UMass chef wins national honor
AMHERST – Jeff MacDonald of UMass Amherst has been named Chef of the Year by the American Culinary Federation (ACF), earning national recognition for his outstanding culinary skill and dedication to excellence. The prestigious award was presented on July 31, during the ACF’s Annual National Convention held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
His recognition at the national level follows a series of impressive accomplishments, including being named the Northeast Regional Winner of the NACUFS Culinary Challenge and receiving a gold medal from the ACF.
“Being honored as Chef of the Year by the ACF is an incredible milestone,” said MacDonald. “I’m grateful for the support of my colleagues at UMass Dining and the inspiring culinary community that I’m fortunate to be part of.”
MacDonald’s achievements continue to elevate the national profile of the UMass Dining program, which is widely recognized for innovation, sustainability, and culinary excellence.
For more information about UMass Dining and its award-winning team, visit www.umassdining.com.
Distracted driving campaign in Holyoke
HOLYOKE – The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has launched a new community-driven public safety initiative in Holyoke, aimed at saving lives and reducing crashes and injuries by decreasing distracted driving. This new campaign flips the script on traditional public service messaging by having community members be the creative force behind the message, the design and the media.
The initiative, titled “Community Voices for Road Safety,” is safety program developed and implemented by Travelers Marketing. It was shaped through collaboration with the community, including participation with organizations like Pa’lante, Holyoke Safe Neighborhoods and the Holyoke YMCA. Creative meetings with participants led to the creation of the message “You’re loved. Te necesitan. Mira! Phone down,” which translates to “You’re loved. You’re needed. Look up. Phone down.”
Holyoke has experienced over 4,200 crashes since January 2022, according to the MassDOT IMPACT Crash Data Portal. Data analysis from MassDOT’s network screening, as well as from Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) and Replica, identified Holyoke as one of the top risk communities for distracted driving in Massachusetts.
An important aspect of the effort is to gather data and provide drivers with real-time feedback. Distracted driving detection devices from SmartSigns will be installed in several locations around Holyoke. These SmartSigns are attached to a mobile trailer unit, use next-generation driver behavior detectors, and instantly tell drivers to put their phones down, buckle up, or slow down. All data collected is completely anonymous.
The campaign will utilize traditional billboard signs on high-traffic roadways in the city, and community participation in a mural wall. It will also make an appearance at the Fiesta Patronales and the Holyoke Mall. The goal is to bring the message directly into the spaces where these drivers live, work, and play.
Granby church to host Summerfest
GRANBY – Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in Granby will hold its Summerfest Chicken Barbecue on Sunday, Aug. 24, from 12 to 4 p.m., at 256 State St.
The chicken dinner is $15 and includes a half barbecue chicken, baked potato and corn on the cob, as well as dessert and a bottled water. Hamburgers and hot dogs will also be available. The event will also include raffle prizes of $500, $250, and $100, raffle baskets, bake sale, kids games, prizes, lottery trees and music.
Registration open for Observing the Night Sky class
NORTHAMPTON – The Northampton Parks & Recreation Department is accepting registrations for Fall Observing the Night Sky Class.
In this program, participants learn to identify major constellations and enjoy views of Jupiter, Saturn, the moon and other astronomical objects through a large telescope.
The class is scheduled for Monday evenings after dark. It will begin on Sept. 22 and will run for four weeks. It is designed for adult participants. Children ages 6 and older may register with an adult.
For more information, or to register, email or call the Northampton Parks & Recreation Department at 413-587-1040 or recreation@northamptonma.gov. Registration is also available online at www.northamptonma.gov/recreation.