Hilltown Families 
100+ Suggested Events in Western MA: November 9-22, 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 9
It’s WGBY Kids Fan Dayon 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.
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 29 – Dec 31
Springfield Museums, home of The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss, invites you to celebrate with the Gingerbread: Hollywood and the Holidays exhibit and Family Fun Holiday Happenings/Countdown to Christmas from November 29 through December 31, 2019. An annual event, the Gingerbread exhibit puts everyone in the holiday spirit. Gingerbread features a multitude of artistic culinary creations accented by creative murals, festively decorated trees, and other enchanting elements. Stop in also to view Sweet: A Tasty Journey for a history of candy and a chance to experience hands-on FUN while learning. And don’t forget to visit the Grinch, the beloved curmudgeon who helps us all remember, “Maybe Christmas means just a little bit more!”
Nov 29
On Friday, November 29th, the New England Air Museum will host jolly St. Nick! Come and have a “Selfie with Santa” aboard a Sikorsky Seaguard helicopter between 11am and 12noon. Santa is not coming empty-handed – his bag will be filled with a special gift for each child. Also, the museum will be conducting its popular “Behind the Scenes” Tour, which allows visitors to take a close-up look at some of the current restoration projects, including the wide-bodied Burnelli CBY-3 Loadmaster, Kaman HOK-1 helicopter, some vintage engines, and more. Tours start at 10:30am (the last tour begins at 2:30pm). Learn more about this and other programs and events at www.NEAM.org. New England Air Museum. 860-623-3305. 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT.
Dec 7
Winter Fair! An alternative to traditional holiday buying, this fun and participatory Winter Fair on Dec. 7, 10am-3pm, at the Hilltown Cooperative Charter Public School in Easthampton offers a chance to create homemade gifts and enjoy crafting, musical performances and delicious food! Many crafts use recycled and natural materials – including fairy houses, full-sized wreaths, jewelry, herbal sachets, and more. HCCPS is a public school serving grades K-8 and emphasizing an arts-integrated approach. There is no tuition; admission is by lottery for students in Hampshire and Franklin counties. All proceeds from the Fair support the school’s library and educational programs. For information about the Fair or the school: www.hilltowncharter.org
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 9-22, 2019
Saturday, Nov 9 • Sunday, Nov 10
Monday, Nov 11 • Tuesday, Nov 12 • Wednesday, Nov 13
Thursday, Nov 14 • Friday, Nov 15
Saturday, Nov 16 • Sunday, Nov 17
Monday, Nov 18 • Tuesday, Nov 19 • Wednesday, Nov 20
Thursday, Nov 21 • Friday, Nov 22
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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 9
Saturday, November 9, 9-10am – FAMILY RADIO/FRIENDSHIP: HFVS Being Bilingual Rocks! Episode with Guest DJ, Hamlet Meneses of Mi Amigo Hamlet. Being Bilingual Rocks! is what musician-educator Hamlet Meneses (a.k.a. Mi Amigo Hamlet) is all about. In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, he shares a great variety of bilingual songs from his bilingual friends, as well as other artists who have influenced and inspired some of his songwriting. 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, November 9, 9:30am-4pm – FOOD HISTORY: New England Thanksgiving. During November, Old Sturbridge Village’s costumed historians will be preparing for Thanksgiving – the biggest holiday of the year in early 19th-century New England. In particular, you can learn about the many foods that would have been prepared, even weeks in advance. Old Sturbridge Village. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA.
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 – PLANT STUDIES/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, 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 – SPORTS/HOCKEY: Starting a new sport can be intimidating at first. Boys and girls ages 4-9, with or without skating experience, are invited to try hockey risk-free! The Amherst Hockey Association hosts this free day of hockey for kids at the UMass Mullins Center Community Rink. Skate rentals are free. Please bring winter gloves and a bicycle or a hockey helmet. For more information or register, visit Amherst Hockey Association website. UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave, Amherst, 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, 4:30pm – LGBTQ/LOCAL HISTORY: Lesbian/Gay Liberation in 1982 to LGBTQ Rights Today, a public talk by J.M. Sorrell, Social Justice Activist, Trainer and Writer. J.M. Sorrell will tell the nearly forty-year-long story of Northampton Pride. In 1982, a small group of local and student activists organized the first annual Northampton Lesbian and Gay Liberation March. Walkers gathered at the Bridge Street School lawn and marched down Main Street to Pulaski Park, where a rally was held. Sorrell started marching and volunteering to help organize the march in its second year. Nearly forty years later, Main Street is still the route–but now in reverse to the Three County Fairgrounds to accommodate the tens of thousands of participants. Why Main Street? Visibility. Coming out as an act of bravery. To be seen and recognized in the heart and soul of downtown Northampton. Come and learn about the history of this seminal event that demonstrates the diversity and support of Northampton and the surrounding region. Historic Northampton. 413-584-6011. 46 Bridge Street. Northampton, 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, 1pm-4pm – GEOLOGY/FOSSILS: Have you ever found a fossil before? Studying rocks in your backyard and beyond is a great way to engage with science, even from an early age. Community members are invited to bring fossils, as well as seashells, rocks, meteorites, feathers, leaves, or photographs of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, flowers, and insects to the Beneski Museum of Natural History Annual Identify It Day. Scientists will attempt to identify the objects. Come by even without a specimen, to check out the museum and learn about species and rock identification. Beneski Museum of Natural History. 413-542-2165. Amherst College. 11 Barrett Hill Dr, Amherst, 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 ILLUSTRATION/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, 7am-1:30pm – ASTRONOMY/TRANSIT OF MERCURY: Mercury Transit at Arunah Hill. Filtered telescopes will be set up for observing this event. Arrive anytime to glimpse Mercury silhouetted against the sun. Arunah Hill Natural Science. 413-634-0180. 218 Trouble St. Cummington, MA.
Monday, November 11, 7:30am-1pm – ASTRONOMY/TRANSIT OF MERCURY: UMass Amherst Sunwheel Offers Rare Transit of Mercury Safe Viewing. Astronomers will be on hand to assist public viewing and explain events Weather permitting, UMass astronomers invite the public to the campus’s Sunwheel, where they plan to set up telescopes to safely observe Mercury during its transit progress between 7:36 a.m. to 1:04 p.m., while also explaining what’s happening. UMass Amherst Sunwheel. South of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, just off Rocky Hill Road, one-quarter mile west of University Drive. Amherst, MA.
Monday, November 11, 9am-1pm – ASTRONOMY/TRANSIT OF MERCURY: Rick Costello will be in front of Mason Library with a telescope to see the “Mercury Transit” (weather permitting). Public welcome to safely view. Mason Public Library. 413-528-2403. 231 Main St, Great Barrington, MA.
Monday, November 11, 10am-1pm – ASTRONOMY/TRANSIT OF MERCURY – Join the Springfield Stars Club and Mike Kerr, Curator of Astronomy at the Springfield Museums, to view this infrequent astronomical event! When viewed through a telescope, the small silhouette of Mercury can be seen as a tiny black dot during the transit. Members of the Springfield Stars Club will be at the Museums with their safely filtered telescopes to help visitors view this event. Visitors to the Museums will be able to look through the telescopes, speak with knowledgeable and enthusiastic club members. Free and open to the public! Note: This event will only take place if skies are clear. Please check their Facebook event to confirm that the viewing will take place. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
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, 11am-12:30pm – MUSIC HISTORY/CHRISTMAS: History of Music for the Advent & Christmas Season. Listen to many genres of Christmas seasonal music from the Middle Ages to modern times. The program will feature a great variety of music largely choral in nature from the most prolific traditions of Britain and Europe. Join for an instructive and enjoyable program of beautiful music of the season. Pre-register online: Storrs Library. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, 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. www.hartsbrook.org. 413-586-1908.193 Bay Road, Hadley, MA.
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, 6-7pm – PHYSIOLOGY/AGING: Still looking for the fountain of youth? Does everyone get dementia, and what do hormones and sleep have to do with it? Join Dr. Emily Rothwell at this month’s Life Science Cafe for “Aging: Better Than the Alternative,” to learn about what happens as our brain ages, how different sexes age differently, and how this may affect your fish of Alzheimer’s disease. Best for self-directed teens and lifelong learners. Free food. The Nacul Center. 413-256-8025. 592 Main Street. Amherst, 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, 6:30-7:30pm – NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES/NEW ENGLAND: Native American Folk Tales. Join Patrick Duquette, a local historian passionate about Native American Heritage, as he discusses the similarities and differences of legends between regions and tribes, with an emphasis on Western Massachusetts and Cape Cod tribes. He will also discuss the shapeshifting folk tale Bear Walking, as well as links between folk tales, myths, songs, and traditions. This program is free and registration is not required. Palmer Public Library. 413- 283-3330. 1455 N Main St. Palmer, 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, 11am-3pm – AGRICULTURE/WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET: Downtown Springfield Winter Farmers’ Market. Winter farmers’ markets provide a fresh and colorful oasis during the winter months, reminding us that despite the blustery, snow drift-covered fields that surround us, farm-fresh foods of all kinds are still available. Connecting to the local food chain year-round is not only healthy for your body, your family, and your community, but it can be educational as well! Exposing children to the vast array of foods available from winter farmers’ markets can help them to recognize that there are many different methods for growing and producing food while connecting to where their food comes. 1391 Main Street, 1st Floor. Springfield, 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 ($$)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16
Saturday, November 16, 9am-1pm – ANIMAL BEHAVIOR: Animal Communication Class. Did you ever wonder what your pet is saying to you? What they are feeling or why they behave the way they do? In this 4-hour workshop, Fran Wolfe, Animal Communicator, will teach the basics of connecting and communicating with your pet(s). It is a hands-on class where you will practice your new learned skills on Lexus, their friendly Golden Retreiver. Fran will guide and teach students how to connect heart to heart and soul to soul to help feel their animal’s needs and to get a good sense of their wants/ailments. Call the Center to reserve your seat. Hilltown Holistic Center. 413-345-0490. 486 Main Street, Suite 2. Greenfield, MA.
Saturday, November 16, 10-11:30am – PHENOLOGY/TURKEYS: Terrific Turkeys and Fall Harvest at Laughing Brook. Did you know that Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be our national bird? Both toms (male turkeys) and hens (female turkeys) have interesting histories and adaptations that may surprise you. Participants will learn about wild turkeys, go for a hike, and look for evidence of these impressive birds, all the while scouting for autumn’s woodland harvest. Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 789 Main St, Hampden, MA.
Saturday, November 16, 10am-12noon – FARMING/DAIRY: Cows & Conservation: A Special Farm Tour. Join the Kestrel Land Trust to see how the future of farming meets the past at Barstow’s Longview Farm. In 2014, the Barstow family conserved 123 acres of their farmland with Kestrel’s help, preserving it forever. Take a special tour of this innovative local dairy farm with 7th generation dairy farmer and Kestrel’s TerraCorps Community Engagement Coordinator, Denise Barstow. Tour the farm and view the robot milkers, dairy barn, calf barn, bunker silos, and anaerobic digester–a system that converts cow manure and food waste into fertilizer, heat, and electricity for 1,600 homes. You’ll also find out how conserving farmland contributes to habitat, sustainability, heritage, and farm viability while learning how farmland is a vital part of our collective New England history. This tour is free, but space is limited, and registration is required. Barstow’s Dairy Farm. 172 Hockanum Road. Hadley, MA.
Saturday, November 16, 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, November 16, 10am-1pm – CULINARY ARTS/NEW ENGLAND HERITAGE: Heritage New England Cooking at the Berkshire Botanical Garden Teaching Kitchen. Cast your mind back to the time when Farm-to-Table meals were from your farm and on your table. Learn the simple but tasty approach to farmhouse cuisine of 150 or more years ago. Participants will experience such dishes as stewed soup, Johnnie Cake, herbed farmers’ cheese, and more. Learn the secrets of selecting and caring for cast iron cookware and its health benefits. Hands-on participation is encouraged, so bring a sense of curiosity and adventure and be willing to help with the process. Advance registration is highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcome, space permitting. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA.
Saturday, November 16, 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.
Saturday, November 16, 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! Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA.
Saturday, November 16, 1-3pm – TRADITIONAL CRAFTS/NATIVE FINGER WEAVING: For hundreds of years, the Mashpee Wampanoag people have been finger weaving. Marlene Lopez has been finger-weaving and keeping this art alive by teaching others the knowledge that she has learned for 30 years. The designs are those of the Eastern Woodland and Plains people of Turtle Island during the 18th century. The style of weaving is called warpface. The designs are variations of the diagonal, Chevron, Arrowhead, diamond, flame and lightning. The items woven with these designs are ceremonial sashes, belts, garters, armbands, headbands, and hair-ties. Co-sponsored by DCR and Nolumbeka Project. Free admission. All welcome. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
Saturday, November 16, 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, November 16, 2-4pm – WORLD DANCE STUDIES/INDIA: Indian Dance Workshop with Amherst Ballet, as part of their World Dance Workshop Series, this workshop includes a lecture by Ranjanaa Devi, the founder of Nataraj Performing Arts of India. Learn about Indian culture, experience Indian dance, and enjoy Indian cuisine. In this series, students are exposed to dances from various places of the world in workshops led by local instructors. The purpose of these workshops is not only to help students hone their dancing skills by trying out different techniques but also to promote understanding of various cultures through dance. In many societies, dance performances started as offerings to gods and carried fundamental cultural significance. Thus, dance can be a powerful educational tool for global cultural appreciation. After the workshop, there will be a reception with Indian cuisine. Free and open to anybody in the local community. Amherst Ballet. 413-549-1555. 29 Strong St. Amherst, MA.
Saturday, November 16, 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
Saturday, November 16, 7:30pm – MUSIC STUDIES/ORCHESTRA: Pioneer Valley Symphony Orchestra presents “Royal Reformation,” a concert of royalty-inspired orchestral works, featuring pianist Jiayan Sun performing Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto. Pre-concert talk by Professor David Schneider. John M. Greene Hall. 413-584-2700. 60 Elm Street, Northampton, MA.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17
Sunday, November 17, 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 17, 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.
Sunday, November 17, 2pm: 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.
Sunday, November 17, 3:30-5pm – FOLK MUSIC/SING-A-LONG: Songs of Hope & Resistance with the Nields and Local & Focus Chorus. Annual Songs of Hope & Resistance, a sing-a-long concert in the tradition of Pete Seeger, with The Nields and special guests Local Chorus and Focus Chorus, benefiting the Rosenberg Fund for Children and celebrating community, song, family, and resistance. All ages. Congregation B’Nai Israel. 253 Prospect St., Northampton, MA.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18
COMMUNITY-BASED RESOURCES/SPORTS: Though western Massachusetts isn’t known as a sports mecca, it’s filled with community–based resources for exploring sports and the history behind them. As the birthplace of at least two major sports and home to teams and clubs engaging in a great many more, the area offers a variety of ways to learn about sports of all kind.
Read more in our post, Exploring Athletics and Sports History Through Community-Based Resources.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19
Tuesday, November 19, 5-6pm – THEATER/HISTORY: Academy of Music Theatre History Tour. Did you know that a trap door was once cut into the stage at the Academy of Music in Northampton for Harry Houdini’s disappearing act? Or that Frankenstein’s monster himself, Boris Karloff, appeared at the 123-year-old theater? Join a history tour of this local treasure, and see the recently discovered and conserved 1913 Tuttle scenic curtain. Reservations are required. Academy of Music Theatre. 413-584-9032. 274 Main St, Northampton, MA.
Tuesday, November 19, 7pm – DEMOCRACY/BOOK DISCUSSION: “Democracy in Chains,” a community book discussion. Join the conversation about this timely book. “Democracy in Chains,” by award-winning historian Nancy MacLean, is an explosive exposé of the little-known thinker behind the radical right’s relentless campaign to eliminate unions, suppress voting, privatize public education, stop action on climate change, and alter the Constitution. The conversation will be facilitated by economist and educator Francisco Perez of the Center for Popular Economics. Copies of the book are available at the Jones Library, through the CW MARS Library System, and at your friendly neighborhood bookseller. Jones Library. 413-259-3223. 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA. Jones Library. 413-259-3223.43 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
Tuesday, November 19, 7:30-9pm – DANCE STUDIES/PERFORMANCE: Montreal-based Rubberband Dance Company, makes their UMass Amherst debut with their work Ever So Slightly, an exploration of the daily challenge to find balance and reflection in our lives. Combining live musicians with RBDG’s distinct mixture of contemporary, ballet, and hip-hop, the work conveys all the energy contained in urgency, revolt, chaos, and flight. Pre-performance dialogue with Paul Katz, UMass Professor and Director of Neuroscience and RUBBERBAND Artistic Director, Victor Quijada. Post-performance Q & A in the lobby immediately following the performance.UMass Fine Arts Center. 413-545-2511. 151 Presidents Dr, Amherst, MA.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20
Wednesday, November 20, 10:45am-12:15pm – CLIMATE CHANGE/DIRECT ACTION: Climate Change Presentation with Extinction Rebellion. Two members of Extinction Rebellion Western MA will be giving a climate change presentation, with an emphasis on what we can do about it. Hear about local and international efforts to address the crisis from this global movement focused on helping humanity. Members of Extinction Rebellion on neighboring campuses have successfully worked on divesting from investments in fossil fuels and developing plans to have emissions be climate neutral by 2025, among other things. The event is free and open to the public. Held in room KC301. Greenfield Community College. 1 College Dr, Greenfield, MA.
Wednesday, November 20, 7-8:30pm – CLIMATE CHANGE/RELIGION STUDIES: Lecture at Williams College explores the intersection of Buddhist practices and climate issues. Karin Meyers, visiting assistant professor of Buddhist studies at Smith College, will deliver a talk titled “Buddhist Practice in an Age of Ecological Crisis” at Williams College. In her lecture, Meyers will discuss how Buddhist thought and practice help cut through cognitive dissonance regarding the collective existential threat of our climate and ecological crisis, and how Buddhism is evolving in the face of this crisis. The event, which is free and open to the public. Held on campus at Griffin Hall, Room 3. For building locations on the Williams campus, please consult the map on their web site. Williams College. 413-597-3131. 880 Main St. Willilamstown, MA.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21
Thursday, November 21, 5-8pm – PLACEMAKING/FESTIVAL: From Hanukkah to Diwali and Christmas, communities all over the world mark the coming of winter with a festival of lights. There is something deep and powerful about creating light in the midst of the darkness, and it is no surprise that this ritual inspires such faith and hope to people around the world. This holiday season, Naumkeag in Stockbridge will be illuminated by thousands of shimmering lights and displays. Embrace the holiday spirit and the continued presence of light amidst the darkness with an evening of music, community cheer, and fun children’s activities. Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
Thursday, November 21, 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.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22
Friday, November 22, 11am-3pm – AGRICULTURE/WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET: Downtown Springfield Winter Farmers’ Market. Winter farmers’ markets provide a fresh and colorful oasis during the winter months, reminding us that despite the blustery, snow drift-covered fields that surround us, farm-fresh foods of all kinds are still available. Connecting to the local food chain year-round is not only healthy for your body, your family, and your community, but it can be educational as well! Exposing children to the vast array of foods available from winter farmers’ markets can help them to recognize that there are many different methods for growing and producing food while connecting to where their food comes. 1391 Main Street, 1st Floor. Springfield, MA.
Friday, November 22, 5-8pm – PLACEMAKING/FESTIVAL: From Hanukkah to Diwali and Christmas, communities all over the world mark the coming of winter with a festival of lights. There is something deep and powerful about creating light in the midst of the darkness, and it is no surprise that this ritual inspires such faith and hope to people around the world. This holiday season, Naumkeag in Stockbridge will be illuminated by thousands of shimmering lights and displays. Embrace the holiday spirit and the continued presence of light amidst the darkness with an evening of music, community cheer, and fun children’s activities. Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
Friday, November 22, 5:30-7pm – BREWING/SAKE: Lifelong learners can explore the world of sake in an informal yet intimate gathering in the Provisions classroom. What is sake? According to Wikipedia, “Sake, also spelled saké also referred to as Japanese rice wine, is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting rice that has been polished to remove the bran. Despite the name, unlike wine, in which alcohol is produced by fermenting sugar that is naturally present in fruit (typically grapes), sake is produced by a brewing process more akin to that of beer, where starch is converted into sugars, which ferment into alcohol.” Learn all sorts of things about sake styles, food pairings, and serving techniques. Ages 21+, reserve your seat! Provisions. 413-727-3497. 30 Crafts Ave. 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.
