Author of ‘The Destiny of Jasirey’ series coming to library
GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library will welcome local author Bonnie Arnot to speak on her series, “The Destiny of Jasirey,” on Monday, Oct. 20, at 6:30 p.m.
The Devoted of Jasirey, a multicultural underground society, is searching for a woman — Jasirey — who is said to be destined to save the world from the violent forces of greed and corruption. Shannon, a divorced, middle-aged mother of two teenagers, takes a trip with her best friend to the mountains of Vermont. She meets Ian, a member of the Devoted. Thus begins Shannon’s journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening that will lead to crisis points of decision for herself, for the Devoted and for the world. Its sequel, “The Husbands of Jasirey,” has just been published.
Arnot will talk about not giving up on her dream of being a writer, even into her 60s, as well as about the books and their underlying theme, that love is not merely feelings, thoughts or words. Love is a verb — actions to care for, protect and cherish loved ones, the planet and its people.
Books will be available for purchase at the program.
Slideshow to detail New England hiking opportunities
GREENFIELD — Author Jeff Romano will visit the Greenfield Public Library on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. to give a slideshow presentation highlighting hiking opportunities throughout New England.
The program will cover destinations in all six states with a focus on itineraries featured in his latest guidebook, an updated edition to “100 Classic Hikes New England” (June 2023). Romano will share advice, provide insights, and answer questions on how and where to plan your next hiking adventure. The presentation will also include information on New England wildflowers, birds, wildlife, history and conservation success stories.
Romano is a lifelong New England resident who has been hiking for five decades. He is the author of four other guidebooks. Published by Mountaineers Books, these publications will be available for sale after the presentation.
Blessed Trinity Rosary Society donates to eight recipients
GREENFIELD — Through its fundraising efforts, the Blessed Trinity Rosary Society of Greenfield has made the following donations:
- $200 to the Franklin County Community Chorus.
- $200 to Stone Soup Cafe at All Souls Church.
- $200 to Greenfield Salvation Army.
- $200 to the Sgt. Jacob Garmalo Memorial Fund.
- $300 Shriners Children’s Hospital of Springfield.
- $300 to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield’s Diocanant Fund.
- $500 to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield’s Vocation Fund
- $1,000 to Blessed Trinity Church’s weekly community meals program.
Previous donations have supported the Montague Catholic Social Ministries, Alternatives Pregnancy Center, Warm the Children and Keep Christ in Christmas, as well as Blessed Trinity Church events.
Another fundraising event will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, and Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blessed Trinity Church’s Father Casey Hall, 135 Main St. in Greenfield.
Whately Historical Society president to speak in Greenfield
GREENFIELD — The Historical Society of Greenfield will welcome Neal Abraham, president of the Whately Historical Society, for “60 Years of Building a Historical Society for a Small Town.” The program will be held Wednesday, Oct. 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Greenfield Public Library, following the Historical Society of Greenfield’s annual meeting at 6 p.m.
The Whately Historical Society has spent decades building a well-catalogued archival collection of documents, photos, clothing and material objects showcasing Whately’s history. The society sponsors two festivals each year, organizes thematic exhibits, sends quarterly newsletters to all 850 Whately households, runs an active website and Facebook page, and sends out regular email notifications to more than 350 people who have expressed interest in Historical Society programming.
Abraham is a physicist and a retired academic administrator. He moved to Whately in 2009 and has a lifelong interest in history and archaeology.
‘A Drink of Green’ author coming to library
GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library will welcome local author Julie Gerstman, pen name Leah Rose, to speak on her novel “A Drink of Green” on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 2 p.m. in the Conference Room.
The book’s main character, Lottie Linguini, sees trouble brewing when her husband doesn’t like the healthy food she starts cooking. Then Lottie’s childhood girlfriend shows up.
Gerstman was born in upstate New York in an area very similar to western Massachusetts. She has lived in Hampshire and Franklin counties for 15 years.
Program to explore the ‘Mind of a Killer’
GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library will host John Olszewski on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. for his presentation, “Mind of a Killer.”
Attendees can join Olszewski as he analyzes his collection of artwork and correspondence from more than 100 infamous killers from around the world.
Olszewski has a master’s degree in counseling psychology, a bachelor’s degree in behavioral science and an associate degree in criminal justice. He has worked in jails, prisons, mental hospitals and countless treatment facilities. He has authored two books, “The Long Dark Walk” (2019) and “Serial Shorts” (2022).
Books will be available for purchase at the program.