SHELBURNE FALLS — Rural Commonwealth, the nonprofit organization founded 10 months ago by two Charlemont town officials to strengthen rural towns through networking, research, and local problem-solving projects, has just opened an office in the former Lamson & Goodnow complex at 49 Conway St. (Building No. 1, second floor).
The organization is celebrating its new headquarters with an open house on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. There will be light refreshments.
Projects underway by this group include:
Three-month business tune-up programs for existing businesses (beginning in June 2018)
Incubator for new businesses (beginning September)
Connections to resources that lower the cost of doing business in small towns, such as the West County Kitchens project.
Occasional networking, training and speaker events to address specific interests of the local business community.
SHELBURNE FALLS — The Shelburne Falls Fire District will begin its “spring cleaning” flushing of fire hydrants on the following dates: Monday, April 30, Friday, May 4, May 7 and May 11 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Those living within the district may experience lower water pressure and/or rusty water during those times.
SHELBURNE FALLS — The Village Information Center, which opens Tuesday, is seeking volunteers to staff the center and provide information to both local people and the thousands of visitors that come here each summer.
Last year, according to Marion Taylor, at least 9,400 came to the visitor center, coming here from 46 countries and every U.S. state except Iowa and Idaho.
According to Taylor, the volunteers serve a three-hour shift, either from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or from 1 to 4 p.m. on days when the center is open.
Last year, 32 volunteers worked at the visitor center. Those interested are invited to stop in Tuesday or later to sign up. Many who volunteer enjoy meeting people from all over the world and the country visiting this small town.