Cancer Connection expanding to Springfield

NORTHAMPTON — Cancer Connection will open a new location in Springfield next month, providing support for people with a cancer diagnosis and their caregivers.

The new site, in Bicentennial Plaza on Allen Street, will allow convenient access to the organization’s free services for more people in the Springfield Community.

The Northampton-based nonprofit will also open a curated version of its popular Thrift Shop just a few doors down in the same plaza. Like its flagship Thrift Shop in Northampton, the store will feature high quality goods at low prices, and all proceeds will help fund Cancer Connection’s services for cancer patients and their caregivers.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the new Thrift Shop location at 1510 Allen St.

“It has long been a dream of Cancer Connection to expand our services to reach more people in more diverse communities, and now that dream is unfolding,” said Cancer Connection Executive Director Chelsea Kline.

The new location will be part of the Integrative Health Group at 1502 Allen St. and will have a dedicated program director on site.

Cancer Connection will continue to offer its full range of services and programs in Northampton at 41 Locust St.

Founded in 2000, Cancer Connection’s mission is to provide a haven where people with cancer and their loved ones can learn how to navigate the complicated cancer journey through one-to-one guidance, education, peer support, integrative therapies, and creative programs. Cancer Connection is the only independent cancer support center in Hampshire and Franklin counties and draws additional participants from Hampden County and beyond.

No Kings event coming up in Williamsburg

WILLIAMSBURG — On March 28, local Williamsburg and other Hilltown residents will come together with millions of Americans across the country in a nationwide day of nonviolent protest at the third No Kings National Day of Nonviolent Action. 

The event will take place from 9:30 to 11 a.m. in front of the Williamsburg Town Offices and the Haydenville Congregational Church.

 “Our community is intentionally collaborating to push back against President Trump’s violent, authoritarian actions, and his shameful self-dealing” said organizer Sean Mallari. “President Trump has already sidelined other branches of government in an effort to consolidate his own power. But the American people don’t put up with kings.” 

No Kings is a mass, nonviolent movement that has already mobilized millions and is growing as communities unite to reject authoritarian power grabs and defend dignity and freedom.

Hartsbrook School spring auction on Friday

HADLEY — The Hartsbrook School will host its Spring Auction and Social on Friday, March 21 from 6-9 p.m., welcoming community members for an evening of bidding, music, and
connection in support of the school’s educational mission.

The event is free and open to the public, and preregistration is encouraged. The school’s online and silent auction is already live and will continue through March 22, with new items being added through March 21.

During the Spring Auction and Social, guests will be able to continue bidding in the silent auction while also participating in a live auction, while enjoying live music along with light fare and beverages.

Proceeds from the auction support tuition assistance and The Hartsbrook School’s Land Stewardship program, an integral part of the school’s Waldorf curriculum for students from early childhood through grade 12. Through hands-on work with gardens, animals, and the land, students develop responsibility for the natural world while gaining insight into agriculture, food systems and sustainability.

Funds raised through the Spring Auction help ensure that a Hartsbrook education remains
accessible to families while sustaining the school’s working farm, gardens, and outdoor learning environments.

Community members can place bids at https://bit.ly/hartsbrookauction2026. Those planning to attend the March 21 Spring Auction and Social are encouraged to preregister at
https://bit.ly/HBspringauctiontickets.

State officially closes snowmobile trails

BOSTON — Due to the lack of snow, the Department of Conservation and Recreation has closed all snowmobile trails in western Masschusetts for the remainder of the season.

 Snowmobiling is only be accessible as conditions allow in compliance with DCR regulations. Please email mass.parks@mass.gov with any questions.