Area briefs: UMass Amherst Sunwheel event on Monday

AMHERST — The public is invited to observe sunrise and sunset associated with the day of the autumnal equinox among the standing stones of the UMass Amherst Sunwheel on Monday, Sept. 22, at 6:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

These events mark the astronomical change of seasons when days and nights are nearly equal in length in the Northern Hemisphere.

From the Sunwheel, observers standing at its center will see the sun rise and set over particular stones placed to mark the equinoxes.

UMass Amherst astronomers will discuss the celestial cause of the sun’s changing position during the hourlong gatherings. They will also explain the seasonal positions of Earth, the sun and moon, and answer other questions about astronomy.

The Sunwheel is located south of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, just off Rocky Hill Road (Amity Street) about one-quarter mile south of University Drive. Visitors should be prepared for wet footing, and mosquito repellent is highly recommended. Heavy rain cancels the events, but the talks will be given if there are clouds or light rain. For last-minute changes, check www.umass.edu/sunwheel.

Northampton accepting small-project CPA applications

NORTHAMPTON — The city of Northampton is accepting grant applications for small Community Preservation Act projects of $3,000 of less.

Applicants with historic preservation, open space, recreation or affordable housing projects that needs $3,000 are invited to submit a simplified CPA Small Grant application.

The application deadline is Monday, Sept. 22. For details, check out the Small Grants section (page 13) of the Community Preservation Plan.

WMass meditation group to welcome expert

The Insight Meditation Community of Western Massachusetts will welcome Jon Kabat-Zinn, a mindfulness researcher and meditation advocate, as the guest speaker at its fall fundraising event.

Kabat-Zinn’s talk is titled “Mindfulness, Dharma, and the Healing of Our World,” will take place Saturday, Oct. 4, from 3-5 p.m., in person at Edwards Church, 297 Main St. in Northampton and online as a livestream. A reception will follow at the church. A recording of the event will be available to everyone who registers.

This event will help IWM raise funds to support its teachers and their teaching, including guiding teachers and members of its Teachers Council, including offerings from visiting
teachers. These funds will enable IWM to supplement teacher dana (donations), compensate teachers when they step into administrative roles or serve on
committees, and support our staff and the infrastructure that allow us to create opportunities to share the dharma and sustain the center into the future. The event is also underwritten by the Linda B. Leon Memorial Fund.

For information about in-person registration, click here. For information about livestream registration, click here.

Registration starts at $35, but everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to donate (upon request).

Insight Meditation Community of Western Massachusetts is a non-residential meditation center whose mission is to offer the Buddha’s teachings to all who are interested, to help sustain and deepen meditation practice, and to bring wisdom and compassion into daily life.

CISA to host Climate Change and Farming Week

Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture and its partners are launching Climate Change and Farming Week Sept. 21-28.

This annual week of events brings together farmers, community groups, nonprofits, institutions, and activists for workshops, farm tours, special meals, and other opportunities for learning, connection, and problem-solving in the face of a changing climate.

“Climate change has serious implications for local farms and our local food system, and we’ve already begun to see its effects in the form of floods, droughts, and crop losses,” said Stephen Taranto, CISA Climate Change Program Coordinator. “At CISA, we’ve been working directly with local farms as they work to build their own climate resilience, but we also know that an issue like climate change can’t be managed only on an individual basis. Climate Change and Farming Week is an opportunity for farmers, local institutions, and community members to connect and learn together.”

Eleven events are being planned by partner organizations, community groups and farms. Some events are geared toward a farmer audience, providing detailed information about farming practices. Others are open to the general public, including farm tours and a special focus at the North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival.

Details about Climate Change and Farming Week events can be found at  buylocalfood.org/ccfw2025.

A kickoff event is planned for Sunday, Sept. 21, from 2 to 5 p.m., at Big River Chestnuts Farm Tour, 195 River Road, Sunderland. CISA staff will be available for interviews at this farm tour of Big River Chestnuts agroforestry farm, cohosted with Sowing Solutions Permaculture. The farmer will talk about growing and caring for chestnuts, soil health, alley cropping, grazing sheep under the trees, and the future of a chestnut industry in New England and the Pioneer Valley. No RSVP necessary.

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