Area Briefs: Grow Food’s Seed Share, gardening workshops

Grow Food’s Seed Share, gardening workshops

NORTHAMPTON — Grow Food Northampton will host its annual Seed Share and gardening workshops alongside the Winter Farmers Market at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz St., on Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Community members are invited to pick up free seeds donated by local farms, businesses, and individuals, as well as many grown on the GFN Community Farm. People are invited to bring their own saved seeds to share, as well. There will be two seed drops — one at 10:30 a.m. and another at 12 p.m. — to ensure that everyone who comes can find the seeds they want and need. Skilled gardeners and farmers will be on hand to offer seed starting and gardening advice.

Additionally, there will be three workshops offered by longtime gardener-farmers. They include Mushroom Growing with Livingstone Mycology from 11 to 11:45 a.m.; Seed Starting with Suna Turgay (Flowerwork Farm) from 12 to 12:45 p.m.; and Garden Visioning with River Aragon (The River Rose Farm) from 1 to 1:45 p.m.

A story time for children led by Forbes Library staff will be held at 11 a.m.

The Winter Market, happening simultaneously in the Great Room of the Northampton Senior Center, will have 20 produce and prepared food vendors including locally grown and raised vegetables, meat, herbs, eggs, mushrooms, tinctures and creams, honey, kombucha, wool, baked goods, coffee, meals, and more! SNAP Matching will be available to ensure that SNAP recipients can double down on their purchases. 

For more information, visit growfoodnorthampton.org. 

Access Care Partners seeks volunteers to deliver meals

HOLYOKE — Access Care Partners is seeking volunteers to deliver meals to older adults through its Nutrition Program. This ongoing opportunity helps ensure older adults in area communities receive nutritious meals while remaining healthy, independent and connected.

Volunteers deliver meals to individuals who may otherwise struggle to access healthy food in Holyoke, South Hadley, Granby, Belchertown, Chicopee, Ware and Ludlow. Routes take approximately one to three hours and occur between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers may choose to deliver as little as one day per week or up to five days per week, offering exceptional flexibility to fit a variety of schedules.

The role is ideal for retirees, parents with daytime availability, college students, and anyone looking to give back locally. No special experience is required — just a reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and a desire to help others. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, and an application and CORI background check are required.

Access Care Partners’ Nutrition Program serves hundreds of older adults and people with disabilities each week, helping ensure they receive balanced meals while reducing isolation and supporting overall well-being.

To learn more or request a volunteer application, call 413-538-9020 x329, email volunteer@accesscarepartners.org or visit accesscarepartners.org/volunteer.

Allsport Cup returning to Northampton

NORTHAMPTON — Allsport Arena will host its annual Allsport Cup 3v3 Soccer Tournament on Saturday, March 28. The fast-paced fundraiser that combines high-energy soccer with a simple goal: raising money so more people can afford to play.

Proceeds from this year’s tournament will support the Allsport Community Scholarship Fund, which helps youth and adult players participate when cost would otherwise keep them off the field.

Allsport is a six-month seasonal indoor facility, operating during the long New England winter — a time when opportunities for recreation and community activity can be limited.

Each year, Allsport distributes approximately $17,000 in scholarships and financial assistance so families aren’t turned away for financial reasons. The 3v3 Cup plays a major role in supporting that effort.

In past years, the tournament has raised funds to support the people of Ukraine and a Holyoke nonprofit serving local youth. Recent tournaments have generated about $7,000, and organizers are aiming to raise $10,000 this year to expand the arena’s scholarship program.

The tournament will feature youth divisions grouped by age, adult recreation and adult competitive. Teams consist of three to six players. Youth games begin in the afternoon, with adult divisions in the early evening.

Registration closes March 26 at midnight or when its sold out. For registration and details, visit: www.allsportsoccer.com/3v3.

Shutesbury Dems to caucus on Saturday

SHUTESBURY — Shutesbury Democrats will hold their annual caucus on Saturday, March 14, at 10 a.m., at Shutesbury Town Hall (1 Cooleyville Road) to elect three delegates and three alternates to the 2026 Massachusetts Democratic Convention.

Any registered Democrat residing in Shutesbury may attend the caucus to vote or run for delegate or alternate. The convention, at the DCU Center in Worcester on May 29–30, will be to nominate state-level Democratic candidates for the November 2026 elections.

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