Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 10/23/10-10/29/10
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
Day of the Dead altar at the Meekins Library in Williamsburg, MA. This year the Meekins Library will have their community altar for the Day of the Dead on display from 10/23-11/3. All are invited to bring a small token of remembrance of a person or animal they have loss, marigolds, sugar skulls, etc. to add to the display. (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, Oct. 23rd from 11am-4pm – SCIENCE ADVENTURES: “What Is It? Day” at the Springfield Science Museum. Visitors are invited to bring in unusual artifacts or mystery objects they have found for identification and information. Scientists and experts will be on hand to look at and identify fossils, rocks, and minerals as well as prehistoric and historic artifacts. “What is It? Day” has been planned in conjunction with Massachusetts Archaeology Month. 263-6800 or visit www.springfieldmuseums.org Springfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
Later on Saturday, Oct. 23rd from 6-8pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Haunted Farm at Red Gate Farm. A festive Halloween Celebration complete with a “not-so-scary” haunted barn, games, food, treats, and a haunted hay ride! Put on your costume and come on over! The only scary part is how much our farm animals are looking forward to Halloween! Ages 3 – 12. No registration necessary. Please call the Farm Office for more information. 625-9503 www.redgatefarm.org Buckland, MA (>$)
On Sunday, Oct. 24th at 5:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: The 3rd Annual Surrealist Cabaret and Pumpkin Walk, hosted by the Royal Frog Ballet on Bramble Hill (S. Pleasant St.). Starts promptly at 5:30pm. Dancing grannies, hooting from tree tops, and much more. Bring mug, wear walking shoes, dress warmly. www.theroyalfrogballet.com Amherst, MA ($)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Learn to make Mexican Sugar Skulls for Day of the Dead, traditionally celebrated on November 3rd.
On Saturday, Oct. 30th from 5-9pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Things That Go Bump in the Night at Old Sturbridge Village. Includes The Trail of Terror (ages 11yo & up), haunted pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, puppet show with Caravan Puppets, and more. 800-733-1830 www.osv.org Sturbridge, MA ($)
On Sunday, Oct. 31st from 11am-4pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Supernatural Sunday: Halloween in at Historic Deerfield. Enjoy the fun of Halloween and the beauty of harvest during the fall season with seasonal hearth cooking, pumpkin decorating, wagon rides, mask-making, and face painting. Wear a costume and enjoy some early trick-or-treating at select historic houses. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.orgDeerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
BULLETIN BOARD
HERBAL CLASS SERIES: Herbal Medicine for Children and Babies in Ashfield at Blazing Star Herbal School. The class will begin with pre-conceptive health care and continue throughout childhood, covering pathologies and common and uncommon states. The class will discuss methods to help prevent compromised immune systems and ways to strengthen the terrain. Cultures around the world will be compared and contrasted. Clarity will be given on appropriate dosage for children and methods of administration. Explore creative medicine making and making nourishing condiments. Students will leave with a complete Materia Medica for Children’s Health. Dates: Friday Mornings Oct 22, Nov 5, Nov 19th Last date TBA .Cost for 4 classes $130
Deadline to enter to win: 11/3/10
Cherylann Richards is the Outreach Coordinator for the Old Creamery Co-op writes: Your views are critical to our effort. Please take our survey online. or pick up a paper survey at The Old Creamery. As our thanks for completing the survey, we will hold a drawing with a Grand Prize of a $100 Old Creamery gift certificate and 5 runner-up prizes of a Creamery-made pie or cake. The drawing will be held on Nov 1, deadline for responses is Oct 29. To be entered, you must provide your contact information. All responses are confidential, and we will not share your contact information. If you have questions, please contact our Outreach Coordinator Cherylann Richards at cherylann@oldcreamery.coop. Thank you!
DIY: Halloween Paper-Maché Piñatas
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: The Parent Aide Program (serving Hampshire County) Trained volunteers provide weekly home visits to families in need of support. The program encourages parents to set their own goals, and Parent Aides partner with parents to attain them. Parent Aides provide both concrete and emotional support to improve coping and life skills and connect parents to needed community services. Through their involvement with the Parent Aide program, families become more connected to both formal and informal community supports, enabling parents to experience less isolation, depression and family violence. The service typically lasts about one year. Training forming now. Please contact Katarina at Berkshire Children and Families in Hadley at (413) 584-5690 ext. 140 or knoyes@bcfcma.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, Morgan Taylor of Gustafer Yellowgold is our Guest DJ, playing excellent tunes from his childhood plus great music from current albums, including Bread, John Sebastien, Caspar Babypants, Pilot, Recess Monkey, and many others!
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 | Listen Here
Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events
Saturday -10/23
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)
10am-12Noon – NATURE STUDIES: Bird banding demo at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (472 W. Mountain Rd.) 637-0320 Lenox, MA (>$)
10:30am-12Noon – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Children’s Halloween Party at the Carnegie Library. Refreshments, games, face painting, and arts and crafts. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. 863-3214 Turners Falls, MA (FREE)
11am-3pm – FALL FAIR/OPEN HOUSE: The Montessori School of Northampton’s annual Children’s Fall Fair and Open House (51 Bates St.). The full day of fun for families will include children’s games, arts and crafts, pony rides, a petting zoo, a bounce house, and more. Entertainment will be provided by Hooping Harmony, singer-songwriter Chris Scanlon, clown Peppermint Pattie and storyteller Tom McCabe (of Paintbox Theater). 586-4538 www.northamptonmontessori.com Northampton, MA (FREE ENTRANCE) Rain dates: 10/24.
11am-4pm – SCIENCE ADVENTURES: “What Is It? Day” at the Springfield Science Museum. Visitors are invited to bring in unusual artifacts or mystery objects they have found for identification and information. Scientists and experts will be on hand to look at and identify fossils, rocks, and minerals as well as prehistoric and historic artifacts. “What is It? Day” has been planned in conjunction with Massachusetts Archaeology Month. 263-6800 or visit www.springfieldmuseums.org Springfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
1pm – FAMILY CONCERT: Northampton Community Music Series featuring Gustafer Yellowgold in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
1-2:30pm – READING ADVENTURES: Family Adventures in Reading (FAIR) will be offered at the Indian Orchard Branch Library (44 Oak St.) with professional storyteller John Porcino lerading families and children 6 and older in discussions about children’s stories on topics such as fairness, courage, and dreams. Snacks will be provided. Register at 263-6846 www.springfieldlibrary.org Springfield, MA (FREE)
1-3pm – DOG PARADE: The Friends of the Dickinson Memorial Library (115 Main St.) are sponsoring a dog show and parade. Bring your dog or come and cheer the contestants on. 498-2455 www.northfieldpubliclibrary.org Northfield, MA (>$, FREE)
Gathering leaves at the Ashfield Farmers' Market. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
♦ 1:30-3:20pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
2-3:30pm – BOWLING: Bowling with Whole Children at Spare Time Bowling Ale (525 Pleasant St.). All ages are welcome – parents are asked to stay with children under age 13, teens can be dropped off with prior permission. All parents are encouraged to stay and join in the fun! Pick up and drop off is at Spare Time. 585-8010 www.wholechildren.org Northampton, MA ($)
2-4pm – NATURE ADVENTURES: Fall Foods Forage at the Hancock Shaker Village. 443-0188 http://www.hancockshakervillage.org Pittsfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
3:30-5:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: ETTA Art Studio is hosting a costume craft class. 230-3272 www.ETTAartstudio.com Amherst, MA ($)
3-4:30pm – COOKING: Future chefs, ages 9 to 14, are invited to join Katie Wilton, author of You’re the Cook!, for a hands-on cooking class at the Lenox Library Association. Registration is required; participation is limited. To register, call 637-0197 ext. 105. Lenox, MA (FREE)
3-9pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Montague Pumpkinfest at Pekeompsuk Park (off Avenue A). Thousands of carved pumpkins illuminate the Town of Montague. Crafters, farmers, music, food. 522-0712 Turners Falls, MA (FREE)
5-6:45pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Munchkin Haunted Hay Rides at McCray’s Farm (55 Alvord St.). Gentle, exciting ride for families with children 7yo and younger. 533-0775 www.mccrays-farm.com South Hadley, MA ($)
5:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: The 3rd Annual Surrealist Cabaret and Pumpkin Walk, hosted by the Royal Frog Ballet on Bramble Hill (S. Pleasant St.). Starts promptly at 5:30pm. Dancing grannies, hooting from tree tops, and much more. Bring mug, wear walking shoes, dress warmly. www.theroyalfrogballet.com Amherst, MA ($)
5:30-8:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Haunted Train and Lights Display at Look Park. Train ride for 5yo+. 584-5457 www.lookpark.org Northampton, MA (FREE ENTRANCE, >$)
6-9:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Skeleton Crew Theater (SCT) at Camp Kee-Wanee. SCT is a theatrical attraction with a Halloween twist. Think of it as a treasure/scavenger hunt you’ll solve in one evening. Shows are 45/65 minutes long. Dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight. Not scary or gory, just spooky in a tasteful way. Bad weather cancels. www.skeletoncrewtheater.com Greenfield, MA ($)
7pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Family Friendly Haunted Hayrides at Echo Hill Orchards. 267-3303 Monson, MA
7:30pm – THEATER: The Case of the Missing Mummy by Castle Hill Theatre Company at the Berkshire Museum. A funny and frightening old-fashioned murder mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie and the old Universal horror movies. Recommended for patrons 12 years and up. 443-7171 www.berkshiremuseum.org Pittsfield, MA ($)
8pm – FAMILY THEATER: Arena Civic Theater presents Annie at the Shea Theater (71 Avenue A). 863-2281 www.theshea.org Turners Falls, MA ($)
♦ 10am-5pm – CORN MAZE: Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm (25 South Main St.). 665-8331 www.mikesmaze.com Sunderland, MA ($)
10:30am-4pm – HISTORIC TRADE: The Deerfield Museum’s Made-by-Hand-Trades of the Past will feature Silversmithing. See historic trades demonstrations of silversmithing with Steve Smithers. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
12Noon-4:30pm – HISTORIC FOOD:Pots, Pans and Porridge: Children in the Colonial Kitchen will be offered at the Historic Deerfield. Families are invited to come to the History Workshop where they can learn about making a colonial dinner through role playing. Using props and dress-up clothing, children can pretend to cook, shell peas, and measure and mix ingredients for a pot of “pease porridge.” Cooks of all ages can gather some 18th-century recipes and put them together to make a small cookbook to take home along with the ingredients to make a pea soup. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
1pm & 3pm – PUPPET SHOW: The PuppeTree presents The Legend of Sleepy Hollow in the Auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
1-3pm – BIRTH CLASS: Creative Movement for Birth at Franklin Medical Center. Taught by Warm Welcome Birth Services with the help of the Birth Doula Training Workshop & Mentoring Program. Pre-Registration is required. 203-4479 Greenfield, MA (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 Springfield, MA ($)
3pm – PERFORMANCE: Mummenschanz at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. Mummenschanze is a clever, comic, and bizarre world filled with strange creatures, amusing situations, astounding colors, and imaginative shapes – revolutionizing theater using mime, acting, dance, and magic. 528-0100 www.mahaiwe.org Great Barrington, MA ($$)
4:45pm – RAG SHAG PARADE: Meet at the Hopkins Academy parking lot. Read more about Rag Shag Parades. Hadley, MA (FREE)
5-6:45pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Munchkin Haunted Hay Rides at McCray’s Farm (55 Alvord St.). Gentle, exciting ride for families with children 7yo and younger. 533-0775 www.mccrays-farm.com South Hadley, MA ($)
5:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: The 3rd Annual Surrealist Cabaret and Pumpkin Walk, hosted by the Royal Frog Ballet on Bramble Hill (S. Pleasant St.). Starts promptly at 5:30pm. Dancing grannies, hooting from tree tops, and much more. Bring mug, wear walking shoes, dress warmly. www.theroyalfrogballet.com Amherst, MA ($)
5:30-8:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Haunted Train and Lights Display at Look Park. Train ride for 5yo+. 584-5457 www.lookpark.org Northampton, MA (FREE ENTRANCE, >$)
6-9:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT: Skeleton Crew Theater (SCT) at Camp Kee-Wanee. SCT is a theatrical attraction with a Halloween twist. Think of it as a treasure/scavenger hunt you’ll solve in one evening. Shows are 45/65 minutes long. Dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight. Not scary or gory, just spooky in a tasteful way. Bad weather cancels. www.skeletoncrewtheater.com Greenfield, MA ($)
Monday – 10/25
On-going
♦ 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)
♦ 10am-4pm in Northampton: The Botanic Garden Lyman Conservatory of Smith College (15 College Lane) will host a Fall Chrysanthemum Show. A sweet event to take the family to. 585-2740 Northampton, MA (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 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)
♦ 11am-12:50pm in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 12Noon – 1:30pm in Northampton: Mother-Mother Breastfeeding group hosted by a certified lactation consultant every Monday at Cooley Dickinson Hospital. 582-2096 (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
♦ 4:30pm in Northampton: Family Karate for kids ages 6-12 with an adult at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. 584-7086 (MEMBERS)
♦ 6:30pm in Montague: Evening Sing-Along at the Montague Center Library. Children of all ages and their families are invited to join Children’s Librarian Linda Hickman for a fun informal live music. Linda plays a variety of children’s music on the guitar and banjo, and there are bells and shakers for the children to play. For more information, call the Carnegie Library- 863-3214.
Tuesday – 10/26
10am & 1pm in Turners Falls: Crabgrass Puppet Theatre perform Anansi, Spiderman of Africa at the Shea Theater (71 Avenue A). 863-2281 http://www.theshea.org (>$)
11am in Hadley: Halloween preschool story hour at the Goodwin Memorial Library. 584-7451 (FREE)
6:30pm in Southampton: Goblins and Giggles; Stories for a Halloween Eve at the Edwards Library with storyteller Rona Leventhal. For ages 5-8. 527-9480 http://www.ronatales.com (FREE)
On-going
♦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 Leverett: Happy Dan the Music Man: Sing With Your Baby Music, Movement, Instruments, and Fun for 0-2 year olds at the Leverett Crafts and Arts building (13 Montague Rd.). 259-1808 (>$ DONATION)
♦ 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)
♦ 10am-4pm in Northampton: The Botanic Garden Lyman Conservatory of Smith College (15 College Lane) will host a Fall Chrysanthemum Show. A sweet event to take the family to. 585-2740 Northampton, MA (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 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 )
♦ 10am-12Noon in West Springfield: Drop-in playgroup at the First Congregational Church (20 Lathrop St.) for all parents and caregivers of babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. 734-7667 (FREE)
♦ 10:45am-12:35pm in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 11:00am in Hatfield: Preschool story hour lead by Carolyn Mazel at the Hatfield Library (39 Main St.). Geared to ages 3-5, each story hour includes books, songs, finger plays, a play along with musical instruments, and a simple craft. 247-9097 (FREE)
♦ 11am in Florence: Toddler Time at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11am in Lenox: Toddler Story Time at the Lenox Library (18 Main Street). Story Time is for children age 18 months to 3 years. Children & their caregivers sing songs, learn finger plays & listen to a story. Following the structured program, participants are invited to stay so that the children can play together & their caregivers can visit. (FREE)
♦ 11am-12:50pm & 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
♦ 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)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 2:15pm in Amherst: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Amherst Cinema. ($)
♦ 3:30-4:45pm in Millers 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)
♦3:30pm in Lee: Tail Waggin’ Tutors program at the Lee Library with Addie. Addie is a “Tail Waggin’ Tutor” certified by Therapy Dogs International as a trained therapy dog. The Tail Waggin’ Tutors program encourages children to read by providing a non-judgmental listener and furry friend to read to. All ages. 243-0385 (FREE)
♦ 4-5pm in Northampton: Girls Circle Yoga at Embodiment Studio (94 King St., 2nd floor), an ongoing weekly group for like-hearted, mind, and spirited girls. This class is created for reducing anxiety, digestive stress, emotional stress and overwhelming emotions. 695-6950 ($)
♦ 4:30pm in Florence: I Can Read Book Club at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
Wednesday – 10/27
1:15-2:30pm in Montague: Montague Public Libraries’ Homeschool Program, “Harvest Bounty,” at the Carnegie Library with Ruth O’Mara and Linda Hickman. Books, crafts, traditional lore and agricultural information. 863-3214 (FREE)
4:30pm in Holyoke: Goblins and Giggles; Stories for a Halloween Eve at the Holyoke Library with storyteller Rona Leventhal. For ages 5-8. 534-2211 http://www.ronatales.com (FREE)
6:30pm in Easthampton: Rag Shag Parade. Meet at Maple St. School. Treats for all children at the Williston- Northampton School quadrangle on Park St. Read more about Rag Shag Parades. (FREE)
6:30pm in Hadley: Halloween storyteller for school age children at the Goodwin Library. Award winning Storyteller, Diane Edgecomb will spin her Halloween tales complete with a huge cauldron bubbling over with fog for the last dramatic story! 584-7451 (FREE)
7-10pm in Colrain: The Attic, a dance party-clothes swap at Mike & Tony’s Pizzeria (4 Main Rd.). DJ’s, dancing, cash bar, pizza,. Purge your closet and find a fedora. Dance your pants off. Support local artists. http://www.bananacakeproductions.com Colrain, MA (FUNDRAISER)
On-going
♦ 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 (>$)
♦ 10am-4pm in Northampton: The Botanic Garden Lyman Conservatory of Smith College (15 College Lane) will host a Fall Chrysanthemum Show. A sweet event to take the family to. 585-2740 Northampton, MA (FREE, DONATION) [through 11/19]
♦ 10:30am-12:20pm in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 10:30am in Montague: Children and their families are invited to come and enjoy stories, crafts, music, activities and snacks with Ruth O’Mara at the Carnegie Library. For kids under age 5. 863-3214. (FREE)
♦ 10:30am in Leverett: Children’s story hour at the Leverett Library. http://www.leverettlibrary.org
♦ 10:30-11:45 am in Northampton: Jewish Family Jam for infants, toddlers and their caregivers. Sing, drum and dance. Led by Felicia Sloin at Lander Grinspoon Academy (257 Prospect St.). 737-2601 http://www.jfswm.org (>$)
♦ 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)
♦ 12-1:40pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 1pm in Northampton: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Pleasant Street Theater. ($)
♦ 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.
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
♦ 3-6pm in Greenfield: Guiding Star Grange Farmer’s Market (401 Chapman Street)
♦ 4pm in Northampton:Parenting/Baby Group at the Forbes Library. Call to pre-register. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 4:15pm in Northampton: Family Yoga for ages 3yo and up at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. 584-7086 (MEMBERS)
♦ 4:30pm in Northampton: Yo-Yo School at A2Z. Come visit yo-yo school and learn to yo-yo for free with A2Z. (FREE)
Thursday – 10/28
10:30am in Chester: Pumpkin Picking Trip to Whitney’s Farm! Families will have a chance to go to the petting zoo and corn maze, go on a hayride, pick a free sugar pumpkin and receive a free coloring book. Space is limited. Call 664-4821 to register. (FREE)
4:30pm in North Adams: Goblins and Giggles; Stories for a Halloween Eve at the North Adams Library with storyteller Rona Leventhal. For ages 5-8. 662-3133 http://www.ronatales.com (FREE)
4:30-5:45pm in Easthampton: Halloween party at the Emily Williston Mmorial Library (9 Park St.). Spooky fun with fortune telling, a costume contest, make-your-own disgusting (but very delicious) treats, crafts, and more! Ages 7yo & older. 529-1605 www.ewmlibrary.org (FREE)
5pm in Stockbridge: Join Norman Rockwell Museum curators for a walking history tour of the Stockbridge Cemetery. Visit grave sites and discuss the lives of Norman Rockwell, Elizabeth Freeman, the Sedgwick Family, and other notable residents of the town. A cider and donut reception will follow the tour, and be held on the lawn adjacent to the bell tower parking area. Rain date: 10/29. 931-2251 http://www.nrm.org (>$)
7pm in Williamsburg: Anticipating Adolescence: Renee Schultz, co-author of The Mother-Daughter Project invites you to explore many of the commonly held beliefs about mothers and daughters while offering a new model of connection at the Anne T. Dunphy School. Geared toward mothers of girls ages 6-12. Childcare will be provided. More information HERE. (FREE)
7-9pm in Amherst: 16th Annual Trivia Bee at the Amherst Middle School Auditorium. (FREE, DONATIONS WELCOMED)
7:30-9pm in Cummington: Explore invertebrates with a slide show presentation at the Cummington Community House (33 Main St.) titled, Invertebrate Tracking. See mysterious patterns and objects created by insects, spiders and snails. Presented by authors Charley Eiseman and Noah Charney. http://www.northernnaturalists.com (FREE)
On-going
♦ 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 Millers Falls: Music and Movement series with Tom Carroll and Laurie Davidson at the Millers Falls Library 23 Bridge St.). Young children of all ages and their parents or caregivers. 863-3214 (FREE)
♦ 10am in Dalton: Story time at the Dalton Free Public Library (462 Main St.) for preschool kids. 684-6112 (FREE)
♦ 10am in Florence: Pre-school Story Time at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10am-4pm in Northampton: The Botanic Garden Lyman Conservatory of Smith College (15 College Lane) will host a Fall Chrysanthemum Show. A sweet event to take the family to. 585-2740 Northampton, MA (FREE, DONATION) [through 11/19]
♦ 10:30am in Easthampton: Story hour at the Emily Williston Memorial Library (9 Park St.). http://www.ewmlibrary.org 527-1031
♦ 10:30am in Springfield: Preschool Storytime at the Springfield Central Library. Annual Halloween Costume Parade. Come in costume. Trick or treat around the 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)
♦ 10:45am-12:35pm in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.). Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 11-11:45am in Lenox: Preschool Story-Craft for children ages three to five at the Lenox Library Association featuring stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to the story. 637-0197 x105 (FREE)
♦ 1pm in Northampton: Baby playgroup at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 1-3pm in Great Barrington: Infant/Toddler Playgroup Group at the CHP Family Services Building (442 Stockbridge Rd.) 644-0104 http://www.communityhealthprograms.org (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
7pm in Ashfield: Franklin Hampshire PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays) meet at the Congregational Church (Main St.). Open to all. 625-6636
Friday – 10/29
10am in Westfield: Halloween dress-up storytime at the Westfield Athenaeum for kids 3-5yo. Costumes encouraged (bring trick-or-treat bag). Reg. 568-7833 (FREE)
4-5:30pm in Greenfield: Trick-or-treating. Local businesses will have candy or treats to hand out. Rag Shag parade follows. (FREE)
5-6:45pm in South Hadley: Munchkin Haunted Hay Rides at McCray’s (55 Alvord St.) for kids 7yo and younger. A gentle, exciting ride for the whole family. 533-0775 ($)
5:30-8:30pm in Florence: Haunted Train and Lights Display at Look Park. Train ride for 5yo+. 584-5457 http://www.lookpark.org (FREE ENTRANCE, >$)
5:30pm in Greenfield: Rag Shag Parade. Line up at Mohawk Mall parking lot. Trick or treating downtown prior to parade. Read more about Rag Shag Parades. (FREE)
6pm in Westfield: Rag Shag Parade: Line up at the Elks Club on Franklin St. Read more about Rag Shag Parades. (FREE)
6pm in Stockbridge: Halloween Parade starting at Main & Pine Street. 298-5200 (FREE)
6-9:30pm in Greenfield: Skeleton Crew Theater (SCT) at Camp Kee-Wanee. SCT is a theatrical attraction with a Halloween twist. Think of it as a treasure/scavenger hunt you’ll solve in one evening. Shows are 45/65 minutes long. Dress for the outdoors and bring a flashlight. Not scary or gory, just spooky in a tasteful way. Bad weather cancels. http://www.skeletoncrewtheater.com ($)
6:30pm in Greenfield: Screening of It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown at the Garden Cinemas. (FREE)
6:30pm in Northfield: Victorian Gothic Tales Tea at the Dickinson Memorial Library (115 Main St.). Rita Parisi, dressed in 19th century clothing, will give a theatrical, storytelling performance. Listen to stories about curses, death and immortality written by the New England author Sarah Orne Jewett. Tea will be served, courtesy of Queen of Cups. Of interest to adults. 498-2455 http://www.northfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
6:45pm in West Springfield: The West Springfield Park and Recreation Department’s Halloween party for Town children will feature a Sing-A-Long by local performer Roger Tincknell and will be held at the Rotary Pavilion in Mittineague Park. Parents must accompany their children. Children and chaperons are invited to come in costume. Program held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, this event will be moved indoors to the Middle School, please call the current event phone 781-3020, or visit the Park and Recreation Dept. web site at http://www.west-springfield.ma.us after 3:30 p.m. to find the program location. (FREE)
7pm in Pittsfield: 66th Annual Halloween Parade, beginning on North Street and end at Wahconah Park. Begins at 7:00pm. (FREE)
7pm in Monson: Family Friendly Haunted Hayrides at Echo Hill Orchards. 267-3303
7pm in Ashfield: Big Time Act in a Small Cozy Room concert at Elmer’s (396 Main St.) with Nedski and Mojo (www.NekskiandMojo.com). Dinner at 5pm. 628-4003
7-9pm in Lenox: The Lenox Library Association presents its first film fright night. The evening will begin in the library’s haunted parlor with Tim Burton trivia and treats for all and then the screaming, or rather screening, of The Nightmare Before Christmas. The library doors will open at 7p,m. 637-0197 x105 (FREE)
7pm – 10pm in Belchertown: 8th annual 3D Haunted Trail at The Panek’s Woods (17 Cedar Glen). (DONATIONS)
7:30pm in Pittsfield: A family performance of The Case of the Missing Mummy by Castle Hill Theatre Company at the Berkshire Museum. A funny and frightening old-fashioned murder mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie and the old Universal horror movies. Recommended for patrons 12 years and up. 443-7171 http://www.berkshiremuseum.org ($)
On-going
♦ 9am-12Noon in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE) (Sept-June)
♦ 9:30am in Amherst: Pre-school Spanish immersion program for kids under 6yo at the First Baptist Church. (954) 829-5233 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-10:30am in Holyoke: Read to Grow preschool program at the Children’s Museum (444 Dwight St.). 536-5437 (>$)
♦ 10-11am in Belchertown: Happy Dan the Music Man: Sing With Your Baby Music, Movement, Instruments, and Fun for 0-2 year olds at the Clapp Memorial Library. 259-1808 (>$ DONATION)
♦ 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.
♦ 10am-4pm in Northampton: The Botanic Garden Lyman Conservatory of Smith College (15 College Lane) will host a Fall Chrysanthemum Show. A sweet event to take the family to. 585-2740 Northampton, MA (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 10:30am-12:20pm in Springfield: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.). Skate rentals available. 781-2599 ($)
♦ 11am in Sunderland: Story/craft time for kids ages 3-5yo and their families at the Sunderland Pulic Library (20 School St.). Each storytime is approximately 45 minutes in length for theme-related stories, songs, finger plays and crafts! 665-2642 sunderlandpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 11am in Greenfield: Mother Goose on the Loose makes early learning lots of hands-on fun with songs, rhymes, and activities geared for the 3 and under audience. http://www.greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 2pm in Springfield: Planetarium show at the Springfield Museum. 263-6800 http://www.springfieldmuseums.org (>$)
♦ 2pm in Huntington: Baby-Time Meet & Greet at the Huntington Library. Feel like you haven’t spoken a complete sentence to another adult during the day..then this is the group for you. Parents or caregivers of infants and toddlers are invited to the Library for a short singing/story session with the children, and then a chance to make new friends. (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)