SHELBURNE FALLS —Three “Working Economic Business Sections” (WEBS) workshops will be led Thursday, Nov. 9, by the Greater Shelburne Falls Business Association to spark discussion and new ideas from the business community on how the organization can better serve West County businesses.
Three 90-minute sessions will be held throughout the day, at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center at 53 Main St., to maximize how many business people will be able to participate. The topic of retail/restaurants/accommodations will be discussed from 7:30 to 9 a.m.; artists/associations and nonprofits will be discussed from 1:30 to 3 p.m.; and professional services/trades/agriculture will be the focus from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
The business association is looking for collaborative feedback about current business association activities and suggestions on how the business association can help different business sectors in the region prosper.
The sessions are free and open to every business in West County and beyond. Registration is not required. For more information, contact Executive Director Carmela Lanza-Weil at carmela@shelburnefalls.com or call 413-625-2526.
Pitt House books, ephemera may be sold
COLRAIN — The town Historical Society got support from the Selectboard to cull through hundreds of books and papers left behind by G. William Pitt inside his historic homestead. Phillips Sherburne of the Historical Society said members intend to keep the historic books and documents that are important to the town, along with the theater history inside the home. But they would like to sell off bunches of 1950s novels and other things of seemingly little value. They said Nancy Dole of Buckland, who runs a bookstore/ephemera shop in Shelburne Falls, has volunteered to help them determine if anything is of value.
When asked what they wanted to get rid of, Sherburne said “a couple hundred books, pamphlets and sheet music.” The society may try to auction the items before holding a book sale or some similar event.
COLRAIN — The town is still awaiting reimbursement for flood damage repairs stemming from the 2011 Tropical Storm Irene, so the Selectboard renewed its $158,000 loan balance — at a 1.26 percent interest — with Greenfield Cooperative Bank.
ASHFIELD — Bullit Road is now closed to through traffic, so that repairs to the bridge at the intersection of Route 116 can be made.
The rest of the road will be open, with access from North Poland Road in Conway. The road is expected to be closed for about two weeks, according to the town website.
ASHFIELD — The Selectboard will hold a public hearing on Monday, Nov. 13, to discuss the invasive weeds problem in Ashfield Lake.
The hearing will take place during the first half of the Selectboard meeting at 7 p.m. in the Town Hall.
Despite significant efforts, the fanwort and milfoil continue to grow in quantity and extent. Environmental consultant Angela Panaccione will be present, and control methods will be discussed, including the use of chemical treatment.