Hilltown Families

On Saturday, June 4th, 10am- COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Take a trip just over the board to Brattleboro for the 10th annual Strolling of the Heifers!  The parade is made up of over 100 heifer calves, along with floats, music, costumes, and more!  Main Street.  Brattleboro, VT.  (FREE)

In the Valley on Saturday rub elbows with local illustrators from 10am-5pm – BOOK FESTIVAL: Meet Tomie dePaola and other artists from the Western Massachusetts Illustrators’ Guild, includig Greg Ruth and Jarrett Krozoczka at the Eric Carle Museum’s Children Book Festival. Art activities, local food and live music!  125 West Bay Road.  413-658-1100.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE W/MUSEUM ADMISSION)

Deadline to enter to win: Saturday, June 4th @ 7pm (EST)

Later in the day on Saturday in the Berkshires from 1-7pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURE: Join the Berkshire Museum for the opening day celebration of the exhibit, “Geckos: Tails to Toepads.”  Meet some gecko friends, explore the exhibit, and do hands-on art projects!  There will be a reception from 5-7 with light refreshments and guided tours.  39 South Street.  413-443-7171.  Pittsfield, MA.  (FREE with museum admission)

In the evening on Saturday, down in the Pioneer Valley from 7-8:30pm – ENTOMOLOGY: Fireflies for Families at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Learn how to translate the flash of a firefly, participate in games, craft project and take a walk into the fields with environmental Environmental Educator, Rebecca Moretti. Registration required. 127 Coombs Rd. 413-584-3009 Easthampton, MA ($)

Deadline to enter to win: Saturday, June 8th @ 7pm (EST)

Then on Sunday, June 5th from 9am-12noon in the Hilltowns - OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Go on a community nature hike at the Bullitt Reservation.  Now that the rain has stopped, the woods and fields are busting with new life- check it out!  332 Bullitt Road.  413-531-1631.  Ashfield, MA.  (FREE)

And on Sunday in the Berkshires starting at 10am – INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL: As part of the Berkshire International Film Festival, a screening of 12 children short films will take place at the Mahaiwe Theater, including “Boy and the Dragon Kite,” “Gopher Broke,” and “Ride of the Mergansers.” Castle St. Great Barrington, MA (FREE)

Saturday, June 11th from 10am-12Noon: CELEBRATION: Join the Easthampton Family Center in celebrating the end of their programming year!  The event will be held at Nonotuck Park in Easthampton on Saturday, June 11th from 10am to 12noon.  Local author David Hyde Costello will be on hand for storytime and to help facilitate discussion.  All attendees will receive a free copy of his book, I Can Help! (while supplies last).  BYO picnic lunch, but leave out the dessert- there will be plenty of treats for sale!  There will also be a prize drawing.  For more information or to help with the bake sale, contact Lynne Guyette at 413-527-5496.

Thursday, June 16th: THIRD THURSDAYS: Pittsfield’s Third Thursdays season has already begun!  Every Thursday evenings, downtown Pittsfield comes alive with live music, street performances, art, outdoor dining, and more!  The event takes place from 5-8 and is in its fifth season!  New this year is a stage featuring youth performers of all types, and youth art will be featured at the Lichenstein Center for the Arts.  Also, the YMCA is celebrating its 125th birthday this year and there will be celebratory (and free!) zumba and and hip hop classes for families during Third Thursdays.  Every Third Thursday has something new to offer- there are tons of things to see and do!  For more information, visit www.culturalpittsfield.com.

MUSIC CAMP: Miles of Music Camp, June 12-17. Youth & Family Scholarships available! A week of music for all ages & abilities, Miles of Music Camp was founded to inspire creativity and an exchange of ideas within a diverse musical community. With backgrounds ranging from fiddle & dance to indie rock, our instructors are songwriters & instrumentalists who are excited to share their skills and experiences. In addition to classes, jams & dances, we’ll leave you free time for swimming, boating & relaxing in our 42 acre island paradise on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. Bring your guitar, fiddle, voice, mandolin, banjo, horn, bass, percussion, swimsuit, dancing shoes & an open mind. call: 617-230-7041 or email: milesofmusiccamp@gmail.com. www.milesofmusiccamp.com

GET AT THE ROOTS: Craig Fear writes, “I will be teaching a new 12 week weight group loss program rooted in local and traditional foods. It works by reducing sugar and processed foods in the diet and by addressing the underlying issues of poor health. Weekly modules include Digestive Disorders, Food Sensitivities, Yeast Overgrowth, Blood Sugar Imbalance and more. For more info please visit www.pvnutritionaltherapy.com. The class will be held on Thurs. nights from 6:30-7:30pm starting on June 16th. Class location: Motion Chiropractic Center. 54R Northampton St. Easthampton Cost: $299. Please contact me at craig@pvnutritionaltherapy.com or 413-559-7770 with any questions.”

TORNADO: State of Emergency and Western MA Tornado Updates HERE.

TAG SALE: The Northampton Parents Center will be holding their annual tag sale and bake sale on Saturday, June 4th from 9am-1pm in front of the Unitarian Society (220 Main St.).  There will be tons of great items, and proceeds from all purchases benefit the center and its programming for families.  The Parents Center will be collecting items for the tag sale until the morning of Friday the 3rd. To donate, or to get more information, contact 582-2636 or visit www.northamptonparentscenter.org.

ARTS & HERITAGE FESTIVAL: June 19 – July 23, Lift Ev’ry Voice: Celebrating African-American Culture and Heritage. Lift Ev’ry Voice will celebrate the diverse traditions of African-American community, arts and culture, history and heritage in Berkshire County and across the nation. The festival will include a wide variety of programming by groups including Barrington Stage Company, Tanglewood, the Sterling & Francine Clark Art Institute, the Du Bois Center, Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival, Multicultural BRIDGE, the Colonial Theatre, the Upper Housatonic Valley African-American Heritage Trail, Mass MoCA, and many others. The honorary co-chairs of Lift Ev’ry Voice are Governor Deval Patrick and First Lady Diane Patrick. For more information: www.liftevryvoice.com.

COMMUNITY GRANT: Cooley Dickinson Hospital is offering Healthy Communities Grants!  There are two different grants available, both for different amounts.  The Capacity Building Grant is intended to aid the creation of a system where local leadership can affect change in policy related to healthy eating and/or physical activity- up to $15,000 is available!  The Community Projects Grant is intended to implement programs that affect change in the same two areas, and awards of up to $5,000 will be given.  Click HERE for a copy of the grant application.

Billy Kelly with Guest DJ the HFVS this weekend.  Billy will be playing tunes by the Ramones, Lunch Money, Johnny Cash, Yellow Sarang, Frank Black, and several cuts off of his newest CD, “The Family Garden.”

Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am.  Families have several ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:

• Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday & Sunday mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio.
• On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA.
• Podcast: Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too!

Saturday, May 28th from 1-5pm – RIVERFEST: Head to Williamstown for the 20th Annual Riverfest!  Celebrate the Hoosic River and life in its watershed.  There will be river raft rides, an art walk, crafts for kids, live music, pony rides, local food vendors, a rubber duck derby, raffles, and much more!  The festvities will take place at Cole Field.  Stetson Road.  413-458-2742.  Williamstown, MA.  (>$, FREE)

All Weekend & Memorial Day from 9am-5pm – SHEEP & WOOLCRAFT FAIR: Head to Cummington for the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair! There will be shearing demonstrations, wool spinning, sheep herding demonstrations, workshops on dying and spinning for kids, weaving, and much more! 97 Fairgrounds Road. Cummington, MA.

… and from 10am-6pm – CULTURAL BAZAAR: The Cultural Survival Bazaar, an international festival of native arts and culture, happens on the Amherst Common. Artisans, music, demos, educational displays, Native American storytelling, ethnic cuisine and much more. Amherst, M (FREE ENTRANCE)

Saturday, June 4th from in the Valley from 10am-2pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Celebrate the Fort River with a community canoe trip and a ducky race!  There will be discovery stations along the way where you can learn about the aquatic life that calls the river home.  The adventure starts at Kiwanis Field.  Stanley Street.  Amherst, MA.  (FREE)

Also on Saturday, June 4th from 10am-4pm in the Berkshires – FAMILY FUN DAY: Visit the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for Family Fun Day!  There will be live music, puppet shows, animals, crafts, nature walks, food vendors, a plant sale, and more!  472 West Mountain Road.  413-637-0320.  Lenox, MA.  (FREE)

Then on Sunday, June 5th from 9am-12noon in the Hilltowns - OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Go on a community nature hike at the Bullitt Reservation.  Now that the rain has stopped, the woods and fields are busting with new life- check it out!  332 Bullitt Road.  413-531-1631.  Ashfield, MA.  (FREE)

ADVENTURES IN CHINESE: June 20- July 1, 2011. New at The Bement School in Deerfield, campers ages 5-12 years can participate in activities designed to build vocabulary and confidence in speaking Mandarin Chinese. Campers will gain a better understanding of Chinese art, culture and tradition. Highlights include: Chinese food, Chinese stories and songs, brush painting and calligraphy, ancient Chinese culture and history, Chinese hand-drawing animations. For more information call 413-475-3044 www.bement.org/summer. Services include: round-trip van transportation (Hadley, Northampton, Amherst), extended day and bag lunches.

ADVENTURE CAMP: Four two-week sessions, June 20-August 12, 2011. The Bement School Summer Programs in Deerfield offer a preschool program and adventure day camp for boys and girls ages 15 months to 15 years. Adventure Camp provides a traditional day camp experience. Your child will participate in many activities to make his or her summer a memorable one. At the same time, parents can enjoy peace of mind knowing their child is in a safe and caring place. A sibling discount is available for siblings who enroll in multiple sessions. For information call 413-475-3044  www.bement.org/summer. Services include: round-trip van transportation (Hadley, Northampton, Amherst), extended day and bag lunches.
IRISH DANCE: Irish Dance Camp / Evening Lessons / Fiddle Lessons: Join in the fun of the jigs and reels this summer with The Celtic Heels School of Irish Dance in Greenfield, MA! Camp 1: 6/27-6/30 for ages 4-6 from 9-10:30am ($55); ages 7-8 from 9am-12noon ($110); and ages 9+ from 9am-2pm ($180). Camp 2: For experienced dancers. Camp 3: 7/8-7/10 for ages 7-8 from 9am-12noon ($85); and ages 9+ from 9am-2pm ($135).  There is also a 6 week evening lesson workshop beginning the end of July. Class openings still available for ages 4-Adult in both soft shoe and hard shoe. Fiddle lessons will be held on Mondays on a first come first serve basis. For more information visit http://www.CelticHeelsDance.com

Candy Bird Laflam writes, “Softball season is upon us! Goshen women’s softball team still has a few spaces left on their roster if you would like to play. Women league, plays Tuesday and Thursday nights. June 19 to August 8 is the season. If you can’t play, then come support your local team!! Ashfield, Williamsburg, Goshen, Conway & Shelburn!! Opening tournament is Sunday, June 19th at the Cummington Field (main street). Come on by!!!!”

Rochelle Wildfong writes, “The Meekins Library (2 Williams St.) in Williamsburg is hosting an exhibition from May 26 – June 18 of Peace Posters made by the present 6th  class at the Anne T. Dunphy Elementary School for the Lions Clubs International Peace Poster Competition. The local finalist chosen to represent the school was Marlena Schlerman.  Each year, Lions clubs around the world sponsor the Lions International Peace Poster Contest in local schools and youth groups. This Contest encourages young people worldwide to artistically express their visions of peace. During the last 20 years, more than four million children from nearly 100 countries have participated in the contest. The theme of the 2011-12 Peace Poster Contest is  “Vision of Peace.””

OPEN-AIR MARKET: Every weekend through October, there is an open-air market in Easthampton. It takes place at the former Fedor Pontiac dealership- there are amazing views of Mt. Tom!  The market has everything from tag sale tables to food from local farms, and there will also always be antiques, collectibles, arts and crafts, and more.  The wide variety of offerings provides fun for the whole family. The market is an opportunity for community interaction and is a chance for local people to share their goods and services with neighbors- visit the market to find out what the community has to offer!  The market takes place from 7am-2pm.  More information is available at www.easthamptonflea.com.

TEEN VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Become a volunteer at the Zoo in Forest Park!  There are opportunities to do everything from caring for animals to giving tours of the zoo.  Right now, there is especially need for volunteers to help with landscaping and gardening.  There are also internships available for high school and college students that allow students to learn about animals while also conducting an independent project.  Also, teens aged 14-17 are invited to be Zoo Ambassadors!  Ambassadors will conduct hands-on animal presentations, run interactive stations, and create interpretive elements for learning about animals- in general, an ambassador’s goal is to create fun educational experiences for visitors.  For more information and an application, visit.  A volunteer application is available at www.forestparkzoo.org/volunteer.

EASTHAMPTON FAMILY CENTER: The Easthampton Family Center will be holding its June playgroups at the lower playground at Nonotuck Park in Easthampton on Tuesday and Friday mornings.  In case of rain, playgroups will take place at the center’s usual Main Street location (at Flywheel).  During July and August, parents can meet for playgroup at 10am every Tuesday at Nonotuck Park!  In case of rain, there will be no indoor location- playgroups will be rescheduled for Friday at the same time and place.  For more information about the center, visit www.easthamptonfamilycenter.org.

Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am.  Families have several ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:

• Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday & Sunday mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio.
• On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA.
• Podcast: Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too!

In the Hilltowns on Saturday, May 21st from 9am-4pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Head to Chester for Chester on Track, a community celebration of the town and its history.  There will he live music, helicopter rides, quarry tours, horse-drawn wagon rides, train museum tours, blacksmith demonstrations, a parade, and more!  Route 20.  413-354-7878.  Chester, MA.  (FREE)

And in the Berkshires on  Saturday, May 21st from 12noon-4pm – WORLD MUSIC : Join the Norman Rockwell Museum in celebrating World Rhythms Day!  There will be music, dance, international cuisine, gallery tours, art making, outdoor activities, and more!  9 Route 183.  413-298-4100.  Stockbridge, MA.  (FREE with museum admission)

In the Pioneer Valley on Saturday, May 21st from 3pm – FAMILY CONCERT: Visit the Eric Carle Museum for a performance from Elizabeth Mitchell & You Are My Flower, with special guests Mates of State!  Proceeds from the concert benefit the Northampton Community Music Center’s scholarship program.  125 West Bay Road.  413-658-1100.  Amherst, MA.  ($)

Then on Sunday, May 22nd at 10am – BIKES: Celebrate the grand opening of the completion of the Manhan Rail Trail extension to Northampton!  The event will begin at 10am with light refreshments and live music at Millside Park in Easthampton, and there will be performers along the trail as well.  The event will move steadily down the trail all morning until noon when there will be a ribbon cutting on the bridge over Route 10.  The entrance to the trail is off of Ferry and Pleasant streets.  This is an exciting occasion for trail-users- only a few years ago, there was a plan for the new trail bridge but no money to build and today there is a beautiful new section of bike path! Ferry Street and Pleasant Street.  Easthampton, MA.  (FREE)

Later in Easthampton on Sunday at 1:30pm – FAMILY CONCERT: Mister G and he kid-friendly punk rock band R.O.C.K. (the Royal Order of Chords and Keys) will perform a family concert to benefit Sunnyside Child Care at Flywheel Arts Collective. 43 East Main St. (Old Town Hall) Easthampton, MA ($)

Memorial Day Weekend from 9am-5pm – SHEEP & WOOLCRAFT FAIR: Head to Cummington for the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair!  There will be shearing demonstrations, wool spinning, sheep herding demonstrations, workshops on dying and spinning for kids, weaving, and much more!  97 Fairgrounds Road.  Cummington, MA.

… and from 10am-6pm – CULTURAL BAZAAR: The Cultural Survival Bazaar, an international festival of native arts and culture, happens on the Amherst Common.  Artisans, music, demos, educational displays, Native American storytelling, ethnic cuisine and much more. Amherst, M (FREE ENTRANCE)

IRISH DANCE: Irish Dance Camp / Evening Lessons / Fiddle Lessons: Join in the fun of the jigs and reels this summer with The Celtic Heels School of Irish Dance in Greenfield, MA! Camp 1: 6/27-6/30 for ages 4-6 from 9-10:30am ($55); ages 7-8 from 9am-12noon ($110); and ages 9+ from 9am-2pm ($180). Camp 2: For experienced dancers. Camp 3: 7/8-7/10 for ages 7-8 from 9am-12noon ($85); and ages 9+ from 9am-2pm ($135).  There is also a 6 week evening lesson workshop beginning the end of July. Class openings still available for ages 4-Adult in both soft shoe and hard shoe. Fiddle lessons will be held on Mondays on a first come first serve basis. For more information visit www.CelticHeelsDance.com

ADVENTURES IN CHINESE: June 20- July 1, 2011. New at The Bement School in Deerfield, campers ages 5-12 years can participate in activities designed to build vocabulary and confidence in speaking Mandarin Chinese. Campers will gain a better understanding of Chinese art, culture and tradition. Highlights include: Chinese food, Chinese stories and songs, brush painting and calligraphy, ancient Chinese culture and history, Chinese hand-drawing animations. For more information call 413-475-3044 www.bement.org/summer. Services include: round-trip van transportation (Hadley, Northampton, Amherst), extended day and bag lunches.

ADVENTURE CAMP: Four two-week sessions, June 20-August 12, 2011. The Bement School Summer Programs in Deerfield offer a preschool program and adventure day camp for boys and girls ages 15 months to 15 years. Adventure Camp provides a traditional day camp experience. Your child will participate in many activities to make his or her summer a memorable one. At the same time, parents can enjoy peace of mind knowing their child is in a safe and caring place. A sibling discount is available for siblings who enroll in multiple sessions. For information call 413-475-3044  www.bement.org/summer. Services include: round-trip van transportation (Hadley, Northampton, Amherst), extended day and bag lunches.

SHIPROCK & ANCHORDOG: This original musical is a collaboration between local children and artists from around the Pioneer Valley. Shiprock and Anchordog tells the tale of two lovable pups who leave their home in the desert to embark upon an epic quest in search of food security. In the production, the audience will journey across a beautiful piece of farmland, moving through a labyrinth of cargo trains, blueberry fields, oceans, and forests. The adventure incorporates live music, dance, and puppetry. Performances will be held at 81 Rocky Hill Rd. in Hadley on May 27th at 5pm and May 28th & 29th at 4pm. Tickets sold on a sliding scale: $10-25. Picnic dinner included in the price! Children 4 & under free.

Emily Jawadekar writes: I am a certified Children’s Yoga teacher. I teach yoga for ages 3-15 in the Northampton area. I can teach at my house or yours, or outdoors if it is a nice day! $25.00/hour for a private lesson. Groups classes are cheaper. Lessons start asap. Be prepared to have a lot of fun! If interested, please e-mail Emily asap at emilyj416@yahoo.com

Cynthia Grippaldi writes: The Junior Solar Spring will be held at Reid Middle School on North St. in Pittsfield on Sat., June 4th.  This fun event gathers @ 100 middle school students from the greater Berkshire region who have designed & built model vehicles that operate by the power of solar panels.  On June 4, they will be judged on craftsmanship, technical merit, innovation & performance. This is a totally volunteer event, & we could really use some volunteers.  We need to check-in teams, staff tables, oversee start & finish lines, help w/repairs, judges, scorekeeping, etc. Registration starts @ 8:30, & the event is usually over @ 1pm. Many tasks do not require you be there the whole time. For more info email me at cynthiag@cetonline.org or call 413-445-4556 x25.

CITIZEN SCIENTISTS: Help out with Firefly Watch, a program from the Museum of Science in Boston that tracks the geographic distribution of fireflies as well as their activity during summer months.  Participation is simple — all you have to do is count fireflies!  After signing up, you can create a description of where you live (geographic and physical) and then report your findings all summer long!  The study is also looking at how lawn chemicals affect fireflies, so be sure to include information about your lawn care (or lack thereof) in your description!  To sign up, visit the program’s website at www.mos.org/fireflywatch.

Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am.

This week The Luv Clowns Guest DJ the HFVS, spinning tunes by The Dixie Cups, The Olympics, Lee Dorsey, Capt. Groovy and his Bubblegum Army, Johnny Cash, Woody Herman, and many other… including The Luv Clowns!

Families have several ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:

• Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday & Sunday mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio.
• On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA.
• Podcast: Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too!