Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for September 30th – October 6th, 2017
To find out about more event, be sure to visit our Suggest an Event Bulletin Board to see what our readers have recently shared! Have an event to share? Feel encouraged to self-post community events here at any time!
If you have a community event, educational program, or service-learning opportunity happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, self-post your event at any time on our Suggest An Event bulletin board. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness, and costs before attending.
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Bulletin Board
Oct 6 – 29
Connecticut Trolley Museum will hold their popular Pumpkin Patch event starting Oct 6th and will run the rest of the month every Fri, Sat, & Sun including Monday, Oct 9th for Columbus Day. Pumpkin Patch is a family fun filled adventure where you ride on a trolley car out to the pumpkin patch field and each person can pick out a free pumpkin. Additionally, when you return back to the Museum you can decorate the pumpkins, get your face painted & enjoy the outside play area with spooktacular Halloween activities. Don’t forget you can take as many Trolley rides as you would like. Visit www.ct-trolley.org for hours of operation. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $10 for youth (ages 4-12) and $3 for children (under age 3).
Oct 4
The Amherst BID’s 6th annual Block Party is on Wednesday, October 4, 5-9 pm. Portions of North Pleasant Street will be closed to cars and music, food, crafts, entertainers, businesses, and community members will join in the fun. WRSI The River brings the music with DJ Kaliis on the Futurliner stage and Trailer Park, ARHS local student band Glass House and lively traditional Valley favorites, Banish Misfortune. UMass Athletes will be there to meet and greet. A live performance demonstration by UMass bellydancing club on the Futurliner. Fun activities for children, including face painting, balloon art, and games. Show Circus returns to dazzle all ages. www.amherstdowntown.com. ann@amherstdowntown.com. This event is free and open to the public!
Oct 7
The New England Air Museum will hold an Open Cockpit Day on Saturday, October 7, from 10am to 4pm. Special activities include climbing aboard in historic aircraft; flight simulators; hands-on Build & Fly Challenges. A variety of aircraft will be open for visitors including the WWII era Republic P-47D “Thunderbolt,” the Vietnam War era Bell UH-1B “Huey” helicopter, as well, as supersonic jet fighters including the North American F-100 “Super Sabre” and the Lockheed F-104C “Starfighter.” See the new view of our collections from our mezzanines in two exhibit hangars. Food and beverage will be available, and all activities are included with museum admission. Rubber-soled shoes recommended. www.neam.org.
Oct 8
Magic is afoot! The Center Dance Studio invites community members of all ages to audition for A 21st Century Nutcracker, an exciting spin on a timeless classic. Auditions will be held on Sunday, October 8th at The Center Dance in Amherst (321 Main Street). Visit The Center’s Nutcracker page for details. For more information, email thecenterdanceschool@gmail.com or call 413-230-1944. Let’s play with tradition! www.thecenterdance.com.
Oct 8
Sukkot Harvest Festival at Abundance Farm! Sunday, October 8th from 11am-3pm at 253 Prospect Street, Northampton, MA. Come celebrate the harvest with a bonfire, apple cider pressing, cob oven baking, live music, harvest games, nature-based arts and crafts, food and drinks, tea making, and seed saving activities. Rain or shine! Suggested donation: $5. More info at https://www.facebook.com/events/114208499277011.
Oct 14
Amherst Montessori School invites families to an Open House on Saturday, October 14 from 9-11am and a Harvest Festival immediately following. Meet teachers and administrators, tour AMS’ beautiful school in south Amherst, and learn about their child-led 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.
Oct 15
Save Farms, Eat Food, & Have Fun with Kestrel Land Trust! Don’t miss the 5K for Farmland & Farmers’ Market Festival on Sunday, October 15, at 11am. on the West St. Common, Hadley. Family-friendly 5K race on a flat route through scenic farmland or a beautiful 2-mile riverside walk. Farmers’ Market Festival after the race with music by “Banish Misfortune,” local crafts and seasonal produce for sale, plus nature & animal exhibits, and entertainment for kids with Trevor the Games Man. For adults, free local beer by Valley Malt for registered participants. Receive a commemorative pint glass and be entered into a drawing for lots of great local prizes when you pre-register! Register online and learn more at 5kforfarmland.org.
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 Events and in our weekly eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing us at at sales@hilltownfamilies.org.
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LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
September 30 – October 3, 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 30, 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. Join Guest DJ, Steve Weeks, as we travel through the Dakotas, the gulf coast, the Great Smoky Mountains, Southern California, the Canadian maritimes, and more! We’ll meet folks from all across the country and discover what’s going on in their local communities. Grab your map, buckle up, and tune in for a Hilltown Family Variety Show road trip! — 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 30, 8am-4pm
BIKE RIDE/FUNDRAISING
Saturday, September 30, 9am-12pm
GUIDED NATURE HIKE
Want company for your next hike? Join naturalist and avid hiker Dale Abrams for a moderately strenuous hike to the summit of Lenox Mountain. This hike follows the Trail of the Ledges and Overbrook Trail three miles round-trip through northern hardwood and hemlock forest. Participants will look for signs of wildlife and learn about native trees and shrubs. Registration is required. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road. Lenox, MA. (<$)AGRICULTURAL HISTORY/CREATIVE-FREE PLAY
Saturday, September 30, 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 30, 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 30, artist Amelia Toelke will discuss how her training in jewelry and metalsmithing contributed to her work entitled “Home Sweet Home.” This talk is free with museum admission. 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road. Stockbridge, MA. ($; children under 13 FREE)Saturday, September 30, 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 <$)
Sunday, October 1, 2017
Sunday, October 1, 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)Sunday, October 1, 9:30-10:15am
NATURE-BASED/MINDFULNESS
What better way to connect to the natural world than silent meditation and contemplation while soaking in the beauty of the view from the Summit. Join a park interpreter in a meditation and mindful walk, listening and breathing in the sights and sounds around us. Bring something to sit on or a yoga mat. Suitable for all ages. Meet on Summit House deck. 413-585-0350. Joseph Allen Skinner State Park. Rt. 47, 10 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA (FREE/Parking fees apply.)Sunday, October 1, 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 wo 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, October 1, 10:30-11am
ORNITHOLOGY/BIRD MIGRATION
With its relatively rare east-to-west orientation and vantage point overlooking the Pioneer Valley below, the Mount Holyoke Range features several spots that are ideal for viewing the fall migration of hawks and other raptors heading south. The deck of the Summit House is one such vantage point. Learn why the range is such a popular thoroughfare for raptors and how to identify the raptors you are seeing. If you have them, please bring a pair of binoculars. A scope will be available for shared use. For adults and families with children ages 12 and older. Meet on the Summit House deck. In case of rain, call to confirm: 413-585-0350. Joseph Allen Skinner State Park. Rt. 47, 10 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA (FREE/Parking fees apply.)Sunday, October 1, 10:30am-11:30am
BOTANY
You may want to learn how to identify plants because of their possible nutritional value, their medicinal properties, their beauty, or to avoid the dangers of poisonous plants. The “Big Picture Botany” program at the Great Falls Discovery Center appeals to all of these reasons. Participants will deal more with visual patterns than Latin names, to spark your own connection to plant identification. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE)Sunday, October 1, 11am-12:30pm
ORNITHOLOGY/BIRDS OF PREY
J. A. Skinner State Park’s Summit House deck is one of several great places in the valley to view hawks, falcons, eagles, osprey, harriers, and vultures as they migrate south to the winter homes. Join a Park Interpreter as we keep a sharp eye out for passing raptors and do our best to figure out who is who! If you have them, please bring a pair of binoculars. 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 to confirm. 413-585-0350. Joseph Allen Skinner State Park. Rt. 47, 10 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA (FREE/Parking fees apply.)AGRICULTURAL HISTORY/CREATIVE-FREE PLAY
Sunday, October 1, 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 ($$)Sunday, October 1, 1-1:30pm
LOCAL HISTORY/HOSPITALITY
The first “prospect” or Summit House was a small “refreshment” hut built in a little over a day in the summer of 1821. Learn about the evolution of the Summit House over the past 200 years from a pair of “dueling saloons,” to a small hotel, to a grander hotel, to state park status, and through to today’s museum. For all ages. Meet on Summit House deck. In case of rain, call to confirm. 413-585-0350. Joseph Allen Skinner State Park. Rt. 47, 10 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA (FREE/Parking fees apply.)Sunday, October 1, 1-2pm
AMERICAN HISTORY/ECOLOGY
Discover the 1930’s period of great park building when government work programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps created special places for recreation at Mount Greylock Summit. Join Mike Whalen from the Mass. Department of Conservation and Recreation and Peter Dudek from Bascom Lodge atop the most scenic, highest elevation (3491′) and oldest wilderness state park in Massachusetts.The rustic, yet elegant, “parkitecture” of Bascom Lodge became a distinctive style that defined America’s parks. This is an interpretive walk around the Summit of Mount Greylock, with an emphasis on its unique ecology and historic structures as they comprise a fully realized historic landscape. Identify boreal plants unique to the mountain, consider how the summit has changed over time, recall noteworthy literary connections and take an insider’s tour of Bascom Lodge. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA (FREE/Parking Fee)Sunday, October 1, 1-2pm
LOCAL HISTORY/CANALS
Tour Holyoke’s upper and second level canals on this easy 0.75 mile walk. Uncover local history, how these canals were built, how they were harnessed to power textile and paper mills, and how they are still used today. For lifelong and self-directed learners (children ages 8 and older). Rain cancels. 413-534-1723. Visitor Center. Holyoke Heritage State Park. 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MASunday, October 1, 2-4pm
SOCIAL STUDIES/MENTAL ILLNESS
Why does society stigmatize certain individuals, groups, and conditions? How is stigma used to marginalize and silence difference and dissent? What impact does this use of stigma have on people living with mental illnesses? What can we do to challenge stigma in our community? Join in a community conversation, presented by the City of Pittsfield’s Human Rights Commission, and hear what a panel of mental health advocates have to share. For more information please contact Drew Herzig – drewherzig@yahoo.com. All are welcomed. Berkshire Museum. 39 South Street. Pittsfield, MA. (FREE)Sunday, October 1, 3-6pm
GRATITUDE/KINDNESS
The UMass Amherst Libraries invite the public to the 19th Annual Fall Reception, “If You Want to be Happy, Be Grateful: The Life and Teachings of Brother David Steindl-Rast,” celebrating the life and work of Brother David Steindl-Rast, whose archives are an important part of the Libraries’ Special Collections. A scholar, writer, activist, and Benedictine monk, Brother David has shared a worldwide message of peace, interfaith dialog, social justice, and environmental stewardship for more than 50 years, and he is co-founder of the interactive online community A Network for Grateful Living. Brother David’s TED Talk, Want to Be Happy? Be Grateful, has garnered over five million views. 413-545-3974. Old Chapel at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Amherst, MA (FREE)
Monday, October 2, 2017
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Storyhour & Playgroups: East Longmeadow, Pelham & Whately
Monday, October 2, 10am-11am
GUIDED NATURE HIKE
For young children, spending time out in the woods can help them burn off some energy. Young children and their caregivers are invited on guided Preschool Parade hikes at Mount Holyoke Range State Park. Meet in Visitors Center. Wear sturdy boots or shoes and bring water and insect deterrents. In case of rain, call to confirm. 413-253-2883. 1500 West Street. Amherst, MA. (FREE)Monday, October 2, 10-11am
ORNITHOLOGY/BIRDS OF PREY
J. A. Skinner State Park’s Summit House deck is one of several great places in the valley to view hawks, falcons, eagles, osprey, harriers, and vultures as they migrate south to the winter homes. Join a Park Interpreter as we keep a sharp eye out for passing raptors and do our best to figure out who is who! If you have them, please bring a pair of binoculars. 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 to confirm. 413-585-0350. Joseph Allen Skinner State Park. Rt. 47, 10 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA (FREE/Parking fees apply.)Monday, October 2, 10:30-11am
NATURE-BASED LEARNING/LOCAL HISTORY
History and Nature for Preschoolers at the Holyoke Heritage State Park. Indoor/outdoor activities on the history of Holyoke and nature exploration. Historical topics will include what the mills produced and how people lived during the industrial period. Nature topics will include plants and animals in the park and sharpening observations skills. Puppets and crafts will accompany many of the activities. 413-534-1723. Visitor Center. Holyoke Heritage State Park. 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MAMonday, October 2, 11:30pm-12pm
LOCAL HISTORY
Aerial tramways, which transport people up mountains, were an exciting and possibly frightening invention when they were new. Riding one for the first time can be somewhat intimidating, especially for those who are unfamiliar with how they work. People ages twelve and up, and their caregivers, are invited to Skinner State Park to learn about the history of the tramway and the mix of feelings of 19th century visitors had when riding it. They will also learn about the tramway’s various changes over the years. Meet at the summit house deck. 413-586-0350. 20 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA. (Parking <$)Monday, October 2, 5:30pm-6:30pm
YOGA/INTERGENERATIONAL
Want to take a yoga class with your child? Children ages ten and up are welcome to yoga classes in Stanley Park! A certified instructor will lead participants of all levels through foundational yoga poses and breathing exercises. Yoga In The Park will take place weekly through October 16. Bring your own mat and any props as needed, wear comfortable and stretchy clothes. You may sign up by emailing gdelmastro@stanleypark.org or call 413-568-9312 ext. 112 or register at the park at your first class where registration forms will be available. 400 Western Avenue. Westfield, MA. (<$)
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Tuesday, October 3, 10-11:30am
LOCAL ARCHITECTURE/PHOTOGRAPHY
Bricks and Mortar: Old Mill Beauty at Holyoke Heritage State Park. Bring your cameras, smart phones, and/or binoculars for an easy 1.8 mile walking tour focused on textile and paper mill design. Discover and photograph the many decorative features with grace some of Holyoke/s oldest mills. For lifelong and self-directed learners (children ages 8 and older). Rain cancels. 413-534-1723. Visitor Center. Holyoke Heritage State Park. 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MATuesday, October 3, 7pm
MUSIC HISTORY/BEATLES
Beatlemania comes to the Jones Library! Professional Beatles scholar Aaron Krerowicz will present The Beatles: Band of the Sixties. Krerowicz graduated from Butler University with a Bachelor’s of Music in 2008, then earned a Master’s of Music from Boston University in 2010, and a Graduate Artist Diploma from the University of Hartford in 2012. While still a student in Connecticut, he won a research grant through the University to study The Beatles. Since then, he has made a full-time career of presenting his research and analysis of the band’s music and their place in history, having presented his findings more than 350 times throughout the US and England. Self-directed teens and lifelong learners interested in learning about this influential band in music history will benefit from Krerowicz’s wealth of knowledge. Great supplement to studies in music, history, and culture. Open to everyone! 413-259-3223. Woodbury Room. Jones Library. Amherst, MA (FREE)
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Wednesday, October 4, 10:30-11am
NATURE-BASED LEARNING/LOCAL HISTORY
History and Nature for Preschoolers at the Holyoke Heritage State Park. Indoor/outdoor activities on the history of Holyoke and nature exploration. Historical topics will include what the mills produced and how people lived during the industrial period. Nature topics will include plants and animals in the park and sharpening observations skills. Puppets and crafts will accompany many of the activities. 413-534-1723. Visitor Center. Holyoke Heritage State Park. 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA
PLACEMAKING/BLOCK PARTY
The Amherst BID’s 6th annual Block Party is on Wednesday, October 4, 5-9 pm. Portions of North Pleasant Street will be closed to cars and music, food, crafts, entertainers, businesses, and community members will join in the fun. WRSI The River brings the music with DJ Kaliis on the Futurliner stage and Trailer Park, ARHS local student band Glass House and lively traditional Valley favorites, Banish Misfortune. UMass Athletes will be there to meet and greet. A live performance demonstration by UMass bellydancing club on the Futurliner. Fun activities for children, including face painting, balloon art, and games. Show Circus returns to dazzle all ages. North Pleasant Street. Amherst, MA (FREE)Wednesday, October 4, 6pm
HISTORY/GRAVEYARD STUDIES
With a virtual tour at the Greenfield Library, Welcome to The Graveyard, the Graveyard Girls will present about New England cemetery art, history, and symbolism by taking you virtually from colonial burial grounds, through the rural cemetery movement of the 19th century and into 21st century locations. The tour examines why we have cemeteries and gravestones, why they look like they do, and how styles and art have evolved over almost 400 years. Prior to the show date, The Girls will hit the road and go through the cemeteries in Greenfield, taking pictures for use in their presentation and using as much local content as possible. Informational handouts for takeaway plus examples of gravestone artwork will be available so the audience can have a hands-on experience. 413-772-1544 x5124. Greenfield Public Library. 402 Main St. Greenfield, MA. (FREE)
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Thursday, October 5, 1-2pm
LOCAL HISTORY/CANALS
Tour Holyoke’s upper and second level canals on this easy 0.75 mile walk. Uncover local history, how these canals were built, how they were harnessed to power textile and paper mills, and how they are still used today. For lifelong and self-directed learners (children ages 8 and older). Rain cancels. 413-534-1723. Visitor Center. Holyoke Heritage State Park. 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA. (FREE)Thursday, October 5, 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)
Friday, October 6, 2017
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Friday, October 6, 9:30-11am
ORNITHOLOGY/BIRDS OF PREY
J. A. Skinner State Park’s Summit House deck is one of several great places in the valley to view hawks, falcons, eagles, osprey, harriers, and vultures as they migrate south to the winter homes. Join a Park Interpreter as we keep a sharp eye out for passing raptors and do our best to figure out who is who! If you have them, please bring a pair of binoculars. 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 to confirm. 413-585-0350. Joseph Allen Skinner State Park. Rt. 47, 10 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA (FREE/Parking fees apply.)
Friday, October 6, 10:30am-4pm
HALLOWEEN/TRANSPORTATION HISTORY
Connecticut Trolley Museum will hold their popular Pumpkin Patch every Fri., Sat., and Sun. in October. Pumpkin Patch is a family fun filled adventure where you ride on a trolley car out to the pumpkin patch field and each person can pick out a free pumpkin. Additionally, when you return back to the Museum you can decorate the pumpkins, get your face painted & enjoy the outside play area with spooktacular Halloween activities. Don’t forget you can take as many Trolley rides as you would like. Visit www.ct-trolley.org for hours of operation. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for seniors, $10 for youth (ages 4-12) and $3 for children (under age 3). 58 North Road. East Windsor, CT ($)Friday, October 6, 11am-12Noon
GEOLOGY/NATURAL HISTORY
From giant mountains to dinosaurs to thick layers of ice, come take a mental and visual journey through the geologic history of our Connecticut River Valley. A presentation will walk you through this natural history and will conclude with trail suggestions for self-guided geology hikes around the park. Meet on the Summit House deck. In case of rain, call to confirm: 413-585-0350. Joseph Allen Skinner State Park. Rt. 47, 10 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA (FREE/Parking fees apply.)Friday, October 6, 1-1:30pm
DENDROLOGY/AMERICAN CHESTNUT TREE
The stately American Chestnut tree once filled New England forests with shade, provided sturdy support for her man-made structures, and fed people and animals alike. We’ll discuss the blight that felled this gentle giant, how it has changed out landscape, and learn about a hoped-for revival. For adults and families with children ages 12 and older. Meet on the Summit House deck. 413-585-0350. Joseph Allen Skinner State Park. Rt. 47, 10 Skinner State Park Road. Hadley, MA (FREE/Parking fees apply.)Friday, October 6, 7:30pm
ASTRONOMY
An interest in studying astronomy can develop from an interest in mathematical calculation, or a simple appreciation for the beauty of the sky. Families can share their interest in astronomy with one another by attending a Stars Over Springfield night at the Springfield Museums. On October 6, the featured family presentation will cover the topic, “Rocks from Space,” presented by Peter Scherff, meteorite expert. In addition to the presentation this event includes a visit to the planetarium and a tour of the rooftop observatory or stargazing through the rooftop telescope, depending on weather. Rain or shine. Tolman Auditorium. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street. Springfield, MA. (<$)Friday, October 6, 8pm
ASTRONOMY
While some people lament the shorter days of fall and winter, longer nights provide more chances to learn about astronomy through observations of the night sky! The Old Hopkins Observatory and planetarium at Williams College are rich resources for learning about astronomy, as well as the history of the topic. The Hopkins Observatory, built in 1836-38 by the first professor of astronomy at Williams College, Albert Hopkins, is the oldest extant observatory in the United States. Astronomy students at the College will host this free show, open to the public. Attendees will learn about topics such as retrograde motions of the planets, phases of the moon, the varying temperatures/colors of stars, locations of neighboring galaxies, and more. Audiences will be treated to shows from the high-precision Zeiss Skymaster ZKP3/B opto-mechanical planetarium projector. 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.
