DAR’s Lawn of Valor ceremony honors service members

NORTHAMPTON — In a tribute to honor veterans and their sacrifices, a ceremony took place on Veterans Day at the historic Betty Allen DAR Chapter House on South Street in Northampton.

The event, set against the backdrop of a picturesque lawn adorned with 100 U.S. flags, served as a symbol of unity and remembrance. Half of these flags were dedicated to specific veterans, adding a personalized touch to the ceremony.

The proceedings began with a call to order and opening remarks by DAR Regent Denise Kindschi Gosselin. Attendees, including DAR and SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) members, veterans, and community members, gathered to pay their respects.

The presentation included awarding of the DAR Hannah White Arnett Bronze Medal of Distinction Awards to two SAR members: Dave Robison, president of the Pomeroy chapter, and Gene Theroux, a dedicated Pomeroy chapter member. The SAR is a hereditary society dedicated to preserving the legacy of the patriots who fought for America’s independence. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) acknowledged Robison and Theroux not only for their individual efforts, but also for their collaborative work with the Betty Allen DAR Chapter.

The event also featured a recitation of the poem “High Flight” by John Gillespie Magee, delivered by U.S. Army retired veteran Robert Gosselin, followed by DAR members reading 53 names of current and former members of the armed forces, whose families and friends sponsored flags displayed on the lawn of the Betty Allen Chapter House.

Gorge apres Gorge 5K run, walk

CHESTERFIELD — The annual Gorge après Gorge 5K Trail Run and Free Family Fun Walk will be held Sunday, Nov. 26.

This event, organized by the Hilltown Land Trust, is entering its 19th year, scheduled on the Sunday after Thanksgiving at the Chesterfield Gorge.

This year, the walk starts at 9:30 a.m. and the 5K trail run starts at 10:30.

Runners and walkers use a well-marked course with a view of the Westfield River. Hot beverages and a potluck round off the event, which awards handmade hats to the winners and a locally baked cookie medal to all race participants.

Preregistration for the 5K is open until midnight, Nov. 25. The fee is $25 ($20 for members of Hilltown Land Trust or The Trustees). The race is free for runners under 10 and there are discounts for families. Registration on the day of the race is $30. Visit the Gorge après Gorge RunReg page to register.

Preregistration is requested also for the free walk to help with planning.

Questions: Sarah: sarah@hilltownlandtrust.org (413) 628-4485 x6

Tree lighting in Worthington

WORTHINGTON — There will be a Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Sunday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m. at the Town Pond.

Santa is set to arrive on a firetruck at 4:45 p.m. and the tree lighting will take place after it gets dark around 5.

There will be a fire pit and carolers throughout the evening. Refreshments including coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and soups will be available.

The event is hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department and Within Worthington.

Hearing on tree cutting

CHESTERFIELD — A public hearing on the cutting of public shade trees for power line clearance will be held Wednesday, Dec. 6, at 1:30 p.m. at the Highway Garage, 164 Main Road.

Streets impacted will be Curtis Road, Sugar Hill Road, and Old Chesterfield Road. Trees scheduled for removal are marked with green ribbon and are various types and sizes.

Questions: John Lynch, tree warden, (413) 320-0931.

Holiday breakfast in Chesterfield

CHESTERFIELD — TheCouncil on Aging will hold a free Holiday Breakfast on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 9 a.m. at the Community Center.

Those who wish to attend are asked to call (413) 296-4007 by Dec. 8.