This week's bits and pieces of news from all around Town:

Land of writers: Polly Ingraham, wife of Grace Episcopal Church’s Reverend Rob Hirschfeld, penned the “Coupling” column in Sunday’s Boston Globe Magazine, about the challenges of balancing family activities and church activities, sports and spirituality. (Warning – the link to that column will expire before you know it. Not all sites are so generous with their archives…)

Land of writers, II: Catherine Newman, a local freelance writer, was published in the October issue of Oprah Magazine. Her article was about… well, perhaps you’ll just have to read it yourself one day. Sorry, no link available.

Land of writers, III: Local author Jane Yolen will hold a reading and book signing of her new fairy tale cookbook, “Fairy Tale Feasts,” Saturday morning, December 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the Amherst Cinema. Admission is free. Books will be on sale at the event.

Which brings to mind the library: The Jones Library’s annual fund drive has begun. The goal this year is to raise $45,000, and Director Bonnie Isman said that more than $15,000 has been raised in the first couple weeks. While the drive continues through the end of the fiscal year next June, Isman said that most of their contributions come in December, as the holidays make people feel extra generous, and the contributions fall into this year for tax purposes. Those who wish to may print out a donation form.

Fun for the whole family: Don’t forget the Merry Maple Celebration, December 1st from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. For full event details, click here and scroll down, or contact the Chamber at 253-0700 or info@amherstarea.com.

Big discounts: Saturday, December 2nd is Card Day downtown. Shoppers will be eligible for 20% off one item at each of the participating stores and restaurants. Details may vary by location. Look for your free Card in this week’s Amherst Bulletin.

Bulletin bulletin: The Amherst Bulletin web site has recently done away with its registration process, so everyone can now enjoy free and easy access to its full content and archives.

RFP for CDBG: Local organizations and agencies interested in securing funding through an FY07 Community Development Block Grant must get their proposals to the Town by January 1st. Additional information and applications are available from the Community Services Department at Bangs Center, by e-mail at community@amherstma.gov, or by phone at 259-3117. The Community Development Committee will review the proposals and make recommendations to the Select Board for the Town’s application to the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.

WRC for HC: At the behest of concerned students, Hampshire College has joined the Worker Rights Consortium, a non-profit affiliation of more than 150 colleges and universities that agree to purchase their school logo apparel from businesses that protect workers' rights. Such businesses comply with a WRC code of conduct stipulating fair wages, benefits and working hours; safe and healthy working environments; and freedom to form unions, among other requirements. UMass is among the WRC affiliate schools.

Highly relevant: The UMass journalism department will host a free public lecture December 5th at 5:00 p.m. in Memorial Hall entitled, “Journalism 2.0 – How Technology is changing the Media, Journalists and Consumers.” Sreenath Sreenivasan, dean of students at the Columbia University Journalism School, will discuss Internet research and related ethical issues. Refreshments will be served.

Speaking of UMass and Libraries: Did you see the November 25th Boston Globe article about the changes inside that lovely skyscraper? A coffee bar, food delivery, cell phone booths, vending machines with computer parts… it’s a brand new day. (Again, that link will self-destruct at the count of 5…4…3…2…)

-- Stephanie O’Keeffe