Planning underway for Pulaski Day Parade

NORTHAMPTON — October is designated as Polish-American Heritage Month, a national celebration of Polish history, culture and pride. In Northampton, the Pulaski Day Parade is an annual event celebrated and sponsored by the Polish Heritage Committee. This year the celebration will take place on Oct. 14.

The day begins with a Memorial Mass at St. Valentine’s PNC Church, 127 King St., at 10 a.m., followed by the parade starting at 11:30 a.m., which proceeds through downtown Northampton culminating at Pulaski Park. The program at the park commemorates the late General Casimir Pulaski, father of the American Cavalry. Past parades have included participants such as Polish groups in costume, marching bands, Daughters and Sons of the American Revolution, area veterans’ organizations, drum corps and local legislators and dignitaries.

The Polish Heritage Committee extends an invitation to all groups and individuals to march in the parade. For information, contact Mary Ellen Englaish at 413-320-9969, email missmarymae@aol.com or Robert Gibowicz at 413-224-1309, email: bobtesgibo@aol.com.

For more information, visit the PHC website at polishheritagenorthampton.org/

Hadley Historical Commission to‘unveil’ signs

HADLEY — The Hadley Historical Commission will officially “unveil” signs on Thursday night with historical information in four significant locations in Hadley: West Street Common, Middle Street, North Hadley and Hockanum. The signs provide information in both English and Spanish about the history of Hadley from pre-colonial settlement to today.

In honor of the signs’ installation, the commission is hosting an “unveiling” on the West Street Common near the Norwottuck Rail Trail at 6 p.m.

“This moment has been six years in the making,” said chairperson Diana West. “I would like to thank Historical Commission members past and present for sticking with this project and seeing it through. Historic preservation starts with education and we want these signs to serve as a reminder that Hadley has a rich history to be appreciated by residents and visitors alike.”

The signs are located at the Hadley Town Common on West Street, near the Norwottuck Rail Trail; at Goodwin Memorial Building, 50 Middle St.; in North Hadley at the intersection of River Drive and Mount Warner Road, near the Lake Warner Boat Launch; and at the Hockanum Schoolhouse, 147 Hockanum Road.

The four signs are part of a larger project funded by Hadley’s Community Preservation Act and approved at the annual Town Meeting in May 2023.

Sen. Mark office hours in September

State Sen. Paul W. Mark will host office hours in Williamsburg for two days in September. Residents of any of the 57 municipalities in the senator’s Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin, and Hampshire District are encouraged to share ideas on current or potential state legislation, or to ask for assistance with issues involving any state agency. Appointments are not required.

The hours will take place in Williamsburg on Tuesday, Sept. 10, and Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 1 to 3 p.m., at the Town Offices, 141 Main St., Haydenville.

Amherst church to hold presentation on ‘Indigenous Lifeways’

AMHERST — “Indigenous Lifeways, Loss, and Renewal in the Central Connecticut River Valley” is the focus of a dinner and presentation program at South Congregational Church, 1066 S. East St. Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

A family-friendly dinner featuring authentic Indigenous recipes will be followed by a presentation by David Brule, president of Nolumbeka Project, a Greenfield-based organization committed to honoring the Northeastern tribes

The dinner and program are part of the church’s 200th Anniversary Arts and Social Justice Series.

Brule is a member of the Nehantic Tribal Council and the coordinator of the National Park Service Battlefield Protection Program, whose goal is to identify the likely locations of the King Phillip’s War Peskeompskut Battlefield and associated sites near current Turners Falls, including the Native American community Peskeompskut-Wissatinnewag, partnering with an archaeologist, town historic commissions, and members of several New England tribes.

Having started a journal at age 11, Brule has continued writing about the place he lives, drawing forth stories about the natural world of this valley, its history, village characters, and rural life along the river. His books include three volumes of essays and stories.

Admission to the presentation at 7 p.m. is free, but free-will donations at the door are appreciated.

The charge of the dinner is $5 per person up to a maximum of $15 per family. Dinner reservations, which are required, can be made by calling 413-253- 2977 or sending email to office@amherstsouthchurch.org.