‘Feast for Peace
in the Middle East’
HADLEY — Hopkins Academy will host “Feast for Peace in the Middle East” to aid those impacted by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Tuesday, Dec. 5, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
Join us for an evening of delectable food, family fun, and charity during the giving season. There will be a variety of free food dishes that are traditionally served in the region along with music and a buffet dinner experience.
The goal is to help provide those in need with necessary supplies, including water, food, medical supplies, and shelter. This year, all proceeds will be given to GlobalGiving, a charity that is focused on helping those impacted by violence and providing necessary life-saving aid to displaced residents.
The fundraising goal is $2,000. Attendees are encouraged to make donations of any amount.
This event is free and open to the public.
PLAINFIELD — Singer-songwriter-guitarist Laura Wetzler and special guest Joe Belmont will perform “Worldbeat Songs of Peace, Love & the Holidays” Saturday, Dec. 9, at 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church, 1 Church Lane.
Wetzler has been singing professionally since the age of 15, releasing five critically acclaimed CDs and touring the U.S. and Europe.
Master guitarist Belmont has played with worldbeat band Viva Quetzal for over 20 years, releasing three CD’s and touring extensively. He serves on the faculty of Amherst College and the Northampton Music Center.
The concert is sponsored by the Plainfield Council on Aging. Admission is free, but donations are accepted to support the COA.
HOLYOKE — Attorney Gina Barry, a 1994 graduate of Holyoke Community College and an estate planning specialist, will return to her alma mater on Friday, Dec. 8, to give an informal talk titled “Inspired Giving” over a complimentary lunch at the MGM Culinary Arts Institute.
A Holyoke resident, Barry is chair of the Estate Planning and Elder Law Department at Bacon Wilson, P.C., in Holyoke and a 2015 recipient of HCC’s Distinguished Alumni Award.
Her presentation will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. during a three-course gourmet lunch prepared and served by HCC’s culinary arts students. The Culinary Arts Institute is at 164 Race St.
In her talk, Barry will provide helpful tips for integrating tax-savvy charitable giving strategies into long-term estate plans.
This community event is open to the public. There is no fee for lunch, but seating is limited, and reservations are required.
To RSVP, please go to hcc.edu/barry or contact John Sieracki, HCC leadership gift officer, at 413-687-0322 or jsieracki@hcc.edu.
SHUTESBURY — Shutesbury Community Church will sponsor its annual community tree lighting, carol sing and visit by Santa Claus at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10, on the Town Common. All are welcome.
Music will be provided by Veronica Richter, worship arts director for the church, and will include a variety of traditional and contemporary sing-along holiday songs.
Children will be invited to tell Santa their Christmas wishes and will receive a small gift. Cocoa, hot cider and doughnuts will be provided by the church.
Volunteers are needed to help decorate the tree, donated by West Brook Tree Farm of Athol. Those interested are asked to meet on the Common in front of the church at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 9.
For more information, contact Pastor Mark Ellis at (413) 349-8444 or email shutesburychurch@gmail.com.
WILLIAMSBURG — State Sen. Paul W. Mark’s staff will host office hours in Williamsburg for two days this month.
Residents of any of the 57 municipalities in the senator’s Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire District are encouraged to ask for assistance with issues involving any state agency or to share ideas on current or potential state legislation.
Appointments are not required.
Office hours will be Tuesday, Dec. 12, and Tuesday, Dec. 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Town Offices, 141 Main St., Haydenville.