Online poetry reading to be ‘Medicine for the Soul’
Stockbridge — The Stockbridge Library, Museum & Archives will offer “Online Poetry: Medicine for the Soul” with poets Sarah Trudgeon and Christian Schlegel Wednesday, April 22, at 1 p.m. via Zoom.
Trudgeon is the author of the chapbooks “Dreams of Unhappiness” (Poetry Society of America) and “The Plot Against the Baby” (dancing girl press). Her poems have appeared in the London Review of Books, the Nation, the Paris Review and other publications. She is the director of operations for the Pittsfield writers’ residency and public humanities project the Mastheads, and teaches poetry in public schools.
Poet, scholar and teacher Schlegel was born and raised in Berks County, Pennsylvania. He studied German and creative writing at Princeton University and received a Master of Fine Arts from Iowa Writers’ Workshop in 2013. He is completing his doctoral dissertation at Harvard University and lives in Germantown, New York. His first book, “Honest James,” was published by the Song Cave in 2015.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the Stockbridge Library at (413) 298-5501 or info@stockbridgelibrary.org.
–E.E.
* * *
‘Birds in Crisis’ presentation to discuss decline in bird numbers
Salisbury, Conn. — On Saturday, April 25, at 4 p.m., the Scoville Memorial Library will present “Birds in Crisis: What Can I Do?”, an online talk by Sharon Audubon Center director Eileen Fielding, Ph.D.
The presentation will explain some of the factors behind the 30% drop in bird numbers since 1970, the prognosis for birds in the face of future climate change, and the things that can be done to help birds cope with the challenges they face.
In addition to being the director of the Sharon Audubon Center, Fielding is Audubon Connecticut’s team leader for the healthy forest initiative. Her responsibilities include working with landowners and foresters to improve bird habitat on forested land. Before joining Audubon, she worked as executive director of the Farmington River Watershed Association, and was also the statewide director of education for the Connecticut Audubon Society in Hartford.
The talk is free and open to the public. Registration is required. For more information or to register for the talk, which will be held via Zoom, contact scovilleadultprograms@gmail.com.
–E.E.
* * *
Club Helsinki Hudson launches virtual open mic night
Hudson, N.Y. — Club Helsinki Hudson has launched a virtual open mic that streams live on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. The virtual open mic blends the contributions of livestreaming performers with prerecorded segments and footage drawn from Helsinki’s extensive video archive.
“At a time like this, musicians, performers and audiences are hungry for the kind of community-based entertainment efforts that Helsinki’s open-mic night provides,” said Helsinki Hudson co-owner and open mic co-host Cameron Melville. “We are thrilled that technology enables us to use the Internet as a platform for these weekly gatherings.”
Helsinki Hudson’s restaurant, nightclub and event space shuttered its doors March 13 for the safety of its staff, patrons and the general community. While a small handful of full-time employees continue in their jobs, many of the venue’s personnel will remain without work until the COVID-19 threat passes and Helsinki Hudson is able to reopen. A crowdfunding campaign has been launched on their behalf.
Broadcasts are archived for viewing after the fact. The virtual open mic page includes a link via which performers can submit material for consideration. For more information, contact Club Helsinki Hudson at (518) 828-4800 or info@helsinkihudson.com.
–E.E.
