Hilltown Families 
Suggested Events for September 1st – 7th, 2018
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.
After-School Classes & Enrichment Programs
Reach thousands of families in the region with our 2018-2019 directory! Reserve your space.
Our community is rich in learning opportunities to supplement the interests of children, teens, and life-long learners. We have put together a directory of after-school & weekend classes and enrichment programs happening across Western Massachusetts throughout the school year. Many of these programs aren’t just for kids, so to all the adults out there – feel encouraged to pursue your interests and honor your callings through these enrichment classes, too!
If you have a class or program you would like to have included in our directory, contact us at sales@hilltownfamilies.org to learn about our advertising options and sponsorship packages.
Bulletin Board
Oct 6
Piti Theatre Youth Troupe Fall Session: Greenfield’s Grumpiest T-Rex to be performed for the Great Greenfield DinoFest on October 6th at Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center. The troupe will perform again in December. Performers ages 8 and up learn improvisation, magic, singing, movement, acting and puppetry skills while developing their capacities for trust, confidence, teamwork and creativity! “We loved watching the show; our children loved being part of it.” – C.W., Shelburne Falls Rehearsals on Thursdays, 4:00 – 5:15 and some Saturday mornings, 10 – noon in Shelburne Falls and Greenfield. Registration: info@ptco.org, (413) 339 – 4569. Also watch out for improv classes for teens and adults. More at ptco.org/classes.
Enroll Now!
Intergenerational Music and Dance is a group that celebrates the joy of music and dance for all generations. Participants will engage in choral singing, folk dancing, singing games, music literacy activities, and plenty of laughter and joy. Choral literature will be selected from a variety of genres and cultures. We will learn folk dances and play singing games to foster community and engage in musical play. No prior music experience is necessary. For children (ages 6+) with a participating adult or adults alone. Mondays 6:00 – 7:00 at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Amherst. To register for the Fall semester, contact the director, Rachel Gibson: email rgibson@westfield.ma.edu or visit www.drrachelgibson.com.
Enroll Now!
Looking for a fun and creative outlet for your kids this year? Check out Valley Performance Playground’s theater classes, weekend workshops, and vacation and summer camps. Their programs for young children (1.5-6) celebrate imaginative play and encourage creative expression. For older kids (7-12), their programs provide a nurturing environment to stretch creatively while exploring acting, improvisation, movement, and voice. For more information visit www.valleyperformanceplayground.com or email sarah@valleyperformanceplayground.com.
Enroll Now!
Join Pioneer Valley Ballet for its Fall Session, September 10-December 1. PVB offers an 11-week ballet training program for ages 4+. A Beginner Modern class for ages 9-15 will also be offered, and Adult Ballet is held Sunday evenings. Visit www.pioneervalleyballet.org to register. Join PVB for its 40th anniversary of The Nutcracker from December 7-9. Community auditions will be held September 15 for ages 5-10. No dance experience necessary. Pioneer Valley Ballet is located in the Eastworks Building at 116 Pleasant Street in Easthampton, MA. 413-527-6363.
Add your class
Reach thousands of families in the region with our 2018-2019 directory! Reserve your space. Our community is rich in after-school learning opportunities to supplement the interests of our children, teens, and life-long learners. We are putting together a directory of after-school & weekend classes and enrichment programs happening across Western Massachusetts to be published on our web site later this month and featured throughout the school year. If you have a class or program you would like to have included in our directory, contact us at sales@hilltownfamilies.org to learn about our advertising options and sponsorship packages.
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
September 1st – 7th, 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, September 1, 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. Joanie Leeds, of Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights, guest DJs HFVS Back To School Episode. Joanie hand-picked all of the school themed songs including a few from her CD, Bandwagon as well as from artists such as: Pop Ups, Dizzy Gillespie, Justin Roberts, Bari Koral, Recess Monkey, Lunch Money, Astrograss, Miss Nina, They Might Be Giants, The Verve Pipe, Chuck Berry, Trout Fishing in America and Rocknoceros. 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 1, 10am
LOCAL HISTORY/WALK
The city of Holyoke played an important role in the history of industrialism in New England. In fact, Holyoke was one of the first planned industrial cities in the country. During the late nineteenth century, the city produced around eighty percent of the writing paper used in the United States. Holyoke was also home to the largest silk and alpaca wool mills in the world. As the city was designed and built in tandem with the Holyoke Dam, the industrial power of the city was derived from the construction of the canal system, which today enables around eighty percent of the city’s energy to be carbon neutral. Come learn all about the fascinating history of Holyoke on this morning canal walk, led by a park interpreter. The walk will stop at numerous points of historical significance. 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA (FREE)Saturday, September 1, 10am
SOCIAL JUSTICE/HEALTH AND WELLNESS
While mediation tends to be focused on achieving peace and balance within the self, many institutions that promote mediation also take an active stance on social justice issues. From nuclear disarmament to anti racism, and fighting against inequality, meditation can play an important role in these struggles, among others. The Social Justice Group at the Pioneer Valley Shambhala Center discusses issues such as privilege, aggression, and violence in our society. If you’d like to learn more about how mediation can help make the world a kinder, more equitable place, don’t miss this free event. Pioneer Valley Shambhala Center. 191 Main Street, Northampton, MA (FREE)Saturday, September 1, 10am-2pm
DANCE STUDIES/OPEN HOUSE
Do you have any dance enthusiasts at home? If so, you won’t want to miss this open house at Northampton School of Dance! Check out video clips from recent performances, meet faculty members, ask questions, and enjoy snacks. The school offers a wide range of dance classes for different age groups, in many different styles of dance. Come see if Northampton School of Dance is right for you! Northampton School of Dance. 141 Damon Road, Northampton, MA (FREE)Saturday, September 1, 10am
AGRICULTURE/PLACEMAKING
Since 1818, the Three County Fair in Northampton has been showcasing local agriculture. America’s longest running agricultural fair was originally established as an agricultural society, designed to promote agricultural knowledge and appreciation. Over the years, the fair has stayed true to its original mission and expanded to include live music, delicious food, and lots of fun activities for children and adults. Livestock demonstrations are still a huge part of the fair experience and awards are given for both agricultural and domestic animals. This year, visitors will also be able to learn about kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras and other Australian animals at the Aussie Kingdom Education & Interaction Shows. Don’t miss one of the most beloved local events of the year! For more information and a complete list of events, please visit Three County Fair. Northampton, MA ($)Saturday, September 1, 11am-12pm
LIVING HISTORY/LITERARY STUDIES
Saturday, September 1, 2pm
HISTORY/ARCHITECTURE
The Hancock Shaker Village was first established in 1791, the third of the nineteen Shaker communities created in New England and elsewhere in the United States by the founder of the religious ‘Mother’ Ann Lee. Lee, a Mancunian by birth, had visions as a young women in her native England. Fleeing persecution for their unorthodox beliefs, including the renunciation of procreation, Lee and her followers settled in Albany, New York. Until the mid nineteenth century, the Shaker movement continued to grow and the community peaked at around five thousand members. The Shakers promoted celibacy, complete gender equality, radical self sufficiency, and communal living. Come experience a behind-the-scenes tour of the village and learn about the history of the buildings themselves. Hancock Shaker Village. 1843 West Housatonic Street, Pittsfield, MA ($$)
Sunday, September 2, 2018
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 2, 10am
AGRICULTURE/PEACHES
Peaches have been cultivated in China since the Neolithic period, more than ten thousand years ago! Unsurprisingly, the peach has enormous cultural significance in Chinese society to this day. It is said that when ancient Chinese emperors traveled abroad, they were preceded by sorcerers, who wielded peach rods to dispel evil spirits. Peach wood in particular, has continued to be prized for its protective qualities and has been used to build ‘door gods,’ guardian deities and spirits whose likenesses are portrayed on doors to homes. Among traditional medicine practitioners in China, peach wands are still used to perform exorcisms and cleansing rituals. The vivacity of the peach fruit also inspired many European painters to depict it as a symbol for blossoming health, as seen in works by Van Gogh, Caravaggio, Renoir, and Monet, among others. Late summer is the perfect time to indulge in fresh peaches and at Park Hill Orchard, they’ve got you covered! Pick your own peaches daily from 10am to 5pm. Park Hill Orchard. 82 Park Hill Road, Easthampton, MA ($)Sunday, September 2, 10am
AGRICULTURE/PLACEMAKING
Since 1818, the Three County Fair in Northampton has been showcasing local agriculture. America’s longest running agricultural fair was originally established as an agricultural society, designed to promote agricultural knowledge and appreciation. Over the years, the fair has stayed true to its original mission and expanded to include live music, delicious food, and lots of fun activities for children and adults. Livestock demonstrations are still a huge part of the fair experience and awards are given for both agricultural and domestic animals. This year, visitors will also be able to learn about kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras and other Australian animals at the Aussie Kingdom Education & Interaction Shows. Don’t miss one of the most beloved local events of the year! For more information and a complete list of events, please visit Three County Fair. Northampton, MA ($)Sunday, September 2, 10am
HEALTH AND WELLNESS/MARTIAL ARTS
The practice of tai chi combines both martial arts and traditional medicine, but it was original grew from Chinese daoist cosmology. Mirroring and embodying the properties of the universe itself, tai chi seeks to achieve balance in the body and mind. As scholar Jin Yong writes: “Everything in the universe is forever changing. Tai chi chuan may appear slow and unhurried to an observer, but the movements flow together continuously, without pause. Architecturally speaking, a curved line can support much more weight than a straight line. Likewise, in tai chi chuan, speed is not the main objective. Balance and stability are more important.” Part of tai chi’s enormous popularity around the world is based on the incredible mental benefits derived from the practice. To seek to move slowly and intentionally, while staying in the flow of things, brings focus and peace of mind. Because it is a very low impact exercise, tai chi can be especially beneficial to people with mobility issues. If you are interested in trying out tai chi, come check out this gentle, beginner level class, held in Childs Park. Childs Park. 59 North Elm Street, Northampton, MA ($)Sunday, Septamber 2, 12pm
DANCE STUDIES/BELLY DANCING
Friedrich Nietzsche once wrote: “We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once.” Indeed, few things are as restorative and lifegiving as dance. Dancing reduces stress, is a great form of exercise, and increases social bonds. Twice a month, you can come meet up with community members and celebrate the beauty of belly dance! This is a casual, informal group and all styles and experience levels are welcome. Feel free to bring your own instruments. Pulaski Park. Northampton, MA (FREE)Sunday, September 2, 2-4pm
ARTS AND CRAFTS/LEPIDOPTEROLOGY
Monday, September 3, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Storyhour & Playgroups: East Longmeadow, Pelham & Whately
Monday, September 3, 10am
AGRICULTURE/PLACEMAKING
Since 1818, the Three County Fair in Northampton has been showcasing local agriculture. America’s longest running agricultural fair was originally established as an agricultural society, designed to promote agricultural knowledge and appreciation. Over the years, the fair has stayed true to its original mission and expanded to include live music, delicious food, and lots of fun activities for children and adults. Livestock demonstrations are still a huge part of the fair experience and awards are given for both agricultural and domestic animals. This year, visitors will also be able to learn about kangaroos, wallabies, kookaburras and other Australian animals at the Aussie Kingdom Education & Interaction Shows. Don’t miss one of the most beloved local events of the year! For more information and a complete list of events, please visit Three County Fair. Northampton, MA ($)Monday, September 3, 4:30-10:30pm
LANGUAGE ARTS/GAMES
It is speculated that the highest possible scoring word in Scrabble has probably never been successfully played. If situated correctly, the word “OXYPHENBUTAZONE,” could theoretically score 1778 points! A far more realistic, and still highly effective word, is “ZA,” a recognized slang term for pizza, which can still get you 60 points or so. If you love Scrabble, come on down to the Scrabble Club Meeting! Open to everyone, fun is the primary goal. Lily Library. 19 Meadow Street, Florence, MA (FREE)
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
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 4, 10am-3pm
HERBALISM/RELIGIOUS STUDIES
Wednesday, September 5, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Wednesday, September 5, 5:30-7pm
HERBALISM
For the vast majority of human history, herbs have been used as the primary form of medicine. Despite being largely dismissed as ‘alternative medicine,’ many of the chemicals used in the modern pharmaceutical industry are originally derived from plant sources. Perhaps most famously, the key chemicals in aspirin were being used in the form of willow bark throughout antiquity. As modern pharmaceuticals are prohibitively expensive for the vast majority of the human population, the World Health Organization speculates that around eighty percent of the populations of Africa and Asia continue to rely on herbalism as their primary form of medical care. Herbalism is enjoying a resurgence in contemporary Western society, which may be due in part to an increasing understand of the actual lived experience of our ancestors. It’s been a long time since Thomas Hobbes declared that the life of pre-modern humans was “nasty, brutish, and short,” and scientific research has rather proved the contrary. Despite overwhelmingly widespread assumptions, as Benjamin Radford writes in Live Science, “The idea that our ancestors routinely died young (say, at age 40) has no basis in scientific fact.” Even without the benefit of extensive scientific research, Radford points out, we know that human beings living well into their 70s and beyond is not a recent phenomenon. When Socrates died at the age of 70, for example, he didn’t die of old age, he was poisoned! We might also contrast the notion that pre-modern human life was miserable with current statistics on depression, anxiety, and suicide. This is all by way of saying that dismissing traditional skills and practices such as herbalism, because we view them as ‘unscientific,’ is deeply flawed. It is clear that plants have much to teach and offer us, and that they function in many ways that remain mysterious to us. This herb walk with herbalist Chris Marano will discuss many of the uses of common garden plants. Sawmill Herb Farm. 140 Meadow Street, Northampton, MA ($)Wednesday, September 5, 6pm
NATURE STUDIES/BEAVERS
Did you know that during the 17th century the Roman Catholic Church ruled that for the purposes of dietary laws, beavers should technically be considered as a species of fish? This ruling meant that the ordinary prohibition on meat consumption on Fridays did not extend to beaver meat. Beavers, the second largest rodent in the world, are probably best known for their amazing ability to alter their environment by constructing dams and lodges. These structures serve a number of important functions for beavers, including protection from predators and storing food for the winter. Spend an evening searching for beavers and learning all about these industrious critters! Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA ($)
Thursday, September 6, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Thursday, September 6, 4:15-5:30pm
HEALTH AND WELLNESS/YOGA
Yoga has developed in many ways since it became known to the Western World in the early twentieth century. There are now all kinds of yoga practices serving a wide range of purposes. Restorative yoga is a form of active relaxation that is appropriate for all ages and level of experience. Using blocks and blankets, this practice offers gentle, relaxing poses, which put minimal strain on your body. The aim of restorative yoga is to create a deep, bodily feeling of rest, peace, and ease. If you’d like to learn more about restorative yoga, come check out this free class! Great Falls Yoga. 34 3rd Street, Turners Falls, MA (FREE)Thursday, September 6, 5:30-6:30pm
HEALTH AND WELLNESS/BARRE
Barre is a unique type of exercise that uses isometric movements inspired by ballet. In fact, barre was developed by ballerina Lotte Berk in the nineteen fifties as a way of rehabing after a back injury. Isometric exercises, such as planking and chair pose, do not involve moving muscles in a range but rather build strength through static muscle contraction. This type of exercise is especially beneficial for those rehabilitating after injury. Come check out this dynamic fitness class for free, outside at the scenic Quonquont Farm! 9 North Street, Whately, MA (FREE)
Friday, September 7, 2018
Click HERE to discover classes. Click HERE to find out about other community events. Click HERE to leave a comment about upcoming events.
Friday, September 7, 10am
STORYTIME
Friday, September 7, 5pm
PLACEMAKING/ART STUDIES
Pittsfield is rapidly becoming known as a center for the arts in the region. Every first Friday of the month, come out and explore the works of some of Pittsfield’s most renowned artists with a leisurely stroll through the city’s Upstreet Cultural District. Most of the artists will be in the studios and galleries from 5 to 8pm and will be available to discuss their work. This is a great opportunity to learn about the artistic process. For more information and a completely list of artists and locations, please visit First Fridays Arts Walk. Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
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.
Saturday March 2nd 10AM to 12PM
43 Witt Hill Road Worthington MA
Hilltown Land Trust will be hosting a demonstration and Q&A about environmentally and economically sustainable oxen logging! Seventh-generation oxen teamster and licensed forester, Tom Jenkins, will be demonstrating techniques for harvesting timber with draft animals followed by a discussion about sustainable forestry practices, the invasive pest emerald ash borer, the Chapter 61 program and more.
$10 fee for Hilltown Land Trust members and $15 for nonmembers. Kids are free! Become a member of HLT for $50 and get one adult admission free to this event!