Weekly Suggested Events for July 3-9, 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!
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
NATURE-BASED LEARNING: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
ART STUDIES: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
NEW ENGLAND HISTORY. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
AGRICULTURE: Northampton Tuesday Farmers’ Market. 413-320-4799. 1 Kirkland Ave, Northampton, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES: Tanglewood. 413-637-5180. 297 West St. Lenox, MA.
WORLD CULTURE STUDIES: Irish Cultural Center of Western New England. 413-333-4951. 429 Morgan Road. West Springfield, MA.
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

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 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDU
Wild Garden of Childhood
Northampton, MA

Ages: Birth-2.9yrs. For more information: 413-231-4454. wildgardenofchildhood.com. wildgardenofchildhood@gmail.com.
Wild Garden of Childhood (formerly Little Schoolhouse) is enrolling infants and toddlers for fall 2021. Wild Garden of Childhood curates a beautiful early education experience for infants and toddlers up to preschool age. By surrounding your babies with love and laughter, outdoor time, and uninhibited play, their days at Wild Garden will be blissful. Wild Garden is happy to help you make the right choice for your child’s earliest education experience. Contact Wild Garden for a chat or enrollment information. Wild Garden of Childhood, LLC is fully licensed through the Massachusetts Department of Education and Care.
FEATURED MIDDLE SCHOOL
Four Winds School
Gill, MA

Four Winds School in Gill, MA, is currently accepting applications for the fall from 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students. The Four Winds curriculum provides a balance between focused training in basic academic skills and the freedom for students to explore their interests. Teacher and student work together to design an individualized academic program based on these evaluations and the student’s learning style. More info: fourwindsschool.info
“Four Winds isn’t a school for exceptional children. It is an exceptional school for children. [We] couldn’t be happier with our experience at Four Winds.” -Lili Dwight, parent

SEE YOUR FEATURED 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, JULY 3, 2021

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. Sunrise-Sunset. With trails for all experience levels, Chester-Blandford State Forest is perfect for hiking or walking. Take in the Sanderson Falls, go mountain biking, enjoy a picnic or go fishing. Chester-Blandford State Forest. 413-354-6347. 800 US-20, Chester, MA.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 9am-7pm. Come swim, fish, or 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.
STORYTIME. 11am. Special Storytime with Audrey Helen Weber at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION/FIREWORKS. 12:30-9:30pm. Windsor’s 250th Anniversary Celebration. Games for all ages, crafts, live music, food, and fireworks at 9pm! BYO chair and picnic lunch. 413-684-3811 x4. Windsor Town Park. Peru Road. Windsor, MA.
HILLTOWN HISTORY. 2-5pm. Kingman Tavern Museum. 413-563-1981. 41 Main Street. Cummington, MA.
OUTDOOR MUSIC. 6pm. 4th of July Party with live music at the Worthington Golf Club. 413-238-4464. 113 Ridge Road. Worthington, MA.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
FOOD STUDIES/PRESERVES
There are 10 types of preserves to which jam and jelly are just two. In this video, learn about the differences between these preserves
Self-Directed Learning:
HISTORY/PRESERVING
Raisins are a secret ingredient used in the historical preservation of foods. In this video, discover their role in a long-lost method.
FEATURED TITLE:

Natural History: The Ultimate Visual Guide to Everything on Earth
- Hardcover: 648 pages
- Publisher: DK, Smithsonian Institution (October 4, 2010)
- ISBN-13: 978-0756667528
SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2021
BIKE RIDING. Sunrise-Sunset. Ride down the Norwottuck Rail Trail and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Level paths allow you to enjoy the trail no matter your abilities. The trail is also open to walking and rollerblading. 413-586-8706 x3. 446 Damon Rd., Northampton, 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.
LOCAL FOOD. 10am–2pm. Easthampton Farmers’ Market. 2350 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION/FIREWORKS. 11am-9:30pm. West Springfield Park & Recreation’s 4th of July Celebration! Food, performances, and fireworks! Town Common. Park Street. West Springfield, MA.
LOCAL HISTORY. 1-4pm. The Shelburne Historical Society museum, library, and archives are housed in the architectural gem that was the Arms Academy in the historic district of Shelburne Falls. The Museum houses collections and exhibits pertinent to Shelburne, the Mohawk Trail, the industrial history of the Falls, and more. Support learning about local history with this seasonal resource located at 33 Severance Street. Shelburne Falls, MA.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
CULINARY ARTS
Seasonal produce picked out at your local farmers’ market for ingredients of a favorite recipe to be made for your family dinner can be strengthened with lessons in the culinary art. Knowing the base flavors of different styles of cooking is a great place to start a lesson! In this video, learn how to make and use all the culinary bases from around the world, including French mirepoix, Italian sofrito, Spanish sofrito, the Cajun holy trinity, and Chinese GGS. This base knowledge will help you create new recipes!
Self-Directed Learning:
FOOD TRADITIONS
Food is an integral part of our human story. The act of cooking calls upon centuries of cooking methods, ingredients, spices, and flavors that have shaped our distinct cultures and traditions. Within our families, recipes are passed down, and special dishes are often considered an important part of our unique family gatherings and holiday celebrations. The art of recipe collecting and writing is something that allows the generations to share their family’s culture through the legacy of food.
FEATURED TITLE:

The Science of Good Cooking: Master 50 Simple Concepts to Enjoy a Lifetime of Success in the Kitchen
Cook’s Illustrated (Edited by), Guy Crosby, Ph.D (Edited by)
- Hardcover: 504 pages
- Publisher: America’s Test Kitchen (October 1, 2012)
- ISBN-13: 978-1933615981
MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

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.
FIREWORKS. 4-10:30pm. Independence Day Fireworks Celebration. Live music, dancing, vendors, and fireworks at Beacon Field. Greenfield, MA.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
LANGUAGE ARTS/POETRY. 7pm. The LAVA Center invites poets and writers to gather with others to share short samples of their work, talk craft, and see where the conversation leads. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning:
ECOLOGY/BOGS
There are many myths and legends around carnivorous plants, and a couple of these plants we can find right here in Western MA! The Hawley Bog is an excellent case of an intact New England bog and bog plants. Take your field guides, sketchbooks, and cameras and spend some time looking closely at these native species’ in their natural environment. Get curious about the differences between habitats, asking questions like, “What’s the difference between a bog and wetlands?” “How are bogs formed?” “Why are bogs important ecosystems?” Seek out answers and return next year.
Self-Directed Learning:
BOTANY/CARNIVOROUS PLANTS
In this TED-Ed video, “The wild nature of carnivorous plants,” Kenny Coogan takes us on an informative tour. “Learn about carnivorous plants and their predatory antics to lure, trap, and digest prey. — Around the world, there are more than 600 plant species that supplement a regular diet of sunlight, water, and soil with insects, frogs, and even rats. Flies, tadpoles, and beetles fall prey to the remarkable, predatory antics of carnivorous plants. What exactly are carnivorous plants, and how do they trap their prey? Kenny Coogan dives into the world of these flesh-eating tricksters.”
FEATURED TITLE:

Naturally Curious : A Photographic Field Guide and Month-By-Month Journey Through the Fields, Woods, and Marshes of New England | Mary Holland
- Softcover: 480 pages
- Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (June 25, 2019)
- ISBN-13: 978-1570769320
TUESDAY, JULY 6, 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.
LITERACY. 10:30am. Brain Builders for kids at the Bushnell-Sage Library. 413-229-7004. 48 Main St, Sheffield, MA.
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.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
NATURE OBSERVATIONS/FIREFLIES
While it’s best for the firefly to watch them up-close while out in nature during their short appearance during the summertime, many parents remember catching them in jars for a bedtime nightlight. If this is you and you want to share your memories with your children by doing the same with them, this video will show you how to catch and store them for a few hours safely. Once the kids are asleep, it’s advised to release these friends so they can live out their lifecycle.
Self-Directed Learning:
SCIENCE/BIOLUMINESCENCE
Fireflies are a native bioluminescence species here in New England, but they aren’t the only glowing critters on this planet! In this TED-Ed video, “The brilliance of bioluminescence,” Let your love of fireflies lead your learning about zoology through the lens of bioluminescence. Used for lifesaving purposes, including hunting and mating, a biochemical process produces the glow of a firefly. In this video, Leslie Kenna investigates this magical glow and our scientific quest to replicate.
FEATURED TITLE:

Naturally Curious : A Photographic Field Guide and Month-By-Month Journey Through the Fields, Woods, and Marshes of New England | Mary Holland
- Softcover: 480 pages
- Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (June 25, 2019)
- ISBN-13: 978-1570769320
WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

STORYTIME. 10am. Story Time Outside at the Montague Center Library. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street, Montague, MA.
MARINE BIOLOGY/WHALES. 10am. The Whalemobile Presents The Tale of the Tail of a Humpback Whale, hosted by the Forbes Library. (Virtual)
OUTDOOR MUSIC. 10am. Concert with Tom Knight with the South Hadley Family Center at Buttery Brook Park. 413-538-5033. 123 Willimansett St, South Hadley, 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.
STORYTELLING. 10:30am. “Animal Tales” With Diane Edgecomb at the Chesterfield Library. 413-296-4735. 408 Main Rd, Chesterfield, 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.
TEXTILE ARTS. 3:30pm. Felted Hedgehog with Pop Up Art School with the West Springfield Public Library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park St, West Springfield, MA.
INTERGENERATIONAL. 6pm. Family Game Night at the Bushnell-Sage Library. 413-229-7004. 48 Main St, Sheffield, MA.
As gooseberries come into fruit, the catbirds and robins are little thieves in the middle of the day, stripping the fruit and leaving homesteaders frustrated and contemplating berry netting next season. And as raspberries transition from blossom to fruit, ruby-throated hummingbirds pay visits to patches throughout the day. High in the treetops, you can spy Baltimore orioles while hooded merganser ducks paddle by with their brood of ducklings down below through the rivers. These are the bird sightings you might see in the Hilltowns in the early summer. But what about their nests? Yes, you can spy those too, but first, learn WHERE they build their nests (in the trees, reeds, or river banks), HOW they build their nests, and other interesting facts about our avian neighbors and the places they call home. Learn about seven different types of nests in this video!
Self-Directed Learning:
ORNITHOLOGY
FEATURED TITLE:

What It’s Like to Be a Bird: From Flying to Nesting, Eating to Singing – What Birds Are Doing, and Why
The bird book for birders and non-birders alike that will excite and inspire by providing a new and deeper understanding of what common, mostly backyard, birds are doing—and why.
- Hardcover: 240 pages
- Publisher: Knopf (April 14, 2020)
- ISBN-13: 978-0307957894
THURSDAY, JULY 8, 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.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
FAIRY TALES. 6pm. Aesop Fables with Mary Jo Maichack, hosted by the Grace Hall Memorial Library. (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.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
LAWN CONCERT. 7pm. West Springfield Summer Concert Series. Bring blankets or folding chairs to relax or move and groove whenever the mood strikes. Morgan Road Pavilion. 413-781-3020. Storrowton Village Green Gazebo. Eastern State Exposition, 1305 Memorial Avenue, West Springfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
ENTOMOLOGY
Self-Directed Learning:
ENTOMOLOGY
FEATURED TITLE:

Salamander Dance
A delightful non-fiction picture book! A must-have for families who value nature-based learning through the lens of the seasons, and a must-read every spring in anticipation of the return of vernal pools and the migration of spotted salamanders.
- Author, David FitzSimmons. Illustrated by Michael DiGiorgio
- Hardcover w/Dust Jacket: 32 pages
- Publisher: Wild Iris Publishing (2016)
- ISBN-13: 9781936607006
FRIDAY, JULY 9, 2021

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. Sunrise-Sunset. With trails for all experience levels, Chester-Blandford State Forest is perfect for hiking or walking. Take in the Sanderson Falls, go mountain biking, enjoy a picnic or go fishing. Chester-Blandford State Forest. 413-354-6347. 800 US-20, Chester, 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.
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.
FILM STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. 6:30pm. West Springfield Drive-In. This outdoor movie experience, under the stars, harkens back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s when the drive-in movie experience created life-long memories for people of all ages. Located in the Eastern States Exposition’s Gate 9 parking area. West Springfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
LEPIDOPTEROLOGY/GARDENING
If you’re lucky, this time of year, you might catch a kaleidoscope of male butterflies in the act of “puddling.” The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail butterfly (Papilio glaucus) is one of the most common butterflies in our region. You can sometimes find the males in a group on the ground along the edge of a river where they are retrieving salts that are necessary for reproduction but not available in nectar. Even better, you can create a butterfly feeder where butterflies can come and puddle near your home garden. Learn how to create a butterfly puddler in this video.
Self-Directed Learning:
ENTOMOLOGY/LEPIDOPTEROLOGY
SciShow Kids asks, “Do you have a favorite insect? We really like butterflies! But there’s another awesome insect with really big wings and long antenna that you might see flapping around: moths! Moths and butterflies can look really similar, but we’ve got some tips to help you tell them apart!” Discover these tips in their episode, “Butterfly or Moth?” Grab the kids and join them to learn about the differences between the two. Tips include the differences between a cocoon and a chrysalis, straight and feathered antennae, how they hold their wings, and what time of the day they are active.
FEATURED TITLE:

What is a River?
What Is a River? approaches the inquiry at its heart from all sides and angles, creating a richly imagined story woven of many answers, rather than a single explanation. A river is a thread, a home, a mystery, a name. This beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book gives space to answers both conceptual and factual.
- Author/Illustrator: Monika Vaicenavičienė
- Hardcover w/Dust Jacket: 48 pages
- Publisher: First English-language edition, published by Enchanted Lion Books (March 30, 2021)
- ISBN-13: 978-1592702794
- Reading Age: 4-8
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.
Subscribe ♦ Advertising & Partnership Opportunities ♦ Learning Opportunities ♦ en Español

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.