Thursday 11/10
The 2016 Election — Issues and Answers: Talk by David Gergen, co-director of the Center for Public Leadership and a professor of public service at the Harvard Kennedy School. 5:45 p.m. Free. Springfield Symphony Hall, 34 Court St., Springfield. (413) 732-2020, springfieldpublicforum.org.
Alien Incarcerations — Migrants in Detention: Panel discussion with scholars, activists, and lawyers on the history and current realities of the migrant detention regime. Public reception to follow, sponsored by the UMass School of Public Policy. 4:30 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.
Checkpoint 2016 Legislative Symposium: With keynote speaker Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito and other esteemed state legislators. Presented by the Holyoke, Chicopee, Easthampton, South Hadley, West of the River, and Westfield Chambers of Commerce. 11:30 a.m. $45. The Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. holyokechamber.com.
Contemporary Book Club: 7 p.m. Free. Jones Library, 43 Amity St., Amherst. (413) 259-3223, joneslibrary.org.
Elder Medical and Financial Planning for Veterans and Dependents: 9 a.m. Free. 282 Avenue A, Turners Falls. greenfield-ma.gov.
English Conversation Group: Facilitated by Michael Pollitt and organized by the Center for New Americans. Drop-in program. 6:30 p.m. Free. Tilton Library, 75 N. Main St., South Deerfield. (413) 665-4683, tiltonlibrary.org.
Equine Affaire: More than 150 sessions, including clinics, on a wide variety of equestrian disciplines in three arenas presented by leading coaches, competitors, and trainers. Thursday to Saturday, 9 a.m to 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $8-$15. Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. (413) 737-2443, equineaffaire.com.
Fall Chrysanthemum Show 2016: Featuring multicolor flower cascades, oversized mum standards, and flowers resulting from hybrids made by the previous year’s horticulture class. Through Nov. 20. $5 suggested donation. Smith College, 10 Elm St., Northampton. smith.edu/events.
Five College Renaissance Seminar: Adam Zucker presents “Antihonorificabilitudinitatibus: Love’s Labour’s Lost and the Pedantic Text.” 4:30 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.
History Without Historians — Textbook Ventures in India and Pakistan: Lecture. 5 p.m. Free. Neilson Library Browsing Room, 7 Neilson Dr., Smith College, Northampton. (413) 585-2190, [email protected].
Holiday Auction and Craft Beer Tasting: Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County’s youth mentoring programs. 6 p.m. $25-$30. The Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Roa, Holyoke. (413) 781-4730, ext. 126; [email protected].
How and Why We Walk Upright — The Evolution of Human Locomotion: With Dr. Brian Umberger. 6 p.m. Free. Nacul Center, 592 Main St., Amherst. [email protected].
Illegals Here, Refugees There, Crisis Everywhere: Giovanna Dell’Orto presents as part of the Social Science Matters speaker series on migration. 4 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.
Impact of July 15 Coup in Turkey: Talk by Soner Cagaptay, of the Turkish Research Program at the Washington Institute. 2 p.m. Free. Campus Center, room 103, Smith College, Northampton. smith.edu/events.
Know the 10 Signs of Alzheimer’s Disease — Early Detection Matters: Talk by Meghan Lemay of the Alzheimer’s Association of Western Massachusetts. 7 p.m. Free. Jones Library, 43 Amity St., Amherst. (413) 259-3223, [email protected].
Lecture by John Moore: Smith College art professor speaks on Giuseppe Vasi’s Panorama of Rome and its related guidebooks: Printmaking, book publishing, and diplomacy in eighteenth-century Europe.” 5 p.m. Free. Weinstein Auditorium, Wright Hall, Smith College, Northampton. (413) 585-2760, smith.edu/artmuseum/events.
Polyamory and Open Relationships 101: Non-monogamy is not all sex, sex, sex, but is actually mostly talk, talk, talk. Unlike monogamy, open relationships rarely come with a list of pre-determined rules, so we need to make our own. But how? Bring a pen and notebook, as each participant will walk away with a customized collection of worksheets and reflections. Followed by Polyamory 201 on Nov. 17. 6:30 p.m. $10-$20. Northampton Friends Meeting House, 43 Center Court, Northampton. yanatallonhicks.com, [email protected].
Reading in Fiction, Poetry, and Non-Fiction: With Nick Fleck, retired teacher and poet. 7 p.m. Free. Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St., Northfield. northfieldpubliclibrary.org.
Red, Black and Scarlet — Identifying Oaks: 7 p.m. Hitchcock Center, 845 West St., Amherst. Register at (413) 584-3009, massaudubon.org.
Towards a Theory of Software Design: Lecture by Daniel Jackson. 4 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.
Veteran’s Day Ceremony: Join the Air Force and Army ROTC in honoring those who have served. Free; registration required. 4 p.m. Memorial Hall, 134 Hicks Way, Amherst. eventbrite.com.
Friday 11/11
140th Anniversary Bash: Festive open house featuring music, art talks. 5:30 p.m. Free. Mount Holyoke College Art Museum, Lower Lake Road, South Hadley. mtholyoke.edu/events.
Amherst International Folkdancing: Line, circle and couple dances from the Balkans, Middle East, and Eastern Europe. No partner needed. Beginner friendly; clean soft-soled shoes needed. 7:30 p.m. Free. Bangs Center, 70 Boltwood Walk, Amherst. amherstfolkdancing.org.
Longmeadow Veterans Town Hall: Community forum aiming to establish a greater understanding between local veterans and the friends and neighbors they fought for. In the tradition of warrior storytelling, veterans are invited to describe the pride, grief, rage, or quiet appreciation of life that the war bestowed upon them. Each veteran will be given up to 10 minutes to speak. Non-veterans are invited to attend, to listen, and to learn. 11 a.m. Free; registration suggested. Longmeadow Community House, 735 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow. eventbrite.com.
November Chamber Breakfast: With speaker John B. Hurst, president of the Retailers Association of Massachusetts. 7:30 a.m. $13. Terrazza Ristorante at the Greenfield Country Club, 171 Country Club Road, Greenfield. franklincc.chambermaster.com.
A Passion for Luxury — Tastemakers and Trendsetters in Early New England, 1715-1815: Lecture. 1 p.m. Free. Historic Deerfield, 84 Old Main St., Deerfield. historic-deerfield.org.
Springfield Martial Arts Fall Classic: Tournament open to any person enrolled in a Villari’s school, from white belt to black belt. There will be over 75 divisions for all age groups and ability levels to keep the competitions small and fair. In addition, the Black Belt Divisions will be on center stage, as will school team demonstrations. Friday and Saturday at 9 a.m. MassMutual Center, 1277 Main St., Springfield. (413) 787-6610, valleyvisitor.com.
Springfield Veterans Day Parade: Starting from the campus of Springfield Technical Community College at 1 Federal St. at 11 a.m, then travelling down State Street, turning onto Main Street, and ending in Court Square at approximately noon. Free. Downtown Springfield. (413) 886-5045.
Tactical Artistry — Remembering 50 Years After the Vietnam War: 5 p.m. Free. Memorial Hall, 240 Main St., Northampton. (781) 346-1175.
Saturday 11/12
Amherst House Tour: Annual event benefits the Amherst Historical Society. Tour includes six points of interest and the Simeon Strong House. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $20-$30 tickets sold online. Simeon Strong House, 67 Amity St., Amherst. (413) 256-0678, amhersthistory.org.
Ancient Stories That Geology Can Tell: 1 p.m. Cave Hill Conservation Area, Leverett. kestreltrust.org.
Annual Crafts of Colrain: 12th annual weekend of local art, music, and good food in the hills. Anvils are ringing, looms clicking, saws buzzing, fabric rustling, and the potter’s wheel is humming as Colrain’s artists prepare to show their work. craftsofcolrain.com. Throughout Colrain.
Button It!: Lecture by textile and costume historian Lynne Zacek Bassett, who will explore the history of buttons and more specifically, button-making in Northampton, in conjunction with the Contemporary Art at Historic Northampton exhibition, Northampton Unbuttoned. 2 p.m. Free. Historic Northampton, 46 Bridge St., Northampton. historicnorthampton.org.
Doctor Who Club: All welcome. Bring snacks. 1 p.m. Free. Forbes Library, 20 West St, Northampton. (413) 587-1011, [email protected], [email protected].
Great Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show: 9:30 a.m. Greenfield Community College, 1 College Dr., Greenfield. gcc.mass.edu/events.
Half Day Retreat for Beginning Meditators: Guided meditation instruction, practice periods, time for questions, and discussion. With Peggy Gillespie. 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $15-$25 suggested donation. Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley, 116 Pleasant St. Suite 242, Easthampton. (413) 527-0388, insightpv.org.
Happier for the Holidays — How to Tackle Your Holiday Stress: With Julia Mines, a life and leadership coach, speaker, and consultant on positive psychology. 3:30 p.m. Free. Forbes Library, 20 West St, Northampton. (413) 587-1011, forbeslibrary.org.
Indian Orchard Mills Open Studios, Art Show, and Sale: 50-plus artists. View the new exhibit in the Dane Gallery, enjoy music and refreshments, and start holiday shopping. Noon. $2 suggested donation. 34-40 Front St., Springfield. (413) 543-3321, indianorchardmills.com.
Mutants and Masterminds!: Play as a superhero and beat up some villains in a comic book-themed RPG. Join at any session; new players welcome. Pre-made characters and dice provided. Hosted by Christopher Paton and Nola Leigh. 1 p.m. Free. Comics N’ More, 31 Union St., Easthampton. (413) 529-0800, comicsnmoreeast.com.
Northampton International Cyclo-Cross: The oldest UCI cyclocross race in the United States. Saturday and Sunday at 8 a.m. $9. Look Park, 300 N. Main St., Florence. (617) 780-5604, [email protected].
Perugia Press 20th Anniversary Reunion Reading: Publishing the best new women poets for 20 years. To celebrate, many award-winning poets return to read. 7:30 p.m. Free. Neilson Browsing Room, Smith College, Northampton. (413) 348-6635, perugiapress.com.
Poetry in the World: An afternoon of free poet-led workshops and conversations. Two sessions with four options each time. No pre-registration, experience or preparation needed. 1 p.m. Free. Poetry Center at Smith College, Northampton. perugiapress.com.
RIFF Talks and Workshops — Identity in Performance: Presented by the School for Contemporary Dance and Thought. Performance, lecture, and workshops with Jaamil Olawale Kosoko (NYC/Philadelphia), Tara Aisha Willis (NYC), Joy Mariama Smith (Amsterdam/Philadelphia), Sara Smith (Amherst), and Cassie Peterson (Northampton). 7:30 p.m. talk, preceded by artist workshops on Saturday, 4-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 3-5 p.m. $10 per performance, or $40 for the weekend. SCDT Studios, 25 Main St., 4th floor, Northampton. (413) 695-1799, scdtnoho.com.
Springfield Martial Arts Fall Classic: See Friday’s listing.
Werk the Runway: Shining the light on artists, musicians, models, designers, and entrepreneurs in the tri-state area. Hosted by Tiara Jay and Charlene Grace. 6 p.m. 103 Springfield St., Chicopee. (617) 415-8835, trueheartentertainment.com.
What Do Publishers Really Want?: An inside look at three small local presses — Green Writers Press, Levellers Press, and Slate Roof Press — who discuss their identities, successes, and what they desire. 10:30 a.m. to noon. Free. Westhampton Public Library, 1 North Road, Westhampton. (413) 348-7365, strawdogwriters.org/events, [email protected].
Sunday 11/13
Annual Crafts of Colrain: See Saturday’s listing.
Book Launch — The Lost Village of Roberts Meadow: Florence author John Clapp reads from his latest book on Northampton’s forgotten settlement. 2 p.m. Free. Historic Northampton, 46 Bridge Road, Northampton. (413) 584-6011, historicnorthampton.org.
A Celebration of Land and Sea — Modern Indigenous Cuisine in New England: Through interviews with Mashpee Wampanoag, Abenaki, Mohegan, and Narragansett cookbook writers, food journalists, powwow cooks, and restaurant owners, Rachel Sayat demonstrates how the Native American people of New England have continued to use the same ingredients that were available at the time of the much misunderstood “first Thanksgiving” to create their own modern indigenous cuisine. 2 p.m. Free. Wistariahurst Museum, 238 Cabot St., Holyoke. wistariahurst.org.
Family Fair and Work at Home Showcase: Hosted by Cultivate and Nest, a collaborative workspace for parents who are entrepreneurs. The event is akin to a table-top expo, offering vendor space for both the businesspeople and their children who may want to display artwork. Also features a panel presentation offering resources and education. Cultivate & Nest, 2 Bay Road, Hadley. [email protected].
Indian Orchard Mills Open Studios, Art Show, and Sale: See Saturday’s listing.
Northampton International Cyclo-Cross: See Saturday’s listing.
Riff Talks and Workshops — Identity in Performance: See Saturday’s listing.
Sunday HeroClix!: Hosted by Jaimie. 1 p.m. Free. Comics N’ More, 31 Union St., Easthampton. (413) 529-0800, comicsnmoreeast.com.
Yarn Spinners: 3 p.m. Free. Meekins Library, 2 Williams St., Williamsburg. meekins-library.org.
Monday 11/14
Historic Preservation for a More Just World: Moderators Max Page and Marla Miller engage panelists and the audience in an open discussion of the future of historic preservation. 7 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.
Odyssey Crime Club: 7 p.m. Free. Odyssey Bookshop, Village Commons, South Hadley. (413) 534-7307, odysseybks.com.
Resiliency and Stress Management Workshop: Facilitator Rita Schiano believes that the way stress impacts us does not necessarily have to be negative, and that all of us have the capacity for resilience behaviors, thoughts, skills, and actions. 6:30 p.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665-2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.
Thich Nhat Hanh Sangha: 6 p.m. Free. The Edwards Church, 297 Main St., Northampton. (207) 841-5419.
Tuesday 11/15
Chess Club: Led by Andy Morris-Friedman. Sessions begin with lessons and strategy and end with free play. All ages and abilities. 6-7 p.m. weekly. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665-2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.
Children’s Book Writers Group: Adults who write for children are invited to attend a critique group, facilitated by Nell Wright. 6-8 p.m. Free. Greenfield Public Library, 402 Main St., Greenfield. greenfieldpubliclibrary.org.
Fiber Arts Circle: Weekly meet-up for wool crafts of all stripes: knitting, crochet, spinning, etc. Bring your own materials. 11 a.m. Free. Make It Springfield, 168 Worthington St., Springfield. (413) 454-1195, [email protected].
Genealogy: If you already enjoy doing genealogical work, or you are just getting the bug and want help getting started, this group is made up of people who can’t wait to help. 6:30 p.m. Free. Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St, Northfield. northfieldpubliclibrary.org.
The Great LOL of China: Jesse Appell explains Chinese culture through jokes, tells hilarious stories about working through censorship, and shares what it’s like being the funniest Jewish comedian in a country weirdly obsessed with Jews. 4 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.
Historicizing the Carceral State — Race, Sex, and Power in Early America: Lecture by Jen Manion, associate professor of history at Amherst College. Part of the Feinberg Family Distinguished Lecture Series. 5 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.
Introduction to the Public Art Process Workshop: Participants will receive an overview of the unique issues, skills needed, and steps required to create a competitive public art project application. 5:30 p.m. Free. Jones Library, 43 Amity St., Amherst. (413) 259-3223, joneslibrary.org.
Northampton Poetry Open Mic: 8 p.m. $3-$4. World War II Club, 50 Conz St., Northampton. northamptonpoetry.com.
Wednesday 11/16
Book Launch — The Stages of Memory: James E. Young, professor of English and Judaic studies at UMass Amherst and founding director of the Institute for Holocaust, Genocide, and Memory Studies, has served on juries that selected designs for the 9/11 Memorial and the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. 4:30 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.
Coloring for Adults: 7 p.m. Free. Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St., Northampton. (413) 587-1228, [email protected].
Creating a Positive Experience in Daily Living: Discussion about empowerment led by Casey Attebery. 10 a.m. Free. Amherst Community Connections, 121 North Pleasant St., Amherst. (510) 290 6743, [email protected].
International Coffee Hour: Enjoy great conversation with students and UMass community members over free coffee, tea, and tasty snacks. Co-sponsored by Student Affairs and Campus Life and the International Programs Office. 4 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.
Legal Activism and Deportation Resistance: Talk by Lelia Kawar as part of the Resistance Studies Initiative Fall Speaker Series. 4 p.m. Free. 300 Massachusetts Ave., UMass Amherst. umass.edu/events.
Russian Revolution Lecture: “North and South — Jewish Culture Wars in 19th-Century Russia.” With Olga Litvak. 7 p.m. Free. 10 Elm St., Smith College, Northampton. smith.edu/events.
Stories of Encouragement, Strength and Hope: Local mothers share their experiences with addiction, recovery and peer mentoring. 7 p.m. Free. Greenfield Community College, 1 College Dr., Greenfield. gcc.mass.edu/events.
Town Hall Meeting for Veterans: Noon. Free. Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St., Northampton. [email protected].
Parent-Friendly Events for Kids
THURSDAY: Music and Movement: 10 a.m. weekly. Free. Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls. Montaguepubliclibraries.org.
FRIDAY: Book Group: For kids in grades 3-4. 2 p.m. Free. Dickinson Memorial Library, 115 Main St., Northfield. northfieldpubliclibrary.org.
Drop-In Playground: 9:30 a.m. Sunderland Elementary School, 1 Swampfield Dr., Sunderland. (413) 665-1151.
Family Frolic: 10:30 a.m. Free. Gaylord Library, 47 College St., South Hadley. (413) 538-5047, gaylordlibrary.org.
Hadley Playgroup: For children 5 and under. Weekly. 9:30-11:30 a.m. Whole Children, 41 Russell St., Hadley. (413) 587-1471, [email protected].
Mother Goose on the Loose: Hands-on early learning with songs, rhymes, and activities geared for the 3 and under crowd. No sign-up needed. Every Tuesday and Friday, 10-10:45 a.m. Greenfield Public Library, 402 Main St., Greenfield.
Story Time: 11 a.m. Free. Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., Sunderland. (413) 665 2642, sunderlandpubliclibrary.org.
Weekly Playgroup: 9 a.m. Free. Shutesbury Elementary School, 23 W. Pelham Road, Shutesbury. (978) 544-5157.
SATURDAY: Try Hockey for Free Day: Hosted by the Amherst Hockey Association. For boys and girls ages 4 and up. No skating experience required. Free skate rentals; bring winter gloves and a bicycle or hockey helmet. 1-3 p.m. Free. Mullins Center Community Rink, 200 Commonwealth Ave., UMass Amherst. (413) 883-9258, amhersthockey.org, [email protected].
MONDAY: Northampton Parents Center: 9:30 a.m. Free. Edwards Church, 297 Main St., Northampton. northamptonparentscenter.org.
TUESDAY: Craft Time: For children of all ages. 3:30 p.m. Free. Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls. (413) 863-3214, montaguepubliclibraries.org.
Mother Goose on the Loose: See Friday’s listing.
Playgroup: Unstructured play in the children’s room. 10 a.m. Free. Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls. (413) 863-3214, montaguepubliclibraries.org.
WEDNESDAY: Homeschool Science: Activities for homeschoolers of all ages and their caregivers. 1 p.m. Free. Carnegie Library, 201 Avenue A, Turners Falls. (413) 863-3214, montaguepubliclibraries.org.
Chess Club: All ages. 5:30-7:45 p.m. Speed tournaments with prizes held on the last Wednesday of each month. Greenfield Public Library, 402 Main St., Greenfield. greenfieldpubliclibrary.org.
Story Hour and Play Time: 10:30 a.m. Free. Edwards Library, 30 East St., Southampton. (413) 527-9480, southamptonlibrary.org.
