The St. Patrick’s Committee picks 5 Colleen finalists

HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke has selected five Colleen finalists after hosting its 68th annual Colleen Pageant on Saturday. Eighteen contestants competed to be one of the Colleens.

Each year the committee chooses a Grand Colleen who reigns with her Colleen Court on a majestic float over the 2-mile parade route. Not only does this honor represent women who are proud of their Irish heritage and community, but this journey helps them build connections, gain self-confidence, and develop skills that will help in their present and future career paths.

The Colleen finalists, who are all from Holyoke, include Amelia Frances George, 22, who also won Miss Congeniality, an honor that is selected by the contestants; Elizabeth Katherine Gourde, 22; Hunter Rose Edwards, 19; Natalie Belle Morris, 19; Taryn Shaylene Ryan, 21.

The 2024 Grand Colleen will be honored at the Grand Coronation Ball and Awards Reception on Feb. 17.

Baystate’s free Virtual Heart & Vascular Health series coming up

SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health will hold its popular free Virtual Heart & Vascular Health lecture series during the month of February. The series, presented by the Baystate Heart & Vascular Program as part of American Heart Month, will focus on the latest advances in heart and vascular care.

Baystate cardiac surgeon Dr. Andrew Goldsweig, medical director, Cardiac Cath Lab, will lead the first lecture on Feb. 4 focusing on the latest devices and innovations used in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab for procedures such as valve replacement, stroke prevention and more.

In addition to being held online as a webinar, Goldsweig’s presentation will be held in-person at the Baystate Health Education Center on 361 Whitney Ave., 2nd entrance to building, in Holyoke. This is the only lecture in the four-part series to also be held in-person.

The free lectures will continue Sunday, Feb. 11, when Baystate pharmacists Jared Ostroff and Anna Mortali will discuss the pharmacist’s role in cardiovascular health.

On Sunday, Feb. 18, Dr. David Bull, vice president and medical director, Heart and Vascular Program, will discuss advancements in bypass surgery.

The series will end on Sunday, Feb. 25 with Dr. Michele Gortakowski discussing new medications and advances in medically assisted weight-loss, as well as behavioral interventions that can improve weight-loss efforts.

Registration is required for each session at baystatehealth.org/heartseries.

Jencks performs Celtic folk music in South Hadley

SOUTH HADLEY — Celtic folk performer Joe Jencks will perform at All Saints’ Episcopal Church, 7 Woodbridge St. in South Hadley on Sunday at 4 p.m.

Jencks is an 25-year veteran of the international folk circuit, an award-winning songwriter, and celebrated vocalist based in Chicago. Merging conservatory training with his Irish roots and working-class upbringing, Jencks delivers engaged musical narratives filled with heart, soul, groove and grit.

Tickets are $10-$30 in advance, and increase by $5 on the day of the performance. For more information and tickets visit hartsne.org or call 413-345-2917.

Herrell’s celebrates its annual Margaritaville event

NORTHAMPTON — Herrell’s Ice Cream in Northampton will hold its annual Margaritaville celebration from Jan. 21-28.

The shops Margaritaville flavors this year will include Berry Tequila Tango (UMass), Mango Sorbet, Mango Ice Cream, Coconut Chocolate Chip, Pina Colada, Aloha Sunrise, Key Lime Cream, Sublime (UMass), Strawberry Banana, Spicy Pineapple Margarita (UMass).

Several of the flavors being served this year will be winning flavors from the UMass Ice Cream Making Competition from over the last several years. These flavors have become popular rotating flavors at Herrell’s and are often served during summer months.