HOLYOKE — ServiceNet’s outpatient mental health clinics on Monday will officially become part of River Valley Counseling Center based on Holyoke.
Since July 1, 2025, RVCC has been operating under the ServiceNet umbrella of services. Dr. Elaine Campbell, ServiceNet’s senior vice president of clinical services, who previously served as assistant executive director of RVCC, said that by combining ServiceNet’s clinical operations with RVCC’s, the two nonprofits can offer more services to more people and share resources more effectively, among other benefits.
“This is also a move that is good for the therapists who work in our outpatient clinics and schools,” Campbell said in a statement. “It provides more flexibility and opportunities for growth, and more colleagues with whom to share our ideas and experience.”
RVCC’s outpatient clinics serve people across western Massachusetts, with a strong commitment to community-based care and access to bilingual services. With the addition of ServiceNet’s clinics to the mix, they now have a unified system of offices in Greenfield, Northampton, Amherst, and Pittsfield, as well as Springfield, Chicopee, Holyoke, Westfield, and Easthampton.
Working with people of all ages to address concerns such as depression, anxiety, OCD, hoarding, substance use, gambling, relationship challenges, and major life changes, RVCC’s team of therapists, psychiatrists, nurses, and support staff recognize that the most meaningful progress happens when people are truly partners in their own treatment.
ServiceNet and RVCC chose to affiliate last year in response the growing mental health care needs of the populations each was serving and where they saw that trend going over time.
Polish Junior League scholarships
The Polish Junior League of Massachusetts has announced its annual scholarship program for students of Polish heritage. The League will award scholarships to undergraduate students, and one scholarship will be granted to a graduate or returning student.
In addition to the undergraduate scholarship program, there are two memorial scholarships, named for Helen Weber and Josephine Karwoski, each offering a focus on specific areas of study.
The scholarships and services provided by the Polish Junior League would not be possible without funds raised through the League’s annual fashion show and public donations.
To be eligible, applicants, in addition to being part of the Polish community, must have a permanent address in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire or Hampden counties. Applications are being accepted now and the deadline is May 1. Scholarship creiteria can be found on the League’s website: http://polishjuniorleaguema.org/.
Murder-mystery dinner in Belchertown
BELCHERTOWN — The Belchertown Historical Association is holding its annual murder-mystery dinner on Saturday, Feb. 7, at Tony & Penny’s Restaurant in Ludlow.
The show will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by a dinner buffet. Guests can arrive as early as 6 p.m. This year’s show, written by Paula Hilton, is entitled “Death by Cupcake,” and will feature the antics of the BUCC players from the Belchertown United Church of Christ.
Tickets are $47 each and include the show, dinner and dessert. Tickets are available at Cold Spring Liquors (on the town common in Belchertown), or by contacting Sally Shattuck at 413-230-2022 or sallyshattuck54@gmail.com.
Animal Aura Yoga to hold ribbon-cutting
HADLEY — Animal Aura Yoga will celebrate its opening at the Hampshire Mall in Hadley with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, hosted in partnership with the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 3 to 4 p.m., at 367 Russell St.
Animal Aura Yoga offers a mix of classes, from Puppies & Yoga, to Snuggle Sessions, and more, providing a wellness experience that blends gentle yoga, mindful movement, and dedicated puppy snuggle time to support mental health, stress relief, and joy. The studio’s sessions also help young puppies build confidence and develop positive socialization skills in a calm environment.
The studio hosts public classes and private events, including puppy yoga, guided sessions, and puppy power breaks and snuggle therapy sessions. They also provide custom offerings for birthday parties, corporate team-building events, college groups or sports teams, community groups, and other special occasions. Sessions can be tailored to focus on relaxation, connection, or simple feel-good fun, depending on your group.
To RSVP visit the event page here.