Hilltown Families 
100+ Suggested Events in Western MA: October 26-November 8, 2019
Awarded the “Essential Agent of Change Award” by the MDPH’s Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With over 9,000 opt-in subscribers and 2.6+ million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover community-based educational events and community building opportunities happening this weekend and next week in Western MA!
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Bulletin Board
Oct 26
On Saturday, October 26, the New England Air Museum will host a Haunted Hangars Trick or Treat event from 10am-3pm. Ghosts, Witches, Princesses, and Superheroes are invited to tour the museum and collect a treat when they sit in the pilot’s seat of our “spooky themed” historic aircraft. A costume contest will be held where the winning Trick or Treater will receive a free family membership to the museum. Both children and adults are welcome for this kid-friendly, un-scary event. Visitors will also have the chance to climb aboard historic aircraft, plus receive Halloween treats. Other activities include flight simulators and the opportunity to construct your own flying machine during the Build and Fly activity. More information at www.NEAM.org.
Nov 1
Join Friends of Children on Friday, November 1, 6-9pm for FOCUS On The Arts, an event celebrating the arts and supporting Friends of Children’s FOCUS program, bringing essential resources to young adults in MA who have aged out of foster care. This event takes place in the Northampton Center For The Arts space. Enjoy live music, delicious catered food, cash bar, and more! Bid on the work of local & regional artists, fun experiences, and other exciting items in their silent & live auctions, including: Artwork by artists Laura Radwell, Patricia Parker, Valerie Bunnell & Peter Max; Improv Party by Heidi Haas; Cocktails & Conversation in the library of cookbook editor Lisa Ekus. Tickets at friendsofchildreninc.org.
Oct 18 – 20 & Oct 25 – 27
Ghouls and Goblins beware! The Look Park Haunted Train has returned for more rides of lightly frightful fun! The fun starts at 5pm and the frights stop at 9pm. The first hour is the calm and the monsters do not chase after the train, best suited for kids who may be most likely to be scared. As the night progresses the creatures begin to run after the train and pop out of the dark! Best for ages 5 and up but all ages are welcome! There is no fee to enter the park, just pay for tickets for your ride. Ages 12 and up $5. Ages 2-11: $4. 2 and under: Free. Friday to Sunday October 25-27. For more information visit: www.lookpark.org or call 413-584-5457.
Nov 2
Making time for self-care helps the entire family! Celebrate Wellness, Saturday, November 2, 8:30am-5pm at The Hartsbrook School, Hadley. Hands-on sessions with some of the Pioneer Valley’s best practitioners, with a focus on diversifying self-care toolkits. Some skills covered will be: simple seasonal yoga practices and essential oil recipes for fall; immune-boosting herbal tonics; the Feldenkrais Method (think stress, sitting, snow-shoveling); learning first-hand how mindset affects daily outcomes; and the Daily Energy Routine (DER). There will be a Healing Arts panel ready to answer questions. Bring lunch or pre-order with registration. Learn more and register at www.comecelebratewellness.com. 20% off for HF readers – use code “Hilltown”
Begins Nov 3
Skate with the Skating Club of Amherst, the oldest figure skating club in Western MA. They are offering professional instruction at all levels, beginner to advanced. Basic Skills group lessons for ages 4 to adult are offered September to June on Sundays from 5:50-6:30pm at UMass-Amherst Mullins Center practice rink in Amherst. Additional instruction in free-skate, moves in the field, and ice dance for skaters interested in competing and testing. The club is a member of United States Figure Skating and is a private, non-profit organization managed by volunteers. Join them at the rink! Registration forms for sessions beginning in September, November, January and April at www.scamherst.org, email info@scamherst.org or by calling 413-253-6388.
Accepting applications for fall 2020. The Bement School founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield is a co-educational junior boarding and day school serving 225 students in kindergarten through grade 9. At Bement, the innovative educational approach and rigorous curriculum prepare students well for competitive secondary schools and to tackle the challenges of life. Students work hard, learn to overcome obstacles, persevere with joy and optimism, develop a strong sense of self, and find ways to help others. Children and adults at Bement work together to create a community where all members cultivate mutual respect and understanding within the school and the world. For info on how to arrange a campus visit, call 413-774-4209 www.bement.org.
Western Massachusetts is rich in learning opportunities to supplement the interests of children, teens, and lifelong learners! Hilltown Families Class Directory features classes, lessons, enrichment programs, and membership opportunities across Western Massachusetts and throughout the year. Our Class Directory makes it easier to find these gems while connecting families with resources that support their interests and education, including theater, music, dance, art, and much more. — Have a class, private lesson, or program you’d like to include in our directory? More Information. | Reserve a spot. | Submit your listing.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
October 26-November 8, 2019
Saturday, Oct 26 • Sunday, Oct 27
Monday, Oct 28 • Tuesday, Oct 29 • Wednesday, Oct 30
Thursday, Oct 31 • Friday, Nov 1
Saturday, Nov 2 • Sunday, Nov 3
Monday, Nov 4 • Tuesday, Nov 5 • Wednesday, Nov 6
Thursday, Nov 7 • Friday, Nov 8
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The events below are shared as a courtesy. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm date, time, place, age appropriateness, registration requirements, and costs before attending.
Events Happening in the Hilltown
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Saturday, October 26, 9-10am – FAMILY RADIO: HFVS Sweets & Treats Episode with Guest DJ Again Again. In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Anne and Jen from Again Again take you on a sweet musical journey exploring how sugar and treats make their way into song. Keep your ears open for some tidbits on fruits and veggies, just to keep the hour balanced. Click here select from over 13 years of archived shows! It’s better than Saturday morning cartoons and commercial radio! ♥ Hilltown Families eNewsletter subscribers are invited to an exclusive sneak peak every Thursday of the upcoming show. Check your eNewsletter to listen any time. Not a subscriber?Click here to subscribe to our free Weekly eNewsletter!
Saturday, October 26, TBA: HALLOWEEN/ZOO: The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center hosts their annual Spooky Safari at The Zoo. Traditional Halloween activities adapted to the zoo/safari-like setting take place, including a candy trail, games, costume contest, and encounters with the zoo animals. The Zoo in Forest Park & Education Center. 413-733-2251. 293 Sumner Ave. Springfield, MA.
Saturday, October 26, 10-11:30am – MUSIC STUDIES/ORCHESTRA: Kids Monsters Ball. One of the best ways to peak children’s interest in classical music is simply through exposure. By combining symphony performances and concerts with an exploration of musical instruments, community-based educational resources, and close listening to recorded classical music, families can support children in gaining a deepened awareness of what defines classical music. College student musicians from Mount Holyoke Symphony Orchestra will offer a live educational concert with Halloween-themed classical music designed specifically to cater to young audiences. Audience members are invited to dress in costumes to dance along to this sensory-friendly concert and to explore instruments in their “musical petting zoo.” Listen to the classical music episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show on the way there and back to get also help support an interest in music studies! Mary Woolley Hall, Chapin Auditorium. Mount Holyoke College. South Hadley, MA.
Saturday, October 26, 10am-12noon – BIOLOGY/ARACHNOLOGY: Spiders are Amazing. Spiders are a diverse group of arachnids displaying beautiful patterns and colors as well as unique survival strategies. While all spiders have toxins, most of these defensive compounds have little effect on people. Come gain an appreciation for these eight-legged neighbors of ours. We will enjoy some spider games, search for different spiders outdoors, and make a spider craft for Halloween. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
Saturday, October 26, 10am-12noon – ANIMAL STUDIES/BATS: Halloween Bats. When you think of Halloween, do you think of bats? In Massachusetts, we have seven different species. Learn how to identify the various types of bats, how they “see” in the dark, what they eat, and the important roles they play in the ecosystem. Participate in a bat scavenger hunt and make a bat craft. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
Saturday, October 26, 10am-12:30pm – LOCAL FOOD/VEGETARIAN: The Vegetarian Food Tour of Northampton. Explore the culture of the city and the rich history of small farms and seasonal produce in the region. With local produce available year-round, Northampton’s shops and restaurants are full of imaginative vegetarian dishes. Taste seasonal soups, tarts, and savory pies, as well as locally made kombucha, specialty teas, and chai. With a superb selection of vegetarian restaurants, natural food stores, and artisanal food producers, Northampton is a mecca for vegetarians and lovers of farm-fresh produce. Pioneer Valley Food Tours. Northampton, MA.
Saturday, October 26, 10am-3pm – AVIATION/HALLOWEEN: New England Air Museum will host a Haunted Hangars Trick or Treat event. Ghosts, Witches, Princesses, and Superheroes are invited to tour the museum and collect a treat when they sit in the pilot’s seat of our “spooky themed” historic aircraft. A costume contest will be held where the winning Trick or Treater will receive a free family membership to the museum. Both children and adults are welcome for this kid-friendly, un-scary event. Visitors will also have the chance to climb aboard historic aircraft, plus receive Halloween treats. Other activities include flight simulators and the opportunity to construct your own flying machine during the Build and Fly activity. More information at www.NEAM.org. New England Air Museum. 860-623-3305. 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT.
Saturday, October 26, 10am-3pm – HALLOWEEN/SHAKER: Celebrate Halloween at Hancock Shaker Village. Trick-or-treat in costume as witches, ghosts, and goblins roam the Village. Learn how Shakers celebrated Halloween, get spooked with ghost stories and fortune-telling, bob for doughnuts, and hop on a “flying” Shaker broom. Meet Valerian the Garden Witch. All ages are welcome for this annual tradition. Hancock Shaker Village. 413-443-0188. 1843 W Housatonic St, Pittsfield, MA.
Saturday, October 26, 1-3pm – CULINARY ARTS/BUTCHERY: Pork Fabrication Class, an interactive, butcher-led demonstration. Participants will break one side of a locally raised pig, have questions answered, identify and discuss the attributes of each cut of meat, and receive pointers on how to best prepare them. In addition to instruction on seam butchery technique and whole muscle utilization, each student will take home a generous supply of mixed pork cuts. Must preregister to reserve limited space. Best for lifelong learners. Sutter Meats. 413-727-3409. 65 King St, Northampton, MA.
Saturday, October 26, 5-10pm – HAUNTED MUSEUM: Holyoke High School Theater Co. presents Haunted Wistariahurst. For one spooky night only, the Holyoke High School Theater Company will take over the historic mansion at Wistariahurst to turn it into a fearsome and frightening haunted house for your Halloween delight. Special guest tour guides will take you through the old Skinner house, transformed into a nightmare. This event is recommended for ages 10+ with parental discretion. Children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Wistariahurst Museum. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot St, Holyoke, MA.
Saturday, October 26, 5:30-7:30pm- PARANORMAL/TRAIN RIDE: All aboard, paranormal enthusiasts! Berkshire Scenic Railway’s Spirit Trains will be departing North Adams for a lantern-lit walk through Southview Cemetery with psychic medium Julie MacDonald. The 2-hour train ride leaves promptly at 5:30pm from the platform near the Adams Visitor Center. Passengers are advised to dress weather appropriately; reservations required! Tickets can be purchased online at www.berkshiretrains.org. Be sure to check out the many other seasonal train rides offered throughout the year! Board a one-hour, round-trip excursion in the beautiful Berkshire Hills of Western MA and learn about the rich railroad history of the region and see the Berkshires from a unique new vantage point. Adams Visitor Center. North Adams, MA.
Saturday, October 26, 7:30-9:30pm – ORNITHOLOGY/OWLS: Owl Banding Demonstration. Small enough to sit in your hand, the elusive Northern Saw-whet Owl is known to migrate between summer and winter habitats. Meet two local naturalists who have banded these forest owls as part of a national network of scientists and other practitioners working to better understand owls’ migration and other habits. Using an owl-call audio, they will seek to capture night-migrating saw-whet owls as they pass over the Mt. Holyoke Range on their way south. While participants watch, any owls caught will be carefully weighed, measured, tagged, and released back to the wild. Between visits by owls, enjoy warm beverages and light snacks, and hear what’s been discovered about this mysterious little predator. Participants will be carpooling a short distance. Preregister for this free event. Kestrel Land Trust. 413-549-1097. 284 N Pleasant St, Amherst, MA.
Saturday, October 26, 7:30-10pm – CONTRA DANCE/DANCE STUDIES: According to 19th century folklore, Fiddler’s Green is the afterlife to which sailors go if they have served for at least 50 years at sea. It is a place where joy abounds and the fiddling never ceases. As novelist Frederick Marryat wrote in 1856: “At Fiddler’s Green, where seamen true / When here they’ve done their duty / The bowl of grog shall still renew / And pledge to love and beauty.” Well, they don’t have an endless bowl of grog, but Fiddlers Green Contra Dance is a casual, fun, joyful community folk dance where everyone is welcome. Musicians are encouraged to join in and this event is perfect for beginners and all levels of experience. Ages 10 and above suggested. Midway through the event there will be potluck snacks and socializing. Munson Memorial Library. 1046 South East Street, Amherst, MA.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Sunday, October 27, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of “Art in the Orchard,” a biennial orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing “Culture into Horticulutre,” the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Sunday, October 27, TBA: RURAL HERITAGE/CORN MAZE: Corn mazes are classic New England traditions that transform cornfields into community building experiences. Before we had corn mazes, corn has been a staple in the diet of countless cultures for thousands of years. Today, corn is the largest produced crop in the world, and can even be a source of adventure as played out in corn mazes. There are a few in Western MA you can check out with your family, including Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm in Sunderland Hicks Family Farm Corn Maze in Charlemont, and Meadow View Farm Corn Maze in Southwick. Many of these mazes offer a fun and challenging outdoor adventure for families of all ages, along with other activities and farm-fresh produce and perennials. Let the adventure get your kids curious about corn and it’s variety history and many uses. Educators can use this teacher-friendly guide to the evolution of maize to help get kids interested in learning more!
Sunday, October 27, 11am-1pm – CULTURE STUDIES/DIA DE LOS MUERTOS: Family Art Studio: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Join the IS183 Art School of the Berkshires for family fun and hands-on art-making, open to students age 3-14 with an adult. Dia de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday to honor and remember loved ones. In this family workshop, participants will focus on the festive and colorful art that adorns this celebration. Make colorful calaveras and cajitas de muertos (3D shadow boxes). Call to register. IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. 413-298-5252. 13 Willard Hill Rd. Stockbridge, MA.
Sunday, October 27, 12pm – HALLOWEEN/PLACEMAKING: Amherst Leisure Services 50th Annual Halloween Fest happens today with downtown trick-or-treating. In addition to providing a family-friendly program and showcasing downtown Amherst, all proceeds raised will be used for youth program scholarships. Halloween Fest 2019 includes traditional Downtown Trick-or-Treat, a Halloween Parade, Live Entertainment, Anniversary Scavenger Hunt and Pharaoh’s Haunted Tomb! Amherst, MA.
Sunday, October 27, 5-7:30pm – HALLOWEEN/TRICK OR TREAT: Village Trick or Treat. Visit Old Sturbridge Village after hours for a family-friendly evening of trick or treating on the Common. Show off your best Halloween costume, hear spooky tales, enjoy a bonfire, take a hayride around the Common, and more! Throughout the evening, children can trick-or-treat around the Village Common. Old Sturbridge Village. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28
Monday, October 28, 8:45am-1:15pm – STEM/HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS: Historically, the field of engineering has been male-dominated. Today, however, women are breaking into engineering, computing, and other science-related professions more and more. To promote women’s pursuits of science, technology, and engineering, UMass Amherst College of Engineering, in cooperation with the College of Information and Computer Sciences, host Women Engineering and Computing Career Day! Open to young women in grades 9-12. Tours of the school’s engineering and science labs, hands-on computing and engineering activities, technology demonstrations, information about career opportunities and college pursuits, and a chance to talk with female students and professors of engineering. Preregister. UMass. Amherst, MA.
Monday, October 28, 6pm – STEM/INTERGENERATIONAL: Science Cafes are part of a grassroots movement to open science to everyone and to bring free presentations and engaging conversations into casual community settings. Here in Western MA, a working scientist shares their research with the public every month via SciTech Cafe. All ages are welcome. Allowing self-directed learners to participate in community events such as science cafes can help them to learn how to engage with an intergenerational community of learners while challenging them to learn more about in-depth science topics on their own. Each science cafe is lead by an expert in the field who share their expertise to science cafe participants. The opportunity to learn about a science topic from an expert scientist grants learners access to a pool of knowledge that is both deep and wide. Find out who is presenting this month at www.scitechcafe.org. Union Station. 413-341-3161. 125 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29
Tuesday, October 29, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of “Art in the Orchard,” a biennal orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing “Culture into Horticulutre,” the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Tuesday, October 29, 6pm – FILM STUDIES/HORROR: We all know them and love them: the great Universal Monsters! Here are the stories behind Frankenstein, Dracula, The Mummy, The Wolfman, and The Creature from the Black Lagoon! Participants will be following the making of those 1930s classic horror films and look at what other filmmakers over the past 90 years have created using those iconic characters and stories. From Frankenstein’s wail “It’s alive, it’s alive!” to Count Dracula’s “I don’t drink … wine,” these are great movies from Hollywood’s true golden age. Greenfield Public Library. 413-772-1544. 402 Main Street, Greenfield, MA.
Tuesday, October 29, 6:30pm – HALLOWEEN/RAG SHAG PARADE: Easthampton Rag Shag Parade. For Halloween, celebrate with a costume parade for children and adults, marching safely through the city streets of Easthampton. March ends at the Easthampton Savings Bank where candy is given out to children. (Rain date 10/30). Easthampton, MA.
Tuesday, October 29, 6:30-7:30pm – PARANORMAL/ANTIQUITY: Ghost Stories from Antiquity. The University of Massachusetts, Amherst Professor of Classics Debbie Felton presents tales of the supernatural from ancient Rome and Greece. Learn about ghosts, witches, werewolves, zombies, demons, and other supernatural creatures that people who lived thousands of years ago told stories about, just like people still do today. Sunderland Public Library. 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA.
Monday, October 29, 6:30pm & 7:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES/NIGHT TOUR: Darkened Hallways: A Nighttime Tour of Wistariahurst Museum. Wistariahurst’s nighttime candlelit tours of the historic mansion offer a special chance to explore the house at night! Creep through the darkened hallways and rooms of the spooky Skinner Mansion. Explore the home by candlelight and feel the energy of those who lived here and those who worked here. Learn about the Skinner family, how the house came to Holyoke, and how silk, wisteria, and antique musical instruments transformed the building. Listen to stories of happenings in this house sure to make you shudder. This evening tour is a rare opportunity for a guided tour at night. Reservation is strongly encouraged. Inquire about age appropriateness for younger children. Wistariahurst Museum. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot St, Holyoke, MA.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30
Tuesday, October 30, 6:30pm & 7:30pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES/NIGHT TOUR: Darkened Hallways: A Nighttime Tour of Wistariahurst Museum. Wistariahurst’s nighttime candlelit tours of the historic mansion offer a special chance to explore the house at night! Creep through the darkened hallways and rooms of the spooky Skinner Mansion. Explore the home by candlelight and feel the energy of those who lived here and those who worked here. Learn about the Skinner family, how the house came to Holyoke, and how silk, wisteria, and antique musical instruments transformed the building. Listen to stories of happenings in this house sure to make you shudder. This evening tour is a rare opportunity for a guided tour at night. Reservation is strongly encouraged. Inquire about age appropriateness for younger children. Wistariahurst Museum. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot St, Holyoke, MA.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
Thursday, October 31, TBA: RURAL HERITAGE/CORN MAZE: Corn mazes are classic New England traditions that transform cornfields into community building experiences. Before we had corn mazes, corn has been a staple in the diet of countless cultures for thousands of years. Today, corn is the largest produced crop in the world, and can even be a source of adventure as played out in corn mazes. There are a few in Western MA you can check out with your family, including Mike’s Maze at Warner Farm in Sunderland Hicks Family Farm Corn Maze in Charlemont, and Meadow View Farm Corn Maze in Southwick. Many of these mazes offer a fun and challenging outdoor adventure for families of all ages, along with other activities and farm-fresh produce and perennials. Let the adventure get your kids curious about corn and it’s variety history and many uses. Educators can use this teacher-friendly guide to the evolution of maize to help get kids interested in learning more!
Thursday, October 31, 11am – DAY OF THE DEAD: Day of the Dead Celebration. Celebrate Dia de Muertos during a 3-day tradition, which is an important part of Mexican culture and is considered a day of celebration. La Veracruzana Mexican Restaurant invites the community to celebrate with them, learn a little about traditional Mexican culture, and participate in many family-friendly activities. La Veracruzana Mexican Restaurant. 31 Union Street. Easthampton, MA.
Thursday, October 31, 4-6pm – LOCAL CULTURE/HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS: The annual Downtown Trick-or-Treat event in Greenfield is a fun way to use Halloween to bring people together while engaging with local businesses. Business owners welcome families to be their most creative costumed-up selves and to stop in for a little Trick-or-Treating (4-5:30pm. Look for Halloween welcoming signs in the windows of said businesses). Right after T-O-T is the annual Rag Shag Parade, a community Halloween tradition unique to Western MA. The parade steps off at the Mohawk Mall parking lot at 5:30pm and makes its way to Energy Park for costume judging. (Prizes awarded!) Along the parade route, local businesses usually pass-out candies or other nifty options! Greenfield Business Association. Main Street. Greenfield, MA.
Thursday, October 31, 4-6pm – HALLOWEEN/TRICK-OR-TREAT: Downtown Trick-or-Treat! Join the Downtown Northampton Association for their annual downtown trick-or-treat, Halloween evening. Look for orange signs in the windows of participating businesses, and bring your little ones. Downtown Northampton
Thursday, October 31, 5-8pm – HALLOWEEN/RAG SHAG PARADE: Annual Florence Rag Shag Parade will be stepping off from Trinity Row Park on the corner of Main & South Main St. and will march to the Florence Civic & Business Center where kids can pick up a goody bag. Gathering at Trinity Row will start around 5pm, Judging at 5:30, Parade Steps off at 6pm. Rain or shine. Trinity Row Park. Main and South Main Street. Florence, MA.
Thursday, October 31, 7pm – FILM STUDIES/HORROR: Halloween is the perfect time to have fun getting scared. Come together among the stacks for a Halloween Fright Night film screening of a classic horror film by Alfred Hitchcock, which may forever change the way you look at motel showers (Rated R). In the Woodbury Room. Jones Library. 413-259-3223.43 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
Friday, November 1, 11am – DAY OF THE DEAD: Day of the Dead Celebration. Celebrate Dia de Muertos during a 3-day tradition, which is an important part of Mexican culture and is considered a day of celebration. La Veracruzana Mexican Restaurant invites the community to celebrate with them, learn a little about traditional Mexican culture, and participate in many family-friendly activities. La Veracruzana Mexican Restaurant. 31 Union Street. Easthampton, MA.
Friday, November 1, 12-2pm – LOCAL HARVEST/APPLES: Valley Apple and Harvest Tour. Enjoy the exceptional color and flavor of autumn in New England on this seasonal walking food tour of downtown Northampton. Taste local specialties, recipes, and beverages produced with ingredients from local farms at the height of the fall harvest. Pioneer Valley Food Tours. Northampton, MA.
Friday, November 1, 5-8pm – ART STUDIES/PLACEMAKING: 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 Pittsfield’s First Fridays Artswalk. Downtown Pittsfield, Pittsfield, MA.
Friday, November 1, 6-9pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT/FUNDRAISER: Join Friends of Children on for FOCUS On The Arts, an event celebrating the arts and supporting Friends of Children’s FOCUS program, bringing essential resources to young adults in MA who have aged out of foster care. Enjoy live music, delicious catered food, fun cocktails, and more! Bid on the work of local & regional artists, concerts, museums, destination packages, and other exciting items in their silent & live auctions, including: Artwork by artists Laura Radwell, Patricia Parker, Valerie Bunnell & Peter Max; Improv Party by Heidi Haas; Cocktails & Conversation in the library of cookbook editor Lisa Ekus. Tickets at friendsofchildreninc.org. Northampton Center for the Arts. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2
20% off for HF readers – use code “Hilltown”
Saturday, November 2, 8:30am-5pm – SELF CARE/WELLNESS: Making time for self-care helps the entire family! Celebrate Wellness, Saturday, November 2, 8:30am-5pm at The Hartsbrook School, Hadley. Hands-on sessions with some of the Pioneer Valley’s best practitioners, with a focus on diversifying self-care toolkits. Some skills covered will be: simple seasonal yoga practices and essential oil recipes for fall; immune-boosting herbal tonics; the Feldenkrais Method (think stress, sitting, snow-shoveling); learning first-hand how mindset affects daily outcomes; and the Daily Energy Routine (DER). There will be a Healing Arts panel ready to answer questions. Bring lunch or pre-order with registration. Learn more and register at www.comecelebratewellness.com. 20% off for HF readers – use code “Hilltown”
Saturday, November 2 – LOCAL FOOD/CIDER: Western Massachusetts’ fall festival season concludes with the annual Franklin County CiderDays. A weekend jam-packed with educational opportunities, tastings, tours, and more, CiderDays spotlights the tradition of cider-making in Franklin County by honoring the history of the art in local communities and bringing cider-makers together to share the tips, tricks, and taste of the trade. While some CiderDays events require tickets to be purchased in advance, many tastings, tours, and other events are free and open to all ages – and all require a visit to the beautiful hills of the northeastern corner of the region. Find out more at www.ciderdays.org. Franklin County.
Saturday, November 2, 9am-5pm – TEXTILE ARTS/NEW ENGLAND HERITAGE: New England was the center of the American textile industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. We can still see the impact of this industry on the land, in the stone walls in the middle of the forests that were once cleared for merino sheep to graze, in the old mill buildings that can be found in every town in the area. What could be a better place to celebrate wool and fiber arts? The Fiber Festival of New England is coming to town, with a weekend full of workshops, demonstrations, and some of the best fiber art vendors from throughout New England. For a full list of events, visit The Fiber Festival of New England. Mallary Complex at Eastern States Exposition. 413-737-2443. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 10am-4pm – FOLK TRADITIONS/TAILORING & FURNITURE MAKING: Visitors to Historic Deerfield will meet talented craftspeople and observe their work up close at these Historic Trade demonstrations, including Tailoring with Henry Cooke and the Fine Craft of Building 17th and 18th Century Furniture with Craig Farrow. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 10am-4pm – BOTANY/CHRYSANTHEMUMS: It might be chilly outside, but Smith College’s greenhouses in Northampton are bursting with color this time of year! Annually, with November comes The Botanic Garden of Smith College’s Fall Chrysanthemum Show, a living exhibition filled with colorful mums of all shapes and sizes. (Some as large as eight inches across!) Budding botanists will love exploring the greenhouse and inspecting blossoms to learn about chrysanthemums. Visitors to the show can use a stroll through the flowers as a way to support the learning of all kinds, particularly within the realm of science. Exploring the many different blossoms can help learners to understand diversity amongst plant life – especially when they keep in mind that technically, though some blossoms may look drastically different from each other, they are all variations of the same kind of flower. Add some math to your visit by counting how many flowers you see of each color, shape, or size, and perhaps create some basic statistics to accompany your data analysis. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 10am-5pm – OPEN STUDIOS: Eastworks Open Studios. Every November Eastworks hosts an open studios event. Come see artists, designers, shops, performance spaces, non-profit spaces, and more. Meet celebrated artists and artisans in many media, learn about their processes, and shop local and handmade. There will be yoga and dance demonstrations, info sessions, performances, and talks as well. This is a great chance to see what goes on inside some of Eastworks’ many studios and spaces! Eastworks. 413-527-1000. 116 Pleasant Street. Easthampton, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 11am – CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/CRAFTS: A book signing and make-and-take craft event. Art Sparks: Draw, Paint, Make, and Get Creative with 53 Amazing Projects! by Summer Art Barn founder, Marion Abrams, and Summer Art Barn Assistant Director, Hilary Emerson Lay. This event is family friendly, and will include hands-on art activities for kids and adults of every age! Hatfield Public Library. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street, Hatfield, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 1-4:30pm – DANCE STUDIES/SWEDISH DANCE – Fall Slängpolska–Scandi–Waltz Celebration. Afternoon learning and dancing slängpolska, a wonderful gender-neutral Swedish dance. This celebration is also a prime opportunity for listening and dancing to nyckelharpa playing, slängpolska workshop, open dancing, and delicious Swedish snacks. Guiding Star Grange. 401 Chapman St, Greenfield MA.
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3
Sunday, November 3, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of “Art in the Orchard,” a biennal orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing “Culture into Horticulutre,” the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Sunday, November 3 – LOCAL FOOD/CIDER: Western Massachusetts’ fall festival season concludes with the annual Franklin County CiderDays. A weekend jam-packed with educational opportunities, tastings, tours, and more, CiderDays spotlights the tradition of cider-making in Franklin County by honoring the history of the art in local communities and bringing cider-makers together to share the tips, tricks, and taste of the trade. While some CiderDays events require tickets to be purchased in advance, many tastings, tours, and other events are free and open to all ages – and all require a visit to the beautiful hills of the northeastern corner of the region. Find out more at www.ciderdays.org. Franklin County.
Sunday, November 3, All Day – CULINARY ARTS/PUMPKIN PIE: There are so many different uses for pumpkins! One of America’s oldest native crops, modern day uses include carving as ornaments for Halloween, prepared as pies, and highlighted as the main attraction in agricultural fairs (largest pumpkin contests) and fall festivals (pumpkin roll & pumpkin games). Needless to say, pumpkins are an integrated part of our fall traditions in Western MA. Self-directed and lifelong learners can find out how pumpkin can support an interest in pastry arts and Colonial History through seasonal pies in our post, How Pumpkin Pies Support Interests & Education.
Sunday, November 3, 9am-3pm – TEXTILE ARTS/NEW ENGLAND HERITAGE: New England was the center of the American textile industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. We can still see the impact of this industry on the land, in the stone walls in the middle of the forests that were once cleared for merino sheep to graze, in the old mill buildings that can be found in every town in the area. What could be a better place to celebrate wool and fiber arts? The Fiber Festival of New England is coming to town, with a weekend full of workshops, demonstrations, and some of the best fiber art vendors from throughout New England. For a full list of events, visit The Fiber Festival of New England. Mallary Complex at Eastern States Exposition. 413-737-2443. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 10am-4pm – HORTICULTURE/FLOWERS: “Chrysanthemum” is a beautiful word for an equally beautiful family of flowers. The word is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower), though it refers to many different types of flowers in a range of colors and appearances. You can explore various chrysanthemums at The Botanic Garden of Smith College’s Fall Chrysanthemum Show. The Fall Mum Show has been a popular college and community tradition since the early 1900s and showcases the hybridizing experiments of the horticulture class. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 12-5pm – OPEN STUDIOS: Eastworks Open Studios. Every November Eastworks hosts an open studios event. Come see artists, designers, shops, performance spaces, non-profit spaces, and more. Meet celebrated artists and artisans in many media, learn about their processes, and shop local and handmade. There will be yoga and dance demonstrations, info sessions, performances, and talks as well. This is a great chance to see what goes on inside some of Eastworks’ many studios and spaces! Eastworks. 413-527-1000. 116 Pleasant Street. Easthampton, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 2-10pm – FOLK DANCING/FUNDRAISER: Annual Fall Frolic, hosted by The Friends of Greenfield Dance, is an 8-hour community event with contra dancing, waltzing, music, a live caller, and friends! A substance-free/scent-free, intergenerational event to raise funds for the Friends group.Guiding Star Grange. 401 Chapman St, Greenfield MA.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Monday, November 4, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of “Art in the Orchard,” a biennal orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing “Culture into Horticulutre,” the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Monday, November 4, 10am-4pm – PLANT STUDIES/FLOWERS: Smith College’s Lyman Conservatory is in bloom this month for the annual Fall Chrysanthemum Show! Visitors to the greenhouses can learn about genetic diversity amongst plants and plant hybridization while viewing the beautiful flowers, which can be up to eight inches across. Even the most amateur botanists will love the wide variety of color, pattern, shape, and size seen amongst the blooms. Read more in our post, Fall Chrysanthemum Show at Smith Offers Community-Based Learning. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Monday, November 4, 4:30pm – LANGUAGE ARTS/WORD 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, joing the Scrabble Club for a monthly meet-up and game of Scrabble! Open to everyone, fun is the primary goal. Lily Library. 413-587-1500.19 Meadow Street, Florence, MA.
Monday, November 4, 5-7:30pm – COMMUNITY MEAL/FUNDRAISER:Soup and Games Night. Hope & Olive Restaurant. 413-774-3150. 44 Hope St, Greenfield, MA.
Monday, November 4, 6:30-8pm – PARENT SUPPORT/ADHD: Northampton Area Pediatrics host a monthly Valley ADHD Parent Support Group. Join other area parents and caregivers to: Receive ADHD information and support; Be heard without being judged; Hear how others cope with similar issues and challenges; Learn about local resources for families; Hear from area specialists on pertinent topics; Learn new strategies to try at home; Leave feeling empowered and hopeful. Light refreshments will be available. ValleyADHDfamilies@gmail.com. Northampton Area Pediatrics. 413-584-8700193. Locust St., Northampton, MA.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5
Tuesday, November 5, 10am-4pm – BOTANY/CHRYSANTHEMUMS: It might be chilly outside, but Smith College’s greenhouses in Northampton are bursting with color this time of year! Annually, with November comes The Botanic Garden of Smith College’s Fall Chrysanthemum Show, a living exhibition filled with colorful mums of all shapes and sizes. (Some as large as eight inches across!) Budding botanists will love exploring the greenhouse and inspecting blossoms to learn about chrysanthemums. Visitors to the show can use a stroll through the flowers as a way to support the learning of all kinds, particularly within the realm of science. Exploring the many different blossoms can help learners to understand diversity amongst plant life – especially when they keep in mind that technically, though some blossoms may look drastically different from each other, they are all variations of the same kind of flower. Add some math to your visit by counting how many flowers you see of each color, shape, or size, and perhaps create some basic statistics to accompany your data analysis. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Tuesday, November 5, 4:30-5:30pm – YO-YO/PHYSICS: Learn the art of modern yoyo at the A2Z Science & Learning Store in downtown Northampton! Professional yoyo players teach FREE classes 3 days a week in the back of the store. Start by learning the basics with classic tricks like “Rock the Baby” or “Around the World” and then get ready to take it to the next level with modern yo-yos that feature ball bearings for long spin time and truly next level string tricks that will amaze! Great for ages 7 and up. No advanced sign up is required. (Great for parent and child to do together!) YoYo School happens every Tues, Fri, & Sat, 4:30-5:30pm. For changes or questions, visit www.A2ZScience.com or contact Contact@A2ZScience.com, or call 413-586-1611.
Tuesday, November 5, 6:30-7:30pm – MUSIC STUDIES/FLUTES:Northampton Flutes. The Northampton Flute Trio will be performing using a variety of flutes. Their music covers many genres Broadway, Baroque, modern, Irish, and more. Opportunity to discover different varieties of flutes through experiential learning and listening. Whately Library. 413-665-2170. 202 Chestnut Plain Road. Whately, MA.
PET FOSTERING SERVICE DOGS: Helping to provide much needed support for humans, service dogs are truly some of man’s best friends. Local families can engage in service-based learning by fostering future service dogs, giving them a loving home while helping to support their training. Information sessions are held weekly for interested local families! Read more in our post, Fostering Service Dogs: Service-Based Learning for Animal Lovers!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6
Wednesday, November 6, 10am-4pm – HORTICULTURE/FLOWERS: “Chrysanthemum” is a beautiful word for an equally beautiful family of flowers. The word is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower), though it refers to many different types of flowers in a range of colors and appearances. You can explore various chrysanthemums at The Botanic Garden of Smith College’s Fall Chrysanthemum Show. The Fall Mum Show has been a popular college and community tradition since the early 1900s and showcases the hybridizing experiments of the horticulture class. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Wednesday, November 6, 6:30-8pm – NATIVE AMERICAN/ABENAKI: An Evening of Abenaki Stories, Music, and Language. For over 10,000 years, Native Americans tribes maintained an ecologically vibrant settlement on the banks of the Connecticut River in Greenfield near the Great Falls. As our present-day culture faces climate catastrophe, we ask: “How did they manage that?” The Bruchac family of storytellers are among the best traditional Native American teachers, and the public is invited to hear Jesse Bruchac share Abenaki stories and music. A Nulhegan Abenaki Citizen, Jesse’s performance art weaves the telling of traditional stories with flute music, drums, and playful language games to share a glimpse of Northeastern Native American culture with audiences of all ages. The event is free; family-friendly. 413-475-3605. Great Falls Discovery Center. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7
Thursday, November 7, 10am-4pm – PLANT STUDIES/FLOWERS: Smith College’s Lyman Conservatory is in bloom this month for the annual Fall Chrysanthemum Show! Visitors to the greenhouses can learn about genetic diversity amongst plants and plant hybridization while viewing the beautiful flowers, which can be up to eight inches across. Even the most amateur botanists will love the wide variety of color, pattern, shape, and size seen amongst the blooms. Read more in our post, Fall Chrysanthemum Show at Smith Offers Community-Based Learning. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 10am-4pm – BOTANY: The Durfee Conservatory, located on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus and established in 1867, has a rich history. Tucked away in a hustling and bustling campus of over 25,000 students, this greenhouse complex is a sanctuary of calm and serenity. Greenhouses include Bonsai-Camellia, Epiphyte/Vine, Tropical, and Succulents. Durfee Conservatory. 413-545-5234. 210 Stockbridge Road. Amherst, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 10am-8pm – ART STUDIES/AFRICAN ART: ObjectHistories: From the African Continent to the Smith College Museum of Art Galleries.This special installation, drawn from the SCMA collection, traces the unique histories of over twenty of the Museum’s most important works of African art. New research has connected artists with objects that were previously unattributed, while the roles of collectors and donors are examined in conjunction with the objects’ own cultural histories and meanings. The Smith College Museum of Art began collecting African art in 1939, with the acquisition of a ceremonial axe made by the Luba people in the present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, the collection has grown to over two hundred pieces of sculpture, textile, painting, photography and video. Dating primarily to the 20th and 21st centuries, the collection continues to expand in the areas of photography, mixed media and video as well as sculptural objects. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 5:30-7pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Northampton Parent Café Series: Being a Great Parent is Part Natural & Part Learned. Information and ideas that help us take care of ourselves, build strong relationships with our kids, and raise children who thrive. Sunnyside Early Childhood Center. 413-587-1471. 557 Easthampton Rd. Northampton, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 7pm – GEOGRAPHY/METEOROLOGY: Bitter cold, dense fog, heavy snow, and record winds: Mount Washington is known worldwide for its unpredictable and dangerous weather. For a mountain its size, why is Mt. Washington called the “Home of the World’s Worst Weather”? Learn the answers at “Tales from Mount Washington, Home of the World’s Worst Weather.” Join Mount Washington Observatory’s Will Broussard for an investigation into the unique life and work of weather observers stationed at the observatory year-round. Explore how the mountain’s weather works and what it can tell us about New England’s weather patterns. This program will include interactive demonstrations, weather instruments, stunning photography, and video footage from the summit and is appropriate for adults and children alike. Woodbury Room of the Jones Library. 413-259-3223. 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA. Jones Library. 413-259-3223.43 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8
Friday, November 8, 10am-8pm – BOTANY/CHRYSANTHEMUMS: It might be chilly outside, but Smith College’s greenhouses in Northampton are bursting with color this time of year! Annually, with November comes The Botanic Garden of Smith College’s Fall Chrysanthemum Show, a living exhibition filled with colorful mums of all shapes and sizes. (Some as large as eight inches across!) Budding botanists will love exploring the greenhouse and inspecting blossoms to learn about chrysanthemums. Visitors to the show can use a stroll through the flowers as a way to support the learning of all kinds, particularly within the realm of science. Exploring the many different blossoms can help learners to understand diversity amongst plant life – especially when they keep in mind that technically, though some blossoms may look drastically different from each other, they are all variations of the same kind of flower. Add some math to your visit by counting how many flowers you see of each color, shape, or size, and perhaps create some basic statistics to accompany your data analysis. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Friday, November 8, 4-8pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Smith College Museum of Art Second Friday hands-on art-making for all ages, inspired by works on view. Combine drawing and collage on round forms to express your vision of geographies inspired by climate justice and equity after exploring Torkwase Dyson’s artwork Scalar Scalar (#3 Gulf of Mexico-Extraction-Black) on the Lower Level of the Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Bernardston, Chester, Heath, Montgomery, Pelham, Rowe, South Hadley, Amherst, Hatfield, Russell, Shutesbury, and Springfield Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
