Map maker to lead program at Northfield library
NORTHFIELD — The owner of the East Coast’s oldest map store will talk about “How Maps Lie” during a program at the Dickinson Memorial Library on Friday, Sept. 19, at 6 p.m.
Map maker Andrew Middleton will present a wide variety of maps from around the world and throughout history, exploring the assumptions that we often have about maps and asking questions like: What makes a map trustworthy? What should a map look like? Who are maps for?
Middletown owns The Map Center in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, which was recently featured in The Boston Globe and on public radio. He believes maps are more than tools for wayfinding, and can be seen “as art, as culture, as identity, as history.” Looking at who made a map, why a map was produced in the first place and the people who were mapped can provide fresh historical perspective.
Input sought on Charity Farm Lot trail
BERNARDSTON — The public is invited to a meeting that will introduce and seek input on a proposed new trail at the Charity Farm Lot, Bernardston’s recreation and conservation area. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. beginning in the parking lot at 327 Bald Mountain Road.
The event will take place rain or shine and will include a guided tour of roughly 1.3 miles on hilly terrain. The proposed new trail, called the Land of the Giants Trail, is located in the northern reaches of the property, where farmers once brought their livestock to graze.
According to John Lepore, a Friends of the Charity Farm Lot volunteer, the proposed new trail was developed in response to a suggestion from resident Brandon Staiger, who has assisted with the design and preparation. The Friends of the Charity Farm Lot is a committee that reports to the Selectboard and, according to policy, a public meeting must be held before any significant modifications are made at the property.
“We see the meeting as a great opportunity to introduce more of our friends and neighbors to this remarkable piece of town land,” Lepore said in a statement.
In 1832, Job Goodale gave the Charity Farm Lot to Bernardston as a source of income to “assist the industrious and deserving poor.” Recently, the open space, which features a variety of natural elements and historical landmarks, has been restored.
“Although we have been at this since 2014,” Lepore said, “we’re still working on building awareness that the property exists and is open to the public with marked trails and a kiosk with a map and other information.”
Cyber Seniors program coming to Northfield
NORTHFIELD — Beginning Sept. 10, Greenfield Community College will be sending a technology professional to the Northfield Senior Center every Wednesday from 9 to 11a.m. to help seniors with technology issues.
The service, offered as part of the Cyber Seniors program, offers help with basic computer skills, using the internet, emailing, setting up new devices, and accessing services from libraries, health care organizations and entertainment venues. Assistance with smartphones and tablets is also offered.
To make an appointment, visit engage.gcc.mass.edu/seniors/cyber-seniors or call 413-498-2901, ext. 123.
Two Happy Feet programs planned in September
NORTHFIELD — The first Happy Feet walking program of the month will be held on Monday, Sept. 15, when participants will meet at the Senior Center at 9:45 a.m. and walk to Northfield Elementary School to meet the new kindergarten class for their 10 a.m. recess.
Dogs are not allowed on the Sept. 15 walk. Severe thunderstorms or heavy rain will cancel.
The second walk of the month will be held Monday, Sept. 29, at 10 a.m. Participants are advised to meet at the parking lot behind The Marina restaurant in Brattleboro, Vermont, and they will walk the trail along the river. Dogs are welcome. Severe thunderstorms or heavy rain will cancel.
Travel Club heading to Hadley Walmart
The Travel Club offered by the Northfield and Bernardston senior centers will go to the Hadley Walmart and out for lunch on Friday, Sept. 19. Participants can leave from the Bernardston Senior Center at 9 a.m. or request to be picked up at home.
Sign-ups are limited to six people from each town. There will be a waiting list in case one town has spaces open. The cost for the van is $6 roundtrip. The cost of lunch is not included.
Call 413-768-1824 to reserve a space by Sept. 12.
Sept. 22: Cardmaking class
NORTHFIELD — Barb King will lead a cardmaking class at the Northfield Senior Center on Monday, Sept. 22, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
The cost is $8 for two cards or $12 for three. Call 413-498-2901, ext. 123 to sign up.
Next Memory Cafe set for Sept. 24
NORTHFIELD — The Northfield Senior Center’s next monthly Memory Cafe will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. This month’s entertainment will be vocalist Tori Stowell with Alyson Galipeau on piano accompaniment.
This program provides support and socialization for adults dealing with memory-related issues and their caregivers. A light lunch will be provided.
RSVP by Sept. 17 by calling 413-498-2901, ext. 123. Seating is limited to 20 participants.
Three Monday Cafe programs planned in September
BERNARDSTON — The Bernardston Senior Center has three Monday Cafe programs, pairing music and food, planned in September. The schedule is as follows:
- Sept. 15: Psychedelic Farm Girls, drawing from traditions of blues, rock, jazz, country and a bit of punk.
- Sept. 22: Katie Clark and Larry LeBlanc, bringing old-time country and bluegrass favorites along with Clark’s originals.
- Sept. 29: Sara Snyder, who leads an informal hour singing oldies.
Entertainment starts at 3 p.m. followed by dinner at 4. Attendees should call 413-648-5319 by the Thursday before each Monday Cafe to make dinner reservations. The suggested meal donation is $3.50 per person.
Bernardston Senior Center offering line dancing classes
BERNARDSTON — The Bernardston Senior Center is offering a new line dancing class on Mondays at 10 a.m.
There is a $5 suggested donation per class.
Workshops to cover painting with acrylics
BERNARDSTON — My Art Company will present two workshops on painting with acrylics on Tuesdays, Sept. 16 and 23, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Bernardston Senior Center.
Participants can explore working with acrylics while painting a 5-by-7-inch picture on canvas. Participants will learn how to set up their palette and practice color mixing, transferring patterns to canvas and blocking in colors.
Space is limited to 10. Sign up for one workshop only by calling 413-648-5413. A $5 donation is recommended.
Additionally, a Sept. 30 session is planned for participants who have taken workshops and would like to complete their paintings or get extra help.
Sept. 22 workshop focusing on weapons ownership
BERNARDSTON — The Men’s Group at the Bernardston Senior Center will welcome Leon “Lee” Laster of the Western Massachusetts Training & Education Academy on Monday, Sept. 22, at 1 p.m. to present a workshop covering aspects of weapons ownership, including Massachusetts laws regarding training, safety and storage.
Attendees are asked to register in advance by calling 413-648-5413.