BOSTON — Sen. Jo Comerford, D-Northampton, received two awards in November for her work to support early education and care access and providers and the work of Center for Human Development (CHD).
On Nov. 12, Comerford received the Ascent Award for Government Partnership from CHD in recognition of her hands-on advocacy to secure support for the organization’s programs and initiatives.
On Nov. 20, the senator received the Legislative Achievement Award from the Massachusetts Association of Early Education & Care for her Senate leadership and advocacy for early child care policy advancements and funding.
NORTHAMPTON — The Betty Allen Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution recently delivered items it collected for veterans and women in need through a “Giving Tree” initiative to Soldier On! at the Veterans Administration in Leeds and other local organizations.
The “Giving Tree,” set up in October, invited support from chapter members and community attendees of the Betty Allen Chapter Lawn of Valor and Open House in November. Donations included winter clothing, toiletries, bedding, household items, and gift cards.
In addition to these items, the Betty Allen Chapter collected and donated full-size grocery bags of non-perishable food for the VA Leeds Food Pantry, continuing its mission to address food insecurity among veterans.
Furthering its dedication to women’s welfare, Betty Allen Chapter Secretary Wendy Campbell collaborated with the Mary Lyon Foundation to provide eight large gift bags filled with essential items for women in the Hilltowns of western Massachusetts. Each gift bag contained handmade scarves, hats, gloves, toiletries, and other thoughtful items such as homemade heating pads and scrunchy bowls.
STOW — After two recent fires in Holland and Holyoke that spread from chimneys to the surrounding structures, Holland Fire Chief James Gagne, Holyoke Fire Chief John Kadlewicz, and State Fire Marshal Jon Davine are reminding residents that having their chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned can help reduce the risk of one of the season’s most common types of fires.
The Holyoke fire caused damage to the area around the home’s fireplace, but the Holland fire caused serious damage to the structure. Local officials and State Police fire investigators assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office determined that voids or gaps allowed flames or embers to escape the homes’ chimneys.
“Most chimney fires start with a buildup of creosote from a season or more of burning wood,” said Gagne. “Creosote is flammable, and having your flue professionally cleaned each year can reduce the risk of it catching fire.”
Davine said a crack or gap in a chimney can allow sparks, embers, superheated gases, and creosote fires to ignite the walls or roof around it. He recommend having a professional inspect chimneys each year to identify problems before they become emergencies.
Massachusetts fire departments reported 1,351 heating equipment fires last year, and nearly 500 of them involved chimneys and flues. These fires caused five firefighter injuries, one civilian injury, and more than $3.3 million in damages.
GRANBY — Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Granby is doing a raffle for tickets to the Jan. 5 game against the Buffalo Bills. The winner will receive two, 50-yard line seats and free access to the new GP Atrium and free food and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as chance to meet a former Patriots player, Pat the Patriot and cheerleaders.
Raffle tickets are $20 and are available at the parish’s office and after all weekend Masses. The drawing is scheduled for Monday, Dec. 23. Raffle profits will be used to help pay for the church’s oil and snow removal bills this winter.