CUMMINGTON — Frances Moore Lappé, author of the bestselling book “Diet for a Small Planet” and founder of the Small Planet Institute in Cambridge, will speak at this year’s EarthCare Festival in Cummington starting Sept. 15.
“Frances Lappé was an early advocate for a global view of food and its relation to public policy,” festival organizer David Perkins said. “It is going to be great to have her here and I am really looking forward to hearing what she has to say.”
Presented by the The Hilltown Chautauqua, the festival’s theme this year is “Food, Farms and the Future,” and will include a variety of speakers, writers, artists and art exhibits, as well as food, film, music and dance.
Perkins said the set up of the event really allows people to learn a lot while enjoying themselves and spending time with friends, family and community.
“There are a lot of different elements going on at different times,” Perkins said. “Down time between the talks gives people the chance to see some art, have lunch, listen to some music, then go hear another talk.”
On the evening of Sept. 15, well-known folk musicians Jay Ungar and Molly Mason will perform from 7:30-9 p.m., after a pig roast that starts at 6:30 p.m. The concert will include a contra dance, beginning at 8:30, with caller Sadie Stull.
Lappé will speak on Sept. 16 at 11:15 a.m. on “The global food crisis, sustainable solutions, and the role of democracy.” She will be followed by Adam Eichen, the co-author of her new book, “Daring Democracy: Igniting Power, Meaning, and Connection for the America We Want,” which is scheduled for release on Sept. 26.
“We will also have a panel of eight young Hilltown farmers who are trying to meld their world and political views with farming here in the Hilltowns,” Perkins said.
The Sept. 16 musical entertainment will include Sarah Briggs, Zoë Darrow and the Wistaria String Quartet.
From 7-8 p.m., the film “Forgotten Farms” will be shown.
Throughout the day participants will be able to browse and or purchase books by featured speakers and local writers, visit a photography exhibit called “Faces of the Land,” find a moment of solace in a “meditative hut” created by sculptors Susan and Gene Flores, or take in the lovely views that can be found on the property.
The festival will be held on the grounds of the William Cullen Bryant Homestead located at 207 Bryant Road.
“The homestead really can absorb a lot of people and it is just a beautiful venue,” Perkins said. “We had a pretty good turn out last year and we are hoping for even more this year.”
To purchase tickets for the festival go to hilltown chautauqua.org. For more information contact David Perkins at 634-5716 or by email davidsperkins@gmail.com.
Published for the last 30 years and helping to make Hilltown business both more visible and viable, the Hilltown Business Directory is now soliciting listings for its 2018 edition.
Each year, about 300 businesses are listed in the directory, which is delivered in January to 14,600 households in 20 towns.
Those wanting to list a business in the directory can fill out a reservation form available at hilltowncdc.org or from Bea von Hagke at 296-4536 ext. 115 or at beavh@hilltowncdc.org.
The deadline is Oct. 6.
The Cummington Municipal Light Plant has received the initial payment of the $390,000 state broadband grant to begin the process of building the town’s broadband network.
On Monday, the plant’s board will meet with Westfield Gas and Electric for the official kick-off of the process and to begin the town’s utility pole survey and get them ready for a fiber network.
Residents should expect to see workers on the roads and in driveways, a sign that the town is now off and running toward broadband access.
For further information, contact Allan Douglas at mlpmanager@cummington-ma.gov.
Ideas for this column on life in the Hilltowns can be sent to Fran Ryan at fryan.gazette@gmail.com