Quabbin Photo Group to present nature photographer’s program, ‘I See You’
BELCHERTOWN — The Quabbin Photo Group will feature Dale Monette’s program “I See You,” a compilation of his nature photographs along with how he captured the images, on Monday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. at the Belchertown Recreation Department, 66 State St.
“Throughout my travels doing programs, meeting people, and selling prints and books over the last 10 years, people always comment on how they enjoy the stories that go with the images I show during my presentations,” Monette said in a statement. “This program delves into what camera equipment and lenses I used for the images, the habitat I was in, the time of the season and the circumstances that made getting the photograph possible.”
Monette is a nature photographer specializing in wildlife and landscapes, primarily of the Quabbin Reservoir. He spent his career working as a program coordinator for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, and during the 1980s, he was involved in the successful efforts to bring back the common loons and bald eagles as nesting species to the Quabbin. See more of his photography at northquabbinphotography.com.
The Quabbin Photo Group (QuabbinPhotoGroup.com) is a community of photographers based in Belchertown with a shared interest in nature, wildlife and landscape photography, particularly within the Quabbin Reservoir region. The group hosts regular meetings, guest speakers and workshops designed to help photographers of all experience levels improve their skills, share their work and connect with others who appreciate the natural environment. Meetings are open to the public and new members are welcome.
Eligibility expanded for Dr. Tanja C. Davin Medical Scholarship
BUCKLAND — More aspiring physicians with roots in the Mohawk Trail Regional School community are now eligible for financial support through the Dr. Tanja C. Davin Medical Scholarship now that the geographic eligibility requirements have been expanded.
Previously, applicants were required to live within the nine towns of the Mohawk Trail Regional School District. That residency requirement has been removed, allowing eligible students to apply regardless of where they currently live. Under the new criteria, applicants must have graduated from Mohawk Trail Regional School or be a relative of a Mohawk Trail graduate and have completed their first year of medical school.
Dr. Tanja Christine Davin was born in Greenfield and raised in Heath, graduating as valedictorian in Mohawk Trail Regional School’s Class of 1989. She later graduated cum laude from Tufts University and earned her medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Davin completed her residency in internal medicine and pediatrics at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield before working at Elliot Hospital in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Davin, who died in 2006, was committed to caring for others, and the scholarship established in her memory helps carry that commitment forward by supporting students pursuing careers in medicine.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Eligible students may apply after completing their first year of medical school. To apply, students must provide proof of completion of their first year of medical school and a letter of intent to continue their medical education. Applicants should also provide the name and graduation year of the Mohawk Trail graduate through whom they qualify and that person’s relationship to the applicant. The scholarship amount will be announced when a recipient is selected.
Learn more about the Dr. Tanja C. Davin Medical Scholarship by visiting marylyonfoundation.org/the-davin-scholarship-carrying-on-tanjas-legacy-motivating-future-doctors or apply at tinyurl.com/DavinScholarship. With questions, contact Robin Jenkins at rjenkins@mtrsd.org or 413-625-9811, ext. 1305.
Barks & Brews raises $30K to support shelter animals and programs
EASTHAMPTON — The Springfield-based Dakin Humane Society raised $30,000 from its 11th annual Barks & Brews event, held on Oct. 11 at Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton. The event was attended by more than 300 people.
Barks & Brews featured dog-centric activities, including a Halloween costume and hot dog eating contests, and dog painting canvas art. Musical Sit, a game inspired by musical chairs, featured dogs who were incentivized to sit when the music stopped, and the best “sit-trained” dogs were named winners. Other event attractions included a dog splash zone, a photo booth, dog nail trims and baths for dogs. Vendors sold local crafts and pet-centric gifts, a 50/50 raffle raised money and two food trucks offered meals.
“It was heartwarming to see so many tried and true supporters among the crowd at Barks & Brews this year,” Dakin Humane Society’s Executive Director Meg Talbert said in a statement. “And it was terrific to welcome many new guests and to meet people, and dogs, attending their first Dakin event. The weather was less-than-ideal, but everyone came together to have fun and celebrate the joy found in the pet/person bond.”