“Kindness is like snow. It beautifies everything it covers.” — Kahlil Gibran

Country JournalDevoted to the Needs of the Hilltowns Becket, Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Otis, Plainfield, Russell, Sandisfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Worthington

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December 17, 2020 ❙ Vol. 42, No. 34 ❙ 75¢ www.countryjournal.turley.com

GATEWAY PACKED CLOSET

HAMPSHIRE Committee Remote learning approves failing rates rise basketball By Peter Spotts Academic struggles are on the minds of administration and the school season committee in the Hampshire Regional By Shelby Macri School District. Principal Kristin Smidy reported failing rates for students have The Gateway School risen about 13% from last year. Committee approved the Smidy said there are 125 out of basketball winter sports sea- 693 students failing at least one class in son on Wednesday, Dec. 9. 2020-2021, up from 40 failing out of 742 After discussing the MIAA last year, during the committee meeting restrictions and regulations, on Dec. 7. the committee voted for the RATES, page 9 winter sport season to start after the holiday break. The winter season will HUNTINGTON start on Jan. 11, and it will run until Feb. 28. The school is going by the MIAA guide- Concerns rise over lines and restrictions, though the committee spoke about Kennedy roadwork waiting until Jan. 18 for the first game. Superintendent By Peter Spotts David Hopson explained that recent changes from the Plenty of concerns were raised MIAA may push that date regarding the status of the Kennedy back further until Jan. 21. Drive Roadway project, led by The winter season will Selectman Roger Booth, during a per- only include basketball. formance hearing on Dec. 9. Other sports were discussed Pioneer Valley Planning but the school and MIAA Commission John O’Leary held the protocols led to the decision hearing to gather feedback from the that only a varsity team will town and give an update on the prog- be playing this season. If ress. Booth immediately expressed his there aren’t enough athletes concern with O’Leary’s estimation the for a varsity team, then that The Village Closet distributed over 20,000 supplies in three hours after a Facebook post went project was “90%” complete. viral on Thursday, Dec. 10. Families flocked from across the region to visit the East Main Street ROADWORK, page 3 BASKETBALL, page 9 nonprofit. More information on page 3. Submitted photos by Lisa Goding

WORTHINGTON BECKET State Reps join town for broadband kickoff ceremony Pole hearing delayed for info By Shelby Macri Along with Selectboard Chairman William Elovirta By Peter Spotts The Broadband Kickoff and Selectman Chris Ceremony was held to cel- Swindlehurst, past town In the interest of being transpar- ebrate to progress of the employees, members from ent and providing affected residents project and the beginning Sertex construction, and with accurate information, approval of hooking up the necessary Whip City Fiber attended as for additional utility poles along Old wires and fiber for the towns well. North Road is being postponed until network on Tuesday, Dec. 8. Guest speakers who January. The ceremony was held attended included Sen. The Selectboard made the decision at fire station one in North Adam Hinds and Rep. to continue the public hearing until Becket Village, where a Smitty Pignatelli, who have its first meeting of the new year on small audience and a few both been involved with the Tuesday, Jan. 5, to make sure visible guest speakers gathered Broadband project for mul- stakes are in place at all locations for inside the station. Chairs tiple years. While Hinds has residents to see exactly where poles were set up in a socially been involved since 2017 will be added after it was brought to distant grid and the garage when he came into office, the board’s attention during the hear- doors were cracked open to Pignatelli has been involved ing that stakes were not in place at all allow fresh air to circulate, since 2008 when the proj- State Rep. Smitty Pignatelli, right, and Sen. Adam Hinds speak at locations. but not make people too cold the Broadband Kickoff Ceremony in Becket on Tuesday, Dec. 8. during the winter afternoon. BROADBAND, page 10 Photo by Shelby Macri HEARING, page 8

PAGE 5 Becket...... 10 Classifieds...... 15 Obituary...... 14 Schools & Youth...... 9 Blandford...... 6, 7 Hilltowns...... 2 Opinion...... 4, 5 Westhampton...... 12 Business Directory...... 2 Huntington...... 3 Puzzle Page...... 13 Worthington...... 8 Chesterfield...... 6 Middlefield...... 6 Russell...... 3 page 2 Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020 HILLTOWNS Recycling right doesn’t take a holiday to do it Tis the season! November through During the holiday season, the aver- bags. at the UPS Store, 351 Pleasant Street in February is the busiest time of the year age American family throws away up to Gift givers can reduce waste by Northampton. for recycling facilities because the hol- 10 additional bags of trash. A large por- wrapping in reusable decorative tins, Do not bag recyclables and do not iday season brings with it numerous tion of the trash is composed of packag- cloth, or paper gift bags. Before pur- place plastic bags in with the recycling. materials that can be recycled — along ing, wrapping paper, and packing mate- chasing giftwrap, consider using calen- Recycle plastic bags at special collection with those that can’t. rials that can be recycled. The Hilltown dar pages, maps, sheet music, old post- centers located at grocery stores. Help the Springfield Materials Resource Management Cooperative ers, fabric, or scarves. Confusion about what can be placed Recycling Facility’s employees properly wants to spread the good news that you When decorating the seasonal table, in your recycling bin and the placement process the materials from your residen- can recycle much of the waste that is avoid plastic, paper, and Styrofoam of garbage in recycling bins has resulted tial blue bins by following these simple generated over the holiday season. plates, cups, and cutlery. Choose items in contamination of valuable recoverable guidelines: Nice recycling includes non-metal- that are washable and reusable. Consider materials. That contamination has had always flatten cardboard and empty lic giftwrap and gift bags, gift tissue decorating with natural items collected a crippling effect on the economics of pizza boxes and recycle,keep paper paper, paperboard gift boxes, greeting outdoors that can then go into your com- recycling. Everyone can do their part clean and dry; sort recyclable plastic by cards except those with foil, metallic post bin when the season is over. and, “recycle right this holiday season.” shape with caps on including bottles, inks, or glitter, and remember to remove If last year’s lights aren’t so bright, The HRMC appreciates the recy- jars, jugs and tubs. Make sure that con- and properly recycle button batteries in please keep them out of the recycling cling efforts of its member communities tainers are clean, dry and empty. Never musical greeting card, as well as cata- bin. These tanglers wrap around the over the past 30 years. Thank you and place liquids, food, plastic bags, elec- logs and calendars. machinery at the recycling facility Happy Holidays! tronics, packing foam or bubble wrap, Naughty recycling includes holi- causing shutdowns and a hazard to the For more recycling information, Rx bottles, clothing, single use plastic or day lights, Styrofoam peanuts, tinsel, employees working there. visit HRMC at [email protected] or foam cups, silverware, plastic ware, or ribbons, Mylar wrapping paper, pho- Clean, dry packing peanuts and the Springfield MRF at springfieldmrf. straws in your recycling bin. tographs, blister packaging and plastic bubble wrap are accepted free for reuse org. Commission recommends approaches to improving student transportation efficiency The Special Commission on Student goal of increasing efficiencies led the ing-phase regarding specific student their recommendations were completed Transportation Efficiencies, co-chaired Legislature to establish this commis- groups and transportation-related topics, prior to the COVID-19 state of emergen- by Senator Adam G. Hinds (D-Pittsfield) sion.” the Commission discovered a number of cy declaration. The Commission and its and Rep. Alice H. Peisch (D-Wellesley), “We heard overwhelmingly the issues that merited further study, leading members recognize the importance of announced completion of a compre- need to rethink school transportation. Senator Hinds and Representative Peisch publishing their recommendations while hensive study of student transportation Improving student transportation means to direct the Commission to add to its also acknowledging the unprecedented issues, including findings and recom- ensuring transportation dollars go to purview ways to reduce greenhouse gas times our communities and schools face mendations for efficiency improvements. districts that need it most,” said Hinds. emissions attributed to student transpor- during the publication of these recom- Student transportation has become “That meant rural regional schools that tation. mendations. a significant challenge for school dis- confront the challenges of inefficient After months of discussion and There are 11 members of the tricts across the Commonwealth. transportation and non-regional district deliberation, the Commission developed Commission including: Hinds, the Massachusetts is home to a diverse array needs as well. Minimizing our environ- the recommendations contained in the Senate President’s designee, and Peisch, of districts — including urban and rural, mental impact was important to this pro- final report. The Commission’s recom- the Speaker of the House’s designee; well-resourced, and underserved, as well cess, including exposure to pollutants mendations do not propose a singular Superintendent Brian Forget of Triton as regional, vocational, technical and from buses that are harmful to children approach to promoting efficiencies in Regional School District, the Senate agricultural — meaning districts face and disproportionately impact low-in- the student transportation system, nor do Minority Leader’s designee, and Rep. difficulties specific to their regions. come communities and communities of they include a comprehensive analysis of Bradford Hill, the House Minority Many factors contribute to these dif- color.” the merits of improving the current struc- Leader’s Designee; representatives ficulties including, but not limited to, The Commission was established to ture. The recommendations presented in from the Executive Office of Education increased costs, driver shortages, geo- conduct a comprehensive study of school this report are a compilation of solutions and the Department of Elementary & graphical distances, and procurement transportation issues and make recom- identified by various stakeholders while Secondary Education; a representative issues. mendations for efficiency improvements, incorporating efficiency strategies into of the Massachusetts Associations of “In my 10 years as House Chair of includingRev. for Down the tofollowing Earth ad #2:Davis areas: stu10/30/12- their 8:44 existing AM Page student 1 transportation mod- School Business Officials; a representa- the Education Committee, a consistent dents attending regional schools; stu- els and identifying practical solutions to tive of the Massachusetts Association of concern among administrators, parents dents in special education out-of-district existing fiscal, educational, and capital Regional Schools; a representative of the and students has been transportation to placements; students attending out-of- issues. The goal is to use this report as Massachusetts School Superintendents and from school,” said Peisch. “A strong district vocational and technical schools; the baseline to address improvements to Association; a representative of the desire to address the increased costs of students attending out-of-district agri- student transportation under the current Massachusetts Association of School transportation borne by districts, the cultural schools; and any other student regulatory framework and possible new Committees; and a representative of sustainability and environmental issues transportation issue deemed appropriate. policies in future legislative sessions. the Massachusetts Association Special with old and underutilized buses, and a During the information gather- Meetings of the Commission and Education Administrators. BUSINESS DIRECTORY George WHITING Dale’s Structural ENERGY FUELS & Carpentry PROPANE INC. Home Improvement • Additions • Restorations • Remodeling Heating Oil & Diesel Timber Frame Homes Kitchen & Baths PROPANE GAS DDOWNOWN TOTO EEARTHARTH Residential Drywall • Paint • Trim Work PLUMBING • HEATING whitingenergy.com Seasonal Homes & Camps Windows • Doors EEXCAVATINGXCAVATINGINCINC Garage Repairs Decks & Stairs (413) 268-8360 300A KING ST., NORTHAMPTON Carriage & Colonial Barns Interior & Exterior Finishes 584-3500 Highly Regarded Professionals: Complete Site Work, Structural Repairs - Wood - Masonry TOLL FREE 1-800-464-2053 Septic Development and Repairs. Fully insured. Sagging Floors • Beams • Sill Timbers • Columns • Termite Damage Family Owned & Operated 11 CLEVELAND RD., DALTON 3 Berkshire Trail West (Route 9), P.O. Box 102, Goshen, MA 01032 413+ 667+ 5269 Foundation Repairs • Piers & Footings • Chimney Rebuilds www.georgepropane.com 1-800-722-0014 Paul & Randy LaPointe, Owners Huntington, Mass. 413-667-3149

Time to Carol Labonte Kirke R. Henshaw, Inc. CLEAN UP Paul Labonte • Tune Ups Water Well Drilling, Water Pump Sales & Service Hilltown • Installations • Oil Tanks Water System Cleaning Services Established in 1982 • House Cleaning Plus Testing Evaluations • • Carpet & Upholstery Steam Cleaned Water System Hydrofracture Wood Floors, Waxed & Buffed Repairs to Increase Flow No Wax Floors, Stripped & Refinished Huntington, Massachusetts Hauling Trash • Appliance Removal • Pressure Washing Office 413.667.0245 800-232-4725 • Fax 413-296-4565 Gutters Cleaned Out • Cleaning Out Cellars & Attics 46 Pitcher Street Donald Washburn Cell 413.530.7037 Charles R. Henshaw Phone: (413) 238-5966 Montgomery, MA 01085 862-3301 P.O. Box 244 [email protected] 130 Cummington Rd., W. Chesterfield, MA • 413-296-4725 Worthington, MA 01098 Fax: (413) 238-0459

FEED • PET SUPPLIES • CLOTHING • COAL WOOD PELLETS • WILD & CAGED BIRDSEED ARCHITECT POOL SUPPLIES • MOTOR OILS • FENCING LAWN & GARDEN SUPPLIES • FERTILIZER Paul’s JEFFREY SCOTT PENN Contact John Baskin GATEWAY FARM & PET Plumbing & Heating 77 Worthington Road, Huntington, MA 01050 Tel. 413w-667-5230 to advertise at fax. 413-667-3082 Email: [email protected] 413-695-4901 59 RUSSELL ROAD, HUNTINGTON, MA 01050 238-0303 or email: M-F 8am-5pm new construction, renovation, • [email protected] 1-413-667-2279 Sat. 8am-4pm PAUL GRAHAM historic preservation TARA GRENIER • PAUL GRENIER Mass. License 23299 Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020 page 3 HUNTINGTON Village Closet goes viral, distributes $20k in supplies HUNTINGTON — A local newborn and children’s clothing, winter Mariah Bey from Holyoke added, Facebook post about the Village Closet coats, maternity and nursing supplies, “Recommend this to anyone with chil- in Huntington went viral last week, larger gear like strollers and highchairs, dren! Went today and it was well worth resulting in families from across the state diapers, books, and toys, and much more. the drive!” arriving in the hopes of finding free win- All items are free to everyone, regardless Due to the strict COVID-19 safe- ter clothes, diapers, and holiday toys. of income or town of residence. ty protocols at the site, some custom- Stacey Goeltz of Westfield wanted to While this grassroots organization ers had to return on Monday or make get the word out about all the toys the is not used to such wide-spread atten- appointments for alternative time slots. Village Closet had, knowing that many tion, they were not surprised that the post The Village Closet, operated by It Takes parents were struggling to afford gifts for struck a chord with parents. “It was final- a Village, has endured its own hardship the holidays. ly some good news,” said Lisa Goding, over the last year. Originally located in She posted photos of shelves over- Program Director. “Since the onset of the the Gateway Regional School District flowing with toys and tables stacked Coronavirus pandemic, many families in Huntington, they were forced to shut with bins of baby and kids clothing, and with young children have faced severe down in March and needed to find a shared it with a Westfield parents group economic hardships. So many people space in which they could continue oper- page on Thursday afternoon. Within 24 have lost their jobs or cannot work due ations. hours, the post had been shared 2,500 to school closures and remote schooling. “We made the difficult decision to times; as of Monday it had been shared We are getting dozens of calls each day find a place to rent,” Goding said. “The more than 4,200 times. Over 100 fami- for assistance. It’s heartbreaking and we need in our community was too great to lies from as far as Lowell, North Adams, are doing our best to serve every family stay closed, but now we must find fund- Vermont, and Southern Connecticut trav- who comes to us.” ing to keep our doors open and pay rent The viral Facebook post from Thursday, eled to Huntington on Sunday and waited In a matter of three hours, the site for the first time in our 11-year history.” Dec. 10, drew more than 4,100 shares on up to two hours to have a chance to find distributed over $20,000 in clothing, toys Goding also mentioned the impor- Facebook. Online graphic items for themselves and their children. and diapers to the families that partici- tance of having local volunteers, not- “I drove two hours to get here, and pated on Sunday. ing, “Volunteers have always been the shops as well as a home visit program for then waited another hour in line,” one Online and in person, parents mar- backbone of our organization. The entire postpartum families in the Hilltowns. To parent said. “We wish we had this type veled at the abundance of free toys and organization is run by only a handful learn more about It Takes a Village’s pro- of resource near us, but we have never supplies, and those too far away like the of part time staff members and we rely grams or to volunteer, people can visit seen anything like this. We thought it hundreds who mistakenly shared the post heavily on volunteers to maintain ser- www.hilltownvillage.org or call 413- was too good to be true, but have found in Huntington, West Virginia lamented vices we provided at no cost. If you’d 650-3640. The Village Closet accepts coats and clothes for our children and that there weren’t programs like this near like to give back to your community in a donations of clean and gently used baby great toys for Christmas. We are beyond them. time of so much need, we would love to and kids clothing and gear during their grateful.” Heather Hamlin of Chesapeake, OH hear from you.” open hours, and gladly accepts monetary The Village Closet, located at 2 East commented: “Awe... this is awesome. It Takes a Village also offers free donations in order to keep these services Main Street in Huntington, carries free The world needs more of this.” virtual parent support groups and work- free to everyone.

ROADWORK from page 1 NORWICH HILL “There is no way that project safety around town power lines. is 90%. I can tell you right now that Booth claimed the corner of Lowell The magic of Christmas Eve will be we welcome the Savior’s birth among us. project is 70%,” Booth said. “This is and Kennedy had wires pulled up and at your place this year! Instead of trav- As this last week before Christmas the worst project I’ve ever seen in my Tacke also witnessed the excavator eling out in the cold, and packing into gets under way, we may find ourselves life.” contacting overhead powerlines. the sanctuary, this year we’re looking for- wondering, in a year like no other in our “He is correct there is a lot of “I saw the excavator on sever- ward to coming to you, in your home by recent memory, where is the Love? Is it things that are not backfilled current- al occasions contact lines between way of a Zoom Christmas Eve candle- even possible to find Love in this messy ly,” added resident Andrew Tacke. “My poles,” Tacke said. light service at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. world? The readings for the Worship assumption is that’s part of unfinished “We didn’t have power for three 24. It will have all the usual traditional Service on Sunday, Dec. 20, the fourth grading, but I would also have a strong days. I watched three different times… music, the telling of the story, and a spe- and last week of Advent, are Psalm 89:1-4, time accepting we’re at 90% at this the shovel hit the electric wires above. cial message offered by our pastor. Be sure 19-26 and Luke 1:26-38. They invite us to point.” They had nobody watching,” Booth to invite your friends and family to join wonder about Love in the midst of a world Booth’s first concern was focused said. “That company will never, in in - let’s feel the power of being together in crisis. on the grading and erosion control. He my opinion, you can bid them all you in a safe way this Christmas. To connect We are offering free “Advent in a said the grading is yet to be done, but want, while I’m on the Selectboard to the 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Bag” resources. Often the weeks lead- the erosion control, which was sup- they’re never coming back to this town Service, call Pastor Carol at 860-798-7771 ing up to Christmas can be challenging, posed to be maintained by contractor unless they can prove they have their to receive the Meeting ID and password. this year perhaps even more than usual. A Martins & Sons of Ludlow, has been act together and know what the regula- If you prefer, we will send a link to your “Advent in a Bag” provides faith at home removed. tions are.” email. resources to support, love, and connect “None of the erosion control is in O’Leary thanked them for bring- On this Sunday, Dec. 20, we are us where and when we need it most. The place. It’s gone,” he said. ing their concerns to him as he was hosting a “Drive-by Candle Lighting” resources offer the opportunity to hold Both also claimed the drainage not aware of the issues. He plans to from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in front of the back some of the Christmas crazy, and at the corner of Lowell Lane and meet with the engineer, contractor, Church. You are invited to bring the can- spend a few special moments together Kennedy Drive is too high, which will and Highway Superintendent Chipper dles from your “Advent in a Bag” or any on the real purpose of the season. If you cause the water coming off Lowell to Dazelle to reach a resolution. other candle that you will use for the would like to receive “Advent in a Bag,” not drain properly. He also said drains “This is useful information to Christmas Eve Service of Candlelight and call 860-798-7771 or 413-667-3935 and along the road are not in the prop- know in the future,” he said. Carols. Please remember to wear your leave a message with your name and con- er places, leading to concerns about When the discussion turned to the mask and maintain social distancing. All tact number. potential cellar flooding during heavy payment application and change order, candles will be lit from The Bethlehem Please use the phone numbers and storms. Chairman Ed Renauld noted he’d like Peace Light. When your candle is lit, its email address provided to stay in touch “If we get any rainstorms where it to wait on an approval until hearing wick will be infused with the flame from or to contact the pastor. You are also invit- goes from rain to snow to ice, you’re what resolutions take place. the lamp that has been burning in the ed to find us on Facebook at “Norwich going to have about three houses call- “With all the issues that have been Grotto of the Nativity in Bethlehem for Hill” for updates, information and spiritual ing about water in their cellars,” he brought up with the project…I’d kind more than 1,000 years. Then it will be encouragement. For more information, said. of like to see what kind of resolution extinguished so that you may transport please contact 413-667-3935 or 860-798- Another concern Booth and Tacke the construction company comes back it home. On Christmas Eve we will all 7771 or firstchurchofhuntington@gmail. raised was the lack of awareness or with before approving it,” he said. relight our candles and sing Silent Night as com.

RUSSELL News, photo publication policy As a community newspaper our focus has always been local news. HOLY FAMILY PARISH While we try very hard to run upcoming events as a public service whenever space allows, space does not allow us to run an upcoming event repeatedly. Christmas Blessings to all! As peo- Christmas Mass Day Mass, Friday, Dec. Our policy is to limit publication of upcoming events to one article in ple are in the process preparing their 25, at 10 a.m. Seating is on a first come advance of the event and, space permitting, a second brief reminder article hearts and families for the Birth of basis until a capacity of 60 is reached. the week prior to an event, and to run those articles in only one section of the Christ, please be mindful that as people The governor’s directives are being strict- paper, and not in multiple sections simultaneously. are home together that everyone help ly followed. We hope that you are able to All such public service announcements and photos are subject to space one another be safe while enjoying this join us for one of the Christmas Masses. limitations and deadlines, therefore publication cannot be guaranteed. Christmas season of grace, love, joy and If not, you are in our hearts and prayers. Whenever copy for the week exceeds allotted space, news copy will take gifts. Recently the parish was able to pur- priority, and public service copy is the first area to be cut. We also reserve Our Christmas Mass schedule chase and install a commercial HEPA the right to edit for style and space, and are under no obligation to print lists at Holy Family parish in Russell is as Air Purifier system. This device gives us of sponsorships, or articles that arrive after deadline, unless time and space follows: Christmas Mass Eve Masses, another layer of safety. Your safety is the allows. Thursday, Dec. 24, at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.; top priority. Deadline is Monday at NOON, on holidays it is Friday at 2 p.m. page 4 Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020

OPINION EDITORIAL POLICY GUEST COLUMN Letters to the editor should be 500 words or less in length. We require letter writers A complex and to include his or her name, town of residence and home costly question: telephone number. We must authenticate authorship prior Will the doctor to publication. We reserve the right to edit or withhold see me now? any submissions By Sally C. Pipes deemed to be libelous or contain magine you’re traveling out of state to unsubstantiated visit family. When you’re 15 minutes from allegations, personal Igrandma’s house, you decide to let her attacks, defamation know you’ll be arriving soon. of character and For some reason, your mobile phone offensive language. doesn’t connect. So you stop at a payphone to All unknown or call your phone provider. They tell you they alleged facts and shut off your service because you entered a quotations offered new state. by the author need This scenario may seem absurd, but it’s to cite credible, an apt analogy for the regulatory regime gov- unbiased sources. erning many U.S. doctors. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Mail letter to Telemedicine technology made it easier Country Journal, for physicians to provide care from afar. But 24 Water Street, thanks to onerous medical licensing rules, a Passenger train service west of Worcester Palmer, MA 01069 doctor’s ability to practice medicine vanishes or mail your letter at the state border. Why not start small? Our grandchildren Amtrak and CSX. to: countryjournal@ Government officials rolled back many of who love Thomas the Tank engine stories We hear hopeful talk about East West turley.com. these rules in response to COVID-19. Those learn about friendly good service provided rail, but too much focus on big size and rollbacks should remain permanent. by just Thomas and his two coaches Annie enormous costs. Can’t we begin “starting Each state requires that physicians take and Clarabel. small” with something less complicated and a combination of qualifying exams to receive To develop improved rail passenger ser- costly to serve the public and learn what the $12.50 a medical license. The exams vary from state vice west of Worcester we could and should ridership will be? Each to state, as does the minimum amount of post- start small. Begin with one engine and two If starting this way proves successful graduate training. This is all added onto the coaches a day on the Worcester to Palmer with people riding and desiring more ser- tests every licensed doctor must pass, includ- and Springfield and over the hills to Chester vice, that will be a clear green signal to ing the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination. and Pittsfield. Consider providing refresh- move down the line towards bigger plans. This system is complex and costly. A ments for travelers as they watch our beau- This could begin in months, not years. We physician can expect to pay anywhere from tiful scenery go by. Work with CSX, who could and should work on this now. Why Digital $35 in Pennsylvania to $1,425 in Nevada owns the tracks, to schedule times that work wait for years of more studies and higher for application and license fees. The wait to around freight schedules, and suit East-West startup costs? Photos receive a license ranges from three weeks in passenger needs passengers without dupli- TURLEY PUBLICATIONS, INC. Hawaii to nine months in New Jersey. He or cating AMTRAK’s Lake Shore Limited. William Freedberg Purchase a photo that she might also have to pay an additional fee to That could create some good “P.R.” for Subscriber recently ran in one of renew the license every few years. our publications. Go to There is a network of 29 states, plus the newspapers.turley.com/ District of Columbia, that allows physicians photo-request licensed in one state to easily acquire a license GUEST COLUMN in another. As of March 2019, less than 1% of ISSN NO. 0747-2471 registered physicians had taken advantage of that network. In 2018, nearly 80% of regis- Poinsettias appreciate extra TLC tered physicians had one medical license. Country very Christmas the poin- will be as well. Temperatures from This system limits doctors’ ability to pro- in the Journal vide care where it’s needed most. Telehealth settia takes the stage, front 65 to70 degrees during the day to and center, in grocery and GaRden around 55 at night will extend its The Country Journal (USPS renders these licensing rules even more non- E 483-550) is published every sensical. Pre-pandemic, a physician had to box store displays. The deep red life. Thursday by Turley Publications, bracts lure buyers to make them Check the plant often to see Inc., 24 Water St., Palmer, Mass. have a license in a patient’s home state to pro- 01069. Telephone (413) 283- vide remote care – whether a quick check-up part of their holiday decorat- if it needs water. If the soil is dry, ing. Pretty? For sure, but with- water until droplets leak through 8393, Fax (413) 289-1977. or a consultation with a specialist. POSTMASTER: Send Federal officials recognized how these out proper care, the plant won’t the drainage holes in the pot. address changes to Turley rules present a serious barrier to care during have a chance past New Year’s Saucers shouldn’t accumulate Publications, Inc., 24 Water St., Day. Let’s learn what we can do Roberta water. Dump the excess out after Palmer, Mass. 01069. the pandemic. In a coronavirus hotspot like McQuaid to keep this favorite looking its Turley each watering so the plant won’t New York, doctors had no time for a person Publications PATRICK H. TURLEY best throughout the holiday sea- Columnist reabsorb it and become water- who needed a prescription refill. But there CEO were plenty in the nation’s interior, where the son and then some. logged. Soil that remains soaking pandemic hadn’t yet spread. It’s important that you start off with a wet is likely to cause root rot. A visual indi- KEITH TURLEY President In March, the U.S. Department of Health healthy plant. Choose a poinsettia with dark cation of this irreversible disease is curled, green foliage all the way to the soil line. wilting foliage and bracts. Hold off on fertil- and Human Services allowed doctors to EDITOR receive payment from Medicare and Medicaid Color should completely cover the bracts on izing the plant while it is in bloom. Peter Spotts for telehealth services delivered across state the upper portion of the plant. Avoid plants It’s unfortunate that few people keep [email protected] lines. whose flowers (located in the center of the their poinsettias past the holiday season. bracts) show pollen. If pollen is evident, the When I was a kid my Mom succeeded at STAFF WRITER In August, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) Shelby Macri and Sen. Roy Blunt (R-Mo.) introduced bipar- plant is old. Be wary of those that are dis- getting hers to bloom again the following [email protected] played in plastic or paper sleeves or even Christmas. Here’s what to do if you’d like tisan legislation that would allow physicians ADVERTISING SALES to treat patients, either virtually or in-person, those that are elbow to elbow. Poinsettias to try it: In early April cut back the plant need room to spread out, and the longer they to eight inches. Fertilize with an all pur- John Baskin across state lines for the COVID-19 pandemic [email protected] and “for future national emergencies.” are cramped, the more likely it is that their pose houseplant fertilizer once a month. New It shouldn’t take a “national emergency” quality will be impacted. Wilted plants are growth should appear by the end of May. SOCIAL MEDIA also best avoided, as this may indicate more After the danger of frost has passed, move COMPLEX, page 5 than dry soil alone. the plant outdoors. Continue to water but Poinsettias are cold sensitive. increase fertilization to every two weeks. @ Country Journal Temperatures under 50 degrees for even Pinch plants in late June or early July to WEB a few minutes can damage the plant. promote bushy growth. At this time you may countryjournal.turley.com Therefore, insert into a bag or protective also wish to repot the poinsettia. Select a Corrections policy sleeve for the ride home from the store and pot one size larger, filling around the root do not leave in an unheated car while you run ball with a good potting soil. Bring the plant If you notice a factual error in our other errands! Once home, position the poin- indoors as temperatures fall. pages, please let us know, so that we can settia in a location where it will receive indi- The poinsettia is photoperiodic, and long www.turley.com set the record straight. Email information Turley Publications, Inc. cannot rect light for at least six hours a day. Avoid nights of uninterrupted darkness encourage assume liability for the loss of to [email protected], or call us at drafts, warm or cold, and place far enough it to bloom. In greenhouses, growers go to photographs or other materials 413-283-8393. away from windows to prevent the foliage great lengths to withhold light, as even small submitted for publication. Corrections will be printed in the same Materials will not be returned from touching cold glass. Chances are if except upon specific request section where the error originally occurred. you are comfortable inside, your poinsettia GARDEN, page 5 when submitted. Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020 page 5 OPINION HILLTOWN HISTORY Coasting into winter By Deborah Daniels

othing beats the thrill of sledding downhill in winter. Before the NFlexible Flyer sled came along in 1889, there was no way to steer sleds. How many of us would dive onto a sled headfirst and fly downhill at top speed without a way to control our direction? That never stopped the fun of tree dodg- ing, rock jumping and barrel rolling dis- mounts off sleds that was customary in sled riding before the steering sleds. Oh yes, sledding involved an element of risk, sleighing was for the refined rider. Ready for some sledding history? Read on. Sleds had been used for hauling pur- poses for centuries, originally pulled by A Mirro coaster. Photo courtesy of the oxen, people, horses, donkeys, dogs and Santa in his sleigh in front of an antique store on Montgomery Road in Montgomery. Wisconsin Historical Museum later tractors. It didn’t take a great leap Submitted photo by Deborah Daniels of imagination to see how sleds could be used to ride downhill for fun. Colonists that he made sleds for. Oh, it was the were known to go sledding down hills in glory days of sled racing! the 1700s. There was competition from other Mass production of sleds began with sled makers. The Garton Toy Factory Henry Morton of South Paris, Maine. He (1879) in Sheboygan, Wisconsin was started making wooden sleds with metal very successful at manufacturing what runners in 1861. His wife painted designs was called blank sleds that were sold to on the solid wooden seats. They became mail order catalogs, hardware stores and popular and he started a factory to make department stores. They put their logo on them. the sled and sold it as their own brand. About the same time in St. Moritz, Ace Hardware Company sleds were made Switzerland, delivery sleds were adapt- by Garton. Sears sold a sled similar to ed for recreational sledding in the Alps. the Flexible Flyer for $2.69 in 1927, one By 1883 in Davos, Switzerland competi- third the cost of the Flexible Flyer, thanks tive sledding began, and the bobsled and to the Garton manufactured blank sleds. luge sleds were made and raced by many The Royal Racer sled pictured is a Garton A Speedaway child’s sled manufactured in European and Australian enthusiasts. The sled. Garton featured sleds made with 1940s by Paris Manufacturing Co. in Maine. sport of sledding was ushered in. weather resistant plywood imported from Photo courtesy of Berks County History Center Meanwhile Samuel Leeds Allen, Finland for their own sleds. The Silver a Pennsylvania Quaker designed and Streak was a classic Garton sled. But it patented the Flexible Flyer sled with a was the flexible Flyer that continued to be A Royal Racer sled made by Garton Toy hinged steering system. He had a farm made for 100 years, outlasting the other equipment factory and wanted to keep brands. Admiral Byrd took 6 Flexible Factory in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. it busy in the winter season. Not only Flyers on his mission to the South Pole. Submitted photos by Deborah Daniels did he design the wooden cross piece The Mirro Sno Coaster challenged cased to Russia how every family could steering mechanism, but he designed the traditional sleds in 1954. It was made own a Sno Coaster in America and have slatted seat on sleds and thin T-shaped by the Aluminum Goods Manufacturing fun, thereby demonstrating the superiori- metal runners giving more speed to sleds. Company of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. ty of capitalism and democracy. Were the It was his children who tested out his They were the largest manufacturer of Russians envious? Well, they do have lots prototype sleds. Who could resist sleds aluminum cookware in the USA. Perhaps of snow! President F.D. Roosevelt was with names like Ariel, Fleetwing and the those cooking lids inspired whizzing on right in his assertion that the most pow- A Flexible Flyer sled. Online graphic Phantom? His Flexible Flyer was the all- snow and not just cooking with steam! erful book to put in Russian hands was a time best seller. He sold 2,000 of these The coaster’s shiny metal had a space Sears Roebuck catalog! good company sledding along with Santa sleds per day in 1915, that was 120,000 age look that appealed to Americans’ fas- Sleds and metal coasters have been and Rudolph, Balto, the Siberian Husky for that winter. He cleverly marketed cination with flying saucers. The coast- largely replaced by plastic coasters and dog (his serum trip) and Edith Wharton’s, his sled to Macy’s (New York City) and ers were a hit, providing a cheap way to inflatable snow tubes. There is a back- suffering Ethan Frome, a book based on Wannamaker’s (Philadelphia) department have fun outside. They also became a country plastic sled with grooves on the a true fatal sledding accident in Lenox, stores while his competitors were sell- tool in the Cold War propaganda cam- bottom for directional control and a bind- MA. to Citizen Kane’s dear Rosebud (a ing sleds in farm implement stores. He paign. Photos of a Madison, Wisconsin ing system that is being produced. You sled). Oh, sweet dreams of a snow filled also didn’t stop refining his sled designs, family having a ball coasting on a Sno kneel on pads and ride the hill with aban- winter and a fast sled. Happy Holidays. changing the metal supports in a way that Coaster went viral in 1955. The photos don and a good helmet! Do you have a memory or historical became standard with all sleds, making went from a Wisconsin State Journal When you do find a hill, a cafete- curiosity from the Hilltowns that you’d racing sleds a third lighter in weight to go to Sports Illustrated to the American ria tray, a plastic bin lid or a flattened like to share with your neighbors? Send faster. The Tuxedo Racer he named for Illustrated, a magazine distributed to the cardboard box will do, but oh for a sled your story and photos to countryjour- the prestigious racing club in New York Soviet Union printed in Russian. It show- or coaster to ride in style! You will be in [email protected].

COMPLEX from page 4 GARDEN from page 4 to get rid of these rules. licensing restrictions can deliver for amounts can delay or stop the plant from made our experiment more successful. Consider how telehealth could patients and the healthcare system. setting bud. At home, putting the plant Give it a try yourself and maybe you will help rural regions, which face a short- It’s time to waive those restrictions for in the closet for 14 hours each night is have even better results! age of healthcare providers. Roughly good. your best bet. Most people get on a 5 Roberta McQuaid graduated from one-quarter of rural Americans report Sally C. Pipes is President, p.m. to 8 a.m. schedule beginning on Oct. the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at that geographic barriers are a major CEO, and the Thomas W. Smith fel- 1, and continue it for eight to 10 weeks the University of Massachusetts. For the obstacle to accessing care.Relaxing low in healthcare policy at the Pacific until color shows on the bracts. Night last 28 years, she has held the position state-based telehealth restrictions Research Institute. Her latest book is temperatures should be no higher than 70 of staff horticulturalist at Old Sturbridge could allow physicians in populous False Premise, False Promise: The degrees or flowering may be delayed. Village. She enjoys growing food as well areas to provide advice to rural health- Disastrous Reality of Medicare for While my Mom achieved colorful as flowers. Have a question for her? care professionals. All (Encounter 2020). Follow her on bracts, the plant itself was a bit leggy and Email it to [email protected] with The pandemic has shown the ben- Twitter @sallypipes. This piece origi- the foliage not so green. Perhaps more “Gardening Question” in the subject efit that easing unnecessary medical nally ran in the Tennessean. fertilizer and a harder pinch would have line.

This paper publishes birth, engagement, wedding and signifi cant anniversary announcements free of charge. Simply log on to our web site, choose the paper you want the announcement to appear in, then use our SUBMISSION link to email your information. birth announcements www.newspapers.turley.com page 6 Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020 BLANDFORD Board covers appointments, road maintenance, town commons By Mary Kronholm Ackley, also deputy fire chief, 150 square foot small batch cannabis Barnard was firm in saying that the announced that the State Fire Marshall cultivation project. entire area had to be considered, not BLANDFORD — The Selectboard will “give the direction for first Fielding and O’Connor are retired just the area now known as Veterans’ appointed new Chester Road resident responders and firefighters” for the and have purchased a home on the cor- Park at Town Commons. Nathan Maynard to the Conservation COVID-19 vaccine. “The plan is that ner of Beech Hill and Julius Hall Road. Apparently, according to early Commission at Monday’s Dec. 14 we’ll do half first,” he said, adding that They were joined virtually by town records, a tree cannot be cut down meeting. the rest of the group would be vacci- their attorney, Nicholas Obolensky unless a vote by the town approves it. Maynard, in his letter of interest to nated later in case there were any crit- who assured the board that the proj- Also, according to early town records, the board, said he was looking for ways ical reactions, “we wouldn’t want to ect would be in full compliance with there appears to be a blanket permis- to volunteer and holds a Bachelor of have the entire group” out. all the regulations. A Tier 1 cultiva- sion to keep the undergrowth cleared Science in Environmental Science and The board then approved the pur- tion project can be up to 5000 square along a pathway between what is now Chemistry and is an outdoorsman who chase and installation of gutters for feet, and Obolensky said this would the Historical Society and the site of enjoys hiking, fishing, and gardening the Porter Memorial Library by Tech be a “micro-micro-micro” effort and the original Meeting House which is and spending “as much time in the out- Roofing for $5,880 and specified that referred to it as a “back yard” project. marked opposite The White Church. doors as possible.” they obtain a no-cost building permit The board approved a motion for The plan so far is to seek interest- In other business, the board with the town prior to starting work. Pudding Hill Farm to move forward, ed professional landscape architects to approved the renewal of liquor licenses The board then learned that Library and Obolensky will contact Blandford provide input on enhancing the entire for the Blandford Country Club and the Director Nicole Daviau had an arti- town counsel. area. Blandford Country Store. cle about her work with the Gateway At the end of the selectboard meet- Ackley posed the question about The board then approved that the Regional School District in the Journal ing Monday, the board discussed the what would happen if trees were cut town provide winter maintenance for of the Association of Rural and Small work that is proposed for the Town down without town approval. It was Beagle Club Road. Frank Lucia of 5 Libraries. Ackley motioned that the Commons. During the early days of stated that there is certainly an aware- Beagle Club Road requested this on board send a letter to Daviau “com- the town, in the 1740s, a 10-acre plot, ness in town of the stipulation regarding behalf of the residents there. mending her for her work, that’s excep- which then included the cemetery, was tree removal requiring town approval. The board also approved an agree- tional…It’s what she’s doing to tie in designated as the Town Commons for Selectboard member Eric McVey ment with the Pioneer Valley Planning with other libraries is really outstand- military training and other purposes. wanted to know if it were perhaps Commission for up to 88 hours of ing.” Town Administrator Joshua A. time to include in the town’s bylaws Professional Planning Services for the The board then met with Thomas Garcia had earmarked $15,000 to something to the effect that would give town’s Planning Board. Fielding and Scott O’Connor of improve “curb appeal” for the area. the selectboard control of the Town Selectboard member Thomas Pudding Hill Farm, LLC. regarding a Historical Society member Linda Commons. Virtual visit with Santa Claus SANTA COMES TO TOWN BLANDFORD — Santa Claus will time for a five-minute time period. Please be at the Porter Memorial Library on contact the library at 413-848-2853 Saturday, Dec. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. and during open hours, 2 to 6 p.m. on week- available to chat via Zoom. days and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday; Parents need to sign up ahead of or by contacting [email protected]. MIDDLEFIELD HOLE-Y SEASON

Lyle Congdon at a cellar hole find in Middlefield. Submitted photo MIDDLEFIELD SENIOR CENTER

Lunch is served at the Senior Center, message at 413-623-9990 the Monday Santa had a special escort through Blandford Saturday, Dec. 12, at noon. The members 169 Skyline Trail, Middlefield, each before. Pick-up and delivery are avail- Wednesday at noon. able. The menu on Wednesday, Dec. 23, of the Blandford Firefighters’ Association gave Santa a ride through town in Engine A $3 donation is suggested. is teriyaki pork rib, steamed spinach, One. The Fire Department fleet made the rounds of the town’s byways and people Reservations should be made, and meal scalloped potatoes, French bread, and waited outside to wave in spite of the fog and rain. Volunteer Firefighter Sarah Forsaith choice stated, by calling and leaving a fresh fruit. organized Saturday’s Santa Parade. Photos by Mary Kronholm CHESTERFIELD Pre-order holiday bake sale goods Programs available for assistance CHESTERFIELD —The Pumpkin, apple (regular or crumb top), CHESTERFIELD — The Hilltown The Hilltown Food Bucks Program offers Chesterfield Congregational Church is and pecan pies; sour dough French loaf; CDC, on behalf of the Town of coupons or “bucks” for low to moderate having a pre-order Christmas Bake Sale. banana sour cream coffee cake (with or Chesterfield, currently has two new pro- income families to use while shopping at Items must be ordered by Sunday, Dec. without walnuts); cranberry upside-down grams of interest for residents. select locations. 20. Pick-up will be on Thursday, Dec. coffee cake, and assorted cookie platters. The Micro-Enterprise Relief For more information and program 24, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Church in Please call Lynne Scott at 413-238- Program offers grants to business own- applications, visit hilltowncdc.org or con- Chesterfield on Route 143. 4264 or Suzanne Krebs at 413-268-9475 ers with five or less employees that have tact Bea at [email protected]. or The following items will be offered: for details on prices and placing an order. been negatively affected by COVID-19. Kate at [email protected]. Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020 page 7 BLANDFORD Tax rate stays same as last year SPEEDING UP By Mary Kronholm as “revised and omitted and amended growth” to be included after the fact and BLANDFORD — The Board of this will affect the tax rate next year in a Assessors presented a proposed tax rate positive way. and a single tax classification for fis- “As soon as the tax rate is cal year 2022. The proposed tax rate approved, we’ll send the two their will remain the same as last year at PILOT bills,” said Reynolds. “So that $17.76 per $1,000 of property valuation. that money comes in.” The tax rate must be approved by the The third solar farm is ready to go, Massachusetts Department of Revenue. and will be included next year. Jeffry Reynold of Regional “Next year’s growth should be Resource Group, LLC, the town’s abnormally significant and do a nice assessing arm, presented for the Board job helping the tax rate and levy ceil- of Assessors. Chairman of the Assessors ing for next year,” said Reynolds Stephen Jemiolo was present to provide “Unfortunately we couldn’t get them in any additional information. the tax rate for this year but bodes well Values appreciated by just over 2% for next year. I will take the blame for and all land went up in value by 4%. it as it were, because they really should The average tax bill will go up by about have gone on [in the tax rate setting $84, according to Reynolds. information].” What came as unexpected news There was a personnel loss during was that two of the five solar farms had the year at RRG, according to Reynolds, not been included in the tax rate set- who was never part of the solar valua- ting process, and the additional income tion, and apparently there was “a mis- from the two Payment in Lieu of Taxes communication on our end,” he said. program will probably affect the tax However, the situation will be corrected. rate. However, as soon as the amounts The board approved the proposed due are assessed and billed, Reynolds tax rate and single classification which Fiber Optic line is installed on North Blandford Road. High speed internet is coming. said the information would be submitted will go to the DOR for final approval. Submitted photo by Peter Langmore Board of Health shares COVID-19 symptoms, quarantine information BLANDFORD — On Monday, Dec. Places of Worship, Lodging (com- The incubation period is still 14 days When in quarantine follow these 7, the East Bound Turnpike service area mon areas), Golf facilities, and Movie although most cases have an incubation instructions: Do not leave home except was shut down for a Biohazard clean up Theaters (Maximum 50 people per the- period of fewer than 10. With this being for urgent medical care. If someone due to a COVID-19 case. They are now ater). said, affected individuals will need to must leave for urgent medical car wear a clear for business. In addition, there are new guide- quarantine consistent with one of the mask, such as a cloth mask, or a surgical It is important that people ask ques- lines for restaurants, offices, and gyms: following options: seven days of strict mask, call the healthcare provider before tions and not start rumors so that this patrons must wear masks at all times quarantine and release on Day 8 if a test going and tell them about being quaran- does not hurt business there. except when eating and drinking, restau- (either PCR or antigen) taken on Day 5 tined due to COVID-19 exposure; do not As of Sunday, Dec.13, all communi- rants must seat no more than six patrons or later is negative; and the individual has take public transportation, ride shares ties will go back to Step 1 Phase 3. per table, restaurants must impose a not experienced any symptoms up to that (e.g., Uber or Lyft), or taxis to get to the Blandford’s active case “numbers are 90-minute time limit on tables, musi- point; and the individual conducts active healthcare provider. up and we are in the red,” according to cal performances at restaurants will no monitoring through Day 14. Do not have visitors at home, main- Board of Health member Jennifer Girard. longer be permitted, food court seating Individual must actively monitor tain six feet of distance from others in “We were out of the red for a very must be closed in malls, customers are symptoms and take temperature once the home; if possible, use separate bath- short period. We can’t impress enough encouraged to eat only with members of daily. If even mild symptoms develop or rooms and bedrooms; do not share tow- upon people to do their part. We are a the same household. the individual has a temperature of 100 els, bed sheets, blankets, eating utensils, small community, and it would be bene- in offices, employees must wear degrees Fahrenheit, they must immedi- our drinking glasses. Wash own uten- ficial if everyone worked together for the masks at their place of work when not in ately self-quarantine. sils, dishes, laundry, clean and disin- good of the town,” she added. their own workspace and alone, employ- Approximately 5% residual risk of fect the bathroom every day, cover your Phase 3, Step 1 includes the follow- ers are encouraged to close or limit the disease development 10 days of strict mouth with a tissue when coughing or ing restrictions: Outdoor gatherings at use of break rooms, and it is encouraged quarantine, Release on Day 11 if the indi- sneezing, throw tissues in a lined waste event venues will be limited to no more that all employers offer teleworking to vidual has not experienced any symptoms container and wash hands, wash hands than 50 people; Hosts of outdoor gath- their employees. up to that point; and the individual con- frequently for 20 seconds, use alco- erings of greater than 25 people will be Exposure & Return to Work ducts active monitoring through Day 14. hol-based hand sanitizer that contains required to provide advance notice of Guidance revised as of December 7, No test is necessary under this 60% alcohol. the gathering their local board of health; 2020. Quarantine is for individuals who option isolate, contact the public health Anyone who comes in contact with, Indoor theaters and performance ven- have been exposed to someone who is authority overseeing their quarantine and including anyone living in the home, ues and higher contact indoor recreation COVID-19 positive, but are not exhib- get tested. should remain aware of their health and businesses will be required to close to the iting any symptoms and have not tested Approximately 1% residual risk of watch themselves for a fever tempera- public; Outdoor theaters and performance positive. disease development 14 days of strict ture over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. They venues will be limited to 25% capacity, Isolation is for individuals who have quarantine, release on Day 15 if the indi- should take their temperature in the and no more than 50 people. either tested positive for COVID-19 or vidual has experienced any symptoms morning and at night. In all communities, capacity will be who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID- during the quarantine period even if they Other symptoms such as a cough, reduced from 50% to 40% for the follow- 19 (including fever, chills, muscle pain, have a negative COVID-19 test; or the difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, ing sectors: Arcades/Indoor and Outdoor headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste individual indicates they are unwilling chills, muscle or body aches, fatigue, Recreational Businesses, Driving and or smell) and have been told by a pro- or unable to conduct active monitoring. sore throat, headache, congestion or Flight Schools, Gyms/Health Clubs, vider that they have or probably have No additional active monitoring required, runny nose, new onset loss of taste or Libraries, Museums, Retail Offices, COVID-19, even in the absence of a test. maximal risk reduction. smell, nausea or vomiting, or diarrhea. EARLY DEADLINE Early Deadlines For All Advertising for all PUBLIC NOTICES... & CLASSIFIEDS to run the week of To celebrate To celebrate December 21-25, 2020: Happy New Year! • Thursday, Dec. 17 at NOON CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR, The Register, Sentinel, to run the week of the Advertising the Advertising The Wilbraham-Hampden Times, December 28 - Agawam Advertiser News, January 1, 2021: Deadline will be Deadline will be Quaboag Current • Friday, Dec. 18 at Noon • Wednesday, Dec. 23 at noon NOON - NOON - Barre Gazette, Country Journal, The Register, Sentinel, FRI., DEC. 18 WED., DEC. 23 Ware River News The Wilbraham-Hampden Times, The Journal Register Agawam Advertiser News, for the week of for the week of • Monday, Dec. 21 at noon Quaboag Current, Barre Gazette, Dec. 22-25 Dec. 29-Jan. 1 Town Reminder, Country Journal, Ware River News Chicopee Register and The Journal Register The Holyoke Sun • Monday, Dec. 28 at noon 24 Water Street Town Reminder, Chicopee Register Palmer, MA 01069 and The Holyoke Sun Happy Holidays! www.turley.com 413-283-8393 page 8 Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020 WORTHINGTON COVID-19 recommendations from the Board of Health WORTHINGTON — Testing sites lation guidance, visit www.mass.gov/ Symptoms may include fever, chills cose control. are expanding in Massachusetts for info-details/covid-19-isolation-and-quar- or shaking chills, fatigue, sore throat, Holiday travel and visits are being COVID-19, including free testing sites. antine-information. headache, body aches/myalgia, loss of discouraged. Massachusetts has now Anyone who has symptoms or has been Knowledge about COVID-19 sense of taste or smell, cough, shortness returned to Phase III, Stage 1 guidance. identified as a possible close contact symptoms has expanded and each per- of breath, lowered oxygen saturation, When visiting with people outside the should get tested. Those who have symp- son responds differently to the virus and gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vom- immediate family or bubble wear masks toms of any sort should get tested imme- shows a different mix of symptoms. The iting, diarrhea, loss of appetite), rash, and at all times except when eating or drink- diately; close contacts should wait five only symptom unique to COVID-19 inflammatory conditions such as “Covid ing, stay six feet apart, ventilate indoor days from first exposure to get tested, seems to be loss of taste and smell. Here toes.” spaces (open windows), limit time spent otherwise a negative might not be mean- is a current list (one or more symptoms In elderly, chronically ill, or debil- in other homes/locations. ingful). that are new or more intense than usual itated individuals such as residents of Visit mass.gov for updates and infor- Information about testing and testing is the criteria for thinking about getting a long-term care facility, symptoms of mation on business reopening guidance, sites can be found at www.mass.gov/ tested). Symptoms may appear 2-14 days COVID-19 may be subtle such as alter- regulating gatherings, vaccinations, and covid-19-testing. For quarantine and iso- after exposure to the virus. ations in mental status or in blood glu- more.

Send Us Your Photos! HEARING from page 1 “I would like to request the engi- residents. [email protected] neer who designed this to go out and “It’s easier to help everyone stake all the locations where the new understand where the new locations poles are going to go,” said Verizon are going to be if those locations are representative Paul Davis. staked,” Davis said. “I’ve kind of been watching and There will be 36 new poles in there isn’t a stake so I’m really glad total, added between existing poles. Paul has that suggestion and very The purpose is to provide extra support much appreciate leaving this open until for the new three-phase power lines January,” added resident Rita Koenigs, coming into the west side of town. The who lives along the affected route. new poles would also attach Verizon Davis said the decision to con- lines and the new Comcast lines. tinue the hearing a month delays the “The existing poles that are there timetable a little bit, but won’t have a have been basically replaced, the major impact on the overall project. majority of them. These would be mid- However, he said the stakes normally span poles between the existing poles,” should’ve been out for those questions Davis said. “Eversource is considering to be addressed before the public hear- that the existing poles now, the spans ing ever happens. between them, are quite long. These “It slows up the process anoth- midspan poles being petitioned tonight er month. However, typically how the would shorten the spans, give more process goes…is the engineer or who- support to the pole lines, and make ever should go out and stake the loca- Eversource happy.” tions,” he said. “If they have questions “I don’t have an issue with what or issues, they get resolved before it they’re doing. It’s going to help us comes to this public hearing.” with callouts in the winter with power While there is a map oof pole outages. This hopefully will take care THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, location at Town Hall, the stakes are of some of that,” added another resi- ITS ABOUT BEING amore convenient and visual option for dent. PART OF THE FAMILY. NOTICE Our PART OF THE PACK. ERRORS: Each advertis- er is requested to check advertisers THE 30 pack, their advertisement the make this the 18 pack the 12 pack... first time it appears. This paper will not be publication Order ahead and save. Whalen responsible for more possible. Case prices available on beer and wine. Insurance than one corrected in- Over 100 brews to choose from. Protecting you is our only business. sertion, nor will be li- Let them know Many great European wines. Auto able for any error in you saw their Home an advertisement to a ad in the Best Prices in Town • Best Selection • Honest Lottery Business greater extent than the 71 King Street cost of the space occu- Country HUNTINGTON LIQUORS Northampton, MA 01060 pied by the item in the 413-586-1000 • Fax: 413-585-0401 Journal 21 Russell Road, Huntington (413) 667-3201 www.whaleninsurance.com advertisement.

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Quarter1, complete any current pend- recently changed recommendations to interventions are necessary and urgent. Any student who earned a 30% or less ing work in Quarter 2, or enjoy a break. allow students to eat lunch inside during The staff has already brainstormed with will require the teacher, counselor, and an Advanced Placement courses may assign inclement weather. With the model chang- program leaders and discussed how we’re administrator to determine if credit recov- work with administration approval. es, there will be fewer than 20 students eat- moving forward,” Smidy said. “Remote ery is appropriate. Smidy was asked by the committee ing lunch at HRHS. Elementary schools in learning has been really challenging for a All students failing a Quarter 1 course about the viability of a system where all district are using a weather/wind chill chart number of students for different reasons. will meet with their school or adjustment students receive a 60 for Quarter 1, which to determine if recess is outdoors. In terms of students’ executive function- counselor to discuss building strategies she said doesn’t address the fundamental The school received a donation of ing, they don’t have the skills to have the for success in the classroom. It may be concerns raised by the increased failure 36 books valued at approximately $1,300 autonomy to attend classes on their own, appropriate for students to drop one or two rates. from Solidarity in Southampton, a group but that’s what we’re asking them to do.” classes to focus on other courses. “If we just turned all grades to a 60 of Southampton residents who hold them- Smidy also noted the school’s con- Late assignments can be turned in from Quarter 1, that would give students selves in solidarity with Black Lives cern with the failure rate for students on until the quarter it was assigned ends. The the opportunity to pass for the year, but Matter and are working to help create a Individualized Education Plans. Out of assignment can be penalized for being late, if they haven’t demonstrated the learn- world with racial justice. The donation was 310 failed classes in Quarter 1, about one- but administration strongly discourages ing from quarter 1 how are they supposed made to help the need for diverse books third were by students on IEPs. Students this if the work demonstrates mastery of to do Quarter 2?” she said. “We could in all schools; of the 36 books, 11 were on IEPs often require additional accom- the assignment. Late work can be marked certainly pass everybody and not have a already on school shelves. modations such as seating, extra monitored no lower than 50%. failure issue at Hampshire, but that doesn’t The committee voted to accept a time, redirection of attention back to the When it comes to asynchronous address the actual learning.” donation for the monetary amount of the lesson, etc. These services are difficult to learning, teachers should be prioritizing Smidy did note adjusting grade book and too let the library staff handles provide remotely. time usage as follows: continued full class weights and other intervention strate- the acquisition of the books as some com- “It’s really challenging to provide all instruction for if a lesson needs more gies may be considered in the future. mittee members felt uncomfortable with of the accommodations and modifications time, all students can be required to come Committee members were also curious if having the committee choosing what is for students in a remote model,” Smidy back to receive required direct instruction; the school’s change to its hybrid model, going on the shelves. said. “In reality, it’s really hard to do that reteaching and pre-teaching students cur- adding more in-person learning time per “We’d be approving a monetary value and you see that reflected here. Even rently failing or at risk of failing because student, will help failure rates. and then the librarian uses it to come up though students have an individualized they failed the previous quarter; account- “Because we’re swapping models with a list, which they have,” Chairman program, they’re still failing a number of ability meetings with students currently mid-quarter, we won’t have sufficient time Margaret Larson said. classes, which is really concerning.” failing or at risk of failing because they to be able to reflect and see if some strat- The school committee’s discussion The school is pursuing several inter- failed the previous quarter. egies worked and others didn’t,” Smidy on whether or not to allow basketball and vention strategies to address these issues. Teachers will also assign no work said. hockey this winter sports season will be Students who failed a class during Quarter over break. This will give students the With winter weather hitting the continued on Monday, Dec. 21 at 6:30 1 will be given the opportunity makeup opportunity to either complete a cred- region, Smidy also notified the committee p.m. For Zoom meeting information, visit work over the holiday break. If complet- it recovery plan for a failed class in the Board of Health and Safety Committee hrhs.net.

BASKETBALL from page 1 sport won’t be played. This was the case surrounding schools have contact infor- There will be modifications to bas- getting bad in January, we can re-discuss with the ski team. There weren’t enough mation with each other to make commu- ketball in order for the sport to be played, it and shut it down if needed.” people signed up for a team, so they will nication ease if cases need to be reported. including that there are no more than Indoor sports are a part of phase not compete. Additionally, the basketball Bonenfant talked about the soccer 15 players on a game day roster, play- three step one and there is information on will follow COVID-19 safety guidelines season and receiving information from ers will sit on bleachers six feet apart the state’s reopening website along with just as Soccer did in the fall, and for bas- another school when there was a positive with their personal items below, and the the MIAA website for sports specific ketball, the school will not play any city case or close contact and the team han- ball will undergo planned and period- information. or town that is red or has a 5% positivity dled it accordingly. There were no trans- ic disinfecting as only one ball will be Many committee members agreed rate. missions during the soccer season and used to restrict transmission surfaces. that sports help students as more than a Other safety protocols include no the athletic department will continue to This caused discussion among committee physical outlet; it can also help emotion- playing or practicing if the school goes uphold the same safety regulations. members and the public, but Bonenfant ally and socially and it’s important to let remote and all players and coaches “The athletic teams have been expressed that the indoor sport guide- kids have a sense of normality while the will follow all COVID-19 precautions. informed of all protocols in regard to lines are specific and follow guidelines case numbers allow it. Athletic Director Matthew Bonenfant Covid. Teams have been instructed to, from equipment and practices to people At the end of the discussion, the attended the School Committee meet- and are expected to, follow all regula- allowed in a game. committee voted and approved to bypass ing and assured committee members the tions,” Bonenfant said. “There has been “If we say we’re not doing it and the two-meeting rule and then voted and players and coaches will be monitored excellent communication between the the numbers get better in January, that’s approved holding winter sports after the for positive cases and close contacts. teams, the athletic department, and the a missed opportunity,” Bonenfant said. winter break with the written regulations Additionally, the athletic departments in district in regard to regulations.” “If we do it now and the numbers end up and precautions put in place.

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Athenaeum’s Reading Series con- As singer-songwriter Gene Christy, he tinues with Eugene Christy, who will was for many years the front man for for Zoom book study read selections from his “20th Century the Irish folk trio The Dossers, with Quintet,” an historical fiction immigrant Bill Morrison and Rick Marquis, and BECKET — Central Berkshire arranged. story 1899-1972, with discussion to fol- he has recorded his original words and Regional School District teachers The Becket Athenaeum is pleased low. music with backing from Bobby Sweet Sarah DiFazio and Meagan Shannon to partner with the CBRSD, BRIDGE, Christy is a novelist, first and fore- and Rick Leab. As an author, Christy along, with Stephanie Wright from and several other hilltown organiza- most, but also a poet, a lifelong musi- has been working for seven years on a Multicultural BRIDGE will be facili- tions within the Equity & Diversity cian, and a singer/songwriter, current- quintet of novels, historical fiction tell- tating a virtual book study beginning Subcommittee for the district. There ly enjoying retirement in his home in ing the saga of an immigrant Italian Monday, Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. via Zoom. were some delays in community out- the Berkshires. His maternal grandpar- American family from 1899 to 1972. The book is “How To Be an Antiracist” reach earlier this year due to the pan- ents Antonio Scioscia and Giuseppina Three volumes of The Twentieth Century by National Book Award-winning demic, but several programs are about Fabrizio came from Alta Villa Irpina, Quintet have been published this year by author Ibram X. Kendi. to launch to continue the work of facil- near Avellino, in the South of Italy. He Adelaide Books, New York and Lisbon, A schedule for the 2021 meetings itating meaningful conversations on has lived in Dublin, London, Rome and and Volumes 4 and 5 are due for release will be shared on Dec. 14. Please con- issues of equity and diversity in the Tripoli. He has studied under Seán Ó in 2021. tact Annie Pecor at [email protected] Central Berkshire Community. Faoláin, the famed Irish shorty-story The reading will run from 1 to 2 if someone would like to participate or The Athenaeum hopes the commu- writer, James Dickey, WWII fighter pilot p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, via Zoom. have any questions. Given this is via nity will consider joining in these ongo- and author of Deliverance, the book and Pre-registration is required at bit.ly/euge- Zoom, a book pick-up/drop off can be ing conversations. the movie, and Larry McMurtry, widely nereading.

BROADBAND from page 1 ect of broadband in the hilltowns was ple learning and working at home; it’s poles replaced in one town — there are announced. difficult for people when they don’t have more than 3,000 poles on Route 116 “When the broadband project was stable internet connections. and 1,800 of those poles needed to be first announced it was expected to have Hinds predecessor was working replaced. While there are still 53 towns the hilltowns lit up by 2011. It’s a good on the Broadband project, and Hinds that are unserviced, this ceremony is investment and a smart investment, we continued the work and expressed his certainly something to celebrate for the just missed the mark a bit,” Pignatelli excitement for Becket to move on form Broadband project. said. “There was a lot of money spent the make ready work. The speakers all mentioned that by the state and the residents, the middle “We have to speak loudly at Boston the citizens of Becket have been very mile took a while to complete, but it’s to be heard for our towns projects,” cooperative and understanding through happening, and I think that’s the import- Hinds said. “It’s important that we cel- this process, though they are frustrated ant thing.” ebrate some victories, and this is a vic- they see the importance go having a net- Pignatelli said the processes of tory.” work in town regardless of the amount of checking and replacing poles took lon- Other speakers included the proj- time it takes to establish it. ger than expected, not just in the middle ect manager from Whip City Fiber, “I don’t think there’s a selectboard mile but the last mile as well. There were Joe Parda, who explained the design- meeting where broadband isn’t on many standing poles that weren’t able ing and engineering for the Broadband the agenda.” Elovirta said. “When we to support the fiber cables and had to took two years to get it where it is today. approved 3.1 million [dollars] for this be replaced. Though that set the project Additionally, the company will continue project, I was told that if I wanted to be back a bit, it continued on and all the to manage the network after it’s estab- re-elected, I should support it and others make ready work is completed in Becket. lished and Parda expressed that it’s good said the same about not supporting it. Town Administrator William Caldwell The next step is to string the to see the project unfold and get to this But I know this is the way of the future, addresses the journey the town has wires or fiber that allows broadband point. so I supported it. It’s good to have it undertaken as it works to finish bringing access to all the residents in town. The liaison for the last mile was come this far.” broadband access to residents in 2021. Though this will take time, it’s one step Bill Ennen, from the Executive Office The town was able to receive closer to having the town fully capa- of Economic Development and he too funding from the state for some of the Photos by Shelby Macri ble of internet. Senator Hinds said he spoke at the ceremony. He mentioned pole repair work. The state gave a num- Though it was expensive, and it took received emails right before attending the large number of poles how it sig- ber for funding, but underestimated the more time than expected, the outcome the ceremony from upset and frustrated nificantly increased the project’s com- number of poles needing replacement will be well worth the wait. During this residents that the projected has taken pletion time. Ennen shared Becket is and ended up giving $3 million in funds next step of fiber installation, residents longer than countless updated dates. The one of the biggest towns around and while the town voted to put $3.1 mil- will see concentrated fiber areas turning frustrations of everyone involved has the area made the replacement of poles lion into the project, making the proj- on during 2021; the next step in securing grown with COVID-19 and many peo- tricky. He believes Becket had the most ect worth $6.81 million in total funds. a network in Becket. REGION Free COVID-19 testing at HCC extended until March 31 HOLYOKE — Free “Stop the Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Spread” COVID-19 testing at Holyoke Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m.; and Community College has been extended Tuesday and Thursday from 2 p.m. to until March 31, 2021, according to the 7 p.m. Holyoke Board of Health. Testing is free to all Drive-through testing at HCC is Massachusetts residents, and conduct- conducted six days a week in park- ed on a first come, first serve basis. ing lot H near the western entrance to There are no appointments and no the Donahue Building on the college’s referral is necessary. Turnaround time main campus, 303 Homestead Ave. for results is typically four days or HCC has been serving as a “Stop fewer. the Spread” drive-through testing More information on all of the site since Aug. 26 to help reduce the Stop the Spread test sites across the spread of COVID-19. state can be found at www.mass.gov/ Drivers are asked to enter the info-details/stop-the-spread. campus from Homestead Avenue, turn Please note testing may sometimes left onto the Campus Road and pro- be cancelled due to inclement weather. ceed to parking lot H. There will be Be sure to visit the Holyoke Board of signs and parking attendants on site to Health website for up-to-date informa- manage the flow of traffic. tion on cancellations at www.holyoke. The HCC testing site is open org/departments/board-of-health.

SEND US YOUR NEWS & PHOTOS email us at: [email protected] A nurse administers a free COVID-19 test at Holyoke Community College. Courtesy photo Parents & Coaches Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020 page 11 Cherished Chester

Liz Massa and Russ LaPierre take in the view of Round Hill Round Hill Pond provides entertainment for man’s best Liz Massa and Ronnie check out the remains of one of the Pond in Chester. Submitted photos friend. Knox Brothers homesteads.

Russ LaPierre takes a moment to enjoy the tranquility of the pond. Artifacts left behind from a day long passed.

Navigating the trails sometimes requires creative pathing. Kim Kelliher and Russ LaPierre climb Round Top Hill along the snow-covered trails.

Liz Mass prepares to replace the cache at the Round Top Hill summit, the highest elevation in Hampden County. Kim Kelliher follows a trail blazer up the slopes. Russ LaPierre works to clear some debris blocking the trail. page 12 Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020 WESTHAMPTON weddin announcement announcement

Robert Dragon and Megan Conner were married on October 23, 2020 at The Ranch in Southwick. The couple currently resides in Southampton. Submitted Photo by Connie Dragon Jennifer Dragon and Brian Hopkins will be married in Aug. 2021. Connor and Dragon tie the knot Submitted photo by Connie Dragon WESTHAMPTON —Joyce and a specialization in Developmental Robert Dragon Jr., parents of the Disabilities and Human Services. Dragon and Hopkins groom of Westhampton and Charles She is a Realtor and Advertising Conner and Maura McCarthy, Manager at Taylor Real Estate father and stepmother of the bride, in Easthampton. She is the grand- and Barbara Conner, mother of the daughter of Bernice Conner of plan August wedding bride, all of Easthampton announce Easthampton. the wedding of their children Robert The groom is a 2011 graduate WESTHAMPTON — Joyce England University with a bachelor’s Dragon and Megan Conner of of Hampshire Regional High School and Robert Dragon Jr., parents of the degree in Business. She presently Southampton. and a 2014 graduate of Greenfield bride from Westhampton and Julie works as a Recruiter for Edward Megan and Robert were married Community College with a degree in and Bruce Smith, mother and step- Jones in Arizona. She is the grand- at The Ranch in Southwick on Oct. Fire Science and a Paramedic degree. father of the groom and Gregory and daughter of Connie and Bob Dragon 23, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. in the after- He joined the Air National Guard in Stacy Hopkins, father and stepmoth- of Westhampton. noon on a beautiful sunny day. The 2011 and is a fireman with rank of er of the groom, all from Vermont The groom is a 2007 graduate of ceremony was performed by Sam Technical Sergeant. are pleased to announce the engage- Lyndon Institute and a 2011 graduate LaBonte, cousin of the groom. A He is currently attending ment of their children Jennifer of Lyndonville State University in reception was held immediately fol- Columbia Southern University Dragon and Brian Hopkins, present- Vermont with a bachelor’s degree lowing the ceremony at the groom’s College in pursuit of his bachelor’s ly of Arizona. An August 2021 wed- in Business. He presently works for parents’ home in Westhampton. degree in Fire Administration/Fire ding is planned at Quonquont Farm Medix as a clinical research recruit- The bride is a 2013 graduate of Investigation. Private Dragon is a in Whately. er in Arizona. He is the grandson Easthampton High School and 2017 Fireman in Easthampton. The bride is a 2006 graduate of of Joanne Dakin Ouelette of North graduate of UMass Amherst with a He is the grandson of Connie Hampshire Regional High School Carolina and Ron and Darlene bachelor’s degree in Psychology with and Bob Dragon of Westhampton. and a 2010 graduate of Western New French of Maine.

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TAURUS LEO SCORPIO AQUARIUS Apr 21/May 21 Jul 23/Aug 23 Oct 24/Nov 22 Jan 21/Feb 18 Taurus, you may find You might be tempted to Remember the people This week you learn yourself taking more break up with someone who have helped you a new skill or some- risks and acting more or put a friendship on along the way, Scorpio. thing relating to elec- boldly. Don’t be afraid ice, Leo. Maybe your Give thanks to everyone tronics commands to give other things a feelings were hurt or who has supported you your attention, Aquar- try. Try public speaking there was a misunder- in any and all endeav- ius. This can put you or ask to helm a new standing. Think before ors. in good spirits as you project. acting. figure out ways to ap- SAGITTARIUS ply what you learn. GEMINI VIRGO Nov 23/Dec 21 May 22/Jun 21 Aug 24/Sept 22 It can be challenging PISCES Reality will not be Virgo, when one door for you to be as produc- Feb 19/Mar 20 nearly as exciting as closes another opens, tive as you want to be, Pisces, you may find you hope it to be this and you will find this to Sagittarius. For some that you are mixing week, Gemini. You may be true this week. A cy- reason your focus keeps business with plea- have to offset things a cle comes to a close and being drawn elsewhere. sure. Just be careful bit by watching movies something entirely new Hunker down and con- to follow the rules if 41. Health insurance 3. Menacing 27. Edible lily bulbs or reading books for a will come your way. centrate. you’re thinking of a CLUES ACROSS great escape. workplace romance. 1. Popular pickup truck 42. A detective’s source 4. Where coaches patrol 31. Quarterbacks take 4. Profoundly wise men 43. Small American rails 5. Greek mythological them 9. Camera company 44. Alfred __, Brit. poet figure 32. Organic compound 14. Folk singer DiFranco 46. Crest of a hill 6. War-based board 34. Tears down (Brit.) 15. Passerine birds 49. Atomic #52 game 35. Beloved Hollywood 16. Plum-shaped fruit 50. __ Caesar, comedian 7. Midway between alien used for preserves 51. Breaks apart northeast and east 36. Unconscious 17. Popular kids channel 55. Register formally 8. 18-year period in 40. Missouri 18. Dodgers’ skipper (Brit. sp.) astronomy 41. Firemen use them 20. Removes 58. Worker 9. Mid-century term 45. Pig noise 22. The Atlantic is one 59. Chemical compound used to describe 47. Greatly dismay 23. Badgerlike mammal 60. Disgraced newsman Japanese-Americans 48. Imitator 24. Foulness 64. Born of 10. Large bodies of 52. Moves by turning 28. Luke’s mentor 65. Chemical substance water over __-Wan 66. Supernatural powers 11. Eurasian ryegrass 53. Boxing’s GOAT 29. Commercial 67. Clothes 12. Perform on stage 54. Swarms with 30. A type of gin 68. Indy footballers 13. Greek island 56. Margarines 31. Temptress 69. Moves forward 19. 10th month of the 57. Feudal superior 33. Shuts in an enclosed 70. Midway between year (abbr.) 59. As fast as can be space south and southeast 21. One point east of done 37. Milligram southeast 60. Reciprocal of a sine 38. Actress Adams CLUES DOWN 24. Belgian city 61. Chinese city 39. Strive to equal or 1. Driver 25. Praise excessively 62. Tell on match 2. Bone cavities 26. River in France 63. United

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JoAnn “Jo-Jo” Britton, 81, passed away with her family and friends. She really loved peacefully at Westfield Gardens Nursing going for car rides and going out to eat. BRITTON, JOANN Home on Sunday, Dec. 13, after compli- She was predeceased by her parents Died Dec. 13, 2020 cations from COVID-19. She was born on Byron E. Britton and Alice Pierce Britton, Services are Private Jan 8, 1939 in Ware, MA. She grew up in her brother Leigh Britton, and nephew Toby Russell, MA and was a longtime resident of Britton. She leaves her sister Susan Maxwell Westfield. and her husband Lyle of Russell, Niece Jo Ann graduated from Westfield Lindsey Maxwell of Russell, Nephew Tyler High School in 1956 and was retired from Maxwell of Hatfield, Niece Tracy Rebello Country Journal Westfield Coatings in Westfield. She was of California, Nephew Leigh Britton Jr. and an avid Red Sox and Patriots Fan and was Niece Tammy Garner both of Oklahoma, Obituary Policy known for proudly wearing her team gear. Jo Ann also Niece Susan Coombs of Florida and Cousin Ann Abbey loved cards, bingo and bowling. She traveled all over of Agawam. Turley Publications offers two types of the United State to bowl in tournaments. Her favorite We want to thank the staff of Westfield Gardens obituaries. trips were cross-country United States and Canada trips for the many years that they took care of here they were One is a free, brief Death Notice listing on the Mystic Valley Railroad. She also enjoyed travel- her second family. There will be a private service at the the name of deceased, date of death and funeral ing to Florida and California. She loved spending time Russell Cemetery in the spring 2021. date and place. The other is a Paid Obituary, costing $100, which allows families to publish extended death SUBMISSIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME. notice information of their own choice and may include a photograph. Death Notices & Paid Send us your engagement, wedding, baby, anniversary Obituaries should be submitted through a school, sports and graduation news and photos. funeral home to: [email protected].

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FEBRUARYBARRE20, 2014 GAZETTE RE REGION F VOL. 179, NO. 40 $1.00 THE WA OR 129 FEBRUARYBARRE20,EBRUARY 2014 GAZETTE RVING YEA F BARRE20, 2014 GAZETTE R keeps on giving! USPS 044560 SE S VOL. 179, NVOOL. 40. 179, NO. 40 $1.00 $1.00 USPS 044560USPSUSPS 044560 044560 A TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com Vol. 134 No. 38 16 Pages (Plus Supplements) USPS 666100 $31 PER YEAR - $1.00 A COPY Singing the night away October 29, 2020 ❙ Vol. 186, No. 28 ❙ $1.00 www.barregazette.turley.com Senate candidate MONSON BUSINESS THURSDAY,SPORTS OCTOBER 29, 2020 www.warerivernews.turley.com SingingSinging the night the nightaway away visits selectmen Changing of Driving school Monson boys A TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com the guard new owners track take win Selectmen MikeSenate ValanzolaSenateeconomy, candidateeducation and candidatecommu- Voters go nity. Of all the candidates for the visiting district towns senate seat, he is the only one that Page 2 Page 5 Page 9 was a selectmen. He stated that “A mask tells us more than a face.” — Oscar Wilde local aid and Chapter 70 money By Ellenor Downer to the polls set STM visitsvisits wereselectmen a priority. Heselectmen said that now Staff Writer SERVING PALMER, MONSON, BRIMFIELD,SUPPORT HOLLAND & WALES COMMUNITY JOURNALISM Scarecrows line Mainthey were the firstStreet areas cut, not REGION the first funded. economy,He mentioned educationeconomy, and education commu- and commu- SPORTS OAKHAM- Despite a Mike ValanzolaMike Valanzolathat the legislaturenity. is more Of inter- all the candidates for the Nov. 3 Dear Reader: extend your current one. our work and hope you find it brings you hard at providing even better local news week, too. So please take a moment to Tuesday snowstorm, Oakham nity. Of all the candidates for the LOCAL Narcan for Nov. 21 ested in funding new programs, We resisted the temptation to take to closer to understanding your community. coverage. Your suggestions as to how we consider the service we provide and enjoy Fall in Hubbardstonselectmen still held their meeting. senate seat, hesenate is the seat, only he one is the that only one that but that new programs take money Republicanvisiting candidate visitingdistrict for state townsdistrict towns By Ellenor Downer We are pleased to provide this week’s the phones, interrupt your dinner and make We’re hoping for a good response from can do a better job are always welcome. the paper. We hope to be arriving at your donation By Ellenor Downer away from existing programs. Team sports Senate, Mike Valanzola, intro- was a selectmen.was a Heselectmen. stated that He stated that Staff Writer He also said that the issue of The Ware River News mailed to our subscription pitch. Instead, our pre- this campaign because we’ll then be able We’re a family-owned company with a home every week for years to come. PAGE 12 Staff Writer duced himself to the two select- local aid andlocal Chapter aid and 70 Chaptermoney 70 money Department of Elementary and performs update men present, EliotBy StarbardEllenor and DownerBy Ellenor Downer every resident in our coverage area for free ferred way of continuously growing our to provide even more value to the local deep commitment to the towns we serve. Thanks so much. Enjoy the fall season. Secondary Educationwere (DESE) a priority. was were He a priority.said that He now said that now Matthew Broderick. James Erhard The last day for early voting in BARRE – The Barre Board of Staff Writera Stafffar too Writer powerful bureaucracy. over the next two weeks. Enclosed you readership is to share a couple of copies of businesses that support us. We want to meet, and if possible, exceed service PAGE 8 of Sturbridge is also a running as a they were thethey first were areas the cut, first not areas cut,Barre not is Thursday, Oct. 29 from 9 DESE adopted common core state will find a remittance form that you may the paper with you, enclose a subscription There are no plans to rest on our lau- your expectations. Sincerely, Selectmen set the date for a Special Republican for the senate seat. PAGE 7 standards initiativethe without first a vote funded.the first He funded.mentioned He mentioneda.m. to 4 p.m. at the Henry Woods Town Meeting for Saturday, Nov. Valanzola saidOAKHAM- he hoped to visitOAKHAM- the Despite aDespite a submit to either start a new subscription or form and await the returns. We’re proud of rels. Our pledge is to continue to work We’ll be arriving at your home next Patrick Turley, Publisher of the legislature thator input the fromlegislaturethat the islegislature more inter- is moreBuilding, inter- 40 West St. Country Journal selectmen in all 28 towns in the 21 at 10 a.m. Tuesday snowstorm,Tuesday schoolsnowstorm, Oakham districts. Oakham Selectman Senate district. He stated that he ested in fundingested newin funding programs, new programs,The last day for early voting in Starbard said that he did not agree At the Oct. 19 meeting, select- served selectmentwo terms on still selectmenthe heldWales their still meeting. held their meeting. Devoted to the Needs of the Hilltowns with the income basedbut thatnetThe school new butprograms that new take programs money take moneyperson Journalin Oakham will be Friday, Register man chair Gregory O’Sullivan said Board ofRepublican Selectmen and isRepublican candidate currently forcandidate state for state spending formula thatA determines TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.comOct. 30 from 10 a.m. to noonOctober in the 29, 2020 ❙ Vol. CLXIX, No. 40 ❙ $1.00 www.journalregister.turley.com Becket, Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, chairman of the Tantasqua Regional away from existingaway from programs. existing programs. the STM needed to be held before Senate, MikeSenate, Valanzola, Mikehow much Valanzola,intro- a town must intro- spend on Middlefield, Montgomery, Otis, Plainfield, Russell, Sandisfield, Westhampton, Williamsburg, Worthington School Committee, a committee of He also said that the voting room at the Oakham Town education. Starbard said the town He also said that the the tax rate was set. In order to have 18 membersduced that serveshimself fiveduced towns.to thehimself two select-to the two select- has no way to collectDepartment any of the Department of Elementary of Elementary and Hall. and tax bills out by Dec. 31, the tax rate He menexplained present, to themen selectmen Eliot present, Starbard Eliot and StarbardCOMMUNITY and ENVIRONMENTAL Quabbin that his focus if elected would be See SELECTMEN,Secondary page 7EducationSecondary (DESE) Education was (DESE) was Warren Water District patrons want action must be set by Dec. 1. He said if Matthew Broderick.Matthew James Broderick. Erhard James Erhard a far too powerfula far too bureaucracy. powerful bureaucracy.Polling locations for A TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com the deadline was not met, estimated Turley Publications Photo by Amber King, an intern from Quabbin Regional High School. of Sturbridgeof is Sturbridgealso a running is also as aa running as a DESE adoptedDESE common adopted core common state core state October 29, 2020 tax bills wouldThe be band sent Crawdad out. E Creek held their sixth annual bonfire and food drive on Saturday, Feb. 8 at American Legion Post 2. RepublicanRepublican for the senate for seat.the senate seat. coverage towns include: from the minerals. The new plant ❙ Vol. 42, No. 27 standardsResidents initiativestandards without initiative a vote without a vote USDAHolland grant and loan would filter out the minerals and Health❙ 75¢ Agawam Advertiser News O’Sullivan said the board would Valanzola saidValanzola he hoped said to visithe hoped the to visit the Barre of the legislatureof the orlegislature input from or input from seek input from the tax collector Stateselectmen funds inselectmen all 28 towns in allused in 28 the towns into the Precinct 1 capture them before they can be www.countryjournal.turley.com school districts.school districts.Selectman Selectman may be revoked soon HILLTOWNS on how collections were going. He Senate district.Senate He district.stated that He hestated that he Barre Senior Center oxidized by the chlorine in the sys- said if revenue was short, the town Starbardencouraged saidStarbard that he didsaid not that agree he did not agree557 South Barre Road gets over Director QRSD to hold promoteserved two servedterms regional ontwo the terms Wales on the Wales By Eileen Kennedy tem. might want to access funds before State approves Pathfinder roof project with the incomewith basedthe income net school based net schoolPrecinct 2 The whole project must be fin- ADVERTISER NEWS Board of SelectmenBoard of and Selectmen is currently and is currently Staff writer AGAWAM public budget about 62 percent of the project cost acceptance of the cost, site, type, setting the tax rate. spendingto formuladisplayspending that formula determines that determinesAmericanA Legion Postgourd 2 time was had by all ished by May 8, 2022, and the Construction chairman of thechairman Tantasqua of the Regional Tantasqua Regional $250G to Town accountant, Jean Joel, or $2,003,781 of $3,273,620, with scope and timeline for the pro- partnerships how much ahow town much must a spendtown muston spend 450on South Barre Road USDA sets different timelines that to retire hearing expected to begin the remaining $1,269,839 borne by posed project,” wrote John School Committee,School aCommittee, committee aof committee of WARREN – About 50 people Public emphasizes rail’s need for speed A TURLEY PUBLICATION ❙ www.turley.com www.agawamadvertisernews.turley.com heard from the Department of Pathfinder’s member towns, based McCarthy, executive director of munities that benefit education.from the 37 pro- Starbardeducation. said Starbard the town said the townHardwick must be met for different parts of Technology,18 members health that18 members serves five that towns. serves five towns. attended a special meeting of the ❙ $1.00 Revenue the townBARRE needed - The to revoteQuabbin late summer on enrollment. the MSBA in a Jan. 29 letter to Dr. jects slated to receivehas patrioticfunding no way from hasto collectno way any to collectof the any of theHardwick Elementary School combat the process. ❙ Vol. 42, No.35 Regional School District (QRSD) Pathfinder’s member towns Gerald Paist, superintendent-direc- networksHe advanced explainedHe to explainedthethe selectmen $4 million to Communitythe selectmen Innovation Warren Water District on Oct. 21 By Peter Spotts Budget increased October 29, 2020 free cash expendituresSchool Committee voted will meet at on Challenge (CIC) grant program. Rte. 32 By Douglas Farmer include Palmer, tor of the Pathfinder regional dis- that his focusthat if hiselected focus would if elected be wouldSee be SELECTMEN,See SELECTMEN, page 7 page 7 Courtesy photo by Holyoke Community College to discuss the possibility the United the annual townThursday, meeting Feb. 27 at 6:30because p.m. at the Staff Writer Blog about it in Ware, Belchertown, trict. “Upon receipt of the certified By Emily Thurlow “The CIC program is a major stressed the project is being BLANDFORD our reader forum Hubbardston Quabbin Regional School District Staff Writer component of thethemes Patrick Ware resident Susan Kenney States Departmentrunoff of Agriculture into for new hire the town held its ATM after June Turley PublicationsTurley Photo Publications by AmberGranby, PhotoKing, Hardwick, anby internAmber from King,votes Quabbin an interndemonstrating Regional from Quabbin High School. Regionallocal High School. Agreement bogged down by study after Educational Support Center, 872 PALMER – After receiving Monson, New approval, the MSBA and the dis- Administration's commitment to pro- Hubbardston Center School was the first family member may cancel a grant and a loan it The message from East-West Rail Alternative 3. 30. O’Sullivan said he thought Through a program that is vide cities and towns with the tools toBy Jonah Snowden study and there needs to be The band Crawdad E CreekSouth held St. At their the conclusion sixth annualof school bonfireformal approvaland food for funding drive of on the Saturday, Feb.Braintree, 8 at Oakham Americantrict Legionwill execute Post a project 2. funding 8 Elm St. to testify about the conditions agreed to provide to build a water The Sewer Commission and the Western Massachusetts resi- process, overlap Thetowns band hadCrawdad ancommittee extension E Creek business, held froma public their budgetthe sixthproject annual from bonfire the Massachusetts and food drive on andSaturday, Warren. Feb. 8agreement at American which will Legion set forth thePost 2.intended to support regionalization effectively manage resources and [email protected] and problems at the Holyoke www.gazetteforum. Enter through gymnasium door lake action. Governor. Thehearing board on the asked Quabbin TownRegional School Building Authority “Pursuant to the terms and conditions pursuant to and other cost-saving initiatives that vide services to their residents,” said treatment plant. Warren Water District did manage dents on East-West Rail was Town COVID-19 RE-ELECT wordpress.com Soldiers’ Home. She lost her By Melina Bourdeau ($40 out-of-state) School District FY15 budget will be (MSBA), a new roof will be placed terms of the MSBA’s which the district will receive its will change the way local govern- Secretary of Administration and $35/year administrator Jessica Sizer to check PALMER – Due to COVID-19, Oakham The federal agencyBy Jonah has Snowden warned to come up with a Memorandum of loud on clear on Oct. 22 — “We cannot have come held. The public is invited to attend. over the heads of staff and students Accelerated Repair Program, the grant from the MSBA.” ments doState business to maintainState service fundsFinance Glen funds Shor. “This usedprogram used to to father, Charles Lowell, to Staff writer into this. Oakham Town Hall the district it [email protected] “de-obligate” the Agreement this summer on a num- this far, after two years’ time Early, mail voting A copy of the FY2015 budget will at Pathfinder Regional Vocational district has 90 days to acquire and Within days of the receipt of delivery and stretch every taxpayer provides an opportunitythe for Veteran neigh- Services Department will COVID-19, and 75 other vet- the time is now to push this dollar as far as possible, the towns of boring communities to build part- 2 Coldbrook Road money because it has been unable cases rise by 10 Town administratorbe available for review Sizer at the said Central Technical High School in Palmer certify local approval for an appro- the letter, a preliminary meeting not have the opportunity to host an erans at the home died of the ber of points. The sticking point project forward. andWARE treasure, – In a meetingto be left of theat the NICK BOLDYGAOffice, 872 South St. after 12 p.m. by the end of the year. priation and all other necessary Palmer, Monson, Brimfield, Holland Voting room the budget was $81,417 short and virus as well. to meet projectHOLLAND deadlines due– A to serious the hasrun -been who will be responsible QRSD to hold(noon) on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2014. MSBA is expected to cover See ROOF PROJECT, page 8 and Wales will be among those com- See CIC GRANT,in-person page 8 Veterans Day Celebration. Quabbinintersection Health ofDistrict, more studycom- QRSDneeded an articleto hold using free cash at local votes or approvals showing promotepromote regional regional town’s Seweroff issue Commission affecting Hamiltonrefusal Res- Members of the public By Mary Kronholm State Representative StateState approves approves Pathfinder Pathfinder roof roofproject project However, Veterans Agent Troy Brin Petersham posed of Ware, Belchertown an STM. Chair O’Sullivan said he to approveervoir a sewer will tie-inbe addressed permit for thanks to were able to give comments, and no action,” said Bob said the town is still encouraging resi- Lower Town Hall Please see WATER, page 8 and Pelham Health Boards, publicpublic thoughtbudget the budget budget was balanced about 62 percentabout of 62 the percent project of cost the projectacceptance cost ofacceptance the cost, ofsite, the type, cost, site, type, the project.the town’sThe USDA share ofhas $1.4 com million- in feedback, and ask questions Daley of Chester. “We urge ConstructionConstruction Chocolates and so many to pick dents to decorate their homes in patri- Main Street Health Director Judy Metcalf Last week it was reported that successful in first week at the ATM andKaren asked her Anderson to check of Orangeor $2,003,781 announcesor of$2,003,781 $3,273,620, of her$3,273,620,with scope with and timelinescope and for timeline the pro- for thepartnerships pro- partnershipsTurley Publicationsotic themes Photo from by Ellenor Nov. Downer 1 to Nov. 15. Trust mitted togrants a grant distributed for 40%, acrossor about the Com- on the final three alternatives, MassDOT to set an 18-month Rutland announced her anticipated there were 986 new cases of COVID- He’s hearinghearinginto this. Just in timethe for remaining Halloween,the $1,269,839 remaining these borne$1,269,839 scarecrows by posed borne byproject,” keepposed watch wroteproject,” along John wrote Main JohnStreet in Hubbardston in front ofVeterans the Hubbardston Day is Nov. 11. $2.24 millionmonwealth of the to $5.6combat million water pollu- urgency of now timeline for a expectedexpected to begin to begin Precinct 1 and 3 presented on Oct. 22 during retirement in April 2021. Selectmancandidacy vice-chair Matthew for state representativePathfinder’s Pathfinder’smember towns, member based towns,McCarthy, based executiveMcCarthy, director executive of director of munities that munitiesbenefit from that thebenefit 37 pro- from the 37 pro- project, withtion. most of the rest to be 19 in the state, making the highest case Center School. Technology,Technology, health health Brin said the significance of this Naquag Elementary School an information session by the phaseMetcalf, one who and deployis the third exist- BARRE Urban-BARRE The said Quabbin -if theTheORANGE town Quabbin has- Karen to Anderson, revote a squeezed between increasingon enrollment. prices tionson enrollment.that unreasonably hinderthe MSBA inthe a Jan.MSBA 29 letter in a Jan. to Dr. 29 letter to Dr. jects15-day slated observancetojects receive slated funding tois receive“to from honor funding our from violated: borrowed throughSix projects the agencyare in the in works in count in five months. Republican, announcedlate summer her candi-late ofsummer the necessities, food, clothing them.” 285 Main St. Quabbining DMU Health train District sets for direc daily- Regional SchoolRegionalthe District free School cash (QRSD) District votes (QRSD)taken at town Pathfinder’sPathfinder’s member towns memberGerald towns Paist,Gerald superintendent-direc- Paist, superintendent-direc- the $4 millionthe Community $4 million Innovation Community Innovation the formareas of a wherelow-interest, stormwater 40-year runoff and Massachusetts Department Working dacy for the 2nd Franklin District and shelter, on the one hand and “We have a serious problem: networksnetworks advanced advancedservice members, veterans and their Precinct 2 tor, told the board her last day As of Sunday, October 25, there School CommitteeSchoolmeeting, Committeewill meettheState article on will Representative meetfor theon By ambuseat. Douglas She- more ByFarmer Douglasand more taxesFarmer on the other. too includeoften the people includePalmer, in office nowtorPalmer, of the Pathfindertor of the regional Pathfinder dis- regional dis- Challenge (CIC)Challenge grant program. (CIC) grant program. loan. erosion are negatively impacting of transportation via Zoom. inter community service in families for their service and sacrifice Rutland Public Library Soldiers’ Home would be April 21, 2021, but are 1097 cases and 24 deaths in Thursday, Feb.Thursday, 27lance at 6:30 Feb.purchase p.m. 27 atdeclared, the6:30 could p.m.“For too atbe longthe changed the needsStaff of WriterWhen StaffI am the Writer RepresentativeBlog about for it in haveWare,Blog been about only itBelchertown, in interestedWare, in Belchertown, play-trict. “Upon trict.receipt “Upon of the receipt certified of the certified By Emily ThurlowBy Emily Thurlow to “Theour great CIC programnation.”“The CIC is aprogram major is a major “Thislakes is an and amazing other waterways. amount,” In Hol- Many members of the public our district the people of this districtour readerI will foruming ourpolitical reader forum games for their own 280 Main St. she would be on the payroll Massachusetts. Quabbin RegionalQuabbinfrom School Regionalfree District cash School to District borrowing. Granby, Hardwick,Granby, Hardwick,votes demonstratingvotes demonstrating local local Staff Writer Staff Writer component “Facebook componentof theusers Patrickofcan gothe to Patrickthe said Tigheland, which& Bond was awarded Project $256,871, Barre Gazette have been workHardwick to reduce our taxes to the benefit suggests instead of standing up for ballots go to Town Hall, not put in mail Candidates for president and hearings depict until July 1. For Us! O’Sullivan said the contract for Administration'sAdministration's commitment commitmentto pro- to pro- runoff from Mountain Road and SPEED, page 3 As of Monday, October 26, the EducationalEducational Support Center, Support 872 Center, 872PALMERignored by the –PALMER Afterminimum receiving level – After essential receiving for good the Monson,people they are supposedMonson,New to rep- approval,New theapproval, MSBA andthe MSBAthe dis- and the dis- department’s page for inspiration,”vice president are Biden and Harris Engineer Jeffrey Faulkner of the Images courtesy of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation the ambulance, which waspeople already who government.HARDWICK I will fight to protect – Ballotsresent,” for Anderson the charged.being “I won'tmailed to residents must GilbertvilleThrough section a programof town that monitoredis vide cities and and emptied towns with each the busitools- to Sandy Beach will be mitigated. Belchertown Board of Health state’s total again topped with 1,216 PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENTSouth St. At theSouth conclusion St. At the of conclusion school of formalschool approvalformal for approvalfunding offor the funding of the Braintree, OakhamBraintree, trictOakham will executetrict willa project execute funding a project funding Through a program Brinthat said.is vide cities and towns with the tools- Democrat, to Hawkins and Walker a culture of 40% USDA loan. “In my 20-year PAID FOR BY THEcommittee business,ordered, a public specified budget fundingprojectare fromsupposedfrom the ourMassachusetts elderlyNov. Stateand those Election on fixed willbe bejust mailedone of the goodbe old processed boys on through the USPS instead intendedof mailing to supportintended through regionalization to supportthe nessregionalization effectivelyday and trackingmanageeffectively resources information manage and resourcespro- and pro- State Rep. Todd Smola (R-War- Alternative 4/5 Hybrid member Ken Elstien suggest- cases and Blandford’s total had BOLDYGA CMTE committee business, a public budgetto be repre-projectincomes from from the the Massachusetts spiraling costs of Beaconand Hill. Warren. I knowand that Warren.state gov-agreement whichagreement will set which forth will the set forth the “An event will be placed on the- Green Rainbow, Jorgensen and account I’ve not seen a grant this free cash. Schoolsenting Building us on food, tomedicineAuthority those and who housing.” www.gazetteforum.submitted ernment www.gazetteforum.an appli can be -madefacility to work better in Hartford, Connecticut, USPS. and other cost-savingand other initiatives cost-saving thatshould initiativesvide be services that available videto their services later residents,” toin their the said residents,” said noncompliance ren) applauded the distribution from ed creating a subcommittee to hearing on thehearing Quabbin on the Regional Quabbin Regional School Building Authoritywordpress.com wordpress.com“Pursuant to“Pursuant the terms to theand conditionsterms and pursuantconditions to pursuant to Veteran Services Department FaceCohen- - Libertarian and incumbents high.” He said if the agency de-ob- increased by 10 cases. Until then, Selectman Urban said ifBeacon opening Hill. “Therecation are asmany soon non-govern- as the andballot I will workkits to seeinstead that it does.” of being personally deliv- Ballots mailed back from any evening. federal EPA funds. begin the search for the posi- Alternative 4 School DistrictSchool FY15 District budget FY15 will bebudget will(MSBA), be a new(MSBA), roof will a new be placedroof will be placed terms of the termsMSBA’s of thewhich MSBA’s the districtwhich willthe districtreceive willits receivewill itschange willthe waychange local the govern- way localSecretary govern-book page ofSecretary Administration encouraging of Administration andpeople Trumpto and and Pence - Republican. ligates the loans it would be dif- up a STM warrant, they shouldWe verneed- ment areagencies delivered that do wonderfulto the TownAnderson, Clerk’s her husband,ered toRobert each individual post office of the village post offices will Please do not call the Town By Dalton Zbierski “I’d like to commend the Town The Warren Water District, a nonprofit utility com- tion. Blandford had had only three reported held. The publicheld. is Theinvited public to attend. is invited to attend.over thesomeone headsover who of thestaffwork heads and meeting studentsof thestaff needs and ofAccelerated students the peo- andAccelerated Repair their five Program, sons Repairand a daughterthe Program,grant fromthe thegrant MSBA.” from the MSBA.” ments do businessments to do maintain business service to maintainFinanceshare service GlenphotosFinance Shor. of “This theirGlen decorationsShor.program “This programandEdward J. Markey of Malden, the ficult to get another grant, and if pany, held a special meeting to tell its patrons about ify with department heads if they office. Any Hardwick resident in Hardwick, Wheelwright, and have ballots sent to Hartford, Clerk unless it has been more than Staff Writer of Holland and MassDEP for all “I would recommend the cases, two initially and then one more A copy of the AFY2015 copy of budget the FY2015 will budgetat Pathfinderwillwill be moreat Regional Pathfinderple of Vocationalour Regional communities Vocationaldistrict and help haslive 90district indays Orange. hasto acquire She90 daysis the and tofourth acquireWithin and daysWithin of the daysreceipt of ofthe receiptdelivery of and deliverystretch every and stretch taxpayer everyprovides taxpayersending an aopportunityprovides message an toforopportunity ourneigh- veterans,” for incumbent,neigh- for Senator in Congress the district did get one, it probably the potential loss of a USDA grant and loan that is have any critical purchasesresponsive and list to peoplewho in ways voted that arein both the more Septembergeneration priof her- familyGilbertville. to live in Connecticut, then to Springfield, two business days since the ballot they do to protect Hamilton Res- search committee be appointed recently, since March 12. be available forbe availablereview at forthe reviewCentralKaren at Anderson the CentralTechnical HighTechnical School High in Palmer School incertify Palmer local approval for an appro- the letter, a preliminary meeting dollar as far asdollar possible, as far the as townspossible, of theboring townshe said. communitiesof boring“Additionally, communities to build anyonepart- to build whohas part- a Republican challeng- would not be for as much money. in jeopardy if it doesn’t receive a sewer system tie- them. the district's effectivemary and ismore automatically efficient than Orange certifyadded and local hasto deep approval affectionIt is for forstrongly an appro- recommendedthe letter, a preliminary then back meeting to the Gilbertville post was dropped off at the Official HOLYOKE – A culture of ervoir,” Smola said in a statement. tonight, that we report back say Falls sportsOffice, 872 SouthOffice, continue St. 872 after South 12 needs.p.m.St. after I will 12tirelesslyby p.m. the endwork oftoby pro-the the year. similarend of government the year. programs. As a the area and its people. Palmer, Monson,Palmer, Brimfield, Monson, Holland Brimfield, Hollandwould like to record a short videoer, Kevin J. O’Connor of Dover. The USDA and the state in connection from the town’s Sewer Commission. Moderator Joshua Smith said receive a ballotpriation for the and Novemberpriation all other and necessary allthat other voters necessary drop off their com- office. This is a time frame that Drop Box and the www.trackmy- poor health care, staff shortages “Access to clean water doesn’t hap- arbitrarily in mid-November, (noon) on Tuesday,(noon) Feb. on Tuesday, 25, 2014. Feb.tect our 25, children. 2014. I willMSBA work to is cre- expectedMSBAstate Representative isto expected cover I will localto work cover votes to orThe approvals Anderson familyshowing is active See ROOF PROJECT,See ROOF page PROJECT, 8 pageand Wales 8 willand be Wales among will those be amongcom- thosethanking com-See CICour GRANT,serviceSee CIC pagemembers GRANT, 8 andpageCandidates 8 for Representative in Department of Environmental It needs to build a water treatment plant to address if the meetingate anwere economic held environment Tuesday, that have election.our state government encour- in locala number votes of local or pleted approvalsorganizations ballots showing in the Official Drop could take up to one week from ballotma.com website isn’t updat- and a lack of infection control pen on its own and I am very appre- get some questions to ask and veterans for their service can emailCongress Second District are James Protection have approved the minerals that turn the water brown and black. COVID, page 7 Nov. 24 it wouldwelcomes bejob creationunlikely in our todis- age these PerNGO's andUnited I will work States to Postal Box at the Myron E. Richardson the time it is mailed. ed. Most times it is merely a sys- measures at the Soldiers’ Home ciative of their efforts.” maybe some answers,” he said. trict. Too many of us are being eliminate any unnecessary regula- See ANDERSON, page 9 to me and I will post it on the Veter- project as well as the town’s get the 50-voter quorum so near Service policy, ballots that are Building, 307 Main St. in the The Official Drop Box will be tem update waiting to happen.w See VOTING, page 6 in Holyoke led to the COVID- The project in Holland received Members of the search an Service Department’s Facebook Conservation Commission and Thanksgiving. Selectman Urban 19- related deaths of at least the second highest amount of the Selectman David Dufresne criticized the town’s committee include Elstien, page.” Planning Board. CHESTER ($38 out-of-state) said the meeting did not have to ChocolatesChocolates and so andTurleymany Publications so to Photomany bypick Genevieve to Fraser pick 76 elderly veterans this spring. Sewer Commissioners during a special meeting of the $33/year KarenKaren Anderson Anderson of Orange of Orange announces announces her her EPA-funded grants. The Massachu- Belchertown Board of Health be a Tuesday Greenand could Energy be Tipsheld Chamber eyes volunteer standouts On Oct.Turley 20,Publications family photos members by Jonah of Snowden The plant would remove iron Warren Water District last week. The commission has Kay Berry writes out a minimum bid for items in the chocolate auction held on Sunday, Feb.VETERANS 9 DAY ❙ page 7 Saturday, Nov.Barre 21 Energy in theCommittee high Awards to be presented of the Year, of anyone from the at the First Congregational Parish, Unitarian in Petersham. Proceeds from the chocolate auc- “The Patchens family gets creative with their pumpkin carving at Saturday’s Pumpkin Path event. More photosthose killedon page or 8. sickened by the and manganeseHOLLAND from Warren’s ❙ page 7 denied a sewer tie-in permit for the district so it can Chamber towns of Belchertown, tion will benefit the church building maintenance fund. drinking water, which is discolored build a water treatment plant. Voters pass bylaw candidacycandidacyschool gym. for TheBeautiful statemoderator for icicles and state representative saidprob- at representativeAprilAmerican 26 dinner Brimfield, Brookfield, East unprecedented outbreak testified Please see DIRECTOR, page 3 the meeting couldlematic icebe dams? held If youin havethe Brookfield, Hardwick, Holland, Holiday craft fair happens in October before a Joint Special Legislative ORANGE - ORANGEKaren Anderson, - Karen a Anderson,squeezed a betweensqueezed increasing betweenBy prices increasingDouglas Farmertions prices that unreasonablytions that unreasonably hinder hinder high school parkingicicles hanging lot and or everyice dam- Monson, New Braintree, North Oversight Committee at Holyoke Republican, Republican,announced herannounced candi-issues, heritof is acandi-the sure necessities, sign youof theare necessities,food,Legion clothing Stafffood, Writer them.”clothing tothem.” Brookfield, Palmer, Spencer, fees, property title one dress warm.wasting The money board to meltvoted the Petersham annual town Barre to holdCOMMUNITY PALMER — For every active Wales, Ware, Warren and West Community College. dacy for thedacy 2nd forFranklin the 2nd District Franklinsnow onand your District roofshelter, by heatand on loss. theshelter, one onhand the and one hand“We and have a“We serious have problem: a serious problem: EAST-WEST RAIL REPORT to open the STM warrant Thursday, group or organization in town, Brookfield. For the speakers, a sense The payback for insulation is hold Veterans election is set for March 3 rabies clinic HAMPSHIRE State RepresentativeStateOct. Representative 22 atseat. 7 a.m. She and seat.more close Sheand at more5 morep.m. taxes and onmorethere the are taxes other. a number on thetooof key other.often volun- thetoo people oftenLast inyear’sthe office people winner now in wasoffice now fairly short, considering the of closure was nowhere to be By Shelby Macri declared, “Fordeclared, too long “For theCMRPC tooneeds long of thealternateWhen needs Iof am Whenthe Representative I amteers the behind Representative forit, from havechurch beengroupsfor onlyhaveBobbie interested been McAvoy only ofin interestedWare, play- for her in play- PETERSHAM - The position once again. Ellen Anderson BARRE - The town of Barre Hardwick haunts high cost of energy. It has been found. Present, however, was a likeDay the United Church ceremony of Ware work in holding collections for Petersham Annual Town Election of 20 Dana Road has taken out will hold a rabies and microchip Region wants rail expansion Theour board district belowdecidedour freezing thedistrict topeople for wait quite theaofuntil while thispeople district of this I will districting I political will ing games political for theirgames own for their own and the First Church of Monson to troops overseas. At the time, she will be held on March 3. The papers to challenge for the seat. clinic on Saturday, March 29 from Advocates dispute numbers,platform tellto address MassDOT a panel of to go forward resulting in very little melting The town held a Special Town its nexthave meeting,beenhave workNov. been to2 reducebeforework our to reducetaxescivic organizations toBARRE our the taxes likebenefit theto– PalmertheBarre insteadbenefitsaid Postof that standing instead she 2, was ofthrilledup standingfor to be up forBoard of Selectmen seat currently Other positions on the bal- 9 to 11 a.m. at the Barre DPW from the suns warmth. Compare nominated, but didn’t believe she Building, 441 Wheelwright Road. concerned state senators and rep- By Michael Harrison estimated the count. MassDOT “Hopefully they’ll take that back Committee approves students return on Dec. 2 Lions Club and the Belchertown held by Tim Clark, who has sub- lot, which are all three year terms Meeting on Monday, Oct. 26, at the selectingignored an by alternate thetheignored snowminimum on by tothe the representroof level ofminimum your essential level for essential good thefor peoplegood theythe arepeople supposed they are to rep-supposed to rep- By Michael Harrison ing this game that ‘we studied it its students FairAmerican Committee, saidLegion, Quaboag willwas be as deservingcom- of the award as mitted his resignation as of March and signed by the incumbents are Second Chance Animal Shelter will resentatives. the townpeople at Centralwhoheatedpeople housegovernment. Massachusetts whoto an unheatedgovernment. I will fight toI will protect fight toresent,” protect Andersonresent,” charged. Anderson “I won'tcharged. “I won't [email protected] [email protected] now we want to study it somesuggests that a more expensive and make those updates.” Town Hall, where nine articles were Hillsmemorating Chamber of Commerce Veteransothers in theDay community. 3, will have a contest. Nancy Allen Moderator – Bart Wendell, Board be providing rabies vaccines for dogs garage, this will tell you how Fighting back tears, loved high-speed rail would boost the rid- Lesser, Sen. Anne Gobi, along By Peter Spotts Early voting is set up at the Agawam Senior Center last week. Early voting goes through Friday, Oct. 30, then voters can go to their respective Regionalare supposed Planningare supposedour Commission. elderlyour and elderly those(QHCC) onand fixed Presidentthose onLennybe justfixed Weake. one ofbe the justAnd good one that oldof is the justboys goodthe on quality old boys onof 17 Common Street has taken of Selectmen – Frederik Marsh, and cats for only $12. Microchipping more.’ Fundamentally, you need to PHOTO BY GREGORY A. SCIBELLI energy efficient your house is or Wednesday, Nov. 11 at Veterans ones emotionally detailed the discussed amongst the Selectboard voting population in Agawam. Typ- These are the people that – for the that Weake said the committee that out papers to fill the term. Dana Treasurer – Dana Robinson, Board will also be available for $20 includ- PALMER — The public had its ership forecast. with town officials and citizen The date is contingent Journal Register voting precincts on Tuesday, Nov. 3. Planningto be repre-boardis tonot. bememberincomes repre- from Dougincomes the spiraling fromPark the costs spiraling (North of Beacon costsCommon), of Hill.Beacon I knowpromptly Hill.that stateI know gov- that state gov- PALMER – The public had its shift the discussion to getting this judges Citizen of the Year nomina- Kennan of 404 North Main Street of Health – Kaye Cousens, ing registration. Dogs must be on negligent actions, lack of com- tweaked. and the residents who attended. Voting has been held during regu- ical presidential elections can draw Martinsenting is usthe on representative.food, medicine and housing.”most part – stay in theernment background can be made to work better first in-depth look at the draft study first in-depthtrain lookservice at theat a draft reasonable study cost soLocal advocates want the state advocates, have been ushering the All grades will return to on several factors, including senting us on food, medicinewhenat and the11 mediahousing.” a.m. shows for upa atbrief an ernment tionsceremony. is looking can be for. made to work betterhas notified the Town Clerk, Diana Petersham School Committee – leash and cats must be in carriers. If a passion and total absence of new air exchange rates in Though all articles passed with a By Gregory A. Scibelli Anyone interested in serving, as an “These people are the ones pet is eligible for a three year vaccine, of building a rail link connecting of buildingwe cana rail get linkit started. connecting It’s outrageous to create a service that wouldn’t idea of the new rail line through the the successful completion of “That date is dependent lar business hours since Oct. 17, along at least between 40 and 60 percent of Beacon Hill.Beacon Hill.“There are many“There non-govern-event areParticipants but many are a vitalnon-govern-and part will Iof will bring-muster workand to Iat willsee 10:45 thatwork it todoes.” see that it does.”Cooley, of his intention to run as a Russell Fontaine, Planning Board – communication that transformed their classrooms in a hybrid [email protected] alternateWe shouldneed contactment agencies the town that doing wonderful community activities toAnderson, life. that her don’t husband, do it for theRobert recognition write-in for the position. John Lawson and Planning Board people bring prior vaccine paperwork Pittsfield to Boston with sever- Pittsfieldthat to youBoston can’t with connect sever the- bethree as fast, but would come online early planning phase while work- HVAC system repairs, esti- on successful completion of each classroom, and adher- majority vote, there were two issues with some special weekend hours, in- the registered voters, but with early We need ment agenciesa.m. that on do site, wonderful all veteransbut arewithoutAnderson, invit whose- her diligence husband, the Robert with them. Vaccines will be provided model on Wednesday, Dec. administrator. And it is recognition of that The Board of Assessors will – Fraser Sinclair. The position of al stops along the way, including Holyoke’s “Gem on the Hill” al stops largestalong citiesthe way, in New including England.” faster and at a lower cost than a ing to build support both at the the HVAC project and we are ence to the community health that warranted significant discussion cluding Sundays. and mail-in voting, it is possible for someone whosomeonework who meetingwork the meetingneedsfact ofed thethatthe and needsthepeo- QHCCencouraged ofand the is theirseekingpeo- five andto sons jointheir and fivethe a daughtersons and a daughteralso have a contest. Fredrik “Rick” Trustees of Public Library, current- by the licensed veterinarians of into a facility marred by too 2, as voted by the Hampshire mated to conclude on Nov. Collective bargaining nominations for the 2014 Citizen See CHAMBER, page 10 Marsh has signed to serve in the ly held by Annette Ermini, is open. Second Chance Animal Shelter, Inc. Palmer. Palmer. Hood said an earlier drafthigh-speed had rail. They insist there grassroots level, in the Legislature, metrics as approved by the during the meeting. AGAWAM – Early voting will end In all there have been nearly 6,000 will be morewill plebe moreof our communitiesple of our communities ranks.and help All liveandtownspeople helpin Orange.live areinShe Orange. coris the- fourthShe is the fourth many deaths. Regional School Committee 13, with extra buffer time defining successful as com- the town to shatter that expectation, responsiverepresentative to people in ways that are bothdially more invitedgeneration to attend. of her family to live in Reaction was mixed. Reactioneven was lower mixed. rider projections wouldthat be enough riders to justify and with the state’s congressional Karen AndersonKaren Anderson responsive to people in ways that are both more generation of her family to live in Susan Kenney, a Ware resi- built in after that date in pletion of the work by CTC School Committee,” said on Friday, Oct. 30, but after just one ballots cast already. especially when in-person voting oc- Accordingthe district'sthe to district'seffectivethe Quabbin andeffective more efficient and more than efficientOrange than and Orangehas deep and affection has deep for affection for MassDOT officials walked MassDOTwere vigorouslyofficials walked challenged. any- building it. delegation. on Monday, Oct. 26. Regional School District agree- dent, arrived at the podium to one interested through the entire That estimated ridership num- “Experts have weighed in and and Jamrog, completion of School Committee Chairman week, it has been a rousing success. Town Clerk Vincent Gioscia re- curs on Nov. 3, and numbers from the needs. I willneeds. tirelessly I will work tirelessly to pro- worksimilar to pro- governmentsimilar governmentprograms. As programs. a the area As aand theits people.area and its people. anyone interested through the entire “They were four-to-five times case anything needs to be VOTERS, page 7 ment, one member from the five- discuss her father’s last days. draft, which included three alter- ber could be revised in the final said the ridership estimates are not The Agawam Senior Center has tect our children.tect our I will children. work to I willcre- workstate to Representativecre- state Representative I will work Ito will workThe to AndersonThe family Anderson is active family is active draft, which included three alter- lower then and the only reason they the written report outlining ported Monday that between early second week of early voting are all town select boards, represent the Charles Lowell, a 78-year-old natives culled from about a couple report due out Nov. 30 and if not, it accurate and need to be revised,” ate an economicate an environment economic environment that have ourthat statehave government our state governmentencour- in encour- a numberin of a localnumber organizations of local organizations natives culled from about a couple went higher was because of the ab- STUDENTS, page 3 been buzzing with activity since ear- voting and mail-in ballots, 5,917 have considered. U.S. Air Force veteran, suc- dozen, in a 90-minute presentation could be included in one of several Lesser said. WILLIAMSBURG welcomes jobwelcomes creation job in ourcreationSee dis- BARRE inage our these dis- , page NGO'sage these6 and INGO's will work and toI will work to dozen, in a 90-minute presentation solute push-back by planners from ly voting started. With the ongoing been received and counted toward Gioscia mailed out approximate- See ANDERSON, page 9 streamed on Zoom last Thursday cumbed to the novel coronavirus streamedaround on Zoom New lastEngland,” Thursday Hood said.subsequent reports MassDOT rec- “They used the Hartford to trict. Too manytrict. ofToo us many are being of us areeliminate being anyeliminate unnecessary any unnecessary regula- regula- See ANDERSON, page 9 Turley Publications Courtesy Photos pandemic and essentially all pro- Turley Publications staff photo by Jonah Snowden evening. It was open to the public on April 15. evening. It wasHe takes open solace to the in pubthe hope- ommends. that Springfield rail as one of their met- Agawam’s voting tally. ly 6,000 mail-in ballots for a variety PHOTO BY The Christmas in Barre Committee held its annual craft fair last This vendor at the craft fair in Barre sells har- MASKED BUSINESS ($40 out-of-state) gramming shut down at the center, it It represents a “turnout” of ap- Josiah Bass-Collins dribbles up the field at Westfield High Wales Public Library, located on 77 Main St. and anyone could attended the vir- In the weeks leading to lic and anyonethere will could be aattended massive thefederal inRelease- of the draft study start- rics for comparison. No one would $35/year VOTE ❙ page 2 Saturday, Oct. 24. Usually, the craft fair is held in the Barre Town vest and Thanksgiving items. Everyone followed School during a recent game. More photos on page 8. Turn your clocks back tual meeting through the app, or virtual meetingfrastructure through plan inthe the app, near futureed the clock on a 30-day public compare Hartford-Springfield to Fire Dept. deals was the perfect location to hold early Hall in December, but it was rescheduled to October so it could be COVID-19 precautions including social distancing proximately 26 percent of the total DAVID HENRY WWW.SWEETDOGPHOTOS.COM one hour on Nov. 1 Turley PublicationsTurley Photo Publications by Genevieve Photo Fraser by Genevieve Fraser dial in by phone. There were op- Courtesyor photo dial inand by that phone. some ofThere the funding were willcomment be period that ends Nov. 19. Boston-Pittsfield. Boston is a much held outside on the Barre Common. and wearing masks. voting. Green EnergyGreen TipsEnergy TipsChamber Chamber eyes volunteer eyes volunteer standouts standouts portunities to ask questions or make Supporters of a proposed east-westPlease rail see link SOLDIERS to and from, pageBoston 6 to Pittsfieldopportunities earmarked to asktoward questions construction of“There’s a lot to celebrate, bigger city and significantly more Kay Berry Kaywrites Berry out writesa minimum out a bidminimum for items bid in for the items chocolate in the auctionchocolateFew held auction on COVID Sunday, held on Feb. Sunday, 9 cases Feb. 9 lets that includes stops in Springfield and Palmer say ridership projections from with comm issues Barre EnergyBarre Committee Energy Committee of the Year,of of the anyone Year, fromof anyone the fromat thethe Firstat Congregational the First Congregational Parish, Unitarian Parish, in Unitarian Petersham. in Petersham. Proceeds from Proceeds the chocolate from the auc-chocolate auc- a comment. Some local attendees or makea aBoston comment. to Pittsfield Some localrailroad. but U.S. there are a lot of significant congested.” Awards toAwards be presented to be presented aren’t happy with the draft’s rider- MassDOT are too low. Rep Richard Neal has previously Chamber townsChamber of Belchertown, towns of Belchertown,tion will benefittion will the benefit church the building church maintenance building maintenance fund. fund. attendees aren’t happy with the gaps and one is the ridership esti- Turley Publications correspondent photo by Mandy Miller Beautiful iciclesBeautiful and prob-icicles and prob- Brimfield, Brookfield, East Wales Library host patrons ship projection, saying the metrics draft’s ridershipsaid he’s projection,in favor of it.saying mates are too low,” state Sen. Eric By Peter Spotts feating Sandlin. Only small increasesat Aprilin 26at April dinner 26 dinner Brimfield, Brookfield, East The White family offered a pop of color and fun with their Trolls- State representative, senate seats on the line in Nov. 3 election lematic ice dams?lematic If ice you dams? have If you have Brookfield, Brookfield,Hardwick, Holland,Hardwick, Holland, By Jonah Snowden “We were not closed for very used drastically underestimated comment period that ends Nov. 19. Lesser said. the metrics used“I think drastically the biggest under person- Lesser we said after the presentation. Please see RAIL, page 11 themed trunk Friday night. See more photos on Page 15. State Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, Boldyga is a resident of Southwick icicles hangingicicles or hanging ice dam or ice dam By Douglas ByFarmer Douglas Farmer the count. MassDOT suggests that “There’s a lot to celebrate, but “They used the Hartford to need to work with right now is Con- By Gregory A. Scibelli Monson, NewMonson, Braintree, New NorthBraintree, North [email protected] long,” Baer said. “I talk with the Communication issues continue to R-Southwick, will defend his seat and was formerly a police officer in COVID casesissues, it is aissues, sure locally signit is youa sure are sign you are Staff Writer Staff Writer Brookfield,Brookfield, Palmer, Spencer, Palmer, Spencer, Board of Health regularly. If ev- a more expensive high-speed rail there are a lot of significant gaps Springfield rail as one of their met- gressman Neal,” Hood said. “He is be a concern for the Fire Department [email protected] wasting moneywasting to meltmoney the to melt the PetershamPetersham annual annual town town BarreBarre to hold to hold would boost the ridership forecast. and one is the ridership estimates rics for comparison. No one would the key.” against Democrat and Agawam Connecticut. He also served on the quite felt the impact.PALMER —PALMER For every — active For everyWales, active Ware,Wales, Warren Ware, and Warren West and West WALES – Despite the hard- erybody wears their masks and going forward after the storm earlier this By Gregory A. Scibellisnow on yoursnow roof on by your heat roofloss. by heat loss. Local advocates want the state are too low,” state Sen. Eric Lesser compare Hartford-Springfield to The Western Mass Rail Coali- PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT School Committee member Kerri Southwick Select Board before being However, in groupthe past or organization grouptwo or organization in town, Brookfield.in town, Brookfield. ships of the COVID-19 pandemic, wash their hands and the books [email protected] paybackThe for payback insulation for is insulation is electionelection is set isfor set March for March 3 3 rabiesthe Walesrabies Publicclinic Library clinic contin - are in a bag to quarantine when to create a service that wouldn’t be said after the presentation. “Hope- Boston-Pittsfield. Boston is a much tion, which is in favor of a moderate month once again took down the station AGAWAM – While most eyes in there are a numberthere are of a keynumber volun- of key volun-Last year’sLast winner year’s was winner was O’Connor. elected to the state legislature. fairly short,fairly consideringweeks, short, considering likethe many the towns, ues to stay strong and serve the they’re done with it, we’re going as fast, but would come online fast- fully they’ll take that back and bigger city and significantly more speed train that would travel in the phones. teers behind teersit, from behind church it, fromgroups churchBobbie groups McAvoyBobbie of McAvoyWare, for of her Ware, for herPETERSHAMPETERSHAM - The position- The once positionagain. Ellen once Anderson again. Ellen AndersonBARRE - TheBARRE town -of The Barre town of Barre the country are on the very contro- Boldyga was elected in 2010 when Boldyga is one of just a few Repub- high cost of highenergy. costAgawam It ofhas energy. been has It has seen been a slight public. to be open.” er and at a lower cost than a high- make those updates.” congested.” neighborhood of 90 mph and could like the United Church of Ware work in holdingwork collectionsin holding collectionsfor Petersham for AnnualPetersham Town Annual Election Townof Election 20 Dana ofRoad 20 Danahas taken Road out has takenwill out hold a willrabies hold and a microchiprabies and microchip Deputy Fire Chief Daryl Springman Ware River News versial 2020 presidential election be- AGAWAM – Whilebelow cas-freezing foruptick quite a while in cases and is inlike the United Church of Ware Because of a relatively small Since the library reopened in speed rail. They insist there would Lesser, Sen. Anne Gobi, along Ben Hood, co-founder of Citi- be completed faster and cheaper he defeated now-Agawam City Coun- licans in a Democratically-dominated below freezing for quite a while troops overseas. At the time, she discussed the issue with the Selectboard and the Firstand Church the First of Monson Church to of Monson to troops overseas. At the time,will she be heldwill on beMarch held 3.on The Marchpapers 3. The to challengepapers for to thechallenge seat. for the seat.clinic on Saturday,clinic on March Saturday, 29 from March 29 from be enough riders to justify building with town officials and citizen ad- zens for a Palmer RailTodd Stop, is sim- isthan a committedhigh-speed rail, envisions six to our communities. es are on the rise forresulting coro- in very little melting number of COVID-19 cases in the June, a few months after the pan- tween incumbent President Donald cil Rosemary Sandlin. Boldyga has state legislature. resultingdanger in very of little seeing melting its COVID said that shesaid was that thrilled she was to bethrilled toBoard be of SelectmenBoard of seat Selectmen currently seat currentlyOther positionsOther on positions the bal- on the9 to bal- 11 a.m.9 toat 11the a.m.Barre at DPWthe Barre DPW during a department update on Thursday, civic organizationscivic organizations like the Palmer like the Palmer town – five since Oct. 22, accord- demic began, programs such as the it. vocates, have been ushering the idea ilarly peeved by the metrics and the round trips a day between Boston, TODD navirus in Massachusettsfrom the suns from warmth. the suns Compare warmth. Compare Trump and challenger, former Vice overcome Democratic challengers in Boldyga has touted having advo- rate rise aboveLions eight Club cases Lionsand the Club Belchertown and the Belchertownnominated, butnominated, didn’t believe but didn’t she believeheld she by Tim heldClark, by whoTim hasClark, sub- wholot, has which sub- arelot, all which three yearare all terms three yearBuilding, terms 441Building, Wheelwright 441 Wheelwright Road. Road. That estimated ridership num- Framingham, Worcester, Palmer, Oct. 22. and many other partsthe snow of the onthe the snow roof onof theyour roof of your ing to Mass.gov – Wales Library annual summer reading program of the new rail line through the ear- ridership projections.As Both the heRanking and Member of the Committee on Ways and Means, he has helped to lead the effort to increase President Joe Biden, there are also lo- every election since becoming state cated for not raising taxes and work- COVID ❙ Fair page Committee, 2 Fair Committee, said Quaboag said Quaboagwas as deservingwas as of deserving the award of as the awardmitted as his resignationmitted his as resignation of March as andof March signed byand the signed incumbents by the areincumbentsSecond are ChanceSecond Animal Chance Shelter Animal will Shelter will ber could be revised in the final re- ly planning phase while working to Lesser said they suspect MassDOT Springfield, Hartford and New Ha- Residents cast a vote on one of the nine articles during Chester’s special town meeting on Monday, Oct. 26, at the Town Hall. On “[Jason Connell] was more directly heated househeated to an house unheated to an unheated others in the otherscommunity. in the community. Director Nancy Baer said they can had to be altered. local aid and education funding in the state budget. Todd is a champion for our seniors, veterans and sports- cal elections being decided when vot- representative, including twice de- ELECTION ❙ page 2 country, Agawam has not Hills ChamberHills ofChamber Commerce of Commerce 3, will have a3, contest. will have Nancy a contest. Allen NancyModerator Allen – ModeratorBart Wendell, – Bart Board Wendell,be Board providingallow patrons berabies providing tovaccines enter rabies forthe dogsvaccines building for dogs “There was no good reason port due out Nov. 30 and if not, it build support both at the grassroots is purposely low-balling the number ven with connecting trains from involved. I know he had some issues garage, thisgarage, will tell this you will how tell you how And that isAnd just thatthe qualityis just the quality and cats for only $12. Microchipping stage, from left, are Town Administrator Kathe Warden, Selectmen John Baldasaro, Barbara Pease Huntoon, and Richard Holzman, and ers are invited to the polls for a final feating Samuel DiSanti and once de- (QHCC) President(QHCC) Lenny President Weake. Lenny Weake. of 17 Commonof 17 Street Common has taken Street hasof Selectmen taken of – Selectmen Frederik Marsh,– Frederik Marsh,and browseand catsthe stacks.for only $12. Microchippingfor us not to open,” Baer said. could be included in one of several level, in the Legislature, and with so it can ultimately menbe used and as works an Springfield tirelessly toto Chester,make MassachusettsPittsfield and a better place for our children and our families. with communications again. I know our energy efficientenergy your efficient house is your or house is or that Weake saidthat theWeake committee said the that committeeout that papers to fill the term. Dana Treasurer – Dana Robinson, Board will also be availablewill also forbe available$20 includ- for $20 includ- subsequent reports MassDOT rec- Albany, New York. Moderator Melvyn Hook. SMOLA These are theThese people are that the –people for the that – for the out papers to fill the term. Dana Treasurer – Dana Robinson, Board the state’s congressional delegation. excuse to scrap the project. time on Tuesday, Nov. 3. is not. is not. “Unfortunately, we didn’t do phones went down again,” Springman most part – staymost in part the –background stay in the backgroundjudges Citizenjudges of the Citizen Year nomina- of the Year nomina-Kennan of 404Kennan North of Main 404 StreetNorth Mainof StreetHealth of– KayeHealth Cousens, – Kaye Cousens,ing registration.ing registration. Dogs must beDogs on must be onmuch for [school-oriented read- ommends. “Experts have weighed in and “It’s not comparable,” Hood when the mediawhen showsthe media up at shows an tionsup at is an lookingtions for. is looking for. has notified thehas Town notified Clerk, the DianaTown Clerk,Petersham Diana SchoolPetersham Committee School –Committeeleash and– catsleash must and be incats carriers. must be If ina carriers. If a Release of the draft study start- said the ridership estimates are not said this week. RAIL ❙ page 5 PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT TODD SMOLA said. “I know the power company, it took event but areevent a vital but part are ofa vitalbring- part of bring-“These people“These are peoplethe ones are the Cooley,ones of hisCooley, intention of histo run intention as a toRussell run as Fontaine, a Russell Planning Fontaine, Board Planning – Boardpet is eligible – pet for isa eligiblethree year for vaccine, a three year vaccine, WALES ❙ page 7 ed the clock on a 30-day public accurate and need to be revised,” “Now [MassDOT) is play- Photo by Shelby Macri 413.786.7747 • Fax: 413.786.8457 • Facebook: @AgawamAdvertiserNews • Email: [email protected] communitying activitiescommunity to life.activities tothat life. don’t dothat it for don’t the dorecognition it for the recognitionwrite-in for thewrite-in position. for the position. John LawsonJohn and LawsonPlanning and Board Planningpeople Board bring peopleprior vaccine bring priorpaperwork vaccine paperwork but without butwhose without diligence whose the diligence the with them. Vaccines will be provided Becket ...... 3 ISSUES, page 8 And it is recognitionAnd it is recognitionof that of that The Board ofThe Assessors Board of will Assessors– Fraser will Sinclair.– Fraser The Sinclair. position The of position of with them. Vaccines will be provided PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT by the licensedby the veterinarians licensed veterinarians of of Goshen ...... 10 PAID POLITICAL ADVERTISEMENT fact that thefact QHCC that theis seeking QHCC is seeking also have a contest.also have Fredrik a contest. “Rick” FredrikTrustees “Rick” of PublicTrustees Library, of Public current- Library, current- Blandford ...... 7 Opinion ...... 4, 5 $36 out-of-state) nominationsnominations for the 2014 for Citizen the 2014 CitizenSee CHAMBER,See CHAMBER, page 10 pageMarsh 10 has signedMarsh to has serve signed in the to servely held in theby Annettely held Ermini, by Annette is open. Ermini, isSecond open. ChanceSecond Animal Chance Shelter, Animal Inc. Shelter, Inc. Hilltowns ...... 2, 3 $31/year ( PAID FOR BY THE Business Directory ...... 10 Westhampton ...... 10 Public Notices ...... 10 BOLDYGA COMMITTEE Huntington ...... 3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Chester ...... 8 Puzzle Page ...... 9 Williamsburg ...... 8 Todd is committed to our communities. Classifieds ...... 11 Middlefield ...... 10 Worthington ...... 8 TODD PAGE 8 Montgomery ...... 10 Russell...... 7 As the Ranking Member of the Committee on Ways and Means, he has helped to lead the effort to increase Schools & Youth ...... 3 REP. NICK BOLDYGA HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD local aid and education funding in the state budget. Todd is a champion for our seniors, veterans and sports- men and works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a better place for our children and our families. SMOLA STATE REPRESENTATIVE RE-ELECT NICK BOLDYGA PAID FOR BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT TODD SMOLA Country Journal ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ $31/year ($36 out-of-state) Call 413.283.8393 Subscribe now at www.turley.com Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020 page 15

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ANTIQUE AND PERIOD CHAIRS LIFE ALERT. 24/7. One press of CHILD SERVICES LONG-TERM GRADE 4 SUB- VACATION – Restored with new woven seats – a button sends help FAST! Medical, STITUE The Gateway Regional Many styles and weaves available. Call Fire, Burglar. Even if you can’t reach School District is looking for a Long- RENTALS a phone! FREE brochure. CALL 800- *NEW STATE LAW. Anyone adver- Term Substitute 4th Grade Teacher for (413)289-6670 tising caring of children must list a li- 457-1917 the month of January. MA 1-6 certifica- WARM WEATHER IS Year Round cense number to do so if they offer this For 190 Channels tion required. Google Classroom/Goo- In Aruba. The water is safe, and the DISH TV - $59.99 service in their own home. + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free MOBILEHELP, AMERICA’S 2*****A CALL WE HAUL gle Meet experience preferred. Send dining is fantastic. 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All Major CC’s ment needs. ROOFING, SIDING, FOR RENT FURNACE. Call today 413-296- WHERE. No tanks to refill. No WINDOWS, DOORS, DECKS & GUT- 4320. deliveries. Only 2.8 pounds! FAA TERS. Extensive references available, approved! FREE info kit: Call 1-855- CALL NOW (413)531-1936 [email protected] Fully Licensed & Insured in MA. & CT. FOR RENT 917-4693 Call GARY DELCAMP @ 413-569- MISCELLANEOUS 3733 All real estate advertising in this PROMOTE YOUR PRODUCT, CHAIR SEAT WEAVING & refinish- newspaper is subject to the Federal service or business to 1.7 million ing - cane, fiber rush & splint - Class- A PLACE FOR MOM. The nation’s room instructor, 20+ years experience. NAWROCKI HOME IMPROVE- Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes largest senior living referral service. households throughout New En- MENT- KITCHENS bathrooms, re- it illegal to advertise any preference, gland. Reach 4 million potential read- Call Walt at (413)289-6670 for esti- Contact our trusted, local experts to- mate. placement windows & doors, roofing, limitation or discrimination based on day! Our service is FREE/no obliga- ers quickly and inexpensively with siding, decks, custom woodworking, race, color, religion, sex, handicap, tion. CALL 1-855-799-4127 great results. Use the Buy New En- drywall. Full insured & registered 413- familial status (number of children and gland Classified Ad Network by call- 237-2250 Mark or pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, DEALING WITH WATER DAM- ing (413)283-8393, classifieds@ age, marital status, or any intention to AGE requires immediate action. Local turley.com. Do they work? You are make any such preference, limitation or professionals that respond immediate- reading one of our ads now!! Visit our ALL REAL ESTATE advertised discrimination. website to see where your ads run herein is subject to the Federal Fair This newspaper will not knowingly accept ly. Nationwide and 24/7. No Mold Calls. CARS/TRUCKS WANTED!!! All 1-800-506-3367 communitypapersne.com Housing Act, which makes it illegal to any advertising for real estate that is in Makes/ Models 2000-2019! Any Con- advertise “any preference, limitation, or violation of the law. Our readers are hereby dition, Running or Not. Top $$$ Paid! DO YOU HAVE chronic knee or back STAY IN YOUR HOME longer discrimination because of race, color, informed that all dwellings advertising in with an American Standard Walk-In WE RENOVATE, SELL & PUR- Free Towing! We’re Nationwide! Call religion, sex, handicap, familial status, this newspaper are available on an equal pain? If you have insurance, you may CHASE (any condition) horse drawn Now: 1-888-513-1505. qualify for the perfect brace at little to Bathtub. Receive up to $1,500 off, or national origin, or intention to make opportunity basis. To complain about including a free toilet, and a lifetime vehicles such as sleighs, carriages, any such preference, limitation, or dis- discrimination call The Department of no cost. Get yours today! Call 1-800- surreys, wagons, dr’s buggies, drive- 217-0504 warranty on the tub and installation! crimination.” We will not knowingly ac- Housing and Urban Development “ HUD” Call us at 1-866-945-3783. able or lawn ornaments. Some furni- cept any advertising for real estate toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. For the N.E. ture and other restoration services area, call HUD at 617-565-5308. The toll INVENTORS- FREE INFOR- which is in violation of the law. All per- available. Reasonable prices. Quality free number for the hearing impaired is MATION PACKAGE Have your STOP STRUGGLING ON THE sons are hereby informed that all STAIRS. Give your life a lift with an workmanship. Call (413)213-0373 dwellings advertised are available on 1-800-927-9275. product idea developed affordably by for estimate and information. the Research & Development pros ACORN STAIRLIFT! Call now for an equal opportunity basis. $250. OFF your stairlift purchase and and presented to manufacturers. Call DEMERS & SONS 855-380-5976 for a free idea starter FREE DVD & brochure! 1-844-325- 8610 BELCHERTOWN, MA $12.50 guide. Submit your idea for a free con- Digital Photos sultation. Each TURLEY PUBLICATIONS, INC. Purchase a photo that recently ran in one of our publications. visit www.turley.com Go to newspapers.turley.com/photo-request FILL OUT AND MAIL THIS MONEY MAKER MAIL TO: Classifieds, 24 Water St., Palmer, MA 01069 DEADLINES: HILLTOWNS – MONDAY AT NOON or call toll free: 413-283-8393 QUABBIN & SUBURBAN – FRIDAY AT NOON CATEGORY: 1 2 3 4 Hilltowns 5 6 7 8 Circulation: 11,900

9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16

Base Price 17 18 19 20 $9.50

21 Base Price 22 Base Price 23 Base Price 24 Base Price $10.00 $10.50 $11.00 $11.50

25 Base Price 26 Base Price 27 Base Price 28 Base Price $12.00 $12.50 $13.00 $13.50

29 Base Price 30 Base Price 31 Base Price 32 Base Price $14.00 $14.50 $15.00 $15.50

33 Base Price 34 Base Price 35 Base Price 36 Base Price $16.00 $16.50 $17.00 $17.50 Buy the Hilltowns ZONE for $9.50 for 20 words plus 50¢ for each additional word. 37 Base Price 38 Base Price 39 Base Price 40 Base Price $18.00 $18.50 $19.00 $19.50 Add $10 for a second Zone or add $15 to run in ALL THREE ZONES.

Includes Name: ______Phone: ______First ZONE base price ______additional words Add a second ZONE ______$10.00 Address: ______Run my ad in the following ZONE(s): Town: ______State:______Zip:______Add a third ZONE ______$5.00 Hilltowns Number of Weeks: ______X per week rate = $______Subtotal ______❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏ Suburban Credit Card: MasterCard VISA Discover Cash Check# ______x Number of Weeks ______❏ Card #: ______Exp. Date ______CVV ______TOTAL Enclosed ______Quabbin ❏ Amount of charge: ______Date: ______OUR CLASSIFIEDS REACH 50 COMMUNITIES EVERY WEEK! page 16 Country Journal • Thursday, December 17, 2020 CANNABIS give the gift you’d love to get

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