Pulitzer-winning writer from Gaza to speak at UMass
AMHERST — “Poems from Gaza,” an evening with Palestinian writer and librarian Mosab Abu Toha, will be held at Bowker Auditorium on the University of Massachusetts campus on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m.
Mosab Abu Toha is a Palestinian writer, poet, scholar and librarian from the Gaza Strip. He won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 2025 for his portrayal of the Gaza war in The New Yorker. His first book of poetry, “Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear,” won the Palestine Book Award and an American Book Award.
Abu Toha is the founder of the Edward Said Library, Gaza’s first English-language library. He was detained by the Israeli army in November 2023 when he was trying to flee to Egypt with his family. After his release he has since worked as a chronicler of the war from afar. In 2024, his second book of poetry, “Forest of Noise,” was published by Knopf.
Tickets are free to the public and available at: https://purchase.arts.umass.edu/ChooseSeats/13801
Dollars for Scholars appoints two to board
NORTHAMPTON — Northampton Dollars for Scholars has appointed two community members to its board of directors.
Charles Gleason, retired director of operations for Park Avenue Medical Associates, IPC Healthcare and Team Health, is a 1968 graduate of Northampton High School and 1972 of Springfield College. Gleason lived in Florence/Leeds for over 45 years and has two daughters, 1988 graduates of NHS.
Rebecca (Becky) Shaw, a Leeds resident, has worked in higher education for over 40 years and recently retired from Smith College after 20 years as the associate dean of students. She has three children, two who graduated from NHS and benefited from Dollars for Scholars, and a third, a senior year at NHS.
Since its founding in 1974, Dollars for Scholars has awarded more than $1.5 million in scholarships to NHS and Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School graduates. This year, 197 students received Dollars for Scholars scholarships, all from funds donated by local individuals, families and businesses.
Bank gives $5K toward purchase of new van
The Belchertown Senior Center recently received $5,000 from bankESB toward the purchase of a new van that will provide reliable transportation for local seniors. The new vehicle, which features the bankESB logo, will help ensure older residents have safe, accessible transportation to medical appointments, grocery stores and community events.
The new van will replace an aging vehicle, expanding its ability to serve more residents efficiently. The center serves hundreds of seniors annually through its programs, meals, wellness initiatives, and transportation services.
Food Bank preps for 15th Will Bike 4 Food ride
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts will hold its 15th annual Will Bike 4 Food ride on Sunday, Sept. 21, bringing together cyclists from first-timers to century riders to turn pedal power into funds for nutritious food for people across western Massachusetts.
Riders can choose from 100-, 50,- 25-, 12-, or 4-mile loops, or ride their own route anywhere in September during Hunger Action Month. Last year’s ride raised $250,000, which provides 500,000 to families in the region.
The event kicks off at various times depending on ride distances. Cyclists depart from and return to the Lion’s Club Pavilion in Hatfield at 15 Billings Way. Participants receive a T-shirt, caffeine and nourishment before they leave and snacks, water and supporters along the way.
For more information and to register, visit here.
Noncyclists can support the event by donating to an individual, team, or the general ride or by volunteering your time on the 21st. There are also volunteer opportunities in advance of the event, including support distributing yard signs to help raise awareness about the ride. To sign up or for more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Alison Sjoberg at alisons@foodbankwma.org.
After the rides, from 2 to 5 p.m., the Food Bank will hold a cookout, beverages, lawn games, vendors and music. The After-Party is free for Will Bike 4 Food riders and volunteers. Nonriders and virtual riders can purchase tickets at to the After Party for $25 for adults 21 and older and $20 for teens and kids.