Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 10/02/10-10/08/10
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
Milkweed pods can be gathered this time of year with the kids to be dried and hand crafted into shadow box ornaments to give to the grandparents for the holidays. Click on the image to find out how. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
BEST BETS
On Saturday, October 2nd from 10am-5pm –HARVEST FESTIVAL: Berkshire Botanical Garden 2010 Harvest Festival. Live music, crafts, food, rides, silent auction, plant sale, animals, tag sale, and fall fun activities for kids. www.berkshirebotanical.org Stockbridge, MA (>$)
On Saturday, October 2nd from 4-8pm – BARN PARTY: In support of “Grow Food Northampton” there will be live music with Lui Collins, dancing, cider pressing, speeches, delicious local food, dessert potluck, kid activities and more at the Elk’s Lodge. www.growfoodnorthampton.com Florence, MA (DONATION)
On Sunday, October 3rd from 10am-4pm – COMMUNITY FESTIVAL: 49th Annual Festival of the Hills. 10K road race, arts and crafts exhibits, live music, activities for kids, a parade, log-splitting and skillet-tossing contests, and food and wares from local vendors. All proceeds from the Festival go to support scholarships for local high school students. www.festivalofthehills.com 369-4392 Conway, MA (FREE ENTRANCE)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
BULLETIN BOARD
PRIVATE MUSIC LESSONS: Scott Halligan of Ashfield is currently offering in-home private music lessons for students of all ages in the Hilltowns. Lessons are available by the half-hour or hour in piano, guitar, string instruments, and brass instruments. Discounts are available for group lessons and households wishing to host lessons for multiple students. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned player, Scott can help you reach your goals in music! For rates, schedule, and other information please write to scotth@doubleedgetheatre.org. Scott holds a MM from the New England Conservatory of Music, and is Director of Instrumental Music at Double Edge Theatre in Ashfield, MA.
Warm welcome to Hilltown Families newest sponsor, Birdie Bunny Photography. Serving families in Western MA, photographer Erin Newman-Long specializes in Fine Art Photography of Newborn, Baby, Child, Maternity and Family. http://www.birdiebunnyphotography.com
Deadline to enter to win: October 6th.
PARENT SUPPORT GROUP: Parents Together Support Groups are happening in both Northampton and Amherst, a FREE alternative support group for parents who learn best in non-traditional ways and have kids 5yo or under. Come play games, learn parenting skills, create art, go on field trips/picnics and discuss ways to keep your family happy and healthy. Transportation, childcare, games, prizes, food and coffee will be provided. Groups meet at the Amherst Family Center (Tuesdays from 9:30-11am) and the Northampton Parent Child Development Center (Time TBD). To learn more about this program and register, call Kris Larson at 834-3344 or email krislarson@unitedarc.org
SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Let us help get the word out about your event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement. Email hilltownfamilies@gmail.com for more information. — Help us help you!
HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW
Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am.
This week on the HFVS is our fundraising episode. We’re helping to raise $6,000 for WXOJ 103.3FM (Valley Free Radio.). We’re playing great music while taking a few breaks to ask for your support. – A new podcast will be posted on Saturday, featuring new music by The Okee Dokee Brothers, Fannery Brothers, The Bazilions, Capar Babypants, and story time with a new tale off of Bill Harley’s new CD.
Families have several ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:
Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday & Sunday mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio. On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA.
PODCAST: Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too!
WEEKLY LIST OF SUGGESTED EVENTS
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Suggest an Event | Local Forecast | Free Museum Passes | Playgroups & Family Centers | Movies in the Valley | Movies in the Berkshires | Farmers’ Markets | Listen Here
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
♦ On-going Events
Saturday – 10/2
All Day – TAG SALE: Community wide tag sale. Deerfield, MA (SALE)
All Day – BIG E: New England’s Premier Exposition. www.TheBigE.com West Springfield, MA ($)
8am-3pm – CONSIGNMENT SALE: 8th Annual All 4 Kids Fall/Winter Sale at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church (128 Main St.). Easthampton, MA (SALE)
9:30am-4:30pm – FOOD HISTORY: What’s cooking? Open hearth cooking at the Historic Deerfield. Open hearth cooks will prepare select dishes that are on display as part of the exhibition Dinner is Served!: Dining and the Decorative Arts. Come see “what’s cooking” and learn how these dishes were prepared in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The history workshop: Pots, Pans and Porridge: Children in the Colonial Kitchen, will be offered too starting at 12Noon. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
9:30am-5pm – FOOD HISTORY: Apple Days at Old Sturbridge Village. See their animal-powered Cider Mill in operation and try your hand at a man- (or woman- or child-) powered version. Learn about heirloom varieties of apples, taste a few (included with admission), take a walk in a Village orchard led by a horticulture expert, see (and smell!) cooking with apples, have a taste of mulled cider, and learn about storing and preserving the fruit that was such a big part of early New England life. 800-733-1830 www.osv.org Sturbridge, MA ($)
10am-12Noon – PARENTING WORKSHOP: Happiest Baby on the Block with Melanie Serman. Learn techniques to soothe your baby. CHP Family Services Building (442 Stockbrige Rd.). 644-0104 www.communityhealthprograms.org Great Barrington, MA (FREE)
10am-3pm – CULTURAL CELEBRATION: The New England Peace Pagoda (100 Cave Hill Rd.) will celebrate its 25th Anniversary with drumming, ceremony, Buddhist traditions and interfaith prayers. Cambodian Traditional Blessing and Flower Dance. Songs, speech, and a social dance led by the Wampanoag Singers and Dancers. A hearty lunch will be served at 1:30pm. 367-2202 www.newenglandpeacepagoda.com Leverett, MA
10am-5pm –HARVEST FESTIVAL: Berkshire Botanical Garden 2010 Harvest Festival. Live music, crafts, food, rides, silent auction, plant sale, animals, tag sale, and fall fun activities for kids. www.berkshirebotanical.org Stockbridge, MA (>$)
10am-5pm – GARLIC & ART FESTIVAL: North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival (Forster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd.). (978) 544-9023 http://www.garlicandarts.org Orange, MA (>$)
10:30am-4:30pm – HISTORIC TRADE: The Deerfield Museum’s Made-by-Hand-Trades of the Past will feature Hat Making & Redware Potting. See historic trades demonstrations of hat making with Bill Wigham, and redware potting with Rick Hamelin. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
11am-2pm – FAMILY PICNIC: Fall potluck for LGBT families at Look Park (picnic table 67K). Sponsored by LGBT Parents in Pioneer Valley. Bring food to share, and toys/clothes for a swap. Crafts for kids. (Rain date: 10/3, 10/9) Florence, MA (ENTRANCE FEE)
11am, 1:15 & 3pm – FOLIAGE CRUISE: Quinnetukut II Riverboat cruises. Join Captain Steve Larivee and first mate Sarah Doyle for this 12 mile cruise along the scenic Connecticut River. Cruises depart from Barton Cove. Make a reservations: (800) 859-2960 Northfield, MA ($)
11am-4pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Opening celebration at MASS MoCA in their Kidspace for Color Forms 1: Pink & Blue Projects by Portia Munson. Explore the colors pink and blue in Portia Munson’s installation of found objects, photographs, and print. Refreshments, art-making activities, meet the artist. 413.MoCA.111 www.massmoca.org North Adams, MA (FREE)
♦ 12Noon-3pm – COMMUNITY MEAL: Montague Farm Zen House presents the weekly Montague Farm Cafe -a free, weekly family oriented meal and gathering, with healthy food, art activities, live music, and games. 367-5275 Montague, MA (FREE)
And many more …
1pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (PG) will be screened at the Whately Library (202 Chestnut Plain Rd.). 665-2170 Whately, MA (FREE)
♦ 1pm – ASTRONOMY : Amherst Solar will be set up with their telescopes on the Amherst Town Common all summer. Stop by with the kids and see Sunspots, Prominences, Limb Darkening and more. 256-6234 amastro.org Amherst, MA (FREE)
2pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Westfield Athenaeum will screed Disney’s Beauty and the Beast (G). 568-7833 Westfield, MA (FREE)
♦ 3pm – ASTRONOMY: Observe the sun with Northampton Solar at A2Z Science and Learning Center. See Sunspots, Prominences, Limb Darkening and more. Northampton, MA (FREE)
3:30-5pm – CHESS CLUB: For kids ages 7 & older is Chess Club at the Jones Library with Andy Morris-Friedman. www.joneslibrary.org Amherst, MA (FREE)
4-8pm – BARN PARTY: In support of “Grow Food Northampton” there will be live music, dancing, cider pressing, speeches, delicious local food, dessert potluck, kid activities and more at the Elk’s Lodge. www.growfoodnorthampton.com Florence, MA (DONATION)
6-9:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Skeleton Crew Theater (SCT) at Camp Kee-Wanee. SCT is a theatrical attraction with a Halloween twist. Think of it as a treasure/scavenger hunt you’ll solve in one evening. Shows are 45/65 minutes long. Dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight. Not scary or gory, just spooky in a tasteful way. Bad weather cancels. www.skeletoncrewtheater.com Greenfield, MA ($)
7pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Family Friendly Haunted Hayrides at Echo Hill Orchards. 267-3303 Monson, MA
8pm – BALLET: Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet at the Concert Hall in The Fine Arts Center at The University of Massachusetts. Amherst, MA ($$)
♦ 9pm – ASTRONOMY: View the Moon, Planets, Satellites, Multiple Stars, Star Clusters, Galaxies, Nebulas and more through the 6 ton, 25 foot long, 18 inch F/17, World Class Clark Refractor at the Wilder Observatory at the Amherst College. Set up a telescope on the lawn, view through public use telescopes. www.amherstastronomy.org Amherst, MA (FREE)
Sunday – 10/3
All Day – BIG E: New England’s Premier Exposition. www.TheBigE.com West Springfield, MA ($)
10am-5pm – GARLIC & ART FESTIVAL: North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival (Forster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd.). (978) 544-9023 http://www.garlicandarts.org Orange, MA (>$)
10am-5pm –HARVEST FESTIVAL: Berkshire Botanical Garden 2010 Harvest Festival. Live music, crafts, food, rides, silent auction, plant sale, animals, tag sale, and fall fun activities for kids. www.berkshirebotanical.org Stockbridge, MA (>$)
♦ 10am-5pm – CORN MAZE: Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm (25 South Main St.). 665-8331 www.mikesmaze.com Sunderland, MA ($)
10:45am – FAMILY BIKE RIDE: Bikefest Tour of the Valley, presented by Northampton Cycling Club, will have an easy family ride as part of their event. Come out and enjoy the stunning fall foliage, dairy farms, and quaint villages in their classic New England splendor. All routes include scenic rolling hills of the beautiful Pioneer Valley, the heart of New England cycling. Entrance fee includes supported ride, entertainment, a gourmet BBQ lunch buffet with craft beer and entertainment featuring a pro BMX stunt show and some psychedelic dixieland from The Primate Fiasco. Northampton, MA (FUNDRAISER)
11am, 1:15 & 3pm – FOLIAGE CRUISE: Quinnetukut II Riverboat cruises. Join Captain Steve Larivee and first mate Sarah Doyle for this 12 mile cruise along the scenic Connecticut River. Cruises depart from Barton Cove. Make a reservations: (800) 859-2960 Northfield, MA ($)
12Noon-3pm – CONSIGNMENT SALE: 8th Annual All 4 Kids Fall/Winter Sale at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church (128 Main St.). 1/2 price. Easthampton, MA (SALE)
12Noon-4:30pm – HISTORIC FOOD: Pots, Pans and Porridge: Children in the Colonial Kitchen will be offered at the Historic Deerfield. Families are invited to come to the History Workshop where they can learn about making a colonial dinner through role playing. Using props and dress-up clothing, children can pretend to cook, shell peas, and measure and mix ingredients for a pot of “pease porridge.” Cooks of all ages can gather some 18th-century recipes and put them together to make a small cookbook to take home along with the ingredients to make a pea soup. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
1pm – PARADE: 55th Annual Fall Foliage Parade. www.fallfoliageparade.com North Adams, MA
♦ 1-4pm – HISTORIC ADVENTURES: Hadley Farm Museum (Route 9) is open. Take the kids for a historic exploration of farming through equipment and tool displays. 533-2412 Hadley, MA (>$)
2pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Special Storytime with Paul DuBois Jacobs & Jennifer Swender at the Eric Carle Museum. Celebrate National Fire Prevention Week with their latest book, Fire Drill. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
6-9:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Skeleton Crew Theater (SCT) at Camp Kee-Wanee. SCT is a theatrical attraction with a Halloween twist. Think of it as a treasure/scavenger hunt you’ll solve in one evening. Shows are 45/65 minutes long. Dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight. Not scary or gory, just spooky in a tasteful way. Bad weather cancels. www.skeletoncrewtheater.com Greenfield, MA ($)
Monday – 10/4
1-2:30pm & 5:30-7pm in Northampton: Volunteer orientations at The Food Bank for volunteer opportunities families can participate in at the Paradise City Arts Festival on Columbus Day Weekend. (413) 786-5963 (VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY)
7pm in Easthampton: Screening of The Race to Nowhere will be at the Easthampton Family Center (43 Main St.), sponsored by The Flywheel Arts Collective. ($)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 9:30-11am in South Hadley: Drop-in playgroups at the South Hadley Family Center at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on Route 116, across from the Post Office in South Hadley Center (7 Woodbridge St.). 533-7096 http://www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Northampton: Storytime with Ellie at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11:00am in Northampton: Tummy Time at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 12Noon – 1:30pm in Northampton: Mother-Mother Breastfeeding group hosted by a certified lactation consultant every Monday at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. 582-2096 [FREE]
♦ 4:30pm in Northampton: Family Karate for kids ages 6-12 with an adult at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. 584-7086 (MEMBERS)
♦ 4:30-5:30pm in Northampton: The Forbes Library hosts a Manga/Anime Club. Drop-ins welcomed. In the children’s department. [FREE]
♦ 6:30pm in Montague: Evening Sing-Along at the Montague Center Library. Children of all ages and their families are invited to join Children’s Librarian Linda Hickman for a fun informal live music. Linda plays a variety of children’s music on the guitar and banjo, and there are bells and shakers for the children to play. For more information, call the Carnegie Library- 863-3214.
Tuesday
♦9am-1pm in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11am in South Hadley: Drop-in playgroups at the South Hadley Family Center at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on Route 116, across from the Post Office in South Hadley Center (7 Woodbridge St.). 533-7096 http://www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11am in Amherst: Parents Together Support Group at the Amherst Family Center. An alternative support group for parents who learn best in non-traditional ways and have kids 5yo or under. Come play games, learn parenting skills, create art, go on field trips/picnics and discuss ways to keep your family happy and healthy. Transportation, childcare, games, prizes, food and coffee will be provided. To learn more about this program and register, call Kris Larson at 834-3344 or email krislarson@unitedarc.org (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Sandisfield: Playgroup at Sandisfield Old Town Hall. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in West Stockbridge: Playgroup at W. Stockbridge Town Hall. Gym Fun. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 9:30am-12:30pm in Belchertown: The Belchertown Family Center (720 Franklin St.) is open for drop-in playgroups for families with children 0-5yo. 283-7594 http://www.belchertownfamilycenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 10am in Florence: Kulp Memorial Lap Sitting at the Lilly Library for yougest ones 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10-11am in Greenfield: Pre-School Storyhour at the Greenfield Public Library (402 Main Street). Mrs. Sally Ahearn leads this story time for children ages 5 and under. 772-1544 http://www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10:15-12:15am in Northampton: MotherWoman Postpartum Support Group at the Community Action Building (56 Vernon St.). Confidential drop-in group for mothers of infants and babies up to one year old who are experiencing a challenging postpartum time. Expectant mothers welcome. Free childcare up to four years old. 253-8990 wwwmotherwoman.org (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Springfield: Preschool Storytime at the Springfield Central Library. Stories, songs, and a craft. Perfect for ages 3-5 years, with siblings welcome. Pre-registration required if you’ll be bringing more than 4 children . 263-6828, x201. http://www.springfieldlibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Amherst: Sing with your Baby at the Jones Library in the large room. http://www.joneslibrary.org (FREE )
♦ 11:00am in Hatfield: Preschool story hour lead by Carolyn Mazel at the Hatfield Library (39 Main St.). Geared to ages 3-5, each story hour includes books, songs, finger plays, a play along with musical instruments, and a simple craft. 247-9097 (FREE)
♦ 11am in Florence: Toddler Time at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11am in Lenox: Toddler Story Time at the Lenox Library (18 Main Street). Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children & their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays & listen to a story. Following the structured program, participants are invited to stay so that the children can play together & their caregivers can visit. (FREE)
♦ 12:30pm in Pittsfield: Chow Time in the aquarium at 12:30pm at the Berkshire Museum. 443-7171 http://www.berkshiremuseum.org (FREE w/museum admission)
♦ 1:30-6:30pm in Northampton: Tuesday Farmers’ Market in Downtown Northampton, behind Thornes Marketplace! Food, plants, baby animals, live music, family-friendly. 586-7586 (FREE)
♦ 2:15pm in Amherst: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Amherst Cinema. ($)
♦ 3:30-4:45pm in Miller Falls: Millers Falls Library Club (23 Bridge St.). An afterschool program with drop-in sessions for children of all ages. Activities include arts and crafts, snacks and homework help. 659-3801 http://www.montaguepubliclibraries.org (FREE)
♦ 4:30pm in Florence: I Can Read Book Club at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
Wednesday
♦ 9am-12Noon in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Ware: Drop-in playgroups at the Ware Family Center in the United Church of Ware building (49 Church St.). 967-8127 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Lenox: Playgroup at Lenox Community Center. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 9:30am-12:30pm in Belchertown: The Belchertown Family Center (720 Franklin St.) is open for drop-in playgroups for families with children 0-5yo. 283-7594 http://www.belchertownfamilycenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 10am in New Marlborough: Library Story hour. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 10am in Greenfield: Sunshine Story Time, an all-ages story hour – During the school year, this story time will take place, weather permitting, on the library’s back lawn. 772-1544 http://www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10am in Northfield: Story time at the Northfield Public Library. with stories, crafts and snacks. 498-2455 http://www.northfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10-11:30am in Hadley: Rollerskate with Tiny Tot Romp, Stop, ‘n’ Roll Skate and Play at Interskate 91 North (Hampshire Mall). Strollers welcome. Parent’s don’t have to wear skates. For Ages 6 & under. 586-2737 http://www.interskate91.com (>$)
♦ 10:30am in Leverett: Children’s story hour at the Leverett Library. http://www.leverettlibrary.org
♦ 10:30-11:45 am in Northampton: Jewish Family Jam for infants, toddlers and their caregivers. Sing, drum and dance. Led by Felicia Sloin at Lander Grinspoon Academy (257 Prospect St.). 737-2601 http://www.jfswm.org (>$)
♦ 10:30-11:45am in Amherst: Momma and Baby Yoga (Start after 7 weeks postpartum) at the CDH outpatient offices at 170 University Drive. Pre-registration is required: 582-2736, press “3” for Yoga
♦ 11am in Northampton: Toddler Time at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11am-12Noon in South Hadley: Parent with infant group at the South Hadley Family Center at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on Route 116, across from the Post Office in South Hadley Center (7 Woodbridge St.). 533-7096 http://www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
♦ 1pm in Northampton: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Pleasant Street Theater. ($)
♦ 2pm in Florence: Wednesday Farmers’ Market on the lawn at the Florence Civic Center (Route 9) from 2-6pm
♦ 2-6pm in Turners Falls: Great Falls Farmers Market. Located on the corner of 2nd Street and Avenue A. in Turners Falls, right next to the Great Falls Discovery Center.
♦ 3-6pm in Greenfield: Guiding Star Grange Farmer’s Market (401 Chapman Street)
♦ 4pm in Northampton:Parenting/Baby Group at the Forbes Library. Call to pre-register. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 4:15pm in Northampton: Family Yoga for ages 3yo and up at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. 584-7086 (MEMBERS)
♦ 4:30pm in Northampton: Yo-Yo School at A2Z. Come visit yo-yo school and learn to yo-yo for free with A2Z. (FREE)
Thursday – 10/7
8:15-10:30am in Hadley: Open Class Day at the Hartsbrook School. (OPEN HOUSE)
4pm in Northampton: The Northampton Parents Center is having their Annual Welcome Back Picnic until dusk at Look Park. Everyone is welcome – new and current families as well as alumni! Meet at the picnic tables near the little playground (look for the NPC sandwich board!) The Picnic is potluck, so please bring a dish to share. Look Park charges a small fee to enter the park. If the weather is questionable, call the Parents Center at 582-2636 for details. (Rescheduled from last week)
6pm in Great Barrington: Parenting Styles by Danielle Shumway Finding common ground & understanding. Parents learn to work together taking steps toward more harmonious family life. Thursday evenings October 7th, 14th, 21st at the CHP Family Services Building (442 Stockbrige Rd.). 644-0104 http://www.communityhealthprograms.org
♦ 9am in Great Barrington: Kids’ Kitchen with Melanie Seserman at the CHP Family Services Building (442 Stockbridge Rd.). A cooking class for kids 2.5-5yo to learn about healthy food choices. http://www.communityhealthprograms.org 644-0104 (FREE)
♦9am-1pm in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Ware: Drop-in playgroups at the Ware Family Center in the United Church of Ware building (49 Church St.). 967-8127 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11am in South Hadley: Drop-in playgroups at the South Hadley Family Center at All Saints’ Episcopal Church on Route 116, across from the Post Office in South Hadley Center (7 Woodbridge St.). 533-7096 http://www.shfamilycenter.org (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Music class at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 9:30am-12:30pm in Belchertown: The Belchertown Family Center (720 Franklin St.) is open for drop-in playgroups for families with children 0-5yo. 283-7594 http://www.belchertownfamilycenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 10am in Florence: Pre-school Story Time at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Springfield: Preschool Storytime at the Springfield Central Library. Stories, songs, and a craft. Perfect for ages 3-5 years, with siblings welcome. Pre-registration required if you’ll be bringing more than 4 children . 263-6828, x201. http://www.springfieldlibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Amherst: Preschool Story Time at the Jones Library in the Children’s Room. http://www.joneslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11am in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) until 1pm. Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 1pm in Northampton: Baby playgroup at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 1-3pm in Great Barrington: Infant/Toddler Playgroup Group at the CHP Family Services Building (442 Stockbridge Rd.) 644-0104 http://www.communityhealthprograms.org (FREE)
♦ 5-8pm in Pittsfield: 3rd Thursdays in downtown Pittsfield. The streets come alive with musicians, artists, activities, sidewalk dining, after hours shopping and much more. 499.9348
6pm in Northampton: Single Parent Support Group at Cradle. 341-5282 (FREE)
Friday – 10/8
Hadley: Felting Fridays at the Hartsbrook School (94 Bay Rd.). 584-3198 (FREE)
6-9:30pm in Greenfield: Skeleton Crew Theater (SCT) at Camp Kee-Wanee. SCT is a theatrical attraction with a Halloween twist. Think of it as a treasure/scavenger hunt you’ll solve in one evening. Shows are 45/65 minutes long. Dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight. Not scary or gory, just spooky in a tasteful way. Bad weather cancels. http://www.skeletoncrewtheater.com ($)
7pm in Monson: Family Friendly Haunted Hayrides at Echo Hill Orchards. 267-3303
♦ 7:30am in Lanesboro: Guided hikes on Mount Greylock, followed by an optional breakfast at historic Bascom Lodge. Meet at the Visitors Center (30 Rockwell Rd.) Steve Linscott will lead a moderate to strenuous hike. 499-4262 (FREE HIKE; $ FOOD)
♦ 9am-12Noon in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
♦ 9:30am in Amherst: Pre-school Spanish immersion program for kids under 6yo at the First Baptist Church. (954) 829-5233 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-10:30am in Holyoke: Read to Grow preschool program at the Children’s Museum (444 Dwight St.). 536-5437 (>$)
♦ 10am in Florence: Mother Goose: Music, Stories and Movement – at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10am & 11am in Pittsfield: Aquarium Adventures. Each week children ages 2-4 meet a different animal from Berkshire Museum’s aquarium and watch as their new friend enjoys a meal. Story time is included. Free with Museum admission.
♦ 11am in Sunderland: Story/craft time for kids ages 3-5yo and their families at the Sunderland Pulic Library (20 School St.). Each storytime is approximately 45 minutes in length for theme-related stories, songs, finger plays and crafts! 665-2642 sunderlandpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11am in Greenfield: Mother Goose on the Loose makes early learning lots of hands-on fun with songs, rhymes, and activities geared for the 3 and under audience. http://www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 2pm in Springfield: Planetarium show at the Springfield Museum. 263-6800 http://www.springfieldmuseums.org (>$)
5-8pm in Northampton: Northampton Arts Night Out
5:30-7pm in Northampton: Family pool night at the YMCA. Free for members. 584.7086 http://www.hrymca.org (>$)
Peru, MA Mountain Market
Friday October 8 4-8
Saturday October 9 9-4
Crafts, Food, Home Safety
Route 143…East Main Road at the Town Hall lower level.