Fred W. Wells Trust awards more than $377K
One hundred and eighty-one students and 14 organizations applying from the towns of Ashfield, Bernardston, Buckland, Charlemont, Conway, Deerfield, Gill, Greenfield, Hawley, Heath, Leyden, Montague, Northfield, Rowe and Shelburne were awarded $377,520 in scholarships and grants through the Fred W. Wells Trust for the 2026-2027 award cycle.
Wells, a businessman who resided in both Greenfield and Shelburne Falls, made provision in his self-written will for area residents to gain educational scholarships, as well as receive grants to assist with health and agricultural concerns. Since his death in 1946, thousands of Franklin County residents in 16 specified towns have benefited from his generosity.
Through his desire to aid local residents in obtaining higher education, assist in the care of the sick and aged particularly in rural areas, and support the advancement of agriculture, Wells’ will has provided Franklin County residents 80 years of scholarship and grant awards. In this year’s award cycle, $302,159 was designated toward academic scholarships, nearly $56,495 is slated for health grants and $18,866 is for agricultural awards. Notifications are expected to be complete by mid-June.
Future application information will be available at wellstrustscholarship.com.
American Legion members to distribute red poppies
Members of the Lt. John J. Galvin Post 81 of the American Legion will distribute red poppies to members of the Greenfield and Turners Falls communities on National Poppy Day on Friday, May 22.
In 2017, Congress designated the Friday before Memorial Day as National Poppy Day, but members of the American Legion have been wearing them since 1920. Poppies became a symbol of sacrifice and honor following the publication of “In Flanders Fields,” a poem by World War I veteran John McCrae.
American Legion representatives will be at Foster’s Supermarket in Greenfield and Food City in Turners Falls on Friday between 2 and 5 p.m., or until their supply runs out. Although no donations are expected, the Legion is grateful for any donations made. All funds will go to support local veterans.
Baystate Health introduces new digital billing system
SPRINGFIELD — Baystate Health has upgraded its billing system. Patients will now receive one combined electronic statement, have access to a single online payment portal and be able to choose flexible payment options that work for them.
No immediate action by patients is needed to use the new system. However, the next time a bill is issued, the process may look different. When a bill is ready, patients will receive a notification via text or email. These messages will include a link to view and pay a bill online.
Patients may begin to receive text messages from Baystate Health with a secure link to their bill. If patients are unsure whether a text message is from Baystate, they should contact customer service at 833-837-2525.
In the new system, patients can update their contact preferences, review their balance, view bill details, make a full payment or select a payment plan. Payments can be made using credit/debit card, electronic check payment, Flexible Savings Account (FSA)/Health Savings Account (HSA) cards, Apple Pay or Google Pay, and receipts are provided for recordkeeping.
Patients who need assistance will also have the option to contact a customer service representative directly through the platform and Baystate Health will continue to offer financial assistance for qualifying patients.
Visit pay.baystatehealth.org to learn more or manage bills.
May 21: ‘Emergency in the Brain’
SPRINGFIELD — In recognition of Stroke Awareness Month, Baystate Health will host a virtual program titled “Emergency in the Brain: A Look Inside Neurocritical Care” on Thursday, May 21, from 6 to 7 p.m.
Attendees can join Benjamin Barnes for an inside look at neurocritical care, including how it differs from general intensive care and when it is used to treat stroke and other severe neurologic emergencies. The presentation will also highlight how specialized care teams use acute stroke interventions to improve long-term patient outcomes.
To register, visit BaystateHealth.org/stroke-awareness-month