To find out about more event, be sure to visit our Suggest an Event Bulletin Board to see what our readers have recently shared! Have an event to share? Feel encouraged to self-post community events here at any time!

If you have a community event, educational program, or service-learning opportunity happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, self-post your event at any time on our Suggest An Event bulletin board. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness, and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools, and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Click HERE to find out more.

Health & Wellness Directory

Are you in the business of improving people’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health and well-being? Hilltown Families is offering service providers a chance to spread the word about your services with a brand new online resource: Western MA Health & Wellness Directory. We are connecting Western MA families with the health and wellness resources we need, while also supporting the businesses that make our local economy thrive. If you, or someone you know, would like to be included in this list, click HERE to find more information or to fill out our easy sign-up form. You can also reach out to our helpful Program Manager, Courtney Supple-Benoit, with any questions. We encourage our burgeoning entrepreneurs, small business-owners, non-profit managers, and even our large institutional neighbors to reach out and get connected with us – and families throughout Western MA!

Are YOU Our Next Leader?

Hilltown Families seeks a new Executive Director!

Working towards creating a culture of intentional learning, Sienna Wildfield founded Hilltown Families in 2005 as an innovative approach to education and community-development. We began as a simple email listserv for families living in the rural regions of Massachusetts, and now Hilltown Families serves all four counties of western Massachusetts, sharing tens of thousands of community-based educational events, resources, and opportunities over the years for all generations and all levels of learning.

Hilltown Families is now seeking a half-time Executive Director to shepherd the next level of growth of the local organization. Further information about the opportunity is available here: Executive Director Job Description. Please spread the word!

Bulletin Board

May 20

Whole Children is bringing some inclusive family fun to Look Park with its fourth annual “Wild Goose Chase” 5K and kids’ carnival. There are events for all ages and abilities, including a chip-timed 5K race, a 1.2 mile fun run/walk/roll, and plenty of kids’ races. The Expandable Brass Band will keep the pace with their festive music as the racers head out on the course. The fun doesn’t stop there. A carnival includes horse-drawn wagon rides with Muddy Brook Draft, hula hooping by Hoop Joy’s Stephanie O’Keeffe, yo-yoing and other games with A2Z Science and Learning Store, games, face-painting, music, and more. Whole Children’s Joyful Chorus and its Friendship Band will also be on hand to entertain the crowd. Register now at wholechildren.org.

May 12

Bring the whole family to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for Saturday May 12^th from 9am-1pm for their annual Touch a Truck event. Over 50 big rigs will converge on the BMH parking lot. Spend the day in the driver’s seat playing with buttons and levers, trying on firefighters’ bunker gear, moving mulch in a mini tractor, and so much more! Have fun participating in the scavenger hunt, taking chances on raffle prizes, and playing fun games in our Health Fair. Minutes over the MA border, the hospital is located off Exit 1, I-91 in Brattleboro, VT. Admission: $5 per child (2-12), $15 for families with 3 or more children, under 2 and over 13, by donation. All proceeds benefit BMH.

May 12 – 30

Bring Learning Home with Oak Meadow! From May 12–30, take 20% off their flexible, experiential homeschooling curriculum for kindergarten to grade 12, and 10% off new enrollments in their teacher-supported, distance learning school. K-4 is child-centered, playful, nature-based; 5-8 encourages independence, increased intellectual engagement; High School offers challenging college-prep courses. Visit their website to save in their bookstore or to apply for enrollment. Or sign up for a Virtual Open House if you have more questions. It’s not too early to plan ahead. Ready for a change now? You can start anytime.

May 12

We Need Diverse Books Book Fair & Playground Party featuring What If… Book Launch: The Montessori School of Northampton and the Odyssey Bookshop present this fun event for families on Saturday, May 12, from 10 AM to 1 PM. The day will feature author Samantha Berger and illustrator Mike Curato introducing their new book What If… at 11 AM, as well as fun activities including face painting, bubbles, and an obstacle course. The school, located at 51 Bates Street, enrolls students from 18 months through 14 years, and will be open for tours and information. Join us and expand your library of diverse books! Light refreshments; open to the public; free admission; rain or shine. Information at (413) 586-4538 or northamptonmontessori.org

Jul 9 – Aug 17

Kamp for Kids brings together children with and without disabilities in a unique integrated model that promotes understanding and growth. Kamp activities include a music program, group skits/performances, integrated water activities, expressive arts, outdoor education, and non-competitive sports. As a fully inclusive summer camp located in Westfield, MA, it is our mission to serve a population comprised of both children with disabilities and their typically-developing peers. Not only does this philosophy promote understanding and growth, but it also allows families to keep their children together within one day camp. Kamp serves children and young people ages 3-22 years of age. For more information, call 413-568-8484 or email anne.benoit@bhninc.org.

USA Waste and Recycling is a family owned and operated business that provides the best Waste and Recycling removal services in the area! They are offering one month of free residential collection services to NEW customers! For EXISTING customers: refer a new customer and receive a free month as well! USA Waste & Recycling is offering this free service to residents of Northampton, Easthampton, Southampton, and Belchertown. They are also currently offering $25 off dumpsters for spring cleaning! Dumpsters must be delivered by August 1, 2018. For more information, visit www.usarecycle.com, email services@usarecycle.com, or call their outstanding customer service center at 1-800-998-2984 to subscribe!

Puzzled Escape Games, in Easthampton, has been rated the number one escape game in Massachusetts, and it’s because we are different. Not only do we offer the only kids escape game experience in the state, we also prioritize set dressing, storyline, and a fully immersive experience. You and your team are completely immersed in the experiment, and one of our rooms even includes a live after! Come see what all the hype is about and bring your friends, family, or coworkers for an amazing experience they won’t forget. Birthday parties and team-building packages are available. We look forward to hosting your group! For info, call (413) 203-5519 or visit www.puzzledescapegames.com.

Add your camp

Our summer camp guide is up! Check out our featured post, 2018 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities featured range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans! — Do you have a summer camp or program you’d like to have included in our comprehensive list? Find out how you can submit your listing HERE.

Add your school

Hilltown Families Preschool Directory: Are you looking for a preschool that fits your child’s personality and reflects your family’s values? Check out our growing Preschool Directory, covering all four counties in Western Massachusetts, and find the perfect place for your young one! — Have a school you’d like to include in this list? Click here to find out how to have it added.

ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your summer camp, class, community event, school, open house, audition, homeschool program, workshop, volunteer opportunity, wellness program, local business, after-school class, or non-profit featured here in the Bulletin Board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and in our weekly eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing us at at sales@hilltownfamilies.org.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community-building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish, and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to info@hilltownfamilies.org.

LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
May 12th – 18th, 2018

Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday

Suggest an Event | Cultural Itineraries | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets | Storyhour & Playgroups| Berkshire Family Fun | Advertise/Sponsorship | en Español

Events Happening in the Hilltowns

Saturday, May 12, 2018

Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.

9-10am – HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. Margot Bevington of Ms. Margot’s Music shares songs about imagination and empathy in this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show. From iconic children’s classics to jazz, hip-hop, classically inspired, and music of the 80’s, many of these songs were an inspiration to Ms. Margot to imagine and empathize when she was growing up. Ms. Margot suggests using art materials to draw what you imagine while you listen! 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, May 12, 9-11am
ORNITHOLOGY/CONSERVATION
Calling all birders! The birds are finally back from their winter migration and this is a perfect time to learn about some of our wonderful local forest birds. Jeff Ritterson, a field ornithologist with Mass Audubon, will be leading a walking discussion about forest birds, their habits, conservation needs, and related forest management techniques. This walk will take place at the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area, which serves as an illustration of the kinds of conservation work that are required to maintain the abundance and health of our bird species. Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. North Farms Road, Florence, MA (FREE)

Saturday, May 12, 9am-12pm
COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION/GARDENING
Now that winter is finally over, it’s time to break out the trowels and start gardening! Instead of tossing out your pots or stacking them up in the garage to let them molder for decades, bring them down to the Annual Garden Pot Exchange so they can be put to good use. Hosted by Northampton ReUse, promoting waste reduction through reusing, recycling, and sharing. Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School. 80 Locust Street, Northampton, MA (FREE)

Saturday, May 12, 9am-1pm
TRUCKS/HANDS-ON
Bring the whole family to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for Saturday May 12^th from 9am-1pm for their annual Touch a Truck event. Over 50 big rigs will converge on the BMH parking lot. Spend the day in the driver’s seat playing with buttons and levers, trying on firefighters’ bunker gear, moving mulch in a mini tractor, and so much more! Have fun participating in the scavenger hunt, taking chances on raffle prizes, and playing fun games in our Health Fair. Minutes over the MA border, the hospital is located off Exit 1, I-91 in Brattleboro, VT. Admission: $5 per child (2-12), $15 for families with 3 or more children, under 2 and over 13, by donation. All proceeds benefit BMH. 17 Belmont Avenue, Brattleboro, VT ($)

Saturday, May 12, 10am-12pm
GARDENING/ORCHARDING
Orchards capture our senses and imaginations. The tidy, ordered rows of trees and shrubs, heavy with fruit. The intoxicating fragrance of the flowers. The happy buzz of insects. It’s no surprise that the metaphorical state of primal joy and innocence was called ‘the garden of Eden.’ In his poem “In the Orchard,” British Victorian poet Algernon Swinburne wrote “Let the dew-fall drench either side of me; / Clear apple-leaves are soft upon that moon / Seen sidelong like a blossom in the tree.” Come learn all about designing and constructing a small orchard in your own backyard! Local orchard owner Alan Surprenant will be discussing every you need to know to make your very own little orchard. Brook Farm Orchard. 947 Apple Valley Road, Ashfield, MA (FREE)

Saturday, May 12, 10am-1pm
CHILDREN’S LITERATURE/OPEN HOUSE
We Need Diverse Books Book Fair & Playground Party featuring What If… Book Launch: The Montessori School of Northampton and the Odyssey Bookshop present this fun event for families on Saturday, May 12, from 10 AM to 1 PM. The day will feature author Samantha Berger and illustrator Mike Curato introducing their new book What If… at 11 AM, as well as fun activities including face painting, bubbles, and an obstacle course. The school, located at 51 Bates Street, enrolls students from 18 months through 14 years, and will be open for tours and information. Join us and expand your library of diverse books! Light refreshments; open to the public; free admission; rain or shine. Information at (413) 586-4538 or northamptonmontessori.org, 51 Bates Street, Northampton, MA (FREE)

Saturday, May 12, 10am-3pm
PLACEMAKING/FOLKLORE
According to Irish lore, May is a time when the fairies are strong in power and one must be particularly vigilant, for they are wont to capture mortal brides during this time to take back to their fairy mansions. Nineteenth century Irish folklorist Lady Jane Wilde, mother to famed wit Oscar Wilde, suggested a number of efficacious precautions to take to avoid being kidnapped by fairies in May, notably: one must not travel over water on the first Monday in May, any rabbits seen during this time are likely to be fairies in disguise, and never, ever let the fire go out. If you are concerned about fairy kidnapping, you won’t want to miss the May Faire at Meekins Library! Take part in a number of fun fairy-themed arts and crafts activities and enjoy live music. Costumes are encouraged! Meekins Library. 2 Williams Street, Williamsburg, MA (FREE)

Saturday, May 12, 10am-4pm
CRAFT SALE/FUNDRAISER
Every day, school children in the Haitian mountain village of Maro Verger hike up and down the mountain carrying buckets from the cistern to their school in order to have water. In addition to the hardship of fetching water, much of the water supply in Haiti is tainted with cholera but students at the Maple School are holding an arts and crafts fundraiser to raise money for water filtration systems for the children of Maro Verger. So come out to support locals arts and crafts and global charity work! For more information please visit Kindness Flows! A Kids’ Arts and Crafts Fair. Eastworks. 116 Pleasant Street, Easthampton, MA (FREE)

Saturday, May 12, 10am-4pm
ART STUDIES/AGRICULTURE
Every spring for the past ten years, local artist Susan Merrill has exhibited her pastoral paintings and drawings at the Hancock Shaker Museum. Merrill, who grew up on a small farm in Maryland, has always loved farm animals and her barnyard paintings reflect the special qualities of these lovable creatures. Merrill passed away in 2017 and Hancock Shaker Museum will be honoring her legacy with a final spring exhibition of her work. Come celebrate the life and legacy of this great local artist. Hancock Shaker Museum. 1843 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, MA (FREE W/MUSEUM ADMISSION)

Saturday, May 12, 11am-6pm
THEATER FESTIVAL
Come out and support local high school theater and the arts! The Spotlight Festival is a whole day filled with theater performances from local high schools. This is a celebration of the enormous value of theater and the arts for teenagers. For many of us, participating in theater productions was one of the best, most lasting, influential experiences of our high school days. All over the Valley, high school theater programs are doing amazing work and this is your chance to witness the culmination of all that effort and passion. For more information and a full list of performances, please visit Spotlight Festival. Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School. 15 Mulligan Drive, South Hadley, MA ($)

Saturday, May 12, 1-4pm
POETRY/LITERARY STUDIES
The 13th century Persian poet Rumi once wrote: “Love is the ark appointed for the righteous, / Which annuls the danger and provides a way of escape. / Sell your cleverness and buy bewilderment. / Cleverness is mere opinion, bewilderment intuition.” Some of the most brilliant and profound poets of the Middle East and South Asia, such as Rumi and Hafiz, wrote in the poetic form known as the ghazal. The ghazal, which originally explored religious themes, was heavily influenced by the mystical Sufis, who held an important role in many Islamic courts in the 12th and 13th centuries. Due to the Sufis emphasis on love as a metaphor for a relationship with the divine, the ghazal became known as a genre of love poetry, albeit with a heavy focus on the language of spirituality. This workshop focuses on three historical poetic forms, the ghazal, haiku, and sonnet, and will explore ways that poets can incorporate these forms into their own work. This event is open to writers of all levels. Pioneer Valley Writers’ Workshop. 16 Main Street, Williamsburg, MA ($$)

Saturday, May 12, 5-6:45pm
COMMUNITY MEAL/ASPARAGUS
Get to know your neighbors and community members while you feast on delectable asparagus! Around this time of year, our area enjoys the harvest of one of our most beloved local crops: asparagus, also known as ‘Hadley Grass.’ This delicate treat has been prized by culinaires for thousands of years and was so adored by the Roman Emperor Augustus that he commissioned a special fleet of ships to swiftly bring asparagus to market. Come celebrate delicious local asparagus at the North Hadley Congregational Church Asparagus Supper. Kids under 6 eat free! North Hadley Congregational Church. 243 River Drive, Hadley, MA ($)

Saturday, May 12, 7-10pm
POETRY/WORKSHOP
As British Rastafarian poet and singer Benjamin Zephaniah says: “Everybody has dere rap so let’s rap to each other / No matter what yu style or de hat dat yu are wearing / Yu can even get away wida little swearing.” Hip hop and poetry has always been a powerful way for people to tell their stories, no matter who they are. If you are an aspiring poet or hip hop artist you won’t want to miss this workshop where you can collaborate with others and learn about the creative process. The workshop will be led by Maurice Taylor, who has been working with poets and hip hop artists for more than twenty years. Make-It Springfield. 168 Worthington Street, Springfield, MA (SUGGESTED DONATION)

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Sunday, May 13, 2018

Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.

7-8am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) airs encores of the Hilltown Family Variety Show every Sunday morning. commercial-free family radio. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org. Listen to the Hilltown Family Variety Show podcast anytime – click here to select from over 10 years of archived shows!

Sunday, May 13, 8am-7pm
MOTHERS DAY/PLACEMAKING
The history of Mother’s Day is stranger and more complicated than one might think. West Virginia native Anna Jarvis’ love and admiration for her own mother inspired her to hold a special memorial ceremony for her mother, who had died three years earlier, and all mothers around the world, at what is now the International Mother’s Day Shrine in Grafton, West Virginia. Jarvis chose the white carnation as a symbol for Mother’s Day, writing “Its whiteness is to symbolize the truth, purity and broad-charity of mother love; its fragrance, her memory, and her prayers. The carnation does not drop its petals, but hugs them to its heart as it dies, and so, too, mothers hug their children to their hearts, their mother love never dying. When I selected this flower, I was remembering my mother’s bed of white pinks.” After Mother’s Day was formally established as a national holiday in 1914 and Hallmark Cards began selling Mother’s Day cards, however, Jarvis was outraged at the commercial appropriation of the holiday and began organizing boycotts of her own holiday. Jarvis wrote, “A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world. And candy! You take a box to Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment.” In fact, in 1943 Jarvis began petitioning to rescind the holiday. So stay true to Jarvis’ vision of a non-commercial Mother’s Day celebration by spending the day at Look Park, mothers can even enjoy free mini golf and train rides! Look Park. 300 North Main Street, Florence, MA ($)

Sunday, May 13, 11am-4pm
MOTHER’S DAY TEA/HISTORY
What is more delightful on a spring day than warm scones with butter and jam and brick red tea with a splash of cream in a beautiful historic setting, accompanied by poetry readings? William Cullen Bryant’s 1864 poem “The Mother’s Hymn,” begins: “Lord, who ordainest for mankind / Benignant toils and tender cares! / We thank Thee for the ties that bind / The mother to the child she bears.” Come celebrate mother’s day at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead with a lavish tea party. Children under the age of 6 are free. Order tickets soon! William Cullen Bryant Homestead. 207 Bryant Road, Cummington, MA ($$)

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Monday, May 14, 2018

Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.

Storyhour & Playgroups: East Longmeadow, Pelham & Whately

Monday, May 14, 6:30pm
LOCAL HISTORY TRIVIA
Did you know that Northampton was originally called ‘Nonotuck,’ meaning ‘in the midst of the river,’ by the indigenous Pocumtuc tribe? Or that Westhampton is currently one of only 8 ‘dry’ towns in the state, meaning that alcohol cannot be sold? If you are passionate about local history you won’t want to miss this Local History Trivia event. Enjoy an evening of fun trivia as friends and neighbors compete for the prize! Westhampton Public Library. Westhampton, MA (FREE)

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Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.

Storyhour & Playgroups: Agawam, Amherst, Belchertown, Cheshire, Easthampton, Florence, Gill, Great Barrington, Greenfield, Hatfiled, Huntington, Lanesborough, Lee, Ludlow, New Salem, North Adams, Sheffield, Sunderland, Turners Falls, Ware & West Springfield.

Tuesday, May 15, 9am
SERVICE-BASED LEARNING/CONSERVATION
Did you know that many invasive plants and weeds are actually edible and delicious? Garlic mustard can be pureed to make an amazing pesto and young Japanese knotweed shoots can be sauteed and enjoyed like asparagus. The Silvio Conte Refuge in Hadley is looking for some volunteers to help manage the invasive plants that may threaten the biodiversity of the site. This is a great way to help maintain one our most amazing local habitats and learn about invasive plants. Who knows, you might even be inspired to try some wild foraged edibles! Silvio Conte Refuge. 69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA (FREE)

Tuesday, May 15, 10am-2:55pm
HERBALISM/FESTIVAL
Floriography is the term for cryptological communication using flowers. Floriography became especially popular during Victorian Britain, when flowers were used to communicate all kinds of messages. Hanakotoba is the Japanese term for the same practice. In flower language, dandelion is often used to communicate love. At the 4th Annual Dandelion Festival you’ll see why dandelions are associated with love. This vibrant, magical, healing, delicious flower does it all. The day will kick off with a dandelion sharing circle featuring poems and artwork inspired by dandelions, followed by a dandelion potluck, and dandelion sensory immersion. You won’t want to miss this event! Blazing Star Herbal School. Ashfield, MA ($)

Tuesday, May 15, 5:15-7pm
COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION/AGRICULTURE
In ages past, communities had shared access to seeds for growing their own food. This was a vital part of food security and continues to be for many rural communities around the world. Seed libraries are keeping this custom alive all over the United States. At this event, Alexander Geller from the Berkshire Seed Library will be discussing the importance of sharing seeds, as well as the great work that the Seed Library is doing in promoting gardening and food security. J. Allen’s Clubhouse Grille. 41 North Street, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)

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Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.

Storyhour & Playgroups: Amherst, Athol, Becket, Belchertown, Bernardston, Cummington, Deerfield, East Longmeadow, Erving, Granby, Greenfield, Huntington, Leverett, Monson, New Marlborough, North Adams, Northampton, Sheffield, Shelburne Falls, South Deerfield, Springfield, Turners Falls, Wendell, West Springfield, and Williamsburg.

Wednesday, May 16, 7pm
SKILLSHARE/BOARD GAMES
Have you always wanted to learn how to play mahjong? Now is your chance! Mahjong is a Chinese tile game that has some similarities with rummy. The game dates back to the Qing dynasty in the 18th century and has been popular in the United States since the 1920s. Singer Eddie Cantor immortalized America’s love affair with mahjong in his hit song: “Since Ma Is Playing Mah Jong.” More recently researchers have found that mahjong may assist with dementia and memory loss. Come learn how to play this complex, fun, and challenging game at Berkshire Hills Hadassah Mah Jongg lessons! All ages welcome. Berkshire Hills Hadassah. Pittsfield, MA (SUGGESTED DONATION)

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Thursday, May 17, 2018

Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.

Storyhour & Playgroups: Agawam, Amherst, Athol, Belchertown, East Longmeadow, Florence, Gill, Greenfield, Hatfield, Huntington, Lee, Lenox, Millers Falls, Montague, Northampton, Sheffield, South Hadley, and Turners Falls.

Thursday, May 17, 5-8pm
MUSEUM ADVENTURES
Now that we are finally having some nice weather, its a perfect time to come enjoy some family fun and activities out on the lawn at Berkshire Museum. The museum’s Third Thursday summer celebration is free and includes special extended hours so you can wander through the galleries with the whole family. Berkshire Museum. 39 South Street, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)

Thursday, May 17, 6-8pm
STEM/FAIR
The 10th Annual Geography and Science Expo showcases the work of self-directed learners from all over western Massachusetts. Participants spend weeks (or even months!) independently researching a country, culture, region, or moment in history, and create museum-like displays to share what they have learned and to educate visitors to the event about their chosen topic. Displays can teach visitors about a topic through text, images, and/or models, and can also include experiential components – giving young learners the opportunity to imagine the best way in which to teach others about what they’ve learned. Common experiential learning elements to expo displays include samples of traditional foods and crafts or games derived from a specific culture. And this year, they’ve added Science! For details and to read more about this event, please visit Geography and Science Expo. Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)

Thursday, May 17, 6:30-8:30pm
WORKSHOP/SOCIAL ISSUES
Are you an activist or organizer who is interested in learning about how to put together a great educational event? This is the event for you! The Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership is offering a free class focusing on ways of supporting activists in organizing the perfect event. You will learn strategies for planning and organizing through a series of presentations, exercises, and peer sharing. Registration is required. 40 Center Street, Northampton, MA (FREE)

Thursday, May 17, 7-9pm
THEATER/SHAKESPEARE
As Shakespeare wrote in Julius Caesar: “Let me have men about me that are fat; / Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o’ nights. / Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; / He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.” Indeed, while the play is named for Caesar, the plot focuses on the psychology of Cassius and Brutus, the key conspirators in Caesar’s murder. This story, one of the most performed of Shakespeare’s plays, ultimately warns that attempting to preserve democracy through undemocratic means will never be successful. Don’t miss this screening of the National Theatre’s production of Julius Caesar, performed at the Bridge Theater in London. 367 Russell Street, Hadley, MA ($)

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Friday, May 18, 2018

Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.

Storyhour & Playgroups: Amherst, Belchertown, Cummington, East Longmeadow, Easthampton, Florence, Granby, Great Barrington, Greenfield, Hadley, Housatonic, Longmeadow, Monson, Northampton, Pelham, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Stockbridge, and Sunderland.

Friday, May 18, 1:30-4pm
SERVICE BASED LEARNING/SPRING CLEANUP
Come help downtown Pittsfield get a little spring cleaning! Join up with teams from all over the Pittsfield community and lend a hand with rakes, brooms, and garbage bags. There is a special kind of satisfaction in knowing that you are doing your part to care for and maintain the place you live. For more information and to register, please visit Downtown Pittsfield Spring Cleanup. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)

Friday, May 18, 6:30pm
ORNITHOLOGY/HUMMINGBIRDS
Did you know that hummingbirds were sacred to the ancient Aztecs, who often wore hummingbird talismans and fetishes using parts of actual birds? The Aztec war god Huitzilopochtli is often depicted as a hummingbird and it was believed that warriors who fell in battle would return to earth in the form of a humminbird. The Nahuatl word for hummingbird, ‘huitzil’ is an onomatopoeia meant to sound like the buzzing wings of the hummingbird. Come learn all about hummingbirds from around the world at this special presentation by local naturalist John Root. Griswold Library. 14 Main Road, Colrain, MA (FREE)

Friday, May 18, 7:30-9:30pm
FILM SCREENING/CONSERVATION
The Namib, meaning ‘vast place,’ is a massive coastal desert region spreading over parts of Namibia, South Africa, and Angola. Some of the dunes in this massive sand sea are more than nine hundred feet high, making them the second tallest dunes in the world. An extremely unique community of desert lions make their home in this unforgiving region and the film “Vanishing Kings: Desert Lions of the Namib” tells the story of their struggle for survival. Nature enthusiasts and big cat fans will not want to miss this special free screening. Academy of Music Theatre. 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA (FREE)

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Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by a grant from the Belchertown, Buckland, Chicopee, Plainfield, Shelburne, Westhampton, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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