Agenda
Age of Excellence Award Nominations
Through June 14: Celebrating achievement, purpose, and possibility at every stage of life, Glenmeadow announced the opening of nominations for the Age of Excellence Awards: Celebrating Success Over 60 — now entering its third year of honoring remarkable community members. Building on the success of the past two years, this signature event continues to spotlight older adults whose lives reflect vitality, resilience, and meaningful contribution. The Age of Excellence Awards honor individuals age 60 and above who are making significant contributions in a wide range of pursuits. It may be through innovative career achievements, active community involvement, ongoing personal development, or outstanding commitment to others. Nominations may be submitted online at glenmeadow.org. Paper copy nomination forms are available at Glenmeadow’s concierge desk, or a PDF may be downloaded from the event page and mailed to: Age of Excellence Awards, 24 Tabor Crossing, Longmeadow, MA 01106. A distinguished panel of community leaders will thoughtfully review all submissions and select this year’s honorees. Award recipients will be celebrated during an inspiring ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at Twin Hills Country Club.
Farm Credit East Photo Contest
Through July 31: Farm Credit East is currently seeking creative images of modern Northeast agriculture, commercial fishing, and forest products to fill the pages of its 2027 Agricultural Views calendar. Upload picturesque images from the farm, woods, or dock at farmcrediteast.com/calendar by July 31 for a chance to win $100. Farm Credit East is looking for fresh imagery that represents Northeast farming, horticulture, forestry, and commercial fishing during every season, as well as photographs that celebrate rural life in New England, New York, or New Jersey. Photos are selected based on technical quality, clarity, and composition, as well as photos that capture unique views of modern agriculture and rural life. From all entries, 14 photos will be selected for a $100 prize each. Additional photos will be selected to fill the calendar pages, each earning a $25 prize. Winning photographs will be featured in Farm Credit East’s 2027 calendar. Only digital photos are accepted. Contest rules and an entry form, as well as inspiration from previous calendars, can be found at farmcrediteast.com/calendar.
Outrun Hunger
May 17: Rachel’s Table of Western Massachusetts, a food rescue and hunger alleviation organization, is set to Outrun Hunger in its biennial 5K race and 1-mile family-friendly walk in Forest Park. The event begins welcome announcements at 8:30 a.m. and a 9 a.m. race start. Visit feedwma.org/outrun-hunger-2026 to register. The proceeds from the race go to fight hunger all year long, with programs that feed the immediate need as well as nourish long-term sustainable food secure solutions. The race/walk is also presented by the Rachel’s Table teen board, a youth leadership part of Rachel’s Table whose mission is to educate themselves and others about food insecurity while serving the local community with impactful projects that help fight hunger. The public is invited to register to run, walk, do a virtual run, or just come by to help raise awareness and make a difference. All registered runners and walkers will be able to visit the Zoo at Forest Park and Education Center for free on race day, sponsored by the Zoo at Forest Park and supported by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts. Boomer from the Springfield Thunderbirds will be in attendance, and DJ Matt Peterson will get attendees moving with fun music and entertainment. Local legislators have been invited to speak as well; State Sens. Oliveira and Adam Gomez and state Reps. Brian Ashe and Carlos Gonzales will be in attendance.
Mozart and More at 52 Sumner
May 17: The Springfield Chamber Players will present the SCP Oboe Quartet at 52 Sumner at 3 p.m. Marsha Harbison, assistant concertmaster of the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO), will lead the group to perform works by Mozart and more. She will be joined by SSO oboist Karen Hosmer, SSO violist Dani Rimoni, and SSO cellist Boris Kogan. This concert is the last of a five-concert series at 52 Sumner, where the Springfield Chamber Players will have finished their second season. Also, this concert will be in honor of Marsha Harbison, who is retiring from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra after 49 years, and her late husband, Dr. William Harbison, who was a staunch supporter of the Springfield Chamber Players.
Free Shred Day
May 23: bankESB invites customers and members of the community to a free Shred Day on Saturday, May 23 at its Belchertown office, located at 40 State St. Residents can reduce their risk of identity theft by bringing old mail, receipts, statements and bills, canceled checks, pay stubs, medical records, or any other unwanted paper documents containing personal or confidential information and shredding them safely and securely for free. InfoShred, a professional document destruction company, will be on site in the bank’s parking lot and can accept up to two boxes of documents per car. No appointment is necessary.
Forest Park Zoo Wine Safari
May 30: The Zoo in Forest Park invites everyone on a trip around the world at its Wine Safari fundraiser from 2 to 6 p.m. Wine Safari pairs wine from different countries with an animal from the same region, allowing guests to sample wines and meet wildlife from destinations near and far — without the cost of airfare. The Zoo has partnered with MGM Springfield’s Food and Beverage team and the Culinary Arts program at Lower Pioneer Valley Career Technical Education Center (CTEC). The $55 ticket includes wine samples from 2 to 6 p.m. (while supplies last), charcuterie, small bites and desserts, and animal encounters and keeper talks from members of the Zoo’s animal care and education teams. This event is restricted to adults age 21 and older, and a pre-purchased ticket is required to attend. All IDs will be checked at the door. Tickets are limited and are on sale now at www.forestparkzoo.org/wine-safari. The Zoo will be open to the general public prior to the event on May 30 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but will close to the general public at 1 p.m. to allow staff to prepare for Wine Safari.
Step into Summer Walk, Run, or Roll
June 1-7: Access Care Partners is encouraging community members to “move with purpose” by participating in its upcoming Step into Summer Virtual Walk, Run, or Roll. This flexible, inclusive event invites participants of all abilities to complete a 5K (approximately three miles) or engage in one hour of movement during the week — whether that’s walking, running, rolling, biking, dancing, or any activity that gets them moving. Participants can take part anywhere, from their neighborhood or a local trail to their own living room, and complete the challenge all at once or spread it out over the week. All proceeds from the event will go directly to Access Care Partners programs, which support older adults and individuals with disabilities throughout the community. Registration costs $25, which is applied towards the fundraising goals of participants, who are encouraged to invite friends and family to support their efforts through pledges or donations. Those who raise at least $100 will receive a thank-you gift. Visit givebutter.com/stepintosummer/join to register or learn more.
Junior Achievement Golf Tournament
June 5: Junior Achievement of Western Massachusetts (JAWM) will host its 28th annual golf tournament at Crumpin-Fox Golf Club in Bernardston, inviting community members and business leaders to enjoy a day of golf while supporting programs that empower local youth. The event begins with registration at 8 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. shotgun start. The tournament offers participants a top-tier golfer package in support of JAWM’s mission to prepare young people for success in work and life. Proceeds from the tournament directly fund JAWM learning experiences provided to students ages 5-25 throughout Western Mass. and beyond. These programs focus on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship, equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and individuals looking to support JAWM’s mission while gaining visibility at a well-attended community event. To register or learn more about sponsorship opportunities, email Amie Miarecki at [email protected].
40 Under Forty
June 11: BusinessWest will celebrate the 20th annual class of its 40 Under Forty awards, the region’s most prestigious recognition program honoring outstanding young professionals who are shaping the future of Western Massachusetts. This year’s honorees are profiled in the April 27 issue of BusinessWest and at businesswest.com. The awards gala will take place at 5 p.m. at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. Tickets cost $140 per person, and tables of 10 are available; reserve a spot at businesswest.com. The 20th annual 40 Under Forty program is presented by PeoplesBank and sponsored by the Dowd Agencies, Mercedes-Benz of Springfield, and the Isenberg School of Management at UMass Amherst.
STCC’s College for Kids
June 22 to Aug. 14: Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) announced the return of College for Kids, a summer program offering engaging, week-long academic experiences for students ages 11 to 16. College for Kids provides hands-on enrichment opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, business, and leadership, all within a supportive college campus environment. Programs run Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Organized by STCC’s Division of Workforce Development, the program introduces students to college-level subjects while encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and skill development. Visit the College for Kids page on at stcc.io/cfk to view the full schedule and course descriptions, and complete the registration. Tuition costs $260 per week.
‘Unlock the Potential of Your Property’
June 23: An informative seminar, “Unlock the Potential of Your Property with ADUs,” will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Lattitude Restaurant, located at 1338 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. The event is hosted by the Realtor Assoc. of Pioneer Valley. The seminar will focus on how accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can fit into one’s future plans, generate rental income, and provide flexible living space. Topics include zoning regulations, financing options, and design considerations. Expert presenters include attorney Christine Webster, Rana Morton of Goosehead Insurance, Tim Riley of Back Yard ADUs, and Oneida Fuentes of MassHousing. The seminar is open to the public but limited to 100 attendees. Complimentary appetizers will be served. The event is sponsored by Country Bank and PeoplesBank. To register, RAPV members can sign up online at rapv.com/membership/member-portal. Non-members can contact Laura Herring at [email protected] or (413) 785-1328.
