AMHERST — Human Rights Day, the commemoration of the United Nations adopting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, will be marked in Amherst next month, as the local chapter of Amnesty International honors the service of the late Martha Spiegelman, its leader for the past decade until her death Nov. 10.

The Human Rights Day program is set to take place at the Jones Library’s Woodbury Room on Dec. 9 from 1:30 to 3 p.m.

Spiegelman, who died from pancreatic cancer at the Hospice of the Fisher Home, will be recognized for overseeing Amherst Chapter 128 and her many activist pursuits, including marches and protests for gun control and for peaceful solutions to war, weekly tabling for Amnesty International, sponsoring letter-writing to prisoners of conscience, and financial support of organizations such as the Media Education Foundation.

A native of New York City, Spiegelman began her career teaching chemistry and biology, last employed at Smith College.

With her husband, Irwin, Spiegelman founded the Thomas Paine Friends group that sponsored regular events calling attention to injustices and human rights issues, emanating from the spirit of Paine’s works.

Amnesty International’s Amherst Chapter 128 was founded in 1978 by two Amherst College seniors before the reins were handed to Professor George Greenstein. Then, a small group convened at the Bangs Community Center on the first Monday of every month. The group’s first case was Indonesian labor leader Abdul Rachman, followed by the case of Zhang Jingzheng, a dissenter in China. Other early cases included actions from Central America and Eastern Europe.

The chapter still organizes several events in which the public takes part, including the annual Human Rights Day program, at least one “Write-for-Rights” activity every year, a torture awareness demonstration in June and the Human Rights Art Exhibit at the Jones Library, showcasing pieces done by Amherst Regional Middle School students inspired by the 30 articles of the Declaration of Human Rights.

That exhibit will be on display in the Jones throughout December. Students and teachers involved in the creation of the exhibit will make short presentations at the Human Rights Day event.

Church bazaar

Grace Episcopal Church, at 14 Boltwood Ave., is holding its annual Saint Nicholas Bazaar Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The bazaar will feature Christmas wreaths, collectibles, children’s toys and books, art works, antiques, CDs, baked goods and white elephants, as well as a visit from St. Nicholas.

A luncheon will also be served.

Climate talk

Billy Spitzer, executive director of the Hitchcock Center for the Environment, will be the guest speaker at the Amherst Woman’s Club, 35 Triangle St., Monday at 1:30 p.m.

“From Impact to Solutions: Changing the Conversation on Climate Change” is the title of the talk and conversation Spitzer will lead.

There will be discussion about changes already experienced in the Pioneer Valley with the climate and action that is happening.

DEI work in Amherst

An update to the town’s diversity, equity and inclusion work is being presented as part of the League of Women Voters Judy Brooks Series.

Jennifer Moyston, assistant director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, will talk about “The Roles and Responsibilities of the Town of Amherst in DEI and Community Engagement” on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Register online for the program at lwvamherst.org.

Moyston’s focus is on community outreach and engagement, workforce diversity initiatives, and professional development and training on topics related to DEI.

Song & Story swap

Songwriter and guitarist Jon Sheldon will be performing Saturday at 7 p.m. at the First Church, 165 Main St., for the Song & Story Swap.

Sheldon has performed for 50 years, as the lead singer-songwriter with his own rock band, Blue Streak, and in collaboration with other musicians and theater artists.

Meetings

MONDAY: Town Council and State of the Town, 6:30 p.m., Town Room.

TUESDAY: Cultural Council, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Board of Assessors, 9:30 a.m., First Floor Meeting Room; CPA Committee, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY: Elementary School Building Committee, 8:30 a.m.