Weekly Suggested Events for April 30-May 6, 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 30-MAY 6, 2022
SELF-DIRECTED LEARNING IDEAS
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

In Bloom in Western Mass, Saturday, May 14, 2022, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, is a full day conference for educators and parents of preschool–third grade students. The workshop sessions provide best practices in nature-based early childhood education, cover relevant topics, and take you outside to experience firsthand learning. The morning keynote speaker, Ayana Verdi, founder, and director of Verdi EcoSchool, Melbourne, Florida, will address Cultivating Connection: Using the Community-as-Campus to Build Immersive Learning Experiences for Young Children. The afternoon plenary features Anne Stires of Alna, Maine. Anne will speak on Re-imagining and Co-Creating Change: How a professional learning community (PLC) for Maine administrators is implementing nature-based change in PreK–8 schools. Presented by Antioch University New England in Keene, NH. View the Conference Program to see the workshop descriptions. Contact: Peg Smeltz, msmeltz@antioch.edu
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, campus tours are now available and filling up quickly! 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. Families may select up to four homeschool days per week. To learn more, visit www.learnatmorsehill.com or reach out to Jess Evans, Leadership Team and Enrollment Coordinator, at enroll@schoolatmorsehill.org.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is one of Shakespeare’s most fanciful and enchanting comedies, telling the tale of four bewitched lovers as they reckon with jealousy, desperation, and the complications of true love. Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s Stage2 takes up residence at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester to present a 90-minute production of this classic comedy. A Midsummer Night’s Dream will perform 3 open/public community performances: May 7, 2022, at 2pm & 7pm, and May 14, 2022, at 7pm. Tickets are available at commshakes.org. Student Matinee performances will also be available for student groups from May 5-13. Potential patrons should request tickets through this link (also available on their website) or email education@commshakes.org.
The Hilltown Community Development Corporation (Hilltown CDC) offers free, confidential business assistance to Hilltown residents. If you are thinking of starting or growing your business, the Hilltown CDC can help! And thanks to a generous grant from the MGCC, all of their business assistance is FREE. They have experts in a wide range of areas that can help Hilltown entrepreneurs get on their feet, including website help, social media marketing, business tax and accounting, legal assistance, and more. For more information, email Hilltown CDC Economic Development Director Michele Kenney at MicheleK@Hilltowncdc.org, or call 413-354-1055. Sign up for their free virtual classes at hilltowndirectory.com/events
The Bement School offers summer programs for children ages 4-15. Children have the opportunity to enjoy the fun of a traditional day camp and help create their own 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 our youngest campers. The Adventure Day Camp offers activities 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!
The Hilltown Youth Summer Workshop in Charlemont, MA, offers intensive outdoor training for aspiring actors, artists, dancers, musicians, singers, and circus performers (trapeze, fabrics, stilts, German wheel) with Andrae Green, Scott Halligan, Laura Iveson, Double Edge Theatre, and other luminaries from the Valley’s performing arts community. Perform under the stars on an aerial park, zipline, mountaintop at Berkshire East, ensemble and theatergoers reach by chairlift! Help create their 2022 spectacle “Much Ado About Nothing” guest directed by Knighthorse Theatre—”our mission is to make Shakespeare cool again”—no prior experience required. HS-aged participants can apply for their YouthCore program.
Dates: July 11-August 4, 2022; Age Range: 10-18yo. Contact: 413-625-2100 ♦ hilltownyouth@gmail.com ♦ hilltownyouth.org
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Barrington Stage Company
KidsAct! & TeensAct!
Pittsfield, MA

In search of a fun and creative in-person outlet for your young people this summer? Join Barrington Stage Company for KidsAct! & TeensAct! Look no further than Barrington Stage Company’s renowned KidsAct! & TeensAct! camps. These exciting camps focus on building acting and communication skills through fun theatre games and building performance skills through ensemble-based work, improvisation, and individualized coaching. Students will create an original musical with their peers to be performed on the final day of the program and experience master classes from professional theatre and performing artists. Spots will fill quickly, so sign up early. KidsAct! (7–11yo): June 27–July 9, August 1–12; TeensAct! (12–15yo): July 11–29. Dates: June 27-August 12, 2022. Age Range: 7-15yo. Contact: 413-997-6117;
education@barringtonstageco.org; barringtonstageco.org
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Summer @ Artspace
Greenfield, MA
Create sculptures of mythical beasts and magical beings. Dig into environmental art. Make puppets or design your own storybooks. Artspace Community Arts Center in Greenfield is offering a new collection of arts and music programming for children this summer – and it is going to be amazing. From drawing and collage to string ensembles and band camp, Artspace classes give kids the chance to develop their natural creativity, develop new talents, get messy, have fun, make friends, and paint in the summer air. Most classes take place outside in the Artspace Backyard, but they also make use of Artspace’s professional art studios and music rooms. Choose from morning or afternoon sessions or combine the two for a full day of hands-on creating. Dates: June 27 – August 26, 2022. Age Range: 7-14yo. Contact: 413-772-6811; info@artspacegreenfield.com; www.artspacegreenfield.com/summer-programs
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Northampton Parks & Recreation Day Camps
Florence, MA
Jump into summer fun with Northampton Parks & Recreation! Safety Village, ages 4-6, is a must to learn safety skills & awareness in a fun setting with visits from fire, police, bike safety, plus more. Starts July 5, runs in 2-week sessions, & ends with a graduation! Kidzone, gr. 1-4, & Camp Hamp, gr. 5-6, are held at Look Park. Camp will offer games, swimming, art projects, special events, field trips, & more! Teen Expeditions, gr. 7-10, is an adventure-based field trip camp filled with daily trips that include hiking, biking, & exciting destination trips! These three camps will run for 7 one week sessions. This is affordable fun that offers something for everyone. All camps are licensed by the Board of Health. Check other programs too. Dates: June 28-August 12, 2022. Age Range: 4-15yo. Contact: 413-587-1040; recreation@northamptonma.gov; northamptonma.gov/902/Summer-Day-Camps
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Camp MacDuffie
Granby, MA
Camp MacDuffie is an exciting summer day camp for rising 1st–8th graders. Participants spend the morning engaged in a program area of their choosing, enjoy lunch by Sage Dining Services (included), and then stay active with a variety of afternoon outdoor/indoor activities and field trips throughout the week. Their program leaders are passionate and experienced, and they all look forward to creating a fun and supportive environment for your child to thrive this summer. So come along and join Camp MacDuffie this summer!
Dates: July 4-August 19, 2022. Age Range: 6-14yo. Contact: 413-255-0000 x110
♦ khamel@macduffie.org
♦ macduffie.org/summer-camp
FEATURED SUMMER CAMP
Hilltown Sleddogs “Sled Dog” Camps
West Chesterfield, MA
Learn to take care of & exercise a world-class athlete – the Alaskan Husky Sled Dog. Choose a dog for the week. Learn to feed, pet, play, clean-up after & train a sled dog. Ride a racing rig, scooter, bike, hike, jog & swim – some of the warm weather activities dogs & campers love to do together. All have fun bonding, playing & mushing with the team! “My daughter loved the week-long camp, really bonded with her dog and plans to return next year. Hilltown Sleddogs is one of Pioneer Valleys’ unique treasures!”(JG) “The hands-on connection with dogs is amazing. At the end of the week, my boys don’t want to come home.” (EM) *New Bonfire/BBQ eve last night Week 4 & Gals Only Week 5, all ages! Successful COVID Safety Protocol continues for 2022. Dates: July 5-August 26, 2022. Age Range: 8-16yo. Contact: 413-296-0187; hilltownsleddogs@gmail.com; www.hilltownsleddogs.com/camps.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Starlight’s Youth Theatre’s Summer Production
Sunderland, MA
Starlight’s Youth Theatre’s summer production of Wizard of Oz takes place July 11-16, 2022. Students in grades 1st-4th can attend from 9am-12pm (Cost: $175), and students in grades 5th-12th attend from 1-5pm (Cost: $210). Two public performances will occur at Maple Ridge Community Center in Sunderland on Saturday, July 16, at 10am and 12pm. Dates: July 11-16, 2022. Age Range: 6-18yo. Contact: 413-335-1274; www.starlights-youth-theatre.com; starlights.yt@gmail.com.
FEATURED SUMMER PROGRAM
Kamp for Kids
Westfield, MA
Kamp for Kids brings together children with and without disabilities in a unique integrated model that promotes understanding and growth. As a fully inclusive summer camp, its mission is to serve a population of both children with disabilities and their typically developing peers. This summer’s Kamp experience will be offered both in-person and virtually and includes art, health, nature, and other inclusive, fun activities. Please note they are operating at a limited capacity this summer. Please call for more information.
Dates: July-August, 2022. Age Range: 3-22yo. Contact: 413-562-5678
♦ Anne.Benoit@bhninc.org
♦ www.bhninc.org
FEATURED SUMMER CSA
Yellow Stone House Farm
Westfield, MA
Yellow Stonehouse Farm, Hampden County’s only certified organic vegetable farm, is offering Summer 2022 crop-shares to Westfield and Hilltown residents. There are different types of shares designed for all households, including Pick-Your-Own veggies, flowers, and herbs at no extra charge. Each share includes recipes, nutritional info, and weekly herbs. Visit on Open Farm Day on April 30, 10am-4pm. How to enroll? Complete a membership form available at
yellowstonehousefarmcsa.com. Payments by check, EBT, Credit/Debit, and SNAP-HIP are accepted. Call for help with your membership form and payment arrangements at 413-562-2164 or email
yellowstonehousefarmcsa@gmail.com.
FEATURED CO-OP
River Valley Co-Op
Northampton & Easthampton, MA
Springtime events at River Valley Co-op! From May 6-9, 2022, the co-op will have select full cases of popular items available for up to 40% OFF! Household items, pantry staples, meat and seafood, and more. Plus, there will be hundreds of individual items on sale throughout the store! Then from May 9-15, 2022, the co-op will have their annual spring plant sale featuring veggie, herb, and flower starts from local farms available for just 2/$7 (4-packs & 4-inch pots). Both events will be happening simultaneously at each co-op location and held outside in their parking lot. Locations include: 30 N King St, Northampton, MA; and 228 Northampton St, Easthampton, MA. Everyone is welcome!
See Your Ad Here

Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 35,000 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, APRIL 30, 2022

FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
TECHNOLOGY/ SKILLSHARE. 9am-1pm. Technology Day –Bring your handheld devices to the library, and friendly experts can help answer all of your questions. Great opportunity to learn about technology through shared knowledge. Drop in between 9am- 1pm. Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
MAY DAY/ KINDNESS. 9am-1pm. Celebrate Mayday – Weave a simple basket, put in a potted pansy, and pass it on as a random act of kindness! Chesterfield Library. 413-296-4735. 408 Main Rd, Chesterfield, MA.
LIBRARY BOOK SALE. 9:45am. Friends’ Spring Book Sale – Stock up on books that support your interests, including picture books, gardening books, cookbooks, and summer reading materials! West Springfield Public Library. 413-736-4561. 200 Park St, West Springfield, MA.
COMMUNITY SERVICES/FIRE DEPARTMENT. 10am. Meet the Helpers – The Sunderland Fire Department will host a Meet & Greet. Kids are invited to check out a fire engine, talk with a firefighter, enjoy a StoryWalk, meet a librarian, and connect with the local library. Takes place at the Cliffside Apartments. 248 Amherst Rd. Sunderland, MA.
FEATURED SUMMER CSA
Yellow Stone House Farm
Westfield, MA
Yellow Stonehouse Farm, Hampden County’s only certified organic vegetable farm, is offering Summer 2022 crop-shares to Westfield and Hilltown residents. There are different types of shares designed for all households, including Pick-Your-Own veggies, flowers, and herbs at no extra charge. Each share includes recipes, nutritional info, and weekly herbs. Visit on Open Farm Day on April 30, 10am-4pm. How to enroll? Complete a membership form available at
yellowstonehousefarmcsa.com. Payments by check, EBT, Credit/Debit, and SNAP-HIP are accepted. Call for help with your membership form and payment arrangements at 413-562-2164 or email
yellowstonehousefarmcsa@gmail.com.
BOARD GAMES/ INTERGENERATIONAL. 10am-12pm. Boardgames – Join others at the library for board games! Game players of all ages (3 – 103) are welcome. Not sure if your favorite game will be available? Email Naomi at kmit@cwmars.org. Meekins Library. 413-268-7472. 2 Williams St, Williamsburg, MA.
BOTANY/ TREES. 10am-12pm. Trees through the Seasons – Walkthrough Arcadia’s upland and riverine forest communities, searching for tree bud emergence and blooming spring ephemerals. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. 413-584-3009. 127 Combs Rd, Easthampton, MA.
BOTANY/ GARDENING. 10am-5pm. Daffodil and Tulip Festival – Stroll through world-renowned gardens decorated with over 130,000 daffodils, tulips, and minor bulbs in the Berkshires. Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
HIKING/ INTERGENERATIONAL. 1-3pm. Family-Friendly Trail Hike – Enjoy a family-friendly trail hike suitable for families with children able to walk one to three miles on an easy to moderate trail. For all ages. Mount Greylock Visitor Center. 413-499-4262. 30 Rockwell Road, Lanesborough, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Native Species/Porcupine
Native species are excellent community-based educational resources to support interests and education. Take the porcupine, an animal neighbor who lives in rocky outcrops and hollow trees in Western MA. Exploring porcupines can support interests in habitat conservation, animal biology, biomimicry, folk art, and Native American mythology. Get curious and propose questions to naturalists at your local conservation area. – What does a porcupine eat? Can they shoot their quills? What type of habitat do they prefer? When is their mating season? – These are all great questions to begin your lessons in learning through the lens of the porcupine.
SUNDAY, MAY 1, 2022
FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
BOTANY/ GARDENING. 10am-5pm. Daffodil and Tulip Festival – Stroll through world-renowned gardens decorated with over 130,000 daffodils, tulips, and minor bulbs in the Berkshires. Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
PLANT SWAP/ COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION. 11am-3pm. Spring Repotting and Plant Swap – Takes place at the Lily Library. 413-587-1500.19 Meadow Street, Florence, MA.
LINGUISTICS. 2-5pm. Linguistic Heritage Celebration – Performances, food, biliteracy activities, music, and more. Held on the Amherst Town Common. Amherst, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: May Day
The season’s next basket-centric holiday is May Day, following the spring holidays! Much evolved from its earlier historical and cultural roots, a modern May Day includes baskets full of bright flowers, outdoor folk dancing, and other spring celebrations. While there is no one event or celebration to which we can trace modern May Day’s roots, there are a handful of possibilities. In Roman times, May Day celebrations praised Chloris, the goddess of the earth, and these earliest celebrations inspired similar May Day traditions in cultures for centuries to come. The ancient Celtic festival of Beltane is held on May 1 and celebrates summer’s coming with bonfires and dancing. Germany’s Walpurgisnacht similarly celebrates springtime in a Pagan way, with bonfires and wrapping a maypole. Today, a fully celebrated May Day likely includes May baskets filled with flowers, beautifully dressed Morris dancers, and the wrapping of a maypole.
MONDAY, MAY 2, 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.
PARENT SUPPORT. 10-11:30am. Parent Chat in the Hilltowns – Refreshments and snacks will be available & childcare is provided, so parents and guardians can sit down and enjoy time with other adults. Held at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Ashfield, MA.
BOTANY/ GARDENING. 10am-5pm. Daffodil and Tulip Festival – Stroll through world-renowned gardens decorated with over 130,000 daffodils, tulips, and minor bulbs in the Berkshires. Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Fishing
There are many places to go fishing in Western Massachusetts while connecting with the local landscape while spending time outdoors. The season kicks off with fishing derbies happening around the region in the spring. Getting curious about the impacts fishing has had on our local culture, the history of fishing, how anglers stored fish without refrigeration, and what fish species live in our region can guide your learning. – What is the fishing cultural heritage of New England? How has Western Massachusetts participated in this culture as both consumer and through recreation? Before the invention of refrigerators and freezers, how was fish preserved? How were fish caught before the introduction of contemporary materials? Do you know how many species of fish live in the Connecticut River? The Westfield River? The Housatonic River? – Let these questions lead your learning this spring. Read more in our post, Learning Ahead: Fishing.
TUESDAY, MAY 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
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.
ANIMAL STUDIES/ PreK. 10:30am. Wildlife on Wheels – A trained professional from Forest Park Zoo will bring animals of different kinds to the library and teach about their habitats, behaviors, diets, and status in the wild. Children will have a chance to ask questions and touch the animals if they wish! Edwards Public Library. 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.
MUSIC STUDIES/ WIND INSTRUMENTS. 5pm. Wind Chamber Music Studio Recital – Featuring wind chamber music, students of Stephen Walt give a final performance of their groups. Held in Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall at Williams College. 413-597-3131. 880 Main St. Willilamstown, MA
ROLLER SKATING. 5-8pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: Mental Health Awareness Month
Everyone knows someone whose life has been touched by a mental illness. Learning about and understanding mental illness can help you become a more knowledgeable friend or family member and educate yourself on your own mental health. Check out the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for information on Mental Health for Adolescents to learn about the common warning signs and disorders of mental health and access to services and resources for treatment.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 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)
STORYTIME/ PLAYGROUP. 10-11:30am. Seasonally themed storytime/playgroups. South Hadley Public Library. 413-538-5045. 2 Canal St., South Hadley, 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. 3:30pm. 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.
Self-Directed Learning: Agriculture/Asparagus
In the Connecticut River Valley, late spring is always associated with harvesting asparagus or ‘Hadley Grass.’ Hadley, once known as the ‘Asparagus Capital of the World,’ was famous for its asparagus from the 1930s to the 1970s. In May and June, the whole Hadley community would come together and harvest up to 50 tons of asparagus a day by hand. While Hadley and the surrounding towns once had several hundred small asparagus farms, in the mid-1970s, a fungus called Fusarium was introduced to the area and decimated the asparagus industry. Local asparagus production may only be a tenth of what it once was, but the asparagus harvest is still an important cultural event for many in the region. Many of our local towns honor the asparagus harvest as a traditional part of spring through food celebrations and community meals, marking the season and connecting us to where we live through food traditions.
THURSDAY, MAY 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
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.
BOTANY/ GARDENING. 10am-5pm. Daffodil and Tulip Festival – Stroll through world-renowned gardens decorated with over 130,000 daffodils, tulips, and minor bulbs in the Berkshires. Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, 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.
QUANTUM PHYSICS/ CONSCIOUSNESS. 6:30pm. Does a Rock Have Consciousness? An Exploration of Consciousness, Quantum Physics, and Who We Are. – In this special 90-minute program, Joe Sabella will share his insights on how the quantum physics responsible for our computers, cell phones, and internet economy is also responsible for consciousness. Although most people would assume that a rock can’t have consciousness, he encourages them to keep an open mind because what a rock is, and what a rock experiences may surprise them! Joe will take us beyond the possibility of rock consciousness and explore the relationship between quantum physics and consciousness means for us as human beings. Hosted by the Greenfield Public Library. Register for the Zoom link at librarian@greenfieldpubliclibrary.org. (Virtual)
ROLLER SKATING. 7-9:30pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
PARENT SUPPORT. 8:30pm. Sometimes just getting through the day deserves a reward. Grab a snack, put on your PJs, and join other tired parents for this night-time group hosted by It Takes A Village. (Virtual)
Self-Directed Learning: Food Studies/Rhubarb
This time of year, farm stands all over the area are selling rhubarb. A local delicacy, rhubarb, has been enjoyed globally for thousands of years in sweet and savory dishes. In China, rhubarb has also been prized for its medicinal properties. For most people, the most common application of rhubarb is paired with strawberries in crumbles or pies. Many 19th century cookbooks even refer to rhubarb as the ‘pie plant.’ When the weather gets hot, try making this strawberry-rhubarb sorbet served in ice bowls to help cool off! After you’ve eaten the sorbet, you can experiment with the bowl as it melts. Does freezing change the herbs that were encased in ice?
FRIDAY, MAY 6, 2022
FEATURED CO-OP
River Valley Co-Op
Northampton & Easthampton, MA
Springtime events at River Valley Co-op! From May 6-9, 2022, the co-op will have select full cases of popular items available for up to 40% OFF! Household items, pantry staples, meat and seafood, and more. Plus, there will be hundreds of individual items on sale throughout the store! Then from May 9-15, 2022, the co-op will have their annual spring plant sale featuring veggie, herb, and flower starts from local farms available for just 2/$7 (4-packs & 4-inch pots). Both events will be happening simultaneously at each co-op location and held outside in their parking lot. Locations include: 30 N King St, Northampton, MA; and 228 Northampton St, Easthampton, MA. Everyone is welcome!
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.
BOTANY/ GARDENING. 10am-5pm. Daffodil and Tulip Festival – Stroll through world-renowned gardens decorated with over 130,000 daffodils, tulips, and minor bulbs in the Berkshires. Naumkeag. 413-298-3239. 5 Prospect Hill Rd, Stockbridge, 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.
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.
MUSIC STUDIES/ DRUMMING. 6:45pm. The Hilltown Intergenerational Drum Circle – All ages and beginners are welcome to this biweekly drum circle, led by Rosie Fanale. Call to confirm before heading over. Shelburne Senior Center. 413-625-8470. Shelburne Falls, MA.
Self-Directed Learning: River Walks
A handful of local paths and trails provide access to the natural and human history contained on the banks of western Massachusetts rivers. From short, interpretive paths to remnants of ancient trail systems, these paths and trails bring families closer to the waters that sustain the landscape. Read more in our post, Urban And Rural River Walks and Trails Highlight Natural and Human History.
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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, Chester, 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.