Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

Hilltown Families’ Annual Class Directory

FEATURED EVENT

FEATURED DANCE CLASSES

FEATURED CLASSES

FEATURED FUNDRAISING EVENT

FEATURED JOB OPENING

List of Weekly Suggested Events

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Self-Directed Learning: Humanities/Scarecrows

Have you ever stopped to consider the fascinating history of scarecrows, those iconic figures that stand guard in fields? These silent guardians were originally created to keep birds from feasting on newly sown seeds, and their origins can be traced back to ancient cultures like the Egyptians and the Japanese. Different materials were used to make scarecrows throughout history, and their designs have evolved to adapt to various bird species. Beyond their practical use, scarecrows have also become a part of folklore and pop culture, often symbolizing wisdom or introspection in literature and inspiring creative festivals worldwide. Observing a scarecrow can also lead to contemplation about the bond between humans and nature and our ongoing efforts to protect our food sources. Next time you see a scarecrow, take a moment to appreciate the history, craftsmanship, and stories it holds. Read more in our post, “Scarecrow Studies Illuminate Cultural History and Creative-Free Play.”

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Self-Directed Learning: Agriculture/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.

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Self-Directed Learning: Language Arts/Comic Books

Today is National Comic Book Day, celebrating an art form that combines visuals and storytelling. Comics began as simple strips in newspapers, but have evolved into complex graphic novels and story arcs. Have you ever considered the pioneers who guided this transition? Comics have mirrored societal shifts and superhero characters have gained popularity during certain eras. They have also been redefined over the decades. Comics now challenge traditional norms and promote inclusivity with diverse characters and narratives. Genres range from fantasy to autobiographical tales, showcasing the talents of contemporary artists who push boundaries. Comics are enjoyed universally and offer a powerful tool for education and cultural exchange. Next time you read a comic, reflect on its roots, evolution, and its ability to both entertain and enlighten. Read more in our post, Comics & Role-Playing Gaming Promote Creativity & Storytelling for Teens .

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Self-Directed Learning: Food Studies/Hickory Nuts

During autumn, the hickory tree provides hickory nuts which play a significant role in various regional traditions, both historically and culinary. Indigenous diets have relied on these nuts for centuries due to their high levels of fat and protein, which are crucial for winter sustenance. Additionally, hickory nuts possess other nutritional properties that add to their value. As you explore the woods, take note of the different types of hickory trees and challenge yourself to identify at least two different species. The nut also plays an important role in ecology, providing food for various species. What would happen if the trees produced fewer nuts? Hickory nuts are not just for cracking open for pies, they also offer an opportunity for inquiry into their culinary uses and ecological impact. Each hickory nut is a little capsule of culinary history and habitat waiting to be explored.

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Self-Directed Learning: Music Studies/Classical Music

September is Classical Music Month, inviting us to explore the timeless sounds and stories of centuries past. What makes the symphonies of Beethoven and the operas of Mozart so enduring? Can you distinguish the instruments carrying the melodies and harmonies that resonate so deeply? Each composition carries historical context or personal stories from the composer’s life. How did historical events in Europe influence the works of Chopin or Shostakovich? Classical music has shaped and been influenced by the cultures and societies it originates from. Delve into this musical realm to not only listen, but also feel and understand how classical compositions reflect societal moods or echo global events of their time. Let the sweeping orchestras, intricate sonatas, and dramatic arias inspire deeper inquiry and appreciation. It’s not just about music—it’s about the world that created it.

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Self-Directed Learning: Nutritional Anthropology/New England Regional Foods

Experience New England’s rich culinary heritage and discover the history and culture behind its iconic dishes. Have you ever wondered why clam chowder is synonymous with the region? Or how Yankee pot roast, slow-cooked to perfection, embodies New England’s resilience and resourcefulness? These dishes, along with others, reflect the influences of Indigenous peoples, early European settlers, and subsequent immigrant communities. And what about the Shaker communities? How did their emphasis on simplicity and self-sufficiency translate into the recipes they championed? Have you ever pondered on the unique techniques they used to preserve the full spectrum of lemon flavors in their Shaker lemon pie? Let each dish be a gateway into exploring the complex history of the region. Discover how centuries of trade, migration, and adaptation have shaped the flavors of today. Taste the food and uncover the stories that simmer just below the surface, waiting to be told. This gastronomic journey is more than just about food – it’s a tangible taste of New England’s evolving identity.

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Self-Directed Learning: Food Studies/Coffee

As you sip your coffee on National Coffee Day, ponder the elaborate dance of physics and chemistry that brings this beloved beverage to life. Ever wondered why a well-pulled espresso tastes so different from drip coffee? It’s all in the extraction process, which is governed by pressure, temperature, and time. What role do the Maillard reaction and caramelization play in giving coffee its signature flavor and color? How does the grind size of your coffee beans affect extraction? Even the water you use isn’t just a background character; its mineral content can dramatically affect flavor. Meanwhile, global coffee culture reflects a rich tapestry of history, trade, and capitalism. Why is Turkish coffee prepared the way it is, and how did the Ethiopian coffee ceremony become an intricate part of their culture? Ethical sourcing and sustainable agriculture are pressing questions too; do you know where your coffee comes from? This National Coffee Day, may your cup not only energize you but also spark curiosity about the complex world, from chemistry to culture, that makes your daily brew so much more than just a cup of coffee.

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Weekly eNewsletter

Online and in-person events and resources shared above are done so as a courtesy and not as an endorsement. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm information, age appropriateness, registration requirements, safety protocols, and associated costs.

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Hilltown Families’ list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Agawam, Amherst, Bernardston, Buckland, Goshen, Greenfield , Hadley, Heath, Huntington, Lee, Montgomery, Northern Berkshire, Orange, Pelham, Plainfield, Rowe, Shelburne, Shutesbury, South Hadley, Southampton, Springfield, Tolland, Washington, Westhampton, Windsor, and Worthington Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.