Area Briefs: UMass launches faculty lecture series in Springfield

UMass to launch faculty lecture series in Springfield

AMHERST — The University of Massachusetts Amherst Office of Equity and Inclusion has launched its Spring 2026 Faculty Lecture Series at the Springfield Center, bringing faculty expertise to the local community for dialogue on issues of public interest.

The monthly lecture series will examine topics related to the “Make America Healthy Again” federal initiative, established by executive order in February 2025 to improve the health of Americans, with a particular emphasis on children’s health, and addressing rising rates of chronic disease.

All events are free and open to the public and will be held at the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center at Springfield at 1500 Main St., Suite 260, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. More information and RSVP are available on the Office of Equity and Inclusion event website.

The series opened on Tuesday with “Understanding the Health Impacts of President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill” presented by Robert Pollin, distinguished professor of economics and co-director of the Political Economy Research Institute.

On Tuesday, April 14, Megan Gross, associate professor of speech, language and hearing sciences, will facilitate a panel “Understanding Autism: Evidence, Myths, and Realities.”

The panel will feature faculty experts and special guest Helen Tager-Flusberg, professor emerita and director of the Center for Autism Research Excellence at Boston University. Panelists will address questions of public concern, including research on autism and its causes, shifts in prevalence over time, the impact of statements and media narratives about autism on individuals and families, and strategies to strengthen support systems. 

The discussion will also include common misconceptions about bilingualism and autism. Gross will highlight her ongoing research, Project ABC Familias: Autism, Bilingualism, and Communication in Familias Latinas, which studies bilingual development among children on the autism spectrum.

The series concludes on Tuesday, May 12, with “Vaccines: Distinguishing Fact from Fiction” presented by Wilmore Webley, professor of microbiology and senior vice provost of equity and inclusion.

Webley will examine the growing challenges of science denialism, declining vaccination rates, and widespread confusion about childhood vaccine safety and recommendations. In the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic, recent measles and diphtheria outbreaks across the United States and globally, he will explain scientific evidence supporting vaccines and the technologies used in their development. Designed for a general audience, the lecture will present clear, accessible information to help individuals protect themselves and their families from vaccine‑preventable diseases.

Sign carriers needed for St. Patrick’s Parade

HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke is calling on individuals, school groups, clubs, and community organizations to join the excitement of the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 22, by serving as sign carriers. More than 100 volunteers are needed to help introduce each marching unit and proudly recognize the sponsors who make this beloved tradition possible.

Sign carriers lead the way for award winners, bands, floats, marching units, and divisions —bringing energy, visibility, and anticipation to the parade route. No experience is required; participants simply need to be 12 or older, upbeat, and ready to engage with the crowd.

As a thank‑you for their time and spirit, each sign carrier will receive a 2026 Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade sweatshirt and a $20 stipend upon completing the parade. It’s a perfect opportunity for students, service groups, and community members to take part in a lively, meaningful local tradition while earning a little extra money.

Those interested can learn more and register at www.holyokestpatricksparade.com/sign-carriers or email holyokeparadesigncarriers@gmail.com.

UMass astronomy to mark spring equinox

AMHERST — The public is invited to celebrate the spring equinox, which marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring, at the standing stones of the UMass Amherst Sunwheel on Friday, March 20 at 6:45 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. These hourlong Sunwheel events, at sunrise and sunset, mark the astronomical change of seasons when days and nights are nearly equal in length all around the world.

Observers standing at the center of the Sunwheel’s standing stones will see the sun rise and set over stones placed to mark the equinoxes, very close to due east and due west. Other structures around the world mark this astronomical change, such as the pyramid at Chichen Itza, Mexico and England’s Stonehenge.

At the gatherings, UMass Amherst astronomer Grant Wilson will discuss the astronomical cause of the sun’s changing position during the gatherings. He will also explain the seasonal positions of Earth, the sun and moon, phases of the moon, building the Sunwheel and answer questions about astronomy.

Just before sunset, the sun can be seen between the tall standing stones that form a portal on the west side of the Sunwheel. If it is clear before sunset, a solar telescope will be set up to safely observe the surface of the sun.

The UMass Amherst Sunwheel is located south of McGuirk Alumni Stadium, just off Rocky Hill Road (the continuation of Amity Street) about one-quarter-mile west of University Drive. Visitors to the Sunwheel should be prepared for especially wet footing this year. Rain or blizzard conditions cancel the events.

For more information, please visit the UMass Amherst Sunwheel website. 

Easthampton Dems to caucus on Saturday

EASTHAMPTON — The Easthampton Democratic City Committee (EDC) will hold a caucus on Saturday, March 14, at Payson Avenue, second floor in the Municipal Building, to elect delegates and alternates to the 2026 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention.

Doors will open at 9 a.m. and the caucus is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. The caucus is open to all registered and preregistered Democrats in Easthampton. Pre-registered Democrats who were 16 by Feb. 19, 2026 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus.

The March EDC meeting will follow immediately after the caucus.

The 2026 State Convention will be in person at the DCU Center in Worcester on Friday and Saturday, May 29-30. Thousands of Democrats from across the state will participate in this nomination convention to endorse candidates running for state wide office. Easthampton caucus goers will elect 13 delegates and four alternates to the convention. Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting www.massdems.org.

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