Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 12/26/09-01/01/10
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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
Ring in the New Year! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield) This week check out the great events happening at our area's fine museums, enjoy New Year's Eve during First Night, and on New Year's Day take a family on a First Day Hike. - Happy New Year!
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.
FIRST DAY HIKE
10am in Williamsburg, MA: Scenic hike at Briar Hill Conservation Area. Loop train is less than 1.5 miles and includes a vista of the Conway State Forest. All are welcomed. Sponsored by the Williamsburg Woodland Trails Committee. 268-8371 Call for directions.
11am-1pm in Goshen, MA: Hike at the DAR State Park with park supervisor, Bob Kabat. A relaxing 2-mile hike along the Accessible trail that runs along Upper Highland Lake into and through the campground to the Nature Center and the wildlife viewing station. All ages welcomed. Free hot cocoa. Hiking poles recommended. 268-7098. Meet at the DAR Day Use parking lot.
12Noon-2pm in Florence, MA: Hike into the Sawmill Hills in Florence. Do some tracking, take a look at the Vernal Pools, and celebrate a new year with Mother Nature. Meet in the parking lot of Arts and Industry in Florence to carpool to Avis Circle. Please do not park on Avis Circle, as it disturbs the local residents. Dress warmly, snow shoes not required. Ice storm cancels. Co-sponsored by Valley Land Fund and Nonotuck Land Fund!
BULLETIN BOARD
Ben Murry from Red Gate Farm in Buckland, MA writes: Red Gate Farm has just $3,500 left to raise in our challenge grant campaign. Our goal is to maximize the matching gift and reach a total of $12,000. Currently, over seventy friends and supporters have contributed a total of $8,500! Please consider making a contribution to Red Gate Farm. Every dollar you give is matched, dollar for dollar. Red Gate Farm is a very small educational organization, and every contribution makes a BIG impact on our programs, our staff, animals and the work that we do. Remember, your gift is tax-deductible, and donations of $60 or more also include a year long family membership to the farm.
Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood writes: Send in your nominations for CCFC’s 2nd Annual TOADY Awards. Has your jaw hit the floor while scanning the toy aisles this holiday season? If so, let us know! We’re looking for nominees for CCFC’s 2nd annual TOADY (Toys Oppressive And Destructive to Young Children) Award. On February 13, the Toy Industry Association will gather to present their TOTY (Toy Of The Year) Awards. But first, in honor of the industry that has led the way in commercializing childhood, CCFC will present the dreaded TOADY. So send us your nominees by emailing CCFC@jbcc.harvard.edu. The deadline for nominations is January 10, 2010. Click here to view last year’s nominees and why they were selected.
FOOD FOR COMMUNITY SENIORS: Know of grandparents in our community who could benefit from a free bag of groceries? The Food Bank’s Brown Bag: Food for Elders program supplies a free monthly bag of groceries in 51 western Massachusetts towns for people ages 55 and older who meet income guidelines. To sign up for the program, call the Food Bank at 413-247-9738. Help get the word out to area seniors. Print this info out and post it in your town hall, post office or library for our senior’s to discover.
LOCAL FAMILY GRIEF SUPPORT: The Garden: A Center for Grieving Children and Teens is a non-profit agency providing support to young people and their families, a place to talk about loss and help parents and guardians learn how to help their children through their grief. Children respond differently to death than adults, but they grieve as much as any grown up and benefit from a caring, knowledgeable environment. Children ages 5-12 and their families are meeting on Sunday afternoons, and teens are meeting on Wednesday evenings. The next entry date for new families is coming up in January 2010. If you or someone you know is interested in participating, please contact Shelly Bathe Lenn at 584-7086 ext 124 slenn@garden-cgc.org or visit www.garden-cgc.org
JOB POSTING: Community-Based Prevention Specialist with Hampshire Educational Collaborative – Plan, facilitate and evaluate proven strategies aimed at reducing youth substance use. Put your experience to work with Hampshire County coalition team to develop and monitor measurable goals and objectives, collect and analyze data, and prepare written reports. Bachelors in Public Health (or related subject) required; Masters preferred. Knowledge of social-norms marketing a plus. Competitive salary, flexible schedule (20+ hours), benefits. Apply immediately with letter of interest and resume to HR@collaborative.org . Join our team and make a difference. Hampshire Educational Collaborative www.collaborative.org.
HOMEWORK: Does homework intrude on your time with your family? How much time spent on homework do you this is useful or not for your child? How much time does your child spend on homework each night/week? Share what works and what doesn’t HERE.
ARCHITECTURE STUDIES: Students studying architecture might be interested in an exhibit of photos on display at the Historic Northampton Museum of historic architectural styles found in Northampton, MA. The show is titled, New England Architecture. More info call 584-6011. – Students might also be able to study new architecture style in another photographic exhibit at Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke, MA in a show called New Holyoke 1999-2009. Call 322-5660 for more info.
- Ashfield: Hilltown Churches Food Pantry with the First Congregational Church 625-6086
- Shelburne Falls: Trinity Church 625-9896 & West County Emergency Food Pantry 774-7034
- Goshen: Hilltown Food Pantry
RECALL: Timberland Recalls Children’s Boots Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard. More info here.
RECALL: Do We Need to Recall 50 MILLION Blinds? Read what Lenore from Free-Range Kids has to say about one of the largest recalls in history here.
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW
Our Holiday Podcast of the HFVS is up, along with one from our archives, which aired on Christmas Day ‘07 back when we use to do our show on Tuesday nights. Click HERE to check out both podcasts and to listen now.
Families have three ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:
HFVS Podcast: Listen to our most recent episodes anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too! Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio from 9-10am. On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA from 9-10am.
WEEKLY LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS
First Night Northampton 2007 (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield) First Night Northampton 2010 is filled with family events, including They Might Be Giant's kid show, family contra-dance, The Nields kid show, PaintBox Theatre, fireworks and much more. Click the image to download (pdf) the performance schedule.
Suggest an Event | Local Forecast | School Closings and Delays | Free Museum Passes | Family Centers (Ages 0-4)
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
Saturday – 12/26/09
2-3:45pm – ICE SKATING: Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield. (413)448-8258 Pittsfield, MA ($)
4-5:50pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
Sunday – 12/27/09
12Noon-2pm – GYMNASTICS: The Hampshire Gymnastics School will have an open gym for kids 5yo & older. Supervision is provided. Kids can get loud, jump on trampolines, swing from rings, dive into foam pit. Open gym days runs 12/27-30. 256-6990 Amherst, MA ($)
1:30pm-3:30pm – ICE SKATING: Public skate at the Collins/Moylan Arena. Skate rentals available. 772-6891 Greenfield, MA ($)
2-3:45pm – ICE SKATING: Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield. (413)448-8258 Pittsfield, MA ($)
3-4:50pm – ICE SKATING: Mullins Center Ice Rink. Rentals available. (413) 545-3990 UMass. Amherst, MA ($)
The long-held Learn to Skate program at the Boys and Girls Club of Pittsfield, Mass. is now underway at the Melville Street club.
The Learn to skate program is held from 11:45-12:25 (Dec. 28 to Dec. 31), and public skating is held on the same days from 1 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.
About Boys & Girls Club of Pittsfield
The Boys & Girls Club of Pittsfield, Mass. has been in operation for more than a century. A long-term investor in the community, the club focuses on the needs of children of all ages in a diverse, urban area, and offers a number of and community involvement programs in addition to sports, vocational, and recreational opportunities. For more information, visit http://www.boysandgirlsclubofpittsfield.org or call (413) 448-8258.
ArtStar:: Creative Arts Lounge in Williamsburg is offering
Vacation Day Workshops in Dec. and Jan. for kids 7 & up
Sign your child up for some fun
arts enrichment with peers!
Includes a healthy snack.
Pre-register at least one day prior to date of workshop.
SilkScreening T-shirts
Print a t-shirt of your own design!
Monday, Dec. 28th, (9-12pm) $30
Felt Workshop
Using wool to needle felt we will design and
create a wall hanging or pillow.
Wednesday,Dec. 30th,(9-12pm)$30
Dream Pillows
We will machine sew, embroider,
draw on fabric and fill these pillows
with lavender to sweeten our dreams.
Tuesday,Dec. 29th, (9-12pm), $30
See artstarlounge.com for info. To register email artstarmarie@verizon.net
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MONDAY
Movie Time for families from 4:00 – 5:15 pm at the Whately Library in Whately, MA
The Incredibles, Walt Disney Pictures, Rated G
A family of undercover superheroes, while trying to live the quiet suburban life, are forced into action to save the world. MovieTimes are sponsored by the Friends of the Library. Parents are welcome to stay but not required to.
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MONDAY
Monday, December 28th in Pittsfield, MA
Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield
http://www.berkshiremuseum.org
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. presented by Berkshire Children’s Theater
Monday, 12/28
11:00 AM and 1:00 PM
This talented group of young performers puts their mark on this timeless tale of adventure and magic. $15 adults ($7 members); $8 Children ages 3-18($5 members) Includes Festival of Trees admission.
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MONDAY
Kids Winter Circus Camp
12/29/09 – Ages 5-7
9:30am – 3:30pm
Contact: SHOW Circus Studio, info@showcircusstudio.com, 413-341-0005, http://www.showcircusstudio.com
Location: SHOW Circus Studio, Paragon Arts and Industry Building, Easthampton, MA
Link: http://www.showcircusstudio.com/Camps.html
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MONDAY
Holiday Activities at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT
Monday, December 28th there will be a LEGO contest for visitors ages 3-12 from 10 AM – 4 PM. Prizes will be awarded for each age category.
(phone) (860)-623-3305
(email) staff@neam.org
http://www.neam.org
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MONDAY
Kidspace at MassMoCA in North Adams, MA
All classes run from 9:30-11:00 AM. Drop-off, ages 7-12. With parent, ages 3-6. $5 per class (all 4 classes: $15/child)
Monday, December 28
CHARACTER CARVINGS: Fruit and veggie carvings and book-making
To register contact kidspace by phone 413-664-4481 x8131 or e-mail. http://www.massmoca.org
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MONDAY-WEDNESDAY
December 28-30 9am-3pm| Berkshire Museum| 39 South St.| 443-7171| $25/$20 members
Berkshire Museum Camps/ Week of School Vacation in Pittsfield, MA
C.S.I- Double Agent Day. Someone has been selling museum secrets on the black market. Help the museum find the identity of our double agent. Learn how to make secret code, write in invisible ink, dust and collet fingerprints, interview suspects to solve the mystery. $25 ($20 members) per day Pre-registration is required, space is limited. Please pack a bag lunch for each day your child is attending.
Kitchen Kaboom Day. What does en elephant use to brush his teeth? What happens when you super-fresse soda? Find the answers to these and other messy and sticky Kitchen Kaboom experiments. $25($20 members) per day Pre-registration is required, space is limited. Please pack a bag lunch for each day your child in attending.
Animal Adventures. Get up close and personal with the exotic live animals on view at Berkshire Museum. Learn how to identify snakes, frogs, and turtles in the wild. Help feed the animals, and make your own animal puppet. $25($20 members) per day Pre-registration is required, space is limited. Please pack a bag lunch for each day your child is attending.
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TUESDAY
Kids Winter Circus Camp
12/30/09 – Ages 8+
Time: 9:30am – 3:30pm
Contact: SHOW Circus Studio, info@showcircusstudio.com, 413-341-0005, http://www.showcircusstudio.com
Location: SHOW Circus Studio, Paragon Arts and Industry Building, Easthampton, MA
Link: http://www.showcircusstudio.com/Camps.html
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TUESDAY
Tuesday, December 29th in Pittsfield, MA
Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield
http://www.berkshiremuseum.org
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. presented by Berkshire Children’s Theater
Tuesday, 12/29
11:00 AM & 1:00 PM
This talented group of young performers puts their mark on this timeless tale of adventure and magic. $15 adults ($7 members); $8 Children ages 3-18($5 members) Includes festival of Trees admission.
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TUESDAY
Holiday Activities at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT
Tuesday, December 29th there will be an Open Cockpit program with visitors being allowed to climb into the cockpits of at least 6 aircraft including a helicopter, an airliner, a jet fighter and a WWII aircraft. Cockpits close at 4 PM.
(phone) (860)-623-3305
(email) staff@neam.org
http://www.neam.org
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TUESDAY
Kidspace at MassMoCA in North Adams, MA
All classes run from 9:30-11:00 AM. Drop-off, ages 7-12. With parent, ages 3-6. $5 per class (all 4 classes: $15/child)
Tuesday, December 29
STICKER STILL LIFES: Still-life paintings using acrylic paint and fruit and veggie stickers
To register contact kidspace by phone 413-664-4481 x8131 or e-mail. http://www.massmoca.org
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TUESDAY
Tuesday, December 29th in Northampton
“Numen: The Healing Power of Plants” on Tuesday, December 29 at 5:30pm.
“A FILM SHOWING”
What: Movie/TV Night
Start Time: Tuesday, December 29 at 5:30pm
End Time: Tuesday, December 29 at 8:00pm
Where: Media Education Foundation
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?event.php&eid=241585883763&mid=19c9479G4e54d3bbG1530beaG7
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TUESDAY
The newly formed Perennial Food Growing Group will be meeting at 6:30p.m. at Warner Farm in Cummington, MA. Our goal for now is to learn more about permaculture, by teaching each other and reading selected books on the subject. For the next month or two the text we are working out of is Gaia’s Garden by Toby Hemenway. Please join us. We intend to read part one (70 pages) by the November 10th meeting and Part Two by the November 24th meeting. Our immediate focus is apple guilds (the community/ecosystem of flora, fauna, fungi and conditions that comprise a healthy environment for apple trees/orchard). So really, please join us…Let’s build some momentum for perennial food gardening in the hilltowns!
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WEDNESDAY
Holiday Activities at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT
Wednesday, December 30th there will be an Aero Modeling Workshop. Children ages 8-14 can build and fly their own model. The program runs from 10 AM – 3 PM. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Adults pay regular admission; children pay $10 which includes admission to the Museum and the cost of the model.
(phone) (860)-623-3305
(email) staff@neam.org
http://www.neam.org
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WEDNESDAY
Kidspace at MassMoCA in North Adams, MA
All classes run from 9:30-11:00 AM. Drop-off, ages 7-12. With parent, ages 3-6. $5 per class (all 4 classes: $15/child)
Wednesday, December 30
MUNCHY MOSAICS: Junk food mosaic sculptures
To register contact kidspace by phone 413-664-4481 x8131 or e-mail. http://www.massmoca.org
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WEDNESDAY
Wednesday December 30th in Greenfield, MA
New Year’s Labyrinth Walk Fundraiser from 5:00 PM – 6:15 PM at Green River Yoga
Walking a labyrinth can bring about a feeling of centered peace and comfort, and the possibility of wonderful personal discoveries. Join leader Rosie Fanale for this healing experience and learn about the history of labyrinths, their uses for many centuries, and then experience your own walk along a portable labyrinth.
This event is free and open to the public. Any voluntary donations will be passed on to Horizons for Homeless Children, a leader in advocating for homeless children and their families and a provider of enrichment programs and recreational spaces for children in shelters throughout Massachusetts.
For more information, contact Rosie (413-652-2519). To make a donation to Horizons for Homeless Children click here or visit http://www.horizonsforhomelesschildren.org
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WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, December 30, 2:00 PM
A First Night Northampton Special Preview Performance:
Now in its 18th year, this lively variety showcase and friendly talent competition is coordinated by the tireless Gloria Tuperkeizsis. The participants, young dancers, actors, and musicians (ages 4-18) who were chosen in advance by audition, are sure to delight the entire family. Get your First Night celebration going early by joining us at the Center for an afternoon filled with youthful creative energy!
Tickets: Free admission with First Night button or $5 flat fee for adults/children. Buttons are for sale at the door or in advance at the vendors listed on the First Night web site. Child-friendly
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THURSDAY
Kidspace at MassMoCA in North Adams, MA
All classes run from 9:30-11:00 AM. Drop-off, ages 7-12. With parent, ages 3-6. $5 per class (all 4 classes: $15/child)
Thursday, December 31
8th ANNUAL NEW YEAR’S EVE HAT-MAKING:
One-of-a-kind party hats made of ice cream cones, candy, and other edibles
To register contact kidspace by phone 413-664-4481 x8131 or e-mail. http://www.massmoca.org
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THURSDAY
Thursday, December 31st in Pittsfield, MA
New Years Eve Kids Celebration
Ring in the New Year at the Berkshire Museum! Join Boston-based magician David Hall in the Museum Theater for jaw-dropping tricks that will leave your kids guessing and wondering how he did that for the entire New Year. After the performance, head up to the Crane Room for refreshments and cake to ring in the New Year with your friends at noon!
Thursday: December 31 11am | Berkshire Museum | 39 South St| 443-7171 | $15 adults ($7 members); $8 children ages 3-18 ($5 members). Includes Museum admission
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THURSDAY
25th edition of First Night Northampton.
http://www.gazettenet.com/firstnight/
2010 is our silver anniversary year, and we are very busy putting the finishing touches on this special tribute to community arts. First Night is Northampton’s biggest party of the year and an important annual fundraiser for the Center for the Arts. On Thursday, December 31st, join us for enjoy family-friendly entertainment from noon until midnight. Treat yourself to a festive display of fireworks early in the evening and a unique “ball-raising” at midnight, sharing the experience with friends, neighbors and visitors to the city. As always, a single bargain-priced button opens the doors to every event at every venue. They are on sale now at 25 locations throughout Western Mass as well as online. Visit our official website for details, including a preliminary performance program. Buy a button or be a volunteer! What a memorable way to celebrate New Year’s Eve!
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FRIDAY
FIRST DAY HIKES
10am in Williamsburg, MA: Scenic hike at Briar Hill Conservation Area. Loop train is less than 1.5 miles and includes a vista of the Conway State Forest. All are welcomed. Sponsored by the Williamsburg Woodland Trails Committee. 268-8371 Call for directions.
11am-1pm in Goshen, MA: Hike at the DAR State Park with park supervisor, Bob Kabat. A relaxing 2-mile hike along the Accessible trail that runs along Upper Highland Lake into and through the campground to the Nature Center and the wildlife viewing station. All ages welcomed. Free hot cocoa. Hiking poles recommended. 268-7098. Meet at the DAR Day Use parking lot.
12Noon-2pm in Florence, MA: Hike into the Sawmill Hills in Florence. Do some tracking, take a look at the Vernal Pools, and celebrate a new year with Mother Nature. Meet in the parking lot of Arts and Industry in Florence to carpool to Avis Circle. Please do not park on Avis Circle, as it disturbs the local residents. Dress warmly, snow shoes not required. Ice storm cancels. Co-sponsored by Valley Land Fund and Nonotuck Land Fund!
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FRIDAY
Friday, January 1st
South Berkshire Christmas Count
Join a team and welcome the new year with some winter birding. Contact René Laubach (637-0320, rlaubach@massaudubon.org) to sign up or for more information about time and place.
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FRIDAY
*Friday, January 1. New Year’s Birding. Half day. Scott Surner leads the first trip of
the year, looking for any birds that haven’t been up too late the night before. The trip
departs from the parking lot at Surner Heating (60 Shumway St. in Amherst) at 7 a.m.
(Yep, that’s what he said.) For more information call Scott at 413-256-5438. (E)
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FRIDAY
9:30am-11:30am – New Year’s Day playgroup and potluck with the Cummington Family Center at the Cummington Community House. Bring something to share & let the kids play.
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FRIDAY
Friday, January 1st in Sturbridge, MA
New Year’s Day at Old Sturbridge Village
at 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Take a spin on the ice (please bring your skates), or try our sledding hill (please use our sleds)…with good snowcover, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride around the Common