Professor to explore intersections between colonists, Native Americans after revolution

GREENFIELD — Drew Lopenzina, professor of early American and Native American literatures at Old Dominion University, will speak at the Greenfield Public Library on Wednesday, June 17, at 6 p.m.

The talk, titled “William Apess: Indigenous Prophet of Democracy,” will explore the intersections between colonists and Indigenous cultures in the Northeast in the aftermath of the American Revolution. White leaders foresaw the demise of Indigenous nations, while Pequot minister William Apess spoke to a different kind of historical prophecy, one that challenged the narrative of extinction of Indigenous people.

Dr. Drew Lopenzina reads William Apess’ words and speaks about the concepts of hospitality and settler colonialism as they relate to Indigenous American history. Lopenzina, a speaker at the William Apess Day event on Friday n Colrain, is the author of Apess’ biography and a professor of English at Old Dominion University.
Drew Lopenzina reads William Apess’ words and speaks about the concepts of hospitality and settler colonialism as they relate to Indigenous American history during a previous celebration of William Apess Day in Colrain. Credit: ELLA ADAMS / For the Recorder

Lopenzina’s talk marks the second program in the Historical Society of Greenfield’s summer speaker series.

The Facebook event page can be viewed at tinyurl.com/LopenzinaTalk.

‘Blind in the Baystate’ documentary to be shown at library

GREENFIELD — The Polus Center for Social & Economic Development will hold a screening of its new film, “Blind in the Baystate: Stories from Across the Generations,” at the Greenfield Public Library on Monday, June 22, at noon.

The film highlights a diverse group of legally blind people from Massachusetts, exploring technology and services that have impacted people’s success and public perceptions of blindness. Created by blind and low-vision employees and interns from the Polus Center, it is intended for all audiences: people who are currently sighted, people losing their vision, and people who are blind or low-vision themselves.

This project was partially funded by Mass Humanities, which receives support from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities, and by a grant from the Greenfield Cultural Council.

RSVP by emailing tkane@poluscenter.org or by calling 978-270-2457.

June 22: ‘Demystifying Menopause’

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library will host “Demystifying Menopause: A Workshop for Women Navigating Perimenopause and Menopause” with Jen Batty on Monday, June 22, at 6 p.m.

This workshop will cover what’s really happening to a woman’s body during menopause, and discuss lifestyle tips to improve sleep, brain fog and energy.

Batty is a certified health and wellness coach. She helps women navigating menopause, chronic pain and other health challenges to reconnect with their bodies and feel more like themselves again. To learn more about Batty, visit jenbatty.com.

Violence-prevention expert to discuss crime myths

GREENFIELD — Meg Stone will discuss myths about crime, personal safety and gender-based violence at the Greenfield Public Library on Friday, June 26, at 1 p.m.

A specific image of violence and how to avoid it lives in many people’s imaginations, and some of our worst fears are shaped not by the strongest evidence, but by the most viral horror stories. Stone, a nationally recognized violence-prevention expert, will present an accessible guide that debunks the most pervasive myths about crime and offers evidence-based strategies that improve safety.

Raffle, door prizes awarded

GREENFIELD — The following people won raffle or door prizes at the Blessed Trinity Rosary Society’s recent Tag, Book, Linen, Raffle & Bake Sale:

  • $25 gift certificate to 99 Restaurant — Marcy Hoynoski.
  • $25 gift certificate to Bittersweet Bakery — Michael Goodman.
  • $100 gift certificate to Big Y — Carmen McCloud.
  • $30 gift certificate to 99 Restaurant — Peter Hunsicker.
  • $30 gift certificate to 99 Restaurant — Thomas Russell.
  • $50 gift certificate to Foster’s Supermarket — Joanne Brown.
  • $25 gift certificate to Applebee’s Restaurant — Peter Hunsicker.
  • $25 gift certificate to Longhorn Steakhouse — Carol Holubecki.
  • $25 gift certificate to Freedom Café — Marcy Hoynoski.
  • $25 gift certificate to Panera — John Peters.
  • Lottery wreath — Mike Conway.
  • $25 of roasted turkey — Sandy Kosterman.