Weekly Suggested Events for March 5-11, 2022

Home > Suggested Events > Weekly Suggested Events for March 5-11, 2022
With March comes spring events and learning opportunities, like baby farm animals, maple syrup, and vernal pools!

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!

Hilltown Families’ annual Summer Directory is the region’s go-to online resource for families looking for summer camps, programs, and opportunities in western Massachusetts and neighboring areas! ♦ New listings are added each week, so check back often and be sure to subscribe to our weekly eNewsletter!

Hilltown CDC (HCDC) seeks to improve the quality of life for Hilltown residents by addressing economic, housing, education, social, & community needs while preserving the rural character of the area. Thanks to a generous grant from the MGCC, the HCDC offers FREE, confidential business assistance to Hilltown residents! If you’re thinking of starting or growing your business, HCDC can help. They have experts in various areas who can help entrepreneurs get on their feet, including website help, social media marketing, business tax & accounting, legal assistance, & more. Sign up for free virtual classes: hilltowndirectory.com/events. For more info, contact HCDC Economic Development Director Michele Kenney: MicheleK@Hilltowncdc.org; 413-354-1055

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

Living Rivers School students assist world-renowned river fish expert Dr. Boyd Kynard as he completes his second year of small fish habitat- and sea lamprey- data collection. He concludes three studies to determine the extent & quality of the Connecticut River fish habitat between the Holyoke & Turners Falls dams. Living Rivers School students are credited by name for their service in reports Dr. Kynard publishes in juried academic journals. They are invited to share their experience & findings with their schools & communities. This is a rare opportunity for students to get real conservation biology research experience & nurtured as future environmental leaders. Living Rivers School is Biocitizen’s best program—a life-changer & career-inspirer!
Dates: August 2-13, 2022; Age Range: 10-16yo
Contact: 413-320-0522 ♦ kheidinger@biocitizen.orgma.biocitizen.org

Montessori School of the Berkshires (MSB) inspires children to develop independent thinking, self-assurance, inner discipline, and a love of learning in an authentic Montessori environment. Serving children aged 15 months through grade 8 on 40 wooded acres, MSB supports each child’s innate curiosity and helps them develop focus and motivation, and embraces collaboration and cooperation. Engaging materials, designed for hands-on learning through all senses, are continually adapted to meet each child’s needs, interests, and development, so they are best prepared for the next level of education. Open 7:30am-3pm; extended coverage until 5:15 pm. Daycare & Preschool ♦ Ages 15mo-8th grade. For more information: info@berkshiremontessori.org; 413-637-3662; www.berkshiremontessori.org.

FEATURED PreK NATURE PROGRAM
Nature Sprouts
Deerfield, MA

Photograph of three boys posing on the top of a play structure.
Openings for this spring for ages 3-5.

Nature Sprouts is a morning program and takes place at The Bement School in Deerfield, MA, every Tuesday from April 5 – May 10, 2022, from 9-10am. Children and their families are invited to spend mornings connecting with nature through stories and hands-on activities with Nature Sprouts, a meaningful way to build a sense of discovery and wonder. Children ages 3-5 learn about colors, shapes, textures, and more! Email jcraig@bement.org to RSVP and for more information.

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Stoneleigh-Burnham Summer Programs
Greenfield, MA

Summer Programs at Stoneleigh-Burnham School
Outdoors. Indoors.

Welcome to Summer 2022 at Stoneleigh-Burnham school. Here is the list of their camps for this summer and a brief overview of what they will offer. Animation Camp: an introduction to computer animation for girls ages 12-18, with no experience necessary. Speak Up: an introduction to debate & public speaking for girls ages 10-15, with no experience necessary. Performing Arts Camp: a co-ed program for students ages 10-18 with an interest in dancing, singing, and acting, but no experience required. Bonnie Castle Riding Camp: a riding program for girls ages 8-16 with experience who can tack up, walk, trot, and canter independently. Horsemanship Day Camp: a co-ed riding program for novice and beginner riders ages 9-12, with no experience necessary.

Dates: June – August, 2022. Age Range: 8-16yo. Contact: 413-774-2711 x256; summerprograms@sbschool.org; sbschool.org/summer

FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
River Bend Farm Camps
Saco, ME

River Bend Farm Camps in Saco, Maine
Outdoors.

Join The Ecology School at River Bend Farm for a week of a lifetime along the Saco River in Southern Maine. With delicious farm-fresh food, arts & crafts, and ecosystem exploration, a summer spent on their 105-acre farm is sure to create quintessential Maine summer camp memories that will continue to inspire and encourage for years to come. Weekly youth overnight camp: June 26-July 23, 2022. Family camp: August 7-10, 2022.

Dates: June 26-August 10, 2022
Age Range: 8-15yo & Families
Contact: 207-283-9951
♦ alex@theecologyschool.org
♦ theecologyschool.org/camps

FEATURED STUDENT EXCHANGE
SUMMER PROGRAM
Student’s Home Exchange (SHE) Families
Valencia, Spain

Student’s Home Exchange (SHE) Families
Student Exchange

Looking for an exciting, fun, and natural way for your teen to learn Spanish this summer? What if you share your home with a Spanish student and then have your student spend time in Spain? Student’s Home Exchange (SHE) Families organizes reciprocal exchanges for students ages 13-18 for 4-6 weeks. They match up families with similar objectives and characteristics, and the students participate in a direct exchange. Students participate in normal summer activities, whether it be camps, trips, or just hanging around the neighborhood. Student exchange is a fantastic way to share your culture and for your teen to experience and learn the Spanish language and culture from others. What are you waiting for? ¡Las familias españolas les esperan!

Dates: June-August 2022. Age Range: 13-18yo. Contact: 608-334-7053; shefamiliesusa@gmail.comshefamilies.com/indexeng.html

FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
The Bement School
Deerfield, MA

Photograph of three boys posing on the top of a play structure.
Outdoor. Indoor.

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 a 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 summer camp fun. Summer Program dates are listed on their website. Sign up now, as sessions are filling fast!

Dates: Summer 2022. Age Range: 4-15yo. Contact: 413-774-7061; summer@bement.orgwww.bement.org

FEATURED SCHOOL
Amherst Montessori School
Amherst, MA

Amherst Montessori School
Ages 3mo-12yrs

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.

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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.

2022 Class Directory

Class Directory

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

2022 Preschool & Daycare Directory

Preschool Directory

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

List of Weekly Suggested Events

SATURDAY, MARCH 5, 2022

FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)  

WOMEN’S HISTORY/ AVIATION. 9am-3pm. Women Take Flight at the New England Air Museum. 860-623-3305. 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT. 

NATURALIST SKILLS/ TRACKING. 9am. Winter Wildlife Tracking at Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.

BOTANY/ BULB SHOW. 9am-4pm. Annual flowering bulb show at the Fitzpatrick Conservatory. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA. 

NATURALIST SKILLS/ TRACKING. 10am. Winter Tracking Series at Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. 472 West Mountain Road, Lenox, 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. 10amTracks, Trees, and Tunnels at Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA. 

AGRICULTURE/ LOCAL FOOD. 10am-2pm. Grow Food Northampton Winter Market at the Northampton Senior Center. 67 Conz St, Northampton, MA. 

MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 10am-5pm. Biggest Best Dr. Seuss Birthday Party at the Springfield Museums. 413-263-6800. 21 Edwards Street, Springfield, MA. 

ART STUDIES/ POTTERY SALE. 10am-3pm. Artspace Market (formerly the Pottery Seconds Sale) occurs at Greenfield High School. Greenfield, MA. 

AGRICULTURE/ LOCAL FOOD. 10am-2pm. Winter Farmers Market at Holyoke Farmers’ Market. 310 Appleton St, Holyoke, MA. 

LOCAL FOOD/FARMERS’ MARKET. 10am. 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. 

ART STUDIES. 10am-3pm. Animal Portraits in Scratchboard – Learn to render animal portraits in fine detail with scratchboard. Scratching tools are used to scrape away the ink layer, revealing the white underneath, creating a dramatic black and white image. All materials included. Workshop13. 413-277-6072. 13 Church Street, Ware, MA. 

STEM/ LEGOS. 10:30am. LEGO / Construction Club at the 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.

ART STUDIES/ LASER ENGRAVING. 11:30am. Intro to Laser Cutting & Engraving for ages 16+ at LaunchSpace. 978-633-5131. 131 W Main St Suite 342, Orange, MA. 

ART STUDIES/ FELTING. 12-4pm. Felted Journal workshop at Wool-ology. 413-350-5158. 242A Greenfield Rd. South Deerfield, MA.

ORNITHOLOGY/ BIRDS OF PREY. 4pm. Winter Birding Workshop: Winter Raptors at Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-637-0320. Holmes Rd, Pittsfield, MA. 

LIVING HISTORY. 4:30-9pm. Night in the Museum: Evening Investigation – Start the evening with a hot catered dinner before traveling back in time for a candlelit adventure through the 1830s. The quest will exercise detective skills by hunting for clues, conducting experiments, and investigating the past. Back at Investigation Headquarters, participants will experiment with historic crafts to learn more about 19th-century life. Old Sturbridge Village. 800-733-1830. 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge, MA. 

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Self-Directed Learning: Baby Farm Animals

Farm life follows the path of the seasons. In March and April, it’s a time of new life on the farm when animals are born. The most place-based local baby animal-learning resources in Western Massachusetts are our local farms, many of which allow visitors to meet the animals they raise and rely upon for food and farm tasks. And at living history museums, folks can visit baby animals each spring, such as newborn lambs, calves, and piglets, while learning about historical farm practices. Read more in our post, Local Agriculture: Spring on the Farm.

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Self-Directed Learning: Symbiosis and Mutualism

Though the relationships between birds and insects are generally predator-prey, studying how birds and insects depend on each other can offer insight into the inner workings of the local landscape. By learning to identify insects and birds, families can explore the who-eats-who of their surroundings! Read more in our post, Studies of Birds and Insects Illuminate Interconnections in Nature, and get curious about symbiosis and mutualism.

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Self-Directed Learning: Tulips

In 1554, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire sent a handful of tulip bulbs to Ferdinand I, Holy Roman Emperor. Who could have guessed that this simple act would lead to the world’s first-ever recorded economic bubble? It’s hard to say what caused the initial spike in tulip popularity in Europe and especially Holland. Still, it has been speculated that the vibrant colors of the tulip petals were unlike any other European flower in its hue and intensity. In any case, the popularity of tulips grew and grew over the years. The Netherlands, the world-leading economic power in the 17th century, was hit hardest by what would later be called ‘tulipmania.’ By 1634, the tulip industry had been opened up to market speculation. In 1636, the Dutch economy was utterly dominated by the humble tulip. Single tulip bulbs were being sold for ten times the annual income of a skilled craftsperson. A single bulb was traded for 12 acres of land in one instance. Massive fortunes were made overnight. Then, as quickly as it started, the tulip craze vanished. In February 1637, the price of tulips collapsed, and the entire industry fell apart. Modern economists have studied this bizarre episode as an example of the boom-and-bust or speculative bubble phenomenon. Check out tulips and a spectacular array of blossoming crocuses, hyacinths, narcissi, irises, and lilies at local greenhouses in your area, including the Smith College Lyman Conservatory, Mount Holyoke College Talcott Greenhouse, and the Fitzpatrick Conservatory at the Berkshire Botanical Garden. Let the lens of this flowering beauty lead your learning in economics, human psychology, agricultural history, and botany!

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TUESDAY, MARCH 8, 2022

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley 

PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County  

BOTANY/ FLOWERS. 9am-4pm. Start your Spring celebration off with all your favorite fragrant flowering bulbs! The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.

BOTANY/ BULB SHOW. 9am-4pm. Annual flowering bulb show at the Fitzpatrick Conservatory. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA. 

PLAYGROUP. 10-11:30am. Otis Explore & Play. Join South Berkshire Kids or this caregiver/child program. Activities will include free play, crafts, stories, and songs. No registration is required. Masks will be required, except for children under 2. Held at the Otis Town Hall. Otis, MA. 

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.  

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.  

TEEN SOCIAL. 2:30pm. Teen Cookies and Coloring at the Southwick Public Library. 413-569-1221. 95 Feeding Hills Road. Southwick, 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. 

WOMEN’S STUDIES/ SUPREME COURT. 6pm. Ruth Bader Ginsburg “I Dissent” hosted by the East Longmeadow Public Library (Virtual) 

ART STUDIES/ FILM STUDIES: 7pm. Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo – Who was Frida Kahlo? Who was the woman behind the bright colors, the big brows, and the floral crowns? Take a journey through the life of a true icon, discover her art, and uncover the truth behind her often turbulent life. Amherst Cinema. 413-253-2547. 28 Amity St, Amherst, MA. 

ART HISTORY/BLACK AMERICAN ARTISTS. 7pm. The History of Black American Artists with the Forbes Library (Virtual)

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Self-Directed Learning: International Women’s Day

Over the years, March 8th, International Women’s Day, has become a hugely important date in struggles for freedom and justice. Beginning in New York City in 1909, International Women’s Day commemorates the women’s rights movements’ history and its continuing struggles. On March 8th, 1917, in Saint Petersburg, then the capital of the Russian Empire, a strike by female textile workers marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution. According to Leon Trotsky, one of the founders of the Soviet Union, while it was known that the textile workers were planning a strike, nobody knew that this event would kick off the momentous events which followed. Trotsky wrote that on that day, “textile workers left their work in several factories and sent delegates to ask for the support of the strike… which led to mass strike… all went out into the streets.” International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the women’s rights movement history.

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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2022

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley 

PLAYGROUPSSouth Berkshire County. 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County. 

BOTANY/ FLOWERS. 9am-4pm. Start your Spring celebration off with all your favorite fragrant flowering bulbs! The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.

BOTANY/ BULB SHOW. 9am-4pm. Annual flowering bulb show at the Fitzpatrick Conservatory. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA. 

PLAYGROUP. 9:30am. Grow play & learn group. Join Pathways for Parents CFCE for Grow Play Learn on Zoom. This program is geared for 4-5-year-old children with a caregiver. This group will include a storytime curriculum, activities, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaire. A set of books (one per family) will be provided and picked up in the Discovery Room. Hosted by the Storrs Library. (Virtual)  

MINDFULNESS/ FOREST BATHING. 10am. Forest Bathing/Shinrin Yoku. Shinrin Yoku is the Japanese practice of taking in the forest atmosphere or Forest Bathing. This guided experience leads you on a slow, intentional walk into the woods to de-stress and get reconnected with nature. Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.  

PLAYGROUP. 10am. 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)  

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, 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. 

PARENTING WORKSHOP. 7pm. Children’s Rivalry, a Parent Workshop with Scott Noyes , hosted by South Berkshire Kids (Virtual)

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Self-Directed Learning: National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month, an excellent opportunity to inspire learning and healthy eating habits. Start by reading about the history of National Nutrition Month, then follow up by learning about physiology and biochemistry of nutrition, including metabolism, vitamins, calories, fats, water, and the impacts sugar & food have on the brain. Take your learning further by integrating what sparks your curiosity with the foods you consume. Research the nutritional composition of different favorite foods and how that may (or may not) be a part of a healthy diet. With this new knowledge and understanding of food and nutrition, head out to your local farmers’ market and food co-op to see what inspires you for your next family meal.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 10, 2022

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley 

PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County  

BOTANY/ FLOWERS. 9am-4pm. Start your Spring celebration off with all your favorite fragrant flowering bulbs! The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.

BOTANY/ BULB SHOW. 9am-4pm. Annual flowering bulb show at the Fitzpatrick Conservatory. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA. 

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. Join South Berkshire Kids for a parent-child program that will include free play, storytime, songs, and more. Best for families with children 0-5yo. No registration is required; however, masks are. Monterey Public Library. 413-528-3795. 452 Main Rd, Monterey, MA.  

PLAYGROUP. 10am. Join South Berkshire Kids for a virtual playgroup. This program is full of music and movement! Be sure to register for a Zoom link and get up with the kids to move and sing during the winter months. (Virtual) 

MUSIC STUDIES/ PreK. 10am. Join local libraries for a virtual music time with Little Roots. (Virtual) 

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, 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. 

INTERGENERATIONAL/ GAMES. 6pm. Corn Hole Fundraiser at the Williamsburg Grange. 413-340-1313. 10 Main Street. Williamsburg, MA. 

ROLLER SKATING. 7-9:30pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.

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Self-Directed Learning: Harriet Tubman

One famous “conductor” of the Underground Railroad was Harriet Tubman (1822-1913). An escaped enslaved person herself, she risked her life to help approximately 300 enslaved people escape to freedom by making 19 return trips to the South through the Underground Railroad’s secret network of places and routes. The Network to Freedom, a National Park Service program, tells a story of the resistance to slavery: “Beginning in the 17th century and continuing through the mid-19th century in the United States, enslaved African Americans resisted bondage to gain their freedom through acts of self-emancipation. The individuals who sought this freedom from enslavement, known as freedom seekers, and those who assisted along the way, united together to become what is known as the Underground Railroad.” Harriet Tubman passed away on March 10, 1913. Let today inspire you to learn more about  Harriet Tubman, the Underground Railroad, and the stories of other freedom seekers.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2022

PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley 

PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County 

PLAYGROUPSFamily Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County  

BOTANY/ FLOWERS. 9am-4pm. Start your Spring celebration off with all your favorite fragrant flowering bulbs! The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.

BOTANY/ BULB SHOW. 9am-4pm. Annual flowering bulb show at the Fitzpatrick Conservatory. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 413-298-3926. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA.  

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) 

ENTOMOLOGY/ BUTTERFLIES. 10am-4:30pm. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory – An 8000 square-foot tropical conservatory with nearly 4000 free-flying tropical and native butterflies from all over the world. Learn about butterflies along with exotic reptiles, frogs, fish, birds, and insects! Ask about their guided tours. Magic Wings Butterfly Conservatory. 413-665-2805. 281 Greenfield Road. South Deerfield, MA.  

ICE SKATING. 11am-1pm. Homeschool Ice Skating. Mullins Center. 413-545-3040. 200 Commonwealth Ave. Amherst, 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.  

FIBER ARTS/ SEWING & QUILTING.4:30-6:30pm. Intro to Sewing & Quilting at Make-It Springfield. 413-342-1681. 168 Worthington St, Springfield, MA. 

ART STUDIES/ GRAFFITI. 5-8pm. Do not miss The Graffiti Element, an incredible exhibit organized by Giovanny Zuniga of Spin That Records Springfield, showcasing artwork by local graffiti artists! Opening reception tonight! Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA. 

ART STUDIES/ PLACEMAKING. 5-8pm. Arts Night Out in Downtown Northampton, MA. 

DATE NIGHT/ MUSEUM ADVENTURES. 6-9pm. (un)Beach Bash at the Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA. 

ROLLER SKATING. 6-9pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA. 

THEATER STUDIES. 8pm. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time with Exit 7Players Theater. 413-583-4301. 37 Chestnut St, Ludlow, MA.

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Self-Directed Learning: Women’s History Books

For more than thirty years, the National Women’s History Project has been devoted to “writing women back into history.” They created a national clearinghouse of multicultural women’s history, including information, materials, resources, referrals, training, and strategies to anyone interested in learning about women’s roles in American history. Their successful lobbying efforts led Congress to recognize March as Women’s History Month, which has become a time to celebrate the bold and beautiful, courageous and curious, strong, smart, and compassionate women in our collective history. We have so much to learn from their example, which is why we need to keep getting books about these women into children’s hands.” Read more in our post, Celebrating Women’s History with Children’s Picture Books.

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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, Greenfield, and Hadley Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

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