Church to hold song circle for Gaza

HAYDENVILLE — An Interfaith Song Circle to mourn the continuing loss of life and ongoing devastation of Gaza will take place Saturday, Jan. 13 at 4 p.m. at Haydenville Congregational Church.

Church Music Director Mare Berger will lead the program. She will be joined by other singers in easy-to-learn songs so those gathered can grieve through music the 22,000 Palestinians killed so far by the Israeli military’s campaign is Gaza, and the 1,200 Israelis killed by Hamas attacks on Oct. 7.

Berger, who is Jewish, said, “I believe there is room in our hearts to grieve everyone. We will sing songs to grieve, songs to remember our collective power, songs for a cease-fire, and songs for light and justice,” said Berger.

The gathering will also be a fundraiser for the Middle East Children’s Alliance, which is addressing the humanitarian emergency in Gaza. It will be a free-will donation and no one will be turned away.

Haydenville Congregational is at 141 Main St. (Route 9) Haydenville. Parking is in the rear of the church. The church is handicapped-accessible; masks are encouraged.

For more information contact Berger at mariel.berger@gmail.com.

PVPA musicians to present ‘Imbroglio’

SOUTH HADLEY — The Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School Music Department will present “Imbroglio, a Winter Music Showcase,” on Friday and Saturday, Jan. 12-13, with performances beginning at 6:30 p.m., in the main stage theater at 15 Mulligan Drive.

Ticket prices are $10 general admission, $7 for military and seniors, $5 Pfor VPA alumni, and $3 for students, and are available at the door or online at pvpa.org/shows.

Under the direction of Rahul Roy, the showcase features the sounds of ensembles as well as some up and coming musicians. Both nights will feature different groups and different material, making for two unique musical evenings directed by Jeremy Milligan and David Cavellin.

Friday night performances will feature student first semester works from PVPA’s Orchestra, Middle School String Ensemble, Concert Band and Chorus, as well as the High School ensemble Adagio. Saturday evening performances will showcase the department’s audition ensembles including A Cappella, Gig Band, Razz Da Roof, and Pop R and B.

Dakin to host guinea pigadoption event

SPRINGFIELD — The Dakin Humane Society is one of several Massachusetts animal welfare organizations partnering for a fee-waived guinea pig adoption event this Friday and Saturday, Jan. 5-6, to collectively find adopters for more than 100 guinea pigs who are looking for new homes.

Adopters are welcome to visit Dakin at 171 Union St. in Springfield from 12:30 to 3 p.m. both days. In addition, pets can be adopted online, with guinea pig adoption fees waived during those two days, at dakinhumane.org/adopt-a-pet.

The event comes on the heels of a ban, passed by the city of Boston, on the sale of guinea pigs in pet stores, unless those stores partner with a rescue organization. Many pet stores acquire guinea pigs from out-of-state breeding facilities, and the ban will help promote the larger number of guinea pigs available for adoption in animal shelters.

AIC to holdregistration rush

SPRINGFIELD — American International College will host a Registration Rush event for the spring semester, scheduled from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8. The Registration Rush at the college offers an opportunity for on-the-spot application review, registration and financial aid support.

Prospective and returning students are encouraged to attend the event being held at AIC’s Shea Memorial Library on the campus at 1000 State St. in Springfield. The college’s admissions and financial aid teams will be on hand to assist with the application process, FAFSA submissions, and class registrations — all in one visit.

Those who complete the process during this one-stop-shop experience will be eligible to join classes when AIC’s spring semester begins on Wednesday, Jan. 17.

For additional information, reach out to AIC Admissions at 413-205-2101 or admissions@aic.edu. To apply online, visit the Admissions department at aic.edu.

All Our Kids to hold 1st fundraiser

SOUTH HADLEY — All Our Kids Inc. will partner with Batch Ice in the Village Commons in South Hadley for an fundraiser on Monday, Jan. 15, from 2:30- to 7:30 p.m.

Mary Ann Hanlon, program and outreach director for All Our Kids Inc., says that two local celebrities — Ashley Kohl and Marty Caproni — will serve as celebrity scoopers.

Those who attend the event are asked to mention that they are participating in the All Our Kids Inc. fundraiser and 10% of the sale will be donated to the nonprofit that empowers western Massachusetts foster and adoptive families to thrive by enriching community connectedness, providing education and resources, and helping the public understand and support the overall experience.