Weekly Suggested Events for December 12-18, 2020

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Image of a red barn with a sign reading "Christmas Shop" and Christmas trees outside for sale with the words "Suggested Learning Ideas" overlayed.
LEARNING RESOURCES

FAMILY MUSICHilltown Family Variety Show 

LANGUAGE ARTS. Literary Guides 

PLACE-BASED LEARNING. Learning Ahead: Cultural Itinerary for Western Massachusetts 

CLASSES. Western MA Class Directory 

NATURE-BASED LEARNING. Nature Tables 

COMMERCIAL-FREE. DIY Holiday Gifts 

INTERGENERATIONAL. Board Games 

MINDFULNESS. Mindfulness Through the Seasons 

PEDAGOGY. Integrating Permaculture with Community-Based Education 

CREATIVE-FREE PLAY. Fresh Ways to Engage Toddlers in Creative Free-Play 

CREATIVE-FREE PLAY. Fairy Houses 

CREATIVE-FREE PLAY.  Play Ideas for Family & Community

Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

High school students involved in experiential learning in an outdoor class with the text, "The Academy at Charlemont" overlay.
Virtual Info Sessions: 12/10 & 12/13

FEATURED SCHOOL

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

Virtual Holiday Concert!

FEATURED HOLIDAY EVENT

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.

Graphic for Community Music School of Springfield
Give the gift of music!

FEATURED VIRTUAL MUSIC LESSONS

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.

Graphic for A2Z Science & Learning Toy Store
Shop in-store or online!

FEATURED LOCAL TOY STORE

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!

Graphic for Deer Hill House AirBNB
Featured local lodging.

STAY IN THE HILLTOWNS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Built in 1832 as a hotel, Deer Hill House is the perfect place to stay overnight while visiting family and friends in western Massachusetts! Deer Hill House is now four separate apartments under one roof, located on a quiet country road along the Westfield River, with Deer Hill behind the house, and a large open yard. Private, sunlit, one-bedroom apartments on the first and second floor, complete with full kitchens, and baths, are ideal for a writing retreat or a comfortable home base for your adventures. Located in Cummington, MA, Deer Hill House is less than 10 minutes from Notchview, and 30 minutes from Northampton, Pittsfield, and MassMoCa. Check out the first-floor apartment or search Deer Hill House on Airbnb.

Graphic with the text, "The Common School" overlay.
The Common School in Amherst, MA.

FEATURED PRESCHOOL

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.

Partner with HIlltown Families!

SEE YOUR AD 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 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.

Class Directory

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

Preschool Directory

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

List of Weekly Suggested Events

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2020

LOCAL HISTORY. 8am-5pm. Legends of the Berkshires 

ART STUDIES. 9am. Painting with Scissors 

LANGUAGE ARTS. 9am. Sense of Place Creative Writing 

LITERACY. 9am. Storytime with Santa & Elf 

STEM. 10am. Family Science (In-Person) 

NATURE-BASED. 10am. First Child in the Woods Infant/Toddler Walk 

SANTA. 10am. Santa Visits the Museum 

SANTA. 10am. Drive-By with Santa and Mrs. Claus 

PASTRY ARTS. 10:30am. Baking: Science for Hungry People 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11am. 12:30pm. 2pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 

WORLD GEOGRAPHY. 11am. The Amalfi Coast: Live Italy Tour 

WORLD GEOGRAPHY.  12pm. Christmas in Iceland: Online Walking Tour 

SOCIAL JUSTICE. 1pm. How Racism Hurts People of Color and Everyone 

AUTISM. 1:30pm. Families with Kids on the Autism Spectrum 

FOLKLORE. 2:30pm. The Folklore of Herbs 

PASTRY ARTS. 3pm. Gingerbread Build at Home 

MUSIC STUDIES. 3pm. Sweet Honey in the Rock 

NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 3-8pm. Christmas by Candlelight 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Park (Northampton, MA) 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:30-8:30pm. Winterlights at Naumkeag 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:45-8:45pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park (Springfield, MA) 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5pm. NightWood, A Sound & Light Experience 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-9pm. Light Up the Franklin Cty. Fairgrounds 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. . 5-9pm. Winterfest & the Tunnel of Lights 

MUSIC STUDIES. 7pm. Holiday Concert 

HANUKKAH. 7pm. Community Celebration of Hanukkah 

MUSIC STUDIES. 7:30pm. New Asia Chamber Music Society 

THEATER STUDIES. 7:30pm. TORCHED! & THE RED ROSE 

MUSIC STUDIES. 8pm. A Celtic Family Christmas at Home

Self-Directed Learning:
WORLD GEOGRAPHY

ITALY
Sat., Dec 12 @ 11am
The Amalfi Coast: Live Italy Tour

Self-Directed Learning:
KITCHEN SCIENCE

PASTRY ARTS
Sat., 12 @ 10:30am
Baking: Science for Hungry People

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2020

LOCAL HISTORY. 8am-5pm. Legends of the Berkshires 

SANTA. 8am. Breakfast with Santa 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11am. 12:30pm. 2pm. Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 

SOCIAL JUSTICE. 1pm. Invocation to James Baldwin 

PASTRY ARTS. 1pm. Holiday Cookie Fundraiser 

LANGUAGE ARTS. 3pm. Holiday Reading at Meekins 

NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 3-8pm. Christmas by Candlelight 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Park (Northampton, MA) 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:30-8:30pm. Winterlights at Naumkeag 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:45-8:45pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park (Springfield, MA) 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5pm. NightWood, A Sound & Light Experience 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-9pm. Winterfest & the Tunnel of Lights 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5-9pm. Light Up the Franklin Cty. Fairgrounds 

ART STUDIES. 7pm. A Virtual Celebration of Animation. Email to register: dmemlib@gmail.com. 

ASTRONOMY. Night. Geminids Meteor Shower Peak Night

Self-Directed Learning:
LITERATURE

LANGUAGE ARTS
Sun., Dec 13 @ 3pm
Holiday Reading at Meekins

Self-Directed Learning:
ASTRONOMY

METEORS
The night of Sun, Dec 13
Geminids Meteor Shower Peak Night

MONDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2020

LOCAL HISTORY. 8am-5pm. Festival of Trees: Legends of the Berkshires 

FILM STUDIES. 10am. The Making of Miracle on 34th Street 

INTERGENERATIONAL. 10:30am. Sing With Your Little Ones 

CRAFTS. 11am. Make your own Christmas toys 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11am. 12:30pm. 2pm. Self-guided tour of the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum 

ORNITHOLOGY 9am. Neotropic Birding Adventures: Galapagos Islands 

CULINARY ARTS. 10am. What’s Cooking Cookbook Club 

FIBER ART. 12:30pm. Knitting with Northampton Wools  

LITERACY. 2pm. Snowy StoryWalk 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Park (Northampton, MA) 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:45-8:45pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park (Springfield, MA) 

MUSIC STUDIES. 5:30pm. West African & Caribbean Drum and Song Class 

MUSIC STUDIES. 7pm. Leverett Library’s Zoom Strum Along

Self-Directed Learning:
EVOLUTION

ORNITHOLOGY
Mon., Dec. 14 @ 9am
Neotropic Birding Adventures: Galapagos

Self-Directed Learning:
CULINARY ARTS

COOKBOOKS
Mon., Dec. 14 @ 10am
What’s Cooking Cookbook Club

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2020

LOCAL HISTORY. 8am-5pm. Legends of the Berkshires 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11am. 12:30pm. 2pm.Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 

STEAM. 3:30pm. STEAM: Dino Egg Dig Kit 

LITERACY. 4pm. Storytime for School-Aged Kids: “Whose Shoes?” 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Park (Northampton, MA) 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:30-8:30pm. Winterlights at Naumkeag 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:45-8:45pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park (Springfield, MA) 

WORLD GEOGRAPHY. 5pm. Virtual tour to Berlin 

LITERATURE IN TRANSLATION. 6:30pm. The Books Behind the Movies  

FOLKLORE. 7pm. Christmas & New Years Folklore

Self-Directed Learning:
SCIENCE

STEAM
Tues., Dec. 15 @ 3:30pm
STEAM: Dino Egg Dig Kit

Self-Directed Learning:
WORLD HISTORY

WORLD GEOGRAPHY
Tues., Dec. 15 @ 5pm
Virtual tour to Berlin

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2020

LOCAL HISTORY. 8am-5pm. Festival of Trees: Legends of the Berkshires 

NATURE-BASED. 10am. Junior Discovery Days (In-Person) 

LITERACY. 10am. Story Time Online with Meghan 

STEAM. 12pm. Lunch Bunch: Holiday Science 

GARDENING. 12pm. Planning Your Vegetable Garden – Selecting the Right Seeds 

DANCE STUDIES. 4pm. Let’s Move! Youth Dance Class 

LITERACY. 4pm. Cushman Library Story Hour 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Park (Northampton, MA) 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:30-8:30pm. Winterlights at Naumkeag 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:45-8:45pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park (Springfield, MA) 

MUSIC STUDIES 5:30pm. Beethoven’s Birthday 

HISTORY. 6:30pm. Finding Slavery in New England: History and Memory 

CULINARY ARTS. 9:30pm. Learn How to Cook Wharf Classics

Self-Directed Learning:
CULINARY ARTS

SEAFOOD
Wed., Dec. 16 @ 9:30pm
Learn How to Cook Wharf Classics

Self-Directed Learning:
MUSIC STUDIES

MUSIC STUDIES 
Thurs., Dec. 17 @ 5:30pm
Beethoven’s Birthday

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2020

LOCAL HISTORY. 8am-5pm. Festival of Trees: Legends of the Berkshires 

CULINARY ARTS. 10am. Every Kid Can Cook Cooking Classes 

NATURE-BASED. 10am. Junior Nature Play Thursday Series (In-person) 

WORLD LANGUAGES. 10am. 123 Andrés LIVE Bilingual Concert for Families 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11am. 12:30pm. 2pm.Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 

MARINE BIOLOGY. 12pm. Career Dives: Blake Ushijima (PhD), Assistant Professor of Microbiology 

WORLD LANGUAGES. 12pm. Writing Between Tongues: An Exploration of Hebrew and Arabic Calligraphy 

NUTRITION. 12pm. Healthy Cooking Demo 

ARTS STUDIES. 12:15pm. Museums a la Carte Zoom 

NATURE-BASED. 1pm. Homeschool Thursday Nature Club: Our Common Wildlife 

HISTORY. 4pm. Youth in Action: (Re)Telling the American Story 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Park (Northampton, MA) 

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT. 4:30pm. Flight Lesson 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:30-8:30pm. Winterlights at Naumkeag 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:45-8:45pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park (Springfield, MA) 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5pm. NightWood, A Sound & Light Experience 

LOCAL HISTORY. 6:30pm. Hidden Walls, Hidden Mills 

PASTRY ARTS. 7pm. Virtual Cookie Exchange 

DANCE STUDIES. 8pm. Digital Stage: Favorites from The Nutcracker

Self-Directed Learning:
CALLIGRAPHY

WORLD LANGUAGES
Thurs., Dec. 17 @ 12pm
Hebrew and Arabic Calligraphy

Self-Directed Learning:
KITCHEN SCIENCE

PASTRY ARTS
Dec. 17 @ 7pm
Virtual Cookie Exchange

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2020

LOCAL HISTORY. 8am-5pm. Festival of Trees: Legends of the Berkshires 

PLAY. 10:30am. Art Museum Playdate 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 11am. 12:30pm. 2pm.  Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 

NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. 3-8pm. Christmas by Candlelight 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4-9pm. Holiday Lights Display at Look Park (Northampton, MA) 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:30-8:30pm. Winterlights at Naumkeag 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 4:45-8:45pm. Bright Nights at Forest Park (Springfield, MA) 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5pm. Holiday Light Trail of Wilbraham 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS.. 5-9pm. Winterfest & the Tunnel of Lights 

HOLIDAY LIGHTS. 5pm. NightWood, A Sound & Light Experience 

HOLIDAYS. 6:30pm. Parents Night Out: Featuring “The Grinch” 

HOLIDAYS. 7pm. Holiday Concert

Self-Directed Learning:
BOARD GAMES

INTERGENERATIONAL
Board Games

Self-Directed Learning:
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

NON-COMMERCIAL
DIY Holiday Gifts

Online and in-person events and resources shared above 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.

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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.

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