May 25, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, Memorial Day Weekend, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Mark your calendars! The Hilltown Spring Festival happens next Saturday, June 1st from 10am-5pm at the Cummington Fairground!
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for May 25th-31st, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board, Hilltown Family Variety Show, and over 50 Summer Camp Options.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 35 Community Highlights: Rhubarb to Butterflies. Turtles to Trolley., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: May 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
May 25th-31st, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Weekend Highlights ♦ History ♦ Transportation ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Science ♦ Entomology ♦ Geology ♦ Nature Studies ♦ Parent Workshops
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- 13 Ways to Spend a Rainy Day in Western MA
- Little Homes for Little Folks: Make Your Own Gnome Home
- Q&A: Where Do Babies Come From?
- 8 Ways to Create Engaging Engineering Activities at Home
- Q&A: Best Cup of Joe in Western MA?
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May 24, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, Memorial Day, memorial day parades, Mother's Day, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
It’s all turtles, all day long at Laughing Brook Wildlife Sanctuary on Saturday in Hampden for Turtle Day! Visit to meet a real, live turtle and to learn about the species of turtles native to Massachusetts. Then, visitors will be able to go on a natural history walk of the sanctuary’s grounds to learn about how the landscape was formed and to learn about turtle habitat. Free. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Rhubarb to Butterflies. Bedrock to Marble. Turtles to Trolley… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Peruse our list and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!
Community Highlights
There’s fun stuff happening over the next few days! Down in the Pioneer Valley, families can check out the Amherst Town Fair on the Common all weekend, and take in a concert with Mister G at the Eric Carle Museum on Saturday. Also in the Valley, Look Park in Florence turns on all their amenities too, including their water park and paddle boats! In the Hilltowns, the Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair happens all weekend at the at the Cummington Fairgrounds with loads of hands-on learning opportunities, fiber arts, and animals. Out in the Berkshires, there’s a Community Bike Ride in Pittsfield, Rhubarb Festival in Lenox and HoorWA’s annual Riverfest in Williamstown. Then on Monday are Memorial Day Parades in various town across the region! Check out our short list of parade highlights!
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May 23, 2013 at 6:00 am (Suggested Events)
Tags: Berkshires, Family, Family Activities, Family Events, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, Memorial Day Weekend, New England, outdoors, Pioneer Valley, Things to do, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourism, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
BEST BETS: May 25th & 26th
Saturday & Sunday, May 25th & 26th from 9am-4pm – FIBER/FESTIVAL: The 39th Annual Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair happens at the Cummington Fairgrounds. Loads of learning opportunities for the kids. Fiber and woolcraft vendors, sheep shearing demonstrations, sheep dog trials, fiber and woolcraft workshops for adults and children, sheep shows, fleece show and sale, fleece to shawl competition, and food booths. 413-238-5902. Fairgrounds Road. Cummington, MA (>$)
Saturday, May 25th at 11am and 1pm – KIDS’ CONCERT: Mister G rocks the Eric Carle Museum today! The acclaimed children’s musician presents Bailamos!, a bilingual dance party featuring songs from his incredibly popular albums Chocolala and Bugs. 413-658-1126. 125 West Bay Road. Amherst, MA. ($)
Sunday, May 26th from 10am-4pm – TRANSPORTATION/HISTORY: Chesterwood, a National Trust Historic Site, host their Vintage Motorcar Festival. Families can get a glimpse into history by viewing vintage vehicles on display. Kids can join in a car scavenger hunt and put their STEM skills to practice in LEGO car racing. Youth ages 15yo+ can also participate as judges of displayed vehicles. There will be live music, local foods and a nice afternoon at this national treasure! 413-298-3579. 4 Williamsville Road. Stockbridge, MA ($)
BULLETIN BOARD
May 31 – Jun 2
FREE Event: Experience the World of Art, Music, and Culture on the Amherst Common, May 31st (12-6), June 1st and 2nd (10-6) at the Cultural Survival Bazaar. A FREE Festival of Native Arts & Cultures from around the world. Shop handmade, fairly traded art, jewelry, clothing, crafts, decor, tribal rugs & more. Featuring guest artisans from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, music of Ecuador and Mali. Enjoy FREE music performances, craft-making demos and Tibetan cuisine. Proceeds support Native artisans, fair trade & Cultural Survival’s nonprofit work worldwide. For special features, artisan profiles, performance schedule, and other dates & locations visit their website at http://www.bazaar.cs.org Amherst Common on Boltwood Ave. Click Here for Preview
Jun 8 & Jun 15
Coming soon: Hilltown Idols! An adult & child karaoke competition/fundraiser for the Williamsburg Elementary School. Auditions are Sat., 6/8, with the Final Performance on Sat., 6/15 at 7pm at the Williamsburg Grange in Williamsburg. The competition is open to children & adults from near and far! There are four competition groups: Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, & Adults. Prizes will be awarded to winners. Entry fee for contestants in Grades 3-12 is $5.00 & $25.00 for adults. Register by 6/1! Tickets for audience members on 6/8 are $2/individual or $5/family for the day. Tickets for the Final Performance on 6/15 are $5(Ages 3-18), $10(Adults), or $20 per family. See https://sites.google.com/site/hilltownidols for details.
Jun 24 – Aug 16
The Bement School offers a wide variety of summer programs for students from 15 months to 15 years. Located on a beautiful campus in historic Deerfield, Bement’s programs combine the summer fun of a traditional day camp with field trips and enrichment programs. The Preschool Program provides a safe, nurturing camp experience for the youngest campers. Adventures in Chinese is a full-day Chinese language and culture program. The Adventure Camp offers games, crafts, swimming, and field trips. The Junior Counselor Program gives teens experience working with children, developing valuable job skills, and enjoying summer fun. Summer programs run from June 24 to August 16. Call 413-774-7061 or visit bement.org/summer for more information.
Cooley Dickinson Childbirth Center: Voted “Best” Again in the Valley Advocate’s Readers Poll. For Granby residents Alyssa and Philip LaFlamme, Cooley Dickinson’s Childbirth Center was the comfortable choice. “From the moment I called to say I was on my way, I felt reassured and well taken care of,” said Alyssa, who praises labor and delivery nurse Terri Jay who “helped keep me calm when I had a few moments of panic.” Alyssa consistently received personalized care. “My friends have gone other places and they say they feel like a number at other hospitals.” The LaFlammes are not alone in their choice. For the third consecutive year, families have voted the Childbirth Center the Best Birthing Center in the Valley Advocate’s Readers’ Poll.
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your April vacation event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, wellness program or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities featured range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!
Host Families Needed for Spanish Teens. Expand your family’s horizons this summer by welcoming a student from Spain into your home through the STEP-to-U.S.A. program. These boys and girls, who range in age from 14 to 17, arrive Wednesday, June 26, for a 3 ½ week home stay. They are eager to be part of your family and to practice their English. You and your children can also practice your Spanish and make a lifelong friend from another country. Host siblings are welcome to join the students in a variety of weekly activities, including day trips to Boston and Six Flags. Apply early to select just the right student for your family. To learn more, contact Ann Newsmith at 802-257-4710, exchangevt@gmail.com and visit www.step-to-usa.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: June 1st & 2nd
Saturday, June 1st – Hilltown Spring Festival: The Hilltown CDC’s Hilltown Spring Festival on June 1st at the Cummington Fairgrounds will be a combined music festival, food festival, children’s festival, craft festival, and alternative energy exposition! Music for children of all ages will be performed by Mister G, David Grover and Terry A La Berry. Other musical performers include percussionist Tony Vacca, acoustic string band Appalachian Still, singer-songwriter Heather Maloney, the Lonesome Brothers, Hot Day at the Zoo, the Walkin’ Blues Band, & Dan Hales and the Frost Heaves. There will be children’s activities all day long, music workshops for families, dancing around the Maypole, children selling hand-made crafts at the Kids-Made Crafts Bazaar, 8 foot tall puppets, Morris dancers, & much more. Cummington Fairgrounds. Cummington, MA (>$)
Sunday, June 2nd – WGBY Asparagus Festival: WGBY celebrates all All Things Local at Seven Sisters Market Bistro and Long Hollow Bison Farm at their Asparagus Festival. The kids can meet baby bison, enjoy asparagus-themed activities, and entertainment from Paintbox Theater. There will be live music and an old fashioned outdoor luncheon too. Local brews for the adults in the late afternoon. Route 9. Hadley, MA (FREE)
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
May 25th-31st, 2013
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets
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May 18, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for May 18th-24th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and over 50 Summer Camp Options.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 33 Community Highlights: Lady’s Slipper to Bird Calls. Charcoal Industry to Historic Mill Sites., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: May 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
May 18th-24th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Early Childhood ♦ History ♦ Animal/Nature Studies ♦ Plant Studies ♦ Language Arts ♦ Community Service ♦ Parent Workshops
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
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May 17, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, Mother's Day, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Healthy Smiles to Spring Fling. Lady’s Slipper to Bird Calls. Charcoal Industry to Historic Mill Sites… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Peruse our list and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!
Community Highlights
With beautiful weather in the forecast, it’ll be a great weekend to head out to any of the many annual community celebrations taking place this weekend. Community highlights include the 34th annual Longmeaddowe Days in Longmeadow, 18th annual Springfest in Northampton, Muddy Brook Elementary School PTA’s annual Mud Day in Great Barrington, and Chester On Track which this year celebrates the 174th anniversary of the coming of the railroad to Chester! There are also a couple of museum adventures awaiting families this Saturday with Museum Day at The Clark in Williamstown, and Art Museum Day at the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge.
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May 16, 2013 at 6:00 am (Suggested Events)
Tags: Berkshires, Family, Family Activities, Family Events, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, outdoors, Pioneer Valley, Things to do, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourism, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Mark your calendars! The Hilltown CDC’s Hilltown Spring Festival is just two weeks away on Saturday, June 1st at the Cummington Fairgrounds! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Hilltown Spring Festival: The Hilltown CDC’s Hilltown Spring Festival on June 1st at the Cummington Fairgrounds will be a combined music festival, food festival, children’s festival, craft festival, and alternative energy exposition! Music for children of all ages will be performed by Mister G, David Grover and Terry A La Berry. Other musical performers include percussionist Tony Vacca, acoustic string band Appalachian Still, singer-songwriter Heather Maloney, the Lonesome Brothers, Hot Day at the Zoo, the Walkin’ Blues Band, & Dan Hales and the Frost Heaves. There will be children’s activities all day long, music workshops for families, dancing around the Maypole, children selling hand-made crafts at the Kids-Made Crafts Bazaar, 8 foot tall puppets, Morris dancers, & much more.
Talking to Your Kids About Sex Series Hilltown Families and Cup and Top Café are presenting a series of free talks for parents with Brooke Norton, Certified Sex Educator. Continuing with this series, the third talk, “Puberty for Parents,” will focus on the physical changes, social impacts and emotional aspects of puberty. Brooke will also touch upon sexual orientation and coming out, and what parents can teach their kids about consent. “Puberty for Parents” will take place on Tuesday, May 21st after hours at Cup and Top Café from 6:30pm-8:30pm (1 North Main Street) in Florence, MA. For more information, please contact Brooke Norton at 413-684-8697 or email brookenorton712@gmail.com.
SUMMER CAMP
Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities featured range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!
BULLETIN BOARD
May 17
ServiceNet and Prospect Meadow Farm invite the local community to a free family friendly community day and open house on the farm located at 103a Prospect St. in Hatfield, MA. The activities will take place on Friday, May 17 from 3:30pm-6:00pm. This event will feature guided farm tours, animal demonstrations, lawn games, 2 professional magic shows at 4pm and 5:30pm, live music, a free dessert bar, and food available from the local food truck the Bistro Bus. Prospect Meadow Farm is a nonprofit social enterprise that empowers disabled individuals to find meaningful activity through work in agriculture related fields. For more information visit www.facebook.com/prospectmeadowfarm or call Shawn Robinson at 413-887-9441.
May 17-19
Starlight’s Youth Theatre proudly presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr., the musical, May 17th at 7:00 pm, May 18th at 2:00 & 7:00 pm, May 19th at 2:00 pm at the Academy of Music, Northampton. Tickets are $12 students/seniors and $16 adults and may be purchased from the Academy of Music box office: in person, or by phone at 413-584-9032, extension 105, or online: www.academyofmusictheatre.tix.com. This year’s production will feature a double cast of over 100 children representing 30+ communities throughout the Pioneer Valley. There’s something for everyone in this Disney favorite: Princess Ariel and Prince Eric, the adorable Flounder, the comical duo of Sebastian the crab and Scuttle the sea gull, and other colorful sea creatures.
June 26
Host Families Needed for Spanish Teens. Expand your family’s horizons this summer by welcoming a student from Spain into your home through the STEP-to-U.S.A. program. These boys and girls, who range in age from 14 to 17, arrive Wednesday, June 26, for a 3 ½ week home stay. They are eager to be part of your family and to practice their English. You and your children can also practice your Spanish and make a lifelong friend from another country. Host siblings are welcome to join the students in a variety of weekly activities, including day trips to Boston and Six Flags. Apply early to select just the right student for your family. To learn more, contact Ann Newsmith at 802-257-4710, exchangevt@gmail.com and visit www.step-to-usa.com.
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your April vacation event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, wellness program or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Call for Kid Crafters for the Hilltown Spring Festival Kids-Made Craft Bazaar! The Hilltown CDC’s 7th Annual Hilltown Spring Festival is on Saturday, June 1st at the Cummington Fairgrounds. This will be the 4th year the Kids-Made Craft Bazaar happens at the festival. Children up to the age of 12 are invited to sell and barter their hand-made crafts and arts… and each year it’s a huge success! More information and application form here.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
May 18th-24th, 2013
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets
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May 15, 2013 at 9:00 am (Hampshire County, Hilltown Families, History)
Tags: early medicine, New England, Plainfield, Ralph Ellison, William Cullen Bryant
Plainfield Historical Society Unveils Website Full of Local History
“In 2003 the Plainfield Historical Society acquired a 1.5 acre parcel along the Mill Brook in Plainfield where there’s a story waiting to be told. The Plainfield mill site contains remnants of three mill foundations that date from the early 19th century through the first decade of the 20th century Thanks to the Historical Society’s conservation effort, the public will soon be able to visit the trio of mill site remains, which illustrate the technological innovation and basic evolution of early water-powered industry in Massachusetts.” – Source: Plainfield Massachusetts Historical Society
Bring local history to life as you plan family activities for the summer! Thanks to Plainfield resident, Lori Austion, The Plainfield Historical Society has recently unveiled their new website (plainfieldmahistory.org). Although a work in progress, it’s filled with a rich amount of information on local historical sites and homes, notable former community members in the Hilltowns, and self-guided historical tours that history buffs of all ages can participate in!
Studying local history can be an incredibly enriching and experience for students of all ages that nurtures a sense of place. For younger students, a look at community history provides learning opportunities where kids can physically experience the historical places that they learn about. Older students can benefit from such studies, too, as it will help them to put broad knowledge of American and world history into a local context – they will learn how larger scale changes and events affected their own community and physical surroundings.
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May 11, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for May 11th-17th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 25 Community Highlights: Mother’s Day to Mamadrama. Steamboat Bill to Beaver Ponds., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: May 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
May 11th-17th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Mother’s Day Highlights ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Local History ♦ Nature Studies ♦ Film Studies ♦ Plant Sales ♦ Parent Workshop
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
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May 10, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, Mother's Day, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Sunday is Mother’s Day! If you’re looking for ideas for getting out on Mother’s Day, we have a few suggestions…
Mother’s Day to Plant Something Campaign. Mamadrama to Steamboat Bill. Beaver Ponds to Fishways… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Peruse our list and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!
Brunch, Hike & Celebrate for Mother’s Day
Not up for breakfast in bed, then head out for breakfast or brunch. We asked our readers for family friendly restaurant recommendations for Mother’s Day and they had several to offer. Check out Mother’s Day Brunch to see their suggestions… and add one of your own.
After breakfast/brunch, celebrate Mother’s Day by taking her to one of the many gorgeous gardens dotted throughout Western Massachusetts including the Bridge of Flower in Shelburne Falls, one of the Commonwealth’s most unusual and enchanting “gardens” is found in Franklin County. Read our post The Art of Great Gardens in Western MA for a list of recommended public gardens in the region.
Looking for other ideas? Check out our Mother’s Day Highlights!
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May 9, 2013 at 6:00 am (Suggested Events)
Tags: Berkshires, Event Listings, Family, Family Activities, Family Events, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, Mohawk Trail, New England, outdoors, Pioneer Valley, Spring Events, Things to do, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourism, Travel, vacation, Volunteer Activities, Western MA, western massachusetts
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Thank you to all of our volunteers, facilitators & sponsors for making last Saturday’s Family Community Service Event a great success! At this one of a kind event, families came together to volunteer at seven different stations in a single morning, generating 450 hours of community service. Throughout the morning folks participated in hands-on projects for different non-profit and community organizations in our region that work on behalf of animal welfare, conservation and food security… including the building of nearly 50 bluebird houses we donated to the Franklin Land Trust! Read more about the event here and how you can get involved in the next one: Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Hilltown Spring Festival: The Hilltown CDC’s Hilltown Spring Festival on June 1st at the Cummington Fairgrounds will be a combined music festival, food festival, children’s festival, craft festival, and alternative energy exposition! Music for children of all ages will be performed by Mister G, David Grover and Terry A La Berry. Other musical performers include percussionist Tony Vacca, acoustic string band Appalachian Still, singer-songwriter Heather Maloney, the Lonesome Brothers, Hot Day at the Zoo, the Walkin’ Blues Band, & Dan Hales and the Frost Heaves. There will be children’s activities all day long, music workshops for families, dancing around the Maypole, children selling hand-made crafts at the Kids-Made Crafts Bazaar, 8 foot tall puppets, Morris dancers, & much more.
Talking to Your Kids About Sex Series Hilltown Families and Cup and Top Café are presenting a series of free talks for parents with Brooke Norton, Certified Sex Educator. Continuing with this series, the third talk, “Puberty for Parents,” will focus on the physical changes, social impacts and emotional aspects of puberty. Brooke will also touch upon sexual orientation and coming out, and what parents can teach their kids about consent. “Puberty for Parents” will take place on Tuesday, May 21st after hours at Cup and Top Café from 6:30pm-8:30pm (1 North Main Street) in Florence, MA. For more information, please contact Brooke Norton at 413-684-8697 or email brookenorton712@gmail.com.
SUMMER CAMP
Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities featured range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!
BULLETIN BOARD
May 10
Just in time for Mother’s Day, Hilltown Families presents a free family Friday night event, Mother’s Day Mementos, at The Art Garden in Shelburne Falls on Friday, May 10th from 4-7pm. Come make handmade cards and gifts to give to the mothers in your life. Let them know they are appreciated while getting creative with your family! All materials included and everyone is invited to join in this community building event that honors the mother in your life. The Art Garden is located at 14 Depot Street, Suite 2 in Shelburne Falls, MA (in the same building as the Shelburne Falls Trolley Museum.).
May 17-19
Starlight’s Youth Theatre proudly presents Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Jr., the musical, May 17th at 7:00 pm, May 18th at 2:00 & 7:00 pm, May 19th at 2:00 pm at the Academy of Music, Northampton. Tickets are $12 students/seniors and $16 adults and may be purchased from the Academy of Music box office: in person, or by phone at 413-584-9032, extension 105, or online: www.academyofmusictheatre.tix.com. This year’s production will feature a double cast of over 100 children representing 30+ communities throughout the Pioneer Valley. There’s something for everyone in this Disney favorite: Princess Ariel and Prince Eric, the adorable Flounder, the comical duo of Sebastian the crab and Scuttle the sea gull, and other colorful sea creatures.
June 26
Host Families Needed for Spanish Teens. Expand your family’s horizons this summer by welcoming a student from Spain into your home through the STEP-to-U.S.A. program. These boys and girls, who range in age from 14 to 17, arrive Wednesday, June 26, for a 3 ½ week home stay. They are eager to be part of your family and to practice their English. You and your children can also practice your Spanish and make a lifelong friend from another country. Host siblings are welcome to join the students in a variety of weekly activities, including day trips to Boston and Six Flags. Apply early to select just the right student for your family. To learn more, contact Ann Newsmith at 802-257-4710, exchangevt@gmail.com and visit www.step-to-usa.com.
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your April vacation event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, wellness program or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Please help the Southern Hilltown Domestic Violence Task Force by taking a five to ten minute survey on-line at @ www.surveymonkey.com/s/hilltowndvsurvey, and by sending this link to others in the Hilltowns. Survey respondents may be eligible to enter a raffle for $200 cash. The Task Force designed the survey to get a better understanding of how Hilltown residents view and respond to domestic abuse, and to find out if community members know where to get help. The Task Force will use survey results as the foundation for a community education and outreach campaign later this year. For more information about the survey or the Task Force, email southernhillsdvtaskforce@gmail.com.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
May 11th-17th, 2013
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets
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May 4, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for May 4th-10th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 23 Community Highlights: Building Birdhouses to Making Giving Bags. Jurassic Roadshow to Long Island Express., and our column, Berkshire Family Fun: May 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
May 4th-10th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Service-Based Learning ♦ Playgroups & Storyhours ♦ Dinosaurs/Fossils ♦ Nature & History ♦ Fashion ♦ Science ♦ Animal/Nature Studies ♦ Parent Workshop
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Affirming What’s Essential ❥ Love in Western MA
- What to do with Fiddleheads?
- Hilltown Families on Pinterest!
- Let’s Play: Monsters and Creative Free Play
- HFVS Music from South Africa with Guest DJ, Debbie Lan (Radio Show/Podcast)
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT: This Saturday, May 4th form 10am-1pm. JOIN US!
GIVEAWAY
RECAP MAP SPONSORS
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May 3, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service, Community Service Based Learning, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, National Volunteer Week, New England, Park Clean Ups, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Northampton’s annual Pride Parade and Celebration takes place on Saturday starting at 12noon! Celebrate LGBTQ culture and rights – there is a specially designated youth space at the event just for families!
Building Birdhouses to Making Giving Bags. Jurassic Roadshow to Long Island Express. Wild Flower Walk to Historical Fashion Show…
These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week!
Get out into your community and learn while you play!
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May 2, 2013 at 6:01 am (Suggested Events)
Tags: Berkshires, Event Listings, Family, Family Activities, Family Events, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, May Day, Mohawk Trail, New England, outdoors, Pioneer Valley, Spring Events, Things to do, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourism, Travel, vacation, Volunteer Activities, Western MA, western massachusetts
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Join us this Saturday, May 4th at the Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event! Our goal is to contribute up to 600 hours of volunteer service in a single event! We’ll be making bird houses for the Franklin Land Trust, cat toys for the Dakin Humane Society, fleece chews for Kane’s Krusade, making seed bombs with Help Yourself, planting seedlings with Grow Food Northampton, making Giving Bags with Knack, writing letters with the Key Club, collection donations of cat/dog food & blankets for wildlife rehabilitation… It’s gonna awesome! Happens both indoors and outdoors from 10am-1pm at Leeds Elementary School in Northampton where you’ll find something for ALL AGES. Find out more about this free event here and sign up to join us: Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event: May 4th!
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
WEEKEND BEST BET:
Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event
Volunteer with your family to help local non-profits at seven different hands-on volunteer stations— a one of a kind event for families to volunteer together while educating children about animal welfare, conservation efforts and the value of community service.
On Saturday, May 4th from 10am-1pm: FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT: Join Hilltown Families for a Saturday morning of volunteering together with your family during our spring Family Community Service Event to be held at Leeds Elementary School. We will be offering seven volunteer stations for families to participate in hands-on service projects for ALL AGES that support animal welfare organizations, conservation efforts and food security. Come any time after 10am, get your Passport, and travel about to one or all stations! Find out more and preregister here: Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event: May 4th! Northampton, MA (FREE)
SUMMER CAMP
Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities featured range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!
BULLETIN BOARD
May 4
Yes Computers is co-sponsoring their 2nd annual Free Electronic Waste Recycling Event on Saturday, May 4th, 9am-12noon, adjacent to Yes Computers in the Public Parking Lot in Northampton. In partnership with River Radio, Alternative Waste Recycling & Gold Circuit E-cycling, they will take for FREE, Computers, Monitors (CRT’s), all small electronics & electrical appliances even old TV’s (limit one). Bring old cell phones to donate to Safe Passage & working old iPods to donate to Music & Alzheimer’s Project (sponsored by the Northampton Community Music Center). Please limit largest recyclables to 3 items, smaller stuff no limit; Household items only. Participants get a free Yes Computers $10 gift voucher good on anything in the store for participating.
May 5
Bread Euphoria is having a birthday & the community is invited to celebrate 15 years of baked goodness at Wheatstock II, featuring live music & delicious food. The party takes place on Sunday, May 5th from 12noon-6pm at the Williamsburg Grange, on Route 9. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5-12yo (under 5yo are free), & includes an impressive entertainment lineup of local favorites the Sweetback Sisters, Primate Fiasco and Swing Caravan — & birthday cake (including vegan & gluten-free choices). Meat & vegetarian shish kabobs, salads, sides & beverages will be available for purchase, as well. Come for the food and stay for the fun-or come for the fun & stay for the food-either way, come! For more info call Bread Euphoria: 413-268-7757
May 11
Mother’s Day Giveaway! Enter to win more than $700 worth of wellness services for new and expecting mothers in Western MA. This collaboration of five local (women-owned) businesses will grant one lucky mother with gift certificates for a month of free diaper service, 2 appointments for prenatal or postnatal massage, 2 acupuncture treatments, $150 savings on birth doula service & $150 savings on birth photography. Participating business include Simple Diaper & Linen, Window of Heaven Acupuncture & Yoga, Jo Bunny Massage and Yoga, Bellyfull Birth, and Nature & Nurture Photography and Doula Services. Deadline to enter is May 11, 2013. Drawing will take place on Mother’s Day. Check out www.facebook.com/MothersDayGiveaway to enter & for details.
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your April vacation event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, wellness program or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Enter for a chance to win tickets for a Parents’ Night Out!
The Amherst Survival Center has volunteer opportunities for teens ages 15yo+ on weekdays (not Wed). Shifts are typically 2 hours/week between 9am-3pm. They are looking for a two hour/week commitment for a minimum of 8 weeks with organizing and sorting through fresh bread & produce, helping in their Free Store, serving lunch and doing dishes. Their Emergency Food Pantry often needs help too with keeping the shelves stocked and helping folks fill their carts with their monthly food “box.” Strong folks can help pick up furniture from around town in the mornings. And people who like to clean can help clean the place after 2:30pm. Lots and lots of options for summer volunteering. For more info visit www.amherstsurvival.org or email tracey@amherstsurvival.org
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
May 4th-10th, 2013
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter
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April 27, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for April 27th-May 3rd, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 40 Community Highlights: History of Tea to Biology of Frogs. Cultural Festivals to Fundraisers., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for late April through early May, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
April 27th – May 3rd, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Community Service ♦ Fundraisers ♦ Sustainability ♦ Animal/Nature Studies ♦ Economics ♦ Cultural Studies ♦ History
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Q&A: Does Your Family Have a Pediatric Dentist You Love Here in Western MA?
- HFVS Arbor Day Episode (Radio Show/Podcast)
- One Clover & A Bee: Poems For Families To Learn And Love
- Make Your Own Natural Bug Repellent Using Essential Oils
- Our Daughters: Using Facebook to Air Conflict
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
GIVEAWAY
RECAP MAP SPONSORS
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April 26, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service, Community Service Based Learning, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, National Volunteer Week, New England, Park Clean Ups, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
The new exhibition, Tea Talk: Ritual and Refinement in Early American Parlors, opens at Historic Deerfield this weekend. Families can learn about the history of the tea trade, historical use of tea in homes, and its role in socializing in early America. (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
Spaghetti Dinner to Fun Run. Composting to Recycling. Victorian Tea to Potluck Dinner. Frog Life Cycle to Arabic Cultural Festival…
These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week!
On the heels of Earth Day as we head towards the end of National Volunteer Week, there are still a plethora of events to participate in that celebrate and support sustainability, along with opportunities to volunteer with your family this weekend. Peruse our list below and make plans to get out into your community and learn while you play!
And be sure to check our list of supporting book titles to supplement the learning on the different topics highlighted each week.
Purchase them for your family library, or check them out from the public library!
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April 25, 2013 at 6:00 am (Suggested Events)
Tags: Berkshires, Event Listings, Family, Family Activities, Family Events, Farmers' Market, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, May Day, Mohawk Trail, New England, outdoors, Pioneer Valley, School Vacation, Spring Events, Things to do, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourism, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Outdoor Farmers’ Markets are slowly starting back up! The opening of Tuesday Market in Northampton happens this coming Tuesday, April 30th where you can pick up the ingredients you need to make a dish to bring to the Burgy Farmers’ Market Pot-Luck Dinner Benefit at the Williamsburg Grange two days later on Thursday, May 2nd! How convenient is that?!
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event
Volunteer with your family to help local non-profits — a one of a kind event for families to volunteer together while educating children about animal welfare, conservation efforts and the value of community service.
On Saturday, May 4th from 10am-1pm: FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT: Join Hilltown Families for a Saturday morning of volunteering together with your family during our spring Family Community Service Event to be held at Leeds Elementary School. We will be offering seven volunteer stations for families to participate in hands-on service projects for ALL AGES that support animal welfare organizations, conservation efforts and food security. Find out more and preregister here: Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event: May 4th! Northampton, MA (FREE)
SUMMER CAMP
Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities featured range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!
BULLETIN BOARD
Apr 27
The Ashfield Community Preschool invites you to join them for their annual open house on Saturday, April 27th 10am-Noon. This event is for families with young children age 2.9 – 5yo who are looking for quality care and small class sizes in the rural Hilltown of Ashfield, MA. Children who attend the preschool participate in a hands-on gardening program, growing sunflowers, pumpkins and blueberries. The preschool grazes the neighbors’ sheep and llamas in their pastoral setting and offers a six week summer program with walking trips to visit local Ashfield artists. Join their staff on April 27th and tour their facility and grounds. 103 Baptist Corner Road. Ashfield, MA. Call for more information 413-628-3248.
Apr 27
On Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 noon, the Montessori School of Northampton (MSN) at 51 Bates Street, Northampton, will hold a family open house. All parents of toddler, preschool and elementary students interested in September 2013 admission are encouraged to attend. The school currently has full- and part-time openings available for fall 2013, including a new full day 3-day/week program for toddlers and a new half-day Children’s House (preschool) classroom. MSN enrolls students from ages 2 through 12 and is currently in its 36th year of fostering independent learners in a welcoming community. For information, please call (413) 586-4538 or visit www.northamptonmontessori.org.
Apr 28
Holy Bonfire! Community Lag B’Omer Festival happening Sunday, April 28th from 11am-1pm- rain or shine! Beit Ahavah & Congregation B’nai Israel Community Schools present: Bonfire, live music by Yiddishkeit Klezmir, musical storytelling by Anna Sobel & Aharaon Skogland, recycled art crafts, archery, games, haircutting booth, chickens, facepainting, “love-shack booth” & more! Kosher, pastured beef hot-dogs & veggie dogs. $5 suggested donation. All ages welcome! Held at Cong. B’nai Israel, 253 Prospect St, Northampton. Lag B’Omer is the joyous holiday held on the 33rd day of the counting of the Omer between Passover & Shavuot. For more info & RSVP: 413-584-3593, rabbijacob@cbinorthampton.org. “Join” us on Facebook & invite your friends!
May 5
Looking for an excuse to wear your superhero cape in public all while supporting students in our community with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (We don’t believe that you ever need an excuse to do this!)? Come on out to the Best Buddies Superhero Friendship Walk on Sunday morning , May 5th, 2013 in the beautiful setting of Look Park in Florence, MA. Best Buddies is an amazing organization that promotes inclusion and friendships between students with and without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The event will feature musical performances by the students of Berkshire Hills Music Academy, Circus performances by students of Show Circus and so much more! Sign up at www.bestbudiesma.org/walk.
May 5
Bread Euphoria is having a birthday & the community is invited to celebrate 15 years of baked goodness at Wheatstock II, featuring live music & delicious food. The party takes place on Sunday, May 5th from 12noon-6pm at the Williamsburg Grange, on Route 9. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 5-12yo (under 5yo are free), & includes an impressive entertainment lineup of local favorites the Sweetback Sisters, Primate Fiasco and Swing Caravan — & birthday cake (including vegan & gluten-free choices). Meat & vegetarian shish kabobs, salads, sides & beverages will be available for purchase, as well. Come for the food and stay for the fun-or come for the fun & stay for the food-either way, come! For more info call Bread Euphoria: 413-268-7757
May 11
Mother’s Day Giveaway! Enter to win more than $700 worth of wellness services for new and expecting mothers in Western MA. This collaboration of five local (women-owned) businesses will grant one lucky mother with gift certificates for a month of free diaper service, 2 appointments for prenatal or postnatal massage, 2 acupuncture treatments, $150 savings on birth doula service & $150 savings on birth photography. Participating business include Simple Diaper & Linen, Window of Heaven Acupuncture & Yoga, Jo Bunny Massage and Yoga, Bellyfull Birth, and Nature & Nurture Photography and Doula Services. Deadline to enter is May 11, 2013. Drawing will take place on Mother’s Day. Check out www.facebook.com/MothersDayGiveaway to enter & for details.
Spring
Join Crimson & Clover Farm in celebrating the spring! The Farm Education Collaborative will be leading a wide array of farm-based education programs this growing season at Crimson & Clover Farm in Florence, MA. Whether you’re a parent wanting to share a morning with your young child on the farm or an aspiring farmer looking to work in the fields, there’s something for you at Crimson & Clover Farm this spring. Plant, harvest, tend to the animals, cook farm-fresh produce, explore and work together, and so much more! Financial aid is available to low-income families through Grow Food Northampton. For complete details and registration please visit their website – www.thefarmeducationcollaborative.org.
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your April vacation event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, wellness program or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
April 27th-May 3rd, 2013
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter
Read the rest of this entry »
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April 20, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and next week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for April 20th-26th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 34 Community Highlights: Wild Flower Walks to Textile Drives. Weather to Transportation., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for late April through early May, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
April 20th-26th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Community Service ♦ Earth Day ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Nature Studies ♦ History ♦ Parent Workshops ♦ Cultural Studies
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Virtual Tour: How Plastic Bags Get Recycle
- Families in Western MA Offer Earth Day Eco-Tips
- Planting Seeds: Music that Celebrates Gardening
- Q&A: Where to Get New/Used Bikes for the Family in Western MA
- HFVS Astronomy Episode (Radio Show/Podcast)
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
RECAP MAP SPONSORS
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April 19, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: western massachusetts, hampshire county, franklin county, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Pioneer Valley, Earth Day, School Vacation Week, Massachusetts, Travel, New England, School Vacation, Hampden County, Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, Western MA, April Vacation, vacation, Tourisim, staycation, place-based education, Community Based Education, Community Service, pedagogy of place, place-based learning, experiential education, education for sustainability, environmental education, Community Service Based Learning, Park Clean Ups, National Volunteer Week
Earth Day to Volunteer Week. Beaver Ponds to Raising Chickens. Wild Flower Walks to Textile Drives…
These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Get out into your community and learn while you play!
And be sure to check our list of supporting book titles to supplement the learning on the different topics highlighted each week.
Purchase them for your family library, or check them out from the public library!
Hilltown Family Variety Show: This Saturday, April 20th, we will rebroadcast our Weather Episode with Guest DJ, Alison Faith Levey. Tune in for an hour of great music and learning highlights on all things WEATHER!
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April 18, 2013 at 6:01 am (Suggested Events)
Tags: April Vacation Week, Berkshires, Event Listings, Family, Family Activities, Family Events, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, Mohawk Trail, New England, outdoors, Pioneer Valley, School Vacation, Spring Events, Things to do, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourism, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Woodland wildflowers are starting to emerge! Can you find Bishop’s Cap, Nodding Trillium, Bloodroot or Dutchmen’s Breeches in your local woods? Look for guided walks your family can join in this spring, or check out a wildflower field guide from your local library and go on a wildflower hunt! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS:
Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event
Volunteer with your family to help local non-profits — a one of a kind event for families to volunteer together while educating children about animal welfare, conservation efforts and the value of community service.
On Saturday, May 4th from 10am-1pm: FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT: Join Hilltown Families for a Saturday morning of volunteering together with your family during our spring Family Community Service Event to be held at Leeds Elementary School. We will be offering seven volunteer stations for families to participate in hands-on service projects for ALL AGES that support animal welfare organizations, conservation efforts and food security. Find out more and preregister here: Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event: May 4th! Northampton, MA (FREE)
SUMMER CAMP
Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities featured range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!
BULLETIN BOARD
Apr 20
For Earth Day, just change the diaper you use. Thousands of cloth diapers will be changed around the globe to build awareness of the cloth diaper movement! Help create a new Guiness World Record for the most cloth diapers changed at one time! Sat April 20th. Doors open at 10am, change happens promptly at 11am. Everyone’s welcome! It’s FREE to attend. Door prizes, raffles, info tables, snacks, and plenty of cloth diapering tips, tools, and treasures to be had! Learn how-to cloth diaper if you are curious at heart! This is event is hosted by Simple Diaper & Linen at 418 Dwight St. in Holyoke (right across the canal from the Holyoke Children’s Museum). Please contact info@simple.coop with any questions, & visit the Facebook event page to register.
Apr 27
The Ashfield Community Preschool invites you to join them for their annual open house on Saturday, April 27th 10am-Noon. This event is for families with young children age 2.9 – 5yo who are looking for quality care and small class sizes in the rural Hilltown of Ashfield, MA. Children who attend the preschool participate in a hands-on gardening program, growing sunflowers, pumpkins and blueberries. The preschool grazes the neighbors’ sheep and llamas in their pastoral setting and offers a six week summer program with walking trips to visit local Ashfield artists. Join their staff on April 27th and tour their facility and grounds. 103 Baptist Corner Road. Ashfield, MA. Call for more information 413-628-3248.
Apr 27
On Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 noon, the Montessori School of Northampton (MSN) at 51 Bates Street, Northampton, will hold a family open house. All parents of toddler, preschool and elementary students interested in September 2013 admission are encouraged to attend. The school currently has full- and part-time openings available for fall 2013, including a new full day 3-day/week program for toddlers and a new half-day Children’s House (preschool) classroom. MSN enrolls students from ages 2 through 12 and is currently in its 36th year of fostering independent learners in a welcoming community. For information, please call (413) 586-4538 or visit www.northamptonmontessori.org.
May 5
Looking for an excuse to wear your superhero cape in public all while supporting students in our community with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (We don’t believe that you ever need an excuse to do this!)? Come on out to the Best Buddies Superhero Friendship Walk on Sunday morning , May 5th, 2013 in the beautiful setting of Look Park in Florence, MA. Best Buddies is an amazing organization that promotes inclusion and friendships between students with and without Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. The event will feature musical performances by the students of Berkshire Hills Music Academy, Circus performances by students of Show Circus and so much more! Sign up at www.bestbudiesma.org/walk.
Spring
Join Crimson & Clover Farm in celebrating the spring! The Farm Education Collaborative will be leading a wide array of farm-based education programs this growing season at Crimson & Clover Farm in Florence, MA. Whether you’re a parent wanting to share a morning with your young child on the farm or an aspiring farmer looking to work in the fields, there’s something for you at Crimson & Clover Farm this spring. Plant, harvest, tend to the animals, cook farm-fresh produce, explore and work together, and so much more! Financial aid is available to low-income families through Grow Food Northampton. For complete details and registration please visit their website – www.thefarmeducationcollaborative.org.
Having a Baby? Our Experts Help You Understand Your Options The staff at Cooley Dickinson’s Childbirth Center know parents lead busy lives. That’s why organizers offer a childbirth education series held weekday evenings and weekends. Each series provide answers to questions about labor, birth, newborn care, breastfeeding, and more. Download the Having a Baby flyer or register at www.cooley-dickinson.org/events Baby is here. Now what? Once baby is born, parents don’t know what to expect. Join Beyond Birth, a group of new parents and babies up to four months old, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital Thursdays from 1–3 pm. A parent education specialist guides the group and answers questions. All are welcome no matter where you gave birth.
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your April vacation event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, wellness program or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Hilltown Families is accepting applications for our Fellowship Program. The Fellowship will afford the opportunity to identify the place-based educational value of local events and the importance of community engagement while gaining a better understanding of how community based resources and local organizations can work together to create a network that promotes learning and sustainability of local resources. The program is a two year position open to students or graduates living in Western Massachusetts with an ability to attend weekly meetings in Northampton, MA. Hours per week 10-15. Stipend/Wage: $100/week.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
April 20th-26th, 2013
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter
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April 13, 2013 at 5:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: April Vacation Week, Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and during April Vacation Week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for April 13th-19th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 40 Community Highlights: StoryWalks to Marionette Shows. Salmon Fry to Coatimundi., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for Early-Mid April, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
April 13th-19th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
StoryWalks ♦ Puppets & Marionettes ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Community Service ♦ History ♦ Astronomy
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Music Trekking: Andean Music for Spring
- Q&A: Share Your Love for Your Local CSA
- Let’s Play: Puppets and Creative Free Play
- Mug & Bugs in the Hills
- Birds of Spring Episode: Hilltown Family Variety Show (Podcast/Radio Show)
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
RECAP MAP SPONSORS
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April 12, 2013 at 5:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: April Vacation, Berkshire County, Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service Based Learning, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Massachusetts, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, School Vacation, School Vacation Week, staycation, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
StoryWalks to Marionette Shows. Salmon Fry to Coatimundi. American Revolutionary War to Patriot’s Day…
These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Get out into your community and learn while you play during April vacation week!
And be sure to check our list of supporting book titles to supplement the learning on the different topics highlighted each week.
Purchase them for your family library, or check them out from the public library!
Read the rest of this entry »
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April 11, 2013 at 6:00 am (Suggested Events)
Tags: April Vacation Week, Berkshires, Event Listings, Family, Family Activities, Family Events, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, Mohawk Trail, New England, outdoors, Pioneer Valley, School Vacation, Spring Events, Things to do, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourism, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Thank you to everyone who joined Hilltown Families at the Art Garden in Shelbune Fall last Friday night for Flowers for Friends. Families had a lovely time painting pots & planting them with spring blossoms to pass along to others… spreading kindness one blossom at a time! (Photo credit: Sienna Wildfield)
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
Volunteer with your family to help local non-profits — a one of a kind event for families to volunteer together while educating children about animal welfare, conservation efforts and the value of community service.
On Saturday, May 4th from 10am-1pm: FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT: Join Hilltown Families for a Saturday morning of volunteering together with your family during our spring Family Community Service Event to be held at Leeds Elementary School. We will be offering seven volunteer stations for families to participate in hands-on service projects for ALL AGES that support animal welfare organizations, conservation efforts and food security. Find out more and preregister here: Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event: May 4th! Northampton, MA (FREE)
BULLETIN BOARD
Apr 14 & 15
The Academy of Music Theatre will present their fifth annual Puppet Festival, April 14th and 15th. There will be two performances to delight young children and their families. Tanglewood Marionettes will stage the first show, The Dragon King, on April 14th at 2 p.m. The acclaimed, award-winning National Marionette Theatre will perform their production of Pinocchio, on April 15th at 10 a.m. All shows are approximately fifty minutes and puppeteers will answer questions from the audience following the performance. All tickets are $5 (box office fees apply) – Academy Box Office,Tuesday-Friday from 3pm-6pm or by phoning 413-584-9032 x105 or online at www.academyofmusictheatre.com. For ages 4 and up.
Apr 15 & 18
Celebrate spring in the garden over school vacation! Plan Your Family’s Garden Workshop, Monday April 15 10am-12pm & Thursday April 18 10am-12pm with Sweet Roots Gardens in South Deerfield, MA. Learn to grow a garden with your child over spring vacation! This 2- part workshop will help you plan, design and leave with the tools to begin digging up your home garden. Learn to build a raised bed garden, techniques for planting seeds with little ones and how to make theme gardens. Hands on garden and craft activities for kids. You will leave with a plan for your garden that includes a colorful set of cards and map to play with at home. For more info or to register, go to www.sweetrootsgardens.com or email saracoblyn@gmail.com.
Apr 16
On Tuesday April 16, CityStage in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts will turn into a live petting zoo like no other with Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo! With the Springfield Museums onsite with an interactive Dinosaur exhibit between the 10am and 2pm performances, and near-by restaurants, it’s the perfect Spring Break Day Trip for Hilltown Families! Erth’s awesome prehistoric creatures, from cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, will take to the stage for three performances only at 10am, 2pm and 6pm! Dinosaur Petting Zoo allows heaps of interaction for kids and adults while they travel with Erth’s multi-faceted performers on a journey through prehistoric ages. Tickets are $20 and are available by phone at (413) 788-7033 or online HERE.
Apr 20
For Earth Day, just change the diaper you use. Thousands of cloth diapers will be changed around the globe to build awareness of the cloth diaper movement! Help create a new Guiness World Record for the most cloth diapers changed at one time! Sat April 20th. Doors open at 10am, change happens promptly at 11am. Everyone’s welcome! It’s FREE to attend. Door prizes, raffles, info tables, snacks, and plenty of cloth diapering tips, tools, and treasures to be had! Learn how-to cloth diaper if you are curious at heart! This is event is hosted by Simple Diaper & Linen at 418 Dwight St. in Holyoke (right across the canal from the Holyoke Children’s Museum). Please contact info@simple.coop with any questions, & visit the Facebook event page to register.
Having a Baby? Our Experts Help You Understand Your Options The staff at Cooley Dickinson’s Childbirth Center know parents lead busy lives. That’s why organizers offer a childbirth education series held weekday evenings and weekends. Each series provide answers to questions about labor, birth, newborn care, breastfeeding, and more. Download the Having a Baby flyer or register at www.cooley-dickinson.org/events Baby is here. Now what? Once baby is born, parents don’t know what to expect. Join Beyond Birth, a group of new parents and babies up to four months old, at Cooley Dickinson Hospital Thursdays from 1–3 pm. A parent education specialist guides the group and answers questions. All are welcome no matter where you gave birth.
SUMMER CAMP: Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs are featured! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your April vacation event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, wellness program or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Hilltown Families is accepting applications for our Fellowship Program. The Fellowship will afford the opportunity to identify the place-based educational value of local events and the importance of community engagement while gaining a better understanding of how community based resources and local organizations can work together to create a network that promotes learning and sustainability of local resources. The program is a two year position open to students or graduates living in Western Massachusetts with an ability to attend weekly meetings in Northampton, MA. Hours per week 10-15. Stipend/Wage: $100/week.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
April 13th-19th, 2013
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter
Read the rest of this entry »
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April 6, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, Weekend Guide, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and upcoming week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for April 6th-12th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Mark Your Calendars, Bulletin Board. and the Hilltown Family Variety Show.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 20 Community Highlights: Woodcocks to Vernal Pools. Radio to Railroad., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for Early-Mid April, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families!
April 6th-12th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
History ♦ Literacy ♦ Music Studies ♦ Environmental, Animal & Nature Studies ♦ Civics ♦ Parent Workshops & Resources
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- Tis the Season for Vernal Pools
- HFVS Spring Equinox Episode with Guest DJ, Charity Kahn (Radio Show/Podcast)
- Picture Books for Spring Time
- Q&A: Community Recommended Documentaries for Parents
- Play Spring Walk Bingo!
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
TICKET GIVEAWAYS
RECAP MAP SPONSORS
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April 5, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service Based Learning, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, Hilltown Families, Massachusetts, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Search for courting Woodcocks, an elusive bird that is a sure sign of spring when you discover their entertaining breeding behavior. There are two opportunities to explore: Friday night, April 5th at the Guyette Farm in Plainfield, and Tuesday evening, April 9ths at Northfield Mountain.
Radio to Railroad. Alchemy to Literacy. Polka to Hindustani. Timberdoodle to Madagascar… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Get out into your community and learn while you play!
And be sure to check our list of supporting book titles to supplement the learning on the different topics highlighted each week.
Purchase them for your family library, or check them out from the public library!
Read the rest of this entry »
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April 4, 2013 at 6:01 am (Suggested Events)
Tags: Berkshires, Event Listings, Family, Family Activities, Family Events, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, Mohawk Trail, New England, outdoors, Pioneer Valley, Spring Events, Things to do, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourism, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENT
Space is limited and we’re filling up fast! All participants must pre-register for this free event. Don’t miss your chance!
On Saturday, May 4th from 10am-1pm: FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT: Join Hilltown Families for a Saturday morning of volunteering together with your family during our spring Family Community Service Event to be held at Leeds Elementary School. We will be offering seven volunteer stations for families to participate in hands-on service projects for ALL AGES that support animal welfare organizations, conservation efforts and food security. Find out more and preregister here: Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event: May 4th! Northampton, MA (FREE)
BULLETIN BOARD
Apr 4-18
Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival returns April 4-18 to Lander Grinspoon Academy in Northampton, MA. 20 Films / 8 Towns: International films that entertain, educate & inspire. Especially for families is last year’s favorite, DAVID on April 7. In this film a lonely Brooklyn Muslim boy pretends to be Jewish with his new found friends in this tender drama that bridges culture & religion. Ages 8+ (Families with younger sibs welcome to school library & playground). Buy a bag lunch/film ticket combo at www.pvjff.org. Film-only tickets at the door. Lunch at 12noon; film at 1pm. Kidcentered discussion & activities. Visit web site for all films: coming-of-age, romantic comedy, ‘60s cult classic, documentaries of masters of the graphic novel.
Apr 6 & 7
Quilt Show for the Family -Introduce your family and children to the exciting art and craft of quilting at the Hands All Around Biennial Quilt Show, April 6 and 7, at the UMass Amherst Campus Center. In recent years, many artists have expanded the rich American tradition of quilting to create exquisite works of arts. This show, featuring 300+ quilts, showcases the best contemporary quilting has to offer – traditional blocks and patterns next to pictorial and abstract quilts. Demos, kids activities, a special World War II quilt exhibit, fabric vendors, a mini-quilt exhibit and much more. $8 for adults, kids 5 and under for FREE, kids ages 6-12 – $2, students and military or veterans $4. 10am-4pm both days. handsacrossthevalley.org/quilt-show
Apr 6 & 7
Pioneer Valley Ballet presents an original ballet, The Little Mermaid. April 6 & 7 at The Academy of Music in Northampton. Set to Camille Saint Saens’ musical score and based on the fairy tale by the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen about a young mermaid willing to give up her life in the sea for a human soul and the love of a human prince. An opulent production with all-new choreography: flirty Nereids delicately kicking their way through the crashing Waves, tiny swimming Sea Turtles, a towering Sea Witch accompanied by Sea Monsters and menacing Angler Fish, and, of course, The Little Mermaid, played by returning dancer Meghan Mangsen. Tickets available online or in person. More information at www.pioneervalleyballet.org.
Apr 9
Open House: The Deerfield Academy Children’s School is hosting an Open House on Tuesday, April 9th from 5:45-7pm. Come see the school, meet the teachers and learn about The Children’s School nurturing philosophy. Fall slots available for toddlers and preschoolers. Call Elizabeth Bertini-Franseen at 413-774-6626 for more information. 488 Greenfield Rd., Deerfield, MA (RT 5&10 across from Williams Sugar House).
Apr 10
Cultivating Compassion–A Powerful Agent of Change. Got conflict in your life? Whether it’s tension with co-workers, your children, your spouse or anyone who touches your life, cultivating compassion eases the suffering. Attend this FREE workshop to find out how! In this interactive program, various research, exercises and discussion topics will be presented to highlight how compassion transforms relationships and reduces conflict. All are welcome to attend on April 10th, 2013 from 6-8pm at Forbes Library in Northampton, MA. Please register to reserve a seat @ Coaching-with-Compassion.com. This event is created and facilitated by Shana Hiranandani, M.A., BCC Board Certified Life and Career Transition Coach
Apr 14 & 15
The Academy of Music Theatre will present their fifth annual Puppet Festival, April 14th and 15th. There will be two performances to delight young children and their families. Tanglewood Marionettes will stage the first show, The Dragon King, on April 14th at 2 p.m. The acclaimed, award-winning National Marionette Theatre will perform their production of Pinocchio, on April 15th at 10 a.m. All shows are approximately fifty minutes and puppeteers will answer questions from the audience following the performance. All tickets are $5 (box office fees apply) – Academy Box Office,Tuesday-Friday from 3pm-6pm or by phoning 413-584-9032 x105 or online at www.academyofmusictheatre.com. For ages 4 and up.
Apr 16
On Tuesday April 16, CityStage in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts will turn into a live petting zoo like no other with Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo! With the Springfield Museums onsite with an interactive Dinosaur exhibit between the 10am and 2pm performances, and near-by restaurants, it’s the perfect Spring Break Day Trip for Hilltown Families! Erth’s awesome prehistoric creatures, from cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, will take to the stage for three performances only at 10am, 2pm and 6pm! Dinosaur Petting Zoo allows heaps of interaction for kids and adults while they travel with Erth’s multi-faceted performers on a journey through prehistoric ages. Tickets are $20 and are available by phone at (413) 788-7033 or online HERE.
SUMMER CAMP: Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs are featured! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your April vacation event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, wellness program or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
Hilltown Families is accepting applications for our Fellowship Program. The Fellowship will afford the opportunity to identify the place-based educational value of local events and the importance of community engagement while gaining a better understanding of how community based resources and local organizations can work together to create a network that promotes learning and sustainability of local resources. The program is a two year position open to students or graduates living in Western Massachusetts with an ability to attend weekly meetings in Northampton, MA. Hours per week 10-15. Stipend/Wage: $100/week.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
April 6th-12th, 2013
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter
Read the rest of this entry »
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March 30, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Easter, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and upcoming week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for March 30th-April 5th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Mark Your Calendars and Bulletin Board.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 22 Community Highlights: Laura Ingalls Wilder to the Beatles. Vernal Pools to Hot Cross Buns., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for Late March, Early April, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families! And for Easter highlights check our post, Easter Events in Western MA, 2013.
March 30th-April 5th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
History ♦ Outdoor Adventures ♦ Animal Studies ♦ Community Service ♦ Geography ♦ Comics ♦ Musicals ♦ Science/Astronomy ♦ Museum Adventures ♦ Parent Workshops
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- The Ripple: Message of the Spring Peepers
- Vernal Pools: When Will The Spotted Salamander Eggs Hatch?
- Legends & Lore of Easter Icons
- Mud & Bugs in the Hills
- Consuming Kids: The Commercialization of Childhood
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENTS
TICKET GIVEAWAYS
RECAP MAP SPONSORS
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March 29, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service Based Learning, Easter, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, Massachusetts, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, Science, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, western massachusetts
One of the oldest Good Friday customs is eating hot cross buns. These small sweet buns, marked with a cross of white icing, may have originated in pre-Christian times. Early Egyptians, Greeks and Romans marked their loaves of bread with symbols to honor their gods and goddesses. Many superstitions grew out of this custom.. Read more about this and other Easter icons in our post, Legends & Lore of Easter Icons.
Laura Ingalls Wilder to the Beatles. Vernal Pools to Boreal Forests. Legally Blonde to Anything Goes…
These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week!
Get out into your community and learn while you play!
And be sure to check our list of supporting book titles to supplement the learning on the different topics highlighted each week. Purchase them for your family library, or check them out from the public library!
Read the rest of this entry »
Like this:
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March 28, 2013 at 6:00 am (Suggested Events)
Tags: Berkshires, Easter Events, Event Listings, Family, Family Activities, Family Events, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, Mohawk Trail, New England, outdoors, Pioneer Valley, Things to do, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourism, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts, winter
Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.
SUGGEST AN EVENT
Happy Spring! Happy Passover! Happy Easter! — Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy! La la la…
If you have a community event, educational program or service opportunity for youth/families happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.
Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to partner with Hilltown Families through sponsorship and advertising. Let us help get the word out about your after school/homeschool class, event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business/school, service, open house, volunteer opportunity or general announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.
BEST BETS
Saturday, March 30th from 10am-4pm – FAMILY MUSIC/BOOK FESTIVAL: It’s that time of year again! The River (WRSI 93.9 FM) hosts the annual Family Music Meltdown and Book Bash today at their new location Smith Vocational High School! The event is a celebration of kid-friendly music and great children’s literature, and is filled with fun things to do, see, and learn. Live performances will include The Nields, Mister G, The Deedle Deedle Dees, and Hey Dango; popular authors like Jarrett Krosoczka (Lunch Lady), Judith Schachner (Skippyjon Jones), and Tony Diterlizzi (the WondLa series) will read from their favorite books; and families can try out circus arts, crafts, meet farm animals, and visit local vendors. Local businesses will provide food in the food court, so be sure to bring an appetite! Locust Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE)
BULLETIN BOARD
Apr 4-18
Pioneer Valley Jewish Film Festival returns April 4-18 to Lander Grinspoon Academy in Northampton, MA. 20 Films / 8 Towns: International films that entertain, educate & inspire. Especially for families is last year’s favorite, DAVID on April 7. In this film a lonely Brooklyn Muslim boy pretends to be Jewish with his new found friends in this tender drama that bridges culture & religion. Ages 8+ (Families with younger sibs welcome to school library & playground). Buy a bag lunch/film ticket combo at www.pvjff.org. Film-only tickets at the door. Lunch at 12noon; film at 1pm. Kidcentered discussion & activities. Visit web site for all films: coming-of-age, romantic comedy, ‘60s cult classic, documentaries of masters of the graphic novel.
Apr 4 & 6
Parent Workshops with Aletha Solter, Ph.D. (Aware Parenting, author of 5 books) Cradle, Northampton. Why Babies Cry: Some Unrecognized Reasons Thurs Apr 4, 6-8pm, $35. Did you know that babies cry not just for immediate needs, but to release and heal stress? Recognize sources of stress, improve sleep, and help your baby release tension through therapeutic holding/listening. Discipline Without Punishments and Rewards Sat Apr 6, 9-1, $70 Raise cooperative, responsible, self-disciplined children. Pitfalls of punishments and rewards, basic techniques of democratic discipline, reasons for inappropriate behavior, how children’s behavior changes when their needs are met. Eliza 720-252-9982 Contact@InspiritAlive.com Register at cradlefamily.com
Apr 6 & 7
Quilt Show for the Family -Introduce your family and children to the exciting art and craft of quilting at the Hands All Around Biennial Quilt Show, April 6 and 7, at the UMass Amherst Campus Center. In recent years, many artists have expanded the rich American tradition of quilting to create exquisite works of arts. This show, featuring 300+ quilts, showcases the best contemporary quilting has to offer – traditional blocks and patterns next to pictorial and abstract quilts. Demos, kids activities, a special World War II quilt exhibit, fabric vendors, a mini-quilt exhibit and much more. $8 for adults, kids 5 and under for FREE, kids ages 6-12 – $2, students and military or veterans $4. 10am-4pm both days. handsacrossthevalley.org/quilt-show
Apr 7
Come Meet Eden Village Camp’s Founding Director, Yoni Stadlin, at Congregation B’nai Israel (253 Prospect St, Northampton, MA) on April 7th at 11:30am. Snacks provided! Eden Village Camp is the innovative Jewish organic farm camp, focusing on food, wilderness connection & creative arts! The 3rd-11th grade campers and apprentices develop leadership, community-living & outdoor skills, explore a vibrant food culture, and awaken their sense of purpose, joy, & positive Jewish identity. Campers enjoy ethically-sourced (and Kosher) food; care for animals, experience cooking, herbalism, natural science, joyful Shabbat celebration & Jewish practice, swimming & more! Scholarships are available. Contact welcome@edenvillagecamp.org to learn more!
Apr 10
Cultivating Compassion–A Powerful Agent of Change. Got conflict in your life? Whether it’s tension with co-workers, your children, your spouse or anyone who touches your life, cultivating compassion eases the suffering. Attend this FREE workshop to find out how! In this interactive program, various research, exercises and discussion topics will be presented to highlight how compassion transforms relationships and reduces conflict. All are welcome to attend on April 10th, 2013 from 6-8pm at Forbes Library in Northampton, MA. Please register to reserve a seat @ Coaching-with-Compassion.com/events. This event is created and facilitated by Shana Hiranandani, M.A., BCC Board Certified Life and Career Transition Coach.
Jul & Aug
Journey Camp is a nurturing program where children can be themselves and make new friends. Each day offers creative play, walks in the woods and choices of workshops in art, music and drama. Hilltown session for boys and girls, ages 7-13, July 15-19, Taproot Commons Farm, Cummington. Session One for boys and girls, 7-12, July 1-5, at Woolman Hill, Deerfield, Girls Weeks, 7-12, Aug. 5-9 and Aug. 12-16, Woolman Hill, and Moonseed Teen Leadership for Girls, 11-18, July 29- August 1, Woolman Hill. Contact: Marsha Lieberman, 413-588-6399, marsha.journey@gmail.com; www.sarahpirtle.com
Accepting applications for fall 2013. The Bement School founded in 1925 and located in Deerfield is a co-educational junior boarding and day school serving 220 students in kindergarten through grade 9. Bement’s rich, traditional 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 on how to apply, financial aid, or to arrange a visit to campus, call 413-774-7061 www.bement.org.
SUMMER CAMP: Looking for a summer camp or program in Western MA? Check out our featured post, 2013 Summer Camps and Programs in Western MA for a list that will wow and dazzle you! Summer opportunities range from music, art, farming, theater, dance, science, nature, sports, speaking, yoga, rock ‘n roll… to traditional summer day or overnight camps/programs are featured! There’s something for all ages, toddlers to teens! Check it out and start making your summer plans!
ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your April Vacacation event, open house, auditions, afterschool class, homeschool program, community event, workshop, school, wellness program or business featured here in the bulletin board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out more about our enhanced publicity packages and options and how we can help with your online marketing by emailing us at hilltownfamilies@gmail.com.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENTS
Thank you to everyone who pre-registered for this free event. We are now full and registration is closed. If you’d like to be added to our cancellation list, visit the page and submit your contact info.
On Friday, April 5th from 4-7pm: ACT OF KINDNESS: Flowers for Friends: A Free Family Friday Night Event at The Art Garden with Hilltown Families. Sign up to bring your kids and come join your neighbors in a free community art event, painting terracotta flower pots to plant with pansies and then pass along to those in your community. With the idea of spreading kindness and beauty, families are encouraged to pass their posies along to an elder in their neighborhood, or their librarian, classroom teacher, receptionist at the hospital or animal shelter, or other community space of their choice. Space is limited. Must pre-register. Shelburne Falls, MA (FREE)
Space is limited and we’re filling up fast! All participants must pre-register for this free event. Don’t miss your chance!
On Saturday, May 4th from 10am-1pm: FAMILY COMMUNITY SERVICE EVENT: Join Hilltown Families for a Saturday morning of volunteering together with your family during our spring Family Community Service Event to be held at Leeds Elementary School. We will be offering seven volunteer stations for families to participate in hands-on service projects for ALL AGES that support animal welfare organizations, conservation efforts and food security. Find out more and preregister here: Hilltown Families’ Family Community Service Event: May 4th! Northampton, MA (FREE)
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
March 30th – April 5th, 2013
Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter
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March 23, 2013 at 6:00 am (Recap Map, Suggested Activity)
Tags: Berkshire County, Berkshires, Easter, Family Guide, franklin county, Hampden County, hampshire county, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, Spring, western massachusetts
Here’s a recap of news and information posted on Hilltown Families this past week, along with a map for finding out what’s happening this weekend and upcoming week throughout Western MA!
MAP
Peruse our list of Suggested Events for March 23rd-29th, 2013 for a comprehensive list of events happening throughout the four counties of Western MA, including: Best Bets, Mark Your Calendars and Bulletin Board.
Also check our weekly column, Learn Local. Play Local. for 27 Community Highlights: Bread to Sushi. Beekeeping to Bird Houses., and our bi-weekly column, Berkshire Family Fun for Late March, Early April, 2013, for a list of premier educational and cultural highlights in Berkshire County for families! And for Easter highlights check our post, Easter Events in Western MA, 2013.
March 23rd-29th, 2013
Saturday • Sunday • Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday
Sustainability ♦ Nature Science/Animal Studies ♦ Culinary Arts
Musical/Theater ♦ Parent Workshops ♦ Art ♦ Culinary Studies
RECAP
Visit the Hilltown Families Facebook page and Twitter stream for more news and information!
FIVE FROM THE ARCHIVES
- “This Day in History” Video Series
- Two Recipes to Celebrate the Simple Pleasure of Cooking
- Which Western MA Museum Did Your Family Visit Last?
- Fencing Lessons in Western MA
- Web Review: BrainPOP
HILLTOWN FAMILIES EVENTS
RECAP MAP SPONSORS
HILLTOWN FAMILIES SPRING RESOURCES
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March 22, 2013 at 6:00 am (Highlights, Suggested Activity)
Tags: arts, Berkshires, Community Based Education, Community Service Based Learning, Easter, education for sustainability, environmental education, experiential education, Family Activities in Western Massachusetts, Hilltown Families, Massachusetts, Musicals, New England, pedagogy of place, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, place-based learning, Science, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Tourisim, Travel, vacation, Western MA, western massachusetts
Beekeeping to Bird Houses. Latino Folktales to Ukrainian Pysanky. Bread to Sushi… These are just a few of the learning highlights we’re featuring this week! Get out into your community and learn while you play!
Sustainability ♦ Nature Science/Animal Studies ♦ Culinary Arts ♦ Musical/Theater ♦ Parent Workshops ♦ Art ♦ Culinary Studies
Easter Sunday in next weekend, March 31st, but egg hunts are happening this weekend and next! Check out our post, Easter Events in Western MA for a comprehensive list. Read the rest of this entry »
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