Area briefs: Fly fishing clinic coming to Huntington; Fletcher Farm honored at Big E; ServiceNet art show to launch on World Mental Health Day

Bill Rose fly-fishing. The Westfield River Watershed Association and the Western Mass. Fly Fishermen will host the free Bill Rose Memorial Fly Fishing clinic on Saturday, Oct. 19.

Bill Rose fly-fishing. The Westfield River Watershed Association and the Western Mass. Fly Fishermen will host the free Bill Rose Memorial Fly Fishing clinic on Saturday, Oct. 19. WESTFIELD RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION

Published: 10-06-2024 10:33 AM

Fly fishingclinic comingto Huntington

WESTFIELD — The Westfield River Watershed Association and the Western Mass. Fly Fishermen will honor their late president with the free Bill Rose Memorial Fly Fishing clinic on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The clinic will take place on Route 20 in Huntington, 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.

People can drop in throughout the morning and watch a fly-tying demonstration and practice casting. A life-long fly-fisherman, Rose was always sharing his passion.

The Mass. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife stocks waters around the state, including the Westfield River and its tributaries.

In addition to fly fishing activities, a biologist will be on hand to net insects from the river and to help participants learn to identify them under microscopes. The WMFF will guide participants through tying simple flies that they can use when they go out on their own.

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.

The clinic will be held rain or shine, barring extremely stormy weather.

Fletcher Farmhonored at Big E

Fletcher Farm of Southampton was recently honored along with four other farms at The Big E with a New England Green Pastures recognition.

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The Green Pastures program began in 1947, when New Hampshire’s former governor, Charles Dale, bet his state had “greener pastures” than anywhere else in New England. The claim evolved into a competition that recognized innovation and stupendous pasture management.

Extension services within each New England state facilitated the contest, and the program grew into an annual opportunity to recognize one extraordinary dairy farm in each state. Winners interview with the media, tour to promote their business and judge the nominated farms the following year.

In the 76 years since its establishment, the New England Green Pastures program has become a successful regional initiative that emphasizes the importance of a viable dairy industry in New England.

The Green Pastures committees’ judging criteria include business management, crop production, herd performance, environmental practices and community leadership.

Each family received a silver pitcher and a sign naming their farm as a New England Green Pastures winner.

ServiceNet art show to launch on World Mental Health Day

NORTHAMPTON — ServiceNet, a nonprofit mental health and human services organization serving communities throughout western Massachusetts, will host its second annual art show on World Mental Health Day, Thursday Oct. 10, with an opening reception from 4-7 p.m. at 21 Olander Drive, Northampton. This reception is open to the public.

Featuring artwork by more than 40 ServiceNet community members, the show will run through October, with select art pieces displayed at public locations across western Massachusetts in November and December.

The event will also include presentation of two new awards: the Art for Community Award, which will be given to Michael Tillyer and Susan Foley, co-directors of the New England Visionary Artists Museum (NEVA museum) and the Anchor House of Artists, and the ServiceNet Creative Wellbeing Award, which will be presented to Rob Paradis Stern, peer services manager in ServiceNet’s Mental Health Recovery Services division.

Created as a celebration of mental health and well-being, ServiceNet’s art show includes a variety of works, from painting and photography to sculpture, drawing, and fiber arts. And it stands as evidence of the vital role self-expression plays in healing and resiliency.

Follow-up art viewings and tours are available by appointment Monday-Friday, Oct. 14-25. To schedule a tour of the show, contact Amy Diehl at adiehl@servicenet.org.