GREENFIELD — Today, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the Second Congregational church (on the common) hosts the sixth annual communitywide Bee Fest. It is a time for kids to learn about honeybees, other pollinators and nature in general. It is also a time for adults to learn what they can do to improve pollinator health. Each year’s Bee Festival has fun and games, educational forums and speakers, a community parade and gift baskets. All activities are free. Noon: A special Lorenzo Langstroth Exhibit Dedication will be held to recognize his invention of the moveable frame bee hive. His great-great-great grandson, Dr. George Langstroth Cowan, joins us from South Carolina to unveil a permanent display.
BERNARDSTON — Catch up with Pastor Steve Wilson at a barbecue out back of the Meetinghouse at 5:30 p.m. Bring something to grill or a picnic salad. All are welcome. The Writing Group meets at 4 this afternoon, before the barbecue. Newcomers are invited. See www.bernardstonunitarian.org for the summer schedule.
GREENFIELD — The Refugee Support Project is presenting a program on Monday at 7 p.m., at Temple Israel, 27 Pierce Street, featuring Maxine Stein, Driector of Jewish Family Services, who will speak about their program and Deborah Felmeth, a Vermont resident, who will speak about her experiences in Syria and show photos of families and culture there. All are welcome to attend this free program.
ASHFIELD — St. Johns Episcopal Church offers “Meal and a Movie Night,” Friday, June 10, at 6 p.m., at The Corner, opposite the church, at 469 Main St., with a film featuring Dame Maggie Smith. Food provided.
BERNARDSTON — June 19 is the final chance to see the collaborative Art Show of 29 artists, “Visions of Peace.” There will be a slide lecture by collage “fleurage” artist Harry White of Glastonbury, Conn. (harrywhitecollage.com) The slide/lecture is at 2 p.m. and replaces the usual 11:30 a.m. service. Be sure to give yourself time to view all the art works before the lecture or during the week: Wednesday, Saturday or sunday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
ASHFIELD — Amherst College Psychology professor Catherine Sanderson will present a talk for the general public titled, “What makes people happy?” on Sunday, June 26. Sponsored by St. John’s Church, the talk will be held at the Community Hall on Main Street at 1 p.m. Prof. Sanderson will describe what psychology researchers have discovered about human happiness and will take questions from the audience. This event is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be offered after the talk.
Sanderson is the Manwell Family Professor of Life Sciences (Psychology) at Amherst College. Professor Sanderson was named one of the country’s top 300 professors by the Princeton Review in 2012.
CHARLEMONT — Charlemont Federated Church invites public input on the church’s long-range planning, according to Rev. Cara Hochhalter. “Under the facilitation of David Specht, the church will be embarking on a series of three conversations around who we have been, where we are not and how we want to move into the future.
We know that many people in the surrounding communities have been involved in the church in a variety of ways. We welcome their input and invite them to attend any or all of the following opportunities for conversation.”
You may call the church office (413-339-4292) to sign up or ask questions.
#2: “Mapping the Present Moment and Trends that may shape our future,” Sunday, June 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or Monday, June 27, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
#3: “Excursions into our Future,” Sunday, July 24, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or Monday, July 25, 6 to 8:30 p.m.