Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for November 19th-25th, 2016
“Every Thursday night after my son goes to sleep I take some time to read the Hilltown Families weekly email – there is always at least 2 events I want to go to and reading what other community members write and share is always fascinating. I appreciate this resource so much!” -Jackie MacNeish (Ashfield, MA)
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families 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.
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Hilltown Families Event
The Nields, Pioneer Valley folk and rock favorites, will perform a special show for all ages at a Saturday Morning Music Party fundraiser for Hilltown Families and the Flywheel Arts Collective on Saturday, November 19, from 10am-12noon at Flywheel (43 Main St.) in Easthampton, MA. Doors open at 10am with a free pancake breakfast, followed by a family performance by The Nields from 11am-12noon. Admission is $12/Adult; $6/Kids ages 3-6; $35/Families of 4 or more. Infants-2: Free.) All proceeds benefit Hilltown Families and Flywheel, two Western Massachusetts nonprofits.
Bulletin Board
Nov 18
Montessori Comes to Forbes Library: On Friday, November 18, at 11am, bring your child to a visit with Montessori School of Northampton educator Laura Frogameni. The hour will include circle time with song, movement and story; activity time with Montessori materials; and time for questions, more music and play. The Forbes Library is located at 20 West Street in Northampton. Free; all families of children 0-6 are invited to attend. For more information, call Laura at 413-586-4538 x103 or visit www.northamptonmontessori.org.
Nov 19
Visit the Hartsbrook School Holiday Fair, Saturday, November 19 in Hadley, MA! Enjoy King Winter, roving musicians, unique crafts to make and buy, candle dipping, jump rope making, games, food, and pony rides. See the marionette performance by their Early Childhood teachers. Come experience the wonder that abounds at the Hartsbrook School Holiday Fair! There is nothing else like it! Saturday, November 19. 10am-3pm, 193 Bay Road, Hadley, MA. www.hartsbrook.org
Nov 19
Art Supporting Music – The annual Little Drummer Craft Fair returns to the Franklin County Technical School (82 Industrial Blvd) in Turners Falls on Saturday, November 19th from 9am-3:30pm. This juried craft fair features over 65 artists & craftspeople from throughout the Pioneer Valley and beyond, presenting their unique handcrafted products. All proceeds benefit the FCTS Music Department and award-winning FCTS Renegades Drumline. Support the annual FCTS food drive with 2 canned goods to donate to the drive, and receive a ticket to a special raffle drawing. Help make this the most successful food drive ever! Admission is free, free parking and completely ADA accessible. Lunch and baked goods available, prepared by FCTS culinary students.
Nov 20
Everyone Has a Voice concert, Northampton – Enjoy an afternoon of song as Whole Children’s Joyful Chorus teams up with Sarah Lee Guthrie & Johnny Irion to perform songs by Sarah Lee’s grandfather, Woody Guthrie, and other folk legends! The Everyone Has a Voice concert takes place on Sunday, November 20, 3pm, at First Churches of Northampton. The concert unites singers with and without disabilities to work toward the common goal of performing in concert. Whole Children is a Pathlight program and provides social and recreation programs for kids and teens of all abilities, particularly those with special needs. The concert is supported by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit www.wholechildren.org for tickets.
Nov 25
Holiday Happenings: Friday, November 25 from 10-5pm at the Springfield Museums. The Springfield Museums’ annual GingerbreadExhibit is one of the region’s best-loved traditions! This year’s theme is “HolidayMagic,” with gingerbread creations inspired by everyone’s favorite boy wizard. The exhibit’s will open on Friday, November 25th with a special “Holiday Happenings,” featuring a full day of family activities, performances, appearances by The Grinch, and the Lighting of the Quadrangle at 5pm. For information, visit springfieldmuseums.org.
Nov 25
CT Trolley Museum presents Winterfest 2016 and “The Tunnel of Lights” beginning Friday, November 25. Whether you ride a closed car or brave the cold to ride the open “electric sleigh,” they promise you a good time and one that you’ll remember for years. Join your motormen in singing traditional Christmas carols as the trolley makes its way through the “Tunnel of Lights.” When you return, head inside the Visitors Center which has been transformed into a Winter Wonderland complete with model trains, decorations galore and you can even buy a delicious cup of hot cocoa to sip as you enjoy the entertainment. Additionally, meet and pose for a picture with Santa and he will also have a gift for each child.
Open House: Dec 3
Saturday, Dec. 3rd: The Center School Admissions Open House, 10am-2pm. The Center School is a preschool through 8th grade progressive school, serving Hampshire & Franklin counties. Please come explore the school on Saturday, Dec. 3rd for an Admissions Open House. Classrooms will be open and staff will be on hand with innovative projects planned for kids of all ages. Current parents and students will be in attendance to answer questions and share about the school. Light refreshments will be available for purchase. The Center School has been offering rigorous education for deep thinkers and creative spirits for 35 years and is currently accepting applications for all ages, for fall of 2017. centerschool.net
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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 Eventsand 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 info@hilltownfamilies.org.
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Featured Fall Classes in Western MA
What are your child’s interests? What are your interests? This fall there are a number of after-school, homeschool, evening, and weekend classes to choose from to supplement and support the interests of your family! Check out our growing list of classes, programs, open houses and even auditions for this fall in our dedicated post, 2016 Fall Classes, Auditions & Open Houses in Western MA, and find the perfect activity for your child, teen, and even lifelong learners! — Have a class you’d like to add to this list? Click here to find out how to have your class, lessons, program, auditions, and open house included.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
November 19th – 25th, 2016
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, November 19, 2016
9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. 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 to choose from over 9 years!
Saturday, November 19, 9am-3:30pm
CRAFT FAIR
Saturday, November 19, 9:30am-11:30am
PARENTING
Saturday, November 19, 9:30am-4pm
ART STUDIES/CIRCUS
Many visual artists, whether they like to paint or draw, eventually try to recreate the human form. Figure drawing classes offer the opportunity for artists to draw still models. The SHOW Circus Studio’s Monthly Sketch Lab brings performing artists together with visual artists, offering participants the opportunity to capture movement on the page. All ages and levels of ability are welcome. Visit the SHOW Circus Studio’s website for full details. 150 Pleasant Street. Easthampton, MA. (<$)Saturday, November 19, 10am
LIFELONG LEARNING/MULTIDISCIPLINARY
Saturday, November 19, 10am-11am
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Introduce your child to nature confidently on a “First Child in the Woods: Caregiver and Infant/Toddler Walk” at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Exploring nature promotes creativity and problem-solving and is a great bonding activity for families. Dress for the weather. For ages birth-5. Registration is required. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Road, Easthampton, MA. (<$ Members; $ Non members)Saturday, November 19, 10am-11am
ART STUDIES
Jan Ruby-Chrystal’s artwork will be on display for the month of November in the Community Room at the Westhampton Public Library. Come check out this local artist’s work, and stop by to witness a talk and demonstration. She will be demonstrating her methods of utilizing fresco and round materials, and wax rubbing. 413-527-5386. 1 North Road. Westhampton, MA. (FREE)Saturday, November 19, 10am-12noon
The Nields, Pioneer Valley folk and rock favorites, will perform a special show for all ages at a Saturday Morning Music Party fundraiser for Hilltown Families and the Flywheel Arts Collective on Saturday, November 19, from 10am-12noon at Flywheel (43 Main St.) in Easthampton, MA. Doors open at 10am with a free pancake breakfast, followed by a family performance by The Nields from 11am-12noon. Admission is $12/Adult; $6/Kids ages 3-6; $35/Families of 4 or more. Infants-2: Free.) All proceeds benefit Hilltown Families and Flywheel, two Western Massachusetts nonprofits. Easthampton, MA ($)Saturday, November 19, 10am-12pm
READING/THERAPY DOG
Saturday, November 19, 10am-1pm
DENDROLOGY/ECOLOGY
Saturday, November 19, 10am-3pm
HOLIDAY FAIR
Saturday, November 19, 10am-5pm
MAKERSPACE
The holiday season is a time to connect with and support local artists, makers, and craftspeople. Makers Market is a craft show featuring jewelry, metal work, pottery, apparel, home decor, fashion accessories, paintings, prints, journals, dolls, toys, and more. Buying from local makers gives you the opportunity to give one-of-a-kind items to your loved ones. The market will take place in The Parlor Room, Saturday November 19 and Sunday November 20. 32 Masonic Street. Northampton, MA. (MARKET/SALE)Saturday, November 19, 10:30am-11:30am
GARDENING/COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION
Libraries, among other purposes, serve as a meeting center for community members with similar interests. Libraries can also serve as a bridge for acts of collaborative consumption. The Seeds and Stories End of Season Garden Swap at the Gaylord Memorial Library. invites community members to swap their gardening books, tools, or seeds for something new. Drop off items for the swap on November 18th from 3-4:30 pm. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, November 19, 10:45am
THANKSGIVING/CRAFTS
Kids ages three and up are invited to make crafts for their upcoming Thanksgiving celebrations! Participants will be able to make a clay pot turkey, harvest corn, and others, at the Granby Library. Hands-on crafts are good for fine motor skills and encourage creativity. Please register by calling 413-467-3320. 297 East State Street. Granby, MA. (FREE)Saturday, November 19, 11:30am-12:30am
THANKSGIVING/HISTORY
Learn real New England history this Thanksgiving by celebrating the holiday with 19th-century traditions at Old Sturbridge Village. Visitors will learn about 1830s dining etiquette and watch the village men compete in a post-dinner target shoot. Learn about Native American food traditions and customs and hear from the minister. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)Saturday, November 19, 12pm-3pm
HYDROLOGY/ACTIVISM
In order to be politically active on a local and national level, you have to first become informed about political issues. There are tons of topics to explore when it comes to public drinking water. Quality of drinking water, sources, looming shortages, and issues related to climate change are all major concerns. You can attend a sort of “crash course” in water issues at this symposium: “Global, National & Valley Perspectives – Problems, Solutions, and the Challenges Ahead,” held by the Hitchcock Center for the Environment. Registration is required via the website. 413-256-6006. 845 West Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)Saturday, November 19, 12pm-4pm
PLACEMAKING
There is a seemingly endless list of ways to connect with your community during the holidays. The Holyoke Merry Go Round invites families to kick off their winter with a holiday themed celebration. The carousel will be covered in seasonal decorations and attendees are invited to play special games. The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round will also house a warming tree. Donate new winter hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens and receive a free ride. 413-538-9838. 221 Appleton Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)Saturday, November 19, 1pm-3pm
NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES
The Nolumbeka Project is an organization which seeks to preserve sacred Native American sites and promote education about New England’s tribal heritage. The Nolumbeka Project presents this talk, “Waterways and Crossroads: Connecting Sacred Sites in Nolumbeka,” at the Great Falls Discovery Center. Guest speaker Evan Pritchard, is the Director of the Center for Algonquin Culture and author of several historical books. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)Saturday, November 19, 1pm-4pm
MAKERSPACE/INTERGENERATIONAL
Celebrate the holidays this year with artistic creativity, intergenerational bonding, and, of course, giving! The annual Community Make Day at Shire City Sanctuary’s makerspace invites people of all ages. Participants will learn how to create garlands and wreaths out of recycled fabrics. The holiday season is the perfect time to learn about creative repurposing. All decorations made will be used to decorate Shire City Sanctuary out for the upcoming 10th Annual Holiday Shindy. 413-236-9600. 40 Melville Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
Saturday, November 19, 1pm-4pm
COOKING LESSONS/CULTURAL HERITAGE
Packages of fresh or frozen tortellini are available at most American grocery stores; however, making your own tortellini is a fun, satisfying way to connect with your Italian heritage. Even if you are not Italian, you can come to the Italian Heritage Center and learn how to make this delicious food, fresh at home. Please bring an apron. Adults and children are welcome. Take home what you make. Call 860-305-1175 to request a registration form and to check seating availability. 56 Margaret Street. Springfield, MA. ($$)Saturday, November 19, 1pm-4:30pm
HORTICULTURE/SEED SAVING
Saturday, November 19, 1pm-5pm
ART HISTORY
Willie Gillis is a fictional Army private created by artist and illustrator Norman Rockwell. Gillis was a popular character during World War II and was used to represent American culture through art. In celebration of this character’s 75th anniversary, the Norman Rockwell Museum will be hosting various afternoon of talks, art making, tours, and a Willie Gillis look-a-like contest. 413-298-4100. 9 Glendale Road. Stockbridge, MA. ($. College students with ID <$. Ages 6-18 <$. Under 5 and museum members FREE)Saturday, November 19, 2pm
STEM/CHEMISTRY
Does your child like reading mysteries or solving puzzles? The next Forbes Library Scientific Kids Club meeting will invite kids to solve a library mystery using chemistry! This club serves get kids excited about scientific discovery. It is open to kids ages 8-11 (give or take). For more information call 413-587-1011. 20 West Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)Saturday, November 19, 2pm-4pm
GUIDED WALK/LOCAL HISTORY
Guided walks along rivers allow participants to learn about natural history and geology, as well as human influence on the land. Naturalists John Sinton and Laurie Sanders will teach attendees about 15,000 years of geological history and 10,000 years of human history on this riverwalk sponsored by Historic Northampton. This guided walk will go from Paradise Pond to Old South Street. Self-guided tour brochures of this walk will also be available. Email lsanders@historicnorthampton.org to register for the guided walk. 413-584-6011. 46 Bridge Street. Northampton, MA. (<$)Saturday, November 19, 2pm-4pm
WELLNESS/AGING
With millions of Americans living with some form of memory loss, there is no reason to experience the condition alone. “Memory Cafe” at the Sunderland Public Library brings together individuals experiencing memory difficulties, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers, for a relaxing afternoon of activities and refreshments. Enjoy some social time in an inclusive environment. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)Saturday, November 19, 2:30pm
THEATER/PICTURE BOOKS
Families who love Eric Carle’s artwork have the chance to see some of them brought to life by Picture Book Theater! The group will be performing The Very Quiet Cricket and The Lamb and The Butterfly, at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Each family will receive a copy of Carle’s The Very Quiet Cricket during the show. Older kids and parents will be able to think about how the theater troupe interpreted and performed their adaptation of a heavily visual story. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (<$)Saturday, November 19, 4pm and 7:30pm
FAMILY THEATER
Reading to your children at bedtime is a relaxing activity which can ease them into sleep and help instill a love of stories. You and your family can see a beloved children’s story, Ludwig Bemelman’s tale of Madeline, brought to life by The Drama Studio. This story has been popular with people of all ages for decades. 413-739-1983. 41 Oakland Street. Springfield, MA. (Adults $; Students <$; The Drama Studio students FREE)Saturday, November 19, 5pm
FAMILY MUSIC/ORCHESTRA
It is a goal for many parents to instill a love of music in their children. Long, formal concerts, however, can be difficult for kids to sit through . This Smith College orchestra performance is specifically designed for families. This concert will feature abridged version of the orchestra’s repertoire, and will include excerpts of Mussorgsky’s Night on Bare Mountain and Pictures at an Exhibition. A full-length, formal concert will also take place at 8pm. Sweeney Concert Hall. Sage Hall building. 144 Green Street. Northampton. (FREE)Saturday, November 19, 8pm
MUSIC STUDIES/PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT
Weekend entertainment does not need to be expensive or encourage consumerism. You can enjoy some free classical music on your Saturday night out. This fall concert, “To Russia with Love,” will be performed by the Smith College Orchestra, conducted by Jonathan Hirsh, with Henry Kramer on piano. The program includes Piano Concerto #1 by Prokofiev and Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain,” orchestrated by Rimsky-Korsakov, and excerpts from “Pictures at an Exhibition,” orchestrated by Ravel. Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall. 144 Green Street. Northampton. (FREE)Saturday, November 19, 8pm-10pm
DANCE STUDIES
Dance is an art form which evokes emotion and tells stories through choreographed movement and interaction. You can see contemporary dance pieces performed by Smith College faculty. New works will be performed by Chris Aiken, Rodger Blum, Angie Hauser and Marilyn Sylla, and guest artist Ephrat Asherie. There will be a resetting of Bill T. Jones’ work “Story/Time,” choreography by Bill T. Jones with Janet Wong.Theatre 14.Mendenhall. 122 Green Street. Northampton, MA. (<$)sat
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Sunday, November 20, 10am-11:30am
GRATITUDE/JEWISH CULTURE
Families can celebrate any number of national, personal, and religious holidays depending on their backgrounds. This program, “What’s Jewish About Thanksgiving,” will explore ways to express gratitude through hands-on, Jewish themed activities for 3-5 year olds. The program at Lander Grinspoon Academy will involve stories, songs, and creative forms of expression. All are welcome. 413-584-6622. 257 Prospect Street. Northampton, MA. (DONATION)Sunday, November 20, 10am-11:30am
ART STUDIES/NATURE STUDIES
Outdoor sculptures use the natural landscape as a backdrop for contemporary artwork, thus influencing our time spent in nature and shedding new light on our environment. Williamsburg artist Todd Lynch has created a work of environmental sculpture at Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary titled Plant Vandals. He will be leading this guided walk to the site of his work. Participants will see the remnant mill infrastructure which is incorporated into his sculpture. 413-584-3009. Adams Road. Haydenville, MA. (FREE)Sunday, November 20, 10am-4pm
HORTICULTURE
“Chrysanthemum” is a beautiful word for an equally beautiful family of flowers. The word is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower), though it refers to many different types of flowers in a range of colors and appearances. You can explore various chrysanthemums at The Botanic Garden of Smith College’s Fall Chrysanthemum Show. The Fall Mum Show has been a popular college and community tradition since the early 1900s and showcases the hybridizing experiments of the horticulture class. The show runs daily through November 20th. The conservatory will be open 10am-4pm daily and have extended hours 10am-8pm on Fridays. 413-585-2740. 16 College Lane. Northampton, MA. (FREE)Sunday, November 20, 11am-4pm
MAKERSPACE
The holiday season is a time to connect with and support local artists, makers, and craftspeople. Makers Market is a craft show featuring jewelry, metal work, pottery, apparel, home decor, fashion accessories, paintings, prints, journals, dolls, toys, and more. Buying from local makers gives you the opportunity to gift one-of-a-kind items to your loved ones. The market will take place in The Parlor Room. 32 Masonic Street. Northampton, MA. (MARKET/SALE)Sunday, November 20, 11:30am-2:30pm
THANKSGIVING/HISTORY
Learn real New England history this Thanksgiving by celebrating the holiday with 19th-century traditions at Old Sturbridge Village. Visitors will learn about 1830s dining etiquette and watch the village men compete in a post-dinner target shoot. Learn about Native American food traditions and customs and hear from the minister. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road. Sturbridge, MA. ($)Sunday, November 20, 2pm
LOCAL HISTORY
Sunday, November 20, 2pm
MUSIC STUDIES/COUNTRY MUSIC
Loretta Lynn is an American country singer whose musical career has spanned six decades. Fifteen-year-old singing sensation Maraide McClure and the Donna Lee Band will be performing the music of Loretta Lynn to new audiences at the Palmer Historical and Cultural Center. Learn about music history and come support local artists! 413-289-9295. 2072 Main Street. Three Rivers, MA.(Non members $; Members <$Sunday, November 20, 3pm
FAMILY THEATER
Reading to your children at bedtime is a relaxing activity which can ease them into sleep and help instill a love of stories. You and your family can see a beloved children’s story, Ludwig Bemelman’s tale of Madeline, brought to life by The Drama Studio. This story has been popular with people of all ages for decades. 413-739-1983. 41 Oakland Street. Springfield, MA. (Adults $; Students <$; The Drama Studio students FREE)Sunday, November 20, 3pm
ART HISTORY/PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is an art form as well as an innovative, human invention. Photography as a scientific idea stems from the discovery that substances can be altered by exposure to light. Robin Kelsey, dean of arts and humanities at Harvard University, will be discussing photography in his talk, “Finding Remains: The Process of Discovery in Early Photography.” This is the opening lecture for the special exhibition Photography and Discovery at the Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (Adults $; Clark members, children 18 and younger, and students with valid ID FREE).Sunday, November 20, 3:30pm
FAMILY CONCERT/INCLUSION
Sunday, November 20, 5:15pm
ART STUDIES
The Mount Holyoke College Art Museum has ranked 11th on a national list of top college art museums and earned two awards: for its new website, and for the recent El Anatsui: New Worlds catalogue. You are invited to celebrate these accomplishments of a local institution and to explore the museum at its 140th anniversary celebration. This open house will feature live music and art talks. Open to the public. 413-538-2245. Lower Lake Road. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)Sunday, November 20, 7pm-9pm
NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES/FILM STUDIES
Thanksgiving is a time to learn the truth about past and current relations between European immigrants and Native Americans. The Wampanoag continue to live on their native homelands. Learn about their history and the current cultural revival that is taking place by viewing the documentary, We Still Live Here, at Bartholomew’s Cobble. For more information call 413.298.3239×3013. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (Non members <$; Members and children FREE)sun
Monday, November 21, 2016
Monday, November 21, 5:30pm-7:30pm
PARENTING/PSYCHOLOGY
Parenting is an intellectual as well as physical and emotional challenge. Understanding what motivates your child’s behavior can help your create positive solutions to problematic habits. This program, “Why Do They Do What They Do?” will explore those topics. Register on the Collaborative for Educational Services website for this program which will take place at the South Hadley Family Center. 7 Woodbridge Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)
Monday, November 21, 5:30pm-7:30pm
STEM/PROGRAMMING
Today, websites bring us everything from music, to a place to “gather” virtually with friends, to information on nearly any subject. Learning how to code is an invaluable skill today. With the ability to build websites, you can bring your own unique vision out into the world, whether that be a business or a video game or something entirely new. Participants ages eleven and up are invites to Holyoke Codes to learn HTML, CSS, and a bit of JavaScript, in order to acquire the basics of web building knowledge. 413- 552-4900. 100 Bigelow Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)Monday, November 21, 6:30pm-7:30pm
YOGA/INTERGENERATIONAL
Yoga practice has lots of benefits, from improving strength and flexibility, to decreasing pain and stress. Thus, the activity can be helpful for people of all ages. You and your family can try yoga together at the West Springfield Public Library’s Family Yoga class. Children must be at least five years old. Please register by calling or visiting the library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park Street. West Springfield, MA. (FREE)Monday, November 21, 7pm
MUSIC STUDIES
Wind ensembles can include brass instruments, such as trumpets, as well as woodwinds, such as saxophones. You can hear the Smith College wind ensemble perform: “The Four Seasons in One Day.” Celebrate the seasons of New England as we transition into fall and winter. The Smith College Wind Ensemble is conducted by Ellen Redman. Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall. Northampton, MA. (FREE)Monday, November 21, 7pm
MUSIC STUDIES/PLACEMAKING
Music Mondays at the Gaylord Memorial Library invite community members to see local music to kick start their week. At this performance, jazz musician Giacomo Gates will perform in a trio format, joined by revered local sidemen Paul Arslanian on keyboards and George Kaye on bass. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA. ($)mon
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Tuesday, November 22, 7pm
IMMIGRATION
The Pioneer Valley is home to immigrants and refugees from around the world. Their presence helps to shape our culture. Ilan Stavans is editor of Words in Transit: Stories of Immigration. He is a Professor in Latin American and Latino Culture at Amherst College and an immigrant himself. He will be facilitating a discussion about immigration with a panel of contributors to the book. Attendees are welcome to tell their own immigration story or join in the discussion, at the Jones Library.
413-259-3090. 43 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Wednesday, November 23, 7am
COMMUNITY MEAL/FOOD SECURITY
Springfield Rescue Mission will be providing meals all day to those in need. Breakfast will take place at 7am. At 11am, meal deliveries will be provided to the elderly and disabled. Dinner will take place from 1pm to 4pm. 10 Mill Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)Wednesday, November 23, 6pm
PLACEMAKING
Tree lighting ceremonies are a form of placemaking, encouraging community members to meet and utilize common spaces in town. The North Adams Annual Tree Lighting Celebration will also feature a holiday window decorating contest. Prior to the event, local businesses will decorate their storefronts, and local non profits will decorate empty storefronts. Come see North Adams decorated for the holidays! 413-664-6180. 10 Main Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)wed
Thursday, November 24, 2016
Thursday, November 24, 12pm-5pm
COMMUNITY MEAL
Don’t eat Thanksgiving dinner alone! The Peoples Pint invites you to its fourth annual Thanksgiving for The People dinner. The meal will include traditional Thanksgiving dishes provided by Apex Orchards, Just Roots, and Pine Hill Orchards. Admission is at a pay-as-you-can rate. All proceeds will be donated to Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and other charities. 413-773-0333. 24 Federal Street. Greenfield, MA. (DONATION)Thursday, November 24, 1pm-4pm
COMMUNITY MEAL
Celebrate Thanksgiving with your community! All are invited to enjoy a delicious meal at Stone Soup Cafe’s pay-what-you-can Thanksgiving dinner. The suggested donation price for those who can pay is ten dollars. Visit the Stone Soup website to participate as a volunteer. 413-768-7346. 399 Hope Street. Greenfield, MA. (DONATION)
Thursday, November 24, 4pm
COMMUNITY MEAL/FOOD SECURITY
In addition to providing meals and groceries on a weekly basis, Not Bread Alone will be offering a Thanksgiving meal. The organization is located in the lower level of First Congregational Church in Amherst. For more information call 413-548-1271. 165 Main Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)thurs
Friday, November 25, 2016
Friday, November 25, 9:30am-4:30pm
KINDNESS/SERVICE-BASED LEARNING
Teach your children the importance of giving this holiday season, and engage in an intergenerational craft activity. On the Day of Giving at Historic Deerfield, all visitors are invited to handcraft a special gift with simple and natural materials. Historic Deerfield is an outdoor history museum providing insight into the history and culture of early New England. 413-774-5581. 80 Old Main Street. Deerfield, MA. ($; ages 6 to 17 <$; Under 6, member or Deerfield resident FREE)Friday, November 25, 10AM-12PM
ART STUDIES/DRAWING
Friday, November 25, 10am-4pm
STORY WALK
Celebrate nature and literacy rather than consumerism this “Black Friday.” Families are invited to Bartholomew’s Cobble to read the pages of the Trustees new children’s book, Charley Eliot and the Knights of the Woods. Learn the inspiring true history of Trustees founder Charles Elliot. For more information call 413-298-3239 x3013. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (FREE)Friday, November 25, 10am-4pm
GLASSBLOWING
Friday, November 25, 10am-7pm
MUSEUM ADVENTURES/HOLIDAYS
Friday, November 25, 1am-3pm
AVIATION/MUSEUM ADVENTURES
The New England Air Museum will hold its annual Santa Claus Visit & Behind the Scenes Tours special event on Friday, November 25, the day after Thanksgiving. Santa Claus will meet with kids in a Sikorsky helicopter between 11am-3pm. Photos are encouraged and Santa will distribute a special gift to each child. Families will also have the opportunity to create holiday cards for members of the U.S. military. Additional family fun activities include hands-on Build & Fly Challenges, Aircraft Quest Scavenger Hunts, and computerized Flight Simulators. The museum will also offer special “Behind the Scenes” tours of the Restoration Facility that day, giving visitors a rare opportunity to take a close-up look at current aircraft restoration projects. Windsor Locks, CT ($)
Friday, November 25, 11am-12pm
PLACEMAKING
The day after Thanksgiving is a great time to get out in town with friends, neighbors, and family. The Spirit of Springfield is hosting the Parade of the Big Balloons on Friday, November 25. A variety of balloons will travel down Main Street in Springfield along with bands, and much more. Downtown. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
Friday, November 25, 12pm-4pm
PLACEMAKING
There is a seemingly endless list of ways to connect with your community during the holidays. The Holyoke Merry Go Round will be open the day after Thanksgiving. Visit with your children as an alternative to Black Friday shopping. The Holyoke Merry-Go-Round will also house a warming tree. Donate new winter hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens and receive a free ride. 413-538-9838. 221 Appleton Street. Holyoke, MA. (<$)Friday, November 25, 1pm and 2:30pm
THEATER/PICTURE BOOKS
Families who love Eric Carle’s artwork have the chance to see some of them brought to life by Picture Book Theater! The group will be performing The Very Quiet Cricket and The Lamb and The Butterfly, at the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. Each family will receive a copy of Carle’s The Very Quiet Cricket during the show. Older kids and parents will be able to think about how the theater troupe interpreted and performed their adaptation of a heavily visual story. 413-658-1100. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. (<$)Friday, November 25, 3pm, 5pm and 7pm
LOCOMOTIVE
This year, as a Black Friday alternative to shopping, you can ride the brand new Christmas themed train ride, The Tinseler. This one hour trip from Berkshire Scenic Railway will emulate Christmas in 1955 – the year the railway’s Budd Rail Diesel Car was built. Celebrate the holiday season with family fun and some historical learning. 10 Willow Creek Road. Lenox, MA. (Adult $; child under 4 FREE)Friday, November 25, 4pm-9pm
PLACEMAKING
Friday, November 25, 5-9pm
MUSEUMS ADVENTURES/TRANSPORTATION HISTORY
Friday, November 25
PLACEMAKING
Holiday light displays add a festive touch to many neighborhoods and businesses at this time of year. Light displays can strengthen community ties as people flock to highly-decorated areas. The Look Park Winter Wonderland Light Display will be up the day after Thanksgiving. Take a stroll through the park to enjoy the winter sights. 413-584-5457. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (FREE)
Hilltown Families’ list of Weekly Suggested Events is supported in part by a grant from the Agawam, Belchertown, Buckland, Chicopee, Colrain, Cummington, Deerfield, Goshen, Hadley, Heath, New Salem, Plainfield, Shelburne, Southampton, Sunderland, Westhampton and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
