Indivisible Hatfield to hold food drive
HATFIELD — A Valentine’s Day food and necessities drive gets underway Thursday, the second effort to support neighbors organized by Indivisible Hatfield.
Through Feb. 12, items such as canned chowders and stews, dried fruit and shelled nuts, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste and laundry detergent can be dropped off in boxes at designated locations as part of the “Feed Your Neighbor Valentine Food Drive.”
“One of our goals is to strengthen the community of Hatfield, build connections and better communication among town government and residents,” Catherine Hopkins, who co-leads Indivisible Hatfield, wrote in an email.
The items collected will be brought to the Northampton Survival Center.
Along with Margo Rice, the other co-lead, they note, “We are hoping for a very strong response as the need is still great.”
Locations for the collection are mostly in Hatfield center: Memorial Town Hall, including the Council on Aging, the Hatfield Public Library, the Hatfield Elementary School, Smith Academy and Bardwell Farms on Main Street.
In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, the group’s inaugural drive collected and delivered 1,200 pounds of food and supplies.
Hilltown Variety Show auditions
ASHFIELD — The First Congregational Church (UCC) of Ashfield is holding auditions for the Hilltown Variety Show, an event taking place in collaboration with Jeannine Haas of Pauline Productions.
Auditions will take place at the church on Sunday, Feb. 15, from 4-6 p.m. All ages are welcome. Acts are limited to five minutes and must be family friendly. The show will be presented on Saturday, March 14, 4-6 p.m., and there is one required staging rehearsal the night before the show, on Friday, March 13, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
The Variety Show will be free with good will offerings appreciated, money that will go to the church to continue fostering community events. Performers will not be paid. We’ve already confirmed that Ernie Hansche from the group Whisperholler will be one of the performers.
Those interested in auditioning can email info@paulinelive.com for a five-minute audition slot, or show up on Feb 15. For more information, visit Paulinelive.com.
St. Patrick’s Committee honors LA police chief
HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke has selected Jim McDonnell, police chief for Los Angeles, as the 2026 recipient of the John F. Kennedy National Award. This honor recognizes individuals whose achievements and commitment to service reflect the enduring legacy of President John F. Kennedy.
McDonnell’s career in public safety spans more than four decades and is marked by integrity, community partnership, and a deep commitment to reform. A native of Brookline, he began his law enforcement career in 1981 as a graduate of the Los Angeles Police Academy. Over nearly 30 years with the LAPD, he rose through every rank to become first assistant chief, serving as second‑in‑command. During this time, he played a significant role in advancing community‑based policing strategies that strengthened trust across Los Angeles’ diverse neighborhoods.
Following his LAPD tenure, McDonnell served as chief of police in Long Beach, California, where he expanded community engagement efforts and oversaw notable reductions in crime. In 2014, he was elected the 32nd Sheriff of Los Angeles County, leading the largest sheriff’s department in the United States with a focus on accountability, constitutional policing, and partnership with federal, state, and local agencies.
In 2024, McDonnell was sworn in as the 59th chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, becoming the first individual to hold senior executive leadership roles in three of Los Angeles County’s largest law enforcement agencies. In this role, he continues to champion public safety, transparency, and community trust.
Celebrations recognizing McDonnell will take place throughout Parade Weekend and include acknowledgment at the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race, a featured position in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, and the John F. Kennedy Award Dinner, held Saturday, March 21 at The Log Cabin. Tickets and event information are available at holyokestpatricksparade.com/events.
The 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade steps off on Sunday, March 22, following the 49th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race on Saturday, March 21.