UMass to host Chilly Challenge on Saturday
AMHERST — The Center for Women & Community (CWC) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst invites all to join its annual Chilly Challenge fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Puffer’s Pond in North Amherst beginning at 10:30 a.m.
The challenge is an annual event that began in 2021, during COVID pandemic isolation, to bring community together while raising awareness and supporting services provided to those impacted by violence. Participants raise awareness and funds in support of free sexual assault support, advocacy and prevention services in Hampshire County.
Organizers hope to attract at least 200 participants to Chilly Challenge 2025. Last year 110 participants accepted the challenge; together with local business sponsors, they helped raise $4,000.
All are invited to take the plunge (or just dip a toe in) in Puffer’s Pond or choose a less chilly way to support, such as making a donation. There will be warm chili, cider and desserts provided by UMass Dining.
The rain date for the event will be Sunday, Nov. 16. Individuals and teams can sign up any time; however, UMass Amherst students who need transportation must register by Nov. 14.
Local businesses can also lend their support by sponsoring the challenge and can learn more at https://www.umass.edu/student-life/cwc-chilly-challenge-2025.
The CWC, formerly Everywoman’s Center, was established in 1972 and provides 3,000-plus support sessions annually, including the 24/7 Sexual Assault Support & Advocacy (SASA) Hotline, counseling sessions, support groups and medical, legal and campus advocacies to people impacted by violence.
Granby Library to host talk on the Arctic’s ‘magic’
GRANBY — The Granby Public Library will host “90 North — Overview of the Arctic,” on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m., 297 East State St.
Explore the circumpolar North through the lens of an expert who has spent time there and witnessed its fragile nature, who has gathered stories of Indigenous cultures who call it home and for whom its majesty has become her life’s passion.
Moki Kokoris is an environmental advocate, part-time explorer/adventurer, and 14th woman to reach the Geographic North Pole. She is also the founder of “90-north” — an outreach education program through which she invites audiences to discover the Arctic’s magic and its critical role in today’s world.
The objective of this interactive Arctic program is to support a worldwide campaign of scientific activity and to emphasize environmental research, education and conservation. Moki seeks to bring the Arctic to life through imagery and video footage, and stories of personal experiences, along with cultural and animal artifacts that participants are invited to touch and hold.
The program is open to adults and families with children over 4 years old. To sign up, visit the library’s circulation desk or call 413-467-3320.
Friends of Children to host Artisan Market
NORTHAMPTON — Friends of Children Inc. is hosting its first Artisan Market on Sunday, Nov. 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Garden House at Look Park, 300 N. Main Street in Florence.
This juried artisan event will feature 30 local creators, food vendors, and a silent online auction with a great selection of local seasonal experiences to bid on. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit children and young adults affected by the child welfare system.
Admission is free and there is no parking fee. Artisan items available for purchase include fiber arts, pottery, woodworking items, kiln glass, framed prints, holiday decor, jewelry, and all natural self-care items. Push for Joy and Local Burger are the featured food vendors.
The online silent auction is underway and will run through Nov. 23. To view or bid on available items including experiences at New England’s premier holiday season attractions, museum admissions, lift tickets to local ski resorts and a beautiful array of handmade items from the artisans visit: https://www.32auctions.com/FOCArtisanMarket.
Friends of Children is fully dedicated to improving the lives of children and young adults impacted by foster care and the child welfare system. For more information visit www.friendsofchildreninc.org.
Shutesbury accepting CPA grant applications
SHUTESBURY — 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 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, while the deadline to submit the grant application is Feb. 9, 2026.
Potential applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the town’s Community Preservation Plan, which is available on the CPC website. Questions about the application process can be directed to cpc@shutesbury.org.