Home < Weekly Suggested Events
SUGGESTED LEARNING IDEAS,
RESOURCES, & EVENTS
NOVEMBER 21-27, 2020

Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

Concluding its free virtual offerings this fall, the UMass Fine Arts Center presents the world premiere of Sandglass Theater’s film version of “Rock the Boat” Sunday, November 22 at 3pm (ET), followed by a live Q&A with the company. Based in Putney, VT, Sandglass was to begin live performances of “Rock the Boat” in March, so this is the first time the show will be seen in any format. “Rock the Boat” is a puppet show for young audiences (recommended ages 4+) that explores themes of refugees, inclusion, and respectful curiosity through the story of a poet alone at sea who suddenly finds his home filling with new characters seeking shelter and safety. Get tickets at fineartscenter.com and access the broadcast through November 28.

The New England Air Museum (NEAM) will host a Toys for Tots Toy Drive on Friday, November 27, 10:30am-2:30pm. Bring a new unwrapped toy for a youth in need, and receive free admission to the NEAM for children up to age 14. The museum will be collecting toys from Nov 27-Dec 12 to bring holiday cheer to those less fortunate by way of a new toy. NEAM is open daily from 10am-3pm & is the largest aviation museum in New England. It comprises three large public hangars, outdoor exhibits, and more than 100 aircraft ranging from early airships & flying machines to supersonic jets & helicopters. For more info & directions, visit www.neam.org or call 860-623-3305. NEAM is located within Windsor Locks, CT, adjacent to Bradley International Airport.

Featured Local Toy Store
A2Z Science & Learning Toy Store has unique gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list! Find fun jigsaw puzzles for adults, science kits for kids, games for the whole family, baby & toddler toys, and just fun & cool stuff you won’t find anywhere else! Shop in-store or online with their full inventory range. (Over 8,000 products!) They offer curbside pickup, local delivery, and shipping anywhere in the USA! Find them at 57 King Street in Northampton, MA, or online at A2ZScience.com!

Featured Preschool
Giving Tree School. Gill, MA. Celebrate the whole child! The Giving Tree preschool program is thoughtfully designed to support young children’s social-emotional growth, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills. Students enjoy ample outdoor exploration and playtime each day in our rambling and rugged Outdoor Classroom. Only 15 minutes from downtown Greenfield, set among the woods and pastures of Gill. Giving Tree is committed to fostering active, hands-on early learning experiences that are playful and purposeful, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Licensed by EEC and accredited by NAEYC & HighScope. Sliding scale tuition, accepting children ages 2.9-5. For more information: givingtreeschool.org, admin@givingtreeschool.org, or call 413-863-9218.

Featured Virtual Music Lessons
This holiday season, surprise the music lover on your list with virtual music lessons. For a limited time, Community Music School of Springfield gift packages feature buy-4-lessons get-1-free pricing! Choose a Trial Lesson Package for someone who wants to get a feel for high-quality music lessons using CMSS’s state-of-the-art virtual platform. Or new this year, if your loved one is ready to commit to ongoing lessons, you can LOCK IN discounted pricing for the rest of the school year (this translates to 4 free lessons, and payment plans are available). Perhaps you have a little one at home this year – Enroll in any Prelude Preschool of the Arts remote programming in Nov or Dec and get a host of add-ons for free! Visit CMSS online to learn more.

See Your Featured Ad Here
Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers, Hilltown Families can bring your message to thousands of readers in Western MA who are committed to their community and willing to support one another in times of need. In-person and virtual event organizers, local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our affordable advertising options and marketing packages. To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact Sienna at swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org.
Suggested Learning Ideas, Resources, & Events
November 21-27, 2020
- Saturday, November 21
- Sunday, November 22
- Monday, November 23
- Tuesday, November 24
- Wednesday, November 25
- Thursday, November 26
- Friday, November 27

Class Directory
Discover virtual & adapted programming in our 2020/2021 Class Directory for Western MA.

Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our 2020/2021 Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA
Home < Weekly Suggested Events < Learning Ideas
Follow Your Interests!
November 14-20, 2020

Home < Weekly Suggested Events
SUGGESTED LEARNING IDEAS, RESOURCES, & EVENTS
November 14-20, 2020

- Saturday, November 14
- Sunday, November 15
- Monday, November 16
- Tuesday, November 17
- Wednesday, November 18
- Thursday, November 19
- Friday, November 20
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

Featured Shop Local Event: November 14 & 15
The Annual Arts and Industry Open Studios will be ONLINE November 14 + 15, with web stores live at 10am. Continuing their 28-year tradition, over 30 artists, makers, and small businesses have pivoted to be able to open their virtual doors. They are offering online shopping, virtual appointments, local pick up, and more. Contact your favorite makers for details. Shop local, shop small, shop handmade this year! To see this year’s lineup of makers, visit brushworksopenstudios.com for more information.

Featured Performance: November 22, 3pm
Concluding its free virtual offerings this fall, the UMass Fine Arts Center presents the world premiere of Sandglass Theater’s film version of “Rock the Boat” Sunday, November 22 at 3pm (ET), followed by a live Q&A with the company. Based in Putney, VT, Sandglass was to begin live performances of “Rock the Boat” in March, so this is the first time the show will be seen in any format. “Rock the Boat” is a puppet show for young audiences (recommended ages 4+) that explores themes of refugees, inclusion, and respectful curiosity through the story of a poet alone at sea who suddenly finds his home filling with new characters seeking shelter and safety. Get tickets at fineartscenter.com and access the broadcast through November 28.
Featured Giving Opportunity
The New England Air Museum (NEAM) will host a Toys for Tots Toy Drive on Friday, November 27, 10:30am-2:30pm. Bring a new unwrapped toy for a youth in need, and receive free admission to the NEAM for children up to age 14. The museum will be collecting toys from Nov 27-Dec 12 to bring holiday cheer to those less fortunate by way of a new toy. NEAM is open daily from 10am-3pm & is the largest aviation museum in New England. It comprises three large public hangars, outdoor exhibits, and more than 100 aircraft ranging from early airships & flying machines to supersonic jets & helicopter. For more info & directions, visit www.neam.org or call 860-623-3305. NEAM is located within Windsor Locks, CT, adjacent to Bradley International Airport.
Featured Pediatric Practice

November 19, 5-6pm
Join admission representatives from six local independent elementary and middle schools located throughout the Pioneer Valley in a virtual educational fair on Thursday, November 19 from 5-6pm! After a short introduction by each school, families will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions directly to the representatives. Registration required. Participants will receive a Zoom invitation 24 hours before the event Participating schools include Academy Hill School, The Bement School, The Center School, The Common School, Four Winds School, and Smith College Campus School. Visit bement.org/virtualschoolfair to register.

See Your Ad Here
Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of readers in Western MA who are committed to their community and willing to support one another in times of need. In-person and virtual event organizers, local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our affordable advertising options and marketing packages. To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact Sienna at swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org.

Class Directory
Discover virtual & adapted programming in our 2020/2021 Class Directory for Western MA.

Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our 2020/2021 Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA
Listen to Podcast:
HFVS Best Friend Episode with Guest DJ, Kid Pan Alley
In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Kid Pan Alley features songs from their album, “Best Friends,” as well as songs from some of their favorite children’s music artists about this very subject. Tune in and feel inspired and rejuvenated with a collection of great songs to enjoy with your family and friends.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
November 7th & 8th, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: Wings | Animated Short Film. “In this story of kindness, friendship, and the fear of being left behind, a friendship takes flight as a mouse that wants to fly and an injured bird cross paths.”
Home < Weekly Suggested Events
Suggested Learning Ideas, Events & Resources for Western MA

Saturday, Nov 7 • Sunday, Nov 8 • Monday, Nov 9 • Tuesday, Nov 10 • Wednesday, Nov 11 • Thursday, Nov 12 • Friday, Nov 13
Featured Events, Resources, & Opportunities

The Annual Arts and Industry Open Studios will be ONLINE November 14 + 15, with web stores live at 10am. Continuing their 28-year tradition, over 30 artists, makers, and small businesses have pivoted to be able to open their virtual doors. They are offering online shopping, virtual appointments, local pick up, and more. Contact your favorite makers for details. Shop local, shop small, shop handmade this year! To see this year’s lineup of makers, visit brushworksopenstudios.com for more information.


November 9, 5-6pm
Bement is open with students attending school in person and they are accepting applications for fall 2021. The Bement School founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield is a co-educational junior boarding and day school serving 200 students in kindergarten through grade 9. Bement’s rich curriculum motivates and challenges students with strong academics, a renowned fine arts program, and a diverse athletic program. Students participate in athletics and fine arts every day. The pervasive atmosphere at Bement is that of a family, learning and living together. Bement actively seeks an academically diverse, international, and multi-cultural student body. For information join their virtual info session or call 413-774-4209 www.bement.org.

November 19, 5-6pm
Join admission representatives from six local independent elementary and middle schools located throughout the Pioneer Valley in a virtual educational fair on Thursday, November 19 from 5-6pm! After a short introduction by each school, families will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions directly to the representatives. Registration required. Participants will receive a Zoom invitation 24 hours before the event.
Participating schools include Academy Hill School, The Bement School, The Center School, The Common School, Four Winds School, and Smith College Campus School.
Visit bement.org/virtualschoolfair to register.

November 9, 5pm
Meet Jeff Kinney for a Drive-Thru Pool Party/Book Launch! On Monday, November 9, at 5pm, come to The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst and meet Jeff Kinney to celebrate his 15th Diary of a Wimpy Kid book, The Deep End. This socially-distanced event features a parking lot “pool party” drive-thru, including interactive stations drawn from the book. It ends with Jeff Kinney handing out autographed books using a 6-foot-long pool skimmer! Families are encouraged to “Wimpify” their cars for the chance to receive a box set of Kinney’s books. Registration required – click here! A ticket includes a pre-signed copy of The Deep End and admission for one vehicle.

Partner with Us
Partner with Hilltown Families in your online advertising! Delivering your message each week to over 25,000 subscribers, web visitors, and social media followers, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of readers in Western MA who are committed to their community and willing to support one another in times of need. In-person and virtual event organizers, local and online businesses, virtual and local service providers, non-profit organizations, and individuals are encouraged to reach out to find out about our affordable advertising options and marketing packages. To find out how we can partner together in your online marketing and outreach, contact Sienna at swildfield@hilltownfamilies.org.

Class Directory
Discover virtual & adapted programming in our 2020/2021 Class Directory for Western MA.

Preschool Directory
Find what you’re looking for in our 2020/2021 Preschool & Daycare Directory for Western MA

The fall is the season for harvesting wheat and corn. The word “harvest” is originally derived from the Old English “haerfest,” meaning “autumn.” In ancient Britain and other European communities, the fall harvest marked the reaping and gathering of wheat. Victorian folklorist James George Frazer recounts several northern European’ corn dolly’ customs, corn being an ancient term for any kind of grain: “In the neighbourhood of Danzig the person who cuts the last ears of corn makes them into a doll, which is called the Corn-mother or the Old Woman and is brought home on the last waggon. In some parts of Holstein the last sheaf is dressed in women’s clothes and called the Corn-mother. It is carried home on the last waggon, and then thoroughly drenched with water. The drenching with water is doubtless a rain-charm.”
Typically, these dolls, made at the harvest time, would be kept throughout the winter and then plowed into the following spring’s furrows. All over the world, harvest time is an occasion to thank the earth for providing us with food. Looking through the lens of the grain harvest, today’s self-directed learning module supports interests in European culture, Native American customs, and colonial food history through the lens of corn & wheat.
Read MoreListen to Podcast:
HFVS Halloween Episode
with Guest DJ, Eric Herman
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
October 31 & November 1, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “The Cruelest Lullaby”
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
Listen to Podcast:
PLAYLIST
- The Fuzzy Lemons – “Hallowalloween” [single]
- Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights – “Confusing Costume” [Good Egg]
- The Pop Ups – “Zoombies” [single]
- Lucy Kalantari and The Jazz Cats – “My Mommy is a Mummy” [It’s the Holidays]
- Nathalia – “Shake Them Bones” [Dream a Little]
- Charity and the Jam Band – “Dancing With Our Masks On” [single]
- Dirty Sock Fun Time Band – “Monster’s Lullabye” [The Dirty Socks Come Clean]
- Eric Herman – “The Cruelest Lullaby” [Snail’s Pace]
- Here Comes Trouble – “Hey Dolly” [Goo on My Shoe]
- Caspar Babypants – “Spooky Spooky Spooky” [Bug Out!]
- Chris Collins – “Oh Trick or Treat” [Halloween Fun]
- They Might Be Giants – “Hall of Heads [Apollo 18]
- James Coffey – “Halloween Train” [Halloween Train]
- Kenn Nesbitt – “Horror Movie Marathon” [single]
- John Williams – “Jaws Theme” [Jaws Soundtrack]
- Twinkle Time – “Halloween Dance” [Made in the U.S.A.]
- Eric Herman and the Puppy Dogs – “Clocks and Watches” [Magic Beans]
- Stacey Peasley – “Spooky” [single]
- Itty Bitty Beats – “Vampire Fang Brushing Song” [single]
CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR OTHER HALLOWEEN EPISODES
Halloween Episode with Guest DJ, Heidi Swedberg — Playlist/Video ♦ Podcast
Halloween Episode with Guest DJ, Andy Z — Playlist/Video ♦ Podcast
Halloween Episode — Playlist ♦ Podcast
Happy Haunted Halloween Episode with Guest DJ, Mr. Singer of the Sharp Cookies — Playlist/Video ♦ Podcast

Towns across Western Massachusetts have tales of haunted historic buildings, ghost sightings, and supernatural suspicions that lead people to wonder whether a place is haunted or not. Haunted tales are sometimes rooted in actual events or historical accounts from people of the past, and can add to the lore of a place. Find out about cemetery tours and local hauntings in our Sept/Oct Season edition of Learning Ahead: Cultural Itinerary for Western MA while supporting interests in history, paranormal activity, architecture, psychology, and physiology with this collection of videos for older teens and lifelong learners.

Called “pompions” by the first European colonists, pumpkins were a food essential to winter survival – and they were grown in many more varieties than they typically are today. The custom of carving pumpkins into Jack O’Lanterns was introduced to American culture by Irish immigrants, influencing our cultural landscape to this day. Traditionally carved from root vegetables, including turnips and potatoes, new hybrids of pumpkins are grown specifically for carving. For today’s self-directed learning module, follow your curiosity and learn about history, folklore, culture, and artisan techniques through the lens of jack-o-lanterns!

Halloween is a holiday that invites us to tell stories through costumes, allowing us to engage in fantasy and role-playing for at least a single night. Traditional costumes for Halloween include ghosts, zombies, iconic monsters (Dracula, Frankenstein, werewolves, etc.), and harvest icons (scarecrows, pumpkins, corn, etc.). Still, costumes, in general, can span the genres of history, reality, and culture. With interest in costumes being one many families consider this time of year, today’s self-directed learning module offers lessons in puppetry, indigenous cultures, history, film studies, costume design, storytelling, fashion design, and much more! With this list of curated videos, costumes are our catalyst for learning today.

Lessons in science and the humanities are integrated when using seeds to teach about botany, history, and culinary arts.
Seeds and their pods appear not only in our natural landscape, but they also fill our social scenery. Stalks of corn are bundled together with scarecrows as autumn decorations. Pinecones are scented with cinnamon and sold in stores. Sheaves of wheat are gathered with a variety of seed pods and sold as bouquets. Indian corn is hung on doors or added to centerpieces. Illustrations of acorns adorn circulars in the mail or accent classrooms.
But the influence of seeds aren’t always so evident. They often reside in liminal spaces, waiting to be discovered, eager to release their fullest potential, and do not know doubt. Never has a maple tree sprung from where an acorn has been planted.
Let seeds lead and teach valuable life lessons while revealing their social impact and historical significance. Read more in our post, Mindful Engagement through the Seasons: Seeds, and support your interest in fiber arts, plant biology, candy, slavery, history, snack foods, theater, and the value of perseverance with these selected videos:
SUGGESTED LEARNING IDEAS,
RESOURCES, & EVENTS
October 24-30, 2020
Haunted History ♦ Paranormal Activity ♦ Architecture ♦ Psychology ♦ Physiology ♦ Seeds ♦ Fiber Arts ♦ Plant Biology ♦ World History ♦ Candy ♦ Slavery ♦ Food History ♦ Theater History ♦ Jack-O-Lanterns ♦ Irish Folklore ♦ Artisan Techniques ♦ Costumes ♦ Indigenous Cultures ♦ Film Studies ♦ Storytelling ♦ Fashion Design ♦ Grain Harvest ♦ European Culture ♦ Native American Customs ♦ Colonial Food History ♦ Pumpkins ♦ Squash ♦ Gourds ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Electricity ♦ Nature Art ♦ Bluejays ♦ Crows ♦ Animal Behavior ♦ Meteorology ♦ Literature ♦ Scarecrows ♦ Cemetery Stories ♦ Birding ♦ Boreal Forest ♦ Fish Migration ♦ Sea Turtles ♦ Hawk Migration ♦ Art Studies ♦ Poster Art ♦ Disability History ♦ Art History ♦ Opera ♦ Creative Lettering ♦ Halloween ♦ Halloween Costumes ♦ Ghost Tours ♦ Voting Rights for Women ♦ Wampanoag ♦ Shaker History ♦ Agricultural History
Listen to Podcast:
HFVS “Places We Call Home” Episode with Guest DJ, Dana from Dana’s Music Playground
Everybody… from birds to beavers, seahorses to salmon, needs a safe space to live with their family. Award-winning children’s artist, Dana, explores and celebrates the places people and animals call home.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
October 24 & 25, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: “Underground Traffic Jam” by Dana.
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
Listen to Podcast:
PLAYLIST
- Dana-“A Place to Call Home” [A Place to Call Home]
- SaulPaul Featuring 123 Andres-“Home” [Be the Change]
- Andy Glockenspiel-“I Know What it Looks Like” [It’s Your Day]
- Bradley Weaver-“A Home for Every Creature” [A Song for Shirley]
- Dana-“Underground Traffic Jam” [A Place to Call Home]
- Johnette Downing-“Seahorses” [Fins and Grins]
- Julie K.-“Rockin’ Robin” [Animal Party]
- Dana-“Let’s Build a Dam” [A Place to Call Home]
- Jazzy Ash-“Salmon Song” [Home]
- Ruth & Emilia-“Where Do I Live” [The Spaceship That Fell in My Backyard]
- Dave Kinnoin-“Living Together” [Getting Bigger]
- Animal Farm-“The Abyss” [We Are One]
- Wendy & DB-“Home” [Hey Big World]
- Little Miss Ann-“Safe at Home” [Single]
- Dana-“Home” [A Place to Call Home]
SUGGESTED LEARNING IDEAS,
RESOURCES, & EVENTS
October 17-23, 2020
Jack-O-Lanterns ♦ Irish Folklore ♦ Artisan Techniques ♦ Costumes ♦ Indigenous Cultures ♦ Film Studies ♦ Storytelling ♦ Fashion Design ♦ Grain Harvest ♦ European Culture ♦ Native American Customs ♦ Colonial Food History ♦ Weather Folklore ♦ Meteorology ♦ Caterpillars ♦ Pumpkins ♦ Squash ♦ Gourds ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Electricity ♦ Nature Art ♦ Bluejays ♦ Crows ♦ Animal Behavior ♦ Autumn Foliage ♦ Deciduous Trees ♦ Chemistry ♦ Phenology ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Archaeology ♦ Boreal Spruce-Fir Forest ♦ Seed Saving ♦ Preserving the Harvest ♦ Aquatic Mammals ♦ Passenger Pigeon ♦ Coral ♦ Sparrows ♦ Permaculture ♦ 19th Amendment ♦ Native Homelands ♦ PumpkinFest ♦ Maritime Stories ♦ Pumpkin Show ♦ STEM ♦ StoryWalk ♦ Home Recording ♦ Opera History ♦ Mindfullness ♦ Cartography ♦ Creative Lettering ♦ Nature of Fashion ♦ Theater Studies ♦ Race & Justice

HFVS Sweets & Treats Episode with
Guest DJ, Again Again
In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Anne and Jen from Again Again take you on a sweet musical journey exploring how sugar and treats make their way into song. Keep your ears open for some tidbits on fruits and veggies, just to keep the hour balanced.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
October 17 & 18, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
PLAYLIST
- The Chordettes – “Lollipop” [Lollipop/Baby Come-A Back-A]
- Eurythmics – “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” [Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)]
- Again Again – “Bubble Gum and Cheese” [Listen. Love. Repeat.]
- The Beach Boys – “Vegetables” [Smiley Smile]
- The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever” [Magical Mystery Tour]
- Again Again – “Camping (Lullaby)” [Listen. Love. Repeat.]
- Little Richard – “Tutti Frutti” [Here’s Little Richard]
- Renee and Friends – “Starfish and Coffee” (ft. Maya Rudolph)- [Simpatico]
- Again Again – “Dinosaur Party” [Listen. Love. Repeat.]
- The Archies – “Sugar Sugar” [Everything’s Archie]
- Kacey Musgraves – “Spoonful of Sugar” [We Love Disney]
- Again Again – “Families Come in Blended Way” [Listen. Love. Repeat.]
- Sammy Davis Jr. “Candy Man” [Sammy Davis Jr. Now]
- Neil Diamond – “Sweet Caroline” [Sweet Caroline]
- Abba – “Honey Honey” [Waterloo]
- James Taylor – “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You)” [Gorilla]
- New Edition – “Candy Girl” [Candy Girl]
- Grateful Dead – “Sugar Magnolia” [American Beauty]
- Jack Johnson – “Banana Pancakes” [In Between Dreams]
Original Broadcast: October 26th & 27th, 2019
SUGGESTED LEARNING IDEAS,
RESOURCES, & EVENTS
October 10-16, 2020
Grain Harvest ♦ European Culture ♦ Native American Customs ♦ Colonial Food History ♦ Weather Folklore ♦ Meteorology ♦ Caterpillars ♦ Mushrooms ♦ Biochemistry ♦ Agriculture ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Plant Biology ♦ Colonial History ♦ Pumpkins ♦ Squash ♦ Gourds ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Electricity ♦ Nature Art ♦ Bluejays ♦ Crows ♦ Animal Behavior ♦ Apple Season ♦ Agriculture ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Autumn Foliage ♦ Deciduous Trees ♦ Chemistry ♦ Phenology ♦ Ornithology ♦ Hawk Migration ♦ Raptors ♦ Animal Sounds ♦ Opera History ♦ Halloween Through History ♦ Ghost Towns ♦ Ghost Tour ♦ Artifacts ♦ Art Studies ♦ Creative Lettering ♦ Drawing ♦ Museum Studies ♦ Film Studies ♦ Parenting ♦ Storytime ♦ Astronaut ♦ Zoology ♦ Ecology ♦ Marine Biology ♦ Pumpkin Show ♦ Culinary Arts
Listen to Podcast:
HFVS Connection Episode with
Guest DJ, Kare Strong (Radio Show/Podcast)
In this episode you’ll hear loving, fun and poetic songs about special ways of being in relationship, with each other, with animals and with the earth. Along the way you’ll meet amazing animals, grandparents, children and more.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
October 10th & 11th, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
FEATURED VIDEO: What Wolves Can Teach us About Human Connection.
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
Listen to Podcast:
PLAYLIST
- Kare Strong & Josh Goforth “Two Toads & a Bee” [Rivers of Love]
- Nick Cope “Have You Heard About Hugh?” [Have You Heard about Hugh?]
- Sarah Pirtle “Colors of the Earth” [The Wind is Telling Secrets]
- Sarah Goslee Reed “Katydid Waltz” [SongFest]
- Kare Strong & Josh Goforth “To the Country We Will Go” [Beneath the Cherry Tree]
- Dave Kinnoin & Jimmy Hammer “Tookie Tookie” [All I Do Is Hop]
- Timmy Abell “Like Love” [Little Red Wagon]
- Kari Kovick “Howdjadoo” [It’s You I Like]
- Kare Strong & Josh Goforth “A Party For Pig” [Beneath the Cherry Tree]
- Sarah Pirtle “Mama’s Weaving” [Pocket of Wonder]
- Elizabeth Mitchel & Suni Paz “ Cantaras Una Canción” [Tu Eres Mi Flor: Children’s Songs in
- Spanish] Elizabeth Mitchel “ Los Pollitos Dicen” (The Little Chicks) [You Are My Little Bird]
- Lui Collins “Waltzing With Bears” [North of Mars]
- Kare Strong & Josh Goforth “The Flower Faeries” [Beneath the Cherry Tree]
- Kare Strong & Josh Goforth “Sing, I Love You” [ Rivers of Love]
Original Broadcast: October 19th , 2019
SUGGESTED LEARNING IDEAS,
RESOURCES, & EVENTS
October 3-9, 2020
Mushrooms ♦ Biochemistry ♦ Agriculture ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Plant Biology ♦ Colonial History ♦ Scarecrows ♦ World History ♦ Harvest Season ♦ Pumpkins ♦ Squash ♦ Gourds ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Electricity ♦ Nature Art ♦ Bluejays ♦ Crows ♦ Animal Behavior ♦ Apple Season ♦ Agriculture ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Autumn Foliage ♦ Deciduous Trees ♦ Chemistry ♦ Phenology ♦ Nature-based Learning ♦ Gardening ♦ Marine Ecology ♦ Carnivorous Plants ♦ Pumpkin Show ♦ Pumpkinfest ♦ Sukkot ♦ Lebanon ♦ New Zealand ♦ Caribbean ♦ Abolition ♦ Dance Studies ♦ Music Studies ♦ Chantey Sing ♦ Birds of Prey ♦ Owls ♦ Animal Welfare ♦ Language Arts ♦ Storytime ♦ Paranormal ♦ Architectural Sculpture
Listen to Podcast:
HFVS “The Unexpected” Episode
with Guest DJs, Randy & Dave
A world of surprises awaits you. Hit songwriters Randy Sharp and Dave Kinnoin, known in children’s music as Randy & Dave, bring you songs that are full of the unexpected.
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
October 3 & 4, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Dive into Lewis Carroll’s epic nonsense poem, ‘Jabberwocky’ from his novel ‘Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There.'” – TED-Ed
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
Listen to Podcast:
PLAYLIST
• Randy & Dave – “Gubble Bum” [Giggle and Burp Ballet}
• Ruth and Emilia – “The Spaceship that Fell in my Backyard” [The Spaceship that Fell in my Backyard]
• Jonathan Sprout – “Dr. Seuss” [American Heroes #4]
• Randy & Dave – “Giggle and Burp Ballet” [Giggle and Burp Ballet}
• Kare Strong – “Family Over the Hill” [Rivers of Love]
• Red Grammer – “Barnyard Boogie” – [Teaching Peace]
• Dana – “Underground Traffic Jam” [A Place to Call Home]
• Valerie Smalkin – “Love Bug” [Love Bug]
• Randy & Dave – “Quiero Queso” [Giggle and Burp Ballet}
• Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer – “A Ballet Dancing Truck Driver” [Changing Channels]
• Uncle Devin – “Just One of Those Days” [Uncle Devin’s Drum Tales]
• Lea Morris – “Ordinary Magic” [not on album (www.thisislea.com)]
• Randy & Dave – “Nobody” [Giggle and Burp Ballet]
Seed Saving for Kids Provides Framework for Self-Sufficiency, Local Food Production & Nature-Based Education

From seeds grows all kinds…food, education, self-sufficiency. The list goes on…
Spring’s first garden green can often seem like a miracle, but it’s really the fruit of fall’s labors – quite literally. As the growing season winds down, the chillier weather makes way for seeds – rather than endless home-grown foods – to become the center of farmers’ and gardeners’ attention. Learning about all things seed-like is a science exploration that can help children to deepen their understanding of where their food comes from, the anatomy and reproduction of plants, and the specific traits that distinguish one plant variety from another. Additionally, a look at the role that seed saving plays in modern farming and gardening can provide eye-opening insights for older children about the corporate monopolies that control the vast majority of the American seed (and pesticide) market. Read More
SUGGESTED LEARNING IDEAS,
RESOURCES, & EVENTS
September 26-October 2, 2020
Harvest Season ♦ Pumpkins ♦ Squash ♦ Gourds ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Electricity ♦ Nature Art ♦ Honey ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Entomology ♦ Hawk Migration Season ♦ Ornithology ♦ Birds of Prey ♦ Bluejays ♦ Crows ♦ Animal Behavior ♦ Apple Season ♦ Agriculture ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Autumn Foliage ♦ Deciduous Trees ♦ Chemistry ♦ Phenology ♦ Dendrology ♦ Music Studies ♦ Drumming ♦ Film Studies ♦ Art Studies ♦ Tie-Dyeing ♦ Placemaking ♦ Train Rides ♦ Native American Studies ♦ Basket Making ♦ Agriculture ♦ Cosmology ♦ Folklore ♦ Poetry
Listen to Podcast:
HFVS World Languages Episode with Guest DJ, Sarah Aroeste
Saturday from 9-10am & Sunday from 7-8am
September 26 & 27, 2020
WXOJ LP – 103.3 FM – Valley Free Radio
Northampton, MA
Featured Video: “Over the course of human history, thousands of languages have developed from what was once a much smaller number. How did we end up with so many? And how do we keep track of them all? Alex Gendler explains how linguists group languages into language families, demonstrating how these linguistic trees give us crucial insights into the past.” View full lesson: How languages evolve – Alex Gendler (TED-Ed)
Archived Podcasts ♦ Radio ♦ Facebook ♦ Twitter
Listen to Podcast:
PLAYLIST
- Will Stroet – “La récréation” [Wordplay] FRENCH
- Sarah Aroeste – “Ora de Despertar” [Ora de Despertar] LADINO
- Manos Vafiadis – “Horalia” [Xana Zoo] GREEK
- World Music with DARIA – “Yaw, Yaw, Puka Polleracha” [Beautiful Rainbow World] QUECHUA
- Lillebjørn Nilsen – “Reven ut på hønsejak” [Haba Haba!] NORWEIGAN the Fox & the Farmer
- DJ Serdar Ayyıldız & DJ Selami Bilgiç “Mini Mini Bir Kuş (feat. Zeliha Sunal)” [Çocuk Diskosu] TURKISH
- Les Sambalelê – “Atirei o Pau No Gato” [Brésil] PORTUGUESE
- Arik Einstein – “Adon Shoko” [Shirey Hayeladim] HEBREW
- Sarah Aroeste – “Las komidas” [Ora de Despertar] LADINO
- K3 – “Als het binnenregent” [10.000 luchtballonnen] DUTCH
- Pamyua – “Bubble Gum” [Side a / Side b ] YUP’IK
- Macdara – “Beidh Aonach Amárach” [The Love Token] GAELIC
- Elena Moon Park – “Diu Diu Deng” [Rabbit Days and Dumplings] TAIWANESE
- Loreen Hattar – “I Have a Train” [Arabic Children’s Songs: A New Day] ARABIC
- All Around This World – “Kabuli Tutu” [All Around This World: Africa] SWAHILI
- Bole 2 Harlem – “Hoya Hoye” [Bole 2 Harlem, Vol.1] AMHARIC
- Geraldino – “Wenn du Singst” [Wow!] GERMAN
- Sarah Aroeste – “Nochada Buena” [Ora de Despertar] LADINO
The Art & Science of Autumn Leaves

Leaf collecting can alert children to the presence of many types of trees in their neighborhood, and provides them with some beautiful and all-natural materials with which to craft and create nature art!
With the end of summer comes back-to-school season, a time when notebooks, crayons, and homework planners can take over the place that flowers, tall grass, and vegetable gardens hold in our daily routines during the summer. As lush green plants change hues, it can be easy to let the change of seasons happen without engaging with the new exterior design that Mother Nature provides. The change of colors and landscape is, though, the perfect reason not to let early fall pass by unnoticed…
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SUGGESTED LEARNING IDEAS,
RESOURCES, & EVENTS
September 19-25, 2020
Honey ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Entomology ♦ Hawk Migration Season ♦ Ornithology ♦ Birds of Prey ♦ Bluejays ♦ Crows ♦ Animal Behavior ♦ Apple Season ♦ Agriculture ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Autumn Foliage ♦ Deciduous Trees ♦ Chemistry ♦ Phenology ♦ Seed Saving ♦ Botany ♦ Gardening ♦ Food Security ♦ Caterpillars