Thursday 2/23
Back to 1914 with Ed Klekowski: Based upon old travel guides, period postcards, old memoirs and notebooks, the lost world of wartime France and Belgium will be brought back to life. 6:30 p.m. $10. Amherst Woman’s Club, 35 Triangle St., Amherst. lklekowski@yahoo.com.
Celebrate the Birthday of W.E.B. Du Bois: Celebrate the 149th anniversary of the birth of sociologist, historian, civil rights activist, Pan-Africanist, author and editor W.E.B. Du Bois. 1:30 p.m. W.E.B. Du Bois Library lobby, UMass Amherst.
1GFG Dog Show and Obedience Trials: Feb. 23-24. First Company Governor’s Foot Guard Dog Show and Obedience Trials. Young Building. Free. Eastern States Exposition 1305 Memorial Avenue West Springfield. (413) 737-2443, thebige.com.
February Craft Academy at The Colonial Theatre: February vacation. $20. (413) 822-7902, pittsfieldhappimess@gmail.com.
Into the Beautiful North Reading Group: GCC is participating in The Big Read, a national project that develops community-wide programs to encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences. This year we have been reading Luis Alberto Urrea’s Into the Beautiful North. 12:30 p.m. Greenfield Community College, 1 College Dr., Greenfield.
Networking by Night February: 5 p.m. $10. Greater Easthampton Chamber of Commerce, 33 Union St., Easthampton. info@easthamptonchamber.org.
Northampton Neighbors: 7:30 p.m. Free. Hampshire Regional YMCA, 286 Prospect St., Northampton. (413) 341-0160, info@northamptonneighbors.org, northamptonneighbors.org.
PechaKucha Night — The Berkshire Arts: Kick back in the galleries with light refreshments and a cash bar, and enjoy a series of lightning-fast presentations: 20 slides, 20 seconds each. 8 p.m. $5 suggested donation. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield.
People of the Book Discussion Group: James Young will lead a discussion of his latest book The Stages of Memory: Reflections on Memorial Art, Loss, and the Spaces Between. 7 p.m. Free. Jones Library, 43 Amity St., Amherst. (413) 259-3223, ryanj@joneslibrary.org.
Springfield Sportsmen’s Show: Thursday, 3-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Better Living Center, Stroh Building, Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave. West Springfield. (413) 737-2443, osegsportsmens.com.
Talk by Art Historian Kellie Jones: Amherst College alumnus Kellie Jones ‘81, professor, art historian and curator was recently awarded a MacArthur Foundation “genius grant” for bringing the work of critically important, but under-recognized, black artists into the canons of modern and contemporary art. 8 p.m. Free. Amherst College, 103 Converse Hall, Amherst. (413) 542-8094, pmallen@amherst.edu.
Talk — The Forgotten Origins and Consequences of Race in America: With Benjamin Jealous. Do you remember the details of how President McKinley was killed? Did you know that Georgetown University’s first president was black? Most Americans don’t. 4:30 p.m. Free. Student Union Ballroom, UMass Amherst.
Timur’s Theatrical Journey — or When did Tamburlaine Become Black?: Linda McJannet, professor emeritus of English at Bentley University, will give a talk. 4:30 p.m. Free. The Massachusetts Center for Interdisciplinary Renaissance Studies, 650 East Pleasant St., Amherst. (413) 577-3600, renaissance@english.umass.edu, umass.edu/renaissance.
Wintering Over, A Birdseye View: 2 p.m. Greenfield Community College Downtown Center, 270 Main St., Greenfield. (413) 775-1661.
You’ll Like It Here — Book Talk with Ed Orzechowski: Abandoned by his unwed mother during World War II, Donald Vitkus becomes a ward of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He is 27 days old. Six years later as “Patient #3394,” he is committed to Belchertown State School, where he is labeled a “moron” with an I.Q. of 41. 7 p.m. Palmer Historical and Cultural Center, 2072 Main St., Three Rivers.
Friday 2/24
Art Club for Adults and Sewing Time: Feel free to BYOB or bring your own supplies, but neither are necessary. No artistic talent necessary. $5 suggested donation. 6:30 p.m. Make-It Springfield, 168 Worthington St., Springfield.
Art for Scholars — Silent Art Auction: The Franklin County Bar Association is holding its 3rd annual silent art auction to benefit the Thomas W. Merrigan Scholarship Fund for Franklin County youth attending college. Live music, food, cash bar, and raffles prizes, too. 4:30 a.m. Free. The Arts Block, 289 Main St., Greenfield. (413) 773-9839, Fcbar@franklincountybar.org.
BYO Fiber Arts and Crafts for Teens: Come hang out with other teens who enjoy various forms of portable hand crafts. Some basic supplies will be available for those who want to try a new craft. 3 p.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665-2642, director@sunderlandpubliclibrary.org, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.
Dinner on ACC — Celebrating the Self-Starters Among Us: Have you ever wanted to start your own project or business? Celebrate people’s achievements and success and learn how they did it. 4 p.m. Free. Amherst Community Connections, 121 N. Pleasant St., Amherst. accinamherst@gmail.com.
Springfield Sportsmen’s Show: See Thursday’s listing for event details.
1GFG Dog Show and Obedience Trials: See Thursday’s event listing for details.
Emily Dickinson International Society Poetry Conversation: Noon. Jones Library, Amherst. (413) 230-9733.
FCCC February Chamber Breakfast: This program will feature Marina and her work as the narration voice of Martha Sharp in the recent PBS television special; Defying the Nazis: the Sharps’ War. 7:20 a.m. $13-$16. (413) 773-5463. Greenfield Community College, 1 College Dr., Greenfield. (413) 773-5463, fccc@franklincc.org.
Talking Truth Series — Meeting Our Ancestors: A sacred “deep time” practice session, inspired by the work of activist and Buddhist scholar Joanna Macy . In this workshop we will consider how we might act like ancestors of future generations and reinvigorate our commitment to climate justice action. The group is facilitated by Tim Beaucage. 12:30 p.m. Free. University of Massachusetts Amherst, 300 Massachusetts Ave., Amherst. (413) 577-0784, mcharney@library.umass.edu.
Lunch for Veterans: Veterans are invited for a free luncheon. Volunteers and donations are needed. Noon. Free. Elks Lodge, 2 Church St., Greenfield.
Saturday 2/25
Back Pain — Massage, Self-Care and Other Options: 1 p.m. Free. Aegis Health Complex, Rte. 9, Hadley. (413) 665-4977.
Book Discussion of The Sixth Extinction: Part of On the Same Page-Amherst series of programming. 2:30 p.m. Free. Jones Library, 43 Amity St., Amherst. (413) 259-3223, ryanj@joneslibrary.org, joneslibrary.org/onthesamepage.
BPRD Roleplaying Game: Be a part of a team from the Bureau of Paranormal Research and Defense in this Fate Accelerated game. Hosted by Julie. 1 p.m. Free. Comics N’ More, 31 Union St., Easthampton.
Creating Characters Through Physical Theatre: Silverthorne Theater Company in conjunction with Greenfield’s newest theater company, Til Lalezar Theatre, offers a three-hour workshop for anyone wanting to explore the world of acting in a fun and exciting environment. 10:30 a.m. $20-$35. Til Lalezar Studio, 12 Federal St., Greenfield. (413) 768-7514, silverthornetheater@gmail.com, silverthornetheater.org.
Cultivating a Happy Mind: Half day retreat with Kim Weeber. 9 a.m. Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, 116 Pleasant St., suite 242, Easthampton. (413) 527-0388, jgenet@insightpv.org.
The family of J.W. Bird on a Hilltop in Williamsburg: Lecture. Florence at the Turn of the Twentieth Century — The Goodwin Photographic Collection by Steve Strimer Steve Strimer will present a selection of images from the Goodwin Photographic Collection of over 300 glass-plate negatives taken by J.W. Bird and Ferdinand Schadee. Taken around 1900, these images document the growth of the village of Florence. 2 p.m. Historic Northampton, 46 Bridge St., Northampton.
Life Underground: 7 p.m. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton. (413) 584-3009.
Local Auction 4 Local Benefit: Featuring 183 items: artwork, furniture, textiles and curiosities collected by Jane Trigere and contributions by others. To benefit: Cancer Connection, The Literacy Project, Stone Soup Cafe, The Food Bank of Western Mass, CISA, Museum of Our Industrial Heritage, and Franklin Area Survival Center. 6:30 p.m. Deerfield Arts Bank, 3 Sugarloaf St., South Deerfield. (413) 768-8917, franklincc.chambermaster.com/events.
Northampton Record Fair: Local and regional record dealers, from New Jersey to Maine, are bringing out thousands of vinyl records and CDs for your digging pleasure. 50 tables of records and CDs in three rooms. Early admission, 9-11 a.m., $5; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free. Free. Union Station Ballroom, 125 Pleasant St., Northampton. StudebakerhawkDJ@gmail.com.
Pruning Grapes: A hands-on workshop by the UMass College of Natural Sciences. 10 a.m. $35. Coldspring Orchard, Belchertown. (413) 545-2254.
Western MA Humanists: A Meetup discussion group for local humanists, agnostics, and atheists. Low key and friendly. All are welcome. 2 p.m. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton.
Western Massachusetts Speed Networking Luncheon: Welcome to the Small, Privately-Owned Businesses of Western Massachusetts Networking Group. Speed networking is a lot like speed dating; you will have the opportunity to get to know like-minded professionals in round-robin style. This event will only have room for 15 participants and there will be plenty of time to continue conversations over lunch. Noon. Dane Gallery @ Indian Orchard Mills, 34 Front St., Springfield.
World War II Exhibit Closing Reception: Surviving World War II — V-Mail, Snapshots and Cigars Help Ease the Hardships and Heartache. 10 a.m. Free. Hatfield Historical Museum, 39 Main St., Hatfield. hatfieldhistory@gmail.com.
Sunday 2/26
Coming Together in Sacred Community: Retreat for LGBTQI community. One day retreat with Jean Esther and Nick Boutros. It is rare for many of us to have the opportunity to engage in spiritual practice within our LGBTQI family. Join us for a day of silent meditation, sharing of the Buddha’s teachings, and group discussion in this day-long retreat. 10 a.m. Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, 116 Pleasant St., suite 242, Easthampton. (413) 527-0388, jgenet@insightpv.org.
Springfield Sportsmen’s Show: See Thursday’s listing for event details.
The Harlem Globetrotters: 2 p.m. $18-$100. MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. (413) 787-6610, massmutualcenter.com.
The United States Under a Trump Presidency — What it Will Mean to Greater Holyoke: State Sen.s Don Humason, Jr., and Eric Lesser; State Rep. Aaron Vega; and Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse will participate in a panel discussion. Questions will be provided by audience members. 11:30 a.m. $10 suggested donation. Congregation Sons of Zion, 378 Maple St., Holyoke. (413) 534-3369, office@sonsofzionholyoke.org, sonsofzionholyoke.org/events.
When Movements Unite for Climate Justice: 2 p.m. Unitarian Meetinghouse, 121 N. Pleasant St., Amherst.
Revolutionary Acts: Tea, Taxes and Tempests: Explore the politics of tea, consumer culture, and resistance on the eve of the American Revolution. 2 p.m. Historic Deerfield, 84 Old Main St., Deerfield.
Posture and Movement to Grow Taller as You Age: Engaging breathing, movement and alignment for better back health, balance, and stress-relief. Includes meditation. 10:30 a.m. $8 suggested donation. First Churches, Parlor, 129 Main St., Northampton. (845) 866-7822, radiantyoga.ny@gmail.com.
Monday 2/27
Colored Travelers — Mobility and the Fight for Citizenship Before the Civil War: 4:30 p.m. Neilson Library Browsing Room, Smith College, Northampton.
Great Books Discussion: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller. Set in Italy during World War II, this is the story of the incomparable, malingering bombardier, Yossarian. 7 p.m. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton.
Healing Through Art — One Veteran’s Story: A conversation with artist and veteran Joe Merritt. Noon. Greenfield Community College, 1 College Dr., Greenfield.
Invest to Win: An opportunity for new and experienced investors to meet, learn and discuss the stock market using the easy to read and understand book Invest to Win by Gordon Scott and bestselling author Toni Turner. 6:30 p.m. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton.
Sci-tech Cafe Presents You’re Never Too Old to Play in the Sandbox — The Physics of Soft Materials: Is toothpaste a liquid or a solid? Why is it so difficult to run on sand? What makes squishy stuff, well, squishy? And what is any of this good for? With Kerstin Nordstrom, a Clare Boothe Luce assistant professor of physics at Mount Holyoke College. 6 p.m. Free. Union Station, 125 Pleasant St., Northampton. sbyrne@mtholyoke.edu, scitechcafe.org.
You Are My Dwelling Place — Experiencing Black Male Vocalists’ Worship as Autoeroticism in Gospel Performance: 4:30 p.m. Frost Library, Amherst College, Amherst.
Tuesday 2/28
Astronomy Club Meeting: Alan Rifkin will talk on astronomical uses of a 3D printer. 7 p.m. $2. Springfield Science Museum, 21 Edwards St., Springfield. (800) 336-9054, alan@rifkin.com, reflector.org/Calendar.html.
The Deliberately Developmental Organization — A New Social Contract for Work?: 4:30 p.m. Wright Hall Auditorium, Smith College, Northampton.
Local Author Jono Neiger: Neiger presents his new book The Permaculture Promise. 6:30 p.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665-2642, director@sunderlandpubliclibrary.org, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.
Mapping Sexuality in Ancient Rome: A talk by Luca Grillo. 7:30 p.m. Free. Amherst College, 103 Converse Hall, Amherst. (413) 542-2208, talaizer@amherst.edu.
MotherWoman Support Group: MotherWoman postpartum moms’ circle. 10 a.m. Free. Criterion Child Enrichment Center, 228 King St., Stop and Shop Plaza, Northampton. (413) 587-1471, earlychildhood@northampton-k12.us.
Narrating the Mediterranean with Originality — My Journey as a Bilingual Writer in Arabic and Italian: 6 p.m. The Odyssey Bookshop, Village Commons, South Hadley.
Northampton Poetry Open Mic: 8 p.m. World War II Club, 50 Conz St., Northampton. northamptonpoetry.com.
Southampton Book Club: 1 p.m. Edwards Library, Southampton. jdouglas@cwmars.org.
Teen Book Chat: For ages 13 and up. 3:30 p.m. Lilly Library, 19 Meadow St., Northampton.
Teen Scene Tuesday: Games-snacks-movies-crafts-book chat open to ages 12-17. Drop-in. 3:30 p.m. Lilly Library, 19 Meadow St., Northampton.
What is Islam?: Sharif Rosen, Muslim chaplain from Williams College, presents an introduction to Islam, a religion practiced by approximately one-quarter of the world’s population. 6:30 p.m. Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St., Northfield.
Wednesday 3/1
Annual Bulb Show: 9 a.m. Free. Berkshire Botanical Garden, 5 West Stockbridge Road, Stockbridge. (413) 298-3926, info@berkshirebotanical.org, berkshirebotanical.org.
Reiki and its Benefits: With Christine. 6 p.m. Free. Greenfield Public Library, 402 Main St., Greenfield.
Forbes Library Science Fiction and Fantasy Club: 7 p.m. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton. (413) 587-1011.
Identity, Nature, and the Environment: Part of the literary series Modern Real and Surreal — Writers and Artists on Our Age. Participants include Lauret Savoy and Naila Moreira, Forbes’ Library writer in residence. 7 p.m. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton. (413) 587-1011.
Readers Choice: 10 a.m. Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St., Northfield.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Discussion: The Girl With All The Gifts by M. R. Carey Melanie. 7 p.m. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton.
Trans* Speaker Series — An Evening with Talia Bettcher: Bettcher is a community-based performance artist and she has been actively involved in Los Angeles transgender community and grass-roots organizing for many years. Organized by the Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. 5 p.m. Free. Campus Center, room 162-175, UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events/trans-speaker-series-evening.
Parent-Friendly Events for Kids
THURSDAY: Instrument Petting Zoo: See, play, and listen to the instruments you’ve always been curious about. 2 p.m. Regular Museum admission. Berkshire Museum, 39 South St., Pittsfield.
Reading Buddies with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs: Advance sign-up required. 2:30 p.m. Regular museum admission. The Eric Carle Museum, 125 W. Bay Road, Amherst. carlemuseum.org/content/upcoming-events.
Red Gate Farm February Vacation: After caring for the farm animals, we strap on the snowshoes, trek through the forest, learn fire-building, and sled down hills. 8:30 a.m. Red Gate Farm, 4 Norman Road, Ashfield. (413) 625-9503, jake@redgatefarm.org, redgatefarm.org/program-february.
Special Storytime — Josh Funk and Anna Staniszewski: Funk will read from his recent book Pirasaurs , a tale of pirate dinosaurs, while Staniszewski gives us a sneak peek of her upcoming book, Dogosauraus Rex! 1 p.m. Regular museum admission. The Eric Carle Museum, 125 W. Bay Road, Amherst. carlemuseum.org/content/upcoming-events.
FRIDAY:Makerspace Series for Children and Teens: Noon. Holyoke Public Library, 250 Chestnut St., Holyoke.
Special Storytime — Corinne Demas and Artemis Roehrig: In Are Pirates Polite? mother-daughter team Demas and Roehrig use fun, rhyming text to show pirates’ rowdy activity as well as to teach manners. 1 p.m. Regular museum admission. The Eric Carle Museum, 125 W. Bay Road, Amherst.
SATURDAY: First Child in the Woods: 10 a.m. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton. (413) 584-3009, massaudubon.org.
Learn Magic Tricks: 11 a.m. Free. Odyssey Bookshop, Village Commons, South Hadley. (413) 534-7307, odysseybks.com.
SUNDAY: Mister G February Fiesta: Presented by Sunnyside Child Care Center in Northampton. Crafts, pizza, popcorn and fun with Latin Grammy winner Mister G. 10 a.m. $8 each or $25 for the family. Florence Civic Center, 140 Pine St., Florence. (413) 727-3665, laura@sunnysidekids.org, sunnysidekids.org.
Northampton Afternoon Family Fun: 1:30 p.m. Aquatic and Family Center, JFK Middle School, Northampton. (413) 587-1040, northamptonma.gov/recreation.
MONDAY: Storytime with Ellie: 10:30 a.m. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton.
TUESDAY: Amherst On the Same Page Reception: 6 p.m. Amherst Regional Middle School Library, Amherst.
Arcadia Nature Preschool Open House: 12:30 p.m. Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary, Easthampton. (413) 584-3009, massaudubon.org.
Craft Time: 3:30 p.m. Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls.
Kids’ Craft Club: Read a story and make a fun craft. For children ages 5-12. 3:30 p.m. Forbes Library, 20 West St., Northampton.
Westhampton Family Code Night: Start to learn the basics of computer coding by solving fun puzzles — no experience needed! Suggested ages are 5 and up. Registration is required. Bring one device for every two participants, if possible. Laptops, ChromeBooks, iPads/ tablets will all work, as long as they are able to connect to wifi. Personal headphones might be useful as well. We will have a limited number of laptops available for use. Sign up here: bit.ly/familycode2017. 6:30 p.m. Free. Hampshire Regional High School, 19 Stage Road, Westhampton. (413) 527-5386, westhampton@cwmars.org.