HCC to host Black History Month events
HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College is celebrating Black History Month in February with a series of events highlighting this year’s national theme: “A Century of Black History Commemorations.”
Campus events begin Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m., in HCC’s Learning Collaborative (Frost 265), with a presentation by Vilenti Tulloch, CEO of the Academic Leadership Association and co-founder of the nonprofit Academic Leadership Association of Greater Springfield. In a talk titled “Closing the Educational Achievement Gap,” Tulloch will discuss the barriers that often interfere with student success.
The legacy of Black Americans was first commemorated as a weeklong celebration in February 1926. Fifty years later, on Feb. 10, 1976, President Gerald R. Ford issued the first national recognition of Black History Month.
Black History Month events at HCC will continue on Wednesday, Feb. 18, with a Harambee Celebration from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in the HCC Campus Center. Harambee is a Swahili word that means “pull together” or “unite.” It’s a celebratory event that honors the contributions and achievements of Black people. HCC’s event will feature food, music, as well as an open mic session.
On Thursday, Feb. 19, HCC’s ALANA, El Centro, and SAMP programs will host a free screening of the 2017 Academy-Award winning movie “Moonlight” beginning a 1:30 p.m. in Room 301 of the Kittredge Center for Business and Workforce Development. “Moonlight,” which won three Oscars including Best Picture, follows a young African American man as he grapples with his identity, sexuality, and burgeoning adulthood.
On Tuesday, Feb. 22, HCC’s ALANA Men in Motion program is setting up an on-campus barbershop that will combine free professional haircuts for students with honest dialogue about being success in college and beyond as a man of color in today’s society. “Cuts, Confidence, and College” runs from 1-4 p.m. in Room 233 of the Frost Building. The haircuts are being provided by Jose Dones, owner of the ParlorFaded Company barbershop in Holyoke.
HCC will close out its Black History Month calendar on Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., with “Lift Our Voices,” a presentation by Vanessa Ford, associate director of the Community Music School of Springfield, who will discuss defining oneself and owning your story.
In addition, HCC’s Marieb Adult Learner Success Center will host Black History Month-themed book readings, accompanied by milk and cookies, in the Parent Learning Center (Frost 269) for student parents and their children, on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 10 a.m., and Monday, Feb. 23, at 11 a.m.
Grand Colleen float winners named
HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke has selected Holyoke High School seniors Marla Nieves and Joel Franco as the winners of the 2026 Grand Colleen Float Design Contest, an annual tradition that blends Irish heritage with local student creativity.
Nieves and Franco were each awarded a $100 donation, framed portraits of their winning design, and the once-in-a-lifetime honor of riding in the tow truck that pulls the iconic Grand Colleen Float in the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
Their striking design features a large, intricate Celtic cross, set against a dramatic backdrop of Irish castles, beautifully capturing the history, elegance, and spirit of Ireland. The float will serve as the grand stage for the 2026 Grand Colleen and her Court as they make their way through the streets of Holyoke.
More than 150 student designs were submitted this year, representing every school in Holyoke, making the selection process both competitive and inspiring.
Students from the Holyoke High School Dean Tech Campus will once again assist in constructing the float, providing hands-on experience and reinforcing the parade’s long-standing commitment to education and community involvement.
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.
Quabbin Photo Group to host wildlife tracking program
BELCHERTOWN — The Quabbin Photo Group will be hosting a presentation at its February meeting featuring Outdoor Education Specialist Jack Bonafini from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. His presentation will focus on tracking deer, designed especially for photographers.
With nearly a decade of experience in the Hunter Education and Learn to Hunt programs, Bonafini brings deep field knowledge and practical insight into deer biology, habitat, food preferences, and tracking techniques. This session will give attendees a clearer understanding of deer behavior and movement patterns, along with real-world strategies for reading sign and interpreting the landscape.
The session is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m., at the Belchertown Recreation Department, 66 State St.
Sunderland Democrats to caucus
SUNDERLAND — The Sunderland Democratic Town Committee will convene a caucus on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Sunderland Public Library, 20 School St., to elect three delegates and three alternates to participate in the Democratic State Convention. The 2026 Massachusetts State Democratic Convention will be an in-person event on May 30, at the DCU Center in Worcester.
Delegates will convene to endorse candidates for statewide office, hearing from and voting on nominations for statewide positions. This year Gov. Maura Healey, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, among others, are up for reelection.
Registered and preregistered Democrats in Sunderland, who turn 16 years old by Feb. 19, 2026 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates during the caucus. Youth (age 16 to 35), people with disabilities, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community, not elected as delegates or alternates, are encouraged to apply for be “Add-on Delegates” at the caucus or by visiting www.massdems.org/caucus. People can register at the caucus.
Those interested in getting involved with the Sunderland Democratic Town Committee should contact susanltriolo@yahoo.com. Event flyer is attached.