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 10,000 opt-in subscribers and over 2.7 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 learning ideas and community-based educational opportunities to explore at home and outdoors this weekend and next week.

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In-person archaeological investigations at Historic Deerfield: Oct 17.

Historic Deerfield starts its archaeological investigation of the Stebbins House site in October as part of Massachusetts Archaeology Month. On October 17, museum visitors are welcome to stop by the excavation site and talk to archaeologists about what they’re doing. Artifacts unearthed at the Stebbins House Site will be processed at a field lab table for visitors to see. Visitors can view artifacts and ask questions about daily life at the site more than 175 years ago. Admission is $15 for adults (18+) and FREE for kids age 17 and under. Visit www.historic-deerfield.org to purchase tickets in advance online. The museum is open from 9:30am-4:30pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through November 29, 2020.

In-person on Saturday, October 31. 9am-2pm

5th Annual Ski and Winter Gear Sale, returns on October 31, 2020, from 9am-2pm, under the tent at 67 Amity Street on the lawn of the Amherst History Museum, with deals and choices so big – it’s scary! Proceeds benefit the museum. Shoppers can once again choose from a vast selection of new and used downhill, cross-country skis, ski poles, helmets, snowshoes, boots, skates, snowboards, outdoor clothing (including jackets, gloves, mittens, and hats) all in adult and youth sizes. Strict safety guidelines will be observed with periodic cleaning of surfaces and social distancing measures in place. Masks are required, costumes are appreciated! For information and updates, go to: 1 DAY TENT SALE EVENT.

Haunted Hangars Trick or Treat at New England Air Museum on Halloween!

The New England Air Museum (NEAM) will host a Haunted Hangars Trick or Treat program on Saturday, October 31, from 10:30am-2:30pm. Ghosts, Witches, Princesses, and Superheroes are invited to participate in a costume contest + scavenger hunt throughout the museum hangars! The winning costume will receive a family membership for a year. A take-home kit with a build and fly “Bat Glider,” spooky activity pages, and a trick or treat goodie bag will be available for guests. NEAM is open daily from 10am-3pm, closed on Mondays during winter season. Admission: $16 for ages 15+, $14 for seniors 65+, $10 for 4-14. For info, directions, & safety protocols, visit www.neam.org or call 860-623-3305. NEAM is located in Windsor Locks, CT, adjacent to Bradley International Airport.

Virtual. Adapted In-Person Outdoors & Indoors

Springfield Museums: Field Trips and Museum School. Springfield, MA. For homeschoolers and schoolers with five museums to mine for information and activities, the Springfield Museums does what few others can—combine art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss into fun-filled, engaging experiences that reinforce critical thinking and observation skills through inquiry-based learning. The Springfield Museums offer a broad range of educational programs for all ages and interest levels, and they are happy to custom-build an experience for your small group. For more information: fieldtrips@springfieldmuseums.org; 413-263-6800 x322; springfieldmuseums.org/groups/school.

The Institute for the Musical Arts will be offering a Collaborative Home Recording Intensive, October 19-November 1. This virtual recording intensive designed to introduce participants to the basics of creating high-quality recordings home. Whether you are interested in recording music or spoken word or in production and sound design, this course will provide you with basic studio production concepts, terminology, mic selection, and recording technique. In a collaborative virtual environment, participants will explore recording voices for oral histories or podcasts, remix a previously recorded piece and learn to produce, record, and mix music on your PC. All ages & abilities are welcomed. Enrollment is limited. Register at www.ima.org.

Accepting Applications for Fall 2021.

Bement is open with students attending school in person and they are accepting applications for fall 2021. The Bement School founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield is a co-educational junior boarding and day school serving 200 students in kindergarten through grade 9. Bement’s rich curriculum motivates and challenges students with strong academics, a renowned fine arts program, and a diverse athletic program. Students participate in athletics and fine arts every day. The pervasive atmosphere at Bement is that of a family, learning and living together. Bement actively seeks an academically diverse, international, and multi-cultural student body. For information join their virtual info session or call 413-774-4209 www.bement.org.

Virtual Educational Fair on Thurs, Nov 19.

Join admission representatives from six local independent elementary and middle schools located throughout the Pioneer Valley in a virtual educational fair on Thursday, November 19 from 5-6pm! After a short introduction by each school, families will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions directly to the representatives. Registration required. Participants will receive a Zoom invitation 24 hours before the event. Participating schools include Academy Hill School, The Bement School, The Center School, The Common School, Four Winds School, and Smith College Campus School. Visit bement.org/virtualschoolfair to register.

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Discover virtual & adapted programming in our 2020/2021 Class Directory for Western MA!

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Find what you’re looking for in our 2020/2021 Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA!

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ADVERTISE HERE: Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of readers in Western MA who are committed to their community and willing to support one another in times of need. In-person and virtual event organizers, local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our affordable advertising options and marketing packages. To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact Sienna at swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org.

SUGGESTED LEARNING IDEAS,
RESOURCES, & EVENTS
October 17-23, 2020

Saturday, Oct 17 • Sunday, Oct 18
Monday, Oct 19 • Tuesday, Oct 20 • Wednesday, Oct 21
Thursday, Oct 22 • Friday, Oct 23

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Cultural Itineraries ♦ en Español

Online and in-person events and resources shared below are done so as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm information, age appropriateness, registration requirements, safety protocols, and associated costs.

Discover virtual & adapted programming in our 2020/2021 Class Directory for Western MA!

Saturday, October 17, 2020

Suggested Events

• 9-10am: Hilltown Family Variety Show on WXOJ 103.3FM out of Northampton.
• 7am – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Into the Autumn Mist- Virtual Family Event
• 10am-4pm – HISTORY/ARCHAEOLOGY: Archaeology Days
• 10am – ECOLOGY/TREES: Boreal Spruce-Fir Forest Fall Hike
• 10am – ECOLOGY/HIKING: Hike the Keystone Arch Bridges Trail
• 10:30am – LITERACY/STORYTIME: Another Autumn Storytime on the Patio
• 12pm – COMMUNITY MEAL: Seventh Annual Chicken BBQ
• 1pm – ECOLOGY/ZOOLOGY: Aquatic Mammal Walk
• 2pm – HISTORY/EXTINCTION: Nevermore: Remembering the Passenger Pigeon with Gerri Griswold
• 6pm: HALLOWEEN – PumpkinFest 2020, Westfield
• 6:30pm – PARANORMAL/FOLKLORE: Book of the Dead – Wicked Tales
• 7pm – HISTORY/WOMEN’S SUFFERAGE: 100 Years of the 19th Amendment
• 7pm – WOMEN’S STUDIES/MUSIC HISTORY: 100 Years of the 19th Amendment
• Check Hilltown Families Facebook event page for more events!

Want to have your online or in person event, class, or workshop featured with Hilltown Families? Inquire at info@hilltownfamilies.org.

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JACK-O-LANTERNS

Called “pompions” by the first European colonists, pumpkins were a food essential to winter survival – and they were grown in many more varieties than they typically are today. The custom of carving pumpkins into Jack O’Lanterns was introduced to American culture by Irish immigrants, influencing our cultural landscape to this day. Traditionally carved from root vegetables, including turnips and potatoes, new hybrids of pumpkins are grown specifically for carving. For today’s self-directed learning module, follow your curiosity and learn about history, folklore, culture, and artisan techniques through the lens of jack-o-lanterns!

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Find what you’re looking for in our 2020/2021 Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA!

Sunday, October 18, 2020

Suggested Events

 

• 10am – PLANT BIOLOGY/SEED SAVING: Let’s Save Seeds!
• 11am – HARVEST/FOOD PRESERVATION: Preserving the Harvest (In-Person)
• 2pm – NATIVE HOMELANDS/JUSTICE: 400 years: Truth and Healing for the next 7 generations
• 6pm: HALLOWEEN – PumpkinFest 2020, Westfield
• 7pm – NEW ENGLAND: Virtual Tour of Salem, MA
• Check Hilltown Families Facebook event page for more events!

Want to have your online or in person event, class, or workshop featured with Hilltown Families? Inquire at info@hilltownfamilies.org.

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COSTUMES

Halloween is a holiday that invites us to tell stories through costumes, allowing us to engage in fantasy and role-playing for at least a single night. Traditional costumes for Halloween include ghosts, zombies, iconic monsters (Dracula, Frankenstein, werewolves, etc.), and harvest icons (scarecrows, pumpkins, corn, etc.). Still, costumes, in general, can span the genres of history, reality, and culture. With interest in costumes being one many families consider this time of year, today’s self-directed learning module offers lessons in puppetry, indigenous cultures, history, film studies, costume design, storytelling, fashion design, and much more! With this list of curated videos, costumes are our catalyst for learning today.

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