Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events 11/6/10-11/12/10
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
Field of glowing jack-o-lanterns at Old Sturbridge Village's Halloween event, Things That Go Bump in the Night. (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 night, November 6th from 4-7pm – FAMILY NIGHT: Northampton Parents Center is having a Potluck Dinner and Family Fun Night. Please bring a dish to share. Former NPC Music Teacher, Aric Bieganek, will perform at 5:30. Everyone is welcome – new and current families as well as alumni. Located in the lower level of the Edwards Church at the corner of Main and State Streets in Northampton — entrance on State Street. 582-2636 Northampton, MA (FREE)
On Sunday, November 7th from 12Noon – 4:30pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Holiday gift making at Historic Deerfield. With thread and a needle museum educators will help visitors embroider a small design or initials on a cloth napkin. Make a unique napkin ring to go along with the napkin, and tie it up with a ribbon. Then decorate a card, and put it a gift bag. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
On Saturday, November 13th from 10am-12Noon – ANIMAL STUDIES: Bird Banding Demonstration at Pleasant Valley (472 W. Mt. Rd.). Observe birds closeup and see a demonstration of mist next and the banding of captured birds. Learn how information is gathered in this fieldwork. www.massaudubon.org Lenox, MA (>$)
And in the afternoon on Saturday, November 13th at 1:30pm – FAMILY CONCERT: No Nap Happy Hour continues with The Flannery Brothers, performing a family concert at Flywheel (43 Main St.). www.flywheelarts.org Easthampton, MA (>$)
BULLETIN BOARD
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!
Cynithia Poirier of Plainfield, MA writes: Bill KochYouth Nordic Ski League invites girls and boys ages 5-13 to join. This is a family oriented volunteer program: Parents/Guardians are expected to participate with their children – lots of fun. The league meets Sundays at Notchview in Windsor from 2-4pm for 10 weeks from starting 12/19/10. Learn how to cross-country ski with a peer group from the basics up to racing. League fees apply. Families must also purchase a Trustees of Reservations membership to ski at Notchview. Ski leasing is available. Registration & info on Saturday, 11/6 at Notchview from 10 -12pm during the Berkshire Trails Club Ski Sale , Contact James Lombino, jameslombino@gmail.com for registration information if you can’t come on 11/6 or Cynthia Poirier 519-4996 .
FREE AFTERNOON PROGRAM: Every Tuesday in November, Hilltown Families sponsor, Cup and Top Cafe (1 N Main St.) in Florence, will host a free Puppet Show – Sing Along Time with Anna Sobel of Talking Hands Theatre for families with kids up to 5yo! Meet different puppets every week. Learn hand motions to classic kids’ songs and pick up some catchy new tunes. Anna is a former preschool music teacher and led sing-alongs at Brooklyn cafes for five years. She makes her own puppets and has a magical way of making everything fun and interactive for young children. Donations welcomed. 585-9565 www.cupandtop.com
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Biocitizen is seeking volunteers to begin a long-term stream monitoring project in collaboration w/MA DEP. We use the rapid biotic assessment technique, which involves collecting and inventorying benthic invertebrates (water bugs); the type of bugs we find give us a gauge of the stream’s health. We’re scheduling 4 assessments for these 4 weekend days from 1-3 pm: Oct. 30 & 31, Nov. 6 & 7. Children and families are invited to be trained for free. It’s great for those interested in biology, ecology, environmental protection. It is possible, since this is a long-term project, for families, and their schools, to adopt a stream and watch over it. Contact Kurt Heidinger at bioticitizen@gmail.com.
CALL FOR ACTORS: Calling all young actors/actresses ages 7-14, the Academy of Music Theatre in Northampton is putting on a fully staged production of Willie Wonka Jr. for young actors, and they’re looking for cast. More info here. ($$)
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 the Flannery Brothers will be our Guest DJ, spinning tunes by R.O.C.K., Recess Monkey, Ratboy Junior, Trout Fishing in America, Billy Joel, Bobby McFerrin and 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 – 11/6
LOCAL FOOD: Cider Days, an annual celebration of hard and sweet cider. www.ciderday.org Franklin County, MA
9:30-2pm – CRAFT FAIR: Red Sleigh Bazaar at the United Congregational Church (Whately Rd.) Conway, MA (SALE)
9:30am-4:30pm – FOOD HISTORY: Cooking with The American Frugal Housewife at Historic Deerfield in the Hall Tavern Kitchen, drop in anytime. Come learn about early 19th-century cookery as an open hearth cook makes dishes from “receipts” (or recipes) from The American Frugal Housewife written by Lydia Maria Child in 1829. This cookbook was one of the most widely used and reprinted cookbooks in American culinary history. www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
10am-12Noon – NATURE STUDIES: Discovering the Eastern Forest with Robert Leverett at the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area (North Farms Rd. entrance, off Bridge Rd.). Mr. Leveret will be leading a discovery of the forest, looking at and discussing the development of the forest and its successional past. Trees will be identified by bark and form. Mr. Leverett is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Eastern Native Tree Society and co-founder and President of the Friends of Mohawk Trail State Forest. A helpful website to prepare for this program: www.nativetreesociety.org Northampton, MA (FREE)
10am-3pm – CRAFT FAIR: Richmond Craft & Country Fair (1831 State Rd., Rt. 41). Supports the Richmond PTO. Richmond, MA (SALE)
10am-4pm – CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW: 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 – NATURE STUDIES: Animal ABC’s, Awesome Antlered Animals. Kids 6yo and younger can learn why animals have antlers and exactly what they are. Hands on activities and story time with educator, Dawn Marvin Ward. At the M.M. Spear Memorial Library. (978) 544-5157 www.mnspear.org Shutesbury, MA (FREE)
10:30am – PUPPETS: It’s the Swiss Army knife of activity books: How To Make Puppets Anywhere, in Ten Minutes or Less, Using Everyday Materials. And who better to create it than Noel MacNeal, a longtime puppeteer who learned his art from Jim Henson and Frank Oz? MacNeal shows parents and kids how to make 30 puppets using socks, paper bags, napkins, and the most important tools of all, your two hands. At the Odyssey Bookshop. 534- 7307 www.odysseybks.com South Hadley, MA (FREE)
10:30am-4pm – HISTORIC TRADE: Made-by-Hand-Trades of the Past: See historic trades demonstrations of coopering with Neil Muckenhoupt at Historic Deerfield. www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
11am-12Noon – STORY TIME: Stories from Natures Garden at the Lee Library (100 Main St.). Join Anne Gannon, horticulturist with The Trustees of Reservations, for a program of stories and activities sharing the wonders of nature in all seasons. Open to ages 2-7 with caregivers (older siblings welcome!). To sign-up or for more information email rborsody@cwmars.org or call the Lee Library at 243-0385 Lee, MA (FREE)
11am-6pm – CHILI COOK-OFF: 3rd Annual Chili Golumpki Cook-Off with the Hadley Fireman’s Associatin and Park & Rec. At the Hadley Firehouse (15 East St.) with an open house, fire safety, kids’ games, food, and FIREWORKS. Hadley, MA
12Noon – 4:30pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Holiday gift making at Historic Deerfield. With thread and a needle museum educators will help visitors embroider a small design or initials on a cloth napkin. Make a unique napkin ring to go along with the napkin, and tie it up with a ribbon. Then decorate a card, and put it a gift bag. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
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 – TRUCKS: Touch a Truck. Hands on community story time. Have a chance to sit in a police cruiser, an ambulance, a fire truck, and some of the highway department trucks. Rain or shine. In the back parking lot of the library. Dickinson Memorial Library (115 Main St.). 498-2455 www.northfieldpubliclibrary.org Northfield, MA (FREE)
1pm & 4pm – FAMILY CONCERT: Meet the Von Trapp Children, the great grandchildren of Captain and Maria Von Trapp from the Sound of Music, performing at Yankee Candle. (877) 636-7707 http://www.yankeecandle.com Deerfield, MA (FREE)
♦ 1:30-3:20pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 Greenfield, MA ($)
2pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Toy Story 3 will be screened at The Westfield Athenaeum (6 Elm St.). Movie is rated G and is 103 min. 562-6158 www.westath.orgWestfield, MA (FREE)
2pm – BOOK READING: There will be a reading at Food for Thought Books (106 North Pleasant St.) with co-editor Jennifer Silverman and essayist Sierra-Marie Gerfao of My Baby Rides the Short Bus, and co-editor Kyra Anderson of Gravity Pulls You In. Read more HERE. Amherst, MA (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 Holyoke, MA ($)
2pm & 3pm – THEATER: Picture Book Theatre Presents Tico and The Golden Wings and Geraldine, The Music Mouse in the auditorium at the Eric Carle Museum. 658-1100 www.carlemuseum.org Amherst, MA ($)
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)
4-7pm – FAMILY NIGHT: Northampton Parents Center is having a Potluck Dinner and Family Fun Night. Please bring a dish to share. Former NPC Music Teacher, Aric Bieganek, will perform at 5:30. Everyone is welcome – new and current families as well as alumni. Located in the lower level of the Edwards Church at the corner of Main and State Streets in Northampton — entrance on State Street. 582-2636 Northampton, MA (FREE)
5-9pm – FUNDRAISER: The seventh annual Cornucopia Auction, a celebration of the Valley’s bounty, will be held at the Academy at Charlemont (Route 2). Live and silent auctions, locally made food and beverages too. 339-4912 www.charlemont.org Charlemont, MA (FUNDRAISER)
6:30pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Star Wars VI: The Return of the Jedi will be screened at the M.N. Spear Memorial Library. Snacks. 259.1213 www.mnspear.org Shutesbury, MA (>$)
8pm – MAGIC SHOW: The Spencers Theatre of Illusion at the Colonial Theater. www.thecolonialtheatre.org Pittsfield, MA ($$)
8pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Evening concert with Radio Free Earth and Evelyn Harris with Jeff D’Antona perform a special double bill concert at the Cummington Community House. Cummington, MA ($)
Sunday – 11/7
2am – DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME ends (set the clock back one hour)
LOCAL FOOD: Cider Days, an annual celebration of hard and sweet cider. www.ciderday.org Franklin County, MA
10-11:30am – ANIMAL STUDIES: Falconry Up Close at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment. Chris’s New England Falconry provides you the extraordinary opportunity to observe up close the handling and free-flying of a trained hawk. You will experience the ancient art of falconry while learning about the life history of raptors, their role in the environment, and the efforts underway to ensure their survival and conservation. Pre-register: 256-6006 www.hitchcockcenter.org Amherst, MA ($$)
10am-4pm – CHRYSANTHEMUM SHOW: 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)
12Noon – 4:30pm – ARTS & CRAFTS: Holiday gift making at Historic Deerfield. With thread and a needle museum educators will help visitors embroider a small design or initials on a cloth napkin. Make a unique napkin ring to go along with the napkin, and tie it up with a ribbon. Then decorate a card, and put it a gift bag. 775-7127 www.historic-deerfield.org Deerfield, MA (MUSEUM ADMISSION)
♦ 2-3:50pm – ICE SKATING: Public ice skating at Smead Arena (1780 Roosevelt Ave.) Skate rentals available. 781-2599 Springfield, MA ($)
4pm – STORY ART: The Erving Public Library is hosting, “Let’s Gogh Art.” Kids 2-8yo are invited to this fun, one-of-a-kind, art-based workshop designed to showcase their imagination and creativity. Regestratio required. (978) 544-5157 Erving, MA (FREE)
7:30-8:30pm – WOMEN’S SONG CIRCLE: Jewish Women’s Song Circle happens at Cradle with Felicia Sloin. Explore Jewish connections through song, chant, and meditation. Singing experience, affiliation, and knowledge of Hebrew are not necessary. 737-2601 www.feliciasloin.com (FREE)
The Academy at Charlemont hosts its annual Cornucopia Auction Saturday, Nov. 6, 5-9 pm, at the school, 1359 Route 2, featuring locally produced crafts, fine arts, artisan farm products, gift certificates for area restaurants, theatres, museums and services, and vacation getaways. Admission is $20 and includes locally made cheeses, wines, brews and ciders, sweet and savory hors d’oeuvres, and delectable desserts. Preview begins at 5 p.m., silent auction at 6 p.m., and live auction at 7:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome. Full catalog and proxy bidding forms available at http://www.charlemont.org. Credit cards accepted. All proceeds benefit the Academy and its programs.
Monday – 11/8
4pm & 6pm in Whately: Babies will be screened at the Whately Public Library. A look at one year in the life of four babies from around the world, from Mongolia to Namibia to San Francisco to Tokyo. 665-2170 (FREE)
5:30pm in Leverett: Supporting Your Child’s Social Behavior: A Discussion for Parents. A workshop at Leverett Elementary School for all adults who would like to assist a child in their life with making postive social connections. Pizza dinner @ 5pm. Workshop/discussion from 6-8pm. Register. Click here for flyer.
6:30-8:30pm in Amherst: Learn How to Make Jewish Foods with the Experts at Bangs Community Center (70 Boltwood Walk). 737-2601 http://www.jfswm.org ($)
Ongoing
♦ 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 in Williamstown: Play and Learn Group at the Williamstown Youth Center. http://www.williamstownyouthcenter.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)
♦ 5:30pm in North Adams: Haskins Gym Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (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 – 11/9
10am in Leverett: Music Together teacher, Heleen Cardinaux (Music Together for Valley Families) will lead Music and Movement at the Leverett Elementary School Music Room every Tuesday in November. Register by calling (978) 544-5157
4pm in Florence: Puppet Show-Sing along Time with Anna Sobel of Talking Hands Theatre at Cup & Top Cafe (1 N Main St.). 585-9565 http://www.cupandtop.com (FREE)
Ongoing
♦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) [10/5-11/23]
♦ 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 North Adams: Berkshire Nursing Families at the Haskin Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
♦ 10am in North Adams: Preschool Play and Learn Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
♦ 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) (check after Dec, rborsody@cwmars.org)
♦ 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 ($)
♦ 4:30pm in Florence: I Can Read Book Club at the Lilly Library. 587-1500 http://www.lillylibrary.org (FREE)
Wednesday – 11/10
Sturbridge: Home School Day at Old Sturbridge Village, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Learn more about America’s past by exploring Washington Irving’s famous 1820 tale about a headless Revolutionary War soldier who haunts a rural village. Storytelling, demonstrations and hands-on activities. More info here.
1:15-2:30pm in Montague: Montague Public Libraries’ Homeschool Program, “Harvest Bounty,” at the Carnegie Library with Ruth O’Mara and Linda Hickman. Books, crafts, traditional lore and agricultural information. 863-3214 (FREE)
Ongoing
♦ 9am-12Noon in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Ware: Drop-in playgroups at the Ware Family Center in the United Church of Ware building (49 Church St.). 967-8127 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Northampton: Playgroup at the Northampton Parent Center. 582-2636 http://www.northamptonparentscenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 9:30-11:30am in Lenox: Playgroup at Lenox Community Center. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 9:30am-12:30pm in Belchertown: The Belchertown Family Center (720 Franklin St.) is open for drop-in playgroups for families with children 0-5yo. 283-7594 http://www.belchertownfamilycenter.org (FREE, DONATION)
♦ 10am in New Marlborough: Library Story hour. 644-0104 (FREE)
♦ 10am in North Adams: Toddler Play and Learn Group at the Haskin Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
♦ 10am in Northfield: Story time at the Northfield Public Library. with stories, crafts and snacks. 498-2455 http://www.northfieldpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 10-11:30am in Hadley: Rollerskate with Tiny Tot Romp, Stop, ‘n’ Roll Skate and Play at Interskate 91 North (Hampshire Mall). Strollers welcome. Parent’s don’t have to wear skates. For Ages 6 & under. 586-2737 http://www.interskate91.com (>$)
♦ 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)
♦ 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 ($)
♦ 1pm in Northampton: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Pleasant Street Theater. ($)
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
♦ 4pm in Northampton:Parenting/Baby Group at the Forbes Library. Call to pre-register. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 4:15pm in Northampton: Family Yoga for ages 3yo and up at the Hampshire Regional YMCA. 584-7086 (MEMBERS)
♦ 4:30pm in Northampton: Yo-Yo School at A2Z. Come visit yo-yo school and learn to yo-yo for free with A2Z. (FREE)
Thursday is Veteran’s Day. As always, be sure to double check all events before attending to confirm.
Thursday – 11/11
1-3pm in Northfield: Fairy Fun for ages 4yo and older at Northfield Mountain Recreation & Environmental Center. As the fairies get ready for winter, a beautiful new carpet of leaves and glistening spider silk is everywhere and “leaf man” is on the prowl. Would you like to help build a cozy winter home for them? After reading Lois Ehlert’s Leaf Man, join Northfield Naturalist Beth Bazler. Pre-registration required. (800) 859-2960 (>$)
7-8:30pm in Williamsburg: Older students can discover Tibetan Medicine at the Meekins Library. Hilltown resident Anasuya Weil graduated from the ShangShung Institute School of Tibetan Medicine and the Qinghai University Tibetan Medicine School of Xining as a Doctor of Tibetan Medicine. She will give a talk and take questions on the fundamentals of TM in the community room. 268-7472 (FREE)POSTPONEDOngoing
♦ 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)
♦ 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. 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 ($)
♦ 11-11:45am in Lenox: Preschool Story-Craft for children ages three to five at the Lenox Library Association featuring stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to the story. 637-0197 x105 (FREE)
♦ 11:30am in North Adams: Teen to 23 Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
♦ 1pm in Northampton: Baby playgroup at the Forbes Library. 587-1011 http://www.forbeslibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 1-3pm in Great Barrington: Infant/Toddler Playgroup Group at the CHP Family Services Building (442 Stockbridge Rd.) 644-0104 http://www.communityhealthprograms.org (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
Friday – 11/12
5-8pm in Northampton: Northampton Arts Night Out
7pm in Amherst: The Massachusetts Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies (650 East Pleasant St.) hosts a family game night, an annual community events with games inspired by the Renaissance. Games include chess, backgammon, Nine Man Morris, cribbage, Shipmates Dice Games, Fox and Gees, Alquereque and others. Prizes and refreshments. 577-3600 (FREE)
Ongoing
♦ 9am-12Noon in Amherst: Drop-in playgroup at the Amherst Family Center, downtown at the Unitarian Meetinghouse (121 North Pleasant St.). Use rear entrance. 256-1145 (FREE)
♦ 9:30am in Amherst: Pre-school Spanish immersion program for kids under 6yo at the First Baptist Church. (954) 829-5233 (FREE)
♦ 9:30-10:30am in Holyoke: Read to Grow preschool program at the Children’s Museum (444 Dwight St.). 536-5437 (>$)
♦ 10am in North Adams: Baby Group at the Haskins Community Center (210 State St.). 663-6593 (FREE)
♦ 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. 667-3506 http://www.thehuntingtonpubliclibrary.org (FREE)
♦ 2-3:50pm in Greenfield: Public ice skating at Collins/Moylan Arena (41 Barr Ave.). Skate rentals available. 772-6891 ($)
♦ 3-4:50pm in Holyoke: Public ice skating at Fitzpatrick Arena (575 Maple St.) Skate rentals available. 532-2929 ($)
5:30-7pm in Northampton: Family pool night at the YMCA. Free for members. 584.7086 http://www.hrymca.org (>$)