Weekly Suggested Events for February 5-11, 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!
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IDEAS
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

Learn at Morse Hill is an outdoor elementary homeschool program on 85 acres in Shutesbury, MA. As this fully outdoor program plans for its third year of creating hands-on learning experiences under the beautiful hemlocks of Morse Hill, tours of the campus are now available and filling up quickly! Families may choose a full-time academic year program or select up to three homeschool days per week. Students enjoy a cozy yurt for warming in the colder months and build resiliency through Morse Hill adventure experiences, including canoeing, hiking, climbing, and a ropes course. To learn more, visit www.learnatmorsehill.com or reach out to Jess Evans, Leadership Team and Enrollment Coordinator, at enroll@schoolatmorsehill.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 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 SCHOOL
Amherst Montessori School
Amherst, MA

Amherst Montessori School believes your child is inherently intelligent and that hands-on learning is critical to their developing brains. In mixed-age classrooms, your child is empowered to explore, discover, and learn through all five senses. In a beautiful new building designed uniquely for children, classrooms are filled with sunlight, natural materials, and views outside to playgrounds. Trained Montessori teachers nurture each child’s innate curiosity and independence. For more information: 413-253-3101; kedreich@amherstmontessori.org; amherstmontessori.org.
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, FEBRUARY 5, 2022
FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM. Northampton, MA. (Radio)
ANGLING/ ICE FISHING. 6am-2pm. South Hadley Sporting Club Ice Fishing Derby. On the Oxbow. South Hadley, MA.
ANGLING/ ICE FISHING. 6am-2pm. Lanesborough Ice Fishing Derby @ Pontoosuc Lake. Lanesborough, MA.
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.
WINTER CARNIVAL. All Day. Greenfield Winter Carnival: Centennial Celebration Downtown Greenfield, MA.
FANTASY/ DINOSAURS & DRAGONS. 8:30am-4:30pm. Dino & Dragon Stroll – Walk-thru and get up close to life-size and life-like dinosaurs and dragons that are so realistic, you will think they are alive! Also, enjoy dinosaur rides and dinosaur and dragon activities, including storytime and crafts. Use promo code to get $10 off: DINO10. (Sensory-Friendly @ 8:30am). Eastern States Exposition. 413-737-2443. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
ARTISAN SKILLS/ LEATHERWORK. 9am-12pm. Leather Gift Making for Valentine’s Day – Participants will learn how to cut, punch stitching holes in, add hardware, and hand-stitch leather in this workshop. Make the piece(s) uniquely yours or follow the templates provided by the instructor. LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 West Main Street. Suite 342. Orange, MA.
LOCAL & HANDMADE. 10am. Love & Roses Craft Fair. 149 Exchange St, Chicopee, MA.
AGRICULTURE/ LOCAL FOOD. 10am-2pm. Grow Food Northampton Winter Market. Northampton Senior Center. 67 Conz St, Northampton, MA.
AGRICULTURE/ LOCAL FOOD. 10am-2pm. Winter Farmers Market. Pick up supplies for family dinner night! Cooking together with the kids supports learning while strengthening family connections. 310 Appleton St, Holyoke, MA.
ENGINEERING/ LEGOS. 10:30am-12pm. LEGO / Construction Club – Drop-in for A monthly Lego / Construction Club. Practice your craft, and become a LEGO Master. All are welcome. 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.
ARTISAN SKILLS/ CANDLE MAKING. 1:30pm. Candle Making Workshop for Teens at the West Springfield Public Library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park St, West Springfield, MA.
WINTER CARNIVAL. All Day. Greenfield Winter Carnival: Centennial Celebration Downtown Greenfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Winter Tracking
Many wild creatures are tucked away in their winter homes during the dark winter months, but several remain active in the cold, camouflaged to blend with bark, leaf litter, or snow. You can learn about their behavior and activity by tracking them. Budding naturalists can learn to look for and identify signs, like tracks, scat, dens, and nests. Tracking is a fun and educational way to learn about wildlife habits near you. Learning basics tracking skills help young naturalist read their environment and open up the winter landscape to curiosity and discovery. Read more in our post, Western Mass Winter Brings Tracking Opportunities.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY, 6 2022
FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM. Northampton, MA. (Radio)
WINTER CARNIVAL. All Day. Greenfield Winter Carnival: Centennial Celebration Downtown Greenfield, MA.
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.
FANTASY/ DINOSAURS & DRAGONS. 10am-3:30pm. Dino & Dragon Stroll – Walk-thru and get up close to life-size and life-like dinosaurs and dragons that are so realistic, you will think they are alive! Also, enjoy dinosaur rides and dinosaur and dragon activities, including storytime and crafts. Use promo code to get $10 off: DINO10. Eastern States Exposition. 413-737-2443. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
FIBER ARTS/ NEEDLE FELTING. 12-4pm. Needle Felted Landscape Workshop: Farm in Winter – Make a painterly needle felted landscape. You will learn how to transfer an image from a picture, blend wool colors, and manipulate your needle to achieve certain effects. Wool-ology. 413-350-5158. 242A Greenfield Rd. South Deerfield, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 1-5pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Chocolate
Chocolate (the seed of the plant, Theobroma cacao) takes a long journey before you buy it wrapped up at a store in heart-shaped boxes of Valentine candy. This delicious seed is rich in learning opportunities, supporting various interests, including food science, biochemistry, geography, chocolate history, economics, and social justice. Discover how chocolate is manufactured for Valentine’s Day by comparing and contrasting how artisanal chocolate is made in New York and Guatemala. Read more about seeds in our post, Mindful Engagement through the Seasons: Seeds, and check out a real-life Theobroma cacao at the Smith College’s Lyman Conservatory.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 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: Soup
A warm bowl of soup on a cold New England winter’s eve can not only nourish your body, but it can also be a catalyst for learning! Soup recipes from across the world and across time are great for learning about history, agriculture, and culinary arts. Mediterranean White Bean Soup, French Onion Soup, and Mushroom Barley Soup are examples of soups with which New Englanders might be familiar. Still, there are soups from all over the world and across the country that can satiate curiosity about nutritional anthropology, world history, and food studies. Let soup be your lens for learning and nourishing your body, and your mind!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 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.
ANIMAL STUDIES. 5:30pm. Wonders of Winter: Owls of the Berkshires – Explore the chilly winter world of the many animals that live among us, including owls! Hosted by Mass Audubon with the Lenox Library. 413-637-0197. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: National Kite Day
For National Kite Day, let’s learn through the lens of kites! Kites lend themselves to lessons in geometry, physics, measurement, design, history, culture, literature, and more – and such lessons can be exciting and informative for kids of all ages. The best way to learn is by building and flying your very own kite! Kite Plan Base offers a database of over 1,500 kite plans. Their designs often require a basic understanding of geometry, measurement, and perhaps a little bit of physics to understand how the kite will fly. Carrying out one of their plans is an excellent way for older students to practice these concepts and expand their understanding. Families can also make a simple construction paper kite using sticks found outside. Other DIY ideas include taking leftover wax or tissue paper to create a colorful flying creature, stapling together printer paper for a binoculars-shaped flying object, or turning paper shopping bags into uniquely decorated kites. These projects present an opportunity to practice cooperating, reading and following directions, motor-related skills like tracing and cutting, and using measurement tools, and allow plenty of space for kiddos to exercise their imagination and creativity!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 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.
FILM MAKING/ STOP MOTION. 2:15pm. Teen Stop Motion Animation – Create a short stop motion animation film! For self-directed learners ages 12-18. Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.
STEM/ CHEMISTRY. 3:30pm. Monthly Slime Club for ages 8-12. Explore a new type of slime each month. Bring your curiosity and wear your messy clothes! Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA.
HISTORY/ JAPAN. 6:30pm. Culture of Japanese Toilets – Learn about the history of Japanese toilets and their appearance throughout Japan’s literary and visual history tradition. A truly memorable and enlightening talk by Sharon Domier from UMass. Email tiltonlibrary@cwmars.org to register & receive Zoom link. (Virtual)
PARENTING WORKSHOP. 7pm. Parent Workshop with Scott Noyes on Zoom. Topic, Parent/Child Interactions & Self-Esteem – By evaluating the phrases children are told daily, parents and care providers understand the impact of their words. This workshop looks at ten common expressions adults use with kids. Discovering language flaws and finding ways to express ourselves better supports healthy relationships with children. Avoiding the pitfalls in communicating with children is the primary focus of this exciting session. Hosted by South Berkshire Kids. Email southberkshirekids@gmail.com for Zoom link. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: Letter Writing
While it seems easy to explore a multitude of activities in the summertime, the wintertime provides the space for quieter activities, new hobbies, or creative outlets that encourage reflection. The intense winter storms and their impact on travel keep us inside to discover new activities or pastimes. Winter days feel quiet and reflective as our time indoors beckons us to think more about spending our time intentionally. Let’s look at the art of letter writing and how Epistolary Novels can help us connect our interest in correspondence with literature. Read more in our post, The Art of Letter Writing.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 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: Ice Fishing
As part of our local heritage, ice fishing has a long history linked to food and survival. In the mid-winter, opportunities to learn about and participate in ice fishing occur in the region. Sporting clubs, environmental organizations, and civic groups often host ice fishing derbies and clinics. Get curious about the techniques of hardwater fishing, why fish don’t freeze in frozen lakes, what’s life like under ice in other regions, how to prep and cook fish, and what to do if you fall through the ice. (And how to stay safe, to begin with!) Learning through the lens of ice fishing, supporting your interests in angling, biology, culinary arts, and naturalist & survivalist skills.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 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.
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.
ICE SKATING. 12-2pm. Homeschool Ice Skating. Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
PLAYGROUP/ MUSIC & MOVEMENT. 1:30pm. Music and Puppets with Tom Knight – Join other families for singing, jumping, and playing led by Tom Knight and Allie the Alligator! Hosted by Home City Families. (Virtual)
ARTS & CRAFTS. 3:30-6:30pm. Card Stamping Workshop – Learn how to create two beautiful handmade greeting cards at the Sunderland Public Library. 20 School Street, Sunderland, 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.
SPORTS/ BASKETBALL. 7pm. The Harlem Globetrotters will be at the MassMutual Center. 413-787-6610. 1277 Main St, Springfield, MA.
DANCE STUDIES/ BALLET. 7:30pm. Russian Ballet Theatre presents Swan Lake, a new production of Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic. Academy of Music Theatre. 413-584-9032. 274 Main St., Northampton, MA.
THEATER. 7:30pm. KoFest presents Piti Theatre Company’s Canary in a Gold Mine. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: Owls
Mid to late winter, many conservation and environmental organizations host Owl Prowls, an opportunity to go on a guided hike at night with a local naturalist, listening for and learning about owls! Check with Mass Audubon, The Trustees of Reservations, DCR, and local nature centers for upcoming events, and learn a bit about owls before participating. Get curious about the calls of different owl species, why they are active in the winter, how they fly so silently, what is an owl pellet (and what’s inside!), and how you can support owl populations as a citizen scientist. — Be sure to check out our literary guide for Owls in the Family too. This story is much more than just an animal story. The book also challenges readers to think about their connection to the natural world surrounding them and question the relationship humans have with wild animals.
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, Becket, Bernardston, Buckland, Chicopee, Colrain, Easthampton, Goshen, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Heath, Huntington, Montgomery, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Palmer, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Tolland, Tyringham, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.