Cuba in the Valley Film Series
August 3, 2026 - July 5, 2027 - 6:45 pm - 9:30 pm at Luthier’s Coop
108 Cottage St
Cuba in the Valley Film Series Moves to Luthier’s Co-op in Easthampton
[Easthampton, Mass] – As the July 26th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution approaches, a small group of movie buffs announce that as they go into their second year of free monthly films from and about Cuba, they are moving the screenings to Luthier’s Co-op, 108 Cottage Street, Easthampton the first Monday of each month beginning with August 3, 2026 at 7 pm. The series is sponsored by Massachusetts Peace Action and the Hispanic-American Library of Springfield, Mass.
Following each film, drawing on their extensive experience in Cuba, organizers Merri Ansara and Michael McCarthy lead a discussion of the film and share relevant news and actions to take. Cuba has been laboring under a total fuel embargo for the last seven months, creating incredible hardships with long blackouts, surgery and medical delays and transportation problems. President Trump has threatened to bomb or attack the island.
So why Cuban movies? What’s so special? Why this approach to getting to know the island, its history, culture and near 70 year old socialist revolution?
Merri Ansara: Cuba has an iconic place in our ideas and memories. As someone who has traveled back and forth to Cuba for 50 years and for 20 years ran an organization that arranged travel for others to Cuba, I enjoy sharing what I know and love about Cuba with people. Films are a great way to do it.
Michael McCarthy: Cuba shows us how another world is possible. How does an island nation of 10 million people provide free health care and education to all? Accomplish one of the most successful literacy projects in human history? It is a place worth exploring beyond the headlines and film is a great way to do that.
Doris Madsen: I started attending the films because I’ve wanted to learn more about Cuba. The films have helped bring different people in the community together. Then as a former librarian, I came to think I could help with the organizing and the selection of films.
The August 3rd film, “Death of a Bureaucrat,” is a 1961 farce about the dangers and pitfalls of socialist bureaucracies. Doors open at Luthier’s at 6:45. All films are in Spanish with English subtitles. Luthier’s bar will serve cocktails, beer and snacks. The public is welcome to bring in outside food.
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Barks & Brews
October 11, 2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm at Fort Hill Brewery
30 Fort Hill Rd
Fetch some fun at Dakin’s 11th annual Barks & Brews, at Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton on Sunday, October 11th from 1pm-4pm.! Gather your favorite humans or furry canine friends for an unforgettable afternoon of craft beer, food trucks, vendors, activities, treats, and more! Barks & Brews is a 21+ outdoor event where dogs and dog lovers come together for a perfect fall afternoon, all while making a difference for pets and the people who love them.
Humans must be 21+ and all dogs must be on a leash (retractable leashes are not allowed).
Activities:
Included in Admission
- Costume Contest: Enter the contest and join the parade! Categories include cutest dog, spookiest dog, most creative, and best duo.
- Hot Dog Eating Contest: A tail-wagging taste test showdown, who can gobble their way to glory the fastest?
- Musical Sit: Like musical chairs, but made for dogs!
- Dog Splash Zone: Cool off and play in a water play area for dogs who love to make a splash (weather permitting).
- Photobooth: Capture the memories with your pup in our photo booth.
Add-on Activities
- Dog Painting Canvas Art: Let your dog become the artist! Paws, licks, or playful steps create a one-of-a-kind abstract masterpiece.
- 50/50 Raffle: Try your luck! Half the pot goes to the lucky winner, and the other half supports Dakin’s lifesaving work.
- Nail Trims with Fur’s-a-Flyin’: Quick, gentle nail trims to keep your pup happy and comfy!
- Mobile Baths with HydroDog: Freshen up on the go! Professional mobile bath to get your dog cleaned up and looking their best.
- Food Trucks: Caravan Kitchen, Crazy Arapes, Thai Chili Food Truck, and Batch Ice Cream
Schedule of Events:
12pm-1pm: VIP Guests Preview Hour
1pm: Event opens for General Guests
2:15pm: Contest Game Sign Ups Close
2:30pm: Hot Dog Eating Contest
2:45pm: Musical Sit
3:00pm: Costume Parade & Contest Winners Announced
3:30pm: Raffle sales close/Passport Game Drawing
3:45pm: 50/50 Raffle drawing announced
4pm: Event Ends
Imagination Awakened – A Wickedly Wonderful Westfield Experience
October 17, 2026 - 12:00 pm - 10:00 pm at Amelia Park Memorial Garden
21 South Broad Street
24th Annual NEF Spelling Bee
October 21, 2026 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Bombyx Center for Arts & Equity
140 Pine Street
Plan Your Holiday Table: A Wine-Tasting Fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters
November 13, 2026 - 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Black Birch Vineyard
108 Straits Road
Your holiday wine list starts here.
Before the Thanksgiving rush and the holiday party season, spend an evening at Black Birch Vineyard, Hatfield’s award-winning boutique winery, tasting your way to the bottles that will make your holiday table. Wine author Carlo DeVito (How to Drink Wine; publisher of East Coast Wineries) is your guide, helping you discover new favorites for every gathering, from Thanksgiving dinner to the perfect bottle to give as a gift.
Your ticket includes:
- A wine tasting at Black Birch Vineyard
- Delicious local food
- A shot at the Blind Bottle Raffle
Raise a glass for a great cause. Every ticket supports Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County, a program of CHD, which matches young people with caring adult mentors who help them build confidence and reach their full potential.
Tickets are $50 for the first 25 sold and $60 general admission. A limited number will be available at the door, so reserve yours early. Guests must be 21 or older to taste.
Thank you to our sponsor, Greenfield Savings Bank.
Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/plan-your-holiday-table
Contact: Ann Walsh, AWalsh@chd.org
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