NORTHAMPTON — Warren Hathaway of Northampton has recently been named one of five recipients of FirstLight’s inaugural scholarship program. The new award consists of $1,500 and was given to family members of employees who submitted essays detailing the ways in which renewable energy affects their lives.
Hathaway is currently studying computer engineering and computer science at Northeastern University. He was given his reward at a ceremony held by FirstLight at Northfield Mountain.
HOLYOKE — Chef Nadim Kashouh, owner of the Downtown Mediterranean Grill in Springfield, will begin teaching single-session courses at Holyoke Community College starting Thursday.
“Cooking with Chef Nadim” will be offered twice, on Thursday, June 15, from 6-9 p.m., and on Monday, July 10, also from 6-9 p.m. The sessions cost $150 each.
During each session, students will learn how to prepare a five-course meal off the menu of Nadim’s restaurant. The meal students will learn how to cook will include a hummus appetizer, tabouli salad, Chef Nadim’s special rice, chicken with gravy, and Ismalia, a dish including shredded phyllo dough stuffed with Ricotta cheese.
Kashouh noted that consuming more Mediterranean food helped him to lose weight, and added that “knowing how to prepare some of the healthiest foods is definitely a plus. Hopefully, we’ll have some folks who will be interested in that.”
HOLYOKE — Holyoke’s second annual PrideFest will take place this Saturday at noon at Veterans Park.
Jessica Wild, a contestant on Seasons 2 and 8 of RuPaul’s “Drag Race,” as well as singer Mary Lambert will be performing. Lambert, a songwriter and spoken word artist, was featured on Macklemore’s 2012 single “Same Love,” which advocated for LGBTQ+ rights.
Within Veterans Park, there will be entertainment for all ages, 14 food vendors, arts and crafts booths, and a photo booth. The beginning of Pride Month was celebrated by Holyoke Major Joshua M. Garcia with a flag-raising on June 1.
NORTHAMPTON — Calling NHS Class of 1971 for a 70th birthday and 52nd reunion celebration. On Aug. 25-26, there will be several options for ‘71 graduates and their families to come together. On Friday, Aug. 25, at 5 p.m., the first event will take place at Union Station, 125A Pleasant St, Northampton under the big white canopy. Food and drink will be available for purchase.
Saturday, Aug. 26, will follow with an opportunity to choose which afternoon celebration to attend, though going to both is always welcome. Graduates can attend a celebration at 12 p.m. in Goshen at Three Sisters Sanctuary off Route 12. This event requires a $10 admission fee. There will also be a wine-tasting event from 2-5 p.m., at Mineral Hills Winery located at 592 Sylvester Road in Florence.
The weekend of celebrations will conclude with a party at 5 p.m. on Saturday night, which friends and family are welcome to come to. This event will also take place under the canopy at Union Station. Please call CJ Harvey at 508-631-0807 with any questions.
The Fresh Air Fund, an organization that pairs children aged 8-14 from New York City with host families in the Pioneer Valley, is looking for host families.
Families from different backgrounds are invited to apply, as Fresh Air welcomes diversity. Families that apply will undergo a screening process before being paired with a child, to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
For more information about The Fresh Air Fund’s host volunteer program, please visit www.FreshAir.org/Host.