New labor leader to speak at UMass on organizing the South

AMHERST — Chris Brooks ‘18 will return to UMass to give a talk entitled “Now is the Time: The UAW Stand Up Strike and Organizing the South” on Monday, March 11 at 6 p.m.

The UAW has a new reform president, conducted a historic strike this past fall, is making a push to organize in the South, and is being courted for votes by both the Trump and Biden camps.

Brooks serves as the top aide to UAW President Shawn Fain and is a leading strategist in the labor movement. Register for the event at lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ewcpchh

Easthampton poet laureate looking for local poets

EASTHAMPTON — Easthampton Poet Laureate Carolyn Cushing is looking for local poets to participate in the “Voices of Easthampton” event she is organizing for Easthampton Poetry Month, set to take place in the afternoon of Saturday, April 13, at CitySpace’s Blue Room.

This is an opportunity for poets who live, work, or have been active in Easthampton. Those who wish to be considered should fill out a form at bit.ly/3wykyZB.

The deadline to apply is March 15.

PVPA’s presents ‘Sona the Orphan’

SOUTH HADLEY — The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts (PVPA) Charter Public School West African Drum and Dance Company, Wofa, will present its spring showcase “Sona the Orphan.”

The show will run on March 8-9, with performances beginning at 7 p.m. in the main stage theater at 15 Mulligan Drive, South Hadley.

Tickets are as follows: $10 general admission; $7 military and seniors; $5 PVPA alumni, and $3 students.

Tickets are available at the door, or online at www.pvpa.org. This performance is part of PVPA’s spring production calendar, available at www.pvpa.org.

PVPA dance teacher Kabisko Kaba (Bisko) founded Wofa in 2009, to give PVPA students the opportunity to explore the rich culture and heritage of Guinea, West Africa. Wofa is a Sousou word which means “let’s get together.”

The show “Sona the Orphan” is inspired by a West African tale of an orphaned girl raised by her stepmother after her own mother dies in child birth.

Easthampton veterans’ lunch

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Coalition for Veteran Wellness invites area veterans to a complimentary meal every first Wednesday of the month at noon at Easthampton Congregational Church.

Attendees are encouraged to park behind the church’s Main Street entrance at 112 Main St.

The initiative was started to bring veterans together to celebrate their service and to meet fellow veterans and members of their community in a spirit of camaraderie. In partnership with the Building Bridges Veterans Initiative, the meals are complimentary to any military veteran and a guest. The Easthampton veteran coalition also seeks volunteers and sponsors.

Sponsorship opportunities help the Coalition with covering the expenses of monthly meals, which cost about $250 each month.

The Coalition highlights sponsors at each monthly gathering and recognizes their generosity to the Easthampton veteran community. Volunteers needed include cooks, servers and general help with set-up and cleanup.

To inquire about sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, contact Emma Reilly at (413) 527-1212 extension 1171.