Drug Take Back Day returns in 12 communities
NORTHAMPTON — People in 12 area communities will have an opportunity to safely dispose of unneeded medication and drugs during the 29th National Drug Take Back Day set for Saturday, April 25.
The Northwestern district attorney’s office, local police departments, the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office, and the county-based TRIAD initiative are once again partnering to organize and host the event.
Communities in Hampshire and Franklin counties will participate in coordination with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. This nationwide, twice-yearly initiative encourages residents to safely dispose of unused or expired prescription and over-the-counter medications for both humans and pets.
Proper disposal helps prevent prescription drug misuse and accidental ingestion, while also keeping medications out of water systems and landfills, protecting wildlife and the environment.
Collections are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at police departments or public safety complexes in Deerfield, Easthampton, Hadley, Leverett, Pelham, South Hadley, Sunderland and Williamsburg. Other drop-off sites are at Wildwood Elementary School on Strong Avenue in Amherst; the Town Common in Belchertown; Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School on Locust Street in Northampton; and the Fire Station at 51 Huntington Road in Worthington.
Since 2011, more than 81,981 pounds of medications have been safely collected and disposed of through Take Back Days and permanent drug collection boxes located at police departments throughout the region.
Hadley Spring Clean Up Day
HADLEY — Hadley Spring Clean Up Day 2026 will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
The Hadley Climate Change Committee is inviting people to join the sixth annual clean-up event, which starts from the Hopkins Academy parking lot on Route 9 where trash bags will be passed out and bagels served.
The Hadley transfer station, run by Solid Waste Solutions, is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. that day and will accept roadside trash from anyone who is registered to help with the event. Recyclables should be separated.
Register at https://forms.gle/sDbm1qMVpGZ12pKs8
Psychologist to discuss communicating with tweens, teens
NORTHAMPTON — In an effort to help cultivate peace at home in unsettling times, Northampton-based clinical psychologist, educator, and ADHD expert Sharon Saline will give a community talk for parents and caregivers at JFK Middle School on Tuesday, May 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Titled “Transforming Conflict into Conversation: Communication Skills for Parents of Tweens and Teens,” this practical and engaging workshop will share effective, research-informed strategies to help parents reduce tense dynamics, increase understanding, and create collaborative solutions to common conundrums. The discussion will include tools to improve communication, support follow-through, and build calmer, more cooperative relationships with children.
Saline is the author of the award-winning book “What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life” and “The ADHD Solution Card Deck.”
Sponsored jointly by the PTOs of JFK Middle School and Northampton High School, the talk will be free to the community; no preregistration is necessary. There will be a cash-only bake sale at the door.
Fishing Derby to benefit children, adults with disabilities
HOLYOKE — The first annual fishing derby at the pond at Jericho will be held on Saturday, May 2, 537 Northampton St. Proceeds will benefit children and adults with disabilities.
The event starts at 9:30 a.m. for registration, with the first cast scheduled for 10:30 a.m. There will be fishing poles and tackle available for sale or rental on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event will also include a raffle, food and drinks for sale.
Derby prizes will be awarded in the following categories: first fish, largest fish, most fish and tagged fish.
The price per participant is $10. All children must be accompanied by an adult. All participants of any age or abilities are welcome. There will be experienced fishermen to help first-timers or to assist anyone in need of help.
For more information, contact Jericho at 413-538-7450, or visit www.jerichobeca.org.