New dentist office groundbreaking Friday in Hadley

HADLEY — Hampshire Meadow Family & Pediatric Dentistry will hold a groundbreaking for its new 4,600-square-foot dental facility at 101 East St., the corner of Route 9 and East Street, on Friday at 11 a.m.

The new practice, under the direction of Drs. Cyrus Safizadeh and Noelle Nubani, will enable the practice to meet growing demand, as its current facility — built just five years ago — has outgrown its capacity.

The new facility represents a nearly $3 million investment by Safizadeh and Nubani, on top of the over $1 million that had previously been invested in the current space. It is being built by Sweitzer Construction of Monson, and is being designed by Larry Tuttle of Architectural Insights of Palmer.

In addition to increasing capacity for general dentistry, the new facility will serve children with severe cases of decay or special health care needs. Hampshire Meadow Family & Pediatric Dentistry currently accepts MassHealth for patients up to 21 years old and receives daily referrals from community health centers across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties.

Safizadeh and Nubani hope to attract dental professionals to the region to add to its 15-member staff. Last year, Hampshire Meadow welcomed Dr. Europa Yang, a board-certified pediatric dentist with nearly a decade of experience. Hampshire Meadow also operates an on-the-job dental assistant training program, which successfully trains several dental assistants annually.

Garcia, delegation feted at Holyoke sister city in Ireland

HOLYOKE — Mayor Joshua Garcia was expected to return on Wednesday night after a trip to Tralee, Ireland, where he served as grand marshal of that community’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Garcia led a delegation of 33 people who participated on Monday in the full-immersion Hibernian experience in Holyoke’s sister ancient city of 26,000.

Cheering crowds lined the route which Garcia and Tralee Mayor Mikey Sheehy covered sitting in the back of an antique car. The Holyoke delegation marched behind carrying mini American and Irish flags, waving to spectators and sharing countless high-fives with children lining the route.

When the USA contingent reached a reviewing stand, the DJ greeted the American guests and then blasted out the Bee Gees’ 1989 hit “Massachusetts” to the delight of both the crowd and the Holyoke delegation.

Tralee officials and townspeople rolled out the hospitality. After a guided tour of the city, which was founded in 1216, the Holyoke visitors were guests of honor Sunday evening at a ceremony in the city’s museum. Mayor Sheehy expressed the desire to strengthen and expand the Tralee-Holyoke connection. Mayor Garcia expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the warm welcome and the many acts of kindness.

Tuesday’s schedule involved more guided touring and with stops at historical sites and other points of interest.

Literacy Project to celebrate 40 years

NORTHAMPTON — The Literacy Project is having a 40th anniversary celebration to recognize its four decades of work transforming the lives of local adults striving for brighter futures. The event will be held on April 4, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., at Progression Brewing, 9 Pearl St., in Northampton.

The Literacy Project is a nonprofit organization that provides classes and programs for adults, ages 16 and over, who do not have their high school diploma and want to improve their reading, writing, math, and digital literacy skills, complete their GED/HiSet, and prepare to enroll in college or secure higher paying jobs.

The celebration will feature raffles, food, dancing, and live music by Carol Devine and The Mighty Fine.

The event is free, and registration is required. All are welcome to attend, whether a longtime supporters, donors, or simply someone who believes in the power of education.

To register and learn more about the event visit literacyproject.org.