August 27th – September 2nd

The Valley Nerd Watch!

Have you been to Eastworks lately? What about Mill 180 Park, The Indoor Park That Accidentally Made Itself Look Exactly Like What a Child Wants to Climb Upon? They’re both nice places full of nice things! Like parm fries.

Also in case you weren’t aware, there’s a massive nation-wide prison strike.

Rebels incarcerated in prisons across the nation are preparing for a nationwide strike demanding humane living conditions, access to rehabilitation, sentencing reform and the end of modern day slavery.

You can support the strikers here, and prison policy reform in general here. The Prison Policy Initiative is based in Easthampton!

Finally, Dead Cells is a lot of fun if you’re into that sort of thing and we are.

Oh and actual finally via Kathy Aidala of Mount Holyoke College:

Mount Holyoke College is presently renovating 8,000 square feet to expand our maker capabilities and to better integrate these capabilities into our academic mission. We are searching for the Technical Lead and Design Mentor, who will run the day-to-day activities of the Makerspace, along with the Makerspace Coordinator, and help to foster an inclusive climate and collaborative learning environment.

A primary component of the job will be to mentor the highly varied interdisciplinary projects, which requires flexibility and broad knowledge of how to make a wide range of products using many different materials.

See full ad here. Feel free to contact me with any questions. We will begin reviewing applications beginning September 4, with an anticipated start date in mid-November.

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Tuesday, August 28th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Art Shoes with Trouble
“Join artist Trouble Mandeson for a hilarious, insightful and thought provoking evening. Trouble’s shoes are the featured exhibit of the month in our display cabinet by the main circulation desk. She transforms mundane shoes into spectacular works of art and you can too! We’ll spend the evening playing with glue guns, glitter, charms and more. Space is limited and this program is for ages 13 and up. Please pre-register at the main circulation desk or call 413-772-1544” Oddly enough Trouble’s middle name is also Trouble.
Thursday, August 30th
Gandara Youth Development Center [306 Race St., Holyoke, MA] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Radioplasma Recording Studio Sessions
Meet in the Teen Room to walk as a group to the Radioplasma Recording Studio to get some hands on experience with journalism, storytelling, and sound mixing! SOUNDS cool! Get it? See that? Nice.

Community:

Tuesday, August 28th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Town of Amherst: Candidates At-Large Night
“Free and open to the public; sponsored by the League of Women Voters.” Meet the folks for whom you will vote!

Entertainment:

Thursday, August 30th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Anime Club
Anime! We watched ‘Spiral’ recently and it was pretty great. Rare that quickly solving a puzzle ring is presented as a power move.

Kids:

Tuesday, August 28th
Westfield Athenaeum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Experimental Art
“Learn new techniques for working with different art mediums as you complete a project with Miss Susan. Dress for mess! Registration is required and begins on Tuesday, July 24th. Ages 8-12 years old” We usually dress for mess unintentionally.
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
LEGO Club
Kids! Play with LEGO! It’s fun!
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Be Your Best Self (Ages 4-16)
“Bring friends and family for a fun activity and motivational message about healthy habits from Distinguished Young Woman of Massachusetts 2019, Mina Liang.” We’re actually the Distinguished Young Collective Being of Massachusetts 2027, if you weren’t aware. We’re quite distinguished!
Wednesday, August 29th
Westfield Athenaeum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Ice Cream Social
“Kids who participated in the Summer Reading Club are invited to this special Ice Cream Social. All ages welcome, but please register.” Our ice cream went out to socialize last week and we’ve not seen it since.
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Creative Movement and Drama for Toddlers
“Go on a creative adventure with your child as you move your bodies and stretch your imaginations. The class is designed to give caregivers the opportunity to connect with their children in a joyful and playful environment and take home creative tools to incorporate into everyday life. Starting with a picture book, and adding in music, movement, and imaginative props, together, we will bring the story the life! The class is geared towards children 18 months-5-years old. Taught by Sarah Marcus.”
Thursday, August 30th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Library Building Blocks Club
Kids! Play with LEGO! It’s fun!

Movies:

Monday, August 27th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Far Out Film Discussion: Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives
“Far Out Film Discussion is formatted like a book club: check out the film, watch it at home, and attend the meeting to discuss it. (We will not be screening the film at the program.) Our next movie is the 2010 film Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives, written and directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul. View the trailer here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk-EoUb0nvg Copies of the film will be available in the Reference Dept. and the Arts and Music Dept. Join us in the Community Room on Monday August 27th at 7:00pm to discuss the film!” We can recall our own past lives and weirdly enough we used to be you!
Friday, August 31st
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Outdoor Film Series: A Wrinkle In Time
Watch A Wrinkle In Time outdoors! It’s a classic story, translated into a film we’ve heard more mixed things about but heck it’ll be fun, always a good time to watch movies outdoors! This is a rain date because dang this year has been a real rainy one.

RPGs:

Tuesday, August 28th
Westfield Athenaeum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons! Dungeons! Dungeons! Dungeons! DUNGEONS! D! U! N! G! E! O! N! S! Less into the dragons though, they’re so mean. Contact Tristan Anderson at trisdragon2@gmail.com for more… info… aw shoot we’re sorry… Tristan’s a dragon
Thursday, August 30th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
RPG Club
Play a game where you pretend to be another person! That covers a pretty wide range, so we don’t know exactly what’ll be up here but for some reason most of these games involves swords and dragons at some point. Even if someone tells you you’re going to be playing an RPG about minding a small convenience store, take a few levels in Longswords just in case.

Teens:

Tuesday, August 28th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Tween and Teen Back to School Party
“Get out and have some fun before school starts! Mario Kart 8 playoffs with our new Nintendo Switch. Make kindness buttons for your backpack and learn to fold secret note origami. For grades 5-12. Free and fun! Pizza included.” If you work hard enough at it we’re confident you can make pizza be included in school as well.
Thursday, August 30th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Workshop for Young Sound Artists and Podcasters
Learn how to record and edit audio, and make a piece of sound art of start a podcast! Intended for all teens who haven’t somehow already become internationally successful artists/podcasters. Recording equipment is provided, but feel free to bring a smartphone or tablet if you have one. Sign up required. Visit us at the Young Adult and Children’s Desk or call (413) 587-1010.

Video Games:

Tuesday, August 28th
Prodigy Minigolf & Gameroom [Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA] at 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday Night Smash League – Super Smash Bros Melee
Ah, the best Smash Bros we assume because it’s the one we hear most about! Signup starts at 7pm, matches start at 8pm, double-elimination bracket and it’s $10 to enter. You can win money! Spectators also have to pay $10 so frankly it seems like you should not be a spectator, because why not just play the danged game maybe you’ll find out you’re a natural. Ages 13+!
Sunday, September 2nd
Another Castle [30 Olive Street Suite 2, Greenfield, MA] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
MAKE TALK PLAY | Game Demo Night!
“Join us at Another Castle for our first official Pioneer Valley Game Developer demo-night! We’re inviting all our local friends and family to share their projects of passion. What have you spent your year working on so far? Swing by on the evening of September 2nd from 7 – 9pm to play our colleagues games, and let us play yours! Need special accommodations or equipment? Send us a message here and we’ll make sure you’re set up right.”

 

Advertisements

August 20th – August 26th

The Valley Nerd Watch!

Ooooh you’d better have already registered to vote we swear to goodness. If not, it isn’t too late to get set for the November 6th election! Do it now,  now!

Other than that the big news is that we’ve been playing Dead Cells and it’s fun, so try Dead Cells! Also interesting, the studio that made it – Motion Twin – is an Anarcho-Syndicalist cooperative that pays every employee the exact same wage. That’s a very smart way to arrange yourself if you find you’d like to be a corporate entity we think.

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Tuesday, August 21st
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Tween and Teen Graphic Novel Series
“Join library assistant and published graphic novel author Steve Murphy for this 3 part series: Class 1 (July 9) — attendees will make a mini-comic book story out of a single sheet of paper; they will also design the main characters to their story. Class 2 (July 31) — the mini-comics will be enlarged and expanded into a lengthier comic book format; character design and development will finish up. Class 3 (August 21) — time to draw and write your comic book! Each session will include free drawing and GN discussion time:”
Wednesday, August 22nd
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Forbes Library Zine Club
Make a zine about your favorite songs! Make a zine about your favorite authors! Make a zine about your favorite zines! Then, get someone else to make a zine about their favorite zines about favorite zines and include your zine.
Thursday, August 23rd
Gandara Youth Development Center [306 Race St., Holyoke, MA] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Radioplasma Recording Studio Sessions
Meet in the Teen Room to walk as a group to the Radioplasma Recording Studio to get some hands on experience with journalism, storytelling, and sound mixing! SOUNDS cool! Get it? See that? Nice.
Friday, August 24th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Visiting Artist Series: Recycled Paper Chickens
Learn how an artist works, and collaborate on an art project! Make some recycled paper chickens, and watch a really good recycled paper chicken get made by a local artist!
Smith College Museum of Art [20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063] at 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Free Fun Friday at SCMA
A Packed Schedule! “~ Self-guided activities available all day ~ Little Trúc food truck 11am–3pm ~Ask the Curator in the exhibition “体 Modern Images of the Body from East Asia” 12pm ~ Crooked Stick Pops 1:30-3:30pm ~ Mountain River Taiko drum performance 2:30–3:30 pm”
Emily Dickinson Museum [280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Free Fun Friday at the Emily Dickinson Museum
“The Emily Dickinson Museum consists of 3 acres, 2 historic houses—the Homestead, where the poet was born and lived most of her life, and The Evergreens, the home of the poet’s brother—and the story of 1 exceptional poet! During self-guided tours, knowledgeable guides are on hand to answer your questions.”

Board Games:

Friday, August 24th
Prodigy Minigolf & Gameroom [Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA] at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Local Game Developer Night
“Prodigy holds a monthly night for local game developers to come and show off their new or old creations. The public can come and try out new games and give needed feedback to developers attempting to make great games! If you are a developer and are interested in participating in this event, please let us know. All developers pay a $5 table fee for displaying their game. All others pay the regular $12 Friday admission price for the full gameroom.”

Books:

Monday, August 20th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Author Talk: Al Norman
“The Greenfield Public library is pleased to present Albert Norman reading from Ravings: American Wild Talk, his new book of short stories in the LeVanway Room on Monday August 20 at 6pm. Ravings tells nineteen stories about the ravings of wild Americans, from the 1700s until today–all based on real events.”
Tuesday, August 21st
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Children’s Book Writers Group
Adults who write for children are invited to a critique group! Speak to other people about your work, and trade opportunities for development as well as writing and publishing tips. You can also read and discuss stories with other members! For more info call the library at 413-772-1544!
Thursday, August 23rd
Packards [14 Masonic St., Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Hugo Award Nominated Short Fiction & Dinner
“For our August science fiction book discussion, we’re going to read the short stories and novelettes that were nominated as finalists for the Hugo Awards this year.” https://www.meetup.com/4scifi/events/253220272/
Sunday, August 26th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Active Citizens Book Group Reads The Soul of America: The Battle for Our Better Angels
“Our current climate of partisan fury is not new, and in The Soul of America Meacham shows us how what Abraham Lincoln called the “better angels of our nature” have repeatedly won the day. Painting surprising portraits of Lincoln and other presidents, including Ulysses S. Grant, Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry S. Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and Lyndon B. Johnson, and illuminating the courage of such influential citizen activists as Martin Luther King, Jr., early suffragettes Alice Paul and Carrie Chapman Catt, civil rights pioneers Rosa Parks and John Lewis, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and Army-McCarthy hearings lawyer Joseph N. Welch, Meacham brings vividly to life turning points in American history.”

Community:

Wednesday, August 22nd
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Share Your Sight Training / Information about programs offered
“Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired confident living with vision loss. SHARE YOUR SIGHT! Volunteer to read, shop or walk with a blind or visually impaired person in your area. Volunteer partnerships allow people to remain as independent as possible in their homes. No special skills needed; flexible schedule (volunteer during the day, evening or weekend); six-month commitment is required. Volunteers must be at least 18 or accompanied by an adult. Not sure if this is the right kind of volunteering for you? Register for a training, then come decide for yourself! Call to register for training being offered: call 508-854-1733 e-mail Nedmonds@mabcommunity.org Light Refreshment Will be Provided! Become a Volunteer receive a $25 Gift Card or Refer a Volunteer receive a $15 Gift Card! “
Thursday, August 23rd
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Creating Community for Women with Chronic Illness
“We hold a monthly support group for women living with a variety of chronic illnesses (e.g. autoimmune disorder, MS, arthritis, Crohn’s and colitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme disease, etc.). It is free and open to the public.”
Saturday, August 25th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Job Search Strategies
You need to use a lot of different methods to get a job in the new and terrifying job market. Networking, going to job fairs, doing “informational interviews” and using social media. Also like 10 different job posting sites. This course will help you navigate all of that!

Entertainment:

Monday, August 20th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM
The Prince of Pirates and The Witch of Wellfleet: A Love Story
“Storyteller Rona Leventhal will be doing a dress rehearsal of her new show: “The Prince of Pirates and The Witch of Wellfleet: A Love Story”. This is an ADULT show and is not appropriate for young children! (ages 16 and up welcome). Content Warning: some violence, reference to sex and harsh language. The public is welcome to come. Please be on time if you can. THANK YOU!” The capitalizing of ADULT is giving us some expectations we doubt the story can actually deliver. Check out www.ronatales.com for more about the teller!
The Harp Irish Pub [163 Sunderland Road, Amherst MA] at 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
The Science Buzz: Simple Minds, Big Finds: What Invertebrate Brains Teach Us About the Nervous System
Most animals on this planets don’t have a spinal cord. Even so, invertebrates have fascinating nervous systems. learn more about how they work from Dr. Paul Katz! Also, apps and trivia! Delightful.
Friday, August 24th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Free Music: The Rear Defrosters
Honky-tonk country music at the library! Usually we’re only able to get our hands on tonk, so honky-tonk is a real treat.

Kids:

Monday, August 20th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Minecraft Club
Minecraft with friends at Forbes! Sign up in advance at the Children’s desk or by calling 587-1010. We think the kids have moved on to making Fortnite the thing that literally every child spends all their time playing but Minecraft is probably a more thorough creative outlet.
Tuesday, August 21st
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
LEGO Club
Kids! Play with LEGO! It’s fun!
Wednesday, August 22nd
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Bingo for Books
“Kids ages 4-8 are invited to join us for B-I-N-G-O. You will take home new books to keep! Sponsored and hosted by the CFCE. Registration required.” B I N G O? What’s that spell again?

Movies:

Monday, August 20th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 2:00 PM to 4:15 PM
Movie Monday: Annie
Annie! The redheaded scamp! The terror of the streets, the little engine that could, the lich king, Annie! Annie, the one true ruler of all Britannia, the Nameless One, the best of the best don’t mess with the rest. Annie from 1982, to be clear.
Wednesday, August 22nd
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Film Screening | The Gilded Cage: Northampton’s Last Water-Powered Elevator A Film by Stan Sherer
“Northampton’s Masonic Block (sometimes referred to as the “Fitzwilly Building”) on Main Street, which opened in 1898, featured an ornate water-powered elevator, state-of-the-art engineering at the time. But it was more: the elevator and its chatty, cheery operators created a community of the building’s shops, offices, denizens and visitors. This came to an end in 2017, when the elevator was decommissioned. To preserve this fascinating bit of Northampton’s history, documentary filmmaker Stan Sherer interviewed former operators and the repair service person who maintained it from the mid-1980s until the end. We learn how elevators work and why they matter, and what this one, and its operators, meant to the people and the City of Northampton.”
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 8:00 PM to 10:15 PM
Coco on the Lawn
A free screening of Pixar’s great new movie “Coco”! Bring a blanket and some food, wait until dark and then leave, stunning the crowd as they try to figure out what sort of person leaves before the film starts! Or just watch a fun movie, should start around 8:30pm. Based on prior rain delays, expect a rain delay.

RPGs:

Tuesday, August 21st
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Dungeons and Dragons
Contact Tristin Anderson at a mysterious pub by the name of trisdragon2@gmail.com to begin your wonderous adventure in the Boys and Girls Library Activity Room! KAPOW!

Teens:

Monday, August 20th
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Teen Room Activities
Stop by to play games from the library collection, read, craft things, draw stuff, hang out, make buttons, all the teen trends!
Wednesday, August 22nd
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Youth Leadership Program
A hands-on series during which the youth will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and interact with their community through games, conversations, field trips, and other activities! You’re going to want to pay attention to how to lead, the youth, we really need you to tell us to stop being horrible.
Thursday, August 23rd
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Lip Sync Battle
Lip Sync Battle! Like from the TV! Only this time, with friendly friends!

Video Games:

Tuesday, August 21st
Prodigy Minigolf & Gameroom [Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA] at 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday Night Smash League – Super Smash Bros Melee
Ah, the best Smash Bros we assume because it’s the one we hear most about! Signup starts at 7pm, matches start at 8pm, double-elimination bracket and it’s $10 to enter. You can win money! Spectators also have to pay $10 so frankly it seems like you should not be a spectator, because why not just play the danged game maybe you’ll find out you’re a natural. Ages 13+!

 

August 13th – August 19th

The Valley Nerd Watch!

 

Nerd Nite! Tomorrow! Be there and be square! It’ll be fun, we’re talking comic books and mafia history in the Valley. It’s at the World War 2 Club in Northampton, 50 Conz St., 7pm – 9pm. Hang out, meet new people, have fun. $5 at the door to pay our speakers and organizers, and a charity bake sale!

Also! Check out Wednesday Games at the Brass Cat in Easthampton at 7pm – 11:30pm this week to win a free copy of excellent game (edited by the Valley’s own Josh Yearsley) Root! It’s very good and fun and it comes with a full walkthrough!

And for the love of everything good in the world REGISTER TO VOTE! Do it NOW. Vote in all of your local elections for candidates whose policy proposals involve NOT harming you and your fellow Valley citizens. It’s extremely important to do this. The deadline is August 15th!

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Monday, August 13th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Forbes Library Zine Club Presents: Queer & Feminist Zine Memoir
“Come check out a reading of local & traveling zinesters, putting a queer twist on memoir, history, and creative storytelling. Jordan Alam (Letters to Self), Mae Allard (Giving It Up: Relations of a Celibate Slut), and Elvis Wolf (Homos in Herstory) will present their tales, images, and words – on the topics of personal memory, radical celibacy, and the ghostly, continuing presence of the past. “
Thursday, August 16th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Jones Library Stichin’ Group
Stich! We assume like… cross-stich? But who knows maybe this is about wound care.
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Bucket Drumming with Mr. Dan
“Due to the popularity of this program on July 12th, we are happy to offer a second program. Learn how to make music and keep rhythm using buckets and sticks. This program will be taught by Mr. Dan, a music education student at Westfield State University. Ages 8-12 years old. Registration required and space is limited. Buckets are generously being donated by Rocky’s Ace Hardware, Free Street, Westfield, MA”
Friday, August 17th
Gandara Youth Development Center [306 Race St., Holyoke, MA] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Radioplasma Recording Studio Sessions
Meet in the Teen Room to walk as a group to the Radioplasma Recording Studio to get some hands on experience with journalism, storytelling, and sound mixing! SOUNDS cool! Get it? See that? Nice.

Board Games:

Wednesday, August 15th
Brass Cat [65 Cottage St, Easthampton, MA 01027] at 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM
Wednesday Games – Root Giveaway!
“Well folks, it’s finally happened! Root, which you all had a hand in shaping, is officially released upon the world! Let’s celebrate! I’ll get my hands on as many copies as I can so as many folks as possible can get to play. And anyone who plays will be entered for a chance to win their own copy plus the Riverfolk Expansion!” Root’s a great game! What a good idea for a featured game.

Books:

Tuesday, August 14th
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Bikes and Books
The library and the Urban Bike School are teaming up! Discuss a book, take a bike ride after! We were much more in the discuss a book, play a videogame after crowd but this seems like it’d have more benefits overall.
Wednesday, August 15th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Writing Critique Group
Writers of picture books, middle grade, and YA books meet to read and get some feedback! The group is facilitated by following SCBWI guidelines but you don’t have to be a member to participate. Learn to write better and also meet some colleagues!

Community:

Wednesday, August 15th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Western Massachusetts Mathematics Partnership
“The Western Massachusetts Mathematics Partnership strives to bring PreK-16 math educators in Western Massachusetts together to learn from each other in order to improve student learning. We do this by facilitating opportunities to explore and appreciate mathematics and math teaching practices with a growth mindset. We believe this enables educators to support diverse learners who believe in themselves. During our monthly meetings, we plan events and discuss long-term projects.” Get tips on how to teach mathematics from fellow educators!
Saturday, August 18th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Interview with Confidence
Preparation is key to a good job interview! You’ll learn how to prepare in this class, and find out how to deal with phone and skype interviews as well!

Entertainment:

Monday, August 13th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Muggle Quidditch at Hillside Park
“Muggle Quidditch, the popular wizard’s game, will be played on Mondays starting July 9 @ 6pm at Hillside Park. The Recreation Department will be sponsoring this program and you will need to register through the Rec Department http://www.greenfieldrecreation.com/youthandteens.html by July 3. Be sure to reserve your place on the teams!” All the excitement of Quidditch, none of the excitement of the flying part of it!
World War 2 Club [50 Conz St, Northampton] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Nerd Nite NoHo
This month! See Justin Casico (like the watch) talk about how the mafia came to Springfield, and Ellie Hillis discuss her feminist comics agenda! Comics! The Mafia! They go together like… actually wait those go together alright. Best comics mobster? Not even a content, Hammerhead. $5 cover at the door, give any amount to charity to get a baked good!
Wednesday, August 15th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 7:45 PM
Lawn Concert by Tim Eriksen and Friends
“Original and traditional Americana music from New England, southern Appalachia and the Balkans. ” Free, bring a blanket and a low chair to hang out and listen!
Thursday, August 16th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Anime Club
Watch anime! Watch one about robots! Or witches! We heard good stuff about Little Witch Academia! That’s an option!
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Ultimate Fandom Trivia/Summer Reading Celebration
“How well do you remember the Avenger movies? Think you know everything about Harry Potter? Or is Stranger Things more your cup of tea? Then come give your best guesses. You will be in groups, so if Marvel isn’t your thing you’ll have someone else to help you out. We will also be celebrating the end of Summer Reading with pizza and ice cream! The raffle prizes will also be drawn. However you do not need to attend to win! For students going into grades 6-12. Please register!”

Kids:

Tuesday, August 14th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
LEGO Club
LEGO! For Kids ages 5 and up!
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Engineering Boot Camp
“Make your own hand-held game console! International Engineering Firm L3KOE is hosting a 3-day STEAM boot camp exploring design, coding, and 3D printing with a team of engineers. Participants must be able to attend all 3 sessions. Pre-register in the Kids’ Room, or by contacting us at 413-259 -3091//teens@joneslibrary.org. Registration closes 24 hours in advance. “
Wednesday, August 15th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Snackbeard Concert
Snackbeard the pirate takes time off from we presume snacking upon the remains of his victims to bring music to kids 4-10 at the library!
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Engineering Boot Camp
Day 2 of the camp!
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Youth Leadership Program
A hands-on series during which the youth will have the opportunity to develop leadership skills and interact with their community through games, conversations, field trips, and other activities! You’re going to want to pay attention to how to lead, the youth, we really need you to tell us to stop being horrible.
Thursday, August 16th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
Comics Club
Join Callie in the Children’s + YA Department for a meeting to make your own comics and talk with other comic fans! Intended for elementary and tween readers. Have you read Squirrel Girl? It’s great read that one. Ms Marvel is also really good!
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Engineering Boot Camp
Day 3 of the camp!
Saturday, August 18th
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art [125 West Bay Rd., Amherst, MA 01002] at 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Happier Family Comedy Show
Happier Valley Comedy is the heart of improv comedy in Western Mass! Let your family’s creativity flourish in an accepting improv atmosphere! Geared for kids aged 5-12, call 413-559-6336 to get tickets!
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Raina Telgemeir Fan Club
Grades 4-7 are welcome to come hang out and talk about the extremely excellent work of graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier! She’s so good. Discuss your favorites with fellow fans, and make a craft! Just drop by, no registration necessary!

Movies:

Monday, August 13th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Movie Monday
A movie! Snacks! Drinks! No registration required. The current movie is Coco, which is a pretty good movie!
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Teen Movie: Howl’s Moving Castle
A new Teen Film! One of those films that are invisible to the eyes of non-teens, and indeed leave the memory as a mist once you hit 20. But we’ve heard good things about Howl’s Moving Castle, you should check it out!
Friday, August 17th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Outdoor Film Series: A Wrinkle In Time
Watch A Wrinkle In Time outdoors! It’s a classic story, translated into a filme we’ve heard more mixed things about but heck it’ll be fun, always a good time to watch movies outdoors!
Saturday, August 18th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Hot Summer Saturday Movie Matinee: Dreamgirls
“This 2006 film is an adaptation of the Broadway hit about the ups and downs of a 1960s girl group, starring Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, and Jennifer Hudson, who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role. This film is rated PG-13. Free & open to the public. “
Sunday, August 19th
Yiddish Book Center [1021 West St., Amherst MA 01002] at 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Film | “L’Antiquaire” (“The Art Dealer”)
“This drama from renowned French director François Margolin (The Flight of the Red Balloon) follows a Jewish woman who embarks on a journey to recover family paintings stolen by the Nazis. During her investigation, she discovers some family secrets are best kept hidden.”

RPGs:

Tuesday, August 14th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Dungeons and Dragons
Contact Tristin Anderson at a mysterious pub by the name of trisdragon2@gmail.com to begin your wonderous adventure in the Boys and Girls Library Activity Room! SHAZAM!
Thursday, August 16th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
RPG Club
RPGs are great! Play Noirlandia, or Questlandia, or Dread, or Monsterhearts, or Apocalypse World, or Dogs in the Vineyard, or One Thousand and One Nights, or any of a lot of amazing games created right here in this Valley! They’re all very good!

Technology:

Tuesday, August 14th
Common Media [84 Russell St., Hadley, MA] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Hack for Western Mass
“After quick updates on our ongoing projects, we’ll discuss upcoming projects and then get hacking to make a difference in our communities. We’ll be meeting from 6:00 – 8:30pm on the second Tuesday of the month. Dinner and drinks are on us!”

Teens:

Monday, August 13th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Teens Only: Make a Sharpie Tie-Dye T-Shirt
Teens! Steal a shirt from your least favorite parent and turn it into a sharpie tie-dye shirt! Then when you have the hang of it make your own! Bring a t-shirt to decorate!

August 6th – August 12th

The Valley Nerd Watch!

You should check out Nerd Nite! It’s happening Monday the 13th, at the World War 2 Club in Northampton!

‘How the Mafia Came to Springfield’ – Justin Cascio

Pasqualina Albano and Carlo Siniscalchi were local royalty on Water Street in Springfield’s Little Italy at the start of Prohibition. But in his first year as the self proclaimed Bootleg King, Carlo was killed, leaving Pasqualina to rule in his stead. She forged a bond with New York’s Genovese crime family, and continued her family’s business, a legacy that endures to this day.

‘Ask Me About My Feminist Comics Agenda’ – Ellie Hillis

Women are the future of comics. From the success of Kickstarters like Check, Please! to the fact that women are over 50% of the active floppy comics readership, big publishers may be missing out on the true core demographic of comics.

This week you should go to the Forbes Library Zine Club, it’s full of good people and good zines, and you can contribute to both of those!

Also, make sure to register to vote! You can do so here: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/! You want to make sure to vote this year so that you can contribute to making our state better. Speaking of: https://www.freedommassachusetts.org/, vote Yes on 3! It will make the state safer for people who are trans and that’s extremely important.

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Wednesday, August 8th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Forbes Library Zine Club
Talk about zines! Create Zines! Those two things mostly, but we guess you could probably get in some yoga as well.
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Artists’ Reception for Karen Evans, Leni Gaudet, and Jenny Tibbetts
“Shared Visions is an exhibit showcasing the work of three local women artists whose paintings explore the world around them. Karen Evans finds inspiration in the landscape, from farmland to the townships of Western Massachusetts. Leni Gaudet captures the reflections and light in still life and nature. Jenny Tibbetts explores light and color in urban and rural themes.” Eat cheese while you think about this excellent artwork!
Friday, August 10th
Smith College Museum of Art [20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063] at 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Free Second Friday
Free art! At a great museum! But still donate if you can! It’s important to support the museum. Get there early to experience Painting in Reverse, painting on plexiglass with quick-drying permanent markers inspired by the exhibition 体 Modern Images of the Body from East Asia!
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Landscapes/Dreamscapes, Opening Reception and Print Fair & Arts Night Out
“Join us for an Arts Night Out reception for the exhibition Landscapes/Dreamscapes, an exhibition of contemporary prints from Zea Mays Printmaking with objects and images from Historic Northampton’s collection. The August Print Fair will feature printmakers: ​Dan Chiaccio, Jennifer Gover, Nick Osetek & Sheryl Jaffe.” Prints are always fun, we did printmaking in art class as kids and dang if they were not very poorly constructed. Presumably these are GOOD prints though.
Saturday, August 11th
Zea Mays Printmaking (320 Riverside Drive, Florence, MA 01062) at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
BIG INK at Zea Mays Printmaking
“Large scale woodblock printing on the BIG TUNA traveling press in the courtyard of Zea Mays Printmaking. Ongoing throughout the day. The public is welcome to come watch as six artists print giant woodblocks.”
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Paper-Making
Recycle to make your own paper! Drop in, open to all ages, but if you’re 10 or younger you should bring an adult! Note that the program is outdoors and will need to be cancelled if the weather takes a turn for the worse!
Sunday, August 12th
Zea Mays Printmaking (320 Riverside Drive, Florence, MA 01062) at 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
BIG INK at Zea Mays Printmaking
“Large scale woodblock printing on the BIG TUNA traveling press in the courtyard of Zea Mays Printmaking. Ongoing throughout the day. The public is welcome to come watch as six artists print giant woodblocks.”

Board Games:

Friday, August 10th
Burger King Community Room [344 King St., Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Tabletop Game Night
“Join us for another day of tabletop board/card game playing. Bring a game that you’d like to share, if you have one. Beginners are welcome. We most often play Euro strategy games, but you are welcome to bring any game you’d like to share. Some of the games we’ve played in the past include: Pandemic, 7 Wonders, Star Trek: Five-Year Mission, King of Tokyo, Dominion. The Community Room is all the way in the back. If you come in the side entrance, the room is directly to your right. If you come in the front entrance, just head to your right, then straight back.” Board games with friendly people! Try new stuff! Everyone loves Azul at the moment!

Books:

Tuesday, August 7th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
T. Greenwood, Rust & Stardust
“Based on the experiences of real-life kidnapping victim Sally Horner and her captor, whose story shocked the nation and inspired Vladimir Nabokov to write his controversial and iconic Lolita, this heart-pounding story by award-winning author T. Greenwood at last gives a voice to Sally herself.” Register for free here: https://www.odysseybks.com/event-rsvp

Community:

Tuesday, August 7th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Town Hall with Josh Zakim for Secretary of State
“Come hear from the Democratic candidates for Secretary of State and learn about the important role this office plays from the state archives to securities to corporations to elections and it is one of the few contested statewide races this year. Free and open to the public.”
Saturday, August 11th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Resume Writing 101
Up-to-date resume writing techniques for you to learn! Tailor a resume using keywords and learn how to format it effectively for online submissions! You’ll also learn how to write an effective cover letter. The whole package!

Computers:

Tuesday, August 7th
The Foundry [24 Main St., Northampton, MA] at 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Northampton Webdive – After Work
“Join a community of web professionals and gain experience in public speaking, leadership, event planning, and networking with peers and leaders in the tech industry.” Talk about work, then once you’ve gotten comfortable enough talk about anything but work because for real you need to take some time off.
Wednesday, August 8th
Last Call Media [136 West St., Suite 01, Northampton, MA] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Agile Methods Meetup
This week at the Agile meetup: “Let’s talk about the terms used (Epics, Stories, Tasks, Subtasks) in breaking down our work into actionable pieces and discuss how they fit into our tooling.” Plus free pizza!

Entertainment:

Monday, August 6th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Muggle Quidditch at Hillside Park
“Muggle Quidditch, the popular wizard’s game, will be played on Mondays starting July 9 @ 6pm at Hillside Park. The Recreation Department will be sponsoring this program and you will need to register through the Rec Department http://www.greenfieldrecreation.com/youthandteens.html by July 3. Be sure to reserve your place on the teams!” All the excitement of Quidditch, none of the excitement of the flying part of it!
Tuesday, August 7th
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
From Northampton to the Boundary Waters
“For the third consecutive year, Historic Northampton is teaming up with Paradise City Dragon Boat for a trip on the Connecticut. Betsy Powell, Head Coach of Paradise City Dragon Boat, will begin the outing with a paddling lesson. Once we’re a ways up river, Laurie Sanders, naturalist & Co-Director of Historic Northampton, will explain about the rich human and natural history in this stretch between Elwell Island and the Hatfield boundary. ​Registration Required |$25-$35 | Ages 18+” We had no idea Historic Northampton was powerful enough to fell dragons and turn them into boats but it is pretty cool.
Thursday, August 9th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
CON-ANON: 5th Annual Fan Convention
A fan convention! Snacks, games, a cosplay contest, and a panel! And more! We presume! Probably other people will be there!

Kids:

Monday, August 6th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Makerspace
Explore “cool technology” learning how to use 3D software to create and print objects, experiment with robotics and virtual reality. This program is for kids! 7-12 only. Registration is required and space is limited.
Tuesday, August 7th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
LEGO Club
Kids! Play with LEGO! It’s fun!
Wednesday, August 8th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Library Building Blocks Club
Kids! Play with LEGO! It’s fun!
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Battle of the Bands: Rock Band!
Rock Band! Dang if that’s not one of the most fun games ever. Worth it despite the terrible cost in plastic specialty single-purpose instruments. Give it a go while it’s set up in the library! Just whatever you do don’t try Tangled Up In Blue on drums. Open to kids in grades 6-12!
Friday, August 10th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Archaeology Rocks!
“Prepare to be amazed and fascinated as you learn about ancient history and archaeology in this hands-on-program. Hold and examine stone tools and other artifacts crafted by people thousands of years ago. Engage in a dialogue with presenter J.K. Quackenbush about the tools and people of ancient times. Ages 6 and up. Registration is required and space is limited.” Quackenbush, just an amazing last name. We hope it’s one of those ones that’s based on what you were up to in town. The town quacker, hiding in bushes to add a bit of scenic audio to any perambulation.
Saturday, August 11th
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art [125 West Bay Rd., Amherst, MA 01002] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Special Storytime: Vanessa Brantley Newton
“Join author/illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newtown as she reads from her new book, Grandma’s Purse, an adorable, energetic ode to visits from grandma that shows how an ordinary day can become extraordinary.” Our own grandmother’s purses were filled with silt and pliers for the most part.
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Jurassic Roadshow
“The fantastic Jurassic Roadshow is coming to town. Featured will be interactive stations with exciting information and hands on learning about fossil and dinosaurs.”

Movies:

Tuesday, August 7th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Summer Reading Movie: Forever My Girl
Watch Forever My Girl, a movie about what we assume is an immortal girl. Maybe a vampire? Impossible to tell.
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Sing Along Movie Night
“Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down- get ready to sing along with Bert, Mary Poppins and the whole gang! Bring the whole family for our special sing along movie nights. Wear costumes, bring props and be ready to sing, sing, sing!”
Wednesday, August 8th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 8:00 PM to 10:15 PM
Coco on the Lawn – Rain Date
Bring a blanket and a picnic basket for your dinner, then watch a good movie on the lawn, the way it was meant to be seen!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Film: Conviction
“Conviction is a documentary film about three Dominican nuns who took the proliferation of nuclear arms in the country personally. These women saw it a their duty, their mission, their religious calling, to break into a missile silo in Colorado, chant, pour their own blood and get jailed for their beliefs. They were convicted and sentenced to Federal Prison for their non-violent protest at a Minuteman III missile site in Northern Colorado. This 48-minute film evokes important conversations about the role of religion in politics, the role of nuclear weapons in national defense and the role of International Law in the Federal Courts.”
Saturday, August 11th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Hot Summer Saturday Movie Matinee: Hairspray
Another family-friendly classic from John Waters! It’s a very cute film!

RPGs:

Tuesday, August 7th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 5:45 PM to 7:45 PM
Dungeons and Dragons
The big old standard one! The RPG with swords and shields and dragons and dungeons! It’s fun and you can play it with pals!

Teens:

Monday, August 6th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Bath Bombs Teens Only
Only teens could be so anarchically carefree as to desire the knowledge offered in this hour-long course. Only a teen would want to take the humble bathtub and turn it into a weapon! Are they making a statement about the idle comforts of the bourgeois by turning what was a source of pleasure into a terrifying oh we’ve been told they’re like bubble bath capsules sorry
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Makerspace
Explore “cool technology” learning how to use 3D software to create and print objects, experiment with robotics and virtual reality. This program is for teens! 13-18 only. Registration is required and space is limited.

Video Games:

Tuesday, August 7th
Prodigy Minigolf & Gameroom [Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA] at 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday Night Smash League – Super Smash Bros Melee
Ah, the best Smash Bros we assume because it’s the one we hear most about! Signup starts at 7pm, matches start at 8pm, double-elimination bracket and it’s $10 to enter. You can win money! Spectators also have to pay $10 so frankly it seems like you should not be a spectator, because why not just play the danged game maybe you’ll find out you’re a natural. Ages 13+!

 

July 30th – August 5th

The Valley Nerd Watch!

It’s another wonderful week in the Valley!

We just got our copy of Root! It’s a game that local Editor Extraordinaire Joshua Yearsley worked on and which was brought in alpha form to Wednesday Games last year. One play-through was enough to convince us that it was neat as hell and we backed it. It’s here and it is more lovely than we even expected! We’re excited to play it with friends, particularly since it has the rare quality of being generally accepted as a fun play with just 3 people.

You should definitely go to the PVGD Cookout party if you’re at all into making game-related stuff in the Valley! Even if you haven’t been to one of their events before, it’s very chill and if you bring food everyone will just be excited to eat all that delicious food.

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Tuesday, July 31st
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Tween and Teen Graphic Novel Series
“Join library assistant and published graphic novel author Steve Murphy for this 3 part series:
Class 1 (July 9) — attendees will make a mini-comic book story out of a single sheet of paper; they will also design the main characters to their story.
Class 2 (July 31) — the mini-comics will be enlarged and expanded into a lengthier comic book format; character design and development will finish up. Class 3 (August 21) — time to draw and write your comic book! Each session will include free drawing and GN discussion time:”
Thursday, August 2nd
Emily Dickinson Museum [280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002] at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Arts Night Out
A pop-up art exhibition! Open mics! Featured readers! So much delightful art to see and participate in and share!
Saturday, August 4th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Olivia Gatwood Poetry
“Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Olivia Gatwood has received national recognition for her poetry, writing workshops, and work as a Title IX Compliant educator in sexual assault prevention and recovery. As a finalist at Brave New Voices, Women of the World and the National Poetry Slam, Olivia’s performances have been featured on HBO, Huffington Post, MTV, VH1, and BBC among others… Olivia believes in girl-power. She currently lives in Boston.” Olivia also has a very cool all-pink outfit in the poster advertising this event.

Board Games:

Wednesday, August 1st
Brass Cat [65 Cottage St, Easthampton, MA 01027] at 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Wednesday Games: Arboretum
Arboretum is a very good set-building game that we were taught by a very nice person and then also that person absolutely disintegrated us. This is their chance to teach a bunch of new people to play it so that the potential disintegrations are more varied and exciting. For real though this is never anything but a spectacular night. We’ve had fun every time we’ve attended!

Books:

Saturday, August 4th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM
Friends Book Sale
Books you can buy from a library you love! The best time to get some new books!

Community:

Thursday, August 2nd
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Democratic Candidate for State Representative Debate
“The Center for Human Development hosts a debate focusing on social services issues for the Democratic candidates running for the Massachusetts House of Representatives Third Hampshire District.” Get to know your candidates!

Computers:

Thursday, August 2nd
Northampton Community TV [380 Elm St., Northampton, MA] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Northampton Municipal Network Organizational Meeting
A meeting to work on getting Northampton to finally put in free high-speed internet access as a municipal utility! It’s the sort of thing that probably should have been done a decade and a half ago but we can get on it now.

Entertainment:

Monday, July 30th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Muggle Quidditch at Hillside Park
“Muggle Quidditch, the popular wizard’s game, will be played on Mondays starting July 9 @ 6pm at Hillside Park. The Recreation Department will be sponsoring this program and you will need to register through the Rec Department http://www.greenfieldrecreation.com/youthandteens.html by July 3. Be sure to reserve your place on the teams!” All the excitement of Quidditch, none of the excitement of the flying part of it!
Wednesday, August 1st
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
First Wednesday Speaker Series: Air Roasted Coffee
“Darren and Sean Pierce of Pierce Brothers Air Roasted Coffee will share where their Fair Trade Beans come from, how they are roasted and become a delicious cup of coffee. Learn how to make a perfect cup of coffee, what the special tasting notes are, and taste some primo coffee air roasted in Greenfield. ” As we understand it air roasting is when you throw the beans through the air so fast that they roast by the time they hit the ground.
Thursday, August 2nd
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Anime Club
Anime! We’ve heard great things about Moribito, and it’s kind of short by anime standards.

Kids:

Monday, July 30th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Mister G. Concert
Mister G! A bilingual rockstar and a delightful performer invites children of all ages and their families for a concert on the library lawn!
Tuesday, July 31st
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
LEGO Club
Ages 5 and up can enjoy an afternoon playing with LEGOs!
Thursday, August 2nd
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Build Your Own Water Xylophone
Kids from 2nd to 5th grade, work in teams to assemble a water xylophone you can really play! Advanced teams will build a water xylophone you can really hold a conversation with.
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Build-a-Beat (Ages 7 & up)
Learn how to use Beat Lab and Chrome Music Lab to create your own beats to share with friends! Pre-Register at kids@joneslibrary.org!
Smith College Museum of Art [20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063] at 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM
Art Babes @ SCMA: Be Cool in the Museum
“Join museum educator Gina Hall for an artful adventure for toddlers and their caregivers. The August program will focus on works of art in the exhibition 体 Modern Images of the Body from East Asia as well as those in the collection galleries.”
Friday, August 3rd
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Library Lego Lady
Lots of Lego fun with the Lego Lady! Build! Build to the heavens! Craft to your heart’s content, and beyond! Create a second person, tell THEM to craft!
Saturday, August 4th
Smith College Museum of Art [20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063] at 10:15 AM to 11:00 AM
Art Babes @ SCMA: Be Cool in the Museum
The second date!

Movies:

Monday, July 30th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Far Out Film Discussion: Last Year at Marienbad
Watch the movie first! Watch it at home, then attend the meeting to discuss it! This one will be the 1961 film Last Year at Marienbad, directed by Alain Resnais from a screenplay by Alain Robbe-Grillet. You can see the trailer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIdSQ-Hsukk!
Tuesday, July 31st
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Zoo
Zoo! Based on the poster it’s about a bunch of people who were tragically separated from one another but came together thanks to their elephant friend who possessed some rudimentary photo editing skills.
Saturday, August 4th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Movie Matinee: A Wrinkle in Time
A Wrinkle in Time was unfortunately not that great a film by all accounts, but it’s still probably fun and neat looking. Also some folks liked it a lot, so maybe you’ll agree with them rather than the zeitgeist!

RPGs:

Thursday, August 2nd
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
RPG Club
Play a game where you pretend to be another person! That covers a pretty wide range, so we don’t know exactly what’ll be up here but for some reason most of these games involves swords and dragons at some point. Even if someone tells you you’re going to be playing an RPG about minding a small convenience store, take a few levels in Longswords just in case.

Science:

Tuesday, July 31st
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
A Natural and Cultural History of Ticks
“During the last three decades deer tick populations have soared in our region and tick-borne illnesses have become a major public health concern. Why has this happened? What’s changed? What were tick populations like in 1654 when Northampton was settled? And what might they be like in 2054? Dr. Kirby Stafford, III, chief entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Station will explore these questions in this illustrated lecture.” Limited Seating. First come, first served.
​$8 for members & donors; $12 for non-members.
Sunday, August 5th
Emily Dickinson Museum [280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
“Buccaneers of Buzz” Pollinator Fair
So wait is this implying that there are pirates who rob bees, and that the buzzing noise bees produce is bee money? There are a lot of layers to this and none of them make sense to us. “At our Fair, learn more about the continued important of pollinators today, and the things you can do at home to make a happy environment for them.” Maybe rob a bee?

Teens:

Monday, July 30th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Teens Make & Take Chocolates
Make a chocolate treat, learn about chocolate history and trivia, and then immediately eat them OR if you possess some sort of unimaginably vast store of willpower you could take them home and then the moment you cross the threshold chow down. Also, any teens who aren’t interested in learning but are interested in getting chocolate there’s a good chance some teens with a lot of chocolate will be leaving the library around 4:30 if you want to see if they’ll give you any.
Thursday, August 2nd
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
YA Movie: Black Panther
One of the best of the Marvel bunch, Black Panther is a good movie to watch if you like cats!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Workshop for Young Sound Artists and Podcasters
Learn how to record and edit audio, and make a piece of sound art of start a podcast! Intended for all teens who haven’t somehow already become internationally successful artists/podcasters. Sign up at the YA Desk!
Saturday, August 4th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Teen/Tween Tie Dye Lab
Tie dying a whole lab seems like a ton of work but that’s probably why they made this a group activity.

Video Games:

Tuesday, July 31st
Prodigy Minigolf & Gameroom [Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA] at 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday Night Smash League – Super Smash Bros Melee
Ah, the best Smash Bros we assume because it’s the one we hear most about! Signup starts at 7pm, matches start at 8pm, double-elimination bracket and it’s $10 to enter. You can win money! Spectators also have to pay $10 so frankly it seems like you should not be a spectator, because why not just play the danged game maybe you’ll find out you’re a natural. Ages 13+!
Sunday, August 5th
Mount Sugarloaf State Reservation [300 Sugarloaf St., South Deerfield MA] at 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
PVGD: Four-year Anniversary Cookout & Potluck on Sugarloaf!
Veggie burgers! Beef burgers! Other foods! Bring your own food! Hang out with a ton of wonderful folks and just generally have a great time with them all, because they’re all great. Say hi for us! Parking is $5 if you want to drive up but as always if you can conquer the mountain then it’s free. Also “Just like any good outdoor cookout and game dev group, we’ll want to play games. We’re bringing some board and yard games, if you have anything to contribute please bring it too!”

July 23rd – 29th

 

The Valley Nerd Watch!

Check out the new fun thing in the hottest town in the Valley, Easthampton! It’s Prodigy, a mini-golf/games place open Wed – Sun for folks 13 and up, 13-15 accompanied by parents! There’s kind of a long story there but basically it’s got a complex mini-golf course handmade by a person who’d like fewer 6 year-old kids to destroy it. What is it with Eastworks attracting people who accidentally make business that are basically designed for small children to annihilate?

There are foods! There are drinks! You can play games and mini-golf! Costs about $10 for a full day of admission, which is pretty nifty! Really, just go check it out already local businesses need your cash and it costs less than a movie.

ALSO! We have job news for you! Are you looking for work? Why not be a physics technician at Mount Holyoke College? You’d be responsible for:  “1) supporting and maintaining classroom demonstrations, 2) supporting research labs (minor repairs and maintenance), and 3) advising students on technical aspects of research projects when appropriate. ”

You should apply if it sounds fun!

“The ideal candidate will have some training in machining and CAD design, can execute minor electronic repairs, and has a bachelors in physics or a related field. However, we will also consider candidates who have extensive technical experience regardless of degree, OR who have substantial physics/engineering expertise and are eager to develop technical skills. (An enthusiastic recent graduate may be qualified.)

We especially encourage women and people from underrepresented groups to apply. ”

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Wednesday, July 25th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Forbes Library Zine Club
Talk about zines! Create Zines! Those two things mostly, but we guess you could probably get in some light cardio as well.
Thursday, July 26th
Gandara Youth Development Center [306 Race St., Holyoke, MA] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Radioplasma Recording Studio Sessions
Meet in the Teen Room to walk as a group to the Radioplasma Recording Studio to get some hands on experience with journalism, storytelling, and sound mixing! SOUNDS cool! Get it? See that? Nice.
Sunday, July 29th
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Factual and Fictitious Geography in the Nuremburg Chronicles
A double-feature! Lecture by New York artist Tate Klacsmann, followed by a live wood-cut demonstration by local artist Nancy Haver! Both arts are currently exhibiting in Historic Northampton!

Board Games:

Monday, July 23rd
Greenfield Games [238 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Tanks from GF9
All day on Monday, and possibly future Mondays, the Tanks crew is around to teach people a fun and accessible new miniatures game! It’s about home-care workers oddly enough. To be fair it’s about home-care workers who are represented in-game by highly detailed little models of tanks, and helping an elderly client is represented as a sort of combat tactics game.
Saturday, July 28th
Greenfield Games [238 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Greenfield Games Summer Auction
Summer auction! The silent auction part is already happening, so check out Greenfield Games for a chance to get some great games. Then, on the 28th there’s the live auction! Come in any time to register for a number early and bid if you can’t make it! This is the biggest shopping day of the year if you’re into board games!

Books:

Tuesday, July 24th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Lauren Groff, Florida in conversation with Judith Frank
“In her thrilling new book, Lauren Groff brings the reader into a physical world that is at once domestic and wild–a place where the hazards of the natural world lie waiting to pounce, yet the greatest threats and mysteries are still of an emotional, psychological nature. A family retreat can be derailed by a prowling panther, or by a sexual secret. Among those navigating this place are a resourceful pair of abandoned sisters; a lonely boy, grown up; a restless, childless couple, a searching, homeless woman; and an unforgettable, recurring character–a steely and conflicted wife and mother.”
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Bikes and Books
The library and the Urban Bike School are teaming up! Discuss a book, take a bike ride after! We were much more in the discuss a book, play a videogame after crowd but this seems like it’d have more benefits overall.
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Author Talk — Eric Rieseberg and Helen Noble
“Rieseberg’s “Heroes Alongside Us” is a tribute to the men who were the key to his and many others success in life. The book defines what success is, how to achieve it, and the rewards of that achievement.” We define success as having twenty cookies. “Noble’s “25,000 Seeds: Where Love Grows” follows Claire Patterson takes a consulting project in an Ohio farming community. She can handle this; it’s business as usual. Stepping way out of her comfort zone, she finds that fewer distractions in the rural region leaves her with more free time than she’s had in years”… to pursue romance!
Friday, July 27th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Ottessa Moshfegh, My Year of Rest and Relaxation
“From one of our boldest, most celebrated new literary voices, a novel about a young woman’s efforts to duck the ills of the world by embarking on an extended hibernation with the help of one of the worst psychiatrists in the annals of literature and the battery of medicines she prescribes”

Card Games:

Friday, July 27th
Greenfield Games [238 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Friday Night Magic
Friday Night Magic! This is one of the best opportunities you have to competitively play a wonderful game that also maybe keep a diary of how much you spend on it. Two tournaments starting at 6pm, $5 for each, one’s going to be Standard Format, one’s Modern! Win packs and promo cards!

Community:

Tuesday, July 24th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Free Lunch at the Library
“All children under the age of 18 are welcome to a free hot lunch at the Jones Library. Join us for a fun library program before, or come just for lunch. Adults over the age of 18 are welcome to purchase a meal for $3.50. ” Libraries: useful for the community!
Thursday, July 26th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Creating Community for Women with Chronic Illness
From the site: “We hold a monthly support group for women living with a variety of chronic illnesses (e.g. autoimmune disorder, MS, arthritis, Crohn’s and colitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme disease, etc.). It is free and open to the public. http://www.joneslibrary.org/calendar.aspx?EID=4913“
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
The Thursday Morning Club: Buz Eisenberg on the First Amendment
“The New England First Amendment Coalition will present a discussion on the First Amendment from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on July 26 at the Greenfield Public Library as part of the library’s Thursday Morning Club at the Greenfield Public Library.The program will feature Buz Eisenberg, an attorney and First Amendment expert. The event is free and open to the public.”

Entertainment:

Monday, July 23rd
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Muggle Quidditch at Hillside Park
“Muggle Quidditch, the popular wizard’s game, will be played on Mondays starting July 9 @ 6pm at Hillside Park. The Recreation Department will be sponsoring this program and you will need to register through the Rec Department http://www.greenfieldrecreation.com/youthandteens.html by July 3. Be sure to reserve your place on the teams!” All the excitement of Quidditch, none of the excitement of the flying part of it!
Wednesday, July 25th
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Dances and Rhythms of Puerto Rico with Brendaliz Cepeda y Las Mujeres de Bomba Group
“Brendaliz Cepeda and her folklore group provide traditional music from Puerto Rico. Brenda y las Mujeres de Bomba has been working in the community teaching youth and adults about drumming, dancing and the history of Bomba y Plena. For more information,or registration 413-420-8101 or library@holyoke.org”
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
The Music of Star Wars: A Celebration of John Williams’ Film Scores
“GPL is pleased to welcome back Aaron Krerowicz with a new program: The Music of Star Wars: A Celebration of John Williams’ Film Scores. Often called a “space opera”, one aspect of the Star Wars films that helped make them such a pop culture phenomenon was composer John Williams’ iconic music. This 60-minute multimedia presentation showcases music from all eight episodes.”
Thursday, July 26th
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art [125 West Bay Rd., Amherst, MA 01002] at 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Lyra Music Festival and Workshop: Young Artist Program Special Concert
Classical music for kids that’s “just right”! Then, an Instrument Petting Zoo where kids can hold and play with some instruments that are presumably worth very little money.
Friday, July 27th
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Full Moon Group Sing
Sing in a group to welcome the full moon, as you do!
Saturday, July 28th
Cummington Fairgrounds [97 Fairgrounds Road, Cummington MA] at 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Massachusetts Renaissance Faire: Time-Travelers Weekend
Isn’t this every weekend at a Ren Faire?
Sunday, July 29th
Prodigy Minigolf & Gameroom [Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA] at 12:00 AM to 4:00 AM
Prodigy Late-Night Decathlon
Ten events covering the range from physical games like shuffleboard to classic arcade games like Ms Pac-Man to toys like Simon! You can purchase a ticket to the Decathlon and get all-day access Saturday! NO REFUNDS they want to make clear so be ready to be up late. The most points gets $100 + a medal, 2nd most gets $50 and a medal, third gets a month of free membership plus a medal!

Kids:

Monday, July 23rd
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Cooking Class
Cook at the library! Learn how to cook new things, learn about nutrition, and eat tasty food after you prepare it!
Tuesday, July 24th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
LEGO Club
Kids! Play with LEGO! It’s fun!
Thursday, July 26th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Build-a-Beat (Ages 7 & up)
Learn how to use Beat Lab and Chrome Music Lab to create your own beats to share with friends! Pre-Register at kids@joneslibrary.org!
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Young Adult Cupcake Wars
Decorate a cupcake! Win a prize! Open to ages 10 and up, register at the Youth Services Desk!
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Crazy Crafternoon & Tech Tinkering
Craft a masterpiece with craft supplies! Make circuits! Play with cool things! Register by calling 413-562-6158! Ages 5 and up welcome.
Friday, July 27th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Moana Sing & Dance Along
Sing and dance along to Moana! A movie that probably required like 10,000 hair animators. Families with kids 3 and up are welcome, enjoy a craft and snacks while you’re singing and dancing! Well. Not WHILE.
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Harry Potter Afternoon
Celebrate a slighty early birthday for Harry Potter by making a wand, drinking some butterbeer, and playing would you rather! For students going into grades 6-12, register with oeberli@westath.org because space is limited!

Movies:

Wednesday, July 25th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 8:00 PM to 10:15 PM
Coco on the Lawn
A free screening of Pixar’s great new movie “Coco”! Bring a blanket and some food, wait until dark and then leave, stunning the crowd as they try to figure out what sort of person leaves before the film starts! Or just watch a fun movie, should start around 8:30pm.
Sunday, July 29th
Yiddish Book Center [1021 West St., Amherst MA 01002] at 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
FILMS | “Iom Romi” (“A Day in Rome”) & “Cuba’s Forgotten Jewels: A Haven in Havana”
“Iom Romì chronicles a day in the life of the contemporary Jewish community of Rome. From dawn to dusk, through the voices of several characters living and working in the historic Ghetto quarter, Iom Romì tells the story of a community both fiercely independent and distinctly Roman. | Cuba’s Forgotten Jewels was born of the tales that Marion Kreith told her daughter, co-director Judy Kreith, about her escape from Nazi-occupied Belgium and her teenage years in 1940s Havana. Marion and other refugees interviewed in the film recall their lives in wartime Havana: the draw of Cuban food, music and dance, its language and people, and the challenges they faced in this unfamiliar land. The film features an original soundtrack of Cuban and Jewish music. “

RPGs:

Tuesday, July 24th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 5:45 PM to 7:45 PM
Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons? We have dungeons. Dragons? Eeeeessssh. Hmm. HMmHmHMMMph. Dragons. Real dragons? The big kind? Fire ones? We don’t have fire ones… Ice? No no no ice dragons. What’s that? Like a dead dragon? We could get you a dead dragon! Wait, but still moving? Oh UN-dead, no no none of those. SSsssss sss s s hm. Hm. We can do gerblins! Will those do?

Science:

Monday, July 23rd
The Harp Irish Pub [163 Sunderland Road, Amherst MA] at 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
OEB Science Cafe: Sleep on It: The Neuroscience of Sleep and Dreams
Why do we sleep? Weirdly difficult to answer question. Dr. Rebecca Spencer will give you the whole buzz, along with trivia and appetizers!
Tuesday, July 24th
Amherst College, Merrill Science Center [220 South Pleasant St, Amherst MA] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Soccer Robot Presentation
“Disappointed that the USA wasn’t in the World Cup? Come watch the Team Amherst soccer robot win against itself on Tuesday, July 24 in the Merrill Atrium! A formal presentation will be given at 2 p.m. and the rest of the hour will be a demonstration of the robot’s skills.” That sounds spectacular. What if it’s good? That’d be weird. It can’t be like a robot person, it has to be a little battlebot type thing or something right?

Technology:

Wednesday, July 25th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Python Coding Club
Meet with people interested in learning to code and work on some projects and exchange tips! Participants should bring computers and of course download Python and something to code with. We like Atom a lot, it’s got nice integrations and such.

Teens:

Friday, July 27th
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
It’s LIT: Summer Sex and Relationship Series at the Library
In partnership with the River Valley Counselling Center, youth will have a chance to talk about sex, relationships, sexuality, and how to stay safe happy and healthy. Frankly these sorts of workshops should be attended by everyone every year in our experience. This stuff remains confusing forever. Snacks are provided, and there’s a $50 gift card you can earn for completing the whole series!

Video Games:

Tuesday, July 24th
Prodigy Minigolf & Gameroom [Eastworks, 116 Pleasant St, Easthampton MA] at 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Tuesday Night Smash League – Super Smash Bros Melee
Ah, the best Smash Bros we assume because it’s the one we hear most about! Signup starts at 7pm, matches start at 8pm, double-elimination bracket and it’s $10 to enter. You can win money! Spectators also have to pay $10 so frankly it seems like you should not be a spectator, because why not just play the danged game maybe you’ll find out you’re a natural. Ages 13+!

 

July 16th – July 22nd

The Valley Nerd Watch!

Into the Breach is really, really good. Spectacular, even. Give it a shot if you’re at all interested in games in which you move around robots on a map and try to destroy gigantic bugs! It’s fun in part because so much of it is just like improvising a solution to a push-pull puzzle.

This week we highly recommend you hit up the Greenfield Games events and tell them – at length – how much you appreciate the fact that they have started posting events to a dedicated website instead of Facebook, the least fun website to visit!

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Monday, July 16th
Greenfield Games [238 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Monthly Painting Workshop
Painting workshops with Andrew! All you need to do is show up ready to paint! All materials are provided. Though wait, that seems implausible. Do they mean all paints? All we know about miniatures is that they’re wildly expensive. Maybe they’ve got like extras or plastic ones that are cheaper. Anyway, these are questions you can most easily resolve by attending the event!
Tuesday, July 17th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Children’s Book Writers Group
Adults who write for kids, talk to other adults who do the same! Facilitated by Nell Wright, it’s a chance to share tips, discuss skills, and get input about stories!
Wednesday, July 18th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Rock Painting
Bring a rock! Paint the rock! Bring as many rocks as you like, really. A few practice rocks can’t hurt.
Thursday, July 19th
Gandara Youth Development Center [306 Race St., Holyoke, MA] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Radioplasma Recording Studio Sessions
Meet in the Teen Room to walk as a group to the Radioplasma Recording Studio to get some hands on experience with journalism, storytelling, and sound mixing! SOUNDS cool! Get it? See that? Nice.
Friday, July 20th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Stitch Camp (2)
Sew and embroider a cute mini animal out of felt! Be careful not to allow your hubris to overwhelm you, causing you to create a felt animal so real that it comes to life. That’s too much responsibility! Lead by Heather Wynne, a local designer who specializes in textile products! Pre-registration required! Call 413-665-2642!

Board Games:

Monday, July 16th
Greenfield Games [238 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Tanks from GF9
All day on Monday, and possibly future Mondays, the Tanks crew is around to teach people a fun and accessible new miniatures game! It’s about librarians oddly enough. To be fair it’s about librarians who are represented in-game by highly detailed little models of tanks, and re-shelving books is represented as a sort of combat tactics game.
Wednesday, July 18th
Brass Cat [65 Cottage St, Easthampton, MA 01027] at 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Wednesday Games – Sagrada
Sagrada is great! Kind of a dice-based solitaire you play against several other people that’s about building a nice stained-glass window. Give it a shot at the next delightful Wednesday Games!

Books:

Tuesday, July 17th
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Bikes and Books
The library and the Urban Bike School are teaming up! Discuss a book, take a bike ride after! We were much more in the discuss a book, play a videogame after crowd but this seems like it’d have more benefits overall.
Wednesday, July 18th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Writing Critique Group
Writers of picture books, middle grade, and YA books meet to read and get some feedback! The group is facilitated by following SCBWI guidelines but you don’t have to be a member to participate. Learn to write better and also meet some colleagues!
Thursday, July 19th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Ben Goldfarb, Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter
Oh that makes a ton of sense: a book about how what we think is a reasonable natural environment is actually the consequence of massive amounts of beaver-hunting for the fur trade. And since beavers literally terraform things in a visible manner even in small groups, it stands to reason that having basically none of them around makes for a damaged environment. Learn more from actual expert Ben Goldfarb at this talk! Register here: https://www.odysseybks.com/event-rsvp
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Local Author Talk – Norman Schell and the Ballade of Mary Reede
“On Thursday, July 19, at 7pm Norman Schell will speak about his new novel, The Ballad of Mary Reede at LeVanway Meeting Room of the Greenfield Public Library. The reading and a video presentation will be followed by a discussion of Piracy, past and present, and Slavery past and present. The program is free and open to the public. Copies of the novel will be available for those interested.”

Card Games:

Friday, July 20th
Greenfield Games [238 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Friday Night Magic
Friday Night Magic! This is one of the best opportunities you have to competitively play a wonderful game that also maybe keep a diary of how much you spend on it. Two tournaments starting at 6pm, $5 for each, one’s going to be Standard Format, one’s Modern! Win packs and promo cards!

Community:

Saturday, July 21st
Building Autistic Community, Inc. [8 Washington St, Westfield MA] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Saturday Autism and Asperger’s support group
“This group is an opportunity for support and discussion for people on the autism spectrum. This group is a “safe space” for adults in our community and is not intended as a parenting group; family members are encouraged to get in touch with us for relevant resources for their needs. Adults 18+ who identify with autism, Asperger’s, or other murky labels. For a number of reasons, including the difficulty of getting a diagnosis as an adult, a formal clinical diagnosis is not required.”

Entertainment:

Monday, July 16th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Muggle Quidditch at Hillside Park
“Muggle Quidditch, the popular wizard’s game, will be played on Mondays starting July 9 @ 6pm at Hillside Park. The Recreation Department will be sponsoring this program and you will need to register through the Rec Department http://www.greenfieldrecreation.com/youthandteens.html by July 3. Be sure to reserve your place on the teams!” All the excitement of Quidditch, none of the excitement of the flying part of it!
Tuesday, July 17th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
I Was (And Still Am) a Teenage Metal Head
Local rock musician and Academy of Rock instructor and founder Matt kim will share his coming of age story through his love of electric guitar!
Wednesday, July 18th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Summer Reading Event – Johnson Organs: Westfield’s Famous Organ Builder
Johnson Sophia Lorenzo Organs, the famous organ builder of Westfield. Who made a new liver for the Queen of England in 1987? Johson Sophia Lorenzo Organs. Who invented a new organ that’s capable of seeing time as color? Why of course, it was none other than Johnson Organs! Spectacular.
Thursday, July 19th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Anime Club
Anime! We’ve heard great things about My Hero Academia or as it’s known in Japan “[My Hero Academia]* *translated from Japanese”
Saturday, July 21st
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Developing a Podcast
Do you want to make a podcast? Good news! You actually already have one it’s 2018 we’re all currently interviewing someone on or being interviewed by someone for a podcast. But we could all use two! Talk to this local entertainment and pop culture reporter who’s thinking about starting a podcast and wants to collaborate with someone else in town! Bring your lap top and see what comes out of this brainstorming session!
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art [125 West Bay Rd., Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
13th Annual Children’s Book Festival: Four Seasons, Five Senses
A day celebrating the seasons! An exhibition, book signings, storytimes and art projects with artists from the Western Massachusetts Illustrators’ Guild. Drawing demonstrations! Films! Journaling workshops! The Happier Family Comedy Show! It’s going to be a packed day.
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Magic Show with Robert Clarke
A magician who has managed to not be destroyed by the crowds of Boston is a magician who has honed their craft to a fine edge. See the magic in person! Also juggling, which is impressive as well though not breaking any laws of physics.
Cummington Fairgrounds [97 Fairgrounds Road, Cummington MA] at 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Massachusetts Renaissance Faire: Pirate Weekend!
Pirates! Though not as much of a pop cultural phenomenon as they once were they are still a fun thing to dress up as! You can have a fun time and either eat a big turkey leg because it’s kind of fun or NOT do that because they’re really actually bad as heck. You should hit up one of the actually delicous foods on offer! Turkey legs at these things usually taste like someone brined a sponge.

History:

Thursday, July 19th
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Summer Lecture Series: Uncovering Hidden Histories through the Portrait of a Woman in Silk
Zara Anishanslin, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Delaware, will help you understand how you can use the Portrait of a Woman in Silk to uncover hidden histories of this world too terrifying and portentious to commit to mundane works. But beware, the Woman in Silk is known to be as devious as she is wise, delve neither too deep nor too greedily into the knowledge she holds!

Kids:

Monday, July 16th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Minecraft Club
Children! Play some Minecraft with friends!
Tuesday, July 17th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
LEGO Club
Kids! Play with LEGO! It’s fun!
Wednesday, July 18th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Forest Park Zoo on the Go!
Meet some delightful animals and learn about how they’re adapted to survive in the wild! Touch and observe these crazy critters, and ask questions of your own!
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Family Night: The LEGO Lady
Apparently she’s always a big hit! What does she do, though? Juggling? Maybe dressage. Hm.
Thursday, July 19th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Escape from the Wizard’s Tower
Can you solve the puzzles, find the keys, and escape the room? If you can’t, you’re going to be eaten by a dragon! Children… we wish you the best of luck. Open to ages 10 and up, pre-register at Youth Services Desk or by calling 413-283-3330!
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Escape from the Wizard’s Tower
Did you solve the 2pm puzzle? Did your parents look oddly distraught? Well… here’s to another success story!
Saturday, July 21st
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Raina Telgemeir Fan Club
Grades 4-7 are welcome to come hang out and talk about the extremely excellent work of graphic novelist Raina Telgemeier! She’s so good. Discuss your favorites with fellow fans, and make a craft! Just drop by, no registration necessary!

Movies:

Monday, July 16th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM
Movie Monday: The Wizard of Oz
A movie! Snacks! Drinks! Probably non-alcoholic drinks because it’s all-ages, no registration required. The current movie is Wizard of Oz, which is a pretty good movie!
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Teen Movie: Princess Mononoke
This is one of our favorites! It’s just… very intense, and subtle in a way that we needed as a younger gestalt entity representing the myriad entites writing for this site. Plus we saw it in theaters once and it was really neat as heck, highly recommend seeing it on as big a screen as possible.
Tuesday, July 17th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Movie: Wonderstruck
Two kids from different eras set out on their respective journies of discovery that if we know anything about narrative conventions will in no way wind up being related. Also, as far as we can tell from the poster they’re being pursued by spectral wolves.
Wednesday, July 18th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Casablanca on the Lawn
A classic movie on the library lawn! It’s a great night that you’ll love, particularly if you bring a blanket and some snacks! Free to all, film rolls once it’s dark.
Friday, July 20th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM
“Walk-In Theater” Outdoor Film Series
Matilda is like Carrie, but for kids! Also a great way to convince any smart kids in your life that they should keep reading so that they can eventually manipulate objects with their minds!
Saturday, July 21st
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 2:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Hot Summer Saturday Movie Matinee: La Bamba
This is a biography of Ritchie Valens, a young rocker who made it big and died in a plane crash with Buddy Holly and the Big Bopper. The tagline is “Born in Poverty, Destined for Stardom, He Lived the American Dream”, which is kind of eliding over the whole “died in a plane crash tragically young” part.

RPGs:

Tuesday, July 17th
Westfield Atheneum [6 Elm St, Westfield, MA 01085] at 5:45 PM to 7:45 PM
Dungeons and Dragons
Dungeons? We have dungeons. Dragons? Eeeeessssh. Hmm. HMmHmHMMMph. Dragons. Real dragons? The big kind? Fire ones? We don’t have fire ones… Ice? No no no ice dragons. What’s that? Like a dead dragon? We could get you a dead dragon! Wait, but still moving? Oh UN-dead, no no none of those. SSsssss sss s s hm. Hm. We can do displacer beasts! Will those do?
Thursday, July 19th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
RPG Club
Play a game where you pretend to be another person! That covers a pretty wide range, so we don’t know exactly what’ll be up here but for some reason most of these games involves swords and dragons at some point. Even if someone tells you you’re going to be playing an RPG about minding a small convenience store, take a few levels in Longswords just in case.

Technology:

Monday, July 16th
Click Workspace [9.5 Market St., Northampton MA] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Monitoring with Prometheus – Monthly Full Stack Meetup
Alberto Castro will come to talk about Prometheus! The man we all love, who gave us the fire-gift that stays the wolf and makes meat so tasty and delicious. We don’t understand how that relates to oh it’s a monitoring toolkit that’s open-source that is neat, Alberto will give you a rundown of when and where it might be a good idea to use Prometheus! Door code for the event and slots left are at the Meetup site! https://www.meetup.com/wmasswebdev/events/250097838/

Teens:

Thursday, July 19th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM
Workshop for Young Sound Artists and Podcasters
Learn how to record and edit audio, and make a piece of sound art of start a podcast! Intended for all teens who haven’t somehow already become internationally successful artists/podcasters. Sign up at the YA Desk!