This year, we hope to host a combination of activities to learn and grow, and to share information, encouragement and friendship. Our volunteers can tell you about local customs and answer your questions as we all learn about life in the U.S. and in your home countries. For in-person gatherings, masks are a personal choice. Please check ATCIS.org often for new updates as we will continue to adapt our calendar. We look forward to meeting with you!
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September 2023
Tuesday 9/05 Volunteer Planning Meeting ………….. 10 a.m.
Tuesday 9/12 Welcome Meeting ……. 10 a.m.
During the meeting, we’ll have time to introduce each other. It’ll be great to have you share about yourself, and here are some questions and topics that we’re planning to talk about:
1. Your name, the country you’re from, and how long you’ve been in the US (or where you’re living this semester)
2. Please share a little about what brought you here — Are you a student? researcher? scholar? spouse/partner? What is your area of study?
3. What are some of your favorite hobbies?
4. What is one thing that has made you smile this month?
5. Anything in particular you’d like to know about or visit in the area?
You’ll also have a chance to meet local volunteers and members from previous years.
Location: Pavilion in Mill River Recreation Area
95 Montague Road, North Amherst
Coordinator: Ruth & Gerry
Tuesday 9/26 Apple Orchard Tour & Cider Donut Tasting ……………… 10 a.m.
Join us for a tour of this beautiful apple orchard overlooking the Quabbin Reservoir. We will tour the orchard, cider mill, flower gardens, and beehives and then be treated by RWW to a New England tradition of homemade cider and cider donuts. You will also have an opportunity to purchase cider, donuts, apples, and other homemade items at the farm.
Location: New Salem Preserves and Heritage Cider (https://www.newsalemcider.com/), 67 S. Main St, New Salem. New Salem is approximately 25 minutes from Amherst. Depart Amherst at 9:30am to arrive on time. Return to Amherst approximately 12:00pm. Rides are available.
Coordinators: Stacey & Meryl
October 2023
Tuesday 10/3 Drop-in and Chat ……….. 10 a.m.
These informal gatherings are aimed at meeting up with other RWW members. If there is a topic you would like to discuss, please tell a volunteer at the meeting and she can coordinate a discussion.
Location: Jones Library 2nd floor conference room, 43 Amity Street in Amherst
Tuesday 10/10 Walking Tour of Silvio O. Conte Fort River Trail …10 a.m.
This is a 1-mile walk on the Conte Trail’s diverse wildlife and habitats that provide important homes for fish, grassland birds, and a variety of plants and mammal species. There will be a demonstrator to explain local flora and fauna, and provide child friendly activities. The trail is fully accessible. Wear comfortable shoes. This event will take place rain or shine.
We will go on a 1-mile walk on the Fort River Birding and Nature Trail, 69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA We will look at diverse wildlife and habitats that provide important homes for fish, grassland birds, and a variety of plants and mammal species. The trail is fully accessible. Wear comfortable shoes.
Location: Silvio O. Conte National Fish & Wildlife Refuge, Fort River Birding and Nature Trail, 69 Moody Bridge Road, Hadley, MA
Coordinator: Carol
Tuesday 10/17 Drop-in and Chat …….10 a.m.
These informal gatherings are aimed at meeting up with other RWW members. This Tuesday we are sharing or learning knitting & patchwork quilting skills. We’ll have the RWW sewing machine, knitting needles, fabric, and yarn for whoever wants to learn. Bring your own project if you have one. If there is a topic you would like to discuss, please tell a volunteer at the meeting and she can coordinate a discussion.
Location: Jones Library 2nd floor conference room, 43 Amity Street in Amherst
Tuesday 10/24 Pumpkin Carving………10 a.m.
Halloween is a popular holiday in the US. We will be carving pumpkins (jack-o-lanterns) at Mill River Recreation Park . We will have seasonal treats. Wear warm clothes if necessary.
Location: Mill River Recreation Park Pavilion , 95 Montague Road, Amherst, MA
Coordinators: Carol & Liz
Tuesday 10/31 Drop-in and Chat …………..10 a.m.
These informal gatherings are aimed at meeting up with other RWW members. If there is a topic you would like to discuss, please tell a volunteer at the meeting and she can coordinate a discussion.
Location: Jones Library 2nd floor conference room, 43 Amity Street in Amherst
November 2023
Wednesday 11/8 Chrysanthemum Show ……..10 a.m.
RWW will tour the annual Smith College Fall Chrysanthemum Show, which features an extraordinary display of blooms in a variety of shapes and colors. The Fall Mum Show has been a popular community tradition since the early 1900s and showcases the hybridizing experiments of the horticulture class.
Location: Lyman Conservatory, Smith College Botanic Garden, 16 College Lane, Northampton
Coordinator: K.C.
Tuesday 11/14 Thanksgiving Sampler ………….. 10:30 a.m.
Thanksgiving is a time when many Americans gather together to spend time with family and friends, to give thanks for the harvest, and to share a meal together. We will relate various accounts of the origins of the holiday, including some perspectives from the indigenous peoples who lived here prior to the settlers. We then will taste many of the traditional dishes served at an American Thanksgiving. The volunteers will cook.
Location: Hadley Public Library, 50 Middle Hadley St https://www.hadleyma.org/library
Coordinators: Gerry, Stacey & Carol W
Tuesday 11/28 UMass Police Station Visit ………………. 10 a.m.
We will learn about laws in the US, and provide opportunities to ask knowledgeable officials your questions. There will be a tour of the police station and a jail cell.
Location: UMA Police Station, 585 East Pleasant Street, Amherst. It’s the building next to the North Amherst Fire Station
Coordinator: Gerry
December 2023
Tuesday 12/5 Gingerbread House Building ……………… 10 a.m.
Take this opportunity to learn how to build a gingerbread house. We will provide the gingerbread, candies, and expertise to assist you in making this fun construction project.
Location: Baptist Church Community Room, 434 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst
Coordinator: Ruth & Lisa
Tuesday 12/12 Wreath Making …………….. 10 a.m.
The wreaths we will be making are circular arrangements of natural materials such as branches and greens from trees, often with decorations. Some people put wreaths on their front door in the fall and winter. This is a fun activity and you’ll be able to bring your wreath home with you! Please don’t wear nice clothes, as this activity can be messy. Use your creativity and make a holiday wreath to decorate your home.
Location: Baptist Church Community Room, 434 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst
Coordinators:Nancy & Lisa
January 2024
Tuesday 1/23 Volunteers’ Meeting (at Louise’s, otherwise Zoom) ……………. 10:00 am
February 2024
Tuesday 2/6 Beneski Natural History Museum ….. 10 am
Join us to see dinosaurs, mastodons, rock specimens, and more, and learn more about them from a wonderful, funny, museum guide. Check out the museum website: https://www.amherst.edu/museums/naturalhistory, as well a walking map to the museum: https://www.amherst.edu/system/files/media/BeneskiParkingMapLines_1.pdf
Location: Amherst College, 11 Barrett Hill Drive, Amherst
Coordinator: Louise
Tuesday 2/13 Coffee With Volunteers ……………….. 10 a.m.
At his informal gathering, we will be meeting up with other RWW members in one of the Volunteer’s houses.
Location: One of the volunteer’s houses. You will be assigned the name and address of the volunteer in an email prior to the meeting.
Coordinators: Gerry & Carol W. & Ruth
Tuesday 2/27 International Tasting ………. 10 am
Bring a prepared sample of your country’s food for sharing with other women. No one will leave this program hungry.
Location: Hadley Public Library, 50 Middle St, Hadley, MA 01035 https://www.hadleyma.org/library
Coordinators: Carol W. & Ruth
March 2024
Saturday 3/2 Maple Syrup Tour & Tasting ….. 9:30- 11:00 a.m.
Join us at the North Hadley Sugar Shack. We’ll have a tour to see how the sap from the sugar maple trees gets boiled down to make delicious syrup, and we’ll get to taste it on top of a pancake! Coffee or tea will also be included.
Space is limited. RSVP required.
Location: North Hadley Sugar Shack, 181 River Drive, Hadley
Coordinator: Stacey & Cindy
Tuesday 3/5 Mt. Holyoke College Flower Show & Art Museum ….. 10 am
We will be going to the Spring Flower Bulb Showand the Art Museum at Mount Holyoke College. First we will visit the greenhouse at the college and think spring. Then we will walk next door to the MHC Art Museum and tour the wonderful exhibitions.
Location: Mount Holyoke College Greenhouse, Lower Lake Road, South Hadley
Coordinator: Meryl
Friday, March 8 International Women’s Day!
Check for local celebrations.
Tuesday 3/12 Drop in and Chat ………. 10 a.m.
These informal gatherings are aimed at meeting up with other RWW members. Discussion topics may include textiles, knitting, sewing and more.
Location: University Village Community Center, 990 North Pleasant St, Amherst
Coordinators: Carol W. & Linda
Tuesday 3/26 Cultural Show & Tell …… 10 am
“Cultural Show and Tell” is an opportunity to learn more about each other and the places we’re from. Bring something to show that will help you tell about your country or culture. It could be a piece of clothing, jewelry, a toy, a photograph of an event, a traditional story or folk song, or an object – anything that you think is interesting. You don’t have to speak if you don’t want to, but come and listen even if you’re shy. It will just be us Round the World Women, friends who are interested in learning. If you would like to bring a small snack from your country that would be okay too. Please label the food with country name and what it is.
Location: Baptist Church Community Room, 434 N. Pleasant Street, Amherst
Coordinators: Stacey & Margaret
April 2024
Tuesday 4/2 Drop-in and Chat …………… 10 a.m.
These informal gatherings are aimed at meeting up with other RWW members. Activity may include dancing!
Location: University Village Community Center, 990 North Pleasant St, Amherst
Coordinators Carol C. & Cindy
Tuesday 4/9 Leverett Arts Center and Peace Pagoda ……….. 10 am
Visit the Leverett Crafts and Arts Center where we can observe and talk with working artists in their studios. If the weather is good we will continue on to The Peace Pagoda at 100 Cave Hill Rd. Be sure to wear shoes good for our short walk from the parking lot to the Pagoda and adjacent interesting gardens and buildings.
Location: Leverett Crafts and Artists, 13 Montague Rd, Leverett
Coordinator: Nancy & Lisa
Tuesday 4/23 Jaime’s Honey Hill Farm ……. 10 a.m.
Volunteer Jamie’s family run farm is called Honey Hill Farm. We will tour the farm, see the animals and gardens, and take a short hike. Wear shoes and clothing that don’t mind if they get a little dirty.
Location: 98 West Mineral Road, Millers Falls
Coordinator: Lisa, Gerry & Jaime
Tuesday 4/30 Drop-in and Chat ………….. 10 a.m.
These informal gatherings are aimed at meeting up with other RWW members. Activity may include games.
Location: University Village Community Center, 990 North Pleasant St, Amherst
Coordinators: Carol C. & Linda
May 2024
Tuesday, 5/7 Mt. Sugarloaf Hike ……..10 a.m.
The summit of Mt. Sugarloaf offers some of the best views of the Connecticut River Valley. The park is a popular local destination for picnics, hiking, and outdoor painting. You will be able to either drive to the top, or take a short hike up the mountain to the summit. Wear appropriate hiking shoes and clothing. Take note that it can get a little windy and cool at the top. Bring your lunch to enjoy dining at the summit.
Location: Mt. Sugarloaf Reservation, Sugarloaf Street, Sunderland
Coordinator: KC
Tuesday 5/14 or 5/15 Historic Deerfield & Pizza 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Our final meeting of the year will start with a visit to Historic Deerfield, an authentic 18th century New England Village in the Connecticut River Valley of Massachusetts. We will have a guided tour of several historic houses. We will stroll along the street to see the entire village, www.historic-deerfield.org. Following the Historic Deerfield tour we will share pizza and salad for lunch.
Location: Historic Deerfield Visitor’s Center, 80 Old Main Street, Deerfield
Coordinators: Ruth & Louise