Bring the Kids!
By Ann Claffie
As March comes to a close, we have been preparing for two competitions in my family—the Pinewood Derby on March 30 and a Karate Tournament on March 31. Yes indeed, Robert’s “Midnight Magic,” a car made of pinewood weighing all of 4.9 ounces will race against other cars in our local Scouts Pack meeting. The very next day, we’ll hear sounds like—Sssss! Ssss! Hie!—during the “cata” competitions with other “dojos” (schools). These two events are emotionally charged family fun! Go Robert! ( Moms have to cheer on their kids!)
Wow! Mark Twain wasn’t kidding when he said, “If you don’t like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes.” On Friday morning, March 16, the sky was clear and sunny and within a “few” (hours), we had snow-covered roads and white-out conditions! We received a total 18 inches, plus another five in the aftermath. (Truly! It looked like January!) However, in a week’s time warm temperatures rolled in and we knew spring had sprung!
Um, there’s one more thing for you to think about before March ends (since I’ll bleacher- side at a Karate tournament). It happens at the Mahaiwe Theater, Great Barrington. On Saturday, March 31st at 1 p.m., the BIG WOODEN HORSE Theatre Company will present Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!—a lively show for kids ages 3 and up. The name alone is intriguing! Why not include it in your family’s schedule?
Native Americans call the last moon of the winter season the “worm moon.” It signals the beginning of spring thaw (commonly known around here as “mud season”). It invites earthworms to resurface, beckoning the return of robins. Once we see these worms, we know it’s the perfect time for fishing in the Berkshires. One of our favorite fishing holes is Berry Pond, located in the Pittsfield State Forest. Did you know that this is the highest natural body of fresh water in all of Massachusetts? It sits at 2,150 feet above sea level. Every April, the Department of Conservation and Recreation stocks it with 500 trout. Now if Robert can focus on keeping his line out of the trees, maybe we’ll have fried fish for supper!
April’s warmth also mean it’s time for us to “hit the trail”— the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail, that is. We’ll dust off our bicycles and helmets and head across town to ride on the 10 foot wide, 11 mile paved trail along a series of scenic vistas. A spring bike ride will no doubt pump up the adrenalin and re-awaken our physical fitness. Hmm… then I’ll have to look into a massage (long overdue) at one of the Berkshires’ day spas.
April’s family time in the cultural scene for us looks pretty intriguing also! First, the Hancock Shaker Village will host Baby Animals of the Shaker Farm, April 7 – 22. I can’t wait to photograph Robert holding a baby lamb or piglet! And maybe for a family treat, we’ll have dinner at Dakota Restaurant. They have a special offer called “Family Night Out,”— good only to the end of April. Every Monday through Thursday, they will treat two children, 10 and under, to a free kid’s meal with the purchase of one adult entrée. Hmm, Robert could bring a friend. I can hear him now:
“Mom, I love their salad bar and beef on sticks! Let’s go!”
(Pretty good for a kids’ menu!)
By mid April, it’s time for swaying and clapping to the rhythms of the Williamstown Jazz Festival, April 12-22. On Friday, April 20 there is a Gospel Concert, featuring the Williams College Gospel choir and guest composer Walter Robinson at 6:30 p.m. For sure, we’ll be “in the mood”!
On April 29, Cirkus Inferno appears at the Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield. It sounds really cool! Cirkus Inferno is a clown show—and unlike anything we have experienced before—inspired by vaudeville, circus and mythology. Hmm, we better get our tickets soon!
You know, I have a funny feeling that April will fly by and somewhere toward the end of the month I have hidden my birthday. (I’m 39—again! Shhh!) So no holding back….get out there and enjoy the spring! Maybe we’ll see you on the trail!
About Ann Claffie
A Berkshires native, Ann grew up in Dalton as the oldest of five children who were encouraged to use their imaginations for fun and play. Today, married and living in Pittsfield, Ann and her husband enjoy family fun and adventure with their nine year old son. She has been on staff at the Berkshire Visitors Bureau for more than ten years.