Selectboard approves next steps for library project
MONTAGUE — With voter approval for a new library secured, the Selectboard has approved addendums to the contracts with project manager Downes Construction and Schwartz/Silver Architects, totaling $2.5 million, to move the new 38 Avenue A library project from the preliminary phase to the final design phase.
Assistant Town Administrator Chris Nolan-Zeller told the Selectboard last week that the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners allows municipalities to extend contracts with project managers and architects from the preliminary to final design and construction phases, rather than putting the project out to bid again.
“That allows us to transition with the existing project team, as long as we’ve been happy with the work they’ve done, which, speaking for the Library Building Steering Committee, we certainly have,” Nolan-Zeller said.
Nolan-Zeller said the addendum for Downes Construction is $570,000, and Schwartz-Silver will receive an additional $1,984,150 for seeing the project through to its conclusion. These numbers align with the MBLC-approved project budget.
David Brule to speak on battlefield study
TURNERS FALLS — Join local historian David Brule at the Turners Falls branch of Greenfield Savings Bank, 282 Avenue A, for a free presentation of “King Philip’s War in Your Backyard” from 1 to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8.
The talk will highlight the research done with a grant from the National Park Service to study the local impact of King Philip’s War, including conflicts between English settlers and Native American tribes, and historical events that took place in Sunderland, Northfield, Deerfield and Gill.
Sewer rate hearing scheduled
MONTAGUE — A sewer rate hearing is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 10, at 6 p.m. via Zoom or at Town Hall, 1 Avenue A.
This hearing is to consider rates for the 2027 fiscal year, and the Montague Sewer Commission will take public comment regarding the proposed rates before adopting them.
Copies of the proposed rate schedule will be available for public viewing at Town Hall, the Montague Clean Water Facility office at 34 Greenfield Road, and on the town website 48 hours prior to the hearing.
Interested residents may attend the hearing in person or via Zoom, or can submit written comments to the Sewer Commission at ChelseyL@montague-ma.gov before the hearing.
Aug. 15: Backpack and school supplies giveaway
TURNERS FALLS — The Brick House Community Resource Center on Third Street is hosting a backpack and school supplies giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children and teens in kindergarten through 12th grade.
The event is held on a first-come, first-served basis, and lunch will be available. For more information, contact Stacey Langknecht at slangknecht@brickhousecommunity.org or 413-800-2496, or Hannah Bertrand at hbertrand@brickhousecommunity.org.
Mug Race returns to Montague Center
MONTAGUE CENTER — The 45th annual Montague Mug Race and 20th annual Mini Mug Race will return on Saturday, Aug. 15.
The 5.5-mile Mug Race will start at 8:30 a.m. at the village common at 4 North St., followed by the 2-mile Mini Mug Race for walkers and runners at 8:35 a.m. Pewter mugs are given to the top male and female racers, and coffee mugs are given to the top three finishers in each division as well.
Both races will finish on Station Street, and all participants will be entered into a raffle drawing to win prizes. On top of the race, a used clothing sale will also take place.
Vendors wanted for Erving Fall Festival
ERVING — The Erving Recreation Commission is seeking vendors for the Erving Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The festival, which takes place at Veterans Memorial Park and Field at 20 Moore St., is seeking crafters, creators, food vendors, local businesses and community organizations to participate.
Registration is due Monday, Sept. 14, with a $10 registration fee. The fee is waived for nonprofits, school groups, community service organizations, and municipal or state agencies.
To register, visit tinyurl.com/3u2e7z3h.