Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for July 28th – August 3rd, 2018
To find out about more event, be sure to visit our Suggest an Event Bulletin Board to see what our readers have recently shared! Have an event to share? Feel encouraged to self-post community events here at any time!
If you have a community event, educational program, or service-learning opportunity happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, self-post your event at any time on our Suggest An Event bulletin board. 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.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools, and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Click HERE to find out more.
After-School Classes & Enrichment Programs
Reach thousands of families in the region with our 2018-2019 directory! Reserve your space.
Reach thousands of families in the region with our 2018-2019 directory! Reserve your space. Our community is rich in after-school learning opportunities to supplement the interests of our children, teens, and life-long learners. We are putting together a directory of after-school & weekend classes and enrichment programs happening across Western Massachusetts to be published on our web site later this month and featured throughout the school year. If you have a class or program you would like to have included in our directory, contact us at sales@hilltownfamilies.org to learn about our advertising options and sponsorship packages.
Bulletin Board
July 27 & 28
Experience Mahaiwe Magic with The Peking Acrobats this Friday, July 27th at 7:30pm and Saturday, July 28th at 2pm, at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington, MA! These astounding athletes push the limits of human ability, defying gravity with amazing displays of contortion, flexibility, and control. Tickets start at $20 at 413-528-0100 or mahaiwe.org/Family
Aug. 4, 5, 8
Who reads underwater? No one! The books just end up a soggy mess. But our hero will find a way. PaintBox Theatre presents a take on the deep-sea extravaganza, The Little Mermaid. Our Mermaid will figure out a way to get books under the sea and teach everyone to read. There will be stories covering the seabed for as far as the fin can swim. We’ll witness the Mermaid’s epic struggle with the deep’s deadliest denizen—the Giant Octopus—played by the audience, of course. Shows are Sat. & Sun. Aug. 4 & 5, 10:30am & 1pm at Easthampton’s Williston Theatre and Wed. Aug. 8, 10:30am at the Easthampton Band Shell. Tickets: $10 at the door or at BrownPaperTickets. Season Tickets: $24. Group discounts (12+): $7. paintboxtheatre@gmail.com, paintboxtheatre.org.
Aug 5
On Sunday, August 5, from 10am-12pm at the Emily Dickinson Museum at 280 Main Street in Amherst, the “Buccaneers of Buzz” Pollinator Fair celebrates all things pollination! Emily Dickinson wrote about 100 poems featuring bees, and was a keen observer of the natural world. At the Pollinator Fair, learn more about the important role of bees, insects, birds and other creatures as pollinators, and the things people can do at home to make a happy environment for them. Activities include rolling beeswax candles, potting milkweed seedlings, a pollinator-themed story corner, scavenger hunt, and a live observation hive, which allows children a chance to learn about the inner workings of a beehive. Learn more at www.EmilyDickinsonMuseum.org.
Become an Amherst College Research Family! The Child Learning and Development Lab of Amherst College is looking for families with kids birth to 5-years-old to participate in upcoming research on trust, communication and visualization. Our short, one-time studies are run by trained college students and kids earn simple prizes for participation! Support science and contact the Amherst College Child Learning and Development Lab at cladlab@amherst.edu.
Add your camp
Our summer camp guide is up! Check out our featured post, 2018 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities featured range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans! — Do you have a summer camp or program you’d like to have included in our comprehensive list? Find out how you can submit your listing HERE.
Add your school
Hilltown Families Preschool Directory: Are you looking for a preschool that fits your child’s personality and reflects your family’s values? Check out our growing Preschool Directory, covering all four counties in Western Massachusetts, and find the perfect place for your young one! — Have a school you’d like to include in this list? Click here to find out how to have it added.
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your summer camp, class, community event, school, open house, audition, homeschool program, workshop, volunteer opportunity, wellness program, local business, after-school class, or non-profit featured here in the Bulletin Board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and in our weekly eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing us at at sales@hilltownfamilies.org.
JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community-building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish, and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to info@hilltownfamilies.org.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
July 28th – August 3rd, 2018
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Suggest an Event | Cultural Itineraries | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets | Storyhour & Playgroups| Berkshire Family Fun | Advertise/Sponsorship | en Español
Events Happening in the Hilltowns
Saturday, July 28, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. Sometimes things happen that aren’t quite what you’d expect. Hit songwriters Randy Sharp and Dave Kinnoin, known in the children’s music business as Randy & Dave, bring you songs that are full of surprises. Encore of Saturday’s broadcast airs Sunday morning from 7-8am and podcast is posted here on Hilltown Families immediately following Sunday’s broadcast. Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcasts anytime. Click here select from over 10 years of archived shows!
Saturday, July 28, 8:30am-12:30pm
NATURAL HISTORY/ECOLOGY
Since the arrival of Europeans to the Northeast in the 17th and 18th centuries, the landscape of this area has changed radically. From old stone walls, to ruins, old growth trees, and newly planted forests, the land reflects the changes that have occurred. Thus, the landscape is not a static backdrop but rather a dynamic, active force in our experience of the world and in the ecosystem. If we know what to look for, we can read the history of the land more accurately than any scholar or historian, just by observing the land around us where we are. Ecologist Tom Wessels has spent his career learning how to read the landscape, which he has shared in his profound and life changing book Reading the Forested Landscape: A Natural History of New England. Do not miss this opportunity to spend the morning with a true ecological visionary! Wessels will be discussing some of the concepts and examples from his book with an accompanying slideshow, followed by a walk, during which Wessels will demonstrate how to read the forest. Northampton, MA ($$)Saturday, July 28, 10am-3pm
PLACEMAKING/HISTORY
Saturday, July 28, 10:30am-6pm
ARTS AND CRAFTS/CULINARY STUDIES
Part of valuing local communities is supporting crafts and artisanal food. Our communities are filled with so many passionate, creative people who want to their enthusiasm and inspiration with others. These kinds of relationships also cut down on pollution and support local economies. The Heirloom Festival is a celebration of local arts, crafts, and food, featuring artisans from throughout the Berkshire region. At Heirloom, there’s something for everyone, with live music and fun kids activities. Heirloom. 508 State Road, North Adams, MA ($)Saturday, July 28, 11am-2pm
PLACEMAKING/NUTRITIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY
It’s always a good time to enjoy ice cream but there is no better time than a hot summer day! As it turns out, ice cream has existed in one form or another since at least the fifth century BCE. Among the ancient Greeks and Chinese, snow or shaved ice was mixed with honey and topped with fruit. In fact, Hippocrates, sometimes called ‘the Father of Modern Medicine,’ wrote that eating the icy dessert “livens the life-juices and increases the well-being.” So now when anyone tries to tell you that you’re eating too much ice cream, you can just respond that you need to liven your life-juices! Hippocrates said so. This Saturday, the Millers Falls Community Improvement Association is inviting everyone in the community to come enjoy an afternoon of free ice cream and socializing. Millers Falls Library. 11 Bridge Street, Millers Falls, MA (FREE)Saturday, July 28, 12-10pm
PLACEMAKING/FESTIVAL
The rich cultural diversity of our region is one of the qualities that makes it so special. Music and Arts South Hadley, an organization dedicated to promoting the transformative power of art and music, is hosting an all-day festival celebrating the amazing music, food, and crafts of the Connecticut River Valley. Enjoy performances from some of the world renowned musicians that call our area home, including Charmaine and Khalif Neville, Mister G, Lakou Mizik, and Corazon de Granada. For a full list of vendors and events, please visit FallsFest 2018. South Hadley Beachgrounds Park. 116 Main Street, South Hadley, MA (FREE)Saturday, July 28, 1-7pm
PLACEMAKING/FESTIVAL
Come celebrate the Pittsfield community at the 45th Annual Gather In Festival, hosted by the Berkshire County NAACP! Make new friends, visit with neighbors, and enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, live music, and lots of games and activities for children. These are the kinds of events that make our communities so special. Durant Park. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)Saturday, July 28, 2pm
PERFORMING ARTS
Sunday, July 29, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Sunday, July 29, 10am
CULINARY ARTS
Learning how to cook is incredibly valuable for children. In addition to the pride and joy children feel when they cook for others, cooking can teach children creativity, math, and patience. Cooking is also a great way to learn about other cultures and can instill a lifelong love of food in a child. This cooking class at Abundance Farm for children ages 8-12 will feature guest appearances by local chefs and bakers and will use produce from the farm. Abundance Farm. 257 Prospect Street, Northampton, MA ($)Sunday, July 29, 11am-1pm
LOCAL HISTORY/NATURE STUDIES
The Buttonball Tree, a giant Sycamore in Sunderland, began its life before the first Europeans came to North America. Generally considered to be one of the oldest trees east of the Mississippi River, this incredible being is one of the real treasures of our region. Just to be in the presence of such an ancient and vast organism is truly a life changing experience. Art and Soul will be leading a pilgrimage to the Buttonball Tree this Sunday, followed by a stroll up to the Riverside Cemetery, also dating back several hundred years. This is a great opportunity to learn all about the amazing natural and cultural history of Sunderland! Sunderland, MA (SUGGESTED DONATION)Sunday, July 29, 12pm
NUTRITIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY/HISTORY
The history of tea could fill endless tomes. There are few cultivated plants that have such a long and complex history. It’s impossible to know, of course, where and when tea was first used by humans but reliable archeological data suggests that the beverage originated in the Yunnan province of China some time during the second millennium BCE. According to Chinese legend, Shennong, the god of farming and agriculture, was the first to discover tea when, while drinking a cup of boiled water, some leaves blew off a nearby plant and fell into the water. Other legends attribute its discover to Bodhidharma, the founder of Chan Buddhism. In its earliest history, tea was mainly used as a form of traditional medicine and over time it became so prized that bricks made from tea leafs were even used as currency. When tea was first exported to Japan in the sixth century, it was exclusively used by the Japanese priestly class, followed shortly by the samurai warriors, and court nobility. Tea was first exposed to communities outside of east Asia during the 16th century when Portuguese merchants established a trading post in Macau, China. Even then its popularity elsewhere was gradual. In 1618, tea was offered as a gift from China to the Russian Czar, who strongly disliked the drink and refused the gift. In the mid-17th century tea was used by apothecaries in Germany but it failed to gain a following in the country. Even in India, which currently produces the second largest quantities of tea in the world, tea consumption was a late development. During the British occupation of India during the 19th century, the British introduced commercial tea production to the subcontinent, in an attempt to break China’s monopoly over the crop. The drink, however, did not become popular among Indians until as late as the 1950s, as a result of an aggressive marketing campaign by the Indian Tea Board. If you are interested in learning more about the fascinating history of this plant, don’t miss this seminar on the history of tea, including a variety of teas to taste! Historic Deerfield. 80 Old Main Street, Deerfield, MA ($)Sunday, July 29, 1-2:30pm
CULINARY STUDIES/FUNDRAISER
Chocolate may now be one of the most popular foods in the world, but its initial reception outside of Mesoamerica was somewhat less than enthusiastic. Jose de Acosta, a 16th century Jesuit missionary wrote of it: “Loathsome to such as are not acquainted with it, having a scum or froth that is very unpleasant taste.” Indeed, one can imagine that without ready access to sugar, eating or drinking chocolate would have been a very different experience. After the Spanish began bringing chocolate to Europe, the market gradually increased, due in part to Pope Alexander’s proclamation that drinking chocolate would not count as breaking a religious fast and could thus be enjoyed in unlimited quantities. Nowadays chocolate has truly become an art form. Currently the most expensive chocolate in the world is sold for $173 an ounce. Its ingredients? Nothing but cacao and cane sugar. This particular chocolate is noteworthy for being harvested from a rare and unique variety of cacao tree found only in a remote grove high in the mountains of Ecuador. Only one hundred of these trees remain. Like wine, coffee, whiskey, and fine cheeses, cacao beans take on a shockingly wide range of flavors and smells simply due to the unique atmospheric qualities where they were grown and unexpected variations arising through the fermentation process. Cacao beans grown in different countries or even different regions of the same country have radically different characters. Well you probably won’t be able to try chocolate that costs hundreds of dollars an ounce but if you love chocolate and are interested in learning more about this fascinating treat, don’t miss this Chocolate Tasting fundraiser! 50/50 Fitness/Nutrition. 251 Russell Street, Hadley, MA (SUGGESTED DONATION)Sunday, July 29, 2-4pm
ART STUDIES/HISTORY
The so-called Nuremberg Chronicle is one of the most significant works of early modern European book printing. Published in 1493 in Nuremberg, Holy Roman Empire, the book is a chronicle of world history according to the Bible. Among other reasons, the books is noteworthy for its incredible 1,809 woodcut illustrations. We also know that German Renaissance master woodcut artist Albrecht Durer apprenticed at the workshop that produced these works during the same period, so it is entirely likely that Durer assisted on some of the illustrations. Artist Tate Klacsmann will be discussing this remarkable book and its sumptuous woodcut illustrations this Sunday. Following the discussion, local woodcut artist Nancy Haver will be presenting a woodcut demonstration. Historic Northampton. 46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA (SUGGESTED DONATION)Sunday, July 29, 3:30pm
PERFORMING ARTS/IMMIGRATION
Travel and migration has always been a huge part of the human experience throughout our history as a species. In every part of the world, without exception, communities shift, merge, grow, and change. As Yale law professor and bestselling author Amy Chua has argued, the success of human communities throughout history has always been directly proportionate to the degree with which they welcome newcomers and outsiders. Nations and societies that celebrate differences and feature diverse cultural influences thrive and prosper. Nations that fear, distrust, and expel members of other cultures and communities inevitably collapse. To use the early history of the United States as an example, we can think of the fact that the early founders of the nation traveled abroad to specifically recruit individuals and communities to come be a part of American society. These newcomers brought their expertise and skills and contributed to the creation of a new society. Come celebrate diversity in our community and stand in solidarity with migrant families, which are facing massive struggles, at this special event featuring panel discussions and live performances. All proceeds go directly to benefit migrant families who have been separated. Academy of Music Theatre. 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA ($$)
Monday, July 30, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Storyhour & Playgroups: East Longmeadow, Pelham & Whately
Monday, July 30, 1:30-2:30pm
MARINE BIOLOGY/MUSEUM ADVENTURES
Tide pools are unique ecosystems that play a vital role in maintaining coastal wildlife. Since tide pools literally come and go with the tides, the animals that live there have to be extraordinarily adaptable and resilient. Hermit crabs and horseshoe crabs are some of the most common residents of these special habitats. If you’ve got a nature-lover at home, bring them down to the Berkshire Museum for a special hands-on tide pool experience! Berkshire Museum. 39 South Street, Pittsfield, MA ($)Monday, July 30, 6-7pm
CHILDREN’S MUSIC
Ben Gundersheimer, better known as Mister G, attended Amherst College and Smith College before winning the 2015 Latin Grammy award for Best Children’s Album. Gundersheimer got his nickname from teaching at an elementary school in Northampton, where he wrote many of the songs for his first children’s album. Focusing his own Masters work on using songwriting as an educational tool, Mister G combines learning, music, and fun. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see Mister G performing live, this Monday! Sunderland Public Library. 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA (FREE)
Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Tuesday, July 31, 10am
CONCERT/CHILDREN’S MUSIC
The Franklin King Children’s Series continues this tuesday with a visit from children’s music and puppetry veteran Rick Goldin. For twenty years, Goldin has been performing throughout New England, blending fun children’s music with puppetry and education. So come sing along and dance with Rick Goldin and his singing animal puppets! Look Memorial Park. 300 North Main Street, Florence, MA ($)Tuesday, July 31, 1pm and 6pm
CIRCUS
The circus is coming to town! Inspired at a young age by a passion for the circus, Smirkus founder Rob Mermin traveled to Europe at a young age to apprentice with some of the greatest circuses in the world. After performing all over Europe with some of the legends of the circus community, Mermin settled down in Vermont and founded Circus Smirkus. For 30 years, Circus Smirkus has been dedicated to using traditional circus skills to inspire and educate young people. The only traveling youth circus in the United States, Circus Smirkus is made up of over 80 individual performers and staff members and 23 support vehicles. If you have never experienced Circus Smirkus before, prepare to be amazed. This is truly a one-of-a-kind show. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to run off and join the circus! Three County Fairgrounds. Northampton, MA ($$)
Tuesday, July 31, 4-5:30pm
ENTOMOLOGY/FOLKLORE
While ticks and tick related illnesses are on people’s minds a lot right now, it’s important to remember that ticks have always been around. In fact, recent DNA research on Otzi, the paleolithic human found preserved in ice in the Swiss Alps, reveals that he suffered from an ancient version of Lyme disease. This begs the question: how have human communities throughout history interacted with these critters? In fact, ticks feature prominently in folklore from around the world. A mysterious story from the Salish people of the Pacific Northwest tells how Coyote once encountered a strange wizard with many arms, who would devour deer, leaving nothing but their bones. Coyote, who wanted to steal his food, stepped on the wizard and crushed him. No sooner had he done so, however, the wizard revived himself and reanimated the bones of the dead deer. Coyote then turned the wizard into a tick. This illustrated talk by Dr. Kirby Stafford III, chief entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Station, will focus on the natural and cultural history of these much maligned creatures. Historic Northampton. 46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA ($)
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Wednesday, August 1, 1pm and 6pm
CIRCUS
The circus is coming to town! Inspired at a young age by a passion for the circus, Smirkus founder Rob Mermin traveled to Europe at a young age to apprentice with some of the greatest circuses in the world. After performing all over Europe with some of the legends of the circus community, Mermin settled down in Vermont and founded Circus Smirkus. For 30 years, Circus Smirkus has been dedicated to using traditional circus skills to inspire and educate young people. The only traveling youth circus in the United States, Circus Smirkus is made up of over 80 individual performers and staff members and 23 support vehicles. If you have never experienced Circus Smirkus before, prepare to be amazed. This is truly a one-of-a-kind show. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to run off and join the circus! Three County Fairgrounds. Northampton, MA ($$)Wednesday, August 1, 5:30-7:45pm
CHESS
According to an ancient story, the emperor of Persia, who loved games, invited his subjects to develop the perfect game. The first game was checkers. The emperor enjoyed the game but observed that it relied too much on luck and involved too little skill and was thus not realistic. The next game was chess. The emperor once again celebrated the ingenuity of the game, but complained that the game relied too much on skill and too little luck and was thus, also not true to life. The final game was backgammon, which the emperor declared the perfect game, due its perfect balance of luck and skill. Whether or not one agrees with the emperor’s assessment that chess involves no luck, we can all agree that a better game of skill can scarcely be found. Few games have inspired so much thought and study over the centuries. If you are a chess fanatic or a newcomer, don’t miss Chess Club at the Greenfield Public Library. All ages welcome! Greenfield Public Library. Greenfield, MA (FREE)Wednesday, August 1, 6pm
PHYSICAL EDUCATION/GAMES
Everybody knows that there’s nothing kids like more than running around and playing games! These types of activities are also key developmental skills that teach children hand eye coordination, teamwork, and problem solving. It’s also a great way to instil a lifelong love of physical activity. Trevor the Games Man is an educator who specializes in fun physical activities and games for children ages 3 to 16. And afterwards enjoy ice cream and popsicles! Goodwin Memorial Library. 50 Middle Street, Hadley, MA (FREE)
Thursday, August 2, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Thursday, August 2, 10am-2pm
AGRICULTURE/PLACEMAKING
Come celebrate local produce and the vibrant Holyoke community at the Holyoke Farmers Market! In addition to all the regular vendors and events, you can also check out delicious cold treats from the Chill Out food truck, featuring unique Asian-inspired shaved ice cream and shaved ice topped with fruit. Get together with friends and neighbors and enjoy this special community gathering. For more information, please visit Holyoke Farmers Market. Main Street, Holyoke, MA (FREE)Thursday, August 2, 3:15-4:15pm
MUSIC STUDIES/RECORDING
One incredible benefit of new digital technologies is that it is easier than ever to record and broadcast music and other forms of audio to the world. It doesn’t require expensive equipment or detailed technical knowledge. If you have a teenager at home who is passionate about audio recording and music, you won’t want to miss this workshop for young podcasters and sound artists! Participants will learn how to edit and record audio, as well as the basics of podcasting. No experience necessary! Forbes Library. Northampton, MA (FREE)
Friday, August 3, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Friday, August 3, 9:30am-4:30pm
LIVING HISTORY/ARTS AND CRAFTS
Colonial history buffs are in for a real treat as Historic Deerfield is opening its doors for free this Friday! The scenic main street of the old Deerfield village will be set up with activity stations, where visitors can attend historical reenactments and learn about traditional colonial arts and crafts. And as always, the charming museum houses will be open for tours. Historic Deerfield. Deerfield, MA (FREE)Friday, August 3, 10am-4pm
MUSEUM ADVENTURES
Come enjoy all the wonderful activities that the Eric Carle Museum has to offer for free, this Friday! Check out one of the ongoing exhibitions, including selections from some of the illustrators of the popular Paddington Bear series, explore the museum’s new outdoor space Bobbie’s Meadow, and don’t forget to stop at the library! The Eric Carle Museum is one of our area’s greatest cultural treasures and the Free Fridays program is giving everyone in the community access to explore this wonderful place. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 125 West Bay Road, Amherst, MA (FREE)Friday, August 3, 4-5pm
ARCHITECTURE/ECOLOGY
As global warming intensifies, the need for creative ways of adapting to our new climate are vital. There is an increasing scientific consensus that averting climate change is no longer a possibility but there is still much to be done in terms of mitigation. The Living Building at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment is a perfect example of the kind of changes we can make to meet the new challenges of a warming planet. The Living Building is designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of natural systems in our environment. It requires no outside energy to power it and creates its own water. While new technologies may facilitate some of these changes, the truth is that nature itself offers the most profound and effective solutions. If we look there, we will find what we need. Come learn all about this amazing building and the ways that it reproduces natural cycles and functions at one of the bi-monthly building tours. Hitchcock Center for the Environment. 845 West Street, Amherst, MA (FREE)Friday, August 3, 6-8pm
POETRY/PERFORMING ARTS
The haiku, a Japanese poem featuring seventeen syllables and three verses, appears simple but actually contains a very complex and intentional structure. One of the most recognizable qualities of haiku is the presence of a kireji, a word without an English equivalent, which indicates a cyclical pattern, sense of emphatic wonderment, or closure. The kireji is always found at the end of one of the three verses of a haiku and creates the profound effect of gesturing toward two thoughts, which are ostensibly independent but nevertheless intuitively linked in the mind of the poet. The kireji, in this case, invites the reader to explore how these two thoughts may be interrelated, producing a richer and more nuanced sense of meaning. To use a classical example, we might think of the following haiku by Basho: “Grasses in summer. / The warriors’ dreams / All that’s left.” In this poem, the kireji appears at the end of the verse: “Grasses in summer.” As we can see, the presence of this little syllable indicates both a shift in the poem, a broader sense of context, a striking visual component, and a subtle philosophical observation. If you are passionate about poetry, check out this Head-to-Head Haiku competition, a good natured variation on the “poetry slam” format. Dottie’s Coffee Lounge. 444 North Street, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)Friday, August 3, 6:30-7:30pm
CONCERT/MUSIC STUDIES
Music is a great way for children to develop language skills and learn how to coordinate their minds and bodies. Singing and being exposed to music also helps children build social and emotional skills. Enjoy an evening of music and singalongs with local performer and folklorist Roger Tincknell! Tincknell has been performing for children and adults for forty years. M. N. Spear Memorial Library. 10 Cooleyville Road, Shutesbury, MA (FREE)
Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by a grant from the Belchertown, Buckland, Chicopee, Plainfield, Shelburne, Westhampton, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
