To find out about more event, be sure to visit our Suggest an Event Bulletin Board to see what our readers have recently shared! Have an event to share? Feel encouraged to self-post community events here at any time!

If you have a community event, educational program, or service-learning opportunity happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, self-post your event at any time on our Suggest An Event bulletin board. 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.

Health & Wellness Directory

Are you in the business of improving people’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health and well-being? Hilltown Families is offering service providers a chance to spread the word about your services with a brand new online resource: Western MA Health & Wellness Directory. We are connecting Western MA families with the health and wellness resources we need, while also supporting the businesses that make our local economy thrive. If you, or someone you know, would like to be included in this list, click HERE to find more information or to fill out our easy sign-up form. You can also reach out to our helpful Program Manager, Courtney Supple-Benoit, with any questions. We encourage our burgeoning entrepreneurs, small business-owners, non-profit managers, and even our large institutional neighbors to reach out and get connected with us – and families throughout Western MA!

Is Access to Quality Learning Opportunities Important to You? Are You Passionate About Families in Western MA? Then We’re Looking for YOU!

Hilltown Families seeks a new Executive Director!

Working towards creating a culture of intentional learning, Sienna Wildfield founded Hilltown Families in 2005 as an innovative approach to education and community-development. We began as a simple email listserv for families living in the rural regions of Massachusetts, and now Hilltown Families serves all four counties of western Massachusetts, sharing tens of thousands of community-based educational events, resources, and opportunities over the years for all generations and all levels of learning.

Hilltown Families is now seeking a half-time Executive Director to shepherd the next level of growth of the local organization. Further information about the opportunity is available here: Executive Director Job Description. Please spread the word!

Bulletin Board

June 3

Go where no circus performer has gone before…to the stars and beyond! Blast off with Show Circus Studio‘s intrepid acrobats as they journey throughout the galaxy to discover brave new worlds, fantastic creatures, and feats beyond your imagination! The voyage will take you upside down, inside out, and to the edge of the known universe and back! Come join them for the debut of their family-friendly, out of this world circus experience. You will never forget it! Featuring the “SHOW OFFS” Circus Youth Troupe, SHOW Adult Troupe, and professional SHOW circus performers. Sunday, June 3. Doors at 3:30pm, show at 4pm. Tickets available online at aomtheatre.ticketfly.com Adult: $18, Youth: $13.

Jul 2-Jul 19

Summer is just around the corner! Western Mass Summer Soccer Academy is for girls and boys ages 6-14. Held at Look Park, the academy features pecial trainings with New England Revolution Academy Coaches to improve skills, promote team play and have fun! Campers will also experience plyometrics training to improve speed, agility and quickness. For more information, call 413-250-7460, email escagel@comcast.net, or visit www.westernmassathletics.com.

Jul 16 – Aug 8

The 2018 Hilltown Youth Theatre Summer Workshop presents their 8th outdoor, traveling spectacle Avatar: The Last Airbender. Aspiring actors, artists, musicians, singers and set-designers will enjoy 3 weeks of movement, voice work, intensive actor training and work on large apparatus (aerial trapeze, circus silks, stilts, spools) with guest artists from Knighthorse Theatre, Double Edge Theatre and other luminaries of the Valley’s performing arts community. Located at the Hawlemont School in the foothills of the Berkshires, July 16 – Aug 8, Mon-Fri (9am to 4pm) with select evening and WE rehearsals. Performances at Berkshire East Mtn Resort: Aug 4-7. No prior acting experience required, generous financial assistance and scholarships available. For info, visit hilltownyouth.org, email hilltownyouth@gmail.com, or call 413-387-8783.

USA Waste and Recycling is a family owned and operated business that provides the best Waste and Recycling removal services in the area! They are offering one month of free residential collection services to NEW customers! For EXISTING customers: refer a new customer and receive a free month as well! USA Waste & Recycling is offering this free service to residents of Northampton, Easthampton, Southampton, and Belchertown. They are also currently offering $25 off dumpsters for spring cleaning! Dumpsters must be delivered by August 1, 2018. For more information, visit www.usarecycle.com, email services@usarecycle.com, or call their outstanding customer service center at 1-800-998-2984 to subscribe!

Add your camp

Our summer camp guide is up! Check out our featured post, 2018 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! — Do you have a summer camp or program you’d like to have included in our comprehensive list? Find out how you can submit your listing HERE.

Add your school

Hilltown Families Preschool Directory: Are you looking for a preschool that fits your child’s personality and reflects your family’s values? Check out our growing Preschool Directory, covering all four counties in Western Massachusetts, and find the perfect place for your young one! — Have a school you’d like to include in this list? Click here to find out how to have it added.

ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your summer camp, class, community event, school, open house, audition, homeschool program, workshop, volunteer opportunity, wellness program, local business, after-school class, or non-profit featured here in the Bulletin Board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and in our weekly eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing us at at sales@hilltownfamilies.org.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community-building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish, and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to info@hilltownfamilies.org.

LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
May 26th – June 1st, 2018

Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday

Suggest an Event | Cultural Itineraries | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets | Storyhour & Playgroups| Berkshire Family Fun | Advertise/Sponsorship | en Español

Read the rest of this entry »

To find out about more event, be sure to visit our Suggest an Event Bulletin Board to see what our readers have recently shared! Have an event to share? Feel encouraged to self-post community events here at any time!

If you have a community event, educational program, or service-learning opportunity happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, self-post your event at any time on our Suggest An Event bulletin board. 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.

Health & Wellness Directory

Are you in the business of improving people’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health and well-being? Hilltown Families is offering service providers a chance to spread the word about your services with a brand new online resource: Western MA Health & Wellness Directory. We are connecting Western MA families with the health and wellness resources we need, while also supporting the businesses that make our local economy thrive. If you, or someone you know, would like to be included in this list, click HERE to find more information or to fill out our easy sign-up form. You can also reach out to our helpful Program Manager, Courtney Supple-Benoit, with any questions. We encourage our burgeoning entrepreneurs, small business-owners, non-profit managers, and even our large institutional neighbors to reach out and get connected with us – and families throughout Western MA!

Recent Grad? Retired Manager or Executive? Current Job Not Feeding Your Passion? You Could Be Our Next Leader!

Hilltown Families seeks a new Executive Director!

Working towards creating a culture of intentional learning, Sienna Wildfield founded Hilltown Families in 2005 as an innovative approach to education and community-development. We began as a simple email listserv for families living in the rural regions of Massachusetts, and now Hilltown Families serves all four counties of western Massachusetts, sharing tens of thousands of community-based educational events, resources, and opportunities over the years for all generations and all levels of learning.

Hilltown Families is now seeking a half-time Executive Director to shepherd the next level of growth of the local organization. Further information about the opportunity is available here: Executive Director Job Description. Please spread the word!

Bulletin Board

May 19

Jamie Kent returns home to make his Academy of Music headlining debut! With plenty of surprise guests, and a very special collaboration (and fundraiser) with the JFK Middle School Jazz Band in store, this is a show not to be missed! Named by RollingStone.com as an “Artist You Need To Know”, and dubbed a “Must Watch Artist” by The Huffington Post, one might say the future of Jamie Kent looks quite promising. Kent has toured with legendary acts like Huey Lewis & The News and The Doobie Bros. His latest album “All American Mutt”, debuted at #16 on the Billboard Charts and was the only independent artist to break into the Top 20 at the time. Check out homegrown Jamie Kent and support the JFK Middle School Jazz Band this Saturday night in Northampton! Tickets are available at aomtheatre.com.

Jul 2-Jul 19

Summer is just around the corner! Western Mass Summer Soccer Academy is for girls and boys ages 6-14. Held at Look Park, the academy features special trainings with New England Revolution Academy Coaches to improve skills, promote team play and have fun! Campers will also experience plyometrics training to improve speed, agility and quickness. For more information, call 413-250-7460, email escagel@comcast.net, or visit www.westernmassathletics.com.

Jul 16 – Aug 8

The 2018 Hilltown Youth Theatre Summer Workshop presents their 8th outdoor, traveling spectacle Avatar: The Last Airbender. Aspiring actors, artists, musicians, singers and set-designers will enjoy 3 weeks of movement, voice work, intensive actor training and work on large apparatus (aerial trapeze, circus silks, stilts, spools) with guest artists from Knighthorse Theatre, Double Edge Theatre and other luminaries of the Valley’s performing arts community. Located at the Hawlemont School in the foothills of the Berkshires, July 16 – Aug 8, Mon-Fri (9am to 4pm) with select evening and WE rehearsals. Performances at Berkshire East Mtn Resort: Aug 4-7. No prior acting experience required, generous financial assistance and scholarships available. For info, visit hilltownyouth.org, email hilltownyouth@gmail.com, or call 413-387-8783.

USA Waste and Recycling is a family owned and operated business that provides the best Waste and Recycling removal services in the area! They are offering one month of free residential collection services to NEW customers! For EXISTING customers: refer a new customer and receive a free month as well! USA Waste & Recycling is offering this free service to residents of Northampton, Easthampton, Southampton, and Belchertown. They are also currently offering $25 off dumpsters for spring cleaning! Dumpsters must be delivered by August 1, 2018. For more information, visit www.usarecycle.com, email services@usarecycle.com, or call their outstanding customer service center at 1-800-998-2984 to subscribe!

Puzzled Escape Games, in Easthampton, has been rated the number one escape game in Massachusetts, and it’s because we are different. Not only do we offer the only kids escape game experience in the state, we also prioritize set dressing, storyline, and a fully immersive experience. You and your team are completely immersed in the experiment, and one of our rooms even includes a live after! Come see what all the hype is about and bring your friends, family, or coworkers for an amazing experience they won’t forget. Birthday parties and team-building packages are available. We look forward to hosting your group! For info, call (413) 203-5519 or visit www.puzzledescapegames.com.

Add your camp

Our summer camp guide is up! Check out our featured post, 2018 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! — Do you have a summer camp or program you’d like to have included in our comprehensive list? Find out how you can submit your listing HERE.

Add your school

Hilltown Families Preschool Directory: Are you looking for a preschool that fits your child’s personality and reflects your family’s values? Check out our growing Preschool Directory, covering all four counties in Western Massachusetts, and find the perfect place for your young one! — Have a school you’d like to include in this list? Click here to find out how to have it added.

ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your summer camp, class, community event, school, open house, audition, homeschool program, workshop, volunteer opportunity, wellness program, local business, after-school class, or non-profit featured here in the Bulletin Board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and in our weekly eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing us at at sales@hilltownfamilies.org.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community-building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish, and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to info@hilltownfamilies.org.

LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
May 19th – 25th, 2018

Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday

Suggest an Event | Cultural Itineraries | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets | Storyhour & Playgroups| Berkshire Family Fun | Advertise/Sponsorship | en Español

Read the rest of this entry »

To find out about more event, be sure to visit our Suggest an Event Bulletin Board to see what our readers have recently shared! Have an event to share? Feel encouraged to self-post community events here at any time!

If you have a community event, educational program, or service-learning opportunity happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, self-post your event at any time on our Suggest An Event bulletin board. 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.

Health & Wellness Directory

Are you in the business of improving people’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health and well-being? Hilltown Families is offering service providers a chance to spread the word about your services with a brand new online resource: Western MA Health & Wellness Directory. We are connecting Western MA families with the health and wellness resources we need, while also supporting the businesses that make our local economy thrive. If you, or someone you know, would like to be included in this list, click HERE to find more information or to fill out our easy sign-up form. You can also reach out to our helpful Program Manager, Courtney Supple-Benoit, with any questions. We encourage our burgeoning entrepreneurs, small business-owners, non-profit managers, and even our large institutional neighbors to reach out and get connected with us – and families throughout Western MA!

Are YOU Our Next Leader?

Hilltown Families seeks a new Executive Director!

Working towards creating a culture of intentional learning, Sienna Wildfield founded Hilltown Families in 2005 as an innovative approach to education and community-development. We began as a simple email listserv for families living in the rural regions of Massachusetts, and now Hilltown Families serves all four counties of western Massachusetts, sharing tens of thousands of community-based educational events, resources, and opportunities over the years for all generations and all levels of learning.

Hilltown Families is now seeking a half-time Executive Director to shepherd the next level of growth of the local organization. Further information about the opportunity is available here: Executive Director Job Description. Please spread the word!

Bulletin Board

May 20

Whole Children is bringing some inclusive family fun to Look Park with its fourth annual “Wild Goose Chase” 5K and kids’ carnival. There are events for all ages and abilities, including a chip-timed 5K race, a 1.2 mile fun run/walk/roll, and plenty of kids’ races. The Expandable Brass Band will keep the pace with their festive music as the racers head out on the course. The fun doesn’t stop there. A carnival includes horse-drawn wagon rides with Muddy Brook Draft, hula hooping by Hoop Joy’s Stephanie O’Keeffe, yo-yoing and other games with A2Z Science and Learning Store, games, face-painting, music, and more. Whole Children’s Joyful Chorus and its Friendship Band will also be on hand to entertain the crowd. Register now at wholechildren.org.

May 12

Bring the whole family to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for Saturday May 12^th from 9am-1pm for their annual Touch a Truck event. Over 50 big rigs will converge on the BMH parking lot. Spend the day in the driver’s seat playing with buttons and levers, trying on firefighters’ bunker gear, moving mulch in a mini tractor, and so much more! Have fun participating in the scavenger hunt, taking chances on raffle prizes, and playing fun games in our Health Fair. Minutes over the MA border, the hospital is located off Exit 1, I-91 in Brattleboro, VT. Admission: $5 per child (2-12), $15 for families with 3 or more children, under 2 and over 13, by donation. All proceeds benefit BMH.

May 12 – 30

Bring Learning Home with Oak Meadow! From May 12–30, take 20% off their flexible, experiential homeschooling curriculum for kindergarten to grade 12, and 10% off new enrollments in their teacher-supported, distance learning school. K-4 is child-centered, playful, nature-based; 5-8 encourages independence, increased intellectual engagement; High School offers challenging college-prep courses. Visit their website to save in their bookstore or to apply for enrollment. Or sign up for a Virtual Open House if you have more questions. It’s not too early to plan ahead. Ready for a change now? You can start anytime.

May 12

We Need Diverse Books Book Fair & Playground Party featuring What If… Book Launch: The Montessori School of Northampton and the Odyssey Bookshop present this fun event for families on Saturday, May 12, from 10 AM to 1 PM. The day will feature author Samantha Berger and illustrator Mike Curato introducing their new book What If… at 11 AM, as well as fun activities including face painting, bubbles, and an obstacle course. The school, located at 51 Bates Street, enrolls students from 18 months through 14 years, and will be open for tours and information. Join us and expand your library of diverse books! Light refreshments; open to the public; free admission; rain or shine. Information at (413) 586-4538 or northamptonmontessori.org

Jul 9 – Aug 17

Kamp for Kids brings together children with and without disabilities in a unique integrated model that promotes understanding and growth. Kamp activities include a music program, group skits/performances, integrated water activities, expressive arts, outdoor education, and non-competitive sports. As a fully inclusive summer camp located in Westfield, MA, it is our mission to serve a population comprised of both children with disabilities and their typically-developing peers. Not only does this philosophy promote understanding and growth, but it also allows families to keep their children together within one day camp. Kamp serves children and young people ages 3-22 years of age. For more information, call 413-568-8484 or email anne.benoit@bhninc.org.

USA Waste and Recycling is a family owned and operated business that provides the best Waste and Recycling removal services in the area! They are offering one month of free residential collection services to NEW customers! For EXISTING customers: refer a new customer and receive a free month as well! USA Waste & Recycling is offering this free service to residents of Northampton, Easthampton, Southampton, and Belchertown. They are also currently offering $25 off dumpsters for spring cleaning! Dumpsters must be delivered by August 1, 2018. For more information, visit www.usarecycle.com, email services@usarecycle.com, or call their outstanding customer service center at 1-800-998-2984 to subscribe!

Puzzled Escape Games, in Easthampton, has been rated the number one escape game in Massachusetts, and it’s because we are different. Not only do we offer the only kids escape game experience in the state, we also prioritize set dressing, storyline, and a fully immersive experience. You and your team are completely immersed in the experiment, and one of our rooms even includes a live after! Come see what all the hype is about and bring your friends, family, or coworkers for an amazing experience they won’t forget. Birthday parties and team-building packages are available. We look forward to hosting your group! For info, call (413) 203-5519 or visit www.puzzledescapegames.com.

Add your camp

Our summer camp guide is up! Check out our featured post, 2018 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! — Do you have a summer camp or program you’d like to have included in our comprehensive list? Find out how you can submit your listing HERE.

Add your school

Hilltown Families Preschool Directory: Are you looking for a preschool that fits your child’s personality and reflects your family’s values? Check out our growing Preschool Directory, covering all four counties in Western Massachusetts, and find the perfect place for your young one! — Have a school you’d like to include in this list? Click here to find out how to have it added.

ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your summer camp, class, community event, school, open house, audition, homeschool program, workshop, volunteer opportunity, wellness program, local business, after-school class, or non-profit featured here in the Bulletin Board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Events and in our weekly eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing us at at sales@hilltownfamilies.org.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community-building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish, and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to info@hilltownfamilies.org.

LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
May 12th – 18th, 2018

Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday

Suggest an Event | Cultural Itineraries | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets | Storyhour & Playgroups| Berkshire Family Fun | Advertise/Sponsorship | en Español

Read the rest of this entry »

To find out about more event, be sure to visit our Suggest an Event Bulletin Board to see what our readers have recently shared! Have an event to share? Feel encouraged to self-post community events here at any time!

If you have a community event, educational program, or service-learning opportunity happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, self-post your event at any time on our Suggest An Event bulletin board. 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.

Summer Camp

Our summer camp guide is up! Check out our featured post, 2018 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! — Do you have a summer camp or program you’d like to have included in our comprehensive list? Find out how you can submit your listing HERE.

Health & Wellness Directory

Are you in the business of improving people’s physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual health and well-being? Hilltown Families is offering service providers a chance to spread the word about your services with a brand new online resource: Western MA Health & Wellness Directory. We are connecting Western MA families with the health and wellness resources we need, while also supporting the businesses that make our local economy thrive. If you, or someone you know, would like to be included in this list, click HERE to find more information or to fill out our easy sign-up form. You can also reach out to our helpful Program Manager, Courtney Supple-Benoit, with any questions. We encourage our burgeoning entrepreneurs, small business-owners, non-profit managers, and even our large institutional neighbors to reach out and get connected with us – and families throughout Western MA!

Are YOU Our Next Leader?

Hilltown Families seeks a new Executive Director!

Working towards creating a culture of intentional learning, Sienna Wildfield founded Hilltown Families in 2005 as an innovative approach to education and community-development. We began as a simple email listserv for families living in the rural regions of Massachusetts, and now Hilltown Families serves all four counties of western Massachusetts, sharing tens of thousands of community-based educational events, resources, and opportunities over the years for all generations and all levels of learning.

Hilltown Families is now seeking a half-time Executive Director to shepherd the next level of growth of the local organization. Further information about the opportunity is available here: Executive Director Job Description. Please spread the word!

Bulletin Board

USA Waste & Recycling is a family owned and operated business that provides the best Waste and Recycling removal services in the area! They are offering one month of free residential collection services to NEW customers! For EXISTING customers: refer a new customer and receive a free month as well! USA Waste & Recycling is offering this free service to residents of Northampton, Easthampton, Southampton, and Belchertown. With their single stream recycling service, you no longer have to separate your plastic, cardboard, paper, and glass – all recyclables go in one container! For more information, visit www.usarecycle.com, email services@usarecycle.com, or call their outstanding customer service center at 1-800-998-2984 to subscribe!

April 14 – May 6

Meet the newest additions at Hancock Shaker Village! Explore the hands-on Discovery Barn, try your hand at crafts, stay for story time, and then visit the Shaker Schoolhouse. Tour the renovated Dairy Ell. Play Barn Bingo. Hear about seed saving and plant a seed to take home. Tour our greenhouses where seeds get their start. Meet our merinos and follow wool from sheep to cloak. Walk and wonder on the accessible (stroller-friendly) trail to explore. Compete (for fun) in Farm Games with competitions like the Grain Bag Toss, Moo Juice Squeeze, and more. Pony rides, face painting, balloon art on weekends. Cooking, blacksmithing, woodworking, spinning, weaving, dyeing, and milking demos. There are hundreds of activities. See a full schedule at HancockShakerVillage.org.

May 5 & 6

May 5 & 6: Memorial Hall Museum, at 8 Memorial Street, in Deerfield, MA, celebrates ArtWeek with a botanical twist during its opening weekend! “Always in Bloom” is a weekend of FREE activities that engage all the senses! Saturday: ongoing workshops for adults in perfumery, floral design, wet felting, watercolor painting, candied violets, and a mint-water tasting salon (each workshop lasts 15 to 45 minutes or more depending on interest) with nearby activities for children ages six and older. Sunday kicks off at 11 am with music in praise of honey bees and drop-in family craft activities until 2:30 pm (outdoors, weather permitting). The museum is open from 11 am to 4:30 pm both days, with a floral-themed scavenger hunt and free admission.

May 6

On Sunday, May 6th, Abundance Farm in Northampton will be hosting a Spring Community Volunteer Day from 10:00am-1:00pm. Everyone is invited to join this day of community building to work on spring projects that will prepare the Farm for a new growing season. You are encouraged to bring a shovel! Free lunch of soup, salad and bread will be provided for volunteers. This event is friendly to all ages, including young families; kids and grown-ups will have the unique opportunity to help beautify the outdoor classroom and prayer space that many of their Shabbat Shabloom families use during the summer and plant flowers for the summer picking season. Bring along your kid-friendly wheelbarrows, trowels and shovels if you have them! Visit abundancefarm.org for more info!

May 6

16th Annual Renaissance Festival: Free – Rain or Shine – Fun for All Ages! Sunday, May 6th, 2018 11am – 4pm in the meadow of the Arthur F. Kinney Center for Interdisciplinary Arts,650 E. Pleasant Street in Amherst. Theater, Music, Falconry, Phoenix Swords, Tudor Bowery Demonstrations, Weaving, Music Making with Robie Bones, Buffoons, Games, Blacksmithing, Dancing, and so much more! Free on-site Handicap Accessible parking and Free off-site parking with Free shuttle van. Check www.umass.edu/renaissance for Festival Schedule & Parking Information or call 413-577-3603.

May 12

We Need Diverse Books Book Fair & Playground Party featuring What If… Book Launch:  The Montessori School of Northampton and the Odyssey Bookshop present this fun event for families on Saturday, May 12, from 10 AM to 1 PM.  The day will feature author Samantha Berger and illustrator Mike Curato introducing their new book What If… at 11 AM, as well as fun activities including face painting, bubbles, and an obstacle course. The school, located at 51 Bates Street, enrolls students from 18 months through 14 years, and will be open for tours and information.  Join us and expand your library of diverse books!  Light refreshments; open to the public; free admission; rain or shine. Information at (413) 586-4538 or northamptonmontessori.org

May 12

Bring the whole family to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital for Saturday May 12^th from 9am-1pm for their annual Touch a Truck event. Over 50 big rigs will converge on the BMH parking lot. Spend the day in the driver’s seat playing with buttons and levers, trying on firefighters’ bunker gear, moving mulch in a mini tractor, and so much more! Have fun participating in the scavenger hunt, taking chances on raffle prizes, and playing fun games in our Health Fair. Minutes over the MA border, the hospital is located off Exit 1, I-91 in Brattleboro, VT. Admission: $5 per child (2-12), $15 for families with 3 or more children, under 2 and over 13, by donation. All proceeds benefit BMH.

May 12 – 30

Bring Learning Home with Oak Meadow! From May 12–30, take 20% off their flexible, experiential homeschooling curriculum for kindergarten to grade 12, and 10% off new enrollments in their teacher-supported, distance learning school. K-4 is child-centered, playful, nature-based; 5-8 encourages independence, increased intellectual engagement; High School offers challenging college-prep courses. Visit their website to save in their bookstore or to apply for enrollment. Or sign up for a Virtual Open House if you have more questions. It’s not too early to plan ahead. Ready for a change now? You can start anytime.

Jun 25 – Aug 17

Join Barrington Stage Company KidsAct! Junior, an exciting theatre program for students ages 7-10 in Pittsfield– focused on building acting skills through fun theatre games, as well as the creation of an original play to be performed for parents and friends on the final day of the program. KidsAct! Senior is an exciting new program designed for ages 11-14 focused on building performance skills through individualized coaching. Students will write their own monologues and be coached on songs for use in auditions for productions in the Berkshires. KidsAct! has been bringing the professionalism of BSC to students in the Berkshires since 2004. Winner of the 2016 Gold Daisy Award for Best Drama/ Theater lessons in the Berkshires, by Macaroni Kid. Register today. Dates: Jun 25-Aug 17. For more info: 413-997-6108; education@barringtonstageco.org; barringtonstageco.org/education-bsc/kidsact.

Jun 25 – Aug 24

At Joy Art Space Summer Art Program, students experience the joy of creating art while developing new skills and finding their unique artistic voice! Themes of the week-long sessions include Exploring Art, Painting & Drawing, Printmaking, and Cartoons & Comics. Summer sessions meet from 9am-12pm, Mon-Fri at Joy Art Space, in downtown Amherst. Full day option available for sessions 1-4 through Amherst LSSE Adventure Day Camp. Classes are capped at 6 students for small group atmosphere and individual attention. Joy Art Space’s teacher and founder, Lily Joy Friedling, has taught privately and in schools for 10 years, and has an M.A. in Art Education from Columbia University. For more information, call 413-345-2747, email lily.joyartspace@gmail.com.

Jul 9 – Aug 17

Kamp for Kids brings together children with and without disabilities in a unique integrated model that promotes understanding and growth. Kamp activities include a music program, group skits/performances, integrated water activities, expressive arts, outdoor education, and non-competitive sports. As a fully inclusive summer camp located in Westfield, MA, it is our mission to serve a population comprised of both children with disabilities and their typically-developing peers. Not only does this philosophy promote understanding and growth, but it also allows families to keep their children together within one day camp. Kamp serves children and young people ages 3-22 years of age. For more information, call 413-568-8484 or email anne.benoit@bhninc.org.

Add your camp

Our summer camp guide is up! Check out our featured post, 2018 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! — Do you have a summer camp or program you’d like to have included in our comprehensive list? Find out how you can submit your listing HERE.

Add your school

Hilltown Families Preschool Directory: Are you looking for a preschool that fits your child’s personality and reflects your family’s values? Check out our growing Preschool Directory, covering all four counties in Western Massachusetts, and find the perfect place for your young one! — Have a school you’d like to include in this list? Click here to find out how to have it added.

ADVERTISE HERE: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! See your summer camp, class, community event, school, open house, audition, homeschool program, workshop, volunteer opportunity, wellness program, local business, after-school class, or non-profit featured here in the Bulletin Board section of our list of Weekly Suggested Eventsand in our weekly eNewsletter, reaching thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA while supporting the community development work of Hilltown Families! Find out more about our advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by emailing us at at sales@hilltownfamilies.org.

JOIN OUR TEAM OF CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Interested in becoming a Contributing or Guest Writer for Hilltown Families? We welcome writings that reflect the community-building and educational efforts parents, teens, teachers, artists, activists and community leaders work towards and accomplish, and how that affects, supports and empowers our families. All writing styles welcomed, including local reviews, DIY posts, seasonal cooking/local food, and community-based educational & community service learning opportunities/resources. Send your query to info@hilltownfamilies.org.

LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
May 5th – 11th, 2018

Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday

Suggest an Event | Cultural Itineraries | Forecast | Museum Passes | Weekly eNewsletter | Farmers’ Markets | Storyhour & Playgroups| Berkshire Family Fun | Advertise/Sponsorship | en Español

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