Film screening at Tilton Library to spotlight Pentagon’s toll on the planet
SOUTH DEERFIELD — Journalist and filmmaker Abby Martin’s 2025 film, “Earth’s Greatest Enemy,” will be screened in the Tilton Library’s Community Room on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 6 to 8:30 p.m.
According to South Deerfield resident Laurie Booshada who coordinated the event, the film “documents the colossal, destructive impacts of the Pentagon on the planet, and makes a case for peace, social justice, climate action and ecosystem protection.”
Residents and the Traprock Center for Peace and Justice organized the free film screening. During the movie, attendees can munch on snacks and pizza will be provided at a break in the film. After the film, attendees will discuss the movie and potential steps to take action.
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts celebrating 35th anniversary
WHATELY — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) is looking back on its 35 years in western Massachusetts by partnering with the Resilience Center of Franklin County for the second event in its “Gratitude, Joy and Connection” series on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Quonquont Farm, located at 9 North St.
To mark this milestone, the event will feature local artists who benefited from the foundation’s ValleyCreates program, visual artist and sculptor Adrian Almquist and performance artist Wylder Ayres. ValleyCreates aims to uplift artists in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties with funding, support to build capacity and community building.
“For 35 years, we’ve grown alongside our community to build a stronger Western Massachusetts,” Megan Burke, President and CEO of CFWM, said in a statement. “Events such as this provide an opportunity to celebrate the impact of community nonprofits that we’ve been honored to partner with over these 35 years, such as The Resilience Center of Franklin County, that truly make a difference in our region.”
Those planning to attend are encouraged to RSVP at this link: tinyurl.com/ykxvekpr.
Flood safety informational session, Halloween Party on tap at South County Senior Center
SUNDERLAND — The South County Senior Center will host an informational session with tips on how to stay safe during a flood and take care of a flooded home in the aftermath. The presentation will start at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the South County Senior Center, located at 22 Amherst Road.
Seniors can sport costumes and boogie, snack and sip at the Halloween Party on Friday, Oct. 30, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the First Congregational Church in Sunderland, 91 South Main St. Attendees will also celebrate October birthdays. Costumes are recommended.
Frontier’s Annual Music Telethon returns
SOUTH DEERFIELD — The Annual Music Telethon will return to Frontier Regional School for its eighteenth year on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 9 p.m.
The telethon, run by the school’s Arts Department, will feature performances from Frontier’s many musical groups in the middle and high school. Through donations from underwriters and pledges online and in person, the event raises money for the school’s Music Department. Business underwriters will hear an on-air shoutout for their donations during the telethon.
People interested in pledging a donation can fill out this online form: tinyurl.com/5bjkzn76.
Frontier Community Access Television (FCAT) will livestream the telethon on its YouTube channel.
Sunderland Public Library to host healthcare presentation
SUNDERLAND — People with questions about the future of healthcare can stop by the Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., on Wednesday, Oct. 28, for a free informational presentation at 6:30 p.m.
Dr. Michael Kaplan with the Physicians for a National Health Program, retired Cooley Dickinson Hospital nurse Michele Craig with Western Mass. Medicare for All and Jon Weissman, co-chair of Western Mass. Medicare for All and Legislation Chair for Mass-Care, will discuss the state of the healthcare system and the benefits and drawbacks of single-payer healthcare.
“It has become clear that our current system of healthcare is not working,” said Kim Audette, a member of the Sunderland Human Rights Task Force, the group that organized the event. “It is not affordable, not equitable and not accessible by many. It leaves too many people out in the cold without healthcare, and that is a form of discrimination.”
She said civil rights activist Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “said it well” when he declared, “Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and the most inhuman because it often results in physical death.”
“We have a two-tiered healthcare system in this country: one for the haves and another for the have-nots,” Audette continued. “Basic healthcare should be seen as a right for all, not as a privilege for the few.”
Friends of the Sunderland Public Library’s Annual Autumn Auction to showcase local art and gift cards
SUNDERLAND — The Friends of the Sunderland Public Library will hold its Annual Autumn Auction online from Wednesday, Nov. 4, to Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 6 p.m.
For that week, people can bid on over 185 items, including handmade art and gift cards for local business like Millstone Farm Market and Bridgeside Grille. The drive raises money for the library, where bidders can pick up their items on Nov. 13 and 14.
To bid on a piece, visit the library’s website at this link: tinyurl.com/msk2z4aw.
Ahead of the drive, a few auction items will be on view at the library on Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31.
Community Preservation Committee in Shutesbury accepting grant applications
SHUTESBURY — The Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is accepting grant applications for projects starting in fiscal year 2028 centering Shutesbury’s historic resources, community housing, open space or recreation needs. Dec. 10 is the deadline to submit the Determination of Eligibility, and the deadline to submit the grant application is Feb. 4, 2027.
The Determination of Eligibility form and Grant Application form are available on the CPC website: shutesbury.org/community_preservation, along with more information about the Town’s Community Preservation Act grant process.
Potential applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Shutesbury’s Community Preservation Plan, which is also available on the CPC website. Questions about the application process can be directed to cpc@shutesbury.org.