Weekly Suggested Events for June 26-July 2, 2021

Posted on June 24, 2021 By Hilltown Families

Home > Suggested Events > Weekly Suggested Events for June 26-July 2, 2021

It's the first week of summer, and in Western MA, it's a time of year for picnics, hiking, biking, performance art & summer reading programs!

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!

SUGGESTED EVENTS

Saturday, June 26, 2021

Sunday, June 27, 2021

Monday, June 28, 2021

Tuesday, June 29, 2021

Wednesday, June 30, 2021

Thursday, July 1, 2021

Friday, July 2, 2021

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IDEAS

Equestrian

Nutritional Anthropology / Middle Eastern Food

Ornithology/ Hummingbirds

Optical Illusion / Astronomy

Animal Studies

Film Studies / Sci Fi

Hiking / Picnics

Art Studies / Colored Pencils

Geometry / Origami

Creative Design / Plush Toys

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

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. — **FEATURED SUMMER CLASSES WITH WHOLE CHILDREN**: July 6-August 21, 2021

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 ART CLASSES
Caitlin Hurd
Easthampton, MA

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

Photography of teen girls performing a concert with graphic overlay for The Institute for the Musical Arts summer program. — **Hybrid, virtual and on-site**.

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

**Ride & Seek Community Challenge on June 26!**

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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Class Directory

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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.

COMMUNITY SERVICE. 9am-12pm. West Branch River Cleanup on the Housatonic River. Join the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) and the Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) for a West Branch River Clean-up. Trash bags and some work gloves will be provided. Be prepared to get wet – wear old clothes and old sneakers, rubber boots, chest waders. Please RSVP to Noah@thebeatnews.org. Wahconah Park, Pittsfield, MA.

FARMERS’ MARKET. 9am-1pm. There are so many lessons to be learned and information to share at a farmers’ market. Every Saturday is the Pittsfield market, the first teen-run market in the region. Get curious (and hungry) and bring the kids! Pittsfield Farmers’ Market. First Street Common. Pittsfield, MA.

MUSIC STUDIES. 10am. Young at Heart: Music with Erika Ludwig. Erika is a music educator and the founder of Berkshire Strings in Egremont, MA. Since 2012, she has used classical and fiddle music to cultivate a love of learning the violin. Takes place at Dewey Memorial Hall. 413-229-2357. 91 Main Street, Sheffield, 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.

BOTANY. 10am. Learn Your Ferns with the Pioneer Valley Fern Society for a walk finding common ferns and club mosses. Learn the key features for easy identification at Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area. 61 N Farms Rd, Northampton, MA.

HIKING. 10am-1pm. Join Western Mass Hilltown Hikers for a group hike of Goldmine Falls in Chester, MA. This hike is ranked A+ for waterfalls. Hike Rating: Moderate/Difficult. 4 miles in and back. Registration requested. Chester, MA.

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.

NATURAL HISTORY. 10am-6pm. The Great Falls Discovery Center features exhibits illustrating the natural, cultural, and industrial history of the Connecticut River Watershed and Turners Falls. Engaging wildlife habitat dioramas are fully accessible and child-friendly. The center is a preserved historic paper mill building; admission is free and open year-round. Ongoing public programs, cultural events, and community gallery are offered. Four acres of open lawns surround the center with picnic tables and colorful flower gardens. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. Time of Now: History & Memory at MASS MoCA. Time of Now is an in-person and virtual event that explores the relationship between individual memory and collective history and how the past continues to shape our present reality. Pop-up performances, activities, in-person and virtual talks, and self-guided tours will bring together a group of thinkers, performers, and artists for public events throughout the museum. MASS MoCA. 413-662-2111. 1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, 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.

LIBRARY CELEBRATION. 11am-12:30pm. Cats vs. Dogs: Epic Showdown Summer Reading Kickoff and Plush Adoption Clinic at the Westhampton Public Library. Please stop by the library to pick up Summer Reading kits where kids ages 12 & under who have signed up for our Cats vs. Dogs Summer Reading Challenge can adopt a plush cat or dog. Westhampton Public Library. 413-527-5386. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA.

MUSIC STUDIES. 1pm. Drum to the Beat with Otha Day. Otha facilitates fun and lively drum circle events from the deep belief that rhythm has the power to build community, promote well-being, and create joy. He supports awareness of the presence of rhythm in every act of living from his knowledge that “our heartbeat and breath is the rhythm of our soul and the connection to everyone.” Hosted by the Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, 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

HIKING/SWIMMING. Sunrise-Sunset. Located deep in the rolling hills of the Berkshires, Windsor State Forest is known for its beauty. Visitors can experience the cascading waterfall at Windsor Jambs, and the Windsor Jambs Brook winds through a wide gorge with 80-foot granite walls. Enjoy hiking and swimming, and bring a picnic to enjoy along with scenic views. Dogs welcomed. 413-339-5504. River Road, Windsor, MA.

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.

ART STUDIES/STORYTELLING. 10am-5pm. “Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration.” Fictional worlds of magic and adventure come to life through fantasy illustration. Myths, legends, fables, romance, and epic battles involving swords and sorcery occur in a world unfamiliar to us. Unlike science fiction, which is based on fact, fantasy presents an imaginative reality built on universal themes—heroes defeating fire-breathing dragons, angels and demons engaging in combat, and mythological tales of love and loss. See the exhibit at the Norman Rockwell Museum, now through Oct. 31, 2021. Glendale Rd, Route 183, Stockbridge, MA.

ART STUDIES. 11am. Ground/work Walking Tour at The Clark with exhibition co-curators Molly Epstein and Abigail Ross Goodman. Epstein and Ross Goodman detail their work developing the exhibition and coordinating the installation with the six artists whose works are represented. Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, 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.

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.

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)

ROLE-PLAYING. 1-4pm. D&D Super Dungeon at the library! In a typical D&D game, a single group of players completes quests based on a written scenario. In a Super Dungeon, multiple groups of players complete adventures along a central theme and work towards a carefully orchestrated climactic resolution on the final day of play. All the games operate in the same fantasy world, and each adventure’s outcome influences the final result. Meekins Library is joining a Massachusetts-wide Super Dungeon on a fantastic adventure created to coincide with our summer reading program. Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.

AGRICULTURE. 2-3pm. Learn the basis and importance of grapes and grape growing that make great wine! Tour a working vineyard and learn how grapes hold a sense of place. Black Birch Vineyard. 413-247-3300. 108 Straits Rd, North Hatfield, MA.

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

HIKING. Sunrise-Sunset. Bash Bish Falls is the highest waterfall in Massachusetts and a popular scenic destination. The dramatic final pitch of Bash Bish Brook drops about 80 feet into an emerald plunge pool. Enjoy a hike to experience the wonder and beauty of this deep, verdant gorge. Bash Bish Falls State Park. 413-528-0330. 4G85+29, Mt. Washington, MA.

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA

PLAYGROUPS. South Berkshire County.

LITERATURE. 9:30am. Breakfast with Du Bois with the W E B Du Bois Center at UMass Amherst. Start your week with W. E. B. Du Bois! Every Monday, the Du Bois Center hosts an informal gathering known as Breakfast with Du Bois. Each week a group of students, faculty, UMass staff, and community members reads a different text by or about Du Bois. An informal discussion follows the reading. These events are a great way to learn more about the life and legacy of Du Bois and how his work relates to our own time. (Virtual)

PLAYGROUP. 10am. Pick-up playgroup at Stanley Park’s sandbox area. Make not only sandcastles but also new friends at this weekly self-directed playgroup. Stanley Park. 413-568-9312. 400 Western Ave, Westfield, MA.

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.

ART STUDIES/ORNITHOLOGY. 10:30am-12pm. Avian Adventures Art Class. You might think you know that little old Robin or Blue Bird in your yard, but are you sure? There’s a lot to love and learn about the world of birds! For example, did you know birds are related to dinosaurs? Or that depending on what Cardinals eat, some will turn yellow? Or how about that not all birds’ nests are in trees, or that you can find not all birds in the air? In this five-day class, discuss one or two special birds per class. Ages 7-14. IS183 Art School of the Berkshires. 413-298-5252. 13 Willard Hill Rd. Stockbridge, MA.

COMICS. 3:45pm. Comics Club for Teens with the Springfield City Library! Does your teen wait on the edge of their seat for the next Marvel movie? Do they promote their favorite My Hero Academia character every time they see their friends? Then this is the club for them! (Virtual)

FOLKLORE. 6pm. Bees, Beavers & Beasts! Who will bring back the sun? What do turtles do in winter? Why do possums have a naked tail? How were dragonflies created? Storyteller Rona Leventhal will take you on a journey around the world with her back pocket full of multi-cultural stories. North Adams Public Library. 413-662-3133. 74 Church St, North Adams, MA.

ANIMAL STUDIES. 6pm. How well do you know animals? Can you tell an animal by its call or prints? Whose stripes are those?! Put your knowledge to the test during the Animal Trivia for Kids with the Southwick Public Library. (Virtual)

SPORTS HISTORY. 6:30pm. The Ultimate Boston Red Sox with the East Longmeadow Public Library. Take a fun journey through Boston Red Sox history with the award-winning author of the Ultimate Boston Red Sox Time Machine Book. This presentation features videos and photographs of the greatest and most fascinating players, teams, events, and moments in franchise history. (Virtual)

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

Mon., Jun 28 @ 6pm. How well do you know animals? Can you tell an animal by its call or prints? Whose stripes are those?! Put your knowledge to the test during the Animal Trivia for Kids with the Southwick Public Library. (Virtual)

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

PICNIC. 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.

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)

STORYTIME. 10:30am. Join the Chicopee Public Library for outside musical storytime with singing, dancing, and stories! For families with little ones up through school-age kids, every Tuesday morning through August 10. Call the Children’s Room at 413-594-1800×4 or email chicopeelibrarykids@gmail.com to sign up. Chicopee Public Library. 413-594-1800. 449 Front St., Chicopee, MA.

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.

ARTS & CRAFTS. 2pm. Summer Fun “Boredom Buster” Jars on the library lawn. Decorate a jar, then write activities & other ideas of what to do during school vacation on colorful popsicle sticks (list of ideas provided to get you started). Then when the “I’m bored “s strike, reach into the jar, & pull out a plan! Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.

LIBRARY CELEBRATION. 3pm. Whately Public Library welcomes Wally from the Boston Red Sox. He will be showing kids how to use sounds, actions, and imagination to make books come alive! This fun, fast-paced show invites kids to explore the joys of reading while laughing and increasing their confidence in learning. (Virtual)

ART STUDIES. 3pm. En Plein air is a French expression meaning “in the open air.” It’s used in English to describe a painting style that occurs outdoors. Made possible historically by manufacturing paint into tubes, artists no longer had to mix their paints in the studio from chemical compounds, freeing them to travel outdoors for inspiration. When participating in Plein air painting, artists become fully engaged with the fall landscape through perspective, composition, and, most importantly, color! Watercolors are the most portable and easiest to clean up, but painters can do Plein air painting in any medium – oil paint, acrylic, pastels, etc. – and by any age. Learn more during a Plein Air demonstration with the Lenox Library. (Virtual)

HISTORY. 4pm. Take a virtual tour of “New York’s Woolworth Building & the Five-and-Dime Store Legacy.” It was built to represent Frank W. Woolworth’s success and wealth from creating the first five-and-dime stores in America and then worldwide. Historian Bob Gelber will discuss an overview of Woolworth and his bargain stores, why the building’s design was ahead of its time in 1913, a virtual look at the unique architectural details, and view rare photos of off-limit areas. Hosted by Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. (Virtual)

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.

ART STUDIES. 6-8pm. Intro to Colored Pencils. Drawing with Prismacolor Colored Pencil is a great way to incorporate color into your drawing practice. This singular tool can be used for shading, blending, and many more techniques to enhance your artmaking. In this three-week online course with IS183 Art School of the Berkshires, you will learn the basics of Prismacolor Colored Pencils through in-class assignments that include still life, portraiture, and much more! Students will walk away with a colored pencil still life, value scales, a drawing of the space around them, and a portrait or two of their choice. (Virtual)

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

Tues., Jun 29 @ 6-8pm. Intro to Colored Pencils. Drawing with Prismacolor Colored Pencil is a great way to incorporate color into your drawing practice. Students will walk away with a colored pencil still life, value scales, a drawing of the space around them, and a portrait. (Virtual)

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.

GEOMETRY. 9am. Origami is a fun way for kids to engage with an activity that supports their discovery of geometry. Learn to make origami animals at the Agawam Public Library. 413-789-1550. 750 Cooper Street, Agawam, 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.

CREATIVE DESIGN. 1:15pm. Teen Franken-Stuff. Artist/Instructor Molly Shaughnessy-Encarnacion of Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts will guide teens through a fun creation lab. Mix and match stuffed animals of your choice to create your own cute or creepy creature. T-rex arms on the body of a penguin with the head of a lion? The possibilities are endless. These make a cool gift or keepsake. All materials are provided. Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.

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.

CULINARY ARTS. 6pm. Cookbook club with the Becket Athenaeum. Featured cookbook, “In Pursuit of Flavor.” Email the library for a copy of the cookbook, let them know which recipe you plan to prepare, make your recipe, and share at an outdoor meeting across the street from the library. Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.

MEDICAL HISTORY. 6:30pm. Life was precarious in early New England, and there were many perils, not the least of which was the cyclical appearance of fatal epidemics. Another equal danger to health was the state of medicine and its understanding of what caused (and how to cure) some of the more common and serious of those afflictions. Dennis Picard will share a bit about the symptoms, causes, and treatments endured by those living in the Pioneer Valley and the greater region in hist presentation, Pox, Pus, and Creeping Miasma: Disease and Death in the Colonial NE. Hosted by the Southwick Public Library. (Virtual)

ENTOMOLOGY. 8pm. Experience a magical summer light show and help Mass Audubon Pleasant Valley track firefly numbers and diversity through the Firefly Watch program. Learn about fireflies and how best to view or gently catch and release these mystical glowing lights of summer! Then, take an evening walk in the meadows for firefly viewing while keeping our eyes open for stars, planets, and twilight birds and mammals! Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA.

Self-Directed Learning:
GEOMETRY

Wed., Jun 30 @ 9am. Origami is a fun way for kids to engage with an activity that supports their discovery of geometry. Learn to make origami animals at the Agawam Public Library. 413-789-1550. 750 Cooper Street, Agawam, MA..

Self-Directed Learning:
CREATIVE DESIGN

Wed., Jun 30 @ 1:15pm. Teen Franken-Stuff. An artist guides teens through a creation lab. Mix & match stuffed animals to create your own cute or creepy creature.Materials are provided. Southwick Library. 95 Feeding Hills Rd. Southwick, MA.

THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2021

ORNITHOLOGY. 7am. Fruit trees provide a feast for many birds. The Arcadia parking lot is a wonderful place to view several bird species consuming scrumptious mulberries in early summer and an excellent spot to find birds later in the year. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.

HIKING/LOCAL HISTORY. Sunrise-Sunset. Hike the Hallockville Pond Loop Trail at the Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest, a scenic trail with remnants of a former mill complex. Start at the Student Conservation Association (SCA) camp. Facing the pond, head to the right and follow trail signs. The route goes counter-clockwise along the pond shore. An older dam and mill site is at the head of the pond. On the return, pass by an immense glacial erratic! Cross over the old mill dam to complete the hike. Following your hike, also take a moment and head down the Mill Site Trail. A short distance brings you to impressive stone ruins of a sawmill, tannery, and dam. Kenneth Dubuque Memorial State Forest. 413-339-5504. 466 W. Hawley Road, Plainfield, MA.

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA

PLAYGROUPS. South Berkshire County.

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.

MOVEMENT. 10am. Music & Movement for Children, outside at the Montague Center Library. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street, Montague, 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.

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

ART STUDIES. Take a self-guided tour of outdoor public art at The Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, and WCMA (Northern Berkshire Cty.)

GEOLOGY. There are several local resources for learning through geology for junior geologists and their parents. Read all about it in our post, 4 Outdoor Adventures for Exploring Geology and Local History.

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.

ART STUDIES. 10am-6pm. Featuring 150 jury-selected artists from across the country, the Berkshires Arts Festival is recognized nationally as one of the country’s most respected juried summer art events; highly recommended as one of the places to go for family get-togethers and an extraordinary shopping experience. Takes place at Ski Butternut. 413-528-2000. 380 State Rd. Great Barrington, 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:
GEOLOGY

There are several local resources for learning through geology for junior geologists. Read all about it in our post, 4 Outdoor Adventures for Exploring Geology and Local History.

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.