Sunderland Library offering sensory friendly hours

SUNDERLAND — Sunderland Public Library began offering sensory friendly hours as part of its regular library schedule in July of this year, thanks to a grant from the American Library Association and the Association for Rural & Small Libraries.

For the first time in Sunderland’s history, patrons are welcome to visit the library on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Library Director Katherine Umstot said that all of the services and collections are the same, with the only change being some slight differences in the library environment and operations to make it more accessible.

Sensory friendly is a term used to describe environments, services, and experiences that have been designed to meet the needs of those with sensory sensitivities, such as people with autism spectrum disorder. When people visit the library during sensory friendly hours, they will experience lowered lights, as well as designated quiet and active areas.

The library does not schedule large programs or meetings on Thursdays to reduce crowds and extraneous noise. The library has also become “fragrance aware,” meaning they have switched to fragrance-free cleaning products and soaps to reduce artificial scents around the building.

The library is located at 20 School St.

First-time homebuyers info session

HOLYOKE — Greenfield/Northampton Cooperative Bank is hosting a free information session on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Holyoke Public Library’s Community Room, designed to equip first-time homebuyers with the knowledge and confidence to navigate the home buying journey.

Led by Victor H. Rodriguez Sr., vice president and community engagement mortgage officer, this session will provide insights from industry experts on various aspects of purchasing a home.

Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the home buying process, from financing options to legal considerations. Key topics covered include the impact of credit on mortgages; GCB’s first-time home buyers achieve and attain programs; the power of pre-approval; and beyond financing.

Space is limited. For more information and to register, visit www.greenfieldcoopbank.com/events.

The Curious Giraffe photos at Belchertown beach

BELCHERTOWN — Parents can get a photo of their children or grandchildren with The Curious Giraffe from “The Curious Giraffe Show” at the Belchertown Town Beach, 21 Town Beach Road, on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 30-31, from 1 to 3 p.m.

For $5 per photo shoot, people will get a photo for their family, friends and relatives and will be helping to protect local lakes with overgrowth and invasive weeds.

Participants can use their own cameras or have a photo taken for them.

HCC holds first ‘pinning’ ceremony

HOLYOKE — About 10 years ago, when she was promoted from campus police officer to sergeant, Jacqueline Robles remembers her boss basically sliding her new badge across a table to confer her new status.

Now, as HCC’s new police chief, one of the changes Robles has implemented is to have more formal pinning ceremonies to celebrate the promotion of offices in the department.

HCC held its first Campus Police promotion ceremony on Aug. 18, recognizing four officers who received promotions and one who was newly hired.

At the ceremony, Campus Police Officer Ruben Roberto, of Springfield, was promoted to sergeant; Police officer Robert Clare, of Holyoke, was promoted to corporal; Antonio Mazza, of Chicopee, was promoted from institutional security officer to campus police officer trainee, as was Jiovanny Montanez-Moret, a Holyoke resident and 2023 graduate of HCC’s criminal justice program. Recently hired campus police officer Sarah Paley, of South Hadley, was also recognized.   

After taking the police officer’s oath, the five officers received new badges and certificates.  

Other new initiatives in the works as the department transforms to a community policing model, he said, are bike patrols and a comfort dog program.