Macaroni Kid
Westfield-Southwick
Macaroni Kid  

Happy Mother's Day!


Why God Made Moms
By: Lori Cunningham
Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

Why did God make mothers?
1.  She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2.  Mostly to clean the house.
3.  To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1.  He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2.  Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3.  God made my mom just the same like he ...


Macaroni Kid's May Giveaway!


5 FREE visits to Amelia Park Children's Museum

This month's prize is provided by Amelia Park Children's Museum. It is a 5 FREE admissions that can be used all at once or over time. Whether your kids enjoy exploring space, putting on a puppet show, learning about animals or dressing up, Amelia Park Children's Museum is the place where learning is fun! The museum is located at 29 S. Broad St., Westfield.

CLICK HERE for entry form

You must be a subscriber of Macaroni Kid Westfield-Southwick Edition, and you can get an extra entry if ...


Macaroni Kid 2012 Mother's Day Giveaway!


Enter to win one of 17 prizes!

Only a few days left to enter!
We here at Macaroni Kid know from experience what mothers go through every day. From making the lunches, to kissing the boo-boos, to being the family peacemaker, it can be challenging at times. That is why, with the help of some awesome local businesses, we are rewarding you with the chance to win some great prizes in this year's Mother's Day Giveaway, which is even bigger that last year's!

Prizes donated by:

This Week's Calendar:


May 11th through May 17th

Friday, May 11 - Terrific Twos and Threes

Enjoy songs, activities, stories and a craft. Siblings are welcome.
Where: Boys and Girls Library Activity Room, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield
When: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Also at 11:00 AM-12:00 PM)
Who: Ages 2-3
How: Registration is required by calling or stopping by the library
Cost: FREE
For more info: Pamela Weingart  (413) 562-6158 ext. 5    pweingart@westath.org
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Friday, May 11 - Drop-In Playgroup

Your Westfield Family Center is a drop-in cooperative playgroup, open to the public. They provide a safe and friendly place for children and their parents or caregivers to meet and play, while providing support and friendship. It is a volunteer run center relying on donations.
Where: Second Floor, First Congregational Church, 18 Broad St., Westfield (use side entrance)
When: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM (Follows the Westfield Public School calendar and will not open for snow delays or cancellations)
Who: Families with children 5 years and younger
How: Just show up
Cost: Suggested donation of $2-$5 per family per visit (no one will be turned away due to inability to pay)
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Friday, May 11 through Saturday, May 12 - Mother's Day Craft

Annual Mother’s Day Craft will be available to make and take.
Where: Children's Room, Southwick Public Library, 95 Feeding Hills Rd., Southwick
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (During regular library hours)
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: (413) 569-1221 ext. 4
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Friday, May 11 through Saturday, May 12 - Celebrate Children's Book Week

Celebrate with a Children’s Book Week Word Search or a Crossword Puzzle of Books by the National Ambassadors for Children’s Books, Jon Scieszka and Katherine Paterson.  Try these activities anytime during our open hours. You can check your answers afterwards with our answer sheets.  In addition, anyone who visits the Children’s Room will receive a special Children’s Week Bookmark created by children’s author and illustrator Lane Smith.
Where: Children's Room, Southwick Public Library, 95 Feeding Hills Rd., Southwick
When: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (During regular library hours)
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: (413) 569-1221 ext. 4
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Friday, May 11 - Game Night

We will be playing “Apples to Apples”. This game is best played with a large group of different ages, so come laugh with us!
Where: Huntington Public Library, 7 East Main St., Huntington
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-667-3506
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Friday, May 11 - Children's Storytime: "A Pocket For Corduroy"

Join us as we read A Pocket for Corduroy by Don Freeman. In this classic story, Corduroy the bear searches for a pocket in the laundromat. Corduroy will be making a very special visit at Storytime.
Where: Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 7 Holyoke St., Holyoke
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Recommended for ages 3-7
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-532-3200
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Saturday, May 12 - Craft Table

A special craft will be available, while supplies last, for you to make at the library or take home to complete.
Where: Boys and Girls Library Activity Room, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield
When: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact: Nina Stromgren  (413) 562-6158 ext. 5
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Saturday, May 12 - Treasure Chest Consignment Sale

Everything and anything for babies, kids, teens and nursing mothers. Clothing, toys, shoes, furniture and more! Consigners wanted.
Where: Granville Village School, 409 Main Rd., Granville
When: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
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Saturday, May 12 - Bike Rodeo & Family Safety Day

Bring your bike and helmet for a bike safey inspection and helmet fitting. Also, teaching rules of the road and a bicycly obstacle course. Free refreshments and ice cream. Everyone who attends will be entered to win a free bicycle.
Where: Southampton Road Elementary School, 330 Southampton Rd., Westfield
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
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Saturday, May 12 - Baby Day

Babies come in all shapes and sizes. Some are born with fur, others with scales or feathers. Come to the zoo and see what new babies were born during the winter.
Where: The Zoo in Forest Park, 302 Sumner Ave., Springfield
When: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE with paid admission
For more info: 413-733-2251  http://www.forestparkzoo.org/
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Saturday, May 12 - "Mommy" Story Hour

We will be celebrating Mothers through stories, a special take home craft and “Lori’s Mommy Bread”.
Where: Huntington Public Library, 7 East Main St., Huntington
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-667-3506
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Saturday, May 12 through Sunday, May 13 - Family Science Adventures

Discover the wonders of science! The Roving Scientist presents interactive demonstrations for the whole family in the museum galleries. You never know where they might be and what they have in store for you!
Where: Springfield Science Museum, 21 Edwards St., Springfield
When: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE with museum admission
For more info: (800) 625-7738
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Saturday, May 12 - Open Gym

Come flip, dance, use our 4 inground trampolines, rope swing and two foam pits!
Where: Roots Gymnastics, 209 Root Rd., Westfield
When: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Who: Ages 6-22
How: Just show up, but feel free to call ahead as they fill up quickly
Cost: $8.00 per person with safety waiver signed/on file
For more info: (413) 562-2333 www.rootsgymnastics.com
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Saturday, May 12 - Family Fun Saturday: Movie Madness

Watch a flick movie theater style! Popcorn available for purchase for $2.00 a bag.
Where: YMCA, 67 Court St., Westfield
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: All ages but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE for members / $5.00 for adult non-members / $3.00 for children non-members
For more info: Contact: Bridget Daley 413-568-8631 ext. 322 or bdaley@westfieldymca.org
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Saturday, May 12 - 5th Annual Mom2Mom Sale

An indoor tag sale exclusively for baby and young child clothing, toys, strollers, sporting goods, books, dvds, baby gear, maternity wear, etc… what baby and children’s stuff do you need?!  We have over 20 families scheduled to participate!  Tell your friends!  Hosted annually by the South Hadley Family Center - this is an important fundraiser.
Where: All Saints Episcopal Church, 7 Woodbridge St. (Rt. 116,) South Hadley
When: 8:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: $2-$5 donation is requested at the door
For more info: www.shfamilycenter.org
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Sunday, May 13 - Mother's Day Tea & Tour

Tea in the Carillon Tower and a special tour of the park. Bring mom and grandma to enjoy tea, sweets and sounds of bells. A delightful afternoon for everyone in the family!
Where: Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave., Westfield
When: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-568-9312 ext. 100 or 108
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Monday, May 14 - Playgroup

Come meet new friends & neighbors! Will not meet when public school is cancelled.
Where: Granville Public Library, 2 Granby Rd., Granville
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Parents & caregivers with children up to pre-school age
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: (413) 357-8531 granvill@cwmars.org
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Monday, May 14 - Drop In Playgroup

Come meet a new friend and have some fun!
Where: Boys & Girls Club, 28 W. Silver St., Westfield
When: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (Also at 12:30-1:30pm)
Who: Ages 5 and younger accompanied by parent or caregiver
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Christine @ Community Partnerships for Children 413-568-5242
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Tuesday, May 15 through Wednesday, May 16 - Free Playgroup

Group includes free play, arts & crafts, snack and circle time. Parents must remain with children.
Where: Southwick Town Hall, College Hwy., Southwick
When: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Also on Fridays)
Who: Ages birth-5
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact: Park & Rec. Dept., Tracy (413) 569-5701
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Tuesday, May 15 - Little One's Library Time

This program includes a story, songs, fingerplays and playtime.
Where: Boys and Girls Library Activity Room, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield
When: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Also at 11:00 AM-12:00 PM)
Who: Ages 6-35 months
How: Just show up-no registration is required
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact: Bethany Footit  413-562-6158 ext.5  pweingart@westath.org
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Tuesday, May 15 - Drop In Playgroup

Join us for crafts, stories, songs, free play and more!  This is a great opportunity for your little one to meet new friends and enjoy structured activities and free play in a relaxed, happy atmosphere! 
Where: Agawam Congregational Church, 745 Main St., Agawam
When: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Children birth through age 5 with a parent or caregiver
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact: Janet (413) 786-7111 or jbrownacc@verizon.net
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Tuesday, May 15 - Tuesday Storytime

“Monkey Around” at May Tuesday Storytimes!Jump up and down with monkeys on the bed.  Make a book about yourself.  Sing a song and play with a friend.
Where: Children's Room, Southwick Public Library, 95 Feeding Hills Rd., Southwick
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Ages 2-5 (accompanied by a parent or caregiver)
How: Registration is required by calling or stopping by the library
Cost: FREE
For more info: (413) 569-1221 ext. 4
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Tuesday, May 15 - Open Gym for Little Sprouts

Come flip, dance, use our 4 inground trampolines, rope swing and two foam pits!
Where: Roots Gymnastics, 209 Root Rd., Westfield
When: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Who: Ages 3-5
How: Just show up, but feel free to call ahead as they fill up quickly
Cost: $7.00 per person with safety waiver signed/on file
For more info: (413) 562-2333 www.rootsgymnastics.com
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Wednesday, May 16 - Storytime

Please come share Free Story time with milk and cookies! Bring a pillow, blanket or rug to sit on and enjoy the stories. (Every Wednesday)
Where: Gran-Val Scoop, 233 Granby Rd., Granville
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Ages 10 and under
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-357-0164
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Thursday, May 17 - Fantastic Fours and Fives

This program includes stories, song, fingerplays and a craft!
Where: Boys and Girls Library Activity Room, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield
When: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Also at 1:30-2:30pm)
Who: Ages 4-5
How: Registration is required by calling or stopping by the library
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact: Susan Therrien  413-562-6158 ext.5  stherrien@westath.org
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Thursday, May 17 - Children's Storytime: "Chicken Bedtime Is Really Early"

Join us as we read Chicken Bedtime Is Really Early by Erica Perl. As each evening hour passes on the farm and nearby fishpond, a different critter gets ready for bed. The chicks wash behind their ears, and the rabbits put on their footy pajamas.
Where: Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 7 Holyoke St., Holyoke
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Recommended for ages 3-7
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-532-3200
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Thursday, May 17 - Story Walk

Take a stroll through the park with your family while reading the picture book, "Spring is Here", by Will Hillenbrand. Families will receive one free book while supplies last. Refreshments and prizes also while supplies last.
Where: Stanley Park, 400 Western Ave, Westfield
When: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (Rain date 5/25)
Who: Recommended for ages 3-6
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: wcpg@juno.com
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Teen Scene:


May 12th through May 25th

Saturday, May 12 - Teen Game Time

Come play games on the Wii and Playstation. Snacks will be provided.
Where: Boys and Girls Library Activity Room, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield
When: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Who: Grades 6-12
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: Patti Brose  (413) 562-6158 x5    pbrose@westath.org
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Monday, May 21 - Teen Book Discussion: "I Am Number Four"

Please try to read the entire book before the book discussion. The first 10 students to sign up for the book discussion will receive a free copy of the book to keep. Snacks are included!
Where: Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield
When: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Students in grades 6-12
How: Registration is required by calling or stopping by the library
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact: Patti Brose 413-562-6158 ext. 5   pbrose@westath.org
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Wednesday, May 23 - Teen Center

Teens will have access to our Wii system set-up in the Community Room. There will also be board games available or just come and chat with your friends.
Where: Southwick Public Library, 95 Feeding Hills Rd., Southwick
When: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Who: Students in grades 7-12
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: (413) 569-1221 x-3
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Friday, May 25 - Movie Night

We will be watching “One for the Money” while snacking on popcorn!
Where: Huntington Public Library, 7 East Main St., Huntington
When: 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
Who: Movie is rated PG-13
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-667-3506
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Plan Ahead:


May 18th through May 31st

Friday, May 18 - Terrific Twos And Threes

Enjoy songs, activities, a story and a craft. Siblings are welcome.
Where: Boys and Girls Library Activity Room, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield
When: 9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (Also at 11:00 AM-12:00 PM)
Who: Ages 2-3
How: Registration is required by calling or stopping by the library
Cost: FREE
For more info: Pamela Weingart  413-562-6158 ext.5  pweingart@westath.org
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Friday, May 18 - Game Night

Come join the loud rowdy fun of “Outburst”, a game for all ages!
Where: Huntington Public Library, 7 East Main St., Huntington
When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-667-3506
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Friday, May 18 - Children's Storytime: "The Earth Book"

Join us as we read The Earth Book by Todd Parr. "I take care of the earth because I know I can do little things every day to make a big difference." In this book, we learn how we can all help to protect the Earth and make it feel good.
Where: Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 7 Holyoke St., Holyoke
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Recommended for ages 3-5
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-532-3200
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Saturday, May 19 - Beethoven's Wig - Children's Classical Musical Concert

Join the Amelia Park Children's Museum in a journey through classical music! Richard Perlmutter has adapted a whole repertoire of children's songs to classical musical pieces. This will be a very engaging and entertaining concert!
Where: Amelia Park Children's Museum, 29 S. Broad St., Westfield
When: 1:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: $7.00 for children / $5.00 for member children / FREE for adults
For more info: 413-572-4014
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Saturday, May 19 - Read To Rover

Reading to these specially trained dogs can enhance self-esteem by offering non-judgmental, non-threatening attention while enhancing verbalization and improving communication and reading skills.Reading to these specially trained dogs can enhance self-esteem by offering non-judgmental, non-threatening attention while enhancing verbalization and improving communication and reading skills.
Where: Boys and Girls Library Activity Room, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield
When: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Who: Children in grades K-3
How: Space is limited-registration is required by calling or stopping by the library
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact: Pamela Weingart  413-562-6158 ext. 5    pweingart@westath.org
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Saturday, May 19 - Family Fun Saturday: Pool Fun

Come play in our two pools with your family. An experience for everyone to enjoy! All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the pool.
Where: YMCA, 67 Court St., Westfield
When: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Who: All ages but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE for members / $5.00 for adult non-members / $3.00 for children non-members
For more info: Contact: Bridget Daley 413-568-8631 ext. 322 or bdaley@westfieldymca.org
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Tuesday, May 22 - Book Discussion Group For Kids

Join us as we discuss and play games based on the book "The Grimm Legacy" by Polly Shulman. Have you ever wondered what became of Cinderella's slippers or Sleeping Beauty's spinning wheel? What about the Mirror on the Wall? No? Well, neither had Elizabeth until she started working at the New York Circulating Material Repository....The first 10 people to sign up for this group will receive a free copy of the book.
Where: Boys and Girls Library Activity Room, Westfield Athenaeum, 6 Elm St., Westfield
When: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Students in grades 3-5
How: Registration is required by calling or stopping by the library
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact: Kristina Lareau   413-562-6158 ext.5   klareau@westath.org
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Thursday, May 24 - Children's Storytime: "Little Bee"

Join us as we read Little Bee by Edward Gibbs. Little Bee kicks off a playful chase through the jungle that ends in a surprisingly funny twist.
Where: Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 7 Holyoke St., Holyoke
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Recommended for ages 2-4
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-532-3200
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Thursday, May 24 - Morse Code Day

Stop in to learn your name and more in Morse Code.
Where: Huntington Public Library, 7 East Main St., Huntington
When: 2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-667-3506
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Friday, May 25 - Children's Storytime: "Sign Language ABC"

Join us as we read Sign Language ABC by Lora Heller. Imagine being able to tell your friend a secret from way across the playground. Or spelling something to your brother or sister that your parents don't understand. You can -- with sign language!
Where: Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 7 Holyoke St., Holyoke
When: 7:00 PM
Who: Recommended for ages 4-7
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-532-3200
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Saturday, May 26 - Franklin Story Hour

In honor of World Turtle Day (5/23), we will be reading stories of our favorite fictional turtle “Franklin”, making a paper plate turtle and enjoying a turtle snack (goldfish crackers!)
Where: Huntington Public Library, 7 East Main St., Huntington
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: All ages
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-667-3506
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Thursday, May 31 - Children's Storytime: "Dinosaur Pet"

Join us as we read Dinosaur Pet by Neil and Marc Sedaka. Some kids have puppies or cats. But in this entertaining new picture book, a little boy cherishes something even bigger and better: his own dinosaur!
Where: Barnes & Noble Bookstore, 7 Holyoke St., Holyoke
When: 10:00 AM
Who: Recommended for ages 4-7
How: Just show up
Cost: FREE
For more info: 413-532-3200
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Why Art is Important


Not many people understand the importance of art in our children’s lives. Perhaps that is the reason why when schools are forced to cut budgets, the art department is usually the first go.

 

It is sad but true.

 

Here are 10 reasons why art is important for children:

1. Art stimulates both sides of the brain. Physiologically, the human brain consists of 2 parts, the left and the right hemisphere.  The left brain is used in logical thinking and analytical processes.  This is typically what is trained in ...


Stamp Out Hunger


On Saturday, May 12th, Campbell Soup Company will join forces with the National Association of Letter Carriers to help Stamp Out Hunger across America. Now in its 20th year, the annual food drive has grown from a regional to a national effort that provides assistance to the millions of Americans struggling to put food on the table.

The Stamp Out Hunger food drive, held on the second Saturday in May, has become the nation’s largest single-day food drive that benefits Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization ...

Macaroni Made


Family HandPrint Collage

I LOVE handprints… maybe that is why I have so many on my walls that haven’t been washed off yet!! LOL!  There is nothing like holding those sweet little hands in mine.  This Family Hand Print is the perfect Mother’s Day project because it shows the entire family layered in construction paper hands… what could be better? I’ll tell ya… you probably have all of the supplies in your house already so if you’re a last minute gift giver, this is for you!

Supplies:

  • Construction Paper ...

Macaroni Made


Keys To Happiness-Last Minute Mother's Day Gift

Everyone knows that the KEY to Mom's heart this mother's day is ORGANIZATION!  We modified this idea we found on familyfun.go.com and tried it ourselves for you!  It turned out to be totally gift worthy and certainly something the entire family can participate in.  After all, isn't that truly what mother's day is about.  Showering mom with tacky-licious gifts that little fingers toiled over? 

We KNOW mom will appreciate this Keys To Happiness key rack because she won't have to search endlessly for ...

Kiss My Acronym- Boycotting Labels


I was recently in a room full of women when the initial introductions and small chat began.  Inevitably I was asked by someone, "What do you do?"  

I get the nervous tummy anytime someone even begins the topic because it is then that I need to instantaneously decide if my soap box will put a damper on the evening.  Sometimes the soap box is cumbersome.  Big and bulky and certainly not worthy of a situation.  Other times it fits well.  

The truth is that no matter how I answered that ...

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