AMHERST — The public is invited to step inside the world of Emily Dickinson in The Belle of Amherst, a one-woman show starring Louise Krieger. Written by William Luce, directed by Russ Ekstrom, and produced by Catherine King, this intimate performance brings Dickinson’s words and spirit to life on stage.

Performances will be held at the Amherst Woman’s Club, 35 Triangle St., Amherst, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 17 and 18, from 7 to 9 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. Click here to purchase tickets, which cost $20.

The show is presented by the Literacy Project, a nonprofit organization that provides free classes and programs for adults, ages 16 and over, who do not have their high school diploma and want to improve their reading, writing, math, and digital literacy skills, complete their GED/HiSet, and prepare to enroll in college or secure higher-paying jobs. This production celebrates literature, performance, and community.

“I’m really pleased we have the opportunity to share this production with our students and community,” Literacy Project Executive Director Colleen Kucinski said. “For our students who study Emily Dickinson’s works in their classes, this is an invaluable addition to their learning. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn more about this amazing woman’s life.”

The Belle of Amherst is presented by arrangement with Dramatist Play Service Inc. The show is funded in part by a grant from the Amherst Cultural Council and sponsored by Renaissance Builders and Greenfield Savings Bank.

NORTHAMPTON — The Literacy Project will host a 40th-anniversary celebration to recognize its four decades of work transforming the lives of local adults striving for brighter futures. The event will be held on Friday, April 4 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Progression Brewing, located at 9 Pearl St., Northampton.

The Literacy Project is a nonprofit organization that provides classes and programs for adults (ages 16 and over) who do not have their high-school diploma and want to improve their reading, writing, math, and digital-literacy skills, complete their GED/HiSet, and prepare to enroll in college or secure higher-paying jobs.

This event will feature raffles, food, dancing, and live music by Carol Devine and the Mighty Fine. It’s an opportunity for anyone in the community to connect, celebrate, and learn more about the Literacy Project.

“Forty years is a monumental accomplishment,” said Colleen Kucinski, executive director of the Literacy Project. “Celebrating it with our community, students, and our current and former staff who have been our great supporters makes this a really special occasion.”

The event is free, and registration is required. All are welcome to attend, from long-time supporters and donors to anyone who simply believes in the power of education. To register and learn more about the event, visit www.literacyproject.org.

Greenfield Savings Bank is a silver sponsor of this event. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, call Colleen Kucinski at (413) 774-3934.

GREENFIELD — Judith Roberts, executive director of the Literacy Project, announced her retirement at the end of June 2023 after 16 years at the helm of the educational nonprofit. The Literacy Project opened its doors in Franklin County in 1984 with co-founder Lindy Whiton.

“I am honored to have worked with our courageous adult students who show up every day and work hard to make a better life for themselves and their families,” Roberts said. “I am deeply grateful to the Literacy Project teachers, advisors, volunteers, community partners, foundations, and individual donors all working collaboratively together for student success. It has been a labor of love to serve as executive director.”

The Literacy Project classrooms in Greenfield, Orange, Northampton, Amherst, and Ware are places of respect, belonging, hope, and grit. Classes offer a warm and welcoming community for adults and out-of-school youth who need another chance at success.

During Roberts’ tenure at the Literacy Project, the program has consistently been among the top three adult-education programs in the state in terms of achieving successful outcomes for more than 200 students per year. These outcomes include passing the High School Equivalency Test (also known as the HiSET or GED), moving on to community college, job-training programs, and better jobs. The Literacy Project has expanded to provide more classes during the day and evening, creating online and in-person options to meet the changing needs of the local communities it serves in Franklin and Hampshire counties.

“At the Literacy Project, we believe that education transforms lives,” Roberts said. “It has transformed my own life to be part of this rewarding work. When students read a book cover to cover for the first time, master a math equation, or write a poem, my heart leaps for joy.”

The Literacy Project is looking for qualified applicants to fill the executive director position. To find more information about the search and hiring process, visit literacyproject.org.