Vet holds rabies clinic

SHELBURNE FALLS — Hosted by Shelburne Falls Veterinary Hospital, all Buckland and Shelburne residents are invited to update their pet’s rabies vaccinations.

On Saturday, Feb. 24 between 10 a.m. and noon residents can drop into the hospital located at 3 Mohawk Trail for a shot. Doses cost $30 each, cash only. People interested in updating their pet’s vaccinations should bring prior rabies certificates, if applicable. Wait time will depend on demand. Retractable leashes are not allowed and cats must be in carriers.

Shelburne Falls Veterinary Hospital also will be running a pet food drive. Donations of any unopened animal food items can be brought to the rabies clinic, which will be delivered to Dakin Humane Society after the clinic.

CPA Committee hosts info session

COLRAIN — The CPA Exploratory Committee will hold a public information session Feb. 28 at 7 p.m., via Zoom at bit.ly/colrain-cpa-info. By voting in the CPA, the town agrees to a small surcharge on property taxes, and can then receive a match from the state. The CPA provides a locally-controlled source of money that towns can use for recreation, historic preservation, affordable housing and open space. Exemptions include a $100,000 deduction from everyone’s property value before applying the tax, plus full exemptions for low-income and older residents. There will also be in-person meetings beginning in March. Contact David at david.greenberg3@gmail.com for more info, and go to colraincpa.org.

Fire Department hosts dodgeball tournament

BUCKLAND – The Shelburne Police Department will host a dodgeball tournament fundraiser on March 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the Mohawk Trail Regional High School.

Teams of no more than six players can register for $100 by contacting cpettengill@townofshelburnema.gov or tjenkins@townofshelburnema.gov by March 1.

The fundraiser benefits the Mohawk Trail Athletic Association and the Shelburne Police Association. Entry for spectators begins at 4 p.m. with a $5 suggested donation at the door.

Buckland election information

BUCKLAND — Nomination Papers are now available for Buckland’s 2024 annual Town Elections.

Current offices that will be on the ballot include: Selectboard, three-year term, 1 position; Board of Assessors, three-year term, 1 position; Board of Health, three-year term, 1 position; Buckland Public Library Trustee, three-year term, 1 position; Finance Committee, three-year term, 2 positions; moderator, three-year term, 1 position.

Applications for vote-by-mail for the presidential primary must be received in the town office by 5 p.m. on Feb. 27. The last day to register to vote in the presidential primary will be Saturday, Feb. 24. The Town Clerk’s Office will be open that day from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

If a vote-by-mail ballot is not returned by the deadline, all registered voters in Buckland are welcome to vote in person for the presidential primary election on March 5, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Buckland Town Hall, 17 State Street, second floor. Use William Street entrance.

Shelburne election information

SHELBURNE — This year’s annual Town Election is scheduled for May 21, 2024, and will be held at the Cowell Gymnasium at 51 Maple Street. Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For assistance contact the Shelburne Town Clerk at 413-625-0300 ext. 3 or townclerk@townofshelburnema.gov.

Nomination papers will be available in the Town Clerk’s Office beginning March 3. The last day to obtain nomination papers is April 18. Nomination papers are available from the town clerk by either contacting the town clerk with the number listed above, or by email. Arrangements can be made to pick up nomination papers at a candidate’s convenience. The last day to return nomination papers to the town clerk is April 23.

The following offices will appear on this year 2024 Annual Shelburne Town Election ballot: Selectboard, three-year term, 1 position; Selectboard, one-year unexpired term, 1 position; assessor, three-year term, 1 position; town clerk, one-year term, 1 position; moderator, one-year term, 1 position; Shelburne Free Public Library trustee, three-year term, 2 positions; Planning Board, five-year term, 1 position; Planning Board, two-year unexpired term, 1 position; Recreation Committee, five-year term, 1 position; Recreation Committee, four-year unexpired term, 1 position; tree warden, one-year term, 1 position; constable, three year term, 1 position.

Voters who are unable to get to the polls on the day of the annual Town Election can request an early voting by mail ballot once they become available. Unlike the state and federal elections, to receive a ballot by mail for this annual Town Election, voters must contact the Town Clerk’s Office and request one prior to April 29. Early in-person voting dates include May 13, 14, and 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Shelburne Town Hall located at 51 Bridge St.