UMass climbs to No. 24 in public university rankings

AMHERST — The University of Massachusetts Amherst climbed five spots to No. 24 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 rankings of top public universities, and is the only public institution in New England in the top 30.

UMass is tied at No. 24 with Texas A&M, Florida State, Stony Brook, the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. It has ranked among the top 30 public universities for 13 consecutive years.

Among all 422 national universities ranked, public and private, UMass placed No. 59, eighth among the Massachusetts schools ranked.

Among public universities, UMass also ranked No. 11 for artificial intelligence and No. 12 for computer science, up four spots. It ranked No. 36 for business, up four, and No. 34 for veterans, up three. It ranked No. 31 in a new category, best value for in-state students.

“This ranking reflects confidence in our students, faculty and staff — and the power and promise of a UMass education,” Chancellor Javier A. Reyes said.

Film, music event in Easthampton to honor Stavros

EASTHAMPTON — Disability advocate Roxy Rocker will emcee an Oct. 3 celebration honoring Stavros Center for Independent Living at 50 Arrow Gallery.

Rocker, founder of the disability inclusion media and consulting platform Embracing Disability, serves on the Massachusetts Statewide Independent Living Council and hosts “Embracing What’s Possible,” a program focused on disability and inclusion.

The event recognizes Stavros’ work across Western Massachusetts to advance independent living, access and self-determination for disabled people. It will feature two screenings of the film “White Nine,” each followed by a performance by the Gaon Soloists.

Doors open at noon. Screenings begin at 1 and 5 p.m., with concerts at about 2:30 and 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception. A $20 donation to Stavros is suggested; admission is free for Stavros staff and board members.

The event is presented by 50 Arrow Gallery and Hashi Pottery Plus, with support from the New England Foundation for the Arts. State Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, and state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, are expected to attend.

Granby parish to host craft fair

GRANBY — Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, 256 State St., will hold a craft fair Monday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The fair will feature more than 50 vendors, basket raffles and a lottery tree raffle. Breakfast and lunch will be available.

World Affairs Council of WMass to mark 100th

SPRINGFIELD — The World Affairs Council of Western Massachusetts will mark its centennial with its 100th annual meeting and dinner Monday, Oct. 5, at the Sheraton Springfield at Monarch Place.

The council traces its roots to 1926, when the presidents of Smith and Mount Holyoke colleges founded a Springfield chapter of the Foreign Policy Association, part of a national movement after World War I to counter rising isolationism.

William Taubman, professor emeritus at Amherst College, will speak about his new book, “McNamara at War,” on Robert McNamara’s tenure as secretary of defense under presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson. He will also discuss the war between Russia and Ukraine. Copies of the book and of his biographies of Nikita Khrushchev and Mikhail Gorbachev will be for sale.

A cash-bar reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and the program at 6 p.m. Tickets are $60, and the event is open to the public. Register at wacwestma.org.

Senior tax work-off program moving forward in Deerfield

DEERFIELD — After Town Meeting voters approved the implementation of a property tax work-off program for residents over 60 years old earlier this year, the Select Board unanimously voted to start the program at its Sept. 2 meeting.

According to Town Administrator Christopher Dunne, the maximum abatement for participants’ property taxes is $1,500 for performing tasks like gardening, assisting Recreation Director Gaby Richard-Harrington with running sporting events and other responsibilities at Town Hall. Dunne will also explore possible positions with Tilton Library, the South County Senior Center and the Historical Commission.

Those interested in applying for the program can email Dunne at townadmin@town.deerfield.ma.us.