Trans Day of Visibility Resource & Art Fair
Join Translate Gender on March 29th from 11 am - 3 pm for their 3rd annual Trans Day of Visibility Resource & Art Fair! They had an incredible outpouring of community last year for their event (over 650+ people in attendance throughout the day) - and they're excited to be together in community again this year.
With 20+ organization and local business resource tables sharing about the important work they do, an additional 20+ local trans and queer makers and artists showcasing and selling their work, live music, drag performances, food trucks, free notary services, HIV/STI testing, and space to come together in community.
This event is family / youth friendly, with resources for community members of all ages.
Proceeds benefit Translate Gender, a trans-led non-profit organization supporting youth, families, and community members across Western Massachusetts. Consider making a donation today!
Parking:
There is a large free parking lot right on site that has capacity for over 100 cars. There are many accessible parking spaces right outside the building. If the lot is full, free street parking is available around the building and nearby streets. Do not park in private lots or block driveways.
Public Transportation:
There is a PVTA bus stop (off R24) at the Senior Center (depending on your starting location). The Holyoke Transit Station is also a few short blocks away. Learn more about transit directions here.
A note on accessibility:
MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR THE EVENT. High quality, KN95 and N95 masks must be worn inside the space. They'll have them available or you can bring your own from home. Food and drinks will be available and must be consumed outside in the picnic / outdoor seating area.
As the Holyoke Council on Aging is a city building, it is ADA compliant, has multiple accessible parking spots, automatic door openers, accessible and all-gender restrooms, and elevators to support all of our community.
Community Safety / Support:
They’ll have Western MA Dyke Patrol on hand to provide safety, de-escalation tactics, and support throughout the event. The Senior Center will also have their staff team on hand along with building security.
Translate Gender works to create a safe, accessible space for our communities. They reserve the right to exit anyone from the event if needed to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment that centers BIPOC, queer and trans folks, and youth alongside their families.
This is a FREE offering!
Click/tap the button below to learn more about this offering.
Tongues Untied
Tongues Untied will transform the A.P.E. Ltd. Gallery into an amplifier for genderqueer and trans community voices. You’re invited to take up space and join in freedom songs, breathing exercises, interactive storytelling and other forms of call and response that provide relief to our bodies and vitality to our spirits.
Wistariahurst Book Discussion Group: “Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed” by Kim McLarin
Event dates and times:
Week #1: Tuesday, March 11 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 13 - 71
Week #2: Tuesday, March 25 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 72 - 115
Week #3: Tuesday, April 8 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 116 - 158
Week #4: Tuesday, April 22 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 159 - end
Week #5: Saturday, May 20 6:00pm- Culminating Event with Guest Speaker Author Kim McLarin
Join fellow readers for engaging conversations covering aging, feminism, and racial identity. Kim McLarin's "Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed" captures the endless cycle of progress and backlash that has long shaped race and gender. Readers will investigate McLarin's narrative and delve into conversations on these topics. This book discussion group will end with a culminating Meet and Greet featuring Kim McLarin, sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, which will take place at Wistariahurst on Tuesday, May 20th at 6 p.m.
Kim McLarin is the author of three critically acclaimed novels, several essay collections, and James Baldwin's Another Country: Bookmarked. Her work has appeared in the New England Review, The Sewanee Review, The Sun Magazine, The Root, Slate, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and many others. She is a former staff writer for The Associated Press, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The New York Times. Her book, Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me And Has Failed reflects on the experience of being an older Black woman in "periracial” America through the lens of McLarin's personal experiences. McLarin's writing has been described as a "wake-up call" and as "unrestrained" by authors and reviewers. Her unique bibliomemoir sheds light on the pain and power in aging, feminism, and Blackness.
When signing up for the discussion group, please let us know if you want to borrow a book by reaching out to us at info@wistariahurst.org or calling us at (413) 322-5660. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts Center for the Book, 10 copies of the book are available to borrow. Participation in this group and the culminating event is free and open to the public.
Event location:
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
Registration
This is a FREE offering!
Click/tap the button below to learn more about this offering and to register.
Sensory Friendly Egg Hunt at Wistariahurst Museum
Wistariahurst Museum is egg-static to bring back our Sensory-Friendly Egg Hunt for a second year! This festive egg hunt focuses on gentle exploration and enjoyment. Designed for families with sensory sensitivities, this egg-ceptional event is tailored so every bunny feels comfortable and welcome. This year’s egg hunt will take place indoors throughout the halls of Wistariahurst. Weather permitting, outdoor games and activities will add some egg-stra fun to the event. Each child can gather six eggs and choose prizes ranging from candy to fidget toys. Hop to it and register for one of the available time slots.
Wistariahurst Book Discussion Group: “Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed” by Kim McLarin
Event dates and times:
Week #1: Tuesday, March 11 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 13 - 71
Week #2: Tuesday, March 25 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 72 - 115
Week #3: Tuesday, April 8 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 116 - 158
Week #4: Tuesday, April 22 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 159 - end
Week #5: Saturday, May 20 6:00pm- Culminating Event with Guest Speaker Author Kim McLarin
Join fellow readers for engaging conversations covering aging, feminism, and racial identity. Kim McLarin's "Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed" captures the endless cycle of progress and backlash that has long shaped race and gender. Readers will investigate McLarin's narrative and delve into conversations on these topics. This book discussion group will end with a culminating Meet and Greet featuring Kim McLarin, sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, which will take place at Wistariahurst on Tuesday, May 20th at 6 p.m.
Kim McLarin is the author of three critically acclaimed novels, several essay collections, and James Baldwin's Another Country: Bookmarked. Her work has appeared in the New England Review, The Sewanee Review, The Sun Magazine, The Root, Slate, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and many others. She is a former staff writer for The Associated Press, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The New York Times. Her book, Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me And Has Failed reflects on the experience of being an older Black woman in "periracial” America through the lens of McLarin's personal experiences. McLarin's writing has been described as a "wake-up call" and as "unrestrained" by authors and reviewers. Her unique bibliomemoir sheds light on the pain and power in aging, feminism, and Blackness.
When signing up for the discussion group, please let us know if you want to borrow a book by reaching out to us at info@wistariahurst.org or calling us at (413) 322-5660. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts Center for the Book, 10 copies of the book are available to borrow. Participation in this group and the culminating event is free and open to the public.
Event location:
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
Registration
This is a FREE offering!
Click/tap the button below to learn more about this offering and to register.
Meet and Greet with the Author: “Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed” by Kim McLarin
Event dates and times:
Week #1: Tuesday, March 11 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 13 - 71
Week #2: Tuesday, March 25 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 72 - 115
Week #3: Tuesday, April 8 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 116 - 158
Week #4: Tuesday, April 22 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 159 - end
Week #5: Saturday, May 20 6:00pm - Culminating Event with Guest Speaker Author Kim McLarin
Join fellow readers for engaging conversations covering aging, feminism, and racial identity. Kim McLarin's "Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed" captures the endless cycle of progress and backlash that has long shaped race and gender. Readers will investigate McLarin's narrative and delve into conversations on these topics. This book discussion group will end with a culminating Meet and Greet featuring Kim McLarin, sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, which will take place at Wistariahurst on Tuesday, May 20th at 6 p.m.
Kim McLarin is the author of three critically acclaimed novels, several essay collections, and James Baldwin's Another Country: Bookmarked. Her work has appeared in the New England Review, The Sewanee Review, The Sun Magazine, The Root, Slate, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and many others. She is a former staff writer for The Associated Press, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The New York Times. Her book, Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me And Has Failed reflects on the experience of being an older Black woman in "periracial” America through the lens of McLarin's personal experiences. McLarin's writing has been described as a "wake-up call" and as "unrestrained" by authors and reviewers. Her unique bibliomemoir sheds light on the pain and power in aging, feminism, and Blackness.
When signing up for the discussion group, please let us know if you want to borrow a book by reaching out to us at info@wistariahurst.org or calling us at (413) 322-5660. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts Center for the Book, 10 copies of the book are available to borrow. Participation in this group and the culminating event is free and open to the public.
Event location:
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
Registration
This is a FREE offering!
Click/tap the button below to learn more about this offering and to register.
Wistariahurst Book Discussion Group: “Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed” by Kim McLarin
Event dates and times:
Week #1: Tuesday, March 11 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 13 - 71
Week #2: Tuesday, March 25 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 72 - 115
Week #3: Tuesday, April 8 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 116 - 158
Week #4: Tuesday, April 22 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 159 - end
Week #5: Saturday, May 20 6:00pm- Culminating Event with Guest Speaker Author Kim McLarin
Join fellow readers for engaging conversations covering aging, feminism, and racial identity. Kim McLarin's "Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed" captures the endless cycle of progress and backlash that has long shaped race and gender. Readers will investigate McLarin's narrative and delve into conversations on these topics. This book discussion group will end with a culminating Meet and Greet featuring Kim McLarin, sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, which will take place at Wistariahurst on Tuesday, May 20th at 6 p.m.
Kim McLarin is the author of three critically acclaimed novels, several essay collections, and James Baldwin's Another Country: Bookmarked. Her work has appeared in the New England Review, The Sewanee Review, The Sun Magazine, The Root, Slate, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and many others. She is a former staff writer for The Associated Press, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The New York Times. Her book, Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me And Has Failed reflects on the experience of being an older Black woman in "periracial” America through the lens of McLarin's personal experiences. McLarin's writing has been described as a "wake-up call" and as "unrestrained" by authors and reviewers. Her unique bibliomemoir sheds light on the pain and power in aging, feminism, and Blackness.
When signing up for the discussion group, please let us know if you want to borrow a book by reaching out to us at info@wistariahurst.org or calling us at (413) 322-5660. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts Center for the Book, 10 copies of the book are available to borrow. Participation in this group and the culminating event is free and open to the public.
Event location:
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
Registration
This is a FREE offering!
Click/tap the button below to learn more about this offering and to register.
Rooted Resilience LAUNCH CELEBRATION
Join us as we celebrate the official launch of the Rooted Resilience Project! This event brings together 2SLGBTQIA+ artists, creatives, and culture-makers from Western Massachusetts for a night of live performances, conversation, and connection.
Come experience the voices and work of the creatives featured in our first season, explore artist and resource tables, and celebrate the power of sharing and preserving intersectional narratives. Together, we’ll honor the resilience and brilliance of our community while looking ahead to the stories we’ll continue to uplift through this multi-part project.
To learn more about the Rooted Resilience Project, visit rootedresilience.substack.com and subscribe for weekly updates!
Who: YOU and all of your plus one’s (Kids are absolutely welcome!)
What: Think of it as a musical event, book reading, arts market and celebration, wrapped into one, full of glitter and snacks and beverages!
When: Wednesday, March 19th from 6 - 9 PM (doors and the market open at 6, performances begin at 7)
Where: BOMBYX Center for Arts & Equity
Tickets: General Admission. $0 - $100 per person, sliding scale; no one turned away for lack of funds. All admissions fees, after event costs are paid, will help us complete the first year of work for this archive!
Accessibility: There are three parking spots in the BOMBYX lot designated for vehicles with Disability Plates or Placards. The sanctuary entrance is accessible via paved walkways from the parking lot and sidewalk, with only a slight rise to the front doors. Inside, the entire first floor of the sanctuary is on a single level and we have several options for wheelchair seating. The balcony is not accessible.
Wistariahurst Book Discussion Group: “Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed” by Kim McLarin
Event dates and times:
Week #1: Tuesday, March 11 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 13 - 71
Week #2: Tuesday, March 25 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 72 - 115
Week #3: Tuesday, April 8 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 116 - 158
Week #4: Tuesday, April 22 5:30 - 6:30pm having read pages 159 - end
Week #5: Saturday, May 20 6:00pm- Culminating Event with Guest Speaker Author Kim McLarin
Join fellow readers for engaging conversations covering aging, feminism, and racial identity. Kim McLarin's "Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me and Has Failed" captures the endless cycle of progress and backlash that has long shaped race and gender. Readers will investigate McLarin's narrative and delve into conversations on these topics. This book discussion group will end with a culminating Meet and Greet featuring Kim McLarin, sponsored by the Massachusetts Center for the Book, which will take place at Wistariahurst on Tuesday, May 20th at 6 p.m.
Kim McLarin is the author of three critically acclaimed novels, several essay collections, and James Baldwin's Another Country: Bookmarked. Her work has appeared in the New England Review, The Sewanee Review, The Sun Magazine, The Root, Slate, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and many others. She is a former staff writer for The Associated Press, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and The New York Times. Her book, Everyday Something Has Tried to Kill Me And Has Failed reflects on the experience of being an older Black woman in "periracial” America through the lens of McLarin's personal experiences. McLarin's writing has been described as a "wake-up call" and as "unrestrained" by authors and reviewers. Her unique bibliomemoir sheds light on the pain and power in aging, feminism, and Blackness.
When signing up for the discussion group, please let us know if you want to borrow a book by reaching out to us at info@wistariahurst.org or calling us at (413) 322-5660. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts Center for the Book, 10 copies of the book are available to borrow. Participation in this group and the culminating event is free and open to the public.
Event location:
Wistariahurst Museum 238 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040
Registration
This is a FREE offering!
Click/tap the button below to learn more about this offering and to register.
Trans & Gender-Diverse Book Club
Join Transhealth for this in-person book club for the trans and gender-diverse community!
This month’s pick: Detransition, Baby, “A bold exploration of gender, parenthood, love, and trans life” by Torrey Peters. Participants will read sections of the book independently, before meeting together to discuss the novel as a group.
They encourage group members to share their thoughts, reflections, and critiques of the book as it relates to their lived experience or broader relationship to our community.
Reader Discretion Advised, Ages 18 and over. Max of 12 participants. Paperback copies of the book will be provided to those who need them.
Registration
This is a FREE offering!
Click/tap button below for more information and to register.
Trans & Gender-Diverse Book Club
Join Transhealth for this in-person book club for the trans and gender-diverse community!
This month’s pick: Detransition, Baby, “A bold exploration of gender, parenthood, love, and trans life” by Torrey Peters. Participants will read sections of the book independently, before meeting together to discuss the novel as a group.
They encourage group members to share their thoughts, reflections, and critiques of the book as it relates to their lived experience or broader relationship to our community.
Reader Discretion Advised, Ages 18 and over. Max of 12 participants. Paperback copies of the book will be provided to those who need them.
Registration
This is a FREE offering!
Click/tap button below for more information and to register.
Weekly Virtual Co-Working Space
Registration
If you’re interested in joining, please email franastino@gmail.com and she will add you to the Google Meet invite.
Sliding-scale pricing, suggested start at $5. This offering is run solely on donations and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Donations are accepted via Venmo to @franastino
Trans & Gender-Diverse Book Club
Join Transhealth for this in-person book club for the trans and gender-diverse community!
This month’s pick: Detransition, Baby, “A bold exploration of gender, parenthood, love, and trans life” by Torrey Peters. Participants will read sections of the book independently, before meeting together to discuss the novel as a group.
They encourage group members to share their thoughts, reflections, and critiques of the book as it relates to their lived experience or broader relationship to our community.
Reader Discretion Advised, Ages 18 and over. Max of 12 participants. Paperback copies of the book will be provided to those who need them.
Registration
This is a FREE offering!
Click/tap button below for more information and to register.
Weekly Virtual Co-Working Space
Registration
If you’re interested in joining, please email franastino@gmail.com and she will add you to the Google Meet invite.
Sliding-scale pricing, suggested start at $5. This offering is run solely on donations and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Donations are accepted via Venmo to @franastino
Weekly Virtual Co-Working Space
Registration
If you’re interested in joining, please email franastino@gmail.com and she will add you to the Google Meet invite.
Sliding-scale pricing, suggested start at $5. This offering is run solely on donations and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Donations are accepted via Venmo to @franastino
Weekly Virtual Co-Working Space
Registration
If you’re interested in joining, please email franastino@gmail.com and she will add you to the Google Meet invite.
Sliding-scale pricing, suggested start at $5. This offering is run solely on donations and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Donations are accepted via Venmo to @franastino
Weekly Virtual Co-Working Space
Registration
If you’re interested in joining, please email franastino@gmail.com and she will add you to the Google Meet invite.
Sliding-scale pricing, suggested start at $5. This offering is run solely on donations and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Donations are accepted via Venmo to @franastino
Weekly Virtual Co-Working Space
Registration
If you’re interested in joining, please email franastino@gmail.com and she will add you to the Google Meet invite.
Sliding-scale pricing, suggested start at $5. This offering is run solely on donations and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Donations are accepted via Venmo to @franastino
Weekly Virtual Co-Working Space
Registration
If you’re interested in joining, please email franastino@gmail.com and she will add you to the Google Meet invite.
Sliding-scale pricing, suggested start at $5. This offering is run solely on donations and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Donations are accepted via Venmo to @franastino
Weekly Virtual Co-Working Space
Registration
If you’re interested in joining, please email franastino@gmail.com and she will add you to the Google Meet invite.
Sliding-scale pricing, suggested start at $5. This offering is run solely on donations and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Donations are accepted via Venmo to @franastino
Weekly Virtual Co-Working Space
Registration
If you’re interested in joining, please email franastino@gmail.com and she will add you to the Google Meet invite.
Sliding-scale pricing, suggested start at $5. This offering is run solely on donations and no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Donations are accepted via Venmo to @franastino
Wisty Wednesdays
Wistariahurst Museum is thrilled to revive their family summer event, Wisty Wednesdays!
Come and join them in the gardens for Wisty Wednesdays right in the heart of Holyoke every first and third Wednesday of the month, from June until the end of September.
Enjoy competing in fun lawn games with friends in the historic gardens that are brought to life by the vibrant plants and foliage. Children and adults can also stop by to enjoy free face painting for the first hour of Wisty Wednesdays. Join neighbors, families, friends, and local community members to share some fun and make amazing memories that will last for years to come.
When you finally work up an appetite after all of this fun and games, there will be local food trucks to satisfy your cravings. Mis Frituras is back for another exciting summer season at Wistariahurst. Their empanadillas, tacos, pollo fritos, and fresh juices will satisfy your cravings.
Wisty Wednesdays are your ticket to a spontaneous date night or a fun-filled family outing. Get ready to sing, dance, laugh, and experience a whirlwind of excitement at these fantastic happenings.
Registration
Click/tap the button below to learn more about this offering.
Admission to Wisty Wednesdays is completely free and open to the public.