Suggest a one-time local event for families in Western Mass! Scroll down to the bottom of the page and post your suggestion in the comment box. Listings for parent support groups welcomed.
- Calendar listings for one-time events welcomed below (Scroll down below to the bottom to the Post a Reply field to share your event).
- Camps, classes and workshops should be posted to their appropriate bulletin board (see below).
- Full press releases can be emailed to hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
- Please include the following in your event listing:
- Event title
- Date(s)
- Time
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- No more than one link or it might get caught in our spam filter.
- Free’s good, but not necessary when making a suggestion. Fundraising events for non-profits and schools are warmly welcomed.
- On-going free events will remain listed for 1-3 months, so check back accordingly.
- Listings will be remove shortly after their date passes, so be sure to record any necessary information you find on our bulletin board.
- Advertisements for services, on-going classes or workshops should inquire about our enhanced publicity options.
- Deadline for event listings and enhanced publicity is Tuesdays by 12noon, but event listings as outlined above are welcome here at any time.
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/school, service, open house or general 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.
If your announcement is not a one-time event happening in Western MA, please post to the appropriate bulletin board:
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Dr Laila said,
May 26, 2012 at 1:14 pm
Navigating the Vaccine Controversy: A Parent’s Guide
Date: Sat, 06/23/2012 – 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Navigating the Vaccine Controversy: A Parent’s Guide
We have to make many challenging and complex decisions for our little ones. None are perhaps more controversial than the choice of how, when, and whether to immunize. Myths abound, fear runs rampant on both sides of the debate, and families are caught in the middle. Dr. Laila Tomsovic, ND will be discussing the risks and benefits of early childhood vaccinations, the diseases they prevent, and each vaccine recommended by the CDC in the first 6 years of a child’s life. Free and open to the public. All are welcome, however this will not be a fun time for small children.
*Please pre-register to ensure enough space for all*
Saturday June 23. 1:30-3:30
Cradle, Thorne’s Marketplace 3rd Floor
Dr. Laila Tomsovic is a naturopathic doctor, New England native and five-college alum. She earned her doctoral degree from Bastyr University in Seattle, rated one of the best medical schools in the country by the Princeton Review. She has additional training in craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation: two gentle, powerful physical medicine for pain and other conditions.
Dr. Tomsovic has a profound faith in the ability of the body and spirit to heal. She feels honored to be a part of her patients’ return to wellness and delight in being able to help people of all ages and cultural backgrounds. She especially enjoys working with women and children.
Lindsay said,
May 26, 2012 at 9:05 am
Sunday, June 3rd * 4PM
“A Sunday Kind of Jazz” Concert – to benefit the Northampton Community Music Center
Easthampton Congregational Church
Come hear a collection of the area’s most respected jazz artists perform “A Sunday Kind of Jazz” benefit concert! The performance will be held at the Easthampton Congregational Church at 4pm. Suggested donation $15 at the door ($10 – students/seniors). The concert will benefit the Northampton Community Music Center.
Featured artists include: Joe Belmont, Carl Clements, Ellen Cogen, Andy Jaffe, Marty Jaffe, Lynn Lovell, John Mason, Stephen Page, Sheldon Ross, Gary Rzab, and Space Jam (NCMC’s Youth Jazz Ensemble).
Dana Gillette said,
May 26, 2012 at 8:39 am
Haydenville Crafts Fair
May 26th, 27th, & 28th
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
3 Grove St., Haydenville, behind Phinney Pottery
Free
Less than one mile from Route 9 lies a quaint fair that is a treat for adults and children alike.
Marty Phinney transforms the greens, garden and trees behind her studio into a natural setting for functional pottery and whimsical sculpture.
* Frogs and turtles lounge by a pond.
* Child-size statues play under the trees.
* A range of artisans set up tent with jams, walking sticks and jewelry.
This fair is big enough to find something of interest while small enough to welcome children and their imaginations.
Stop by and enjoy the magic.
Questions? Call 413-268-3228
Hilltown Families said,
May 23, 2012 at 7:42 pm
Youth Day Planned as Part of Chesterfield’s 250th Celebration
As part of Chesterfield’s 250th Anniversary celebration, Monday, July 2, 2012 will be ‘Celebrate Youth Day’ from 10am—6pm at New Hingham Elementary School. Enjoy the day as a family and come picnic on school grounds. Drinks will be provided throughout the day.
Here’s what’s planned:
10am BIG WHEEL 500 – Bring your fastest ride-on pedal toy with plastic wheels to enter (no motors of any kind allowed) Races for PreK—K and 1st—2nd graders
11am CRAZY CHESTERFIELD OBSTACLE COURSE for 3rd—4th graders
12pm WACKY WIFFLE BALL TOURNAMENT & HOME RUN DERBY – Wiffle ball teams will consist of 6 players. These events are for 5th—6th graders and 7th—8th graders
1pm FAMILY TUG-O-WAR COMPETITION with 10 people per team
2pm-4pm DRUM WORKSHOPS WITH TONY VACCA
5pm TONY VACCA’S WORLD RHYTHMS PERFORMANCE – Tony Vacca is an innovative American percussionist with Jazz and World Music roots going back to 1972. He incorporates percussion instruments from a world of traditions that includes African, Caribbean, Asian and Middle-Eastern influences, to which he adds some of his spoken word and rhythm poetry
6pm ICE CREAM SOCIAL – Join us for ice cream to finish off the day!
From 10am –2pm, there will be Boy Scout demonstrations, pigeon display, rabbit display, sidwalk chalk, frisbee fun and sprinkler fun so bring your bathing suit and towel.
To find out what’s being planned for the entire week of July 1-7 to celebrate Chesterfield’s 250th, visit
https://www.facebook.com/250thChesterfieldMaAnniversaryCelebration
Hilltown Families said,
May 17, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Area Middle School Students to Compete in Junior Solar Sprint
On Saturday, June 2, area middle school students will gather at Reid Middle School in Pittsfield for the twelfth annual Berkshire Junior Solar Sprint (JSS). More than 80 students from across and beyond Berkshire County are expected to participate in the JSS this year. Pre-registration by May 18 is required.
The Junior Solar Sprint competition was started by the US Department of Energy in 1991 to expose students to photovoltaics and its potential for their future. The JSS is a fun and educational competition for students in grades 5-8 who work in teams to design, build and race model solar vehicles powered by the sun. The students are challenged to use scientific know-how, creative thinking, experimentation and teamwork. In the process they learn firsthand about engineering, physics and non-polluting transportation.
Check-in for students begins at 8:30 a.m. Judging of entries begins at 9:30 and races begin at 10 a.m.. The solar vehicles will be judged for speed, craftsmanship, innovation and technical merit. In addition, there is a prize for ‘Best Use of recycled Materials’ and a student’s choice ‘Best in Show’.
The Berkshire JSS is organized by the Center for EcoTechnology (CET) and sponsored by the Energy Federation, Inc., Western Massachusetts Electric Company, Berkshire Gas Company, MCLA STEM Pipeline Network, the Army Educational Outreach Program, and other local sponsors.
For more information about the JSS or CET’s solar energy curriculum, contact Cynthia Grippaldi at 413-445-4556, ext. 25 or cynthiag@cetonline.org.
Katelynn's Ride said,
May 15, 2012 at 2:33 pm
The 12th annual Katelynn’s Ride will be held Sunday, June 3.
KRide is a family bike ride that benefits the Children’s Cancer Hope Fund at Baystate Medical Center’s Sadowsky Center for Children and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund. To date, Katelynn’s Ride has raised more than $1.4 million in the fight against cancer.
Participants are comprised of all ages and skill levels who choose between riding 10-, 25-, 50-, or 100-mile loops; each begins and ends at Hampshire College. Riders are required to meet a fundraising minimum by August 1. Riders age 18 and older are required to raise a minimum of $350, and riders age 17 and younger must raise a minimum of $150. There is also a $50 rider registration fee.
Katelynn’s Ride was founded in memory of Katelynn Battista who lost her battle with cancer in 1997 at age 11. Katelynn’s family and friends will join the anticipated 300 cyclists and 100 volunteers. The post-ride celebration will include a barbeque, live entertainment by Cottonwood, and activities for the family including face painting, magic shows, balloon art and a visit from the Forest Park Petting Zoo.
For more information about KRide, visit kride.org, or call (413) 303-9233.
Meta Nisbet said,
May 12, 2012 at 2:09 pm
June 9 is World Wide Knitting In Public day. People all over the world will bring their knitting project(s) out into public so everyone can see what fun it is to knit. They’ll be knitting on the London Underground, in Prospect Park in NYC, at the Discovery Museum in Sacramento, CA, at Starbucks in Stuttgart, Germany and countless other continents and countries. Here in our Western Massachusetts corner of the world, Metaphor Yarns is hosting KIP in Shelburne Falls and on the Common in Greenfield. Pack up the children and your yarn, bring a lawn chair, and settle in for a great knit; where the public can see it happening. If you want to sign up in advance for a small block of knitting time, see http://www.metaphoryarns.com for details or call us at 413-625-9191 to sign up. Entirely Free, Completely Fun.
Burchie Green said,
May 12, 2012 at 9:56 am
June 3rd in Florence
Come to a free family performance to celebrate Burchie Green’s 3rd recording of original children’s music, “Cool Cat Cafe”. It will feature Burchie Green on voice, guitar and banjo,Tom Knight voice and bass ,Tony Vacca on percussion. and a small chorus of children. You can listen to or purchase C.D.s by going to CDbaby.com and typing in Burchie Green.The concert is Sunday June 3rd at Florence Community Center 2:00.
dan yacobellis said,
May 10, 2012 at 10:33 pm
Tamakoce Wilderness Programs
All programs are being held at Dyken Pond Environmental Ed Center (Grafton, NY). 518-658-2055. Costs are between $10 and $20. Call the center to register. Pre- registration required.
June 3rd Camo Camp. How to be invisible and move in silence in the woods. Ages 10& up
June 23rd Fire Making. Primitive and emergency fire making. Make your own bow drill. Ages 10 & up
July 7th Scout Training 1. The ways of the Native Scout. Movement,tracking, nature awareness, sign interpretation. Ages 12& up
Aug. 5th Scout Training 2. Next level in scout training. Includes challenging games and tests of your skills. Ages 12 & up
Learn more about Tamakoce Wilderness Programs on our website
tamakocewildernessprograms.com
Barbara Cassidy said,
May 2, 2012 at 8:19 am
Friends of the Falls -The Memorial Hall Concert.
Friday, July 6, 2012
7:00pm
Memorial Hall – 51 Bridge Street – Shelburne Falls, MA
Following last years big success, a group of musicians with ties to Franklin County will join forces to raise money for renovations of Memorial Hall.
Performers include Agona Hardison, Bill DeSanty, Barbara Cassidy, Randy Smith, Kenny Butler, Mike LaBelle, Roy Alan Brown, Eric Chasalow and more.
Admission is $10 at the door with additional donations accepted.
The Eric Carle Museum said,
May 1, 2012 at 4:09 pm
Eric Carle Book Signing
June 23, 2012
10:00 am
Free with Museum Admission
A limited number of tickets will be distributed the day of the event. No tickets are available in advance.
Meet Eric Carle! Please join us for this special day! Museum Members may enter from 9:00 to 9:45 am. General Public and Museum Members arriving after 9:45 am will be allowed entry at 10:00 am on a space available basis.
Plus Plus see Picture Book Theatre’s presentation of “Slowly, Slowly, Slowly,” Said the Sloth in our auditorium!
Signing guidelines:
Limit 1 book from home and 2 books from The Carle Book Shop* per ticket holder
No personalization
Eric will be signing books only
No flash photography allowed
While supplies last, receive a specially-designed Eric Carle bookplate with each Eric Carle hardcover book purchased that day in the Museum Shop (above the 3-book-per-person limit). We thank you in advance for your cooperation and look forward to seeing you at The Carle!
The Eric Carle Museum said,
May 1, 2012 at 4:08 pm
2012 Children’s Book Festival:Baseball Bonanza!
June 9, 2012
10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Free with Museum Admission
Join a host of authors and artists who have created some of your favorite baseball picture books for our 7th annual Children’s Book Festival in conjunction with the exhibition We Are The Ship: The History of Negro League Baseball, original paintings by award-winning artist Kadir Nelson.
The Museum will host members of the Negro League Baseball Players Association for a special program in the Auditorium. In addition, this event for art-, book-, and baseball-lovers of all ages will feature art activities, artist and author presentations and demonstrations, and book signings. Enjoy ballpark fare or bring your own picnic to enjoy in our apple orchard.
Hilltown Families said,
May 1, 2012 at 2:07 pm
Are you caring for a parent or elder with dementia? There will be a series of Essential Skills for Family Caregivers at the South County Senior Center in South Deerfield on the following dates:
Location: South County Senior Center, 67 North Main St. in South Deerfield. Free of charge. Pre-registration required at 665-2141 or 665-9508. Presented by the Alzheimer’s Association and the South County Senior Center with partial funding from the Executive Office of Elder Affairs.
Hilltown Families said,
April 26, 2012 at 5:24 pm
In recognition of the 100th anniversary of Springfield City Library’s grand Central Library building, free concerts in the Rotunda continue with Dixieland Stomp on May 27 at 1 p.m. This sextet of Dixie players including banjo, clarinet, cornet, trombones, and tuba will perform traditional New Orleans Ragtime/Dixieland, with much of the music being Louie Armstrong’s transcriptions from the Hot 5 and Hot 7 recording done in Chicago 1927 to 1929. Members are Edward Mari (clarinet), David Bilideu (cornet), Eugene Bartley (trombone), David Neill (bass trombone), Jason Bouchard (tuba), and Charles Bongiovi (banjo). Bring the entire family to enjoy the hour-long foot-tapping performance! You won’t want to miss our final concert by the New England Winds, a division of the USAF Band of Liberty, playing in the Rotunda on Wednesday, June 6 at 6:30 p.m. Our heartfelt thanks go out to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for providing funding for this concert series. Please call the Central Library at (413) 263-6828, ext. 213 if you have any questions.
Natalie Magnatta said,
April 4, 2012 at 6:58 pm
Cultural Survival Bazaar
May 26th, 27th, & 28th
Amherst Common
Boltwood Avenue
Amherst, MA 01002
10am-6pm
An International Festival of Native Arts & Culture
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Featuring artisans, products, & performers from around the world.
Shop handmade art, jewelry, clothing, crafts, decor, tribal rugs, & much more.
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Enjoy FREE music performances, presentations, Native American storytelling, educational displays, craft-making demonstrations, & ethnic cuisine.
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Proceeds support Native artisans, fair trade, and Cultural Survival’s non-profit work worldwide.
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For special features, artisan profiles, performance schedule, and/or other dates and locations visit our website at http://bazaar.cs.org
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Free and open to all ages.