ASHFIELD — The Ashfield Energy Committee will host an event on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Belding Memorial Library, 344 Main St., for residents of Ashfield and neighboring communities to meet with Sen.-elect Paul Mark, D-Becket.
Mark is finishing his tenure in the House of Representatives, where he has represented the 16 communities in Berkshire and Franklin counties that are part of the 2nd Berkshire District. Having won election to the Senate in November, he will represent the 57 cities and towns of the Berkshire, Hampden, Franklin and Hampshire District starting in January 2023.
Saturday’s event will be an opportunity for Mark to kick off his roving office hours, get to know new constituents and hear about issues they’d like him to address as a senator. Constituents will meet on the lower level of the library. There is easy access to the large meeting room through the building’s rear entrance.
Additionally, from noon to 1 p.m., prior to Mark’s arrival, information will be provided about state and federal funding for the purchase of solar power, heat pumps, electric vehicles and other strategies for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, as well as plans to expand regional passenger rail service. Electric vehicles will be available for viewing in front of the library and patrons can check out copies of the documentary film, “Revenge of the Electric Car.”
ASHFIELD — The two oak trees in declining health on Ashfield Town Beach next to the bathhouse have been pruned, according to Park Commission Chair Judy Haupt.
The Park Commission decided to trim the trees as an alternative to chopping them down. The commission hosted a public forum about the fate of the trees in late October, and decided to trim them in a subsequent meeting.
Haupt noted, however, that the trees are still in declining health and may not survive this trimming.
CHARLEMONT — The Charlemont Federated Church will host an alternative holiday service for those who experience grief and struggle with loss around the holidays. Called a Blue Christmas Service, it will be held Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 7 p.m.