Montague Center fire chief earns state accreditation
MONTAGUE CENTER — Montague Center Fire Chief Luke Hartnett received a chief fire officer accreditation on Sept. 30 from the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission, a gubernatorial-appointed board that has established a process for uniform credentialing for the level of fire chief.
According to the Massachusetts fire chiefs credentialing program website, this volunteer program allows firefighters to be accredited for their skills and training. It also represents an opportunity to “recognize and foster the professionalism” of the firefighter.
“The program establishes requirements based on education, training and experience in areas relevant to serving as fire chief,” Belchertown Fire Chief John Ingram, who serves as chair of the commission, said in a statement. “It establishes benchmarks for training in fire and emergency service management so that chiefs may be better prepared to serve their department and their community.”
The applicant’s documentation is reviewed by a subcommittee of the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission to determine if the individual has attained a minimum level of credits for education, training and experience.
“I am dedicated to providing the highest level of service to the Montague Center Fire
Department, this community and the fire service as a whole, and have worked hard to continue my education and experience to bring a high level of professionalism to this position,” Hartnett said in a statement.
Credentialed participants are required to renew their credentials every three years.
Discovery Center to host Indigenous fishing event for Archaeology Month
TURNERS FALLS — The Great Falls Discovery, in collaboration with the First People First Stewards Partnership, the Massachusetts Office of Cultural Resources and the Nolumbeka Project, will host a program on the Indigenous perspective of changing seasons on Saturday, Oct. 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guests will learn about traditional fishing methods along the Connecticut River, and will get to help weave a fishing net and take photos with a mishoon, a Native American dugout canoe. Activities will be inside and outside the Discovery Center’s Great Hall at 2 Avenue A.
Two-part series to discuss puberty
ERVING — Caretakers and preteens will have an opportunity to learn about what to expect when puberty begins during a two-part informational series hosted by Tapestry Health starting on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Erving Public Library.
The first session will be a discussion for caretakers of children who are navigating or preparing for puberty. The next session, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., will be a discussion for preteens ages 11 and older on the physical and emotional impacts of puberty.