Area briefs: Holyoke High to present ‘Lord of the Flies’; Savvy Caregiver program online; Herrell’s Margaritaville in winter

Herrell’s Ice Cream, located in Thornes Marketplace Northampton and The Mill District North Amherst, will host its Margaritaville in Winter through Feb. 8
Published: 02-01-2025 4:01 PM |
HOLYOKE — Join the Holyoke High School Theater Company on Feb. 5-7 at 6:30 p.m. and Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. for four performances of “Lord of the Flies” to be staged at Holyoke High School North, 500 Beech St.
“Lord of the Flies,” adapted for the stage by Nigel Williams, brings William Golding’s 1954 novel to life. Stranded on a deserted island, a group of British boys spiral into chaos, battling for power and survival.
The Holyoke High School Theater Company is an after-school club that is an extension of the Performing & Media Arts Academy at Holyoke High School North. The cast and crew of this production features students in grades 9-12, including: Eila Ramoth as Ralph, Cian Callahan as Jack, Darius Baez as Piggy, Grace Bechard as Roger, Talitha Hernandez as Sam, Ivan Rivera as Eric, Fynn Maldonado as Simon, Aidan Fontanez-Courchesne as Henry, Yalializ Torres as Maurice, Gabriella Cayo as Bill, and Linken Geddis as the Naval Officer. The production also introduces Elisabel Maldonado, a fourth-grade student from Morgan Elementary School, who is performing as Perceval.
Advance tickets are $8 for general admission, and $5 for students and staff. Advance tickets are available at the HHS North main office and online through the MIFA Festival website. Online ticket sales will end at 5 p.m. on Feb. 4, but same-day tickets will be available at each performance for $10 for general admission, and $5 each for students and HPS staff. The production is presented with permission from Faber & Faber and is generously sponsored by MIFA Victory Theater.
SPRINGFIELD — The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation has become the newest lead funding partner with a contribution to the Local Farmer Awards. The awards, in its 11th year, are annual grants of up to $2,500 to western Massachusetts farmers for capital equipment upgrades used as an ongoing part of farm operations.
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Harold Grinspoon, whose foundation in partnership with Big Y, the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and in collaboration with 15 other community funders makes these awards possible, describes the Davis Foundation gift “a pivotal moment in our ability to help more deserving farmers.”
This year’s Local Farmer Award winners will be announced in April.
HOLYOKE — WestMass ElderCare will hold a new virtual session of the Savvy Caregiver Program, a transformative six-session training series designed to support family and friends caring for individuals living with memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease. This program will be held on Wednesdays between Feb.12 and March 17 from 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be an overwhelming journey, often fraught with uncertainty and unique challenges. Recognizing the vital need for specialized training, the Savvy program offers caregivers the skills and knowledge they require, just as one would receive training for any new job.
The program is more than just a series of informational sessions; it is a lifeline for caregivers seeking to understand the changes their loved ones are experiencing and how to provide the highest level of individualized care throughout the progression of Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Carol Constant, a certified Savvy Caregiver group leader and certified dementia practitioner, along with Monica Crespo, caregiver specialist with WestMass ElderCare, will lead the program.
Participants will receive a comprehensive manual for reference at home, along with homework assignments that provide opportunities to practice new skills, apply newfound knowledge, and assess the effectiveness of their caregiving techniques between sessions. The aim is not only to enhance the quality of care for loved ones but also to nurture the caregivers themselves, helping them find balance and self-assurance in their roles.
This program is being offered for free. However, due to limited seating, registration is required. Interested individuals are encouraged to call WestMass ElderCare at 413-538-9020 to secure their spot.
Herrell’s Ice Cream, located in Thornes Marketplace Northampton and The Mill District North Amherst, will host its Margaritaville in Winter through Feb. 8
To celebrate summer during winter many of Herrell’s favorite summer and innovative beach flavors will be served, like Triple Berry Tequila Tango (UMass Flavor), Coco-coconut, Coconut Chocolate Chip, Aloha Sunrise, and Key Lime Cardamom.
Customers who bring a pair of flip flops or sandals with them into either location get a free goodie.