‘First Saturday’ at 1739 Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse
BERNARDSTON — Today: “First Saturdays with Steve” features a 4 p.m. writing group followed by a 5:30 p.m. potluck supper and Oscar preview party hosted by Steve Wilson and other UU notables, both at the 1739 Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse. For more information: bernardstonunitarian.org
SHELBURNE — On Sunday, the First Congregational Church of Shelburne will celebrate its sixth year of Soup-er Bowl services. Following their 10 a.m. service, which includes an 11 a.m. potluck luncheon, the congregation will mark its month-long “Sacking Hunger” collection for the Hilltown Food Pantry. Some of the church members will also participate at the Cathedral in the Light service on the Greenfield town common at 2 p.m.
NORTHFIELD — “Love and Chocolate, ” a coffeehouse-style concert with gourmet chocolate treats, returns to the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 147 Main St., on Saturday, Feb. 11, at 2 p.m.
Featured performers, Valley Jazz Voices, is a unique community vocal ensemble based in Northampton whose purpose is to engage singers and audiences of all ages and backgrounds in the performance and enjoyment of a wide range of jazz vocal repertoire.
Directed by Jeff Olmsted, the group of about 20 singers is accompanied by Andy Jaffe on piano. Their repertoire includes swing, blues, Brazilian, bop, cool and modern jazz styles. The ensemble features singers from up and down the Valley, from Springfield to Brattleboro, Vt., of all ages and backgrounds.
Popular local artists Ted Thornton and Patter Field will open the concert and there will be a guest performance by Grace Olmsted as well as a brief singalong followed by a reception with homemade chocolate treats.
Rev. Julie Olmsted MCs the event.
Suggested donation: $12
ORANGE — Fire Pond’s Doug Reid and Eveline MacDougall will perform at a Coffeehouse Concert on Saturday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m. at First Universalist Church Fellowship Hall, 31 North Main St. Harmonious vocals are woven with fiddle, viola, accordion, guitar, banjo and ukulele. Fire Pond concerts are enhanced by audience participation, historical context, stories and more. Donation: $10. Desserts and beverages available. Sponsored by the First Universalist Church.
ORANGE — Laura Wagner, Executive Director of the Unitarian-Universalist affiliated UU MassAction, will speak on “How does real, lasting and unifying social change happen?” on Sunday, Feb. 12, at the First Universalist Church of Orange.
Wagner will share her perspective on building communities in Massachusetts focused on making this kind of social change happen. Wagner will focus on the particular issues facing the North Quabbin region. The event begins with an Interfaith Service at 10 a.m., officiated by Wagner, followed by coffee and light refreshments. Beginning at noon, Wagner will facilitate a moderated discussion. All are welcome. Feel free to attend one or both parts of the event. The church is handicapped accessible and child care will be provided. Co-sponsored by the Community Church of North Orange and Tully, First Universalist Church of Orange, First Church Unitarian of Athol, and the First Congregational Parish Unitarian of Petersham. For more information, visit www.goo.gl/vRGBcS or contact Rev. Don Erickson at doneri@gmail.com.
DEERFIELD — The Brick Church Music Series at The First Church of Deerfield, 71 Old Main St., will present Sirena Huang, violin, and Pi-Hsun Shih, piano, in an exciting concert on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. Both musicians are exceptionally talented and are seasoned performers in Europe, Asia and the United States. There is a suggested donation of $10 at the door with a reception in the Caswell Library at Deerfield Academy following the concert. For further information, contact Jean Pitman Turner, Artistic Director, at 413-774-2657.
NORTHAMPTON — The Shang Shung Institute of Tibetan Studies in Conway invites you to unplug with “Meditation Mondays.” Explore the ancient art of mindfulness and its benefit to our modern lives. 7 to 8 p.m. on the first and third Mondays starting in February. The event takes place at the Unitarian Society, Main Street, in Northampton. By donation. for more information, contact demystifysms@tsegyalgar.org or secretary@shangshung.org
BERNARDSTON — Barry Deitz will give a talk on “Louisa May Alcott: Not a ‘Little Woman,’” inspired by a recent church Transcendental Nostalgia trip to Concord sites and the home of Alcott. Sunday, Feb. 26, 11:30 (coffee at 11 a.m.), at Bernardston Unitarian Meetinghouse. For more information: www.bernardstonunitarian.org
CHARLEMONT — “Animals of the North: What Will Global Climate Change Mean for Them?” featuring renowned naturalist and animal tracker Susan Morse of Keeping Track, Inc., will be presented Sunday, Feb. 26 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., at the Charlemont Federated Church, 175 Main St. This program is free and open to the public, although donations are welcome. Sponsored by Charlemont Federated Church and Tyler Memorial Library. For more information, call 413-339-4294.
GREENFIELD — On Ash Wednesday, March 1, Saint James Episcopal Church will be offering “Ashes To Go,” a new approach to a centuries-old Christian tradition, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 3 to 4 p.m., near the corner of Church and Federal streets, in front of Saint James. During that same time period, says Rev. Heather Blais, we will also be walking around downtown and will impose ashes on anyone that would like to receive them. In the Christian tradition, Ash Wednesday marks the start of the holy season of Lent, a time for reflection and repentance in preparation for the celebration of Easter. Contact Rev. Blais at 413-773-3925 for more information.
NORTHAMPTON — The Shang Shung Institute of Tibetan Studies, based in Conway, presents “Spring Yantra Yoga — Tibetan Yoga of Movement,” beginners series, on Monday nights, March 6 through April 10, in Northampton. $12 per session; $10 for seniors and students. For details, contacct: mkacurova@gmail.com or secretary@shangshung.org
Khaita — Tibetan Joyful Dancing:
Tuesdays evenings
CONWAY — All are welcome to enjoy Khaita — Tibetan Joyful Dancing, Tuesday evenings from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m., at 18 Schoolhouse Road in Conway. Free and fun! Please call or email first to confirm: 413-369-4473 or secretary@shangshung.org
ASHFIELD — St. John’s Church in Ashfield offers Centering Prayer from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Wednesdays, at the parish house across Main Street. It welcomes people across faiths and requires no special experience.