Rockridge to Host Second Annual Founders’ Dinner on Oct. 22

NORTHAMPTON — Rockridge Retirement Community will host its second annual Founders’ Dinner on Thursday, Oct. 22.

The evening will open with a cocktail hour followed by dinner prepared by the chefs of Rockridge using the local harvest. The Violette Young Community Enrichment Award will then be presented to Monte Belmonte, morning host on WRSI 93.9 the River. Proceeds from the dinner will enhance Rockridge’s ability to provide safe and appropriate transportation to residents.

Belmonte is best known for his radio work, but has also volunteered for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts with the yearly Monte’s March, and for the Cancer Connection through Campout for Cancer. Recently, he was selected to take over Shea Theater in Turners Falls. The award is being fashioned by Lynn Latimer, a glass artist from Easthampton.

Rockridge was founded in 1971 by Elmo and Violette Young, one of the first registered nurses for the community. One of the many programs started under her leadership was the Ladies Auxiliary, which continues to provide vital services for the community today. Rockridge honored her with the creation of the Violette Young Community Enrichment Award. Each year, the award is given to an individual who exemplifies a multi-faceted set of criteria that has contributed to the betterment of the Greater Northampton area. The 2014 recipient was Suzanne Beck, executive director of the Greater Northampton Chamber of Commerce.

Ticket and sponsorship information for the Founders’ Dinner is available by calling Rockridge at (413) 586-2902 or visiting www.rockridgema.org.