NHS student promoted to Civil Air Patrol technical sergeant

AMHERST — The Brigadier General Arthur J. Pierce Civil Air Patrol Squadron promoted Northampton resident James Bertone-Johnson to cadet technical sergeant, earning the Rickenbacker Achievement, in a recent ceremony. The achievement is named after Capt. Eddie Rickenbacker, a World War I pilot who earned the Medal of Honor.

To progress through the cadet ranks, cadets must participate in physical fitness training, complete in-class and online leadership and aerospace training, and practice drill and ceremonies. In a cadet-led training program, cadets take on more responsibility in leading and mentoring their fellow cadets through the program. The goal of the cadet program is to develop leadership skills while exploring aviation and STEM careers.

As the auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, members of the Civil Air Patrol perform emergency services for state and local agencies as well as the federal government as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force and for states/local communities as a nonprofit organization.

The Brigadier General Arthur J. Pierce Cadet Squadron meets on Monday evenings from 6-8:30 p.m. in Amherst.

Migrant crisis in WMass project gift cards

Responding to a deepening migrant crisis in western Massachusetts, the Valley Interfaith Refugee Action Group (VIRAG) has set a goal to raise $5,000 by April 30 from its members, other individuals, neighborhood groups and houses of worship. These funds will enable area resettlement agencies to distribute gift cards to individuals and families who have fled desperate situations, many of whom are now living in area motels as temporary shelters.

The resettlement agencies use a dedicated federal funding stream to provide services to fully vetted refugees who arrive with employment authorization and a path to citizenship. Recently, however, these agencies are overwhelmed and are scrambling to shelter and meet the basic needs of hundreds of “humanitarian parolees” and migrants from the southern border and elsewhere.

Diane Palladino, chair of VIRAG, explains that these individuals and families, unlike vetted refugees, arrive without employment authorization or a clear path to citizenship. Vital federal funding to assist this effort is blocked due to a legislative impasse in Congress.

Help VIRAG meet its goal of purchasing 100 $50 gift cards for our three local resettlement agencies: Ascentria Care Alliance, Catholic Charities and Jewish Family Service of Western Mass. Contributors can make out checks to Edwards Church with a note in the memo section of the check saying “VIRAG Gift Cards” and mail or deliver them to Edwards Church, 297 Main St., Northampton, MA 01060. Please also write “Attention: VIRAG” on the outside of the envelope.

Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice invites applications

HOLYOKE — Applications for the 13th year of the Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice mini-grants will be accepted started Tuesday, with a deadline of April 19. Local nonprofits and individuals are invited to apply for funding by completing an application form at carlosvegafund.org. All applicants must have nonprofit status or be fiscally sponsored by a nonprofit.

For more than 40 years, Carlos Vega fought for social justice in the greater Holyoke area. In 2010, a small group of family and friends started the fund to support the kind of social justice initiatives that were important to Vega.

This year, the fund has increased the grant amount to up to $2,000, used for a specific, one-time program or project that focuses on the fundamental primary causes of injustice, fosters change, and promotes self-help and empowerment.

The fund is administered through the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and is overseen by an advisory committee. Grants are expected to be announced on May 12.

For further information and/or to obtain an application, visit carlosvegafund.org/ or contact Aaron Vega at carlosvegafund.413@gmail.com.