Area Briefs: Amherst resident wins lottery

AMHERST — Shrijana Dhakal Sharma of Amherst has won a $200 a week for life prize in the Massachusetts State Lottery’s “$200 a Week for Life” $2 instant ticket game.

Dhakal Sharma chose the cash option on her prize and received a one-time payment of $160,000 before taxes. She said she plans to put the winnings toward buying a house.

The winning ticket was purchased at Cumberland Farms, 19 Montague St. in Amherst. The store will receive a $2,080 bonus for its sale of this ticket.

Cuppa Joe to feature assistant town manager

AMHERST — Assistant Town Manager David Ziomek will be the guest at the next Cuppa Joe conversation at Atkins Farms Country Market, 1150 West St., Friday, Jan. 9, at 8 a.m.

The 90-minute event with Town Manager Paul Bockelman invites community members to drop in to chat about town affairs and meet other residents.

Ziomek, also director of Conservation and Development, grew up in Amherst and has dedicated over 20 years of service to the town, overseeing all conservation and planning initiatives. Ongoing projects include redevelopment of the former Hickory Ridge golf course, maintenance of Puffer’s Pond, adoption of hunting regulations and various housing initiatives.

Hatfield Rally House to hold grand opening

HATFIELD — Hatfield Rally House, the indoor tennis and pickleball building at 255 West St., holds its grand opening Saturday, Jan. 10., from noon to 5 p.m.

The 61,570-square‑foot building features indoor tennis and pickleball courts, viewing areas, locker rooms with showers, a cafe and pro shop and gathering spaces.

“Hatfield Rally House exists because our community has been asking for a place like this,” says owner Ashley Schaffer. “Our main goal is to bring our community together. We live here and want this place to become a second home for people — for friends, families, and serious competitors alike.”

“This facility represents more than just tennis and pickleball — it’s about community, health, and creating a space where people can come together,” said Director of Operations Keshawn Dodds. 

The open house will have tours, staff meet-ups, mini-clinics, quickie shootouts and family‑oriented activities.

Hilltown health center’s holiday help program a success

The Hilltown Community Health Centers, along with the Gateway Regional School District National Honor Society, handed out thousands of dollars in donations last month in the form of presents, clothing, books and other items during this years Hilltown Holiday Help program.

Funding for the program, which the organizations have organized for more than 20 years, came from more than 60 donors, through a boot drive coordinated with the National Honor Society and the Huntington Fire Department, a health center fundraiser and checks mailed in. More than 20 individuals and families “adopted” families in need.

“It truly is the work of the community, as whole. We are blessed to live in a place where your friends and neighbors can be counted on,” says Kim Savery, director of community programs for the health center. “In the season of giving, it is a love letter to the community from the community.”

After receiving wish lists from families, volunteers went to work. At Thanksgiving, turkeys and meals were delivered to local families in need. Volunteers started shopping, soliciting donations, organizing donations and purchases for recipients. In addition to food and gifts, families were helped in other ways.

This year the impact was tremendous. The program served 51 low-income families with 164 children aged newborn (days old) to 12, along with providing 19 holiday meals and giving out more than $1,500 worth of gift cards for groceries and department stores.

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