Gardeners to speak at Local Foods Supper

ASHFIELD — The First Congregational Church of Ashfield will host a Local Foods Supper on Friday, March 6, at 5:30 p.m., featuring guest speakers Charlotte and Sam Perkins from the Food Pantry Garden in Ashfield.

“Our Missions and Social Justice Committee is excited to have Charlotte and Sam as our
special guests this year,” Lori Wyman, chair of the committee, said in a statement. “Our church has supported the Food Pantry Garden since its beginning several years ago, and since the Hilltown Churches Food Pantry distributes from our church building, our commitment to addressing food insecurity runs deep. The Food Pantry Garden produced and delivered over 2,500 pounds of vegetables last year, all organic and picked just hours before distribution.”

Wyman encourages people to bring something to share.

“This is a potluck supper,” she said. “It always amazes me how much local food we have available in the wintertime. Dairy products, meat, eggs, even local veggies like beets, carrots, cabbage, onions, parsnips, potatoes. We hope people will prepare a dish made from ingredients that they either grew and raised themselves, or from food that they purchased locally.”

The event is family-friendly. Those planning to bring food to share are encouraged to label ingredients and any potential allergens. A snow date has been set for Saturday, March 7, at the same time. For more information, contact Wyman at wyman.lori@gmail.com.

Heath Democratic Caucus set for March 21

HEATH — Democrats in Heath will convene at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, at Community Hall to elect one delegate and one alternate to represent the town at the 2026 Democratic State Convention.

Registered and pre-registered Democrats in Heath who are at least 16 years old by Feb. 19 may vote and be elected as delegates or alternates. Youth (ages 16 to 35), individuals with disabilities, people of color, veterans and members of the LGBTQ community who are not elected as delegates or alternates are encouraged to apply to be add-on delegates at the caucus or by visiting massdems.org/caucus-and-convention.

The 2026 Democratic State Convention will be held at the DCU Center in Worcester on May 29 and 30. For caucus information, contact Heath Democratic Committee Chair Brian DeVriese at 413-337-5525 or bdevriese45@gmail.com.

Charlemont Selectboard removes stipulations for National Grid utility pole project

CHARLEMONT — The Selectboard voted unanimously on Monday to rescind the stipulations it had placed on National Grid for its Legate Hill utility pole project after being advised by town counsel that it cannot require National Grid to cover the town’s expenses for moving equipment to the new poles.

Town Administrator Sarah Reynolds told the board that town counsel had reviewed the approval and stipulations the board had voted on during its Feb. 24 meeting, and said the board could not require the company to pay for moving town equipment to the new poles.

The board rescinded the stipulations, allowing National Grid to proceed with the replacement of utility poles along Legate Hill Road.

Nomination papers available for Colrain’s election

COLRAIN — Those who are interested in running for a seat on one of Colrain’s boards and committees in the May 12 election can find nomination papers at the Town Clerk’s Office.

Positions on this year’s ballot will be:

  • Board of Assessors, one seat with a three-year term.
  • Constable, one seat with a three-year term.
  • Griswold Memorial Library trustees, two seats with three-year terms.
  • Mohawk Trail Regional School District School Committee, one seat with a three-year term.
  • Selectboard, one seat with a three-year term.

Nomination papers must be completed and returned to the Town Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24.

Shelburne nomination papers available

SHELBURNE — Town Clerk Joseph Judd reminds Shelburne residents that nomination papers are now available for the town election on May 19.

Seats on this year’s ballot are:

  • Selectboard, one seat with a three-year term.
  • Assessor, one seat with a three-year term.
  • Town clerk, one-year term.
  • Moderator, one-year term.
  • Planning Board, one seat with a five-year term
  • Shelburne Free Public Library trustees, two seats with three-year terms.
  • Shelburne Free Public Library trustees, one unexpired two-year term.
  • Recreation Committee, one seat with a five-year term.
  • Tree warden, one-year term.
  • Constable, three-year term.
  • Mohawk Trail Regional School District School Committee, one seat with a three-year term.

Nomination papers must be completed and returned to the Town Clerk’s Office by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 6. The election will be held on May 19 at the Cowell Gymnasium, 51 Maple St., with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.