SHELBURNE — The town will receive an automated external defibrillator and will host a free, hands-only CPR awareness program on how to use it, Wednesday, April 18, at 4 p.m. at the Cowell Gymnasium.
The program will be lead by Shelburne Selectman Bob Manners, a long-time EMT and firefighter. Children, young adults, volunteer coaches and all community members are welcome to attend.
The Phillips FRX automated external defibrillator (or AED) was a gift to the town and to the Cowell Gymnasium by the KEVS Foundation. The Foundation was set up in memory of a young athlete named Kevin J. Major, who died at age 19 of heart failure from Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. A representative from the KEVS Foundation will present the defibrillator to Cowell Gym director Emily Crehan during the awareness program. The Foundation’s mission is to spread awareness of hands-only CPR and increase access to AEDs in western Massachusetts.
The defibrillator will be accessible during all Cowell Gym youth and adult events, including basketball, volleyball, senior fitness walks and other events. It is portable and will also be used for Shelburne outdoor sports, including soccer, softball and baseball.
The town is asking those who plan on attending the CPR program to let them know in advance, by going to the Shelburne Recreation Facebook page.
SHELBURNE — The town’s Technology and Cable Advisory Committee will be hosting a “customer information night” for residents who want more information about Comcast services and products in the newly expanded customer service area. The meeting is on Wednesday, April 18, at 7 p.m. in the Shelburne Fire House meeting room on Little Mohawk Road.
Eileen Leahy, Comcast’s Western New England senior manager, will be there, along with two sales representatives to answer questions or make an appointment for a construction estimate for those homes and businesses that Comcast has identified as requiring additional construction.
HAWLEY — A work bee is set for April 21 at Doane Cemetery on Forget Road. Ray and Melanie Poudrier are asking volunteers to bring work gloves, rakes, and lopping shears. The work is to include moving branches and brush from the lawn and cemetery borders.
BUCKLAND — District aides for state Sen. Adam G. Hinds, D-Pittsfield, will hold office hours on Wednesday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Buckland Town Hall, 17 State St. All constituents are welcome to come with questions or comments about state government.
COLRAIN — The Selectboard and Colrain Energy Committee invite residents to an educational Energy Forum on Saturday, April 28, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Colrain Central School. The forum is about two new town energy initiatives that will appear on the Annual Town Meeting warrant on Tuesday, May 8.
The first warrant article asks voters to approve Colrain becoming a Green Community, which would make the town eligible for state grants for renewable energy projects. Jim Barry, the Green Communities Coordinator for Western Massachusetts, will explain the Green Communities Program and answer questions. Tom Champine from the Center for Eco Technology will explain the HERS rating process that would be required for new buildings.
The second warrant article pertains to a county-wide effort for residents of Franklin County towns to buy electrical energy collectively. Known as Community Choice Aggregation, this effort would enable us to purchase a greater amount of renewable energy at a lower cost. Bob Dean from Franklin Regional Council of Governments (FRCOG) will discuss this project.
A MassSave energy coach will be present to discuss the MassSave program and other energy saving ideas with Colrain homeowners and renters. Colrain Central School student projects on wind energy and endangered species will be on display for this event.
SHELBURNE — Several money transfers, ranging from $5 to $202,000 are on a special town meeting warrant for Monday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. in Memorial Hall.
The transfer of $202,684 from “free cash” reserves, is to be moved into the town’s stabilization account. Also, $27,000 will be transferred from free cash to the 250th celebration account for costs connected with the weekend celebration the weekend of June 22.
The other money transfers are for the following purposes:
$5 into the Finance Committee expense account to cover a budgetary shortfall.
$3,000 into the computer account, to cover a budgetary deficit.
$37,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Account to cover costs for the second phase of the inflow/infiltration study.
$20,000 to identify a suitable site for the police department, including inspections, a feasibility study, design or remodel designs.
$7,123 to cover tennis court costs for change orders for the renovation project.
$1,000 for village beautification