HCC to host annual fall graduate reception

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College will honor its fall semester graduates with a special recognition event on Monday, Dec. 1.

The Fall Graduate Reception will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on the HCC main campus, 303 Homestead Ave., beginning in the Leslie Phillips Theater for the official ceremony and continuing with a reception in the Campus Center.  

HCC initiated the fall ceremony in 2023 to engage graduates who complete their degrees and certificates in December by the end of the fall semester.

According to the HCC Registrar’s Office, 190 HCC students will be fall 2025 semester graduates. Many of them will transfer to four-year schools for the spring 2026 semester. Although fall graduates are always invited to attend HCC’s formal Commencement ceremony in the spring, in the past, many did not attend.

The goal of the family-friendly event is to celebrate fall graduates and strengthen their connection to HCC in the hopes that they will remain engaged and attend the college’s 79th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 30, 2026.

During the first part of the event in the Leslie Phillips Theater, Registrar Allison Wrobel and President George Timmons will offer introductory remarks, followed by two student speakers: psychology major Sachelys Perez of Ware, and liberal arts major Jamal Cumberbatch of Springfield. HCC alum Trudy Monson ’97, also of Holyoke, president of the HCC Alumni Council, will welcome the fall graduates as new members of HCC’s Alumni Association.

About 6:15 p.m., students and their families will be directed to the Campus Center for appetizers, activities, and photo opportunities.   

Northampton Dems to hold annual meeting

NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Democratic City Committee will hold its Annual Meeting Wednesday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m. at the Florence Civic Center, 90 Park St., Florence.

State Sen. Jo Comerford and State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa will report on state legislative issues. Attendees will also learn of ways to be involved in local, state, and national advocacy with the Democratic Party.

For more information please contact NDCC Chair, Catherine Kay at NDCC.Chair@gmail.com or 413-563-1318.

Bank’s toy drive to benefit Toys for Tots

Greenfield / Northampton Cooperative Bank is spreading holiday cheer by hosting a community toy drive at its Hampshire County branches to benefit Toys for Tots. From Dec. 1-12, community members are encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped toys to help bring joy to children in need this holiday season.

The Toys for Tots program, run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, collects and distributes toys to ensure that every child experiences the magic of the holidays. Donations of all kinds are welcome, from classic toys and games to books and stuffed animals.

Donations can be dropped off during business hours at the following branches: South Hadley, 487 Newton St., Amherst, 390 College St., Northampton, 67 King St., and Florence, 6 Main St.

Holyoke food drive underway

HOLYOKE — The Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce (GHC) announces that its ongoing food drive has officially named the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts and local partner Margaret’s Pantry as its beneficiaries. This important decision pairs a regional leader in hunger relief with a trusted community pantry, strengthening the collective effort to address food insecurity in Holyoke and beyond.

Since its launch, the food drive has seen support from local businesses, and community members eager to contribute. 850 High St LLC — home to Scouting America, Valley Chiropractic, and Grzelak, Grzelak, & Associates, P.C. — has just stepped up to join the cause as an official drop-off location for non-perishable food donations throughout the end of the year.

The timing of this announcement highlights the need for heightened awareness around food insecurity as the holidays approach. The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts provides 15 million meals annually to 122,000 individuals, while Margaret’s Pantry delivers essential support directly to Holyoke residents. Uniting these organizations as food drive beneficiaries amplifies the impact for neighbors facing hardship.

Leading by example, Grzelak, Grzelak, & Associates, P.C., an accounting firm, has donated $5,000 to the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts — a contribution the Food Bank’s secure donation site equates to 15,000 meals for local families. Every dollar raised will help provide three nutritious meals to individuals in western Massachusetts.

Non-perishable food donations are welcomed at 850 High St LLC during business hours.