‘Lunch and Learn’ to discuss elder financial exploitation

BERNARDSTON — Franklin First Federal Credit Union will present a free “Lunch and Learn” event on elder financial exploitation and scams on Friday, May 24, at 11 a.m. at the Bernardston Senior Center. The program is also offered on Zoom.

A hot lunch will be served by Stone Soup Café followed by a presentation by a panel of experts. Presenting speakers will include Sgt. John Richardson from the Bernardston Police Department, as well as representatives from the Elders and Persons with Disabilities Unit and the Consumer Protection Unit of the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office. This event is designed to not only provide attendees with education on how to identify a scam and what to do if they have been the victim of a scam, but also to encourage attendees to participate through asking questions and sharing their stories.

RSVP by calling 413-648-5413 by Friday, May 17.

Veteran piano teacher to perform May 26

NORTHFIELD — Pianist Lynne Walker Mellas, who has taught generations of students over her lifetime, will headline a program of classical and popular piano and vocal music on Sunday, May 26, at 3 p.m., at the First Parish Unitarian Church, at the corner of Main Street and Parker Avenue. Joining Walker Mellas will be her son, Jonathan Bell, and his wife, Stephanie Bell, of Slater, Iowa.

Jonathan Bell is a pianist, songwriter and composer whose career has ranged from opera accompaniment, composing original music for Broadway and off-Broadway theater productions, to documentary film scoring, music directing for worship programs and various other teaching positions. He received his undergraduate degrees from Tufts University and New England Conservatory, and his master’s degree from Mannes College of Music.

Singer/songwriter Stephanie Bell is a graduate of St. Olaf College in Minnesota, with a bachelor’s degree in music. Following college, she spent a number of years traveling and singing internationally with Youth Encounter. In New York City, she taught early childhood music.

Walker Mellas holds a degree in piano performance from Temple University in Philadelphia. She has taught in Denver, Philadelphia, Springfield and Northfield, performed in numerous concerts, and served many area churches as organist and pianist including, presently, the Trinitarian Congregational Church of Northfield, First Parish Unitarian Church in Northfield and the Bernardston Unitarian Church.

The musicians will perform on the church’s historic, 175-year-old Steinway grand piano. The program will include classical piano music, popular songs and duet music.

The program is free, but any donations would go to First Parish Unitarian Church, which is hosting the concert. Parking is along Parker Avenue and also behind Town Hall, 69 Main St. The church is not handicapped accessible. For more information, call 413-834-2469.