We are all familiar with The Wizard of Oz from the 1939 movie starring Judy Garland. But there is much more to the original book, as well as stage and other screen productions (have you heard of the character, Imogene the Cow?) And, many believe what appears to have been a modern fairy tale for […]
Some family struggles after the death of my father, dealing with his dog, and an old New England house full of family things. An Encore! program from the Spring 2025 seminar Writing to Remember - Purple and presented by Suzette Jones.
As Smith College celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2025, learn about Sophia Smith of Hatfield, MA and the unusual circumstances that led to the founding of Smith College in 1870 and its opening in 1875. This presentation includes a reading of the picture book Tea with an Old Dragon by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Monica Vachula. […]
Irvin Yalom is a psychiatrist and author who once said, "the physicality of death destroys us, but the idea of death saves us". The wisdom of this statement is reflected in the paradox of the fragility of the human body and resiliency and life-affirming energy of the human spirit, a paradox. I witnessed often over […]
This group is for people interested in reading both fiction and non-fiction books published within the last five years. The aim of the group is to spread our wings a bit and enjoy a wide variety of books (historical fiction, humor, memoir, biography, mystery, thrillers, romance, current events, history, politics, natural science, etc.) Each month […]
The group explores various aspects of photography, from learning new techniques and equipment (macro photography, studio lighting, astrophotography, etc.) to developing our skills in wildlife, street, event, etc. photography. We explore post-processing and aspects of presenting our work for display. Facilitator: Tom Clune
Hybrid meetings: in person at the Five College Library Annex Building in N. Hatfield and on Zoom. Viewpoints is a monthly round-table discussion of current domestic and international events and issues (often, but not always, political), and other subjects not necessarily tied to the headlines of the day (such as culture wars, free speech restrictions […]
We will meet once a month on zoom to discuss short stories that we have read prior to the meeting. Members of the group will take turns choosing stories and leading the discussion. In most cases stories selected will be found on the internet. Suggestions of interesting stories will be provided by the group leader. […]
Jane's musical journey starts in 1943 with "Pistol Packin' Mama" and a brown footstool "piano", and winds through a series of odd musical instruments. A college romance (that led to marriage) began with the discovery that they had identical Hohner 64 Chromonica harmonicas. A love of folk music, camp songs, and opera have run through […]
Interesting facts and stories about the 18th and 19th century industrial powerhouse, Springfield, MA, and the fascinating story of "The Monkey Wrench Building" and the Springfield Armory. An Encore! program from the Spring 2025 seminar History in the Pioneer Valley and presented by David Rothenberg.
This is a group of women who meet monthly to discuss life experiences, focusing on such topics as the experience of aging and ageism, health issues, political concerns, using time wisely, gender roles, family ties, and friendship. Facilitators: Finnegan Alford-Cooper and Bonnie Strickland