Now is the time to order your plants, and Bare Roots Farm in West Chesterfield is open for pre-orders via their online store.

This time every year, many families start to think about tending to their gardens, growing their own food, and being able to access locally grown food easily. Gardening connects families with the seasons and is a multidisciplinary activity embedded with learning every step along the way, from botany to soil science to meteorology. At home, gardening can occur in either a garden plot, porch containers, or window sills, becoming a learning laboratory for all family members. Bare Roots Farm is a locally owned family greenhouse growing useful organic plants. Orders can be picked up at their Farm Stand (329 Ireland Street) beginning the 2nd week of May. Place your order now at Barerootsfarm.com.

FEATURED SALE
River Valley Co-op
Northampton, MA

Celebrate Earth Week at River Valley Co-op and get 15% OFF all items in their expansive Bulk Department from April 21st through May 4th! Buy only what you need, from a pinch to a pound, and do your part to reduce excess packaging and food waste. Come stock up on beans, rice, granola, flours, herbs and spices, household cleaning supplies, and so much more. Everyone is welcome to come stock up and save! Sale excludes pre-packaged items. 330 N. King St., Northampton, MA. 413-584-2665. www.rivervalley.coop

FEATURED PRESCHOOL
Prelude Preschool of the Arts
Springfield, MA

Prelude Preschool of the Arts in Springfield offers five-day arts-integrated learning & play for ages 2.9-5. Full & half-day programming options feature specialized classes taught by expert musicians & artists in the areas of early childhood music, dance, yoga, Suzuki violin, bucket drumming, & visual art. Prelude Preschool’s arts-centered curriculum, in partnership with Enchanted Circle Theater, supports social-emotional development while fostering creativity & a lifelong love for learning. Flexible before & aftercare is available. Regularly scheduled family nights facilitate community connection & collaboration. Take a tour of their refreshed classrooms, renovated for optimal learning. prelude@communitymusicschool.com 413-750-9560

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Camp MacDuffie
Granby, MA

Dates: June 28-August 2, 2021
Age Range: 6-14yo
Contact: 413-255-0000 x110
♦ khamel@macduffie.org
♦ summer.macduffie.org

Camp MacDuffie is an exciting summer day camp for rising 1st–8th graders. Participants spend the morning engaged in a program area of their choosing, enjoy lunch by Sage Dining Services (included), and then stay active with a variety of afternoon outdoor/indoor activities and field trips throughout the week. Their program leaders are passionate and experienced, and they all look forward to creating a fun and supportive environment for your child to thrive this summer. So come along and join Camp MacDuffie this summer!

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Barrington Stage Company’s
KidsAct! & TeensAct!
Pittsfield, MA

Dates: June 28-August 13, 2021
Age Range: 7-14yo
Contact: 413-997-6117 ♦ education@barringtonstageco.org
♦ barringtonstageco.org

Join Barrington Stage Company for KidsAct! & TeensAct! This summer, BSC is doing things a bit differently to safely accommodate the campers: by holding TeensAct! & KidsAct! as two separate three-week camps, held outdoors, location TBA. This will allow BSC to focus attention fully on one group of young people, to maintain a more contained pod-style environment with one group of campers at a time, and most importantly, to put the energy into creating the best and wackiest pieces of original musical theatre that can possibly be created! Students create an original musical with their peers to be performed on the final day of the program. Winner of the 2019 Gold Daisy Award for Best Drama/Theater lessons in the Berkshires, by Macaroni Kid.

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Deerfield Academy Summer Arts Camp (DASAC)
Deerfield, MA

Dates: July 6-August 13, 2021
Age Range: 11-16yo
Contact: 413-774-1405
♦ jbechtold@deerfield.edu
♦ bit.ly/dasac21registration

In its 31st year, DASAC has been a creative haven for 11-16 year-olds around the Pioneer Valley. DASAC believes in creating a safe space for campers to be their most inspired and weirdest selves in a community of generous, socially-conscious peers. With their wide array of studio offerings across the visual & performing arts, their novel cross-disciplinary projects, and their trust in adolescent creativity, DASAC is the kind of place where campers come into themselves while making enduring relationships with others. After a triumphant 2020 remote experience, DASAC staff looks to drive their 2021 virtual program by helping campers build an exciting bridge out of the pandemic into the chapters ahead that connects them to new folk. Financial aid available. Session 1 – July 6-23; Session 2 – July 27-August 13.

FEATURED EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
Community Action’s Head Start &
Early Learning Programs

Community Action’s Head Start & Early Learning Programs (HSELP) provides quality early education & care and comprehensive services to pregnant women and children birth to five in Franklin, Hampshire, and Western Hampden Counties, MA. Every day, their mission is front and center: they partner with families in all they do and believe that parents are the experts on their children. Together, they build a solid foundation for resilient and resourceful caregivers; caring, confident, and curious children; and responsive, invested communities. All of their services are provided at either low or no cost to eligible children and families.  www.communityaction.us or call 413-387-1250 

FEATURED SALE
River Valley Co-op
Northampton, MA

River Valley Co-op’s much-anticipated spring plant sale is happening May 7th, 8th, and 9th. This socially distanced event is being held outside in their parking lot and will feature a huge selection of local, organic, and heirloom varieties of veggies, herbs, and flowers. Kick off the gardening season in the Valley with some high-quality starts from your local co-op! Everyone welcome! 330 N. King St., Northampton, MA. 413-584-2665. 
www.rivervalley.coop