Bikes Fight Cancer raises more than $260K for cancer research, services

NORTHAMPTON — In its second year as a nonprofit, Bikes Fight Cancer raised more than $260,000 for cancer research and services through several cycling fundraisers, including the June 15 charity ride held at Tree House Brewing Co. in South Deerfield.

On Oct. 21, Bikes Fight Cancer distributed donations to several organizations around the valley. The Mass General Cancer Center at Cooley Dickinson Hospital received a $60,000 check to bolster its Cancer Patient Care Fund and its Operations Fund, while Cancer Connection received $32,000 to expand its range of therapies and enhance its outreach efforts in its 64 western Massachusetts communities.

“Cancer Connection and Bikes Fight Cancer truly share a commitment to easing the burden for people with cancer in our local community,” said Cancer Connection Executive Director Chelsea Klein. “We are honored by this donation and so excited to grow this partnership to help even more people in the region.”

Bement School to host fourth annual winter community needs drive

DEERFIELD — The Bement School’s annual winter community needs drive returns this weekend, as the school will collect items on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The collection will be held on The Bement School’s campus, 583 Greenfield Road, as the school collects items to donate to the Hampshire Support Alliance, ServiceNet’s Emergency Family Shelter and Ston Soup Cafe’s free store.

People can donate gently worn, clean winter coats/jackets, hats, gloves, mittens sweaters and other winter gear, as well as new socks and underwear.

Larry Spotted Crow Mann to visit Conway Grammar School, share Nipmuc history and culture

CONWAY — Through a state and local Cultural Council grant, Conway Grammar School is welcoming award-winning writer, poet and storyteller Larry Spotted Crow Mann for a visit to the school on Nov. 4 to share the culture and history of the Nipmuc people.

Mann, who is a board member of the Nipmuc Cultural Preservation organization, will deliver a presentation on the music, culture and history of the Nipmuc people. Families are encouraged to attend the event.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Larry to our school,” said Conway Grammar School Principal Kristen Gordon. “His storytelling and insights will provide our students with a deeper understanding of the Nipmuc culture.”

Deerfield student among Eastern States Exposition Trustees Scholarship recipients

WEST SPRINGFIELD — A Deerfield student and Frontier Regional School graduate was named among the Eastern States Expositions scholarship recipients.

Samantha Baker, of South Deerfield, is currently enrolled in Springfield College’s Physician Assistant Studies program and has exhibited creative arts entries at the New England Center at the Big E since 2021.

The Eastern States Exposition Trustees Scholarship is offered annually to New England students who have participated in the organization’s youth programs.

Shutesbury Community Preservation Committee accepting grant applications through Feb. 6

SHUTESBURY — Shutesbury’s Community Preservation Committee (CPC) is now accepting grant applications for projects related to the town’s historic preservation, community housing, open space, or recreation needs.

The CPC encourages town boards, organizations, and groups of volunteers to exercise their creativity in organizing and proposing projects, large or small, that meet the requirements of the Community Preservation Act. The determination of eligibility and grant application forms are available on the town website, along with more information about the CPC and the grant process.

The deadline to submit the determination of eligibility is Dec. 5. The deadline to submit the grant application is Feb. 6, 2025. Prior to submitting, potential applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the updated Community Preservation Plan, which is available on the CPC website. Questions about the CPA or the application process can email cpc@shutesbury.org.