Weekly Suggested Events for June 26-July 2, 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
FILM STUDIES. Amherst Cinema. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
THEATER STUDIES. Jacob’s Pillow. 413-243-9919. 358 George Carter Road. Becket, MA.
DANCE STUDIES. Jacob’s Pillow. 413-243-9919. 358 George Carter Road. Becket, MA.
FIBER ARTS. Northampton Wools. 413-586-4331. 29 Pleasant St, Ste 101, Northampton, MA.
SPORTS. Valley Blue Sox. MacKenzie Stadium. 413-533-1100. 500 Beech Street, Holyoke, MA.
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities


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
Summer Art Classes For Adults and Teens July 19-23, July 26-30 or August 2-6th – 10am-1pm. These intensive workshops are specifically designed for adults and teens who are looking to gain some new and improve technical skills in oil painting and drawing. These classes are taught by professional artist, Caitlin Hurd, a classically trained artist with over 20 years of experience. Folks looking for a serious intensive week of skill-building invited to inquire. Class is located in-person in the Eastworks building in Easthampton, MA. 3 hr. classes/day for 5 days $300- Materials included. Caitlin is fully vaccinated and will follow all COVID safety rules. Contact Caitlin if you have any questions.
www.caitlinhurd.com/painting-and-drawing-classes
FEATURED MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Center School
Greenfield, MA

At the Center School, they are redefining the middle school experience. Their 6th-8th grade Uppers program fosters a balance of social consciousness and self-awareness in an environment where children are encouraged to be independent and resourceful. Rigorous academic projects, deep critical thinking, rugged outdoor pursuits, a commitment to creativity and curiosity, and an expectation of openness to new ideas are the mainstays of a Center School education. They are currently offering generous, though limited in number, scholarships for newly-admitted middle school students. Learn more about their school, program, and brand new campus opening in Fall 2021 by visiting www.centerschool.net or emailing admissions@centerschool.net.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
The Institute for the Musical Arts (IMA)
Goshen, MA

Dates: July 10-August 15, 2021
Age Range: Girls/Young Women 9-24yo
Contact: 413-268-3074
♦ info@ima.org
♦ www.ima.org
IMA’s Rock the Summer 2021 are programs for girls and young women focusing on ensemble playing, songwriting, and recording in a deeply creative environment. Explore Rock (July 10-18), and the Teen Performance Program (July 21-August 1) will use the Acapella app as the vehicle for collaboration and performances, students in the Home Studio Recording Program (August 5-15) will learn to use Pro Tools and an interface to raise the bar on home recording projects. Sessions end with a virtual presentation for friends and family. While participants can do the program entirely virtually, there will be on-site opportunities for local students.
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.

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Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA
List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, JUNE 26, 2021
HIKING/BIRDWATCHING. Sunrise-Sunset. Mount Tom features wonderful views of the Pioneer Valley in west-central Massachusetts. The area is also a great place to bird-watch, especially for hawks and self-guided hikes. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.
EQUESTRIAN. 8:30am-4:30pm. Blandford Fair Horse Show Summer Classic at the Blandford Fairgrounds. 10 North St, Blandford, MA.
LIBRARY CELEBRATION. 10am Summer Reading Opening Day at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.
BIKE RIDING. 10am. Join It Takes a Village for a family-friendly group outing/fundraiser on the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. Lanesborough, MA.
LIBRARY CELEBRATION. 11am. Summer Reading Kickoff at the Westhampton Public Library. All ages are welcome to stop by the library to register for summer reading. Choose Team Cat or Team Dog! Westhampton Public Library. 413-527-5386. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA.
NUTRITIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY. 1:30pm. Taste of the Middle East. Join Cultured Kids for a live cooking class to learn how to make Shakshuka, a Middle Eastern staple. Cultured Kids Cuisine is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate children about culture through food and cooking. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning:
EQUESTRIAN
Sat., Jun 26 @ 8:30am-4:30pm. Blandford Fair Horse Show Summer Classic at the Blandford Fairgrounds. 10 North St, Blandford, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
NUTRITIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Sat., Jun 26 @ 1:30pm. Taste of the Middle East. Join Cultured Kids for a cooking class to learn how to make Shakshuka. (Virtual)
SUNDAY, JUNE 27, 2021

LOCAL FOOD. 10am–2pm. Easthampton Farmers’ Market. 2350 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA.
FISHING/KAYAKING. 10am-5pm. Enjoy a relaxing day by the water exploring the rolling Berkshire foothills. Walk or picnic along the Westfield River East Branch, go fishing, or launch your canoe or kayak. C.M. Gardner State Park. 413-354-6347. Rte. 112 North, Huntington, MA.
WILDLIFE BIOLOGY. 11am-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.
NATIVE AMERICAN CUISINE. 1-3pm. Learn to make three sisters soup & bannock with Anishinaabe Kwe Karen Boyer. Discover the importance of these foods to a traditional diet. (Virtual)
CREATIVE FREE-PLAY. 4:30pm. Has your child ever wondered what the library can offer your special stuffed friend? Drop them off for a stuffie sleepover and find out at the Erving Public Library. 413-423-3348. 2 Care Dr, Erving, 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:
ORNITHOLOGY
“In just a matter of seconds, hummingbirds can perform astonishing aerial acrobatics, eat lunch in midair, pollinate a flower, even escape threats while upside-down. And they can do this all while achieving sustained hovering flight— an aerial feat no other bird can perform. How do they do it?” Read more in The surprising secrets of hummingbird flight – Kristiina J. Hurme and Alejandro Rico-Guevara
Self-Directed Learning:
OPTICAL ILLUSION
“Have you noticed how the full moon looks bigger on the horizon than high overhead? Actually, the two images are exactly the same size — so why do we perceive them differently? Scientists aren’t sure, but there are plenty of intriguing theories. Andrew Vanden Heuvel unravels the details of … this mystifying optical illusion.” Read more in The moon illusion – Andrew Vanden Heuvel.
MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
PLAYGROUPS. South Berkshire County.
MUSIC STUDIES. 10:30am. Bring your little one and join Wendy & Anna Plummer for an outdoor singing program at the Pelham Library. 413-253-0657. 2 S Valley Rd, Pelham, MA.
FILM STUDIES/SCI FI. 8pm. Far Out Film Discussion: Plan 9 From Outer Space. Discuss the 1959 sci-fi classic written and directed by Ed Wood. Hosted by the Forbes Library. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning:
ANIMAL STUDIES
Self-Directed Learning:
FILM STUDIES/SCI FI
Mon., Jun 28 @ 8pm. Far Out Film Discussion: Plan 9 From Outer Space. Discuss the 1959 sci-fi classic written and directed by Ed Wood.
Hosted by the Forbes Library. (Virtual)
TUESDAY, JUNE 29, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
PLAYGROUP. 10am. Russell Playground. Chesterfield, MA.
PLAYGROUPS. South Berkshire County.
PreK LITERACY. 10:30am. Story Hour with Greenfield Public Library (Email for Zoom link) librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org (Virtual)
MUSIC STUDIES. 11am. Terry a la Berry & Friends will be back for in-person concerts at Lilac Park, hosted by the Lenox Library. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA.
FARMERS’ MARKET. 1:30-6:30pm. Northampton Tuesday Market is a vibrant downtown market with the best local fruits and vegetables, locally prepared foods, and the occasional local craft. Entertainment most weeks. Northampton Tuesday Farmers’ Market. 413-320-4799. 1 Kirkland Ave, Northampton, MA.
LITERACY. 4:30pm. Musical Storytime with Julie, hosted by the Pelham Library. (Virtual)
LITERACY. 4:30pm. Musical Story Time with Julie Stepanek, hosted by the Erving Public Library. (Virtual)
INTERGENERATIONAL. 6pm. Family Bingo on the lawn at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
PICNICS
Tues., Jun 29 @ 9am-7pm. Picnic by the pond at Chicopee Memorial State Park in the summer, or enjoy hiking and biking on the trails year-round.
Chicopee Memorial State Park. 413-594-9416. 570 Burnett Rd., Chicopee, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
ART STUDIES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 30, 2021
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. Sunrise-Sunset. Donated to the Commonwealth in 1929 by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), this state forest has two lakes, camping opportunities, swimming, a beach, and 15 miles of hiking trails available for all to enjoy. Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) State Forest. 413-268-7098. 78 Cape St., Goshen, MA.
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
PLAYGROUP. 9:30-11:30am. Preschool Play Program in Great Barrington
PLAYGROUP. 10:30am. At the Conant Park Playground Pavilion. Southampton, MA.
PLAYGROUPS. South Berkshire County.
HIKING. 2pm. Join Franklin Land Trust to walk the trails at the Dancing Fiddle Farm Public Access Area in Buckland, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 2-4pm. Pick-up playgroup at Peskeumskut Park. Grab a treat from the farmers’ market happening simultaneously and share with new friends at the playground. Peskeomskut Park. Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA
LITERACY. 4pm. Storytime for School-Aged Kids: “Whose Shoes?” at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
GEOMETRY
Self-Directed Learning:
CREATIVE DESIGN
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
PLAYGROUPS. South Berkshire County.
MOVEMENT. 10am. Music & Movement for Children, outside at the Montague Center Library. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street, Montague, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
LANGUAGE ARTS. 3pm. Creative Writing Group for Kids at the Gaylord Memorial Library. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA.
ANIME. 3pm. Anime Character Glass Painting at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
ART STUDIES. 6pm. Collage Club with the IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. (Virtual)
LAWN CONCERT. 6-8pm. The Franklin County Musicians’ Cooperative hosts weekly outdoor concerts. So pack a picnic and bring the kids! Energy Park. 50 Miles St, Greenfield, MA.
OUTDOOR CONCERT. 6:30pm. South Hadley Summer Concert Series on the Village Commons. South Hadley, MA.
DANCE STUDIES. 7:15pm. Haitian dance with Jean-Sebastien with Northampton African Dance at Karuna Center for Yoga & Healing Arts. 413-584-5054. 25 Main St #341, Northampton, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
CLIMATE CHANGE
“Deforestation is a big problem for the climate. This kind of land use releases more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than any single country, besides the United States or China. And most of the deforestation in the world today happens because people want to put farms where forests are. So, figuring out how to farm with trees instead of just chopping them down could help us fight climate change.”
Self-Directed Learning:
FOOD STUDIES
There is much to learn about chemistry and food science at the grill. It’s Okay to be Smart has a great video, “The Science of BBQ,” which goes deep on the chemistry behind barbecuing meat and the art of cook with wood fire. But meat isn’t the only thing you can cook on the grill; fresh veggies are another summertime favorite for barbecuing and an excellent way to get your kids interested in tasting and devouring vegetables.
FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
PLAYGROUPS. South Berkshire County.
SWIMMING/HIKING. Sunrise-Sunset. Mohawk Trail State Forest is one of the most scenic woodland areas in Massachusetts. It covers 6,000 acres of mountain ridges, gorges, and woods, and it is home to a variety of plant and animal life. 413-339-5504. Cold River Road, Charlemont, 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.
PLAYGROUP. 10am Pick-up playgroup at the Dow Pavillion playground. Great for kids ages 2-5 to meet up with other families and to make new friends. Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA. PreK LITERACY. 10am. Virtual Story Hour with Greenfield Public Library (Email for Zoom link) librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org
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. Storytime with the Lenox Library (Virtual)
PICNIC PLAYGROUP. 11am-1pm. Pick-up picnic playgroup at Childs Park (Prospect Street side). Pack a basket lunch and picnic blankets, and head to the park to round off the week with outdoor time with family and new friends. Childs Park. 413-584-1991. 71 N Elm St, Northampton, MA.
FIREWORKS. 4-10:30pm. Independence Day Fireworks Celebration. Live music, dancing, vendors, and fireworks at Beacon Field. Greenfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
FIREWORKS
Fri., Jul 2 @ 4-10:30pm. Independence Day Fireworks Celebration. Live music, dancing, vendors, and fireworks at Beacon Field. Greenfield, 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.