Hey everyone!

I co-founded a local organization called Anchor Point Collaborative here in Western Mass, and I wanted to share a project we’re running this fall in South Hadley in case it’s helpful for anyone.

Growing up, I navigated my own mental health struggles, which showed me firsthand how vital a support system really is. I created this space to offer young people what I needed back then: a welcoming community to connect with and real-world skills to thrive.

Starting Wednesday, September 23rd, we’re facilitating an 8-week Young Women’s Hope & Resilience Group at All Saints' Church. Weekly sessions are focused on topics including effective communication, the impacts of social media, and how to cope with change. We utilize a range of creative modalities including music, art, and games to keep our groups interactive and engaging.

All groups are led by a licensed independent clinical social worker, so the space offers structured clinical support while keeping the vibe warm and conversational.

Quick details:

When: Wednesdays starting Sept 23 (8 weeks) from 5-6pm

Where: All Saints' Church, South Hadley

Eligibility: Young Women (ages 18-25)

Cost: $320 for the full 8 weeks (we accept most insurance plans and have sliding scale options available)

If you’re a college who could use a supportive community space this fall, you can read more at ouranchorpoint.com.

Happy to answer any questions!

We are searching for Volunteers to Join our new research study. Looking for adults aged 40-75 for a study on prolonged sitting and cognition. The prescreening consists of a VO2 Max test on a Stationary Bicycle. The main study tests interrupting sitting with short, high-intensity exercises and measures brain and cognitive functions before and after. Participants can earn up to $450, with travel expenses covered if living 20-plus miles from Amherst (must live locally/in-state) Copy the link to start the screening process [[https://redcap.link/hiit2sitless]

Hi everyone, I am a reporter at GBH News, Boston's local NPR/PBS station. I want to learn more about Holyoke and get to know the community better. Are there any cafes or community centers where people like to gather? Or other important cultural clubs or organizations that represent the community? I'd like to find a place to hang out and hear what's on people's minds. Thank you!

Holyoke Ma

street art

Holyoke

Connecticut River

sunrise

Amtrak

Holyoke canals summer

Holyoke summer ..

City Hall Holyoke summer

Please stop you’ll ruin it for all of us. Dogs are not allowed near where we get our drinking water. Go to any number of trails nearby. No exceptions. Saw three dogs at Ashley today, one in the water with the family taking pictures. They might be right to close public access which stinks because it’s beautiful there.

Hey holyfolks, (did I just come up with that? Surely someone has said this before)

What do you think is the coolest spot to see big planes buzzing around at low altitude?

Also interested in hearing you out if you can’t stand the noise of the military training above you 🤓

I live in Albany NY and pass through on my way to Boston a few times a year. The C5 Galaxy is my absolute favorite military bird. If you don’t know, they aren’t exactly easy to find across the country. Westover is one of only a handful of bases that house them (lucky bastards). I did get insanely lucky a few years ago with perfect timing passing by on 95 but would like help dialing in a plan if I’m going to make a trip out just for plane spotting.

Getting nerdier as I go: I am also trying to figure out if there’s any sort of predictability that the C5s are flying procedures at the base so that I can time my drive out there. From what I’ve noticed watching ADSB for years, a C5 performs touch and goes in the afternoon/evening circling the area, sometimes for a long time. It seems to only be Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Other times they go over to portsmouth, which is no help to me. Anyone have any intel that would help the predictability?

Join us on Thursday, July 9th, for an Employer Spotlight with Florence Bank. The event will take place at Forbes Library from 10:30am to 12:30pm. They have part time and full time positions available and are looking to speak directly with interested job seekers.

Florence Bank offers a wide range of personal and business banking solutions, friendly and knowledgeable customer service, and a proud and longstanding history of supporting the communities they serve.

This event is free to attend and pre registration is not required.