Evening ‘Sky Tours’ coming to Colrain
COLRAIN — Those who are interested in seeing the night sky as they never have before are invited to join one of three Sky Tours this weekend.
Local astronomy educator Jon Rehmus invites residents to the lawn next to the West Branch Cemetery on Foundry Village Road for the events, held at 8 p.m. each night from Friday, Sept. 11 to Sunday, Sept. 13. The program involves lying on tarps provided by Rehmus, using an astronomy laser pointer, and drawing on science, history and lore to gain a better understanding of the night sky.
The event is free to attend and is being supported by the Colrain Cultural Council for the third year. Rehmus encourages those who attend to dress in layers and bring a blanket or a sleeping bag, as even on a warm evening, the 90-minute program will most likely entail dropping temperatures and dew.
The event is contingent upon the cloud coverage and weather. For more information and updates, visit threshold-crossing.com/naturalism-programs. If you’re planning to attend and have questions or would like to bring a telescope, email Rehmus at thresholdcrossing7@gmail.com or call him at 413-624-3025.
Charlemont-Hawley Arts Council accepting grant applications
Applications for funding from the Charlemont-Hawley Arts Council are being accepted until Oct. 15.
The Charlemont-Hawley Arts Council is a subsidiary of the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and provides grants for artistic, musical and educational endeavors. The council shows preference to events or initiatives occurring with the two-town area.
The council asks that if organizations are applying for funding for an in-person event, that they confirm with the venue that they can host that event before seeking a grant.
To apply, visit massculturalcouncil.org/local-council/charlemont-hawley. With questions, call Chair Tinky Weisblat at 413-339-4747.
School Committee approves purchase of 15-person van
BUCKLAND — The Mohawk Trail Regional School District School Committee approved the purchase of a 15-person van on Wednesday that will be used to transport student-athletes to away games. It can also be used by teachers to take classes on field trips.
According to Business Administrator William Lataille, $12,000 will be transferred from an account designated for athletics transportation to help cover the total cost of the van, which is $41,055. The rest will come from the Transportation Revolving Fund.
Lataille said the district has previously rented vans for $10,000 for a few months at a time, but it would be more economical to buy a new van that can be owned by the district for the next several years.
The district currently has 12-person vans, however, one sports team has 14 members, Lataille noted. In addition, 15-person vans are still small enough where the coach or teacher can operate the vehicle.
All School Committee members in attendance voted in approval of both the budget transfers and the purchase of the van.
Testing reveals no PFAS in Buckland wells
BUCKLAND — Town Administrator Pam Guyette shared with the Selectboard at this week’s meeting that testing of five privately owned wells by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection found no per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present.
Earlier this year, Finance Committee Chair Larry Langford cited this testing (and its results) among three potential threats to Buckland’s finances in the coming year. If PFAS was found in these wells, it could have cost as much as $300,000 to remediate.
“For now, we’re just going to bask in the positivity,” Guyette said, noting that the testing itself still cost the town a significant amount of money, in the tens of thousands of dollars.
Public forum on Franklin Tech vote coming to Buckland
BUCKLAND — A public forum at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Town Hall will give Buckland voters an opportunity to see what the impact of the proposed $236.6 million Franklin County Technical School building would be on their tax bill.
A similar type of session was held on Wednesday, Aug. 19, where Finance Committee Chair Larry Langford presented his findings to town officials from some of Franklin Tech’s 19 member municipalities.
Mohawk Trail to host movie on football field
BUCKLAND — Mohawk Trail Regional School will go “Back to the Future” next week with a showing of the 1985 film on the football field.
Gates open at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, with the movie to be screened from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Admission to get into the football field is $5, while drinks, popcorn and other treats will be sold for $1.
Attendees are asked to bring their own chairs, blankets and insect repellent, and no alcohol is allowed on the premises. Proceeds from the event will go toward Mohawk Trail Regional School’s Class of 2027.