River Valley Co-op to hold strawberry ice cream social

EASTHAMPTON — River Valley Co-op will hole its annual Strawberry Ice Cream Social Fundraiser on Thursday, June 11, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Co-op’s Easthampton location. The outdoor celebration will honor community leaders of Tapestry Health and welcome the arrival of the local strawberry season with music, food and family fun.

Tapestry will receive this year’s Austin Miller Co-op Hero Award. Now in its 17th year, River Valley’s Austin Miller Co-op Hero Awards were established to honor those who embody the cooperative principle of “support for community.” Named after local community and co-op champion Austin Miller, the awards spotlight those who have shown extraordinary dedication to building a stronger, more resilient community.

All proceeds from this year’s social will benefit Tapestry. Tapestry is also the co-op’s June Change for Change recipient. Last year’s event combined with June’s Change for Change funds raised close to $25,000 for the Center for New Americans.

The event will feature: Live music from The Gaslight Tinkers; a summer menu with grilled burgers, corn on the cob, and strawberry sundaes made with locally grown strawberries and ice cream for only $3 ala carte or free with the purchase of $10 burger; and family-friendly activities and games on the patio.

MIFA to host Juneteenth events in Holyoke

HOLYOKE — In a celebration of Juneteenth, the MIFA Victory Theatre announces a citywide day of reflection, music and spoken word titled “Reading Frederick Douglass Together.” Hosted in partnership with the Holyoke Senior Center, LightHouse Holyoke, and Holyoke Media, these two free community events will take place on June 17.

Holyoke joins communities across the commonwealth in a growing cultural phenomenon: gathering to collectively read, reflect upon, and discuss Frederick Douglass’s monumental 1852 address, “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?” Members of the public are invited to raise their voices and participate directly in the community reading.

The day will include two events, one each in the early afternoon and in the evening. The morning event, Community Voices & Conversation, will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at the Holyoke Senior Center, 291 Pine St., featuring a participatory community reading of Douglass’s historic speech, followed by an insightful conversation with acclaimed Massachusetts playwright Ken Green.

The evening event, Music, History & Drama, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. at De La Luz Divine Theater, 92 Race St., featuring a performance and community sing-along of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” led by the award-winning Revolution A Cappella ensemble under the musical direction of Marcos Carreras. The evening event will also include a discussion with Green, featuring an exclusive preview of his new play, “July 5th.”

Rep. Domb to hold office hours

Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst, will host community office hours in June to hear from constituents of the Third Hampshire District.

The hours will take place on Tuesday, June 23, from 12:30-1:30 p.m., at the Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Road; Tuesday, June 23, from 4-5 p.m. at the Granby Free Public Library, 297 East State St.; and on Friday, June 26, from 4-5 p.m. at the Amherst Town Hall, 1st floor, 4 Boltwood Ave.

There is no need to schedule an appointment, as constituents can stop by anytime during the hour to speak to Domb or a member of her staff.

If you are unable to attend at these times or if you have a time sensitive or private matter, Domb’s office can be reached via email at mindy.domb@mahouse.gov or via phone at 413- 335-1362 or 617-722-2060. Please include name, address, and contact information when reaching out to the office.

Domb holds community office hours every month in the district and meets regularly with residents.

HCC to offer introductory golf lessons

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College is offering weekly introductory golf lessons at Twin Hills Country Club in Longmeadow led by LPGA teaching pro Marissa Kulig Crow.

For flexibility and convenience, each five-week lesson series runs on either Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays, with different start dates and times.  

Wednesday sessions meet from 10-11 a.m. June 17 through July 15.  

Thursday sessions meet from 6-7 p.m. June 18 through July 16.

Saturday sessions meet from 10-11 a.m. June 20 through July 25 (no class on July 4).

Crow is an LPGA professional from Westfield and director of instruction at Twin Hills.  

These introductory golf classes are designed for beginners. In five, one-hour long sessions, she will teach new golfers everything they need to know to play their first round of golf.

Classes will cover the basics of the golf swing, putting, short game techniques, rules and etiquette. Golf clubs will be provided at the course; and Kulig Crow will make equipment recommendations for players who want to buy their own.

The cost for each five-week series is $199, which includes a golf workbook and reference guide.  

Please note that in accordance with golf course etiquette, men should wear collared shirts, pants, or golf shorts. Cargo shorts, cutoff shorts, and jeans are not allowed.

Women should wear pants, skirts or golf shorts. Jeans, leggings, racer back or tube tops, short shorts, or short skirts are not allowed. 

To register, visit hcc.edu/golf