Velis delivers $20K for Magic for Maddie Foundation
HOLYOKE — State Sen. John C. Velis, D-Westfield presented $20,000 in state funding to the Magic for Maddie Foundation on Saturday during the nonprofit’s annual 5K and carnival.
The event draws more than 2,000 people each year. It honors children who have survived cancer, are fighting the disease or have died from it.
The foundation was established in memory of Maddie Schmidt, who died at age 8 of an aggressive pediatric brain cancer. It helps families with the emotional and financial strain of childhood cancer and funds research. In 2025, it gave more than $80,000 to 32 western Massachusetts families to cover housing, groceries, utilities, transportation to treatment and medical costs. It has raised nearly $1.8 million in less than five years.
“No family should have to worry about paying their bills while their child is fighting cancer,” Velis said.
The funding was included in the fiscal 2027 state budget, which was signed into law in July.
Habitat seeks condo applicants for Northampton homes
NORTHAMPTON — Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity is accepting applications for four affordable condominium homes to be built on Cooke Avenue, next to the Fitzgerald Lake Conservation Area trailhead.
The development will include three two-story, three-bedroom homes and one single-story, two-bedroom home that can be adapted for a wheelchair user. All will be all-electric, built to Energy Star standards and deed-restricted to income-eligible buyers in perpetuity.
Applicants must earn up to 60% of the area median income, adjusted for family size. They must also be able to make housing payments of $900 to $1,800 a month. Selected families contribute 250 hours of labor toward building their homes. The application deadline is Nov. 24.
Information sessions will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, at Lilly Library, 19 Meadow St., Florence. Two more will be held on Zoom at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, and Monday, Nov. 16.
More information is at fhhabitat.org/apply.
Rep. Sabadosa to hold Hatfield town hall
HATFIELD — State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa will host a town hall discussion on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Hatfield Public Library, 39 Main St.
The event will last until 8 p.m. and will feature updates on the legislative session with ample time for conversation and questions. All are welcome to attend.
Screening spotlights Alzheimer’s caregivers
SOUTH HADLEY — Access Care Partners invites community members to reserve seats for a special screening of “Taking Care,” a documentary about Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving and hope.
The fundraising event, presented in partnership with Loomis Village, will take place Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Loomis Village, 20 Bayon Drive in South Hadley.
Directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker James Keach, the 38-minute documentary follows acclaimed filmmakers Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller Rogen as they navigate the complexities and heartbreak of Lauren’s mother’s advancing Alzheimer’s disease. Through humor, heart and an unwavering commitment to change, “Taking Care” delivers a message of hope and resilience while highlighting the challenges faced by millions of families affected by dementia.
The need for greater awareness and support is especially significant in Massachusetts. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, approximately 135,200 Massachusetts residents age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s disease. An estimated 220,000 family caregivers across the state provide 254 million hours of unpaid care to individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, valued at approximately $6.7 billion.
The evening will begin with networking and refreshments, followed by the film screening and a panel discussion featuring professionals and individuals with firsthand caregiving experience. The panel will feature: Dr. Stephen Bonasera, chief of the Department of Geriatrics and Baystate Memory Assessment and Care Clinic; Carol Constant, a certified dementia practitioner and caregiver educator; Jeannie Banas, certified dementia practitioner and care manager at Access Care Partners; and caregiver Zach Ruhl.
Together, the panelists will share professional insights, personal experiences and perspectives on navigating dementia, supporting caregivers and connecting families with resources.
Tickets are $50 per person, and advance registration is required. With the event approaching and limited seats remaining, community members are encouraged to purchase tickets now at https://givebutter.com/takingcare.
For questions about the event, contact Lynn Wolf at 413-538-9020 ext. 329 or lwolf@accesscarepartners.org.
Access Care Partners helps older adults, individuals with disabilities and their caregivers access the services and supports they need to live at home as long as possible with dignity and independence. Through community-based programs, resources and partnerships, Access Care Partners works to strengthen individuals, families and the communities it serves.