Webinar to examine US intervention in Venezuela
AMHERST — A webinar hosted by the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst will examine the legal and political implications of the recent U.S. military raid in Venezuela and the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro, bringing together experts in political science, law and communication.
“The Law and Politics of U.S. Intervention in Venezuela and Beyond” will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 20, from 4 to 5 p.m. via Zoom. The event is free and open to the public, with advance registration required.
The discussion will feature UMass Amherst faculty with expertise in Venezuelan politics, Latin American affairs and international and domestic law. Panelists will analyze the stated legal basis — or lack thereof — for the U.S. raid and arrest, and assess the broader consequences of the action.
Panelists will also address what the intervention means for Venezuelans living in the country and abroad, as well as for Americans, as the Trump administration pursues its security, political and economic objectives in the region.
Panelists will include Jamie Rowen, professor of legal studies, Angélica Bernal, associate professor of political science; Charli Carpenter, professor of political science; and Martha Fuentes-Bautista, senior lecturer of communication.
Registration is available online at https://umass-amherst.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_A1uwwHGXQqWPfjGqGPDtOA#/registration.
Rep. Domb to hold office hours
AMHERST — State Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, will host community office hours in January at the following times:
- Tuesday, Jan. 20, at 4 p.m., at the Granby Free Public Library, 297 E. State St.
- Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 12:30 p.m., Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Road.
- Friday, Jan. 30, at 4 p.m., at the Amherst Town Hall, 1st floor, 4 Boltwood Ave.
Office hours provide an opportunity for constituents of the Third Hampshire District to speak with Domb and her team, to share concerns and thoughts on state legislation, and to seek assistance. There is no need to schedule an appointment.
If you are unable to attend at these times or if you have a time sensitive or private matter, Domb’s office can be reached via email at mindy.domb@mahouse.gov or via phone at 413-335-1362 or 617-722-2060. Please include your name, address, and contact information when contacting the office.
Domb holds community office hours every month in the district.
St. Patrick’s Committee to host grand marshal reception
HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke will host a reception in honor of its 73rd Grand Marshal, Michael J. Moriarty. The Grand Marshal is the highest local honor given to a person of Irish ancestry who has distinguished themselves to their family, their career, and their Irish ancestry.
The reception will take place Friday, Jan. 16, at Log Cabin, 500 Easthampton Road, Holyoke. Doors open with a cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by a program at 7:30 p.m.
A lifelong Holyoke resident, Moriarty’s connection to the Holyoke parade spans nearly four decades. A member of the Committee for 38 years, he served as parade president in 2017 and has held pivotal roles including chair of the Ambassador Award Selection Committee, chair of the Long Range Planning Committee, and service on the Music and Marketing subcommittees and board of directors. As the Committee liaison to the Consulate General of Ireland, he has strengthened Holyoke’s ties to the Republic of Ireland by welcoming dignitaries, fostering cultural exchange, and ensuring the Parade reflects the richness of both traditional and contemporary Irish life.
Established in 1952, the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke Inc. is a nonprofit, volunteer organization that plans the St. Patrick’s celebration in Holyoke. The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, to take place on March 22, annually welcomes over 400,000 spectators. The annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race, held the day before the Parade, is a 10K road races that draws thousands to a festive block party in downtown Holyoke.
Auto Parts Swap ‘ Sell this weekend
WEST SPRINGFIELD — For nearly four decades, the Auto Parts Swap ’n Sell has been a winter mainstay for the New England automotive community. Produced by Start-Finish Productions, the event returns to the Eastern States Exposition’s Better Living Center on Saturday and Sunday, JaN. 17–18, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, bringing together racers, restorers, hot rodders, tuners, and automotive enthusiasts from across the region.
Recognized as New England’s largest indoor auto swap meet, Auto Parts Swap ’n Sell features a wide range of vendors offering new and used auto parts, tools, accessories, and automobilia covering all forms of motorsports and automotive interests. Longtime exhibitors who have supported the event for many years will be joined by new vendors, creating a mix of familiar faces and fresh inventory for attendees to explore.
In addition to vendor booths, the event includes the Car Corral, showcasing special-interest vehicles available for purchase, and Garage Sale spaces for individuals looking to sell parts, collectibles, and automotive memorabilia.
Eastern States Exposition – Better Living Center is located at 1305 Memorial Ave. A one-day ticked is and kids 12 & under are free with a paid adult.
Additional information is available at apswapnsell.com.