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Downing to Speak at Berkshire Transgender Day of Remembrance at Williams

Williamstown, MA – On Friday, November 20, Williams College Queer Student Union and Berkshire Stonewall Community Coalition will host a candlelight vigil in honor of the 11th International Transgender Day of Remembrance from 8-9 pm on Chapin Lawn in front of Paresky Student Center. State Senator Benjamin B. Downing will attend and speak at the event.  Senator Downing is the sponsor of the bill “An Act Relative to Gender-Based Discrimination and Hate Crimes” (H. 1728/S. 1687), in the Massachusetts State Senate now. Community members will also speak briefly.

The annual Day of Remembrance memorializes individuals who have been killed throughout the world in the previous year because of gender expression discrimination and anti-transgender hatred. Since last year's event, 99 people are known to have been murdered because of their gender identity or gender expression (this is more than twice as many from 2008). 

Massachusetts bill (H. 1728/S. 1687) was heard by Massachusetts’ Joint Committee on the Judiciary this past July.  “Bills such as this give citizens equal protection under state law regardless of gender identity or expression,” said Justin Adkins, Williams College Queer Life Coordinator, “In doing so it will send a clear message that all citizens of the Commonwealth should be able to work, go to school, and live without fear.”

Thirteen states, including Maine, Rhode Island, and Vermont already have similar laws. Within Massachusetts, only the cities of Boston, Cambridge, Amherst, and Northampton prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity and expression. One hundred fifty-five major Massachusetts employers, such as Stop & Shop, Williams College, and Blue Cross/Blue Shield have non-discrimination protections covering gender identity and expression.

The Transgender Day of Remembrance serves several purposes. It raises public awareness of hate crimes against transgender people. It publicly honors the lives of people who might otherwise be forgotten. And it gives transgender allies a chance to step forward in community and stand in vigil.

All are welcome at the Williams event which will be held rain or shine.

SHINE Program Presents Pre-Retirement Seminar June 25

North Adams, MA - Elder Services SHINE Program will present a Pre-Retirement Seminar at the Mary Spitzer Center 116 Ashland Street on Thursday, June 25th from 3-5pm.

On June 25th Margie Ware Coordinator for Elder Services Regional SHINE Program will talk about Medicare A and B and Part D prescription coverage and go over the expanding choices of supplemental insurance. We’ll let people know about the benefits of the Commonwealth’s Prescription Advantage Program, and try to allay some of the fears that you have and comprehending the changes you’re about to confront.

So if your going to turn 65 during 2009 or in early 2010, if you’re thinking of retiring, or if you’re under 65, but want to get a handle on what lies ahead, please join us at the Spitzer Center on June 25th to see if we can relieve a bit of your anxiety and help get you ready for a seamless transition to the world of Medicare.

For more information or to register call Sandy at the Spitzer Center at 413-662-3125.

 

NB Community Coalition May Forum on the 8th

North Adams, MA - The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition is holding its monthly forum on Friday, May 8 at 10 am at the First Baptist Church on the corner of Eagle and Main Street. Use Eagle Street entrance. Call 413-663.7588.

David Plouffe to Speak at MCLA April 29

North Adams, MA - Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts will host David Plouffe, campaign manager of “Obama for America,” delivering a public policy lecture “Building a Grassroots Movement in the 21st Century” on Wednesday, April 29, at 7 pm in the Church Street Center. The free event does not require reservations, but seating is first-come-first-served. Call 413.662-5203.

Before You Shout “Free Tibet,” Know What Tibet Means

Williamstown, MA - The Williams College South Asian Student’s Association, Spencer Neighborhood, and the Lhasa Cafe of Northampton present a week of events designed to explore Tibetan culture, from religion to food to music.

We want to make sure that before you shout “Free Tibet,” you know what Tibet means.

Schedule:
—-Sunday, April 19: Opening Ceremony, Tibetan Tea—-
Paresky Main Hall 4-6 pm
Catered Chai tea and ting-mo, along with a gallery of images taken by Professor Kim Gutschow, traditional Tibetan music, and a slideshow of Williams students’ images of Tibet.

—-Wednesday, April 22: Meditation Session—-
Goodrich Dance Studio 4-6 pm
Tibetan Buddhist monks will lead students in a meditation session. Forget your stresses for two hours!

—-Wednesday, April 22: Kid #382—-
Paresky Theater 6-7:30pm
Thondup Tsering, owner of the Lhasa Cafe in Northampton will talk about life in the Tibetan Children’s Village and how people can help support the work of this amazing organization.

—-Thursday, April 23: “Dalai Lama Renaissance” Movie Screening—-
Paresky Theater 7-9 pm
We will be screening “Dalai Lama Renaissance,” a movie still in theaters. The film is narrated by Harrison Ford and captures the meeting of the Dalai Lama with 40 of the world’s leading thinkers.

—-Friday, April 24: Tibetan Children’s Village Benefit Dinner--
First Congregational Church of Williamstown 6-8 pm
The dinner is catered by the Lhasa Cafe in Northampton, and the proceeds will benefit the Tibetan Children’s Village. The dinner will also feature traditional Tibetan performers trained at the Tibetan Institute of Performing Arts in Dharamsala, India-the premier and internationally acclaimed performing arts school. You can buy tickets for $10 in Paresky the week before, or for $12 at the door.

Get North Adams Featured on a Quarter!

North Adams, MA - Help Governor Patrick choose a North Adams site to be featured on a new Massachusetts Quarter. It’s easy. Vote as many times as you want through the end of the business day, February 26.

North Berkshire Celebrates Dr. King January 19

North Adams, MA - On Monday, January 19 the Northern Berkshire community will celebrate the life, principles and ideals of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event will take place at MCLA’s Church Street Center in North Adams beginning with coffee and pastries at 10 am. Everyone is welcome. For information, call 413.663.7588.

North Adams Lights Up for the Holidays December 4

North Adams, MA - The Drury Band will play; Mayor John Barrett will throw the switch, and downtown North Adams will light up for the holidays on Thursday, December 4 at 5:30 PM. The evening includes free trolley rides around downtown.

Northern Berkshire Community Coalition Monthly Forum November 14

North Adams, MA - The Northern Berkshire Community Coalition monthly forum will be held Friday, November 14 at 10 AM at the First Baptist Church on the corner of Main and Eagle Streets. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. Call 413.663.7588.

North Adams Trick-or-Treat Hours 5:30-7 pm October 31

North Adams, MA - Watch for ghouls, goblins and other kids in costumes on Friday, October 31! North Adams City trick-or-treat hours are from 5:30-7:00 PM.