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100+ Suggested Events in Western MA: November 2-15, 2019
October 31, 2019 at 6:00 am	(Hilltown Families, Suggested Events)
Tags: Community Based Education, Family Activities, Family Events, Hilltowns, Massachusetts, New England, Pioneer Valley, place-based education, Things to do in Western Massachusetts, Western MA, western massachusetts
Awarded the "Essential Agent of Change Award" by the MDPH's Massachusetts Essentials for Childhood, Hilltown Families is recognized as a leading family strengthening initiative in the region, promoting "positive parenting through the social norm of community social connectedness." Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families continues to support the development and enhancement of our local economy and community. Local businesses, farms, individuals, schools, and non-profit organizations are invited to collaborate with Hilltown Families in their community outreach. With over 9,000 opt-in subscribers and 2.6+ million visits to our web site alone, Hilltown Families can deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout the four counties of Western MA! Find out about our affordable advertising options and how you can partner with Hilltown Families in your online marketing by contacting us at info@hilltownfamilies.org… and scroll down to discover community-based educational events and community building opportunities happening this weekend and next week in Western MA!
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Join Friends of Children on Friday, November 1, 6-9pm for FOCUS On The Arts, an event celebrating the arts and supporting Friends of Children's FOCUS program, bringing essential resources to young adults in MA who have aged out of foster care. This event takes place in the Northampton Center For The Arts space. Enjoy live music, delicious catered food, cash bar, and more! Bid on the work of local & regional artists, fun experiences, and other exciting items in their silent & live auctions, including: Artwork by artists Laura Radwell, Patricia Parker, Valerie Bunnell & Peter Max; Improv Party by Heidi Haas; Cocktails & Conversation in the library of cookbook editor Lisa Ekus. Tickets at friendsofchildreninc.org.
Open Houses: Nov 9 & 14
Imagine a school that values and encourages the unique qualities of your child: The Hartsbrook School provides just that, with warmth and attentiveness. Children's imagination and empathy are awakened through the rich curriculum. Deep academic inquiry, plenty of outside time, music and art in everyday learning, active land stewardship, and a culture of compassion Discover how meaningful a school experience can be and enjoy a vibrant, active parent community. Upcoming open houses: Saturday, November 9th 10am-12noon (pre-K thru 8th grade) and Thursday, November 14th (high school) 5-6:30pm. 193 Bay Road, Hadley, 413-586-1908, www.hartsbrook.org
It's WGBY Kids Fan Day on Saturday, November 9, from 10am-3pm at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA! Join WGBY for a full day of all things PBS KIDS featuring live character visits from Curious George, Clifford, and The Big Red Dog, along with the Springfield Museums' The Cat in the Hat. Get a sneak peek of PBS KIDS new show, "Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum." Chris Eliopoulos, Co-creator, Executive Producer and Illustrator, will talk about the show and present a drawing workshop for kids. Free kid-sized ice cream with every ticket courtesy of Friendly's. Proceeds benefit educational public television in western New England.
Making time for self-care helps the entire family! Celebrate Wellness, Saturday, November 2, 8:30am-5pm at The Hartsbrook School, Hadley. Hands-on sessions with some of the Pioneer Valley's best practitioners, with a focus on diversifying self-care toolkits. Some skills covered will be: simple seasonal yoga practices and essential oil recipes for fall; immune-boosting herbal tonics; the Feldenkrais Method (think stress, sitting, snow-shoveling); learning first-hand how mindset affects daily outcomes; and the Daily Energy Routine (DER). There will be a Healing Arts panel ready to answer questions. Bring lunch or pre-order with registration. Learn more and register at www.comecelebratewellness.com. 20% off for HF readers – use code "Hilltown"
Begins Nov 3
Skate with the Skating Club of Amherst, the oldest figure skating club in Western MA. They are offering professional instruction at all levels, beginner to advanced. Basic Skills group lessons for ages 4 to adult are offered September to June on Sundays from 5:50-6:30pm at UMass-Amherst Mullins Center practice rink in Amherst. Additional instruction in free-skate, moves in the field, and ice dance for skaters interested in competing and testing. The club is a member of United States Figure Skating and is a private, non-profit organization managed by volunteers. Join them at the rink! Registration forms for sessions beginning in September, November, January and April at www.scamherst.org, email info@scamherst.org or by calling 413-253-6388.
6 Week Program
Six-Week Ski & Snowboard After-School & Homeschool Program at Ski Blandford in Blandford, MA. Designed for the novice through the advanced, ages 6-17. Learn the basics and develop skills by purchasing the whole package! Packages include lift tickets, rentals, helmet, and lessons. Or, build-your-own custom package! Lessons are one hour long, once a week. An After-School Program is held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and a Homeschool Program is available during the day on Wednesdays and Fridays. Costs of the program: $90 Lift Tickets; $90 Rentals; $120 Lessons; and $40 Helmet. For more info or to register: www.skiblandford.com; office@skiblandford.com; 413-848-2860. Build confidence, have fun with friends, and make lifelong memories!
Western Massachusetts is rich in learning opportunities to supplement the interests of children, teens, and lifelong learners! Hilltown Families Class Directory features classes, lessons, enrichment programs, and membership opportunities across Western Massachusetts and throughout the year. Our Class Directory makes it easier to find these gems while connecting families with resources that support their interests and education, including theater, music, dance, art, and much more. — Have a class, private lesson, or program you'd like to include in our directory? More Information. | Reserve a spot. | Submit your listing.
LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS
Saturday, Nov 2 • Sunday, Nov 3
Monday, Nov 4 • Tuesday, Nov 5 • Wednesday, Nov 6
Thursday, Nov 7 • Friday, Nov 8
Saturday, Nov 9 • Sunday, Nov 10
Monday, Nov 11 • Tuesday, Nov 12 • Wednesday, Nov 13
Thursday, Nov 14 • Friday, Nov 15
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The events below are shared as a courtesy. While we do our best to share accurate and up-to-date information, please take the time to confirm date, time, place, age appropriateness, registration requirements, and costs before attending.
Events Happening in the Hilltown
Saturday, November 2, 9-10am – FAMILY RADIO/FRIENDSHIP: HFVS Best Friend Episode with Guest DJ, Kid Pan Alley. In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Kid Pan Alley features songs from their newest album, "Best Friends," as well as songs from some of their favorite children's music artists about this very subject. Tune in and feel inspired and rejuvenated with a collection of great new songs to enjoy with your family and friends. Click here select from over 13 years of archived shows! It's better than Saturday morning cartoons and commercial radio! ♥ Hilltown Families eNewsletter subscribers are invited to an exclusive sneak peak every Thursday of the upcoming show. Check your eNewsletter to listen any time. Not a subscriber? Click here to subscribe to our free Weekly eNewsletter!
20% off for HF readers – use code "Hilltown"
Saturday, November 2, 8:30am-5pm – SELF CARE/WELLNESS: Making time for self-care helps the entire family! Celebrate Wellness, Saturday, November 2, 8:30am-5pm at The Hartsbrook School, Hadley. Hands-on sessions with some of the Pioneer Valley's best practitioners, with a focus on diversifying self-care toolkits. Some skills covered will be: simple seasonal yoga practices and essential oil recipes for fall; immune-boosting herbal tonics; the Feldenkrais Method (think stress, sitting, snow-shoveling); learning first-hand how mindset affects daily outcomes; and the Daily Energy Routine (DER). There will be a Healing Arts panel ready to answer questions. Bring lunch or pre-order with registration. Learn more and register at www.comecelebratewellness.com.
Saturday, November 2 – LOCAL FOOD/CIDER: Western Massachusetts' fall festival season concludes with the annual Franklin County CiderDays. A weekend jam-packed with educational opportunities, tastings, tours, and more, CiderDays spotlights the tradition of cider-making in Franklin County by honoring the history of the art in local communities and bringing cider-makers together to share the tips, tricks, and taste of the trade. While some CiderDays events require tickets to be purchased in advance, many tastings, tours, and other events are free and open to all ages – and all require a visit to the beautiful hills of the northeastern corner of the region. Find out more at www.ciderdays.org. Franklin County.
Saturday, November 2, 9am-5pm – TEXTILE ARTS/NEW ENGLAND HERITAGE: New England was the center of the American textile industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. We can still see the impact of this industry on the land, in the stone walls in the middle of the forests that were once cleared for merino sheep to graze, in the old mill buildings that can be found in every town in the area. What could be a better place to celebrate wool and fiber arts? The Fiber Festival of New England is coming to town, with a weekend full of workshops, demonstrations, and some of the best fiber art vendors from throughout New England. For a full list of events, visit The Fiber Festival of New England. Mallary Complex at Eastern States Exposition. 413-737-2443. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 10am-4pm – FOLK TRADITIONS/TAILORING & FURNITURE MAKING: Visitors to Historic Deerfield will meet talented craftspeople and observe their work up close at these Historic Trade demonstrations, including Tailoring with Henry Cooke and the Fine Craft of Building 17th and 18th Century Furniture with Craig Farrow. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 10am-4pm – BOTANY/CHRYSANTHEMUMS: It might be chilly outside, but Smith College's greenhouses in Northampton are bursting with color this time of year! Annually, with November comes The Botanic Garden of Smith College's Fall Chrysanthemum Show, a living exhibition filled with colorful mums of all shapes and sizes. (Some as large as eight inches across!) Budding botanists will love exploring the greenhouse and inspecting blossoms to learn about chrysanthemums. Visitors to the show can use a stroll through the flowers as a way to support the learning of all kinds, particularly within the realm of science. Exploring the many different blossoms can help learners to understand diversity amongst plant life – especially when they keep in mind that technically, though some blossoms may look drastically different from each other, they are all variations of the same kind of flower. Add some math to your visit by counting how many flowers you see of each color, shape, or size, and perhaps create some basic statistics to accompany your data analysis. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 10am-5pm – OPEN STUDIOS: Eastworks Open Studios. Every November Eastworks hosts an open studios event. Come see artists, designers, shops, performance spaces, non-profit spaces, and more. Meet celebrated artists and artisans in many media, learn about their processes, and shop local and handmade. There will be yoga and dance demonstrations, info sessions, performances, and talks as well. This is a great chance to see what goes on inside some of Eastworks' many studios and spaces! Eastworks. 413-527-1000. 116 Pleasant Street. Easthampton, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 10:15am-12:15pm – CULTURAL STUDIES/NATIVE AMERICAN: Grandmother Teachings with Grandmother Nancy Ardry, a traditional native healer and storyteller, a Sundancer and a Sacred Pipe carrier, and an acknowledged elder and grandmother in her Canadian communities. Grandmother Nancy will share the Seven Grandfather Teachings and will speak about the sacredness of trees. There will be time for questions and conversation. For childcare, RSVP with number & ages of children: email@racialjusticerising.org. First Congregational Church of Greenfield, UCC. 43 Silver St. Greenfield, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 11am – CREATIVE FREE-PLAY/CRAFTS: A book signing and make-and-take craft event. Art Sparks: Draw, Paint, Make, and Get Creative with 53 Amazing Projects! by Summer Art Barn founder, Marion Abrams, and Summer Art Barn Assistant Director, Hilary Emerson Lay. This event is family friendly, and will include hands-on art activities for kids and adults of every age! Hatfield Public Library. 413-247-9097. 39 Main Street, Hatfield, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 11am-7pm – HALLOWEEN-THEMED/FESTIVAL: Haunted Hills Pirate and Mermaid Festival. What's better than Pirates and Mermaids? GHOSTLY pirates and mermaids, of course! Come to the One-Day Only festival and see Captain Hook use the magic of Never-Neverland to bring historical pirates back from the dead! Get ready for some pirate/mermaid-themed entertainment, vendors, games, and lakeside historical pirate tours. There's even an "ARRRRR"- rated Pirate Ghost walk and more! (Rain Date: 11/3). 22 Sugar Hill Rd, Williamsburg, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 12noon-4:30pm – PALAEOGRAPHY/COLONIAL HISTORY: Palaeography is the study of historical handwriting. Explore this interest further during "Written by Hand: The Art and Fun of Writing with a Quill Pen" at Historic Deerfield in the History Workshop Building. Learn to write with a quill pen. Practice cursive or printing with a goose quill, write on special "aged" paper using Historic Deerfield's ink and take home a writing sample! Learn about the ingredients of ink, how quill pens were made and sharpened and read some quill pen writing from Historic Deerfield's manuscript collection. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 12:30-1:30pm – MARINE BIOLOGY: Ever wonder what fish, turtles, and lizards eat when they live in aquariums? How do human beings determine what to feed these creatures, who have evolved over millions of years to hunt for food in the wild? And who actually prepares the food for these animals? All these questions and more will be addressed during Chow Time at the Berkshire Museum, where participants can assist museum staff in preparing meals for some of the inhabitants of the aquarium. Berkshire Museum. 413-443-7171. 39 South St, Pittsfield, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 1-4:30pm – DANCE STUDIES/SWEDISH DANCE – Fall Slängpolska–Scandi–Waltz Celebration. Afternoon learning and dancing slängpolska, a wonderful gender-neutral Swedish dance. This celebration is also a prime opportunity for listening and dancing to nyckelharpa playing, slängpolska workshop, open dancing, and delicious Swedish snacks. Guiding Star Grange. 401 Chapman St, Greenfield MA.
Saturday, November 2, 2-3:30pm – WOMEN'S HISTORY: Short Skirts, Oh My! A History of Women's Rights. When Abigail Adams begged her husband to "remember the ladies" in drafting a new code of laws, John wrote back that he "could not but laugh" at her extraordinary suggestion. Less than 150 years later, women were working, voting, and experiencing the first taste of freedoms unheard of just a generation earlier. In this talk, Anne Barrett traces the exciting social and historical milestones in the fight for women's rights. Jones Library. 413-259-3223. 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA. Jones Library. 413-259-3223.43 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
Saturday, November 2, 7:30pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they'll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother's fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of "class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education."Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA. ($$$)
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3
Sunday, November 3, Anytime – FAMILY PODCAST/FRIENDSHIP: HFVS Best Friend Episode with Guest DJ, Kid Pan Alley. In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, Kid Pan Alley features songs from their newest album, "Best Friends," as well as songs from some of their favorite children's music artists about this very subject. Tune in and feel inspired and rejuvenated with a collection of great new songs to enjoy with your family and friends. ♥ Hilltown Families eNewsletter subscribers are invited to an exclusive sneak peak every Thursday of the upcoming show. Check your eNewsletter to listen any time. Not a subscriber? Click here to subscribe to our free Weekly eNewsletter!
Sunday, November 3, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of "Art in the Orchard," a biennial orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing "Culture into Horticulture," the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Sunday, November 3 – LOCAL FOOD/CIDER: Western Massachusetts' fall festival season concludes with the annual Franklin County CiderDays. A weekend jam-packed with educational opportunities, tastings, tours, and more, CiderDays spotlights the tradition of cider-making in Franklin County by honoring the history of the art in local communities and bringing cider-makers together to share the tips, tricks, and taste of the trade. While some CiderDays events require tickets to be purchased in advance, many tastings, tours, and other events are free and open to all ages – and all require a visit to the beautiful hills of the northeastern corner of the region. Find out more at www.ciderdays.org. Franklin County.
Sunday, November 3, All Day – CULINARY ARTS/PUMPKIN PIE: There are so many different uses for pumpkins! One of America's oldest native crops, modern day uses include carving as ornaments for Halloween, prepared as pies, and highlighted as the main attraction in agricultural fairs (largest pumpkin contests) and fall festivals (pumpkin roll & pumpkin games). Needless to say, pumpkins are an integrated part of our fall traditions in Western MA. Self-directed and lifelong learners can find out how pumpkin can support an interest in pastry arts and Colonial History through seasonal pies in our post, How Pumpkin Pies Support Interests & Education.
Sunday, November 3, 9am-3pm – TEXTILE ARTS/NEW ENGLAND HERITAGE: New England was the center of the American textile industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. We can still see the impact of this industry on the land, in the stone walls in the middle of the forests that were once cleared for merino sheep to graze, in the old mill buildings that can be found in every town in the area. What could be a better place to celebrate wool and fiber arts? The Fiber Festival of New England is coming to town, with a weekend full of workshops, demonstrations, and some of the best fiber art vendors from throughout New England. For a full list of events, visit The Fiber Festival of New England. Mallary Complex at Eastern States Exposition. 413-737-2443. 1305 Memorial Ave, West Springfield, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 10am-4pm – FOLK TRADITIONS/FURNITURE MAKING: Visitors to Historic Deerfield will meet talented craftspeople and observe their work up close at this Historic Trade demonstration, including the Fine Craft of Building 17th and 18th Century Furniture with Craig Farrow. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 10am-4pm – HORTICULTURE/FLOWERS: "Chrysanthemum" is a beautiful word for an equally beautiful family of flowers. The word is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower), though it refers to many different types of flowers in a range of colors and appearances. You can explore various chrysanthemums at The Botanic Garden of Smith College's Fall Chrysanthemum Show. The Fall Mum Show has been a popular college and community tradition since the early 1900s and showcases the hybridizing experiments of the horticulture class. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 12-4:30pm – LANGUAGE ARTS: Youth Short Story Writing at Historic Deerfield. Compose your next literary masterpiece at Historic Deerfield with this facilitated writing exercise. Historic Deerfield staff will help children ages 10 and up learn the elements of fiction, and then write a story: will they rewrite a famous work of literature? Will they create their own story set in atmospheric Old Deerfield? Let your imagination flourish in Historic Deerfield unique setting. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 12-4:30pm – HISTORY/QUILL PEN WRITING: Written by Hand: The Art and Fun of Writing with a Quill Pen. Come to the History Workshop at Historic Deerfield and learn to write with a quill pen. Practice cursive or printing with a goose quill, write on special "aged" paper using their ink, and take home your writing sample! Learn about the ingredients of ink, how quill pens were made and sharpened, and read some quill pen writing from Historic Deerfield's Manuscript Collection. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 12-5pm – OPEN STUDIOS: Eastworks Open Studios. Every November Eastworks hosts an open studios event. Come see artists, designers, shops, performance spaces, non-profit spaces, and more. Meet celebrated artists and artisans in many media, learn about their processes, and shop local and handmade. There will be yoga and dance demonstrations, info sessions, performances, and talks as well. This is a great chance to see what goes on inside some of Eastworks' many studios and spaces! Eastworks. 413-527-1000. 116 Pleasant Street. Easthampton, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 1-3:30pm – FASHION/BUTTONS: Do you have your grandmother's button box? Would you like to learn some of the stories of these? Or do you have a favorite button that you would like to know about? Does it have some monetary value? The Gauthiers are long-time button collectors. George began collecting buttons because his late wife, Joy, had inherited a large jar of buttons and began sorting them. The Gauthier's have been judging buttons at state, regional, and local competitions for many years. They have helped clean and record collections at the Keep Museum. While people are waiting to have their buttons appraised, they will be free to roam the Museum that has one of the largest button collections in the US. In addition, there is the furniture, collections, photos of the Keep Family that lived in the house for over 150 years. All are welcome, whether or not they have buttons to be appraised. Keep Homestead Museum. 413-267-4137. 35 Ely Rd. Monson, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 2pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they'll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother's fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of "class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education."Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA. ($$$)
Sunday, November 3, 2-4pm – LANGUAGE ARTS/POETRY: Straw Dog Writers Guild and Belding Memorial Library hosts, Writers Read/Hilltowns. Bring Your Poetry! Bring Your Prose! Find Your Public! Uplift Our Souls! Here's how it works: The featured writer reads recent work and describes the journey to publication, followed by Q & A. Then the floor opens to other writers, who can read for five minutes each; we also draw two names for 10-minute readings. If you want to read, put your name in the hat before 2:15pm. Belding Memorial Library. 413-628-4414. 344 Main St, Ashfield, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 2-10pm – FOLK DANCING/FUNDRAISER: Annual Fall Frolic, hosted by The Friends of Greenfield Dance, is an 8-hour community event with contra dancing, waltzing, music, a live caller, and friends! A substance-free/scent-free, intergenerational event to raise funds for the Friends group.Guiding Star Grange. 401 Chapman St, Greenfield MA.
Sunday, November 3, 4pm – MUSIC STUDIES/CHORAL: Join the PVS Chorus and Chamber Choir for ANIMALIA: A choral celebration of the animal kingdom, a program of choral works inspired by animals. Reception following the performance. Second Congregational Church. 16 Court Square. Greenfield, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 4pm – MUSIC STUDIES/FLAMENCO: Juanito Pascual Trio back for another music and dance concert. Virtuoso flamenco guitarist/composer/improviser Juanito Pascual has been called "one of the hottest flamenco guitarists in recent years." His sound is a truly organic blend of mastery of traditional and contemporary flamenco. Joining the Trio is renowned flamenco dancer Nelida Tirado, bringing the fire and passion of flamenco tradition while embracing the evolving nature of this vibrant art form. Northampton Center for the Arts. 413-584-7327. 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
Sunday, November 3, 4-7pm – PUPPET SHOW/FAMILY NIGHT: Family Fun Night with Tom Knight Puppets! Bring the whole family; everyone is welcome. If you can, bring a dish to share or just show up! Playtime (4-7pm), Optional Potluck (4:30pm), Puppet Show (5:30pm). Northampton Parents Center. 413-582-2636. 297 Main Street, Lower Level, Northampton, MA.
Monday, November 4, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of "Art in the Orchard," a biennial orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing "Culture into Horticulutre," the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Monday, November 4, 10am-4pm – PLANT STUDIES/FLOWERS: Smith College's Lyman Conservatory is in bloom this month for the annual Fall Chrysanthemum Show! Visitors to the greenhouses can learn about genetic diversity amongst plants and plant hybridization while viewing the beautiful flowers, which can be up to eight inches across. Even the most amateur botanists will love the wide variety of color, pattern, shape, and size seen amongst the blooms. Read more in our post, Fall Chrysanthemum Show at Smith Offers Community-Based Learning. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Monday, November 4, 11am – AYURVEDA/MEDICINE: Ayurveda 101, a 6-week series. The term 'Ayurveda' literally translates to "life-knowledge" in Sanskrit. This enormous body of wisdom dates back more than three thousand years and has been well-preserved in contemporary Indian practices and has been embraced by the global alternative health movement. It is thought that up to 80 percent of the population of India use some form of traditional, ayurvedic medicine. The central principle of Ayurveda is balance. As a holistic health modality, Ayurveda explores the ways that the body systems function together. Whatever the body experiences is likely to be felt in various ways. For example, ancient ayurvedic texts suggest that suppressing a sneeze may result in shoulder pain. Another central tenet of ayurvedic thinking is the existence of three distinct types of bodily energy or 'doshas,' which, when out of balance, can impact the body in negative ways. The fundamental concept that imbalance in the body leads to disease is widely accepted, even in conventional Western medicine. As winter recedes and spring approaches, this is a perfect time to rebalance your body. If you are interested in learning more about how to apply Ayurveda in your own life, in a 6-week series on how Ayurveda, otherwise known as the "science of life," can help to improve digestion, increase energy, lose weight and live a more balanced and healthier life. Serenity Yoga. 413-563-3678. 17 College St. South Hadley, MA.
Monday, November 4, 12:30pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they'll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother's fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of "class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education."Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA.
Monday, November 4, 4:30pm – LANGUAGE ARTS/WORD GAMES: It is speculated that the highest possible scoring word in Scrabble has probably never been successfully played. If situated correctly, the word "OXYPHENBUTAZONE," could theoretically score 1778 points! A far more realistic, and still highly effective word, is "ZA," a recognized slang term for pizza, which can still get you 60 points or so. If you love Scrabble, joing the Scrabble Club for a monthly meet-up and game of Scrabble! Open to everyone, fun is the primary goal. Lily Library. 413-587-1500.19 Meadow Street, Florence, MA.
Monday, November 4, 5-7:30pm – COMMUNITY MEAL/FUNDRAISER:Soup and Games Night. Hope & Olive Restaurant. 413-774-3150. 44 Hope St, Greenfield, MA.
Monday, November 4, 6:30-8pm – PARENT SUPPORT/ADHD: Northampton Area Pediatrics host a monthly Valley ADHD Parent Support Group. Join other area parents and caregivers to: Receive ADHD information and support; Be heard without being judged; Hear how others cope with similar issues and challenges; Learn about local resources for families; Hear from area specialists on pertinent topics; Learn new strategies to try at home; Leave feeling empowered and hopeful. Light refreshments will be available. ValleyADHDfamilies@gmail.com. Northampton Area Pediatrics. 413-584-8700193. Locust St., Northampton, MA.
Tuesday, November 5, 10am-4pm – PICTURE BOOK ART/EXHIBIT: The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art celebrates the golden anniversary of William Steig's seminal book Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. Steig's famous fable tells of Sylvester Duncan, a donkey who discovers a magic pebble and accidentally turns himself into a rock. With humor and pathos, Steig illustrates an emotional tale of discovery, loss, and reunion. Above all, it is a story about the love of family. William Steig's Sylvester and the Magic Pebble: A Golden Anniversary is on view through December 1 in The Carle's Central Gallery. The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. 413-559-6300. 125 W Bay Rd, Amherst, MA.
Tuesday, November 5, 10am-4pm – BOTANY/CHRYSANTHEMUMS: It might be chilly outside, but Smith College's greenhouses in Northampton are bursting with color this time of year! Annually, with November comes The Botanic Garden of Smith College's Fall Chrysanthemum Show, a living exhibition filled with colorful mums of all shapes and sizes. (Some as large as eight inches across!) Budding botanists will love exploring the greenhouse and inspecting blossoms to learn about chrysanthemums. Visitors to the show can use a stroll through the flowers as a way to support the learning of all kinds, particularly within the realm of science. Exploring the many different blossoms can help learners to understand diversity amongst plant life – especially when they keep in mind that technically, though some blossoms may look drastically different from each other, they are all variations of the same kind of flower. Add some math to your visit by counting how many flowers you see of each color, shape, or size, and perhaps create some basic statistics to accompany your data analysis. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Tuesday, November 5, 4:30-5:30pm – YO-YO/PHYSICS: Learn the art of modern yoyo at the A2Z Science & Learning Store in downtown Northampton! Professional yoyo players teach FREE classes 3 days a week in the back of the store. Start by learning the basics with classic tricks like "Rock the Baby" or "Around the World" and then get ready to take it to the next level with modern yo-yos that feature ball bearings for long spin time and truly next level string tricks that will amaze! Great for ages 7 and up. No advanced sign up is required. (Great for parent and child to do together!) YoYo School happens every Tues, Fri, & Sat, 4:30-5:30pm. For changes or questions, visit www.A2ZScience.com or contact Contact@A2ZScience.com, or call 413-586-1611.
Tuesday, November 5, 6:30-7:30pm – MUSIC STUDIES/FLUTES:Northampton Flutes. The Northampton Flute Trio will be performing using a variety of flutes. Their music covers many genres Broadway, Baroque, modern, Irish, and more. Opportunity to discover different varieties of flutes through experiential learning and listening. Whately Library. 413-665-2170. 202 Chestnut Plain Road. Whately, MA.
PET FOSTERING SERVICE DOGS: Helping to provide much needed support for humans, service dogs are truly some of man's best friends. Local families can engage in service-based learning by fostering future service dogs, giving them a loving home while helping to support their training. Information sessions are held weekly for interested local families! Read more in our post, Fostering Service Dogs: Service-Based Learning for Animal Lovers!
Wednesday, November 6, Sunrise-Sunset – SELF-GUIDED WALK/POETRY: Follow the footsteps of earlier Americans and stay active and healthy during the summer by walking. Many of the local woods and trails in Western Massachusetts were common destinations for 19th-century hikers and fueled the creative genius of many writers. Engage with local history and experience the landscape from a literary perspective by reading some of these writers' works while on the trail or before you embark on your next outdoor adventure. For example: imagine reading William Cullen Bryant's The Rivulet, with the poet's description of the prattling water, as you stand by the same rivulet yourself and hear the same sound (featured in the March/April Season of Learning Ahead)! In a way, the poem acts as a time machine, bridging together the woods of Bryant's life in the Hilltowns with the same forest you can hike today. Take a self-guided landscape tour and strengthen a sense of place through poetry and the countryside. William Cullen Bryant Homestead. 413- 634-2244. 207 Bryant Road, Cummington, MA.
Wednesday, November 6, 10am-4pm – HORTICULTURE/FLOWERS: "Chrysanthemum" is a beautiful word for an equally beautiful family of flowers. The word is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower), though it refers to many different types of flowers in a range of colors and appearances. You can explore various chrysanthemums at The Botanic Garden of Smith College's Fall Chrysanthemum Show. The Fall Mum Show has been a popular college and community tradition since the early 1900s and showcases the hybridizing experiments of the horticulture class. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Wednesday, November 6, 6:30-8pm – NATIVE AMERICAN/ABENAKI: An Evening of Abenaki Stories, Music, and Language. For over 10,000 years, Native Americans tribes maintained an ecologically vibrant settlement on the banks of the Connecticut River in Greenfield near the Great Falls. As our present-day culture faces climate catastrophe, we ask: "How did they manage that?" The Bruchac family of storytellers are among the best traditional Native American teachers, and the public is invited to hear Jesse Bruchac share Abenaki stories and music. A Nulhegan Abenaki Citizen, Jesse's performance art weaves the telling of traditional stories with flute music, drums, and playful language games to share a glimpse of Northeastern Native American culture with audiences of all ages. The event is free; family-friendly. 413-475-3605. Great Falls Discovery Center. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
Wednesday, November 6, 7pm – ORNITHOLOGY/NATIVE SPECIES: The Birds of Quabbin, an unforgettable slideshow by Peter Christoph. Peter shares his experiences looking for wildlife at the beautiful and pristine Quabbin Reservoir. A rich diversity of birds call the Quabbin their home, the main attraction being the common loon and their babies that nest here. Learn about the creation of the Quabbin Reservoir, including a glimpse into the lost towns, which gave way to this unlikely wilderness area. Peter Christoph is a well-known wildlife advocate, naturalist, and award-winning bird photographer based in Massachusetts. Clapp Memorial Library. 413-323-0417. 19 South Main Street, Belchertown, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 10am-4pm – PLANT STUDIES/FLOWERS: Smith College's Lyman Conservatory is in bloom this month for the annual Fall Chrysanthemum Show! Visitors to the greenhouses can learn about genetic diversity amongst plants and plant hybridization while viewing the beautiful flowers, which can be up to eight inches across. Even the most amateur botanists will love the wide variety of color, pattern, shape, and size seen amongst the blooms. Read more in our post, Fall Chrysanthemum Show at Smith Offers Community-Based Learning. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 10am-4pm – BOTANY: The Durfee Conservatory, located on the University of Massachusetts Amherst campus and established in 1867, has a rich history. Tucked away in a hustling and bustling campus of over 25,000 students, this greenhouse complex is a sanctuary of calm and serenity. Greenhouses include Bonsai-Camellia, Epiphyte/Vine, Tropical, and Succulents. Durfee Conservatory. 413-545-5234. 210 Stockbridge Road. Amherst, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 10am-8pm – ART STUDIES/AFRICAN ART: ObjectHistories: From the African Continent to the Smith College Museum of Art Galleries.This special installation, drawn from the SCMA collection, traces the unique histories of over twenty of the Museum's most important works of African art. New research has connected artists with objects that were previously unattributed, while the roles of collectors and donors are examined in conjunction with the objects' own cultural histories and meanings. The Smith College Museum of Art began collecting African art in 1939, with the acquisition of a ceremonial axe made by the Luba people in the present-day Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since then, the collection has grown to over two hundred pieces of sculpture, textile, painting, photography and video. Dating primarily to the 20th and 21st centuries, the collection continues to expand in the areas of photography, mixed media and video as well as sculptural objects. Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 5-8pm – OPEN MIC/LANGUAGE ARTS: November Amherst Arts Night Plus: Open Mic and Artists. Join the Emily Dickinson Museum during Amherst Arts Night Plus for their monthly Open Mic. Poets, writers, and performers of any kind are welcome. Come early to view the pop-up, contemporary art exhibition in the Homestead by their featured artist. The open mic begins at 6pm and will be followed by a featured reader. Those who would like to share their work should arrive between 5-6pm to sign up. Emily Dickinson Museum. 413-542-8161. 280 Main St, Amherst, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 5:30-7pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Northampton Parent Café Series: Being a Great Parent is Part Natural & Part Learned. Information and ideas that help us take care of ourselves, build strong relationships with our kids, and raise children who thrive. Sunnyside Early Childhood Center. 413-587-1471. 557 Easthampton Rd. Northampton, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 7pm – GEOGRAPHY/METEOROLOGY: Bitter cold, dense fog, heavy snow, and record winds: Mount Washington is known worldwide for its unpredictable and dangerous weather. For a mountain its size, why is Mt. Washington called the "Home of the World's Worst Weather"? Learn the answers at "Tales from Mount Washington, Home of the World's Worst Weather." Join Mount Washington Observatory's Will Broussard for an investigation into the unique life and work of weather observers stationed at the observatory year-round. Explore how the mountain's weather works and what it can tell us about New England's weather patterns. This program will include interactive demonstrations, weather instruments, stunning photography, and video footage from the summit and is appropriate for adults and children alike. Woodbury Room of the Jones Library. 413-259-3223. 43 Amity St, Amherst, MA. Jones Library. 413-259-3223.43 Amity St, Amherst, MA.
Thursday, November 7, 7:30pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they'll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother's fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of "class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education."Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA.
Friday, November 8, 10am-8pm – BOTANY/CHRYSANTHEMUMS: It might be chilly outside, but Smith College's greenhouses in Northampton are bursting with color this time of year! Annually, with November comes The Botanic Garden of Smith College's Fall Chrysanthemum Show, a living exhibition filled with colorful mums of all shapes and sizes. (Some as large as eight inches across!) Budding botanists will love exploring the greenhouse and inspecting blossoms to learn about chrysanthemums. Visitors to the show can use a stroll through the flowers as a way to support the learning of all kinds, particularly within the realm of science. Exploring the many different blossoms can help learners to understand diversity amongst plant life – especially when they keep in mind that technically, though some blossoms may look drastically different from each other, they are all variations of the same kind of flower. Add some math to your visit by counting how many flowers you see of each color, shape, or size, and perhaps create some basic statistics to accompany your data analysis. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Friday, November 8, 4-8pm – MUSEUM ADVENTURES: Smith College Museum of Art Second Friday hands-on art-making for all ages, inspired by works on view. Combine drawing and collage on round forms to express your vision of geographies inspired by climate justice and equity after exploring Torkwase Dyson's artwork Scalar Scalar (#3 Gulf of Mexico-Extraction-Black) on the Lower Level of the Smith College Museum of Art. 413-585-2760. 20 Elm Street at Bedford Terrace. Northampton, MA.
Friday, November 8, 7:30pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they'll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother's fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of "class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education."Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 9-10am – FAMILY RADIO/FRIENDSHIP: HFVS Being Bilingual Rocks! Episode with Guest DJ, Hamlet Meneses of Mi Amigo Hamlet. Being Bilingual Rocks! is what musician-educator Hamlet Meneses (a.k.a. Mi Amigo Hamlet) is all about. In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, he shares a great variety of bilingual songs from his bilingual friends, as well as other artists who have influenced and inspired some of his songwriting. Click here select from over 13 years of archived shows! It's better than Saturday morning cartoons and commercial radio! ♥ Hilltown Families eNewsletter subscribers are invited to an exclusive sneak peak every Thursday of the upcoming show. Check your eNewsletter to listen any time. Not a subscriber?Click here to subscribe to our free Weekly eNewsletter!
Saturday, November 9, 10am-12noon – SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE/PreK-8: Imagine a school that values and encourages the unique qualities of your child: The Hartsbrook School provides just that, with warmth and attentiveness. Children's imagination and empathy are awakened through the rich curriculum. Deep academic inquiry, plenty of outside time, music and art in everyday learning, active land stewardship, and a culture of compassion Discover how meaningful a school experience can be and enjoy a vibrant, active parent community. Upcoming open houses: Saturday, November 9th 10am-12noon (pre-K thru 8th grade) and Thursday, November 14th (high school) 5-6:30pm. 193 Bay Road, Hadley, 413-586-1908, www.hartsbrook.org
Saturday, November 9, 10-11am – BIOLOGY/SEEDS: Saturday Family Science: Tons of Seeds. Even the largest oak tree begins its life as a tiny seed. For this Saturday Science, children with their guardian will be learning all about seeds, what they need, and the tricks plants use to keep them safe and spread them far and wide. Hitchcock Center for the Environment. 413-256-6006, 845 West St, Amherst, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-1pm – LOCAL HISTORY/GUIDED HIKE: The Ruins on Mt. Tom: A Hike Into History Eyrie House Ruins by Paul Cooper. Have you ever wondered about the structures that graced the summit of Mount Nonutuck, the most northerly peak on the Mt. Tom range? Carl Libucha will lead a hike to explore the extensive Eyrie House ruins, which have captured the imagination of all who have visited them. Carl has spent the past 10 years exploring the area and researching the history of this part of the Mount Tom Range, and he has built a scale model of the Eyrie House Complex. He will guide participants through an exploration of the old hotel foundations, the remains of the old ice house and well, and give a taste of the grandeur of times past. Meet at the Visitors Center, hike the McCool Trail to the ruins, the New England Trail to Dry Knoll with spectacular views of the iconic Oxbow and Berkshire Hills, and head back by way of the Beau Bridges Trail. This will be a moderate to challenging 4-mile hike. Best for teens and adults. Registration is required. The event is free for participants, though donations are welcome. (Rain date is Sunday, November 10). Mt. Tom State Reservation Stone House Visitor Center. 413-527-4805. 125 Reservation Rd, Holyoke, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-3pm – WGBY KIDS FAN DAY: It's WGBY Kids Fan Day at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA! Join WGBY for a full day of all things PBS KIDS featuring live character visits from Curious George, Clifford, and The Big Red Dog, along with the Springfield Museums' The Cat in the Hat. Get a sneak peek of PBS KIDS new show, "Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum." Chris Eliopoulos, Co-creator, Executive Producer and Illustrator, will talk about the show and present a drawing workshop for kids. Free kid-sized ice cream with every ticket courtesy of Friendly's. Proceeds benefit educational public television in western New England. The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 1000 Hall of Fame Ave. Springfield, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-3:30pm – MUSIC STUDIES/SACRED HARP: Berkshire Foothills All-Day Singing at the Granville Old Meeting House. All are welcome! Basic childcare will be provided. Please bring a dish to share if you can. After the singing, all are invited to meet at Gran-Val Scoop for ice cream and conversation. 683 Main Rd, Granville, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-3pm – VETERANS DAY/AVIATION: The New England Air Museum will hold its annual Veterans Day program, A Tribute to our Veterans, Servicemen & Servicewomen. Visitors to the Museum will have the opportunity to meet and talk one-on-one with veterans of military conflicts. Included in the program will be WWII re-enactors, representatives from Soldier On (an organization committed to ending veteran homelessness), and the Connecticut Veterans Affairs Office. Visitors are encouraged to bring new personal hygiene products that will be donated to a local veterans' home. Children can also create a holiday card for our veterans. New England Air Museum. 860-623-3305. 36 Perimeter Rd, Windsor Locks, CT.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-4pm – HORTICULTURE/FLOWERS: "Chrysanthemum" is a beautiful word for an equally beautiful family of flowers. The word is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower), though it refers to many different types of flowers in a range of colors and appearances. You can explore various chrysanthemums at The Botanic Garden of Smith College's Fall Chrysanthemum Show. The Fall Mum Show has been a popular college and community tradition since the early 1900s and showcases the hybridizing experiments of the horticulture class. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-5pm – ARTS & CRAFTS/ARTISAN TRADITIONS: Tucked among rolling hills, forests, and streams, Colrain is truly a magical place. This small community is home to many talented artists and craftspeople whose work, like all artists, is influenced by the special place they live. This Saturday and Sunday, don't miss this self-guided studio tour of the Crafts of Colrain! Meet the artists and discuss their work. Crafts of Colrain is an excellent opportunity to learn about woodworking, metalsmithing, pottery, fiber art, and lots more. If you are an aspiring artist or craftsperson, this is also a great way to see how important the space in which we create is to our process. For more information and a map of participating artists, visit Crafts of Colrain Studio Tour. Colrain, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 10am-5pm – OPEN STUDIOS: Shop local and handmade at the annual Arts & Industries Open Studios and Holiday Sale. Over 50 local artists and artisans open up their studios inviting in the public to see their work, ask questions about their process, and to purchase handmade gifts for the holidays and themselves. It's also a great opportunity to check out this former toothbrush-factory -turned-artist-studio building! Brushworks Arts & Industry. 413-586-7939. 221 Pine Street. Florence, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 11am-1pm – STEM/ROBOTICS: Intro to Robotics. Learn about robots – how they are made and what robots do in the world today. Find out about self-driving cars and build your own car with the EV3 robotics kit. Program your car to drive through the streets on a challenge mat. Then add code to use the color sensor so the car can drive itself. Ages: 7+. Contact Moira Cranshaw at the library for registration. Emily Williston Memorial Library. 413-527-1031. 9 Park Street. Easthampton, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 12-4:30pm – HISTORY/QUILL PEN WRITING: Written by Hand: The Art and Fun of Writing with a Quill Pen. Come to the History Workshop at Historic Deerfield and learn to write with a quill pen. Practice cursive or printing with a goose quill, write on special "aged" paper using their ink, and take home your writing sample! Learn about the ingredients of ink, how quill pens were made and sharpened, and read some quill pen writing from Historic Deerfield's Manuscript Collection. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 1-2pm – ORNITHOLOGY/BIRDS OF PREY: Live Birds of Prey Program with Tom Ricardi. See the raptors up close and personal with Tom Ricardi, a licensed rehabilitator and wildlife biologist. Tom provides an educational presentation on their lives and habitats as well as conservation. You may see a golden eagle, a turkey vulture, a peregrine falcon, and hawks and owls. Great Falls Discovery Center. 413-863-3221. 2 Avenue A, Turners Falls, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 2pm & 7:30pm: CONTEMPORARY DRAMA/AMERICAN CULTURE: Pipeline. In Partnership with Multicultural BRIDGE and co-produced with The Nora at Central Square Theatre in Cambridge, Pipeline tells the story of Nya, an inner-city public high school teacher who is committed to her students, and desperate to give her only son opportunities they'll never have. When a controversial incident in his upstate private school threatens to get him expelled, Nya must confront his rage and her own choices as a parent. Dominique Morisseau tells a beautiful and deeply moving story of a mother's fight to give her son a future without turning her back on the community that made him who he is. This show plunges audiences into an exploration of "class, race, parental duty, and the state of American education."Performances will be held in the Elyane P. Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA.
Saturday, November 9, 7pm & 9pm: THEATER PROJECT/SHORT PLAYS: The 24 Hour Theater Project. In a dramatic race against time, five short plays will be brought to life all within a 24 hour period! While the premise is simple, the execution is anything but: within 24 hours, five ten-minute plays will be written, rehearsed, directed, produced, and staged. The culmination of this day-long burst of creativity are two public performances, often standing-room-only, showcasing local writers, actors, and directors. The time-limited and adrenaline-filled process begins on Friday evening, when five playwrights meet to draw cards with unnamed actors descriptions out of a hat. Once they have their cast information, the playwrights have 12 hours to create a ten-minute play. In the morning, they hand off their scripts to five directors who then read the script for the first time, gather their actors, and spend the next 10 hours rehearsing, while others father props, costumes, and set pieces. "The Northampton 24 Hour Theater Project is not just about the plays that come and go," noted director Susanna Apgar, "it's about building the Valley's theater community by growing our relationships with one another, and with our audience." Performances will be held at the Northampton Center for the Arts, 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA.
Sunday, November 10, Anytime – FAMILY PODCAST/FRIENDSHIP: HFVS Being Bilingual Rocks! Episode with Guest DJ, Hamlet Meneses of Mi Amigo Hamlet. Being Bilingual Rocks! is what musician-educator Hamlet Meneses (a.k.a. Mi Amigo Hamlet) is all about. In this episode of the Hilltown Family Variety Show, he shares a great variety of bilingual songs from his bilingual friends, as well as other artists who have influenced and inspired some of his songwriting. ♥ Hilltown Families eNewsletter subscribers are invited to an exclusive sneak peak every Thursday of the upcoming show. Check your eNewsletter to listen any time. Not a subscriber?Click here to subscribe to our free Weekly eNewsletter!
Sunday, November 10, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of "Art in the Orchard," a biennial orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing "Culture into Horticulutre," the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Sunday, November 10, 10am-4pm – PLANT STUDIES/FLOWERS: Smith College's Lyman Conservatory is in bloom this month for the annual Fall Chrysanthemum Show! Visitors to the greenhouses can learn about genetic diversity amongst plants and plant hybridization while viewing the beautiful flowers, which can be up to eight inches across. Even the most amateur botanists will love the wide variety of color, pattern, shape, and size seen amongst the blooms. Read more in our post, Fall Chrysanthemum Show at Smith Offers Community-Based Learning. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Sunday, November 10, 10am-5pm – OPEN STUDIOS: Shop local and handmade at the annual Arts & Industries Open Studios and Holiday Sale. Over 50 local artists and artisans open up their studios inviting in the public to see their work, ask questions about their process, and to purchase handmade gifts for the holidays and themselves. It's also a great opportunity to check out this former toothbrush-factory -turned-artist-studio building! Brushworks Arts & Industry. 413-586-7939. 221 Pine Street. Florence, MA.
Sunday, November 10, 10am-5pm – ARTS & CRAFTS/ARTISAN TRADITIONS: Tucked among rolling hills, forests, and streams, Colrain is truly a magical place. This small community is home to many talented artists and craftspeople whose work, like all artists, is influenced by the special place they live. This Saturday and Sunday, don't miss this self-guided studio tour of the Crafts of Colrain! Meet the artists and discuss their work. Crafts of Colrain is an excellent opportunity to learn about woodworking, metalsmithing, pottery, fiber art, and lots more. If you are an aspiring artist or craftsperson, this is also a great way to see how important the space in which we create is to our process. For more information and a map of participating artists, visit Crafts of Colrain Studio Tour. Colrain, MA.
Sunday, November 10, 12-4:30pm – HISTORY/QUILL PEN WRITING: Written by Hand: The Art and Fun of Writing with a Quill Pen. Come to the History Workshop at Historic Deerfield and learn to write with a quill pen. Practice cursive or printing with a goose quill, write on special "aged" paper using their ink, and take home your writing sample! Learn about the ingredients of ink, how quill pens were made and sharpened, and read some quill pen writing from Historic Deerfield's Manuscript Collection. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Sunday, November 10, 12-4:30pm – LANGUAGE ARTS: Youth Short Story Writing at Historic Deerfield. Compose your next literary masterpiece at Historic Deerfield with this facilitated writing exercise. Historic Deerfield staff will help children ages 10 and up learn the elements of fiction, and then write a story: will they rewrite a famous work of literature? Will they create their own story set in atmospheric Old Deerfield? Let your imagination flourish in Historic Deerfield unique setting. Historic Deerfield. 413-774-5581. 84 Old Main St, Deerfield, MA.
Sunday, November 10, 4-5:30pm – PARENTING/HEALTH & WELLNESS: Northampton Area Pediatrics Parenting Workshop: Striking the Right Balance: How to Make Healthy Eating and Exercise a Part of your Busy Life, with Jennifer Allen, Director of Wellness at the HRYMCA and pediatrician, Kristen Deschene MD. Kids are home from school, raiding the snack cabinet while you rush to get dinner together before racing out the door for their evening activities – sound familiar? Come to an afternoon of collaboration and hands-on activities sharing challenges and possible solutions for supporting children who may struggle with elevated BMI and are working on strategies to keep their weight in a healthy range. 193 Locust St., Northampton. Childcare will be provided for this workshop. Please RSVP for both the workshop and childcare. Northampton Area Pediatrics. 413-584-8700. 193. Locust St., Northampton, MA.
Sunday, November 10, 4-6pm – CHILDREN'S LITERATURE/RECEPTION: 30th Children's Illustration Celebration. We are fortunate to have some of the most beloved children's literature authors and illustrators right here in the Valley, including Jane Yolen and Mo Willems. Of course, we also have the nation's first museum solely dedicated to picture book art. Join the Eric Carle Museum, R. Michelson Galleries, and some of our area's amazing writers and illustrators for the Annual Children's Illustration Celebration! R. Michelson Galleries. 132 Main Street, Northampton, MA.
Monday, November 11, 10am-4pm – BOTANY/CHRYSANTHEMUMS: It might be chilly outside, but Smith College's greenhouses in Northampton are bursting with color this time of year! Annually, with November comes The Botanic Garden of Smith College's Fall Chrysanthemum Show, a living exhibition filled with colorful mums of all shapes and sizes. (Some as large as eight inches across!) Budding botanists will love exploring the greenhouse and inspecting blossoms to learn about chrysanthemums. Visitors to the show can use a stroll through the flowers as a way to support the learning of all kinds, particularly within the realm of science. Exploring the many different blossoms can help learners to understand diversity amongst plant life – especially when they keep in mind that technically, though some blossoms may look drastically different from each other, they are all variations of the same kind of flower. Add some math to your visit by counting how many flowers you see of each color, shape, or size, and perhaps create some basic statistics to accompany your data analysis. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Tuesday, November 12, 10am-4pm – HORTICULTURE/FLOWERS: "Chrysanthemum" is a beautiful word for an equally beautiful family of flowers. The word is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower), though it refers to many different types of flowers in a range of colors and appearances. You can explore various chrysanthemums at The Botanic Garden of Smith College's Fall Chrysanthemum Show. The Fall Mum Show has been a popular college and community tradition since the early 1900s and showcases the hybridizing experiments of the horticulture class. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Tuesday, November 12, 1–2:20pm – MUSIC STUDIES/DRUM: The Instrument of Our Time: Live Performance and Lecture by Percussionist Justin Alexander. Drawing inspiration from American jazz, South Indian Carnatic music, and Indonesian gamelan, Alexander offers a program highlighting the soloistic aspects of the drum set, which he dubs "the percussion instrument of our time." Discussion will follow. This program is presented in collaboration with "Experiencing Music," a course taught by Amherst College Associate Professor of Music, Darryl Harper. Mead Art Museum. 413-542-2335. 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA.
Tuesday, November 12, 6pm – ENTOMOLOGY/ BEEKEEPING: Join local beekeepers for a season-appropriate discussion and demonstration using the Berkshire Botanical Garden apiary. Focus on sustainable beekeeping techniques: raising and sourcing bees locally, managing pests and diseases ecologically, and creating beneficial habitats for honeybees and native pollinators alike. New to beekeeping? Learn how to get started with your first hives. Are you a seasoned beekeeper? Your experience and knowledge will be invaluable to others in the group! 413-357-4657. Berkshire Botanical Garden. 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge, MA.
Wednesday, November 13, Dawn-Dusk – SCULPTURE/AGRICULTURE: Park Hill Orchard in Easthampton is home of "Art in the Orchard," a biennal orchard-based gallery of outdoor sculptures and installation art to peruse with family from dawn to dusk any day of the week. Bringing "Culture into Horticulutre," the orchard features the work of dozens of artists whose work is brought to life amongst the apple trees and changing landscape as we move from summer to fall. Park Hill Orchard. 413-527-6186. 82 Park Hill Road. Easthampton, MA.
Wednesday, November 13, 10am-4pm – PLANT STUDIES/FLOWERS: Smith College's Lyman Conservatory is in bloom this month for the annual Fall Chrysanthemum Show! Visitors to the greenhouses can learn about genetic diversity amongst plants and plant hybridization while viewing the beautiful flowers, which can be up to eight inches across. Even the most amateur botanists will love the wide variety of color, pattern, shape, and size seen amongst the blooms. Read more in our post, Fall Chrysanthemum Show at Smith Offers Community-Based Learning. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Wednesday, November 13, 1–2:20pm – LGBT HISTORY/MUSIC STUDIES: Facade of the Stonewall Inn. The Sounds of Stonewall. All are invited to honor the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall Riots with a live performance by the Amherst College Concert Choir and Choral Society. Join in for an evening of musical selections inspired by tunes that played on the jukebox at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 and by contemporary LGBT composers. Mead Art Museum. 413-542-2335. 41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA.
Thursday, November 14, 10am-4pm – BOTANY/CHRYSANTHEMUMS: It might be chilly outside, but Smith College's greenhouses in Northampton are bursting with color this time of year! Annually, with November comes The Botanic Garden of Smith College's Fall Chrysanthemum Show, a living exhibition filled with colorful mums of all shapes and sizes. (Some as large as eight inches across!) Budding botanists will love exploring the greenhouse and inspecting blossoms to learn about chrysanthemums. Visitors to the show can use a stroll through the flowers as a way to support the learning of all kinds, particularly within the realm of science. Exploring the many different blossoms can help learners to understand diversity amongst plant life – especially when they keep in mind that technically, though some blossoms may look drastically different from each other, they are all variations of the same kind of flower. Add some math to your visit by counting how many flowers you see of each color, shape, or size, and perhaps create some basic statistics to accompany your data analysis. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Thursday, November 14, 5-6:30pm – SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE/HIGH SCHOOL: Imagine a school that values and encourages the unique qualities of your child: The Hartsbrook School provides just that, with warmth and attentiveness. Children's imagination and empathy are awakened through the rich curriculum. Deep academic inquiry, plenty of outside time, music and art in everyday learning, active land stewardship, and a culture of compassion Discover how meaningful a school experience can be and enjoy a vibrant, active parent community. 193 Bay Road, Hadley, 413-586-1908, www.hartsbrook.org
Thursday, November 14, 5:30-7pm – PARENT WORKSHOP: Northampton Parent Café Series: Being a Great Parent is Part Natural & Part Learned. Information and ideas that help us take care of ourselves, build strong relationships with our kids, and raise children who thrive. Sunnyside Early Childhood Center. 413-587-1471. 557 Easthampton Rd. Northampton, MA.
Thursday, November 14, 6-8pm – ART STUDIES/PASTELS: Leyden Cultural Council Offers a Monet inspired hands-on art workshop, "Sail Away on the Craft of Pastel Painting," with Pastelist Gregory John Maichack. This pastel painting workshop is designed for beginners to experienced artists to create your own pastel painting. In this new, highly researched two-hour workshop, participants will freely experiment with hundreds of the artist's professional-grade pastels, pastel pencils, and pastel paper, creating a painting in their own style, realistic or Impressionistic, in this fun pastel painting workshop. Leyden Town Hall. Leyden, MA.
Thursday, November 14, 6:30pm – LANGUAGE ARTS/SPELLING BEE: The winning word at the 91st Scripps National Spelling Bee was "koinonia," which is hard enough to spell when you are actually looking at it. Nevertheless, 14-year-old Karthik Nemmani succeeded in correctly spelling this mephitic word and became champion. Spelling bees are a celebration of the beautiful and occasionally infuriating nature of our ever-changing language. Don't miss the Mary Lyon Foundation Annual Community Spelling Bee! Mohawk Trail Regional High School. 26 Ashfield Road, Shelburne Falls, MA.
Thursday, November 14, 6:30-8pm – NEW ENGLAND HISTORY/ICE HARVEST: Ice Famine of 1919. Dennis Picard will present a program on the Ice Famine of 1919, when weather conditions crippled New England's ice harvesting industry. Learn about the introduction of man-made ice and refrigeration technology. Picard will show scores of images from the period and will display his collection of ice harvesting tools, as well. Westhampton Public Library. 413-527-5386. 1 N Rd, Westhampton, MA.
Thursday, November 14, 7pm: MUSICAL THEATER/FAMILY FRIENDLY: Once Upon a Mattress. If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and The Pea," you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken's love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn't the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, Once Upon a Mattress is a rollicking spin on the familiar classic and provides for some side-splitting shenanigans! Chances are you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. Family friendly for all ages. The show is being presented by the Black Cat Theater and performances will be held at South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street, South Hadley, MA ($$)
Friday, November 15, 10am-4pm – ARTISAN TRADITIONS/GLASS BLOWING: Glassblowing is an ancient art form, dating back at least 2,000 years with origins in Jerusalem, spreading to the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC. Originally, the craft of blowing glass was used for utilitarian purposes, like containers, table wear, and window glass. It wasn't until the late 60′s when glassblowing was raised to the level of art, led by German artist Hans Godo Frabel. This month families can try glassblowing hands-on at Snow Farm. Make your own glass ornament with the help of a master glassblower in their glass studio. Learn about the art of glass blowing and walk away with your very own holiday keepsake… a great tradition to do with your family year after year! This glassblowing opportunity is part of Snow Farm's Seconds Sale weekend, where 200 craftspeople from across the country sell their seconds. For ages 8+. Snow Farm-New England Craft. 413-268-3101. 5 Clary Rd, Williamsburg, MA.
Friday, November 15, 10am-8pm – HORTICULTURE/FLOWERS: "Chrysanthemum" is a beautiful word for an equally beautiful family of flowers. The word is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower), though it refers to many different types of flowers in a range of colors and appearances. You can explore various chrysanthemums at The Botanic Garden of Smith College's Fall Chrysanthemum Show. The Fall Mum Show has been a popular college and community tradition since the early 1900s and showcases the hybridizing experiments of the horticulture class. The Botanic Garden of Smith College. 413-585-2740. 16 College Ln, Northampton, MA.
Friday, November 15, 7pm: MUSICAL THEATER/FAMILY FRIENDLY: Once Upon a Mattress. If you thought you knew the story of "The Princess and The Pea," you may be in for a walloping surprise! Did you know, for instance, that Princess Winnifred actually swam the moat to reach Prince Dauntless the Drab? Or that Lady Larken's love for Sir Harry provided a rather compelling reason that she reach the bridal altar post haste? Or that, in fact, it wasn't the pea at all that caused the princess a sleepless night? Carried on a wave of wonderful songs, by turns hilarious and raucous, romantic and melodic, Once Upon a Mattress is a rollicking spin on the familiar classic and provides for some side-splitting shenanigans! Chances are you'll never look at fairy tales quite the same way again. Family friendly for all ages. The show is being presented by the Black Cat Theater and performances will be held at South Hadley High School, 153 Newton Street, South Hadley, MA ($$)
Hilltown Families' list of Suggested Events is supported in part by grants from the Bernardston, Chester, Heath, Montgomery, Pelham, Rowe, South Hadley, Amherst, Hatfield, Russell, Shutesbury, and Springfield Cultural Councils, local agencies which are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Connected Councils: A digital vision of local government in 2025
www.nesta.org.uk/report/connected-councils-a-digital-vision-of-local-government-in-2025/
In Government innovation Futurescoping
Head of Government Innovation Research
Julie was the Head of Government Innovation Research in the Policy and Research Team.
Meghan was a senior researcher in the Government Innovation team in Policy and Research. Her work focused on digital democracy, the future of local government, and innovations in refug…
Full report (1.6 MB)
This report examines how digital technologies could help councils save money, foster local economic growth and deliver better outcomes for local residents and communities.
It sets out a vision of where councils might be in 2025 to better understand what opportunities they face now.
Local government has made huge progress in enabling residents to carry out basic transactions online. But most councils have a long way to go to deliver smooth, frictionless services and fully digitise their back offices. Digitisation isn't just about developing digital services; depending on the level of ambition, digital tools can help:
Save money and deliver better outcomes by intervening earlier and helping people manage their own conditions.
Transform the way that councils work internally, commission services and partners, diagnose and solve problems, use public space, and attract talent.
Make services smoother and easier to access, more personalised and user-responsive.
Put residents at the heart of local problem-solving and decision-making and create an environment which supports businesses to startup and scale.
Like the best tech companies, future councils will be lean, agile and data-driven. Siloed services will be replaced with multi-agency teams that form around specific local challenges. A truly mobile workforce has freed up public space. Almost all transactions take place online. Instead of two-dimensional council websites, interactive platforms connect users with third-party apps and services, and stream personalised content on local democracy, jobs and services.
Relational services (such as social care) still rely heavily on face-to-face contact. But digital tools help people to manage their own long-term conditions and connect to a broader network of support, such as peer mentors, health coaches, friends and family, volunteers and group-based activities. Digital technologies have helped councils take a more ambitious approach to place-shaping. A larger share of public contracts go to high-growth SMEs. Councils systematically engage residents in decisions about how services are commissioned, delivered and evaluated.
The report recommends:
Councils become digital by default, moving all transactional services online and fully digitising their back offices by 2020.
The Cabinet Office should bring together key local government actors to define - and continuously update - open standards for data for the whole public sector.
Leading councils should come together to create a market for new digital products in cases where local authority needs are not currently being met by off-the-peg solutions.
City regions should be required to establish an Office of Data Analytics (ODA) as part of devolution settlements. The ODA – modelled on the Mayor's Office of Data Analytics pioneered in New York City – should be tasked with helping city leaders and public bodies bring together and analyse data to support regional economic growth and local public sector reform.
Councils should invest in accessibility, by providing online and human navigation support to help people use digital services in public spaces, such as libraries and jobcentres. They should also ensure that pathways between different services are seamless, jargon free, and that people with different digital needs are appropriately 'triaged'.
The Cabinet Office should review and publish detailed guidance on the ethical dimensions of data-sharing and algorithm-supported decision-making.
Meghan Benton and Julie Simon
Nurturing the seeds of change
Insights from scaling people-powered health and care innovations through Nesta's Accelerating Ideas
Highlights from Accelerating Ideas
What happened when Nesta and National Lottery Community Fund supported eight innovations aiming to mobilise people and communities across the UK?
Introducing collective crisis intelligence
An introduction to collective crisis intelligence, a new methodological approach that combines frontline and community-based insights with AI for better management of humanitarian crises.


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These comedians have an enormous net worth
Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
25. Tiffany Haddish
Estimated net worth: $4 million, says Wealthy Gorilla
Not only is she a very funny lady, Tiffany Haddish seems to be quite down-to-earth. She bombed once during a New Year's Eve gig and admitted, "This is going to be on TMZ or whatever" when the audience started walking out.
Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Haddish's career has all but bombed, however. She's not the richest comedian, but one of them! You might have seen her in Girls Trip, Nobody's Fool, The Oath, or heard her voice-over work in Bob's Burgers or The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part.
NEXT: New York Senator Chuck Schumer is her second cousin once removed.
24. Amy Schumer
Estimated net worth: $16 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth
Amy Schumer is fluent in stand-up comedy, sketch comedy, film, television, theater, and has a book to her name (Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo). She's also been visible in gun control activism. What can't she do?
Steven Ferdman/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images for The Daily Front Row
Turns out some people aren't a fan — a Guardian article said she had a "shockingly large blind spot around race," in reference to "lazy jokes about Latina women being 'crazy'" when she hosted the MTV Movie & TV Awards. Schumer fired back on Twitter.
NEXT: She pursued stand-up after a class of other offenders found her DUI story funny.
23. Chelsea Handler
Estimated net worth: $40 million, says Celebrity Net Worth
Chelsea Handler had her own late-night show, Chelsea Lately, although it was only on cable, unlike The Tonight Show, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Show, and Conan. (However, Lilly Singh recently became the first female late-night host on one of the "Big Three" networks, with A Little Late with Lilly Singh.)
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
Handler had her big break on Girls Behaving Badly, which aired from 2002 to 2005. She appeared on other programs, like The Bernie Mac Show, My Wife and Kids, The Practice, and as a commentator on E!.
NEXT: His Netflix special has people talking — in both good and bad ways.
22. Dave Chappelle
Fellow comedian Sarah Silverman defended Dave Chappelle's Netflix special Sticks and Stones, saying, "That's comedy: You overstep." Chappelle starts his special ripping into "everybody who's ever criticized any celebrity for insulting or offending people," as Paste Magazine puts it.
John Bauld via Flickr
He continues, making all sorts of offensive jokes — some transphobic and racist — Paste writes. Chappelle has been offending and entertaining viewers before Sticks and Stones came out, with TV show Chappelle's Show and appearances in movies like The Nutty Professor.
NEXT: His real name is Cornelius Crane Chase.
21. Chevy Chase
Instead of going by "Cornelius Crane Chase" (say that three times fast), this comic has gone by "Chevy Chase" in his professional career. Interestingly, Chase came from a wealthy family with ties to Folgers Coffee and Crane Plumbing.
Alan Light via Flickr
However, Chase always worked for himself while trying to make it in entertainment. He's best known for debuting on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1975 and appearing in movies like Caddyshack. That def added to Chevy Chase's net worth.
NEXT: He was classmates with Fran Drescher of The Nanny fame.
20. Ray Romano
Estimated net worth: $130 million, says Celebrity Net Worth
From living with his parents to filthy rich! Ray Romano's net worth is now insaaaaane. Everybody Loves Raymond was born after comedian Ray Romano appeared on Letterman to perform stand-up. He'd been doing stand-up for 12 years before this big break.
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images for Turner
The native New Yorker (can't you tell by the thick accent?) is an Emmy winner who's worked on EPIX's Get Shorty, appeared on celebrity Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, The Office, Funny People, Grilled, and many more.
NEXT: Former prime minister Tony Blair and this comedian were classmates.
19. Rowan Atkinson
He's got many, many acting credits, but is best known for playing Mr. Bean — the strange protagonist of the British comedy series of the same name. Rowan Atkinson first developed the character at a sketch comedy show while attending Oxford for electrical engineering.
Az-Jean via Flickr
Mr. Bean is best known for his facial expressions, which have prevented the show from getting lost in translation when shown in non-English speaking countries, says Mental Floss. He's also appeared in Johnny English and the Maigret TV series.
NEXT: He was originally going to portray Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody.
18. Sacha Baron Cohen
Sacha Baron Cohen is best known for eccentric characters like Borat, Ali G, Brüno Gehard, and for aggravating a lot of people. Most recently, politician Roy Moore sued Baron Cohen in a defamation suit for lampooning him in Who Is America?
Joella Marano via Wikimedia Commons
Baron Cohen also has a serious side. He was going to play Freddie Mercury in Bohemian Rhapsody, but left after he felt the film's organizers weren't portraying a complete picture of the singer.
NEXT: He was the very first guest on Late Night with David Letterman in 1982.
17. Bill Murray
I say this with love: Comedian Bill Murray is a weird guy. For instance, he once walked into a college party, drank their beverages, did their dishes, and then left. The joke's on you, though — Bill Murray's net worth is insane!
Gage Skidmore via Flickr
His filmography includes a lot of Wes Anderson flicks like The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and The Royal Tenenbaums, Ghostbusters, Lost in Translation, Charlie's Angels, Space Jam, Groundhog Day, Tootsie, and a lot more.
NEXT: This is the first actor to be paid $20 million for a movie.
16. Jim Carrey
Hollywood loves Jim Carrey's eccentric humor. It's probably why he's the first actor to get $20 million for a role (The Cable Guy). He's also known for movies like Liar Liar, Yes Man, and the iconic (and offensive) Ace Ventura movies.
Aaron Rapoport/Corbis Historical via Corbis_Getty Images
Like Baron Cohen, Carrey has a serious side. He showed his acting chops in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Kidding, and Man on the Moon.
NEXT: Her gigantic estate was planned to have gone to her daughter, grandson, staff, charities, and — of course — her dogs.
15. Joan Rivers
Estimated net worth: $150 million, says Business Insider
The late Joan Rivers was known for her insult comedy and often very scathing remarks. She hosted Live From the Red Carpet on E! from 1996 to 2004, then was a co-host on Fashion Police, which premiered in 2002.
David Shankbone via Flickr
Beyond TV appearances, she had 13 books to her name and a jewelry line. Rivers worked until she died from complications from a procedure on her vocal cords at age 81.
NEXT: Before starting his career in comedy and becoming the host of an iconic show, he was in the military.
14. Drew Carey
In this photo, Drew Carey (right) and Bob Barker attend CBS' The Price Is Right's celebration of Barker's 90th birthday on Nov. 5, 2013. Barker was the host of The Price Is Right until Carey took over in 2007.
Valerie Macon/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
Before Carey took over The Price Is Right, he had two major comedy shows — sitcom The Drew Carey Show and sketch comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway? Before fame, Carey performed at the Cleveland Comedy Club and was in the military.
NEXT: He was one of The Blues Brothers.
13. Dan Aykroyd
Dan Aykroyd (right) is known for appearing in TV shows like SNL and Home Improvement and movies like The Blues Brothers and Ghostbusters. He's known as a writer as well, having written The Blues Brothers with John Landis.
Joshua Blanchard/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images for Universal Studios Hollywood
He also co-financed the House of Blues with the late John Belushi and others. That def added to Dan Aykroyd's net worth. After Belushi passed, his brother Jim Belushi filled in as a Blues Brother to attend House of Blues openings with Aykroyd.
NEXT: Miss Colombia of 2015 probably hates this comedian (she has a good reason).
12. Steve Harvey
"I have to apologize," Steve Harvey told the Miss Universe audience at home and in the theater. Harvey had just crowned Miss Colombia, when in fact he'd read the card with the winner's name wrong — Miss Philippines was the real winner.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
It was a big flub — which he apologized for — but it's not all he's known for. His career (before and after the Miss Universe incident) was storied and successful, having hosted Family Feud for years.
NEXT: Reportedly, a movie studio paid him $2 million to tweet about their movies.
11. Kevin Hart
Of course, Kevin Hart's talents and celebrity have added to his net worth (not just Twitter). He's made more than $100 million in endorsements, $15 million on his 2011 tour, and his 2015 tour made $35 million in presales, says HuffPost.
WestConn via Flickr
Hart has been in the news lately. He was injured in a car accident and his ex-wife is going on tour to tell her side of the divorce.
NEXT: Before he was famous, he went to a very prestigious New England school attended by Lana Del Rey and Ted Danson.
10. Seth MacFarlane
MacFarlane has created an entertainment empire. How did he do it? By doing things that make him happy. "You'll be surprised by some of the ideas and the things that he's excited about," the president of his production company told Variety.
Seth MacFarlane is known for creating Family Guy, American Dad!, the Ted movies, The Cleveland Show, and more. He's also been an actor, appearing in various programs and movies like Logan Lucky and The Loudest Voice.
NEXT: He auctioned off a one-of-a-kind Porsche Carrera GT for hurricane victims.
9. Jay Leno
Jay Leno is best known as the host of late-night program The Tonight Show, but has moved on to other interesting ventures in his retirement. For instance, there's the all-things-automotive show, Jay Leno's Garage (he loves cars!), and his stand-up performances.
Lee Stranahan via Flickr
Jay Leno first appeared on The Tonight Show himself doing a stand-up act in 1977. At that time, The Tonight Show was hosted by Johnny Carson.
NEXT: He bought The Weather Channel's parent company for a whopping $300 million.
8. Byron Allen
Byron Allen is a comedian-turned-media-mogul who owns several TV channels, like Pets.TV and Cars.TV. He's now interested in the movie business, according to a 2018 report in The Los Angeles Times by Ryan Faughnder.
Jerritt Clark/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images for Culture Creators
Before becoming a businessman, he and his mom moved to Los Angeles in 1968 and Allen started comedy as a teenager. When he was just 18 years old, Allen appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.
NEXT: His favorite band, Foo Fighters, played on the final broadcast of his show.
7. David Letterman
Host and comic David Letterman is best known for his work in the late-night arena, namely The David Letterman Show, Late Night with David Letterman, and Late Show with David Letterman. One of the richest comedians, he retired from late-night.
Chad J. McNeeley via Department of Defense
However, the very funny talk show host and comedian has not retired from entertainment. Far from it! Letterman has dived into other ventures, such as My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman on Netflix. His first guest? Mr. Barack Obama.
NEXT: The show he's most famous for has a planned outline but never scripted dialogue.
6. Larry David
With fellow funny comedian Jerry Seinfeld, Larry David created the iconic "show about nothing," Seinfeld. Now one of the richest comedians, David started his career performing stand-up in the New York area (he's from Brooklyn, New York City).
Angela George via Flickr
David left Seinfeld in 1996 but returned to write the show's finale. David lent his writing and comedy acting chops to shows like Curb Your Enthusiasm and SNL, earning many accolades for his work.
NEXT: She had various odd jobs before making it big, including shucking oysters and working as a paralegal.
5. Ellen DeGeneres
Known for her stand-up comedy roots, voice acting, film acting, and work as a TV presenter, Ellen DeGeneres is most famous for hosting TV program The Ellen DeGeneres Show since 2003. She's also known for voicing Dory in Finding Nemo.
ronpaulrevolt2008 via Flickr
DeGeneres has hosted several awards shows as well. She started out as a stand-up comedian but has been focused on film and TV lately. However, after years of not performing stand-up, DeGeneres released a Netflix special in 2018.
NEXT: He met his longtime creative partner while attending college in Colorado.
4. Matt Stone
Matt Stone's net worth is thanks in part to the show he co-created with creative partner Trey Parker — South Park. It's a cartoon (but not appropriate for children) that lampoons everything and follows the adventures of Colorado grade-schoolers.
Although mostly known for South Park, Stone has ventured into the entertainment industry with other projects. There's the play Book of Mormon, Stone and Parker's silly movie BASEketball, animated movie Team America: World Police, and sitcom That's My Bush!
NEXT: This comedian has a black belt in taekwondo.
3. Trey Parker
Trey Parker's net worth is just about the same as Matt Stone's net worth, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Again, South Park was the show that probably contributed to Parker's massive net worth. Their bios are pretty similar …
Parker worked on Book of Mormon with Stone, as well as Team America: World Police, That's My Bush!, and the South Park full-length feature film, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut. Outside of entertainment, he's a taekwondo black belt.
NEXT: He used to be a rock critic before comedy.
2. Matt Groening
He's best known for being the guy behind animated series The Simpsons. Matt Groening always loved drawing but didn't make it his career until later in life. After graduation, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue writing. Groening worked on a comic while searching for steady work.
He started working at The Los Angeles Reader and convinced the paper to publish the comic he'd worked so hard on — Life in Hell. Groening's other ventures are Futurama and Disenchantment on Netflix.
NEXT: He has an interesting way of dealing with hecklers. It's an idea called the "Heckle Therapist."
1. Jerry Seinfeld
Along with Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld was the other creator behind the hilarious "show about nothing," Seinfeld. It starred Seinfeld as a fictionalized version of himself living in the Upper West Side of New York City with his friends. Hijinks ensue.
Lisa Lake/Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images for Philly Fights Cancer
The show obviously made Seinfeld a lot of money. So did his other pursuits, such as his stand-up comedy tours, The Marriage Ref, Bee Movie, the show Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee on Netflix, and Jerry Before Seinfeld, also on the streaming service Netflix. Nearly a billionaire, Seinfeld has rightly earned many accolades for his work.


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Presented By KUSD Fine Arts
Saturday, November 13th at 6:30pm CST
Indian Trail High School Auditiorium
Mike "Maz" Maher & KUSD Jazz Ensembles
This year's KUSD Jazz Festival will feature Mike "Maz" Maher. Maher is widely known as a founding member of the Multi-Grammy award winning group Snarky Puppy. He is a trumpeter, singer, composer, and educator who has performed and/or recorded with the likes of Michael McDonald, David Crosby, Soulive, Laura Mvula, Fred Wesley of the JB's, Becca Stevens, Lucy Woodward, the Nth Power, and many more.
As a composer Mike has penned three compositions for Snarky Puppy (Skate U, Sleeper, While We're Young). He also writes all of the music for a band under his own name which has released three recordings to date (Maz, Idealist, Maz Flips the Script). In 2018 he was enlisted to write much of the lyrical content for singer Alina Engibaryan's debut album We Are on GroundUP, and he continues to write for other artists as well.
He has worked as an educating clinician at colleges and conservatories in the U.S. and abroad covering topics such as trumpet performance and improvisation, composition, music business, and use of effects pedals with trumpet.
He endorses Yamaha trumpets and flugelhorns and MXR effects pedals.
For ADA seating please call 262-359-6388
Senior/Staff: $10.00
Student: $5.00
Live Stream: $25.00
Indian Trail High School Auditiorium
 6800 60th Street
 Kenosha, 53144
The 39 Steps - KUSD Theatre (Tremper)
Thursday, November 11th
Tremper High School - Studio Theater Room 120
Groundhog Day, The Musical - KUSD Theatre (Bradford)
Sunday, November 7th
Bradford High School Auditorium
Saturday, November 6th


Here comes a car that's truly brilliant in its environmental-friendly stance. Claiming to have a remarkably low car footprint, the Tata Nano eMax is extremely fuel-efficient and runs by a state-of-the-art engine, with CNG and Petrol bi-fuel system options. The stylish and trendy interiors boast of immense passenger space and comfort and come with best-in-class air conditioning. The car also comes with various class-leading safety features such as leak detection sensors and an interlock sensor, automatically ensuring that the engine is switched off during CNG gas filling. Easy on the pockets and the environment, as well as a pleasure to drive, the Tata Nano eMax is a car that's one of its kind.
If the Tata Nano eMax does end up being the perfect car for you, do remember to insure it well so that you and your family can enjoy it without any worries. Simply visit the Royal Sundaram website, generate a car insurance quote by filling in your car model details, and have our representative contact you for the best policies available. So now insure your precious new car within minutes without any hassle with Royal Sundaram.


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Home / Purpose
For comments, questions, or story suggestions, please contact the Director: [email protected]
Our City, Our Story is a storytelling project based out of Rockford, Illinois. Started by director and producer Pablo Korona as a video series in 2011, it is now on its third season and has produced over 50 pieces and 5 live events. Our City, Our Story's small production team takes the input and suggestions received from the community to our editorial team and, with their help, chooses and develops these stories into the pieces you see today.
Our City, Our Story aims to share the stories that comprise this community's unique, complex, and diverse identity in order to connect and inspire us. We believe that it is important to tell these stories not only to show the world who we are but also remind ourselves of the things that make us.
Our City, Our Story aims to diversify and celebrate this community's identity and its many voices and perspectives by sharing the stories of its people and places. It is important to share these stories not only to tell who we are but also to remind ourselves of the things that make us. We tell the stories that connect and inspire us.
PRESS + DISTRIBUTION
Kottke.org
NeighborWorks
BoingBoing.net
Children's Hospitals of Minnesota
PUBLIC SPEAKING + TRAINING
Illinois Arts Council
Featured Project at OneState of The Arts Conference
NeighborWorks NTI
Trainer/Presenter
MakeMovingPictures
Public Housing Video Instructional Curriculum.