Author Thomas Suárez to speak at UMass Amherst
AMHERST — Interlink Publishing will host a talk with historical researcher, musician and author Thomas Suárez at the University of Massachusetts Amherst on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m., where he will discuss his groundbreaking forthcoming book, “Palestine Mapped: From the River to the Sea in Early Geographic Thought.” The talk will take place at Thomson 106, 240 Hicks Way.
Hosted by Interlink Foundation and Media Education Foundation, the event explores how geographic thought and mapping have historically been used to shape an understanding of Palestine.
The event is co-sponsored by River Valley for Palestine, UMass Students for Justice in Palestine, UMass Amherst Faculty & Staff for Justice in Palestine, River Valley Democratic Socialists of America, Apartheid Free Western Mass, Media Education Foundation, Demilitarize Western Mass and Interlink Publishing.
Depolarization skills workshop in Easthampton
EASTHAMPTON — A local bridge-building group that began last spring in response to political polarization will hold a Braver Angels workshop titled “Skills for Disagreeing Better.”
The workshop will teach essential skills for communicating across differences and finding common ground. Participants will grow their understanding of the values and concerns of people who differ from them politically; learn how to listen in a way that others feel heard; and learn how to share viewpoints so that others might hear even if they disagree.
The workshop is on Saturday, Nov. 15, from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Easthampton Public Library Annex, 52 Main St. The workshop is free, but registration is required. To register, visit https://braverangels.org/event/skills-for-disagreeing-better-96/ or email depolarizewmass@gmail.com. For more info about the group’s monthly meetups, email depolarizewmass@gmail.com.
Presidential Pulitzer Prize-winning historian to speak
SPRINGFIELD — Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Jon Meacham will headline the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts’ Lynn M. and William Foggle Great Issues Lecture Series on Monday, Nov. 11, at 7:30 p.m., at Springfield Symphony Hall.
This free, communitywide event is open to all, with advance registration required at https://jewishwesternmass.crowdchange.co/50256.
Meacham’s lecture, “Hope Through History: How to Survive Turbulent Times,” will explore how America’s past offers guidance for navigating today’s challenges. Known for his clarity, insight, and masterful storytelling, Meacham will share lessons on leadership, civic responsibility, and the resilience of democracy, highlighting the pivotal role each generation plays in shaping the nation’s future.
Meacham, one of America’s most sought-after historians and commentators, served as Newsweek’s managing editor (1998–2006) and editor (2006–2010). Renowned for bringing history to life, he provides audiences with rich historical context for current events, offering both inspiration and actionable insights for citizens of all backgrounds.
The Foggle Great Issues Lecture Series was born when longtime Longmeadow residents Lynn and Bill Foggle approached the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts with a vision to create a lecture series that would bring leading thinkers to western Massachusetts to discuss pressing global and national issues. Together, through a dedicated fund at the Federation’s Jewish Endowment Foundation, the Federation helped turn the Foggles’ idea into a reality, establishing a lasting platform for intellectual exploration, civic dialogue, and community engagement.
Salvation Army calls for Red Kettle volunteers
With the holiday season approaching, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is kicking off its annual Red Kettle Campaign across the commonwealth, and volunteers are urgently needed in nearly every region.
As more families across Massachusetts face economic hardship, inflation and housing costs heading into the holidays, the need for The Salvation Army’s services continues to grow. The organization serves as a critical safety net, providing Christmas gifts and food, offering emergency assistance with bills, and providing shelter to those without a home.
All Red Kettle proceeds support The Salvation Army’s work with individuals and families right in the communities where donations are collected. On average, volunteer bell ringers raise enough money to provide nearly 250 meals to children and families in their respective towns. The theme of this year’s campaign is “Give With JOY.”
The first local Red Kettle campaigns of 2025 kick off across the state in November. The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division is working to raise more than $2.3 million through this year’s Red Kettle Campaign to support critical year-round social services. Donations can be made in person at a Red Kettle or virtually.
To volunteer at a Red Kettle or donate online, visit salvationarmyma.org/redkettle.