Weekly Suggested Events for July 31 – August 6, 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!
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
MUSEUM STUDIES: Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
LITERACY: Whately Library. 413-665-2170. 202 Chestnut Plain Road. Whately, MA.
FIBER ARTS: Wool-ology. 413-350-5158. 242A Greenfield Rd. South Deerfield, MA.
ARCHITECTURE: Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities


The 2021 KO FESTIVAL centered on JUSTICE | CLIMATE CHANGE | ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY: THE MAGIC CITY MASSACRE, now – 8/8, 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! After a sold-out run last week, high-end video version of Serious Play Theatre Ensemble’s MOVING WATER, written by Eric Henry Sanders, about climate change & our human relationship to water — streamed online 7/30-8/1. Then 8/6- 8/8 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.

Become a Conscious Postpartum Caregiver! Serve new families with skills informed by the principles of Ayurveda and traditional methods of care. Learn online from anywhere with an inspiring cohort of students from around the world. Receive professional mentoring as you build and grow your practice. Become part of a vibrant and loving community of professionals passionate about supporting and raising awareness for the Sacred Postpartum Window. Enroll for the Fall 2021 Cohort of the Conscious Postpartum Caregiver Program. The deadline is August 9, 2021. The program begins on August 23. Independent Study option available. Visit www.sacredwindowstudies.com/learn for more information. Contact christine@sacredwindowstudies.com to get started!

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 SCHOOL
Stoneleigh-Burnham School
Greenfield, MA

Founded in 1869, Stoneleigh-Burnham School (SBS), an independent boarding & day school for girls in grades 7-12, has been a part of the Pioneer Valley for more than 150 years. SBS attracts dynamic students from more than 12 states and over 12 countries and is known for its powerful academics, debate & public speaking, performing & visual arts, and equestrian programs. SBS was the first girls’ school in New England to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and is the only secondary school in the U.S. to offer the British Horse Society Certification program. SBS’s boarding tuition is now 10% less than the national average while their day tuition is 17% less than the national average. For more information: 413-774-2711; sbschool.org.
FEATURED CLASSES
The Skating Club of Amherst
Amherst, MA

Good News! After a long absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Skating Club of Amherst will be resuming their full ice schedule in September. The Skating Club of Amherst figure skating club offers professional instruction at all levels, beginner to advanced, recreational or competitive. Their popular Learn-to-Skate program offers group lessons for ages 4-adult on Sundays at 5:50pm. Additional instruction is offered in free-skate, ice dancing, & testing for those looking to advance their skills further. All sessions are held at the UMass Mullins Center Practice Rink. The club is a member of United States Figure Skating & is a private, non-profit organization managed by volunteers. Registration forms for Sept, Nov, Jan & April are online. For more information: SCofAmherst@gmail.com; 413-253-6388; www.scamherst.org.
See Your Ad Here

Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers, Hilltown Families can bring your message to thousands of readers in Western MA who are committed to their community and willing to support one another in times of need. In-person and virtual event organizers, local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our affordable advertising options and marketing packages. To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact Sienna at swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org.

Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA
List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021
FAMILY PERFORMANCE. 10am. Young at Heart: Roger the Jester at Dewey Memorial Hall. 413-229-2357. 91 Main Street, Sheffield, 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.
MUSIC STUDIES. 10:30am. Saturday Morning Rehearsal: Schumann, Saint-Saëns, and Stenhammar at Tanglewood Music Festival. Tanglewood. 413-637-5180. 297 West St. Lenox, MA.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. 11am. Summer events at the Odyssey Bookshop. 413-534-7307. 9 College Street, South Hadley MA.
PHOTOGRAPHY. 11am. Cyanotype Workshop: Using the Sunlight to Make Unique Prints for Your Home at Make-It Springfield. 413-342-1681. 168 Worthington St, Springfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 11am. Chamber Music with the Quark Quartet at Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA.
STORYTELLING. 11:30am. Storytelling by Eshu Bumpus at Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.
ANIMAL WELFARE. 12:30pm. Adopt a pet with the Berkshire Humane Society at Milne Public Library. 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. Williamstown, MA.
KITES. 1pm. Bermuda Kite-Making at Arms Library. 413-625-0306. 60 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls, MA.
ART STUDIES. 2pm. Cartooning Workshop: Let’s Draw Animals with Sunderland Public Library. Virtual.
HILLTOWN HISTORY. 2-5pm. Kingman Tavern Museum. 413-563-1981. 41 Main Street. Cummington, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 2:30pm. Tanglewood Pre-Concert Talks with Jeremy Yudkin at Lenox Library. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA.
COMMUNITY. 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:
KITES
Sat., Jul 31 @ 1pm. Bermuda Kite-Making at Arms Library. 413-625-0306. 60 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
RECYCLING
Sat., Jul 31 @ 9am. Summer Reuse Rally with Northampton ReUse at Smith Vocational High School. Northampton, MA.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 1, 2021
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.
ART STUDIES. Take a self-guided tour of outdoor public art The Clark Art Institute, MASS MoCA, and WCMA (Northern Berkshire Cty.)
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.
RPG. 1pm. D&D Super Dungeon at Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
STORYTELLING. 4pm. Ted Lawrence of Trunkside Tales at Erving Public Library. 413-423-3348. 2 Care Dr, Erving, 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.
MONDAY, AUGUST 2, 2021
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.
NATURE-BASED LEARNING. 1pm. Children ages 10-14 are invited to explore Mt. Tom during their hiking program, Explorer’s Club. Bring water and bug spray. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, 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.
MUSIC STUDIES. 7pm. Ukulele Strum-Along with Springfield City Library. Virtual.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 3, 2021
JUGGLING. 11am. Henry the Juggler at Hatfield Public Library. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street, Hatfield, 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.
STORYTELLING. 2:30pm. Personal Storytelling Workshop for Teens w/ Terry Wolfisch Cole with Palmer Public Library. Virtual.
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:
JUGGLING
Tues., Aug. 3 @ 11am. Henry the Juggler at Hatfield Public Library. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street, Hatfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
FILM HISTORY
Check out these drive-in theaters:
West Springfield Drive-In &
Northfield Drive-In Theatre
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2021
CANOEING. 8-11am. Canoeing October Mountain State Forest. For all, children 10 & up. Buckley Dunton Lake, Becket, MA.
BOTANY. 9am. Summer Wildflowers at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
ART STUDIES. 9am. TAILS & TALES PAINTING at Agawam Public Library. 413-789-1550. 750 Cooper Street, Agawam, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 9-10:30am. Northampton Parent Center hosts an indoor/outdoor playgroup at Bridge Street School. Northampton, MA.
KINDERGARTEN. 9:30am. “Ready for K” 4-week kindergarten readiness class with Hubbard Memorial Library. Virtual.
KINDERGARTEN. 11am. Ready for Kindergarten Skill Building Group with Southwick Public Library. Virtual.
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION. 2pm. Head Start 101 with It Takes a Village. 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
ARTS & CRAFTS. 4pm. Pocket Sloth Craft at the Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
SERVICE ANIMALS. 4pm. Dog with a Job: Meet Gingham, the Service Dog-in-training at the Milne Public Library. 413-458-5369. 1095 Main Street. Williamstown, MA.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 5:30pm. Off to the Great Outdoors: Exploring Poor Brook in East Springfield at Regreen Springfield. 36 Stanley Street, Springfield, MA.
LAWN CONCERT. 6pm. Crimson Canary Concert on the Lawn at the Emily Williston Memorial Library. 413-527-1031. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, 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:
ARTS & CRAFTS
Wed., Aug 4 @ 4pm. Pocket Sloth Craft at the Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
ENTOMOLOGY
Wed., Aug 4 @ 7-8:30pm. The World of Insects: Butterflies and Moths. Best for self-directed teens and lifelong learners. Virtual.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021
FAMILY FUN.9am. FAMILY FUN For Age 6 and up at the Agawam Public Library. 413-789-1550. 750 Cooper Street, Agawam, MA.
ART STUDIES. 11am. Pop Up Art School Presents: Dragon Eye for Teens with the Forbes Library. Virtual.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
ENTOMOLOGY. 1pm. The Monarch’s Tale: An Amazing Migration Story at the Mason Public Library. 413-528-2403. 231 Main St, Great Barrington, MA.
ANIMAL STUDIES. 6pm. Forest Park Zoo on the Go at the Library at the Pelham Library. 413-253-0657. 2 S Valley Rd, Pelham, 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.
STORYTELLING. 6:30pm. Story Slam at the Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, 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.
PERFORMANCE ART. 7pm. Community Stage – A Talent Show with Community Music School of Springfield. Virtual.
Self-Directed Learning:
NUTRITIONAL ANTHROPOLOGY
Self-Directed Learning:
ENTOMOLOGY
Thurs., Aug 5 @ 1pm. The Monarch’s Tale: An Amazing Migration Story at the Mason Public Library. 413-528-2403. 231 Main St, Great Barrington, MA.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 6, 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.
ANIMAL STUDIES. 11am. Animals! Animals! with Mary Jo Maichack at the Lee Library. 413-243-0385. 100 Main St, Lee, 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.
ANIMAL STUDIES. 2pm. Animal Adventures at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.
DANCE STUDIES. 5:30pm. Northampton Summer Park Series – Live Salsa in the Park featuring KomboLoko at Pulaski Park, Northampton, MA.
POETRY. 6pm. Carol Purington Poetry Collective at the Griswold Memorial Library. 413-624-3619. 12 Main Rd. Colrain, MA.
LAWN CONCERT. 6pm. Summer Concert Green Sisters and Eric Lee on the Amherst Common. Amherst, MA.
CANOEING. 6-8:30pm. Housatonic Evening Paddle. For all, children 10 & up. Decker Boat Ramp, Lenox, 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.
THEATER STUDIES. 7:30pm. A Broadway Cabaret with Silverthorne Theater Company at Hawks and Reed Performing Arts Center. 413-774-0150. 289 Main Street, Greenfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
PLAYGROUNDS
Fri., Aug. 6 @ 10am Pick-up playgroup at the Dow Pavillion playground for kids ages 2-5. Look Memorial Park. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
ANIMAL STUDIES
Fri., Aug. 6 @ 11am. Animals! Animals! with Mary Jo Maichack at the Lee Library. 413-243-0385. 100 Main St, Lee, 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, 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, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.