Weekly Suggested Events for June 5-11, 2021

Are you looking for things to do in western Massachusetts? Seeking curriculum ideas for remote learning or homeschooling? Are you a self-directed, life-long, and/or experiential learner? Are you curious or wanting to support the interests of your family. Our weekly Suggested Events list includes suggested learning ideas, resources, and events for all ages, each week!
Scroll down to discover featured events, learning opportunities, and educational videos to support learning from home. And be sure to subscribe to our free weekly eNewsletter so you never miss out!
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IDEAS
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
STEM: A2Z Science & Learning Store. 413-586-1611. 57 King St, Northampton, MA.
SPORTS HISTORY: The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 1000 Hall of Fame Ave. Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES: MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY: Bidwell House Museum. 413-528-6888. 100 Art School Road, Monterey, MA.
FILM STUDIES: Greenfield Garden Cinema. 413-773-9260. 361 Main St. Greenfield, MA.
THEATER STUDIES: Double Edge Theatre. 413-628-0277. 948 Conway Rd, Ashfield, MA.
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities


The Campus School in Northampton, MA, is pleased to announce that due to a growth in enrollment, they will be adding a second kindergarten class for the 2021-22 school year. Limited spaces are available and applications will be accepted on a space available basis. What can a 5-year old learn on a college campus? Click here to learn more about the Campus School’s partnership with Smith College! Request information here or schedule a tour with the director of admission and financial aid by emailing Maureen Litwin at mlitwin@smith.edu.

Whole Children is pleased to offer a Virtual & In Person Summer Program for school age kids. The 7-week program will be offered Monday through Saturday, July 6-August 21. We are excited to offer a full roster of virtual classes and a selection of in person classes, including photography, theater, Joyful Chorus, Friendship Band and more! Price: $150 for 7 weeks of unlimited classes! https://bit.ly/3fOLWXd or call 413-585-8010. Whole Selves is also offering two clinics this summer, including a focus on Puberty and Social Media. Price: $350 for non-Whole Children members or $100 for current registered Whole Children members. Register here: https://bit.ly/3paygtO
FEATURED EVENT
11th Annual Will Bike 4 Food

The 11th Annual Will Bike 4 Food brings us safely back together on Sept 26, along with a new way to participate in the months leading up to this fun & meaningful cycling event. Help raise funds for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts to support our neighbors in need for Hunger Action Month. To get an early start, on June 26, join the Ride & Seek Community Challenge, which will direct you to local businesses along bikeable trails & roads in pursuit of a chance to win prizes. Visit www.WillBike4Food.org for more details, register as an individual/team, or sign-up to volunteer. Proceeds go to The Food Bank to provide healthy & nutritious meals to families & individuals facing hunger. For inquiries, email Cheyenne: cheyenneb@foodbankwma.org.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Community Music School of Springfield Music Lessons
Springfield, MA

Dates: June 28-August 13, 2021
Age Range: 4yo+
Contact: 413-732-8428
♦ info@communitymusicschool.com
♦ communitymusicschool.com
Come play with CMSS this summer! CMSS offers high-quality music instruction for students of all ages and levels, and their summer session features flexible scheduling and a choice of online or hybrid learning. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned musician, CMSS takes the time to match you with a teacher who will connect with you while helping you accomplish your personal musical goals. Offering instruction in over 30 instruments and voice, their registration team can help you decide whether to rent or purchase your instrument. Getting started is easy – your summer music lesson is just a click or phone call away!
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Edge Soccer Academy Summer Camp
Holyoke & Wilbraham, MA

Dates: Jun 28-Jul 2 & Jul 24-30, 2021
Age Range: 5-15yo
Contact: kevon.isa@aic.edu ♦ www.edgesocceracademyinc.com
Edge Soccer Academy Summer Camp 1 June 28th – July 2nd, 2021 Full Day Option (8-15 yr olds): Monday-Thursday: 9am-4pm; Friday, 9am-12pm $250 Half Day Option (5-8 yr olds): Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm $150 Location: Roberts Field (Holyoke High School Turf Field) 500 Beech Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 Edge Soccer Academy Summer Camp 2 July 26th – 30th, 2021 Full Day Option (8-15 yr olds): Monday-Thursday: 9am-4pm; Friday, 9am-12pm $250 Half Day Option (5-8 yr olds): Monday-Friday, 9am-12pm $150 Location: Spec Pond (Wilbraham, MA) 45C Post Office Park, Wilbraham, MA 01095

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.

Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA
List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

FAMILY RADIO. 9am. HFVS Trees In Story And Song Episode with Guest DJ Claudia Robin Gunn (Radio Show/Podcast)
ART STUDIES. 10am-5pm. Inspired by the exhibition On the Move with Eric Carle, create a transportation network and explore paper in three dimensions The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
ECOLOGY. 10am, 11:15am, 1pm. Family Fun Day: What lives in the pond and stream? Learn about animals that inhabit the pond and stream at Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 789 Main St, Hampden, MA.
ART STUDIES. 11am-4pm. Lenox Art Walk. The 2021 Spring Lenox Art Walk will be comprised of small-scale, safely-distanced art “villages” throughout downtown Lenox, showcasing over 40 fine artists and artisans. Downtown Lenox.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 12pm. Hiking at Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.
ART STUDIES. 1pm. Take a self-guided tour of outdoor public art The Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, and WCMA (Northern Berkshire Cty.)
Self-Directed Learning:
ECOLOGY
Sat., Jun 5 @ 10am, 11:15am, 1pm. What lives in the pond and stream? Learn about animals that inhabit the pond and stream at Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary. Hampden, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
BOTANY
Sat., Jun 5 @ 11am. Invasive flora presents numerous challenges. Learn more during an Urban Invasives Walk with the Hilltown Land Trust. Williamsburg, MA.
SUNDAY, JUNE 6, 2021

DENDROLOGY. 7am. HFVS Trees In Story And Song Episode with Guest DJ Claudia Robin Gunn (Radio Show/Podcast)
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 9am. Hiking and Bike Riding at Mt. Holyoke Range State Park. 413-253-2883 . 1500 West St. Amherst, MA.
GEOLOGY. 10am. Self-guided Geology Walking Tour at Skinner State Park. 413-586-0350. 10 Skinner State Park Road, Hadley, MA.
ART STUDIES. 10:30am. Take a self-guided tour of outdoor public art The Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, and WCMA (Northern Berkshire Cty.)
ART STUDIES. 11am-4pm. Lenox Art Walk. The 2021 Spring Lenox Art Walk will be comprised of small-scale, safely-distanced art “villages” throughout downtown Lenox, showcasing over 40 fine artists and artisans. Downtown Lenox.
ART STUDIES. 12-5pm. Inspired by the exhibition On the Move with Eric Carle, create a transportation network and explore paper in three dimensions. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
OUTDOOR CONCERT. 3:30pm. Music outdoors under the tent, where families can dine and listen at a safely-distanced table in the dining terrace at the corner of Housatonic and Church streets. Lenox, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
FIBER ARTS
Self-Directed Learning:
ART HISTORY
MONDAY, JUNE 7, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
PLAYGROUP. 9:30-11:30am. Preschool Play Program (Great Barrington, MA)
ZOOLOGY. 10am. Frog Catching Expedition with Agawam Family and Community Program at the Robinson State Park. 428 North St, Feeding Hills, MA.
PreK LITERACY. 10am. Babies and Books, Baby Zoom Group with the South Berkshire Kids (Virtual)
PreK LITERACY. 11am. Spring Story Time on the lawn. Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
PreK LITERACY. 11am & 2pm. Storytime. Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
LANGUAGE ARTS. 7pm. Poets and Writers Café with The LAVA Center. Share short samples of work, talk craft, and see where the conversation leads. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning:
GEOLOGY
Mon., Jun 7 @ 9-11am
Exploring Northampton with a walking tour led by Laurie Sanders. Take a walk along the shoreline of glacial lake Hitchcock and see plants that 12,000 years later are influenced by our region’s glacial history.
Historic Northampton. 413-584-6011. 46 Bridge Street. Northampton, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
LITERATURE
TUESDAY, JUNE 8, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
ICHTHYOLOGY. 9:30am. Migratory Fish Passage Discussion with Connecticut River Conservancy (Virtual)
GARDENING. 9:30am-4:30pm. Learn about the Native American practice of planting corn, beans, and squash together at the Native American Three Sisters Garden at Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 10am. Playgroup with Hatfield Library. (Email for Zoom link) kids.hatfieldlibrary@gmail.com (Virtual)
PLAYGROUP. 10am. Russell Playground. Chesterfield, MA.
WILDLIFE BIOLOGY. 10am-5pm. Wild Kratts: Creature Power, an immersive, interactive exhibit where kids and families explore four animal habitats and the creatures within them, building STEM skills as they play. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
PreK LITERACY. 10:30am. Story Hour with Greenfield Public Library (Email for Zoom link) librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (Virtual)
FARMERS’ MARKET. 1:30-6:30pm. Northampton Tuesday Market is a vibrant downtown market with the best in local fruits and vegetables, local prepared foods, and the occasional local craft. Entertainment most weeks. Northampton Tuesday Farmers’ Market. 413-320-4799. 1 Kirkland Ave, Northampton, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
ENTOMOLOGY
Self-Directed Learning:
CULINARY ARTS
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
PLAYGROUP. 9:30-11:30am. Preschool Play Program in Great Barrington
GARDENING. 9:30am-4:30pm. Learn about the Native American practice of planting corn, beans, and squash together at the Native American Three Sisters Garden at Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
FIBER ARTS & CRAFTS. 10am. Outdoor Knit & Crafts Circle at the Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
WILDLIFE BIOLOGY. 10am-5pm. Wild Kratts: Creature Power, an immersive, interactive exhibit where kids and families explore four animal habitats and the creatures within them, building STEM skills as they play. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 10:30am. At the Conant Park Playground Pavilion. Southampton, MA. PreK MUSIC. 10:30am. Family Jam (Virtual)
PreK LITERACY. 4pm. Cushman Library Story Hour with the Cushman Library (Virtual)
PARENTING WORKSHOP. 8pm. Join PJ Library Western Massachusetts and parenting expert Tracie Bernstein for a workshop specifically for parents or caretakers of children ages 0-4. All are welcome. (Virtual)
THURSDAY, JUNE 10, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
PreK DEVELOPMENT. 9:30am. Grow Play & Learn Weekly Group with Hubbard Memorial Library (Virtual)
GARDENING. 9:30am-4:30pm. Learn about the Native American practice of planting corn, beans, and squash together at the Native American Three Sisters Garden at Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
ANIMAL STUDIES. 10am. Forest Park Zoo on the Go Live Animal Presentation with Agawam Family and Community Program. Families with young children can enjoy a live animal presentation, read a story, and have an animal-themed dance party! Takes place at School Street Park. Agawam, MA.
WILDLIFE BIOLOGY. 10am-5pm. Wild Kratts: Creature Power, an immersive, interactive exhibit where kids and families explore four animal habitats and the creatures within them, building STEM skills as they play. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 5pm. Perform-a-Thon features Community Music School of Springfield students of all ages, levels, genres, and instruments participate in this year’s perform-a-thon. (Virtual)
LAWN CONCERT. 6-8pm. The Franklin County Musicians’ Cooperative hosts weekly outdoor concerts. Pack a picnic and bring the kids! Energy Park. 50 Miles St, Greenfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
MUSIC STUDIES
Self-Directed Learning:
MYCOLOGY
FRIDAY, JUNE 11, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
GARDENING. 9:30am-4:30pm. Learn about the Native American practice of planting corn, beans, and squash together at the Native American Three Sisters Garden at Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
ART STUDIES. 10am-4pm. Inspired by the exhibition On the Move with Eric Carle, create a transportation network and explore paper in three dimensions. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
WILDLIFE BIOLOGY. 10am-5pm. Wild Kratts: Creature Power, an immersive, interactive exhibit where kids and families explore four animal habitats and the creatures within them, building STEM skills as they play. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
PreK LITERACY. 10am. Virtual Story Hour with Greenfield Public Library (Email for Zoom link) librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org
PreK LITERACY. 10:30am. Storytime with the Lenox Library (Virtual)
PreK MUSIC GROUP. 11am. Sing & Play with Jeannie outside of the Great Barrington Library. Bring instruments and be ready to sing. Mason Public Library. 413-528-2403. 231 Main St, Great Barrington, MA.
ART STUDIES. MASS MoCA From Home. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning:
GARDENING
Fri., Jun 11 @ 9:30am-4:30pm.
Learn about the Native American practice of planting corn, beans, and squash together at the Native American Three Sisters Garden at Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
ART STUDIES
Fri., Jun 11 @ 10am-4pm. Inspired by the exhibition On the Move with Eric Carle, create a transportation network and explore paper in three dimensions. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
Weekly eNewsletter
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 Agawam, Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont/Hawley, Chester, Chesterfield, Chicopee, Colrain, Dalton, Deerfield, Easthampton, Gill, Goshen, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Heath, Holyoke, Huntington, Leyden, Montgomery, Mt. Washington, New Salem, Northern Berkshire, Northfield, Palmer, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Southampton, Springfield, Tolland, Tyringham, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.