Dinos return to the Valley! Piti Theatre & PVMA are bringing DinoFest back to Greenfield – and much of the rest of the world online – on Saturday and Sunday, December 5 & 6. Blending science, arts, and community-building, The Great Greenfield DinoFest will feature Piti Youth Troupe’s first film: “The Mayor of Greenpants: Dino Disaster” a comedy for all ages at the Garden Cinema and online; as well as Jurassic Roadshow’s renowned paleontologists, artists, and passionate fossil collectors. And on Sunday, Kay Lyons will lead dino storytime & mask making. Dinofest grew out of Piti’s “Your Town” program that leverages local history to understand the present better. Schedule: ptco.org/dino All events are free to the public. 

FEATURED EVENT

The Academy at Charlemont is an independent day school for grades 6-12. Join faculty, students, and admission staff on December 10th or 13th for robust, one-hour, virtual Information Sessions. The Academy is excited to welcome prospective families to hear about their one-of-a-kind educational experience, complete with rigorous courses, diverse electives, personalized college counseling, a spacious campus located along the Deerfield River, and a safe and inclusive community. Generous financial aid and daily round-trip bus service from Greenfield, Amherst, Northampton, and the Hilltowns are available. Learn more and register here. 

FEATURED SCHOOL

Join the Pioneer Valley Symphony on Saturday, December 12 at 7pm for its 2020 Virtual Holiday Concert on Zoom. During this festive and family-friendly annual tradition, participants will sing and play along to holiday classics, hear fond memories from PVS ensemble members, and enjoy beloved Christmas and Hanukkah music together. The interactive program will feature compilations from the PVS Orchestra and Youth Orchestra and the world premiere of the ‘Winter Wonderland’ Virtual Choir Project. Tickets are $15 and available on the PVS website. Free passes to all PVS programs are available through a partnership with over 25 local libraries. Contact your local library for details. For more information email admin@pvso.org.

FEATURED HOLIDAY EVENT

This holiday season, surprise the music lover on your list with virtual music lessons. For a limited time, Community Music School of Springfield gift packages feature buy-4-lessons get-1-free pricing! Choose a Trial Lesson Package for someone who wants to get a feel for high-quality music lessons using CMSS’s state-of-the-art virtual platform. Or new this year, if your loved one is ready to commit to ongoing lessons, you can LOCK IN discounted pricing for the rest of the school year (this translates to 4 free lessons, and payment plans are available). Perhaps you have a little one at home this year – Enroll in any Prelude Preschool of the Arts remote programming in Nov or Dec and get a host of add-ons for free! Visit CMSS online to learn more.

FEATURED VIRTUAL MUSIC LESSONS

A2Z Science & Learning Toy Store has unique gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list! Find fun jigsaw puzzles for adults, science kits for kids, games for the whole family, baby & toddler toys, and just fun & cool stuff you won’t find anywhere else! Shop in-store or online with their full inventory range. (Over 8,000 products!) They offer curbside pickup, local delivery, and shipping anywhere in the USA! Find them at 57 King Street in Northampton, MA, or online at A2ZScience.com!

FEATURED LOCAL TOY STORE

The Common School in Amherst, MA ♦ Children only get one preschool experience. Experience The Common School. The Common School, serving children ages 3-12 years, has two preschool classrooms for children ages 3-5 years. These classrooms provide strong student/teacher ratios, a diverse and inclusive community, opportunities for experiential learning, a stellar social and emotional curriculum, environmental awareness, play based learning, significant time spent outdoors and many resources, such as an extensive library, music and movement class. Prospective families are invited to meet their teachers and tour their newly renovated facilities, including outdoor learning spaces for extended time outside. Preschool. Ages 3-12yrs. For more information: 413-256-8989; www.commonschool.org.

FEATURED PRESCHOOL

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 bring 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.

SEE YOUR AD HERE