Weekly Suggested Events for July 17-23, 2021

Are you looking for things to do in western Massachusetts? Seeking place-based learning ideas? 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 fun 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
LOCAL HISTORY: Wistariahurst Museum. 413-322-5660. 238 Cabot St, Holyoke, MA.
LITERACY. Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
‘ART STUDIES. Rapoza Center for the Arts. 508-287-5465. 98 Summer St. Adams, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
OUTDOOR SPACES. Buttery Brook Park. 413-538-5033. 123 Willimansett St, South Hadley, MA.
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities


Join Musica Franklin on Saturday, July 17, for the 3rd Annual Fun Fest, a free afternoon of music and family activities at Peskeompskut Park, Avenue A, in Turners Falls, from 1-5pm. Performances by Musica Franklin students followed at 2:30pm by VIVA QUETZAL, an Afro-Andean group rooted in the folk traditions of Chili and Peru incorporating elements of rock, jazz, and world beat. The fun continues at 3:30pm with music by THE GASLIGHT TINKERS, a blend of melodic global rhythms centered at the core by traditional New England Celtic fiddle tunes. Co-sponsored by RiverCulture. Rain date 7/18. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Unvaccinated folks are asked to wear masks. For details, visit www.musicafranklin.org.

The 2021 KO FESTIVAL hybrid JUSTICE | CLIMATE CHANGE | ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY season: THE MAGIC CITY MASSACRE, now-7/18, web-on-demand of about the notorious burning of Black Wall Street in Tulsa + postshow w/Daryl Davis, a Black man noted for convincing KKK members to give up their robes! They’re live in NOHO 7/22-7/24 with Serious Play Theatre Ensemble’s MOVING WATER, written by Eric Henry Sanders,about climate change & our human relationship to water. High-end video version streamed online 7/30-8/1. Then the Hilltown’s own PITI THEATRE premieres HAWAII FIVE-G: Canary in the Goldmine. Jonathan Mirin has raided his son’s LEGO stash to make us an eco-justice mockumentary that’s “like theatre…but flatter!” Sliding scale tix at kofest.com.
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 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
FEATURED PRESCHOOL
Prelude Preschool of the Arts
Springfield, MA

Prelude Preschool of the Arts in Springfield, MA invites your family to participate in FREE preschool fun this summer! Join them for one of their interactive virtual storytimes in July, or come on down to their outdoor events featuring instrument-making and music-playing fun for the whole family. Prelude Preschool is now enrolling children ages 2.9 – 5 years for full-day programming, featuring specialized classes taught by expert musicians and artists in early childhood music, dance, yoga, Suzuki violin, bucket drumming, and visual art. Playful exploration, flexible before and after care, and arts-centered family nights are hallmarks of the Prelude program. Learn more or register for a free summer event at communitymusicschool.com/prelude.
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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, JULY 17, 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.
LITERACY. 8:30am. Greenfield Public Library’s Pop Up Library at the Greenfield Farmers Market. Stop by to get a library card, check out a book, make a button, and learn about what’s going on at the Library, all while supporting your local farmers! Court Square, Greenfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 10am. Young at Heart: Music with Aldo and Maggie for families at Dewey Memorial Hall. 413-229-2357. 91 Main Street, Sheffield, MA.
GARDENING/LANDSCAPE DESIGN. 10am-3pm. The 27th Northampton Garden Tour. There are descriptions of plantings and volunteer garden guides at each garden in the tour at each garden to answer questions. Some gardens have musicians and even a plein air painter. Hosted by the Forbes Library. Northampton, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-6pm. Community Day at MASS MoCA – Featuring the opening of Wes Bruce’s traveling art-making mobile, The Drifting Studio, pop-up music performances, CARE SYLLABUS programming, and activities for all ages. 413-662-2111.1040 Mass MoCA Way, North Adams, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY. 10am & 2pm. Easy walking tour with a Park Interpreter. Discover the mysteries of Natural Bridge with short stories that enliven and highlight this unique park. Once the site of a major marble quarry, it is also home to North America’s only white marble dam. The feature attraction of this tour is the “Natural Bridge,” a marble arch spanning a gorge and carved centuries ago by melting glaciers. This tour offers one of the best places in New England to witness the amazing effects of glaciation! Suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Rain cancels. 20-30 minute duration. 413-663-6392. Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. 11am. Summer events at the Odyssey Bookshop. 413-534-7307. 9 College Street, South Hadley MA.

FUN FEST. 1-5pm. 3rd Annual Fun Fest – Join Musica Franklin for their Third Annual Fun Fest, an afternoon of music, hands-on activities, and general merriment! Explore their instrument petting zoo, make a paper marbling bookmark, play with giant bubbles, and listen to some fabulous music, all free! Musica Franklin students, Viva Quetzal, and The Gaslight Tinkers will play a diverse selection of joyful music. Takes place at Peskeumskut Park. 413-863-3200 x108. Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
HILLTOWN HISTORY. 2-5pm. Kingman Tavern Museum. 413-563-1981. 41 Main Street. Cummington, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 5pm. Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival Summer Concert at Westfield State University. 413-572-5300. 577 Western Avenue, Westfield, MA.
LAWN CONCERT. 5pm. Music Brings Communities Together at Becket Arts Center. 413-623-6635. 7 Brooker Hill Rd, Becket, 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:
ENTOMOLOGY
Self-Directed Learning:
GEOLOGY
Dawn-Dusk
Kestral Land Trust has a map to guide you! 398 Turkey Hill Rd., Northampton, MA.
SUNDAY, JULY 18, 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.
LOCAL FOOD. 10am–2pm. Easthampton Farmers’ Market. 2350 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY. 10am & 2pm. Easy walking tour with a Park Interpreter. Discover the mysteries of Natural Bridge with short stories that enliven and highlight this unique park. Once the site of a major marble quarry, it is also home to North America’s only white marble dam. The feature attraction of this tour is the “Natural Bridge,” a marble arch spanning a gorge and carved centuries ago by melting glaciers. This tour offers one of the best places in New England to witness the amazing effects of glaciation! Suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Rain cancels. 20-30 minute duration. 413-663-6392. Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA.
HISTORY WALK. 12pm. Join the Park Interpreter for an easy walking tour to rediscover the working life in a bustling quarry during the 1800s and early 1900s. What was it like to labor in the stone quarry in the heyday of the Industrial Revolution? Who were these tough quarrymen? Explore these topics along the way. Suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Rain cancels. 20-30 minute duration. 413-663-6392. Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, 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.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 2pm. Sunday Crafternoons with the Agawam Family and Community Program at Perry Lane Park. 413-789-1616. 108 Perry Ln, Agawam, MA.
STORYTELLING. 4pm. Tails & Tales with Davis Bates at the Cushman Library. 413-648-5402. 28 Church St, Bernardston, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/AMERICAN MUSIC. 5-7:30pm. Live music. BYO picnic. Stump Sprouts. 413-339-4265. 64 W Hill Rd, Hawley, 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.

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
MONDAY, JULY 19, 2021
PLAYGROUP. 10am. Summer Whately Elementary School Playground Series with Union 38 Family Network at the Whately Elementary School. 273 Long Plain Rd, South Deerfield, MA.
BABY GROUP. 10am. Babies and Books, Baby Zoom Group with South Berkshire Kids. Virtual.
NATURAL HISTORY. 10am & 2pm. What were the forces that created these unique landforms? Discover the human elements that altered them through historical photos and fascinating little-known details that illustrate how this geological and industrial marvel came to look as it does today. Suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Rain cancels. 30-minute duration. 413-663-6392. Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA.
STORYWALK. 1pm. Guided StoryWalk Event at The Boulders with Berkshire Natural Resources Council. The Boulders Reserve, Pittsfield, MA.
RPG/TEENS. 2:15pm. Teen Hogwarts Choose Your Adventure Trivia with the Southwick Public Library. Virtual.
OPEN MIC. 5:30pm. Open Air Open Mic for musical performers of all ages at the Westfield Green. 413-572-6263. Main and Broad Streets. Westfield, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 6:30pm. Craft and Chat at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA. LAWN
Self-Directed Learning:
METEOROLOGY
The feeling of a summer thunderstorm is familiar to us all – the temperature drops, the breeze cools, bright leaves rustle endlessly louder, and a distant echo of thunder rolls across the darkening sky. Though they can be scary for youngsters (and anxious pets), thunderstorms are an important part of summer weather, bringing much-needed rain to the landscape and cooling the oppressive heat that hangs in July’s muggy air. But how are thunder and lightning formed? How do flashes of light appear, and where does the sound come from?
TUESDAY, JULY 20, 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.
CULINARY ARTS. 10am. What’s Cooking Cookbook Club with the Springfield City Library. Virtual.
CREATIVE FREE-PLAY. 12:30pm. Teddy Bear Picnic at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 1pm. Craft Program: Pet Rocks at the Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, 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.
READING WITH DOGS. 2pm. Brightspot Reading Buddies Read-in at the Westhampton Public Library. 413-527-5386. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
TEDDY BEARS
Tues., Jul 20 @ 12:30pm
Teddy Bear Picnic at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
FERMENTED SODA
Tues., Jul 20 @ 7pm
Making Wild Herbal Sodas Workshop with River Valley Co-op. Virtual.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 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.
PLAYGROUP. 9-10:30am. Indoor playgroup at Hadley Library. Hadley, MA.
ANIMAL STUDIES. 10am. Animal Adaptations with the Southwick Public Library. Join the Children’s Museum Easton virtually as they investigate the science of hibernation and migration of animals from local ecosystems (and some afar). Discover how important. There will be kits of materials to pick up before the program. To sign up, email southwicklibrary@comcast.net. Virtual.
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
TEEN IMPROV. 3pm. Teen Improv Workshop with Phantom Sheep Players, hosted by the West Springfield Public Library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park St, West Springfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
PRINTMAKING
Self-Directed Learning:
ANIMAL STUDIES
Wed., Jul 21, 10am
Animal Adaptations with the Southwick Public Library. Join the Children’s Museum Easton virtually as they investigate the science of hibernation and migration of animals from local ecosystems (and some afar). There will be kits of materials to pick up before the program. To sign up, email southwicklibrary@comcast.net. Virtual.
THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

MAGIC/PSYCHOLOGY. 11am. Ed Popielarczyk’s Magic Show at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
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.
FAMILY PERFORMANCE. 6:30pm. Tails & Tales: Jay Mankita in Concert at the Pelham Library. 413-253-0657. 2 S Valley Rd, Pelham, MA.
LITERATURE. 7pm. Literary Teas at the Greenfield Public Library Virtual.
CANOEING. 7:30pm. Moonlight Canoe Trip at the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA.
THEATER STUDIES. 8pm. Serious Play Theatre Ensemble and KoFest present MOVING WATER. Ko Festival of Performance. 33 Hawley St. Northampton, MA.
TEEN SOCIAL. 8:30pm. Teen Campfire at the Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
POP CULTURE
Self-Directed Learning:
CULINARY ARTS
In this Epicurious video, “How To Slice Every Fruit,” take a comprehensive look at slicing fruits. From apples to watermelon, prickly pear to dragonfruit, mango to gooseberry, featured here is nearly 40 different fruits and techniques for cutting. A fun way to get kids interested in “new-to-them” foods and improved cutting techniques for the budding chefs in the house, young or old!
FRIDAY, JULY 23, 2021

NATURAL HISTORY. 10am & 2pm. Enjoy an easy Interpreter-guided walk along the 0.6-mile-long Elder Nature Trail. The Natural Bridge and historic quarry are surrounded by 25 acres of ecologically rich northern hardwood forest. A leisurely walk in the woods offers the perfect opportunity to slow down and appreciate the natural world around us. Along the path, discover a few secrets of this landscape shaped by glacial forces and human agriculture. Suitable for all ages. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a water bottle. Rain cancels. 30-minute duration. 413-663-6392. Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA.
MAGIC/PSYCHOLOGY. 11am. The Magic of Fran Ferry at Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, 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.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. 1pm. Town-Wide Olympic Scavenger Hunt, hosted by the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
FAMILY FUN. 6:30pm. Family Cornhole Tournament at the Goodwin Memorial Library. 413-584-7451. 50 Middle St, Hadley, 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.
WATER SKI. 7pm. Water Ski Show with the Oxbow Water Ski Show Team. Old Springfield Rd at Curtis Nook Rd. Northampton, MA.
THEATER STUDIES. 7pm. Wizard of Oz, performed by the Berkshire Theatre Group. 413-997-4444. 111 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
THEATER STUDIES. 8pm. Serious Play Theatre Ensemble and KoFest present MOVING WATER. Ko Festival of Performance. 33 Hawley St. Northampton, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
BIRDS OF PREY
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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, Hinsdale/Peru, 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.