Gary Rome gives Dean Tech grad car for graduation

HOLYOKE — Chelsea Salas, 2025 student class president of Dean Technical High School, was awarded a new Hyundai Venue on Thursday as part of Gary Rome Hyundai’s 15th annual car giveway to a senior in the Holyoke Public Schools.

Salas will attend Elms College this fall.

Gary Rome said there were 20 finalists in the running for the new car, each of whom had the chance to try a key. Salas had the key that unlocked the car.

Now in its 15th year, the Gary Rome Academic Achievement Award is given as a reward for academic excellence, consistent attendance, and strong character. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, have fewer than six absences throughout the academic year, and remain free of major disciplinary actions to qualify.

Holyoke Farmers’ Market to launch new season

HOLYOKE – The Holyoke Farmers’ Market is thrilled to launch its 2025 summer season, which will include two outdoor markets each week.

The summer season kicks off June 10 with the Tuesday Outdoor Market, held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Holyoke Senior Center/Council on Aging, located at 291 Pine St. Vendors will set up along Beech Street, creating a welcoming and bustling environment.

On Wednesdays, starting June 11, the market continues at the Holyoke Medical Center, 575 Beech St, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Visitors can look forward to a range of offerings, including year-round fresh produce, locally sourced meat, eggs, prepared foods, and mushroom products. Artisanal baked goods, from muffins, and cookies to focaccia and rolls, will add a delicious touch to the market’s selection. The market will also feature crafts, gifts, and more, ensuring choices for every interest and occasion.

Adding to the dynamic atmosphere, food trucks will participate on a rotating basis, offering even more options for a satisfying visit. The market team is also committed to accessibility, with on-site support for SNAP/HIP/WIC transactions to ensure all families can enjoy fresh, local goods.

Spaces for vendors are still available, and the market encourages participation from a variety of businesses, including those eager to offer SNAP-eligible products. Vendor fees, payment details, and assistance with the SNAP eligible sales are available.

For questions or further details about visiting or vending, reach out to Lisa Totz at 413-534-3376 or via email at holyokefarmersmarket@gmail.com.

Commission onStatus of Womento hold open house

NORTHAMPTON — A new slate of commissioners for the Hampshire Franklin Commission on the Status of Women, chaired by Luzed Guzman Romano, is having an open house for coffee and conversation.

The event will be held Friday, June 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Sphere in Florence, 82 Maple St.

Those who attend are invited to offer input on the issues important to women and girls so legislative advocacy can be done.

Currently, members Olivia Laramie and Tory Edwards have written an op-ed supporting Bill H.2499, “An Act pertaining to women’s health at midlife and public, medical and workplace awareness of the transitional stage of menopause and related chronic conditions.”

Additional listening sessions will be scheduled.

Cambodians in Amherst exhibit on display in Boston

AMHERST — Through June 6, Cambodians in Amherst: The History of the Khmer Community will be on display at the State House.

The exhibit, an abbreviated version of the one at the Amherst Historical Society in 2024, was to kick off with a public reception Friday offering Khmer food and a cultural dance performance by Lowell’s Indra’s Artistic Creation

Oral histories, archival photographs and personal narratives that honor the strength and resilience of the Cambodian community in the aftermath of the genocide were featured in the original multimedia exhibit. The State House showing celebrates of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.