Regional Notebook: Nov. 18, 2024
Published: 11-17-2024 1:06 PM |
NORTHAMPTON — Mass Humanities, the leading funder of humanities projects in the state, has welcomed seven members to its board of directors. They are: Muhammad Burhan, Deena Caswell, Michael Chambers II, CJ Crowder, Leo Hwang, Christopher E. Goode and Brittney Peauwe Wunnepog Walley.
“Our incoming board members bring new energy, new ideas and new connections,” Aaron Vega, who was elected board chair at the September meeting, said in a statement. “Our new board members also represent a very diverse range of age, ethnicity, backgrounds and geographical locations across the commonwealth. As the new chair for Mass Humanities, I am thankful and proud to have worked with our outgoing board members and equally excited to work with our new board members joining us.”
Board members serve three-year terms, renewable for one term. This latest group joined Mass Humanities at the foundation’s September board meeting.
NORTHAMPTON — Through Wednesday, Nov. 27, the South Deerfield-based nonprofit Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) invites community members to pitch a story for the live storytelling show “Field Notes,” which returns to the Academy of Music in Northampton on Saturday, Feb. 8.
According to CISA, “Field Notes” is a live storytelling event celebrating the many ways local food and farming touch our lives. All performers will have the chance to workshop their stories with a professional storytelling coach. Final stories will be around seven minutes.
Chosen storytellers will receive four complementary tickets for friends and family members, and a stipend of up to $500. Storytellers who need child care to attend “Field Notes” activities will be offered an additional stipend and transportation to in-person activities is also available for those without a vehicle. If Spanish is a storyteller’s most comfortable language, CISA will provide interpretation services during workshops and the final performance.
For more information, visit buylocalfood.org/get-involved/cisa-is-seeking-stories-about-local-farming-and-food.
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles is expanding the number of languages offered for individuals interested in taking commercial learner’s permit exams. Effective immediately, the knowledge exams are now available in Spanish and Portuguese, as well as in English.
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To apply for a commercial learner’s permit, the applicant must be a Massachusetts resident, be at least 18 years of age, have lawful presence in the United States and have an active passenger (Class D) driver’s license.
The language is selected at the time the applicant starts the knowledge test on the testing station computers at the RMV Service Center. There is also an audio component where the commercial learner’s permit applicant will see and hear the questions and answers during the testing session.
The road test, or driving skills test, that follows the knowledge test must be administered in English, per federal regulation. Also, per federal regulation, the use of a foreign language interpreter is not permitted.
SPRINGFIELD — PetSmart Charities has committed $100 million over the next five years toward improving access to veterinary care, including through a $150,000 grant awarded to Dakin Humane Society.
Dakin’s grant will support the expansion of The Pet Health Center, which provides access to veterinary care for cats and dogs. During Phase 1, the funding will support operations, capital improvement costs, staffing and consultants as needed to support the business analysis and preparation for expansion. Dakin will also participate in a cohort to learn from other accessible veterinary clinics supported by PetSmart Charities.
“This generous funding from PetSmart Charities will allow us to sustain and expand services offered to pet owners in our community who have struggled to access veterinary care in the past,” Meg Talbert, executive director at Dakin Humane Society, said in a statement. “The Pet Health Center has been a wonderful addition at Dakin and is strategically aligned with our mission to deliver effective, innovative services that improve the lives of animals in need and the people who care about them. Our goal is to ensure that services that support the human-animal bond are accessible to all.”
“We are excited for this next chapter in our program’s growth and grateful for the support of the PetSmart Charities,” Dr. Jack Muth, public medical and education director at Dakin Humane Society, said in a statement. “This grant will increase our capacity and help us to reduce barriers to veterinary care in our community.”