SHELBURNE FALLS — Arms Library patrons will be reading and discussing “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants” by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This marks the first read as part of the library’s new book group.
According to a press release from Arms Library Director Laurie Wheeler, the library will host two evenings of conversation about this “under the radar” bestseller on Friday, Dec. 3, and Friday, Dec. 10, both at 6:30 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the library at 60 Bridge St., as are audiobooks.
Wall Kimmerer is a mother, scientist, decorated professor and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, the release states. Her book “Braiding Sweetgrass” brings together Indigenous ways and wisdom, and Western science.
The Arms Library is handicapped accessible via the lower level entry. The book group will meet in the upstairs reading room. Masks and social distancing are required.
SHELBURNE FALLS — Greenfield author Daniel Cantor Yalowitz will bring his new book, “Reflections on the Nature of Friendship,” to an in-person event at the Arms Library, 60 Bridge St., on Friday, Nov. 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Cantor Yalowitz is a psychologist, educator, activist and international traveler, according to a press release from Arms Library Director Laurie Wheeler. He will share passages from his recently published book and take time to respond to audience questions and comments.
Copies of Cantor Yalowitz’s books will be available for signing and sale following his presentation. To learn more about him, visit danielyalowitz.com.
Light refreshments and a seasonal beverage will be provided. Masks are required.
The Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership will present “Oaks in New England Forests: Keystones for Biodiversity and Resiliency” on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom.
Presenters Desiree Narango, a David H. Smith conservation fellow at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Logan Johnson, the Northeast region coordinator for the Forest Stewards Guild, will discuss the importance and health of oak trees.
According to a press release from Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership Administrative Agent Lisa Hayden, 75 percent of the forests of southern New England are dominated by oaks, which play an important role in carbon sequestration, soil stabilization and watershed management due to their enormous root systems. Native oak trees also host a complex web of wildlife, including more than 500 species of moths and butterflies. However, oak trees are facing growing pressures that compromise their health and ability to regenerate.
The talk is free and open to the public. Email Lisa Hayden at lhayden@newenglandforestry.org to request the Zoom link and dial-in info.
The Mohawk Trail Woodlands Partnership is a 21-town collaboration in northwestern Massachusetts with regional, state and federal partners focused on forest conservation, sustainable management and natural resource-based economic development. For more information, visit MohawkTrailWoodlandsPartnership.org.
HAWLEY — Serra Root, treasurer for the Sons & Daughters of Hawley, recently accepted a $5,000 check from her brother, Maurice Chasse, as payment for a matching funds challenge he initiated.
According to Kirby “Lark” Thwing, a member of the Sons & Daughters of Hawley’s board of trustees, the group has been gradually restoring its 1846 Meetinghouse for more than 15 years. Thwing explained all exterior repairs have been completed and most of the interior ones, with the exception of plaster repairs on the ceiling and a new coat of ceiling paint.
“Maurice has wanted to do something,” Thwing said. “He said he would do a matching $5,000 and we would raise money before Thanksgiving to match it.”
David Noonan of Colrain is conducting the ceiling repairs, which are expected to be largely finished by the end of November.
“That wraps up a major interior renovation,” Thwing said. “Everything looks so good, we said we need to get the ceiling done.”
However, the Sons & Daughters of Hawley are not done raising money for the ceiling repairs, which Thwing said are expected to cost $22,000. A GoFundMe page is set up at gofundme.com/f/paint-the-ceiling-now.