2016-10-31

Thursday 11/3

Activist in Art — An Afternoon with Sonia Sanchez: The writer and poet keynotes the 2016 Otelia Cromwell Day celebration. The celebration reflects upon issues of social justice and injustice with particular focus on issues of diversity and racism. 1 p.m. Free and open to the public. John M. Greene Hall, 60 Elm St., Northampton. (413) 585-2190, mhobbes@smith.edu.

Book Launch: Little Terrarium, a new volume of poems from Hedgerow Books by former Orion poetry editor Hannah Fries. 7 p.m. Free. The Emily Dickinson Museum, 280 Main St., Amherst. (413) 992-7408, levellerspress.com.

Environmental Awareness Group: Discussion of Dream On. Read the book or watch the movie, then join the group talk, facilitated by Emily Koester. 6:30 p.m. Free. Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St., Northfield. northfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Five College Seminar in Book History: Something Old and Something New — Computer Assisted Paleography and the Analysis of Ancient Manuscripts. With Michael Penn, professor of religion at Mount Holyoke College. 4 p.m. Free. Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies, 650 East Pleasant St., Amherst. (413) 577-3600, umass.edu/renaissance.

Introductory Computer Class: 5 p.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665 2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.

Open Fiction Group: 6 p.m. Free. Odyssey Bookshop, Village Commons, South Hadley. (413) 534-7307, odysseybks.com.

Paper Flower Workshop: With Amber Ladley of Happily Upcycled. Attendees will be given step-by-step instructions. All materials provided; all skill levels welcome. For teens and adults. 6 p.m. Free. Westhampton Public Library, 1 North Road, Westhampton. (413) 527-5386, westhampton@cwmars.org, happilyupcycled.com.

South Hadley Book Group: Claude and Camille, a novel about Manet by Stephanie Cowell. 6:30 p.m. Free. Gaylord Library, 47 College St., South Hadley. (413) 538-5047, gaylordlibrary.org.

Talk by Lisa Bowleg: Ain’t I A Woman? and I Am A Man — Intersectionality’s Travels from Black Feminist Theory to HIV Prevention and Sexuality Research with Black Men. 4 p.m. Free. Commonwealth Honors College Building, room 160 West, UMass Amherst. (413) 545-4631, angelarusso@umass.edu.

Workshop on Business Basics: Learn the whole nine yards of starting a business. Presented by Allen B. Kronick, senior business advisor, Massachusetts Small Business Development Center Network Western Regional Office. 9 a.m. Free. Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, 395 Main St., Greenfield. (413) 737-6712.

Friday 11/4

Amherst International Folkdancing: Line, circle and couple dances from the Balkans, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. No partner needed. Beginner friendly; clean soft-soled shoes needed. 7:30 p.m. Free. Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst. amherstfolkdancing.org.

Franklin County CiderDays: 22nd annual community celebration of all things apple. Tours, cidermaking and tastings, workshops, and much more in orchards and venues county-wide from Ashfield, Deerfield, Charlemont and Colrain to New Salem and the towns in-between. Charges applies for some events, but many workshops and activities are free. Friday, 8-9:30 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (413) 773-5463, franklincc.org, ciderdays.org.

Friday Night Dance Party: 7 p.m. Pulaski Club, 79 Maple St., Easthampton. thepulaskiclub.com.

Jung Lecture: “Presidential Election of 2016 — An Evolution or Devolution of Patriarchy?” Talk by Richard Nicoletti. 7 p.m. Free. Stoddard Hall, Smith College, 17 Elm St., Northampton. westmassjung.org.

Knit and Crochet Circle: Beginners and experienced knitters and/or crocheters welcome. Needles, yarn, and advice available. 3:30 p.m. Free. Gaylord Library, 47 College St., South Hadley. (413) 538-5047, gaylordlibrary.org.

Lecture on Randomness: Talk by Princeton professor Avi Wigderson. Is the universe inherently deterministic or probabilistic? Perhaps more importantly: can we tell the difference between the two? The talk is aimed at a general scientific audience. 4 p.m. Free. Computer Science Building, room 151, UMass Amherst. (413) 545-0052, jmazeski@cics.umass.edu.

Open Sew: Not a class, but a true social sewing or stitching lounge. Bring a machine or handwork basket, basic sewing supplies and project of choice. Irons, ironing boards, design wall space, and snacks provided. 6 p.m. Big Top Quilts, 62 Briggs St., Easthampton. (413) 230-0771, bigtopquilts.com.

Wine Down First Friday: Mix, mingle, sip, unwind. Stop in to enjoy a relaxing glass of wine with friends old and new. 5 p.m. $7. Gaylord Library, 47 College St., South Hadley. (413) 538-5047, gaylordlibrary.org.

Saturday 11/5

100th Birthday Open House: The Tilton Library board of trustees requests the pleasure of your company at this centennial open house and rededication ceremony. 1 p.m. Free. Tilton Library, 75 N. Main St., South Deerfield. (413) 665-4683, tiltonlibrary.org.

AEIOUkes: Community ukulele club meets regularly for practice and public performances. All levels welcome, including beginners. 10 a.m. Free. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton. (413) 587-1011, forbeslibrary.org.

Ale Aboard: Western Mass brewery tour for craft beer drinkers, hopsters, and seize-the-dayers. 2 p.m. $30. Brew Practitioners Brewery, 36 Main St, Florence. (618) 889-4831, brewpractitioners.com.

American Indian Artifacts and History: Learn about Northfield’s Squakeag prehistory as seen through American Indian artifacts owned by the library: stone ax heads, arrowheads, atl-atls, pestles, and more. 1 p.m. Free. Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St, Northfield. northfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Aromatherapy and Reflexology — Free Mini Services: Offered by Point of Light Healing and Reflexology for hands and feet by Crescent Moon Energy. 9 a.m. to noon. Easthampton COA and Enrichment Center, 19 Union St., Easthampton. (413) 527-6151, kjensen@easthampton.org.

Book Sale: 10 a.m. Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls. (413) 863-3214, montaguepubliclibraries.org.

Fall Chrysanthemum Show 2016: A popular college and community tradition since the early 1900s. Featuring multicolor flower cascades, oversized mum standards, and flowers resulting from hybrids made by the previous year’s horticulture class. Through Nov. 20. $5 suggested donation. Smith College, 10 Elm St., Northampton. smith.edu/events.

Franklin County CiderDays: See Friday’s listing.

GCC 5K Turkey Run: For competitive runners and leisurely walkers alike. Family-friendly 3.1 mile race/walk on the scenic grounds of GCC and surrounding neighborhood. All proceeds support GCC students and programs. 9 a.m. $30. Greenfield Community College, 1 College Dr., Greenfield. franklincc.chambermaster.com.

Local Author Reading: John Sheirer reads from the Making Common Sense Common Again: Exploring Current Events in the Age of Mass Confusion, which discusses the state of American politics today and delves into the underlying causes of confusion while demonstrating the core American values that can overcome the insanity, let us laugh at ourselves, and find common sense solutions to our nation’s confusion. 2 p.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665-2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.

Masquerade Bowl-A-Thon: Directly benefits youth of Hampshire County who are waiting to be matched with caring adult mentors through Big Brothers Big Sisters. Noon. Spare Time, 525 Pleasant St., Northampton. (413) 259-3345, bbbshc@chd.org.

Quabbin Watershed Forest Management Tour: 10 a.m. Quabbin Visitors Center, Route 9, Belchertown. helen.johnson@state.ma.us.

Talk on Race: Racial Disparities in American Health Care: What Is Known About the Inequities, Likely Causes, and Potential Solutions. 10 a.m. Free. First Congregational Church of Greenfield, 43 Silver St., Greenfield. racialjusticerising.org.

Sunday 11/6

Balka’s Lower East Side: Talk by Yiddish Book Center curator Laura Kruger about the visiting multi-artist exhibit that focuses on the experiences of Eastern European Jewish immigrants on New York’s Lower East Side, on display through March 2017. 2 p.m. Free. Yiddish Book Center, 1021 West St., Amherst. (413) 256-490, yiddishbookcenter.org.

Broad Brook Coalition: 5 p.m. Florence Civic Center, 90 Park St., Florence. broadbrookcoalition.org.

Fall Chrysanthemum Show 2016: See Saturday’s listing.

Fall Frolic Contra Dance: All ages welcome; no partner necessary. 2 p.m. $20. Guiding Star Grange, 401 Chapman St., Greenfield.

Franklin County CiderDays: See Friday’s listing.

Group Clawhammer Banjo Class Series: Learn to play Clawhammer banjo from scratch with other beginning players. 7:30 p.m. $30-$35. Luthier’s Co-op, 108 Cottage St., Easthampton. maggieshar.com, luthiersbanjogroup@gmail.com.

Rendez-Vous Lecture Series: The French Heritage Center presents Jeanne Douillard, who will speak on “Silent Presence — The French in New England.” 2 p.m. Free. Elms College Library Theatre, Springfield St., Chicopee. (413) 592-4946, frenchconnection104@gmail.com.

Monday 11/7

Amherst Woman’s Club: 1:30 p.m. Amherst Woman’s Club, 35 Triangle St., Amherst. (413) 549-6865.

Dinner On Us: Positive Parenting with Victoria Munroe, M.Ed. Includes dinner and supervised care for accompanying children. Family dinner 5:30-6 p.m.; supervised children’s activities 5:45-7:30 p.m.; round table 6:15-7:30 p.m. Free; limited space. Pre-register online or by phone. Student Union Building, UMass Amherst. (413) 545-0865, umass.edu/events.

Fall Chrysanthemum Show 2016: See Saturday’s listing.

Knitting Circle: All levels welcome; no experience needed. Weekly from 10 a.m. to noon. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665-2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.

Know Your Rights in Encounters with Law Enforcement: Seminar by attorney Luke Ryan with the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. 6:30 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.

Living Fully, Aging Gracefully: Discussion group for those journeying through life’s natural process or traveling with someone. 1 p.m. Free. Easthampton COA & Enrichment Center, 19 Union St., Easthampton. (413) 527-6151, kjensen@easthampton.org.

Paradise City Readers: 7 p.m. Free. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton. (413) 587-1011, forbeslibrary.org.

Qigong: Led by Dvora Eisenstein. Drop-ins welcome. 10 a.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665-2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.

Speaking of Design: Speaker series to inspire a type of global and local citizenship that embraces creative and collaborative approaches to justice, development and sustainability challenges that mark our age. Liz Gerber, an associate professor of design and the faculty founder of Design for America at Northwestern University. 4:30 p.m. Free. Graham Auditorium, Brown Fine Arts Center, Smith College, 20 Elm St., Northampton. (413) 585-2190, mhobbes@smith.edu.

Thich Nhat Hanh Sangha: 6 p.m. Free. The Edwards Church, 297 Main St., Northampton. (207) 841-5419.

Writers’ Workshop Series — Steve Bloom: Screenwriter for television and movies for more than 30 years whose produced credits include the films The Sure Thing, Tall Tale, and James and the Giant Peach. The Stand-In, released in October, is his first novel. 8 p.m. Free. Williston Theatre, Williston Northampton School, 18 Payson Ave., Easthampton. (413) 529-3403, ksnyder@williston.com.

Tuesday 11/8

Buddhist Studies Lecture: Emptiness (Sunya). Talk by Khen Rinpoche (Geshe Tsetan), Abbot of Tashilhunpo Monastery. 7:30 p.m. Free. 10 Elm St., Smith College. smith.edu/events, siddharthaschool.org.

Chair Volleyball: 2 p.m. Free. Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St., Northampton. (413) 587-1228, jbrooks@northamptonma.gov.

Chess Club: Led by Andy Morris-Friedman. Sessions begin with lessons and strategy and end with free play. All ages and abilities. 6-7 p.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665-2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.

Election Party: 8:30 p.m. Luthier’s Co-op, 108 Cottage St., Easthampton. (413) 527-6627, luthiers-coop.com.

Fall Chrysanthemum Show 2016: See Saturday’s listing.

Fiber Arts Circle: Weekly meet-up for wool crafts of all stripes: knitting, crochet, spinning, etc. Bring your own materials. 11 a.m. Free. Make It Springfield, 168 Worthington St., Springfield. (413) 454-1195, morgan@springfieldculture.org.

Montague Chair Yoga: 10:30 a.m. Fee. Montague Senior Center, 62 5th St., Turners Falls. (413) 863-4500.

Northampton Poetry Open Mic: 8 p.m. $3-$4. World War II Club, 50 Conz St., Northampton. northamptonpoetry.com.

Poetry Reading — Valzhyna Mort: Born in Minsk, Belarus, Mort made her American debut in 2008 with Factory of Tears, followed, in 2011, by Collected Body. 8 p.m. Free. Amherst Books, 8 Main St., Amherst. (413) 542-8200, crnewman@amherst.edu.

Wednesday 11/9

Archibald MacLeish Literary Group: Have you always wanted to read Ulysses by James Joyce? Join a group of curious and interested individuals to read and discuss this classic modernist novel. 4:30 p.m. Free. Greenfield Community College, 1 College Dr., Greenfield. (310) 529-8908, michaeldoherty37@gmail.com.

Chess Club: All ages. Open play. 5:30 p.m. Greenfield Public Library, 402 Main St., Greenfield. greenfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Coloring for Adults: 7 p.m. Free. Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St., Northampton. 587-1228, hcahillane@northamptonma.gov.

Consumer Empowerment: Do you utilize community resources in Amherst such as the Amherst Survival Center, the Amherst Senior Center, or Not Bread Alone? Do you have feedback about the ways that organizations like this can improve their services? Come to ACC’s incubator meeting and participate in a discussion with director Hwei-Ling Greeney. 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Amherst Community Connections, 121 North Pleasant St., Amherst. (510) 290 6743, kyrasimpsonacc@gmail.com.

Cupcake Decorating Competition for Teens: Participants will be asked to create four different cupcakes based on surprise themes that will be announced at the start of the program. The winner of each of the four contests will receive a small prize, and all teens will get to bring home four cupcakes of their own decoration. Sign up in advance. 5 p.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665 2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.

Exploring Forgiveness: Join teacher Candace Cassin for an open meditation sitting and dharma talk. No experience necessary. 7 p.m. $7-$25. Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, 116 Pleasant St. Suite 242, Easthampton. (413) 527-0388, registration@insightpv.org.

Fall Chrysanthemum Show 2016: See Saturday’s listing.

Festival of Praise: Featuring Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Regina Belle, Casey J, and host comedian Earthquake. 7 p.m. $23-$43. MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. (413) 787-6610, massmutualcenter.com.

Human Rights Talk: Abdul Hakim Hamidi, artistic director of Simorgh Theatre in Afghanistan, is currently in Paris as a refugee, under the auspices of ICORN (International Cities of Refuge Network). He has worked as an activist and advocate for refugee rights for 30 years. He will speak about his past work in Afghanistan and his present involvement working in Europe during the migrant crisis. 4:30 p.m. Free. Neilson Browsing Room, 7 Neilson Dr., Smith College, Northampton. (413) 585-3207, ekaplan@smith.edu.

Italian Crime Fiction Book Club: 3 p.m. Free. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton. (413) 587-1011, forbeslibrary.org.

Mystery Book Club: Goodbye to the Dead by Brian Freeman. 7 p.m. Lilly Library, 19 Meadow St., Northampton. lillylibrary.org.

The North American Fur Trade: Presentation and discussion. 7 p.m. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, 127 Combs Road, Easthampton. (413) 584-3009, massaudubon.org.

Planning for Uncertain Times: Presentation and discussion. 2 p.m. Greenfield Community College Downtown Center, 279 Main St., Greenfield. gcc.mass.edu.

Tong Ren: Energy healing class combines western knowledge of anatomy and physiology with the ancient principle of chi to create a powerful new healing modality. Noon. Free. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton. (413) 570-3367, kahadden@aol.com.

Parent-Friendly Events for Kids

THURSDAY: Music and Movement: 10 a.m. Free. Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls. montaguepubliclibraries.org.

FRIDAY: Book Group: For kids in grades 3-4. 2 p.m. Free. Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St, Northfield. northfieldpubliclibrary.org.

Reverb Springfield: All-night youth group events kicks off at a sporting event followed by an interactive AMP rally with music, games, and tons of prizes. During the AMP rally: a clear Gospel presentation and an opportunity to respond. Then, celebrate the rest of the night at premium venues with inflatables, sports tournaments, archery tag, dodgeball, arcades, bowling, and more. 6 p.m. $51- $61. MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. (860) 377-0848, reverbnight.com.

Community Pajama Night: A night of storytelling and story-listening. Adults will read to kids, kids will read to adults, we’ll go for a story walk, and everyone will get books to take home. 5:30 p.m. Free. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield. berkshiremuseum.org.

Drop-In Playground: 9:30 a.m. Sunderland Elementary School, 1 Swampfield Dr., Sunderland. (413) 665-1151.

Family Frolic: 10:30 a.m. Free. Gaylord Library, 47 College St., South Hadley. (413) 538-5047, gaylordlibrary.org.

Hadley Playgroup: For children 5 and under. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Whole Children, 41 Russell St., Hadley. (413) 587-1471, mgerry@northampton-k12.us.

Mother Goose on the Loose: Hands-on early learning with songs, rhymes, and activities geared for the 3 and under crowd. Tuesday and Friday, 10-10:45 a.m. Greenfield Public Library, 402 Main St., Greenfield.

Story Time: 11 a.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665 2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.

Weekly Playgroup: 9 a.m. Free. Shutesbury Elementary School, 23 W. Pelham Road, Shutesbury. (978) 544-5157.

SATURDAY: Animal ABC’s: Naturalist and educator Dawn Marvin Ward leads a family program focusing on native wildlife. Includes hands-on activities, arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, and animal artifacts. Indoors and outdoors. Geared towards families with children ages 10 and younger, although all ages are welcome. 10:30 a.m. $5 per child. Preregister. Northfield Recreation and Environmental Center, 99 Millers Falls Road, Northfield. (800) 859-2960, beth.pelton@firstlightpower.com.

Sunderland Lego Club: 10:30 a.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665 2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.

Kid’s Cooking Class — Pot Pie: Exploring the craft of cooking in a no-pressure setting utilizing ingredients and utensils safe and accessible to kids. Includes instruction, recipes to take home, lunch, and complimentary lunch for one accompanying parent. 10:30 a.m. $25. Chandler’s, 25 Greenfield Road, South Deerfield. (413) 665-1277, yankeecandle.com.

MONDAY: Northampton Parents Center: 9:30 a.m. Free. Edwards Church, 297 Main St., Northampton. northamptonparentscenter.org.

TUESDAY: Craft Time: For children of all ages. 3:30 p.m. Free. Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls. (413) 863-3214, montaguepubliclibraries.org.

Mother Goose on the Loose: See Friday’s listing.

Playgroup: Unstructured play in the children’s room. 10 a.m. Free. Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls. (413) 863-3214, montaguepubliclibraries.org.

WEDNESDAY: Homeschool Science: Activities for homeschoolers of all ages and their caregivers. 1 p.m. Free. Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls. (413) 863-3214, montaguepubliclibraries.org.

Story Hour and Play Time: 10:30 a.m. Free. Edwards Library, 30 East St., Southampton. (413) 527-9480, southamptonlibrary.org.

Support Groups

Asexuals Meet-up: Pioneer Valley Aces gather to support and build community among individuals that identify with the multi-dimensional sphere of asexual identities. Free. Stonewall Center, Crampton Hall, 256 Sunset Ave., Amherst. (413) 367-6718.

Holyoke Hospice Life Care Virtual Support Group: A new, innovative bereavement support group designed to expand access by introducing alternative forms of connection and communication. Nov. 7, 1 p.m. Free. Virtual, 575 Beech St., Holyoke. (413) 887-5552, cquigley@holyokevna.org.

Holyoke VNA and Hospice Life Care Support Group: For those who have experienced the death of someone close. Discussions about handling new and unfamiliar responsibilities, sharing stories with those in similar circumstances, and common responses to grief. Nov. 3, 2 p.m. Free. South Hadley Senior Center, 45 Dayton St., South Hadley. (413) 533-3923, cquigley@holyokevna.org.

Misfits: Young adult Asperger’s and autism support group. For Asperger’s/ASD young adults and allies. Make friends and share experiences in a safe space. Free. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton. (413) 561-8452.

MotherWoman Support Group: Free drop-in support group for pregnant women and mothers up to one year postpartum. Free snacks, parking, and childcare for toddlers and children up to 4 years old. On bus route. 10-11:30 a.m. weekly. Criterion Child Enrichment Center, 228 King St., Northampton. (413) 587-1471, earlychildhood@northampton-k12.us.

It Takes a Village: Free, confidential drop-in circle for mothers of infants and young children. Led by facilitators trained in peer support. Expectant mothers also welcome. Free childcare available for children up to age five. Refreshments served. 10 a.m. Free. St. John’s Corner House, 469 Main St., Ashfield. (413) 650-3640, hilltownvillage.org. 

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