‘Only in America: A Brief History of Antisemitism in the U.S.’ program to be held Thursday

SUNDERLAND — The second of two community-building programs focused on discussing antisemitism will be held Thursday, Sept. 26, at the Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., at 6 p.m.

Fitchburg State University professor of English studies Michael Hoberman will discuss how antisemitism in America is distinct from antisemitism in Europe, as he maintains that the cultural and economic landscape here has changed antisemitism’s form and expression. Alongside his discussion, an exhibit, including artwork and photos, as well as a timeline of the history of antisemitism, will be on display at the library for a week following the program.

The programs are hosted by the Sunderland Human Rights Task Force, the First Congregational Church of Sunderland, the Sunderland Public Library, Temple Israel of Greenfield and the Sunderland-based Committee on Understanding Antisemitism.

Deadline to buy tickets for Harvest Dinner is Sept. 29

SOUTH DEERFIELD — The deadline to purchase tickets for the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church’s Harvest Dinner is Sunday, Sept. 29.

The dinner is serving as a fundraiser for the Holy Family Parish Renovation Fund. Tickets are $15 per person and $7 for children ages 6 to 10.

Tickets can be purchased at the Holy Family Parish office, 29 Sugarloaf St., Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. by calling 413-665-3254. Saint Anne’s Sodality members are also selling tickets before and after Sunday Mass.

The dinner will be served by Kathleen Tomaus Catering and will feature roast stuffed pork, mashed potatoes, applesauce, butternut squash and a homemade apple crisp. The meal will be held on Sunday, Oct. 6, from noon to 2 p.m.

Third Fall Fest set for Sept. 29

SOUTH DEERFIELD — The third annual Deerfield Parent-Teacher Association Fall Fest is set for Sunday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Deerfield Elementary School, 21 Pleasant St.

The family-friendly event will bring together vendors, children’s activities and first responders for a day of celebrating fall and the community. Activities include a tug of war, music, food and crafts vendors, viewing of emergency vehicles for kids, face painting and raffles. It will also feature chicken poop bingo from noon to 1 p.m., where folks can pay $5 for a square and potentially win cash.

The event benefits Deerfield Elementary School.

Whately Cultural Council accepting grant applications through Oct. 16

WHATELY — The Whately Cultural Council is accepting applications from organizations, schools and individuals seeking grants to support community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs in 2025. Applications are being accepted now and must be submitted by Oct. 16.

All interested applicants are encouraged to visit the Whately Cultural Council’s page on the Massachusetts Cultural Council website for detailed information on eligibility, funding priorities and application instructions.

The Cultural Council is particularly interested in projects that enhance community-oriented arts, culture and science programs; promote inclusivity; and foster activities that are accessible and available to all ages.

For more information, visit bit.ly/3ZAz9zS.

Watermelon Wednesdays continues with Karrin Allyson on Oct. 2

WHATELY — As part of the Watermelon Wednesdays concert series, five-time Grammy nominee Karrin Allyson is making a stop in Whately on Oct. 2, as she brings a variety of jazz music to folks.

Allyson will take the stage at the West Whately Chapel, 153 Conway Road, at 7:30 p.m. alongside saxophonist Michael Zsoldos and guitarist Jason Ennis. Allyson plays major jazz festivals, venues and clubs around the country, performing several styles of jazz, including hard bop, Brazilian bossa nova and classically inflected pop.

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at watermelonwednesdays.com.

Friends of the Field Memorial Library hosting fall book sale, story walk

CONWAY — The Friends of the Field Memorial Library will host the annual fall book sale at the library, 1 Elm St., on Saturday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 6. There will also be story walks for families.

The annual book sale kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs through 3 p.m. on both days. It features a large selection of books and puzzles. All proceeds benefit the library’s educational and cultural programs.

The story walk will lead families along a path leading to the book sale in the library’s Community Room and will remain up through 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 6. The story is “Fall Leaves Fall!” by Zoe Hall. Activity kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Support for the story walks comes from the Union 38 Family Network.