Through volunteerism, five picnic benches added to Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School playground
SHELBURNE FALLS — Following the construction of new playgrounds at Buckland-Shelburne Elementary School in early August, Suffolk Construction and members of Carpenters Local 336 banded together to build five nearby picnic benches. Students will be able to use these tables during recess.
Installation of the picnic tables occurred on Aug. 15. Seven members of Carpenters Local 336 and the partner of a member donated time and labor to build the benches, while Suffolk Construction donated the materials.
Shelburne Cultural Council accepting grant applications
SHELBURNE — The Shelburne Cultural Council is accepting grant applications from individuals and organizations to help cover the cost of projects in the arts, humanities and sciences. Applications are due Oct. 15.
Projects funded by the Cultural Council in fiscal year 2026 include the Hilltown History Trail, the new Shelburne Falls mosaic signs and the Shelburne Falls Porch Music Festival.
For more information, visit massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/shelburne.
Shelburne Cultural Council seeks new members
SHELBURNE — The Shelburne Cultural Council is seeking new members.
There are two vacant seats on the nine-person council, with each term lasting three years. According to Leslie Taylor, a member of the Cultural Council, you don’t need to be an artist to join the council — just someone who cares about culture and community, and who is willing to work behind the scenes.
Some of the council’s goals for the upcoming year include expanding public events for artists and art influencers to connect and share information.
The Cultural Council meets once a month. To express interest in joining, email ShelburneLcc@gmail.com or submit a letter of interest to the Shelburne Cultural Council, 51 Bridge St., Shelburne, MA 01370-1181.
Colrain pumpkin stand open for the season
COLRAIN — A pumpkin stand in Colrain opened a week ahead of schedule and is now offering pumpkins for jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkin seeds as Halloween draws closer.
Operated by Wyatt Bryant, a current high school student, the pumpkins range in price and size, with the most expensive pumpkins costing $10. The smallest pumpkins offered come in at 50 cents, with medium-size pumpkins falling somewhere in the middle.
The pumpkins are available for purchase on Main Road (Route 112) near the Colrain Community Church. The stand operates on the honor system for payment.
Monroe Special Town Meeting voters amend FY26 operating budget
MONROE — Thirteen residents were present at Town Hall for an Aug. 17 Special Town Meeting where they agreed to amend the fiscal year 2026 operating budget.
The warrant article, which passed unanimously, asked if the town would raise and appropriate $40,000 to address transportation costs to Mohawk Trail Regional School and a School Choice shortfall. The money will come out of the General Stabilization Fund.
The meeting adjourned after 22 minutes.
Chicken barbecue coming to Shelburne Falls
SHELBURNE FALLS — The Fraternal Order of Eagles will host a chicken barbecue in celebration of Labor Day.
On Saturday, Sept. 5, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 52 State St., attendees can enjoy a half-chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, corn on the cob and a dinner roll. While event organizers say that eating the meal on site is preferred, takeout options are available, too.
The meal costs $20 and there is limited availability. To make a reservation, visit the Fraternal Order of Eagles at 52 State St. or call 413-625-2593.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/4nuvm8su.
Colrain seeks volunteers for taxation aid committee
COLRAIN — After passing an article that established an Elderly and Disabled Taxation Aid Fund at its Special Town Meeting in June, Colrain is requesting volunteers to join a committee that will help establish the rules and regulations for that fund.
The five-person committee will be made up of the chair of the Board of Assessors, the town treasurer/collector and three community members appointed by the Selectboard.
Officials emphasize that those who are interested in submitting their names for consideration don’t need any assessing or tax experience — just an interest in making sure this fund helps the residents of Colrain.
To submit your name for consideration, email bos@colrain-ma.gov or send a letter of interest to the Town Administrator/Selectboard, 55 Main Road, Colrain, MA, 01340.