Loynd joins Historical Commission

ERVING — The Selectboard voted last week to appoint Kelly Loynd to the Historical Commission, effective immediately, with a term ending June 30, 2026. Selectboard member James Loynd abstained from the vote.

Pollinator Action Group holding first meeting

MONTAGUE — Residents are invited to the first meeting of the community-led Montague Pollinator Action Group on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 3:30 p.m. at the Town Hall annex.

The group will discuss strategies for the implementation of the Montague Pollinator Action Plan, which can be viewed at bit.ly/3wcdD8b.

Those who are interested but can’t attend can email Tom Sullivan at sullivan08@csld.edu for information about the group or for a Zoom link to participate remotely.

Nomination papers available for Fire District election

TURNERS FALLS — Nomination papers are now available to residents who are interested in filling various positions with the Turners Falls Fire District in the April 23 election.

Residents can take out papers for the office of:

■Prudential Committee member, one seat with a three-year term.

■Water commissioner, one seat with a three-year term.

■District moderator, for a two-year unfulfilled term.

■District treasurer, for a two-year term.

All prospective candidates must obtain 32 signatures from registered voters that live within the Turners Falls Fire District.

Nomination papers can be picked up at the district office, located at 226 Millers Falls Road, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The last day to obtain nomination papers is Monday, March 4, and the last day to return papers for certification is Wednesday, March 6.

The Turners Falls Fire District’s annual election will be held Tuesday, April 23. Polls will be open from noon to 7 p.m. at the district office.

For more information, call 413-863-4521.

Montague seeks muralist; apply by March 10

MONTAGUE — The town seeks an experienced muralist to paint a 3,000-square-foot mural on the east exterior wall of the Shea Theater Arts Center, located at 71 Avenue A. Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 10.

In January, the Selectboard unanimously approved a contract with Common Wealth Murals LLC, a Springfield-based nonprofit that will manage the $30,510 project. A steering group consisting of Montague residents, business owners, and representatives from the Shea Theater, RiverCulture and the Montague Planning & Conservation Department has also been formed to provide oversight.

The muralist selection criteria will focus on previous work and experience, commitment to creating public art that reflects the community, and increasing the diversity of artistic representation in Turners Falls.

The selected muralist will be expected to attend community listening sessions to seek public input about the project’s design theme. Based on public input, the muralist will prepare a concept for the steering group’s review and approval. The mural is expected to be painted by September 2024.

The selected muralist will receive an artist fee of $15,000. All paint, supplies, equipment, transportation, and room and board will be provided.

To learn more or apply by the March 10 deadline, visit shorturl.at/citN5.

With questions/comments, contact RiverCulture Director Suzanne LoManto at riverculture@montague-ma.gov or Montague Town Planner Maureen Pollock at maureenp@montague-ma.gov.