Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for September 23rd-29th, 2017
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
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.
JOIN OUR TEAM! Hilltown Families is currently recruiting our newest Interpretive Writer and Development & Sales Officer. Click on the banner above to see the full job descriptions, as well as a slew of other available volunteer and intern positions. We look forward to hearing from our community!
Bulletin Board
Sep 23
Get ready for a new Elephant & Piggie adventure! Join The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst on Saturday, Sept 23 for Elephant & Piggie Art-ventures with Mo Willems & Tom Warburton! In We Are in an ART-ivity Book!, Mo Willems & Tom Warburton have created the first-ever Elephant & Piggie activity book, full of drawing, coloring, gaming, & other hands-on fun! Meet Mo & Tom. Get books signed. Take your photo with Elephant & Piggie, watch films, & create art in the Art Studio! Book signing from 12:30-2:30pm. Limit 1 book from home/unlimited books from The Carle Bookshop. No personalization nor signing of board books or stuffed animals. Can’t make it to event? Reserve signed books online, call 413-559-6333, or shop@carlemuseum.org.
Sep 23 & 24
The 19th Annual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival is September 23 & 24 from 10am-5pm in Orange, MA. There’s something for everyone at this fabulous family destination. Over 100 booths are vibrant with local artists, farmers, fabulous food, chef demos and skills for local living. Enjoy amazing music, performance, spoken word and dance on three stages. New! ‘The World We Love,’ a giant handcrafted globe in the kid’s activity tent- add your vision and join the celebratory parade at the end of each festival day. Plus hula-hooping, horse-drawn hayrides, and garlic games all weekend. Only $5.00 adults, Kids 12 & under are free! More for travel/parking info and program visit www.garlicandarts.org; Follow festival updates daily on Facebook.
Sep 25
Monday, September 25, 2017, 10am-3pm: Soar into spring with Homeschool Day at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT. Open exclusively for homeschoolers and their families, and featured activities include: hands-on build & fly challenge activities, interactive flight science demonstrations, open cockpit experiences in historic aircraft, aircraft quests, fight simulators, and more! Virtual Flight Center access available for additional $5 per person. Tickets available for purchase on the day of your visit on a first come first served basis. Pre-registration required. Children ages 3 and under admitted free. www.neam.org for an online registration form. Please call 860-623-3305 x313 for questions.
Add your class
Hilltown Families has put together an After-School Classes & Enrichment Programs Directory of classes and programs happening across Western Massachusetts throughout the school year. Our community is rich in learning opportunities to supplement the interests of children, teens, and life-long learners and our directory makes it easier to find these gems while connecting families with resources that support their interests and education. — Have a class or program you’d like to include in our directory? Click here to find out how to have it added. New and updated opportunities are added throughout the year.
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 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 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
September 23rd-29th, 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, September 23, 2017
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. Danny Weinkauf guest DJs this week, demonstrating his love of science and education, and how it has influenced his favorite songs and personal writing style. − www.dannyweinkauf.com. Help your kids get back into the swing of school things with this fun episode! 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, September 23, 8am-10am
GUIDED NATURE WALK/ORNITHOLOGY
Lime Kiln Wildlife Sanctuary contains a variety of habitats including fields, forests, swamps, and abandoned lime quarries. These habitats make Lime Kiln a great place to learn about varieties of local plant and animal species. You are invited to join Lime Kiln’s education coordinator during the height of spring and fall migration for a morning bird walk on the trails. Participants will listen and look for warblers, sparrows, thrushes, and other birds. If time permits you may check other nearby birding hot spots. Bring binoculars; beginners welcome. 413-637-0320. Silver Street. Sheffield, MA. (FREE)Saturday, September 23, 8am-10pm
AGRICULTURAL FAIR
Do you know the location of the largest agricultural event on the eastern seaboard? Do you know the location of the 5th largest fair in the U.S.? The answer to both of these questions is the same: The Pioneer Valley! The “Big E,” or the Eastern States Exposition has been running since 1916 and represents all New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Filled with culture, history, animals, food, rides, performances and so much more. One of the biggest attractions is the “Avenue of States,” life-size replicas of the six original New England statehouses that contain samples of the culture, food and traditions of that state. The Big E will runs from September 15 through October first. Visit The Big E website for full details. Eastern States Exposition. 413-737-2443 . 1305 Memorial Ave. West Springfield, MA. ($)Saturday, September 23, 8:30am-4pm
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES/GUIDED NATURE WALKS
Housatonic Heritage will be offering several opportunities to learn about local history, natural history, infrastructure, architecture, ecology, and more through their annual, guided nature walk series. Visit their website and choose between several walks ranging from tours of historic buildings, cemeteries, and town centers, hikes on the Appalachian Trail, walks through industrial heritage sites and ruins, walks and bike rides on old country roads that have a history, behind-the-scenes tours at various performing arts venues, and strolls through formal gardens and estate. Walks take place in the Berkshires and beyond. (FREE- $$)Saturday, September 23, 9:30am-10am
GEOLOGY
What do people mean when they refer to “geologic time?” The geologic time scale is a system of dating used by geologists, paleontologists, and other Earth scientists. This system conceptualizes time in relation to geological events in the Earth’s history. Adults and families with children ages ten and older are invited to travel through geologic time as it relates to the local landscape, in the program “Making the Connecticut River Valley,” at Mount Holyoke Range State Park. See our home transform between ocean, mountains, lava, and ice. The talk will end with trail recommendations for exploring the geology on your own. Meet at the picnic table behind the kiosk. In case of rain, meet in Visitors Center. 413-253-2883. 1500 West Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)Saturday, September 23, 10am – 5pm
COMMUNITY FOOD FESTIVAL
Saturday, September 23, 10am
PLACEMAKING
The 38th annual Lenox Apple Squeeze is a long-standing tradition in Berkshire County, and a harbinger of the fall season. You can join local shops, restaurants, artisans, musicians, farm stands, and performers as Lenox celebrates the apple harvest with a fun and engaging street festival for all ages. The lineup will include The SteelDrivers, Wild Adriatic, Sierra Hull and many more on September 23 and 24 on three stages around town! Rain or shine. Go to the Visit Lenox Facebook page for more information. Lenox, MA. (FREE)Saturday, September 23, 10am-11am
LOCAL HISTORY
Housatonic Heritage will be offering several opportunities to learn about local history, natural history, infrastructure, architecture, ecology, and more through their annual, guided nature walk series. Visit their website and choose between several walks ranging greatly in the topics they explore. On September 23, for example, you can join Bill Munn on a journey through the history of the gilded age Colonial Theatre, as he shares with you the story of the 1903 world-class theatre, movie house, National Historic Treasure appointment by Hillary Clinton, restoration, and 2006 grand re-opening. 413-997-4444. 111 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE/MUSEUM ADVENTURES
Get ready for a new Elephant & Piggie adventure! Join The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst on Saturday, Sept 23 for Elephant & Piggie Art-ventures with Mo Willems & Tom Warburton! In We Are in an ART-ivity Book!, Mo Willems & Tom Warburton have created the first-ever Elephant & Piggie activity book, full of drawing, coloring, gaming, & other hands-on fun! Meet Mo & Tom. Get books signed. Take your photo with Elephant & Piggie, watch films, & create art in the Art Studio! Book signing from 12:30-2:30pm. Limit 1 book from home/unlimited books from The Carle Bookshop. No personalization nor signing of board books or stuffed animals. Can’t make it to event? Reserve signed books online, call 413-559-6333, or shop@carlemuseum.org. Amherst, MASaturday, September 23, 11am, 1:30pm, and 3pm
HISTORY/AUTOMOTIVE
Hoosac Valley Train rides are for families, groups, and couples. Travel 10 miles on a one-hour scenic train trip through history. Staff are excited to share this rail experience with you. Their authentic Budd railcar is from 1955. There is gift shop has memorabilia and rail-related products for adults and children. Groups of more than twenty are asked to make reservations one week in advance. There are Cabaret Trains on Saturday Aug 26, September 9 and 23. Purchase tickets online only to guarantee your seats or come 30 minutes before ride to purchase tickets at the counter. 80 persons per ride. Visit or contact info@berkshirescenicrailroad.org for more information. North Adams, MA. ($)AGRICULTURAL HISTORY/CREATIVE-FREE PLAY
Saturday, September 23, 11am-4pm
Known around the world as mommets, hodmedods, spaventapasseri, vogelscheuche, fugleskremsel, and kakashi, scarecrows have been used to protect crops for over 3,000 years! Studies of this traditional autumn icon can reveal not only the international roots of the straw-stuffed beings, but can lead to creative-free play, intergenerational creative collaboration, and exploration of folk farming techniques used locally and around the world. Find out more in our post, Scarecrow Studies Illuminate Cultural History and Creative-Free Play. With a new found interest and understanding of the history of scarecrows, take your family to Atkins Farms for one of their Scarecrow Workshops. Build your own life-size and lovable scarecrow. Everything is included, just bring your imagination. Happens every weekend through October 22. 413-253-9528. 1150 West St. Amherst, MA ($$)Saturday, September 23, 11:30am
ART STUDIES/SCULPTURE
Chesterwood’s artist-led programs in conjunction with current exhibition Out of Site: Contemporary Sculpture at Chesterwood, offers the public opportunities to learn about the physical mechanics as well as the figurative aspects on sculpture art. On September 23, artist Matt LaFleur will discuss his life as a fifth-generation caretaker of his family homestead, which served as the inspiration for his installation and two-dimensional artworks. This talk is free with museum admission. 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road. Stockbridge, MA. ($; children under 13 FREE)Saturday, September 23, 1pm and 2pm
LOCAL HISTORY
W.E.B. Du Bois, the great African-American author and civil rights leader, was born and raised in Great Barrington and returned frequently throughout his life. Join David Glassberg, from the Friends of the W.E.B. Du Bois National Historic Site, for an interpretive tour on a level woods trail, leading to the foundation of Du Bois’ boyhood home–the first destination in the United States to tell the story of his life and legacy. Visit the Housatonic Heritage website for more details on this event which takes place as part of 2017 Housatonic Heritage Walks. 612 South Egremont Road. Great Barrington, MA. (FREE)Saturday, September 23, 2pm-2:30pm
ENTOMOLOGY
Monarch butterflies make perhaps the most epic of all migratory journeys. Though their long trek can sometimes take up to four generations to complete, it spans an almost unbelievably large portion of North America. The distinctive black-and-orange butterflies lay their eggs along the way, and depend on the availability of milkweed-filled habitat throughout their journey. Unfortunately, this beautiful and fascinating species is threatened by pesticide use, diminishing habitat, and climate change. Come learn about the remarkable migration this species makes and discover how you can help prevent their demise, by attending a short program at Skinner State Park. Suitable for all ages. Meet on the Summit House deck. 413-586-0350. 20 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA. (Parking <$)Saturday, September 23, 2pm-3:30pm
LITERATURE/FASHION STUDIES
2017 marks the 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austen, one of the world’s most beloved authors. The Jones Library is hosting a series of events to honor Austen’s life and work. The program, “Fashion in Fiction: Regency Fashion in Jane Austen’s Day,” will feature a show-and-tell on the clothing of Regency England as reflected in Jane Austen’s fiction. This event will include dressing “Elizabeth Bennet’ & ‘Mr. Darcy,’ as well as readings from Miss Austen’s letters and novels. 413-259-3090. 43 Amity Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)Saturday, September 23, 2pm-4pm
LITERACY/CREATIVE WRITING
Writing fiction can help young people express themselves while engaging their imaginations and building their communication skills. A young fiction writers group at the Sunderland Public Library will meet monthly, encouraging local youth ages eleven through eighteen to hone their storytelling skills. 413-665 2642. 20 School Street. Sunderland, MA. (FREE)Saturday, September 23, 8pm
THEATER/OPERA
Newton Arvin was a renowned literature professor at Smith College in 1960. He was arrested and disgraced for receiving erotic images of men through the mail. A new opera from award-winning biographer Barry Werth and composer Eric Sawyer draws connections from this event and the novel The Scarlet Letter to tell the unfolding drama of Arvin’s arrest and trial. Lovers of contemporary theater and local history can see a performances of The Scarlet Professor at Theater 14. Smith College. Green Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Sunday, September 24, 9:30am-10:15am
MINDFULNESS/MEDITATION
You can practice meditation while sitting, standing, or walking, in all different environments. The “mountain mindfulness” program at Skinner State Park will help participants connect with the natural world through silent meditation and contemplation. A park interpreter will guide you through the meditation and a mindful walk. Participants will focus on listening and breathing in the sights and sounds around them. Bring something to sit on or a yoga mat. Suitable for all ages. Meet on Summit House deck. 413-586-0350. 20 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA. (Parking <$)Sunday, September 24, 9:30am-11:30am
LOCAL HISTORY
Along the Housatonic River there are buildings and remnants of seven “major and once thriving” mills. You can join John Dickson of the Berkshire County Historical Society to walk this area and examine the connection between the flowing water and industrial activity in the 1800s. Participants will take a step back in time to discover important aspects of Pittsfield’s history and hear about these buildings’ origins, as well as the story of our ancestors who worked in them. Visit the Housatonic Heritagewebsite for more details on this event which takes place as part of 2017 Housatonic Heritage Walks. Hancock Road. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)Sunday, September 24, 10am
PLACEMAKING
The 38th annual Lenox Apple Squeeze is a long-standing tradition in Berkshire County, and a harbinger of the fall season. You can join local shops, restaurants, artisans, musicians, farm stands, and performers as Lenox celebrates the apple harvest with a fun and engaging street festival for all ages. The lineup will include The SteelDrivers, Wild Adriatic, Sierra Hull and many more on September 23 and 24 on three stages around town! Rain or shine. Go to the Visit Lenox Facebook page for more information. Lenox, MA. (FREE)Saturday, September 23, 10am – 5pm
COMMUNITY FOOD FESTIVAL
Sunday, September 24, 11am-12:30pm
ORNITHOLOGY
Hawks falcons, eagles, osprey, harriers, and vultures are migrating birds. In autumn, thousands can be seen traveling overhead in our region, especially from good viewing sites such as mountains. J. A. Skinner State Park’s Summit House deck is one of several great places in the valley to view these birds as they migrate south to their winter homes. Join a Park Interpreter as participants keep a sharp eye out for passing raptors and to identify them. If you have binoculars, please bring them. A scope will be available for shared use. Meet on the Summit House deck. For adults and families with children ages 6 and older. In case of rain, call 413-586- 0350 to confirm. 20 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA. (Parking <$)Sunday, September 24, 11am-4pm
AGRICULTURAL HISTORY/CREATIVE-FREE PLAY
Known around the world as mommets, hodmedods, spaventapasseri, vogelscheuche, fugleskremsel, and kakashi, scarecrows have been used to protect crops for over 3,000 years! Studies of this traditional autumn icon can reveal not only the international roots of the straw-stuffed beings, but can lead to creative-free play, intergenerational creative collaboration, and exploration of folk farming techniques used locally and around the world. Find out more in our post, Scarecrow Studies Illuminate Cultural History and Creative-Free Play. With a new found interest and understanding of the history of scarecrows, take your family to Atkins Farms for one of their Scarecrow Workshops. Build your own life-size and lovable scarecrow. Everything is included, just bring your imagination. Happens every weekend through October 22. 413-253-9528. 1150 West St. Amherst, MA ($$)Sunday, September 24, 2pm
ARCHAEOLOGY/LOCAL HISTORY
In a talk at Historic Northampton, professional archaeologist Craig Chartier will discuss the finds from the recent excavation behind the Parsons House. He will explain the discoveries and observations within the context of the history of the house (1719), the history of the town and similar sites in New England. 413-584-6011. 46 Bridge Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)Sunday, September 24, 2pm-4pm
LOCAL HISTORY
Sunday, September 24, 3pm
THEATER/OPERA
Newton Arvin was a renowned literature professor at Smith College in 1960. He was arrested and disgraced for receiving erotic images of men through the mail. A new opera from award-winning biographer Barry Werth and composer Eric Sawyer draws connections from this event and the novel The Scarlet Letter to tell the unfolding drama of Arvin’s arrest and trial. Lovers of contemporary theater and local history can see a performances of The Scarlet Professor at Theater 14. Smith College. Green Street. Northampton, MA. ($)
Monday, September 25, 2017
Storyhour & Playgroups: East Longmeadow, Pelham & Whately
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Monday, September 25, 10am-3pm
AVIATION
Soar into spring with Homeschool Day at the New England Air Museum. Open exclusively for homeschoolers and their families, and featured activities include: hands-on build & fly challenge activities, interactive flight science demonstrations, open cockpit experiences in historic aircraft, aircraft quests, fight simulators, and more! Virtual Flight Center access available for additional $5 per person. Tickets available for purchase on the day of your visit on a first come first served basis. Pre-registration required. Visit the NEAM website for an online registration form. Call 860-623-3305 x313 for questions. 36 Perimeter Road. Windsor Locks, CT. (Adult $; Ages 4-11 <$; Members and ages 3 and under FREE)Monday, September 25, 5:30pm-6:30pm
YOGA/INTERGENERATIONAL
Want to take a yoga class with your child? Children ages ten and up are welcome to yoga classes in Stanley Park! A certified instructor will lead participants of all levels through foundational yoga poses and breathing exercises. Yoga In The Park will take place weekly through October 16. Bring your own mat and any props as needed, wear comfortable and stretchy clothes. You may sign up by emailing gdelmastro@stanleypark.org or call 413-568-9312 ext. 112 or register at the park at your first class where registration forms will be available. 400 Western Avenue. Westfield, MA. (<$)Monday, September 25, 6:30pm
LOCAL HISTORY/CEMETERY STUDIES
Cemeteries provide insight into basic facts such as the residents of a particular area during a time period in history. The style of headstones and the information on graves also tell a story about local and New England history. Betsy McKee, board member of Longmeadow Cemetery Association and Longmeadow Historical Society, will discuss early New England cemeteries in a talk at the Storrs Library. McKee’s home was built around 1801 by Longmeadow gravestone carver Hermon Newell. This inspired her to study early gravestones of the Connecticut River Valley and nearby New England towns. Betsy will cover gravestone photography, the original appearance of graveyards, gravestone symbolism, and carvers. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Tuesday, September 26, 5pm
LITERACY/LGBT CULTURE
Alison Bechdel’s award-winning graphic memoir Fun Home is the story of her adolescence, telling the double story of her own and her father’s queer sexuality. In the talk, “Excavating Queerness in Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home,” Susan Van Dyne, professor emerita, study of women and gender, at Smith College, will excavate the drafts of this text. The papers, now held by the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College, reveal Bechdel’s creative process. Writing and drawing the book took Bechdel seven years. Seelye 106. Smith College. Northampton, MA. (FREE)Tuesday, September 26, 6pm
HORTICULTURE
Charlie Nardozzi has written for National Gardening magazine, Organic Gardening, authored several books, and appeared on PBS, HGTV and other network presentations. His book Foodscaping discusses attractive, edible varieties of plants that can be incorporated into your own backyard. You can get design ideas for plant combinations, edible replacement plant lists, and discover some favorite foodscape varieties by attending his talk at the Storrs Library with the Longmeadow Gardeners group. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street. Longmeadow, MA. (FREE)Tuesday, September 26, 6pm
MUSIC STUDIES
Mary Jo Maichack’s Cabaret performance has been performed at Pittsfield’s Colonial Theatre, Lenox’s Gateways Inn, Norman Rockwell Museum, Cranwell Resort, Nantucket Great Harbor Yacht Club. Now it’s coming to adult audiences at the Holyoke Public Library. Her show thrills through personal stories, utilizing great interpretations of musical standards. Her show will feature professional accompaniment and weave personal tales of a Berkshires family that loved music and talk, with Vaudeville roots. 413-420-8101. 250 Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA. (FREE)
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
Wednesday, September 27, 8am-10am
ORNITHOLOGY/GUIDED NATURE WALK
Fall is a great time to learn about ornithology by observing migratory birds. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary’s caretaker will lead adults on a weekly, guided bird walk past beaver wetlands and through woodlands looking for warblers, tanagers, orioles, and more. Bring binoculars; beginners are welcome. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (FREE)Wednesday, September 27, 12pm
SOCIAL JUSTICE
In addition to the sheer number of people imprisoned in the United States, a disproportionate number of those people are of color, especially African-Americans. People of color and the poor are incarcerated at a high rate due as a direct result of “tough-on-crime” and “drug war” policies in the United States. You can learn more about this dire ethical issue by attending the lecture, “The Prisonization of America: Racial and Socio-Economic Disparities in the Age of Equal Rights,” featuring speaker David Lanoie, J.D. Greenfield Community CollegeStinchfield Lecture Hall. 413-775-1801. 1 College Drive. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)Wednesday, September 27, 1:30pm
ART STUDIES/ILLUSTRATION
A thorough study of Norman Rockwell’s work is essential for understanding American art history as well as the medium of illustration. A visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum provides a great crash course in all of those topics. Adults visiting on September 27 can also take part in Curatorial Conversations: an informal gallery conversion focusing on the museum’s summer exhibitions, with Museum curators. Free for Museum members, or included with admission. 413-298-4100. 9 Glendale Road. Stockbridge, MA. ($. College students with ID <$. Ages 6-18 <$. Under 5 and museum members FREE)Wednesday, September 27, 6pm-7:30pm
ECOLOGY/BEAVERS
From afar, a beaver dam looks like a big pile of sticks, but a closer examination reveals careful construction and cool inner architecture! Through the creation of dams, beavers have had profound effects on plant, animal, and microbial communities across the country. Learn more about our country’s largest rodent and their relationship within our ecosystem by visiting the beaver ponds at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. This program is suitable for ages three and up. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and a hat. Bring binoculars if you have them. Registration suggested but not required. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (<$)Wednesday, September 27, 6:30pm-8pm
ENTOMOLOGY
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Thursday, September 28, 2pm
ART STUDIES
In addition to learning about the life and work of Norman Rockwell, a visit to the Norman Rockwell Museum can also connect participants with architecture, sculpture, and history. Interested adults are invited to participate in Historic Property Walks of the museum’s bucolic 36-acre campus. Free for Museum members, or included with Museum admission. 413-298-4100. 9 Glendale Road. Stockbridge, MA. ($. College students with ID <$)Thursday, September 28, 3:30pm-4pm
ZOOLOGY
What can you learn from the bones of an animal? Find out at the “Speaking with Skulls” program where you will examine the skulls of species which thrive in our local habitat. This program is suitable for all ages. Meet at the picnic table behind the kiosk in Mount Holyoke Range State Park. In case of rain, meet in Visitors Center. 413-253-2883. 1500 West Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)Thursday, September 28, 5:30pm
FILM STUDIES/LOCAL HISTORY
LOCAL HISTORY
Today the brick complex in Northampton knowns as “Brushworks Arts and Industry” hosts the studios of artists and craftspeople. Historically, the building was the home of the Pro Corporation, one of the first mass-market producers of toothbrushes in America. Under different names and ownership, the company spanned the manufacturing life of Northampton, beginning in 1854 making buttons, daguerreotype cases, and hairbrushes, later to become the world’s largest producer of toothbrushes. The company went on to manufacture plastic cases for radios, telephones, television sets, and, by the 1980s, computers. The Pro Corporation closed in 2007. Join other local history buffs to view this new film on the history of the Brush Shop. Film creator Stan Sherer is the author of five books of photographs, a Fulbright Scholar to Albania, and a recipient of two Mass Foundation grants. Historic Northampton. 413-584-6011. 46 Bridge Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)Thursday, September 28, 6pm-7:30pm
LITERACY
Does your fifth or sixth grade daughter like to read? Bring her to a Book Club at the UNO Community Center to meet other girls who love reading. Books will be provided free of charge to all participants so that they can build their own libraries! Snacks and refreshments are also provided. To join, email Regina at regina.velazquez@storey.com. This month’s book will be Space Case by Stuart Gibbs, a humorous and suspenseful murder mystery which takes place on the moon. 157 River Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)Thursday, September 28, 6:30pm
LITERACY/CREATIVE WRITING
Friday, September 29, 2017
Friday, September 29, 8am-10am
ORNITHOLOGY/GUIDED NATURE WALK
Fall is a great time to learn about ornithology by observing migratory birds. At Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, bird watchers can find wood-warblers, orioles, thrushes and more as they observe wetlands, walk through meadows and woodlands. A guided bird walk at Canoe Meadows is offered weekly such that adults can observe changes in bird species over time. Bring binoculars; beginners are welcome. 413-637-0320. Holmes Road. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)Friday, September 29, 9:30am-11am
ORNITHOLOGY
Hawks falcons, eagles, osprey, harriers, and vultures are migrating birds. In autumn, thousands can be seen traveling overhead in our region, especially from good viewing sites such as mountains. J. A. Skinner State Park’s Summit House deck is one of several great places in the valley to view these birds as they migrate south to their winter homes. Join a Park Interpreter as participants keep a sharp eye out for passing raptors and to identify them. If you have binoculars, please bring them. A scope will be available for shared use. Meet on the Summit House deck. For adults and families with children ages 6 and older. In case of rain, call 413-586- 0350 to confirm. 20 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA. (Parking <$)Friday, September 29, 11am-12pm
PARENTING
In a “Brain Building” workshop at the Family Center, parents will learn easy, hands-on activities that they can use every day in their own home. Learn ways to turn any moment into a Brain Building moment. Participants will gain information on brain development and ideas for field trips that build little brains. Every family will receive a Brain Building bag of goodies to take home! Onsite childcare will be provided if needed. Call 413-664-4821 to register. 210 State Street. North Adams, MA. (FREE)Friday, September 29, 8pm
ASTRONOMY
Studies of outer space can be intriguing to young minds – particularly due to the mysterious nature of the sky. In plain sight all day and all night, the sky is filled with fascinating things both big and bright that are impossible to touch and nearly impossible to experience. An interest in this topic can branch off into other scientific and mathematical areas of inquiry. You can support an interest in astronomy by taking your child to the Milham Planetarium, in the Old Hopkins Observatory at Williams College, for a planetarium show run by astronomy students. The observatory’s high precision Zeiss Skymaster is capable of demonstrating phenomena including: retrograde motions of the planets, phases of the moon, the varying temperatures/colors of stars, locations of neighboring galaxies, the mythological figures and zodiacal signs ascribed to constellations, the Southern Hemisphere’s sky, comets, artificial satellites, and much more. 413-597-2188. Main Street. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
Hilltown Families’ list of Weekly Suggested Events is supported in part by a grant from the Amherst, Ashfield, Bernardston, Chester, Chesterfield, Conway, Erving, Heath, Holyoke, Ludlow, Montague, Montgomery, Pelham, Rowe, Russell, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Springfield, Ware, and Warwick Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
