Hilltown Families 
100+ Suggested Events in Western MA: February 29 – March 13, 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
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.
Community Action’s Head Start and Early Learning Programs. Multiple Locations, MA. Community Action’s Head Start & Early Learning Programs offer a variety of program options for pregnant women and families with children ages birth-5 throughout Hampshire, Franklin, & Western Hampden Counties. Community Action’s Head Start provides early education and care and quality comprehensive services to children in Head Start/Early Head Start programs and offers full-day and part-day center-based classrooms, family childcare, and home visiting. Centers are located in Orange, Turners Falls, Greenfield, Amherst, Northampton, Easthampton, Ware, Westfield, & Agawam. Call 413-387-1250 or visit www.communityaction.us to apply.
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 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.
Aug 3 – 14
Summer Program For Children at Eaglebrook School. Deerfield, MA. Holistic learning and play with Bill Stewart. Craft an original show in 2 weeks and perform it on the Percival Theater stage. Students of theater will work on their stage craft through theater games, improvisation, character work, stage combat, and voice. In past summers, this program has worked on plays from ancient myth and classic works with an original twist, such The Odyssey, The Miser, Hamlet, Macbeth, and Romeo and Juliet, as well as new works blending well-known characters and story elements with creative, original arcs. Lunch is included, as is time to relax and splash in the pool. Cost: $590. Limit of 15 children. Founded in 1922, Eaglebrook School is located on 750 acres on the Pocumtuck Ridge in Deerfield off Routes 5 & 10. Dates: Aug 3-14; Age Range of Participants: 9-14yo. Contact: 413-522-1445. lmciner@gmail.com. eggtooth.org.
Early Bird Discount
Connect with nature through the life of a working farm: The Hartsbrook School’s Farm Camp allows children to slow down and savor the summer! Campers spend time tending the animals, doing agriculturally-based crafts, and enjoying carefree days with other young “farmers.” Experienced, thoughtful counselors guide campers as they enjoy the freedom and wonder of summer. The practical skills learned on the farm help children become more confident and grounded in their everyday lives. For ages 4-12. Early bird discount available before March 1st. The Hartsbrook School, 193 Bay Road, Hadley, MA. www.hartsbrook.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 29 – March 13, 2020
Saturday, Feb 29 • Sunday, March 1
Monday, March 2 • Tuesday, March 3 • Wednesday, March 4
Thursday, March 5 • Friday, March 6
Saturday, March 7 • Sunday, March 8
Monday, March 9 • Tuesday, March 10 • Wednesday, March 11
Thursday, March 12 • Friday, March 13
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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 29, 2020
Saturday, February 29, 9-10am – FAMILY RADIO SHOW/MAPLE SYRUP & SHEEP SHEARING: Hilltown Family Variety Show Sheep Shearing & Maple Syrup Episode. The moment that we have been waiting for all winter is here: Sugar Season! The ground is thawing, and the sap is running. Maple sugaring is everywhere, giving a great reason to get out with your family to sing about all things maple! Along with sugar season comes the shearing of the sheep, two seasonal markers of the coming of spring in the northeastern region of the United States. In this week’s episode, learn songs not only about maple syrup but sheep shearing and spring traditions in New England. 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 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-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, 2pm & 3:30pm – DANCE STUDIES/SWING: Leap for Local Arts: A Swinging Afternoon at the Northampton Community Music Center. Held on Leap Day 2020, take a dance lesson, and then enjoy a dance party to the swinging sounds of the Northampton Community Music Center‘s Jazz Ensemble. A family-friendly fundraiser for the Northampton Center for the Arts and the Northampton Community Music Center. Come for the lesson (2pm), or just the dance party (3:30pm). Swing era fashion is encouraged. Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, 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 – THEATER STUDIES/TONY AWARD: “The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, more commonly known as the Tony Award, recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre.” Tony Award 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, 11am-4pm – THEATER STUDIES/IMPROV: Say “yes, and . . .” to a free Sunday devoted to the art of improvisation! Star in guided theater games inspired by the Clark Art Institute‘S collections, create a unique marbled keepsake and try your hand at art-making with unusual materials. From 11am-3pm, visit the Manton Study Center for Works on Paper for a pop-up display depicting theatrical and dance performances. Don’t miss a special dance performance by Jody Sperling at 1pm as she explores the legendary choreography of famed dancer Loïe Fuller. All activities and admission to the galleries are free. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St, Williamstown, 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.
Sunday, March 1, 1-3pm – EDUCATION/OPEN HOUSE: Join the Center School for their K-8th grade AMALGAM Open House. 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. All kids and families, kindergarten through 8th grade, welcome! Center School. admissions@centerschool.net. 71 Montague City Rd, Greenfield, MA.
Sunday, March 1, 4-7pm – THEATER STUDIES/SOCIAL ACTIVISM: Bread and Puppet Theater Presents Diagonal Life: Theory and Praxis. This new show examines humanity’s current diagonal condition: on the verge of collapse, yet always capable of an uprising. Diagonal Life animates the humorous, tragic, and bewildering possibilities of diagonality with song, dance, magic, mechanism, and stunning cardboard and paper maché puppets. After the show, Bread and Puppet will serve its famous sourdough rye bread with aioli, and selling Bread and Puppet’s “Cheap Art” — affordable art for all! Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center. 413-774-0150. 289 Main Street, Greenfield, 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, 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, 4-6pm – ART STUDIES/WATERCOLOR: Drawing Into Watercolor at the Northampton Center for the Arts. Have you always wanted to draw and paint with watercolors? In this unique class, participants will explore the basics of black and white drawing and watercolor painting through exercises in observation, portraiture, and landscape. Open to all levels of ability. This six-week program begins today. Preregister for materials list. Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
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.
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30-8pm – EASTERN MEDICINE/ACUPUNCTURE: Are you curious about acupuncture and thinking about a career in alternative health modalities or integrating acupuncture into your healing protocol? Get your questions answered about acupuncture, one of the oldest and most widely practiced healthcare modalities in the world, at Ask an Acupuncturist with Bonnie Diamond, Licensed Acupuncturist at the Emily Williston Memorial Library. In this workshop, participants will learn the basic theory of acupuncture, how acupuncture works, how acupuncture works in conjunction with other modalities, and more. This workshop is for you if you are interested in Eastern Medicine. Best for self-directed teens and lifelong learners. No registration is necessary. Emily Williston Memorial Library. 413-527-1031. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA.
Wednesday, March 4, 6:30-9pm – ART STUDIES/WATERCOLOR: Spring Watercolor BIG and BOLD with Deborah Rubin at the Northampton Center for the Arts. Learn techniques and theory to create wonderful colorful paintings in this 5-week series. Techniques include dry brush, wet on wet, big brush, and flat brush. Theory includes color, composition, and more. Some demos, some critiques, and a lot of fun! All levels welcome. The emphasis is on “learning by doing,” so expect to jump in with paint immediately. Preregister for materials list. Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, 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, 2:15pm – Sunday, March 8, 1:30pm – BUDDHISM/LOVING-KINDNESS: The Power of the Loving Heart Krishna Das & Sharon Salzberg at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we’re all searching for a sense of belonging, yet often find ourselves feeling cut off and alone. What holds us back from connecting to ourselves, to our core emotional needs? What keeps us from connecting with others and realizing our essential longing for real love? Join Sharon Salzberg and Krishna Das in a weekend workshop (begins this Friday and runs through Sunday afternoon) to explore the transformative power of love within us. These two friends and colleagues bring a lifetime of experience nurturing a greater capacity for love rooted in both the Buddhist and bhakti traditions. Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health. 413-448-3152. 57 Interlaken Road. Stockbridge, 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.
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 – CITIZEN 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.
Saturday, March 7, 2020
Saturday, March 7, 2-4pm – BROADCAST HISTORY/JAZZ: The 15th Annual “Big Broadcast” hosted by Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College is Mount Holyoke’s annual recreation of a 1940’s live radio show, featuring big band swing music, an original radio play, and commercials of the day. Get tickets in advance. Chapin Auditorium. 413-538-2000. 50 College Street. South Hadley, MA.
Saturday, March 7, 9:30am-2:30pm – FIBER ARTS/NEEDLE & WET FELTING: Painting with Wool; Landscape Workshop. In this five-hour workshop, students will learn how to create a landscape using both needle and wet felting techniques. Preregister. Wool-ology. 413-350-5158. 242A Greenfield Rd. South Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, March 7, 10-11:30am – NATURE CONSERVATION/VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: Introduction to Arcadia and Mass Audubon. If you are new to the area or have just been wanting to learn more about Mass Audubon’s work in the Connecticut River Valley, take in this overview of how they protect the nature of Massachusetts, what’s so special about Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, and how you can get involved. This is a free indoor talk with beautiful photos of wildlife found at Arcadia. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd. Easthampton, MA.
Saturday, March 7, 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, March 7, 10am-3pm – MUSIC STUDIES/SACRED HARP: Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention. The Sacred Harp is a centuries-old American singing tradition, sung in four-part harmony from the 1991 edition of the Sacred Harp. This 2-day convention is free, and newcomers are very welcome, no experience at all required. Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
Saturday, March 7, 10am-4pm – WOMEN’S HISTORY/AVIATION: The New England Air Museum will hold its annual Women Take Flight event in commemoration of Women’s History Month and in conjunction with Women of Aviation Worldwide Week. Visitors of all ages are invited to celebrate women’s contributions to aerospace history through a variety of hands-on activities, special events, and lectures. Women Take Flight will also offer visitors the opportunity to meet over one hundred women pilots, engineers, and aerospace professionals. This event will also feature hands-on STEM activities for children, flight simulators, and climb-aboard experiences in historic aircraft. www.neam.org or call 860-623-3305. Windsor Locks, CT.
Saturday, March 7, 10am–5pm – MUSEUMS ADVENTURES: Theodor Seuss Geisel was born March 2, 1904, in Springfield, MA. Celebrate at the only museum dedicated to this beloved children’s book author at an activity-packed Dr. Seuss Birthday Party at the Springfield Museums. During the event, there will be a plethora of Dr. Seuss Birthday edutainment (education + entertainment) opportunities. This action-packed day features birthday cake tasting, puppet shows and sing-a-longs, literacy-based activities, art and science activities, and meet and greets with Dr. Seuss characters. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
Saturday, March 7, 10am-8pm – HORTICULTURE/HISTORY: In 1554, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire sent a handful of tulip bulbs to Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor. Who could have guessed that this simple act would lead to the world’s first-ever recorded economic bubble? It’s hard to say what caused the initial spike in tulip popularity in Europe and especially Holland. Still, it has been speculated that the vibrant colors of the tulip petals were unlike any other European flower in its hue and intensity. In any case, the popularity of tulips grew and grew over the years. The Netherlands, the world-leading economic power in the 17th century, was hit hardest by what would later be called ‘tulipmania.’ By 1634, the tulip industry had been opened up to market speculation, and in 1636, the Dutch economy was utterly dominated by the humble tulip. Single tulip bulbs were being sold for ten times the annual income of a skilled craftsperson. In one instance, a single bulb was traded for 12 acres of land. Massive fortunes were made overnight. Then, as quickly as it started, the tulip craze vanished. In February 1637, the price of tulips collapsed, and the entire industry fell apart. Modern economists have studied this bizarre episode as an example of the boom-and-bust or speculative bubble phenomenon. Come check out tulips and a spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, and lilies at the beloved annual Spring Bulb Show at Smith College Lyman Conservatory. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA.
Saturday, March 7, 10:30am – FAMILY CONCERT/FOLK MUSIC: Children’s Music Series at the library is a free music program that has hosted musical artists representing traditions from around the world over the past 40+ years. Today this series features a performance by The Nields. A local favorite, The Nields, carry on the folk tradition of Pete Seeger with community-minded original songs and traditional tunes for the whole family. This talented duo is known for their soaring harmonies and engaging performances. Jones Library. 413-259-3223. 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
Saturday, March 7, 1-4:30pm – GARDENING: Garden Day with Grow Food Northampton at Forbes Library. Celebrate the start of the growing season by spending the afternoon excited and inspired for gardening with activities and workshops for all ages, including Guerrilla Gardening and Pollinator Gardens; Seed Swap (bring seeds to swap); and children’s activities with our Grow Food Kids team. Learn about new gardening techniques and browse gardening books. Stop by for a quick visit or stay for the afternoon. Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA.
Saturday, March 7, 1-4pm – CULINARY ARTS/HONEY: Expert Honey at Berkshire Botanical Garden. Every taste of honey is an opportunity to learn something about its floral source, region, and even the beekeeper’s practices. Tasting and evaluating honey is a skill learned through formal sensory training along with experience. Join honey connoisseur and beekeeper, Carla Marina Marchese, to learn the methods of sensory analysis used by sommeliers to taste and evaluate honey like an expert. The art of honey tasting is as complex as skills used by a wine or olive oil sommelier. Improve your knowledge of honey and your tasting skills. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA.
Saturday, March 7, 7-9pm – MUSIC STUDIES/FOLK MUSIC: Pete Seeger A Life In Song, a fundraising sing-a-long hosted by The Hoping Machine at the Unitarian Society of Northampton. 413-584-1390. 220 Main Street. Northampton, MA.
Saturday, March 7, 7:30-9:30pm – BROADCAST HISTORY/JAZZ: The 15th Annual “Big Broadcast” hosted by Jazz Ensembles of Mount Holyoke College is Mount Holyoke’s annual recreation of a 1940’s live radio show, featuring big band swing music, an original radio play, and commercials of the day. Get tickets in advance. Chapin Auditorium. 413-538-2000. 50 College Street. South Hadley, MA.
Sunday, March 8, 2020
Sunday, March 8, 10am-3pm – MUSIC STUDIES/SACRED HARP: Western Massachusetts Sacred Harp Convention. The Sacred Harp is a centuries-old American singing tradition, sung in four-part harmony from the 1991 edition of the Sacred Harp. This 2-day convention is free, and newcomers are very welcome, no experience at all required. Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
Sunday, March 8, 10am-8pm – HORTICULTURE/HISTORY: In 1554, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire sent a handful of tulip bulbs to Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor. Who could have guessed that this simple act would lead to the world’s first-ever recorded economic bubble? It’s hard to say what caused the initial spike in tulip popularity in Europe and especially Holland. Still, it has been speculated that the vibrant colors of the tulip petals were unlike any other European flower in its hue and intensity. In any case, the popularity of tulips grew and grew over the years. The Netherlands, the world-leading economic power in the 17th century, was hit hardest by what would later be called ‘tulipmania.’ By 1634, the tulip industry had been opened up to market speculation, and in 1636, the Dutch economy was utterly dominated by the humble tulip. Single tulip bulbs were being sold for ten times the annual income of a skilled craftsperson. In one instance, a single bulb was traded for 12 acres of land. Massive fortunes were made overnight. Then, as quickly as it started, the tulip craze vanished. In February 1637, the price of tulips collapsed, and the entire industry fell apart. Modern economists have studied this bizarre episode as an example of the boom-and-bust or speculative bubble phenomenon. Come check out tulips and a spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, and lilies at the beloved annual Spring Bulb Show at Smith College Lyman Conservatory. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA.
Sunday, March 8, 2-4pm – FILM STUDIES/MUSICAL SING-A-LONG: The Sound of Music Sing-a-long at the Unitarian Universalists of Pittsfield. A free family-friendly showing of a version The Sound of Music that has the words to all of the songs. Refreshments provided. Unitarian Universalists of Pittsfield. 175 Wendell Avenue. Pittsfield, MA.
Sunday, March 8, 4-7pm – FAMILY NIGHT: Family Fun Night with Peter Siegel at the Northampton Parents Center. Playtime, optional potluck dinner, and live music. The NPC is designed for children birth through kindergarten age and their families and caregivers. Older siblings and alumni are welcome to join too. If you can bring a dish to share, please do, if not, just show up. Northampton Parents Center. 413-582-2636. 297 Main Street, Lower Level, Northampton, MA.
Monday, March 9, 2020
Monday, March 9, 10am – CIVICS/FIRE DEPARTMENT: Swearing in at the Easthampton Fire Department. This marks a monumental day in the department’s history as they increase staffing with four new firefighters for the first time since the 1970s. Great opportunity for young children to see how community service professionals are honored and to be a part of local history. Easthampton Fire Department. 32 Payson Ave. Easthampton, MA.
Monday, March 9, 10am-4pm – HORTICULTURE/HISTORY: Check out tulips and a spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, and lilies at the beloved annual Spring Bulb Show at Smith College Lyman Conservatory. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA.
Monday, March 9, 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 9, 6-7:30pm – NATURE STUDIES/PHOTOGRAPHY: Support your interests as a naturalist by learning about capturing images (camera trapping) of native species in this talk, Wildlife Cameras: See What’s Hiding in the Woods. Learn how these cameras work and how you can capture footage of bear, bobcat, coyote, deer, fox, moose, owl, and more in your own backyard. Preregister. East Longmeadow Public Library. 413-525-5432. 60 Center Square, East Longmeadow, MA.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Tuesday, March 10, 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.
Tuesday, March 10, 10am-4pm – HORTICULTURE/HISTORY: Check out tulips and a spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, and lilies at the beloved annual Spring Bulb Show at Smith College Lyman Conservatory. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA.
Tuesday, March 10, 5:30-8pm – PURIM/LOCAL HISTORY: Purim in the City of Firsts, hosted by Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy. Celebrate Purim in the city where basketball began; the first dictionary was printed; the first gas-powered automobile was manufactured; the home of Dr. Seuss! Come dressed in costume and join the Purim Masquerade Contest with prizes for participants. Live music and dance. A buffet will be served. Last megillah reading will take place at 5pm. Lubavitcher Yeshiva Academy. 413-567-8665. 1148 Converse Street, Longmeadow, MA.
Tuesday, March 10, 6-8pm – ART STUDIES/ACRYLIC PAINTING: Painting with acrylics can be fun when you know some techniques. Learn some basic skills and create beautiful landscapes or still life compositions with me. This 4-week series includes all materials and is for students new to the medium. Preregister. Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA.
Wednesday, March 11, 2020
Wednesday, March 11, 10am-4pm – HORTICULTURE/HISTORY: Check out tulips and a spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, and lilies at the beloved annual Spring Bulb Show at Smith College Lyman Conservatory. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA.
Wednesday, March 11, 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 11, 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 11, 7pm – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT/COHOUSING: Berkshire Community Land Trust will host a screening of a short film on the benefits of cohousing called “The Best of Both Worlds: Cohousing’s Promise.” This film will explore the concept of cohousing, an intentional community of private homes clustered around shared space. Following the film, the Berkshire Community Land Trust will facilitate a conversation about opportunities in our region for housing that’s affordable for young families as well as for retiring seniors. The screening is free to the public with a suggested donation. For more info, call 413-528-4472. The screening will be held at Berkshire Community College’s South County Center. 343 Main Street. Great Barrington, MA.
Wednesday, March 11, 7pm – ORNITHOLOGY/WARBLERS: Warblers for Beginners at Mass Audubon Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary.Warblers are the jewels of the bird world. Learning some basics can prepare you to enjoy the waves of spring migrants coming our way. Explore the keys to identification of spring warblers; learn some of their songs, and discover how knowledge of their life histories can enrich our birding experience. Preregister. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
Thursday, March 12, 2020
Thursday, March 12, 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, March 12, 10am-4pm – HORTICULTURE/HISTORY: Check out tulips and a spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, and lilies at the beloved annual Spring Bulb Show at Smith College Lyman Conservatory. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA.
Thursday, March 12, 2-4pm – CIVICS/VOTING: League of Women Voters at Berkshire Museum. Get a lesson in civics as you submit or update your voter registration, learn the structure of government in Berkshire County, discover how laws are made, and more with the Central Berkshire Chapter of the League of Women Voters. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
Thursday, March 12, 6pm – SCIENCE CAFE/URBAN ECOLOGY: This month’s Life Science Cafe topic is “How Cities Domesticate Nature” with Dr. Paige Warren. The Nacul Center. 413-256-8025. 592 Main Street. Amherst, MA.
Thursday, March 12, 6-9pm – FOLK TRADITIONS/CANDLE MAKING: DIY Candle Making, hosted by Tyler Street Lab with with Shire Fire Candle Co. Dottie’s Coffee Lounge. 4134-443-1792. 44 North Street. Pittsfield, MA.
Thursday, March 12, 6:30-10pm – PARENT NIGHT OUT/FUNDRAISER: Northampton Parent Center’s Cocktails for a Cause an elegant fundraiser featuring food, drink, live music, silent auction, and more. Northampton Parents Center is a free nonprofit drop-in community center for families with young children. This fundraising event will be held at the Northampton Country Club. 135 Main St. Leeds, MA.
Friday, March 13, 2020
Friday, March 13, 10am-8pm – HORTICULTURE/HISTORY: In 1554, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire sent a handful of tulip bulbs to Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor. Who could have guessed that this simple act would lead to the world’s first-ever recorded economic bubble? It’s hard to say what caused the initial spike in tulip popularity in Europe and especially Holland. Still, it has been speculated that the vibrant colors of the tulip petals were unlike any other European flower in its hue and intensity. In any case, the popularity of tulips grew and grew over the years. The Netherlands, the world-leading economic power in the 17th century, was hit hardest by what would later be called ‘tulipmania.’ By 1634, the tulip industry had been opened up to market speculation, and in 1636, the Dutch economy was utterly dominated by the humble tulip. Single tulip bulbs were being sold for ten times the annual income of a skilled craftsperson. In one instance, a single bulb was traded for 12 acres of land. Massive fortunes were made overnight. Then, as quickly as it started, the tulip craze vanished. In February 1637, the price of tulips collapsed, and the entire industry fell apart. Modern economists have studied this bizarre episode as an example of the boom-and-bust or speculative bubble phenomenon. Come check out tulips and a spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, and lilies at the beloved annual Spring Bulb Show at Smith College Lyman Conservatory. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 16 College Lane, Northampton, MA.
Friday, March 13, 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 13, 4-7pm – ART STUDIES/MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Free Second Fridays at the Smith College Museum of Art gives visitors a special opportunity to explore the collections and engage with art on a deeper level. Create your own work of art, with hands on activities for all ages based on specific works in the museum and go on a special guided conversation tour. Light refreshments. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
Friday, March 13, 7-9pm – PERFORMANCE ART/IMMIGRATION: Finding Home: We Are Stories, a Multimedia Performance. What are our journeys, and what makes a home? Join in a multimedia performance of art, memoir, and Berkshire Immigrant Stories followed by a community conversation. This show is based on four personal immigration stories currently on view at the Norman Rockwell Museum. These artists’ visual memoirs are woven with Berkshire Immigrant Stories to invite reflection on our own and others’ stories, and how together we make a community. Finding Home: We Are Stories was created at the Norman Rockwell Museum and is directed and performed by local high school students. All are welcome—Reserve your seat. Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. 413-528-0100. 14 Castle St. Great Barrington, MA.
Friday, March 13, 7pm – THEATER STUDIES/HIGH SCHOOL SPRING MUSICAL: The Broadway musical, Annie, based on the comic strip, “Little Orphan Annie,” originally opened in the late 70s and ran for nearly six years. The original Broadway production has generated various productions, including Frontier Regional School’s upcoming spring musical production. Annie: FRS March Musical is a high flying musical for all ages. Live music, dancing, singing, acrobatics, and acting right in South Deerfield with local high school teens on stage. Bring your children with audience skills and let the “big kids” inspire a love for theater, singing, and on-stage entertainment. Frontier Regional School. 113 N Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Amherst, Bernardston, 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.
