Children’s Advocacy Center luminaria event

NORTHAMPTON — The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Hampshire County will host its 6th Annual “This Little Light of Mine” Luminaria on Wednesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m. at the Garden House at Look Park in Northampton.

The event marks the conclusion of Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month and invites the community to come together in support of children and families. The luminaria ceremony will feature a brief program, guest speakers, and the recognition of individuals
and organizations who have made meaningful contributions to protecting children and supporting families throughout Hampshire County.

Over the years, the CAC has provided services and support to more than 3,200 child survivors of abuse throughout Hampshire County, underscoring the ongoing need for awareness, prevention, and community involvement.

As part of this year’s program, the CAC will also recognize students from Hampshire Regional High School who piloted the SMART Mentors for Online Safety program, a peer-led initiative designed to help middle school students navigate online risks.

Community members are encouraged to attend and stand in unity with those working to prevent child abuse and support survivors. Those interested in further supporting the Children’s Advocacy Center can make a donation through the CAC’s website to help sustain advocacy programs, prevention efforts, and critical services for children in need.

Family Bingo Night at Haydenville church

HAYDENVILLE — A Family Bingo Night — bingo for prizes not cash — is planned for Thursday, April 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Haydenville Congregational Church.

Leading the event will be Molly Keehn of Florence, known as the Bingo Queen for her work running bingo events for nonprofits around the region.

Unlike traditional bingo, Keehn said her events do not involve gambling.  There is no required fee to play. The church will encourage a small donation for each bingo card a participant takes.

There will  be a range of prizes, including gift certificates, and there will also be prizes for children. Baked goods and refreshments will be available. The church is at 143 Main St., Haydenville.

Northampton Lions Club celebrates 90 years

NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Lions Club celebrated its 90th year earlier this month with a dinner and award ceremony at the Northampton Country Club.

Northampton Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra presented a proclamation honoring the club, citing its dedication to the community over the years through service projects and monetary donations, which have exceeded $1.5 million.

Other guests included Lions District Gov. Mary Swift and Immediate Past District Gov. Thom Swift, both of Lee, Past Council Chair Dennis Fountain of Three Rivers, and many of the club’s 33 current members.

President Steve Richards presented awards to Stephen Moos, the longest-tenured Northampton Lions Club member with 49 years of continuous service, and Peter and Helen Payne, the club’s longest-tenured couple with 76 years of service. Member Michael Cahillane, who initially joined the club in 1976, shared numerous memories and tributes to members past and present.

Four club members were presented with the Melvin Jones Fellow Award, one of the highest honors of the Lions Club International, for their exemplary service to their club and their community. They were President Steve Richards, First Vice President Dave Renauld and members Kathy Curtis and Eileen Young.

The Northampton Lions, which was chartered April 9, 1936, is the third oldest club in western Massachusetts, trailing only Holyoke and Pittsfield. In addition to its donations to local nonprofits, scholarships and local sports teams, the Lions Club has done numerous community projects, including road and trail clean-ups, construction of pavilions at Maines Field, Arcanum Field and Safety Village, and the recent donations of defibrillators to Forbes and Lilly libraries and the Academy of Music. The Club also is known for its collection, recycling and redistribution of eyeglasses and its annual Ski & Skate Sale.

UMass Civic Summit to focus on AI, education

AMHERST — The Center for Education Policy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst College of Education will host its third annual Civic Summit on Thursday, April 30, from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Carney Family Auditorium in Furcolo Hall on North Pleasant Street. The in-person event is free and open to the public. 

Individuals interested in artificial intelligence (AI) and K-12 education, including students, educators, families and community members, are encouraged to register online. As part of the registration process, participants will be invited to complete a brief, confidential survey designed to support ongoing CEP research on public perspectives of AI in K-12 education. 

This year’s summit will focus on the intersection of AI and education, with an emphasis on informed public dialogue. As AI continues to shape classroom practices, educators and policymakers face questions about both potential risks and emerging opportunities for teaching and learning. How K-12 education systems can respond to these developments in ways that maximize benefits while addressing potential challenges will be explored.

The event will feature a panel of experts, including UMass Amherst faculty and K-12 educators, as well as students. Attendees will also have opportunities to share their perspectives and contribute to research examining the perceived risks and benefits of AI in the classroom.

Registration is required to attend the summit and is available through the 2026 Civic Summit Registration form or by emailing the CEP at edpolicy@umass.edu.