Eastworks hosts annual Open Studios
EASTHAMPTON — Eastworks will host its annual Open Studios event on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1-2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day at 116 Pleasant St.
Open Studios will feature local artists, makers, performers, nonprofits and entrepreneurs opening their doors to the public, offering an opportunity to experience the vibrant creative community within Eastworks, a popular destination in Easthampton.
The studios participating this year showcase a mix from drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and mixed media to pottery, stained glass, jewelry, textiles and more. Meet celebrated creators, learn about their process, view works in progress, participate in hand-on workshops, or purchase one-of-a-kind items.
In addition to the on-site restaurants within the building, Eastworks will also host a variety of food trucks, providing a selection of culinary options.
Eastworks, a 500,000 square foot revitalized textile mill, sits in the heart of Easthampton’s Mill District. Free on-site parking lots are located in the front and back of the building, along with accessible entrances and two elevators.
For more information, visit eastworksopenstudios.com, or follow on Instagram at instagram.com/eastworks_community/ , or Facebook at facebook.com/EastworksOpenStudios
Comerford receives award for public service
BOSTON — Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, received the Thomas Menino Award for Public Service from the statewide Disability Policy Consortium (DPC) on Thursday, Oct. 16, at DPC’s annual John Winske Memorial Awards ceremony.
Comerford was recognized for her leadership in passing sweeping legislation to overhaul the state’s MassHealth Estate Recovery Program.
In her acceptance speech, Comerford praised her partnership with the DPC and characterized the urgency of reforming the state’s MassHealth Estate Recovery program.
Since 1996, DPC has been a leading, high-impact disability rights organization in the commonwealth, ensuring “that people with disabilities have a seat at the table when laws are written and public policy changes are considered.”
Awarded annually, the Thomas Menino Public Service award is named for former mayor of Boston, Thomas Menino, and honors public officials who have been champions of disability rights. Previous winners have included Senate President Karen Spilka, and U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley.
Comerford was honored to receive this award with her legislative partner in reforming MassHealth Estate Recovery, state Rep. Christine Barber, D-Somerville.
Shutesbury CPA committee accepting grants
Shutesbury’s Community Preservation Committee is accepting grant applications for projects related to the town’s historic preservation, community housing, open space, or recreation needs and that start in fiscal year 2027.
The determination of eligibility form and grant application form are available at shutesbury.org/community_preservation, along with more information about the town’s CPA grant process. The deadline to submit the determination of eligibility is Dec. 8. The deadline to submit the grant application is Feb. 9.
Potential applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with Shutesbury’s Community Preservation Plan, which is available on the CPC website. Questions about the application process can be directed to cpc@shutesbury.org.
UMass alumnus to share journey to Apple
AMHERST — Recently retired Apple executive and engineer Daniel J. Riccio Jr. will share his journey from UMass Amherst to the pinnacle of innovation at Apple as the 2025 Shirley and Ting-Wei Tang Endowment Lecture on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 4:30 p.m., in the UMass Amherst Student Union Ballroom at 41 Campus Center Way.
Riccio shaped the last 25-plus years of Apple products and will provide exclusive insights into his days at the pioneering tech company, where he played a pivotal role in building the team, culture and processes that delivered category-defining innovative Apple products such as the iMac, iPhone and iPad. He will also discuss his vision for the Riccio College of Engineering at UMass Amherst and the motivation behind his transformative $50 million gift.
A reception will be held from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m., followed by the lecture at 4:30, which will include both a traditional presentation and a Q&A fireside chat. The event is free and open to the public.