Montague Notebook: Wednesday, Dec. 18

Amy Rodriguez from Orange (center) receiving her certificate in welding and metal fabrication during the Franklin County Technical School Career Technical Institute’s fall graduation ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 12. CONTRIBUTED/MICHAEL REARDON
Published: 12-18-2024 9:49 AM |
TURNERS FALLS – Thirty-six students in Franklin County Technical School’s Career Technical Institute were recently honored during a graduation ceremony for completing 12-week courses in automotive technology, electrical, horticulture, and welding and metal fabrication. These grant-funded programs are free as long as students meet the income criteria set by the Commonwealth Corporation and Massachusetts Governor’s office.
Students represented towns and cities in Franklin and Hampshire counties, and Andrew Del Valle of Greenfield in the horticulture course was awarded the Jocelyn Croft Award for Perseverance, and Jacob Miner and Barbara Crane of Greenfield earned the Rooted in Resilience Award.
Graduates learn skills to prepare them for the workforce and receive placement assistance. The CTI will again offer automotive technology, electrical, horticulture, and welding and metal fabrication, and will add carpentry as free programs in the spring. For more information about CTI and other evening Adult Education Programs visit www.fcts.us/apps/pages/AdultEd.
TURNERS FALLS – The Voo Holiday Spectacular will again take place at The Rendezvous, at 78 Third Street in Turners Falls, on Thursday, Dec. 19 starting at 7:30 p.m.
The event will feature a variety of eclectic musical genres performed by talented musicians from throughout the region, thematic alternate versions of “‘Twas ‘the Night Before Christmas” read by various performers, a few sing-alongs, a bit of dancing, and hopefully a few surprises, along with delicious Voo food and delectable libations.
Performers will include Jerri Higgins, Juli Grybko Moreno, Andrew Woodland and members of Appalachian Still and Preemption Road, Drew Paton, Carolyn Walker, Ferne Bork and Bruce Kahn, Corki and Ken, Falltown String Band, Athecia Yager, Deb Osowski, Laurie Wheeler, Sue Shedd, Justin Lawrence, Karen Stinchfield and more.
In addition to the show, organizers invite audience members to bring along new/handcrafted winter hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves, which will be donated to Warm the Children and/or non-perishable food, which will be donated to the Franklin Area Survival Center Food Pantry in Turners Falls.
It’s been a decade since the last Spectacular took place. Organizers are bringing it back because of fond memories of previous shows and the desire to share some fun and joy during this season. For up-to-date information on the evening’s performers and program, visit The Voo Holiday Spectacular page on Facebook at https://tinyurl.com/2s4y4h4r.
Article continues after...
Yesterday's Most Read Articles






To celebrate the change in seasons, join an easy walk along the Canalside Rail Trail for three miles on a level paved surface on Saturday, Dec. 21 from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This walk is for adults and children ages 8 and up. Be prepared for cold weather, dress in layers. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water. Walk begins at the front entrance of the Discovery Center. Inclement weather or icy trail conditions cancels the walk. Meet outside the main entrance. Hot chocolate is available after the walk in the Great Hall.