October 13, 2024

Jericho concert celebrates mission of the ministry

REGIONAL
By David Martin

People danced to the music of Union Jack at a concert at Jericho, the Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults, Saturday, Oct. 12 (IObserve photo/Courtesy of David Martin)

HOLYOKE- More than 100 gathered on the grounds of Jericho in Holyoke, Saturday, Oct. 12, for a free concert to celebrate the mission of the ministry. Jericho, the Bureau for Exceptional Children and Adults in Holyoke, serves people with disabilities and their families. The Catholic non-profit offers a religious education program, a weekly Sunday Mass at noon, recreational activities including dances, summer camps and resources for families.

“You may be familiar with a disability or you may know someone, a friend, co-worker or family member who has a disability. We want you to leave here tonight having had a great time, but also learn a little bit about what we do here and pass that on to someone that may benefit from it,” said Jackie Tyler, events coordinator at Jericho.

Jericho was founded in the late 1960’s by Father Robert F. Wagner and Sister of St. Joseph Joan Magnani.

“The spiritual part of it is wonderful because they love and trust in God very much. They need to be a part of community. So having this band here today is an event for our community and they are part of that. So if we can enjoy the music and enjoy one another, I think it will be a wonderful time,” said Sister Magnani, the former director of Jericho. Sister Magnani, who retired in 2021, still works part-time at Jericho as a pastoral assistant.

The performance was given by Union Jack, a popular British Invasion cover band. The concert took place on the back porch of the main administration building. People brought their own lawn chairs and got up and danced to popular songs from Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Moody Blues, the Kinks and Beatles.

“I go back to the early Beatles. I remember distinctly, ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’ because I was in college when that came out and if I am not mistaken it may have been the Beatles first number one song on the charts. I like all kinds from the 60’s era: The Rolling Stones, Dave Clark Five and so forth. There was some great music back then,” said media personality and board member, Ray Hershel.

Hershel said it has been very rewarding during his time as a board member and before that as a volunteer to see how much Jericho has grown. He added that it is especially inspiring to observe the young children who started at Jericho, grow up and remain part of the community as adults.

Food and beverages were also available for purchase.

To learn more about Jericho, go to www.jerichobeca.org

A video version of this story will be on an upcoming edition of “Real to Reel” which temporarily airs Sunday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on WWLP-22 NEWS.