Weekly Suggested Events for February 12-18, 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
BOTANY: Berkshire Botanical Garden. Stockbridge, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES: Buckley Recital Hall, Amherst College. Amherst, MA.
LOCAL HISTORY: Historical Society of Greenfield Museum. Greenfield, MA.
LITERACY: Montague Center Library. Montague, MA.
FILM STUDIES: South Hadley’s Tower Theaters. South Hadley, MA.
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

The KO FESTIVAL presents a special Pre-Valentine’s Day treat! – Piti Theatre’s “CANARY IN A GOLD MINE” February 11-13, 2022. Fri & Sat @ 8pm; Sun @ 3pm. ONLINE ONLY. Locked down during COVID, Piti’s Jonathan Mirin turns the camera on his obsessions with environmental health, fatherhood, and marriage. Using his formidable skills as a performer, he transforms what could have been an earnest public health lecture on electro-hypersensitivity (a.k.a. “microwave sickness”) into a fun and compelling dive into the opposing forces of corporate profit vs. public safety. The result: a comedic 21st-century love letter & eco-justice adventure that’s “just like theatre…but flatter!” G-Rated, but recommended for age 12+. Sliding scale tix at kofest.com.


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.
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 CAMP
Deerfield Academy Summer Arts Camp
Deerfield, MA

Deerfield Academy Summer Arts Camp (DASAC) is an alternative education community focusing on experimental and traditional arts in a day camp setting for campers ages 11 through 16. DASAC creates space and agency for campers to be their most authentic selves. DASAC is designed to welcome children from the communities that surround Deerfield. Because of this design, they seek camper families rooted in the nearby communities.
Dates: June 28-August 5, 2022. Age Range: 11-16yo; Contact: 413-774-1498; cwelch@deerfield.edu; deerfield.edu/summer-programs/dasac
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Juniper Young Writers Online
Virtual

Dates: July 18-29, 2022
Age Range: 14-18yo
Contact: 413-545-8898
♦ juniper@umass.edu
♦ www.umass.edu/juniperyoungwriters
A kind of magic happens when teen writers gather together in a learning community. Juniper Young Writers Online provides such an opportunity in their one- and two-week creative writing programs. Participants engage in morning Craft Sessions, afternoon Writing Labs and early-evening open mics and Writer’s Life talks. The online curriculum is synchronous, dynamic, and participatory. Applications are required for the lab and intensive sessions. Scholarships are available; deadline to apply is March 15. Self-guided Writing Packages will be available for teens who want to engage with the content at their own pace. Enrollment for packages opens May 2022; no application necessary. Community, Wild Invention and the Writer’s Life await!
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 SCHOOL
The Common School
Amherst, MA

The Common School, located in Amherst, serving children ages 3-12, is currently accepting applications for Fall 2022. The Common School provides strong student/teacher ratios, a diverse and inclusive community, opportunities for experiential learning, a stellar social and emotional curriculum, a rich social and environmental justice program, and significant time spent outdoors amongst 140 acres of conservation land and Bramble Hill farm. To schedule an in-person tour, call 413-256-8989 and visit the website at www.commonschool.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, FEBRUARY 12, 2022
LITERACY/ STORYWALK. Dawn-Dusk. Family Self-Guided StoryWalk, The Boulders, Pittsfield -Berkshire Natural Resources Council. 413-499-0596. 20 Bank Row, Pittsfield, 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.
ICE FISHING. 7am-12pm. Ice Fishing Derby – Hosted by the Young Men’s Club of Hadley at North Hadley Pond (Lake Warner), Hadley, MA.
FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
NATURALIST SKILLS/ TRACKING. 9am-12pm. Winter Wildlife Tracking – Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
WINTER FESTIVAL. 9am-10pm. Easthampton WinterFest
AGRICULTURE/FARMERS’ MARKET. 9am-1pm. Pittsfield Farmers’ Market at Zion Lutheran Church. 74 First Street. Pittsfield, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 10am-12pm. Valentine’s Craft Party – Hosted by the Meekins Library. (Virtual)
MAKERS’ MARKET. 10am-2pm. Makers’ Market Saturdays – Make-It Springfield. 413-342-1681. 168 Worthington St, Springfield, MA.
ART STUDIES/ PreK. 10am-12pm. Start with Art Preschool Series: Flowers and Plants – Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA.
PAPER ART. 10am. Letter Locking for Valentines Day – LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA.
AGRICULTURE/ LOCAL FOOD. 10am-1pm. Sheffield Winter Farmers’ Market – Dewey Memorial Hall. 413-229-2357. 91 Main Street, Sheffield, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 11am-12pm. Learn to roller skate at Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA
PHOTOGRAPHY/ NATURE. 1pm. Greylock Photography Group Meet-Up: WATER & ICE – Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
LANGUAGE ARTS/ POETRY. 1:30pm. For the Love of Winter Poetry Share – Belding Memorial Library. 413-628-4414. 344 Main St, Ashfield, MA.
STEM/ SPORTS. 2pm. 3rd Annual Cardboard Box Race – Otis Ridge Ski Area. 413-269-4444. 159 Monterey Rd, Otis, MA.
HERBAL MEDICINE/FOLK REMEDY. 2:30-4pm. Botanical Wellness: Fire Cider Make + Take – Learn how fun and easy herbology can be with this introductory herbal extraction workshop. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA.
THEATER STUDIES. 6pm. The Mystery of Clara Cloud – New England Air Museum. 860-623-3305. 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT.
ORNITHOLOGY/ OWLS. 6:30pm. Starlight Owl and Wildlife Prowl – Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA.
PERFORMANCE ART. 7-8:30pm. 2022 Youth Performance Festival – Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Valentine Candy
Valentine’s Day is often observed through sugary sweetness, including the giving of heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, the iconic Sweethearts, and chocolate-covered strawberries! Let the tradition of giving and receiving confections be a lens for learning about manufacturing, pastry arts, and food history.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2022
FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
ICE FISHING. 7am-4pm. Cheshire Fire Department’s Ice Fishing Derby – S State Rd, Cheshire, 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.
ROLLER SKATING. 1-5pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
PERFORMANCE ART. 7-8:30pm. 2022 Youth Performance Festival – Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Super Bowl
On a Sunday in late January or early February every year, 100 million viewers tune in to watch the Super Bowl on television! With Super Bowl parties happening across the country, this annual event can encourage the curiosity of several interests. The study of American Football can support learning in sports history, manufacturing, geometry, science, physics, girls sports, culinary arts, and even pop culture. On game day, get curious about the shape of the football and how it’s manufactured. Ask how science and math contribute to the outcome of a game and seek answers. Why don’t women play in the Super Bowl? How are food, dance, and music a part of the American tradition? What is the difference between soccer and football? Seek answers and tackle your interests on game day!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 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.
MUSIC STUDIES/ PreK. 10:30pm. Music Class with Tom Knight – South Hadley Family Center. 413-283-7594. 7 Woodbridge St, South Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Valentine’s Day
Every year, Americans exchange an average of 145 million Valentine’s Day cards. Valentine cards come in many different shapes and sizes. They can be handmade, store-bought, clever and creative, or very traditional. Whatever form they come in, the American valentine industry has its roots in western Massachusetts, starting in the mid-19th century by Esther Howland, a Mount Holyoke graduate. She was inspired by the beautiful, ornate valentines imported from England and suspected that there might be a market for them in the United States, as well. Through her father’s paper company, she sold her first valentines in 1848 and, within a few years, was able to begin her own business, the New England Valentine Company. In addition to store-bought cards, families can make handmade Valentine cards instead, supporting interests in art studies, fiber arts, physics, chemistry, and geometry! Read more in our post, Put Some STE(A)M into Your Valentines!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 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)
PUPPETS. 10 am. 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.
MUSIC STUDIES/ HISTORY. 6pm. Jazz and the Civil Rights Movement – Hosted by the Agawam Public Library (Virtual)
CULTURE STUDIES. 6:30pm. Culture of Japanese Toilets – Hosted by the Tilton Library. (Virtual)
ART HISTORY. 7pm. Polish Art History – Hosted by the Chicopee Public Library. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: Roosting Crows
Learning when seasonal phenomena occur in nature helps strengthen a sense of place. Like maple trees, crows are a common part of our landscape here in New England. Between the time maple trees lose their leaves in the fall and when the flow of their sap begins and ends in the spring, American Crows and Fish Crows often gather in flocks, swelling up to 10,000 birds large to roost for the night. With crows, observing and asking questions about their staging and roosting behavior in the early evenings can help young naturalists connect with the season. Do they roost in large flocks to stay warm? For protection? To support a complex social hierarchy? Why do they roost in the winter and not in the summer? What does this have to do with maple trees and winter in New England? Getting curious and learning about crows in the winter can support interest in biology, ornithology, animal behavior, and the importance of conservation. Check with your local nature center or conservation organization to see if they will be hosting events this winter on the topic of crows!
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 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)
ART STUDIES/ PAPER ART. 10am-8pm. Knife, Paper, Scissors: Papercuts – Forbes Library. 413-587-1011. 20 West St, Northampton, 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.
ORNITHOLOGY/ CITIZEN SCIENCE. 2pm. Watching and Counting Birds is Fun: Tips for the Great Backyard Bird Count – Hosted by Cornell Lab of Ornithology (Virtual)
PLAYGROUP. 3:30-4:30pm. For ages 0-5 at Goshen Town Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 42 Main St., Goshen, MA.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 5-7pm. Full Moon Ski – Notchview. 413-684-0148. 83 Old Route 9, Windsor, MA.
CULINARY ARTS. 6:30pm. A Night in Casablanca-Glorious Moroccan Food – Betty Rosbottom has planned an entire menu of vibrant dishes celebrating Moroccan cuisine. Hosted by The Baker’s Pin. (Virtual)
HORTICULTURE. 7pm. Small Plants, Big Bang! – Massachusetts Horticultural Society. 617-933-4900. 900 Washington St, Wellesley, MA
Self-Directed Learning: Science Books
Experience is always the best teacher – and this is especially true for children! However, when kids are eager to learn about a topic, the lessons available might leave some space for supplementation. After you’ve explored your local habitat, got curious about native species, messed about with materials, and exercised all five of your senses together, it might be time to turn to books to add specific language and detail to the understanding of scientific topics for children. Age- and reading-level-appropriate materials are available for whatever topic kids are learning about. Please find out more in our post, 100+ Science Books to Support STEM Learning at Home & in the Classroom.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 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.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 2:15pm. Teen Exploding Book – Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, MA.
FOLK TOYS/ PLAY. 5pm. Kendama Club with the Pioneer Valley Movement Collective at Pulaski Park in Northampton, MA.
ARTISAN SKILLS. 5:30pm. Intro to Soap Making – LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 7-9:30pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Random Acts of Kindness
National Random Acts of Kindness Day is today, a day that encourages acts of kindness. Exploring books with kindness themes presents opportunities to learn about and discuss ways to show kindness to people, animals, the earth, and ourselves. Let today spark an exploration of the theme of kindness with one of our literary guides. Check out the titles we featured and download your free guide: Literature in Context: A Literary Guide for Valentine’s Day & Kindness.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 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.
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.
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)
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.
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT. 6:30-9:30pm. Parents Night Out – Roots Gymnastics Center. 209 Root Rd, Suite 1, Westfield, MA.
NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES. 7-8:30pm. Native American connections with places now called Plainfield and Cummington (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: Great Backyard Bird Count
Native species are nature-based resources accessible to everyone, especially birds! Because they are so accessible, of all native animal species active during the winter, they are perhaps the most easily spotted in the snowy landscape of New England. Our fine feathered friends flock to feeders, leave tracks in fresh snow, and flit around in trees and bushes of backyards everywhere. And they are super delightful for supporting nature-based learning! Let your interests in ornithology, local habitat, conservation, and citizen science take flight this year by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count! Read more in our post, Great Backyard Bird Count Supports Nature-Based Learning. And be sure to pick up a copy of What It’s Like to Be a Bird by David Sibley to support your learning at home.

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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, Cummington, 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.