Weekly Suggested Events for February 26-March 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: FEBRUARY 26-MARCH 4, 2022
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IDEAS
FEATURED LEARNING RESOURCES
STEM. Chemistry through Fermentation
SOCIAL JUSTICE. Enchanted Circle’s Social Justice Digital Classroom
ART STUDIES. National Museum of African Art
ART STUDIES. Google Cultural Institute: A Portal to the Cultural Treasures of the World
STE(A)M. Smithsonian STEM Learning Guide
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities
Love your learning! Oak Meadow’s K-12 homeschooling curriculum provides a comprehensive educational experience, delivered with imagination and heart. The curriculum includes weekly lesson plans for an entire year and can be customized to meet your student’s needs and interests. Take 20% off all Oak Meadow’s bookstore items from February 14-28, 2022. Purchase complete curriculum packages for PreK-8 or individual courses for high school, or purchase craft supplies, homeschooling resources, books, and more. Plus, they’re offering free shipping on all orders over $499! Shop February 14-28, 2022, at oakmeadowbookstore.com.
For over 40 years, Montessori School of Northampton has offered exciting and engaging summer workshops for children in the tradition of Italian educator Maria Montessori. Located near downtown Northampton, Route 9 and I-91, they offer 8 weeks of programming starting at 18 months old up to 8th grade. Their Toddler and Children’s House (pre/K) programs have half and full-day options available, with a strong teacher/student ratio, theme-based programming, and an expansive playground. Elementary and middle school workshops include Rock Band, Podcasting, Robotics, Digital Animation & Game Making, Outdoor Wilderness Adventures, Film & Videography, Visual Arts: Magical Creatures, LEGO Engineering w/ Minecraft and Unplugged Gaming, Graphic Novel/Comic Book Art.
Dates: June 27-August 19, 2022; Age Range: 18mo-14yo
Contact: 413-563-4645 ♦ summer@northamptonmontessori.org ♦ msn.coursestorm.com
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
The Bement School
Deerfield, MA

Dates: Summer 2022
Age Range: 4-15yo
Contact: 413-774-7061
♦ summer@bement.org
♦ www.bement.org
The Bement School offers summer programs for children from 4 to 15 years old. Children have the opportunity to enjoy the fun of a traditional day camp and help create their schedule by choosing from Bement’s wide range of unique activities. Digging into Nature at Pine Hill provides outdoor education for ages 6-9. The Junior Camp provides a safe, nurturing camp experience for the youngest campers. The Adventure Day Camp offers activity choices that include sports, nature, arts and crafts, and swimming. The Counselor-in-Training program gives young teenagers experience working with children and developing valuable job skills while still enjoying the fun of summer camp. Prospective families can find summer Programs dates on their website.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Adventures in Music with
Berkshire Music School
Pittsfield, MA

Play outside this summer at the Berkshire Music School! Designed for young music lovers ages 5-9, Adventures in Music gives your budding musician a solid foundation in making music in a fun, engaging atmosphere. Participants will enjoy group classes in introduction to music, chorus, creative movement, and puppetry on the tented lawn of BMS’s historic campus, as well as small group workshops in piano, drama, visual arts, and more! Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. Mini Session: June 27-July 1, Session 1: July 11-22, Session 2: July 25-August 5. Contact: 413-442-1411; cpearson@berkshiremusicschool.org; www.BerkshireMusicSchool.org
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Early American Summer Days
West Springfield, MA

Early American Summer Days combines 19th-century history with 21st-century fun! Designed for ages 7-12, all sessions give children who have completed grades 1-5 a glimpse into the museum’s historical spaces and an opportunity to do themed activities and craft projects. Children will have a choice of four themed days to create their own 19th-century adventure. Children will also get to interact with a range of special guests, from farm animals to theater people! Staff and volunteers will aid in hands-on learning with a variety of activities.
Dates: August 2-5, 2022; Age Range: 7-12yo; Contact: 413-205-505; storrow@thebige.com; www.storrowtonvillage.com
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 SCHOOL
The Bement School
Deerfield, MA

The Bement School, founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield, MA, is a co-educational day and boarding school serving 200 students from kindergarten through grade 9. Applications for Fall 2022 are now being accepted. Bement offers both in-person tours and interviews and online opportunities to connect and learn more about Bement. Contact the admission office at admit@bement.org with questions or schedule a campus tour.
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 26, 2022
ICE FISHING. 8am. Ashfield Rod & Gun Club Ice Fishing Derby at the Ashfield Lake House. 413-628-0158. 141 Buckland Rd, Ashfield, MA.
ORNITHOLOGY. 8am. Birding for Everyone with Hampshire Bird Club at Holyoke Heritage State Park. 221 Appleton Street, Holyoke, MA.
FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
ORNITHOLOGY. 10am. Mammals and Bird Signs at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
ECOLOGY. 10am. Changes to Life and Landscape in Winter at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
NATURALIST SKILLS/ TRACKING. 10am. Tracking Workshop Series: Weasels and Rodents at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, MA.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 10am-2pm. Winter Farmers’ Market. Connect with local farmers, learn how your food is grown and stored over the winter, discover new vegetables and get curious about their nutrition and ways to prepare. Takes place in the Hamphire Mall. Hadley, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 10:30am .Make a Butterfly or Bumblebee Beaded Fringe Scarf at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St, Ludlow, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 11am-12pm. Learn to roller skate at Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS/ COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION. 12-3pm. Craft Supply Swap! The Marketplace at Stage on Main. 17 S Main St., Orange, MA.
THEATER STUDIES. 1pm. London National Theatre: Follies – Clark Art Institute. 413-458-2303. 225 South St., Williamstown, MA.
MINDFULNESS/ HIKE. 1pm. Mountain Mindfulness: Winter Walk at Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. 1pm. Family-Friendly Outdoor Adventures at Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
SPORTS/ BASKETBALL. 4:30pm. UMass Men’s Basketball vs. VCU. Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
FIREWORKS. 6pm. Fireworks at The Common Park. 100 1st St, Pittsfield, MA.
ORNITHOLOGY/ HIKE. 6:30-8pm. Starlight Owl and Wildlife Prowl at Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, Pittsfield, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/ JAZZ. 7:30pm. Jazz interpretations of songs written in or about New York by Tin Pan Alley at the Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Land Acknowledgement
What is a land acknowledgment? A land acknowledgment is a formal statement of recognition of the Indigenous people and their enduring connections to the land on which we live, gather, and learn. There are many layers to land acknowledgment that can be researched and contemplated. Get curious, ask questions, and look for answers. If you are new to land acknowledgment, look for reputable information resources to guide you. Consider researching and identifying the Indigenous tribes and people in your area. Visit websites of Indigenous organizations, including Ohketeau Cultural Center and Nolumbeka Project. Investigate land acknowledgments by local businesses, learning institutes, farms, museums, libraries, and town/regions. Compare and contrast the differences in these statements, get curious, research your questions, and make an action plan your family can take for supporting Indigenous people into the future. Remember that starting somewhere is better than never trying when respectfully crafting a land acknowledgment. Learn more: A Guide to Indigenous Land Acknowledgment.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022
FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
ROLLER SKATING. 1-5pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Mud Season
We all know about the four seasons, but did you know that in parts of western Massachusetts there’s a “fifth season?” Locals in the Hilltowns call this time of year Mud Season! Happening simultaneously with Maple Sugar Season, mud season is a harbinger to spring. Paying attention to weather patterns and annual documenting when this seasonal phenomenon happens near your home year after year can strengthen a sense of place. Mud is also an excellent lens for learning about various topics and interests. Let this “fifth season” spark interests and guide your learning about 3-D printing, entomology, ornithology, architecture, creative free-play, and even pastry arts!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 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.
NUTRITION/ VEGETARIAN. 12pm. Move Towards Plant-Based Eating, presented by Big Y World Class Market (Virtual)
FILM STUDIES/ FRENCH. 7:30pm. We: Williams French Film Festival at Images Cinema. 413-458-5612. 50 Spring Street, Williamstown, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: 28 Days in February
Why does February only have 28 days? The answer to the question is a blend of Roman history, agriculture, and legends. Asking this question and being self-directed in your learning can support interests in calendars, Roman history, and superstition.
TUESDAY, MARCH 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
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.
TECHNOLOGY. 11am. Drop-in Tech Time at the Westfield Athenaeum. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, 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.
MINDFULNESS/ ARTS & CRAFTS. 4pm. Crafting Calm for ages 11-18 at the Lenox Library. 413-637-0197. 18 Main Street. Lenox, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 5-8pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
STORYTIME. 6pm. Storytime for ages 2-10 at the Westfield Athenaeum. 413-568-7833. 6 Elm Street, Westfield, MA.
GRAPHIC DESIGN/ ADOBE. 6pm. An Introduction to Adobe Illustrator at. LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) arrives on the 47th day before Easter every year (the day before Ash Wednesday). It may be business as usual here in New England, but way down south in New Orleans, they will be throwing a huge party! In New England, costumes and masks are generally reserved for Halloween (and maybe the occasional themed party). However, in New Orleans, they play a significant role in celebrating Mardi Gras. Incredibly rich in culture, Mardi Gras is a catalyst for learning about the neighborhood cultures of New Orleans (Mardi Gras Indians), food traditions, music, and carnival production.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUPS. South Berkshire County.
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County.
LITERACY/ STORYTIME. 10am. Storytime with the Montague Center Library. (Virtual)
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. 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.
MUSIC STUDIES/ CHORAL. 8pm. Ladysmith Black Mambazo, a South African male choral group, singing in the local vocal styles of isicathamiya and mbube, will be at the Academy of Music Theatre. 413-584-9032. 274 Main St., Northampton, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Sports History
Though western Massachusetts isn’t known as a sports mecca, it’s filled with community–based resources for exploring sports and the history behind them. As the birthplace of at least two major sports and home to teams and clubs engaging in a great many more, the area offers a variety of ways to learn about sports of all kinds. Read more in our post, Exploring Athletics and Sports History Through Community-Based Resources.
THURSDAY, MARCH 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.
MUSIC STUDIES/ PreK. 10am. Join local libraries for a virtual music time with Little Roots. (Virtual)
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.
Self-Directed Learning: Women’s History
Western Massachusetts is home to many women changemakers who have dedicated their lives to enacting social change through the arts, critical inquiry, and learning. Still today, there are many women poets, writers, activists, artists, teachers, educators, and scientists that reside in Western Massachusetts who continue to work towards positive social change, including Emily Dickinson, Elizabeth Porter Phelps, and Juanita Nelson. March is Women’s History Month, a national observation that honors and pays tributes to women who dedicated their lives to social justice, the environment, education, and positive change for society. These women are a tiny sample to explore; however, note the incredible number of talented women today in Western Massachusetts that continue to demonstrate the importance of women’s rights. Their grit and perseverance as pioneers are honored during the month of March. Read more in our post, Local Women & Local History: Understanding New England Women’s Lives from the Past.
FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 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)
NATURALIST SKILLS/ TRACKING. 10:30am. Winter Tracking Workshop with the Franklin Land Trust at Guyette Farm. 413-625-9151. Gloyd St, Plainfield, MA
ICE SKATING. 11am-1pm. Homeschool Ice Skating. Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, MA.
GRAND-PARENTING 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/ TEENS. 3pm. Intro to Ukulele for Teens. Instruments are provided. No registration is required. Springfield City Library: Forest Park Branch. 413-263-6843. 380 Belmont Ave, Springfield, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 6-9pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: International Foods
To say that immigration is an important aspect of American history is an understatement. Many of us would not be here if it were not for immigration. Moreover, the United States is not unique in this. Human populations have been immigrating around the world since the beginning of history. If you go far back enough, you will be hard-pressed to find a community of people in the world that did not originate somewhere else. What this historical phenomenon demonstrates is that human societies are always hybrids. Groups travel and move, and as they do so, they adopt customs, influence the creation of new cultures, and bring certain cultural elements with them. All cultures, from the most heterogeneous to those that might appear homogeneous, result from generations of immigration. Food cultures and traditions are great ways to illustrate this historical fact. Chicken tikka masala is a perfect example: one of the most popular and recognizable Indian dishes in the world was likely invented in Scotland by Pakistani chef Ali Ahmed Aslam, in the 1970s. He decided to add tomato soup to a plate of chicken curry after a customer complained that it was too dry. — Let international food and culinary arts lead your learning this week by seeking out traditional recipes, researching their cultural significance, checking out the ingredients at grocery stores, and, if available, preparing a family meal together.
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, Cummington, Easthampton, Goshen, Granby, Greenfield, Hadley, Hatfield, Heath, Hinsdale/Peru, Huntington, Leyden, Montgomery, Mount Washington, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Otis, Palmer, Pelham, 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.