Weekly Suggested Events for September 11-17, 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
ANIMAL STUDIES. Wildlife Center at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
COLONIAL HISTORY. Mission House. 413-298-3239. Main Street. Stockbridge, MA
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. Northfield Mountain. 413-659-3714. 99 Millers Falls Road, RT 63, Northfield, MA.
LITERACY. Springfield Central Library. 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield MA.
DANCE STUDIES. Earthdance. 413-634-5678. 252 Prospect Street, Plainfield, MA.
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities


Amherst Community Theater announces auditions for Disney’s The Little Mermaid! Auditions will take place September 24-26 at the Bangs Community Center in Amherst, MA. For an audition appointment, call LSSE at 413-259-3065. A hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages, this timeless fable will capture your heart with its irresistible songs, lavish sets and costumes, and a full live orchestra. Enthusiastic audiences will fill the 600-seat UMass Bowker Auditorium for nine performances in January 2022. Actors, singers, and dancers ages 7-107 are encouraged to audition! For more info about auditions, including character descriptions and audition music and readings, visit www.amherstacts.org/auditions or contact producer@amherstacts.org.
FEATURED MUSIC SCHOOL
Miss Leticia Music School
Amherst, MA

Ukulele, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Rock Band, and Voice in person and online for all ages. Beginning Groups include Beginning I & II Ukulele/Guitar, Bass, Drums, or Voice. Intermediate and advanced groups include Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Ukulele, Bass, Drums, Rock Band, and Voice. Adult Guitar, Ukulele, and Rock Band Groups are offered. Teachers include: Miss Leticia (guitar, ukulele, rock band, voice); Rusty Daniels (guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, rock band); Rhys Davies (adult rock band). After school, evening, and weekend classes. For more information: missleticia@missleticia.com; 413-246-7338; missleticia.com.
FEATURED TEEN PROGRAM
Circles for Jewish Living Teen Programs
Northampton, MA

Circles for Jewish Living’s two new monthly teen programs provide a safe space for teens to explore the world they live in and discover who they want to be in that world. Their programs build community, trust, and strong Jewish identity, with resources to stimulate connections between the world teens navigate and leadership that inspires. For more information: cjl.alisonmorse@gmail.com; 413-559-9208; www.circlesforjewishliving.com
FEATURED MUSIC SCHOOL
Berkshire Music School
Pittsfield, MA

Berkshire Music School is enrolling for the fall 2021 semester! Take a private lesson or Community Group Class in-person at BMS’s historic campus or online. Private lessons are offered in any orchestral or band instrument as well as voice & theory. Lessons may be arranged for 30, 45, 60, or 90 minutes each week to meet the needs of the individual student and may begin at any point during the year. Online lessons are conducted via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype, and students should have access to a computer or iPad with internet connection. BMS’s fun Community Group Classes are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, with suggested tuition listed for each course. For more information: cpearson@berkshiremusicschool.org; 413-442-1411; www.berkshiremusicschool.org
FEATURED NATURE-BASED PROGRAM
Grow Wild Association
Hinsdale, MA

Grow Wild Association is organized for educational, personal, and spiritual development, relying on a strongly held belief in and interdependence with nature. Grow Wild Association hosts an outdoor nature-based program for homeschool-aged children, adult classes, enrichment programs, and tutoring. They believe nature is our best and most important teacher, and children are innate learners who naturally follow their own sense of wonder. Mixed-age children’s groupings allow for role modeling, responsibility, community building, and multidirectional learning. All information/programs/services are intended for association members only. They’re accepting new members now! For more information: growwildlearning@protonmail.com; 413-464-2507; www.growwildlearning.com.
FEATURED SCHOOL
The Bement School
Deerfield, MA

Bement School LIVE Virtual Tours. Join the admission office for a LIVE virtual campus tour. These LIVE virtual tours will give you the opportunity to learn a bit more about Bement and see their students and faculty. Throughout September and October, they are offering one-hour campus tours and Q&A sessions on Tuesday mornings from 8:30-9:30am. Registration is required. Participants will receive a Zoom invitation. Bement School is accepting applications for fall 2022. Contact the admission office at admit@bement.org with questions or to register for one of their virtual tours. The Bement School is a co-ed and boarding school for K-9 in Deerfield, MA. www.bement.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 each week, Hilltown Families can bring your message to thousands of families in Western Massachusetts. Serving the region since 2005, Hilltown Families is an award-winning, online communication network, recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting “positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness.” A trusted partner in your online marketing! To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact us for info on our affordable options and packages: swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org. Have an event, resource, or opportunity you’re ready to promote? Click HERE to submit your information.

Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA
List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2021
AGRICULTURE/COMMUNITY TRADITIONS. 8am-11pm. The 172nd Franklin County Fair. Greenfield, MA.
FAMILY RADIO. 9am. HFVS Mother Earth Episode with Guest DJ, Flor Bromley. (Radio Show/Podcast)
COMMUNITY MEAL. 10am. Eighth Annual Chicken BBQ with the Three Rivers Firefighters Association. 40 Belchertown St, Three Rivers, MA.
SPORTS HISTORY/BASEBALL. 10am-4pm. Special Exhibit: “Sliding Baseball Across Williamstown: Baseball in the Berkshires” at Williamstown Historical Museum. 32 New Ashford Rd, Williamstown, MA.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT/COMEDY. 10am. Young at Heart: Roger the Jester at Dewey Memorial Hall. 413-229-2357. 91 Main Street, Sheffield, MA.
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.
HERPETOLOGY. 10:30am. Explore the reptiles, snakes, and turtles that live around the Bray Lake. Meet at the lake. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.
STORYTIME. 11am. Story Yoga at Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
NATURE OBSERVATION/ART STUDIES. 1pm. Art Trail Walk and Activities at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
LANGUAGE ARTS/WRITING. 1pm. Write-Up Springfield with Springfield City Library. (Virtual)
INTERGENERATIONAL/OUTDOOR GAMES. 2pm. Cummington Horseshoe Tournament at Pettingill Memorial Park. Cummington, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/SINGING. 2pm. The Best of Jimmy Mazz at West Springfield Public Library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park St, West Springfield, MA.
MUSICAL THEATER/HONEYBEES. 3:30pm. To Bee or Not to Bee: All Ages Outdoor Performance with Piti Theatre Company. 113 Southampton Rd, Westhampton, MA.
OUTDOOR CONCERT/BYO PICNIC. 5-10pm. Millpond Live at Millside Park. 413-529-1400. 2 Ferry St., Easthampton, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/WEST AFRICAN. 8pm. Mdou Moctar w/ Pure Adult at Gateway City Arts. 413-650-2670. 92 Race St, Holyoke, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
GEOLOGY/GLACIERS
Sat., Sept. 11 @ 10am & 2pm. Family hike at the “Natural Bridge,” a marble arch spanning a gorge and carved centuries ago by melting glaciers. Natural Bridge State Park. 413-663-6392. McAuley Road, North Adams, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
HERPETOLOGY/REPTILES
Sat., Sept. 11 @ 10:30am. Explore the reptiles, snakes, and turtles that live around the Bray Lake. Meet at the lake. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2021
AGRICULTURE/COMMUNITY TRADITIONS. 8am-9pm. The 172nd Franklin County Fair. Greenfield, MA.
HIKING. 10am. Family Hike with Longmeadow Dad’s Club at Robinson State Park. 428 North St, Feeding Hills, MA.
PERMACULTURE/COMMUNITY. 10am. Permablitz Day at Nutwood Farm. 76 Porter Hill Rd, Cummington, MA.
SUSTAINABILITY/TEXTILES. 10am-12pm. Clothing Drive at the M. N. Spear Memorial Library. 413-259-1213. 10 Cooleyville Rd, Shutesbury, MA.
LOCAL FOOD. 10am–2pm. Easthampton Farmers’ Market. 2350 Payson Ave., Easthampton, MA.
GRANDPARENTS DAY. 10am-6pm. Grandparents Day at Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
FAMILY PERFORMANCE/TEA. 11am. Drag Hatter’s Tea Party: Family Edition at Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
SUSTAINABILITY/TEXTILES. 11am. Mommy & Me Supply Cleanout at the Village Closet at It Takes a Village. 413-650-3640. 2 East Main Street. Huntington, MA.
WILDLIFE BIOLOGY. 11am-5pm. Wild Kratts: Creature Power, an immersive, interactive exhibit where kids and families explore four animal habitats and the creatures within them, building STEM skills as they play. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA.
FAMILY FUN. 12pm. Russell Police Department Family Fun Day and Car Show Event at Strathmore Park. Russell, MA.
MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 12pm. 40th Anniversary Celebration at The Children’s Museum at Holyoke. 413-536-7048. 444 Dwight St, Holyoke, 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.
POLITICS. 2:30pm. Northampton Meet and Greet with Elizabeth Warren at the Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, MA.
FAMILY PERFORMANCE. 3pm. Bread & Puppet Theater at Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
LOCAL HISTORY. 5pm. The Cafe Society Reunion of Oldies but Goodies: A Fundraising Event for the Plainfield Historical Society. 296 E Main St, Plainfield, MA.
ECOLOGY. 5:30pm. Boreal Forest Ecology Slideshow & Summit Walk with Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center at Bascom Lodge. 413-743-1591. N Adams Rd, Adams, MA.
LITERACY. 6pm. The 20th Library of Congress National Book Festival (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning:
ORNITHOLOGY/BIRDING
Self-Directed Learning:
ORNITHOLOGY/BIRDS OF PREY
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western 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.
NATURE-BASED LEARNING. 1pm. Explorer’s Club for ages 10-14. Hike Mt. Tom while exploring nature. Bring water and bug spray. Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.
CULINARY ARTS. 6pm. Cookbook Club Meeting-The Rise by Marcus Samuelsson at Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
PARENTING. 11am. Outdoor Parent Group with It Takes a Village. 420 Main St, Ashfield, 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.
FASHION HISTORY. 4pm. Tuesday Talk, Showcasing 18th-Century, Victorian & Jazz Age Fashions at Albany Institute of History at the Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 4pm. Crafternoon: Paint a Wooden Car with Agawam Family and Community Program at the Agawam Spray Park. Agawam, MA.
ORNITHOLOGY/BIRDS OF PREY. 6pm. The Magic of the Snowy Owl presented by Peter Christoph at the Whately Town Hall. Whately, MA.
PARENTING GROUP. 7:30pm. Navigating Back-to-School Changes: A Special Parent Group with It Takes a Village. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning:
ARTS & CRAFTS.
Self-Directed Learning:
FASHION HISTORY
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
LITERACY. 9:15am. Story & Learning Time at the Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
STORYTIME. 10:30am. Library Storytime at Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.
NATURE STUDIES. 1pm. Nature’s Innate Wisdom at Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
NUTRITION. 2:30pm. Boost Your Brain Health by Eating Well at the West Springfield Public Library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park St, West Springfield, MA.
HISTORY. 6pm. Hazard Powder: the Powder Hollow Explosion of 1913 at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. 6pm. Learn Balloon Animal Twisting with Ed the Wizard at the Whately Library. 413-665-2170. 202 Chestnut Plain Road. Whately, MA.
WORKSHOP. 7pm. Workshop: Adjusting to the New Normal with River Valley Co-op. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning:
HISTORY/GUNPOWDER
Wed., Sept. 15 @ 6pm. Hazard Powder: the Powder Hollow Explosion of 1913 at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.
Self-Directed Learning:
BALLOON ART
Wed., Sept. 15 @ 6pm. Learn Balloon Animal Twisting with Ed the Wizard at the Whately Library. 413-665-2170. 202 Chestnut Plain Road. Whately, MA.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
ART STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. ArtWeek Berkshires across Berkshire County, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 10am. Roald Dahl Day crafts & activities at Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
PreK 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.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
NATURAL HISTORY/ART STUDIES. 12pm. Interpreting Natural History through Art at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT. 4pm. Our own “Little E” on the eve of the “Big E” with Agawam Family and Community Program at the Agawam Spray Park. Agawam, MA.
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT. 5pm. Naumkeag at Night at Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
PARENTING GROUP. 8:30pm. Post Bedtime Parents Group with It Takes a Village. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning:
ARTS & CRAFTS
Thurs., Sept. 16 @ 10am. Roald Dahl Day crafts & activities at Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2021
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Western MA
ART STUDIES/PLACEMAKING. ArtWeek Berkshires across Berkshire County, 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.
STORYTIME. 10:30am. Outdoor Story Time at the Gaylord Memorial Library. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA. LOCAL

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, 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.