain development, one on teenage brains, and a general brain quiz!
‘DOCTOR FOR A DAY’ PROGRAM ON MARCH 24: The Hampshire District Medical Society will host the annual event, which matches high school students who aspire to be doctors with a practicing physician mentor for the day. High school juniors and seniors must apply and submit two letters of recommendation; applications are available in the guidance office. The society must receive applications by February 5; guidance staff recommend completing applications no later than January 29.
FOOD RESOURCE: Free pizza slice & soup for families in need at Country Pie in Ashfield on Tuesdays from 4-7pm. – Donations accepted for Share the Wealth, a community organization that supports families in Ashfield.
TWEETS THIS WEEK
- Kids band, Hullabaloo, is offering a free album download of their best songs.
- Black History Month is the perfect time to teach teens about diversity, racism, prejudice, and African-American pioneers.
- Homework, tests, college, parents, and peers: learn more about your teen’s daily stresses and how you can help.
- Horse Toy Figures Recalled by Blip Toys Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard.
- Elmer’s to offer delivery of dinner (and groceries) around Ashfield on Thurs & Fri nights.
- Transition planning is now underway regarding the consolidation of Gateway elementary schools in Huntington.
- Huntington Library seeks teens who want to participate in a reading group. For more info call 667-3506
- Consider making donation to the West Cummington Congregational Church Rebuilding Fund at Florence Savings Bank.
- Tips for dads to get more out of watching the Super Bowl (and other TV sportscasts) with their daughters and son.
- Organic Trade Association launches contest for students, teachers to win organic garden or fully stocked organic vending.
- Follow us on
WEEKLY LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS
There are several opportunities to snowshoe with the family by the light of the full moon this weekend. Be sure to bundle up! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Suggest an Event | Local Forecast | School Closings and Delays | Free Museum Passes | Family Centers (Ages 0-4)
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
Saturday – 01/30/10
6-10am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 4-hours of commercial-free family programing every Saturday, including the Hilltown Family Variety Show and Spare the Rock. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org.
9am-3pm – FOOD | WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET: Winter Farmer’s Market at the Dynamite Space at Thornes Marketplace. From honey to hamburger, kale to apples, you’ll have access to the best in local produce, brought to you by the best in local farmers. Plus, live music, art, and a warm space to get out of the cold and into the community. Northampton, MA
MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Armed & Dangerous: Explorations of Human Culture and the Animal Kingdom opens at the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA
9am-12Noon – LOCAL FOOD | FUNDRAISER: Take the family to a locally grown pancake breakfast fundraiser for the Northampton Survival Center at Enterprise Farm. Purchase tickets in advance. 665-8608 South Deerfield, MA (FUNDRAISER)
9am-12:30pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES | SNOWSHOE: Lenox Mountain Snowshoe Hike with Berkshire Sanctuaries. Strap on your snowshoes for a strenuous hike to the snowy summit of Lenox Mt (2,126 ft). Track wildlife, identify trees by their bark, and finally take in a 50-mile view (a clear day) from the top. 637-0320 Lenox, MA (>$)
9:30am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Fire & Ice Day at Old Sturbridge Village. (508) 347-3362 www.osv.org Sturbridge, MA ($)
10am-1pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES | TRACKING: Winter Tracking: Porcupine and Fisher at Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. Preregister 584-3009 www.massaudubon.org Williamsburg, MA ($)
10am-5pm – HOBBY SHOW | TRAINS: Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show takes place at the Big E. The event features real life railroads and scale model railroads, historical societies, travel agencies, art shows, flea market dealers, importers, manufacturers and photographers. (860) 243-0811 www.railroadhobbyshow.com West Springfield, MA
12:50pm-2:50pm – ICE SKATING: Public skate at the Collins/Moylan Arena. Skate rentals available. 772-6891 Greenfield, MA (>$)
1pm & 3:45pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Long Tall Sword and Swift River Sword will perform traditional English Sword Dances at the Eric Carle Museum. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (Free w/Museum Admission)
1-3pm - ICE SKATING: Amelia Park Ice Arena. Rentals available. 568-2503 Westfield, MA (>$)
2pm & 3pm – CHORUS: Hampshire Young People’s Chorus performs in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (Free w/Museum Admission)
2-3:45pm – ICE SKATING: Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield. (413)448-8258 Pittsfield, MA ($)
6-8pm – MUSIC: Bread Euphoria will be holding a Bread & Acoustic Jam with local musicians. Come jam, or just come and listen. www.breadeuphoria.org Haydenville, MA (FREE)
4-6:50pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
6-11pm – COMMUNITY DANCE: Family-friendly dance/concert at the Williamsburg Grange. Williamsburg, MA (Fundraiser)
6:30-9pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES | SNOWSHOE: Snowshoeing in the moonlight at Northfield Mountain. Snowshoe rentals available, Pre-registration required – call 800-859-2960 Northfield, MA ($)
7-9pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES | SHOWSHOE: Wolf Moon Snowshoe at Graves Farm. Call (413) 445-4967 to reserve/rent a pair of snowshoes. Preregister 584-3009. www.massaudubon.org Williamsburg, MA ($)
7:30pm – SING-ALONG: Mamma Mia! Audience Sing-Along at the Academy of Music Theatre. Sing those ABBA songs as loud as you want! No one cares how you sound – we are too busy singing out the top of our lungs! Costumes, props, and dancing are highly encouraged. www.OutForReel.org Northampton, MA ($)
7-830pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES | SNOWSHOE: Full-Moon Family Snowshoe Hike at Peaked Mountain. Enjoy Peaked Mountain at night under the full moon! Leslie Duthie of Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary will lead the way in this joint program with Norcross. Beginners welcome. Snowshoe rentals available ($10/pair) or bring your own. Reservations required for shoe rental and requested for all. 532-1631 x13 www.ttor.org Monson, MA
Sunday – 01/31
10am-5pm – HOBBY SHOW: Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show takes place at the Big E. The event features real life railroads and scale model railroads, historical societies, travel agencies, art shows, flea market dealers, importers, manufacturers and photographers. (860) 243-0811 www.railroadhobbyshow.com West Springfield, MA
1-3pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Winter Wildlife Day at Field Farm. 298-3239 x3003 www.ttor.org Williamstown, MA (FREE)
1:30pm-3:30pm – ICE SKATING: Public skate at the Collins/Moylan Arena. Skate rentals available. 772-6891 Greenfield, MA (>$)
1-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES | MAKING ART: Special Sundays in the art studio at the Eric Carle Museum. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (Free w/Museum Admission)
1-3pm - ICE SKATING: Amelia Park Ice Arena. Rentals available. 568-2503 Westfield, MA (>$)
2-3:45pm – ICE SKATING: Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield. (413)448-8258 Pittsfield, MA ($)
3-5:30pm – COMMUNITY MEETING: Everyone is invited to a community-wide meeting at the Cummington Community House to launch the active exploration of turning the Old Creamery into a community owned co-op. Child care will be provided. Cummington, MA (FREE)
3-4:50pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
3-5pm – ICE SKATING: Indoor public ice skating at the Williston-Northampton School’s Lassone Rink. Must bring own skates. 529-1440 Easthampton, MA (>$)
3:30pm – FAMILY DANCE: Family-style contra dance for all ages at the Montague Grange. www.montagueMA.net Montague, MA ($)
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Hilltown Families said,
February 1, 2010 at 11:00 am
Wednesday, Start Date: February 3rd in Cummington, MA
Sustainability Group Meeting @ 7:30pm
Village Congregational Church, Main Street, Cummington, MA
Event Details:
Free and open to the public. Bring your ideas, concerns or pitch in on an ongoing project. All welcome!
For more info: Amy Pulley, 634-5659 creamery3@verizon.net
Hilltown Families said,
February 1, 2010 at 10:59 am
Wednesday, February 3rd, in Easthampton, MA
Community Bag Sew – 6-9pm
Eastworks Building, 116 Pleasant St. Easthampton, MA Room 145
Next to The Registry of Motor Vehicles
Sponsored by The Bagshare Project
More info cavallari56@hotmail.com
Sew reusable bags for Serios Market in Northampton and other bagshare locations.
All ages and abilities are welcome. Bring your own sewing machine if you have one. If not, machines and fabric are available.This sewing circle is ongoing and is on the first Wednesday of every month. Please R.S.V.P. Chris to confirm you are coming.
Please map quest or call e mail Chris for directions
See you there!
Hilltown Families said,
January 30, 2010 at 8:43 am
Mondays in Conway, MA
9:15-10:15am
Morning Yoga with Toddlers at the Town Hall
with Lisa Schmitt
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Mondays in Williamsburg, MA (FREE, 1ST CLASS)
NEW Kundalini Yoga Classes Monday mornings 10-11:30 in williamsburg. Kundalini Yoga classes use movement, breath, sound (mantra) and meditation to help you to relieve your stress, increase your vitality, balance your mind and uplift your spirit. You get a great workout that will increase your flexibility and stamina while enhancing your concentration and self-awareness. Kundalini Yoga is something everybody can do. After class enjoy a cup of Yogi Tea® and conversation. 90 minutes that can change your life. Feb special- 1st class free. call sharon for more info: 413 268 2035
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Mondays in Ashfield, MA
Ongoing yoga classes are offered at the Belding Memorial Library Saturday mornings at 10:30 a.m. and Monday evenings at 6:00 p.m. The use of props enables students of all ages and physical capabilities to access the benefits of yoga practice, which include increased strength and flexibility, stress reduction and improved overall health.
Please go to http://www.ashfieldyoga.com for class and schedule information, email miriamzoll@mac.com or call 413-268-3053 for more information.
====================
Mondays in Northampton (FREE)
Knitting & Crochet Circle
Forbes Library
Mondays from 10 to noon
Do you enjoy knitting, crocheting, or some other type of yarn craft or
would you like to start or improve on a yarn craft? You are invited to
the Forbes Library’s Knitting & Crochet circle. This group is a casual
place to meet other yarn crafters of all kinds and experience levels and
share crafting tips and pleasant conversation. Bring your projects in
progress or ideas for new ones.
This group is starting up again for the fall and will meet weekly on
Monday mornings from 10-12 in the cozy Arts & Music magazine lounge.
This circle is facilitated by Nancy Pulley who has experience in
knitting, crocheting, sewing and numerous varieties of crafts, both
personal and for shows. In Nancy’s own words, “I started when I was 12,
so I have been doing these hobbies for 52 years now. WOW, am I old. I am
extremely active, walk everyday, play tennis, bike ride, line dance,
zumba, yoga, watercolor, colored pencil and an avid reader and love
being in a library environment. Can never stop learning!”
Location: A&M Magazine Lounge
====================
Tuesday, February 2nd in Florence, MA (FREE)
At Cup & Top Cafe in Florence, MA
Tuesday February 2nd @ 4pm – Mariana Iranzi: a bilingual musical afternoon adventure!
Mariana is a children’s music composer and performer born in Argentina and now based in the Boston area. She sings, plays guitar, bass, and percussion. Her songs are fun and educational and will make you dance to the rhythms of rock, reggae, blues, tango, and folk in a bilingual adventure. Come celebrate Groundhog’s day with music!
http://marianairanzi.com/ and http://www.myspace.com/musicmariana
====================
Tuesdays in Northampton, MA (FREE)
There will be a FREE Positive Discipline Parenting Circle on the second Tuesday of the Month at Cradle at 10:00am.
This FREE group will include a check-in time, Positive Discipline interactive activity and a “Parents Helping Parents” session where parents bring their problems to the group in a safe way that provides alternatives and Positive Discipline tools for dealing with the situation in the future. This group also helps parents feel a sense of community with other parents on their journey with Positive Discipline.
Babies in arms and children up to age two welcome in group space. No childcare for older children.
====================
Wednesdays in Hadley, MA (FREE)
Support Group for Kinship Caregivers
Are you a grandparent, aunt, uncle, cousin, or sibling who is raising your relative’s children? If so, you are a Kinship Care provider! A free ten-session educational and support group for Kinship Caregivers who are parenting at least one child age six or under, will begin January 27th from 5:00 pm until 7:30 pm at Berkshire Children and Families 220 Russell St. Suite 200, Hadley, MA. A meal and child care will be provided. For more information call Katarina Noyes at 413-584-5690 ext.140.
====================
Wednesday, February 3rd in Pittsfield, MA
Join the Berkshire Museum from 3:30 -5:30 p.m. for the 2010 Winter Educator’s Preview!
Teachers are welcome to come early and explore the Museum’s galleries. A wine and cheese reception at 3:30 p.m. will be followed by programs at 4 p.m., including an exploration of Armed & Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal and a hands-on innovation workshop. Participants will receive 1.5 PDPs and will be entered into a drawing for a dinner for two, a bundle of school supplies, and other great prizes. – Reservations are requested by January 22. Please call 413.443.7171 ext. 18
Armed & Dangerous: Art of the Arsenal
More than tools of warfare, humans and animals alike have evolved a rich arsenal of weaponry to intimidate, protect, and defend. Weapons of all types reflect the evolution of technological innovation, class, mythmaking and personal identity and have enormous implications for our understanding of changes in human culture.
Curated by and drawn from the collection of the Berkshire Museum, Armed & Dangerous spans centuries and continents with examples of early armament, medieval armor, a genuine Samurai suit of armor, and objects from New Guinea to the plains of North America.
New Educator-Led Programs
These programs bring the historic, artistic, and scientific aspects of our newest exhibition to life:
Weapons of the Wild (Grades K-2, 45 minutes for grade K, 60 minutes for grades 1-2)
Bone, Stone, and Steel (Grades 3-12, 60 minutes)
Hearts and Minds: The History of Propaganda (Grades 4-12, 60 minutes)
Call 413.443.7171 ext. 21 to book your programs, or to request more information on these exciting and innovative educator-led programs and online teacher resources.
====================
Thursday, February 4th in Sunderland, MA (FREE)
FREE Polka Lessons For Kids & Adults Starting January 14th *
Sunderland’s very own Tom and Deb Zimnowski are offering free polka lessons for everyone Thursday evenings January 14, 21, 28 and February 4, 6:30-8:00 PM in the Cafe Sun at the Sunderland Elementary School, Swampfield Drive, Sunderland 01375. FREE babysitting services available courtesy of Frontier Regional High School National Honor Society. For more information and pre-registration call 413-665-1151 or 413-768-9857 or go to http://www.cafesun.org. Sponsored by the Sunderland PTO. C’mon, you know you always wanted to learn…
====================
Friday, February 5th in Amherst, MA ($)
KID’S NIGHT OUT 2010
SPONSORED BY THE AMHERST COLLEGE STUDENT ATHLETE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
KIDS IN GRADES K-5: JOIN US FOR FUN, FOOD, AND EXCITEMENT!
SPORTS CLINICS AND FUN ACTIVITIES
SPONSORED BY AMHERST COLLEGE ATHLETES
PIZZA AND REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED FOLLOWING THE CLINICS, AND EVERYONE IS INVITED TO ATTEND THE AMHERST WOMEN’S ICE HOCKEY GAME AGAINST BOWDOIN COLLEGE AT 7PM
WHERE: AMHERST COLLEGE GYM
WHEN: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5TH, 2010
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM SPORTS CLINICS & GAME
REGISTRATION 4:45 PM
COST: $25.00 (PAYABLE TO AMHERST COLLEGE)
For a reg and waiver forms, email Patricia Lipton at plipton12@amherst.edu
Hilltown Families said,
January 30, 2010 at 8:34 am
Winter Wildlife Field Day at Field Farm
WILLIAMSTOWN – Join the Trustees of Reservations Sunday January 31 for a “Winter Wildlife Day at Field Farm.” All events are free on this day and the public is welcome. Visit between 1-3pm for hot chocolate, marshmallow toasting, a guided walk, and the opportunity to create your own track guide using hand carved animal track stamps.
Starting at 1pm, there is a free guided walk with naturalist Leslie Reed Evans, introducing wildlife tracks and signs. Last year’s walk around the Pond Trail led to a variety of tracks made by coyote, deer, mice, squirrel, rabbit and ruffed grouse. The Trustees will loan out free snowshoes in adult and child sizes for anyone who’d like to give them a try.
If you’ve never been to Field Farm, experience the place where modern art and architecture meet nature. Explore the snow draped sculpture garden or venture out on four miles trails past some of the best views of Mount Greylock in the area. Step inside the Discovery Center to check out displays on winter plants, the science of snow, and wildlife tracks.
Winter Wildlife Day at Field Farm is free, and donations are gratefully accepted to support Trustees educational programs. To learn more, reserve snowshoes or to get an update concerning weather conditions, contact The Trustees of Reservations at 413-298-3239 x3003 or send an e-mail to tcoffin@ttor.org.
Directions:
Field Farm is located at 554 Sloan Road, in South Williamstown. From Williamstown Center, follow Route 7 South towards South Williamstown. At the intersection with Route 43, pick up Route 43 West and immediately take a right onto Sloan Road. Proceed one mile to the signed Field Farm entrance on the right. Meet at the Trails parking area.
About The Trustees of Reservations in the Berkshires:
The Trustees of Reservations preserve for public enjoyment, 13 great properties in the Berkshires, and 100 properties statewide. The Berkshires Regional Office is based in Stockbridge, MA. To learn more, to volunteer or to become a member, please call 413.298.3239, visit http://www.thetrustees.org, or email westregion@ttor.org.