Hello neighbor.
It’s that time of year — Girl Scouts are out in full force selling their cookies. Which is your favorite? Thin Mints? Shortbreads? Peanut Butter Patties? Carmel Delights?
Whatever kind you enjoy, just remember that they won’t be around for much longer. Before you know it, the Girl Scouts will be earning their badges, and we’ll all be waiting for next winter before we can get our hands on them again.
Anyway, keep your eyes open and carry a little extra cash for the next few weeks.
You can also email local Troop 64792 to order some: troop64792@gmail.com
THE ANNUAL CHOCOLATE FANTASY event is almost here. On Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., volunteers will sponsor the festivities in Baystate Franklin Medical Center’s new surgical wing lobby at 51 Sanderson St. There will be all kinds of chocolate goodies for sale. There will also be baskets, and craft vendors will help you find the perfect gift for your sweetheart.
BAYSTATE FRANKLIN MEDICAL CENTER has about 225 volunteer shifts each week, with three to four hours per shift, depending on the department. Even so, more volunteers are needed. The skills the hospital is looking for in a volunteer vary, as do the schedules. If you are interested, call 413-773-2318.
FRANKLIN COUNTY TECHNICAL SCHOOL Dodgeball Tournament is looking for teams to compete in the 9th annual event. This will be the final year FCTS will run the tournament.
Organize teams of five players to face off in double-elimination matches, which will be held at the school on March 3. There will be cash prizes. You must register by March 1 to be eligible to play. There is a $30 registration fee per team. Call 413-863-9561, ext. 231. All proceeds will got to the FCTS Athletic Program.
LOVE AND CHOCOLATE, a coffeehouse-style event with gourmet chocolate treats, returns to the Trinitarian Congregational Church, 147 Main St. in Northfield on Saturday at 2 p.m. Performers will include Valley Jazz Voices. Popular local artists Ted Thornton and Patter Field will open the concert. There will be a guest performance by Grace Olmsted, and there will be a sing-a-long. Rev. Julie Olmsted will be the master of ceremonies. There is a suggested donation of $12.
GREENFIELD SENIOR CENTER will hold a Valentine’s Day party on Tuesday from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the center in the Weldon off High Street. There will be a dessert buffet and warm drinks. Watch your favorite “I Love Lucy” episodes on the big screen as you enjoy the treats. Tickets are $3 and on sale at the front desk. One lucky ticket holder will win a Valentine gift basket donated by the Arbors of Greenfield.
OUR LADY OF PEACE CHURCH in Turners Falls will hold a Lasagna Bake-Off to benefit Montague Catholic Social Ministries on Friday from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church, 90 Seventh St., Turners Falls. Children under 12 free. Adults suggested donation $5 to 15. Suggested sliding-scale fee to enter a pan of lasagna. That fee includes admission to dinner. All entry and admission fees are “suggested.” Entries due between 5 and 5:30 p.m. on Friday. For information or to submit an entry, contact Susan Mareneck at 413-863-4804, ext. 1001 or email her at: susan@mcsmcommunity.org
LAURA WAGNER OF UU Mass Action will visit Orange on Saturday to share her thoughts about social justice movement buildings. The talk will be a First Universalist Church on North Main Street at 10 a.m. There will be light refreshments after.
GREENFIELD SAVINGS BANK on Avenue A in Turners Falls will feature Belinda Lyons on Saturday from 10 to 11:15 a.m. Belinda is an African-American doll artist and sculptor who teaches and sells her art in local galleries. Her presentation is part of Black History Month. There will be mask making from cut, decorative paper. The event is free and open to the public. Reserve your spot by calling 413-863-4316.
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 Wednesday.