UMass Libraries to honor founder of Black Feminist Archive

AMHERST — The University of Massachusetts Amherst Libraries will celebrate Irma McClaurin, the founder of the university’s Black Feminist Archive (BFA), at its annual reception on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom.

The evening will feature Black feminist speaker McClaurin, who in 2016 founded the BFA, housed in the Rob S. Cox Special Collections and University Archives Research Center at the W. E. B. Du Bois Library. The event will also include a special performance by renowned jazz artist Connie Fredericks-Malone, an exhibit showcasing highlights from the BFA, and the opportunity to bid on historic images of Black luminaries photographed by McClaurin and rendered on glass.

McClaurin is a three-time UMass graduate and award-winning poet and author, past president of Shaw University and leader in higher education. She is founder and senior consultant of Irma McClaurin Solutions, a firm specializing in leadership and organizational development.

Registration for the event is $100 per person for alumni and friends, including a $50 tax-deductible donation to the Irma McClaurin Black Feminist Archive Endowment, and $15 for students. More information is available online at umassalumni.com/BFA.

Third annual Magic for Maddie fundraiser Oct. 19

HOLYOKE — Although 8-year-old Madeine “Maddie” Schmidt lost her heroic 10-month battle against brain cancer, her legacy continues to shine and inspire her community through Magic for Maddie, a run, walk and carnival. The third annual event, which features a 5K run, 2-mile walk and carnival, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Ashley Reservoir and the Holyoke Elks, 250 Whitney Ave. in Holyoke.

Registration is now live with more than 250 family and corporate supporters, including Hyundai Hope on Wheels’ $25,000 “Ring Leader” sponsor with Gary Rome Hyundai in Holyoke.

Magic for Maddie is expected to draw thousands and raise more than $150,000 to give back to those battling pediatric cancer and other hardships.

Other activities on Saturday include live music including country rock band Southern Rain, bounce houses, magic with Ed Popielarczyk, games, a dunk tank and a raffle.

For the first time this year, online fundraising webpages will be available for all participants to easily raise additional funds for Magic for Maddie upon registration. Last year, Magic for Maddie welcomed 40 teams and this year hopes to grow that number. Registration is $35 for adults, $15 for kids and $100 family max and includes all carnival activities and entertainment, a Magic for Maddie T-shirt and choice of an ice cream or complimentary beer/wine. Parking is free.

To date, Magic For Maddie has raised more than $500,000 and funded more than $90,000 in research. The foundation has also donated more than $65,000 in direct financial support to pediatric cancer families and kept $70,000 local, supporting western Massachusetts nonprofit organizations and families fighting serious childhood illnesses.

To learn more, visit magicformaddie.com.

Talk to delve into traditional NE cider making

AMHERST — The Amherst Historical Society & Museum will present a lecture and slide presentation on traditional New England cider making, history and techniques on Sunday, Oct. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m.

Cider was considered the normal drink in New England, to be consumed at every meal. Come learn about the mills, machinery, and products of New England’s cider making tradition.

Presented by Dennis Picard, the event will be held in the Woodbury Room at the Jones Library, 43 Amity St., in Amherst. The event is free and open to the public.