Gómez co-chair of Commission on Postpartum Depression

BOSTON — State Sen. Adam Gómez, D-Springfield, has been appointed by Senate President Karen E. Spilka, D-Ashland, to serve as co-chair of the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression, a legislative body dedicated to improving maternal mental health outcomes across the commonwealth.

Named in honor of former Amherst state Rep. Ellen Story, a longtime advocate for maternal mental health, the commission brings together legislators, health care professionals, advocates, and individuals with lived experience to address the challenge of postpartum depression and perinatal mental health. Its mission is to promote early screening, expand access to culturally responsive care, and advance policies that support mental health and well-being of parents and families.

“It is an honor to be appointed to the Ellen Story Commission on Postpartum Depression, a body whose work is critical to the health and well-being of families across the Commonwealth,” Gómez said in a statement. “As a legislator and a father, I am deeply committed to advancing equitable access to maternal mental health care, especially in communities that have historically been underserved. I look forward to working alongside my colleagues to ensure that every parent in Massachusetts has the support they need during and after pregnancy.”

Tree House Brewing to host two-day fall festival

DEERFIELD — Tree House Brewing Company will host its second annual October in the Field event this weekend, Oct. 4-5. The event will feature award-winning beverages, live music, field games and food.

October in the Field will feature rare one-off selections from Tree House’s lager program. Tree House Distillery’s newest fall offering is the Appletini featuring its House Wheat Vodka, winner of Double Gold at San Francisco World Spirits Award.

Food trucks with a variety of cuisines will also be serving up guests in the field, and visitors can launch pumpkins with the Pumpkin Slingshot, flex their strength in the Stein Hoisting competition, and listen to live outdoor music.

Tickets are available at $10 at treehousebrew.com and include a custom Tree House stein. Ages 12-plus must have a valid ticket for entry. For more information, visit www.treehousebrew.com.

Girl Scout troops welcoming new members

Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts says it has openings in multiple troops for girls in grades 3 through 8 in Northampton, Williamsburg, Hatfield, Hadley, Easthampton and Amherst.

Three Girl Scout troops in Northampton have openings for girls in grades 3 through 8.

Girl membership registration fee is $55 for the year. Hassel free financial assistance is available and previous Girl Scout experience is not necessary.

There are a range of meeting days and times as follows: Girl Scout Troop 65028, grades 4 and 5, meets bi-weekly Sundays, at 6:30 p.m.; Girl Scout Troop 40500, grades 4 thru 8, meets bi-weekly Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m.; and Girl Scout Troop 65207, grade 3, meets bi-weekly Sundays at 3:30 p.m.

To register, visit go.gscwm.org/Northampton. For more information, email nonotuckgirlscouts@gmail.com.

Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts serves over 6,000 girls in grades K through 12 with the strong support of over 3,000 adult volunteers in 186 towns and cities in central and western Massachusetts. GSCWM supports girls by giving them opportunities to explore, experience, and learn about their world and helps girls recognize that they are vital members of their communities.

Girls on the Run’s Sneaker Soiree

WEST SPRINGFIELD — Girls on the Run of Western MA will host its annual Sneaker Soirée on Thursday, Oct. 9, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Springfield Country Club in West Springfield.

Dressed in their party attire and favorite sneakers, guests will enjoy an evening of food, fun and inspiration. The event will feature a silent auction and experiences from local supporters, hors d’oeuvres and cash bar, a wine pull, and an opportunity to hear from GOTR
participants and coaches.

All event proceeds will support program scholarships so more girls can experience the transformative impact of Girls on the Run.

Tickets are $50 per person or $400 for a table of eight. More information and tickets available at www.girlsontherunwesternma.org/sneaker-soiree. The silent auction will be available online to event attendees and the public starting on Oct. 4.

Over the last 10 years, GOTR WMA has grown from 90 girls on six teams in fall 2015 to more than 1,900 girls on 85 teams in 2025. GOTR WMA has served more than 13,000 girls in all four western Massachusetts counties since its start.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in third through eighth grade. The fall’s eight-week season will feature 16 lessons curated to build life skills around timely and age-appropriate topics such as managing emotions, positive self-talk, navigating friendships, and more.

The season culminates with teams completing a community impact project and a celebratory 5K. The Fall 5K is happening on Sunday, Nov. 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Western New
England University.