Literature, journalism, and the fate of the environment
Amid all the charges of “fake news” made by the Trump White House and other quarters these days, there are also plenty of gestures of support for the Fourth Estate and for the power of the written word. A forum this Saturday in Cummington intends to make that declaration, too — specifically, the important role journalism and literature have played in promoting environmental conservation.
“The Power of Poetry and the Press,” a symposium taking place Saturday at the William Cullen Bryant Homestead, will feature an appearance by Elizabeth Kolbert, author of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History” and a number of other acclaimed environmental titles. A long-time staff writer for The New Yorker magazine, Kolbert, who lives in Williamstown, will talk about people today “who are trying to make a difference and save species against very challenging odds in our changing climate,” event organizers say.
The symposium, from 9:30 a.m to noon, is sponsored by The Trustees of Reservations, the nonprofit group that maintains the Bryant Homestead and more than 100 other environmentally and historically important properties around the state. Organizers says Bryant himself was a “passionate conservationist” who, inspired by the beauty of western Massachusetts, urged Americans, through his writing and his position as a newspaper publisher, to protect the country’s natural splendors and rethink their connection to nature.
Saturday’s event will also include music by Robert Jonas, founder of The Empty Bell, a contemplative sanctuary in Northampton, and a Q&A with Kolbert (a member of The Trustees of Reservations) after her talk that will be moderated by Steve Philbrick, minister of the West Cummington Congregational Church.
Admission to the forum is free for Hilltown residents, $5 for Trustees members and $10 for nonmembers. To preregister, or to get additional information, contact Caitlin Davis at (413) 200-7262 or cdavis@thetrustees.org.
Valley Kids Festival returns to the Amherst Common
Looking for some old-time flavor, like a recreation of a New England community fair? Something for the family? You’ll find it at the Valley Kids Festival & Craft Fair this Saturday on the Amherst Town Common from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Now into its fourth decade, the festival features some 60 craft and local food vendors and a wealth of entertainment: children’s games, pony rides, puppet shows, music, tae kwon do demonstrations, a bounce house and more, such as a silent auction.
The festival is produced for the Amherst Family Center, a program of the Office of Family Resources at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The event is sponsored by Valley Kids magazine, a publication of the Gazette and The Greenfield Recorder.
Saturday’s fest will also include a “preschool alley,” where parents of young children can shop around for preschool information or get signed up for a program.
Though admission is free, the event raises approximately $10,000 a year to support materials, staff and occasional performers for the Amherst Family Center’s free parent-child program.
The forecast for Saturday looks mixed, but don’t let the weather hold you back: The festival takes place rain or shine.
— Steve Pfarrer