‘Get Your Pink On’ raises $16K to support cancer patients
NORTHAMPTON — The 15th annual Get Your Pink On (GYPO) fundraising event raised $16,293 in a single evening to benefit the Cancer Care Patient Fund at the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at Cooley Dickinson Hospital.
The event, held on March 7 at the Ludlow Country Club, brought together community members, sponsors, and hospital staff in a shared commitment to supporting local patients in treatment for different types of cancer.
Roxy Lock and Lauren Soules, oncology social workers who help administer the Cancer Care Patient Fund at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, served as the evening’s spotlight speakers.
Founded in 2009 by Denise and Art Flanagan after a family member’s cancer diagnosis, Patty’s Bosom Buddies and the GYPO Committee have since raised more than $100,000 to support local cancer patients.
This year’s proceeds will once again support the Cancer Care Patient Fund, a special safety‑net resource that helps patients facing financial hardship due to their diagnosis. The fund provides assistance with household bills, gas and grocery cards, transportation, special equipment, dental work, and other essential needs.
Northampton men’s, co-ed softball leagues gearing up
NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Parks and Recreation Department will hold its Men’s and Coed Softball League organizational meetings for team managers on Thursday, April 2, at department headquarters at JFK Middle School, 100A Bridge Road.
The Coed meeting will take place at 6 p.m. and the Men’s meeting will take place at 6:45 p.m. All league information, rules and team fees will be discussed. Anyone interested in entering a team, and all returning managers, are encouraged to attend. Each team will play a 20-game regular season schedule followed by double-elimination playoffs. League play will start on May 4 and will continue through July/August.
For more information, contact Northampton Parks and Recreation at 413-587-1040, or visit www.northamptonma.gov/recreation.
Series of events to mark child abuse awareness month
NORTHAMPTON — The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Hampshire County will host a series of events throughout April to mark Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month, including flag-raising ceremonies and the annual “This Little Light of Mine” Luminaria.
The events will culminate with the 6th annual Luminaria on Wednesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the Garden House at Look Park in Northampton. The luminaria event will feature a
brief program, guest speakers, and recognition of individuals and organizations who have made meaningful contributions to the protection and well-being of children in Hampshire County.
The flag-raising events will take place at the following locations:
- Belchertown Town Hall, 2 Jabish St., April 2, at 10:30 a.m.
- Amherst Town Common, 1 South Pleasant St., April 3, at 9 a.m.
- Easthampton City Hall, 50 Payson Ave., April 1, at 9 a.m.
- Northampton Police Station, 29 Center St., April 1, at 10:30 a.m.
- South Hadley Police Station, 41 Bridge St., April 2, at 9 a.m.
- Hadley Town Hall, 100 Middle St., April 2, at 12 p.m.
Individuals who wish to further support the work of the Children’s Advocacy Center can make a donation to help sustain advocacy programs, prevention efforts, and vital services for children in need. Donations can be made through the CAC’s website.
Hadley to hold meeting on hazard mitigation plan
HADLEY — Residents, businesses, and surrounding community members are invited to learn about and provide input on the town of Hadley Hazard Mitigation Plan. This public meeting will be held during a Select Board meeting on Wednesday, April 15, at 6 pm at the Hadley Senior Center, 46 Middle St. Remote attendance is available.
The purpose of the Hazard Mitigation Plan (HMP) is to assess Hadley’s natural hazard risks and provide an action plan to reduce the town’s vulnerabilities. The plan is being completed by the town with assistance from the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (PVPC) and is funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Upon completion, the plan will be submitted to the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and FEMA for review and approval. A FEMA-approved HMP makes the community eligible for federal and state mitigation grant funding.
The meeting will include a discussion of natural hazards and climate impacts in Hadley, the draft plan, and the proposed mitigation actions. Municipal officials and PVPC staff will be available to answer questions and respond to comments about the plan and planning process. The meeting provides an opportunity for community members to share thoughts and provide input. All members of the public, representatives from surrounding communities, and other interested parties are invited to attend the event.
The draft Hazard Mitigation Plan can be viewed on the town’s website.
For more information about this event, please contact PVPC’s Mimi Kaplan at mkaplan@pvpc.org or 413-781-6045.