LAVA Center
hosting monthly Writers Read event

GREENFIELD — The LAVA Center at 324 Main St. hosts a monthly series, Writers Read, on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Reading this week will be Jessamyn Smyth, Amy Dryansky and Loren McGrail.

Smyth, who has published “The Inugami Mochi” (2016) and Gilgamesh/Wilderness (2021) through Saddle Road Press, has received fellowships, scholarships and grants from the Robert Francis Foundation, Bread Loaf Writers’ Conference and others. Smyth was the founding editor-in-chief of Tupelo Quarterly and founder/director of the Quest Writer’s Conference.

Dryansky has two poetry collections; the second, “Grass Whistle,” received the Massachusetts Book Award in Poetry in 2014, and the first, “How I Got Lost So Close to Home,” won the New England/New York Award from Alice James Books. She teaches creative writing, most recently as the James Merrill visiting poet at Amherst College.

McGrail is a poet/writer, artist and theologian. She lived for five years in occupied East Jerusalem and has put together an exhibit of her art and writings called “Witness and Hope Reimagined.” She is finishing a series of encaustic paintings and multimedia pieces with accompanying poems called “Dawn at the Hive” about the extinction of bees.

There is a $5 suggested donation. Masks are required.

Staged reading of ‘The Odd Women’ set for Thursday

GREENFIELD — The LAVA Center at 324 Main St. will present a staged reading of an adaptation of George Gissing’s 1893 novel “The Odd Women,” adapted by playwright P.H. Crosby, on Thursday, April 13, at 5:30 p.m.

Crosby has adapted the novel into a full-length drama. The first half was staged at The LAVA Center last year. Thursday’s performance will be preceded with a synopsis of the first half and a stage reading of the conclusion.

Donations are welcome at the door. Seating is limited and masks are required.

X-15 rocket planes subject of Thursday virtual program

GREENFIELD — Join the Greenfield Public Library, in collaboration with the Tewksbury Public Library, for a free virtual presentation of “Hunt for the X-15 Rocket Plane,” on Thursday, April 13, at noon.

From 1959 to 1968, NASA operated three North American Aviation rocket planes. In 199 flights, they generated more than 700 technical papers on aerodynamics, and set altitude and speed records for winged vehicles that were not exceeded until the development of the space shuttle many years later. In 1993, presenter David Ball organized a search in the Mojave Desert for parts from X-15 No. 3, which came apart in flight in 1967. He will share what made the X-15 such a significant research plane and his theory on why one was lost.

For more information and to register for the Zoom link, visit tinyurl.com/22mw26bu.

Talk to explore iconic paintings

GREENFIELD — Join the Greenfield Public Library, in collaboration with the Tewksbury Public Library, on Thursday, April 13, at 10:30 a.m. for the free virtual lecture “Secret Stories Behind the World’s Most Iconic Paintings.”

Register for the Zoom link at tinyurl.com/2p9bp3bw.

LAVA Center to host auditions for
theatrical
productions

GREENFIELD — Actors of all ages are invited to audition for a series of upcoming play readings at The LAVA Center, and one video project, slated for spring and summer.

In particular, there are many roles for actors who can play characters in the 18- to 21-year-old range, and female characters in the 50- to 70-year-old range. Honoraria vary; each production company will include that information in casting offers.

Auditions will be held at The LAVA Center, 324 Main St., on Sunday, April 23, from noon to 3 p.m.; Monday, April 24, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; and Wednesday, April 26, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Actors will read from play scenes in groups of six or fewer. No advance preparation is required.

LAVA Center to host Third Tuesday Greenfield Word

GREENFIELD — The Third Tuesday Greenfield Word organized by Human Error Publishing will be held at The LAVA Center, 324 Main St., on April 18, from 7 to 10 p.m. Open mic starts at 7:30 and featured authors start at 8:30.

Greenfield High School grad joins FEMA Corps

GREENFIELD — Ethan Joseph, a Greenfield High School Class of 2016 graduate and former varsity football player, is embarking on a 10-month journey with FEMA Corps, a specialized branch of AmeriCorps that focuses on disaster response.

Joseph, the son of Greenfield residents Chris and Emily Joseph, will be stationed in Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he will receive extensive training in disaster response and participate in disaster relief efforts throughout the United States. He is eager to experience new places while serving his country.

To learn more about FEMA Corps, visit bit.ly/3mgT06d.

Salasin Project starting six-week walking group

GREENFIELD — The Salasin Project’s new walking group will meet on Fridays starting May 5 to embark on walks around the city. Walks are expected to last from 10 to 11 a.m. for six weeks.

Contact Bekki at bekki-resiliency@wmtcinfo.org or 413-774-4307, ext. 104 for more information or just show up at the Salasin Project, 474 Main St., to meet the group.

‘Unmasking Autism Book Group’ starting in May

GREENFIELD — The Salasin Project is launching an “Unmasking Autism Book Group,” which will meet in person and online on the first Monday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. starting in May.

The book group will feature discussions, writing exercises and art projects to explore topics related to neurodiversity and making a more inclusive world. Contact Bekki at bekki-resiliency@wmtcinfo.org or 413-774-4307, ext. 104 for more information or to sign up.

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