By ANITA FRITZ
Recorder Staff
Hello neighbor.
Our friend, neighbor and fellow animal lover Patricia Ford Yurkunas, former director of development and marketing at Dakin Humane Society, died a year ago, and Dakin recently announced the creation of Pat’s Cats Feline Success Fund to provide necessities and upgrades for several aspects of the agency’s cat and kitten care in Springfield and Leverett.
Pat was especially fond of the cats and kittens that would arrive at Dakin, and she spent a considerable amount of time caring for them. She adopted several during the seven years she was with the nonprofit.
I used to enjoy sitting and talking with Pat about all of the programs Dakin provides.
Nancy Creed, president of Dakin’s board of directors, said Pat’s generosity enabled Dakin to launch the important fund, and the agency would now love for you to help, as well. Your contribution will bring lots of essentials and enhancements to the lives of many felines as they wait for new homes, including nebulizers for sick kittens in Nick’s Nursery, as well as life-saving treatments, specialized behavioral support, spays and neuters, toys, climbing surfaces and so much more.
I’m told every donation, small or large, helps, so visit: www.dakinhumane.org/support and make one. You can select “Pat’s Cats” as a designation. You can also send a check to: Pat’s Cats, Dakin Humane Society, P.O. Box 6307, Springfield, MA 01101. Write “Pat’s Cats” on the memo line.
Enjoy your week!
THE GREENFIELD HIGH SCHOOL Music Parents Association will hold its annual Telethon Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. It will be broadcast on GCTV, channel 15. The event will feature live and recorded performances of the band and chorus, as well as ensembles and solos.
To make a tax-deductible donation call 413-773-0260 or 413-773-0295. Donations may also be made by sending a check payable to GHSMPA, P.O. Box 394, Greenfield, MA 01302.
HILLTOWN HARMONY CHORUS is looking for new members. As it celebrates five years this spring, the multigenerational chorus led by Shelley Roberts will rehearse Thursday nights through April 28 from 6 to 7:30 at Senior Center Hall, 7 Main St. in Shelburne Falls. There will be a concert on April 29. For more information, call 413-625-2502. No auditions necessary.
ART BY STEVE EAGLE will be on display at Greenfield Savings Bank in South Deerfield through March 31. He is also exhibiting at The Daylily, 8A Sugarloaf St. in South Deerfield through April 30.
DICK’S ANGELS RELAY FOR LIFE team will hold its annual Easter Bake Sale on Saturday at 8 a.m. at the Northfield Food Mart on Main Street in Northfield. There will be pineapple upside-down cakes, cookies, pies, beans and much more. All proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society.
SCOUTING FOR FOOD Buckland-Shelburne Cub Scouts Pack 85 invites you to participate in its annual food drive for the West County Emergency Food Pantry starting Saturday. Collection bags will be distributed to residents in the village of Shelburne Falls. Donations will also be accepted at the Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School. All donations will be collected on April 2 and delivered to the food pantry at the Cowell Gymnasium. To learn more or arrange for a donation to be picked up, call Catherine Fahy Green at 508-332-0363.
DON’T MISS THE MARCH MADNESS Book Sale at the Greenfield Public Library on Main Street in Greenfield on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Friends of Greenfield Public Library promises to have a nice variety of books for your perusal and purchase. Buy some great books. Proceeds will be used for programs, events, museum passes, landscaping and more.
TRINITY WOMEN OF TRINITY CHURCH in Shelburne Falls will host its annual Easter Bake Sale at Keystone Market on Bridge Street on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. There will be special holiday treats, ready to serve. All proceeds will support the church’s community outreach programs. The sale will be held rain, snow or shine!
FRANKLIN COUNTY REGIONAL DOG SHELTER, along with local veterinarian Stephanie Vassar, will hold a rabies vaccination clinic for dogs and cats on April 2 from noon to 2 p.m. at the shelter at 10 Sandy Lane in Turners Falls. The cost is $20 per animal and it is cash only. Dogs must be leashed at all times. Vaccinations are on a first-come basis. For more information, call 413-676-9182.
THE YMCA IN GREENFIELD, along with Garry L. Earles, a licensed social worker, will offer a five-class course on child and adolescent mental health conditions and accompanying issues. The program will benefit parents, grandparents, educators, social workers, daycare providers and others working with children. The program will begin on April 14 from 6:45 to 9 p.m. with a free public forum to introduce the topics. Classes will be held April 21 through May 19 from 6:45 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 413-863-4128. To register for the free forum or the classes, call 413-773-3646.
SILVERTHORNE THEATER COMPANY will hold a gala fundraiser at the Arts Block Cafe on Main Street in Greenfield on April 15 from 7 to 10 p.m. Proceeds from the event will support the company’s upcoming summer season. There will be a cash bar and snacks.
The event will be an open mic hosted by Marvin Shedd, a local actor and member of the Falltown String Band. Summer directors and actors will be there. Tickets are $4.99 and can be purchased at the door or at Brown Paper Tickets. For ticket information and to make reservations, call 413-768-7514 or visit: www.silverthornetheater.org
OUR LADY OF PEACE WOMEN’S GROUP will hold a Stash Bash on April 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church on Seventh Street in Turners Falls. There will be fabric, sewing supplies, yarn, knitting patterns, beads, craft paint, rubber stamps, scrapbooking supplies, art supplies and more. For information about the event, call Bev at 413-863-7783.
SAWMILL RIVER ARTS GALLERY in the Montague Mill (Bookmill) in Montague Center will hold a spring show, “From Darkness Into Light,” through May 1. Member art work will include fiber, ceramics, photography, multimedia, paintings, drawings, gourds and paper constructions. Gallery hours are Monday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Closed on Tuesday. Call 413-367-2885 or visit: www.sawmillriverarts.com
To contact Anita Fritz, features editor at The Recorder, send an email to: neighbors@recorder.com. Information you want included in Neighbors should be submitted by noon two days before you want it to run. Neighbors runs on Tuesdays and Fridays.