Leverett celebrates Earth Day with event lineup
LEVERETT — Earth Day events in Leverett will kick off on Saturday, April 11, when the Leverett Plastics Action Group’s annual Earth Day Cleanup returns.
Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., residents can pick up trash and recyclables in spots of their choice to drop off at the Leverett Transfer Station, where fees will be waived for the day for any clutter collected. The participant who collects the most trash will win a Leverett Village Co-op certificate.
To sign up and pick a spot to clean, fill out the online form at bit.ly/LeverettCleanup.
After the April 11 cleanup, residents can stop by Leverett Crafts & Arts for the “Art for the Earth Exhibition.” The reception will be from 1 to 4 p.m. before a performance from 6 to 8 p.m.
On Earth Day, April 22, at 6 p.m., residents can see “Microplastic Madness,” a documentary about Brooklyn fifth graders fighting against plastic pollution, at Leverett Elementary School.
April 12: GCC Community Chorus to perform
SUNDERLAND — The GCC Community Chorus will perform at the First Congregational Church in Sunderland on Sunday, April 12, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Led by Director Margery Heins and accompanied by pianist and organist John Yannis, the group will sing a “Spring Mix!” program with tunes from the Renaissance to the present, including works by composers William Billings, Johannes Brahms, Gabriel Fauré, Andrea Ramsey, Salamone Rossi, Daniel Pinkham and Johann Pachelbel, along with contemporary composer Craig Hella Johnson, whose piece in the program reflects on the 1998 murder of University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard.
With a range of composers, the program pieces together works of different eras and styles, from Hella Johnson’s contemporary cantata to Hebrew music, early Baroque pieces and Billings’ anthem titled “Chester,” described as a forceful abolitionist statement.
While the performance is free, donations are welcome.
April 14: Author to discuss book about nuclear abolition
SUNDERLAND — Northampton-based author and activist Timmon Wallis will dive into his latest book, “Nuclear Abolition: A Scenario,” at the Sunderland Public Library on Tuesday, April 14, at 6:30 p.m.
With a bachelor’s degree in human ecology and a doctorate in peace studies, Wallis works as the national coordinator of the Warheads to Windmills coalition, a group that is “committed to using the Nuclear Ban Treaty and a future Fossil Fuel Treaty as tools to educate people across the U.S. to support the elimination of both nuclear weapons and fossil fuels for the sake of our survival,” the organization’s website reads.
“Nuclear Abolition: A Scenario” marks the latest of Wallis’ three books that explore the use of nuclear weapons. According to a statement from the Sunderland Public Library, Wallis hopes readers walk away from his talk believing an end to nuclear weapons is possible and “not a pipe dream,” with steps already underway. At the library, he plans to explain the importance of nuclear abolition and actions listeners can take to make it possible.
“This is no pie-in-the-sky exercise in wishful thinking; it is the outline of a roadmap for how the world can finally rid itself of these horrible devices, these instruments of genocide and utter annihilation,” said Aaron Falbel, the library’s head of adult services. “It is hard for me to imagine a more important and timely discussion.”
Shoe drive to kick off at Tilton Library
SOUTH DEERFIELD — The Tilton Fund is collecting shoes between April 15 and June 15 to raise funds for the continued renovation of the Tilton Library.
According to a statement from the library, the Tilton Fund will raise money through the fundraising organization Funds2Orgs based on the total weight of the donated shoes. Those who are interested can donate gently worn, used and new shoes as long as the shoes have no holes, mold or dirt and the heels are intact.
Donors can drop shoes off at the library, Deerfield Elementary School, Frontier Regional School, Greenfield Savings Bank and the Sugarloaf Hair Studio in South Deerfield. After that, Funds2Orgs will distribute the shoes to entrepreneurs who are starting or running small businesses in developing countries “where economic opportunity and jobs are limited,” a statement from the library reads.
“We know that most people have extra shoes in their closets they would like to donate to us. By doing so, we raise money for the Tilton Library building expansion, and we have the chance to help families in developing nations who need economic opportunities,” Dennis O’Rourke, who serves on the Tilton Fund board of directors, said in the shoe drive announcement. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”
April 18: Court Dorsey to perform
LEVERETT — As part of Mount Toby Concerts, local songwriter and playwright Court Dorsey will perform on Saturday, April 18, at 7 p.m. at 194 Long Plain Road.
According to Dorsey’s website, the activist has written songs, poems, short stories and theater productions for 50 years, with his work in theater taking him to Boston and Washington D.C. beyond local productions in Amherst and Montague.
Suggested donations for Dorsey’s performance are $15 to $25. For reservations, email reservations@mounttobyfriends.org or call 413-835-5644.
April 18: Field Memorial Library Story Walk Series
CONWAY — The Field Memorial Library’s Story Walk Series will start on Saturday, April 18, with “If You Take a Mouse to School” by Laura Numeroff.
As visitors walk into the library’s Community Room for the spring book sale, they can read pages of “If You Take a Mouse to School” on signs along the path. Kids can also pick up an art project following the book’s theme to take home.
The story walks will continue on the third weekend of the month through October.
Engage: Deerfield hosting ‘Meet the Issues’ event
SOUTH DEERFIELD — For Engage: Deerfield’s monthly “Community Conversation,” the citizens group is hosting “Meet the Issues” on Sunday, April 26, at 3 p.m. at the 1821 Meeting House at 71 North Main St.
Attendees can munch on cookies and sip on warm beverages as they learn about budget hurdles and other town concerns on tap for the May 11 Annual Town Meeting.
“Come get informed — and help keep Town Meeting from becoming an endurance sport,” a statement from Engage: Deerfield reads.
Admission is free and doors will open at 2:45 p.m.