Weekly Suggested Events for January 29-February 4, 2022

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!
SUGGESTED EVENTS: JANUARY 29-FEBRUARY 4, 2022
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IDEAS
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School (PVPA) in South Hadley, MA, is accepting applications for the 2022/2023 school year for students entering grades 7-11. As a Public Charter school with 400 students from 60+ communities, PVPA offers a free, college-preparatory education with the arts at the heart of all they do. Students are encouraged to think critically and work collaboratively in a supportive learning environment with small class sizes. Arts concentrations include Music, Dance, Theater, and Visual Arts. Enrollment to PVPA is open to all MA residents on a space-available basis. Tuition-free, no audition required. Application Deadline: Feb 1, 2022. Enrollment Lottery: Feb 14, 2022. Apply now at www.pvpa.org/admissions. For more info, call 413-552-1580 x134 or email admissions@pvpa.org.

Hartsbrook Farm Camp. Hadley, MA. Spend the summer safely and joyfully outside! For almost two decades, children have loved Farm Camp: the animals, the crafts, and the feeling of being part of something meaningful. Children feel grounded and inspired while exploring the natural world. In these times, children need nature more than ever. This summer, Hartsbrook Farm Camp invites your child to tend the goats, feed the chickens, work with wool, play under the trees and enjoy unhurried time outside in 55 acres of fields, farm, and forest. The caring camp staff makes all children feel welcome. This year, spend some time on the farm! (For everyone’s safety, COVID protocols will be in place.) Dates: June 27 – July 29, 2022; Age Range: 4-15yo. Contact: 413-586-1908; farmcamp@hartsbrook.org; www.hartsbrook.org.
FEATURED EVENT
Paper Airplane Guy at the
New England Air Museum
Windsor Locks, CT

On Sunday, February 20, 2022, come to the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, CT, to meet John Collins, the Paper Airplane Guy! Collins holds a Guinness World Record in paper airplane distance and will be teaching visitors of all ages how to build their very own amazing paper airplanes, including the record-breaking “Suzanne” design! Collins will hold performances at 11am and 1pm and will be available for demos and hands-on instruction throughout the day. This event is included with the price of admission. For more information, visit neam.org.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
The Experimentory at Deerfield Academy
Deerfield, MA

The Experimentory is a fantastic opportunity for students currently in sixth, seventh, and eighth grade to sample Deerfield Academy. The Experimentory is an innovative program that allows students to delve into project-based creative learning and focus on collaboration, communication, fostering creativity, building character, and developing how we look at the world.
Dates: July 5-23, 2022
Age Range: 11-14yo
Contact: 413-774-1498
♦ experimentory@deerfield.edu
♦ deerfield.edu/experimentory
FEATURED PRESCHOOL
Prelude Preschool of the Arts
Springfield, MA

Prelude Preschool of the Arts is now enrolling for summer and fall 2022! Full-day & half-day programming options feature specialized classes taught by expert musicians & artists in the areas of early childhood music, dance, yoga, Suzuki violin, bucket drumming, and visual art. Prelude Preschool’s arts-centered curriculum fosters creativity and a lifelong love for learning while supporting students’ social-emotional development. Flexible before & aftercare is available to meet your scheduling needs, and regularly scheduled family nights facilitate connection & collaboration among students, their families, and their teachers. To learn more or schedule your tour:
prelude@communitymusicschool.com; 413-750-9560; communitymusicschool.com/prelude
FEATURED PRESCHOOL
New Hingham Regional Elementary School
Chesterfield, MA

Preschool, Early Childhood Education Program ♦ Ages 3-5yrs. For more information: jmcmillan@hr-k12.org; 413-296-0000; www.newhingham.org.
The mission of New Hingham’s PreK program is to develop successful learners through positive relationships with students, high-quality instruction in a student-centered, integrated learning environment, and strong partnerships with families. In its picturesque rural setting, New Hingham is proud to offer a tuition-free program with highly-qualified and experienced teachers, full-time or part-time availability, small class sizes, special education services, play-based experiences, developmentally appropriate materials, and additional classes in art, physical education, and technology. Interested families can submit an application on the school website. All applications will be reviewed in March, and decisions will be mailed in April.
FEATURED JOB OPPORTUNITY
Summer Camp Nurse
New England Air Museum
Windsor Locks, CT

Looking for a fun-filled summer job? The New England Air Museum is hiring a Summer Camp Nurse for their new camp, New England Aviation Academy, a day camp for children 9 -12 in Windsor Locks, CT. Must be a registered, licensed nurse in the state of Connecticut, with current CPR and First Aid Certifications. Experience working with children and youth required; this is an ideal position for a school nurse! This is a seasonal, temporary position and pays $30 per hour. Hours are 8am-4pm from June 27 – August 19, 2022. Interested applicants can find a full job description here. Send your resume to tdarling@neam.org to apply.
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, JANUARY 29, 2022
ICE FISHING. 6am-2pm. Ice Fishing Derby at Pontoosuc Lake. Hosted by the Lanesborough Fire Department. Behind the park on Narragansett Ave. Lanesborough, MA.
FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice rink is open at Beacon Field. Greenfield, MA.
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA.
NATURALIST SKILLS/ TRACKING. 9am-12pm. Winter Wildlife Tracking – Enjoy a crisp winter’s day exploring nearby woodlands, meadows, and streams in a guided hike. Ages 8+. Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
INTERGENERATIONAL/BOARD GAMES. 10am-12pm. Board Games – Having new board games to explore with our kids opens up opportunities for families to spend time together while allowing children to practice skills and concepts. Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 11am-12pm. Learn to roller skate at Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. 12noon. Grand opening of Hadley Park and Rec Department outdoor ice skating rink. South Hadley, MA.
CULINARY ARTS. 12-1pm. Soft Pretzel Saturday – Work with Chef Rob and make Twisted Soft Pretzels and a Cider Dijon Dip via Zoom. This is perfect for all ages to work together. Hosted by the Hubbard Memorial Library. (Virtual)
SPORTS/ ICE HOCKEY. 6pm. Belchertown Ice Hockey. UMass Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave, Amherst, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES. 6-10pm. Get Down with your Hometown: A Musical Event. (Virtual)
ASTRONOMY. 6:30-8:30pm. A Night Under the Stars. A planetarium show by Kevin Collins at Black Birch Vineyard. 108 Straits Road, Hatfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Puzzles
In honor of National Puzzle Day, let’s look through the lens of this relaxing and sometimes challenging pastime as a way of supporting interests and values. Socially, puzzles are a great intergenerational activity to do with the entire family and friends on lazy summer days and cold winter nights. But did you know that puzzles also support cognitive function? Up to 8 different cognitive functions are simultaneously activated when doing a puzzle. Getting curious about what happens in the brain when engaging with puzzles can support learning about neuroscience. Historically, affluent families used puzzles to teach children geography, while contemporary puzzles support multidisciplinary learning, including visual art, biology, anatomy & physiology, and even manufacturing. All of this and more is our self-directed learning suggestions for National Puzzle Day!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 30, 2022
FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice rink is open at Beacon Field. Greenfield, MA.
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. Daylight. Outdoor ice skating rink open at Lee Athletic Field. Lee, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 1-5pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
PASTRY ARTS/ KINDNESS. 2pm. Bake for Good – King Arthur Flour has generously donated baking kits! It’s through their Bake for Good program. Support neighbors who can’t bake for themselves or who need a pick-me-up. Hosted by Erving Public Library. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: Winter Festivals
In the 19th century New England, the winter season was a time for gathering and socializing with family, friends, and neighbors. As the fields lay dormant in anticipation of the agricultural season, rural New Englanders used the cold season as a time for meeting friends, having conversations, and visiting with one another. Before the telephone or telegraph, visiting a friend’s home was a way to share news, gossip, and stories. With the invention of social media, automobiles, and blended fabrics, how do communities gather in the winter months, celebrating local culture and strengthening their sense of place? Find out in our post, Winter Festivals: Living Seasonally through History, Culture & Art.
MONDAY, JANUARY 31, 2022
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. For ages 0-5 at the Meekins Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Ice Harvesting
Ice harvesting is an industry of the past whose roots lie only in cold climates – like western Massachusetts! Done both as a necessity in early New England and as a profitable industry more recently, ice harvesting plays an important role in local history, literature, and New England culture. In the days of western Massachusetts past, when refrigerators weren’t standard kitchen equipment, ice was quite a luxury during the summer. Early New Englanders would have to harvest and strategically store ice from local lakes and ponds to have ice after the spring thaw began. Kept in the proper conditions, the harvested ice would last much longer than the cold weather did. Learn more about this first (historically) harvest of the year and the forgotten history of ice!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2022

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PUPPETS. 10am. Puppets, songs, music, and dancing with Tom Knight! Geat for all ages. Join via Zoom. Hosted by South Berkshire Kids. (Virtual)
MUSIC PROGRAM/ PreK. 10:30am. Sing With Me preschool music program, hosted by the Hubbard Memorial Library. (Virtual)
PLAYGROUP. 10:30-11:30am. For ages 0-5 at the Edwards Public Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 30 East Street, Southampton, MA.
STE(A)M/ PreK. 1pm. Pre-School STEAM Program. Learn how to inspire your kids to engineer, create, design, explore, and build at home. Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 3:30-4:30pm. For ages 0-5 at the Westhampton Public Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 5-8pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Lunar New Year
Let the Lunar New Year be your lens for learning about music and food traditions that are part of the celebrations surrounding the Lunar New Year! The Chinese calendar is lunisolar, meaning that the date indicates both the current moon phase and the time of the solar year. Because of this, the Lunar New Year (also referred to as the Chinese New Year and Spring Festival) takes place on a different date on our calendars each year and is always held between 30-45 days after January 1st New Year’s celebration. There are many traditions found in the celebration of the Lunar New Year. Learning about the food and practices, plus taking day trips to regional cultural celebrations, can support interests while making community connections.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2022
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. South Berkshire County.
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County.
PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. For ages 0-5 at St. Philip’s Church Parish Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 126 Main St., Easthampton, MA.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10am. Storytime with the Montague Center Library. (Virtual)
PLAYGROUP. 10am. Learn n’ Playgroup with Community and Family Engagement West Springfield at Unico Building. 1 Unico Way. West Springfield, MA.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10:30am. Preschool Storytime at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10:30am. Storytime at the Westhampton Public Library. 413-527-5386. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA.
STORYTIME & CRAFT. 10:30am.Storytime at the Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.
NEW PARENT GROUP. 10:30am & 1pm. Beyond Birth groups meet weekly. New babies birth-6mos are at 1pm and older babies 6mos-1 yr are at 10:30am. Amherst, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 3:30-4:30pm. For ages 0-5 at Goshen Town Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 42 Main St., Goshen, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Groundhog Day
The midpoint of winter in the United States is marked by Groundhog Day, a day with rich European history, “clouded in the mists of time with ethnic cultures and animals awakening in specific dates,” writes Bill Anderson in his book Groundhog Day: 1886 to 1992. Anderson also writes, “The groundhog tradition stems from similar beliefs associated with Candlemas Day and the days of early Christians in Europe. For centuries, the custom was to have the clergy bless candles and distribute them to the people.” Even then, Groundhogs Day marked a milestone in the winter, and the weather on that day was significant. Let this annual observation day support your learning not only in religious studies but also in animal studies and community traditions!
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. For ages 0-5 at St. Philip’s Church Parish Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 126 Main St., Easthampton, MA.
NEW PARENT GROUP. 10:30am & 1pm. Beyond Birth groups meet weekly in both Northampton (Thurs) and Amherst (Wed)! New babies birth-6 mos are at 1pm and older babies 6 mos to 1 year are at 10:30am. Northampton & Amherst, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
FOLK TOYS/ PLAY. 5pm. Kendama Club with the Pioneer Valley Movement Collective at Pulaski Park in Northampton, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 7-9:30pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Winter Bird-Feeding
February is National Bird-Feeding Month, a month dedicated to bird feeding and watching. This national observation month gives us an opportunity to support community- and place-based learning about native species and our local environment. In February, families are encouraged to learn together about winter bird-feeding, identifying visitors to their feeders, and the importance of habitat conservation. Read more in our post, February is National Bird-Feeding Month.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2022
WINTER CARNIVAL. 9am-7pm. Greenfield Winter Carnival: Centennial Celebration. Hosted by Greenfield Recreation. Greenfield, MA.
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUP. 10-11am. For ages 0-5 at St. Philip’s Church Parish Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 126 Main St., Easthampton, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 10am. Baby Lapsit at the Montague Center Library. 413-367-2852. 17 Center Street, Montague, MA.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10am. Storytime with the Cushman Library (Virtual)
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10:30am. Story time at the Gaylord Memorial Library. 413-538-5047. 47 College Street. South Hadley, 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.
ICE SKATING. 11am-1pm. Homeschool Ice Skating. Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
OUTDOOR ICE SKATING. 4-6pm. Family ice skate happens every Friday evening, sponsored by the Worthington Parks and Recreation Committee. Town Pond Park. Worthington, MA
ROLLER SKATING. 6-9pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: African American History/Poetry
February is National African American History Month in the United States. It is a time to honor African Americans’ work, achievements, and contributions. Literature, art, and community-based resources share stories and help us remember the struggle for civil rights and the importance of equality, civic action, social justice, history, and solidarity. Looking through the lens of poetry, Langston Hughes and Audre Lorde are two African American poets who illustrate the power of voice and words.
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, Buckland, Chicopee, Colrain, Goshen, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Heath, Huntington, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Palmer, Shelburne, South Hadley, Tyringham, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.