DAR to honor veterans Sunday in Northampton

NORTHAMPTON — The Betty Allen Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution will hold its fourth annual Lawn of Valor ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Clapp House, 148 South St.

The Veterans Day weekend tribute honors veterans and active-duty service members. American flags sponsored in their honor or memory will line the chapter house lawn.

The ceremony will include a presentation of the colors by the Col. Henry Knox Regimental Color Guard, the national anthem performed by the JFKeys choral group from JFK Middle School, and a reading of the names of honored veterans and service members.

The chapter will also present its National Defense Distinguished Citizen Medal to Gene Herman of Amherst Veterans’ Outreach. Ray Ellsworth, president of the Pomeroy Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, will receive an Award of Recognition.

The event is open to the public.

Online aging support group to begin meeting

For the 16th year, the online aging support group “Living Fully, Aging Gracefully, Befriending Death” begins meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m.

The group meets twice monthly from November through April, and is led by its founder John Berkowitz, 79, of Northampton. Participants live not only locally, but also elsewhere in Massachusetts and around New England.

The discussion includes any topic related to the joys and challenges of aging.  Simple discussion guidelines allow every voice to be heard, and ensure that a few don’t dominate.  A poem on aging themes is also read and briefly discussed at each meeting to add insight and inspiration.

The meetings range in size from 10 to 16 participants, and a few new participants are welcome to inquire about attending.  For more information, contact John Berkowitz at johnpberk@proton.me or at 413-387-8439.

Holyoke parade committee picks ambassadors

HOLYOKE — The St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke has announced Caroline Boland and the late Mary Ferriter as recipients of its 2027 Ambassador Award, recognizing their contributions to promoting Irish culture, hospitality and the longstanding relationship between Ireland and the United States.

Through their respective work in tourism, hospitality and cultural exchange, both women have helped build lasting connections between the Dingle Peninsula and western Massachusetts. Their involvement with the Dingle Peninsula Showcase at The Big E is just one example of the friendships and partnerships they have fostered across the Atlantic.

“Caroline has an incredible way of bringing people together, whether we’re visiting Ireland or she’s here with us in western Massachusetts. She makes connections, builds friendships, and makes everyone feel welcome. Mary shared that same warmth and love for bringing people together, and her impact continues to be felt today,” said Stephanie Joyce, 2027 parade president.

Both women will be honored at the 2027 Ambassador Award Breakfast on Sunday, March 21, during Holyoke’s St. Patrick’s Parade weekend. Boland will attend to receive her award, while members of the Ferriter family will be present to accept the award on behalf of the late Mary Ferriter.

Loomis Village to host crafts sale Saturday

SOUTH HADLEY — More than 30 artisans from Loomis Village will sell handmade items at the senior living community’s arts and crafts sale from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at 20 Bayon Drive. The sale is open to the public.

Items for sale will include felted bowls and flowers, quilts, shawls, knitwear, ornaments, jewelry, photographs, pens, wooden furniture and boxes, walking sticks, pottery, notecards and fishing lures. A silent auction will feature a quilt, framed photographs, a wooden coffee table, lamps and a handmade wooden box.

Proceeds will benefit local nonprofit groups. Attendees are encouraged to bring shelf-stable food donations for Neighbors Helping Neighbors, a South Hadley-based nonprofit.

Only cash and checks will be accepted.