Reunion 2008 Children’s Program

Please note that parents and/or child-care providers should accompany

children too young to care for themselves to all events.

Saturday, June 7

8:30 a.m.                                

Create a Spectacle

Dress up for the parade by making your own festive

sunglasses, hats, and signs to carry and wear!

Activity held rain or shine.

9:30 a.m.                                

Parade of Classes

10 a.m. – Noon                      

Williamstown House of Local History

Tour the House of Local History’s new exhibit,

“From Library Wilderness to Williamstown,”

which explores the development of the town from

founding to present day.  Several sections focus on

the College’s impact. Children can play with

antique toys, dress up in period clothing, and

explore old school items in the hands-on Children’s

Discovery Room. (The House of Local History is located

in the Milne Public Library, across the town green from

the Williams Inn. Enter the library and proceed straight

through to the back of the building.) 

10 a.m. – Noon                      

Wheels!

After the parade, climb the stairs near The Purple Pub

and join other young families to explore a fire engine, police                       

cruiser, ambulance, backhoe, front loader, mower, and street           

sweeper! Activity held rain or shine.

10:30 a.m. – Noon                 

Museum of Art (E-4)             

Reunion Weekend Family Program: Shadow Play

Join us for guided tours of the exhibition William Kentridge

Prints and artmaking activities that explore storytelling in art.

We will make accordion books and collages combining line

and shape, light and dark, image and word. William Kentridge

is one of the most important South African artists at work today,

and this exhibition showcases the breadth and versatility of his

printmaking techniques.

10:30 a.m. – Noon                 

Soccer Clinic

Join a soccer session for all levels. We will work on skill

development and refinement and end with small-sided                    

games; ages 5-9. Rain location: Towne Field House

10:30 a.m. – Noon                 

Ultimate Frisbee Clinic

Come and learn this team sport, led by members of the

Williams Ultimate Frisbee Organization; ages 10 and up.

Activity held rain or shine.

1 – 5 p.m.

The Williams Bead Store

Williams English professor and avid beader, Alison Case, will provide the opportunity for you to create your own beautiful necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more. Choose from hundreds of varieties of genuine gemstone, pearl, glass and metal beads, and findings at very low prices. No experience necessary; everyone young or old or in between encouraged to join in!

1 – 4 p.m.                               

Toddler Playdate

Toddlers and their parents/caregivers are welcome at the newly

Opened Williams Children’s Center to play with purple Play-Doh,

run around the outdoor play space and enjoy other activities.

1 – 4 p.m.                               

Plenty of Purple Projects

Get your creative juices rolling and make decoupage frames

and boxes, jewelry, stationery, painted cow bells, foam art,

and more (materials in Williams colors, of course!); for all ages.

1:15 p.m.                                

Discussion — The Williams Admission Picture        

Led by a senior admission officer; families who are beginning

to think about college are encouraged to attend.

1:30 – 5 p.m.                          

Hopkins Forest Open House

Ages 4 and up: Stream Critter Search, 2 p.m.

Ages 12+: Taconic Crest Hike, 1:30

Canopy Walkway, 1:30-5 pm

Lower Loop Trail Hike, 3:30 p.m.

2 – 3:30 p.m.                          

Lee F. Jackson ’79 Memorial Track Meet and Family Games

Children and their parents can participate in races (sack,                              

Ping-Pong, and box races), water games, and more, led by                          

the Williamstown Youth Center staff. Ribbons for all

participants! Ages 5-12 with accompanying adult.

Rain location: Towne Field House

2 and 6:30 p.m.                      

Images Cinema                      

Spring Street                                                              

Movie- The Muppet Movie (1979, 97 minutes)

Kermit the Frog is discovered by a talent agent in the swamps of Florida, and is persuaded to

seek fame in Hollywood. Along Miss Piggy, Fozzy Bear, Gonzo, the Electric Mayhem,

and others join him on his journey. Meanwhile Doc Hopper is on Kermit's trail, for his

frog legs restaurant. This first of a series of Muppet movies features great music and cameos

by Mel Brooks, Orson Wells, Milton Berle, Bob Hope and others.  Free admission.

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.                     

Community Drum Circle       

In this multi-cultural and multi-age drumming and musical   environment, you and your child

will easily learn rhythms, playful games and songs from Africa, South America and Asia. Come share in the joy of making your own music with others. Ages infant to adult; children 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All instruments provided and no experience necessary!

 3 – 3:30 and 3:45 – 4:15 p.m

The Wonders of the Planetarium Sky

See the stars in their constellations and watch planets mov3 around the heavens in a show using the new Zeiss planetarium in the historic Old Hopkins Observatory. Please note

that seating is limited to 30 for each show; nobody will be admitted after the show starts; for ages 5 and older with accompanying adult.

Led by Jay Pasachoff, Chair and Field Memorial Professor of Astronomy.

3:15 – 4:30 p.m.

Drawing Class

Enjoy an outdoor drawing session. No experience necessary;

come to learn or practice what you already know. Supplies  

provided; ages 9+. (Please be prompt, since the group will travel to the drawing site.)

4 – 5 p.m.                               

Sing Along with David Grover & The Big Bear Band

Join Morty, Mimi, and Rachel Schapiro, a “David Grover   

devotee,” under a tent on their lawn for a magical hour of music and song.

Grover’s been called the Jerry Garcia of the elementary school set, and kids compare him to James Taylor, Paul Simon, and Raffi. He’s appeared on the    Today Show, at the Goodwill Games, and at the White House Easter Egg Roll, and he has award-winning PBS shows. Rain location: Bernhard Music Center

4 – 5:30 p.m.                          

Ultimate Frisbee Game

Practice those skills you learned in the morning clinic! Led by WUFO members;

ages 10+. Activity held rain or shine.

6:30 p.m.                                

Movie — The Muppet Movie (1979, 97 minutes)

See 2 p.m. listing; free admission.

Programs for Teenagers  (Suggested ages 12 and up)

7:30  – 8:45 p.m.

Chess Workshop and Game Playing

Beginning and experienced chess players will learn or review basic moves and rules and then spend the evening playing with fellow chess aficionados led by Trevor Murphy, advisor to the Williams Chess Club.

7:30  – 8:45 p.m.

Capture the Flag!

You can never be too old for this one!  Join Reunion Rangers for this classic summer game.

 Rain location: Towne Field House for assorted indoor games.

7:30  – 8:45 p.m.

Drawing Workshop

Explore your creative side with pastels and paper. No experience necessary; come to learn or practice what you already know; supplies provided.  Meet at central registration (lower            level of the Faculty House). Please be prompt since the group will walk to the drawing site.

9 p.m.                                     

Movie- Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975, 91 minutes)

King Arthur sets out in search of the Holy Grail, with the aid of the Knights of the Round Table, including Sir Galahad the Pure, Sir Lancelot the Brave, and Sir Robin the Not-Quite-So-Brave. What is the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow? Who is Zoot's identical twin sister? What else floats in water? And what of the Knights Who Say Ni? Come to Monty Python and the Holy Grail and find out the answers to these questions!  Free admission at Images Cinema

9:30 p.m.                                

View the Night Sky

See the wonders of the night sky through telescopes at the

Hopkins Observatory. Dress warmly; rain or low clouds will cancel this event (if in doubt, call x2165; the event is cancelled if there is no answer); ages 12+.

Kidspace at MASS MoCA, a contemporary art gallery and art-making space for children features an exhibition of hybrid musical instruments by Ken Butler. Kids can view the show and get inspired to make their own instruments. Kidspace is open from noon-4 on Saturday and Sunday.

Local Playgrounds: Located in the back of Williamstown Elementary School (Church Street) and at the new Williams Children’s Center on Whitman Street

Samuelson and Muir Swimming Pool

Friday and Saturday 2 - 5 p.m. Children under 13 must be accompanied by a parent, babysitter, or individual age 16+.

The Sand Springs, Sand Springs Road, Williamstown (413-458-5205)

Local family pool; daily rates apply. Near intersection of Route 7 North and Sand Springs Road (Cozy Corner Restaurant and Motel).