MONTAGUE — The annual Gill-Montague Education Fund Gala, which raises money for grants to support educational opportunities, is returning for the first time since 2019 with “An Eagles & Journey Experience” by nationally acclaimed tribute band Faithfully.
The show will take place Saturday, April 29, at 7 p.m. in the Turners Falls High School auditorium.
“Returning in April 2023 after a four-year hiatus generates mixed emotions — excitement, hope and uncertainty — to name just a few,” Executive Producer Joyce Phillips wrote in an event announcement. “The impact of the pandemic on K-12 student learning was significant. It widened pre-existing opportunity and achievement gaps, hitting historically disadvantaged students hardest.”
Saturday’s event will conclude with the awarding of grants for students throughout the district. To date, the Gill-Montague Education Fund has awarded roughly $126,840 in grants, Phillips noted. In addition, the organization awards three $250 scholarships annually, along with roses for graduates.
Advance tickets, which cost $30, are available at Hillside Pizza, Bernardston; Weatherheads Convenience Store, Erving; World Eye Bookshop, Greenfield; Bobby’s Hair & Nail Salon, Northfield; Freedom Credit Union, Greenfield; Greenfield Savings Bank in Greenfield; and Scotty’s Convenience Store, Turners Falls. They are also available at the GMEF website, thegmef.org. Tickets at the door cost $35.
The GMEF is a nonprofit established in 1996 by the parents and citizens of the towns of Gill and Montague. Its goals are to provide programs and resources for the schools that will enrich the educational opportunities available to students, and to encourage advocacy for public education.
Library, Senior Center launching phone, computer classes for adults
ERVING — Beginner-level classes to teach adults how to use their smartphones and computers will be held on Thursday mornings at the Erving Senior & Community Center from 11 a.m. to noon, as well as Thursday evenings at Erving Public Library from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Content will be different for each class so participants are advised to call the library at 413-423-3348 to sign up. The classes are funded using a grant from New Salem Academy.