Fire truck purchase approved in Montague Center

MONTAGUE CENTER — Residents in the Montague Center Fire District have voted to support the purchase of a new fire engine.

The vote took place during the Montague Center Fire District’s annual meeting on June 25. Article 12 sought to use $600,000 to buy a new truck with a 3,000-gallon water tank.

The purchase comes as the department seeks to replace its existing engine that is more than 25 years old, does not meet National Fire Protection Association standards, has broken down during emergencies and has cost the department $32,500 in repairs over the last eight years. Since there are no fire hydrants outside of the main village, this new truck can bring large amounts of water to the scene of a fire when hydrants aren’t nearby.

The purchase would be paid for using a debt exclusion that would raise the average single-family home tax bill for Montague Center Fire District residents by $50.41 annually. The purchase would be financed with a seven-year loan.

Ann Fisk, an EMT with the Montague Center Fire Department, said there was an “excellent turnout” for the meeting, with more than 80 people in attendance. She noted that the department hopes to collect donations to help offset the cost of the truck.

“All of the men and women of the Montague Center Fire Department would like to express our deepest appreciation for the involvement and continued support of the community in the safety and well-being of not only the firefighters, but the community itself, by recognizing the need and supporting the purchase of the new fire apparatus,” the department wrote in an online statement about the vote.

Outdoor volunteer opportunities available with Erving Conservation Commission

ERVING — Looking for some volunteer opportunities to support access to nature? The Conservation Commission is seeking volunteers to help with outdoor tasks this summer.

Those who are interested in lending their time can contact Conservation Commission Chair Mark Blatchley at conservation@erving-ma.gov.

July 11: Digital safety presentation

TURNERS FALLS — Retired Montague Police Sgt. Lee Laster will give a presentation on how to stay safe on the internet at the Turners Falls branch of Greenfield Savings Bank, 282 Avenue A, on Saturday, July 11, from 1 to 2 p.m.

Laster will cover how families and children can stay safe online, how to take action if targeted and how to recognize scams, among other points. The event is free.

Garden dedication planned at Erving Public Library

ERVING — A pollinator shade garden will be dedicated to Annabelle Lucas, a longtime volunteer and member of the Friends of the Erving Public Library on Sunday, July 12, at 11 a.m. at the library at 2 Care Drive.

The day will feature a short program and tour of the new garden, with refreshments available. The garden design was done by Jocelyn Demuth of Checkerspot Farm in Colrain, who also supplied and planted the garden.

According to Lucas’ obituary, she died at 92 years old on Feb. 28, 2024, after a year-long battle with leukemia and heart disease. She loved to volunteer at the library and help with the spring plant sale each year.

The garden was paid for using a grant from the FirstLight Sustains program.

July 18: ‘We the People’ banner creation

TURNERS FALLS — Indivisible Montague is sponsoring a program at the Great Falls Discovery Center, 2 Avenue A, on Saturday, July 18, dedicated to creating a banner inspired by the United States Constitution.

The program will take place from 1 to 3 p.m., and attendees will create a “We the People” banner with phrases, words or statements from the Constitution to place on it. Guests are also invited to place their handprint on the banner.

The program will be an opportunity to learn about the Constitution and how the U.S. form of government was created. Prizes will be awarded to youth who can recite the Preamble of the Constitution from memory.

This event is free and open to all ages. It will take place in the Discovery Center’s courtyard.

Erving Senior Center holding summer barbecue

ERVING — A summer barbecue will be held at the Erving Senior & Community Center, 1 Care Drive, on Thursday, July 23, at noon.

The lunch costs $8 per person, and Ed Hogan will play live music. Registration is required ahead of time by calling 413-423-3649.

Painting class coming to Erving Senior Center

ERVING — Join artist Teri Magner in painting at the Erving Senior & Community Center, 1 Care Drive, on Tuesday, July 28, with a lunch at noon and painting starting at 1 p.m.

The event, sponsored by New Salem Academy, costs $25 per person, and this includes the provided canvases and paints. Registration ahead of time is required, and a spot can be reserved by calling 413-423-3649.