May 29th – June 4th

The Valley Nerd Watch!

Have a good Memorial Day tomorrow, readers!

Get excited for the June 12th Nerd Nite at the World War 2 Club in Northampton! It’s going to be about the vagaries of our economic system, which is a topic both tragic and comic! Kind of comediotragious, which is a word to describe that sentiment we just invented.

Check out the Western MA Film Maker’s Group! They’re having a get-to-know-you potluck June 11th! If you are interested in making films and you live around here you really kind of have no excuse, there’s not going to be a more specifically tailored group for you to hang out with we don’t think.

We would like to also take the opportunity this week to point you toward a bunch of locals with Patreons:

–Worlds Without Master is a great fantasy RPG/Story/Comic magazine!

–Xenoglyph is a bunch of neat art and RPGs and writing and such!

–Meguey Baker is a lot of interesting games in the vein of like… tag. Real base-level intriguing social games.

–Legends of Fomora is a fantasy comic about a place with children adventurers and ant-creatures and magic and very dangerous forests and the first arc is pretty neat!

–KC Green is the person from the Valley that has maybe most made a splash in the general culture? He’s also very good at making comics!

And that’s not even all of them! Wow, we do have a vibrant creative community full of people who definitely deserve to get some of your cash, don’t we?

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Wednesday, May 31st
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Ukulele With David Hyde Costello
Learn to play ukulele in a nice environment! No musical background neecessary, beginners welcome! It’s free and open to adults onnly, register at (413) 283-3330!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Needle Felting and Fiber Crafts
Create beautiful needle and fibercrafts! The helpful and talented Lisa Melnick will teach you to create three-dimensional objects out of simple materials! You should bring some materials if you’d like, and supplies will be available for purchase at the library!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Writing Room Reading
Listen to a reading of some of the work from a bunch of different writers who’ve been hanging out and working at Forbes! Naila Moreira, Susan Stinson, Alice Thomas, and many more will be there to share their work!
Thursday, June 1st
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Teen Writing Workshop
Instructor Abby Forcier will be on hand to offer guidance and support for any written work you care to produce! Anything that strikes your interest you can work on and then share with the group if you like!
Emily Dickinson Museum [280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002] at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Amherst Arts Night Plus
Open mic! Poetry Reading! A one-night special art exhibit! Open mic signups from 5pm – 6pm, and then it begins at 6pm. The featured poets are Tara Jean Bernier and Catherine Weiss, and the featured artist is Julia Waves.

Board Games:

Wednesday, May 31st
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Game On!
Board games in the teen room! Have fun with the library collection or bring your own!

Books:

Saturday, June 3rd
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Holyoke Remembers Mary Doyle Curran
Mary Doyle Curran was a writer born in Holyoke in 1917, who got a PhD and then was a professor at UMass Boston! She was an important part of the Irish American community and keynote speaker Jules Chametzky will let you know more about this neat person! And there’s a bus tour of Curran’s Holyoke!

Comic Books:

Saturday, June 3rd
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Wonder Woman Day
Celebrate Wonder Woman during the opening weekend of the film! GPL will have exhibits, activities, freebies, screenings of the original “Wonder Woman” TV show, and more! All ages are welcome, and the event takes place throughout the library!

Community:

Saturday, June 3rd
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Kick-off Party: Awareness Fair, Summer Reading Sign-ups, and Book Sale
Stroll through a Bazaar on the West Lawn and meet people from various community organizations to learn what they do, sign up for summer reading, see the AEIO Ukes perform, get a balloon twisted by local jim Jim, see Percy Jackson the therapy dog do freestyle tricks, get a temporary tattoo, and buy some great books! A spectacular day for the whol family!

Entertainment:

Friday, June 2nd
Emily Dickinson Museum [280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002] at 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Garden Days
Help make the Dickinson Museum beautiful by helping out in the garden! Join a group of other friendly volunteers to cultivate the beautiful grounds! No need to be an expert, just learn from the folks who volunteer there all the time! You can also tour the archeaological dig going on at the same time!
Emily Dickinson Museum [280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002] at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The Products of My Farm Are These: Farming with the Dickinsons
Landscape historian and garderner Marta McDowell will lead a program about the various edibles that the Dickinson’s grew, cooked, and ate! You’ll also see how you can grow your own delicious fruits and vegetables in your own New England garden! This will take place both indoors and outdoors, so dress for the weather! It’s $10 for museum members and $13 for non-members!
Saturday, June 3rd
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Super PAC Band: An Acoustic Concert on the grounds of Historic Northampton
Historic Northampton will host the Super PAC Band, a group of talented local musicians who “play for the general good will and your listening pleasure!” Sounds delightful! Bring a blanket, picnic, and your friends and family!

Kids:

Saturday, June 3rd
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Wonder Woman Day
Create your own superhero identity! Make a unique symbol for them and a backstory, and also work on some Wonder Woman coloring pages! Recommended for ages 4-11! There’s still time to get your character into Justice League or Infinity War if they’re neat enough!

Movies:

Tuesday, May 30th
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Teen Movie: A Thousand Words
Watch Eddie Murphy in a really odd family film that takes an old aphorism and turns it into a sort of terrifying curse designed to teach someone how to listen better via the threat of death. Gruesome!
Wednesday, May 31st
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 8:30 PM to 9:50 PM
Moana Lawn Screening
Hang out on the library lawn for a screening of the recent hit Disney animated movie Moana! When a terrible curse is incurred by the demigod Maui, a chieftan’s daughter answers the call to set things right! Free for all, bring blankets and a picnic!
Sunday, June 4th
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art [125 West Bay Rd., Amherst, MA 01002] at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Cinema Sunday: Funny Face (1957)
Enjoy a screening of a classic musical at the Carle! A romatic comedy starring Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn, and Kay Thompson! We presume that like many Fred Astaire films there’s a strong subplot about the community organizing behind all those coordinated song and dance acts.
Yiddish Book Center [1021 West St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Film: The Green Park
The story of The Green Park, a glamorous hotel on the British Riveria! The kosher establishment opened in 1943, and this film follows decades of Jewish history that took place in and around it.

Science:

Saturday, June 3rd
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Massachusetts Birds of Prey
We’re kind of assuming this is just a big room full of birds of prey. Watch out! They’ll scratch you right up.

May 22nd – May 28th

The Valley Nerd Watch!

Boss Baby was oddly good, some real nice physical comedy animating from Dreamworks. Good job, Dreamworks! Good job team of probably 100 animators doing some of the most grueling and boring work possible for only acceptable pay!

We would also like to point you once again to the excellent new Valley meetup about film making! The Western MA Film Makers Meetup! It is neat, and it’s a good excuse to go to fun events and meet new people to spend time with. Who doesn’t need a bit of that in their lives?

Also! News this week: Greenfield Games changed locations! They’re no longer renting, either! They bought a place just down the street from their old location. It’s a bit bigger, a bit nicer, and in general it seems things are going well for them. Look for them at 228 Main St. in Greenfield!

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Anime Club:

Wednesday, May 24th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Anime Club
Anime! Anime is sometimes great and sometimes not, debate which anime are which with some pals at this club!

Art:

Thursday, May 25th
Mead Art Museum [41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA 01002] at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Summer Exhibitions Opening Reception
Celebrating the opening of summer exhibitions, featuring alumni artists and collectors! THere are delicious refreshments and there’s a bar if you’re over 21! Well, technically there’s a bar whether even if you’re under 21, it’s just that if you’re under 21 the bar won’t give you alcohol. Free and open to the public!
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Teen Writing Workshop
Instructor Abby Forcier will be on hand to offer guidance and support for any written work you care to produce! Anything that strikes your interest you can work on and then share with the group if you like!
Friday, May 26th
Mead Art Museum [41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA 01002] at 2:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Gallery Talk: Artist Michael Mazur ’57
Betsy Garand, Senior Resident Artist at Amherst College and Gail Mazur, poet and wife of the late Michael Mazur ’57. This event is in conjunction with an exhibit of his work, and it’s free and open to the public!

Board Games:

Tuesday, May 23rd
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Game On!
Board games in the teen room! Have fun with the library collection or bring your own!

Community:

Monday, May 22nd
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 7:45 PM
Animal Friend Loss Support Group
We’re pretty sure this is a support group for those of you who have lost an animal friend, which is very sad. If it turns out that the support group is entirely made up of animals talking to each other about friends they have lost we apologize but there was no description on the site!
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Financial Skills
Learn to save! Learn to spend! Learn to hide quarters behind the ears of other people! All the necessary skills to become a financial wizard!
Tuesday, May 23rd
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 5:15 PM to 7:00 PM
Greenfield Tree Committee
Do you like trees? Want to have some say about where and when trees appear in Greenfield? This is literally the only group for you!
Wednesday, May 24th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Safe Schools Safe Streets Coalition
No description for this one but we have the impression they don’t actually mean they want to keep the physical schools and the physical streets safe but are using those as a sort of synechdoche for the community itself and in particular children within the community.

Kids:

Tuesday, May 23rd
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art [125 West Bay Rd., Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Whole Book Approach Storytime with Megan Dowd Lambert
Families will enjoy a Whole Book Approach storytime with Megan Dowd Lambert, author and Senior Lecturer in Children’s Literature at Simmons College!
Wednesday, May 24th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Young Writer’s Group
“Author and teacher Nell Wright will work with young writers ages 10-14 on Wednesdays. The group will meet in the Greenfield Room from 4 -5pm. The group is limited to 8 participants and preregistration is required. Call 413-772-1544 extension 5 for more information. This class is free thanks to the Friends of the Greenfield Public Library.”

Movies:

Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Teen Movie: A Thousand Words
Watch Eddie Murphy in a really odd family film that takes an old aphorism and turns it into a sort of terrifying curse designed to teach someone how to listen better via the threat of death. Gruesome!

RPGs:

Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
RPG Club
Play RPGs with some people! They’re going to be great and so are you! Try playing World Wrestling RPG! It’s fun trust us.

Science:

Tuesday, May 23rd
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Food and Habitat for Pollinators through the Seasons
What plants attract pollinators to your garden? What will make bees and butterflies really jazzed to see your plants? Ashley Schenk has been teaching permaculture-based landscape design since 2011, having founded Broadfork Permaculture. Learn how to plant, what to plant, and how to create neat wildflower meadows!

May 15th – May 21st

The Valley Nerd Watch!

Hello folks! Happy Mother’s Day! On this day we want to call out our extremely excellent mom! She’s pretty great, she supports us on Patreon which is very appreciated, and it is her combination of community spirit and an intense sublimated orneriness that we call upon to do our weekly rounds! Thanks mom for everything and let us know if you need anything because we’re in some deep debt to you at this point.

Also speaking of our dear mom, we’d like to call out a local artist: Mary May! We got one of her neat freehand fractal paintings as a gift for our mom and we like them a lot, and she also makes jewelry and does some oil painting work. Check her out on Instagram at @mmayjewelry and ask for commissions via mmayjewelry [at] gmail [dot] com! You can also head to the Shelburne Falls Coffee on King St. in Northampton to purchase her work on display and also to say “I enjoy your work so much I want to give you money for it” which will make her happy!

We’d like to again call specific attention this week to the newly formed Western MA Film Makers Group! Per their description: “Western MA Filmmakers Group is a chance for people making film to network, attend events, and build community.”

Are you interested in creating film, or just a big fan of film in general? Meet up with fellow “cinephlicks” as everyone agrees we should call them and share, discuss, question, brainstorm, and in general get some support, feedback, and community!

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Wednesday, May 17th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Needle Felting and Fiber Crafts
Sculpt three-dimensional objects in felt! Make jewelry! Sculpt faces, make figures, embellish clothing with needle felting! Felting needles and supplies will be available for purchse! Feel free to bring your own projects to work on with fellow felters!
Friday, May 19th
Emily Dickinson Museum [280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002] at 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Poetry Discussion Group: Reading Dickinson through Different Critical Lenses
“Part 2 of this two-part session will include a review of the sociological lenses applied in Part 1 and an introduction to one or more psychological lenses (Freudian, archetypal). Participants will look at several more Dickinson poems using a variety of approaches. The session will conclude with a discussion of the value added from applying critical theories to Dickinson’s poetry.”

Board Games:

Wednesday, May 17th
The Brass Cat [65 Cottage St #101, Easthampton, MA 01027] at 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Wednesday Games at the Brass Cat!
Wednesday Games this week features a gigantic game! Mechs vs. Minions is a big old sort of board-game tower-defense that seems neat and has really cool miniatures! As always the Brass Cat is a delightful bar with a nice little outdoor terrace and the regular Wednesday Games crowd is friendly and eager to teach you fun games!

Books:

Monday, May 15th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Author Reading and Signing – Roxann Davis
Local mystery novel writer Roxann Davis will be reading from her debut novel! The novel, “Nightbeat”, will be available for sale at 25% off and every sale will be donated to the GPL! What a lovely thing to do. Refreshments will also be served!
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Conversation with Author Series: Mary Newman and her book, “Edible Flowers”
“Most of us like to look at them, but why on earth would anyone want to eat them? As Constance L. Kirker and Mary Newman show in this book, however, flowers have a long history as a tasty ingredient in a variety of cuisines. The Greeks, Romans, Persians, Ottomans, Mayans, Chinese, and Indians all knew how to cook with them for centuries, and today contemporary chefs use them to add something special to their dishes.” Delicious flowers!
Tuesday, May 16th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Children’s Book Writers Group
Do you write children’s books? Come hang with fellow writers and discuss the process! Learn the business from pros, offer advice and feedback to fellow artists, generally come together and talk about making art for young folk!
Wednesday, May 17th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Renee Ahdieh, Flame in the Mist, & Holly Black, The Darkest Part of the Forest
Two excellent authors discuss and present readings from two wonderful books! Flame in the Mist is about the daughter of a samurai who’s an alchemist! She gets embroiled in an assassination plot and infiltrates the very clan of assassins sent to kill her! The Darkest Part of the Forest is about a young woman living in a world that intersects with the fairy realm and a mysterious boy in the glass coffin that finally wakes up!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) Writing Critique Group
“Writers of picture books, middle grade and YA meet to read and receive feedback about their work-in-progress from the group, facilitated by leaders following the SCBWI guidelines. You don’t have to be a member of SCBWI to participate.” Make your writing better!
Friday, May 19th
Gateway City Arts [92 Race St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Dennis Lehane, Since We Fell
Since We Fell follows former journalist Rachel Childs, who lives as a shut-in after an on-air mental breakdown. Otherwise she’s doing alright, until she’s sucked into a terrifying conspiracy! Rachel has to deal with some real tough times for certain.
Sunday, May 21st
Yiddish Book Center [1021 West St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Lucky Broken Girl with Ruth Behar
Based on Behar’s own childhood, Lucky Broken Girl is a coming-of-age story about a young Cuban-Jewish immigrant girl as she adjusts to her new life in New York City.

Card Games:

Saturday, May 20th
Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Amonkhet Game Day
We’re just assuming this is a Magic the Gathering thing based on “game day” and now we’re going to check! ~time passes~ YES IT WAS! Dang we’ve gotten acceptable at this. Play Magic! Get some booster packs! Engage successfully in that hobby you like!

Comic Books:

Monday, May 15th
Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Queers in Comics and Games
Talk to excellent people about comics and board games and video games, it’s a lovely time! Moderated by the magnanimous manager of Modern Myths, Melissa, you can rest assured that it’ll be a good chat!

Community:

Monday, May 15th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Palmer Town Council Community Meeting
Meet up to discuss the present and future of Palmer, a nice town! You probably don’t go to all of these we are guessing because town council meetings can be a bit boring, but it’s also the place you can sloooowly steer the Ship of Town toward things you think are useful and dang if you are not doing it imagine your least sensible neighbor doing it! Because they are, they’re working to officially designate your home as a Tire Fire Preserve and Place Where Foxes Can Do That Terrifying Yelling All The Time.
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Citizen Discussion Group
Discuss things with your fellow citizens!
Tuesday, May 16th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Round the World Women
We have no information about this whatsoever so we’re assuming it’s a sort of documentary about what it was like to be around the World Women, a superhero team.
Saturday, May 20th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Book, Bake, and Plant Sale
Special offer on books! Get a GROCERY BAG of books between 1pm and 3pm for just $7! Come earlier if you’re looking for quality instead of quantity. Also, eat some good baked goods and maybe grab a few plants to brighten up your domicile! Everything you need in one place: the Sunderland Public Library!
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Speak Up for Change for Women
Practice speaking up in a supportive environment that will help you get better at advocating for political change! We frankly go into a sort of fuge state of nerves when speaking in public that we only hope results in being convincing so we are totally into the idea of learning to better express important political points! There’s never been a more important time to really loudly insist that people don’t do horrifying things.

Computers:

Thursday, May 18th
Mount Holyoke College [50 College St, South Hadley, MA] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
May 2017 Western Mass Drupal Users Group Meeting
“Those who attended Drupalcon 2017 Baltimore will talk about the event and sessions they liked. We will also have a discussion about how to structure our meetings in the future, using ideas from the Boston Drupal Group and others. Hope to see you there!”
Northampton Community TV [380 Elm St., Northampton, MA] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WordPress Developers and Admins
Do you work with WordPress? So do a bunch of other people in the Valley! Provide your expertise or call upon the expertise of others to solve problems and generally make WordPress work for you!

Entertainment:

Monday, May 15th
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Labyrinth Around America Tour
Huh, what an interesting thing! “Labyrinth Around America is a an initiative to take a labyrinth around the United States, making stops in each state that marks the border of the mainland … the initial intention is to encircle the mainland with a trail of positive energy, bringing an invitation for people to come together in walking this wonderful path.”
Thursday, May 18th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Cookies with a Curator
Informal conversation, show and tell with objects in the Forbes Collection, snacks! What a delightful time.
Saturday, May 20th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM
Truth to Power: Writers Respond to the Rhetoric of Hate and Fear
“Cutthroat, A Journal of the Arts presents poetry and prose from writers from the Connecticut River Valley, Marilyn Nelson, Doug Anderson, Leslie McGrath, Kate Bell, and Howie Faerstein.” Hear from a lot of good writers and poets!

History:

Wednesday, May 17th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Donald Blais, Jr. Speaks About President John F. Kennedy
A talk in honor of the 100th anniversary of the President’s birthday, May 29th. It’s free and open to the public, so get out there and learn about one of the significant figures of the American 20th century!

Kids:

Tuesday, May 16th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Teen Graphic Novel & Fan Fiction Club
Open to all 12-17 year-old fans of Graphic Novels! What do you like? What don’t you like? Do you write fan fiction? Do you read fan fiction? All are welcome! Share what you read and write with fellow fans!
Wednesday, May 17th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday Wizards
“Wednesday Wizards: Learning and fun at the Library, meets from 4pm-5pm in the LeVanway Room of Greenfield Public Library. Kids become wizards of science and learn various concepts with experiments. Each session a guest presenter will introduce a science concept with a book and activity sure to inspire creativity. This activity is open to all and free thanks to the Friends of Greenfield Public Library.”
Saturday, May 20th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Llamas in Pajamas in the Library!
Meet a llama! A real llama! They’re adorable! Aaaah some of them have little poofy hairdos and that’s wonderful, but all of them are like super long-necked dogs with very soft fur! Then Debbie from Country Quilt Llama Farm and her excellent llama you just met will share the story Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney and teach kids about what llamas do!
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Girl Scout Information Day
Elena of Avalor, who appears to be pretty danged awesome, isn’t afraid to try new things, and neither are Girl Scouts! Learn what it is to be a Girl Scout with an Elena of Avalor themed activity!

Movies:

Wednesday, May 17th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Global Warming Documentary
What we know: “The National Alliance of Concerned Americans for the Well- Being of All People are sponsoring the movie with discussion and Q & A.” what we don’t know: what movie is playing.

May 8th – May 13th

The Valley Nerd Watch!

Hello and yes! We’re back! This is again a live feed of everything interesting that we can remember to tell you about in the area that we define as the Pioneer Valley which roughly conforms to the common physical locations named as such.

We’d like to call specific attention this week to the newly formed Western MA Film Makers Group! Per their description: “Western MA Filmmakers Group is a chance for people making film to network, attend events, and build community.”

Are you interested in creating film, or just a big fan of film in general? Meet up with fellow “filmeophans” as everyone agrees we should call them and share, discuss, question, brainstorm, and in general get some support, feedback, and community!

The first event they’re all headed to this week is the Focus Locus Presents: Selected Shorts by Kramer, Perry, & Sanders! Check it out in their inimitable company this Tuesday, May 9th, at 7:00 PM at the Parlor Room at Signature Sounds [32 Masonic St., Northampton, MA 01060]. Afterward they’ll do a Producers Group, during which they’ll give a rundown of the sort of supportive feedback they’re hoping to provide at these meetups!

Also of note this week: On May 9th, A.E.G.I.S: Combining Robot Strategy Game will be relaunching their Kickstarter! They’ve got a slightly lower goal, a slightly prettier game, and the same excellent basic gameplay that we so enjoyed when we played it last year! You should definitely check it out when it goes live and see the Facebook Launch Party group!

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Monday, May 8th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Animal Rocks!
Make some cute animal rocks to spruce up anywhere that needs sprucing! You can even just place them around town if you want. Paint them so they look cute and make you happy! Sign up in advance at the library if you can by calling 413-665-2642.
Wednesday, May 10th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Forbes Library Zine Club
ZINES! Zines for teens! Zines for fiends! Zines for beans! Bean zines for green teen machines! There’s never enough! Talk, create, have a good time!
Friday, May 12th
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Opening Reception for “Laws Change. People Die. The Land Remains” curated by Sally Curcio and Anna LaPrade Seuthe
“An exhibition of paintings and sculpture by five Western Massachusetts artists who reflect on how our actions impact the landscape. The five artists are Jesse Connor, Sally Curcio, Karen Evans, Anne LaPrade Seuthe and Jenny Tibbetts.” – Sounds like a wondeful opportunity to expand your mind, get to know the area beter, and eat small cheeses.
Smith College Museum of Art [20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063] at 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Free Second Friday
Free artwork! Free culture! Generally being immersed in the wonder of an excellent local museum!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Arts Night Out Reception for Northampton High School Student Art Exhibition
“Student artwork from the Foundations of Art, Drawing & Painting 1 & 2 , Ceramics 1 , Sculpture and Honors Art 1-4 classes at Northampton High School will be exhibited. The selection of artwork is curated by teachers Lisa Leary and Sheryl Jaffe, who collectively teach approximately 200 students each year.”
Saturday, May 13th
Emily Dickinson Museum [280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Poetry Walk
“The Emily Dickinson Poetry Walk marks the anniversary of the poet’s death (on May 15, 1886) with readings of her poetry at historic sites in Amherst. This spring’s Walk will feature Dickinson’s works inspired by the natural world and the plants she grew in her conservatory at the Homestead, which has been restored this spring.” Conduct the rites that keep Dickinson contained! Seal her grave anew!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 3:45 PM
Weaving Social and Political Issues into your Writing
“Join authors Naila Moreira and Ellen Meeropol for a two hour writing workshop. We’ll focus on ways to weave thorny issues – climate change, racism, war – into our fiction and nonfiction. Come prepared to imagine, to hope, and to write. Ellen Meeropol is the author of the political and environmentally-themed novels House Arrest, On Hurricane Island, and Kinship of Clover. Naila Moreira, author of poetry chapbooks Gorgeous Infidelities and Water Street, has written nonfiction for The Boston Globe, Seattle Times, Daily Hampshire Gazette and other publications.”

Board Games:

Friday, May 12th
Burger King Community Room [344 King St., Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM
Tabletop Game Night
“Bring a game that you’d like to share, if you have one. Beginners are welcome. We most often play Euro strategy games, but you are welcome to bring any game you’d like to share. Some of the games we’ve played in the past include: Pandemic, 7 Wonders, Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, Settlers of Catan, Dominion. The Community Room is all the way in the back. If you come in the side entrance, the room is directly to your right. If you come in the main entrance, just head to your right, then straight back. “
Saturday, May 13th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Palmer Scholastic Chess Tournament
Four sections: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, 10-12, round one starts at 10am on the dot! There’s a four-round swiss system and tropies to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each category! Entry is free, and you should bring a chess set and clock if you have them and a bagged lunch! For a power play just bring an edible chess set for lunch, that’s intimidating.

Books:

Wednesday, May 10th
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Samuel E. Abrams talks about “Education and the Commercial Mindset”
“Drawing on his book, Education and the Commercial Mindset (Harvard University Press, 2016), Sam Abrams, a Holyoke native, will discuss the divergent paths taken by education policymakers in Chile, Finland, Sweden, and the United States. In addition, Abrams will address the implications of Donald Trump’s presidency for schooling in the United States. Joining Abrams on stage for a Q&A will be Gus Morales, another Holyoke native and a veteran local teacher.” Understand why you were educated in the manner you were educated! Get a clear picture of what it is that US education policy prioritizes and what you can do about it!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM
Writers as Climate Activists
“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our time, threatening the very fabric of our society. Here, three writers use fiction, young adult fiction, and memoir to explore this thorny problem.” Ellen Meeropol, Brian Adams, and Jennifer Browdy will read at this event.
Thursday, May 11th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Hala Alyan, Salt Houses
“Lyrical and heartbreaking, Salt Houses is a remarkable debut novel that challenges and humanizes an age-old conflict we might think we understand—one that asks us to confront that most devastating of all truths: you can’t go home again.” We actually have found that we’ve been able to go home again. You’re just generally not allowed back in the the door so you just need to critique the new family’s garden from the other side of the street.
Saturday, May 13th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 4:00 PM to 4:45 PM
Water Street Book Launch
“Author reading and signing with Naila Moriera, Forbes Library’s Writer in Residence. Set at an old converted farmhouse apartment by the Mill River, the poems of Water Street explore the tension between freedom and domesticity as reflected in the natural world: the minks, bats, frogs, spiders, and wasps, as well as the plants and trees and the river itself. “

Community:

Monday, May 8th
Westhampton Public Library [Town of Westhampton, One South Road Westhampton, MA 01027] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Women, Crime, and Justice: Mass Incarceration and Mothering
“Nicole Hendricks of HCC will present. The number of women behind bars or under some form of correctional control has risen significantly in the last four decades, where now, no country incarcerates more women than the United States. At the intersections of this crisis, we find disproportionate numbers of women of color, and poor women, many of whom leave behind children, and are more likely to be locked up thousands of miles away from those children. What are the collateral consequences for our communities when parenting takes place behind bars?”
Tuesday, May 9th
Yiddish Book Center [1021 West St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
“The Future of Hate” with Ilan Stavans
“Anti-Semitism remains an inextricable part of contemporary life. In today’s America, it finds partners in unlikely places, from the government to college campuses to rural communities. In this series of three talks, each with a different focus, author and Amherst College Professor Ilan Stavans considers the “new normal” in today’s United States and the ways anti-Semitism manifests in regions as diverse as Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.”
Thursday, May 11th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Plant Swap
“This monthly plant swap is free and open to the public to encourage the exchange of plants and other garden related items. You many bring as few or as many of the following items as you like: perennials, annuals, edibles, seeds, garden produce, tools or any other garden related items.”
Friday, May 12th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
SNAP Help
A lot of people don’t apply for supplemental nutrition assistance because they don’t know they’re eligible! You should check it out even if you own a home or a car or make a wage. It’s important to make sure you’ve got all the food you can get!
Saturday, May 13th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM
League of Women Voters Event
Unspecified event for the League of Women Voters! But you can trust that whatever it winds up being it will be useful and pertinent. Contact Nicole Moore at nicolemmoore [at] hotmail [dot] com for more information!
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Represent US Meetup
“Introductory Meeting: Learn about http://www.Represent.US and how you can help fight corruption and get Big Money out of politics.” Fight the forces that are likely causing you real and immediate harm every day of your life!

Computers:

Wednesday, May 10th
Last Call Media [136 West St., Suite 01, Northampton, MA] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Agile Methods Meetup
Meet up and discuss the Agile methodology! Get your dev team on track to use the hip new management technique, but also learn from sensible people how to actually do the thing. Plus they’re nice and you’ll probably make friends!
Thursday, May 11th
Last Call Media [136 West St., Suite 01, Northampton, MA] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Hack for Western Mass Meetup
Meet and dicuss your ongoing projects for the community! Or if you’ve never been, lend your expertise to an existing project or propose a new useful way to give back to the community we all so love!

Entertainment:

Thursday, May 11th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Anime Club
Watch anime with people! We’ve been playing Persona 5 lately so we can say with confidence that anime is good.
Saturday, May 13th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Tea and Chocolate: A pleasant Pairing
Well. That’s kind of driect. We suppose so! They are pleasant alone and better together! Sample tea and chocolate pairings, learn what pairs best, and they say learn the “health benefits” but let’s be real people the benefits in both cases are the same: these foods taste good and it makes you feel nice to eat them.
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Doctor Who Club
Free and open to all! Discuss what exactly this doctor is, why he’s doing what he’s doing, and which way he’s going next!

History:

Saturday, May 13th
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Wildlife Changes in Northampton: From Nonotuck to Now by Laurie Sanders
“During the last 500 years, major changes have occurred in Northampton’s wildlife. Wolves and passenger pigeons and mountain lions are gone, while beaver, bear and turkeys, which had disappeared for decades, are now back in abundance. In this presentation, Laurie Sanders will highlight some of the major trends and changes that explain the mix of animal species that we now encounter in Northampton, from its urbanized center to its wilder spaces.” Learn about where you live! Learn why all the deer in the Valley have a sort of subtle red glow to their eyes and you never see them move, you just see them appear near your windows late in the evening.

Movies:

Monday, May 8th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Far Out Film Discussion: Eraserhead
“Far Out Film Discussion is formatted like a book club: check out the film, watch it at home, and attend the meeting to discuss it. (We will not be screening the film at the program.) Our next movie is Eraserhead – a black and white surrealist film from 1977 which was written, produced and directed by David Lynch. Copies of the film will be available in the Reference Dept. and the Arts and Music Dept. You can also watch the film via Kanopy.com – sign up for a free account with your Forbes library card and stream it online : https://forbes.kanopystreaming.com/video/eraserhead“
Wednesday, May 10th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Film: The National Bird
“This 2016 documentary follows the dramatic journey of three whistleblowers who are determined to break the silence around one of the most controversial current affairs issues of our time: the secret U.S. drone war. At the center of the film are three U.S. military veterans. Plagued by guilt over participating in the killing of faceless people in foreign countries, they decide to speak out publicly, despite the possible consequences.”
Friday, May 12th
Sheraton Springfield Monarch Place Hotel at 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM
DAY-2-PLAY: 4th Western MA Film and Media Exchange
“Join filmmakers, television and other industry professionals for a day of technical seminars and hands on-demonstrations with the latest lighting, camera and broadcast equipment. The Exchange also includes lunch, keynote speaker, and networking opportunities with others in the industry. Vitec Videocom brings their Roadshow to Springfield. You don’t want to miss it!” This sounds kind of amazing and we’re really appreciative of the new Western MA Film Makers Group for bringing it to our attention!

RPGs:

Thursday, May 11th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
RPG Club
Play RPGs with some people! They’re going to be great and so are you!

Science:

Monday, May 8th
World War 2 Club [50 Conz St., Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Nerd Nite May: Korean Comic Books and the Roma
Learn about the fascinating world of Korean Comic Books from Nathan Chung, who read a lot of them while growing up in South Korea! We’ve been big fans of American comic books for a while and it’s going to be exciting to learn more about a style from which we’ve read only a few works! Then we’re going to find out about the history of the Roma, a people whose complex history and tense current relationship with Europe will be explained to us by Christine Hurst, who’s currently working on her MSW at Rutgers.
Thursday, May 11th
Nacul Center [592 Main St., Amherst, MA] at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
OEB Science Cafe: Laura Doubleday presents Dangerous Liasons: Pollinators, Herbivores, and the Quirky Sex Lives of Plants
Plants are at a very basic level absolutely odd and the way they reproduce is a big part of it. Flowers, pollen, bees, seeds, there are so many moving parts and so many physical transfigurations involved! Learn more from the spectacular Laura Doubleday!

April 24th – April 30th

The Valley Nerd Watch!

We’re going on vacation! BUT because we’re frankly astounding and dedicated and very pretty and dogs like us, they just know we’re putting together a bunch of pre-made Nerd Watches! They’re distinguishable from the normal ones because they all have this up top and they’re all filled with “from the description:” because we had to do 88 individual events and danged that is just a heck of a thing.

And because Liz Popolo is our only current Platinum Ultra Level Patreon Supporter, we’re gonna link her site here: check it out! It’s great, she’s a great artist and you should give her money!

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Tuesday, April 25th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Teen Craft Night
Craft, teens! Craft to your heart’s content!
Wednesday, April 26th
Mead Art Museum [41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA 01002] at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
A Conversaton with Artist Vitaly Komar
From the description: “Join Russian-born conceptual artist Vitaly Komar for a conversation with Henry Steele Commager Professor and Professor of Russian Art Stanley Rabinowitz about Amherst’s renowned Thomas P. Whitney, Class of 1937, Collection of Russian Art; Russian art and culture in the United States since the 1970s; and the experience of being a Russian émigré artist. The talk will be followed by a reception at the Mead. All are welcome to attend!”
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Needle Felting and Fiber Crafts
From the description: “We’ll start with simple shapes and learn how to join them together. I’ll show how to sculpt faces and embellish figures. Some rough knitting wools like Lopi can be added. You can also embellish wool clothing with needle felting. The library will supply some wool. Additional supplies (foam work base and felting needles may be available for purchase at the library or New England Felting Supply in Easthampton.” make stuff with felt!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Forbes Library Zine Club
ZIIIIINES! ZINES ZINES ZINES! Zines are the magazines of the future and the past! They’re the magazines of right now! They’ve always been inside you! Your organs are all zines!
Thursday, April 27th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Friends of the Greenfield Public Library Annual Poetry Contest
We assume this is just a place where you shout your poetry as loud as you can until someone tells you you win.
Saturday, April 29th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Explore Music and Sound! Presented by UMass Music Educators
From the description: “Join students from the Umass Department of Music Education for a “found sounds” activity all about making music with everyday objects and “finding sounds.””

Board Games:

Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Weekly Board Game Night
Board games at Modern Myths! It’s always an amazing time with extremely nice people to play with or against and a wide variety of games to try!

Books:

Tuesday, April 25th
Gamble Auditorium, Mount Holyoke College [Lower Lake Rd South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Amy Goodman/Democracy Now!: The Enemy Is Not The Enemy Tour
From the site: “In 1996 Amy Goodman began hosting a show on Pacifica Radio called Democracy Now! to focus on the issues and movements that are too often ignored by the corporate media. Today Democracy Now! is the largest public media collaboration in the US, broadcasting on over 1,400 public television and radio stations around the world, with millions accessing it online at DemocracyNow.org. Now Amy, along with her journalist brother, David, and co-author Denis Moynihan, share stories of the heroes—the whistleblowers, the organizers, the protesters—who have brought about remarkable change.” Democracy Now’s a cool show. You can listen to it on 91.1 WMUA and 103.3 VFR!
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Ware’s Boys of Summer: Book Talk with Stephen Katz
Learn about those boys, those delightful boys in Ware! They’re here for summer and the party’s just geting started!
Wednesday, April 26th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Jessica Shattuck, The Women in the Castle
From the site: “In one of the finest examples of historical fiction in recent years, Jessica Shattuck gives the reader a more complex understanding of what civilians experience living under an oppressive and cruel regime, as well as the shattered civil society that remains after the war has ended.”
Saturday, April 29th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Independent Bookstore Day at the Odyssey Bookshop!
From the site: “There will be light refreshments in the morning, a bonus gift with every purchase over $50, and giveaways throughout the day. Win additional prizes by participating in our bookstore scavenger hunt! Winners will be entered into a raffle for a $50 gift certificate to The Odyssey. Also, don’t forget to stop by our “shelfie” station to take the perfect IBD selfie while posing with your favorite book!” Gifts! Books! Delight! Wonder! What more could a person ask for?

Card Games:

Friday, April 28th
Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Friday Night Magic BOOSTER DRAFT
From their description: “Your $16 entry fee includes MA sales tax, and purchases 3 Booster packs to draft with and adds 1 pack of the current set to the prize pool. Everyone who completes the event will receive at least 1 prize pack, with extra packs (donated by Modern Myths) and special promotiona” Play MTG, support a great local shop!

Community:

Wednesday, April 26th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Law Enforcement Panel
From the description: “Panel discussion on community policing with law enforcement officials and activists including Northampton Police Chief Jody Kasper; Hampshire County Sheriff Patrick Cahillane; Don Perry, local activist and founder of Project Operation Change; and Laura Briggs, chair of Women, Gender, Sexuality Studies at UMass Amherst.”

Computers:

Tuesday, April 25th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM
Drop-In Technology Help
Having technology issues? Then get some assistance! It’s never a bad idea to ask for help with annoying tech things? Did you know that people as intelligent and well-read as us have found out a full YEAR later that the reason the TV wasn’t connecting to the computer was that we plugged the HDMI cable into the wrong place? And we’re to clarify we’re NOT just incredibly bad with technology despite how that fact makes us seem.
Saturday, April 29th
Holyoke Community College [303 Homestead Ave., Holyoke, MA] at 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
PodCamp 2017
Tickets are just $15 for students, $40 plus $3.19 fee for the rest of us. The after party is free but requires a free ticket. From the website: What is Podcamp? PodCamp is an un-conference about social media and online marketing, where we can all share and learn in an open environment. Anyone with something to contribute and a desire to learn is welcome to join. PodCamp isn’t just about podcasting! If you’re interested in blogging, social media, social networking, podcasting, video on the net or just someone curious about new media, then please join us. Go to the Podcamp site to register! http://www.podcampwm.org/

Kids:

Thursday, April 27th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
LEGO Club
LEGO Club! Build things and play with them around other kids! Ages 5 and up!

Movies:

Friday, April 28th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Coraline
Coraline is a really scary movie! Discuss the book that it was based on and the movie itself! It’s a really good film!

RPGs:

Thursday, April 27th
Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Dungeons & Dragons
New players welcome! Old players welcome! Harpsichord players welcome! Speaking of: play a Bard, everyone! They’re always the most fun.
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
RPG Club
Play RPGs with some people! They’re going to be great and so are you!

April 17th – April 23rd

The Valley Nerd Watch!

We’re going on vacation! BUT because we’re frankly astounding and dedicated and very pretty and dogs like us, they just know we’re putting together a bunch of pre-made Nerd Watches! They’re distinguishable from the normal ones because they all have this up top and they’re all filled with “from the description:” because we had to do 88 individual events and danged that is just a heck of a thing.

And because Liz Popolo is our only current Platinum Ultra Level Patreon Supporter, we’re gonna link her site here: check it out! It’s great, she’s a great artist and you should give her money!

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Tuesday, April 18th
Smith College Museum of Art [20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063] at 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Public Lecture: Slave Life in the Roman Luxury Villa with Professor Lauren Hackworth Petersen
From the description: “Enslaved people were everywhere in the world of ancient Rome. Yet visitors to sites along the Bay of Naples walk through a landscape that appears untouched by slavery. Scholars and tourists alike have been trained to recognize owners and the free in the archaeological record of ancient Italy and to overlook and “un-see” slaves living and laboring in the same place. In her book, The Material Life of Roman Slaves (co-authored with Sandra Joshel), Dr. Lauren Hackworth Petersen seeks to make slaves appear or, more accurately, searches for ways to see them – to make slaves visible where evidence tells us they were in fact present. In her lecture, Dr. Petersen will discuss slavery in ancient Rome and explore the presence of the enslaved at Villa A at Oplontis.”
Wednesday, April 19th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Earth, Wing, and Spirit: Roland Gregoire Artist Reception
We’re reading this as a sort of RPG quest. Someone’s going to ask you to create a potion made of rare metals, an albatross, and a captured ghost.
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Needle Felting and Fiber Crafts
From the description: “We’ll start with simple shapes and learn how to join them together. I’ll show how to sculpt faces and embellish figures. Some rough knitting wools like Lopi can be added. You can also embellish wool clothing with needle felting. The library will supply some wool. Additional supplies (foam work base and felting needles may be available for purchase at the library or New England Felting Supply in Easthampton.” make stuff with felt!
Thursday, April 20th
Mead Art Museum [41 Quadrangle Dr, Amherst, MA 01002] at 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Academic & Co-Curricular Engagement at the College Art Museum: The View from Harvard
From the description: “Imagine innovative ways to connect with the Mead as Dr. David Odo, director of Student Programs and research curator of University Collections Initiatives at Harvard University Art Museums, shares the exciting results of his latest projects. All are welcome to attend!” In many ways this is the least effective lyric of “Imagine”.
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Cookies with a Curator
Informal conversation, show and tell, and some cookies!
Friday, April 21st
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Reception for Whitney C. Robbins “Akin II”
Whitney Robbins creates artwork about people and animals and it is good artwork you should see and also sometimes did you know receptions have cheese? It’s nice.
Emily Dickinson Museum [280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002] at 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Emily Dickinson Poetry Discussion Group
From the description: “Discussion series participants are accustomed to close reading of Dickinson’s poems from literary, biographical, and historical perspectives. But what new understandings can be gained by applying other modern critical lenses? Part 1 of this two-part session will include a brief introduction to critical theory and a reading of several poems based on sociological approaches, particularly gender (feminist) and class (Marxist).”
Saturday, April 22nd
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Earth Day Arts and Crafts!
From the site: “Help celebrate Earth Day on April 22nd! The Odyssey will be helping kids make an Earth Day Coffee Filter Suncatcher to hang in a window. Children can learn about the earth by listening to stories as they paint their suncatchers. Kids can then stand back and admire the beauty of the work which is a perfect time to remind children of the responsibility we all have of keeping the Earth clean. Suggested for ages 3-7.” But for insurance, teach your kids how to drive muscle-cars and create themed post-apocalyptic survivalist societies too.
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Color Your World with Pastels (teens and adults)
Teens! Adults! People in that weird middle area we all call “twedulteens”! Come color using pastels and feel a sense of gentle ease that can only come with colors that are a bit brighter than a lot of colors you see. It’s delightful!
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Silverpoint: A Demonstration and Talk by Jerermiah Patterson, University of Hartford
From the site: “Jeremiah Patterson of the University of Hartford will offer a demonstration and presentation on the art of silverpoint drawing in conjunction with the exhibition En Pointe: Silverpoint (Drawing from History). He will explain the materials involved and techniques used to make these works of art, from the emptiness of a blank sheet of paper to a final image made of silver toned marks.” learn something about artwork!
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Explore Music and Sound! Presented by UMass Music Educators
From the description: “Join students from the Umass Department of Music Education for a “found sounds” activity all about making music with everyday objects and “finding sounds.””

Board Games:

Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Weekly Board Game Night
Board games at Modern Myths! It’s always an amazing time with extremely nice people to play with or against and a wide variety of games to try!

Books:

Tuesday, April 18th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Children’s Book Writers Group
From the description: “Adults who write for children are invited to attend a critique group in the Greenfield Room the third Tuesday of each month from 6 to 8 pm. The group will be facilitated by Nell Wright. Participants will discuss skills, share tips and opportunities for development, and read and discuss their stories. For more information, call Jane at the library at 413-772-1544 x 5120”
Wednesday, April 19th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Hannah Tinti, The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley
From the site: “Samuel Hawley isn’t like the other fathers in Olympus, Massachusetts. A loner who spent years living on the run, he raised his beloved daughter, Loo, on the road, moving from motel to motel, always watching his back. Now that Loo’s a teenager, Hawley wants only to give her a normal life. In his late wife’s hometown, he finds work as a fisherman, while Loo struggles to fit in at the local high school.” A gripping premise!
Friday, April 21st
Holyoke Community College Library [303 Homestead Ave Holyoke, MA 01040] at 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Barry Lyga, Bang
From the site: “Sebastian Cody did something horrible, something no one–not even Sebastian himself–can forgive. At the age of four, he accidentally shot and killed his infant sister with his father’s gun.” A decade later he’s dealing with the desire to escape the pain that has followed him his entire life.

Card Games:

Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Friday Night Magic BOOSTER DRAFT
From their description: “Your $16 entry fee includes MA sales tax, and purchases 3 Booster packs to draft with and adds 1 pack of the current set to the prize pool. Everyone who completes the event will receive at least 1 prize pack, with extra packs (donated by Modern Myths) and special promotiona” Play MTG, support a great local shop!

Comic Books:

Monday, April 17th
Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Queers in Comics and Games
Meet up with a bunch of friendly people and discuss queer representation in comics and games of all sorts! A great moderated discussion where you can get to know intelligent and personable local folks!

Community:

Thursday, April 20th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Categorical Clutter Control with Jenna Elliot
Learn how to control your clutter! Everyone accrues things, but not everyone’s good at getting rid of them! Get some help getting rid of the cruft in your life.
Holyoke Public Library [250 Chestnut St, Holyoke, MA 01040] at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Introduction to Stony Brook Jail and House of Correction
From the description: “Sgt. Henry LaFortune’s presentation, “Introduction to Stony Brook Jail and House of Correction”. There will also be a display of items made by residents in the welding section of the House of Correction.
Sunday, April 23rd
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Socialist Equality Party
From the description: “A presentation on the danger of world war posed by the administration of President Donald Trump and the role that the Democratic Party has played in paving the way for his dangerous agenda of war abroad and domestic repression at home.”

Computers:

Tuesday, April 18th
MYSTERY LOCATION at 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Debugging Node.js – Monthly Full Stack Meetup
From the description: “Java programmers take interactive debuggers for granted, but many JavaScripters are not even aware they exist. Not only do debuggers exist for JavaScript, they are more powerful & easy to use than ever! In this talk we’ll go over debugger basics (breakpoints, watch expressions, etc.) and learn to set up and use an integrated debugger in Node.js” Get better at Javascript!
Thursday, April 20th
Inresonance Inc [30 Industrial Dr. E, Northampton, MA] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
April 2017 Western Mass Drupal Users Group Meeting
From the description: “Our April Drupal Group will be at Inresonance. Post here any subjects you’d like to present on or hear from someone else about. We can talk about what we learned at https://nerdsummit.org/ as well as what we are looking forward to at Drupalcon (for those going) which starts April 24 https://events.drupal.org/baltimore2017”
Northampton Community TV [380 Elm St., Northampton, MA] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
WordPress Developers and Admins
From the description: “Bring us your current problems and we’ll use groupthink to try to solve them. If you have a laptop to demonstrate your issue, bring it and we’ll plug you into the projector… Come and tell us your ups, down and experiences with web hosts.” Host better sites!

Kids:

Tuesday, April 18th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
Kids Craft Club
Craft! Kids! Don’t craft kids, that is, craft when you’re a kid!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
Kids Craft Club
Kids and crafting! Craft up a fun time with your friends!
Wednesday, April 19th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Minecraft Club
Minecraft! Build, fight zombies, raise pigs! It’s all good.
Thursday, April 20th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Youth Spring Bingo
Spring into bingo, the sport for youths! K-5th grade!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM
LEGO Club
LEGO Club! Build things and play with them around other kids! Ages 5 and up!
Saturday, April 22nd
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Scientific Kids Club
From the description: “Join Ralph & Steven as they do soil science activities! Register by calling 413-587-1010 or filling out the online registration form here! http://goo.gl/forms/nz3q9XParBJqzuoO2”

Movies:

Tuesday, April 18th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Family Movie Night: Sing!
See that movie about a society full of walking talking animals of all sorts! No, not that one. No, not that classic one. No not the more recent one. No it’s not… no no no it’s the one where there’s a sort of American Idol competition!
Saturday, April 22nd
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Film Screening: Arrival
Arrival is a pretty good movie about aliens! It’s a good movie to watch, give it a shot!

RPGs:

Thursday, April 20th
Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Dungeons & Dragons
New players welcome! Old players welcome! Harpsichord players welcome! Speaking of: play a Bard, everyone! They’re always the most fun.

Science:

Wednesday, April 19th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday Wizard Earth Day Event
The founders of Earth Day: the Wednesday Wizards!

April 10th – April 16th

The Valley Nerd Watch!

We’re going on vacation! BUT because we’re frankly astounding and dedicated and very pretty and dogs like us, they just know we’re putting together a bunch of pre-made Nerd Watches! They’re distinguishable from the normal ones because they all have this up top and they’re all filled with “from the description:” because we had to do 88 individual events and danged that is just a heck of a thing.

And because Liz Popolo is our only current Platinum Ultra Level Patreon Supporter, we’re gonna link her site here: check it out! It’s great, she’s a great artist and you should give her money!

Go check out the Valley Creators page! As always, be sure to check out our Patreon and the Weekly Events page! There are a lot of fun things happening this and every week! And don’t forget to check out the updated Book Clubs List!

THIS WEEK

Art:

Wednesday, April 12th
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Tony Valley Concert
Tony Valley will play popular and original music! He has toured nationally, and is a resident of Bondsville MA. He teaches music in Three Rivers, and is a regular on public access M-Pact TV!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Needle Felting and Fiber Crafts
From the description: “We’ll start with simple shapes and learn how to join them together. I’ll show how to sculpt faces and embellish figures. Some rough knitting wools like Lopi can be added. You can also embellish wool clothing with needle felting. The library will supply some wool. Additional supplies (foam work base and felting needles may be available for purchase at the library or New England Felting Supply in Easthampton.” make stuff with felt!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
Knitting Clinic
From the description: “Lost in the pattern? Confused by inscrutable directions? Or do you want to modify a pattern you already have? Bring your stalled knitting project to the Knitting Clinic, where we will figure out what the directions really mean or how to get the result you want. We will undertake to try to salvage any project and also teach some simple tips to improve your knitting.”
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Forbes Library Zine Club
ZIIIIINES! ZINES ZINES ZINES! Zines are the magazines of the future and the past! They’re the magazines of right now! They’ve always been inside you! Your bones are zines!
Thursday, April 13th
Fayerweather Hall, 115, Amherst College at 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Rapaport Lecture in Contemporary Art: Rachel Rose
From the description: “The 2017 Rapaport Lecture will be given by American artist Rachel Rose who creates nuanced video installations. Sponsored by the Department of Art and the History of Art and supported by the Rapaport Lectureship in Contemporary Art Fund, the lecture will be held in Pruyne Lecture Hall (Room 115), Fayerweather Hall. All are welcome to attend!” Fayerweather? For real? Agh, that’s such a good name!
Smith College Museum of Art [20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063] at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Member’s Extra: Curator’s Perspective on What’s New in the Asian Art Gallery
From the description: “Join Yao Wu, Jane Chace Carroll Curator of Asian Art, for a private tour of her new, second installation for the museum’s Asian Art Gallery. The current display features a diverse range of Asian art works from the museum’s permanent collection and highlights, in particular, a group of objects that show the connection between painting and poetry in Chinese culture. Learn from the curator’s perspective about these art works and hear how they relate to the museum’s permanent collection as a whole. Members: $5 | Student Members: FREE Members may bring up to 2 guests. Space Limited.”
Friday, April 14th
Historic Northampton [46 Bridge Street, Northampton, MA 01060-2406] at 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
En Pointe: Silverpoint (Drawing from History)
From the site: “En Pointe: Silverpoint (Drawing from History) is a contemporary visual dialogue with the drawings of Charles C. Burleigh, Jr., who studied the Old Masters and recorded his natural environment through realistic approaches. The exhibition features the work of silverpoint artists Diane Savino, Fred Wessel, Jeremiah Patterson, William Patterson, Carolyn Patterson, Banjie Nicholas, Kandy Phillips and Jon Gernon.” Beautiful artwork in a style for which we did not previously have a name!
Smith College Museum of Art [20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063] at 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Free Second Friday
Free! Friday! Second! Artwork! Film! Students! Performance! Art! More art! It’s an art museum! So that’s the bulk of the activity you’ll find in it! Yay!
Saturday, April 15th
The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art [125 West Bay Rd., Amherst, MA 01002] at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Gallery Talk: A Friend Among Us: The Art of Brinton Turkle, with Chief Curator Ellen Keiter
Free with museum admission! It’s a good talk and you will enjoy it!
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Explore Music and Sound! Presented by UMass Music Educators
From the description: “Join students from the Umass Department of Music Education for a “found sounds” activity all about making music with everyday objects and “finding sounds.””
Smith College Museum of Art [20 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01063] at 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM
ART SLAM: Disturb the Comfortable, Comfort the Disturbed
ART SLAM THIS SATURDAY ATURDAY ATURDAY DAY AYYYY ARRRRRRRT SLLLLAAAAAAM! but for real it’s a place you can perform for up to five minutes a musical, spoken word, or dance piece about issues of inequality in the art world.
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Endangered River: Portraits of the Brazil Amazon
From the description: “Join photographer Jeanny Tsai at a talk and slideshow where she will present a series of photos she took in the Brazilian Amazon in 2016 and 2015. She will describe her journeys as well as speak about the state of the environment there and the continuing struggles of the indigenous people who live on the Tapajós, Arrapuins, and Amazon Rivers.”

Board Games:

Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Weekly Board Game Night
Board games at Modern Myths! It’s always an amazing time with extremely nice people to play with or against and a wide variety of games to try!
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Palmer Scholastic Chess Tournament
4 Sections: K-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Round one starts at 10:00 AM. 4-Round Swiss System. Trophies to 1st,2nd,3rd in each section. Entry is FREE!!! Please bring chess set and chess clock (if you have them) and a bagged lunch.

Books:

Wednesday, April 12th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Sam Abrams, Education and the Commercial Mindset
From the site: “Drawing on his book, Education and the Commercial Mindset, Sam Abrams, a Holyoke native, will discuss the divergent paths taken by education policymakers in Chile, Finland, Sweden, and the United States. In addition, Abrams will address the implications of Donald Trump’s presidency for schooling in the United States.” Educate yourself about educating others!
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 8:45 PM
War, Conflict, and Refugees: the Literature of Crisis
Part of the literary series, Modern Real and Surreal: Writers & Artists on Our Age. Participants: Emmanuel Dongala – author of Johnny Mad Dog Polina Barskova – author of This Lamentable City Thérèse Soukar Chehade – author of Loom.
Thursday, April 13th
Odyssey Bookshop [9 College St, South Hadley, MA 01075] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Jennifer Finney Boylan, Long Black Veil
From the site: “Jennifer Finney Boylan returns to The Odyssey with an atmospheric thriller that explores the meaning of identity, loyalty, and love, a revelatory page-turner about a woman whose family and identity are threatened by the secrets of her past. Boylan poses questions fundamental to the human experience, and answers with disarming humor and empathy. What do we owe to the people of our past? Is it possible to become someone new, or does our history determine our future? And in any life that contains a before and an after, how is it possible to be one person, not two?” examine your humanity, come away with some good questions!
Saturday, April 15th
Blue Umbrella Boos [2 Main St., Westfield, MA 01085] at 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
Reading/Signing/Discussion: Annabelle Lost
The release of a new book from a local author Melissa Volker! Get a copy of Annabelle Lost signed by the author and join in a discussion of YA books in general and the “slipstream” genre in particular. What’s slipstream? Genre-blending fantasy, sci-fi, and traditional fiction. Kinda Ray Bradbury-ish maybe? Or to use a contemporary example, kind of Melisa Volker-ish!

Card Games:

Friday, April 14th
Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Friday Night Magic BOOSTER DRAFT
From their description: “Your $16 entry fee includes MA sales tax, and purchases 3 Booster packs to draft with and adds 1 pack of the current set to the prize pool. Everyone who completes the event will receive at least 1 prize pack, with extra packs (donated by Modern Myths) and special promotiona” Play MTG, support a great local shop!

Community:

Wednesday, April 12th
Greenfield Public Library [402 Main St, Greenfield, MA 01301] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
National Library Week: Ukuleles with Julie Stepanek
From the description: “Ever wanted to try the ukulele? Know a little but need some help or encouragement? Here’s your chance. Celebrate National Library Week by coming to the library to learn ukulele with local musician, Julie Stepanek. Bring your own or borrow one of hers. This program will include a short talk, a short lesson and a strum-along of some fun and easy songs. Registration for this free program is recommended at 413-772-1544, option 6, or bring your own!”

Computers:

Last Call Media [136 West St., Suite 01, Northampton, MA] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Agile Methods Meetup
From the description: “Lisa will start us off with an overview of what we mean when we talk about the Definition of Done and Acceptance Criteria. Then we’ll trade best practices and scary stories to learn from each other!” get more agile!
Thursday, April 13th
Cultivate and Nest [2 Bay Rd., Suite 100, Hadley, MA] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Hack for Western Mass Meetup
From the description: “After quick updates on our ongoing projects, we’ll discuss upcoming projects and then get hacking to make a difference in our communities. Come join a team!” work to help your community!

Entertainment:

Wednesday, April 12th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM
Panel Discussion on Criminal Justice Reform
From the description: “Panelists are: Honorable Judge Michael Ponsor, State Senator Adam Hinds (tentative), Professor Jose Bou of Criminal Justice, and a speaker from Voices From Inside. HCC Criminal Justice Professor Nicole Hendricks will moderate.”
Thursday, April 13th
Sunderland Public Library [20 School St., Sunderland, MA 01375] at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Laser Tag in the Library
Incinerate your friends in a “hunger games” style festival of high-powered laser evisceration! It’s truly a more violent sport than we usually associate with libraries but hey it seems like people enjoy it.
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Anime Club
Watch anime with people and then think to yourself wow anime, anime is a pretty nice thing to watch!
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Anime Club
Watch anime with people and then think to yourself wow anime, anime is a pretty nice thing to watch!

Kids:

Tuesday, April 11th
Jones Library [43 Amity St., Amherst, MA 01002] at 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
Sing With Your Baby
From the description: “Come sing along with music for little ones age 0-5 and their caregivers, led by Wendy Plummer. Learn songs and musical games for you and your baby’s enjoyment!” AWWWWWW little babies singing! Adorable.
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
Kids Craft Club
Make a craft with your friends! Ages 4-12. Any older or younger and you’re on your own! Well. Younger you’re hopefully not on your own.

Movies:

Monday, April 10th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
“Middle of Nowhere” Film Screening
A screening of Ava Duvernay’s film “Middle of Nowhere” about incarceration and the effects on family. A discussion will follow!
Wednesday, April 12th
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Film: Tapped
From the description: “Tapped looks into the bottled water industry and its long-term effects on our health, climate change, pollution, and our reliance on oil. The filmmakers focused on industry giants such as PepsiCo and Nestlé Waters, visiting a town containing a Nestlé factory as well as running tests on the bottles the company uses for its products. Their results came back showing “several potentially harmful chemicals, some known carcinogens”.The documentary also focused on the amount of bottles that are recycled, noting that “Forty percent of bottled water is really just filtered tap water, and every day we throw away 30 million single-served bottles of water as plastic waste. Bill Diamond of the Climate Action Committee of the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence will lead the post-film discussion.”
Forbes Library [20 West St, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Film: White Helmets
From the description: “The “White Helmets”, this year’s Academy Award winner for best documentary short subject. It shows volunteer rescue workers putting their lives on the line to save civilians amidst daily airstrikes, risking their lives to rescue victims from the rubble. The film follows the daily operations of the group of volunteer rescue workers of the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets. “
Friday, April 14th
Emily Dickinson Museum [280 Main St, Amherst, MA 01002] at 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
A Toast to ‘A Quiet Passion’
From the description: “Terrence Davies’ feature film about the life of Emily Dickinson starring Cynthia Nixon premiers at Amherst Cinema on Friday, April 14. Before you head up to the Cinema for the screening, drop by the Emily Dickinson Museum for a toast!”

RPGs:

Thursday, April 13th
Modern Myths [34 Bridge Street #4, Northampton, MA 01060] at 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Dungeons & Dragons
New players welcome! Old players welcome! Harpsichord players welcome! Speaking of: play a Bard, everyone! They’re always the most fun.
Palmer Public Library [1455 N Main St, Palmer, MA 01069] at 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
RPG Club
Play RPGs with some people! They’re going to be great and so are you!

Science:

Monday, April 10th
World War 2 Club [50 Conz St., Northampton, MA 01060] at 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Nerd Nite NoHo
Two excellent speakers again! “A Cure for Greenwashing: Is your coffee eco-friendly? What about your favorite cereal? Your computer paper? Businesses who make these products might tell you it’s all “green”, but is it? Hear about Greenwashing and how it affects our planet. This fun and engaging talk will empower you and show you easy ways to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.” and “No Spoiler Alerts: Ranked Choice Voting Explained: Every election cycle, we endure a familiar debate over “spoiler” candidates: one side decries “wasted votes” for a candidate that can’t win, while the other condemns voting for “the lesser of two evils.” I’ll show how the spoiler effect is not inherent to voting, but a consequence of the Plurality system we use in most U.S. elections today. We’ll learn about Ranked Choice Voting, an alternative system that allows voters to rank candidates on the ballot in order of preference, and we’ll consider its potential benefits to elections in Massachusetts and beyond.”
Wednesday, April 12th
Adele Simmons Hall, Ruth Hammen Auditorium, Hampshire College at 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Five College Chemistry Lecture by Prof. Sam Houk
The origins and development of ICP-Mass Spectrometry: a 20-year research project!
Thursday, April 13th
Nacul Center [592 Main St., Amherst, MA] at 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
SciTech Cafe: Stretching the Energy Budget: The Mechanics of Slingshots and Tendons
As everyone has always said, tendons are the world’s best slinkies! Yes, tendons: the slinkies we keep inside of our bodies. How exactly do these fantastic springs work to help us move around? Why not let Dr. Michael Rosario from Brown University tell you about he work with animal tendons?