Law Day events to focus on ‘preserving democracy’

NORTHAMPTON — The public is invited to 2024 Law Day at the Hampshire and Franklin county courthouses next week, with public presentations on the topic of “preserving democracy.”

Constitutional law scholar and voting rights advocate John Bonifaz, co-founder and president of Free Speech for People, a national nonprofit whose mission is to defend the Constitution, will be the keynote speaker at two events scheduled for Wednesday, May 1, at the Franklin Justice Center in Greenfield, and Friday, May 3, at the Hampshire County Courthouse in Northampton. Both events are scheduled to start at 9 a.m.

Bonifaz will be joined by his daughter, Marisol Bonifaz, an Amherst Regional High School student and founder of Generation Ratify Amherst, now called Amherst Young Feminist Party.

Law Day is an event organized and promoted annually by the American Bar Association to celebrate and educate the public about the rule of law and its role in a democracy. The first Law Day event was held in 1958. The ABA selects a theme each year, with this year’s theme being “Voices of Democracy.”

Locally, Law Day events are organized jointly by the Northwestern district attorney’s office, the Hampshire and Franklin County Bar Associations and staff members from the Trial Court at the respective courthouses. Following the presentations, student groups will participate in guided tours of the courthouses. Teachers interested in bringing students groups should email laurie.loisel@mass.gov

Meet the
Candidates Night
in Granby

GRANBY — The Granby Lions Club will sponsor a Meet the Candidates Night on Wednesday, May 1 at 7 p.m., in the East Meadow School Cafeteria. Residents are invited to meet and hear from candidates running for office. Light refreshments will be served.

National Day of Prayer at Holyoke City Hall

HOLYOKE — Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, city officials and faith leaders in the city will hold a National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 2, at noon outside City Hall.

The National Day of Prayer began in 1775, when the Continental Congress designated a time for prayer in forming a new nation. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln called for such a day. In 1952, Congress established the National Day of Prayer as an annual event. That initiative was signed into law by President Truman. The National Day of Prayer was established as the first Thursday of May each year.

Members of the clergy will offer prayers addressing a range of subjects, including women, youth, education, the workplace, and the media.

Easthampton Film Festival returns for year three

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Film Festival returns for its third year May 2-5 with independent film screenings at Abandoned Building Brewery, E-Media and CitySpace.

Tickets are $10 per screening and on sale now online via easthamptonfilmfestival.com. Tickets may be purchased by credit card online or with cash at the door. Seating is limited, and capacity varies by venue.

The festival showcases the work of up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world with a particular focus on local talent and themes. Each screening includes an audience talk-back with attending filmmakers, and some venues include the availability of delicious food and or beverages to enjoy with the films. This year’s short film screenings span several genres, including comedy, thriller, animation, local documentary, horror and drama. There are also two networking events taking place as part of the program, where audience members and local filmmakers can meet and connect.

More details and scheduling can be found at EasthamptonFilmFestival.com/2024program.