Hilltown Families 
100+ Suggested Events in Western MA: February 22 – March 6, 2020
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
Sale Feb 14 – 29
Share the love! Take 20% off all items in Oak Meadow’s bookstore from February 14-29. Oak Meadow’s flexible K-12 homeschooling curriculum provides a comprehensive educational experience, delivered with imagination and heart. The curriculum includes weekly lesson plans for a full year and can be customized to meet your student’s needs and interests. Purchase complete packages for K-8 or individuals courses for high school; or purchase craft supplies, homeschooling resources, books, and more. Shop February 14-29, 2020, at oakmeadowbookstore.com.
Feb 25
Finding Neverland. Tuesday, February 25, 7pm, UMass Fine Arts Center Concert Hall in Amherst, MA. The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart,” says Time Magazine. The story-line follows the relationship between playwright J. M. Barrie and the family that inspired Peter Pan. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. Finding Neverland is “far and away the best musical of the year!” (NPR). $30-$65; Youth 17 & Under: $20-$30. Approximately 2.5 hours. Appropriate for ages eight years and older. More at fineartscenter.com/neverland or call 800-999-UMAS.
Mar 1
Join the Center School for their K-8th grade AMALGAM Open House on Sunday, March 1st. Teachers will be offering exciting activities like wire sculpture, painting, juggling, bonfire, hula hoop making, LEGOs, s’mores, friendship bracelets, roasting apples, forest play, read aloud, Magic the Gathering Tournament (email to register!), and more. Meet Center School teachers and families at AMALGAM Open House and learn what a Center School education is all about. This event takes place on Sunday, March 1st, from 1-3pm. All kids and families, kindergarten through 8th grade, welcome! Center School. admissions@centerschool.net. 71 Montague City Rd, Greenfield, MA.
Mar 14
Mark your calendars and get ready to dance off the mid-winter blues! On Saturday, March 14, from 10am-12noon, Hilltown Families and Flywheel will continue the beloved ‘Saturday Morning Music Party‘ series with a community breakfast bash featuring pancake, dancing, and diversions for kids at Flywheel Arts Collective in Easthampton. Following the pancake breakfast, DJ Youthelectronix will be spinning family dance tunes for the “best ever dance party before noon!” Save on the babysitter and celebrate mid-Winter with a Saturday Morning Music Party! This annual series is a fundraiser to benefit the work of Flywheel Arts Collective. Minimum suggested donation: $6/person. Flywheel Arts Collective. 413-527-9800. 43 Main St, Easthampton, MA.
Amherst Montessori School believes your child is inherently intelligent and that hands-on learning is critical to their developing brains. In mixed-age classrooms, your child is empowered to explore, discover, and learn through all five senses. AMS offers Spanish language learning in the Children’s House level for ages 3 through 6 (preschool-K). In a beautiful new building designed uniquely for children, classrooms are filled with sunlight, natural materials, and views outside to playgrounds. Trained Montessori teachers nurture each child’s innate curiosity and independence. Open 8:15am-3pm with before care starting at 7:30am and after care until 5:30pm. More at: sthompson@amherstmontessori.org or 413-253-3101.
ADVERTISE HERE: Want to reach thousands of families living across Western MA? See your community event, after-school program, summer camp, class, school, open house, audition, homeschool program, workshop, volunteer opportunity, wellness program, local business, fundraiser, or non-profit featured here in the Bulletin Board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and in our weekly eNewsletter! 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.
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.
MARKET YOUR PRESCHOOL:Are you looking for a preschool that fits your child’s personality and reflects your family’s values for next year? Check out our Preschool Directory, which features preschools and programs across Western MA. Find the perfect place for your young one! ♦ If you have a school or program you would like to add to our directory, contact us at info@hilltownfamilies.org for more information on how you can be added at any time.
Featured Summer Programs & Camps
Jun 21 – Aug 15
Friends Camp. South China, ME. Friends Camp is a Quaker overnight camp in Maine. They welcome a diverse group of campers who work together to create a loving camp community. At Friends Camp, participants can unplug, make new friends, make art, swim & boat on the lake, and make music. They offer affordable sessions with the primary focus of building community, including offer specialized two-week sessions just for teenagers. Teen programming includes conversations about social justice, climate change, and more. They center themselves in the Quaker values of simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, and stewardship. Camp counselors are college students and graduates, eager to share their interests and act as inspiring role models. Follow on Instagram, @friendscamp. Dates: Jun 21-Aug 15; Age Range of Campers: 7-17yo. Contact: 207-877-4302. director@friendscamp.org. www.friendscamp.org
Jun 24 – Aug 1
New England Center for Circus Arts. Brattleboro, VT. For a summer they will talk about forever — clowning is encouraged, flying is the norm, and climbing on your friends is a success! Aspire, express, and be strong at NECCA’s new facility with world-class coaches, a foam pit for flipping, indoor flying trapeze, and a trampoline wall. Dates: Jun 24-Aug 1; Age Range of Campers: 3-17yo. Contact: 802-254-9780. ssmithforchion@necenterforcircusarts.org. www.necenterforcircusarts.org.
Jun 29 – Aug 21
Summer at Ohana School Of Performing Arts. Chicopee, MA. Ohana is a family that shares a passion for creativity, self-expression, love, and performance! Experience positive, life-enriching, all-inclusive weeks of dance, art projects, & performance for all ages & abilities! Each day at Ohana, children will experiment with multiple dance classes in a variety of styles (jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, acro, contemporary, & more) & enjoy time to create themed art projects. Specialty weeks: Magical Adventure week exploring our favorite fairytale characters & sing-along songs, “Be the change” week with activities that focus on empathy, love, kindness & philanthropy, and Broadway Bound week learning all aspects of the stage, including dancing, singing, acting, and prop creation! Dates: Jun 29-Aug 21; Age Range of Participants: 3-16yo. Contact: 413-539-9996. ashley@ohanaperformingarts.com. www.ohanaperformingarts.com
Jul 1 – Aug 26
Sled Dog Camps. West Chesterfield, MA. Learn to take care of & exercise a world-class athlete – the Alaskan Husky Sled Dog. Choose a dog for the week. Learn to feed, pet, play, clean-up after & train a sled dog. Ride a racing rig, scooter, bike, jog & swim – some of the warm weather activities dogs & Day Campers love to do together. Overnight Camp includes wilderness skills, primitive cooking at the bonfire, storytelling, marshmallows & howling. All have fun bonding, playing & mushing with the team! “My daughter loved the week-long camp, really bonded with her dog and plans to return next year. Hilltown Sleddogs is one of Pioneer Valleys’ unique treasures!”(JG) “The hands-on connection with the dogs is amazing. At the end of overnight week, my boys don’t want to come home.” (EM). Dates: Jul 1-Aug 26; Age Range of Campers: 7-16yo. Contact: 413-296-0187. hilltownsleddogs@gmail.com. www.hilltownsleddogs.com.
Jul 6 – 31
Miss Leticia Music Summer Camp. Amherst, MA. Music Summer Camp for Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Vocals and Rock Band! Music instruction for beginners and interim/adv Rock Band for students ages 6-14. Weekly themed camps for 4 weeks total, July 6-July 31. Themes this year are: July6-10 (Radio Hits); July 13-17 (1960’s-70’s); July 20-24 (1980’s-90’s); July 27-July 31 (Songwriting). Classes held at 41 Blue Hills Road in Amherst at Miss Leticia Music School, 8:45am-3pm M-F. Campers bring their lunch, snack provided — cost: $425 weekly (multi-week and sibling discounts available). Classes limited to 10 students per group. Instructors: Rhys Davies, Leticia Davies, Kimaya Diggs, Gruff Davies, Rusty Daniels. Email for registration. Dates: Jul 6-31; Age Range of Campers: 6-14yo. Contact: 413-246-7338. missleticia@missleticia.com. www.missleticia.com
Jul 6 – Aug 21
Whole Children Summer Programs. Hadley, MA. Wait till you see what’s going on at Whole Children this summer! The fun for school-aged (7-12) and teen (13-17) groups will include Minecraft, gym, outdoor games, cooking, martial arts, LEGO building, arts & crafts, science experiments, board games, video games, and movies. As always, there will be a free- choice and opt-out/quiet time opportunities too. The July program runs from 1-4pm and the August program runs from 9am-3pm. In August, there will be some themed weeks that will be sure to get your imagination goin’. July 6-24; Afternoon Program (1-4pm). July 27-Aug 21; Full Day Program (9am-3pm). Visit the Whole Children website for more details. Dates: Jul 6 – Aug 21. Age Range of Participants: 7-17yo. Contact: 413-585-8010. julie.hooks@pathlightgroup.org. www.wholechildren.org.
MARKET YOUR SUMMER CAMP: In an effort to connect families with summer camps & programs in the region, Hilltown Families is offering camps and programs a chance to partner with us in their online marketing with a special enhanced publicity offer. On Wednesday, March 4th, 2020, Hilltown Families will be featuring summer camps and programs in the region on Hilltown Families with a special directory: 2020 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA. Find out more about this targeted marketing opportunity HERE.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
February 22 – March 6, 2020
Saturday, Feb 22 • Sunday, Feb 23
Monday, Feb 24 • Tuesday, Feb 25 • Wednesday, Feb 26
Thursday, Feb 27 • Friday, Feb 28
Saturday, Feb 29 • Sunday, March 1
Monday, March 2 • Tuesday, March 3 • Wednesday, March 4
Thursday, March 5 • Friday, March 6
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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, February 22, 2020
Saturday, February 22, 9-10am – FAMILY RADIO SHOW/SEASONS: Hilltown Family Variety Show Four Seasons Episode with Guest DJs, Steve & Jenn from The Dilly Dallies. Steve and Jenn share some of their favorite songs about all four of the seasons that we all share. Tune is to hear what their favorite seasons are and see how each song is related to your favorite season. 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 peek 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, February 22, 9am-5pm – BOTANY/ORCHIDS: This weekend is the Amherst Orchid Society’s annual orchid show at Smith Vocational High School in Northampton. Visitors can view a wide variety of orchids – there will be blossoms of all sizes and colors, and families will be able to learn about the proper care for growing orchids at home, as well as the interesting facts about orchids’ unique cycle of growth, how insects pollinate them, and their amazing beauty. After the show, head over to the Lyman Conservatory at Smith College for more orchids, as well as cacti, a chocolate tree and many others. Smith Vocational High School. 80 Locust Street (Route 9), Northampton, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 9:30am-12noon – SPORTS/WOMEN & GIRLS: Did you know that before the Olympic Games in ancient Greece, there was special athletic competition for women? The Heraean Games, named for the Queen of the Goddesses, Hera, featured races and other sports for women of all ages. Even in ancient Sparta, known for its fierce, macho warrior culture, women trained according to the same athletic standards as the men. Celebrate National Girls and Women in Sports Day at Springfield College with a series of clinics for several different sports. Springfield College women’s basketball vs. Wellesley follows at 12noon. (Free Admission for attendees/parents.) Springfield College Athletics. 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 10am-12noon – STEM/COMPUTER CODING: Scratch Animation and Game Design. Have fun creating characters, stories, and games! With a few colorful blocks of Scratch code and some creativity, participants will be able to design their own character, animate it, and program it to talk, move, and have conversations. Add sound effects, get experience with drawing tools, and code while showcase ideas using this awesome programming language from MIT. Ages: 8+. Holyoke Codes. Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center. 100 Bigelow St, Holyoke, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 10am-12:30pm – LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION/MUSIC: An interactive musical event with author, David Hyde Costello, based on his book, Little Pig Joins the Band. Middlefield Town Hall. 413-623-6421. 188 Skyline Trail. Middlefield, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 10am-2pm – FOOD HISTORY/BEEHIVE OVEN: Historic Deerfield’s Open Hearth Cooks is a class which teaches a variety of cookery techniques and lead discussions on how food preparation has changed over time, preservation technology, seasonality, diet, and the availability of local and imported foodstuffs. In this class, Baking in the Beehive Oven, learn how to fire the oven and bake bread and pie in the beehive oven. The class will be held in the kitchen of the Visitor Center at Hall Tavern that dates to 1786. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 11am-1pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Family Friendly Outdoor Adventures at Mount Greylock State Reservation. This family-friendly outdoor adventure program will consist of an afternoon of winter activities, including snow tubing for the little ones, a snowshoe demonstration, and a self-guided hike along the Bradley Farm Trail. Be prepared for the weather, dress in layers, and wear sturdy snow boots. Traction devices, trekking poles, or your own snowshoes are advisable for the hike. Snowshoes will be available to try out during the Snowshoe Demo for ages eight and up. Rain or inclement weather cancels. This program is free and open to all ages. An adult must accompany children under 18. Meet at the Visitor Center. Program duration of 90 minutes. Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 11am-2pm – ARTS & CRAFTS/TIE-DYE: Coffee Filter Tie-Dye Art. Drop-In to learn how to make beautiful tie-dye style artwork using simple household items. You’ll create an original tie-dye pattern on a coffee filter, which you can take home to turn into paper flowers, a window hanging, or many other forms of art. Examples will be available. Tie-dye artist extraordinary Mary Ann Kokoszyna will lead this program. Handmade tie-dye clothing and other items will be available to purchase. Sunderland Public Library. 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 1-2pm – NATURE STUDIES/WILDLIFE: Just like us, other animals have lots of ways to live during winter. In this family program, “Get in Touch with Winter and Not Get (Too) Cold,” see and feel how wildlife copes with cold, snow, and wind. Meet in the Great Hall for hands-on experiments and demonstrations that illustrate these discoveries. Weather permitting, participants may investigate outdoors. Bundle up. For children six and up, their grown-ups, siblings, and friends. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 1-2pm – FOOD SCIENCE/ICE CREAM: Ice Cream Science at the Holyoke Public Library – Have you ever wondered how ice cream is made? Find out! Learn the science and how to make your own. This event is open to children ages 8-12 and will take place in the Community Room. Registration is required, as supplies are limited. Holyoke Public Library. 413-420-8101. 250 Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 1-4pm – LITERATURE/MARTIN LUTHER KING: Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership Invocation to Martin Luther King, Jr.: Contemplating the Heart of the Matter with Rose Sackey‐Milligan, PhD. Powerful literature highlighting the quest of Black Americans for justice, equal rights, and citizenship serves as a tool to create open and honest dialogue and new ways of thinking about our nation’s history, the enslavement of Black Americans, and the role racism plays in our national discourse. In this seminar, using contemplative (mindful) attentiveness, participants will communally read and reflect on selected writings by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through facilitated dialogue, the significance of these writings, given the current political and cultural landscape, will be explored. 170 Main Street, Greenfield, MA.
February 22, 1:30-3:30pm – CARPENTRY/BIRD HOUSE: Bluebird Nest Box Building Workshop with Mass Audubon. Get crafty in their cozy red barn and build something that will help improve wildlife habitat in your neighborhood. This hands-on, family-friendly workshop will teach participants where and how to place bluebird nest boxes in ideal habitats to attract inhabitants. Build the pre-cut kit together and take your box home in the end. No experience necessary. Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 7pm – MUSIC HISTORY/SHAPE-NOTE: Homegrown Harmony: Early American Music on Main Street, A Presentation by Tim Eriksen, Musician & Ethnomusicologist – Northampton was home to some of the country’s earliest choral singing and to one of the most prolific music publishers in early New England. In fact, by the 1790s, the town had become a destination for local and regional composers and tunebook compilers. During the mid-nineteenth century, local senior citizens revived this sacred music of their youth in public performances known as “Old Folks’ Concerts.” Today, thanks to musician, ethnomusicologist, and instructor Tim Eriksen, some of these remarkable songs by local composers are still sung in the “shape-note” tradition. During this presentation, Eriksen will discuss early American music in Northampton and the enduring appeal of this local traditional music. And yes, singing will be included. Northampton Community Arts Trust Building. 33 Hawley Street. Northampton, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 7:30-9:30pm – MUSIC STUDIES/CHORAL: Five College Choral Festival at John M. Greene Hall, a biennial event with performances by the choral ensembles of Smith, Amherst, Hampshire, and Mt. Holyoke Colleges and the University of Massachusetts. Smith College Glee Club and Chamber Choir will perform works by Ronald Perera and Caroline Shaw. Combined choirs present works by Steffens and Pevernage, conducted by Robert Eisenstein, director of the Five College Early Music Program. Free and open to the public. John M. Greene Hall. 413-584-2700. 60 Elm Street, Northampton, MA.
Saturday, February 22, 7:30-10pm – DANCE STUDIES/CONTRA DANCE: According to 19th century folklore, Fiddler’s Green is the afterlife to which sailors go if they have served for at least 50 years at sea. It is a place where joy abounds and the fiddling never ceases. As novelist Frederick Marryat wrote in 1856: “At Fiddler’s Green, where seamen true / When here they’ve done their duty / The bowl of grog shall still renew / And pledge to love and beauty.” Well, they don’t have an endless bowl of grog, but Fiddlers Green Contra Dance is a casual, fun, joyful community folk dance where everyone is welcome. Musicians are encouraged to join in and this event is perfect for beginners and all levels of experience. Ages 10 and above suggested. Midway through the event there will be potluck snacks and socializing. Munson Memorial Library. 1046 South East Street, Amherst, MA
Sunday, February 23, 2020
Sunday, February 23, 10am-3pm – NATURE STUDIES/SCAVENGER HUNT: Nature Scavenger Hunt at Mount Greylock. Adventurous quests invite visitors to explore various treasures along any forested trail. A self-guided activity, free lists can be picked up at Visitor Center. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
Sunday, February 23, 10am-4pm – BOTANY/ORCHIDS: This weekend is the Amherst Orchid Society’s annual orchid show at Smith Vocational High School in Northampton. Visitors can view a wide variety of orchids – there will be blossoms of all sizes and colors, and families will be able to learn about the proper care for growing orchids at home, as well as the interesting facts about orchids’ unique cycle of growth, how insects pollinate them, and their amazing beauty. After the show, head over to the Lyman Conservatory at Smith College for more orchids, as well as cacti, a chocolate tree and many others. Smith Vocational High School. 80 Locust Street (Route 9), Northampton, MA.
Sunday, February 23, 12-4pm – ART STUDIES/BUDDHIST: Buddhas | Buddhisms: Across and Beyond Asia, an exhibit on display at the Smith College Museum of Art. This exhibition presents Buddhist objects and Buddhist-inspired artworks, from across and beyond Asia, in their many and varied styles and expressions. The concept of “Asia,” which was invented by ancient Greeks and Romans and perpetuated by European geographers, misrepresents diverse groups of people and their divergent civilizations by suggesting they form a cohesive whole. Buddhism, however, is one of the few cultural traditions that has connected distinctive Asian populations over time. The religion and its practices have continued to adapt to new contexts and believers since the 19th century, shaped by factors including the escalating migration of Asian Buddhists, the growth of Buddhist institutions worldwide, and the emergence of modern Buddhist studies against the backdrop of western imperialism. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
Sunday, February 23, 3-5pm – BUDDHISM/FAMILY: The Sure Heart: A Buddhist Family Group. A series for families with Bernadine Mellis begins today and runs for five consecutive Sundays. In this weekly group, children and parents/caregivers will gather together to play and explore Buddhist teachings and values in the space of loving-kindness, awareness, and acceptance. This series is designed with younger children, ages 4-7, in mind. Contact Bernadine for more information or with questions. Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley. 413-527-0388. Eastworks Building, 116 Pleasant Street #242, Easthampton, MA.
Sunday, February 23, 3:30-5pm – DANCE STUDIES/LINDY HOP: Lindy Hop Workshop, from Charleston to Hip Hop, with Brandon Barker at the Northampton Center for the Arts. This lindy hop class will walk you through the basics of the technique of lindy hop with classic movements that are partnered and solo. Participants will also explore the historical significance and legends of the dance. The movement will slowly but surely evolve into some of the hip hop movements that we see today. Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
Sunday, February 23, 4-6:30pm – DANCE STUDIES/TANGO: Learn Western Mass Tango at the Northampton Center for the Arts. Western MA Tango is a dedicated group of tango dancers in Western Massachusetts with this mission: to collaborate with community members; to maintain a warm, welcoming tango family; to create opportunities for the exploration of Tango. Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
Monday, February 24, 2020
Monday, February 24, 3:15-4:15pm – CRITICAL THINKING/CHESS: Research shows that, when played from a young age, chess can be beneficial to a child’s learning and development. The game requires the use of high-order thinking skills, such as weighing actions and consequences and helps players practice decision making. The Storrs Library offers a Youth Chess where children of all ages and skill levels are welcome to a drop-in game of chess. An instructor will provide help for beginners and tips for more advanced students to sharpen their game. Registration is not required. Storrs Library. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA.
Monday, February 24, 3:30pm – SKILLSHARING/SEWING: From the Adulting 101 series presented by the Holyoke Library comes “Hand Sewing Basics.” Kids and teens ages 10+ can learn basic skills, including, threading a needle, cutting a pattern, sewing a seam, and sewing a button. Held in the Children’s Activity Room, this event also includes dried lavender and chamomile and therefore, may have a natural fragrance present. Holyoke Public Library. 413-420-8101. 250 Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA.
Monday, February 24, 5-6:30pm – MUSIC STUDIES/SOCIAL JUSTICE: Songs for Social Justice Movements, hosted by Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership – Evelyn Harris, a powerhouse vocalist and former member of Sweet Honey In the Rock, is a Grammy‐nominated composer whose remarkable instrument creates stirring interpretations of the traditional African‐American song canon. A remarkable teacher, song‐leader, and leader in movements for equity and social justice, Evelyn brings her amazing gifts and talents to the Truth School to help individuals and groups find their voice and express their power. Borrowing from the American Civil Rights Movement, Evelyn Harris will teach old and new songs used in the struggle for freedom and justice. All vocal levels, vocal ranges, and formal or informal vocal experiences are welcome to participate in this class. Free, but registration is requested. The event will be held at Nueva Esperanza, Inc. 401 Main St, Holyoke, MA.
Monday, February 24, 6pm – STEM/INTERGENERATIONAL: Science Cafes are part of a grassroots movement to open science to everyone and to bring free presentations and engaging conversations into casual community settings. Here in Western MA, a working scientist shares their research with the public every month via SciTech Cafe. All ages are welcome. Allowing self-directed learners to participate in community events such as science cafes can help them to learn how to engage with an intergenerational community of learners while challenging them to learn more about in-depth science topics on their own. Each science cafe is lead by an expert in the field who share their expertise to science cafe participants. The opportunity to learn about a science topic from an expert scientist grants learners access to a pool of knowledge that is both deep and wide. Find out who is presenting this month at http://www.scitechcafe.org. Union Station. 413-341-3161. 125 Pleasant Street, Northampton, MA.
Monday, February 24, 6:30pm – MINDFULNESS: Introduction to Mindfulness. Learn what mindfulness is and how it can be applied to your everyday life to reduce stress and improve your health and happiness. The presenter will demonstrate a few simple mindfulness techniques and discuss how mindfulness practices can be beneficial for people of all ages. This is the introduction to a wider Mindfulness for All Ages series to be hosted in March by Sunderland Public Library, Tilton Library of Deerfield, and Whately Public Library. Sunderland Public Library. 20 School Street, Sunderland, MA.
Monday, February 24, 7pm – MUSIC HISTORY/FILM: Screening of Be Here to Love Me: A Film About Townes Van Zandt (2004) will be screened at The Parlor Room. Singer-songwriter Townes van Zandt was at the center of Austin’s outlaw country scene in the 1970s. Still, while friends like Waylon Jennings and Steve Earle went on to mainstream stardom, the mercurial Van Zandt retreated into a haze of alcoholism and mental illness. Through interviews and rarely seen live footage recorded throughout Van Zandt’s performing and recording career, this sympathetic documentary traces his work and life, which was cut short on New Year’s Day 1997, when he was 52. The Parlor Room. 413-341-3317. 32 Masonic St. Northampton, MA.
Monday, February 24, 7pm – FILM STUDIES/FRENCH FILM: Williams College French Film Festival presents Alain Gomis’ Félicité (2017). Franco-Senegalese film-maker Alain Gomis has created a film portrait in an ambient social-realist style, showing us a woman called Félicité, a bar singer in the tough streets of Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her life is thrown into turmoil when her 14-year-old son gets into a terrible car accident. To raise the money to save him, she sets out on a breakneck race through the streets of electric Kinshasa—a world of music and dreams. Gomis leaves it up to the audience to determine the precise level of irony in her name. (Ide, The Guardian) – This film explores the individual complexity of the French and Francophone identity today, as well as the contemporary aftermath of France and Belgium’s colonial past. Free and open to all. Images Cinema. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
Tuesday, February 25, 10am-4pm – ART STUDIES/OCEANOGRAPHY: Every Day Art Program at the Eric Carle Museum features “Art Studio Oceanographers.” Participants can use oil pastels to create bright and beautiful creatures of the deep sea. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
Tuesday, February 25, 10am-5pm – WOMEN’S STUDIES/HISTORY & FINE ART: She Shapes History on exhibit at the Berkshire Museum. Centered around the 100th anniversary of American women winning the right to vote, She Shapes History shines a light on exceptional women, their work, and how their accomplishments changed American history. Highlighting women from the Berkshires and beyond, the exhibition explores how societal expectations and opportunities changed for American women from the early 1800s through present day as they marched into leadership positions, became activists, and entered business, science, and politics with biographies and timelines blended with fine art and historical objects from Berkshire Museum’s collection and on loan from Berkshire Historical Society, Hancock Shaker Village, and private collections. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
Tuesday, February 25, 11am-12noon – GARDENING/TERRARIUM: Kids’ Terrarium Class at Township Four. Make a natural mini-garden that is easy to make and take care of at home. This terrarium is in a 6″ wide and tall glass cylinder. All materials are included: terrarium or succulent plants and accents such as mosses, lichens, apple twigs, and mini pine cones. Space is limited; ages 8-16. Township Four. 413-347-3244. 419 North Street. Pittsfield, MA.
Tuesday, February 25, 6-7:30pm – CURRENT AFFAIRS/PUBLIC EDUCATION: A Conversation on Public Education. When the World is on Fire. Educator and community leader Gwen Agna has been the principal of Jackson Street Elementary School in Northampton, Massachusetts, for 24 years. At the end of this school year, she is retiring. In an “evening assembly” convened to commemorate her work, she will join local activist and internationally renowned historian Vijay Prashad to reflect on the past, present, and future of public education in an age of anxiety. Together, they aim to help us understand what has been possible and to imagine what can be possible for educating children. Throughout Gwen and Vijay will reflect on her long career as an educator, and ask what it means to hope while living through a constant battery of crises. Young people welcome. Free and open to all. Free childcare. Simultaneous Spanish Translation Available. Traducción simultánea en español disponible. Co-sponsored by The Resistance Center. Edwards Church of Northampton. 413-584-5500. 297 Main St, Northampton, MA.
Tuesday, February 25, 6-8:30pm – FOLK TRADITION/WOODCARVING: Woodcarving class at Gateway City Arts with award-winning woodcarver, Ed Cope. Learn woodcarving in this continuing class for all skill levels, including the basics to advanced techniques: from simple “whittling,” to Chip Carving, to sculpting with chisels. You may carve one of Ed’s award-winning designs or bring in your own project. Call to preregister. 978-544-8092. Gateway City Arts. 92 Race St, Holyoke, MA.
Tuesday, February 25, 7pm – MUSICAL THEATER/LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION: Finding Neverland. Tuesday, February 25, 7pm, UMass Fine Arts Center Concert Hall in Amherst, MA. The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, this breathtaking smash “captures the kid-at-heart,” says Time Magazine. The story-line follows the relationship between playwright J. M. Barrie and the family that inspired Peter Pan. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs spectacularly to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. Finding Neverland is “far and away the best musical of the year!” (NPR). $30-$65; Youth 17 & Under: $20-$30. Approximately 2.5 hours. Appropriate for ages eight years and older. UMass Fine Arts Center Concert Hall. 800-999-UMAS. UMass. Amherst, MA.
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Wednesday, February 26, 2:30-4:30pm – PLAYGROUP/LOCAL HISTORY: Stop by Historic Northampton for after school for games, crafts, and stories about Northampton history! Check out a big map of Northampton with historical buildings, people, and cars, all color-able with chalk. And at 3:15pm, the whole group will read a story, make a craft, play a game, or participate in an activity, all designed to help kids learn more about the history of Northampton. Free. Ages 0-10. Historic Northampton. 413-584-6011. 46 Bridge Street. Northampton, MA.
Wednesday, February 26, 3pm – MEDIA LITERACY/TEENS: Media and Recording Studio Sessions for Youth. Holyoke Media invites all youth to join the Media Literacy Studio Sessions for Youth at the Library, dedicated to creating media projects such as podcasts, videos, and music. Every Wednesday, the Library’s Teen Room is transformed into a recording and filming studio for the creation of media projects. No experience required. All youth are welcome. Holyoke Public Library. 413-420-8101. 250 Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA.
Wednesday, February 26, 6:30-8:30pm – FOOD/ARTISAN CHEESE: Cheese Class: Cheese 101. Ever find yourself wondering what’s what at the cheese counter? This relaxed tasting class will provide a well-rounded overview of 10 classic styles. Provisions head cheesemonger will walk participants through the sensory steps involved in tasting all kinds of cheese while delivering knowledge to boost confidence in selecting cheese. Whether you are familiar with or completely new to the world of artisan cheese, each student will go away with a renewed appreciation. Best for self-directed teens and lifelong learners. Provisions. 413-727-3497. 30 Crafts Ave, Northampton, MA.
Wednesday, February 26, 7pm – DATE NIGHT/LIVE MUSIC: Mardi Gras Party with Marcia Ball and Sonny Landreth. Gateway City Arts. 413-650-2670. 92 Race St, Holyoke, MA.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Thursday, February 27, 10am-12:30pm – HIKING/INTERGENERATIONAL: Nice and Easy Trail Hike; Easy-paced, one to 3-mile hikes geared toward seniors, but open to all ages. This is an ideal opportunity to join with other hiking enthusiasts! May be staff-led or self-guided. Dress appropriately for winter weather conditions; trekking poles and traction devices for boots or snowshoes are recommended as trails may be snow-covered, muddy, or icy. Bring drinking water and a snack. Meet at the Visitor Center. Inclement weather cancels. Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
Thursday, February 27, 2-4:30pm – SKILLSHARING/SEWING: Skillsharing at the Amherst Survival Center sewing repair workshop. Learn sewing and fiber skills, bring in special projects (clothing repair, curtains, etc.), get expert guidance, and have access to sewing machines and needed supplies. Amherst Survival Center. 413-549-3968. 138 Sunderland Road, North Amherst, MA.
Thursday, February 27, 4:30-6:30pm – FILM STUDIES/CINEMATIC SOUND: Midge Costin ’78, the producer/director of Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound a documentary feature on the hidden power of sound in cinema, returns to Smith to discuss the film and her career in motion pictures. Costin’s film credits as a sound editor span 25 years. She will be joined by Emmy award-winning sound designer and editor, Pat Jackson, known for her work on HBO’s Hemingway & Gellhorn, Jarhead, The English Patient, and Apocalypse Now.Graham Hall, Brown Fine Arts Complex at Smith College. Northampton, MA.
Thursday, February 27, 6-8pm – CRAFTING/UPCYCLING: Creative Reuse Craft Club. Repurpose/upcycle discarded materials into handmade art. All materials are included. Free and open to the public (13+). Pre-registration required. Gaylord Memorial Library. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA.
Thursday, February 27, 7-8:30pm – INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS/VENEZUELA: Join The Resistance Center and the Latin American Solidarity Coalition of Western Mass for a conversation and film screening of Venezuelans Under Siege. UMass Amherst Professor Kevin Young will lead the discussion. Free and open to the public. Will take place in the Community Room at Treehouse Foundation. 413-527-7966. 1 Treehouse Circle. Easthampton, MA.
Thursday, February 27, 7pm – IMMIGRATION/DOCUMENTARY: Screening of Border South. To stem the immigration tide, Mexico and the U.S. collaborate to crack down on migrants, forcing them into ever more dangerous territory. Border South reveals the immigrants’ resilience, ingenuity, and humor as it exposes a global migration system that renders human beings invisible in life as well as death. Following the screening, join a discussion with producer Ellen Knechel, Williams College Professor of Political Science Cheryl Shanks, and Maureen Blennerhassett of the Berkshire Immigrant Center. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
Thursday, February 27, 7pm – DATE NIGHT/LIVE MUSIC: Townes Van Zandt Tribute Night. The Back Porch Festival presents an all-star tribute to the legendary Texas songwriter Townes Van Zandt. Confirmed performers include Tracy Grammer, Jim Henry, Winterpills, Suitcase Junket, Mary-Elaine Jenkins, Lisa Bastoni, Zak Trojano, and more. The Parlor Room. 413-341-3317. 32 Masonic St. Northampton, MA.
Friday, February 28, 2020
Friday, February 28, 9:30am-6pm – SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING/CHEMISTRY: Pick up your Passport to Chemistry Adventure at the library. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to join the Chemistry Adventure program, a collaboration with the Mount Holyoke College Chemistry Department. Kids work with an adult partner who borrows individual kits from the library. At home, they complete chemistry experiments then return to the library to receive small prizes after completion. Arrive at the library to fill out a registration form and then check out a kit with the adult’s library card. South Hadley Public Library. 413-538-5045. 2 Canal St, South Hadley, MA.
Friday, February 28, 10:30-11:30am – STORY HOUR/COYOTES: Learn about native wildlife who share call the Connecticut River Watershed home. The program includes a story, activities, and a craft to introduce young children to wildlife along the river. For ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Siblings and friends welcome. Preschool yoga follows! Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
February 28, 11am-12noon: LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION: Word Play with Center Dance Studio at the Eric Carle Museum, an hour of creative movement and narrative dance inspired by picture books. Ages 3+ and caregiver participation. Bring your imagination and your dancing feet. Preregister. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
Friday, February 28, 5-8pm – ART STUDIES/MULTICULTURAL: Black Art Matters Festival at Mead Art Museum, a visual art exhibition and performance showcase highlighting the work and artistic talent of Black student artists across the Five Colleges. All are invited for salon-style viewing of visual art, followed by a night of live music, spoken word, dance, and more. This program is offered in collaboration with the Amherst College Multicultural Resource Center, the Department of Black Studies at Amherst College, Student Activities, and AAS. Free and open to everyone. Mead Art Museum. 413-542-2335. 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA.
Friday, February 28, 5-8pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/LATINO: In the Latino culture, Three Kings Day (Jan 6) is an annual celebrate the coming of the Three Kings to the Christ child. Manos Unidas Multicultural Educational Cooperative announces a collaborative community fundraising event, Four Kings Day Multicultural. Come learn a dance from Central America, help create a giant mural on themes of peace and justice, add your dream to the Community Dream Tree, eat delicious Puerrtorican food, witness a colorful Mexican dance troupe, hear songs of peace, witness a gift sharing for our community children. Non-perishable item donations (i.e., diapers and new infant clothing) accepted for families affected by the recent earthquakes in Puerto Rico. For more info, call 413-347-9681 or 413-841-0298. Held at the Whitney Center for the Arts. 42 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA.
Friday, February 28, 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.
Friday, February 28, 7:30-9:30pm – COLLEGE THEATER PERFORMANCE: Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, the play explores the depths of greed and despair… and the bonds of friendship, duty and love. Peter and the Starcatcher By Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice; music by Wayne Barker; directed by Cathy Kennedy ’20. Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts. Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre. 413-585-2787. 122 Green Street. Smith College. Northampton, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Saturday, February 29, 8am-1pm: COMMUNITY MEAL/PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Pancake Breakfast, hosted by Holiday Brook Farm. A pancake breakfast buffet (featuring local meats from their farm!) all you can eat, all the coffee/milk/juice you can drink, and all the time you want to spend with friends, family, and neighbors. After breakfast, check out their sugarhouse to see if they’re making maple syrup, visit farm animals (lambs!), and take a walk around a working farm. Holiday Brook Farm. 413-684-0444. 100 Holiday Cottage Road. Dalton, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 9am – PHYSICS & DESIGN/OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Cardboard Race at Bousquet. Create a sled with only cardboard and duct tape! Prizes for speed and overall design. Great experiential learning opportunity on themes of physics and design. Bousquet Ski Area. 413-442-8316. 101 Dan Fox Drive. Pittsfield, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 9am-1pm – LOCAL FOOD/HEALTH & WELLNESS: Winter Fare at the Northampton Winter Farmers’ Market. A day of free workshops, including: Ghee: Repairs the Gut & Calms the Mind (9am); Growing Mushrooms at Home (10:15am); and Fire Cider Workshop (11:30am). No registration required. Along with these workshops, they will also have their weekly line up of local vendors as well as music by Dave Dersham. Held at the Northampton Council on Aging. 413-587-1228. 67 Conz St, Northampton, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 10am-12noon – STEM/BUILDING APPS: Build Apps with SwiftUI at Holyoke Codes. Learn to build apps for iPhones and other Apple devices. SwiftUI is an innovative, straightforward way to build user interfaces across all Apple platforms with the power of Swift. Build user interfaces for any Apple device using just one set of tools and APIs with a declarative Swift syntax that’s easy to read and natural to write. Ages: 12+. Holyoke Codes. Massachusetts Green High Performance Computing Center. 100 Bigelow St, Holyoke, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 10am-1pm – ECOLOGY/GUIDED WALK: Leap Day Winter Ecology at Graves Farm. Make the most out of this extra calendar day by spending it outdoors! Leap into a winter ecology walk to look for animal tracks, winter birds, and other signs of wildlife. In this guided walk, participants will also learn to identify winter plants and look for winter spiders, springtails, stoneflies, and more. Dress in layers and bring water and a snack. Preregister. Graves Farm Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. Adams Rd, Haydenville, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 10am-2pm – ART STUDIES/PHOTOGRAPHY: Photography: The Beautiful Cyanotypes at the Springfield Museums. Travel back to 1842 when John Herschel invented the cyanotype (a photographic blueprint) and follow in the footsteps of Anna Atkins, who in 1843, produced an illustrated book of botanicals using cyanotypes. Learn about the history of the process, look at historical and contemporary examples, and try your hand at making your own cyanotypes! Supply list provided. Instructor: Jessica Emonds. Best for self-directed teens and lifelong learners. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 10am-3pm – ART STUDIES/PASTELS: Intro to Pastels Workshop at the Springfield Museums. Pastels are a versatile medium for beginners, with an intensity of color unchallenged by any other medium. Students will be guided from start to finish, establishing proportion and shape, volume and surface, through color and value. For all levels. Bring a brown bag lunch and a set of Nupastels. Pastel paper provided. Instructor: Jeff Kern. Best for self-directed teens and lifelong learners. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 10am-3:30pm – ART STUDIES/WATERCOLOR PAINTING: Intro to Watercolor Painting Techniques at the Springfield Museums. Explore all the tools and materials, skills, and painting approaches in watercolor without the investment. The pace and scope of the class will be adjusted depending on the skill level of the participants. Some of the painting techniques covered will include graded washes, wet-in-wet, drybrush, spatter, scraping, and masking. Composition, draftsmanship, and color theory will also be discussed. Bring a lunch. Materials provided. Instructor: Steve Hamlin.Best for self-directed teens and lifelong learners. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 10am & 2pm – MUSIC STUDIES/BLUEGRASS: Bluegrass workshops at Back Porch Festival. These workshop sessions are for aspiring musicians and closet pickers alike. Join two premiere acoustic musicians, Chris Brashear (fiddle, guitar) and Matt Flinner (mandolin, banjo), for an exciting day of interactive workshops. The focus of the workshop sessions will be on the fundamentals of playing in a group setting, building repertoire, and the role of your instrument in an ensemble. Attendees will have the opportunity to play along with both of the instructors during the sessions. Preregister. The Parlor Room. 413-341-3317. 32 Masonic St. Northampton, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 10:30am-12:30pm – GUIDED HIKE: Explore the secretive hemlock forests of Richardson Brook in search of snowy specialties like hemlock, fisher, porcupine, and moose. Walk the two-mile trail through the sanctuary (very uneven and rocky), looking for sights, sounds, and signs of those who spend their winter at the sanctuary. Richardson Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. Tolland, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 11am-12noon – MUSIC STUDIES/QUARTET: M@A Chamber Series presents the Parker String Quartet, a family-friendly concert at the library. Parallel activities for wiggly kids, followed by Henion’s Leap Day Cookies. Held in the Woodbury Room. Jones Library. 413-259-3223. 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA. Jones Library. 413-259-3223.43 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 12noon – ART STUDIES/LEONARDO DA VINCI: Screening of Leonardo: The Works. Leonardo’s peerless paintings are the core of this film, captured in staggering high-definition as never before seen in cinemas. Notably, this film presents every single painting attributed to Leonardo, offering unparalleled access for the first time. Amherst Cinema. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 1-8pm – FOLK TRADITIONS/MAPLE SUGARING: Maple Sugaring: From Tree to Table at Fabric of Life. Envelope yourself in the process of Maple Sugaring – from tree to table. Learn the steps to harvesting and processing maple syrup, dive into sugarhouse design, visit a maple grove, learn how to identify maples by bark and tree shape, and tap a tree. Stay for a pancake dinner and a viewing of Ben’s Mill. Workshop includes information on tap whittling, the maple process, sugarhouse design, a site visit/design discussion, maple tree ID, and a maple tapping exercise. Pancake Supper at 5:30pm. Fabric of Life. 80 Bassett Road. Shelburne, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 2-4pm – DANCE STUDIES/BELLY DANCE: Belly dancing has a long and rich history dating back to the ancient Middle East. The dance first became popular in the United States after the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, where a group of Egyptian dancers stole the show. Following the Fair, imitators began popping up all over the country and the dance became popularly known as the ‘Hoochie Coochie.’ Thomas Edison immortalized some of the most popular belly dancers of the day in a series of films during the late 1890s and early 20th century. Learn more about Middle Eastern Belly Dance during a lecture and workshop held at Amherst Ballet. 413-549-1555. 29 Strong St. Amherst, MA.
Saturday, February 29, 7:30-9:30pm – COLLEGE THEATER PERFORMANCE: Tony-winning Peter and the Starcatcher upends the century-old story of how a miserable orphan comes to be The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up (a.k.a. Peter Pan). From marauding pirates and jungle tyrants to unwilling comrades and unlikely heroes, the play explores the depths of greed and despair… and the bonds of friendship, duty and love. Peter and the Starcatcher By Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson, adapted for the stage by Rick Elice; music by Wayne Barker; directed by Cathy Kennedy ’20. Mendenhall Center for the Performing Arts. Hallie Flanagan Studio Theatre. 413-585-2787. 122 Green Street. Smith College. Northampton, MA.
Sunday, March 1, 2020
Sunday, March 1, Sunrise-Sunset – HISTORY WALK/SELF-DIRECTED: Have you ever walked, biked, or driven through downtown Holyoke and wondered about the history of the city’s numerous old buildings? Each empty mill, towering church, and brick rowhouse tells a story of the city’s past. An exploration of Holyoke’s history reveals a vibrant, diverse, and complicated history. Visitors to Holyoke can now learn about the city’s history themselves – from home or while exploring the city’s streets thanks to the Wistariahurst Museum. The Museum hosts a large online community resource to its repertoire- the Holyoke History Walk, available on the museum’s website, offering a comparative look at the city and many of its streets and buildings as they once were (up to 125 years ago). The program uses Google Maps and provides a map – created by piecing together numerous maps from the museum’s archives – of Holyoke past, layered above a map of Holyoke present. Scattered across the map are over 100 of the city’s landmarks – churches, civic buildings, prominent businesses, and views across the canal, from hilltops, and down various streets in the busiest parts of town. The old photos are shown next to a current image of the location. In some cases, the buildings are unrecognizable; in others, entire blocks are boarded up; meanwhile, some others remain relatively unchanged. Families can use the interactive tour to learn all about local history and can apply what they learn about the city to bring context and more in-depth understanding to American history and changes in industries, technology, and the American way of life. Holyoke, MA.
Sunday, March 1, 8-11am – COMMUNITY MEAL/PANCAKE BREAKFAST: Enjoy a stack of jacks to benefit the Whately Elementary School PTO. Intergenerational opportunities to gather around the table for a community meal with friends and neighbors allow folks to learn about local history through shared stories while making new friends and community connections. Skip the dishes and enjoy a community Pancake Breakfast while supporting the PTO. Whately Elementary. 273 Long Plain Road. Whately, MA.
Sunday, March 1, 12noon-4pm – ART STUDIES/AFRICAN ART – Art Exhibit: 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.
Sunday, March 1, 1-2:20pm – ICE SKATING/DRESS UP: Skating with Super Heroes at Amelia Park. Grab your skates, don your favorite superhero costume, and get on the ice with friends and neighbors. Fun intergenerational time for moving during the winter! Amelia Park Arena. 413-568-2503. 21 South Broad St. Westfield, MA.
Monday, March 2, 2020
Monday, March 2, 10am-6pm – LOCAL HISTORY/BOOKSTORE: The Montague Bookmill is one of our area’s greatest hidden treasures! The building complex, which currently is home to a used bookstore, a charming cafe, a restaurant, used record store, and art studios, was originally built as a gristmill in 1832. Local families would come by horse and buggy to the mill for their wheat flour, ground on site by two massive stone grinding wheels, which are still located there. In the 1930s the building was converted into a machine factory, powered by the adjacent dam on the Sawmill River. In 1987, when the machine factory relocated, the building was purchased and turned into a bookstore and the Bookmill has been locally owned ever since. Browse a wide selection of used books, enjoy a delicious nitro brewed iced coffee, and gaze out at the beautiful waterfalls and river. The Montague Bookmill. 413-367-9206. 440 Old Greenfield Road, Montague, MA.
Monday, March 2, 9:30am-8pm – SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING/CHEMISTRY: Pick up your Passport to Chemistry Adventure at the library. Children ages 5-12 are welcome to join the Chemistry Adventure program, a collaboration with the Mount Holyoke College Chemistry Department. Kids work with an adult partner who borrows individual kits from the library. At home, they complete chemistry experiments then return to the library to receive small prizes after completion. Arrive at the library to fill out a registration form and then check out a kit with the adult’s library card. South Hadley Public Library. 413-538-5045. 2 Canal St, South Hadley, MA.
Monday, March 2, 3:15-4:15pm – CRITICAL THINKING/CHESS: Research shows that, when played from a young age, chess can be beneficial to a child’s learning and development. The game requires the use of high-order thinking skills, such as weighing actions and consequences and helps players practice decision making. The Storrs Library offers a Youth Chess where children of all ages and skill levels are welcome to a drop-in game of chess. An instructor will provide help for beginners and tips for more advanced students to sharpen their game. Registration is not required. Storrs Library. 413-565-4181. 693 Longmeadow Street, Longmeadow, MA.
Monday, March 2, 3:15-5:15pm – SEWING/SUSTAINABILITY: Due to ocean currents, a massive pile of plastic debris has been forming in the Pacific Ocean. First discovered in the late 1980s, it is currently speculated that this mound of garbage is anywhere from the size of the state of Texas to the size of Russia. As plastic is tough to breakdown, the garbage patch continues to grow and wreak havoc on the ocean ecosystem. Unlike organic material, as plastic ages, it simply reduces to the molecular level but never disappears. As it gets smaller and smaller, plastic particles become ingested by marine wildlife. But the indirect effects are even more serious. On the microscopic level, the sheer amount of plastic molecules in the ocean is changing the chemical makeup of the water and spreading toxic pollution all over the world. Do your part to reduce the amount of plastic in the ocean by volunteering to make durable, reusable shopping bags for members of the community to use instead of plastic bags. Join folks at the Williamsburg Senior Cafe for an intergenerational bag sew group on the 1st & 3rd Monday of the month, in partnership with The Bag Share Project. Williamsburg Senior Center. 413-268-8407. 141 Main St, Williamsburg, MA.
Monday, March 2, 4:30-6pm – SPORTS/FENCING: Fencing, the modern form of swordsmanship, is a fun and challenging sport which can spark an interest in the history of swords and swordsmanship while providing many physical whole body benefits (i.e., increased coordination and cardiovascular endurance). Learn about this ancient sport with the West Springfield Park and Recreation, WSPR is offering Fencing Classes, instructed by Taro Yamashita, coach at Riverside Fencing Club. Preregister for this 6-week class, which starts 3/2. (Sign up by 2/27.) Best for ages 10 to 16. UNICO building, located in Mittineague Park. 413-263-3284. 1 Unico Way. West Springfield, MA.
Monday, March 2 – SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING/FENCING: Fencing is believed to have originated in Spain with the modern mechanics originating in Italy in the 18th century. Fencing is one of five sports that have been featured in every single Olympics (along with running, cycling, swimming, and gymnastics). In this video, these Olympians teach a bit about the basics of this exciting sport:
Monday, March 2, at 7pm – FILM STUDIES/FRENCH FILM: Williams College French Film Festival presents Amandine Gay’s Ouvrir la Voix (Speak Up) (2017). Amandine Gay’s documentary Ouvrir la Voix confronts a political and historical paradox: the illusion of color blindness that is central to the French national self-image. […] It’s a film of experience and reflection, and its first-person narratives and anecdotes are matched by vigorous and incisive discussions of ideas, observations of a diagnostic, and analytical bent. (Brody, The New Yorker)- This film explores the individual complexity of the French and Francophone identity today, as well as the contemporary aftermath of France and Belgium’s colonial past. Free and open to all. Images Cinema. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Tuesday, March 3, 5-6pm – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/NATURE-BASED PLAY: Creating Outdoor Spaces: Connect Children to the Natural World at the Hitchcock Center for the Environment. Nature play can awaken children’s senses, challenge their bodies, inspire their imaginations, and build self-confidence. Well-designed nature play spaces are inviting and endlessly engaging for children. With rich, inspiring images from around the world, author, educator, and landscape designer Nancy Striniste explains why and how to bring the beauty, adventure, and sustainability of nature play to backyards, schoolyards, churchyards, neighborhood parks, early childhood settings, and more. Best for lifelong learners and self-directed teens interested in community deMARvelopment and early childhood education. Hitchcock Center for the Environment. 413-256-6006, 845 West St, Amherst, MA.
Tuesday, March 3, 6-8:30pm – FOLK TRADITION/WOODCARVING: Woodcarving class at Gateway City Arts with award-winning woodcarver, Ed Cope. Learn woodcarving in this continuing class for all skill levels, including the basics to advanced techniques: from simple “whittling,” to Chip Carving, to sculpting with chisels. You may carve one of Ed’s award-winning designs or bring in your own project. Call to preregister. 978-544-8092. Gateway City Arts. 92 Race St, Holyoke, MA.
Tuesday, March 3, 6-7pm – SIGN LANGUAGE: Signing Basics-American Sign Language Nights at the Library. Theresa King from Signing Basics will lead this workshop. Learn a variety of signs through games and activities that boost your learning and retention of American Sign Language (ASL). An excellent program for beginners and intermediate learners. Preregister. Palmer Public Library. 413- 283-3330 x0. 1455 N Main St. Palmer, MA.
Tuesday, March 3, 6-8pm – ART STUDIES/MOBILES: Make a Mobile Workshop at the Eric Carle Museum. Create your own mobile using a variety of textured papers, found materials, and adhesives. Construct mobiles that move and play with light, perfect for hanging in your home, workplace, or giving as a gift. Best for self-directed teens and lifelong learners. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
Wednesday, March 4, 9:30am-4pm – LIVING HISTORY/SELF DIRECTED LEARNING: In the 19th century, children were an important part of the domestic workforce. Household chores, farm work, cooking, making clothes, and cleaning were all part of the work children were expected to help out with. Come enjoy this special home school day at Old Sturbridge Village, full of fun and educational workshops for children, focusing on 19th century ‘chores.’ Lean to knit, make your own woodblock for printing, even become a bookbinding apprentice! For more information and a full list of workshops being offered, please visit Old Sturbridge Village. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA.
Wednesday, March 4, 10am-4pm – ART STUDIES/OCEANOGRAPHY: Every Day Art Program at the Eric Carle Museum features “Art Studio Oceanographers.” Participants can use oil pastels to create bright and beautiful creatures of the deep sea. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
Wednesday, March 4, 2:30-4:30pm – PLAYGROUP/LOCAL HISTORY: Stop by Historic Northampton for after school for games, crafts, and stories about Northampton history! Check out a big map of Northampton with historical buildings, people, and cars, all color-able with chalk. And at 3:15pm, the whole group will read a story, make a craft, play a game, or participate in an activity, all designed to help kids learn more about the history of Northampton. Free. Ages 0-10. Historic Northampton. 413-584-6011. 46 Bridge Street. Northampton, MA.
Wednesday, March 4, 3pm – MEDIA LITERACY/TEENS: Media and Recording Studio Sessions for Youth. Holyoke Media invites all youth to join the Media Literacy Studio Sessions for Youth at the Library, dedicated to creating media projects such as podcasts, videos, and music. Every Wednesday, the Library’s Teen Room is transformed into a recording and filming studio for the creation of media projects. No experience required. All youth are welcome. Holyoke Public Library. 413-420-8101. 250 Chestnut Street. Holyoke, MA.
Wednesday, March 4, 6pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT/BOOK CLUB: Books & Brew – Book Group. Cure your mid-week blues with a lively book discussion and some brew with the Springfield City Library at Nathan Bill’s Bar and Restaurant. Library copies of each month’s book are available for checkout at the East Forest Park Branch. Nathan Bill’s Bar &Restaurant. 110 Island Pond Rd. Springfield, MA.
Thursday, March 5, 2020
Thursday, March 5, 6-7pm – DANCE STUDIES/BELLY DANCE: The Magic of Belly Dance with Dina LeDuke. This 4-week class starts today and invites participants to get in touch with their inner Goddess by learning the basics of this sensual, ancient art form. Belly dance originated in the temples and folk dances of the Middle East and Asia thousands of years ago and remains a wonderful way to invoke the Divine Feminine within. Participants will learn earthy, powerful, joyous movements that are good for both the body and the spirit. Preregister. Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA.
Thursday, March 5, 6:30pm – LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION/THEATER: James and the Giant Peach Jr. performed by Academy Youth Production at the Academy of Music Theatre. This performance is a brand new take on the classic Roald Dahl “masterpeach” of a tale. Featuring a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book, this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic. Academy of Music Theatre. 413-584-9032. 274 Main St, Northampton, MA.
Thursday, March 5, 7pm – BEES/DOCUMENTARY: Screening of Swarm City. An impressionistic documentary that plays like poetic science fiction, Swarm Season links endangered bees, NASA exploration, indigenous cosmology, and volcanic activity into an interconnected web of looming man-made catastrophe. Following the screening, join a Q&A with filmmaker Sarah Christman for a conversation. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
Friday, March 6, 2020
Friday, March 6, 10am-8pm – ART STUDIES/BUDDHIST: Buddhas | Buddhisms: Across and Beyond Asia, an exhibit on display at the Smith College Museum of Art. This exhibition presents Buddhist objects and Buddhist-inspired artworks, from across and beyond Asia, in their many and varied styles and expressions. The concept of “Asia,” which was invented by ancient Greeks and Romans and perpetuated by European geographers, misrepresents diverse groups of people and their divergent civilizations by suggesting they form a cohesive whole. Buddhism, however, is one of the few cultural traditions that has connected distinctive Asian populations over time. The religion and its practices have continued to adapt to new contexts and believers since the 19th century, shaped by factors including the escalating migration of Asian Buddhists, the growth of Buddhist institutions worldwide, and the emergence of modern Buddhist studies against the backdrop of western imperialism. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
Friday, March 6, 11:30am-1:20pm – ICE SKATING: Are you a homeschool or unschooling family? The Mullins Center offers a weekday public ice skate for families to attend. Great opportunity for physical activity while making community connections. Ice skate rentals are free and guardian’s skates for free. All families are welcome. Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
Friday, March 6, 5-8pm – ART STUDIES/PLACEMAKING: As Henry David Thoreau points out, the root of the word “saunter” comes from “the idle people who roved about the country… under the pretense of going à la Sainte Terre, or the Holy Land.” Thus the act of casually strolling an inherently sacred act. For those who saunter, the entire world becomes their Holy Land. To walk aimlessly is to find a pilgrimage in every step, a temple in every tree, shrub, or blade of grass. What better way to find your temple than to combine walking with art? Pittsfield’s First Fridays Artswalk features a dozen different art shows throughout the Upstreet Cultural District. Happens every month all year (except January). Come check out amazing local art and meet some of the artists! Guided tour begins at 5pm at the Intermodal Center (BRTA, 1 Columbus Ave.). Downtown Pittsfield. Pittsfield, MA (FREE)
Friday, March 6, 5:30-7pm – INTERGENERATIONAL/CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: First Friday Family Fun Night, hosted by Springfield College Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement. Bring your family for an evening of fun activities and pizza. Each month a different group of Springfield College students will be hosting a family-friendly activity. This event is free, and pizza provided for all families in attendance. A responsible adult must attend with all youth. Springfield College Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement. 385 Eastern Avenue. Springfield, MA.
Friday, March 6, 6-9pm – CITZEN SCIENCE/HERPETOLOGY: Frog Watch Citizen Science with Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Learn about frogs and toads and how to identify their calls. Discover how you can participate in Frogwatch USA, a well-known citizen science program that invites folks to learn about their local wetlands to help protect amphibians. For over ten years, trained volunteers have entered critical data into the Frogwatch USA database. Ongoing analyses of these data have been used to help develop practical strategies for the conservation of these important species. This program will be presented at an adult level but will discuss how the whole family can get involved. Spend a small amount of time outside during this program, weather permitting. Preregister. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
Friday, March 6, 6:30pm – THEATER STUDIES/MUSICAL: James and the Giant Peach Jr. performed by Academy Youth Production at the Academy of Music Theatre. This performance is a brand new take on the classic Roald Dahl “masterpeach” of a tale. Featuring a wickedly tuneful score and a witty and charming book, this adventurous musical about courage and self-discovery is destined to be a classic. Academy of Music Theatre. 413-584-9032. 274 Main St, Northampton, MA.
Friday, March 6, 7:30pm-9:30pm – ASTRONOMY/STAR GAZING: An interest in studying astronomy can develop from an interest in mathematical calculation, or a simple appreciation for the beauty of the sky. Families can share their interest in astronomy with one another by attending a Stars Over Springfield night at the Springfield Museums. These programs are best suited for families with children ages 8 and older, however, younger children are also welcome. If it is cloudy, a planetarium show will be presented in place of telescope viewing. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Amherst, Buckland, Chester, Gill, Goshen, Hadley, Heath, Hinsdale-Peru, Holyoke, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, New Salem, Northern Berkshire, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Springfield, Washington, Westhampton, and Windsor Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.
