Hampshire Y opens new learning center

NORTHAMPTON — The Hampshire Regional YMCA celebrated the official opening of its new Early Learning Center Preschool with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday.

The ceremony featured remarks from CEO Julie Bianco, Preschool Director Stephanie Raftery and Lisa Candito, senior program director of youth and camp. Speakers shared the Y’s vision for early childhood education, the program’s innovative approach to learning, and the role high-quality preschool plays in strengthening children, families, and the broader community.

The Early Learning Center Preschool officially welcomed its first students on Jan. 5 to the Y at 286 Prospect St. Serving children ages 2.9 to 5 years old, the program emphasizes a whole-child approach that supports social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Led by First Aid and CPR-certified educators, the preschool offers a warm, inclusive, and play-based environment where every child is encouraged to explore, grow, and express their unique personality.

Licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), the Hampshire Regional YMCA Preschool provides full-day care Monday through Friday, year-round, along with Early Care and Extended Day options to meet the needs of working families.

For more information about the Early Learning Center Preschool or enrollment opportunities, please contact the Hampshire Regional YMCA at (413) 584-7086 or visit www.hrymca.org.

Rep. Sabadosa to hold town hall in Chesterfield

CHESTERFIELD — State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa, D-Northampton, will hold a Town Hall discussion on Friday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m., at the Chesterfield Community Center.

The event will last until 7:30 p.m. and will feature updates on the legislative session, specific policy updates, and a question-and-answer session. All are welcome to attend.

18th VINS Dog Show set for March 7

NORTHAMPTON — Volunteers in Northampton Schools will hold its 18th annual family fun event, “March Forth with Your Dog, Not Your Typical Dog Show,” from 12-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 7.  The show will be held in the gym at Northampton High School, 380 Elm St. (The snow date is March 8).

All are welcome to the event, which is free for people with or without their dog. All dogs attending or competing must be leashed. Dog owners may join Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra in the Parade of Dogs at the start of the show.

Adults and children can register their dogs to compete in categories like “Best Fetcher,” “Best Dressed,” or “Most Obedient” with preregistration available through Feb. 27. The two-legged audience attends free with donations welcome. Vendors and a country store raffle are included in the show.

VINS (Volunteers in Northampton Schools) recruits, trains and places volunteers in all district schools, and this is the primary fundraiser for the organization. 

For more information call 917-530-4911, email to vinsvolunteer@gmail.com, or visit vinsnorthampton.com.

Lenten lunches at St. Patrick’s in South Hadley

SOUTH HADLEY — The St Patrick’s Ladies Guild is offering grab-and-go lunches with pick up at the Social Center at 15 School St. This is one of the Ladies Guild’s main fundraisers, with 100% of the net proceeds going toward scholarships and to many charitable organizations.

Their 100% lobster salad rolls are again available at a cost of $24. White albacore tuna croissants are $13. Both come with a choice of clam chowder or homemade minestrone soup, a bag of chips and a cookie.

The remaining lunch dates are as follows: March 13 (order and payment are due by March 8); and March 27th (order and payment are due by March 22).

Order forms are available inside the church or on the rectory porch at 30 Main St., or by making one’s own form and mailing it with a check payable to St Patrick’s Ladies Guild to St Patrick’s Church, 30 Main St., South Hadley 01075. Please include a phone number.