Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for January 7th-13th, 2017
“Hilltown Families keeps us busy doing all sorts of fun and amazing things every weekend… and there’s no time left for winter blues!” – Erin Klett (Greenfield, 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.
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.
Bulletin Board
Jan 7
Amherst Montessori School invites parents to an Open House on Saturday, January 7th at 10am. Meet teachers and administrators, tour AMS’ beautiful new school in South Amherst, and learn about the Montessori curriculum for infants through sixth grade. Amherst Montessori is a warm, safe, and supportive community that nurtures a lifelong love of learning. Learn more and register online at amherstmontessori.org.
Accepting applications for fall 2017. The Bement School founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield is a co-educational junior boarding and day school serving 210 students in kindergarten through grade 9. Bement’s rich, traditional curriculum motivates and challenges students with strong academics, a renowned fine arts program, and a diverse athletic program. Students participate in athletics and fine arts every day. The pervasive atmosphere at Bement is that of a family, learning and living together. Bement actively seeks an academically diverse, international, and multi-cultural student body. For information on how to apply, financial aid, or to arrange a visit to campus, call 413-774-4209 www.bement.org.
Open House: Jan 29
Sunday, January 29th: Open House from 2-3:30pm at Smith College Center for Early Childhood Education (Fort Hill). Visit welcoming classroom environments, chat with teachers, and find out more about the Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum. Providing engaging, intentional early experiences that support children in becoming lifelong learners, joyful investigators, and thoughtful citizens of the world. Fort Hill has dedicated visual arts and music teachers and studios, an emphasis on natural materials, and classroom experiences that nurture joy, curiosity, deep thinking, and imagination. Consider joining the Fort Hill family! Actively accepting applications for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers for 2017-2018. Contact forthill@smith.edu for information.
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 info@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
January 7 – January 13, 2017
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, January 7th, 2017
9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org, to hear a rebroadcast of a favorite Doo-Wop Episode with Guest DJs, Michael & Tony Napolitano of Preschool of Rock. 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!
MONTESSORI EDUCATION/OPEN HOUSE
Amherst Montessori School invites parents to an Open HousE. Meet teachers and administrators, tour AMS’ beautiful new school in South Amherst, and learn about the Montessori curriculum for infants through sixth grade. Amherst Montessori is a warm, safe, and supportive community that nurtures a lifelong love of learning. Learn more and register online at amherstmontessori.org.
Saturday, January 7, 9am-2pm
WINTER SPORTS/COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION
Skiing and snowboarding are great ways to get outside in the cold months, enjoy the snow, and get exercise when other forms of recreation become inaccessible. Purchasing equipment for these hobbies, though, can be expensive. The Ski, Skate and Snowboard Winter Gear sale will be providing both new and used gear at low prices, while supporting a cause. All proceeds will benefit the Amherst Historical Society, a local resource for historical education. The sale will take place at Crocker Farm Elementary School. 280 West Street (aka, Route 116). Amherst, MA. (MARKET/SALE)Saturday, January 7, 9:30am-11:30am
STEM/ROBOTICS
The idea of robots can seem like very sophisticated machines, created by highly trained robotics specialists. However, robotic machines don’t have to be very complex – and even kids can learn to make them! Everyone ages ten and up is welcome to go to Holyoke Codes to build robots with LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 kits. Participants will learn how to make the robots dance! 413- 552-4900. 100 Bigelow Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)Saturday, January 7, 10am-12pm
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/WILDLIFE TRACKING
Saturday, January 7, 10am-1pm
SPORTS HISTORY/BASKETBALL
The Harlem Globetrotters are an independent, exhibition basketball team. They have been entertaining audiences since 1926. St. Mark’s Church invites you to a day of entertainment, exercise, skills clinics, games, dancing, and positive messages with the Harlem Globetrotters, featuring Kevin “Showboat” Jackson and Kenny “Blenda” Rodriguez, with DJ Master of Sounds, Eddie Brown. This day of family fun is not just for basketball fans and athletes. Parents are welcome. Wear comfortable clothing. Taconic High School gymnasium. You can call ahead for tickets at 413-447-7510 between 8am-3pm or purchase tickets at the door. Valentine Road. Pittsfield, MA. (<$)
Saturday, January 7, 11am
STEAM/METEOROLOGY
Kids are natural scientists, full of questions about their environment. Kids ages four and up are invited to this meeting of the Young Scientists Club at the Gaylord Memorial Library, where they will learn about meteorology through rainbows! Participants will experiment with rainbow bubbles and create a “Paint With Golf Balls” poster. Put some STE(Art)M in your STEM! No registration is required, just drop in! 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA. (FREE)Saturday, January 7, 11am
ART STUDIES/STEM
Art intersects with science in many ways. Understanding pigment and the color wheel can lead kids to learning about the physical principles behind color, for example. Kids are invited to the Berkshire Museum to participate in fun art-making activities with a scientific component. During this session, kids will make Snow Dough. The program is included with regular Museum admission. 413-443-7171. 39 South Street. Route 7. Pittsfield, MA. ($; children under 18 <$; members, ages three and under FREE)Saturday, January 7, 12:30pm
HISTORY/CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Saturday, January 7th is the 76th anniversary of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Four Freedoms speech. In this inspiring 1941 State of the Union Address, FDR outlined four fundamental freedoms which he believed everyone had a right to. These four freedoms are freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom of speech, and freedom of religion. All are invited to downtown Pittsfield to march and rally together around a commitment to these freedoms. Marching participants will meet in front of St. Joseph’s Church, then march down North Street to Park Square for an indoor rally of speeches. Speakers will include U.S. Senator Edward Markey, among many others. The Four Freedoms March and Rally is being organized by the newly formed non-partisan Four Freedoms Coalition, led by the Berkshire County Branch of the NAACP, the Berkshire Central Labor Council, and the Berkshire Brigades. 414 North Street. Downtown. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)Saturday, January 7, 1pm-3pm
ART STUDIES/NATURE-BASED LEARNING
Western Massachusetts’ landscape is filled with rivers. They run like veins between our ancient hills, and give life to human and non-human communities alike as they flow constantly onward. The Great Falls Discovery Center will be providing opportunities to learn through the lens of rivers at this gallery opening for Alice Thomas’s painting series, River Rooms. Meet the artist, ask questions, and afterwards enjoy an interactive water craft and video about rivers. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, January 8, 2017
Sunday, January 8, 10am-5pm
ART STUDIES/TEA CEREMONY
Woodblock carving is a method of printing which preceded movable type and the printing press. The artistic technique of Japanese woodblock printing is explored in the current Clark exhibition, Japanese Impressions: Color Woodblock Prints from the Rodbell Family Collection. You can attend this Free Sunday program at the Clark Art Institute to view the exhibition, and engage in activities to learn about the cultural importance of tea ceremonies to Japanese identity and culture. 413-458-2303. 225 South Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)Sunday, January 8, 12pm-1pm
NORDIC SKIING/OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Do your children like to ski? Skiers ages ten to fifteen are invited to expand their ski knowledge into areas related to ski patrol. Participants will learn first aid and CPR among other safety techniques, with members of Notchview’s National Ski Patrol. This eight week program will take place at Notchview on Sundays through February 26. For more information call The Trustees at 413-684-0148 or email notchview@thetrustees.org. 83 Old Route 9. Windsor, MA. ($)
Sunday, January 8, 12pm-2pm
CARD GAMES/INTERGENERATIONAL
Card games challenge your logical reasoning abilities, sometimes also involving mathematics and various social skills. Playing games in general is a great way to connect with your kids in a low-tech way, without screen technology. Do you or your kids like to collect card games? Kids and parents are invited to Make It Springfield to meet and play collectible card games. Challenge your brain by learning a new game, while meeting new families with shared interests. 168 Worthington Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)Sunday, January 8, 2pm
FILM STUDIES/JEWISH CULTURE
One of the biggest factors tying food to culture is habitat. The ecological factors which determine which edible plants thrive in an area partially determines the meals which become a culinary mainstay within that culture. Thus, studying the connection between cultures and the foods they value will shed light on ecology as well. You can learn about Jewish culture through the lens of food by screening three short films at the Yiddish Book Center. The center will be showing In The Last Blintz, Life and Hummus, and Bagels in the Blood. These films will explore Jewish food culture from New York, to Israel and Palestine, to Montreal. 413-256-4900. 1021 West Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)
Sunday, January 8, 2pm-4pm
RECYCLING/PLACEMAKING
What do you do with your Christmas tree after the holiday? This year, getting rid of your Christmas tree can be cause for celebration. Unwanted Christmas trees will be used as firewood for a community bonfire at Bartholomew’s Cobble. Enjoy drinks and snacks around the fire pit while you put your old tree to good use. Call 413-298-3239 ex 3013 for more information. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (Members <$; Non members $)Sunday, January 8, 4pm-5:30pm
PARENTING/SLEEP SCIENCE
A good night’s sleep is essential for emotional regulation, creative problem solving, memory, and more. Adolescents face unique challenges when it comes to maintaining a healthy sleep routine. Northampton Area Pediatrics is offering a parenting workshop to discuss ways that adolescents can improve their sleep. Adolescents as well as parents are welcome to attend. 413-517-2226 . 193 Locust Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)Sunday, January 8, 5pm-8pm
ART STUDIES/INTERGENERATIONAL
Artists of all backgrounds and mediums are invited to Make It Springfield for a choose your own adventure style, weekly workshop. Participants are invited to draw, color, paint, collage, or any mixed-media combination. You are welcome to drop in anytime during the event. Supplies will be provided. Local hexagon artist Max Rudolph will be hosting. 168 Worthington Street. Springfield, MA. (FREE)
Monday, January 9, 2017
Storyhour & Playgroups: East Longmeadow, Pelham & Whately
Monday, January 9, 10am-11am
PARENTING/SUPPORT
Drop in for a casual, parenting discussion group at the Sunderland Public Library. Karen Green of the Coordinated Family and Community Engagement program will be present to facilitate as parents discuss their parenting techniques and challenges. 413-665-2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)
Monday, January 9, 2pm-6pm
SKILLSHARING/BIKE REPAIR
Learning to tune up and repair your own bike can save you time and money while teaching you about engineering and problem solving. Bring your bike or just your questions to Make It Springfield, and have your repairs taken care of by RadSpringfield. Stop in anytime during these drop in hours. All ages are welcome. There is a suggested donation up to twenty five dollars or more, depending on the repair. You can also bring by your old, unused bikes to donate. 168 Worthington Street. Springfield, MA. (DONATION)
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
Tuesday, January 10, 5pm
FILM STUDIES/FOOD CULTURE
Food is inextricably connected to local habitat as well as culture. Community members with an interest in both food and film may be interested in attending one or more of the Stockbridge Library’s food-themed film screenings. To kick off this series, the library will be showing the 2014 comedy Chef (Rated R). This movie tells the story of a head chef who quits his job to instead run his own food truck business while attempting to piece together his estranged family. The film won many awards including the AARP Movies for Grownups award for Best Comedy. 413-298-5501. 46 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)
Tuesday, January 10, 6:30pm-8pm
AROMATHERAPY
Winter is often a time for baking sweets and knitting scarves. There are lots of other skills you can learn this time of year, however. Come to River Valley Co Op and learn how to create your own infused oils, salves, and lip balms. People with concerns about the ingredients in their toiletries may be interested in making their own body products. Jade Alicandro Mace will be running this free program. Registration is required. Call 413-584-2665. 330 North King Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Wednesday, January 11, 12pm
LOCAL HISTORY/THEATER
Many famous performers have graced the Academy of Music Theatre’s stage during the past 123 years of the theatre’s existence. You are invited to learn about the history of the theatre on a guided tour. You will learn fun facts about performers. Did you know that a trap door was once cut into the stage for Harry Houdini’s disappearing act? Academy Board member Gail Yacuzzo Director will lead this historic tour. Reservations are required. 413-584-9032 ex105. 274 Main Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, January 11, 3pm
LEGOS/CREATIVE FREE PLAY
LEGOs are a versatile toy which can help kids practice fine motor skills, learn cause and effect relationships, and express their creativity. Children ages three and up and their caregivers are invited to a LEGO and Little Bit creative play event at the Erving Public Library. LittleBits and electronic gadget sets will keep older children entertained with engineering projects. Assistance will be provided as needed. Caregivers are encouraged to play too! 413-423-3348. 17 Moore Street. Erving, MA. (FREE)Wednesday, January 11, 5:45-7:15
MINDFULNESS/MEDITATION
Learning to meditate can help you achieve balance, peace of mind, and healing in your life. Make It Springfield is offering a beginner’s meditation class, focusing on observing and exploring consciousness. It is recommended that you eat a few hours before class and wear flexible, comfortable clothing which allows for range of motion and easy breathing. Please bring your own pillow, mats, or blankets to sit on. Otherwise, chairs are available. Beginners of all ages are welcome. 168 Worthington Street. Springfield, MA. (DONATION)Wednesday, January 11, 6pm
YOUTH THEATER/SHAKESPEARE
Shakespearean style acting is an art form in its own right, requiring actors to master strange dialogue involving rhyme, meter, and unusual words. Can young people handle this acting challenge? Yes! Come see actors between the ages of eight and eighteen, members of The Young Shakespeare Players-East, perform Richard II. This play tells the story of a bad King who becomes a memorable victim. The Young Shakespeare Players-East is a non-profit theater group which gives local youth the opportunity to strengthen their performative skills by learning full length Shakespearean works. Performances of Richard II will take place January 11, 13, 14 and 15 at The Sloan Theater. Greenfield Community College. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)Wednesday, January 11, 6:30pm
PARENTING/EDUCATION
Wednesday, January 11, 7pm-8:30pm
POLITICAL SCIENCE/ACTIVISM
How can we fight back against an inflammatory political climate? All are invited to The Erikson Institute of the Austen Riggs Center to engage in a discussion on combating hate, building community, and protecting our neighbors. Understanding the concerns of our community members can help us as individuals to be more politically engaged and active. Call 413-931-5284 to register. 25 Main Street. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Thursday, January 12, 12:15pm
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY/WOMEN’S HISTORY
There is a lot to wonder about the historical lives of women. This lecture at the Springfield Museums will explore topics such as menstruation, sex and birth control, childbirth, sickness and medicine, and the ways in which they affected New England’s colonial women. This lecture, The Not-So-Good Life of the Colonial Goodwife, is presented by Velya Jancz-Urban, teacher, author, and former Brazilian dairy farmer. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. (<$)
Thursday, January 12, 2:30pm-3:30pm
LITERACY/ANIME
Manga is the Japanese word for comics, and anime is the Japanese word for animated films and television shows. An interest in Japanese art styles in the form of manga or anime can get kids interested in reading, drawing, or both. Youth in grades seven through twelve are invited to the Southwick Public Library to chat about anime, manga, or comic books in general. This all new Anime Afternoon program may include screening of shows or trying animation programs. For more information, call 413- 569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA. (FREE)
Friday, January 13, 2017
Friday, January 13, 11:30am-1:30pm
ICE SKATING
One benefit to homeschooling your children is that the schedule can sometimes allow greater flexibility for your child to explore their interests during school hours. The Mullins Center at UMass Amherst invites homeschooling families to skate at discounted prices. All children school age and younger are invited. Adults must be accompanied by children. Parents receive free admission and skate rental when accompanying children. Cash only. Commonwealth Avenue. Amherst, MA. (<$)Friday, January 13, 1:30pm
FILM STUDIES/MUSICAL
The 2016 comedy/fantasy film Pete’s Dragon (rated PG) is a remake of the 1977 musical of the same name. Community members of all ages are invited to a free screening of the 2016 version, with coloring pages and games after the movie, at the Hubbard Memorial Library. Both iterations of this film tell the story of a young boy who befriends and protects a dragon who he takes to like a father figure. Parents who have seen the original film may enjoy comparing it to this new version. This movie has a run time of 1hr, 43min. No registration is necessary. 413-583-3408. 24 Center Street. Ludlow, MA. (FREE)Friday, January 13, 4pm-8pm
ART STUDIES
Benches are architectural pieces with a practical purpose as well as an artistic design. If you are familiar with downtown Northampton, you may have seen the benches on Main Street transformed into works of art. “Buddy benches” have popped up in recent years as places where any child can sit if they are seeking company from a friend. Creative people of all ages can create their own benches, inspired by the artist-designed benches on display in the Smith College Museum of Art. At 6pm, you can also participate in a guided tour of the museum. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)Friday, January 13, 6pm
YOUTH THEATER/SHAKESPEARE
Shakespearean style acting is an art form in its own right, requiring actors to master strange dialogue involving rhyme, meter, and unusual words. Can young people handle this acting challenge? Yes! Come see actors between the ages of eight and eighteen, members of The Young Shakespeare Players-East, perform Richard II. This play tells the story of a bad King who becomes a memorable victim. The Young Shakespeare Players-East is a non-profit theater group which gives local youth the opportunity to strengthen their performative skills by learning full length Shakespearean works. Performances of Richard II will take place January 11, 13, 14 and 15 at The Sloan Theater. Greenfield Community College. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)Friday, January 13, 6pm-9pm
MUSIC STUDIES/FOLK
Folk music is a broad genre often involving acoustic stringed instruments. Many folk musicians have politically driven lyrics. Musicians of all ability levels are invited to bring their instruments and music they would like to share, to a round robin style folk circle at the Bushnell-Sage Library. Refreshments will be provided, as well as a copy of Rise Up Singing and Rise Again. Meet other local musicians and get inspired to write songs! 413-229-7004. 48 S Main Street. Sheffield, MA. (FREE)
Friday, January 13, 6:30pm-8pm
ORNITHOLOGY/OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
Take advantage of the long winter nights by learning to track nocturnal wildlife! Come to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary to enjoy a moonlight guided walk to search for owls and other creatures. Participants will explore fields, forests, and wetlands and learn about various animals’ seasonal adaptation. There will be tea and hot chocolate after the walk. Snowshoes will be provided if the conditions warrant. Dress for the weather. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (<$)Friday, January 13, 7pm-9pm
MUSIC STUDIES/UKULELE
Ukuleles are beautifully simple, highly portable instruments with just three strings and a small size. Acoustic ukulele trio, The Well Tempered Ukes, will be performing at the Great Falls Discovery Center’s Coffeehouse night. The group will cover through hits spanning the past 500 years! Get a crash course in popular music history. Refreshments will be available. Suggested donations support educational programming at the Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (DONATION)Friday, January 13, 7pm-9pm
MUSIC STUDIES/TEENS
Playing music can help your child learn mathematical concepts, all the while expressing their emotions in a healthy way. Youth ages fourteen to eighteen are invited to Downbeat Cafe nights at the Community Action Family Center for music and mingling. Even just listening to music can be a healthy way to unwind. For more information, call Glen at 413-475-1527. 90 Federal Street. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)Friday, January 13, 7pm-9pm
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/SNOWSHOE
Following the cycles of the moon can connect you with other aspects of astronomy. Studying astronomy is a good way to spend more time outdoors at night and admire an important part of nature- the night sky. You can enjoy a full moon snowshoe hike at Bartholomew’s Cobble. Those who do not own showshoes can rent them for a fee. Call 413-298-3239 ex 3013 for more information. 117 Cooper Hill Road. Sheffield, MA. (Members <$; Non members $)
Hilltown Families’ list of Weekly Suggested Events is supported in part by a grant from the Amherst, Chester, Chesterfield, Conway, Erving, Pelham, Russell, and Warwick Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
