DCR to host series of Quabbin programs
The Department of Conservation and Recreation has the following upcoming programs at the Quabbin Reservoir. All programs are scheduled for 2 p.m. and in-person seating is limited to 45 people. In case of bad weather, the events will convert to virtual programs. Follow link to register or visit https://www.mass.gov/locations/quabbin-reservoir/events
“A Virtual Hike on the Road to Dana Common” is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 1. Along the old road to Dana Common are foundations, fields, walls and trees that tell the story of the towns now long gone. The virtual hike will include discussion about remnants of Valley towns and about the landscape of the reservoir today.
“Safeguarding Quabbin — The Work of a DCR Watershed Ranger” will be held Sunday, Feb. 15. From before the sun rises to well after it sets, DCR watershed rangers safeguard the over 80,000 acres of land and water within the Quabbin Watershed. In this presentation, Ranger Hoy will share an in-depth look into how the ranger division keeps the public and the natural/cultural landscape safe while providing insights into what a day-on-the-job looks like as a ranger.
“The Frozen Quabbin: Glacial Geology in Our Watershed” is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 22. This presentation will explore the genesis of some of the landforms exhibited in the Quabbin and Ware River watersheds, discuss diagnostic tools used both in the field and at home, and use sediments and geomorphology to try and recreate the ancient landscape from the time when Quabbin was frozen.
“Respect What You Find” is set for March 1. In this presentation, DCR Office of Cultural Resources archaeological staff will share teachings on how to recognize and respect what you may see while out and about as part of being a good cultural resources steward.
“The Bear Necessities: Get to Know Your Neighbors” is scheduled for March 8. Black bears are becoming more common in Massachusetts, but how much do you really know about them? How much food do they eat in a day? How big are cubs when they are born? Are bears true hibernators? This program will take a lighthearted look at some of the fun and amazing facts about one of the largest residents of the state
Holyoke to hold Black History Month flag-raising
HOLYOKE — In February of 1926, Dr. Carter Woodson first launched “Negro History Week.” A century later, his story will be retold on the lawn of Holyoke City Hall as the city ushers in what is now Black History Month.
On Feb. 2, a flag raising will take place on the City Hall lawn at 3:30 p.m. During the raising, Willie Spradley Jr., chair of the Bethlehem Baptist Community Church’s Public Awareness Committee, will speak on the creation of Black History Month by Woodson, one of the commemoration’s founders.
Mayor Joshua Garcia will also read a proclamation, and the Rev. Bernard Smith, pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, will give an invocation.
Then at 7 p.m., the church will host a gospel-choir performance led by Terence Haynes, director of Voices of Praise. There, Spradley will deliver remarks on “100 Years of Empowerment.”
Bethlehem Baptist Community Church is located at 304 Elm St. The event is free and open to the public.
Northampton Girls Youth Lacrosse signups
NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Parks & Recreation Department is again offering Girls Youth Lacrosse this spring.
The program is open to youth in grades 3-8, offering teams in the Bantam (grades 3&4), Juniors (grades 5&6) and Seniors (grades 7&8) divisions. The program is held mid-March through mid-June and is for both new and experienced players.
The deadline to register is Thursday, Feb. 19, or when a division is full. Information and online registration are available at www.northamptonma.gov/recreation. For further information, contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 413-587-1040 or stop by the Parks & Rec office at 100A Bridge Road, Florence.
United Way’s ‘Supper for Six’ food drive
GREENFIELD — Women’s Way, an affinity group of United Way of the Franklin & Hampshire Region (UWFH), is running its annual Supper for Six food drive to ensure that local food pantries and family programs will have plenty to offer during the busy February school vacation week.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 4-6 p.m. at Baystate Franklin Medical Center, community members, businesses, and organizations are invited to bring reusable grocery bags filled with nonperishable dinner ingredients for a family of six, such as rice and canned proteins, pastas and canned vegetables, and nut butters and jelly. The center is located at 164 High St. in Greenfield.
Donors should bring bags through the main entrance to the Supper for Six registration table to have their donations processed. Then, anyone who brings a donation is welcome to stay and enjoy some light refreshments, as well as listen to major donor and recipient partner speakers. A snow date is Wednesday, Feb. 11.
Anyone who would like to donate bags but is unable to make the collection event may contact the UWFH office to arrange an early drop-off. All monetary gifts made by check, gift card, or online will go toward purchasing additional food for distribution.
Last year, United Way community partner organizations distributed more than 300 bags of food collected through Supper for Six. In 2026, the following area food pantries and family programs will distribute all donations to local families before and during February school vacation: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western MA, The United Arc, Mary Lyon Foundation, Franklin County Community Meals Program, Community Action’s Center for Self-Reliance Food Pantries, The Salvation Army, and The Heartwing Center.