ASHFIELD — The Selectboard approved the following appointments to these town committees: Vocational Education Advisory Committee (VEAC), David Newell, chair; Kayce Warren and alternate member Lynn Taylor; Municipal Lighting Plant (MLP) Advisory board, Selectman Thomas Carter and Mark Graves; Historical Commission, Lester Garvin.
Garvin is replacing Historical Commission member Steven Gougeon, who submitted a letter of resignation after serving the commission for 10 years. The Selectboard agreed to send him a letter of thanks for his work, especially for help with the town’s 250th anniversary.
Hendrik, a boy from Belgium, and Worapon, a boy from Thailand, are planning to attend the Academy at Charlemont this fall, but need host families to stay with, according to Jacqueline Walsh of Shelburne.
Both will be attending the school this year via the PAX (Program for Academic Exchange) program, which places more than 1,000 international students nationwide each year, says Walsh, a PAX coordinator.
Hendrik, 17, will be in 12th grade. He plays soccer and tennis, and he skis. His mother was an exchange student in the United States 30 years ago.
Worapon is going into 11th grade, loves dogs, and would love to be in a home with pets.
Walsh’s family hosted a student from China and another from Russia. “It was wonderful. They were enthusiastic and engaged and loved the Academy,” said Walsh, the parent of two Academy alumni. “You don’t have to provide trips or a great deal of entertainment for the students. They learn so much from the families without that. Most host parents work.”
Students help around the house and follow household rules. Host families provide meals and a bed for them and help them learn what family life in the U.S. is like.
To host or learn more, contact Jackie Walsh at 413-625-9413 or shelburnejackieb@gmail.com.