Hilltown Families 
100+ Suggested Events in Western MA: November 2-15, 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
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.
Open Houses: Nov 9 & 14
Imagine a school that values and encourages the unique qualities of your child: The Hartsbrook School provides just that, with warmth and attentiveness. Children’s imagination and empathy are awakened through the rich curriculum. Deep academic inquiry, plenty of outside time, music and art in everyday learning, active land stewardship, and a culture of compassion Discover how meaningful a school experience can be and enjoy a vibrant, active parent community. Upcoming open houses: Saturday, November 9th 10am-12noon (pre-K thru 8th grade) and Thursday, November 14th (high school) 5-6:30pm. 193 Bay Road, Hadley, 413-586-1908, www.hartsbrook.org
Nov 9
It’s WGBY Kids Fan Day on Saturday, November 9, from 10am-3pm at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA! Join WGBY for a full day of all things PBS KIDS featuring live character visits from Curious George, Clifford, and The Big Red Dog, along with the Springfield Museums’ The Cat in the Hat. Get a sneak peek of PBS KIDS new show, “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum.” Chris Eliopoulos, Co-creator, Executive Producer and Illustrator, will talk about the show and present a drawing workshop for kids. Free kid-sized ice cream with every ticket courtesy of Friendly’s. Proceeds benefit educational public television in western New England.
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.
6 Week Program
Six-Week Ski & Snowboard After-School & Homeschool Program at Ski Blandford in Blandford, MA. Designed for the novice through the advanced, ages 6-17. Learn the basics and develop skills by purchasing the whole package! Packages include lift tickets, rentals, helmet, and lessons. Or, build-your-own custom package! Lessons are one hour long, once a week. An After-School Program is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and a Homeschool Program is available during the day on Wednesdays and Fridays. Costs of the program: $90 Lift Tickets; $90 Rentals; $120 Lessons; and $40 Helmet. For more info or to register: www.skiblandford.com; office@skiblandford.com; 413-848-2860. Build confidence, have fun with friends, and make lifelong memories!
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
November 2-15, 2019
Saturday, Nov 2 • Sunday, Nov 3
Monday, Nov 4 • Tuesday, Nov 5 • Wednesday, Nov 6
Thursday, Nov 7 • Friday, Nov 8
Saturday, Nov 9 • Sunday, Nov 10
Monday, Nov 11 • Tuesday, Nov 12 • Wednesday, Nov 13
Thursday, Nov 14 • Friday, Nov 15
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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, NOVEMBER 2
Saturday, November 2, 9-10am – FAMILY RADIO/FRIENDSHIP: HFVS Best Friend Episode with Guest DJ, Kid Pan Alley. In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Kid Pan Alley features songs from their newest album, “Best Friends,” as well as songs from some of their favorite children’s music artists about this very subject. Tune in and feel inspired and rejuvenated with a collection of great new songs to enjoy with your family and friends. 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!
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.
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, 10:15am-12:15pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/NATIVE AMERICAN: Grandmother Teachings with Grandmother Nancy Ardry, a traditional native healer and storyteller, a Sundancer and a Sacred Pipe carrier, and an acknowledged elder and grandmother in her Canadian communities. Grandmother Nancy will share the Seven Grandfather Teachings and will speak about the sacredness of trees. There will be time for questions and conversation. For childcare, RSVP with number & ages of children: email@racialjusticerising.org. First Congregational Church of Greenfield, UCC. 43 Silver St. Greenfield, 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, 12noon-4:30pm – PALAEOGRAPHY/COLONIAL HISTORY: Palaeography is the study of historical handwriting. Explore this interest further during “Written by Hand: The Art and Fun of Writing with a Quill Pen” at Historic Deerfield in the History Workshop Building. Learn to write with a quill pen. Practice cursive or printing with a goose quill, write on special “aged” paper using Historic Deerfield’s ink and take home a writing sample! Learn about the ingredients of ink, how quill pens were made and sharpened and read some quill pen writing from Historic Deerfield’s manuscript collection. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, 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.
Saturday, November 2, 2-3:30pm – WOMEN’S HISTORY: Short Skirts, Oh My! A History of Women’s Rights. When Abigail Adams begged her husband to “remember the ladies” in drafting a new code of laws, John wrote back that he “could not but laugh” at her extraordinary suggestion. Less than 150 years later, women were working, voting, and experiencing the first taste of freedoms unheard of just a generation earlier. In this talk, Anne Barrett traces the exciting social and historical milestones in the fight for women’s rights. Jones Library. 413-259-3223. 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA. Jones Library. 413-259-3223.43 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 7:30pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they’ll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother’s fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of “class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education.”Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA. ($$$)
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3
Sunday, November 3, 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 Horticulture,” 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, 1-3:30pm – FASHION/BUTTONS: Do you have your grandmother’s button box? Would you like to learn some of the stories of these? Or do you have a favorite button that you would like to know about? Does it have some monetary value? The Gauthiers are long-time button collectors. George began collecting buttons because his late wife, Joy, had inherited a large jar of buttons and began sorting them. The Gauthier’s have been judging buttons at state, regional, and local competitions for many years. They have helped clean and record collections at the Keep Museum. While people are waiting to have their buttons appraised, they will be free to roam the Museum that has one of the largest button collections in the US. In addition, there is the furniture, collections, photos of the Keep Family that lived in the house for over 150 years. All are welcome, whether or not they have buttons to be appraised. Keep Homestead Museum. 413-267-4137. 35 Ely Rd. Monson, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 2pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they’ll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother’s fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of “class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education.”Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, 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.
Sunday, November 3, 4pm – MUSIC STUDIES/CHORAL: Join the PVS Chorus and Chamber Choir for ANIMALIA: A choral celebration of the animal kingdom, a program of choral works inspired by animals. Reception following the performance. Second Congregational Church. 16 Court Square. Greenfield, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 4pm – MUSIC STUDIES/FLAMENCO: Juanito Pascual Trio back for another music and dance concert. Virtuoso flamenco guitarist/composer/improviser Juanito Pascual has been called “one of the hottest flamenco guitarists in recent years.” His sound is a truly organic blend of mastery of traditional and contemporary flamenco. Joining the Trio is renowned flamenco dancer Nelida Tirado, bringing the fire and passion of flamenco tradition while embracing the evolving nature of this vibrant art form. Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 4-7pm – PUPPET SHOW/FAMILY NIGHT: Family Fun Night with Tom Knight Puppets! Bring the whole family; everyone is welcome. If you can, bring a dish to share or just show up! Playtime (4-7pm), Optional Potluck (4:30pm), Puppet Show (5:30pm). Northampton Parents Center. 413-582-2636. 297 Main Street, Lower Level, Northampton, MA.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4
Monday, November 4, 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.
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, 11am – AYURVEDA/MEDICINE: Ayurveda 101, a 6-week series. The term ‘Ayurveda’ literally translates to “life-knowledge” in Sanskrit. This enormous body of wisdom dates back more than three thousand years and has been well-preserved in contemporary Indian practices and has been embraced by the global alternative health movement. It is thought that up to 80 percent of the population of India use some form of traditional, ayurvedic medicine. The central principle of Ayurveda is balance. As a holistic health modality, Ayurveda explores the ways that the body systems function together. Whatever the body experiences is likely to be felt in various ways. For example, ancient ayurvedic texts suggest that suppressing a sneeze may result in shoulder pain. Another central tenet of ayurvedic thinking is the existence of three distinct types of bodily energy or ‘doshas,’ which, when out of balance, can impact the body in negative ways. The fundamental concept that imbalance in the body leads to disease is widely accepted, even in conventional Western medicine. As winter recedes and spring approaches, this is a perfect time to rebalance your body. If you are interested in learning more about how to apply Ayurveda in your own life, in a 6-week series on how Ayurveda, otherwise known as the “science of life,” can help to improve digestion, increase energy, lose weight and live a more balanced and healthier life. Serenity Yoga. 413-563-3678. 17 College St. South Hadley, MA.
Monday, November 4, 12:30pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they’ll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother’s fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of “class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education.”Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, 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.
Wednesday, November 6, 7pm – ORNITHOLOGY/NATIVE SPECIES: The Birds of Quabbin, an unforgettable slideshow by Peter Christoph. Peter shares his experiences looking for wildlife at the beautiful and pristine Quabbin Reservoir. A rich diversity of birds call the Quabbin their home, the main attraction being the common loon and their babies that nest here. Learn about the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir, including a glimpse into the lost towns, which gave way to this unlikely wilderness area. Peter Christoph is a well-known wildlife advocate, naturalist, and award-winning bird photographer based in Massachusetts. Clapp Memorial Library. 413-323-0417. 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, 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, 5-8pm – OPEN MIC/LANGUAGE ARTS: November Amherst Arts Night Plus: Open Mic and Artists. Join the Emily Dickinson Museum during Amherst Arts Night Plus for their monthly Open Mic. Poets, writers, and performers of any kind are welcome. Come early to view the pop-up, contemporary art exhibition in the Homestead by their featured artist. The open mic begins at 6pm and will be followed by a featured reader. Those who would like to share their work should arrive between 5-6pm to sign up. Emily Dickinson Museum. 413-542-8161. 280 Main St, Amherst, 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.
Thursday, November 7, 7:30pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they’ll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother’s fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of “class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education.”Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, 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.
Friday, November 8, 7:30pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they’ll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother’s fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of “class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education.”Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9
Saturday, November 9, 10am-12noon – SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE/PreK-8: Imagine a school that values and encourages the unique qualities of your child: The Hartsbrook School provides just that, with warmth and attentiveness. Children’s imagination and empathy are awakened through the rich curriculum. Deep academic inquiry, plenty of outside time, music and art in everyday learning, active land stewardship, and a culture of compassion Discover how meaningful a school experience can be and enjoy a vibrant, active parent community. Upcoming open houses: Saturday, November 9th 10am-12noon (pre-K thru 8th grade) and Thursday, November 14th (high school) 5-6:30pm. 193 Bay Road, Hadley, 413-586-1908, www.hartsbrook.org
Saturday, November 9, 10-11am – BIOLOGY/SEEDS: Saturday Family Science: Tons of Seeds. Even the largest oak tree begins its life as a tiny seed. For this Saturday Science, children with their guardian will be learning all about seeds, what they need, and the tricks plants use to keep them safe and spread them far and wide. Hitchcock Center for the Environment. 413-256-6006, 845 West St, Amherst, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-1pm – LOCAL HISTORY/GUIDED HIKE: The Ruins on Mt. Tom: A Hike Into History Eyrie House Ruins by Paul Cooper. Have you ever wondered about the structures that graced the summit of Mount Nonutuck, the most northerly peak on the Mt. Tom range? Carl Libucha will lead a hike to explore the extensive Eyrie House ruins, which have captured the imagination of all who have visited them. Carl has spent the past 10 years exploring the area and researching the history of this part of the Mount Tom Range, and he has built a scale model of the Eyrie House Complex. He will guide participants through an exploration of the old hotel foundations, the remains of the old ice house and well, and give a taste of the grandeur of times past. Meet at the Visitors Center, hike the McCool Trail to the ruins, the New England Trail to Dry Knoll with spectacular views of the iconic Oxbow and Berkshire Hills, and head back by way of the Beau Bridges Trail. This will be a moderate to challenging 4-mile hike. Best for teens and adults. Registration is required. The event is free for participants, though donations are welcome. (Rain date is Sunday, November 10). Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-3pm – WGBY KIDS FAN DAY: It’s WGBY Kids Fan Day at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA! Join WGBY for a full day of all things PBS KIDS featuring live character visits from Curious George, Clifford, and The Big Red Dog, along with the Springfield Museums’ The Cat in the Hat. Get a sneak peek of PBS KIDS new show, “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum.” Chris Eliopoulos, Co-creator, Executive Producer and Illustrator, will talk about the show and present a drawing workshop for kids. Free kid-sized ice cream with every ticket courtesy of Friendly’s. Proceeds benefit educational public television in western New England. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 1000 Hall of Fame Ave. Springfield, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-3:30pm – MUSIC STUDIES/SACRED HARP: Berkshire Foothills All-Day Singing at the Granville Old Meeting House. All are welcome! Basic childcare will be provided. Please bring a dish to share if you can. After the singing, all are invited to meet at Gran-Val Scoop for ice cream and conversation. 683 Main Rd, Granville, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-3pm – VETERANS DAY/AVIATION: The New England Air Museum will hold its annual Veterans Day program, A Tribute to our Veterans, Servicemen & Servicewomen. Visitors to the Museum will have the opportunity to meet and talk one-on-one with veterans of military conflicts. Included in the program will be WWII re-enactors, representatives from Soldier On (an organization committed to ending veteran homelessness), and the Connecticut Veterans Affairs Office. Visitors are encouraged to bring new personal hygiene products that will be donated to a local veterans’ home. Children can also create a holiday card for our veterans. New England Air Museum. 860-623-3305. 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT.
Saturday, November 9, 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.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-5pm – OPEN STUDIOS: Shop local and handmade at the annual Arts & Industries Open Studios and Holiday Sale. Over 50 local artists and artisans open up their studios inviting in the public to see their work, ask questions about their process, and to purchase handmade gifts for the holidays and themselves. It’s also a great opportunity to check out this former toothbrush-factory -turned-artist-studio building! Brushworks Arts & Industry. 413-586-7939. 221 Pine Street. Florence, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 11am-1pm – STEM/ROBOTICS: Intro to Robotics. Learn about robots – how they are made and what robots do in the world today. Find out about self-driving cars and build your own car with the EV3 robotics kit. Program your car to drive through the streets on a challenge mat. Then add code to use the color sensor so the car can drive itself. Ages: 7+. Contact Moira Cranshaw at the library for registration. Emily Williston Memorial Library. 413-527-1031. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 12-4:30pm – HISTORY/QUILL PEN WRITING: Written by Hand: The Art and Fun of Writing with a Quill Pen. Come to the History Workshop at Historic Deerfield and learn to write with a quill pen. Practice cursive or printing with a goose quill, write on special “aged” paper using their ink, and take home your writing sample! Learn about the ingredients of ink, how quill pens were made and sharpened, and read some quill pen writing from Historic Deerfield’s Manuscript Collection. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 1-2pm – ORNITHOLOGY/BIRDS OF PREY: Live Birds of Prey Program with Tom Ricardi. See the raptors up close and personal with Tom Ricardi, a licensed rehabilitator and wildlife biologist. Tom provides an educational presentation on their lives and habitats as well as conservation. You may see a golden eagle, a turkey vulture, a peregrine falcon, and hawks and owls. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 2pm & 7:30pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they’ll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother’s fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of “class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education.”Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 7pm & 9pm: THEATER PROJECT/SHORT PLAYS: The 24 Hour Theater Project. In a dramatic race against time, five short plays will be brought to life all within a 24 hour period! While the premise is simple, the execution is anything but: within 24 hours, five ten-minute plays will be written, rehearsed, directed, produced, and staged. The culmination of this day-long burst of creativity are two public performances, often standing-room-only, showcasing local writers, actors, and directors. The time-limited and adrenaline-filled process begins on Friday evening, when five playwrights meet to draw cards with unnamed actors descriptions out of a hat. Once they have their cast information, the playwrights have 12 hours to create a ten-minute play. In the morning, they hand off their scripts to five directors who then read the script for the first time, gather their actors, and spend the next 10 hours rehearsing, while others father props, costumes, and set pieces. “The Northampton 24 Hour Theater Project is not just about the plays that come and go,” noted director Susanna Apgar, “it’s about building the Valley’s theater community by growing our relationships with one another, and with our audience.” Performances will be held at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10
Sunday, November 10, 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, November 10, 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.
Sunday, November 10, 10am-5pm – OPEN STUDIOS: Shop local and handmade at the annual Arts & Industries Open Studios and Holiday Sale. Over 50 local artists and artisans open up their studios inviting in the public to see their work, ask questions about their process, and to purchase handmade gifts for the holidays and themselves. It’s also a great opportunity to check out this former toothbrush-factory -turned-artist-studio building! Brushworks Arts & Industry. 413-586-7939. 221 Pine Street. Florence, MA.
Sunday, November 10, 4-5:30pm – PARENTING/HEALTH & WELLNESS: Northampton Area Pediatrics Parenting Workshop: Striking the Right Balance: How to Make Healthy Eating and Exercise a Part of your Busy Life, with Jennifer Allen, Director of Wellness at the HRYMCA and pediatrician, Kristen Deschene MD. Kids are home from school, raiding the snack cabinet while you rush to get dinner together before racing out the door for their evening activities – sound familiar? Come to an afternoon of collaboration and hands-on activities sharing challenges and possible solutions for supporting children who may struggle with elevated BMI and are working on strategies to keep their weight in a healthy range. 193 Locust St., Northampton. Childcare will be provided for this workshop. Please RSVP for both the workshop and childcare. Northampton Area Pediatrics. 413-584-8700. 193. Locust St., Northampton, MA.
Sunday, November 10, 4-6pm – CHILDREN’S LITERATURE/RECEPTION: 30th Children’s Illustration Celebration. We are fortunate to have some of the most beloved children’s literature authors and illustrators right here in the Valley, including Jane Yolen and Mo Willems. Of course, we also have the nation’s first museum solely dedicated to picture book art. Join the Eric Carle Museum, R. Michelson Galleries, and some of our area’s amazing writers and illustrators for the Annual Children’s Illustration Celebration! R. Michelson Galleries. 132 Main Street, Northampton, MA.
Monday, November 11
Monday, November 11, 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 12
Tuesday, November 12, 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.
Tuesday, November 12, 1–2:20pm – MUSIC STUDIES/DRUM: The Instrument of Our Time: Live Performance and Lecture by Percussionist Justin Alexander. Drawing inspiration from American jazz, South Indian Carnatic music, and Indonesian gamelan, Alexander offers a program highlighting the soloistic aspects of the drum set, which he dubs “the percussion instrument of our time.” Discussion will follow. This program is presented in collaboration with “Experiencing Music,” a course taught by Amherst College Associate Professor of Music, Darryl Harper. Mead Art Museum. 413-542-2335. 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA.
Tuesday, November 12, 6pm – ENTOMOLOGY/ BEEKEEPING: Join local beekeepers for a season-appropriate discussion and demonstration using the Berkshire Botanical Garden apiary. Focus on sustainable beekeeping techniques: raising and sourcing bees locally, managing pests and diseases ecologically, and creating beneficial habitats for honeybees and native pollinators alike. New to beekeeping? Learn how to get started with your first hives. Are you a seasoned beekeeper? Your experience and knowledge will be invaluable to others in the group! 413-357-4657. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
Wednesday, November 13, 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.
Wednesday, November 13, 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.
Wednesday, November 13, 1–2:20pm – LGBT HISTORY/MUSIC STUDIES: Facade of the Stonewall Inn. The Sounds of Stonewall. All are invited to honor the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots with a live performance by the Amherst College Concert Choir and Choral Society. Join in for an evening of musical selections inspired by tunes that played on the jukebox at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 and by contemporary LGBT composers. Mead Art Museum. 413-542-2335. 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14
Thursday, November 14, 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.
Thursday, November 14, 5-6:30pm – SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE/HIGH SCHOOL: Imagine a school that values and encourages the unique qualities of your child: The Hartsbrook School provides just that, with warmth and attentiveness. Children’s imagination and empathy are awakened through the rich curriculum. Deep academic inquiry, plenty of outside time, music and art in everyday learning, active land stewardship, and a culture of compassion Discover how meaningful a school experience can be and enjoy a vibrant, active parent community. 193 Bay Road, Hadley, 413-586-1908, www.hartsbrook.org
Thursday, November 14, 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 14, 6-8pm – ART STUDIES/PASTELS: Leyden Cultural Council Offers a Monet inspired hands-on art workshop, “Sail Away on the Craft of Pastel Painting,” with Pastelist Gregory John Maichack. This pastel painting workshop is designed for beginners to experienced artists to create your own pastel painting. In this new, highly researched two-hour workshop, participants will freely experiment with hundreds of the artist’s professional-grade pastels, pastel pencils, and pastel paper, creating a painting in their own style, realistic or Impressionistic, in this fun pastel painting workshop. Leyden Town Hall. Leyden, MA.
Thursday, November 14, 7pm: MUSICAL THEATER/FAMILY FRIENDLY: Once Upon a Mattress. If you thought you knew the story of “The Princess and The Pea,” you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken’s love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn’t the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, Once Upon a Mattress is a rollicking spin on the familiar classic and provides for some side-splitting shenanigans! Chances are you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. Family friendly for all ages. The show is being presented by the Black Cat Theater and performances will be held at South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street, South Hadley, MA ($$)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15
Friday, November 15, 10am-8pm – HORTICULTURE/FLOWERS: “Chrysanthemum” is a beautiful word for an equally beautiful family of flowers. The word is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower), though it refers to many different types of flowers in a range of colors and appearances. You can explore various chrysanthemums at The Botanic Garden of Smith College’s Fall Chrysanthemum Show. The Fall Mum Show has been a popular college and community tradition since the early 1900s and showcases the hybridizing experiments of the horticulture class. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Friday, November 15, 7pm: MUSICAL THEATER/FAMILY FRIENDLY: Once Upon a Mattress. If you thought you knew the story of “The Princess and The Pea,” you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken’s love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn’t the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, Once Upon a Mattress is a rollicking spin on the familiar classic and provides for some side-splitting shenanigans! Chances are you’ll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. Family friendly for all ages. The show is being presented by the Black Cat Theater and performances will be held at South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street, South Hadley, MA ($$)
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.
