WMass Fly Fishermen to host free clinic Saturday

HUNTINGTON — The Westfield River Watershed Association (WRWA) and the Western Mass. Fly Fishermen (WMFF) will honor their late president with the free Bill Rose Memorial Fly Fishing clinic Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon.

The clinic will take place on Route 20, in the turnout on the Westfield River across from the Huntington Health Center. Children and teens are welcome with the supervision of an adult at this family-friendly event.

Bill Rose was president of both the WMWA and the WMFF at the time of his death. In his memory, people are invited to try fly-fishing for the first time — or get expert tips and coaching for the experienced fisherfolk.

According to Joseph Boulia, another WRWA board member and a fisheries expert, “The Westfield River and its watershed has some of the best cold water fishing in the state. There are native brown trout in our waters. The rainbow trout that are prized by anglers are also stocked in our streams and tributaries by the Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.”

WRWA encourages people who own a fly rod and want to learn more about using it to bring it to the clinic. For those who have never tried fly fishing before, some equipment will be available to use at the clinic.

There will be a portable toilet on site. The clinic will be held rain or shine, barring extremely stormy weather.

The Westfield River Watershed Association was established in 1953 to protect and improve the natural resources of the watershed, as well as to expand recreational and other land use opportunities for people’s enjoyment and for sound ecology. To learn more, visit www.westfieldriver.org.

The Western Mass. Fly Fishermen began in 1971 to promote the art of fly fishing and encourage stewardship of our fishing areas. They offer a free Fly-Tying Class on Monday nights in January and February at the Ludlow Elks Club. For more information, visit https://wmffclub.org/.

Aging in Place Fair in Amherst on Saturday

AMHERST — An Aging in Place Fair will take place Saturday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Munson Memorial Library, 1046 South East St.

Vendors will be on hand to provide information about home modifications and repairs and home healthcare. Other programs and services for seniors to age in place will also be provided.

The event is sponsored by the Amherst Senior Center and the Friends of the Amherst Senior Center.

Transportation from the senior center, located at the Bangs Community Center, will be available.

Shelter Sunday Amherst returns this weekend

AMHERST — Shelter Sunday Amherst, the annual fundraiser to benefit two human service organizations in Amherst, returns Sunday, continuing an event held the third Sunday in October since 1989.

Money raised will go toward providing services and resources to community members struggling with homelessness, hunger and economic challenges who are served by Craig’s Doors: A Home Association, Inc. and the Center for Human Developoment’s Not Bread Alone.

Once an event where volunteers fanned out to go door-to-door for solicitations, including members of sororities and fraternities at the University of Massachusetts, money is mostly raised through online solicitation.

Go to sheltersunday.org for details about how to donate.

Craig’s Doors operates a year-round shelter from the Immanuel Lutheran Church and a resource center, as well as assisting people transition to apartments, while Not Bread Alone offers meals on Wednesday evenings, Saturday and Sundays and several holidays.

Milleron, Neal to debate on Oct. 21

CHICOPEE — The Nadia Milleron for Congress campaign has announced that Independent candidate Nadia Milleron will face off against incumbent U.S. Rep. Richard Neal in a live, televised debate hosted by WWLP-22News and moderated by Patrick Berry.

The debate, set to take place at the WWLP-22 News studios in Chicopee, is scheduled to be broadcast live on Wednesday, Oct. 21, from 12:30 to 1 p.m. and will reair from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

Due to studio space constraints, there will be no live audience in attendance, but voters in the 1st Congressional District will be able to watch the debate live across local broadcast and digital platforms.

Because the debate will be in a closed studio with no audience, Milleron’s campaign will have a town hall event on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 52 Sumner in Springfield. This event will allow voters to ask questions and engage with Milleron in an open forum. Reserve a spot at eventbrite.com/e/town-hall-with-nadia-milleron-tickets-2002089966986.