GREENFIELD — Greenfield Public Library is hosting a new author series, featuring a range of free, virtual talks from best-selling authors and thought leaders.
Dr. Aziz Gazipura, author of “Not Nice: Stop People Pleasing, Staying Silent, & Feeling Guilty,” will be the first author featured in the series on Thursday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m., according to a library press release. Gazipura, a leading expert on social confidence, will discuss how to stop being too nice and worrying about what others might think.
Gazipura will showcase lessons from his book to teach participants that the opposite of nice is not mean, but rather real. Attendees will learn how to say “no” when they want and need to, confidently ask for what they want and eliminate feelings of guilt and anxiety, as well as stop worrying about what others will think.
For more information, and to register for this and other upcoming talks, go to greenfieldpubliclibrary.org.
GREENFIELD — In partnership with Greenfield Community College, the LAVA Center at 324 Main St. will host a special Halloween event featuring a screening of the extended version of “The Exorcist,” along with a short documentary about the film and its cultural impact.
The event will be held Friday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. While it is free to attend, donations are accepted to help fund future events.
GCC professor Lillian Ruiz teaches classes in media and pop culture, Gothic literature, Shakespeare and women in literature, among others. The public is invited to join Ruiz in a conversation on the history of Halloween.
“The Exorcist” is rated R and is intended for mature audiences only.
GREENFIELD — Stoneleigh-Burnham School, a boarding and day school for girls in grades seven through 12, recently appointed Heidi Merrill as its new director of college counseling.
Merrill, who joined Stoneleigh-Burnham in August, has 18 years of experience in college admissions, making her very familiar with what admissions counselors at the collegiate level are looking for in high school applicants. She has worked at a variety of institutions, most recently serving as associate director of admission at Mount Holyoke College, according to a Stoneleigh-Burnham press release. Her experience includes evaluating diverse applications from both domestic and international students, serving on admissions committees, interviewing students, and supporting students and families through the college admissions process.
“She has helped guide students and families through many application cycles and is a skilled communicator who brings her knowledge and compassion to the complexities of college admissions,” current Academic Dean and former Director of College Counseling Lauren Cunniffe said of Merrill.
Head of School Stephanie Luebbers said Merrill is “a superb addition” to the Stoneleigh-Burnham team.
“She brings wisdom, experience and a deep understanding of the college admissions landscape,” Luebbers said. “These are invaluable strengths in helping students find and matriculate at a best fit institution after graduation.”
Merrill, who holds a bachelor’s degree in history from St. Mary’s College in Maryland and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Lasell University, said she is excited to work closely with the students and help them navigate the college admissions process.
“I believe deeply in the values of the Stoneleigh-Burnham community,” Merrill said, “and look forward to helping students find their college communities that feel as much like home.”