Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity accepting applications for two homes in Pelham
PELHAM — Applications are available for two Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity homes that are under construction in Pelham.
The application deadline is Aug. 4. Eligible applicants will have incomes up to 60% of area median income (adjusted for family size).
People who are interested in submitting an application are invited to attend one of the following information sessions to learn more:
- Wednesday, July 1, at 5:30 p.m. at the Pelham Free Public Library. RSVP at tinyurl.com/HabitatJuly1.
- Saturday, July 11, at 10 a.m. on Zoom. Register at tinyurl.com/HabitatJuly11.
- Monday, July 27, at 7 p.m. on Zoom. Register at tinyurl.com/HabitatJuly27.
During the information sessions, potential applicants will learn about Habitat for Humanity’s selection criteria and how to prepare a complete application. The selection criteria include housing need, ability to make mortgage payments and willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity, such as participating in the construction of the home and other projects. More information can be found at fhhabitat.org/apply.
The homes to be built this year will be all-electric and built to ENERGY STAR standards. One home will be one-story and will be adaptable for someone with mobility impairments. All Habitat for Humanity homes are restricted to income-eligible buyers in perpetuity.
Since 1989, Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity has built affordable homes with almost 60 families with low incomes in Hampshire and Franklin counties. At the onset of homebuilding, a family is selected and enters into a long-term partnership with Franklin Hampshire Habitat for Humanity. Future homeowners contribute 250 hours of labor during the construction of their home alongside volunteers from the community. Upon completion, the home is sold to the family with an affordable mortgage.
Massachusetts Tomato Contest set for August
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the New England Vegetable & Berry Growers Association will hold the 41st Massachusetts Tomato Contest at the Boston Public Market on Thursday, Aug. 20.
Tomatoes will be judged by a panel of experts on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape. The day is designed to increase awareness of locally grown produce.
Open to all commercial farmers in Massachusetts, growers can bring tomatoes to the market between 8:45 and 10:45 a.m. on Aug. 20, or drop their entries off with a registration form at one of the regional drop-off locations on Wednesday, Aug. 19. The local drop-off location is the Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) offices at 1 Sugarloaf St. in South Deerfield from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The MDAR website advises that when dropping off tomatoes at the CISA office, visitors should enter the building through the side door on Graves Street. There will be a table set up in the lobby for tomatoes.
For more information, visit mass.gov/info-details/annual-massachusetts-tomato-contest. With questions, contact Rose Arruda at Rose.Arruda@mass.gov.
UMassFive awards $4K in scholarships
HADLEY — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive) awarded scholarships to Frontier Regional School graduate Romy Curtis-Leuchs and South Hadley High School graduate Matthew Gillis.
Applicants receive scholarships based on academic achievement, community involvement and a written essay. Forty-seven other high school seniors submitted applications as well. Each scholarship is for $2,000.
Curtis-Leuchs maintained an ambitious course load across diverse disciplines. She served as president of both the Student Council and the Feminist Club while enjoying participation in numerous student organizations, including the National Honor Society, the Drama Club and the Latin Club. Curtis-Leuchs also volunteered with social service organizations, including Manna Community Kitchen, where she helped provide meals, and Safe Passage, where she supported efforts to provide resources for individuals impacted by domestic violence. She plans to study comparative literature at Brown University this fall.
Gillis has been recognized for his academic and athletic excellence. He supported his student community through participation in an array of clubs, most notably through the Chemistry Olympiad, a competition for high school students who excel in chemistry. Gillis served as varsity captain of his soccer and track and field teams. He was recognized with the University of Rochester Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology and received the Certificate of Excellence in AP Computer Science Principles. Gillis plans to study engineering at Swarthmore College this fall.