Area Family Centers Offer Refuge for Parents with Babies & Toddlers
When my daughter was a baby I found sanctuary in our area family center. I was able to meet other sleep deprived mothers in a safe environment where we could breastfeed freely and compare notes while our children took their first steps. I formed everlasting bonds with these mothers as we discussed teething and potty training, while reassuring one another that we weren’t alone in our sleepless world of spit-up and dirty diapers.
According to Hampshire County Family Network, “Family Centers are places where parents meet other parents, children socialize, and parents and children play together. A family center is a drop-in place for parents to spend time with their young children. Children can play, learn, explore, and make new friends. Parents can meet local families and talk about their children. Family centers have toys, books, and activities that young children enjoy.”
To follow is a list of Family Centers in Hampshire County. All centers listed below receive funding from the Hampshire Educational Collaborative and support families with children up through the age of four:
Amherst Family Center
Directions: 121 N. Pleasant Street. Located downtown at the Unitarian Meeting House between the Post Office and Bart’s in Amherst. Please use rear entrance. 413.256.1145 or 413.545.4466
Belchertown Family Center
Directions: 720 Franklin Street. Located on Rte. 181 five miles south of Belchertown Center. 413.283.7594
Cummington Family Center
Directions: 33 Main Street. Enter in back of the Community House on Main St. in Cummington. 413.634.5362
Easthampton Family Center
Directions: Playgroups meet at Christ United Methodist Church, 271 Rocky Hill Road (Rte. 66) in Northampton. 413.563.7672
Gateway Family Center
Directions: Located across from the Fire Station at 9 Russell Rd. (Rte. 20) in Huntington. 413.667.2203 (formally known as the Hilltown Family Center).
Northampton Parents Center
Directions: Located at the Edwards Church, corner of State and Main Streets in Northampton. Please use rear entrance. 413.582.2636
South Hadley Family Center
Directions: Located at All Saints Episcopal Church on Rte. 116, across from the post office in South Hadley Center. 7 Woodbridge Street, South Hadley. 413.533.7096
Ware Family Center
Directions: Located in the United Church of Ware, uphill from Rte. 9 in Ware Center. 413.205.8714
ADDITIONAL PLAYGROUPS IN THE AREA
Worthington, MA – The Worthington Recreation Department hosts a free parent-child cooperative playgroup at the Town Hall on Mondays from 9-11am during the winter months. All ages welcomed. For more information and to confirm playgroup meetings call Sue Warner at 413-238-0047.
Northampton, MA – Every Friday from 9:30-11am Cradle welcomes to the studio a community-based FREE mom/parent and baby group. Currently, they have 4 groups who will be using their space for their monthly meetings: La Leche League of Northampton with Lex Fletcher, The Carried Child with Meg Eisenhauer Barry, Attachment Parenting with Gillian Daley, and New Day Baby! with Angie Gregory. Looking to connect with moms and dads who share your parenting passions, you just might find them at one of these groups! Located on the 3rd Floor, Thorne’s Marketplace, Northampton MA.
Hilltown Families said,
October 29, 2009 at 5:02 am
Rag Shag Tailgaiting Party Thursday Nite (10/29/09) in Easthampton
Do you have Little ones who cant walk the whole Rag Shag Parade route? Join the Easthampton Family Center’s RAG SHAG TAILGAITING PARTY on Thur. Oct 29 5:30 PM in the Parking Lot of St. Phillips Church, Main St. Easthampton (Half way point of the Parade to Williston for Candy). Snacks, warm drinks and Not -so-spooky Halloween Fun Provided. Bring a treat to share! For More Information call EFC at 413 563-7672
Hilltown Families said,
October 20, 2009 at 3:35 pm
Tuesday, November 24 in Huntington, MA
WORKSHOP ON SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT FOR YOUNG CHILDREN:
The Gateway Family Center is offering Caro Lambert, a Pediatric Speech and Language Pathologist from Lambert Speech and Language on Tuesday, November 24 at 10 a.m. at the Gateway Family Center. Lambert will give a workshop for parents on the typical developmental stages and ages for acquiring speech and language skills, as well as warning signs. Activities to promote speech, language, feeding and oral motor development will be discussed. Free and open to the public. Please register with Kim Savery at 667-2203 ext. 3 or email at ksavery@hchcweb.org
Hilltown Families said,
October 1, 2009 at 4:30 pm
Mindy Ramos or the Easthampton Family Center writes:
Hello Friends and Family of the Easthampton Family Center ~
Join the EFC and Flywheel Arts Collective Saturday October 10, 2009 for a FUN Family Dance to celebrate Easthampton’s Bear Fest and the week long celebration of the Arts!
It is going to be a blast. After the dance we will parade over to the Old Town Hall (EFC’s future home) to kick of Art Walk.. All the bears will be on display in front of the Town Hall along Main St. This is a great photo opportunity. There will be a professional photographer on site taking candid and group photos. Make sure that you are there to share in the fun!
For more information please email or call EFC.
Check out our event link on facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/ical/event.php?eid=137715432758
Please spread the word, far and wide.
Mindy Ramos
EFC Coordinator
http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org
413 562-7672
Hilltown Families said,
September 14, 2009 at 11:37 am
Mondays in Amherst, MA
Dinner on Us
A Free Weekly Roundtable Discussion Series for campus and Amherst Family Center families with young children, Monday evenings during the academic year in the Student Union Building. Sessions are free and include: dinner, supervised children’s activities and parking. Family Dinner: 5:15-5:45pm, Supervised Children’s Activities: 5:45-7:30pm, Roundtable Discussion: 6:00-7:30pm.
Space is limited. To pre-register call: 413-545-4466 OR email: cshrc@stuaf.umass.edu
FALL 2009 SCHEDULE
SEPTEMBER 14 DOCTOR I WAS WONDERING
Bring your questions to a special free ranging discussion with Dr. Kate Atkinson, M.D., where parents have the opportunity to discuss child rearing and health concerns.
SEPTEMBER 21 MY BRILLIANT LIFE
Life coach and Brilliant Life founder Dr. Mary Ellen Sailer offers parents a unique chance to visualize what they want for themselves and how to get there.
SEPTEMBER 28 AUTISM AWARENESS
Novelist Cammie McGovern reads from and discusses Eye Contact, an Amherst-based mystery with an autistic child at the heart of the novel’s center.
OCTOBER 5 CHAOS CONTROL
Household and office organizational guru Leslie Crier offers parents low cost/no cost solutions and systems to help families organize their homes.
OCTOBER 12 & OCTOBER 19 NO PROGRAM
OCTOBER 26 POSITIVE PARENTING
Family educator and parent Victoria Munroe offers parents the basics of positive parenting techniques.
NOVEMBER 2 GRAB YOUR HAT AND COAT
Earthworks founder and Nurtured Heart trainer Frank Grindrod shares his approaches to nurturing your child’s connection to the natural world.
NOVEMBER 9 GET READY TO ROCK AND ROLL
Kinesiology professor Dr. Sofiya Alhassan will work with parents and kids together demonstrating strategies to get your children moving (loose clothing for all recommended.)
NOVEMBER 16 WHAT MAKES A FAMILY?
Family therapist and campus consultant Dr. Judith Davis discusses how families can identify and incorporate simple rituals to strengthen family ties.
NOVEMBER 23 FAMILY YOGA
Yoga instructor and early childhood educator Lucy Gertz shares basic yoga techniques for soothing kids and calming caretakers (loose clothing for all recommended.)
NOVEMBER 30 YOUTH MARKETING
Producer and director Adriana Barbaro from the Media Education Foundation discusses and shows clips from her film, Consuming Kids: the Commercialization of Childhood.
DECEMBER 7 BRINGING UP BOYS
Common School director (pre K-grade 6) and father of 2-boys Bud Lichtenstein shares his review of the latest approaches to bringing up boys.
Dinner On Us is a program of the UMASS Office of Family Resources, Rm. 428 Student Union Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst. Special thanks to Campus Parking Services, the Commuter Area Government and the Graduate Student Senate for their support.
Hilltown Families said,
September 9, 2009 at 5:38 am
WEDNESDAYS IN WILLIAMSBURG, MA
Every Wednesday at 10:30 am
Preschool Storytime at the Meekins Library
with Children’s Librarian Rochelle Wildfong
Hilltown Families said,
September 9, 2009 at 5:34 am
Mondays, Sept 18th – Dec. 6th, 2009
Berkshire Children and Families in Hadley is happy to announce the starting date of another Positive Parenting group. The group covers topics including parenting styles, age- appropriate discipline, child development, self-esteem, and communication. The 10-week series will begin Monday, September 28, 2009. The group will meet from 5 pm to 7pm at Berkshire Children and Families, 220 Russell Street, Suite 200 Hadley, MA. A meal, transportation and childcare will be provided.
We are also offering the Kin Caregivers group beginning September 23, 2009 from 5 pm to 7:30 pm, also at Berkshire Children and Families in Hadley. This group is for relatives who are caring for their grandchildren, siblings, cousins, nieces or nephews ages 0 to 6. Topics to be covered include: legal issues, the impact of children’s histories on their current lives, children’s developmental needs, health issues, caregivers and children’s relationships with biological parents. A meal, transportation and childcare will be provided.
If you have any questions please feel free to call me at 413-584-5690 ext. 140 or email knoyes@bcfcma.org
Hilltown Families said,
September 9, 2009 at 4:16 am
Easthampton Family Center in Easthampton, MA
Easthampton Family Center
http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org
Our weekly playgroups meet on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am – 12pm, following the Easthamptonton Public School calendar at Christ United Methodist Church, 271 Rocky Hill Road Northampton, MA.
Hilltown Families said,
August 28, 2009 at 8:24 pm
Cummington Family Center in Cummington, MA
This month there will be parent run drop in playgroups at the Community House in Cummington. They will happen on Wednesdays from (9:30am-11:30am). In October
we will be when the regular playgroups will start up again
Hilltown Families said,
July 13, 2009 at 5:10 am
Sing with your Baby – Happy Dan conducts sessions for ages 0-2 MONDAYS, 10-11 a.m., Belchertown Family Center, Rte. 181, Belchertown. and also WEDNESDAY, 10-11 a.m., Leverett Crafts & Arts, 13 Montague Rd. Leverett, $5-$10 donation. 259-1808.
Alicia Guide said,
June 11, 2009 at 2:42 pm
The Easthampton Family Center’s Family Fun End-of-the-Year Picnic, which was scheduled for this Friday, is being POSTPONED. More informaton, including a newpicnic date, will follow.
Mindy Ramos said,
June 9, 2009 at 4:46 am
Hello EFC Families and Friends
Just a Friendly reminder that this Friday is our End of the Year Family Fun Picnic at Nonutuck Park Sprinkler Park Area.
Also a Reminder about our summer playgroups. Fridays 10 -11:30 at Nonotuck Park Upper Playground and Saturdays 10:30 -11:30 A Wheelie Good Time on The Manhan.
For questions please call 563-7672 or email me
Hope to see you there.
Mindy Ramos
EFC Coordinator
http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org
Easthampton Family Center said,
May 20, 2009 at 4:47 am
Easthampton Family Center
Family Fun Picnic
Friday June 12 4:00 – 6:00
Nonotuck Park Sprinkler Park Area
We will supply the Fun and Pizza
You bring a Side Dish to share !
Past, Present, and Future Families Welcome!
For more information or to RSVP please call 563-7672 or email efc@easthamptonfamilycenter.org
http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org
Amherst Family Center said,
May 14, 2009 at 1:10 pm
It’s A Family Dinner Party and You’re Invited!
Lots of Delicious Food and Fun!
P.S. Teddy Bears & P.J’s Welcome!
When: Friday, May 15, 2009
@ 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Immanuel Lutheran Church
867 N. Pleasant St., Amherst
Suggested Minimum Donation:
$10 for families of 3 or more,
$6 for all others.
All proceeds benefit the Amherst Family Center.
Full Course Pasta Dinner with Delectable Desserts
5:30 – 6:45 p.m.
Join us in a very special buffet style family dinner with delicious food generously donated by area food purveyors: Bart’s Ice Cream, Black Sheep Bakery, Chez Albert, Henion Bakery, Squash Trucking, Winterberry Bakery and Amherst College Dining Services.
Children’s Concert with Special Guest Artist Jay Mankita
6:45 – 7:30 p.m.
Jay has been writing and singing music for both adults and children for 25 years. Over the last twenty years, Jay has given concerts and presented workshops to children and families that promote kindness, respect, sustainability, literacy, healthy choices, and an appreciation for the natural world. Jay is also the proud father of one of our AFC babies!
And there’s more events, all evening!
Tag Sale, Raffle, Arts and Crafts Activities
Want to donate quality clothing or items to our tag sale? Please send e-mail to shevstgeorge@gmail.com or call the Center at (413) 256-1145.
Need Directions? Call us at (413) 256-1145.0
The Immanuel Lutheran Church is adjacent to Mark’s Meadow Elementary School. There’s a bus stop out front, plenty of parking and it’s just a short walk from N. Village Apartments.
The AFC is a free program for families with children, birth to five years.
Visit us at the Unitarian Meetinghouse, 121 N. Pleasant St., Downtown Amherst.
Hilltown Families said,
May 14, 2009 at 11:52 am
Anastasia M. Blaisdell from the Cummington Family Center Writes:
Hey Everyone!
Please don’t miss this free opportunity to enrich your children’s
experience. This is a fun integrative approach with songs, postures,
stories, and games. It is every Sunday this Month at the Community house
from 3- 3:45 for ages 3-6, extended ages. I am considering not doing it
Memorial Day weekend due to people going away and extending it one weekend
later. I will confirm this later. Please invite anyone else you know to come
who may enjoy this!!!
I look forward to teaching your little ones the gift of Yoga!
–
Peace and Blessings,
~Anastasia M. Blaisdell
EFC said,
May 5, 2009 at 4:58 am
Easthampton Family Center Friends and Families-
I cant believe we have come to the end of another year… As many of you know this year has been a tumultuous year of funding uncertainties, transitions and most recently…construction! Thank you for patience with these changes and your support to keep is going. We soldiered on and will do the same next year.
Please keep posted via email and through our website for updates regarding summer programming, events, and our long awaited move into our new space.
Monday May 11 – LAST BABY’S FIRST YEAR PLAYGROUP
Friday May 29th – LAST DAY OF WEEKLY DROP – IN PLAYGROUP
SAVE THE DATE …. FRIDAY JUNE 12 END OF THE YEAR FAMILY FUN POTLUCK PICNIC AT NONUTUCK PARK… MORE DETAILS WILL FOLLOW.
I hope to see you in the coming weeks.
Mindy Ramos
EFC Coordinator
http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org
Hilltown Families said,
March 31, 2009 at 4:20 am
Amy Grallert of the Cummington Family Center in Cummington, MA writes:
Mindy Ramos said,
March 30, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Happy Spring to all Easthampton Family Center Friends~
The arrival of Spring signals an one of the most fun and most important national holidays for the Early Education community….. Week of the Young Child!
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This event was first celebrated nationally in 1971. It recognizes that the early childhood years {birth through age 8} lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life. The purpose of the celebration is to highlight the importance of families, early childhood professionals and communities working together to support every child’s healthy development and learning. It is also a time to plan how we, as citizens of a community, state and nation – will better meet the needs of young children and their families.
The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. This event was first celebrated nationally in 1971. It recognizes that the early childhood years {birth through age 8} lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life. The purpose of the celebration is to highlight the importance of families, early childhood professionals and communities working together to support every child’s healthy development and learning. It is also a time to plan how we, as citizens of a community, state and nation – will better meet the needs of young children and their families
In the past EFC has organized a Fun and Information Fair at the High School, this year we have decided to *postpone* this event to later in the year, where we can have the event at our new Old Town Hall location when it is completed…(more on this later).
This year the Easthampton Family Center will host Books 4 Breakfast on Friday April 24th 10am – 12pm at Easthampton Family Center Parish Hall (downstairs)
The event is FREE and will include a pancake breakfast and children’s book swap as well as family friendly activities inside and outside! Start cleaning out your bookshelves to swap your child’s gently used books for a new to you book. Chance to win gift certificate to Cherry Picked Books with book donation. Donations will be accepted to “Fill a Book Bag”
EFC’s Playgroup will be closed Friday April 10 and April 20 – 24 due to school vacation, so don’t miss out on our event on Friday April 24th.
We are looking for a few more extra hands to help make this event a success for everyone. If you are able to help during the event or with the planning before the event please contact me soon…. I look forward to seeing you ALL there!
Mindy Ramos
EFC Coordinator
http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org
South Hadley Family Center said,
March 27, 2009 at 10:34 am
THE SOUTH HADLEY FAMILY CENTER
PRESENTS A “WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD” CONCERT
ARIC BIEGANEK’S RECESS ROCK!
FREE!
Wednesday, April 29th, 10 AM
(Doors open 9:30 AM)
St. Patrick’s Church Social Center
15 School Street, South Hadley
Located in the lower level of the All Saint’s Episcopal Church at 7 Woodbridge Street, the South Hadley Family Center offers drop-in playgroups for adults and little ones, Tuesday through Friday, 9:30 – 11:30 (following the public school calendar). For more information, call 533-7096 or visit http://www.shfamilycenter.org/
The South Hadley Family Center receives funding from the Hampshire County Family Network and the South Hadley Community Partnership for Children, both programs of Hampshire Educational Collaborative with funding from the MA Department of Early Education and Care.
South Hadley Family Center said,
March 24, 2009 at 1:36 pm
We have a few events coming up this week at the family center.
This Weds. April 25Th we will be having our second ASL program. We had a lot of fun last time and all are welcome to join.
On Tuesday March 31st Mary Carey a lactation consultant will be at the family center. She will be available to speak with parents about nursing, the challenges of nursing a second or third child, as well as weaning. Please spread the word. Mary is amazing at what she does and if you know any mothers who may be able to benefit form this informal workshop please spread the word. Attached is her bio for your information.
Thank you,
Maybe if we keep thinking spring it will warm up!
Kristin Carey
South Hadley Family Center Coordinator
533-7096
Joann Harnden said,
March 18, 2009 at 1:18 pm
Williams College Museum of Art also hosts a series of free programs for families with young children called Storytime in the Galleries. It’s held from 10:30 – 11:15 am the first Friday of each month (February – May 2009). Look at art in the galleries, enjoy interactive readings of related books, and create your own artwork. The theme for April 3 is “Look Up at the Sky” and the theme for May 1 is “Wild Dreams!” Route 2, Williamstown, MA 413.597.2429. http://www.wcma.org
Mindy Ramos said,
March 10, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Join us at the Easthampton Family Center for our monthly Babies First Year Playgroup, this Monday March 9th!
Babies First Year will be held the second monday of each month from 10 – 12pm. This is a drop in playgroup reserved for babies who are not yet (quite) walking, and their siblings.
Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided.
Sarah Hoffman said,
February 27, 2009 at 1:54 pm
March 14, 2009: Start with Art is a free series for preschoolers and their parents on selected Saturdays at the Clark. The theme for March 14 is faces. Begin at 10 am with an exploration in the galleries using a guide designed for this age group and attend short “Painting Talks.” Afterward enjoy art-making activities. Best suited for three- to six-year-olds. Attend any or all of the sessions. The Clark, 225 South Street, Williamstown, MA. clarkart.edu, 413-458-2303.
Mindy Ramos said,
February 23, 2009 at 6:53 pm
Hello Easthampton Family Center Friends!
After a week long break, EFC’s drop in playgroup resumes this Wed Feb 26.
For our littlest members our next Baby’s First Years Playgroup, will be held March 9th from 10 – 12. As a reminder this playgroup is reserved for children who are not (quite) walking yet. The group is held once a month on the second Monday of each month. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
As many of you who have been coming to EFC regularly already know, a lot of our discussions at playgroup have revolved around impending budget cuts and the sustainability of EFC. Fortunately, the Massachusetts Family Network was spared cuts from the second round of Gov. Patricks 9C cuts. However we did lose 18% of our grant the first round of cuts and it us unclear at this point what will happen next year in the 2010 state budget. Thank you to those of you who took the time to write letters in behalf of EFC. THe letters were poignant and very touching.
It is clear to us that we need to step up our fundraising and advocacy efforts if EFC is to continue. Your energy and ideas are needed now more than ever.
Our next Parent Advisory Team meeting is Monday March 2 at 9:30 at EFC. Please consider joining for this meeting, even if you are unable to commit to any other times, we could use workable ideas from the families who care about EFC.
Please feel free to email me with any questions, concerns or comments.
Mindy Ramos
EFC Coordinator
http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org
AFC said,
December 31, 2008 at 9:14 am
Join our Free Spanish Playgroup
Venga a una Reunión para padres y niños en Español
We are a group of parents hoping to provide a place to expose our children to Spanish. Some of us are raising our children bilingual. Some of us are fluent in Spanish and some of us are still learning, but we are very motivated to provide a place where our children can hear as much Spanish as possible. Everyone is welcome!
12-12:30 – Optional – (bring your own lunch) time to eat / snack
12:30-2 – FREE PLAY!
1 pm ish – CIRCLE TIME! We will have songs, stories, movement, finger plays in Spanish.
2 pm – Amherst Family Center closes
Somos un grupo de padres que quiere crear un lugar donde nuestros hijos puedan estar expuestos al Español. Algunos de nosotros estamos criando hijos bilingües, algunos de nosotros estamos todavía aprendiendo el Español, pero todos queremos que nuestros hijos esten expuestos al español y a la cultura latina. ¡Todos estan bienvenidos a juntarse con nosotros! 12-12:30 Hora de comer (Traigan almuerzo o bocaditos) 12:30-1 Jugar 1 Circulo. Cantaremos o leeremos cuentos con movimiento y baile. 2 El Centro de Familias cierra
Lunes 12-2pm en el Centro para Familias de Amherst
(Amherst Family Center)
Mondays, January 5, 12, 26, 2009
12:00 – 2:00 pm
Facilitated by Leigh Salvage – contact her at info@salvagejustice.com
The Amherst Family Center
Open for drop-in on:
Tuesday/Thursday 9:00 – 1:00 and Wednesday/Friday 9:00 – 12:00
Unitarian Meetinghouse, 121 North Pleasant St. Enter through the rear of the building..
For more information call 256-1145
The Amherst Family Center is a program of the UMass Office of Family Resources
and receives funds from the Hampshire County United Way, the Amherst Club, the Center for New Americans, Highland Valley Elder Service, generous donations from individuals, faith-based organizations, and area businesses, and the Department of Early Education and Care through the Hampshire County Family Network – a program of the Hampshire Educational Collaborative.
Mindy Ramos said,
November 6, 2008 at 1:42 pm
The Easthampton Family Center is looking for “a few good Santa’s” to make an appearance at our Pancake Brrrrrrrrrrrrreakfast Saturday Dec 6. If you know someone, maybe a grandpa, jolly neighbor, or perhaps (gulp) yourself that you could ask we would really appreciate it.
We have a few business leaders in mind to ask but we would really like to see Santa come from a connection from our EFC families.
Also if you know where or how to get a good Santa suit preferably FREE, please let us know.. Your help and support is greatly appreciated, please spread the word!
Mindy Ramos
EFC Coordinator
http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org
563-7672
Swansea Benham Bleicher said,
October 26, 2008 at 10:58 am
Dear Friends of the Northampton Parents Center,
Please spread the word about this upcoming free parent workshop at Jackson Street School next week, “Beyond Bossing, Begging, and Bribing.” It’s Wednesday evening, November 5th, from 6 to 8 pm with Jeanine Fitzgerald. Jeanine came last spring and was very well received. She will make you laugh while giving you some practical parenting tips.
Free childcare is available if you call ahead to Corky at 586-4998 x 104.
Thank you!
-Swansea
—————————————-
> From: cklimczak@collaborative.org
> To: “Undisclosed-Recipient:;”@collaborative.org
> Subject: Jeanine Fitzgerald parenting series flyer
> Date: Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:34:04 -0400
>
> Here is the flyer for the Jeanine Fitzgerald parenting workshop series which
> is sponsored by the Hampshire County Family Network this year. The workshops
> are free and are designed for parents, grandparents, and caregivers of all
> descriptions who are caring for children through age 8. Free childcare will
> be provided with advance registration. The first workshop, Beyond Bossing,
> Begging, and Bribing, will be held at Jackson St. School on Wednesday,
> November 5th from 6 to 8 pm.
>
> Please distribute the flyer widely to email lists of area parents, schools,
> early education and care programs, and area agencies serving families with
> young children. Printing and posting it in locations likely to be
> frequented by families and caregivers would also be helpful. Thanks for your
> help in spreading the word about this valuable opportunity.
>
> Corky Klimczak
> Hampshire County Family Network Coordinator
> Hampshire Educational Collaborative
> 97 Hawley St., Northampton, MA 01060
> ph: 413-586-4998 x104
> ph: 800-519-1882 x104
> fax: 413-586-1725
>
Mindy Ramos said,
October 16, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Join us at the Easthampton Family Center on Halloween Day!
Friday October 31 10am – 12pm
Not – so – Spooky Halloween Party!
Family Costume Parade Special Halloween Story time
Pumpkin roll “Ghostly” hide and seek
Trick or Treat through EFC And yummy treat potluck!
Bring a treat or refreshment to share, efc will provided the fun!
(sign up sheet also at the center)
For more information, please call/email mindy 563-7672!
Mindy Ramos said,
October 9, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Hello EFC Friends and Families…
We are pleased to announce the Easthampton Family Center’s big fundraiser and family fun event all wrapped in one!
We will be hosting a Holiday Pancake Breakfast with a visit from Santa, pictures with Frosty, and a holiday craft.
SAVE THE DATE…
PANCAKE BrrrrrrrrrrrEAKFAST!
SAT DEC 6
8am and 10am settings.
In true EFC fashion, we are seeking volunteers to help make this event successful and fun for all. Attached to this email is a letter with ways in which you can help, big or small!
Tina Tudryn, mom to Nicholas and Avery, is the Pancake Breakfast Chairperson.
You can contact her at , or me Minleeb@yahoo.com with any questions or to email your completed volunteer form.
This fundraiser is to support our new Infants Music program as well as to provide additional family fun events….
I hope to hear from you soon, please help spread the word about this upcoming program.
Mindy Ramos
EFC Coordinator
563-7672
http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org
AFC said,
October 9, 2008 at 11:44 am
Want to take time to write while the children play?
Join our free Parents and Grandparents Writing and Journaling Series
Thursdays, 10:00 – 11:15am
October 9, 16, 23, 30 and November 6, 13, 20, 2008
Join us for a one, some, or all of the informal writing and journaling sessions facilitated by Karen Skolfield.
This is a no-pressure, drop-in writing series. This is a chance for busy parents and grandparents to record their thoughts on care giving, funny or poignant child stories, and other moments of their lives. We will use visual prompts from home and the Family Center, explore “freewriting” and journaling, and share our writing as we see fit (you may share your writing or remain silent). We will not offer a critique of your writing, but we will offer plenty of support, a little time to write, and hopefully some motivation and ideas for carving space in your life for writing. Writing journals will be provided.
Karen is a parent of two young children who has regularly visited the Amherst Family Center for several years and is active on the Advisory Board. Karen teaches travel writing at UMass and earned her MFA in writing there, but she promises to leave the usual “writing workshop” model at home.
The Amherst Family Center
Open Tuesday/Thursday 9:00 – 1:00 and Wednesday 9:00 – 12:00
Unitarian Meetinghouse, 121 North Pleasant St.
Enter through the rear of the building.
For more information call 256-1145
Mindy Ramos said,
September 30, 2008 at 5:27 am
Just a friendly reminder that Easthampton Family Center will be hosting a Fall Open House this Friday Oct 3 10 -12 pm at the family Center.
All welcome! State Rep John Scibek will be present as well as other city leaders that have supported EFC along the way.
We will be serving a Pancake Brunch from 10 – 10:45. At 11:30 we will move outside for our “Great Pumpkin Roll”
Please help spread the word! Hope to see past, present and future families there!
Mindy Ramos
EFC Coordinator
http://www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org
563-7672
GFC said,
September 4, 2008 at 7:46 pm
POST IS OVER 6 MONTHS OLD
PLEASE CONTACT TO CONFIRM
The Gateway Family Center (Huntington) is once again offering a School Readiness program. Our goal is to provide developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for three and four year olds and their families. Through play that includes music, games, activities, sensory exploration, dramatic play and themes, children will be exposed to a variety of experiences and skills that will serve to ease the transition into kindergarten or preschool. The curriculum approaches preliteracy skills, pre mathematics skills, science and nature, as well as social skills. We encourage children to be safe with themselves and with others; to develop self confidence, self control and good coping skills; to learn non violent problem solving skills and to learn about conversation and to use materials in appropriate ways.
There is no fee for this program, but a parent or guardian is required to be present and participate. For more information or to register, please call Kim Savery at 667-2203×3 or email at familycenterkim@aol.com.
Berkshire Children and Families said,
September 1, 2008 at 6:46 am
POST IS OVER 6 MONTHS OLD
PLEASE CONTACT TO CONFIRM
Hampshire County Young Parents and Childrens Group
Are you a parent under 25 years of age??
Come join us on the last Monday of each month from 5 – 7 pm. Dinner will be provided, while everyone has a chance to socialize and catch up with one another.
We will host service providers from various outreach services to inform us about what is available in our area, learn about age appropriate expectations, and play.
This is a time to come support your peers and be supported as well. The group is facilitated by a former teen parent, as well as a knowledgeable Parent Aide who work for Berkshire Children and Families. You can also check us out on our MySpace page http://www.myspace.com/easthamptonmaparentgroup.
Place:
Berkshire Children and Families
8 Trumbull Rd.
Northampton Ma 01060
In the Root Cellar
Please Contact:
Shannon Paquette : Group Facilitator, (413)584-5690, extension 143
Janet Wojciechowski:, Group Facilitator, (413)584-5690, extension 138