PVMA announces National Endowment for the Arts Big Read program

DEERFIELD — The Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association (PVMA), in partnership with Montague Public Libraries, has announced its spring programming for the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Big Read. This year’s Big Read explores the theme “Where We Live” through Ross Gay’s poetry collection “Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude.”

The events, running from March through May, include an art exhibit, poetry and writing workshops, an artist talk and a virtual conversation with Gay. The programming highlights themes of gratitude, nature and community, reflecting Gay’s work.

“The NEA Big Read program is meant to inspire meaningful conversations, celebrate local creativity, elevate a wide variety of voices and perspectives, and build stronger connections in our communities,” said PVMA Outreach Coordinator Sheila Damkoehler.

The season opens with “Where We Live, Together,” an exhibit by artist Cameron Schmitz at the Great Falls Discovery Center in Turners Falls, on view from March 1 to May 26, with a reception on March 29. Additional highlights include haiku workshops led by poet Denise Fontaine-Pincince on March 23 and April 5, an artist talk by Arista Alanis on April 6, and a series of writing workshops with singer-songwriter Erica Wheeler in April. Wheeler will also perform at a culminating concert and writers’ showcase on April 27.

All events are free, though some require advance registration. More information and registration links are available at deerfield-ma.org.

First event: March 23

The first event will be held this weekend.

On Sunday, March 23, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Great Falls Discovery Center, Fontaine-Pincince will teach adult participants how to create a “Tiny Book” to showcase a haiku of their choice. Attendees are invited to bring up to five favorite poems to choose from.

All book-making materials — leather, denim, papers, paste, paints and more — will be provided. A letter and sample selection of modern-day, English language haiku will be emailed to participants prior to the workshop.

Register by calling the Carnegie Public Library at 413-863-3214.

Holy Name of Jesus Church hosting food sale on April 12

SOUTH DEERFIELD — The Holy Name of Jesus Church, 15 Thayer St., is hosting a food sale on Saturday, April 12, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Offerings include a variety of Polish food, including homemade pierogies, golumpki, soup, fresh apple pies, baked goods and other assorted food. A raffle will also be held, which will feature prizes of gift baskets, spring items, gift cards and cash.

Frontier Regional School earns financial literacy grant

SOUTH DEERFIELD — Frontier Regional School was awarded a $3,200 financial literacy grant from the state Treasurer’s Office of Economic Empowerment to host a financial education fair, also known as a Credit for Life or reality fair.

The fairs provide an opportunity for students to learn financial planning and budgeting skills. Frontier’s dual career and reality is set for Wednesday, March 26.