Jewish Federation’s Ride to Provide raises $80K

NORTHAMPTON — Cycling teams representing Jewish schools, synagogues, student groups, community organizations, and local businesses came together on Sept. 28 for the Jewish Federation of Western Massachusetts’ Ride to Provide 2025. This year’s event raised nearly $80,000 to fund critical services for vulnerable populations across western Massachusetts, in Israel, and around the world.

The Ride, hosted at Lander~Grinspoon Academy in Northampton, honored Holocaust survivor and activist Henny Lewin, recognizing her decades of dedication to Holocaust education and Jewish communal life. In addition to the ride, participants and families enjoyed a community fair with food, children’s story times, and opportunities to connect with the many Jewish organizations serving the region.

The Ride to Provide 2025 fundraiser remains open for donations through Nov. 1. To contribute, visit https://jewishwesternmass.crowdchange.co/47765.

Local chorus invites public to sing along

NORTHAMPTON — Heart of the Valley Chorus, a women’s voices barbershop a cappella group, is inviting members of the community to sing along with them at three free, open rehearsals this holiday season.

Anyone aged 9 to 99 who enjoys singing in the “treble” range — soprano, alto, mezzo, and high men’s parts — are encouraged to come learn a few seasonal and holiday songs, and then perform alongside the chorus at the Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity in Northampton on Dec. 13. Singers under 16 are welcome with an adult.

Last holiday season, the chorus welcomed over 20 new visitors from up and down the Connecticut River Valley. There are no frightening auditions, and singers do not need to be able to read music. And while “Sweet Adeline” barbershop singing has traditionally been for women, Heart of the Valley chorus is open to anyone who can sing comfortably in the treble or “traditionally female” vocal range.

The group’s open holiday rehearsals are scheduled for Wednesdays on Nov. 19, Dec. 3, and Dec. 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Christ United Methodist Church on Rocky Hill Road in Northampton. Anyone interested in joining this special holiday program should contact Stephanie Flinker at heartofthevalleychorus@gmail.com or visit www.heartofthevalleychorus.org to sign up.

March for Food Bank registration opens

Registration for this year’s 16th annual March for the Food Bank with Monte Belmonte, set for Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 24-25, is now open.

The Food Bank of Western Massachsuetts has set a fundraising goal of $650,000 this year, the highest goal in the history of the march, which covers a 43-mile route from Springfield to Greenfield.

With cuts to federal nutrition programs on the horizon, more people in western Massachusetts will struggle to afford food. Join NEPM’s Monte Belmonte, Congressman Jim McGovern, Food Bank Executive Director Andrew Morehouse, and community members who will walk to raise awareness of hunger and secure the resources needed for the coming year.

To register, visit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts website.

Granby Cultural Council accepting applications

GRANBY — The Granby Cultural Council is reminding local artists, performers, writers and educators that grant applications for the 2025 grant cycle are now open. The deadline to apply is Oct. 16.

Each year, the Granby council distributes funds from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to support projects that bring arts, humanities, and cultural activities to the Granby community. Eligible projects may include performances, workshops, classes, festivals, and other creative events that take place in Granby and benefit local residents.

Applicants can review the Granby Council’s funding priorities at massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/granby/. First-time applicants must register with the Mass Cultural Council system before submitting an application. Registration is free and only takes a few minutes at massculturalcouncil.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp.