Council to hold budget listening sessions

NORTHAMPTON — In preparation for the fiscal year 2026 budget season, the Northampton City Council Committee on Finance is hosting listening sessions on Wednesday, Nov. 13, and Monday, Nov. 18. The hybrid meetings will begin at 6 p.m., and take place both in person at the council’s chambers and via Zoom.

This sessions are a chance for residents to let councilors hear their priorities for spending on programs and services for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. The listening sessions are intended to allow participants to speak and be heard by the City Council. These listening sessions are separate from the budget meetings and hearings required by the city charter during the formal budget submission process led by the mayor.

Comments should be 3 minutes or less to ensure time for all to speak. Anyone unable to attend may submit comment by email to citycouncil@northamptonma.gov. For Zoom attendance, the meeting ID is 896 9547 1137, and the passcode is 693850.

Sen. Comerford to hold virtual town hall

Sen. Jo Comerford will hold a virtual town hall for Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district constituents on Thursday, Nov. 21, from 6-7:30 p.m., via Zoom.

The town hall will highlight what Comerford and her team have been doing on behalf of the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, and/or offer feedback.

Registration is required for this free event at bit.ly/3YL0CwH

The Town Hall will be recorded and shared online for those who are unable to attend live, and a transcript will be posted on the senator’s website after the event.

Amherst Cinema to celebrate James Baldwin

AMHERST — In honor of the James Baldwin centenary and his powerful legacy in literature, activism, and connection to University of Massachusetts Amherst and the five colleges, Amherst Cinema will present a special screening of Raoul Peck’s critically acclaimed documentary, “I Am Not Your Negro,” on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 7 p.m.

The event will include a post-screening panel discussion featuring distinguished scholars and voices from Auburn University, Amherst College, and University of Massachusetts Amherst. This Baldwin100 event is presented in collaboration with the UMass Office of Equity & Inclusion, the UMass W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies, the UMass Film Studies Program and Hampshire College.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Raoul Peck brings Baldwin’s vision to life through “I Am Not Your Negro,” an adaptation of Baldwin’s unfinished manuscript, “Remember This House.” Through Baldwin’s words and striking archival footage, the film offers an unflinching examination of Black history and the ongoing racial struggles in America.

Following the film, a panel discussion will be moderated by Associate Professor Ernest Gibson III, English and African American and Africana Studies, Auburn University. Gibson will be joined by guest speakers Assistant Professor Frank Leon Roberts, English, Amherst College, and Jordón Crawford, PhD student, W.E.B. Du Bois Department of Afro-American Studies, UMass Amherst.

Tickets are available online and at the Box Office. For more info, visit: https://amherstcinema.org/films-and-events/i-am-not-your-negro

High Street merchants launch toy drive

HOLYOKE — The city’s High Street merchants have launched a Community Toy Drive to benefit area children. Participating businesses are collecting new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to families on Dec. 22 during a street party featuring a visit from Holyoke Mayor Joshua A. Garcia, photos with Santa, music, snacks, hot chocolate, and activities for children.

Individuals are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys suitable for children of all ages. Popular items include Legos, dolls, action figures, educational games, and art supplies. Deja Vu Nightspot, Old San Juan Bakery, Cuba Supermarket, and City Pizza will have clearly marked donation bins where contributions can be dropped off.

Monetary contributions, which would be tax-deductible, are also welcome. Funds raised will go toward purchasing additional toys and ensuring every child who attends the event receives a gift.

To volunteer as Santa, or to be part of the supporting staff for the street party, email christmasonhighstreet@gmail.com.

For more information visit christmasonhighstreet.com, call 413-787-9955 or email christmasonhighstreet@gmail.com.