‘Soul of Gaza’ event to support displaced Gazan families
NORTHAMPTON — A special Palestinian meal and program, The Soul of Gaza, will be held on Saturday, Aug. 29, at 3 p.m. at Lyman Hall First Churches Northampton, 129 Main St. Doors open at 2:45.
The event will help Palestinian families displaced in Gaza and Egypt to sustain their most basic needs. It will also contribute to an education fund helping students surviving in the rubble of Gaza to find hope and prepare for a future beyond genocide.
The fundraiser features Palestinian cuisine prepared by a chef from Gaza, a screening of the short film “Angel of Gaza” and several key presentations.
Dr. of Liberation Psychology will address Palestine’s future under human and ecological decimation and the strain of occupation, as well as global reverberations of this horror.
A local community member working with Arduna (Our Land) will describe this Gazan-run farmer’s collective. A cofounder of Eyewitness Palestine will address the importance of solidarity and learning directly from the Palestinian experience.
Event organizers, Apartheid-Free Western MA., invite all concerned with the ongoing devastation in Gaza to contribute either online or by attending this special fundraising-informational event.
Learn MORE and register here: https://givebutter.com/SoulofGaza-campaign-aqjmav.
State launches driver ed materials on bicycle safety
BOSTON — The state Registry of Motor Vehicles has released new driver education classroom resources aimed at teaching future drivers how to safely share the road with bicyclists.
Developed with MassBike and LivableStreets Alliance and funded through a National Safety Council federal grant, the materials cover Massachusetts’ 4-foot passing law, safe turning at intersections and checking for cyclists before opening a car door.
The module includes videos, presentation slides, lesson plans and reference sheets that instructors can add to existing courses. It also addresses bicyclists’ rights and responsibilities, yielding, and anticipating common riding behaviors.
Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie said the update reflects the growing use of bicycles and e-bikes on Massachusetts roads.
The resources are free to driver education instructors, schools and training programs statewide and are available at massbike.org.
Greenfield Savings to host Kids’ Day in Northampton
NORTHAMPTON — Greenfield Savings Bank will host Kids’ Day at GSB at its Northampton branch on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
The event will include face painting, crafts, and complimentary coffee and donuts. Children can also open an Everyday Savings Account, with the bank offering a matching deposit of up to $50 for each new account opened with at least $10.
The branch is at 325 King St. More information is available at greenfieldsavings.com/community-events/kids-day-at-gsb.
Tickets on sale for Dakin’s Barks & Brews fundraiser
EASTHAMPTON — Tickets are on sale for Dakin Humane Society’s 11th annual Barks & Brews fundraiser on Sunday, Oct. 11 at Fort Hill Brewery, with a VIP preview hour from noon to 1 p.m. and general admission from 1 to 4 p.m.
VIP tickets cost $65 and include parking, hors d’oeuvres, a complimentary beer and a T-shirt; general admission tickets cost $25 and include a beer. Prices rise to $75 and $35, respectively, starting Sept. 1. All attendees must be at least 21.
The event, which draws dogs on non-retractable leashes, will feature a costume contest, hot dog eating contest, musical sit, dog splash zone, nail trims, dog baths and vendor booths, among other activities.
Barks & Brews has raised about $30,000 annually for Dakin’s animal welfare programs in recent years at Fort Hill. Tickets are available at dakinhumane.org/barksandbrews.