Weekly Suggested Events for April 2-8, 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: APRIL 2-8, 2022
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IDEAS
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
YOGA: Yoga Sanctuary in Thornes Marketplace. Northampton, MA.
LOCAL HISTORY: Williamstown Historical Museum Williamstown, MA.
LITERACY: Pelham Library. Pelham, MA.
BOTANY. Mount Holyoke College Botanic Garden. Talcott Greenhouse. South Hadley, MA.
CULTURE STUDIES. Italian Cultural Center of Western Mass. Springfield, MA.
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

Autism Connections’ 31st Annual Autism Conference (virtual) on April 28 includes speakers, exhibitors, and breakout sessions on various topics of interest to people with autism, parents, caregivers, education agency, and education professionals. The two keynote speakers are Alix Generous, an #ActuallyAutistic advocate for advancing mental health reform and institutional treatment of autistic people, and Jed Baker, Ph.D., director of the Social Skills Training Project, an organization serving individuals with autism and social communication problems. Registration for parents/caregivers/people with autism is $50, and for agency professionals and educators, $100. Registrants will have access to the entire recorded conference until 7/29/22.
The Institute for the Musical Art’s (IMA) residential music programs give girls access to top-notch facilities & instruments, veteran professional musicians & teachers, and musical exploration & collaboration. Explore Rock ‘n Roll (June 29-July3) offers girls 9-12 opportunities to explore instruments, to begin writing songs, and to participate in a concert. Teen Performance Program (Jul 8-17) offers girls 13-19 an opportunity to speak their truth through the medium of rock ‘n roll, gain confidence in performance abilities, improve musicianship, and develop collaborative leadership skills. Studio Recording, Engineering & Production (Aug 4-14) offers a hands-on studio recording seminar for women 16-22 who are ready to record their work and/or interested in engineering and producing. Dates: June 29-August 14, 2022; Age Range: Girls/young women 9-22yrs. Contact: 413-268-3074; info@ima.org; www.ima.org.
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.org ♦ ma.biocitizen.org
All aboard for the Easter Eggspress at the Connecticut Trolley Museum: April 9-10 & 15-16 from 10am-4pm. A great opportunity to visit the Easter bunny while learning about transportation & local history! Take a trolley ride operated by period-dressed motormen sharing historical information about the trolley cars & museum. The Easter Bunny will be roaming the grounds posing for pictures. Children will receive a surprise-filled Easter egg when they complete a Scavenger Hunt, make a Bunny Ear Craft, and visit the Fire Truck Museum. Earn up to 3 filled eggs! Cost: $13/Adults; $11/Kids ages 2-12. The Connecticut Trolley Museum is located in East Windsor, CT. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit www.ct-trolley.org.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
The Bement School
Deerfield, MA

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 own schedule by choosing from our 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 our 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. Summer Program dates are listed on our website. Sign up now as sessions are filling fast! Dates: Summer 2022. Age Range: 4-15yo. Contact: 413-774-7061; summer@bement.org; www.bement.org
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Roots Summer Camp
Westfield MA & East Longmeadow, MA
Roots Vacation Camps provide a safe, fun place for kids to go when schools are closed and all summer long! Roots Vacation Camps include full access to the amenities of all facilities on the Roots Campus. Summer activities include swim lessons, gymnastics, soccer & other turf sports, water activities, dance, plus so much more like S.T.E.A.M. activities, games, crafts, and countless outdoor activities.
Dates: June 20-August 26, 2022;. Age Range: 5yo+. Contact: 413-729-0740
♦ info@rootsvacation.com
♦ www.rootsvacation.com
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Journey Camp
Deerfield, MA
“Girls Week: Friendship Camp” takes place June 27-July 1, 2022, from 9am-4pm for ages 6-10 ($300-350, sliding scale) at Woolman Hill in Deerfield, MA. This week is a time of shared fun, kindness, and supportive new friendships among all ages. Each day participants will build stick houses on the Pocumtuck Ridge, play games, sing, hear stories, and learn how to talk things out. A choice of workshops will include art, dance, hikes, writing, and story-building. Journey Camp also seeks girls ages 12-16 who can support friendships among younger girls to apply to be a Counselor in Training ($150-175, sliding scale). Staff and CIT’s will help participants feel included and have a strong sense of belonging and social safety. Contact for more info. Dates: June 27-July 1, 2022. Age Range: 6-16yo. Contact: 774-280-2490; melissadelo.journey@gmail.co; sarahpirtle.com/journey-camp.htm
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Berkshire Museum Summer Camp
Pittsfield, MA
Do you have a junior archeologist? A junior curator? A chef? This summer at the Berkshire Museum, they offer classes to ages Pre-K to Grade 8 for all areas of interest! Each program is a weeklong experience catered to specific age groups. Campers will be led through their program by the museum’s expert educators and be immersed in the world of their choosing. The museum’s Junior Curator camp for Grades 6-8 will work hands-on with its Collections Department, exploring their collection and what it takes to create an exhibit. Or maybe your 1st or 2nd grader would enjoy their Kitchen Ka-Boom class, where campers will explore kid-safe chemistry and get messy! Want to learn more? Check out their website for a complete list of camps! Dates: June 27-August 26, 2022; Age Range: PreK-14yo; Contact: 413-443-7171 x360; erome@berkshiremuseum.org; berkshiremuseum.org/programs/camp
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Camp Common Ground Family Camp
Starksboro, VT
Camp Common Ground (CCG) is an intergenerational family camp designed to provide families with a healthy and happy bonding experience while weaving in elements of nature education, arts, wellness, sports, and fun! CCG is dedicated to celebrating all families and cultivating a sense of community among campers. CCG’s 700-acre site in Starksboro, Vermont, provides campers with hiking trails, streams, ponds, and a low carbon footprint main campus to explore. Sliding scale fees include lodging in a tent, cabin, or lodge; all meals (local, organic, and vegetarian) and all activities. There is something for everyone’s taste – whether you want to ‘rough it’ or are more into ‘glamping’ – CCG has you covered! Dates: July 23-August 12, 2022. Age Range: 0-99yo. Contact: 802-453-2592; info@cgcvt.org; www.cgcvt.org
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
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Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA
List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 2022
FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/ PreK. 10am. Learn Through Play: Little Blue & Little Yellow with Northern Berkshire Community Coalition at the UNO Community Center. 413-663-7588. 157 River Street. North Adams, MA.
LOCAL FOOD/FARMERS’ MARKET. 10am-2pm. Grow Food Northampton Winter Market at Northampton Senior Center. 413-587-1228. 67 Conz St, Northampton, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 10:30am-12pm. At the Berkshire Athenaeum. 1 Wendell Ave, Pittsfield, MA.
ENGINEERING/ LEGOS. 10:30am-12pm. LEGO/ Construction Club – Drop in to build with LEGO or Keva blocks. Practice your craft, and become a LEGO Master. All are welcome. An adult should accompany children aged 5 and under. Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
COMICS/ LITERACY. 11am. Dog Man Party! – Attention Dog Man, Comic Cat, and Captain Underpants fans! Dog Man Party is coming to the Blandford Porter Memorial Library. 413-848-2853. 87 Main St, Blandford, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 11am-12pm. Learn to roller skate at Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
TRANSPORTATION HISTORY/ EASTER BUNNY. 12pm, 1pm, 2:30pm. Bunny Hop Train Ride – HOP ABOARD the Easter Bunny Hop Train Ride! A costumed Easter Bunny will give out colored eggs while greeting kids on the train. Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. 413-637-2210. 10 Willow Creek Rd, Lenox, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 2pm. Big Fish A New Broadway Musical – Welcoming Big Fish A New Broadway Musical to the triumphant return of the Spring musical at Westfield Theater Group. Westfield Theatre Group.413-572-6838. 28 Court Street, Westfield, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/ YOUTH THEATER. 2pm. Saturday 2pm Matinee Lion King, Jr 2022 – After a 24-month hiatus, middle schoolers are thrilled to step onto the stage again! All are invited to an afternoon on the savanna to celebrate the circle of life. Held in the Auditorium at the South Hadley High School. 413-538-5063. 153 Newton St, South Hadley, MA.
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT/ CABARET. 4:30pm. Spring Fling Music Train – Welcome spring with our ever-popular Cabaret Hoosac Valley Train Ride! Join cabaret singers on a 90-minute train ride event full of music, fun, and friends. Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. 413-637-2210. 10 Willow Creek Rd, Lenox, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 7:30pm. Big Fish A New Broadway Musical – Welcoming Big Fish A New Broadway Musical to the triumphant return of the Spring musical at Westfield Theater Group. Westfield Theatre Group.413-572-6838. 28 Court Street, Westfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Pottery
Pottery has been a part of human civilizations since the Neolithic era over 10,000 years ago! Much more than just a means of making dishes, pottery serves as a creative outlet for many artists. The slow development of the art and technology surrounding pottery speaks volumes about human civilization’s changes. Additionally, while pottery can be found in countless cultures worldwide, techniques, styles, and uses vary between cultures, and close study of various pieces of pottery can speak to the similarities and differences between cultures near and far. Exploring pottery through children’s literature provides a means for exploring culture and history. Rins Swentzell’s Children of Clay: A Family of Pueblo Potters spotlights a Tewa Indian family in New Mexico, who tell the story of their family’s and community’s history through a series of clay objects – allowing readers to learn about Tewa history and culture. Laban Carrick Hill’s Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave tells the true story of an enslaved man living in South Carolina during the early 1800s. Readers learn about 19th-century pottery techniques while also learning about the experience of slavery. – Get curious about pottery. Compare and contrast historical and contemporary uses, methods, and mediums. Read more in our post, Discovering History Through Pottery-Based Learning.
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 2022
FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
TRANSPORTATION HISTORY/ EASTER BUNNY. 12pm, 1pm, 2:30pm. Bunny Hop Train Ride – HOP ABOARD the Easter Bunny Hop Train Ride! A costumed Easter Bunny will give out colored eggs while greeting kids on the train. Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum. 413-637-2210. 10 Willow Creek Rd, Lenox, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 1-5pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Libraries
Local libraries! An essential third space that supports community-based education through collaborative consumption, libraries offer much more than just books and A/V materials. Free community classes, PreK story hours & playgroups, spaces for gatherings, lending libraries of things, galleries, tech support, research assistance, and the list goes on! We’re a BIG fan here at Hilltown Families! Get familiar with your local libraries during National Library Week (April 3 – 9, 2022). Begin by learning about the history of the library and the amazing services and collections libraries can offer, then stop into your local library and get curious about the resources and learning opportunities just waiting to be discovered! Do you love your local libraries too? Please show them your support! Ask your local librarian how you can support these local treasures through direct action (i.e., volunteering, letters to your legislator, etc.).
MONDAY, APRIL 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 the Meekins Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 10-11:30am. Pelham Playgroup & Music for Little Ones at the Pelham Library. 413-253-0657. 2 S Valley Rd, Pelham, MA.
RAMADAN/ SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING. 10am-6pm. Celebrate Ramadan Take-Home Craft – Register for a Ramadan craft, including a DIY beaded bracelet, mosque wool felt picture, “Celebrating Ramadan” info, word search, and cocoanut truffle recipe. Pick up at the Mason Public Library. 413-528-2403. 231 Main St, Great Barrington, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Kites
April is National Kite Month! 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 some 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 kites; 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! Read more in our post, April is National Kite Month.
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 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.
RAMADAN/ SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING. 10am-6pm. Celebrate Ramadan Take-Home Craft – Register for a Ramadan craft, including a DIY beaded bracelet, mosque wool felt picture, “Celebrating Ramadan” info, word search, and cocoanut truffle recipe. Pick up at the Mason Public Library. 413-528-2403. 231 Main St, Great Barrington, MA.
MUSIC PROGRAM/ PreK. 10:30am. Sing With Me preschool music program, hosted by the Hubbard Memorial Library. (Virtual)
STORYTIME 10:30am. Story Time at the Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 10:30-11:30am. For ages 0-5 at the Edwards Public Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 30 East Street, Southampton, MA.
STE(A)M/ PreK. 1pm. Pre-School STEAM Program. Learn how to inspire your kids to engineer, create, design, explore, and build at home. Becket Athenaeum. 413-623-5483. 3367 Main St, Becket, MA.
PLAYGROUP. 3:30-4:30pm. For ages 0-5 at the Westhampton Public Library. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 5-8pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: River Otters
River otters! March and April is breeding season for North American river otters, a species native to western MA. Forty years ago, the North American river otter was considered extinct due to the loss of natural habitat. Due to conservation efforts, their populations have returned to the region in recent years! Learning through the lens of this native species can support learning about animal behavior and physiology, as well as ecology and conservation. Read more about the North American river otter in our post, The Ripple: River Otters in Western MA.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 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.
RAMADAN/ SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING. 10am-6pm. Celebrate Ramadan Take-Home Craft – Register for a Ramadan craft, including a DIY beaded bracelet, mosque wool felt picture, “Celebrating Ramadan” info, word search, and cocoanut truffle recipe. Pick up at the Mason Public Library. 413-528-2403. 231 Main St, Great Barrington, MA.
STORYTIME/ ANIMAL STUDIES. 10:30am. Spring Preschool Storytime series: Big, Bigger, Biggest! – Weekly storytime about big animals and learning perspective. Best for ages 2-5. Meets on the library lawn, indoors in bad weather. 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.
STORYTIME. 4:15pm. True Tales! Stories about real people & events for 5-8 year olds at the Hubbard Memorial Library. 413-583-3408. 24 Center St. Ludlow, MA.
NUTRITION. 7pm. Eat This, Not That! With Jill Patterson, RDN – Join the Greenfield Public Library for a virtual wellness education program presented by Jill Patterson, RDN.: “Eat This, Not That!”Good nutrition can positively influence our immune system, health, well-being, productivity, performance, energy, mood, weight management, and prevent certain chronic diseases. Join Jill Patterson for this fun and interactive nutrition program, and learn how making simple tweaks in our foods lead to big results. Register for the Zoom link at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org.
Self-Directed Learning: Sheep Shearing Season
Sheep-shearing is a great place to begin the conversation with your children about sheep’s influences on our culture here in New England. Seeing sheep being shorn with traditional tools while listening to tales being spun by the shearer can give kids a unique insight into our regional history and this historical trade. Asking questions about how wool is processed after a sheep has been shorn and how modern-day processing techniques might compare to the methods used in the Colonial era can support interests and lead to a lot of learning! Some use traditional tools, and others use modern electric tools for comparison. Check out sheep shearing at community events and local farms, including Wool Days at Old Sturbridge Village and the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Festival at the Cummington Fairgrounds. Read more in our Learning Ahead: Season of Sheep Shearing.
THURSDAY, APRIL 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
MUSIC & MOVEMENT/ PreK. 10am. Music & Movement for Children 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.
RAMADAN/ SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING. 10am-6pm. Celebrate Ramadan Take-Home Craft – Register for a Ramadan craft, including a DIY beaded bracelet, mosque wool felt picture, “Celebrating Ramadan” info, word search, and cocoanut truffle recipe. Pick up at the Mason Public Library. 413-528-2403. 231 Main St, Great Barrington, 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.
ANTIRACISM/ COMMUNITY EVENT. 6:30pm. Meet Tiffany Jewell and learn about her #1 New York Times Bestseller, This Book Is Anti-Racist, a book for young folks and everyone to wake up, take action, and do the work of becoming antiracist. Held at the Greenfield High School Auditorium. Greenfield, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 7-9:30pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Pancakes
How does food bring your family together? Food interweaves into your family, and one thing is sure, food has a way of bringing families together both in the kitchen and around the table. Maybe you enjoy cooking with your kids, sharing family meals, shopping for locally grown and produced foods, or exchanging stories at the kitchen table. Fresh maple syrup is a welcomed addition to the breakfast table with a warm stack of pancakes during sugar season. Did you know that pancakes are over 6,000 years old? Although not in the present form we know today, the predecessors to the modern pancake consisted of ground wheat cooked in the form of a pancake. Even the ancient Greeks and Romans ate a type of pancake sweetened with honey! Later in history, American colonists ate pancakes, also known as Johnny Cakes. Modern-day technology and contemporary recipes have added to our cultural repertoire of recipes. For recipes submitted by families in Western Massachusetts, check out our post, “Seasons at Our Table: Maple Sugar.”
FRIDAY, APRIL 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
YOGA. 9:30am. Free yoga class at the Chicopee Public Library. 413-594-1800. 449 Front St. Chicopee, 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.
RAMADAN/ SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING. 10am-6pm. Celebrate Ramadan Take-Home Craft – Register for a Ramadan craft, including a DIY beaded bracelet, mosque wool felt picture, “Celebrating Ramadan” info, word search, and cocoanut truffle recipe. Pick up at the Mason Public Library. 413-528-2403. 231 Main St, Great Barrington, 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.
PLACEMAKING/ ART STUDIES. 5-8pm. Arts Night Out – Northampton’s monthly gallery walk and art event. Downtown Northampton, MA.
ROLLER SKATING. 6-9pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
MUSIC STUDIES/ SYMPHONY. 7pm. Pioneer Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra & Frontier Regional String Ensembles Concert – Free concert celebrating musical accomplishments this year. Entry is free. Held in the auditorium at Frontier Regional School. 413-665-2118. 113 N Main St, South Deerfield, MA.
THEATER STUDIES/ MUSICAL. 7:30pm. Big Fish A New Broadway Musical – Welcoming Big Fish A New Broadway Musical to the triumphant return of the Spring musical at Westfield Theater Group. Westfield Theatre Group.413-572-6838. 28 Court Street, Westfield, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Phenology
Spring is an excellent time to pay attention to the seasonal changes that only happen this time of year. It’s a great opportunity to get curious about phenology! What is phenology? One online definition states, “Phenology is the study of periodic events in biological life cycles and how these are influenced by seasonal and interannual variations in climate, as well as habitat factors.” Families can help with studies of phenology! The National Phenology Network has developed Nature’s Notebook, a citizen science program that aims to get people outdoors to observe nature. Nature’s Notebook has an app and a website where citizen scientists can record observations to help scientists better understand how climate change is affecting plants in New England. The National Phenology Network needs volunteers to take part in many of Nature’s Notebook projects, of which there are several throughout the country. Independent, citizen science like Nature’s Notebook is a great way to connect with nature, learn about phenology, practice gathering data, and learn the basics of experimental design while contributing to a scientific study.
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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, 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.