Weekly Suggested Events for Sept 10-16, 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: SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2022
COMMUNITY-BASED EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
ANIMAL STUDIES. Wildlife Center at Look Memorial Park. 413-584-5457. 300 N Main St, Florence, MA.
COLONIAL HISTORY. Mission House. 413-298-3239. Main Street. Stockbridge, MA
OUTDOOR ADVENTURES. Northfield Mountain. 413-659-3714. 99 Millers Falls Road, RT 63, Northfield, MA.
LITERACY. Springfield Central Library. 413-263-6828. 220 State Street. Springfield MA.
DANCE STUDIES. Earthdance. 413-634-5678. 252 Prospect Street, Plainfield, MA.
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities


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InfinityEd is an instructional organization devoted to providing students with what they need to succeed by providing an education that goes beyond the limits of the public school system. By fostering an environment that encourages discussion-based learning over lectures, InfinityEd nourishes a student’s love of learning and promotes a deeper understanding of content. Click here to schedule a free trial/consultation and intro lesson for the program of your choice. They offer programs via multiple formats: remote, in-office (Amherst, MA), and in-center (Hampden, MA). Prospective students also have the choice of individualized, one-on-one instruction or working within a small group of similar-minded students. Remember: education makes life better! Learn more at infinityed.us.
The fourth annual Arcadia Folk Festival returns on September 17, 2022, with Bonny Light Horseman, Brett Dennen, Heather Maloney, and many more! This 100% solar-powered outdoor festival will bring the community together around music in the heart of the Pioneer Valley to support the work of Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. Carrie Ferguson & The Grumpytime Club and ten-year-old Louie Phipps will perform music for the entire family. There will be nature activities and nature art and craft projects just for kids. The festival will also feature the best in local plant-based food, and Makers Market craft vendors will have work inspired by nature or environmentally friendly / up-cycled art. Kids 10 and under are free. Tickets: www.arcadiafolkfest.com

on Thursday, September 15, 2022, from 5-9pm. A free, fun street party for all ages!
FEATURED EVENT
Housatonic Heritage Walks
Berkshire County, MA, & Litchfield County, CT

Housatonic Heritage Walks are FREE, guided interpretive walks to the most interesting historic, cultural, industrial, natural, and scenic sites in Berkshire County, MA, & Litchfield County, CT. These family-friendly free walks are offered on autumn weekends throughout September and early October. Explore with knowledgeable & local historians, naturalists, and environmentalists at sites within the Housatonic River Valley: tours of historic buildings and town centers, trail hikes, walks through industrial heritage sites, a canoe paddling trip on the Housatonic River, bike rides on quiet country roads that have a history, behind-the-scenes tours at performing arts venues, and strolls through formal gardens and estates. All ages & all people are invited. More info: Heritage-Hikes.org.
FEATURED OPEN HOUSE
Red Mare Farm Horseback Riding Lessons
Hatfield, MA

Red Mare Farm Horseback Riding Lessons in Hatfield is hosting an Open House on Saturday, Sept 10, from 12-3pm, with FREE pony rides. Meet the instructors and their horses, and enjoy free pony ride and refreshments. Their open house is rain or shine (they have an indoor riding ring). Red Mare Farm provides year-round dressage-based riding lessons for adults & kids ages 8+. Red Mare Farm strives to teach riders to be the best partners with the horse that they can be. Safety, respect, and fun are the essential ingredients. Lesson subscription plans are available, including regular unmounted horsemanship classes for learning beyond the saddle. For more information: RedmarefarmLLC@gmail.com; 978-739-4707; www.redmarefarm.com.
FEATURED BALLET CLASSES
Massachusetts Academy of Ballet
Holyoke MA

Classes at the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet (MAB) emphasize classical ballet technique, musicality, artistry, and creativity. Students receive individual attention and discover that the joy of studying classical ballet is learning to accept a challenge, take a risk, achieve a personal goal, and improve daily. Children begin to study at age 3 in creative movement classes. Regular ballet classes start at age 8 and are also offered for teens and adults. Advanced ballet students take daily lessons and dance in community performances as part of MABETA, the Academy’s not-for-profit initiative. The MAB studios are modern, spacious, and equipped with sprung floors. For more info: rflachs@massacademyofballet.com; 413-536-6200; www.massacademyofballet.com
FEATURED THEATER CLASSES
Starlight’s Youth Theatre
Sunderland, MA
Starlight’s Youth Theatre 2022 fall classes begin Saturday, September 10. Grades 1-3 will present the musical Frosty the Snowman; Grades 4-6 will present the musical Rudolph the Red nose Reindeer. Both shows will be at Amherst Middle School on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Grades 7-12 will be working on straight plays that are all based on true stories: And then they came for me, A Thousand Cranes, and Just before Sleep. Classes will be held at Maple Ridge Community Center in Sunderland, MA. Saturday and Monday classes are available. To register for classes, visit their website. More info: www.starlights-youth-theatre.com.
FEATURED MUSIC OPPORTUNITY
Pioneer Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra
Greenfield, MA
Play classical music, learn, and have fun! The Pioneer Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra is currently accepting all instruments. The Youth Orchestra (YO) is an ensemble of talented, hard-working musicians ages 10-18, led by Director Nell Wiener. A year with the YO includes many exciting activities, such as presenting live concerts, playing with the Symphony Orchestra, performing music for their peers in local schools, playing in chamber music groups, and special small group coaching from professional musicians. Rehearsals are Sundays 5-7pm at Greenfield High School, Sept 11 – April 13. Tuition is $150 per semester; partial and full scholarships are available. To join the YO, schedule a placement hearing on our website, by email, or by phone. For more information: youth@pvso.org; 413-773-3664; www.pvsoc.org/youth-orchestra
FEATURED MUSIC SCHOOL
Miss Leticia Music School
Amherst, MA

Ukulele, Guitar, Bass, Drums, Rock Band, and Voice in person and online for all ages. Group and private instruction in Beginning I & II, Intermediate and advanced Ukulele, Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Bass, Drums, Rock Band and Voice. Adult Guitar, Ukulele, and Rock Band Groups are offered as well as private voice training. Teachers include: Miss Leticia (guitar, ukulele, rock band, voice); Rusty Daniels (guitar, ukulele, bass, drums, rock band); Rhys Davies (adult rock band), Gruff Davies (Rock Band), Sarah VanElls (Voice). After school and evenings. For more information: missleticia@missleticia.com; 413-246-7338; missleticia.com.
FEATURED MUSIC SCHOOL
Berkshire Music School
Pittsfield, MA

Experience the joy of music at the Berkshire Music School! Take a private lesson for all levels and ages offered in any band or orchestral instrument as well as voice and theory, online or in-person at our historic Pittsfield campus. Lessons may be arranged for 30, 45, or 60 minutes each week to meet the needs of the individual student. BMS’s fun Community Group Classes are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis. Visit the Berkshire Music School website for class offerings. Check out why BMS was named the Berkshire Eagle’s 2021 Best of the Berkshires “Best After-School Program.” For more information: cpearson@berkshiremusicschool.org; 413-442-1411; www.berkshiremusicschool.org
FEATURED MUSIC SCHOOL
Northampton Community Music Center
Northampton, MA

Founded in 1986, the Northampton Community Music Center offers quality music instruction for all ages and abilities. The Center houses 15 teaching studios, 2 recital halls, keyboard lab, music library, and recording studio. 50 professional faculty members teach private lessons in more than 20 instruments. Other programs include Music Together® for babies and toddlers, a comprehensive Suzuki program in violin, cello and guitar for ages 4+, instrumental and vocal ensembles, multitrack recording, songwriting, and more. There are many programs for adults and seniors, too. Events showcasing professional and student performances are hosted throughout the year. Financial aid is available to all who qualify. Visit ncmc.net for more info.
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List of Weekly Suggested Events
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2022
FEATURED EVENT
Housatonic Heritage Walks
Berkshire County, MA, & Litchfield County, CT

Housatonic Heritage Walks are FREE, guided interpretive walks to the most interesting historic, cultural, industrial, natural, and scenic sites in Berkshire County, MA, & Litchfield County, CT. These family-friendly free walks are offered on autumn weekends throughout September and early October. Explore with knowledgeable & local historians, naturalists, and environmentalists at sites within the Housatonic River Valley: tours of historic buildings and town centers, trail hikes, walks through industrial heritage sites, a canoe paddling trip on the Housatonic River, bike rides on quiet country roads that have a history, behind-the-scenes tours at performing arts venues, and strolls through formal gardens and estates. All ages & all people are invited. More info: Heritage-Hikes.org.

LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 7:30am-1:30pm. Amherst Farmers’ Market – Town Common. Amherst, MA.
⭐️ AGRICULTURE/ COMMUNITY TRADITIONS. 8am-10pm. The 173nd Franklin County Fair. Greenfield, MA.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 8am-12:30pm. Greenfield Farmers’ Market – Since 1975, the Greenfield Farmers’ Market has provided fresh, locally grown produce, animal products, artisanal goods, and handcrafted items. Court Square. Greenfield, MA.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 8am-1pm. Northampton Farmers’ Market – Gothic Street. Northampton, MA.
FAMILY RADIO: 9-10am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 9am-1pm.Ashfield Farmers’ Market – Fresh produce, meat, bread, and plants on the Town Common. Ashfield, MA.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 9am-1pm.The Pittsfield Farmers Market – The first teen-run market in the region! Shoppers will find fresh, local, and seasonal foods & products, along with live music, chef demos, workshops, and children’s activities. Town Common. Pittsfield, MA.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 9am-1pm. Great Barrington Farmers’ Market – Lots of vendors. Freshly grown and produced foods, ready to eat or take home, flowers, plants, and more! 18 Church Street. Great Barrington, MA.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 9am-1pm. Williamstown Farmers’ Market – A setting for community gathering and interaction with local growers, artisans, producers, bakers, and food-makers sharing a wealth of knowledge and skills about local agriculture and production. Spring St. Williamstown, MA.
⭐️ AGRICULTURE/ HAZELNUTS. 10am-1pm, 2-5pm. Hazel Nut Harvest Days – Learn about this protein-rich, perennial food that can be grown here in Western MA! Learn how to bring in the harvest and see what’s been going on at the farm this year. Nutwood Farm. Cummington, MA.

HISTORIC TRADES/ GRAVESTONES. 10am-4pm. Historic Trade Demonstration: Gravestone Carving – Learn about the art of gravestone carving firsthand at Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION. 10am-4pm. Dino Fest – Dino Fest is a wonderful event full of crafters and music that brings together the community and the surrounding area. Special events include a pie baking contest, chili cook-off, Dino Dance, and more. On the Common. Granby, MA.
FEATURED THEATER CLASSES
Starlight’s Youth Theatre
Sunderland, MA
Starlight’s Youth Theatre 2022 fall classes begin Saturday, September 10. Grades 1-3 will present the musical Frosty the Snowman; Grades 4-6 will present the musical Rudolph the Red nose Reindeer. Both shows will be at Amherst Middle School on Saturday, November 5, 2022. Grades 7-12 will be working on straight plays that are all based on true stories: And then they came for me, A Thousand Cranes, and Just before Sleep. Classes will be held at Maple Ridge Community Center in Sunderland, MA. Saturday and Monday classes are available. To register for classes, visit their website. More info: www.starlights-youth-theatre.com.
CORN MAZE. 10am-5pm. Get lost in a corn maze, a classic New England tradition! Hicks Family Farm. 1299 Route 2 E. Charlemont MA.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 10:30am-3pm. Holyoke Farmers’ Market. 164 Race St, Holyoke, MA.
COMMUNITY MEAL. 11am. 9th Annual Chicken BBQ with the Three Rivers Firefighters Association. 40 Belchertown St, Three Rivers, MA.
⭐️ ANIMAL STUDIES/ REPTILES. 11am. Bubba’s Reptile Experience – Join patrons in the Tilton Library backyard for an interactive reptile experience! Learn about, touch, and even hold different reptiles. Tilton Library. 413-665-4683. 75 North Main Street. South Deerfield, MA.
FEATURED OPEN HOUSE
Red Mare Farm Horseback Riding Lessons
Hatfield, MA

Red Mare Farm Horseback Riding Lessons in Hatfield is hosting an Open House on Saturday, Sept 10, from 12-3pm, with FREE pony rides. Meet the instructors and their horses, and enjoy free pony ride and refreshments. Their open house is rain or shine (they have an indoor riding ring). Red Mare Farm provides year-round dressage-based riding lessons for adults & kids ages 8+. Red Mare Farm strives to teach riders to be the best partners with the horse that they can be. Safety, respect, and fun are the essential ingredients. Lesson subscription plans are available, including regular unmounted horsemanship classes for learning beyond the saddle. For more information: RedmarefarmLLC@gmail.com; 978-739-4707; www.redmarefarm.com.
⭐️ ART STUDIES/ PLACEMAKING. 12-5pm. Youth Arts in the Park Festival – Picnic, puppets, music, mask making & more! Free and open to all. Pettingill Park (behind the fire station on Main Street). Cummington, MA.
FIBER ARTS. 1pm. Wet Needle Felting with Talia Lefton. Call to sign up. Worthington Library. 413-238-5565. One Huntington Rd, Worthington, MA
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival or Mooncake Festival, is a traditional festival in Chinese culture which celebrates the end of the fall harvest, often marked with Mooncakes. Mooncakes, or yuebing, are a delicious Chinese pastry made with red bean or lotus seed paste, formed in wooden molds with carved symbols holding various meanings. Typically eaten during the Mid-Autumn Festival, each region of China has its own version of mooncakes, including recipes that contain whole salted egg yolk in the center to represent the full moon. The meaning of mooncakes runs deep. From molds to patterns, how mooncakes are made holds just as much meaning as does the sharing of this delicious treat. Get curious and discover more about this annual Chinese (and Vietnamese) tradition! Considered the Chinese Thanksgiving, Mid-Autumn Festival happens in September to celebrate the harvest, but you can enjoy mooncakes year-round. Tran’s World Food Market in Hadley, MA, sells premade Mooncakes in the autumn, but you can also find all the ingredients you need to make your own at home. Explore recipes to get you started, or you can ask the helpful staff at Tran’s World Food Market for ideas and the location of ingredients in the store.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2022
FEATURED EVENT
Housatonic Heritage Walks
Berkshire County, MA, & Litchfield County, CT

Housatonic Heritage Walks are FREE, guided interpretive walks to the most interesting historic, cultural, industrial, natural, and scenic sites in Berkshire County, MA, & Litchfield County, CT. These family-friendly free walks are offered on autumn weekends throughout September and early October. Explore with knowledgeable & local historians, naturalists, and environmentalists at sites within the Housatonic River Valley: tours of historic buildings and town centers, trail hikes, walks through industrial heritage sites, a canoe paddling trip on the Housatonic River, bike rides on quiet country roads that have a history, behind-the-scenes tours at performing arts venues, and strolls through formal gardens and estates. All ages & all people are invited. More info: Heritage-Hikes.org.

FAMILY RADIO: 7-8am. Hilltown Family Variety Show. WXOJ 103.3FM Northampton, MA. (Radio)
⭐️ AGRICULTURE/ COMMUNITY TRADITIONS. 8am-9pm. The 173nd Franklin County Fair. Greenfield, MA.
⭐️ AGRICULTURE/ HAZELNUTS. 10am-1pm, 2-5pm. Hazel Nut Harvest Days – Learn about this protein-rich, perennial food that can be grown here in Western MA! Learn how to bring in the harvest and see what’s been going on at the farm this year. Nutwood Farm. Cummington, MA.
LOCAL FOOD/ LOCAL CRAFTS. 10am-2pm. Belchertown Farmers and Artisans Market – Small New England town with local-based farmers supplying freshly harvested produce, animal products, and artisan crafts. Town Common. Belchertown, MA.
CORN MAZE. 10am-5pm. Get lost in a corn maze, a classic New England tradition! Hicks Family Farm. 1299 Route 2 E. Charlemont MA.
⭐️ COMMUNITY MEAL. 12-3pm. Annual Chicken BBQ – Florence Civic & Business Association. 90 Park St, Florence, MA.
⭐️ DANCE STUDIES. 1:30pm. Children’s Dance Class – A free dance class for kids ages 8-12 will be held at the Town Hall in Chesterfield, MA.
FEATURED MUSIC OPPORTUNITY
Pioneer Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra
Greenfield, MA
Play classical music, learn, and have fun! The Pioneer Valley Symphony Youth Orchestra is currently accepting all instruments. The Youth Orchestra (YO) is an ensemble of talented, hard-working musicians ages 10-18, led by Director Nell Wiener. A year with the YO includes many exciting activities, such as presenting live concerts, playing with the Symphony Orchestra, performing music for their peers in local schools, playing in chamber music groups, and special small group coaching from professional musicians. Rehearsals are Sundays 5-7pm at Greenfield High School, Sept 11 – April 13. Tuition is $150 per semester; partial and full scholarships are available. To join the YO, schedule a placement hearing on our website, by email, or by phone. For more information: youth@pvso.org; 413-773-3664; www.pvsoc.org/youth-orchestra
MUSIC STUDIES/ JAZZ & BLUE. 5pm. Bad News Jazz & Blues Concert – Hampshire County’s “Best Live Jazz” winners for two years running are excited to return to Hatfield for an encore performance after last year’s well-attended debut! Hatfield Town Hall Park. Hatfield, MA.
⭐️ PERFORMANCE ART/ ACTIVISM. 6pm. Bread & Puppet at Park Hill Orchard. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Walking Tours
We’re rich in walking tours here in western Massachusetts, an excellent community-based educational learning activity families can do together. Unlike scheduled tours guided by interpreters, self-guided walking tours offer lots of flexibility and opportunities for learning. We are also fortunate to have easy access to nature in our communities through local trails, nature preserves, and forests. This diversity of options inspires naturalists and conservation-minded enthusiasts to lead guided walks, hikes, and river paddling trips, teaching our local landscapes and biodiversity. Find out more about these local resources in our post, Over 25 Walking Tours Support Community-Based Education in Western MA. Find out about guided & self-guided hikes and vistas in our Sept/Oct Season edition of Learning Ahead: Cultural Itinerary for Western MA. Thanks to the internet, we can take a virtual walking tour of places worldwide, learning about natural history and cultural heritage through their landscape and cityscapes. Discover walking tours you take from the comfort of your couch. Destinations include Kuromon Ichiba Market in Osaka, Japan; Nami Island in Chuncheon, South Korea;Back streets and shopping streets of Le Marais, France; and Beverly Hills.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2022
PLAYGROUP. Northampton Parents Center.
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.
OUTDOOR FILM/ FAMILY DINNER. 8:30pm. Friday Night Movies in the Park – Enjoy a film outdoors on the big screen with family and friends! Movies begin at dusk, but make sure you arrive early for the best viewing spots. Pack a picnic, bring your blanket, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Greenfield, MA.
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Hawk Migration Season
Autumn is the season of Hawk migration. But Hawks aren’t the only bird of prey you can spot migrating this month. According to Mass Audubon, “Most numerous is the broad-winged hawk, which can sometimes be seen in flocks, or kettles, of hundreds, occasionally thousands of birds, “boiling” high into the sky. The next most commonly seen early fall migrants are the feisty sharp-shinned hawk, American kestrel, osprey, northern harrier (marsh hawk), and turkey vulture.” This seasonal phenomenon can be a catalyst for learning about ornithology and meteorology. Knowing the differences between various raptors and how weather patterns impact migration conditions supports interests and education and can also help us connect to seasonal changes through native species and local habitats. Learn more about hawk migration, what to listen for, and other raptors of the world to compare and contrast. Then, depending on where you live in Western MA, select a spot nearest your home for an outdoor morning adventure watching hawks, including Mt. Tom State Reservation (Easthampton, MA), Fobes Hill (Windsor, MA), and Mt. Greylock State Reservation (Adams, MA)
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2022
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUP. Northampton Parents Center
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUP. 10:30-11:30am. 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.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 1:30-6:30pm. Grow Food Northampton Tuesday Market – Held behind Thorne’s Marketplace, next to the parking garage. 99 Armory Street. Northampton, MA.
ROSH HASHANAH. 5pm. Shofar Making Workshop at the Springfield Jewish Community Center
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Apple Season
Apples, one of the earliest (and most delicious) signs of fall, have been an essential part of New England agriculture for centuries. McIntosh apples are undeniably the most iconic of New England’s apples and makeup over two-thirds of the region’s apple crop! Macs and countless other delicious and fascinating varieties of apples are grown at orchards across western Massachusetts. Families can enjoy this year’s apple crop by visiting an orchard to pick or purchase a bushel. Participate in the tradition of apple-picking and support local agriculture! Check with these local apple orchards for PYO conditions and opportunities this year: Park Hill Orchard (Easthampton), Outlook Farm (Westhampton), Bear Swamp Orchard & Cidery (Ashfield), Quonquont Farm (Whately), Clarkdale Fruit Farms (Deerfield), and Bashista Orchards (Southampton). Before heading out, learn about the history of the apple pie, and then while visiting these properties, take a picnic lunch and read Robert Frost’s “After Apple-Picking” and William Cullen Bryant’s “The Planting of an Apple-Tree.”
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2022
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUP. Northampton Parents Center
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.
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.
GEOGRAPHY/ MAP SKILLS. 1pm. Geocaching 101 at Mount Greylock State Reservation.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 2-6pm. Florence Wednesday Farmers Market – Florence Business and Civic Center Parking Lot. Florence, MA.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 2-6pm. The Great Falls Farmers Market – Held in historic downtown Turners Falls. Vendors may change weekly and include local produce, products, crafts, and activities. Peskeomskut Park. Avenue A, Turners Falls, 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.
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Harvest Season
During the autumnal months, communities celebrate the change of season with activities that bridge agricultural and cultural traditions. Teaching our children the value of connection with seasonal traditions through self-directed learning can help them learn and grow in endless ways. Children who understand and connect with their local landscape are much more likely to value environmental conservation as adults while building awareness of various cultures represented within a community and across time. Connecting to where we live through the seasons can help children appreciate and understand the places(s) they call home. In addition to participating in seasonal patterns of community engagement, learning about harvest seasons in other parts of the world is a point of entry for self-directed learning that can help us to better understand culture through the harvest lens, including cinnamon, pecans, seaweed, cork, and kalo.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022
PLAYGROUPS. Family Centers & Playgroups in Hilltowns & Pioneer Valley
PLAYGROUP. Northampton Parents Center
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in Franklin County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in south Berkshire County
PLAYGROUPS. Family Center & Playgroups in north Berkshire County
PLAYGROUP. 10am. For ages 0-5 at St. Philip’s Church Parish Hall. Call to register: 413-345-6015. 126 Main St., Easthampton, MA.
NEW PARENT GROUP. 10:30am & 1pm. Beyond Birth groups meet weekly in both Northampton (Thurs) and Amherst (Wed)! New babies birth-6 mos are at 1pm and older babies 6 mos to 1 year are at 10:30am. Northampton & Amherst, MA.
ARTS & CRAFTS. 11am & 2pm. Crafts at Amelia Park Children’s Museum. 413-572-4014. 29 S Broad St, Westfield, MA.
LOCAL FOOD/ AGRICULTURE. 12-5pm. Westfield Farmers’ Market – Locally grown agricultural products and hand-made crafts in a festive community atmosphere. Held on the lawn of the Episcopal Church of the Atonement, 36 Court St., Westfield, MA.

A free, fun street party for all ages!
ROLLER SKATING. 7-9:30pm. Interskate 91. 413-586-8344. 367 Russell Street, Hampshire Mall, Hadley, MA.
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Bluejays & Crows
Bluejays and American crows fill the early soundscape with their jeers and caws, warning one another of migrating broad-winged hawks overheard. The grey squirrel’s kuks & quaas can be heard from the branch-highway of oak, aspen, and maple trees they scurry upon as these deciduous trees slowly begin to drop their leaves. These are some of the sounds and movements of late summer and early autumn. Paying attention to our soundscape changes as we move through the seasons anchors us in the present moment and allows for investigation and appreciation. Take the time to stop and observe, seeing what thoughts and curiosities arise when you pay attention to your soundscape. Why are bluejays so quiet in the summer but not in the fall? How does the fall hawk migration influence their behavior? Can you tell the difference between a male and a female bluejay? How about crows? Do you know how long they live? Let these questions lead your learning this week, following your interests and connecting with the seasonal changes and behaviors of native species.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 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
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/ 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.
MORE EVENTS: Discover more events on Hilltown Families’ Facebook page.
Self-Directed Learning: Autumn Foliage
Autumn in Western Mass is when nature literally takes center stage; a destination visitors outside the area flock to because of the gorgeous dynamism of the season. The trees and their changing foliage are excellent connectors for kids (in a sense, they connect to themselves!) to the outdoors and their sense of place. In this change lies fantastic community-based educational opportunities tied to art and science. Read our post, Autumn Leaf Collecting Supports Art & Science, to see how you can get your kid hooked on fall by collecting, creating, and learning in their backyards, local parks, and nature conservation areas! Also, check out these videos to support learning about botany, chemistry, dendrology, and ecology through the lens of fall foliage!
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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, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.