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What was your childhood passion? Jump roping? Star Wars collectibles? Baking in an Easy Bake Oven? Whatever was your favorite toy then and now, you’re sure to find it in Toytopia, a museum experience sure to rekindle the wonder and delight of your favorite childhood moments. This exhibit also offers a warm indoor place where you and your children can play all day in a world of big toys!

For some, Memorial Day is a deeply personal holiday, a day for remembering those who have served the people of our country. Participating in Memorial Day celebrations and ceremonies can also be a form of placemaking, strengthening ties to community spaces and encouraging social interaction between generations. Memorial Day is also an opportunity to express gratitude and kindness through acts of appreciation and volunteer opportunities. Here are a few ideas to support your learning and acts of generosity through the lens of the seasons this Memorial Day.

For some, Memorial Day is a deeply personal holiday, a day for remembering those who have served the people of our country. Participating in these Memorial Day celebrations and ceremonies can also be a form of placemaking, strengthening ties to community spaces and encouraging social interaction between generations. These events also offer a chance to personally thank local veterans and recognize them for their bravery and service.

Greenfield Energy ParkPlacemaking is a practice and a philosophy. It is an approach to both the creation and use of public spaces, aiming to promote the health and well-being of individuals and communities. Events which support placemaking, such as parades, festivals, outdoor film screenings, and lawn concerts, draw people together and strengthen a connection to neighbors via community spaces.

Intergenerational volunteer work provides meaningful opportunities to give back to the community, and allows families to connect with elders while sharing their time and skills. Match your family’s interests and skills with local opportunities to start giving back!

The MA Agriculture Calendar photo contest for the 2017 calendar is looking for pictures of all types agriculture. Even children can enter their photos since there is no age limit.

Needed are pictures of farms/activities featuring cranberries, maple sugaring, dairy, flowers, growing Christmas trees, fruit trees, and any farm animals.

The Lee Library is hosting a Comic Jam this Saturday with Ira Marcks, a NY-based artist and educator. What is a Comic Jam? It is a collaborative storytelling adventure for cartoonists of all ages and abilities. Each artist will contribute to one another’s comics, creating unexpected and exciting stories! This project encourages creativity, working together, critical thinking and storytelling.

This is a FREE Art Party for all ages! You can come anytime between 10:30 and 1:30. Join in the fun, and have a great time creating comics and stories.

Each offering unique takes on the art of drawing, upcoming arts-based community events encourage art as creative free play and self expression. In Shelburne Falls, the 2nd annual Hilltown Draw Around offers a space in which to make art everywhere – floor and walls included. In Easthampton, the Circus Sketch Lab connects movement-based expression with the art of drawing, making for an experiment in collaborative creation.

Classic films come to big screen this summer with Cinema Northampton! Made possible by a collaboration by many local organizations, the film series brings old favorites to an outdoor screen on the lawn at Forbes Library. It’s movie-going at its best!

Hey grandparents! …here are some recommendations on good activities to do with your grandkids in Western MA, including playgroups, storyhours, museums, and arts & crafts…

Listen to a Life An Intergenerational Writing/Interviewing Project A loss of information and experiences between generations is accepted as relatively normal within American culture- but as each generation misses out on learning about those before them, valuable lessons and stories are lost.  In order to encourage learning from older community members, kids can participate in a unique intergenerational  interview and writing project, the Listen to a Life Contest! The Listen to a… Read More

Question and Answer Can anyone recommend intergenerational opportunities for children/elders in Western MA? Marie Westburg writes: The Council on Aging is joining forces with The Williamsburg Intergenerational Gardening Program and started in April in Haydenville, MA… Call 413-268-8410 to sign up!  – This program aims to connect seniors to the successful gardening program at the Williamsburg Elementary School through senior-led workshops and field trips and shared gardening time. This program allows seniors… Read More

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