Charlemont activist to speak on trip to Palestine

CHARLEMONT — Activist Sherrill Hogen, who recently returned home to Charlemont from a trip to the West Bank, Palestine, will share her experiences and photos in a Zoom program on Wednesday, July 24, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The free talk is sponsored by Kairos/Franklin County Justice for Palestine and the Traprock Center for Peace and Justice. Register at tinyurl.com/4akk9mjs.

Since 2002, Hogen has traveled to Palestine 18 times. Hogen joined 10 others for a solidarity tour last month, meeting with grassroots leaders and activists in five West Bank cities. Tour leaders, the Rev. Jeff Wright and his wife Janet Wright of Colorado, have led numerous previous tours and organized this one in response to pleas from Palestinian colleagues not to forget them in this time of crisis.

Time for audience questions and comments will follow the main presentation. For more information, email traprockinfo@crocker.com.

Concert to benefit window restoration project at Heath’s Community Hall

CHARLEMONT — A chamber music concert will be held Friday, July 26, at 7 p.m. at the Charlemont Federated Church, 175 Main St., to raise money for the restoration of windows at Heath’s Community Hall. Admission is by freewill donation, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the restoration effort.

The town has secured a grant from the Cultural Facilities Fund administered by MassDevelopment and the Massachusetts Cultural Council. It requires a $17,000 matching contribution from Heath, making for $34,000 total.

Music will be performed by a quartet of independent artists who have developed strong ties of friendship through a variety of trainings, collaborations and performances over the past 25 years. They are pianist Solon Gordon, violist Jenn Chang, cellist Hannah Collins and violinist Clara Lyon. The program will include a variety of compositions, including the Schumann Piano Quartet in E-Flat major, Op. 47. Following the performance, attendees are invited to stay for a reception to greet the artists and to enjoy complimentary refreshments.

July 28: Buckland Historical Society hosting open house

BUCKLAND — The Buckland Historical Society will host an open house and provide an update on the barn reconstruction progress on Sunday, July 28, from 2 to 4 p.m.

At the Wilder Homestead at 129 Route 112, visitors can tour the furnished 1795 saltbox home with five fireplaces, the circa 1798 English barn that is 90% restored and the circa 1820 shoemaker shop.

At the Historical Society’s museum at 20 Upper St., guests can see three floors of artifacts and town records. Attendees will see exhibits on local industry, clothing, education featuring Mary Lyon, local artists Robert Strong Woodward and Edward Romanzo Elmer, and more.