Big Y hosting free vaccination clinics

SPRINGFIELD — All Big Y supermarket locations will host an on-site multi-vaccine clinic for all customers, employees and their families through this Sunday, Oct. 6. No appointments are necessary.

All stores will offer seasonal flu and the new 2024-2025 COVID vaccine and updated booster. Stores with an on-site pharmacy also offer a variety of vaccines including pneumonia, shingles, Tdap, Hepatitis A and B, meningococcal, RSV, MMR and HPV. Further details are available on bigy.com where each location’s specific times are listed.

This community event spans every one of Big Y’s 74 locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. All locations, including those that have a pharmacy, will have a specific clinic day during Big Vax Week where patients who receive a vaccine from their trained pharmacists will receive a Big Y Coupon for $5 off a minimum $25 purchase as well as other giveaways. Big Y Pharmacy teams administered over 19,000 flu and COVID vaccines during their 2023 Big Y Big Vax week.

Scouts to hold ‘pint-wood’ derby for adults, alumni

WESTFIELD — One of the most memorable scouting events for many adults is the pinewood derby, where cub scouts make race cars from blocks of balsa wood and compete on racetracks that range from 32- to 45-feet. To recapture some of the fun for former scouts and alumni, the Western Massachusetts Council is hosting a “Pint-Wood” Derby at Loophole Brewing on Taylor Street in Springfield, on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 6 p.m.

The event, sponsored in part by American Healthy Homes, will allow former scouts to bring one of their old derby cars, or use one created by the Council. Participants will also have an opportunity to build their own car on site. Races will be held in two broad categories: Vintage, using cars that were made by scouts and meet the 5 ounce or less weight limitation, and Unlimited, using cars made on site and without any weight limitation.

The event is open to public, Scouters, and Scout Alumni of the Western Mass. Council, and predecessor councils. Proceeds will support Western Mass Scout programs. Tickets for the event are $60, and $50 for alumni and can be purchased online at PintWood Derby | Western Massachusetts Council (wmascouting.org), and all participants will receive a pint glass engraved with the PintWood logo.

For additional information, please visit wmascouting.org, or contact Art Lobdell at 413-594-9196, ext. 7034.

Free HCC computer classes start Oct. 9 

HOLYOKE — Holyoke Community College is offering a free six-week beginner computer training course starting Oct. 9.  The real-time, instructor-led online classes will run Mondays and Wednesdays, Oct. 9 to Nov. 25, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots for internet access will be provided for students who need them. The program was originally scheduled to start Sept. 30.

The program, run In partnership with the Albany, New York-based nonprofit CanCode Communities, is aimed at helping individuals build essential computer skills for both personal and professional development. Participants will explore the Microsoft Office program, learn how to create resumes, manage calendars, and send email, and be introduced to the world of artificial intelligence.

Funding for the program comes from the Western Mass Alliance for Digital Equity. To sign up for classes, please send an email to admissions@albanycancode.org or call 518-238-6808 (ext. 702).

Pelham Cultural Council seeks proposals

PELHAM —  The Pelham Cultural Council has set an October 16 deadline for organizations, schools, and individuals to apply for grants that support cultural activities in the community.

Council co-chairs Tony Maroulis and John Page said these grants can support a variety of artistic projects and activities in Pelham or the Amherst-Pelham public schools, including exhibits, festivals, field trips, short-term artist residencies, or performances in schools, workshops, and lectures.

This year, the Pelham Cultural Council will distribute about $7,500 in direct-funding grants. Funding priorities for this year include arts programs and projects serving residents of Pelham and (K-12) students and their families in the Pelham and Amherst Regional Public School System; projects celebrating Pelham’s history, culture, and environment; programs featuring Pelham visual and performing artists, writers, musicians, scientists, historians, or other subject area experts; and programs which feature global perspectives.

For questions or additional information about the Pelham Cultural Council, contact John Page at pelhamculture@gmail.com. Application forms and more information about the Local Cultural Council Program are available online at www.massculturalcouncil.org.