Sept. 24:Author talk with Doug Selwyn

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library welcomes local author Doug Selwyn on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room to discuss his books on education. Selwyn will read from his work, but the evening will also be a time to discuss what matters most in the education of our young people.

Selwyn taught in K-12 education for 14 years, and then taught at the university level until 2017, when he retired from his position as professor of education at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh. He has written several books on education, writes a monthly education column for the Greenfield Recorder and is chair of Franklin County Continuing the Political Revolution’s Education Task Force.

Books will be available for purchase from the author at this event.

Library to host ‘Conversations About Memory’

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Public Library welcomes Dr. Rebecca Starr on Tuesday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Meeting Room for “Conversations About Memory.”

Starr will speak about brain changes from the spectrum of normal aging to dementia, as well as what can be done to maintain and improve cognition. There will be time for questions as well as the opportunity to hear from others about their own experiences.

Starr founded Starr Geriatrics with the belief that every individual, regardless of age or cognitive and functional limitations, deserves to live a life full of purpose and well-being. To achieve these goals, Starr Geriatrics offers a membership-based primary care model designed specifically for adults ages 55 and older that goes beyond traditional health care, embracing lifestyle medicine and comprehensive, personalized care to help patients achieve their health goals. Geriatric consultations around cognitive and functional changes are available as well.

Starr also serves as medical director for Mass General Brigham Cooley Dickinson Hospital’s Pioneer Valley Memory Care Initiative.

LAVA Centerprogram to discuss farm bill

GREENFIELD — The LAVA Center at 324 Main St. will host a discussion on the farm bill on Friday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m.

Having been revised on average every five years since its 1933 creation, the farm bill covers agricultural and food policies from the seeds that are planted to the food products on our plates. The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), crop insurance, sustainable farming practices that protect and restore land quality, and equitable access to nourishing foods are areas of particular relevance to western Massachusetts farmers and consumers. A Sept. 30 deadline for reauthorization of the current farm bill looms.

“With all the noise about politics that overwhelms us at times, what most affects our lives can be very quiet. The farm bill is consequential, yet almost invisible to us,” Doug Selwyn, who will moderate the discussion, said in a statement.

Humanities programming at The LAVA Center is supported by Mass Humanities, the Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice and Greening Greenfield. For more information, email info@indivisiblegreenfield.org or matthew@thelavacenter.org.

Kids ages 3 to 12to make robots

GREENFIELD — To celebrate the release of “The Wild Robot” movie, children ages 3 to 12 are invited to stop by the Greenfield Public Library Children’s Room on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. to make their own robots using the library’s art materials.

For more information, contact Shannon Gilcreast at shannon.gilcreast@greenfield-ma.gov or 413-772-1544, ext. 5104.

Learn aboutWildflower Alliance at library

GREENFIELD — As part of National Recovery Month, members of the Wildflower Alliance will be at the Greenfield Public Library on Thursday, Sept. 19, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to provide information and answer questions about their programs and services.

The Wildflower Alliance supports healing and empowerment for people who have been impacted by psychiatric diagnosis, trauma, homelessness, problems with substance abuse and other life-interrupting challenges.

Cultural Councilapplications due Oct. 16

GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Cultural Council is accepting applications from organizations, schools and individuals seeking grants to support community-oriented arts, humanities and science programs. Submissions are due by Wednesday, Oct. 16.

Greenfield received an allocation of $20,200 for this year’s funding round from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. To apply, visit massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp.

Greenfield’s funding priorities are to support Greenfield-based artists, performers and venues, although others may apply. Based on the results of the Cultural Council’s 2024 Community Survey, the following types of projects are strongly encouraged: live performances and festivals, social justice and cultural diversity events, and public art. The results of the survey can be found at greenfield-ma.gov/cultural-council.

Recent cultural activities that received Cultural Council funding include the Winter Carnival, Franklin County Pride, the Stephen King Film Festival and the Greenfield Military Band concerts.

For more information, visit massculturalcouncil.org/communities/local-cultural-council-program.

Artspace seekssubmissions for ‘Forward’ exhibit

GREENFIELD — Artspace Community Art Center at 15 Mill St. is seeking submissions for its upcoming community art show, “Forward.” The exhibit will be on display from Jan. 17, 2025 to Feb. 28, 2025, and submissions are due by midnight on Monday, Dec. 2.

“Forward” is intended to be “an exploration of evolution, change and movement, imagining the endless possibilities that lie ahead,” according to Artspace’s website. Artwork that captures the essence of the word “Forward” in all its forms is welcome.

Artists may submit up to three pieces of artwork for consideration. Ultimately, roughly 20 artists will be accepted, with one or two pieces by each artist to be displayed. Accepted artists will be notified by Wednesday, Dec. 18.

Submissions from all locations will be considered, but priority will be given to artists with a meaningful connection to Greenfield and/or Franklin County, and/or artwork that relates directly to Greenfield and/or Franklin County.

For more details on submission requirements, visit artspacegreenfield.org/call-for-art-forward.