Weekly Suggested Events for October 9-15, 2021

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Fall festivals, autumn icons, and outdoor adventures await you during October in Western Massachusetts. Select from our list of events across the region!

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!

[CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER]

Art in the Field Family Program, October 16, 2021, 1–3pm. [CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER] Location: Smith College Museum of Art and tent on Seelye Lawn in Northampton, MA (between Neilson Library and SCMA). Free, drop-in, no registration required. Masks welcomed and encouraged. Enjoy an afternoon of outdoor artmaking, scavenger hunts, and special guests from Lifting Spirits Miniature Therapy Horses. Art featuring horses can be found on every floor of the museum. How did each artist bring the animals to life through movement, creative use of color, and even interesting textures? Create an artful interpretation of horses using cardboard and patterned papers and then go on a scavenger hunt for equine art in the museum. Happy trails! In case of rain, organizers will cancel this event.

For homeschoolers and schoolers with five museums to mine for information and activities, the Springfield Museums does what few others can—combine art, history, science, and Dr. Seuss into fun-filled, engaging experiences that reinforce critical thinking and observation skills through inquiry-based learning. The Springfield Museums offer a broad range of educational programs for all ages and interest levels, and they are happy to custom-build an experience for your small group. For more information: fieldtrips@springfieldmuseums.org; 413-263-6800 x322; springfieldmuseums.org/groups/school.

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 SCHOOL
The Bement School
Deerfield, MA

The Bement School, founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield, is a co-educational day and boarding school serving 200 students in kindergarten through grade 9. While Bement is scheduling individual campus tours in person, a series of virtual open houses are offered. To learn more about the upper school (grades 6 through 9) join the October 26 event or October 28 to learn about the lower school (kindergarten through grade 5). A member of the admission office and faculty will share what makes Bement an incredible education. Registration is required. Zoom invitations will be sent upon registration. Applications for fall 2022 are being accepted now. Contact the admission office at admit@bement.org with questions or to register for an open house.

FEATURED PROGRAM
Hilltown Sleddogs
West Chesterfield, MA

In-Person/Outdoors, In-Person/Indoors

Kids & Canines! Balto & Togo! Topaz & Trixie! Serum Run & Iditarod! What do these all have in common? Sled Dogs & Working Dogs. Siberian Huskies & Alaskan Huskies Life Saving Run by Dog Team to Nome & Thrilling Race by Dog Team to Nome. Dogs who love kids & kids who love dogs! All can be found at Hilltown Sleddogs with Musher, Marla BB & her 16 huskies. They spent the last 2 winters in Alaska, mushing 750 miles from Nenana to Nome on the Serum Run Trail. Then racing 300 & 200 miles on the Yukon Quest Trail in preparation for Iditarod. Slide show, video, & children’s book presentation is available for classrooms, assembly programs, educational demonstrations & fairs indoors or outdoors. Homeschool programs are offered too. Always with these dogs! For more information: hilltownsleddogs@gmail.com; 413-296-0187; www.hilltownsleddogs.com.

FEATURED MUSICAL THEATER CLASSES
The Academy of Music Theatre
Florence & Holyoke, MA

Register now! Youth Fall Classes at the Academy of Music Theatre are open for enrollment. Come sing and dance in musical theater classes for ages 6-8, 9-11, and 13-18.

Classes will be held at Pine Box Studios in Florence and at El Mercado in Holyoke on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings starting October 19th.

For more information, visit www.aomtheatre.com.

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Partner with HIlltown Families!

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.

Class Directory

Class Directory

Discover virtual & adapted programming in our Class Directory for Western MA

Preschool and Daycare Directory for Western Massachusetts

Preschool Directory

Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA

List of Weekly Suggested Events

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2021

FALL FESTIVAL. 9am. Fall Festival on the Common Park in Pittsfield, MA. 

SENSORY-FRIENDLY. 9-11am. The Springfield Museums offers Sensory Friendly Saturdays, the second Saturday of each month. Sensory Friendly Saturdays provide less noise, less bright light, and cool-down spaces for those who have sensory sensitivity. Sensory-friendly crafts for all ages will be available too. Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, 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. 

NATURE STUDIES. 9:15am. Nature Walk at the Gaylord Memorial Library. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, MA. 

STEM/LEGO. 9:30am. LEGO Club on the patio at the Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA. 

BOOK SALE/LITERACY. 9:30am-7pm. The annual sale of nearly new, used and donated adult and children’s books, paperbacks, magazines, and other items. Adams Free Library. 413-743-8345. 92 Park Street, Adams MA. 

 

ART STUDIES. 10am-6pm. 27th Annual Paradise City Arts Festival. 54 Old Ferry Rd, Northampton, MA. 

ART STUDIES. 10am. Exploring fine arts for kids, ages 8-12yo at Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA. 

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 10am. Hoosac Range Fall Foliage Hike with Berkshire Natural Resources Council. Hoosac Range Trail. North Adams, MA. 

ART STUDIES. 10:15am. WeeMuse Art Crawl at the Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

NATURE-BASED LEARNING/STORY HOUR. 10:30am. Kidleidoscope Story Hour for ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn about our wildlife neighbors who share our home in the Connecticut River Watershed. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.

ARTS & CRAFTS. 10:30am. Light Up the Night with Painted Lamps at Make-It Springfield. 413-342-1681. 168 Worthington St, Springfield, MA. 

NATURE STUDIES/PHENOLOGY. 11am. Phenology/Seasonal Changes Series with the Hilltown Land Trust at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead. 413- 634-2244. 207 Bryant Road, Cummington, MA. 

ORNITHOLOGY/BIRDS OF PREY. 11am. Live bird presentation with Tom Ricardi of the Massachusetts Birds of Prey Raptor Rehabilitation Facility at Spinner Park. Avenue A & Fourth Street. Turners Falls, MA.  

NEW ENGLAND TRADITIONS. 11am-6pm. Corn Maze at The Apple Place. 413-348-9628. 540 Somers Rd. Rt. 83, East Longmeadow, MA. 

INCLUSIVITY/NATURE STUDIES. 11am. Berkshires as Living Laboratory Hike at The Old Mill Trail. Old Dalton Road. Hinsdale, MA. 

LITERACY/FUNDRAISER. 11am. Friends of the Arms Library Pop-up Booksale at the Arms Library. 413-625-0306. 60 Bridge St., Shelburne Falls, MA.

PLACEMAKING/FOOD STUDIES. 12pm. 5th annual Food Truck Festival. 17 Main St, Indian Orchard, MA. 

FAMILY FUN. 12pm. Fall Weekend Fun at the Yankee Candle Village. 877-636-7707. 25 Greenfield Rd, South Deerfield, MA. 

ANIMAL STUDIES. 12:30pm. Chow Time at the Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

GARDENING/AGRICULTURE. 1pm. Garlic Planting 101 at Bee Forage Farm. 42 Mine Road. Westhampton, MA. 

FAMILY FUN. 1pm. Fall Gathering at Buttery Brook Park. 413-538-5033. 123 Willimansett St, South Hadley, MA.

INCLUSIVITY/NATURE STUDIES. 2pm. Berkshires as Living Laboratory Hike at The Old Mill Trail Old Dalton Road. Hinsdale, MA. 

ART STUDIES/RECEPTION. 3-7pm. “Ramblin’ Mind,” the debut exhibit of 15-year-old artist Galen Micheal, will be featured at the Cummington Community House. Included will be selections of oil, acrylic, and watercolor landscapes, photo-realistic fan art, and hyper-realistic still lifes in various mediums. Work will be on display from October 7th-31st. A reception will be held on October 9th from 3-7. Refreshments will be served. Cummington Community House. 33 Main St, Cummington, MA.

HISTORY. 3:30pm. Talk: “The Making of a Cosmopolitan Capital: Washington, D.C. Frontier Town to Global City” at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum. 413-637-3206. 104 Walker Street. Lenox, MA. 

 

COMMUNITY GATHERING. 5pm. Hatfield Bonfire at the Hatfield Lions Club Pavilion. 15 Billings Way, Hatfield, MA. 

FAMILY FUN. 6pm. Flash Light Night in The Corn Maze at The Apple Place. 413-348-9628. 540 Somers Rd. Rt. 83, East Longmeadow, MA. 

PLACEMAKING/FILM STUDIES. 6:15pm. Drive-In Movie Night with the Belchertown Recreation Department at the Belchertown High School. 413-323-9419. 142 Springfield Rd, Belchertown, MA. 

HALLOWEEN/STORYTELLING. 7pm. Scary Stories by the Fire with Robert Oakes at the Bidwell House Museum. 413-528-6888. 100 Art School Road, Monterey, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES/SING-ALONG. 7:30pm. Cam Fyre: Songs in the Firelight at the Palmer Historical Cultural Center. 413-289-9295. 2072 Main St, Three Rivers, MA.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING: HARVEST SEASON

During the autumnal months, communities celebrate the change of season with activities that bridge agricultural and cultural traditions. Teaching our children the value of connection with seasonal traditions through self-directed learning can help them learn and grow in endless ways. Children who understand and connect with their local landscape are much more likely to value environmental conservation as adults while building awareness of the variety of cultures represented within a community and across time. Connecting to where we live through the seasons can help children appreciate and understand the places(s) they call home. In addition to participating in seasonal patterns of community engagement, learning about harvest seasons in other parts of the world is a point of entry for self-directed learning that can help us to better understand culture through the harvest lens, including cinnamonpecansseaweedcork, and kalo.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING: LOCAL RUINS

Western Massachusetts isn’t under threat of sinking into the ocean any time soon; however, plenty of local ruins serve as reminders of the past. From cellar holes to quarries, the region’s ruins speak volumes about its history. Families can explore old hotels, drowned towns, abandoned quarries, and old mill sites safely to learn about life in the past and to explore the ways in which nature can reclaim spaces. Discover more in our post, Exploring Ruins Reveals Local History and Culture

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING: CORN & WHEAT HARVEST SEASON

The word “harvest” is originally derived from the Old English “Haerfest,” meaning “autumn.” In ancient Britain and other European communities, the fall harvest marked the reaping and gathering of wheat. Victorian folklorist James George Frazer recounts several northern European’ corn dolly’ customs, corn being an ancient term for any kind of grain: “In the neighbourhood of Danzig the person who cuts the last ears of corn makes them into a doll, which is called the Corn-mother or the Old Woman and is brought home on the last waggon. In some parts of Holstein the last sheaf is dressed in women’s clothes and called the Corn-mother. It is carried home on the last waggon, and then thoroughly drenched with water. The drenching with water is doubtless a rain-charm.” All over the world, harvest time is an occasion to thank the earth for providing us with food. Looking through the lens of the grain harvest, today’s self-directed learning module supports interests in European cultureNative American customs, and colonial food history through the lens of corn & wheat.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING: WEATHER FOLKLORE

Can Woolley Bears (Pyrrharctia isabella) offer us an indication as to the severity of the coming winter? Common North American folklore says that a broad brown band calls for a mild winter, and a narrow one calls for a severe winter. While there is no scientific evidence for this prediction, looking for these little guys and examining them closely with your kids opens up channels for learning while connecting to the seasons. For today’s self-directed learning module, learn more about caterpillars and let your curiosity of Woolley Bears and other weather-based folklore lead the way!

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING: SCIENCE & MATH SONGS

For many young learners, rhythm and repetition can be an effective way of learning new words and remembering the names of things. Children quickly learn commonly sung songs with lyrics of all kinds, and we use their ability to memorize verses as a way to share information. Take the ABC’s for example – it’s a fun and easy song that we use to teach the English alphabet. Matching the names of letters to different parts of the rhythm helps children remember the order that they go in. But songs don’t just have to be used to convey basic ideas to the youngest learners, though – there are educational songs for kids of all ages and about all kinds of things! The University of Washington’s Sing About Science and Math Project offers an online database of over 7,000 songs that cover an immense variety of topics in technology, biology, environmental science, physics, chemistry, math, engineering, and medicine. Educators and parents supporting self-directed learners can find lesson plans inspired by some of the songs in the database.

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING: SCARECROWS

Scarecrows are known around the world as mommets, hodmedods, spaventapasseri, vogelscheuche, fugleskremsel, and kakashi, and have been used to protect crops for over 3,000 years! Studies of this traditional autumn icon can reveal not only the international roots of the straw-stuffed beings. Still, they can lead to creative-free play, intergenerational creative collaboration, and exploration of folk farming techniques used locally and worldwide. Read more in our post, “Scarecrow Studies Illuminate Cultural History and Creative-Free Play.”

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2021

ONGOING EVENTS 

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley 

PLAYGROUPSSouth Berkshire County. 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County. 

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. 

NATURE-BASED LEARNING/STORY HOUR. 10:30am. Kidleidoscope Story Hour for ages 3-6, accompanied by an adult. Learn about our wildlife neighbors who share our home in the Connecticut River Watershed. The program includes a story, activities, and a craft. Program is mostly outdoors. Siblings and friends welcome. No shared materials/items. Activities are socially distanced. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.

MUSIC STUDIES/ PreK. 10:30am. Sing With Your Little Ones at the Pelham Library. 413-253-0657. 2 S Valley Rd, Pelham, MA. 

HALLOWEEN/ MUSIC. 11am. Halloween Music Show at the Westfield Athenaeum. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA. 

HOMESCHOOL SOCIAL. 12:15pm. Pick-up playgroup and social hour for homeschool families. Stanley Park. 413-568-9312. 400 Western Ave, Westfield, MA.

GRANDPARENTING SUPPORT. 1pm. Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Tea Time, every 1st & 3rd Friday of the month, with Community Action’s Family Center. 413-475-1555. 90 Federal Street, Greenfield, MA. 

MUSIC STUDIES. 8pm. Music at Amherst Presents: BMOP’s “Lew Spratlan and Friends”

SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING: MUSHROOM SEASON

October 15 is National Mushroom Day! The kingdom of mushrooms is truly magical. The fleshy, spore-covered protuberance that we see growing above the ground is only a portion of the whole organism. One ancient and massive fungal organism can be found in the Malheur National Forest in Oregon, which is more than 2,400 years old and extends over 2,200 acres! The largest above-ground mushroom, or “fruiting body,” was recently discovered in China. This mammoth mushroom was thirty-six feet tall and weighed more than a thousand pounds. Because the vast majority of its body is underground, mushrooms can often appear and disappear rapidly, with some species that literally appear overnight and then retract by the afternoon of the next day. Mushrooms are mysterious, but we know that they play a crucial role in forest ecosystems. Autumn is an excellent time of year to support an interest in ecology, biology, natural history, and culinary arts through the lens of mushrooms.

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.

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